This is a reminder to myself to frequent Il Culaccino way more often! Being 100% Chinese always steard me to mostly Asian cuisine. This time my taste buds were just craving something heartier, more complex and something I haven't had in a while. Well, badabing - it's Italian, of course! My love of pasta got me to order some of my favorites: chicken marsala, chicken parmigiana, and Nana's meatballs oh yes! Being Valentine's Day got me a little nervous if I was going to get my order on time. Well, not only was it on time, scheduled through the wonderful GrubHub app (now with brand new no service/no delivery fees on orders $50+), all the food arrived hot, fresh - even the basket of sliced fresh baked bread was still warm that you could melt a cube of butter on it. I'm not exaggerating that I'm a big Italian cuisine fan. The chicken marsala was 10/10 and the chicken parmigiana with rigatoni OMG the sauce itself alone I could eat with bread alone, and I'd be happy. Healthy salad? sure but why not have it if it comes with Nana's fantastic scrumptious meatballs?! Boy, was I pleased with myself to have chosen Il Culaccino! Will be repeating again soon. read more

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I had dinner here with a large group while attending a conference, and it was a great choice. The location is extremely convenient to McCormick Place and the surrounding hotels. The spacious dining area easily accommodated our large party, and the service was excellent from start to finish. We shared several tasty appetizers, including the fried calamari and whipped ricotta. For my entrée, I ordered the pappardelle with shrimp, tomatoes, and spinach in a white wine sauce. While I wouldn't have minded a bit more sauce, the ingredients were fresh and the pasta was perfectly cooked. Overall, a very enjoyable experience and a solid option for group dinners, especially if you're in town for a conference. read more

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Went here for dinner as we were staying at a hotel nearby for a conference. This place is huge - There's a large room for the main restaurant area which also has a bar. Then there's an enclosed patio which is great and we were seated in there. Beyond that there is also an outdoor patio but that was not in use given that it's winter. I ordered the salmon and it was good - came with spinach, roasted potatoes and a roasted tomatoes sauce. It was a huge dish and huge portion. Hubs ordered the orechiette pasta with chicken - he enjoyed his food. There was also bread which was nice. We also ordered the tiramisu dessert which was great - also a huge portion - good thing we only ordered one to share! Service was pleasant and the ambience was great with cozy lighting and comfortable seating. Overall great experience here! read more

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Sorry, but we did not like this place at all. The calamari was over-breaded & overcooked. The meatball salad was nothing special it was like meatballs from Cisco. Wouldn't order them again. The Ginormous Eggplant was way too mushy & goopy. Way over cheesed. The chicken lemone was way too thin & overcooked. The sauce was good but the pasta was also WAY overcooked. Will not return. read more

Il Culaccino - Chicken Limone was so thin it was thin as paper. Sauce was good, Pasta was WAY overcooked :( - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

New york steak with barbecue sauce. Whitefish very bland. Capreci salad barely any balsalmic vinegar flavor. Salmon was great. Very poor performance 4 out of five meals. Rep dinner so at least it was free read more

My husband and I went here on a weekday night at 7:30 PM and it had quite a lot of people there in a good way. food was really good. service was fantastic and warm. great date night spot. read more

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Was in town for convention and ate here twice for lunch. The gnocchi was great and the spicy penne were my two favorites. The place has great vibe love the wine bottles all the way around. Wine is great. I will say service can be a little slow at lunch when busy with conference staff. read more

The main bar, dinning room, and patio are all spacious and nicely designed--with a retractable glass ceiling that adds a stunning open-air feel. There's also an additional uncovered patio for those who prefer a more outdoor experience. The staff is consistently warm and professional, making the service truly impeccable. That's one of the reasons we've become regulars. We tend to stick with our favorite apps and whatever fish special is featured that day--always a great choice. read more

Il Culaccino - 06.27.25 Fish special - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I live nearby and have actually not been to Il Culaccino in person, but it's on my list. I've actually ordered a good amount of takeout from there though, and have usually had very positive experiences! The food is always made fresh and fast. I usually go with the vodka pasta anywhere I go and the one here is pretty good! I wish the sauce was a little more flavorful, but it's pretty solid and I attribute it to being takeout that it gets a little watery. The chicken dishes are all pretty good too - we have had a variety of them. This is my go to when I have friends over and want to get some Italian food - without having to cook it myself. Staff is always helpful! read more

