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Volare Ristorante Italiano

Italian Restaurant$$$$

Streeterville, Chicago

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8.6^/10

397

ratings

Ranked #1 for gnocchi in Chicago
The experts at Crain's Chicago Business and Serious Eats recommend this place
"Believe the raving reviews on the gnocchi vodka, it is amazing."(18 Tips)
"The black spaghetti with seafood is to die for"(3 Tips)
"Great food get the linguine and clams white wine sauce"(3 Tips)
"Insalata di Mare (Octopus, calamari, conch, & shrimp with..."(2 Tips)

125 Tips and reviews

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good for dates
insalata di mare
risotto
bruschetta
great value
chicken parmigiana
desserts
vodka
off-menu items
filet mignon
outdoor seating
roses
creme brûlée
bar
meats
sausage
dinner
eggplant
veal
salads
(15 more)

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Heidi UytendaalJuly 3, 2017
We had the worlds best gnocchi in Venice many years ago and have been searching for its match for over 10 years. In Volare we found its match! Try the Gnocchi, it is amazing
That MarikaApril 18, 2012
GREAT food! I am in love with their eggplant. It was the best eggplant I have ever had. It was stuffed with yummy goodness. And they are happy to manipulate food for you.
ISC ChicagoMarch 13, 2019
Linguine Arselle e Bottarga (Linguine sautéed with clams & lemon zest, served in a garlic & olive oil sauce & topped with Bottarga) - they do half orders
Lucille FisherSeptember 5, 2023
Authentic as it gets, plus more! Service is pro and friendly. They know their stuff. Fav dish so far is the Lobster pasta! Everything else we had were good too from the wine, appetizers & dessert.
Katie LynnSeptember 11, 2021
Been here 25+ times
Must tries are the gnocchi alla vodka, rigatoni all’arrabbiata, and the tigelle. The staff are the best including real native Italians and an Italian head chef. Our favorite go to in the city.
Jake HelmenSeptember 24, 2020
Best Chicken Parm I’ve ever had and the Fusilloni al Ragu di Vitello was amazing. The portions are insanely big so come hungry!
Tota AliDecember 23, 2014
Arrabiata pasta & truffle pasta are the best! So delicious & tasty. The service is good here too but come early to avoid waiting.
RobertoNovember 2, 2014
Unassuming Italian restaurant. Food is delicious. Wine bottles are not too ridiculously priced. The linguine con vongole well done. The sea bass was impeccably prepared.
Max WennekerJuly 9, 2017
Very good Italian food. Chicken Parmesan was made well, can easily split between two people. Wait staff are a little intense, but would return for the food.
Christine MorrowSeptember 25, 2013
Chilean sea bass feature was the best! Very sanitary and delish dirty martini , if I lived in this neighborhood, this would be my hangout! The staff speak Italian!!!
Ross DJuly 13, 2015
Love, love, LOVED my fettuccine and bolognese! The atmosphere and the food was spectacular. I only wish I were better dressed to dine there.
ISC ChicagoMarch 13, 2019
Insalata di Mare (Octopus, calamari, conch, & shrimp with garlic, lemon, E.V.O.O., parsley)
Taylor KonigsederMarch 18, 2015
Salmon grilled in their pizza oven is a total winner. Their grilled calamari was also delish, nice treat! Wine list is rather impressive, too.
Zeynep YJuly 6, 2013
The ambiance is really nice and the food is pretty good. Vanilla creme brulee is to die for, but they had run out of the tiramisu by the time we ordered dessert - I was sad...
Kevin O'wingsJune 18, 2017
Been here 10+ times
Seriously the nicest people and these best food. Lasagna and ask for it covered in vodka sauce.
Doris BranscombeMay 2, 2013
GREAT Italian in Chi Town! Blanch our waitress was wonderful. She led us down the perfect path for what we were craving. Wine was really good too! ;)
Patsy DeNoyerJuly 10, 2013
My daughter liked their spaghetti. I just got a house salad. Didn't care for it. St. Louis hill Italian restaurants are better. Nice atmosphere though. I guess it depends on what you are used too.
Beth HodgsonMarch 18, 2013
Fabulous food. The gnocchi with vodka sauce and meatballs is delicious and all the desserts are to die for. Great service, great wine, great food!
Kevin DulinAugust 26, 2011
any veal dish is really good and you can amend it to get any of their homemade pastas! their Salmon capriccio appetiser special is also really good! This service is great here as well!
