La Scarola

"Ask a random person in Chicago to name a classic Italian restaurant, and there’s a good chance they’ll say La Scarola. It’s a neighborhood spot with white tablecloths, old photos of celebrities on the wall, giant plates of pasta, and veal scallopini that’s the size of a mattress. This place is ideal for a casual date night, weekly dinner with friends, or all-out Italian feast. Put it at the top of your old-school bucket list." - adrian kane

"Ask a random person in Chicago to name a classic Italian restaurant, and there’s a good chance they’ll say La Scarola in River West. It’s a neighborhood spot with white tablecloths, framed photos of celebrities on the wall, patrons wearing Blackhawks jerseys, and veal scallopini the size of the table. Your hair will smell like Marlboro thanks to smoker-friendly dive Richard’s Bar next door, but you’ll have leftovers for days." - nick allen, john ringor, adrian kane

"La Scarola in River West — near the Milwaukee, Halsted, and Grand intersection — is one of the city’s most beloved family-owned spots. Known for gargantuan portions and halls lined with celebrity diners, generations have indulged in pasta, veal chops, and more." - Ashok Selvam, Eater Staff

"An Italian American time capsule awash in Joe Mondelli’s legendary hospitality, gigantic portions, and red sauce, La Scarola immediately comes to mind when Chicagoans think of family-run restaurants. The walls are as you’d expect: lined with photos of celebrity dinners and neighborhood regulars, all family when they’re there. The veal chop could feed a family of four, but regulars know not to share it with anyone — you’ll have to get your own." - Alex Jewell

"Italian restaurants generally make for good date nights (just ask Lady and the Tramp, or Garfield and Arlene), which is why you should go to La Scarola in West Town. It’s an old-school, white-tablecloth Italian spot where entrees like chicken Vesuvio or risotto primavera are around $20, and large enough to feed two people. Hopefully your meal goes the way of Lady and the Tramp, but make room for leftovers in your fridge just in case." - josh barnett, adrian kane