Il Culaccino - Nonna's Meatball Salad, Fried Calamari, Chicken Limone, Chicken Marsala, Tortellini Carbonara, Pipette Vodka - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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We came to Il Culaccino when we were at a conference. The restaurant was nice and close and had amazing food! I ordered a pasta bowl which came with just the right amount of food for lunch and was incredibly tasty. The indoor outdoor area of the restaurant was very nice since it allowed so much natural lighting. The only issue we ran into was having service as they seemed to be a bit understaffed. We had to ask multiple times to the servers and the busser to order and another two times to receive our checks. Overall not a bad place to go when you have the time. read more

Il Culaccino - Outdoor space - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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When you walked in, it has the old-style Chicago charm with dark wood and red leather booths. The waitress took us to a nice window table overlooking the patio. The place is very clean. This was my first-time dining in, but I've taken out during Covid. I think the food tastes better on site or maybe it is a different chef. The Italian Burger came out medium as requested. There was a lot of bell pepper which looked colorful and appetizing. The herb bun was toasted with butter which makes it hard to leave behind. It was loaded with crispy string fries. The linguine was clams was just the right balance of wine, cream, and butter. It was creamy, but not too rich. The food did take a while to come out considering there were no other guests, but I'm willing to wait for delicious food. The waitress checked back on us twice, but did not rush us considering the light traffic. I would like to return for their Happy Hour during the weekdays 3-6pm and try their selection of wines. read more

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Food was good. Service was below par. Ambiance looked nice. It is a wide open restaurant good for large groups. Very loud inside and definitely not good for an intimate meal. It was hard to hear the people sitting at our table due to the noise level. We had after dinner shots of Szambuca which were generous portions serviced with 3 coffee beans. Probably would not return for dinner but a good place to mingle and have drinks when by the convention center in Chicago. read more

Wonderful service. Walked in had a reservation and was seated right away. The waitress was so knowledgeable and kind. Brought water and menus. Made some suggestions. Food was delicious the portions were plentiful. Will definitely be back again. read more

Old school Italian comfort food. It is well executed and the service is excellent. Very nice covered outdoor seating is available

Great location ! Came for lunch. Our service was great for a table of four, we had the meatballs. they were very tender. The sandwiches are very generous. I recommend getting some sauce on the side for dipping. I can't wait to come back to try the carbonara! read more

This place is a staple of the neighborhood. It has some of the best Italian food around and really good wine and cocktails as well. The owner always comes by and says hello to my friends when we visit since they're regulars. I tried the eggplant parm and it was delicious. They also have a really nice, humongous covered patio. Parking can be a little tough in the area, but they have a lot and valet as well. read more

Il Culaccino - Spicy Penne Pesto - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great location and service highly recommend whether you're looking for a quiet place to get some food or to sit at the bar and have a great experience read more

Il Culaccino - Cabernet - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I came to this restaurant last year during a trade show and ordered pasta. I specifically asked for it to be al dente, but it wasn't. I decided to let it go at the time. I came back this year, ordered pasta again, and once more asked for it to be cooked al dente. Unfortunately, it still wasn't. When I mentioned it, I was told that for the chef, the pasta was al dente. As someone who is 100% Italian, I can assure you it was not. I would expect an Italian restaurant in Chicago to serve pasta the authentic way. Service was good. Ambiance is good. read more

Il Culaccino - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Our group of five dined at Culaccino in late February. The location from our hotel was ideal. The interior is impressive! Love the color scheme and open design. A female hostess seated us promptly in a booth. Our waitress was much better up front with service and then fizzled. My visit was on a weekday an hour prior to close and it was pretty busy. Our female server was great when present. She smiled and was even bubbly. Mains hit the table different times around 25 minutes or so after. Appetizers were quicker. My gnocchi dish was awful and not finished. It likely had been sitting and reheated, It was dry and lacked flavor. Our waitress did not follow up until I gave up with a complaint on the dish. Drink refills were sporadic by a water boy. Others at the table had better luck with their dishes. Close out of the check by our server was slow. Prices seemed fair. I would not return, nor recommend. 2.5 rounding up. read more

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My friend and I stopped by here to have lunch. I had the chicken limone padtaand she had a pasta with chicken and mushrooms, but I don't remember the name of it. For dessert we had the tiramisu. The food was very good, but I only gave it four stars because I wish it came with bread or a side. I will be returning to try something else. read more

