Il Porcellino — Restaurant in Chicago

A Delightful Italian-American Gem in the Heart of Chicago: Il Porcellino

Nestled in the vibrant pulse of downtown Chicago, Il Porcellino stands out as a truly delightful restaurant, offering a comforting embrace of classic Italian-American cuisine with a touch of modern flair. From the moment you step inside, the casual-chic ambiance creates an inviting atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed yet special dining experience. My wife and I have found ourselves consistently drawn to this gem, and our recent Friday evening visit only solidified our love for this establishment.

What truly sets Il Porcellino apart is their dedication to quality and flavor, particularly evident in their exceptional house-made pastas and the enticing daily specials. You can taste the freshness of the high-quality ingredients, sourced thoughtfully from local artisans and farmers. Each dish feels crafted with care, honoring traditional recipes while offering a contemporary twist.

On this particular evening, I opted for the Chicken Marsala, and it was a testament to the restaurant's commitment to classic comfort. The chicken was tender and succulent, perfectly complemented by the rich and savory Marsala wine sauce, brimming with earthy mushrooms. My wife, adventurous as ever, chose the Spicy Shrimp Spaghetti, and it was an absolute revelation. The perfectly cooked spaghetti was coated in a vibrant and flavorful sauce with a delightful kick, showcasing the freshness of the shrimp. Both dishes were executed flawlessly, leaving us completely satisfied.

The environment at Il Porcellino contributes significantly to the overall positive experience. The main dining room exudes a warm and welcoming vibe, and we were fortunate enough to be seated in a comfortable corner booth, offering a cozy and intimate setting for our dinner. It's the kind of place where you can easily unwind and enjoy good company and even better food.

The service throughout our meal was also noteworthy. Our server was attentive, knowledgeable about the menu, and offered helpful recommendations. They struck the perfect balance of being present without being intrusive, enhancing our dining experience.

However, our Friday evening visit did come with a slight caveat: the restaurant was quite crowded. This speaks volumes about Il Porcellino's popularity, which is certainly well-deserved. While the bustling atmosphere didn't detract significantly from our enjoyment, it's a clear indication that this is a sought-after dining destination. Therefore, if you're planning a visit, especially during peak hours like a Friday evening, I would wholeheartedly recommend making a reservation in advance to ensure you secure a table and avoid any potential wait times.

Overall, Il Porcellino continues to impress us with its delicious food, inviting ambiance, and commendable service. It's a place where you can consistently count on a satisfying and enjoyable Italian-American meal. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a delightful dinner out, Il Porcellino is a fantastic choice in the Chicago dining scene. Just remember...

Absolutely phenomenal! We went to Il Porcellino to celebrate my husband’s birthday with family, and it couldn’t have been a more perfect choice. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warmth and hospitality, and the cozy, inviting atmosphere set the stage for a special and memorable evening.

We kicked things off with the garlic bread, and let me just say it’s an absolute must. Perfectly toasted, buttery, and loaded with just the right amount of garlic, it was crispy on the edges and soft in the center. We devoured it in minutes and probably could’ve had a second order!

The Burrata Lasagna was rich, flavorful, and beautifully layered with fresh burrata on top that melted into the dish like a dream. It was comfort food at its finest.

We also ordered one of the evening specials that our amazing server Lynn recommended, and it was nothing short of phenomenal. You could tell it was made with seasonal ingredients and so much care—every bite was a standout.

The homemade cheese ravioli tasted like something straight out of an Italian grandmother’s kitchen. Light, delicate pasta with a creamy, cheesy filling that was just divine.

And the Chicken Parmesan was a showstopper. Perfectly breaded, tender on the inside, and topped with melty cheese and just the right amount of sauce. It was classic, satisfying, and flawlessly executed.

To top it all off, we enjoyed delicious cocktails and ordered a bottle of wine to share, which made the evening feel even more special and celebratory. Everything paired perfectly with the meal and added to the warm, joyful vibe of the night.

And then there’s Lynn—what an absolute gem. She was kind, upbeat, and genuinely cared about making our night special. Her attention to detail, thoughtful recommendations (especially that special!), and friendly, relaxed presence made us feel like we were in the best hands. She truly went above and beyond and made our evening unforgettable.

Il Porcellino delivered in every single way—from the outstanding food to the stellar service. It was the perfect spot for a family celebration, and we’re already looking forward to coming back. Highly,...

On this day, we had a stay-cation and enjoyed Chicago like tourists. We walked Downtown and had some early dinner in near north. We chose to visit a long time friend, Il Porcellino on Hubbard. If you haven’t been, you don’t know what you’re missing. This place is a true gem! The instant you walk in you are greeted in the warmest of fashions. The entire staff, from the host to the serving staff and even the manager who came to say hi, were of the highest caliber. The place, with its dark woods and tons of Edison bulbs creates a warms am magical ambiance. Soft music a the soft humming of joyous conversations from nearby tables creates an unforgettable vibe. But… on to the food! We ordered the TUSCAN CHEESE BREAD, a house-made focaccia topped with roasted garlic butter, pecorino, parmesan and mozzarella cheese. It was flavorful and crispy and cheesy, but not gimmicky. Delicious! We also ordered the IMPORTED BURRATA it was a melty cheesy, gooey concoction beautifully paired with candied walnuts, apple slices, vinaigrette, castelfranco, frisee and toasted ciabatta. I could have ordered another one and just ate that for dinner. It was incredible! But, we were not done being impressed! We of course ordered the classic SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS. It was mind blowing! The imported spaghetti had a sophisticated texture and refined flavor and came with 3 prime beef meatballs simmered in marinara sauce, what a delicious pairing! Also on the roster was their BONELESS CHICKEN VESUVIO. I have never had such a complex and delicious vesuvio! The chicken was marinated in fresh herbs and garlic and cooked until extra crispy in a classic lemon and white wine sauce that was to die for! All in all, definitely one of our favorite places and a MUST, for fine Italian...