Topo Gigio Ristorante Reviews

We had the best two Italian dishes that we’ve ever had while at Topo Gigio. The CONCHIGLIE MEDITERRANEA and CONCHIGLIE alla SARDA were both absolutely phenomenal. It is a beautiful restaurant in Old Town and just THE BEST food ever. Highly recommend!

The Wells Street corridor in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood is a go-to destination for nightlife and entertainment, including Second City and Zanie's, but it also features some of the city's most popular restaurants and bars. Daytime or nighttime, Wells Street north and south from North Avenue is busy, busy, busy. Nobody is busier than Topo Gigio. Located at 1516 North Wells Street, a half-block south of North Avenue, it is an Italian ristorante and bar with old world charm and flavor. And top-notch service, too. On this Saturday afternoon, my wife and I joined her cousin and friend for lunch. Too cold to sit outside so the interior was crowded. No problem. Our waiter, Miguel, a veteran of many campaigns, was equal to the task, handling our table, then another one, then another and another. He made sure everybody was aware of the day's special and that nobody left hungry. We started with bruschetta and minestrone. For an entree, my wife chose veal limone, a wonderful plate of veal scallopine with vegetables. I opted for Topo Gigio's signature Lake Superior whitefish, a huge filet with vegetables. Our table companions favored fetuccine de gamberi with shrimp and fusilli alla topo gigio with chicken and mozzarella. As Italian as you can get. For dessert, what else? Three orders of tiramisu in large bowls with strawberries and whipped cream and one order of chocolate mousse cake. My wife and I have dined at Topo Gigio many times in the last 30 years. And we have never been disappointed.

Friends and I ate here on our girls trip to Chicago - there is a lot of variety to choose from, food was very tasty, and we enjoyed our wait staff.

The patio at Topo Gigio is really private, pretty and quiet-you will forget that you are on Wells Street. My husband and I ate here before heading to Second City for a show (it is just a quick walk away from the venue). The service was great, and our meals were both excellent. My husband had the fish special, and it was fresh with excellent flavor, and he loved the giant capers it was topped with. I had a delicious tortellini dish (I wish I could remember the name...), and it was AMAZING. The portions are large at the restaurant, and I felt that the price was very reasonable for Chicago. The atmosphere was nice, but casual-most people were wearing business casual or jeans, a few people were dressier. During our meal, it started to rain, and the servers brought out large umbrellas for all the tables, which worked well. We really enjoyed this restaurant and have added it to our list of favorites for when we are in the city.

We had a large group come here for a fun dinner. The restaurant was crowded but it didn’t feel that way. The staff does a great job of taking care of everyone and making you feel like you’re the only people there. We ordered practically everything on the menu and every one of us was over the moon about what we ordered. Strong recommendation!

The restaurant is obviously very popular. It is a bustling, lively place with good service. I was surprised by the reviews that said the quality of food was very good. The flavor profiles in all of the dishes we had were flat. The dishes were over salted. The meat balls were of a strange consistency. The waiter, only after our meal was complete, asked how we enjoyed our food. I said my dishes were not very good. He wanted to argue with me as if he knew how the food tasted to me! One person in our party was pleased with their food. I would never eat at this restaurant again. The food prices are reasonable so at least I didn’t waste a large amount of money; but, unfortunately I did waste money and a night out eating at Topo Gigio in Chicago.

Long term family owned fixture on Wells. Not a fad place to eat, so it is unassuming, extremely cordial and comfortable. Outdoor seating front and back, nice bars. Great place for groups and events.

Recently visited this restaurant because I was told it was Italianly Delicious...and it was really good. Service was impecable as we had some house bread and water. Dishes and portions were really generous but everything was delicious. I recommend sharing plates if you are a healthy person. Tortellini were great as well as the eggplant parm. Cheese was good and prices are reasonable for the amount of food they serve. Try their desserts...Canelloni, cheesecake, and tiramisu great! Clean and well organized staff. Definitely will be back on summer. Thumbs up for the menu and photos.

I dined at this restaurant last night. First of all we were crammed into the smallest table I have ever sat at. Secondly there were tables crammed against us on either side. I was less than 2 feet away from complete strangers during covid. NOT SMART. Second, I accidentally left my credit card there. I figured it wouldn't be a problem to get it back. I called first thing upon their opening the next day. I was told that it was there. When we went to go pick it up they said they shredded it. I have to now order a new credit card and change my number on over 20 accounts that it is a payment method on. To top this all off, the manager was the biggest a**hole I have ever interacted with and was unapologetic. DON'T EVEN BOTHER GOING HERE. MANY BETTER ITALIAN RESTAURANTS IN THE CITY.

Apparently you shouldn’t go to a place as a single diner…. Even when you arrive at 5:15 and they aren’t too busy. While the food was really good, the server couldn’t have cared less about me. He ran through the specials and took my drink order. I placed my food order while other patrons who arrived after me were munching on their fresh bread and oil. I got my meal relatively quickly, but with no bread- so I asked and they brought some. I ate my meal slowly and enjoyed it quite a bit. The young man who brought the water came by and offered to box up my meal- and brought it back. However, I waited close to 30 minutes before finally having to go up to the hostess stand to get my check. I was so excited to take my leftovers home on my plane ride home tomorrow, I even made plans to go purchase an insulated bag- but I was so frustrated by the service I honestly didn’t want any memories of eating here. Which makes me so sad as it was highly recommended to me by a native Chicagoan co-worker (and I decided to walk nearly 2 miles from my hotel to see this part of the city. I was looking forward to the exceptional service I read about on other reviews after having a bad experience at a different restaurant the night before. What a bad “taste” this will leave me with in my last night in Chicago.

Has been a go to destination anytime in Chicago. Atmosphere is great and in good community. The food is made to order. I had seafood risotto and it was amazing. My son had sausage dish. Scallops were amazing! Will continue to visit. They are just like family.

The place was packed when I arrived mid-week. We ate at the bar as we did not make reservations. The ambience was perfect with a nice blend of millennials and non- millennials. There is outside seating as well as a more rustic bar exterior to the main dining area. Incredible pasta

This restaurant has a great atmosphere and service was spot on. Bus boys need to relax a little, always trying to grab your plate before finishing but I guess it’s better then them not clearing. We ordered the baked clams as appetizer, they were good but little too much breadcrumbs on top. Our main dishes were excellent! I ordered the clam linguine and my friend had a pasta with a creamy red sauce with sausage.. We both couldn’t stop eating. I ordered the tiramisu and wow was that yummy. I would go there just for dessert! Overall we really enjoyed our meal. We will definitely be going back!

Christmas dinner and it was wonderful. The atmosphere was great and the food was too. I ordered an off menu special, Lobster Fettuccine. My wife ordered an off menu dish, gnocchi with shrimp. Just a great Italian restaurant. One of our stops every time we come to town.

I really don’t know where to start. Go before your reservation and hang out in the bar. AMAZING FOOD. Take your time and enjoy- if u think service is fast ask them to slow it down. Everyone is so attentive. Really really really enjoyed Topo - Thank you for a great dinner!

Went here on the recommendation of Drew and Michael at the Hotel Lincoln. Lovely restaurant, who managed to fit us in even though on our first time it was quite late, and the place was very busy. The food did not dissapoint and we enjoyed superb dishes including Osso Bucco and Steak Medallions. The portions are generous, the waiting staff are courteous, and the wine was very good also. Thoroughly recommended

Had an excellent dinner here. My husband and I shared a bottle of Prosecco and a panzanella salad, which were very good. I had the stuffed chicken in a mushroom sauce and my husband the eggplant Parmesan- both were so tasty, and the portions were huge. Thought the prices were very good. Excellent and attentive waiter. Unfortunately, no room for dessert.

This is a classic Italian restaurant in Old Town that has been here for years. So we met friends for dinner, and had a great table in a bustling restaurant, with a great waiter - Miguel. Food arrived promptly, as did our drinks throughout the evening. We had classic dinners all around of garlic shrimp, chicken, and beef - all very good. Topped it all off with a tiramisu to die for! Great spot, will go back for sure. Make reservations though, or you will wait a long time for a table.

We never miss an opportunity to visit this traditional Italian restaurant. Everything is fresh, made to order and very nice sized portions. Love the atmosphere so much and they do a wonderful bit of holiday decorating so everyone feels festive. The bars (indoor and outdoor-yes outdoor! though well sheltered in winter) are very popular in no small part due to the awesome bartenders. Veal or chicken piccata is great and almost any pasta dish is a winner. This is absolutely our go-to spot.

