Italian food holds a very special place in my heart, and really, who doesn’t love freshly made pasta or a perfectly crunchy pizza? For me, it’s a cuisine that’s hard to beat. The flavors are a combination of rich and hearty that’s truly impossible to resist.

Every time I visit a new city, I make it my mission to find the best Italian restaurant there is– and Chicago was no exception. Ciccio Mio ("My Darling"), tucked in River North, has not only made me love Italian food even more, but it has also elevated it with a fresh, modern twist.

From my first visit when I first arrived at Northwestern, to when I hosted my birthday dinner here in July, Ciccio Mio has quickly become my favorite restaurant in all of Chicago.

As you walk in, it feels like you’re stepping into a different world, one that combines the 1920s atmosphere with contemporary flair. Its dim lighting, vibrant wallpaper with numerous paintings adorning the walls and plush velvet chairs all come together to create an intimate, almost theatrical atmosphere. Ciccio Mio invites you to linger, savoring not just your meal but the entirety of the dining experience. What I love most about the restaurant’s ambiance is how perfectly it complements the food– luxurious, but never stuffy, welcoming and homey, but always with a touch of elegance.

Ciccio Mio beautifully blends traditional Italian flavors with an inventive twist, ensuring every dish feels both familiar and exciting. While their one-page menu might make you feel like options are limited,  it is anything but.

The following are my favorite dishes:

Truffle Mozzarella Sticks

Though not quite the traditional Italian dish (perhaps more American), the mozzarella sticks are still worth a try. Their crispy exterior adds texture to the melted mozzarella that’s mixed with the rich, earthy flavor of truffle. The sweetness and freshness of the tomatoes in the marinara sauce pair beautifully with the sticks.

Focaccia with Whipped Ricotta

This dish is super soft and airy. I don’t usually like olives, but here they add a refreshing and pleasant aftertaste to the focaccia. The crunchiness of the bread is complemented by caramelized onions and crispy, melted parmesan cheese. The star of the dish, however, is the whipped ricotta, which adds a creamy, delicate richness to the bread with a touch of acidity from the lemon juice squeezed on top.

Vesuvio Potatoes

I cannot even begin to explain how delicious these potatoes are. I still think about them to this day! The amount of flavor they carry is amazing and each bite tastes like heaven. They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with just the right amount of seasoning. What elevates them are the chicken jus and garlic confit, which create the perfect savory dip.

Spicy Vodka Rigatoni

Of all the pasta options Ciccio Mio offers, this is, without a doubt, my favorite. The sauce is rich and velvety – a delicious blend of creamy tomato with the earthy tang of vodka, topped off with a kick of heat at the end. Thanks to the rigatoni being perfectly al dente, each piece clings to the sauce so well. This rigatoni is the perfect example of “simple is best,” offering a depth of flavor that leaves you craving more.

Toasted Almond Cake Cookie Gelato

No better way to end your hearty stay at Ciccio Mio than with this delicious dessert! The combination of the nutty almond flavor with salt flakes and the smooth consistency of the gelato is pure bliss. The sweetness isn’t overpowering at all, just enough to satisfy one’s sweet tooth.

The dining experience at Ciccio Mio is all the more remarkable for the fact that it’s been awarded a Michelin star, a testament to the effort that went into perfecting each dish. Despite this, the prices remain incredibly reasonable for such a renowned restaurant. You can indulge in delicious food without feeling like you’re breaking the bank.

Located a few blocks away from the Riverwalk, Ciccio Mio offers the ideal starting point for a post-dinner stroll, where you can take in the sights of downtown Chicago.

Ciccio Mio isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of flavors dear to my heart. Each visit is a joyful reunion with the cuisine I love and every dish blends tradition and innovation. Whether for a special occasion or a well-deserved night out, Ciccio Mio promises an unforgettable experience that your taste buds will thank you for!

To learn more about Ciccio Mio, click here.

To make a reservation, click here.

Go follow my food account, @_laurasfoodiaries!