Ресторан · Chicago · ⭐ 9.7/10 · 5092 reviews · $$ · updated: 2026-06-30 12:49:16
Address: 59 W Hubbard St #2, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
Il Porcellino: River North’s Red-Sauce Standard-Bearer
Chicago has no shortage of ambitious Italian tasting rooms, which is exactly why Il Porcellino matters: it does the opposite. Housemade pasta, garlicky bread, meatballs in Sunday gravy — the “little pig” of Hubbard Street has spent a decade proving that Italian-American comfort food, executed with real technique, never goes out of style.
The Story
Il Porcellino opened in spring 2015 as a Lettuce Entertain You trattoria from the Melman family — R.J., Jerrod and Molly — with a founding menu shaped by chef Doug Psaltis. Ten years on, it has settled into the role every neighborhood dreams of: the reliable Italian place locals actually use, not just recommend.
What to Order
The rigatoni alla vodka is the undisputed house favorite — imported rigatoni in a classic tomato-cream sauce that regulars refuse to let leave the menu. Ribbons of pappardelle, the garlic bread and the meatballs cover the classics, while chicken cacciatore delivers the old-school braise. In summer, watch for specials like lobster fettuccine with sungold tomato pesto. From the bar, the Caprese Negroni — fresh mozzarella-infused gin, basil vermouth, tomato-infused Campari — sounds like a joke and drinks like a discovery.
The Space
A warm, wood-toned trattoria with a proper bar, Sinatra on the speakers and a busy sidewalk patio when the weather allows. It’s casual enough for a Tuesday and polished enough for a client dinner, with a glow that flatters everyone after sunset.
Who It’s For
Pasta loyalists, River North office crowds at happy hour, families early and couples late — anyone who wants Italian food that comforts rather than lectures.
Good to Know
Do I need a reservation? Recommended on weekends via OpenTable; on weeknights the bar usually has walk-in room.
Is lunch served? No — service starts in the late afternoon, which makes this a dinner and happy-hour destination.
Is there a happy hour? Yes, an early-evening window with friendly terms on drinks and snacks at the bar.
What about parking? Valet is offered, and nearby garage spots can be pre-booked through SpotHero.
Does the patio take bookings? The patio runs through the warm season; mention it when reserving, though some tables are held for walk-ins.
Opening hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 16:00–21:30 |
| Tuesday | 16:00–21:30 |
| Wednesday | 16:00–21:30 |
| Thursday | 16:00–21:30 |
| Friday | 16:00–22:30 |
| Saturday | 16:00–22:30 |
| Sunday | 16:00–21:30 |
Photos
Show 2 more photos
Visitor reviews
Reviews last updated: 2026-06-30 12:49:16
Data is refreshed monthly. Sources: chicago-trend.com and editorial picks based on reviews.
Мій перший візит до Il Porcellino, і все було чудово. Часниковий хліб з топленим маслом – обов’язкове замовлення, а соус песто настільки смачний, що варто взяти гарнір і покласти його на все. Кожна страва була смачною, д…
«Il Porcellino» не був запланований, проте я був такий радий, що зірки зійшлися, щоб ми туди потрапили. Як аматор, я ніде не бронював столики в суботу ввечері, а в списку очікування нам довелося б чекати годинами. Однак…
Мені дуже сподобався мій досвід в Il Porcellino. Атмосфера була неймовірно приємною, ідеально підходила для особливого вечора.
Обслуговування було винятковим. Нам пощастило, що про нас піклувалася Ізабель, і вона була ч…
Нам дуже сподобався цей заклад! Було дуже людно. Цезар та кальмари були чудовими. Моїй дружині дуже сподобалася локшина паппарделле. Я також вважаю, що лазанья була смачною, але не зовсім варта галасу.
Ми дуже вдячні за…