Found an Italian Spot in Chicago That Rivals Volare! 🍝🇮🇹

Tucked away in Chicago’s Old Town, this restaurant looks like an unassuming red-brick cottage from the outside—but stepping inside feels like entering a rustic Tuscan village. Every detail oozes romance and vintage charm. Honestly, if you’re tired of Volare, give this place a try! 🍽️ Topo Gigio Ristorante 📍 1516 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610 🦑 Calamari alla Griglia (Grilled Squid with Lemon & White Wine) Way better than fried calamari rings! Charcoal‑grilled to a light smokiness outside, tender and springy inside. Served with a delicate lemon‑white wine sauce that balances the seafood’s freshness with a bright acidity—each bite tastes like Mediterranean sunshine. ☀️ 🦪 Baked Clams A signature starter! Plump littleneck clams topped with the chef’s homemade caramelized onion glaze, baked until slightly crispy outside and juicy inside. The sweet onion and briny seafood melt together perfectly. 🍝 Conchiglie Mediterranea (Mediterranean Shell Pasta with Tomato & Basil) Rivals (maybe even beats!) Volare’s squid ink pasta! Cute shell‑shaped pasta that perfectly holds the sauce and seafood. Sautéed shrimp and scallops with snap peas, tossed in a fresh tomato‑basil sauce—bright, tangy, and layered with flavor. 🥘 Risotto Frutti Di Mare Delle Marche (Seafood Risotto Le Marche‑Style) A beautiful tribute to the coastal Le Marche region of eastern Italy. The rice is moist, creamy, and richly sauced. Simmered in a light tomato‑crab cream base, stirred slowly until smooth and velvety. Topped with sweet tiger shrimp, scallops, and clams—layers of ocean flavor in every spoonful. 🌊 #ChicagoEats #ItalianFood #TopoGigio #ChicagoItalian #SeafoodPasta #OldTownChicago