Delicious classic Italian food. My friend who used to live in Chicago took us here because she used to love the place so much and I can see why. The vibe is fun (albeit very crowded) and lively and you get the sense that the food is made by an Italian grandparent. It was very warm and cozy on a cold Chicago night and smelled delightfully of garlic and fresh bread. We had a table of 6 ladies (two pre-teen girls) and the service was outstanding. Food was delicious - definitely comfort food. Everything was very fresh and nicely prepared. We had reservations and had to wait 20 minutes past our reservation time, but it was worth it. Glad I was able to experience it!!

I visited this place with colleagues and we found everything to be excellent. They clearly use high-quality ingredients, and the difference in taste is noticeable.

I thank trip advisor reviewers for their reviews of this restaurant. My husband is not a fan of restaurants, we mainly eat home, since I live to cook. However on our recent trip to Chicago we are here after a trip to the zoo. Such a friendly, warm atmosphere. The food was delicious. My husband had seafood fra diavolo. I had shrimp with fettuccine. We also shared a salad, I ask the waiter about the oil, it was delicious. He brought out the bottle and I found the brand online and purchased it. Regarding my husband he kept talking about how great the meal was and how he truly enjoyed it. If you can get here for lunch or dinner, do not hesitate. (Down the block from SCTV.)

Wow, this quirky restaurant is buzzing with chatter, clinking of glasses and a happy friendly atmosphere. The menu choice goes on and on. So many to choose from, that’s why you’ll want to go back. I had the sea food pasta, fresh pasta and the sea food was cooked to perfection. Any out of towners this is definitely a place to visit.

Outstanding service, fabulous cuisine, mid-range wine list, and still cannot say enough about the Outstanding, Old School Service...... A place of style and elegance that one just does not find that often anymore.... Nice to see the staff and clientele in jackets and ties.... We did a four course run; everything was perfect from fresh greens, seasoning, food temperature, presentation, mixology, and the ease of service and style..... The digs were packed and, everyone was sharing a great time..... WE HIGHly recommend Reservations and, being prompt.

The ambiance is bustling. The food is fantastic (get the Tortellini a la panna). And the indoor-outdoor bar is so much fun. Old Town neighborhood is filled with locals and this is one restaurant you'll have to experience. I bring all of my out-of-towners here.

We waited over an hour for my meal which was an appetizer for me and pasta for my husband. There were tables all around us that came and went before our meal arrived. I spoke to the manager and he claimed that my scallops took over 30 minutes( which any cook knows is not is true) and told me nothing he could do. We have lived in Chicago over 15 years and the other time we have dined here we a similar experience with poor management. We thought we would give them another chance tonight . Save yourself the hassle and go to Orso’s across the street. They have similar food and I have had nothing but excellent service and treatment there. I am sorry to say I give this restaurant the lowest rating and they did nothing to make the situation OK.

Topo has long been a neighborhood favorite. The food, the service, the atmosphere -- all old school. The dining room has a cozy, unpretentious and crowded ambiance. The room is usually full (so expect noise), the atmosphere is upbeat and the staff is competent and friendly. The menu is standard Italian fare. There are some tasty gluten-free options including gluten-free pasta. (But no gluten-free bread -- hope that changes soon.) Come home to Topo.

A most satisfying experience. Delicious food, great atmosphere, good service... the total package. Started with grilled Calamari for an appetizer. This had a very nice sauce and you drizzle some Lemon on top and it was exquisite! The bread they brought out even before the Starter was warm and mmmmmm good. Had to get more of that. I got the Minestrone soup. I was initially thinking what self respecting Italian restaurant is not going to have a Minestrone soup? Actually this one they offer it only on Saturdays! This was by far the best Minestrone I have ever tasted. The tomato base on the soup was delightful. Would highly recommend. For the main course I got a Chicken stuffed with Spinach and Cheese and topped off with Porcini Mushroom sauce. It came with some Asparagus as well. Delicious again. To close things off my wife and I split a Tiramisu (yes, you are thinking how cliche). This was a large portion of Tiramisu and it was a good thing that we split it. Once again a Home Run. Delicious and not too sweet. Only complaint I have is... no Napkins in the Restroom to dry your hands. The waiter was very helpful, full of information and attentive to our needs. My wife had a couple of glasses of Malbec wine which she enjoyed greatly as well. Overall, felt like a European experience right in the middle of Chicago.

This restaurant is in the North side of town which I have never visited. It was a pleasant surprise to find Topo Gigio in such a cute neighborhood. The food was very good. I ordered the chicken parm, my husband got a grilled fish w/ veggies and my son ordered a pasta with marinara sauce. We were all very satisfied. The only thing is that I wish they served better bread. But I guess that doesn't matter as much as the main dishes :) Buon appetito!

Located in Old Town - easy train ride + short walk from downtown hotel-lots of neat shops and bars in the area. Check out the spice store next door for sure. Topo Gigio was cozy with great service and outstanding pasta dishes (we tried 3 plus the scallops appetizer). Good wine selection as well. Definitely recommend and will return on next visit.

Excellent food and excellent service! We Bruschetta, Seafood pasta and beef tenderloin in Barolo sauce that was delicious! The Cannoli is one of the best I’ve ever had! Highly recommend!

Excellent service and dishes on the menu that are not old Italian. I adore burrata which was nice to see. Interesting salads, especially Joe's salad. Very nice.

Topo Gigio is a nearest side North Chicago restaurant which is very busy and reservations should be made. Our group had entrées which ranged from spaghetti and meatballs to Mediterranean black Seabass All entrées were better than expected! We had been told this was a good restaurant, but that was an understatement. Miguel, our server knew even the tiniest details of each entrée and how it was prepared. He was very helpful. If you go, make sure you ask about daily specials. My Mediterranean black Seabass was one of the specials for today.

Everything about this restaurant just feels like you are part of the family, from the atmosphere, to the friendly service, to the homestyle Italian cooking! The food was delicious and our server was very friendly and helped with our selections making great recommendations! We really enjoyed our evening at Topo Gigio's!

Brought a cousin with a friend here for pre-Second City dinner. Greatly enjoyed the decor, music, our wait staff, and dinner. Burrata was wonderful and we enjoyed all the Conchiglie Alla Sarda and Spaghetti with Meatballs

While visiting Chicago our hotel recommended Topo Gigio which was a short walk from the hotel. We decided to walk over after an evening storm. The restaurant was busy on a Wednesday night, obviously very popular. I was pleasantly surprised that we were seated right away on the patio. The menu offered a wide variety of options. We started with calamari fritti. I ordered risotto frutti de mare delle marches and it was excellent. My friend ordered the chicken parmigiana and said that it was also outstanding. The service was prompt and courteous. We will definitely return the next time we are in Chicago.

I almost abandoned the idea to encounter a real Italian restaurant in the US, but then I went here! We had excellent fish and linguini with shrimp coupled with a just right light hearted Sangiovese. Nice Ambiente , they are also very patient with little kids. Prices are very reasonable for this quality of food.

It’s an annual trip we travel into for with friends over the last several years. We love the food, atmosphere and all the staff. Can’t wait for 2024 or maybe try and sneak in another visit soon!

On a recent Monday night in Chicago, we thought we would return to Topo Gigio for a relaxed dinner. We had been there previously in July. In the frenzy of that summer dinner our service was friendly and efficient, the environment was vibrant and the food was exceptional, if not formal in its presentation. What we expected on a cold Monday night in March was a quieter dining experience. What we found was a smaller seating capacity that was every bit as busy. We shared grilled calamari and prosciutto di parma, both of which were fresh and tasty. The prosciutto was good but not spectacular and it was served with red peppers and bufalo mozzarella, both of which were a good complement to the salty meat. My fusilli alla topo gigio was served with chicken breast chunks, four cheeses and a mixture of creamy rose sauce and thick tomato sauce and the conchiglie mediterranea that my wife ordered which included shrimp, scallops and pea pods. Both were served piping hot and both were delicious, despite the fact that it wasn't what I asked to be served. I had asked for the chicken and fusilli to be served with the tomato sauce but without the rose sauce and with only two of the four cheeses. I guess he decided he would disregard my request and give me the dish I had asked for. It was delicious! We had some wine (three generous glasses), a beer, a cappuccino and some chocolate gelato and our bill, with tip, was about $80 per person. Great food and very good, fast service.

Why is it named after a puppet from The Ed Sullivan Show? Who cares? It is a great Italian restaurant that delivers time and time again. They have a great wait staff and know their menu. Make this a no-brainer when you are looking for a great meal.

Love this place. Great vibe. Authentic. Terrific staff. Calamari is great. Go for the grilled. The veal is sublime. With a Chianti, you have happy taste buds.

I've been to this restaurant at least 100 times. The food is excellent. Some of my favorites are the linguini and clam sauce, the pasta made with arugula,the veal Milanese (which they will make specially for you) and I contend that their whitefish plate is the best in town. I've had almost everything on the menu and I have found no dish that I wouldn't order again., The restaurant gets very crowded, so reservations are recommended if you are going to arrive after 6p.m.The waiters are very friendly and accommodating.

