Deep dish pizza and Italian beef are two of Chicago’s signature foods, a testament to the city’s deep Italian roots and huge Italian-American population. Those who want a taste of tradition can visit mainstays like Coco Pazzo for wood-fired whole branzino—deboned tableside—or Mart Anthony’s, which has been serving up the same family recipes for generations. You can also check out trendy and romantic newcomers such as Tre Dita, where a pasta lab offers guests a glimpse of the action as they make their way into the posh dining room, or enjoy the weather with some Italian wine on Piccolo Sogno’s beautiful outdoor patio. Whether you’re looking for comforting pasta with red sauce or the bright flavors of Mediterranean fish, check out our guide to the best Italian restaurants in Chicago.
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