My dad took me to La Scarola and claimed it was some of the best Italian food in Chicago! I had to see for myself! Some street parking available nearby! The interior of the space is exactly what you'd expect from a family owned, authentic Italian spot: checkered tablecloths, pictures of celebrities and movie posters on the walls, and an air of possible mafia activity ;) Service was wonderful and kept things moving nicely throughout the busy Friday night dinner rush! The food was phenomenal! We had an assortment of appetizers, mains, and dessert to enjoy with our bottles of wine! My favorite dish was the Rigatoni Chiaverini, which included meatballs and a creamy vodka sauce. So flavorful and delicious! Would absolutely return for that! read more

See all

La Scarola is such a classic Chicago staple that everyone should experience at some point. The atmosphere is lively with an open kitchen and talkative servers. The walls are lined with hundreds of celebrity photo showing just how historic the place is. I've tried many pasta dishes here over the years, and I've never been disappointed! Anything with their vodka sauce is my favorite. My only criticism of the restaurant is that I've been there twice at a table where you can smell cigarette smoke, which I assume is from the bar next door. Otherwise, it's a great place! read more

La Scarola - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Something about La Scarola felt nostalgic even though it was my first time here. It's been such a long time since I've gone to a restaurant that gives you bread. The workers were nice and helpful without being overbearing. We ordered sausage & peppers (forgot to take photo), pasta nero, pasta mandera, linguine & clams, and tiramisu. The scallops in pasta nero were so soft (can't eat shellfish but still tried a small bite), and everything was really good and so saucy, and the portions are SO big!! It's pretty loud and crowded in the restaurant. Just a no frills, authentic (altho I am not Italian so don't take my word on that lol) restaurant. read more

La Scarola - Pasta Nero - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

La Scarola is an interesting example of how a restaurant's reputation can evolve without the restaurant itself changing very much. Years ago, I found the food at La Scarola to be good enough, but hardly exceptional. To me, it was essentially a typical Italian-American restaurant that seemed to compensate for mediocre food by putting enormous portions on the plate. Nothing about the cooking particularly stood out. What has changed over the years is not so much the food, but the restaurant's popularity and reputation. At some point, La Scarola became a place that people felt they had to discover--and then tell everyone else about. Ironically, many Italians already knew what the food was like, and it was never regarded as anything particularly extraordinary. The dining experience today is another matter. The restaurant is extremely loud, to the point that having a normal conversation can be difficult. The tables are packed so closely together that personal space is virtually nonexistent, with diners sitting almost on top of one another and plates sometimes extending over the edge of neighboring tables. There is also a noticeable emphasis on turning tables over. Once you have finished eating, the staff can make it quite clear that your table is needed for the next party. The experience can feel less like enjoying a leisurely Italian meal and more like moving through an assembly line. For me, the irony is that La Scarola's current reputation seems to have far more to do with its popularity and celebrity than with any fundamental transformation in the food or the dining experience. What was once an average Italian restaurant has become a destination restaurant without, in my opinion, becoming a substantially better restaurant. read more

What a fabulous place!. Old school Italian, a classic Italian restaurant celebrating decades of success. We started with a grilled octopus appetizer which was so tender and fresh for our entrees. We had the Chilean sea bass and the penne a la vodka with shrimps, mushrooms and asparagus. We finished up with the vanilla sorbet which was so delicious smelling of fresh vanilla beans. What a fantastic meal service was great and the entire environment felt so welcoming and full of life. The food was completely delicious. We will return. read more

See all

Delicious! I had a gorgeous ravioli al forno, prosecco, and sausage and peppers. However, I also happened to have the best tiramisu of my life here! Amazing! read more

Great food, good vibes, and quick service. They only take reservations via phone and you'll want one as it is packed. We tried: - Calamari - Chicken Vesuvio - Pasta Mandera - Tiramisu - Canoli I will definitely be back! read more

See all

From start to finish our experience was amazing! We were welcomed with a warm smile. Seated immediately, we did have reservations and they are highly recommended. They were packed. This reminds me of a typical restaurant in Italy and it was quaint. We ordered several dishes and shared them family style. We will be back! read more