Mediocre food and unbelievably rude manager. Yelling obscenities in the middle of the restaurant and getting in the face of a 70 year old woman

My family was in town and we wanted a place to go before the show at Second City. The food was delicious, the menu had plenty of variety and the service was great. Our one small complaint was the old fashion really wasn't an old fashion.

We took our family here for a fantastic meal. Everything is good, start with the garlic bread and it gets better with every order. We wrapped up a lot of food for the next day. It was just as delicious.

Topo Gigio is located the Old Town section of Chicago within easy walking distance of the Lincoln Park Zoo, Second City, and Zanies comedy club. The restaurant has indoor as well as street and back patio dining. There is an indoor and outdoor bar. The wait staff all wore masks per current city Covid regulations. The staff was polite and attentive. The food was excellent with a great selection of pasta dishes as well as a “Secondo” course of seafood and steaks. I would highly recommend Topo Gigio if you are in the area and craving Italian food.

Sat at bar with all of their regular locals The whitefish was amazing as well as the the bartenders and customers.

We really enjoyed dining here. I needed a gluten free meal and they were very accommodating. They can turn almost any meal on the menu into a gluten free option. Everyone in our party truly enjoyed their meal. The grilled calamari was delicious!

We were out for the recent Chicago 40th Marathon to watch our daughter run and they took us to Topo Gigio. We are so glad they did. The food and service was amazing as was the ambiance. We all had something different and had a chance to try each others dish ranging from Chicken Parmigiana to Striped Bass. Our waiter was knowledgable and pointed out a Chianti that was only $2 more than what we were going to order that was a Riserva - excellent!

Let’s start with a huge thank you to Marco, our server for truly awesome service. He did an amazing job and he was so personable and fun which really added to our experience. Okay, next the food. If WOW doesn’t explain it let me spell it out for you. The food is over the top delicious. We started with a caprese salad, a Joe’s salad with balsamic vinaigrette and a Caesar salad. All of the salads were a nice portion size and the dressings were delicious. We then moved onto the entrees; veal chop, veal limone, lemon chicken, spaghetti with meat sauce and a few other pasta dishes and everyone in our party raved about the food. We finished with Spumoni and cannoli’s until Marco brought over some complimentary limoncello’s. We had a truly wonderful evening and we can’t wait to go back again. If you’re in Old Town Chicago and looking for great Italian, Topi Gigio is the perfect choice. Wow may be an understatement on how great this meal was. Don’t miss this if you’re in the area.

Great Italian place in the ‚old town‘ of Chicago. Nice atmosphere and attentive staff. Food is also quite nice. Recommended.

Went here expecting good things; clams, chill on the patio and have some wine and Good Friday afternoon. Took our 10 pound pup because EVERY OTHER place around here allows dogs. Got there aaaaand No clams, no dogs allowed and hardly any service. Never again! I’ll get my clams, with my pup and a better atmosphere just about anywhere else in Chicago. The reason I gave 2 stars is because one of the guys was nice enough to give our pup a small container of water while we suffered through the rest of the “experience”... Ciao forever!!!!

This is 5 stars because the atmosphere is wonderful and it’s an old school Real restaurant which is rare on Wells St anymore. Fun, festive and friendly. 2 seriously great bars (one in the heated entry porch). Food is very good with daily specials. We love to eat at the bar if it’s two of us but the tables that line the exposed brick wall are good for conversation even though the place is usually crowded. The wines are always a good pour. This is our go-to spot when in Chicago.

Full of folks who are obviously regulars, at first I was put off by the name -- a throwback to the mouse of '50s TV. But the service and the excellent food. Our party shared an order of excellent beef carpaccio then onto pastas -- Linguine a la Vic Dimone was a spicy clam sauce -- if you don't like spice, DON'T order it; the day's special with shrimp, clams, scallops and mussels in a rosa sauce; and a special of grilled striped bass. They forgot our biscotti to accompany excellent coffee but once reminded, it was worth the wait.

The experience at Topo Gigio is always consistent. Unfortunately, the food seems to be inconsistent. Still worth it.

Came for late weekday dinner. The grilled calamari was perfect and the portobello and polenta excellent. Pastas were great they really load those clams onto the dish. Dessert special that night was a pistachio ricotta cake which was heavenly. It wasn’t too crowded when we were there but the servers were always checking on you and filling your glass.

Extensive menu of Italian classics. Calamari was on point - tender inside, good size, crunchy breading but not too heavy. The chicken with cheese, spinach, red sauce (sorry forget the name but about halfway trough the list of chicken dishes) was excellent. The food and servers were authentic Italian. We were outside on the patio where the strung lights transported us away from Old Town Chicago.

My husband and I have been going to Topo Gigio for several years. We love the food, the staff and the atmosphere. An Old Town must!

Absolutely loved this place. One word of advice! Come HUNGRY! Omg their portions are ginormous but for someone that LOVES food, Italian food at that, this was a perfect pick. Upon arrival, the place was PACKED but tables were not crowded together, which is nice considering we are still in the midst of a pandemic. The place is pretty big with front outdoor seating, back outdoor seating and indoor seating. We sat inside in a little corner that was semi closed off. The wait staff is very attentive and friendly. The hubby and I ordered a Caesar salad and minestrone to share, then feasted on two very delicious pastas; hubby had the Garganelli con le Luganighe and I had the Conchiglie alla Sarda. We also had a bottle of chianti which we allowed the waiter to choose. Wine by the bottle is very cheap here so don’t be afraid to splurge. Ours was $45 and tasted like a million. Usually, we will have dessert but given our pasta dishes were plentiful, we passed on it this time. Didn’t have a car to park but it looked like a busy street with lots of restaurants and bars. We stayed near the Magnificent Mile and the uber was just $18. Would definitely come back here again!

Don't try and buy a gift certificate from here, the person who deals with that is both inefficient and unpleasant. I think I will just spend my money elsewhere from now on. There are a lot of choices in the city of Chicago, this is one I won't be making anymore....There is nothing so special about this place that I need to endure nastiness

This was our first time to Topo Gigio. We had a party of 8 women relatives. The menu was extensive ... so many choices! We all ordered various varieties of pasta. The portions were big and tasted delicious. The wine was very good. We splurged and got desserts too ... so glad we did! Our server was attentive but hesitant at first to split the check, which is hard because there were 8 of us; however, they eventually split it into 3 checks for us. (This was appreciated, although we may consider going elsewhere with such a large party in the future. With all of us ordering drinks, dinner, and dessert and spending a considerable amount of money there, we'd assume a restaurant would be very willing to accommodate splitting checks. Yes it takes a bit more time, but it also is something that is easy to do to please the customer.)

Stumbled across this little gem on our way to a show in Old Town. We were very surprised and pleased. Casual setting with some open air space in the back. We were seated quickly. Wait staff was attentive. Excellent menu selection of Italian dishes. Pricing was very reasonable. Will definitely be back if we are in the neighborhood.

We had just returned from a month-long vacation in Florida and an old friend, Roy Curry, the legendary football coach at Robeson High School in Chicago, called to say I had been inducted into the Chicago Public League Football Coaches Association's Hall of Fame, that he had accepted the award for me in my absence and we'd get together so he could personally present me with the award. Both of us are retired now and it's been a long time since I have talked shop with Roy. So we agreed to meet for lunch at Topo Gigio at 1516 North Wells Street in Chicago's iconic Old Town neighborhood. My treat. Over a wonderful lunch of beef and barley soup, whitefish and spaghetti with meat sauce, we relived the past 30 years...the players, coaches, teams, games, good times, bad times. Roy grew up in Mississippi and was a great quarterback--he played at Jackson State and could have been the first black quarterback in the NFL--who said the biggest regrets of his life were his decisions not to play in the Canadian Football League and to turn down George Halas' offer to play on the Chicago Bears' taxi squad rather than retire from football. Both of us have come a long way since I first met him in 1968 while he was taping his players' ankles in a locker room before a game at Gately Stadium. He loves Italian food and was very impressed with Topo Gigio, one of my longtime favorites. Miguel heads a knowledgable and attentive wait staff. The atmosphere is charming and filled with old-time memories, a lot of Chicago history. And the food never disappoints. We'll be back. There are still so many stories to tell.

I go visit my daughter in Chicago about 5 times a year. She lives in Old Town and the area is teeming with small neighborhood restaurants. Went to this place for the third or fourth time last weekend. Menu is varied. Pasta and gravy are outstanding. Portions are large. Waiters are knowledgeable and the service is outstanding. Every entree in our group of five was delicious. If in the area, go there.

Make reservations for the weekend. Very busy and crowded. The food was so good and fresh tasting. I had the shrimp with rice and the shrimps were tasting and seasoned well. The service was great cause they were on top of it. Extremely warm in the restaurant many people. I would highly recommend this place. Before dinner I visited a few places nearby and this was the perfect location.

