Spiaggia- Chicago's best high end Italian restaurant. Both romantic and formal it is a great place for special occasions. The food is inventive but relies on classic Italian ingredients. They have a cheese cave on premise. The Obamas have been know to celebrate here. The cafe offers a less expensive option but still great food. 280-2750, 980 N. Michigan, Jacket required, D, $$$$ Website
Prosecco- Good high end Italian food in formal setting. A good place for a romantic dinner, 951-9500, 710 N. Wells, D Mon-Sat, $$$$ Website
Coco Pazzo- Authentic Italian, not Italian American, food of a high quality. I especially enjoy their authentic primis, 836-0900, 300 W. Hubbard, L Mon-Thur, D, $$$ Website
Osteria Via Stato- Very good, authentic Italian food in a less formal setting. Both set price with unlimited portions, except for the secondi, or meat course, and a la carte menu, along with wood burning oven pizza are available. 642-8450, 620 N. State, L at cafe only, D, $$$ Website
Bice- Good Italian food in a nice atmosphere, but a little pricey. 664-1474, 158 E. Ontario, L D, $$$ Website
Harry Carey's- Part steak house part Italian restaurant. It is heavy on Chicago sports memorable and has surprisingly good food in large portions. One of our favorite places to sit in the bar and watch a Cub's game. The pork chops and chicken vesuvio are house specialties. 828-0966, 33 W. Kinzie, L D, $$$ Website
Quartino- Probably the most fun Italian restaurant. A place we often choose when going out with a big group. Food is served in small portion to be shared. Many wines are available in several different sized portions. Has a long list of tasty, and rarely seen in the U.S. appetizers. 698-5000, 626 N. State, L D, $$ Website
Maggiano's- Good Italian food in huge portions and a noisy atmosphere. We sometimes share an entree and one of their huge chopped salads. Our favorite linguine with clams that we have found so far. 644-7700, 516 N. Clark, L Mon-Sat, D, $$ Website
Mario's- One of the few neighborhood places in the Gold Coast. Very friendly service with decent food, a little pricey. We especially enjoy the palm-cuke salad and the bow tie pasta with peas and prosciutto. But we have tried and enjoyed almost all of the dishes.944-0199, 21 W. Goethe, D Mon-Sat, $$ Website
Trattoria Roma- Small intimate Old town place with good first coarse and pastas, skip the fish and meat. We sit outside in the summer and people watch. Our favorites are the arugula salad, calamari and pizzas.664-7907, 1535 N. Wells, L D, $$
Rosebud- Italian American fare in a classic Little Italy restaurant. The bolognese and cavatelli are 2 of our favorites. Downtown location is not as good and more expensive. 942-1117, 1500 W. Taylor, L D, $$ Website
Tuscany on Taylor- A good choice in Little Italy. Another location near Wrigley is a good option after games. I have tried several of their dishes and I have liked them all. 829-1990, 1014 W. Taylor, $$ Website
Tuffanos- Very casual and inexpensive it is a neighborhood place in Little Italy that has not changed for decades. A supposed Capone hangout. I especially enjoy the Italian chicken. 733-3393, L Tues-Fri, D Tues-Sun. $