See all

I was in Chicago for work and stumbled into La Scarola looking for an old school Italian meal. It didn't fail. The grilled octopus was the best I've ever had. Perfect char, tender, and full of flavor. The sausage and peppers were fantastic. As someone who makes homemade sausage, that's not a compliment I give lightly. They made me a linguini and calamari fra diavolo style that wasn't even on the menu. It was outstanding. The wine was great, the service was warm, and the atmosphere was, well, just go. I sat down alone and within an hour was talking to people around the restaurant. Felt like the kind of restaurant that's been part of people's lives for years. Food 9/10 Atmosphere 9/10 Experience 10/10 I'll be back every time I'm in Chicago. read more

La Scarola - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

On an odd stretch of West Grand is where old and new Chicago collide. Old Chicago are three story post-fire brick buildings, rehabbed hybrid buildings and new shiny buildings. Nestled in old Chicago is La Scarola, a timeless "Ay-talian" restaurant that only takes reservations by voice mail. After several years of trying to, we got a table for two for our anniversary. If you drive, there is valet parking - or go through the alley north one block and park on the street. You are greeted by the owner who showed us into a very noisy room with an explosion of old photographs and posters. We were taken through three zig-zags to a back room and sat at a paper covers table. The menu has all the greatest hits of an American Italian supper club with meat or surf/turf combinations. We ordered two glasses of Chianti, asparagus with red peppers, the gnocchi with rapini and their famous vodka pasta. The service is good. The food is average but in very large portions sizes. If you combine the environment, food and service this place makes sense. Dinner for two was $150 with tip. Next time we would order one appetizer and one dish and no wine. It is worth a visit. read more

See all

Finally made it to La Scarola after having it on my list forever. It's one of those old-school Italian spots everyone talks about, and it definitely delivers on that classic vibe. Reservations are a bit unconventional. We showed up right when they opened, put our name in, and came back around 8pm and they had a table for us. It's very casual and informal, so you could probably put your name in and go do something nearby, or just try your luck walking in. They don't take online reservations, and I did notice a few open tables while we were there, so walking in is definitely possible. The space itself is pretty tight and can feel cramped and loud. Personally, I didn't mind it, it reminded me of old-school Italian spots back home in Jersey but it's worth noting that this probably isn't the best place for a quiet date or if you're trying to have long conversations. Service was solid and quick. I started with a dirty martini, which was very good. We shared the calamari to start, and honestly, it was some of the best calamari we've ever had. Perfectly fried, not too heavy, and ideal for sharing. For my entrée, I got the rigatoni chiaverni, and for $24, it might be the largest plate of pasta I've ever been served. I came in starving and still only managed to eat half -- finished the rest the next day. The portion size combined with the quality makes the value here absolutely insane. Overall, La Scarola definitely lives up to the hype. Incredible value, great food, and that classic old-school Italian atmosphere, just be prepared for it to be loud and a little crammed. read more

See all

I was really looking forward to trying La Scarola after hearing so much hype, but unfortunately it just didn't live up to the expectations. I can appreciate the old-school Italian atmosphere and the walls covered with photos--it definitely has character and history. But beyond that, I just don't understand what all the excitement is about. The bread was so hard that I genuinely had trouble biting through it. The bruschetta was probably the best thing we had. It tasted fresh, although it could have used a little salt to bring the flavors together. For my entrée, I ordered the chicken parmesan. I'd give it about a 6/10. It wasn't terrible, but there also wasn't anything memorable about it. The marinara sauce was the best part of the dish, while the chicken and everything else felt pretty average. The biggest issue, though, was the noise level. It was unbelievably loud. My husband and I barely spoke throughout dinner because we literally couldn't hear each other across the table. Even our waiter struggled to hear us when we ordered. It honestly felt like being in a nightclub without the music--just a room full of people shouting over one another. Had there been a bass track playing, it would've been hard to tell the difference. To make matters worse, our food took about 45 minutes to arrive. Normally I don't mind waiting if the meal is worth it, but sitting in that level of noise for nearly an hour made the experience feel exhausting instead of enjoyable. I wanted to love this place because of its reputation, but I left disappointed. Maybe it's an iconic neighborhood institution for longtime regulars, but based on my experience, I don't think it lived up to the hype. read more