MAKE A RESERVATION!!!! This restaurant came highly recommended, and did not disappoint. Friendly staff, eclectic decor, and great menu. Courses came at a reasonable interval, allowing you to relax between and never felt rushed. Minestrone was super noteworthy and fantastic!!

After a pleasant day on an architectural tour my husband and I decided to go to a restaurant that was a favorite. Well, that opinion went out the window. I t was early (4pm) on a Saturday when we got there. We were seated immediately and we sat and waited and waited for at least 20 minutes before our waiter acknowledged our presence. We were seated where we could see the waiters standing around laughing and talking and totally enjoying themselves. Finally, our presence was acknowledged and we thought ok it will be better. We placed our order and things were well spaced and timed well but I got what I ordered but my husband's order was totally wrong, not even close. My husband didn't want to challenge them again so he ate the dish, said it was good. We decided on dessert I ordered a slice of pumpkin cheesecake and my husband order another cheesecake flavor, my piece was still frozen with ice crystals throughout. Our visit was so sad because this is a favorite place.

The smoked salmon & Atlantic salmon farfalle is to die for - but sun the homemade tricolor pasta and you perfect it. I can say nothing more except that we keep going back for this.

I don't know the Italian names of things so bear with me as I describe the food. The fried calamari was excellent--crisp and light. The pasta with sausage and peas was SO good and filling. The spaghetti and meatballs was a delicious classic. We went without a reservation and got seated in about half an hour on a busy Friday night. The servers were attentive but didn't hover. One check-in to make sure things were alright, then they left us alone to talk. If you go, sit outdoors (unless it's mid-winter). Much more ambience.

My wife and I live on the Gold Coast, a few blocks from the North Wells Street Corridor, the popular restaurant/bar mecca in the historic Old Town neighborhood. Over the years, we have visited most of the restaurants along the strip. Some of them, like O'Brien's and Bistro Margot, are no longer in business. But Topo Gigio is alive and thriving. And it has become our favorite destination for lunch. Located at 1516 North Wells Street, it has been offering traditional Italian cuisine with a Tuscan-style approach for over 25 years. It also features a quaint bar and garden and sidewalk patios. Not to mention superb service. Open at 11 a.m. Monday through Saturday and at 4 p.m. on Sunday, It has built a well-deserved reputation as perhaps the finest Italian restaurant in Chicago. The dinner menu features an array of outstanding pasta dishes with chicken, rigatoni, fettucine, linguine, penne, spaghetti and meatballs, veal stuffed tortellini, hand-made potato gnocchi, clams and shrimp. Also veal, beef tenderloin and breast of chicken. We usually prefer lunch to dinner because it isn't as crowded and we always order the last item on the menu--Lake Superior whitefish backed in lemon, wine and caper sauce with vegetables. With tortellini soup in chicken broth with spinach and parmigiano cheese and bruschetta with garlic bread, cherry tomato, mozzarella, prosciutto and basil. And we always order the same dessert--profiteroles, cannoli filled with pastry cream and smothered with chocolate sauce. For lunch, it doesn't get any better than Topo Gigio.

Looked for a place to eat before Second City. So glad we found this place. Classic Italian food and a wonderful atmosphere. The waiters were attentive and helpful. I had halibut which was better than I have ever had. My friend said her pasta was delicious.

I had the grilled calamari, which I highly recommend. Not at all like the tiny calamari rings you get in most restaurants . Veal chop was flavorful and perfect temperature. Moderately priced as well.

My family has been coming to Topo since before I was born. It is a great family spot - amazing atmosphere and great food. You honestly can't go wrong with anything on the menu and the service is always top notch. If you are in the Old Town area and looking for great Italian food and a vibrant atmosphere, this is the place for you. I would high suggest calling and making a reservation. Walk ins are always welcome, but you will more than likely have a bit of a wait on your hands. These are some of my favorites: Grilled Calamari, Tortellini alla Panna, Conchiglie alla Sarda, Spaghetti Risotto and any of the specials!

Early dinner experience that was filled with great Italian cuisine, friendly service and a great setting. Chicken and fish dinners were excellent - great soups and appetizers. Flavorful and big portions. Would come back.

We ate at this restaurant last evening. It’s an old favorite of ours. The service was excellent, with each phase of the meal being well timed (no long gaps). The mozzarella and tomato appetizer was great. We had a vareiety of pasta dishes that were all delicious. The restaurant has valet parking for $12.

We love everything about this restaurant. Location, food, service, everything! There are lots of good Italian restaurants in this city - and then there's Topo Gigio!

It was very busy for a Thursday night. Service was attentive and friendly Wine prices were reasonable. The food was very good, pasta, fish, and a veal chop and the portions were mighty. It was crowded, and the tables were tightly packed, so it was noisy, and got pretty warm as the evening progressed.

From the moment you walk into Topo Gigio, you know you are in for an entertaining and enjoyable dining experience. My wife and I have been going to Topo Gigio since 1983 and we've never been disappointed. Located at 1516 North Wells Street in Chicago's historic Old Town neighborhood, south of North Avenue, it is an Italian ristorante and bar with old world charm and flavor with blitzkrieg service coming from all directions. The obligatory water and hot bread with olive oil arrives before you sit down. Your water glass is never empty. Coffee, anyone? Second cup? Dessert? This occasion was special, my wife's 82nd birthday. Day II of her week-long birthday bash. There is a crowd for lunch but our waiter, Cesar, is ready with the specials. Love the beef and barley soup. For an entree, my wife chose one of our long-time favorites, Lake Superior whitefish, with carrots, cauliflower, beans and broccoli. I opt for spaghetti with meat sauce and four house-made meatballs. It is rated one of the best dishes of its kind in Chicago and I won't argue the point. How about the coffee? My wife hasn't tasted coffee in several months but she was looking for a warmup. It was a delicious imported brand. Good for a second cup. No dessert. A large German Chocolate cake was waiting at home. But it's hard to pass up Topo Gigio's tiramisu. With 82 candles?

It was a gathering of the ladies who lunch--Gail, Judy and Harriet--and their restaurant of choice is Topo Gigio at 1516 North Wells Street in Chicago's historic Old Town neighborhood. Miguel, the longtime head waiter, wasn't present. But his soldiers carried on and never missed a drum beat. Crowded but not noisy is how they described the atmosphere and they were seated close enough to the bar to notice. But good service and even better food is the order of the day at Topo Gigio. It's a Wells Street staple with convenient parking in the old O'Brien's lot next door. Gail chose her old standby, Lake Superior Whitefish with capers, wine sauce and vegetables. Judy had a grilled Alaskan salmon salad with Radicchio and Romaine lettuce with asparagus and prosecodi valdobbiadene vinaigrette. And Harriet opted for Joe's Salad, the specialty of the house, which contains everything in the pantry, including walnuts, red onions, tomatoes, mozzarella, capers, artichokes, cucumbers, spinach and string beans with balsamic vinaigrette dressing. That and a lot of friendly conversation about the latest Michael Connolly mystery book (Gail), politics (Judy) and antiques (Harriet) goes a long way. No time for dessert. Maybe next time.

Old world atmosphere. My wife and I were in Chicago to see the Cowboys play the Bears and wanted a local place with charm. Topo Gigio did not disappoint. The owner took the time to say hi. The food was outstanding! Highly recommend this gem of a place.

While visiting Chicago we were getting together with some friends before going to a Comedy Club for dinner. We were pleasantly surprised by the service and food. Waiter was very attentive and explained the specials, appetizers, etc. My husband and I had the pasta with clams and shrimp and was delicious. Had a couple of bottles of wine as well and really enjoyed our evening. Will definitely recommend.

Our son had been here before and was anxious to take us. We had a lovely dinner. The food, service, ambience were all excellent.

There are so many things to like about Topo Gigio, the bustling Italian ristorante on North Wells Street in Chicago's historic Old Town neighborhood. The food, of course. But also the Old World atmosphere. The impeccable and friendly and knowledgable service. And the cozy bar. So I joined two friends for lunch. One lives on the North Shore but recalled when he lived in the neighborhood and was a frequent visitor to Topo Gigio. I've lived in the neighborhood for 42 years and am a frequent visitor. My usual order includes whitefish. So imagine my delight when our waiter announced that Branzino was the special of the day. My favorite fish, a tender and tasty and meaty Mediterranean sea bass. With mashed potatoes and broccoli. One friend seconded my motion. Our companion chose linguine with jumbo shrimp and zucchini, cherry tomato and basil sauce. No capers, please. We also shared an order of bruschetta with garlic bread and cherry tomato baked with mozzarella and topped with prosciutto. We munched and chatted for 2 1/2 hours. Time flies when you're having fun and eating well.

