Alla Vita — A Fresh Direction for Italian Dining in Chicago 🍝

Alla Vita is the newest Italian restaurant from the Boka Restaurant Group, taking over the space that once housed my beloved Bellemore (RIP to their incredible oyster pie 😢). I’ve been curious to see what could replace an old favorite. Walking in, the layout felt familiar but the decor is much brighter and prettier now — there’s a stunning pink chandelier that’s super Instagram‑worthy (though I was seated by the window and didn’t snap it). 🧀 Ricotta Dumplings Creamy, cheesy, and comforting — cheese lovers will adore these. We shared them as an appetizer; as a main, they might feel a bit rich. 🍗 Chicken Parmigiana Crispy outside, stretchy cheese inside, and juicy chicken throughout — a solid take on the classic. 🍤 Mafaldine Pasta with Seafood Usually paired with ragù, but the seafood version worked well here — shrimp and squid, with the shrimp already peeled (lazy‑eater friendly!). My only gripe: the garlic breadcrumbs sprinkled on top. Once soaked in sauce, they turned chewy and created an odd textural contrast with the silky pasta. Not my thing, but might not bother everyone. Overall — a pleasant meal, though it didn’t win me over instantly like Adalina did. Still, worth a visit if you’re in the West Loop craving Italian! Alla Vita: 564 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661 #ChicagoLife #Chicago #HiddenGem #ChicagoEats #ItalianFood #WestLoop #NewRestaurant