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About
Topo Gigio Ristorante
Welcome to Topo Gigio Ristorante, a beloved gem nestled in the heart of Chicago's bustling Lincoln Park at 1516 N Wells St. This classic Italian restaurant has garnered a loyal following thanks to its authentic cuisine, vibrant atmosphere, and exceptional service. With a phone call away at +1 312-266-9355, you can secure your journey into a world of culinary delight.
From the moment you step through the doors, Topo Gigio envelops you in warmth and charm, reminiscent of a cozy Italian trattoria. The ambiance is lively, with chatter and laughter blending harmoniously to create a true neighborhood feel. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or enjoying a night out with friends, this spot is perfect for making memories over sumptuous meals.
As you peruse the dinner menu, you'll find yourself captivated by an impressive array of dishes. Start your journey with the STUZZICARELLI section, where the Cozze e Vongole all Calabrese offers a delightful combination of steamed clams and mussels, enhanced by house-cured Calabrese sausage in a fragrant wine-saffron broth. The Scottish Smoked Salmon, paired with fresh frisee and a citrus vinaigrette, is another highlight, delivering the perfect balance of flavors that dance on your palate.
Salads at Topo Gigio are not to be overlooked. The La Caprese, featuring juicy beefsteak tomatoes and the subtle creaminess of fresh mozzarella, is a celebration of simplicity and quality. Or try the Panzanella alla Romana, a colorful mix of garden ingredients that captures the essence of Italian summer.
But don’t just take our word for it. Customers like Ira Baker describe it as "one of the best Italian restaurants" they've ever visited, praising the vibrant atmosphere and outstanding dishes like baked stuffed clams and seafood risotto. Residence regulars, such as Elise Gillespie, declare it their go-to for family dinners, particularly raving about the conchiglie alla sarda and the delightful burrata prosciutto starter.
The rave reviews are reflected in the dedication of the attentive staff, making every dining experience feel special. As Manal Hajire reminisces, the "relaxed, cozy" atmosphere transports diners straight to Italy—a feat that few restaurants can achieve.
Ultimately, Topo Gigio Ristorante is more than just a place to eat; it's an experience to cherish. With generous portions, rich flavors, and a welcoming environment, it promises to satisfy both the stomach and the soul. Get ready for a delightful culinary journey that you’ll want to embark on again and again.
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“ This is one of the best Italian restaurants I have ever been to. It's old, it's classic, it's busy. The food is incredible. Our waiter was excellent, and the crowd was happy and loud. We really loved the baked stuffed clams the seafood risotto. ”
“ Our Sunday family dinner go-to spot! A bottle of red, the conchiglie alla sarda, and the off-menu arrabbiata with spicy garlic sauce is all I will ever need. Plus the burrata prosciutto starter! ”
“ This Chicago neighborhood restaurant came highly recommended and it did not disappoint. We had a 530pm reservation we were sat at once. The restaurant was already packed. If you Don't have reservation you are not getting in. Atmosphere was homey felt like one of the neighborhood even though we were from out of state. Our waiter was extremely welcoming. Espresso martini was delish! ”
“ Food was amazing and the service was great too! I had the shrimp pasta and it was so rich and delicious would definitely return ”
“ We had an amazing experience at this Italian restaurant! The food was absolutely delicious, with every dish bursting with flavor, with generous portions that were more than enough to satisfy. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, making sure we had everything we needed. The atmosphere on the patio was just perfect – relaxed, cozy, and full of charm, we felt like we were in Italy lol! It’s the ideal spot for a great meal and an enjoyable evening. Highly recommend! ”
“ We recently had a rehearsal dinner in the private dining room upstairs at Topo Gigio. It was fantastic. The food was fantastic. The atmosphere was great. The staff was lovely and accommodating. They were easy to work with the entire night and with all planning. ”
“ I really liked the Chicken Parmesan dish when I visited in May 2025. So tasty and cooked to a very tasty meal. Also the white chocolate raspberry cheesecake was recommended and it lived up to the hype. ”
“ Pasta is a very cheap dish to make so I rarely order it at a restaurant, however this place did seem like they excel at these types of dishes, so I ordered the tortellini. Our party ordered 2 more pasta dishes and a risotto. They did not disappoint as everyone loved their food. We later got coffee and desserts and my test for a good cappuccino foam can be seen in the attached photo. Basically if the spoon doesn't sink, you know that they made the foam right. The food was amazing., desserts and coffee were great, our server was funny and polite l, the environment feels like a genuine Italian restaurant and the only downside is getting out as the best portion gets so packed, it is very difficult to get out. ”