Four of us had an early dinner here on a Sunday over Memorial Day weekend prior to a Second City show. My wife and I ordered appetizers and a salad. The other couple split an entree. We also split a bottle of red wine. The food was good and the service was prompt. In spite of all of the other glowing reviews here, we found this to be the least memorable meal we had that weekend.

BEST RESTAURANT IN CHICAGO!!! I absolutely love this place. The food is incredible but The best part is the atmosphere. Always lively and fun, it is the best spot imaginable for a date night or an evening out with friends. And the owners make it such an amazing, memorable experience. I very highly recommend!!

After having been invited and attending a high end cocktail party nearby, we decided to fall in. Obviously from the pictures attached, you too can see that the food was both delectable and enjoyable. The whitefish with capers is to die for just as an FYI .Drop in and you too will become a regular.

Went with eight other friends The hot bread to die for homemade with freshly grated Parmesan We had pasta dishes fresh fish and seafood with pasta All outstanding along with service No leftovers but worth it not too expensive

Our go to Italian in Chicago. This place has it all. Lots of regulars, lively bar scene and great food. What else is there

I was finishing my Italian beef sandwich after ordering takeout from the new Pop's Italian Beef & Sausage restaurant on West North Avenue when I received via IPhone a photograph of my wife and two friends sharing a delicious looking spumoni ice cream dessert at Topo Gigio Ristorante at 1516 North Wells Street in Chicago's historic Old Town neighborhood, about a block from Pop's. Lunch at Topo Gigio is one of our favorite activities. It's a traditional Italian eatery with full bar that emphasizes traditional Italian dishes and impeccable service. Miguel, a very friendly and knowledgable waiter, made sure my wife and two friends had an enjoyable experience. They ordered two chicken salads and one salmon salad, then shared a large plate of spumoni. My favorite dish is Lake Superior white fish with capers, the signature item on the menu. Whatever you order, from bruschetta to tortellini to spaghetti to Saltimbocca to tiramisu, you won't be disappointed. Topo Gigio has been a popular dining destination for over 25 years, one of the cornerstones of the North Wells Street corridor.

First time here and what a meal. My wife, son and daughter went out on a Friday night to enjoy some Italian food. My son made reservations at Topo Gigio Ristorante for 7:00. We got there early and had a drink at the bar. Drinks were served by two bartenders who were extremely friendly despite being very busy. They definitely created a great start to our evening. Nice wine list and cocktails were reasonable price. Nice to be able to enjoy a drink before dinner. You can't exaggerate how good the dinner was. Appetizer of mussels in garlic butter sauce was awesome and plentiful for 4 to share. We all got different main course to pass around. Black Linguine with Shrimp, Scallops and Salmon (the special of the night), Chicken Cacciatore with Italian Sausage, Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce and Garganelli con le Luganighe. All were outstanding. Service was friendly and very attentive. Prices were more than reasonable. All in a very fun atmosphere. Nothing else you could ask for. I would seriously give the entire staff an A+ form bartenders to the Food service. Never stop making sure you were pleased. What a great night out. Couple notes. They do have valet parking right next right next door to the north of the restaurant. Making reservations is a must and they stick to the time you reserve. Go early and enjoy the atmosphere at the bar it is busy and fun.

I wanted something light to eat (which is a challenge at an Italian restaurant). I order grilled chicken breast and steamed vegetables; a menu item. The chicken was so overly seasoned or marinated and the vegetables were soaked in butter. I barely ate half of the meal and didn't enjoy any of it. The other 3 people in my group enjoyed their menu entrees and the service was good to warrant a 3 star rating for an overall good experience. Wait staff was very nice too.

Stopped by on a busy Friday eve for dinner without reservations. We were greeted warmly and told that we could not be seated until 9pm. While waiting only a few minutes, the young lady approached us and said she could fit us in . We were lucky . Great menu, lively restaurant with a warm and comfortable vibe. Our waiter was good at introducing the specials for the evening where we shared the Burrata as an appetizer.. Do die for !! My wife and I had the special pasta dish which was tasty and very enjoyable. I had the veal special which was excellent. If you want great Italian food in a cozy and cool place then go to Topo........

Excellent place. Very nice drinks and good food. Special mention for the bartender- great cocktails and super energetic and friendly

After shopping on Wells Street in Old Town, we asked a local store owner where to have lunch and she raved about Topo Gigio. We loved the Burrata appetizer, Joe's Salad and the amazing pasta shells with sausage, prosciutto and peas in a tomato sauce. Delicious and the staff is very nice!

My daughter and son-in-law spoke highly of this Italian restaurant in Old Town near where they live. The atmosphere was very lively and the service was very good.There are many good choices and specials. There was 5 of us and a few of us got wine and two got beers. We discussed appetizers and salads and decided to share two orders of the Joe's salad- they split it up into five plates for each of us and it was a great start. On person got the minestrone soup, two got farfalle due salmon (delicious sauce over farfalle pasta with smoked and cooked salmon), one eggplant parmesean and I got the halibut special which was delicious. The servings were rather large. We got cappuccino and cannoli and chocolate mouse cake after the meals. A great dining experience.

Great food! Excellent atmosphere! My son loved his gluten free pasta dish; they happily substituted a fresh gluten free pasta in place of the linguini!

I’ve been eating at Topo Gigio for years. Food is always great. Today, October 7th 2021 I came and brought a bunch of friends with me. I new they would become longtime customers. I even talked up the restaurant and everything. After a walk with the dog we show up starving and excited to eat. The staff instantly shooed us away after we nicely asked for outdoor seating, stating there are absolutely NO DOGS ALOWED! Not even outside. They made this very clear in a not so kind way. I was shocked how aggressive they were towards us. Mind you my dog is a service dog. And it’s not like we asked to sit indoors. In one of the most dog friendly cities in the US, I was quite surprised by they’re “no dogs whatsoever rule”. Needless to say we found an even better restaurant just a block down the street called Orso’s. Still Italian and they were kind and very welcoming not only to us but the dog as well. They even gave her her own water bowl. If you enjoy lunching or even dinning outside with your furry friends skip Topo Gigio all around and head straight for Orsos. Unfortunately Topo Gigio lost a long time customer and potential new customers, but Orsos gained 8 new ones.

The atmosphere makes it feel like a restaurant in the Piazza della Rotonda in Rome, the service is efficient and professional, anticipating your next request before you've even made it and the food is tasty, the presentation is exciting and the quality is spectacular. My fusilli Topo Gugio was prepared al dente, with four cheeses, a bolognese sauce and pancetta. It was delicious, served extremely hot and was just the right size of serving. We also shared an insalada mista and an order of grilled callamari and enjoyed the fresh, crusty bread and a delicious bottle of red wine. With cappuccino and two desserts shared between the four of us, the meal was complete.

Topo Gigio was recommended by the Hotel Lincoln staff. Since it is within walking distance we decided to give it a try and it was a great choice! The seasonal butternut squash ravioli was amazing and my my daughter's pasra was delicious as well. Recommend making reservations.

Forget curbside tables, an inner courtyard, which is really outdoors was the perfect setting for dinner. Hot crusty bread starters, large well tossed salads, and huge portions of well seasoned, eye appealing dishes provided culinary satisfaction. Think of splitting pasta orders, especially if you want to finish with a delicious dessert. We made reservations and had no wait. Wait staff was prompt and attentive. And since my choice would be made to order, I was told it would take 30 minutes to prepare.

Atmosphere, service, and food.. this place has it all! Prices were reasonable and our group of nine all enjoyed a variety of entrees.

We have been going here for years, when we have visitors in town, This is where we take them! Always great food, service and drinks! Their Antipasti table is fantastic so is the calamari, it is very hard to choose my favorite entree because I have NEVER been disappointed! Simply put a terrific resturant in a wonderful location OLD TOWN Chicago !

This restaurant is very close to the second city so it worked great for a pre show dinner. We went the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend without a reservation (2 of us) and had lovely patio seats no problem. Not only do they have a front sidewalk patio but also a lovely courtyard in the back. Service was wonderful! Constant water refills and multiple check ins throughout the meal. The pasta we both had was to die for, and very generous portions at a fair price ($13-15 with more expensive pastas being around 25). Lots of wine by the glass which we appreciated. Will definitely be back next time I’m in Olde Town!

Love the warm ambience and neighborhood vibe. Food is every bit as good as the trendier places that get more buzz - minus the pretention. Excellent service is the norm. Tried the whitefish with vegetables this time. Everything was perfect - seasoning, texture, temperature. Have never had a bad meal.

My husband has been talking about this restaurant for several years and it didn't disappoint. We all had delicious meals and would certainly return. Make a reservation.

Been dining there from way back...never disappoints. They have kept a wonderful menus for years and is always worth a visit if your in the area...Great food, Great staff, Great spot for a relaxing casual Italian meal...