I don't know where to begin. This place doesn't need my review because it is highly renowned but wow was I excited to give one. We had a rez at 8, at around 8:05 the owner pulled us into the bar and gave us two glasses of wine because of our (barely) wait. By 8:07 we had 2 limoncello shots on the house. We were seated and served with delicious house bread. The place was absolutely packed with a lively crowd. Somehow we ended up with another house limoncello shot and a tequila shot before we even got our appetizer, just because the owner felt bad it was crowded. The grilled calamari was insane. I was already SOLD on this place by then. The pasta...I thought the Fred was amazing with a light and creamy sauce, then I tried the Mandera....genuinely I think the best pasta I've ever had. La Scarola you've made a #1 fan tonight!!! read more

See all

Pictures below from 2022. Saw this review sitting in my drafts and what a shame - I remember La Scarola being absolutely incredible. Hearty plates, authentic and comforting food, and immersive vibes. It's a place that caters to all for all occasions. Pick anything off of the menu and you would not be disappointed. read more

See all

Always great! Food great and generous portions. An old time great Chicago Italian restaurant. Places like this are rare these days.

Came here with my parents pretty early on a weekend evening and we were seated immediately for our reservation. Food comes out almost as fast as you order it. Tried the escarole soup for the name, which I enjoyed. The shrimp pasta my mother ordered was her favorite things she's eaten this year. The spaghetti was full but we wish we would've requested more sauce to it. I ordered off menu for a Chicken Parmesan, which they said they could do since they have the ingredients, and I was happy for it. Everything is on the touch saltier side. Ambiance is homey with lots of pictures on the wall, feels like a long established place and the waiters were kind. read more

See all

Loved the classic italian and cozy vibes in here!! I had the lasagna and it was very tasty, but could've had more meat in the sauce. Definitely would come back here for a good italian meal. You can make reservations via phone but the check in process is slightly chaotic-- but worth it! read more

See all

We came in for a family meal and loved the vibes, it was very old school NYC/NJ type and the staff was beyond awesome, really friendly and full of jokes which made the experience this much better. The tables are close together, it's loud, the walls are covered in photos of the owners and celebrities. The service is quick and easy and the food portions are huge. We started off with the sausage and peppers, the fried calamari, and the muscles in red sauce- our favorite being the sausage and peppers. It took a simple dish but elevated it with the pepper preparation (they were a bit singed but tasty). For our mains, we all tried something different. Don't hesitate to ask them to customize something for you - they made my father in law chicken marsala even though it wasn't on the menu. The spicy meatball with rigatoni dish was my favorite - it was unique and fantastic. We all loved our meals and had a ton of leftovers. Do not sleep on the tiramisu or the cannoli's - both were fantastic, creamy but not overly decadent. We finished the night with espresso martinis (my favorite I tried in the city), limoncello shots, and a dirty martini (they have blue cheese olives!). read more

La Scarola - Meatballs in a spicy sauce with rigatoni - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great spots for authentic Italian, huge portions and on the cheaper side! Staff was all very friendly and everything came out quickly! Bread was placed on the table right when we sat down! Very cute spot, old school Italian. I got a dirty martini, this was great, icy cold and extra dirty! For an app we got the clams. These were amazing. The sauce was so good, made for a good sauce to dip your bread in! I got the pasta Lorenzo and my boyfriend got the pasta Mandera. Both were great, the chicken in both was very good. I liked the pasta mandera a bit more! read more

La Scarola - Pasta Lorenzo - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Everything was amazing from beginning to end. My bf wanted to stop by and see if we can get a reservation and as we walk in I see someone at the door and I asked if we could grab a bite to eat and he goes "hungry" and I'm like yes we laugh and he takes us the a tiny quaint table inside surrounded by hundreds of photos of the famous owner which comes to find out he was who escorted us to the table. We had excellent service , we ordered the rigatoni and calamari and both were spactular the rigatoni was a hit. Pasta was cooked perfectly and the flavor was off the hook!!!!! I never give 5 stars and this places deserves more. The food came out fast everyone was attentive , even the water tasted amazing! we left super happy since we have barley had a good and affordable place to eat in Chicago! Walked out and the owner himself waved by to us. After a year of trying different restaurants in Chicago this one by far was my favorite thank you La Scarola !!!! read more

