+1 312-410-9900
Volare Ristorante Italiano is a charming Italian restaurant nestled in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant River North neighborhood. Renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine, this eatery brings the essence of Italy right to your table with dishes that celebrate tradition, fresh ingredients, and bold flavors.
Step inside Volare, and you’re immediately enveloped in a warm, inviting atmosphere where casual elegance meets old-world charm. The buzz of hearty conversations and clinking glasses enhances the cozy ambiance, making it an ideal spot for everything from intimate dinners to lively gatherings. Despite its bustling energy during peak hours, the restaurant remains welcoming—with attentive staff who ensure a smooth and enjoyable dining experience.
The menu at Volare is a lovingly curated journey through Italy’s culinary heritage. For pasta lovers, the Spaghetti Neri Al Pesce with Scallops is a standout, featuring tender squid ink pasta perfectly paired with fresh, succulent scallops. Another crowd-pleaser is the Gnocchi Alla Vodka with Meatballs, where pillowy gnocchi bathed in a creamy, tangy vodka sauce meet savory, homemade meatballs in an irresistible embrace. The Linguine Arselle e Bottarga and Linguine All’ Aragosta are further testaments to the restaurant’s exceptional seafood offerings, showcasing flavors that speak to the sea with every bite.
Not to be missed are the appetizers that lay a flavorful foundation for your meal. The Zuppa di Cozze offers briny, juicy mussels in a fragrant broth, while the Insalata di Mare, one of their signature dishes, presents a delightful medley of fresh seafood dressed in light, vibrant flavors. The Tagliere Misto is a perfect way to start with a selection of Italian cured meats and cheeses that complement the extensive wine list brilliantly.
For dessert, Volare truly excels in crafting sweet finales that linger in memory. The Tiramisu is a luscious, creamy layering of mascarpone, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa that melts effortlessly on the tongue. The Cannoli offer a delightful crunch and sweet ricotta filling that are classic and comforting, while the Chocolate Decadence provides a rich, indulgent end to your meal.
Patrons consistently praise Volare for the genuine taste of Italy found on their plates. As one guest noted, “Old school Italian at its best... with great marinara sauce and attentive service.” Another raved about the “mindblowing” truffle pizza boasting a thin crust and creamy, aromatic toppings. The restaurant’s lively yet cozy vibe makes it feel like a genuine Italian trattoria, perfect for both casual comfort and special occasions.
Whether dining in or ordering takeout or delivery, Volare Ristorante Italiano guarantees a memorable experience enriched by traditional recipes, fresh ingredients, and heartfelt hospitality. Reservations are highly recommended to ensure you don’t miss out on this authentic slice of Italy in downtown Chicago.
Contact Information:
201 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
Phone: +1 312-410-9900
Old school Italian at its best, downtown. Great marinara sauce, that is enough said. It is a great spot for a casual Italian comfort food, nothing fancy and the prices are very reasonable giving the current economy. Great staff and attentive services. The seafood squid ink pasta or the risotto would be my go to, period. Reservation strongly recommended.
A real taste of Italy! ???????? Everything was absolutely delicious! The minestrone soup was rich, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. And the truffle pizza… OMG, mind-blowing! Thin crust, the aroma of truffle, and that creamy topping - just perfection. Cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and you can truly feel the love they put into every dish.
I had a lovely dinner at Volare Ristorante Italiano; the pasta tasted homemade and full of flavor, and the tiramisu was one of the best I’ve tried. The service was warm and welcoming, though the restaurant was a bit noisy during peak hours. The traditional Italian atmosphere felt cozy and authentic, which really added to the experience
Went there with my family for our last dinner before leaving Chicago and I could not be happier. The wine selection was amazing and the food was to die for. I knew it was going to be good the moment I smelled the food. We had the grilled seafood and the tartufo pizza and both were amazing.
Didn't expect a bustling restaurant near my hotel would serve such wonderful dishes! There is a whole system to this restaurant where everything has a high turnover rate and all the waiters and servers clean and serve very quickly. They are very attentive to each table so be sure to be firm when you're still working on a dish. For 2 people, we ordered 1 pasta, 1 entree, and 1 appetizer. The best dish we had would be the seafood squid ink rose pasta. The seafood was generous, paired with some marvelous sauce, it was such a treat for both of us. The appetizer was alright, and the veal had a great sauce too, though not a big fan of the texture. But the pasta overshadowed everything and that's all we could think about. We probably licked the plate clean because it was just so tasty. Highly recommend it!! Note that even if you make a reservation at this restaurant, be sure to come by earlier because you'll end up having to wait anyway. We reserved for 7PM on a Tuesday and still had to wait for another 20 minutes before getting seated.
Had a early mid-week dinner during a business trip recently. Volare has been around almost 40 years. They are located just north of the river and east of Michigan Ave. Nice inside with white tablecloth tables but it’s not too fancy. They do have a bar area as well. Classic home style Italian cooking. I ordered the famous Gnocchi alla Vodka with a side of polpette (meatballs). They also provide you with some great bread and live oil to snack on while waiting for your food. Service was very attentive and my food came out quickly since it was not crowded at all when I arrived. That quickly changed as the dinner progressed. Food was hot and fresh. The gnocchi was pillowy and the vodka sauce is so good. It was a nice size portion. The meatballs were so tender, if you breathed on them they would fall apart. Flavor was amazing as well. This is such a great place both food and service wise. I can see how it’s been in business all these years. I will 100% be back.
I hardly know where to begin. We started with a perfect bottle of Chianti, fresh warm bread, Vongole al Forno and a Caesar salad. Our entrees were Gnocchi alla Vodka and Pollo Arrosto alla Diavola. Everything was amazing from presentation to the incredible flavors. Our server Alex couldn’t have been more perfect! He was so friendly, warm and attentive without being intrusive. You can tell he loves his job. My sister and I enjoyed a such wonderful evening together. Experience 11/10!
Out bartender at the Omni recommended this place and I’m telling you it was the best Veal Parmesan I’ve ever eaten. The Langusto pasta and everything else we had were amazing and our waiter was great as well. We will definitely hit this place up again on our next visit