Amazing Italian food. We found this place based on TripAdvisor reviews. Easily one of the best Italian restaurants we have visited. The food and service were outstanding. The pasta dishes were fantastic. My son and I tried the steaks, huge thick cuts cooked perfectly. Caesar salads were great. Can’t recommend this place enough. It is a small restaurant so highly recommend getting reservations by calling the restaurant.

We visit here for the past couple of Christmas’. The food was awesome as usual. I ordered the lobster tail seafood pasta with lobster cream sauce. We all enjoyed our meals at very reasonable prices. Short Uber ride from Michigan Avenue.

Ever since my wife and I discovered Topo Gigio Ristorante over 25 years ago, after we moved to within three blocks of the top-rated Italian eatery in Chicago, it has been our go-to destination for lunch, especially during the warm spring and summer months. Located at 1516 North Wells Street, a half-block south of North Avenue, in the heart of the historic Old Town neighborhood, it is a traditional Italian restaurant with a modern Tuscan-style approach to Italian cooking, a cozy bar and two outdoor patios. Open from 11:30 to 10 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11:30 to 10:30 on Friday and Saturday and 4 to 9 on Sunday, Topo Gigio is known for its bruschetta, minestrone and tortellini soup, veal scaloppine, Lake Superior Whitefish and tiramisu. All of which we indulge in during every visit. On our most recent visit, we started with bruschetta with garlic bread, cherry tomato, baked with mozzarella and topped with prosciutto and basil and bowls of minestrone and tortellini soup with chicken broth, fresh spinach and parmigiano cheese. For her main course, my wife had veal scaloppine sauteed in a lemon, wine and capers sauce with vegetables. I opted for my favorite, Lake Superior whitefish, baked in a lemon, wine and capers sauce and served with vegetables and roasted potatoes. For dessert, what else? Topo Gigio's home-made tiramisu is the gold standard of the signature Italian dessert, a great way to cap off a delicious meal.

Our family went to see Second City's Holidazed and Confused Revue at the Up Comedy Club and we ate at this restaurant after the show. The food was good and everyone enjoyed their meal.

This is a very charming little Italian hotspot in Old Town. The location is great. It's perfectly located on Wells Street next to a number of attractions such as Second City, Up Comedy Club, Zanies Comedy Club, as well as a ton of bars. The food was fantastic. My wife got the very popular Conchiglie Alla Sarda and I tried the risotto since I try to be gluten-free. Both dishes were great. If you are on a date I recommend being seated in the back away from the bar since the bar can get a little noisy especially if there is a game on. All in all I thought this was a great spot and it will continue to be one of my go-to Italian restaurants when I'm in the Old Town area. Source: Chicago local and owner of ChicagoDoneRight.com

We had an early dinner here before going to the theatre. It was a Friday evening and it seemed a lot of locals were there having happy hour after work. A fun, lively atmosphere. The food was really good too. Definitely recommend.

My husband had business in Chicago, and I decided to tag along. I had done a bunch of research and had chosen a couple highly rated Italian restaurants. However, a colleague had told my husband we absolutely had to go to Topo Gigio. He said every time he comes to town, he always goes. I looked at the reviews, which were good, and photos, which were not all that impressive. I just thought the food looked simple, almost pedestrian. Still, I agreed to give it a shot. Boy was that a good idea. This was some of the best, if not the best, Italian we have ever had! I love the ambiance, it's very old school and cozy. The service is friendly but professional. The food...oh, the food! We had the Calamari Fritti, Carpaccio and the Fennel and Frisee Salad to start. For entrees, we had the Campanelle alla Norma and Conchigli alla Sarda and all of it was phenomenal. I loved Chicago but I would make a special trip there, just to have some more of this delicious Italian. My mouth is watering.

The food was very good and the prices were not over the top. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone that visits Chicago.

I’ve been in this area many times over the years and have eaten at a few other places in the area but before today I have never eaten here. And it won’t be the last. My wife and I were in the area and walking down the street deciding which one of the places to stop into for lunch. We saw quite a number of people eating outside, so decided to try this out. We sat inside. My wife and I both had veal dishes. Both very tender and tasty. Good service as well from initial greeting, to order taking, and food delivery.

Topo Gigio is one of our favorite restaurants in Chicago's historic Old Town neighborhood. Located in 1516 North Wells Street, south of North Avenue, it is known for its Tuscan-style approach to Italian cooking. Always in the past, my wife and I have indulged in the whitefish for lunch. But on this occasion we were seeking to determine if the house's much ballyhooed spaghetti is as good as advertised. We started with bruschetta alla Roma, toasted rustic bread with garlic, cherry tomatoes, basil and virgin olive oil, prosciutto di Parma, slices of prosciutto di parma, mozzarella and roasted red peppers, and bowls of minestrone and tortellini in chicken broth, fresh spinach and parmigiana cheese. We also shared a wonderful salad, insulata di Gamberi, with large shrimp, fresh spinach, string beans with extra virgin olive oil and lemon dressing. I eagerly awaited the spaghetti con le Polpette, house-made spaghetti in a Bolognese sauce with meatballs. I couldn't have been more pleased. My wife was equally delighted with Saltimbocca alla parmigiana, veal saltimbocca and prosciutto di parma with pomodoro sauce, baked in mozzarella with cottage fries. It wasn't easy to pass up the whitefish, veal chop, veal scaloppini and grilled filet mignon, all Topo Gigio specialties, but the spaghetti and Saltimbocca were exceptional.

This past weekend my wife, daughter and I stopped in. It was a Saturday and we realized that maybe without a reservation we had little to no chance of being seated at a table. None the less we decided to give it a try. As we walked in the place was packed. From the moment we walked in and sat at the side bar, the bartenders were very welcoming and friendly. we were greeted by a host and made our reservations. We were informed the wait time would be approximately 30 minutes. We decided to grab a drink from the bar and within 15- 20 minutes a table was available. The place was quite charming, with a positive vibe. Our waiter was very helpful as we informed him it was our first time there. All 3 of our entrees and our appetizer were top quality dishes. Full of flavor, more than reasonable portions, delicious and very reasonably priced! I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for great Italian food. Top notch establishment! We'll definitely be back!

We were out celebrating our son's birthday. He picked the place. I was wondering if it was named after the mouse on Ed Sullivan's and it was. My wife said that was the best Calamari she has ever had. I liked it a lot as well. Other appetizers were also very good. Most had pasta and loved it. I had a steak and it was very good.

I highly recommend Rudy Torres, one of the bartenders at Topo Gigio restaurant Chicago for his great food and drink recommendations! He is also a very nice person who takes care of his customers and is very positive in his interactions with guests and makes a nice appearance! I highly recommend whatever entrees and drink recommendations he makes! You won’t go wrong! 😊 Bob Chicago

For as long as my wife and I have been going to Topo Gigio for lunch, Miguel has been the primary waiter. He comes with the franchise, with the bruschetta, with the Lake Superior whitefish. Affable and amiable and friendly and professional, Miguel has the air of a man who knows he's working for one of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago. It's entertaining and enjoyable to watch him work the tables. We always opt for a table close to the front window and the bar to get the best view. Of course, the show wouldn't be as much fun if the food wasn't as good as it is. Former Chicago food critic James Ward once said Topo Gigio is "the best Italian restaurant in Chicago." It's hard to argue. Located at 1516 North Wells Street in the heart of the historic Old Town neighborhood, it has masters a Tuscan-style approach to Italian cooking for more than 25 years. Check previous reviews and you quickly realize Top Gigio has accumulated a very large and loyal following over the years. We have our favorites on the menu--bruschetta, garlic bread with tomato, mozzarella, prosciutto and basil, tortellini in chicken broth soup with spinach and cheese, Scottish smoked salmon and Lake Superior whitefish with vegetables. Interesting, the whitefish is the last item on the menu. But it is irresistible. Over the years, we've also sampled the veal scalloppini and veal saltimbocca, spaghetti in classic bolognese sauce with house-made meatballs, veal stuffed tortellini in cream sauce and house-made fettucine with jumbo shrimp. But the Lake Superior whitefish tops them all. So does Topo Gigio.

We had to plan a rehearsal dinner party in Chicago but live in L.A., the staff at Topo Gigios were so pleasant and helpful every step of the way. We had the event at a different location and everything was absolutely perfect when it arrived. Everyone was so pleased with the food, it just couldn't have been prepared better if they had sent the chef with it! Thank you Topo Giogo for making our event a great success.

My husband and I hosted a rehearsal dinner for 57 guests upstairs in the private dining room at Topo Gigio. Therese most helpfully coordinated our menu choices, the seating arrangements, the evening's flow, and the wait staff. The space was lovely. Guests who have previously dined at the restaurant did not realize the upstairs existed, and they were charmed. Our servers were very attentive and gracious, and the food was delicious. This is a great spot for a private event.

