Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in South Side

The table bread is a must. The Cacio e Pepe pillows (so fluffy) and Rigatoni (just a little spicy in a good way) were delicious! Fried potatoes and delicate squash were excellent. Roasted chicken was just a little crispy and so flavorful. Soppressata pizza was sweet and salty. So good. Can’t wait for leftovers. Tossed salad was just ok IMO.

A Culinary Experience! I went for a pre theater holiday dinner with family. The food was truly amazing with every bite! Every dish was perfectly presented and had layers of texture and taste to please every palate. The waiter, Scott was knowledgeable, funny and accommodated our every request. The bartender made one of the best Old Fashion I've ever tasted and served with a beautiful twist! The ambience is intimate, elegant and warm. But even as I entered the restaurant, Andrew (Beverage Manager) made me feel welcomed and told me the incredible journey that led to the Impeccable Floretine. This is a must try and try again spot for Chicago foodies! Try the gnocchi or the orecchiette, you won't be disappointed!

The welcome to the restaurant was very pleasant. The service was friendly and very attentive. This was not my first visit to.Peanut Park. They are consistently friendly and attentive. The food is always excellent and reasonably priced. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone.

Excellent pizza. Meatballs and salad were also very good! Can’t wait to go back when they have a liquor license.

If you're looking for a restaurant that combines incredible food with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, Unico Restaurante is the place to be. The ambiance is perfect for any occasion—whether you're planning a romantic date night, a relaxed family dinner, or a fun group outing. It's intimate, yet lively, creating the perfect setting for enjoying a great meal with loved ones. We started with the appetizers, and both the fried calamari and patatas bravas were standouts. The calamari was light and crispy, served with a sweet chili sauce that was the perfect compliment. The patatas bravas were packed with flavor—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a smoky, spicy kick. For our entrees, the skirt steak with yuca fries was absolutely out of this world. The steak was cooked to perfection—tender, juicy, and full of flavor—while the yuca fries added a unique and delicious twist. We also tried the gnocchi in red pepper cream sauce, and it was heavenly. The gnocchi was soft and pillowy, and the creamy sauce was rich and satisfying. But the real showstopper? The desserts. Each one was not only beautifully presented but tasted even better than we expected. From the first bite, we knew they were the star of the meal. The flavors were exceptional—sweet, balanced, and decadent without being overly indulgent. Everything on the menu sounded amazing, and we’re already planning our next visit to try even more dishes. Unico Restaurante has certainly earned a spot on our list of favorites, and we can’t wait to return for another memorable dining experience. Highly recommend!