See all

We're in Chicago from Pittsburgh for our Sons graduation from Columbia. This is where he wanted to take us. The food, staff and ambiance were amazing! Having Valet parking available was a huge bonus on a Saturday night! Francesco made it perfect. read more

Price per value the worst meal of my life. 400 dollar tab for watered down drinks, stale wine, and 2 of the 4 dishes at the table were sub par, with my gnocchi being the worst by far. Dense flavorless gnocchi surrounded by decent sausage and spinach. The vibe is churn and burn. The service was good,earning the second star. Look at any review I've ever posted and I've never been negative. The experience was that bad read more

Yum!! I felt like a hardworking Nonna was in the back of the kitchen cooking a hearty no fancy pants Italian meal for me and the other five people I came with. Everything we had was delicious.  Appetizers: We got the bruschetta and asparagus for appetizers which neither of the dishes disappointed! Both were perfect bites. We got their special soup and the soup ended up being one of my favorite items we got. It was perfectly hearty yet not super heavy on the stomach.  Pasta: We tried their broccoli special, vodka pasta, eggplant parm, veal, and meatballs. Everything was great! The standout for us was the eggplant parm because of cheesy and saucy it was. The meatballs were stuffed with cheese and cooked for perfection. The broccoli special and vodka pasta was what my soul needed. The veal was a little too oily for me, but overall the veal wasn't overly breaded.  Dessert: It'd come back for the tiramisu. My god. One of the best tiramisu's I have ever had in my life.  Drinks: They do basic martinis and espresso martinis. We got two bottles of wine which were affordable (obviously supercharged because restaurant price).  Space: the space is larger than you'd expect. The tables are quite close together - it gives you very much an old school NYC Italian restaurant vibe from the 80s/90s. The chaos is all almost good restaurant chaos. It makes you feel transported.  Overall, it'd love to come back when they first open instead of closer to the end of the night. The wait at this place is crazy long. We had reservations for 830 and didn't get seated until close to 930 (other people with our reservation time that had smaller groups were seated around 9/915). It didn't bother us since we were a big group and we were able to run to the bar across the street and hang out for a little bit of time, but just a fair warning to anyone who makes a reservation ahead of time! read more

See all

We just flew in yesterday from Texas and this restaurant had been recommended to us. The place was very busy our server Brandon was excellent. The food was great. Everything came out quickly. Portions were huge would strongly recommend this place. read more

La Scarola - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

You cannot beat the portion sizes here for the prices you pay! The pasta plates were extremely generous you'll be leaving with so much leftovers. The calamari and mussels are a must try! Calamari was perfectly crispy and not overcooked, and the sauce on the clams were soo good we even dipped our bread into it. Only downside of the experience was how busy it was. We had a reservation for 6:30 but didn't get seated until closer to 8:30. However, they did give us complimentary wine and a fun shot for the long wait! read more

Bday celebration Party of 3 no reservation tuesday, but the staff acomodate us rigth way We order wine,brushetta, rissoto primavera pasta & shrimps ,gnocchi whit sausage and sundried tomatoes, big portions we got left overs for next day , capuchino and tiramisu all delicious staff on point see you soon again Hbd to us read more

See all

I highly recommend calling to get a reservation since it can get very busy and would require a long wait. We had the best Italian food I have ever had! We had the bruschetta that was well seasoned, light and crisp, pasta Mandera (which I didn't get a picture of) but was beyond tasty and perfectly cooked! The creamy vodka sauce tastes delicious and this dish has a hit of garlic that sits well! I got the Panne Alla vodka which had a perfect ratio of shrimp, mushroom and asparagus. Although it initially seemed heavy the asparagus was a great pallet cleanser. There was a special that we had tried that was a variation of a carbonara that was are least favorite out of the three just due to the intense garlic taste and a sauce that was a little to thin. All of it tasted delicious over all and we will definitely be back! It was great to see the meals others ordered! They had big helpings that were great as left overs the next day! This can be pricy but I would say worth it. If you like a white wine their New Zealand Sauvignon blanc was lite and fruity that completed well. read more