So, here's the deal. I'm rather discerning when it comes to food in general, but Italian food is non-negotiable. It's either good or it's not. And, I've tasted it when it is mind-expandingly awesome. That tends to only happen inside of Italy. The bar is lower here in Chicago, but that bar didn't clear at Il Culaccino (which means the wine stain). The burrata appetizer was good. It was a decent start. However, the vodka pasta was a train wreck of bad decisions. First, the pasta itself was so overcooked, and possibly microwaved at some point, that is had the consistency of mashed potatoes. I had a bite even after mushing my fork into the gushy abomination. Nope. Al dente is not just a suggestion, it is a mandatory. So, that experience was just enough to make me not even want to comment on the noisy, clearly non-Italian environment, because I am not going to make the same mistake again. read more

Cute place for group lunch/dinner. Average food and service - nothing bad, just not very impressive. Pasta doesn't not taste very authentic compared to other Italian restaurants I have been to. I will give 3.5 stars if but I can, but not a 4 yet. There's a self park garage and I'll recommend street parking instead. Self park is $13 for 2 hours with validation. read more

Il Culaccino - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I needed a spot near McCormick for a business lunch and Il Culaccino came up when I searched on Google Maps. It's about a 7-8 minute walk from the 'front' of the convention center, or the 'Traffic Circle' area where ride shares pick up. I had lunch on the 2nd day of the conference here at around 1:15pm and it was mildly busy, but our food came out very quickly. I had a Caesar salad with a tiny side pasta with vodka sauce. My guest had a chopped salad with the sausage pasta. He really enjoyed it. Service was attentive and our waitress was very nice. I definitely think it's a solid choice if you're looking for a spot to eat near the convention center without having to go too far. read more

Attended a math competition at McCormick place with my kids over the weekend, we ended up eating here twice. Food was well priced, kids meals had large portions, I thought service was great too. It was NOT the best pasta we've had, but certainly way better than hotel/convention center food. We especially appreciated the warm bread :) 5 stars! read more

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The food was decent. The pasta was not homemade (not that I'm an expert). I asked the waitress if I could have grilled chicken parm instead of breaded and fried and she wasn't sure and didn't offer to check. I normally make this request at Italian restaurants and they have always accommodated my request (even Olive Garden). The sausage was really tough. I'm not sure I've ever had parmigiana cheese in oil for my bread dipping sauce. I prefer oil with seasoning. The outside seating was adorable and the weather was perfect for an outdoor dinner. read more

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average italian restaurant. came here with a large party for a work function. I know it's not easy to serve a big group, but the food was just average and the service was a little slow. the appetizers were better than the main courses - in fact I really enjoyed the bruschetta and the calamari was also pretty good. but the main courses were just average. this is not a real Italian place. as for dessert, the cappuccinos were half full and not super hot. likely will not return. read more

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The atmosphere was ok, but the food was horrible. The chicken parm was dry, slightly burnt, and a lack of sauce and cheese. Yes, the portions were massive (the waiter claimed it was one pound of chicken), but what a waste of food. And the waiter was pushy as if he needed to turn the table when there were hardly any customers. read more

Stopped here for a quick lunch while at a conference at McCormick place and was thrilled with the enclosed patio seating and the speed of the meal - and important aspect for work lunches. I ordered the carbonara ravioli and the portion was big and the meal was flavorful. Definitely a great business lunch spot! read more

Il Culaccino - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The food was okay, nothing very special. I don't know why I was expecting more. As other reviews have stated here and on yelp, their service sucks. That is one thing to be aware of. Also the place is absolutely blastingly loud. Not energetic, just people yelling over each other. This place is absolutely not good for a business dinner. read more

Made reservations for lunch for my friends birthday. It is also the beginning of Chicago Restaurant week, so I also wanted to check this place out for that as well. When I arrived, the place was visually empty, but I could already smell the aromas from whatever they were cooking up. I love the ambiance, very nostalgic. There is plenty photo memorabilia as well as wine bottles singed by famous people over the years. Even though I came during the first day of restaurant week, my friend and I wound up ordering off the regular menu. I had the Gnocchi, which was divine! She got a chicken fish from the menu and enjoyed it as well. I cleaned my plate, not a crumb left. When we were done with our entrees, the waiter brought out a complimentary tiramisu for the birthday girl! I was so impressed and also surprised. Not a lot of restaurants put that extra effort in for special occasions. All in all, I enjoyed my experience. It's right across from the Wintrust arena so I'll keep that in mind when I'm there for a game or special event. read more