I just left my cardiologist's office. The good news is I'm a healthy 85-year-old. The bad news is I should only eat small portions of pasta and pizza. So here I am at one of my favorite Italian restaurants, Topo Gigio, which has been specializing in pasta since it opened in 1988. Rigatoni, spaghetti, linguine, fettucine, gnocchi. Located at 1516 North Wells Street in Chicago's historic Old Town neighborhood, Topo Gigio offers a Tuscan-inspired cuisine that includes veal scaloppini and whitefish. The truth is whenever I dine at Topo Gigio, I usually order whitefish, the most expensive item on the menu. Open from 11:30 to 10 Tuesday through Saturday and 4 to 9 on Sunday, Topo Gigio always seems to be busy, inside and outside with a small but active bar scene. Today, I started with bread with olive oil, bruschetta with garlic bread, cherry tomato, mozzarella and topped with prosciutto and basil and a Caprese salad with beefsteak tomato, mozzarella, basil and extra virgin olive oil. For my entree, I chose Lake Superior Whitefish baked in a lemon, wine and caper sauce with vegetables and mashed potatoes. For dessert, Topo Gigio's signature Sicilian-style pistachio tiramisu with cake on top instead of ladyfingers always caps off a wonderful dining experience.

We had a variety of pastas and the stuffed chicken breast and all were yummy! Make a reservation as the line gets long quickly. Our food came out promptly, waiters were great and I would definitely go back!

We stumbled upon this place in Google Maps and saw the high marks and gave it a chance. And boy, were we glad we did. Excellent service and delicious food. I would make a special trip back to Old Town just for more of this place!

This is a classic Italian restaurant that is old school, but not a cliche’. This is a popular spot for couples and small groups. I prefer to dine at the bar when I’m alone and have had great, attentive service. I got there early one day and snapped this pic.

Originally five of us agreed to meet at a different restaurant across the street but it was very loud and we weren’t looking for loud. We noticed Topo Gigio across the street and entered on Friday evening at 5pm without a reservation. They managed to squeeze us in before the restaurant filled completely and we had a wonderful dinner in a much quieter atmosphere. I chose one of the evening specials, seafood fettuccine with shrimp, scallops and lobster in a cream sauce. It was delicious and I made a second meal of the leftovers the next day. My brother-in-law ordered another special, ossobuco, and we barely heard from him once it was served. He was busy eating every bite of it. Others had salmon, spaghetti with meatballs and pasta with muscles. A bottle of wine was shared. We all agreed that we had made a wise decision to walk across the street to Topo Gigio Ristorante.

The six people of our party had a great post marathon celebration dinner here. The restaurant was packed to capacity with an exuberant enthusiastic crowd appreciative of fine dining in a casual traditional atmosphere. Our waiter was prompt, attentive and had a phenomenal memory taking all six orders and answering questions without resorting to notes. We have all enjoyed great meals in Italy and this restaurant managed to tease the taste buds every bit as much. The food and wine were first rate and the amble portions made finishing the meal a challenge. The restaurant was lively and fun which only added to the enjoyment...loved it!

This Wells street staple is a must for anyone who enjoys atmosphere, great food and a very friendly place. This is a place you can go to with a group of people or a romantic dinner with your girlfriend. The bartenders are second to none. This was place I would frequent with someone special for dinner or for a last night drink and to meet up with friends. You will not be disappointed.

Restaurant was packed so it is very popular. Food is very good. Tables are close together and therefore it is noisy.

So fun and interesting setting. apps very good, staff efficient, Waiter so so not very warm. Wine excellent. Main course.... OMG enough of the garlic already. Every dish and side dish. Wonderful food disguised by way too much garlic. It is unique to older.second generation Italian restaurants..used to be used to.disguise.bad smells and tastes. Now it just ruins food. A little OK. This restaurant has all the makings of genius ruined by the disguise of heavy garlic. We enjoyed it but once was enough.

The food was delicious, and the wait staff was very nice. The restaurant has a good vibe. Wide selection on the menu. Great place to eat before a show at Second City. Just a block or two away.

If you like an old school style Italian restaurant, and I do, this is one for you. We were a party of four and we were seated at this unexpected outdoor area at the back of the restaurant. We started with a calamari fritti and caprese salad. The calamari was great, the caprese was good too, maybe the tomatoes were a bit lacking in flavor. I'm sure it'll be better when the local harvest becomes available. We all ordered various pasta dishes and all were delicious. I had the Fusilli all Topo Gigio and loved it. They plates were quite generous as you would expect. They have an excellent wine list that is very reasonably priced, you can find exceptional value there. I appreciated the service too, they have servers who look like they have been doing this forever so they know the menu, timing and make the experience more authentic. I strongly recommend this restaurant for its great food and value as well as an awesome location.

I used to live in Old Town and know how expensive it has become. It is St. Patrick's day and being named Patrick I figured that a spaghetti and meatballs meal would be ideal and not as crowded as an Irish place. I made the right decision. The food was very good. I was treated like a valued customer even tho I dress casual. The fresh bread with the olive oil dip was crusty. The coffee was tasty. The spaghetti that I have had a taste for the last couple weeks was just what I needed. I like good old school pasta and this was fine. I even had some wonderful spumoni . Their spumoni was 4 color/flavor. I never had that before and it was a good new experience. The biggest surprise was being the lunch menu, this was surprisingly affordable. I just loved the place.

We came with a large party, had made reservations, a couple months before hand. They split the tables up as they told us they would have to go and that was fine. Everyone seemed to love their food. I had the eggplant Parmesan. I was only slightly disappointed in that. Maybe it was a little too bit charred on the top seem to affect the taste a little bit for me. The service was very good, it was a Saturday night and we were warned a couple of times with our large party size that we would have a limit as far as how long we could be at the table. No one took offense we understand it’s a business

I have had dinner and lunch at Topo Gigio on several occasions and I am in awe in the consistently excellent food. Last night had the sea food pasta special that included lobster, bay scallops and shrimp with a sauce that tasted like lobster bisque. It was an absolute marvelous dish. We also shared Fritte Calamari and the calamari was tender and cooked to perfection.

It's been a long time since we last dined at Topo Gigio Ristorante. Truthfully, it has been a long time since we last dined out at all. Not since before the pandemic, almost three years ago. But we're baaaaaack. My wife and I love lunch at Topo Gigio, especially on the patio on a warm and sunny summer day. Which we finally experienced recently. Located at 1516 North Wells Street in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood, Topo Gigio was been rated one of Chicago's finest Italian restaurants for over 25 years. Open from 11:30 to 10 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11:30 to 10:30 on Friday and Saturday and 4 to 9:30 on Sunday, it features a modern Tuscan-style approach to Italian cooking with a full bar and plentiful outdoor seating. On our joyous return, we started with bruschetta with garlic bread and cherry tomatoes baked in mozzarella and topped with prosciutto and fresh basil and bowls of tortellini soup in chicken broth, fresh spinach and parmigiano cheese. We don't have to scan the menu to decide our choice of entrees. We always order the last and most expensive item, Lake Superior whitefish ($20.95) baked in a lemon, wine and caper sauce and served with vegetables. The size of the delicious whitefish filet is always large enough to fill the plate. For dessert, what else? This is an Italian restaurant, right? And my wife is half-Italian. Besides, the tiramisu is as good as we've ever tasted. Not to mention the swift and friendly service.

We had a group of seven before going to Second City on a Saturday night. The restaurant was packed with an energetic and friendly atmosphere. All of the pasta dishes were delicious, fresh and huge portions. Very old style homemade Italian food. The fusilli alla topo giglio and the garganelli with porcini mushrooms and sausage were hits. We were sorry we had to leave before dessert for the show. Friendly service too.

Started with the fried octopus. A bit chewy and served with a sauce I did not like. Got the Fusilli ala Topo Grigio. Studded with chunks of cold mozzarella. Hunted for the chicken bits. Left most of the unexciting sauce and pasta behind. Grabbed a snack on the way home.

One of my coworkers recommended this Italian restaurant. It did not disappoint. The waiter stated everything was made to order. There was six of us; each getting something different. The food was exceptional. This just became my favorite Italian stop.

Atmosphere was casual and comfortable. They have a cute covered patio with bar and a few tables, which is also dog friendly. The food and service was excellent and very efficient. It's right on the main drag in Old Town, which was fun too.

Tucked into the middle of old town, Topo Gigio is a fun place for dinner or a drink. They have a very large bar area in a converted courtyard off street and then the main restaurant next to it plus some upstairs facilities we didn’t see. Service is excellent and the food very flavorful. Everyone in our large party enjoyed their entrees. Appetizers were also great with intense flavors. Being run by second generation now, the restaurant features a slightly kitschy interior focusing on the Topo Gigio character from the Italian children’s show from the 60s. Don’t try to buy any of the Topo Gigio figures presiding over the main restaurant area, they’re not for sale and are a collection gathered over the years by the owners and from patrons. Great place for a cozy romantic dinner to larger group gatherings. Highly recommended. Cheers!

