Chicago Italian Food | Such a Great Dining Vibe! 🍝

Located in River North, this cozy Italian spot has a 4.7 Google rating. Dimly lit with a small lamp on each table and delicate hanging lights overhead, the retro decor creates a super chill atmosphere perfect for gatherings. We booked a table for eight and ordered almost all the specials from the menu—here are my recommendations and passes! 📍 Il Porcellino 📌 59 W Hubbard St #2, Chicago, IL 60654 🍞 Garlic House-Baked Bread A must-order that almost every table gets! Packed with garlic flavor, crispy on the outside, chewy from fermented dough, and full of baked goodness. Everyone loved it—so much that I also tried the Tuscan Cheese Bread . Served in small pieces topped with melted cheese and salsa for dipping—a totally different vibe. Personally, I still prefer the garlic bread! 😋 🍤 Spicy Scampi Spaghetti My favorite pasta! The heat comes from crushed dried chilies, paired with classic tomato sauce and a hint of garlic. Perfectly reduced sauce with al dente noodles—so good! Plus, the shrimp were fresh and springy. 👌 🧀 Ravioli Al Forno Creamy cheese-stuffed ravioli in a rich white sauce. This dish is placed right in the middle of the pasta menu, so we decided to try it. Luxuriously creamy and smooth—best shared among friends. 🍅 Burrata Lasagna Another special—a generous portion with classic tomato sauce and a hint of fruity acidity, not heavy at all. Great for sharing! 🚫 Not Recommended: Chicken Parmesan – Really didn’t like it. Just skip it—nothing special. Tiramisu – Too sweet, topped with a soft sugary layer… not tasty. Hard pass! Grilled Calamari (appetizer) – Just okay, nothing memorable. 💰 Around $30–$35 per person. Service was excellent—attentive and friendly. We stayed until almost closing time, and no one rushed us. #ChicagoItalian #ItalianFood #RiverNorthEats #GroupDining #CozyVibes #FoodReview