Bet You Haven't Tried This｜Chicago’s Ultra-Hidden Italian Gem 🍝

Ignotz’s Ristorante in the Heart of Italy — highly praised on Reddit, reservations by phone only. The space is cozy (a bit crowded), packed at dinner — glad we booked ahead. We were the only Asians there; mostly older white couples. The server’s accent made communication a bit tricky, and service felt a little rushed, but they were nice and responsive. Appetizer: Fried calamari (forgot to snap a pic!) — tasted like it was fried in lard, super crispy and rich, though the calamari itself was lightly seasoned. Definitely need the marinara for flavor. Mains: Huge portions! 🍗 Chicken Vesuvio — crispy skin, juicy inside, strong garlic and parsley aroma — not salty or greasy. Loved it. 🍝 Spaghetti Bolognese — classic meat sauce, generous with the ragù. My boyfriend finished the pasta but left half the sauce behind. Desserts: 🥧 Cannoli — amazing! Both ends coated with pistachio crumbs — so fragrant. The cream wasn’t too sweet, and the shell was crispy but not crumbly (no lipstick mess!). ☕ Tiramisu — decent but leaned sweet for me — I prefer a stronger coffee kick. Also tried their cappuccino — creamy and indulgent. Overall, if you’re craving pure, hearty Italian, this spot beats many pricier downtown places. Plus, the warm greeting from the friendly hostess and the owner Roger’s chatty shoulder-pat made the meal feel extra welcoming ❤️. #ChicagoEats #ItalianFood #HiddenGem #ChicagoFoodie #NeighborhoodEats #CozyVibes 🇮🇹🍷