Good and attentive service, a generous pour of wine by the glass, nice atmosphere, but the food needs a little more attention. The fried calamari and the tiramisu began and ended the evening and were perfect, but wife and I had pasta dishes that were overpowered by tomato/gorganzola sauce. I had a pasta dish with smoked salmon and wife had butternut squash ravioli. The subtelty of both dishes was overpowered by the sauce. Generous servings, served piping hot, but a little more attention from the chef could have made all the difference.

This restaurant can be somewhat crowded however it is definitely worth the effort for a great Italian meal. The waiters are knowledgeable and helpful. The wine list is excellent and the preparation of the food's is par Excellence. I highly recommend this restaurant for an Italian dinner.

A wonderful place, not uptight, but a place you can truly enjoy some of the best Italian in Chicago with family and friends. Portions are large and the flavor is even larger.

This restaurant is a beautiful fusion of excellent Italian food, whimsical atmosphere, and WORLD-CLASS service.

This Italian restaurant is excellent! There is outdoor sitting in the front of the restaurant as well as the back. The back is much better The food was excellent and the service was even better! From the drinks to the dessert and coffee, we couldn’t ask for anything better. We will be back!

The place is ok, the service is acceptable, the food would be good if was not overwhelmed with too much garlic. Less garlic and less spinach because in the modern Italian cuisine nobody use anymore garlic and spinach!!!!

We had dinner here on a Friday night based on the 20 year old raving recommendation of my parents and it did not disappoint! Wonderful service, delicious wine, and food that we talked about the next day. We had made a reservation inside but the outside patio seemed like a great atmosphere & the bar was busy. Highly recommend!!

We were staying nearby and dropped in (no reservation) for dinner on the sidewalk (nice while the weather is good, given COVID). They offered about 5 great sounding specials. We ended up ordering one pasta dish with seafood, and the whitefish with veggies. Both dishes were huge. I could eat only about 1/2 the fish and was stuffed! It was a gigantic filet. My husband loved his pasta - really nice marinara and plenty of mussels, calamari, and scallops. Needless to say, he ate it all (he's a big eater). If you're not a big eater, consider ordering off the appetizer menu; they have several nice options. Kitchen service was a bit slow - we probably waited 20-25 minutes for our food - but our server was wonderful and our sidewalk seat was really pleasant. Recommended!

Happened on Topo Gigio after a show and looking for a late dinner. We arrived just before the kitchen was about to close. The staff was very inviting and accommodating to us. I had the white fish which was Superb my wife chose the eggplant which was Excellent, my daughter chose the Tortellini which was Second to None! and we are proud of our pastas in St.Louis "The Hill" A Wonderful dining experience! Luke

Wow, delicious food! Really great, highly recommended! Good Caprese and good steak. Please note: the portions are generous! So don't be afraid to share because most dishes are really big

The atmosphere in this restaurant is great! The food was awesome and very affordable. The service was hands down on point! It’s no doubt a popular spot in downtown and very worth the trip!!!

This place was busy, but we were seated quickly and provided friendly, prompt service. We ordered more than we could eat, but the Rigatoni and Spaghetti with Meatballs were delicious. It’s located in Old Town within a block of The Second City Comedy Club. We enjoyed our dinner prior to the show and felt lucky to have had such a great experience.

Fantastic night with family- first time here for me but clearly a favorite for those I was with and I can see why. Very busy on a midweek But great service amazing food you could taste the love

The recommendation was spot on. A 10-minute taxi ride, and in we went. Welcomed into a busy ristorante,and seated near a table of ladies enjoying themselves(who helped with some suggestions). The food was excellent,wine list nice. Really enjoyed the night. And would recommend to anyone,family,group.It has indoor,and outdoor as well.

My husband and I come once a year to dine and we are treated like we are the best customers they ever had. Service at the bar is impeccable. And it’s nice to sit outside if weather permits. Excellent wine selection. This is not your Olive Garden. Recipes are a tradition here. Don’t miss an opportunity to visit this place

Beautiful outdoor seating area. Amazing starters as options. Salads were overdressed to the point they should be soups. Service staff is overwhelmed. Others in the restaurant were actually hollering for service.

While in town visiting our daughter we wanted a nice Italian dinner, and hoped for outdoor seating. As it was a Saturday night in September, we found that reservations were difficult for the normal busy period of 7:30 PM, but were told that outdoor seating was first come/first served, so we took a chance. We had a brief wait, and were seated on the enclosed patio. As the evening was cool, we were glad of the heater near our table. Was got an order of calamari, which was outstanding. Between four of us we had a nice mix of pasta dishes, some with meat, some with seafood, and one eggplant. All were excellent and serving size was very generous. Attentive service, and although busy, the service flowed well. Very pleased with this dinner.

Easily the best lunch on my 90 day tour of USA (through day 55). Penne alla Vodka was to die for. Perfected cooked pasta delicious sauce. Bread was great and the service was good (very Italian). The two other lunches were excellent also, but I can't remember. :-)

Came here on a Saturday night before a 2nd city show. Parked in a private lot less than half a block away, for only $12. Sat on the outside (but covered and heated) patio. We arrived at like 4:45, so it wasn’t crowded yet. No reservation (inside was full of reservations). It was a little loud once it got busy, but otherwise a great experience. Waiter was friendly and knowledgeable, attentive. I had a seafood pasta, friend had spaghetti and meatballs, husband had a steak. It wasn’t the best Italian ever, but it was very good and I would return. We had a great night!!! Lots on the menu to choose from!

Here we are, seven of us, sitting down to lunch at Topo Gigio, the popular Italian restaurant at 1516 North Wells Street in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood. But I'm the only one who has dined at Topo Gigio before so I was anxious to see how the others evaluated their first-time experience. Did they enjoy the food? The service? The atmosphere? Too expensive? Would they come back? Would they recommend Topo Gigio to their friends? I'm a big fan. In fact, that's why were are here instead of a restaurant in the suburbs. My recommendation. My wife and I have dined at Topo Gigio many times since moving to the Gold Coast in 1983. Love the signature item, Lake Superior whitefish. I also recommend the spaghetti and meatballs. But I'm a traditionalist. The best sellers on the menu are Conchiglie Alla Sarda, Fusilli Alla Topo Gigio and Tortellini Alla Panna. Open from 11:30 to 10 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11:30 to 10:30 on Friday and Saturday and 4 to 9 on Sunday, Topo Gigio has a reputation for being a popular gathering place for old-timers and the nightly crowd from nearby Zanies and Second City. Our waiter, Roberto, gave a thorough briefing on the specials of the day and the menu. I was going to order my favorite, Lake Superior whitefish, until Roberto mentioned that Branzino was one of the specials. I was introduced to Branzino, a meaty and tender and delicious Mediterranean sea bass, a few years ago while on vacation in Florida. Whenever it is on the menu, I order it. This version came with mashed potatoes and asparagus. Meanwhile, my friends were enjoying their experience. We relived old times, old friends and old games. Lots of fond memories. No one ordered whitefish but they sampled the Tuscan cooking by ordering Panzanella alla Roma, a huge salad with chopped tomatoes, garlic, red onion, artichokes, capers, balsamic vinegar, Umbrian extra virgin olive oil, basil and oregano; conchiglie alla sarda with seashell pasta in a tomato cream sauce with ground sausage, peas and pecorino cheese; Fusilli Alla Topo Gigio, corkscrew shaped pasta in the house's four-cheese sauce, pancetta and savory pieces of chicken; Fusilloni tocco Delicato with large corkscrew pasta, arugula, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, shaved parmesan, garlic and oil; Garganelli con le Luganigke, hard rolled Gaganelli pasta, porcini mushrooms and sausage ragu with parmigianbo reggiano; and Petti di Pollo Marinato alla Greglia, grilled chicken breast marinated in the house's special blend of herbs and spices and seasoned with vegetables. No appetizers, no desserts. Just good fish and pasta and chicken and conversation.

Visited a couple of years ago and again recently. Food was still excellent, generous portions and impeccably prepared. Service this time, however, left much to be desired. Waiter was surly (initial pleasant attitude immediately changed when we didn't order wine/drinks - guess he didn't think we'd be good tippers and turned out he was correct). I'd still recommend for the food and pleasant outdoor dining in a vibrant neighborhood.

Great meal on New Year's Eve. Good sized portions, superb service, great atmosphere. Highly recommended.

The pastas and portions are really good. This is a local place and they dress up for dîner. Women are in dresses and men are in polos... Be aware! Price is reasonable.