• A wide variety of vegetables are commonly used in Italian recipes.a bounty of italian foods resting on a cutting board image by David Smith from Fotolia.com
  
  Thousands of visitors flock to Chicago each year to enjoy this famous city's culture and attractions. Favorite spots include Millennium Park, home to art displays, music and architecture, and the Adler Planetarium. After a day exploring Chicago, guests can find a variety of restaurants to choose from, especially Italian cuisine.
  
  

Ristorante Al Teatro

• lasagna and salad 1 image by Brett Mulcahy from Fotolia.com
  
  Guests of Ristorante Al Teatro enjoy a variety of appetizer dishes available to start such as the bruschetta, insalata caprese and mozzarella with roasted red peppers. Main course favorites include the penne arrabbiata, vegetarian fritatta, poached fish with pesto sauce and spaghetti pomodoro. Al Teatro also offers homemade pizzas featuring a wide choice of toppings as well as signature pies such as the "Ariecchino" which is topped with smoked prosciutto and fontina cheese. For dessert, try a slice of ricotta cheese cake or a scoop of gelato. Join Ristorante Al Teatro for dinner Tuesday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant is open on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for brunch and from 5:00 pm. to 10:00 p.m. for dinner. Al Teatro is closed on Mondays.
  
  Ristorante Al Teatro
  1227 West 18th St.
  Chicago, IL 60608
  (312) 379-3981
  alteatro.us
  
  

Cafe Bionda

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  Cafe Bionda is a chic Italian eatery featuring an outdoor patio dining area as well as an elegant interior dining room. To begin the meal, guests have a choice of classic Italian appetizers like crispy fried zucchini, fried calamari and baked clams. Entree selections include the spaghetti with Italian sausage, linguine with clams, chicken parmigiana and veal Milanese. An extensive wine and cocktail list is also available. Join Cafe Bionda for lunch or dinner from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight on Friday, 4 p.m. to midnight on Saturday and from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday.
  
  Cafe Bionda
  1924 South State Street
  Chicago, IL 60616
  (312) 326-9800
  cafebionda.com
  
  

Tuscany Restaurant

• spaghetti image by bofotolux from Fotolia.com
  
  At Tuscany, guests find a varied choice of traditional Italian dishes with a contemporary influence. Soups, salads and appetizers are available to start, such as the minestrone soup, caprese salad or classic bruschetta. Main course favorites include the veal ravioli, capellini with tomato sauce, chicken piccata and eggplant parmigiana. A comprehensive wine list is available as well, featuring both imported and domestic choices. Visit Tuscany Restaurant for lunch on Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dinner is served Monday through Thursday from 3:30 to 10 p.m., on Friday from 3:30 to 11 p.m., Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m. and on Sunday from 4 to 9 p.m.
  
  Tuscany Restaurant
  1014 W.Taylor St.
  Chicago, IL 60607
  (312) 829-1990
  tuscanychicago.com