Located in Chicago’s River North Neighborhood, RPM Italian is one of the most stylish Italian restaurants in the city. Known for handmade pastas like Maine Lobster Ravioli, Cacio e Pepe, and Short Rib Bolognese, plus steaks, chops, and seafood, and featuring a contemporary menu, RPM Italian has the perfect balance of amazing food and modern twists.
One of the famed Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises restaurants, the setting here is spirited, featuring a contemporary vibe, and you never know which celebrities might be walking through the door. I have been to RPM Italian a number of times, and from the first time I got a table, I could immediately see why it consistently ranks among the best Italian restaurants in the Windy City.
Do other reviewers agree with me about this fantastic food? Are the drinks and sauce as good as I think it is? Is the atmosphere as cool and chic as I thought it was the first time I walked in the door? Let’s find out.
RPM Italian Chicago Reviews
RPM Italian has an atmosphere and dishes meant to bring the spirit of Italy’s cuisine to Chicago, though with a modern spin.
Reviews on Yelp are overall positive. There are almost 4,000 reviews, and the average rating is 4.1/5-stars. Some of the highlights of these reviews include mentions of the bar and happy hour, the fresh pasta, the impressive wine and beer list, and the attentive servers who go out of their way to make the evenings amazing, whether you are celebrating a birthday, a promotion, or just a night out on the town. Some reviewers had complaints about the long wait for reservations and undercooked meals.
Users on TripAdvisor rate RPM Italian a bit higher with a 4.4/5-star rating. Positive reviews here highlight the impressive menu featuring a range of dishes paired with an intimate and elegant dining experience. Reviews also mention the great staff and modern approach to cuisine.
Though most of the reviews were positive, there are some complaints, here, too, such as the higher prices when compared to similar Italian restaurants in the area. One person complained that there was no vegan menu, but many of the dishes can be made vegan upon request.
RPM Italian Chicago Menu
As I have mentioned, RPM Italian is modern place but traditional Italian in spirit featuring dishes like the RPM Caesar Salad, Chicken Parmesan, Shrimp Fra Diavolo Linguine, and Cremini Mushroom Truffle-Fontina Fonduta . Some of the signature dishes include Mama DePandi’s Bucatini, Lobster Caprese, and truffle garlic bread. I have been to this restaurant for both happy hour and for dinner.
The happy hour menu is definitely a nice touch, as you can get some favorites for a very reasonable price, like the bruschetta. I also enjoy the cocktails here, including the olive oil martini, which is paired with a side of salty olives. I went with the Cacio Pepe while Michelle had a salad. If I’m being honest, I want to go back and experience more but we were fitting in as many meals as we could and drilling down our bucket list so we were still a little full from the Lou Malnati’s deep dish a few hours earlier. The cacio pepe was excellent!
I am a big fan of dessert, too, and I’m excited to share that even though these meals are filling, I recommend getting dessert, too. Order one or two to share with a group after you have eaten your meal. You will be glad you did!
RPM Italian Chicago Dress Code
As an upscale dining destination, RPM Italian maintains a business casual dress code. Most guests dress smartly for dinner, making it a popular spot for special occasions or nights out. Women in my group wore dresses or pants suits, and the men wore nice slacks with buttoned shirts.
RPM Italian Chicago Location & Hours
RPM Italian
52 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: (312) 222-1888
Website: rpmrestaurants.com
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
We had an amazing time eating our way around Chicago. Here’s a few other venues we tried:
From Happy Hour to Dinner and Dessert, RPM Italian Doesn’t Disappoint
RPM Italian in Chicago delivers a refined dining experience that combines modern Italian cuisine with sophisticated style. While the price point may be high, the exceptional service, ambiance, and quality of food make it worth the splurge. Perfect for date nights, business dinners, or special occasions, it stands out as one of the top Italian restaurants in Chicago.
From the moment we sat down, it was hard to find anything that wasn’t perfect. The food I tasted was excellent, the ambiance was modern, and the people there guided us through the menu, made suggestions, and told us everything we would need to know about the menu.
About Tim Schmidt
Tim Schmidt is a 20+ year Entrepreneur and Digital Marketer. A Fort Lauderdale-based "Digital Nomad," he enjoys traveling as much as possible with family and friends. AllWorld is his escape to document all of his adventures, including being a hardcore "foodie." He has property in Costa Rica and visits several times each year and is happy to offer his expert advice for planning your trip. Make sure to download the AllWorld Travel Hacks FREE ebook.
