Discover RPM Italian in Chicago's River North Neighborhood

Nestled at 52 West Illinois Street in Chicago's lively River North district, RPM Italian stands out as a vibrant hotspot for lovers of contemporary Italian cuisine. This sleek, stylish eatery is co-founded by Giuliana & Bill Rancic, delivering an upscale dining experience that masterfully blends modern ambiance with shareable plates and house-made pastas that excite the palate.

An Unforgettable Menu Featuring Pasta, Steaks, And Seafood

RPM Italian is renowned for generous portions of exquisitely cooked dishes such as the Black Truffle Chicken Vesuvio, King Crab with Squid Ink Pasta, and classic meatball pasta. Diners rave about the perfectly crisp exterior of their steaks and the satisfying snap of their fresh pastas that beautifully complement rich, flavorful sauces. Don’t miss the standout desserts — especially the tiramisu, hailed as one of the best around, and the pistachio and carrot cake options that are ideal for sharing.

The Paloma cocktail is also a favorite for guests seeking a refreshing and satisfying drink that surprises with flavor despite its subtle appearance.

Ambiance And Service That Sets The Tone

While RPM Italian may not have the traditional Italian décor, it offers a cozy, visually impressive atmosphere perfect for a memorable night out. Guests appreciate the attentive and knowledgeable staff, with many highlighting specific servers who elevate the dining experience through thoughtful recommendations and impeccable service. The restaurant accommodates groups well and is a popular choice among concert-goers due to its proximity to Chicago’s top music venues.

Does RPM Italian offer vegan options? There is no separate vegan menu, but some dishes like the eggplant lasagna are vegan or can be prepared vegan.
Is there a vegetarian menu available? While there isn’t a separate vegetarian menu, the restaurant offers numerous vegetarian-friendly dishes sure to satisfy.

What To Know Before You Go

RPM Italian offers dine-in, takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery services.
The restaurant serves lunch, dinner, and dessert, including cocktails, beer, and wine—perfect for any occasion.
Parking options include valet and paid street parking, and the venue is reservable for groups and special events.

RPM Italian has earned a positive reputation within the Chicago culinary scene, loved by locals and visitors alike. Its combination of modern Italian cuisine, welcoming atmosphere, and attentive service makes it a must-visit destination for anyone craving an elevated dining experience in River North.

A Journey Through RPM Italian's Rich History in Chicago's River North District.

Nestled in the vibrant River North neighborhood of Chicago, RPM Italian has firmly established itself as a beacon of contemporary Italian dining since its inception. Opening its doors in 2012, this sleek, modern eatery introduced an innovative approach to classic Italian cuisine, quickly capturing the hearts and palates of locals and visitors alike.

The launch of RPM Italian in 2012: A game changer in Chicago's culinary landscape

In 2012, RPM Italian made a significant impact by opening in one of Chicago’s most dynamic neighborhoods. It quickly became synonymous with refined Italian dining complemented by a stylish setting and group-friendly atmosphere. The restaurant’s association with celebrity couple Bill and Giuliana Rancic, in collaboration with Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, added a unique blend of star power and culinary expertise that distinguished it from other Italian venues.

Recognition and acclaim: Best Italian restaurant in Illinois

The same year RPM Italian opened, it earned prestigious recognition from 24/7 Wall St., ranking it as the best Italian restaurant in Illinois. This accolade underscored the restaurant's commitment to quality and innovation, affirming its place among Chicago’s top dining destinations. Such early acclaim helped it attract a diverse crowd ranging from dedicated foodies to digital nomads and trend-conscious travelers seeking an elevated Italian experience.

Experience and atmosphere: What sets RPM Italian apart

RPM Italian’s sleek and inviting design provides a perfect backdrop for enjoying generous portions of expertly prepared pasta, steaks, and seafood. The restaurant’s commitment to accommodating groups makes it a favored spot for celebrations and evenings out. While the ambiance is modern and visually impressive, it maintains a cozy charm that appeals to a wide range of patrons looking for a night of sophisticated dining.

Distinctive collaboration - Partnership between celebrity couple Bill and Giuliana Rancic and Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises providing star-studded culinary leadership.
Award-winning excellence - Recognized as Illinois' best Italian restaurant in its opening year, reflecting its immediate impact on the culinary scene.
Group-friendly environment - A welcoming space designed to accommodate celebrations, business dinners, and social gatherings with generous menu offerings.

RPM Italian continues to blend modern sophistication with authentic Italian flavors, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Chicago's River North dining scene. Whether you're craving hearty meatball pasta, indulgent lobster ravioli, or the city's best tiramisu, this restaurant promises an unforgettable culinary journey rooted in a rich history of excellence and innovation.

Discover RPM Italian in Chicago River North District

Nestled in the vibrant River North neighborhood of Chicago, RPM Italian offers a modern take on Italian cuisine that masterfully blends house-made pastas, premium steaks, and fresh seafood in a stylish, group-friendly setting. This sleek eatery, backed by Giuliana and Bill Rancic, has earned a reputation for its vibrant atmosphere and attentive service, making it an ideal spot for foodies and trend-conscious travelers alike.

Highlights of dining experience

Guests rave about the generous portions and exceptional quality of dishes such as the meatball pasta, lobster ravioli, and the 20-ounce bone-in ribeye steak. The desserts, especially the tiramisu and pistachio treats, receive high praise and are considered a must-try. Complementing the food is a curated cocktail menu with favorites like the Paloma, alongside an array of wine and beer options.

The ambiance is described as cozy yet visually impressive, featuring stylish décor that does not strictly adhere to traditional Italian themes but creates an inviting environment perfect for nights out, private parties, and group gatherings.

Considerations before visiting

While RPM Italian excels in culinary offerings and atmosphere, there are some factors to consider. The restaurant's popularity often leads to crowds during peak hours, which can result in wait times even with reservations. Service experiences have been mostly positive but occasionally noted as slower or less warm during busy times, especially for larger parties.

Pricing is on the higher side, reflecting the quality and location, so it may not be suited for budget travelers or casual meals.