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Considering that this place is very close to McCormick Center where I attended a conference, I wasn't expecting much. My Italian sausage sandwich was pretty tasty. And it was huge. I only ate have and boxed the rest. Luckily, my hotel room had a kitchen with a fridge. Service was fine. The biggest issue though was that it was extremely noisy. Lunch was served in the screened in patio area. The sound of the neighboring discussions seemed to get amplified by the glass walls. Verdict: good to eat, not so good to have a discussion during the meal. read more

The outdoor space is really nice and perfect when the weather is nice. Service was a bit slow but the server was really nice and made sure to check on us as much as he could. The food wasn't bad. We started with the meatballs which were really tender and pretty flavorful. The dish of the night was definitely the gnocchi al forno with the melted cheese. Soooo good! The sauce was delicious and it's very cheesy for sure. The only disappointment was the pipette a la vodka. The sauce wasn't very flavorful and didn't taste like vodka sauce. Plus it was pretty dry. I would definitely skip this dish and order something else, it was pretty disappointing. There aren't too many Italian places in the neighborhood, that I'm aware of, and I would probably go back if I was craving Italian. read more

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The staff were very nice and accommodating. The interior design is rustic and old-school. The food is decently priced and not bad. The sauce in their linguine with clams is amazing! There were a lot of clams, but they were all a bit on the smaller side. The tiramisu is good, too! read more

8/13/23 It's been a minute since I was last in Chicago. After NY, this is one of the better cities to find home-cooked style Italian food. Not over the top fancy but a solid meal you miss from time to time. I was here for an event, and this was close to the Marriott Marquis. Not super busy for a Sunday night and the service was ok for sitting at the bar. My eggplant parmigiana was a solid 4, with enough pasta to satisfy but not make me overfull. --------------------------------------- Follow up 8/15/23 I had a good experience the other night, and my friends were looking for dinner. It's a good mile+ from McCormick Place, and not everyone was able to walk the distance. The short, seven of us ordered a variety of dishes. The non-vegetarians (I'm veg) really enjoyed their dishes as well. We used DoorDash. I'm not taking points off for that, but Yelp, please help us out. The Dasher got lost (again - I helped another friend with dinner the night before) and was 30 minutes late with our food. It wasn't hot, but what choice did we have? They are supposed to know the area they are delivering to, and it felt like we were asking them to come to another city. Il Culaccino made a good impression on me to order for a lot of out-of-town friends so I'll be back. read more

Il Culaccino - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The appetizers were tasty but the pasta & risotto were not as good as Traders Joes frozen items. Very overpriced for the quality.

Hidden gem in the heart of south loop. Walked in and was able to get a hightop table in the bar on a busy night with basketball and concerts going on across the street. A really nice patio with retractable glass roof. Our server Rob was friendly and made recommendations of what to order. We split the burrata salad which was phenomenal with pesto and grilled bread. For entrees the egg plan parm and chicken Milanese was cooked to perfection. Portions are shareable and filling. Overall great service and ambiance. read more

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First time visitor to Chicago. Found this great Italian restaurant with lovely ambience and delicious food. The service was prompt and friendly. I definitely recommend it.. read more

Il Culaccino - Nonna's meatball salad and ribeye. - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Came on a Sunday evening with a reservation and enjoyed our meal. They have valet parking available for $15 which is by far the cheapest option if there's an event going on. Otherwise plenty of street parking available. We ordered the calamari and meatballs as apps and both were good. Generous portion of calamari and 4 meatballs with the order. Our entrees (pictures attached) were also generous portions, especially the Chicken Milanese. While the food was tasty it's definitely not as authentic Italian as they strive to be. That being said if someone was looking for a restaurant in South Loop near McCormick, I'd recommend. Service was okay, slow at times but they were busy so it was understandable. Ambiance was a lively and they have a nice patio when the weather permits! read more

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In a town that has a ton of really good italian restaurants, we thoroughly enjoyed Il Culaccino. The spicy pesto pasta was outstanding and the gnocchi was fantastic. The service can be a tad slow at times during peak times, but they were very attentive and took care of us. The restaurant itself is fairly stereotypical italian, but great for both lunch and dinner. read more

Had dinner here Monday evening with a group from work. They were sitting everyone outside, which gave major pandemic vibes, which was a bit disturbing, but since it was a nice day, I guess it was okay. I had the meatball salad and it was pretty good. Restaurant is very close to the Hyatt McCormick, which was convenient. Only about a five minute walk. read more

Il Culaccino - Nonna's Meatball Salad - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois