When you’re trying to find the perfect place to gather your favorite people for a night of pasta, wine and conversation, the right setting matters. Chicago has no shortage of incredible Italian restaurants that cater beautifully to groups. From classic red-sauce joints to modern takes on rustic Italian cuisine, here’s your go-to guide for the best Italian restaurants for group dining in Chicago.
Giordano’s
There are around 16 million Americans of Italian ancestry living in the United States. From old school joints in River West to sleek, modern osterias in the West Loop, many families opened diverse and delicious Italian eateries in the Windy City. Giordano’s tops the list of the best Italian restaurants for group dining in Chicago.
Famous for its legendary stuffed deep-dish pizza, Giordano’s has become a Chicago icon. While pizza is definitely the main event here, the menu also includes hearty Italian-American favorites like pasta, sandwiches and fresh salads, making it easy to please a group with varied tastes.
What makes Giordano’s especially great for groups is its casual, welcoming vibe and spacious seating. Many locations offer large booths, banquet-style tables or private dining areas. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or kicking off a weekend reunion, this is the kind of place where you can relax, dig in and linger over that second slice without feeling rushed.
Key features
- Home of Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza
- Group-friendly menus and large portion sizes
- Multiple locations across the city and suburbs
- Casual, family-friendly atmosphere
- Great for tourists and locals
Quartino Restorante
Quartino is practically made for groups. Located just off the Magnificent Mile, this lively and always-buzzing spot specializes in small plates perfect for sharing.
The menu spans the best of Italian cuisine, from house-cured meats and imported cheese to handmade pasta and wood-fired pizzas. Food comes out as it’s ready, which keeps the excitement high and the table constantly full of delicious things to try.
In addition, the setting is ideal for social dining. Quartino’s large, communal tables, private dining spaces and old-world decor make you feel like you’ve stepped into a bustling trattoria in Rome. Its group menus are flexible and designed to make things easy, whether you’re a group of eight or 20.
Key features
- Small plates designed for sharing
- Multiple private and semi-private dining areas
- Lively, authentic atmosphere
- Affordable group dining packages
- Central downtown location
La Scarola
La Scarola is a Chicago institution beloved by locals, celebrities and pretty much anyone who’s ever been lucky enough to score a table. This cozy, no-frills spot offers old-school Italian-American fare done right. Think rigatoni with vodka sauce, veal parmigiana and garlicky shrimp all served in generous portions practically made for passing around.
While the dining room is intimate, the warm, welcoming vibe makes it an excellent choice for a group. You’ll find signed photos of famous guests on the walls, and the energy is always buzzing. It’s the kind of place where you can be a little loud and laugh a little too much, and no one will bat an eye.
Key features
- Hearty, traditional Italian-American dishes
- Cosy and lively ambience
- Famous for its generous portions
- Loved by locals and celebrities
- Great for casual celebrations
RPM Italian
For a more upscale group experience, RMP Italian in River North brings a modern twist to Italian dining. This sleek, celebrity-backed restaurant (which Giuliana and Bill Rancic co-own) is known for its attention to detail. From the chic décor to the meticulously crafted pasta dishes, everything feels polished.
Despite its high-end vibes, RMP Italian welcomes groups with open arms. It offers various private dining rooms, custom tasting menus and a service team that handles large parties with grace. If you’re celebrating a big milestone or entertaining clients, this is the spot to do it in style.
Key features
- Contemporary Italian cuisine with a luxury feel
- Multiple private dining room options
- Customised group tasting menus
- Professional, attentive service
- Ideal for special occasions or work events
Formento’s
In the heart of the West Loop, Formento’s delivers comfort food with a modern edge. Inspired by traditional Italian-American Sunday dinners, the restaurant leans into nostalgia without getting stuck in the past. You’ll find handmade pastas, slow-cooked meatballs and a famous chocolate cake that demands sharing.
The space is large and warm, with soft lighting and leather banquettes that make it feel cozy yet elegant. Its semi-private and private dining rooms are ideal for medium to large parties, and the staff is seasoned in hosting everything from birthday gatherings to rehearsal dinners.
Key features
- Traditional Italian-American comfort food
- Warm, inviting atmosphere in the West Loop
- Excellent for casual dining and formal group dining
- Flexible event space options
- House specialties like Nonna’s meatballs and chicken parmesan
Restaurants | Vibe | Group-Friendly Features | Best For |
| Giordano’s | Casual Chicago staple | Deep dish pizza, group seating, multiple locations | Tourists, families, parties |
| Quartino Restorante | Lively, rustic trattoria | Shareable plates, communal tables, central location | Work outings, casual group dinners |
| La Scarola | Cosy, classic | Huge portions, lively space, no-frill charm | Local gatherings, comfort food fans |
| RPM Italian | Modern and upscale | Private dining, tasting menus, refined service | Celebrations, client entertainment |
| Formento’s | Elegant comfort food | Semi-private rooms, nostalgic dishes | Family events |
Where Italian food and good company meet
Finding the best Italian restaurants for group dining in Chicago doesn’t have to be a hassle. Whether you want a lively trattoria downtown or a cosy family-style spot in the neighbourhood, there’s something on this list for every occasion and appetite.
Ellen Diamond, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
