Top Best Italian Restaurants in Countryside

"There are three floors to explore at this modern riverfront steakhouse, which deals in premium cuts, decadent handmade pastas and classic Italian eats. The handsome dining room is hard to forget, but as soon as you see the views—an eyeful of the Chicago River and world-class architecture—you might have trouble concentrating on your date. Center the conversation with a bottle of bubbly and an order of tiramisu."

"Soak in riverfront and skyline views from three different levels at this West Loop steakhouse, which serves house-made pastas, high-quality cuts of meat and other Italian delicacies. The second and third floors of the restaurant feature tables spread across on spacious patios, while the fourth rooftop is available for private events (in case you've been looking to plan a waterfront soiree in the near future)."

"Located in the Fulton Market District, Formento’s is an authentic Italian restaurant that serves traditional and classic Italian dishes alongside new Italian-American favorites. Inspired by the age-old tradition of an Italian ‘Sunday-supper gathering,’ Chef/Partner Tony Quartaro has created a menu that takes diners into the heart of an Italian Cucina – think porcini bruschetta and Nona’s meatballs for lunch and wood-fired zucchini and pesto Giovanni for dinner. Desserts include handmade gelato and chocolate cake, while a world-class wine menu features over 600 varietals from around the world, ensuring guests will find the perfect accompaniment to the cuisine."

"Situated in the hip and busy Fulton Market District in Chicago's West Loop, Formento's is, at its core, a homage to traditional Italian home cooking. Executive Chef Todd Stein features the light and bright flavors of Italy with the best ingredients he can get his hands on. Meanwhile, the recipes are all based on traditional family recipes from the owner's grandmother, while Chef Todd contributes new-age dishes to the menu as well."

"Formento's offers delivery and pick-up for seasonal Italian cuisine. Enjoy a varied menu of starters, pastas, fish and meats for Formento's To-Go, and of course their famous chocolate cake for dessert!. Formento's also sells select wines and beer for delivery."

"Roman-style cuisine with terrifically varied meatballs A relative newcomer to the Italian dining scene, this Andersonville restaurant has become something of a mecca for meatballs. While the Roman-style, hand-rolled pastas and wood-fired pizzas here are simply delicious, people keep coming back for the balls, or "polpette" on the menu. Get yourself an Italian-inspired craft cocktail and dive into whatever meatballs strike your fancy: braised beef cheek, veal sweetbread, spicy pork belly, chicken and pistachio, and lamb merguez-style sliders."

"A body does not thrive on sandwiches, tacos and pizza alone (in other words, your typical take-out grub). Bar Roma has done a phenomenal pivot offering tempting to-go items as indoor dining has shuttered. You can pick up Italian pantry items (non perishable goods), multi-course meals, and wonderful a la carte dishes: how about a salad of mixed greens, beets, pears, pumpkin seeds, ricotta salata and apple cider vinaigrette or rice croquettes stuffed with root vegetables, sage and smoked mozzarella?"

"It is located in the Andersonville neighborhood and had an awesome vibe and ambiance. The menu is somewhat limited as there isn’t a kids menu, but they were super accommodating and were able to make a simple pasta for our picky eaters. Plus they have a meatball option – 3 giant meatballs – that the kids loved!"

"A little walk-up stand in Little Italy with fantastic Italian ice, which we understand is not ice cream. But this is your summer power move when you need a break from the richness of creamier sweets (or just a palate cleanser between two other ice cream stops). All the flavors are good, but the go-to here is the lemon."

"1600 S 61st Ave, Cicero, IL 60804 Do not let the name of this restaurant confuse you. While delicious pizza pies certainly hold a spot on the menu, you can find a variety of meals to suit every taste palette. Freddy’s also sells Italian-style meats to take home to prepare for the family."

"When Chicago Cubs coach Joe Maddon and acclaimed chef Tony Mantuano pair up to open a restaurant, people pay attention. The resulting Maddon’s Post is family-friendly, with childhood classics showing both Polish and Italian influences, as well as plenty of the pasta that Mantuano is known for. Kids will love the paczkis in flavors like peanut butter-banana or strawberry jam."

"A post shared by Insomnia Cookies (@insomniacookies) on Jul 17, 2019 at 12:04pm PDT. If even picking up cookies is low on your to-do list, Insomnia Cookies comes to the rescue. This chain specializes in late-night cookie delivery (yes, you read that right), including sugar cookies, double chocolate mint cookies and drool-worthy smores cookies."