See all

Là Scarola is one of my favorite restaurant in the city. If anything, it's probably my favorite. I've recommended it to many people and they all said the food is amazing. FOOD: Everything is great there but my favorites are the grilled octopus, baked clams, and shrimp armani. The best dish there is the Penne Sinatra. It's a Alla vodka pasta with shrimp, mussels, and scallops. They definitely don't skimp on the seafood. The seafood there is so fresh and cooked to perfection! Penne Sinatra is not on main menu but on the specials. I've ask for it when it was not on the menu and they were still able to make it for me. Definitely don't skip the tiramisu even if you're full. It's one of the best tiramisu I've ever had. SERVICE: the service is always top notch! Everyone is super nice and attentive. It's pretty impressive because they're always busy. I think the only down side is that they're always busy. I've gone on a Thursday night and had reservations and they were still really busy. The wait can be annoying, especially of you've make reservations but it's well worth it because the food is sooo good. La Scarola is a very old school Italian place with pictures hanging up on the wall. From the outside it looks small and nothing special but it has two more dining rooms. Definitely check out Là Scarola if you're in Chicago. read more

See all

What a huge disappointment. This restaurant has been one of my all-time favorites and tonight I returned after many years of being away. We were rushed through our meal with our waiter kept asking and returning to the table to ask if we wanted to order while we attempted to enjoy a cocktail. Then he kept returning to see if we wanted anything else. It was very warm out this evening and obviously with the heat outside it didn't help, but it was also incredibly warm in the restaurant. Sadly an unpleasant experience all the way around. Unfortunately, the entree was also mediocre, but my continual observation was the waiter wanted us to eat and get out. As I said earlier, a very unpleasant experience. I'll leave my memories as they are and I won't be returning. . read more

La Scarola is a favorite of mine in Chicago -- it feels super authentic, the staff is wonderful and super friendly, and the food is so so good. I typically get the salmon (after destroying bread and butter) and then the tiramisu. I love how when you're inside the restaurant you feel like you've been transported back in time a little bit (none of those lame neon lights or "modern" Italian takes) -- the dishes are huge (as they should be). read more

La Scarola - Salmon - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Definitely worth a try. They take reservations over the phone so make sure to make one if you're planning to dine-in because the place is BUSY. We came in on a Saturday for an early dinner (5pm) and it was already packed. Our group had different dishes, everyone was very happy and satisfied. We tried the MEATBALLS & SPAGHETTI, MEAT LASAGNA, VITELLO BERTUCCI and, MAFALDINE PASTA. The portions were big and they were all prepared very well. Service was efficient and friendly. Just a heads up, it is VERY LOUD inside. I would not recommend La Scarola if you are looking for a quiet place to have a meal. The dinner crowd was vibrant, happy, and lively. I will definitely come back here to try other dishes. I liked how delicious and fresh each dish was. Til next time! read more

La Scarola - Specials 11.9.24 - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Fantastic food, classic homey Italian family ambiance, love seeing all of the framed pictures of past "famous" patrons all over the walls. Service was super strong for our group and quite speedy, even on a super busy Friday night. Can't go wrong with anything on the menu, personally got the Penne Alla Vodka and loved it so much (still think about it from time to time). read more

La Scarola - Penne Alla Vodka - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This was an amazing restaurant in every aspect. The meal the staff and the ambiance were a step above other great Italian restaurants we've enjoyed. Would highly recommend. read more

La Scarola - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I absolutely loved my experience at La Scarola which gives a vibe of old time Chicago Italians and actually being in Italy. We booked a reservation in advance for a Sunday dinner and I'm so glad we did because it was packed! Tons of large families and groups eating together. The place has a perfect mixture of being lively yet cozy making it a very unique restaurant. The dishes were all great! I don't think you can go wrong here. Just be mindful that the portions are huge so definitely share with others! read more

I have been there multiple times and always had an amazing meal. Reservations can be tough to come by but totally worth the wait. The walls are covered in memorabilia that is cool to look at. My favorite dish there is the pasta madera. read more

