Ricobene's is a cherished South Side pizzeria where hearty, messy breaded steak sandwiches reign supreme, alongside classic pizza and Italian fare in a nostalgic, family-friendly setting.
"Ricobene’s breaded steak sandwich has a legion of fans, but don’t forget the pizza, hot dogs, and chicken Parmesan. This Italian American spot has been around since the ’40s and is a great stop for a true slice of Chicago culture." - Ashok Selvam, Eater Staff
"Most famous for its breaded steak sandwich — an experience that feels somewhat spiritual for both tourists and locals alike — Ricobene’s is a South Side institution three generations deep. This family has watched their small beef stand counter turn into a Chicago pilgrimage site, dripping in a marinara sauce recipe they keep locked in a vault. Aside from the breaded steak, don’t sleep on the other pounded meats. (I enjoy the Buffalo or Vesuvio chicken)." - Alex Jewell
"Loyal locals have been going to Ricobene’s for old school Italian-American fare since 1946. The restaurant’s signature item is the breaded steak sandwich, a sandwich that some proclaim is the best in the world. It’s a messy and satisfying combination of breaded steak, mozzarella, tomato sauce, and giardiniera on a French roll. Get this Chicago original plus Italian beef, wings, pizza, and other eats by ordering here." - Ashok Selvam, Eater Staff
"Sure, you technically could get wings, hot dogs, burgers, BBQ, and pizza from this decades-old fast-casual spot. But the real reason anyone should brave I-90 traffic to visit Ricobene’s is their breaded steak sandwich—the signature dish that’s made them a local institution. It’s a behemoth with red gravy (the correct term for “marinara sauce”), and melty cheese all loaded into a long roll that miraculously holds everything up without falling apart. Don’t question the magic behind it, just snag a seat and bask in the glory of this sandwich—grab a pile of napkins too." - adrian kane, john ringor, nick allen
"When USA Today called the breaded steak sandwich at this South Side pizzeria the best sandwich in the world, it unsurprisingly caused a bit of a stir. Whether folks agree or not, the article made the combination of breaded steak, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and hot giardiniera a must-try. Save time be ordering ahead here." - Ashok Selvam, Naomi Waxman, Eater Staff
