I am delighted to write a glowing, 5-star review for Topo Gigio Ristaurante, a truly exceptional dining experience that left me thoroughly impressed! From the moment I arrived, I was warmly greeted by the friendly and attentive staff, who made me feel right at home. The ambiance of the restaurant was lovely, with soft lighting, elegant decor, and a charming Italian-inspired atmosphere. But it was the food that truly stole the show. Every dish was carefully crafted with the finest ingredients, and the flavors were simply exquisite. And the evening's special, the black pasta, was an absolute standout. The pasta was perfectly cooked and had a rich, deep flavor that was unlike anything I've ever tasted before. It was an incredibly unique and memorable dish that truly showcased the chef's skill and creativity. But the black pasta was just one of many highlights of the meal. The appetizers were delicious, the entrees were cooked to perfection, and the desserts were simply divine. And throughout the meal, the service was impeccable - our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and made excellent recommendations. Overall, I cannot recommend Topo Gigio Ristaurante highly enough. From the warm and welcoming atmosphere to the outstanding cuisine, this is truly a dining experience not to be missed. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner for two or a special occasion with friends and family, this restaurant is the perfect choice. I'll definitely be back next time I am in Chicago!

With white table clothes, a thick leather menu, earthy plaster walls, and wooden shelves lined with pasta boxes, Topo Gigio delivered an authentic Italian food experience that was homey, comforting, and easily our favorite meal in Chicago. Topo Gigio plops you into the controlled chaos of an Italian kitchen; squeezed among other guests and tables, you're taken care of by a dialed-in staff that seamlessly circumnavigates the busy restaurant. The coordination among the Topo Gigio team to prevent the tight space from feeling cramped was quite impressive. The restaurant also found a way to balance causal and elevated, contrasting ornate wooden decor, mirrors, and dim twinkling lights with framed photos of celebrities who've dined at Topo Gigio themselves. From start to finish, the food was consistently fantastic. It's quite rare to not be a bit jealous of someone else's order but, at Topo Gigio, *everyone* was satisfied with their selection. My personal favorites were the Campanella Alla Norma and Farfalle Ai Due Salmoni (though there remains a ton of entrees that I can't wait to go back and try). My only regret was not saving room for desert. Topo Gigio is a triumph!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Food is OK at best but the staff is awful. I made reservations a month in advance and confirmed a week before. When I got there, was told there was no reservation under my name. Then was told it was in a different book…? The exact same thing happened 2 years ago when I dined there for the first time. The host was rude and didn’t even apologize for their mistake. The server was just as bad. He would slam drinks on the table and would toss menus/the tab. There’s something about that staff that just rubs you in the wrong way, they have zero customer service, aren't friendly or welcoming…like they’re doing you a favor
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 3
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 2

This is an excellent choice for quality Italian cuisine in a traditional yet cozy setting. From the appetizers, the Calamari alla Grigila is exceptional — some of the best-grilled squid I have had, perfectly balanced with a hint of lemon. The fettuccine with shrimp and scallops is rich and well flavored, paired with generous seafood pieces. The dessert options, including tiramisu and cheesecakes, were very satisfying. Overall, it's a fantastic Italian dining experience with swift service, amazing food, and a warm atmosphere, all at a reasonable price.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Calamari Alla Griglia

This place was soo good! We wanted to try while in Chicago an italian place with some good comfort food and we chose great! The atmosphere, the staff ( especially the server assistant, he worked so hard, he was doing something all the time, and the server knew what he was doing for sure , great people), and the food was top notch! Big portions, tasty, good ingredients! I hope the pictures talk for themselves! The plates were empty after I assure you!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Tiramisu
Recommendation for vegetarians
Somewhat recommend
Vegetarian offerings
Vegetarian menu or section

Hands down, the best Italian place I've ever been. We went for the full course, which started with some bruschetta, caprese and fried calamari. The Italian merlot was accompanied perfectly. For the main course, we had Linguine delle Cinque Terre and Pollo Arosto al Rosmarino. And finally, for dessert, it was Tiramisu with a shot of espresso and Tartufo Semifredo. It was a really lovely night, our waiter was super sweet and enthusiastic. Loved the ambiance. Oh and if you don't know, Topo Gigio is an Italian children's character, you will see it when you enter.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$100+
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes

We had a fantastic meal here! This is no doubt one of the more authentic Italian restaurants in the city. The food and atmosphere were great, large potions and very reasonably priced pasta. I will definitely be coming back here. My friends have been raving about it as their go-to place in Old Town, so I'm glad I finally gave it a go! I would definitely recommend eating here, but prepared to potentially wait a little for your table. Also, the service is really good, but they are go-go-go. I wouldn't expect the same level of service here as a a fancy new restaurant, but that's part of the authentic feel. Service is good just fast.