I think I would put Italian food at the top of my culinary list of favorite cuisines I love the most (Szechuan Chinese being a very close second)! That being said, whenever I travel or just stay at home, I choose an Italian restaurant whenever asked "what do I want for dinner". Bringing that thought forward to just Chicago where I've lived now for over three years, I've been salvoed by some of the best Italian food I've ever eaten; that is of course, outside of Rome. My Chicago list of Italian restaurants at this point is over 20. Well, last night some friends of ours were boasting about the best Italian food in the city being at La Scarola, just west of the Fulton Market area. So, we went! This almost hidden gem tucked away, mid-block with no banner signs or neon lights blaring, was hands down the best Italian restaurant I've been to in Chicago. Least I mention, that this "Old School" establishment is not your typical run of the mill "Red Sauce" restaurants. They are making some extremely high level fare worthy of Michelin status. Us five ordered: * Escarole and Beans with Sautéed in garlic and oil finished with a touch of chicken broth - really divine * Shrimp Armani - grilled and sautéed in a red spicy sauce set over garlic blended potatoes garnished with arugula - my wife's favorite * Sausage and Peppers - Mild or hot sautéed green red pepper served over grilled Italian sausage - my favorite * Egg Plant Parmigiana done so well, I thought I was in Italy * Linguini & Clams Served with choice of red or white sauce * Bow Tie Pasta with fresh tomato basil sauce was lovely * Two bottles of red wine and this dinner was a complete winner! What I experienced this night will bring me back here consistently. The ambiance here is quite comfortable with a homey feel. The hundreds of historical pictures on the walls, giving you a glimps of the history of this iconic place. It was a feast for your eyes. The service was stellar, from walking in and sitting down, to standing up and leaving. I loved La Scarola read more

La Scarola - Outside this fabulous restaurant - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Old school Italian joint, serving delicious pasta and generous portions. Pasta Lorenzo had great flavors with a kick of heat. Wonderful calamari as well. Substantial wine list. Co-owner warmly welcomed us. Friendly staff. Do try! read more

This place was recommended to us by a local and wow it did not disappoint! You can tell this place had been here for a while with all the regulars and amazing reviews left about this place. The specials are hand written and then photocopied for all the tables - absolutely loved this place The owner sits at the same table every evening for dinner and watches to ensure everyone enjoys their meal. I was wowed by the service, flavors and the place itself. It's outside the city, so it's a bit of a drive, but man was it worth it. I ordered the Shrimp Armani since the waitress recommended it and the flavors hit all the right notes. You can't go wrong wt this place. read more

See all

I thought I'd had goo vodka pasta at Elina's or other popular Chicago Italian spots, but I quickly realized I'd never had read vodka sauce until eating at La Scarola. I love a waiter who is chippy and knows his shit without being too busy to talk us through the menu and this was achieved. The ambiance was quintessential old-l school Italian with pictures of the owner amid various famous people. The bartender flirted so hard with my mom we got a free glass of wine and limoncello (don't tell the owner). My mom was enamored! Will be taking anyone who visits me in the future. read more

La Scarola - Penne alla Vodka and a special parmigiana of the night! - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is my 1,000th review and I'm so happy that it's for La Scarola! My husband wanted Italian for Sweetest Day...and a place that had good veal. A friend recommended this place and I was able to get the last reservation for this night! We found street parking around the corner and the place was packed. They weren't ready for us so we went across the street and had a drink first. We ordered wine and a mixed drink and a house salad to start. (The bread they serve is yummy!) Even though he wanted veal he changed his mind and had whitefish which was very good. It was a generous portion and the spinach it came with was delicious. A lot of Yelpers said the vodka sauce was good and I love vodka sauce so I ordered the pasta Mandera with sausage crumbles, chicken, escarole, peas, and tubular pasta in vodka sauce. I didn't see a lot of sausage and the chicken was not in strips on top as I was expecting, but there was a lot of it in large chunks mixed in, and it was amazing! Probably the best vodka sauce I've ever had. We were quite full but ordered chocolate cake (my fave) and vanilla ice cream. Even the ice cream was fantastic! Very rich. We got doggy bags and can't wait to come again. read more

See all