CHIReview

photo credit: Christina Slaton

Topo Gigio Ristorante review image
7.5

Topo Gigio Ristorante

$$$$

1516 N. Wells St, Chicago
View WebsiteEarn 3X Points

Topo Gigio is a small neighborhood spot that serves Italian food with gusto. In Old Town that doesn’t mean cheap prices, but they more than make up for it with white tablecloths, a casual vibe, and accommodating staff. Altogether, it’s what makes Topo Gigio the wrong place for no one. Dinner with your family? Perfect. First date? Even better. There’s something about the atmosphere that makes everyone purple-toothed and giggly no matter who you’re with.

The food is solid, with appetizers like steamed clams, plenty of pasta, and mains like and saltimbocca alla parmigiana. Dishes come with fresh mozzarella, and vegetables that actually taste like vegetables. There’s also a long seafood selection, which, unbeknownst to Olive Garden, is actually a thing in Tuscany.

And what good is a charming Italian restaurant without throwing around the term al fresco? Luckily, Topo Gigio has a great patio to sip wine on during the summer, plus a heated inner garden area in the colder months that makes it one of our favorite semi-outdoor situations year round.

Sign up for our newsletter.

Be the first to get expert restaurant recommendations for every situation right in your inbox.


By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Food Rundown

Steamed Mussels and Clams with Calabrese Sausage

The only thing better than mussels are mussels with house-cured hot sausage. It also wins the longest name contest.

Linguine alla “Vic Damone”

For transparency’s sake, we Googled “Who is Vic Damone.” He’s a singer, and his pasta is light and delicious. We’re officially fans.

Saltimbocca alla Parmigiana

Veal wrapped in prosciutto, which basically means wrapped in happiness. The parmigana version is served with red sauce and melted cheese. It’s delicious.

Saltimbocca alla Romana

Same idea as above, but wit a sage white wine sauce instead of red sauce and cheese. Pick your poison, they’re both delicious.

Whitefish al Limone e Capperi

Rich, delicate, and simply prepared.

Tiramisu­

You’ve already eaten so much… Why not.

Featured in

Suggested Reading

Pasta Palazzo review image
Review

Pasta Palazzo is a casual Italian restaurant in Lincoln Park good for an easy meal.

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden review image
7.0
Review

Blue Door Kitchen serves southern food in an old mansion in the Gold Coast. The courtyard patio is beautiful for when it's nice outside.

Mart Anthony's Italian Restaurant review image
7.7
Review

Mart Anthony is a casual Italian restaurant in the West Loop.

Bella Notte Ristorante review image
7.7
Review

Bella Notte is a small Italian restaurant in Wicker Park.

Infatuation Logo
2023 © The Infatuation Inc. All Rights Reserved.

FIND PLACES ON OUR APP

Get it on Google PlayDownload on the App Store