6 Best Places to Order Pasta in Lincoln Park, Chicago

Penne, pappardelle, bucatini, spaghetti, you name it. Pasta is a godsend and Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood has some of the best Italian spots serving up the best pasta on the city’s North Side. We’ll run through six spots serving up great pasta in Lincoln Park suitable for any occasion and we’ll top it off by providing an Editor’s Pick at each restaurant so you don’t have to do the heavy thinking as the menu taunts you at your table. Buon Appetito!

The Pasta Bowl

2434 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

With locations in Lincoln Square, Wicker Park, and Lincoln Park, The Pasta Bowl is accessible. More importantly, it’s delicious. Their LP location sits just north of Fullerton on Clark Street within walking distance of some truly elite watering holes. Whether it be a warming bowl of pasta this winter or a heaping bowl to soak up a night of drinking, you cannot go wrong with The Pasta Bowl.

Editor’s Pick: Lucky Penne add shrimp

Mixed veggies, broccoli, and penne in a spicy chipotle cream sauce, topped with melted smoke mozzarella

Sapori Trattoria

2701 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

Sapori Trattoria sits near the corner of Diversey and Halsted and is the epitome of a true neighborhood Italian restaurant. If you are looking for the best pasta in Chicago, we recommend traveling to Sapori Trattoria for fresh food, great wine, and an intimate atmosphere. There isn’t a checkbox unmarked. Absolutely no bias here though, but it happens to not only be this author’s favorite Italian restaurant in Chicago, it happens to be my favorite restaurant period. I’ve been coming to Sapori for my birthday every year for the past 10 years to enjoy Chef Anthony Barbanente’s cuisine. And I’ll continue singing the praises of Sapori Trattoria as loud as I can.

Editor’s Pick: Pennette Cardinale 

Penne pasta served with grilled artichokes, chicken, shallots and sun-dried tomatoes in white wine tomato cream reduction sauce

Riccardo Enoteca

2116 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

The sister location to the Lincoln Park spot below, Riccardo Enoteca sits directly across the street from Riccardo Trattoria but is not to be confused with its counterpart. Though Enoteca features a menu focused on small plates and wine, their pasta selection is not to be ignored. If anything, Lincoln Parkers should celebrate having access to an abundance of incredible Italian dining mere steps away from each other from the same brilliant minds of Riccardo and Maurizio Michi.

Editor’s Pick: Bucatini allla Carbonara

Bacon, egg yolk, aged pecorino cheese, fresh black pepper

Riccardo Trattoria

2119 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

Riccoardo Trattoria is a well-renowned Italian restaurant with a reputation that spans well beyond the borders of Lincoln Park. The North Clark staple received the Bib Gourmand accolade from Michelin three years in a row and boasts a heavyweight menu featuring small plates, great wine, and incredible pasta dishes. Come hungry, leave happy, as there is literally nothing at Riccardo Trattoria that misses the mark.

Editor’s Pick: Fettucine Bolognese

Since its doors opened in 1988, Gianni Delisi’s family-run Italian trattoria has flourished as a mainstay on the Chicago restaurant scene. Trattoria Gianni is the premiere Italian restaurant in Lincoln Park’s theatre district and its exposed brick walls, white tablecloths, wood floors, and more give it a rustic, authentic feel. These features, plus the incredible selections of pasta, entrees, and wine make Trattoria Gianni the perfect meal for those looking to have a taste of Venice in the neighborhoods of Chicago.

Editor’s Pick: Linguine Portofino

Scallops, shrimp, cherry tomatoes, olive oil and garlic