Chicago Italian
 

Looking for a great "Mom and Pop" Italian Restaurant.....trying to keep my New York hubby happy! Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

I don't know if you'll have a car or not, but Gulliver's is on the waaay north side, almost to Evanston. It is on Howard. Anyway, they have this amazing collection of architectural antiques both indoors and outdoors on their patio. Really cool place.

Catarina's

I'm not overly familiar with Chicago Italian yet, but I always tell people to try Terragusto, but maybe it's not what you're looking for as it's not veal-parmesan Italian. But check the menu...

http://terragustocafe.com/menu/

Maybe look into the Italian Village restaurants, or the Rosebud restaurants. Other Chicago posters will have more recs.

La Scarola is an old time Chicago italian that is always great. Traditional italian food in an old-world atmosphere. This restaurant has been in Chicago for eons and might be just what your hubby is looking for. Also, I love Via Carducci. The owner is from the Campagna region of Italy. It is small and intimate but still lively and fun. One last thought is Tuscany, BUT the one in Little Italy. It is the "original" and the only one to go to. I loved it! Where are you staying?

I have lived here my whole life and I second the suggestion for La Scarola. I also love RoSal's which is the Little Italy area. Please don't go to a chain restaurant!
Good luck!

It's a bit out of the way, but you might consider Via Veneto:

http://www.viavenetochicago.com/

Enjoy!

Am staying at the Blackstone- Renaissance

Genaro's in Little Italy, Jim and Pete's in Elmwood Park, Caffe du Luca in Forest Park, Jimmie's in Forest Park (real blue-collar, family/mom&pop), Freddie's in Berwyn (more like a deli, but the gelato is the best in town), Peppino's in Elmwood Park (try the baby shells bechamel). Is that enough??

Sabatino's: old school, classic "red sauce" Italian place

http://www.sabatinoschicago.com/

On the first poster's rec., Gulliver's is my favorite for deep dish (not stuffed, there is a difference) pizza, but the rest of the menu can be hit or miss.

I'll put in a vote for Maggiano's Little Italy and Mia Francesa.