First time coming to Topo Gigio. Went early on a Saturday and had no problem getting a table. The server was friendly and knowledgeable. We started with the grilled calamari and scampi both were delicious. For dinner I got the CONCHIGLIE alla SARDA and the special pasta of the day. I thought the food was fresh tasty and authentic. Only downfall is that it got pretty noisy. Otherwise, I will definitely will be back. 10/10
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Calamari Alla Griglia

Topo Gigio Ristorante is an Italian restaurant in Chicago that offers modern Tuscan cuisine. It is located in Old Town, on Wells Street. It is one of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago and a favorite for locals and visitors for over 25 years. I would highly recommend making reservations. In fact, it was very crowded when I visited. The portions are huge. If you are eating with two people, feel free to share a dish. The prices are very fair and the team is very friendly and professional.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30

after living in chicago for 2 years i finally tried out topo gigio! everything we ate was fabulous. to start we did the burrata and meatballs and then each of us got a pasta. the pasta was cooked to al dente perfection and each of the sauces were so unique and flavorful. will definitely be returning again sometime soon. giving a 4/5 because we had a reservation for 7:30 and we’re not seated until after 8 which was disappointing.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50

Great authentic Italian food and very reasonably priced. This place has been around for over 25 years and a local favorite. Waitstaff was great, quick service, kind and friendly. Nice ambience, with outdoor, indoor seating. Easy access with public parking next door. We ordered Mussels, Little Neck Clams and grilled Calamari for appetizers. For dinner we ordered the special Alsambuca with veal shank and the Cocchiglie Meditteranea. Both were delicious. Ordered Tiramisu for dessert! Yum.

this place was incredible. I had the veal chop and it was the most delicious veal I have ever had. I'm from Toronto and when I go back to Chicago, I'm going here. wish I took a picture but ate too fast! we also had the burrata appetizer which was also delicious. Manhattan was mixed perfectly.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Lamb Chops, Caprese

This might be my favorite restaurant in Chicago. Food is amazing. Price is very affordable for the amount and quality. Servers and staff all are very friendly, both with regular and newcomers. My wife and I visit regularly and always have a great meal. Espresso martini is gold.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Tiramisu

This was the perfect place to bring our bachelorette who is marrying into an Italian family. The food was amazing and the staff were truly so accommodating when I had an issue with our reservation. On top of it all, the food was delicious and the bride is still talking about the seafood linguini special. Will definitely be returning for a date night soon.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50

Went there to celebrate my daughters belated birthday. When you enter, you step back in time The ambiances was great.The food was awesome and plenty of it. I had Vesper martini , it carried a punch.Service was awesome.Tiramisu is light and yummy.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Tiramisu

The aroma lured us in from the street and absolutely hit the mark, delicious and a super friendly atmosphere. We ate at the Bar because the wait time was 2 hours, that's nuts. But they took great care and recommended a phenomenal Barolo to pair with our dinner. I would absolutely go back. It was really fun!
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Omg! If I could give this 10 stars I would. What a worldly little spot! We sat at the bar for a cocktail and stayed all evening. Rudy was the best! He had great cocktail suggestions, great food recommendations, and a rockstar personality! Exceptional spot!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Yumm!! Had the seashell pasta in tomato sauce with sausage — delicious. The calamari was also good, hot and fresh! My friend got the tortellini and her family got the night’s specials. The service was great and everyone was very friendly.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Recommended dishes
Tortellini Alla Panna, Calamari Alla Griglia

Probably the best Italian food I ever had, and everything else was phenomenal including the atmosphere, ambience, and especially the 6-star service from Adan.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Baked Clams Topo Gigio
Vegetarian options
Eggplant dish.

We stopped here for a late dinner after attending a Second City show. The pasta is truly amazing, the atmosphere is lively, and warm; all great staff. Feels like one big neighborhood gathering. Our experience was memorable and I can’t wait to go back! If you’re vaccinated you’ll feel safe - if you’re not you might be better off getting takeout but don’t skip out on this place!

Exceptional experience. We came before a second city show and sat in the bar area. The staff took really good care of us and were very friendly. They held onto our leftovers while we went to the show and gave it back to us after. The food was delicious and the wine was priced appropriately.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Definitely suggest reservations, was about a 45 minute wait. Food and drinks were delicious. I love when everyone food comes out hot and fresh and it did! Service was good. Plan to go back and try something else
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

The food was great, the service was great, all good. But I have one question from the owner. This place is in Chicago. How can you not have an AC? IT IS HOT! We are melting. You have 7 fans around here. Why not an AC? I am sweating while sitting down. Please do better! Thanks!!!!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 2

Absolutely loved this place! Olive oil and Parmesan for bread dipping was delicious. Caprese salad was excellent. Homemade pasta with their red sauce with sausage was amazing. Their decaf cappuccino was as good as it gets. We had to split a large cannoli with the coffee!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Beautiful place with great food. The veal was decent, but the pasta was delicious. Definitely plan on going back to try some more of their pasta dishes, which are all around $20 each.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Waterton had catered food from them once, and I didn't like it at all. So today I walk in with my new manager, just to find out that the food was delicious. Can't wait to return again.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

The pasta was delicious! The place is pretty busy and some areas are small (small spaces between tables). Unfortunately the chicken/ sausage dish that we got was really dry.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30

Enjoyed eating here! Loved the location and price. Would return for their lobster tomato cream pasta, very delicious.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

Amazing!!! Words can’t describe how much we enjoyed the food, atmosphere and ambiance of this restaurant!!! Food was fabulous. Service was incredible. Even had leftovers to the next day.
Service
Dine in

Very good Italian restaurant with terrific service. The wines are very good. The pasta dishes are all cooked to order and are very well seasoned. The seafood dishes are extremely good as well.