"Insomnia cookies are next on this list of the best desserts in Chicago. Cookies are the perfect addition to any day, so why not stop by Insomnia Cookies for an ice cream sandwich fix?. Unlike some other joints that offer ice cream sandwiches, Insomnia Cookies lets you customize your treat every step of the way!"

"6 locations in and near the city; Online: insomniacookies.com. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Defloured Bakery (@deflouredbakery) on Aug 4, 2019 at 8:26am PDT"

"You can probably already tell that we love our cupcakes here in Chicago. More Cupcakes is known for their upscale environment and minimalist display. Stop by for delicious cupcakes with unique toppings."

"The Lincoln Park Zoo is a free family-friendly Chicago attraction and home to hundreds of animals, birds, plants and endangered species from around the globe. Visitors can explore animal exhibits and houses such as the Flamingo Habitat, the Nature Boardwalk, the McCormick Bird House, the Helen Brach Primate House and the Kovler Sea Lion Pool. The venue also serves as a conservation science and research center, and hosts educational programs and workshops that are open to the public."

"Nestled in Lincoln Park, this 35-acre zoo is an urban refuge for creatures from around the world. Admission is free (although you do have to pay if you want to ride the train or the endangered species carousel), so you can explore the many animal exhibits to your heart’s content. The Lincoln Park Zoo is home to over 1,100 animals, representing around 200 distinct species."

"Lincoln Park Zoo has one of the most extensive zoo-based conservation and science programs in the US, and pledges to take the best care of its animal residents. Spend the day with black rhinos, zebra, sloths and the delightfully named Allen’s Swamp Monkey – all for the price of zero dollars."

"The Helen Brach Primate House is yet another extension of the Lincoln Park Zoo and is home to primates of varying shapes, sizes and colour. The area is made in a way to imitate the natural habitat for the primates to make them feel safe and familiar at the place that they are residing in. It was opened back in 1927 which finally underwent an extensive renovation in the year 1992."

"The Regenstein Center for African Apes is also part or rather an extension of the Lincoln Park Zoo, where the visitors can come close to the apes, chimpanzees and the gorillas that have found their home there. It is home to some of the endangered species of western lowland gorillas as well as chimpanzees and exists to provide with the most realistic looking environment for them to live in comfortably. Location: 2058-2156 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614, USATimings: 10 AM to 5 PMEntry Fees : –"

"Located within sister steakhouse Swift & Sons, Cold Storage aims its harpoon at seafood and its efforts result in towers of shellfish with oysters, scallop ceviche, clams, mussels, shrimp, and lobster. The space feels a bit like one of the old ice storage rooms that populated the Fulton Market neighborhood up to just a few decades ago. Chef Chris Pandel steers this light-filled ship that offers a compact yet nonetheless alluring menu."

"Cold Storage is a unique Chicago seafood and raw bar brought to Chicagoans by BOKA Restaurant Group. Located on the ground floor of the Fulton Market Cold Storage Facility, the res..."

"Then a visit to Cold Storage Seafood at West Fulton Market is on the agenda. Oysters on the half shell, chowder and mussels are crowd favorites. With its industrial d..."

"Takeout is equal parts easy and healthy at this River North outpost, where freshly cooked and affordable seafood is the focus. A three-step menu guides diners through their choice of seafood (from grilled salmon to crispy shrimp), prep method (like sandwich or salad), and add-ons (think tater tots and slaw). For a taste of one of their signatures, try the seasonal special or fish and chips."

"Whether you want your fish blacked or broiled, this seafood shop specializes in all things aquatic. Its mix-and-match menu allows guests to pick a surf or turf, including teriyaki salmon and grilled chicken, and have it served on a salad, sandwich, taco, or straight up."

"This fast casual spot is serving up delicious and even occasionally *insert gasp here* healthy dining options for the Chicagoan on the go. Which, let’s face it, is all of us. Featured Image Credit: Brown Bag Seafood Co."

"The swanky steakhouse from Lettuce Entertain You and celebrity couple Giuliana and Bill Rancic pulls out all the stops to provide a memorable experience. Dessert offers guests an opportunity to sink their sweet tooths into a milk and dark chocolate cake flecked with edible 14-karat gold. RPM Steak is open for indoor and outdoor dining, and takeout or delivery via third party services."