Kevin M. McNally, CMPAugust 20, 2018
Located in Streeterville, fun comfy restaurant. Value pricing for great Italian offerings...especially the Gelato! Nice staff too!
Kim HedstromJune 17, 2013
The wine selection is amazing...and the food is fabulous, had a wonderful experience and will be back!!! Need to try the linguine and clams next time.
BethNovember 22, 2012
Believe the raving reviews on the gnocchi vodka, it is amazing. Portions are large of course at this Italian restaurant so be prepared to carry doggie bags out.
Justin ChardAugust 5, 2013
My meal was absolutely fantastic! The service and atmosphere were great as well. I would definitely come back here next time I'm in Chicago.
Karin KovitvongsaOctober 20, 2011
Building may look run down but the food is awesome. There's always a long wait so make sure you have reservations. Best Gnocchi in town (pair it with their Arrabbiata sauce)
Steven SongJuly 15, 2013
Really liked the food. The Volare Pizza was fantastic. The Braciole which was their special of the day was also very very good. I'd love to come back for another meal.
Crain's Chicago BusinessJuly 2, 2012
Reasonably priced Neapolitan-style pies are the hottest ticket on the midday menu and with good reason. The crust is thin on the bottom, with a puffy, crisp edge. Read more
Serious EatsMay 14, 2013
The perfect place for some reprieve from the crowds on the pier with an unmistakable atmosphere.
Steven LoftusNovember 21, 2011
You will be packed tightly for seating, and it will be completely worth it. Delicious food, reasonable price, and amazing service. Tip well, they will earn it easily.
Athena ChangJuly 7, 2016
Try the Black Spaghetti With Scallops, Shrimp, & Lump Crab in a Rose Sauce - (via @Foodspotting)
Rob and MarlaJune 1, 2012
Lobster ravioli is amazing. Must try the braised eggplant with the prosciutto di parma. Don't be opposed to sitting outside.
Annie FosterNovember 24, 2014
Authentic and fantastic Italian restaurant. Be sure to make a reservation!!
Michael RemesDecember 16, 2012
Must order the gnocchi alla vodka & any of the risotto's! This place is a must, when in Chicago
Christopher FlossDecember 30, 2017
An #Italian gem in #Chicago. The gnocchi alla vodka is a great option.
Sofia PapastamelosOctober 12, 2015
Pasta dishes were all delicious. I recommend the seafood squid-ink pasta.
Rafael RappMarch 11, 2023
Food was good. Try the gnocchi made with vodka sauce. Service was excellent!
Laura AckmannSeptember 2, 2011
The best Italian food I have had since I was in Italy! The risotto was unbelievable! And try the triamisu martini! Wow!
Brent GatewoodAugust 8, 2014
Great menu, I still often order off menu - great kitchen, never disappointed.
Ricardo TeixeiraOctober 9, 2010
The linguini frutti di mare is very, very good. Also get the bruschetta for starters, one of the best I ever had. Excellent price for what you get!
Joe GutOctober 3, 2013
Great atmosphere, packed on a Wednesday night, and the lasagna is righteous! All good things.
Erik CarlsonMarch 12, 2013
The food here is amazing!! Get a side of meatballs and the sausage appetizer while you're at it!
Athena ChangJuly 7, 2016
Try the Spiral Pasta With Mushroom and meatball - (via @Foodspotting)
Kevin O'wingsApril 21, 2019
Been here 10+ times
Man everything is great I know that sounds bad but it's TRUE! Lasagna and spaghetti niri. Are awesome.
Dan PowersMay 30, 2015
Appetizers, filet mignon special was melt in your mouth awesome!
Daniya NussipbekNovember 28, 2021
Bolognese pasta is good. But waiting time is long, you should make a reservation before coming.
Glen MurphyApril 11, 2017
Try the braciole. Fantastic! You also want Fabio as your waiter.
Loni FrenchJuly 31, 2014
Great food! The homemade ravioli was on point and so yummy!
Timothy LacyJuly 30, 2011
Superb restaurant. No tourists, great outdoor dining. The Insalata Mediterranea is an amazing salad - the braised octopus is rapture.
Fernando SaucedaJune 19, 2013
Best Italian in town! The service is outstanding! The wait is worth it!
Jessica BowkerMay 25, 2013
The linguine alla vongole was fabulous. The best linguine and clams I've had.
Zhanara BolatkyzyOctober 14, 2013
Great atmosphere:) friendly staff!! And the food is soo delish!!!!

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