Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio

"Monteverde has some of the best Italian food in the city. Every pasta dish here is fantastic, in particular the cacio e pepe, which is a menu staple. But the non-pasta is great, too (try the stuffed cabbage appetizer or the pork shank), and what makes this place even better is that you can buy their fresh pasta, sauces, and pantry items to take home. Come here on a date, come here with a group, or come here by yourself. You’ll be happy." - sam faye, adrian kane, veda kilaru, nick allen

"We’ve yet to find a scenario where coming to the best Italian restaurant in Chicago isn’t a great idea. But this perpetually-booked spot from a Top Chef alum will definitely need a reservation months in advance for your group dinner—try for a table during weekday lunch to increase your chance of success. Personally, we like to walk-in solo and grab a seat at the bar facing the pastificio and smile maniacally at all the pasta we can’t wait to consume, because nearly every dish is excellent (and reasonably priced). Try the cacio e pepe or ragu alla napoletana (a giant plate full of fusilli, sausage, meatballs, and a large braised pork shank), and attempt to stuff the inevitable leftovers in your hotel mini-fridge." - sam faye, adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru, nick allen

"The Verdict: The rumors are true, it’s worth the hype. Google “Monteverde” and try to make a reservation for some time over the next month. Did you hear that? That was Resy laughing at you. This is the best Italian restaurant in Chicago, and the first place we try (and often fail) to make reservations when someone from the East Coast tells us they're visiting. The menu is full of hits, from cacio e pepe to the ragu alla Napoletana—a tomato-braised pork shank with three soppressata meatballs, two cacciatore sausages, and a pile of fusilli we want buried with us when we die." - adrian kane, veda kilaru, john ringor, nick allen

"Verdict: This is the best Italian restaurant in Chicago, and the first place we try (and often fail) to make reservations when someone from the East Coast tells us they're visiting. The menu is full of hits, from cacio e pepe to the ragu alla Napoletana—a tomato-braised pork shank with three soppressata meatballs, two cacciatore sausages, and a pile of fusilli we want buried with us when we die." - adrian kane, veda kilaru, john ringor, nick allen

"The first restaurant from former Top Chef and Spiaggia chef Sarah Grueneberg has quickly cemented itself as one of Chicago’s top Italian destinations. The pastas are the stars at this West Loop hot spot, and customers can see cooks hard at work behind the counter rolling out dough and creating delectable noodles. The restaurant’s pandemic takeout menu remains, but the dining room offers lively options like whole-bird chicken Parm. There’s also a notable gluten-free menu." - Ashok Selvam