ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in River North
Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in River North
Best Family Friendly Italian in River North
Best Date Night Italian in River North
Master Critic Review
RPM Italian
8.7
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Trendy Table Hotspots
Business Lunch Power Players
Birthday & Celebration Central
RPM Italian delivers a polished, celeb-adjacent version of modern Italian with housemade pastas, crudo, and steaks in a sleek, reservation-heavy room. It functions as both a destination date-night spot and a go-to for corporate dinners where consistent execution and presentation matter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mama DePandi's Bucatini, Mafaldine cacio e pepe, Maine lobster ravioli
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Glossy, high-service Italian where housemade pasta shares space with steak and crudo.
Who should go: Guests wanting upscale Italian with scene-y energy.
When to visit: Prime weekend slots or late weeknights with reservations.
What to order: Mama DePandi's Bucatini, cacio e pepe, lobster ravioli.
Insider tip: Sit at the pasta bar for a more interactive but still polished experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet service is typically offered during dinner hours near the main entrance; street parking is scarce in River North and most guests use nearby garages.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jackets and dresses fit the room, jeans are acceptable if styled neatly.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively — conversation is possible at two-tops, but peak weekends can feel energetic.
Weekend wait: Expect long waits without a reservation — commonly 45–90 minutes depending on party size.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal or no wait, though larger business groups should book ahead.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several pastas, salads, and vegetable plates can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few dishes can be modified; ask your server for accommodations.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many dishes can be prepared gluten-free and staff is accustomed to requests (confirm with your server).
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished service, dim lighting, and upscale atmosphere make it a strong first-date choice if you want something refined and conversational rather than casual.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly at the bar or early weeknights, but weekend evenings are heavily booked — walk-ins should expect a wait or join the list and dine later.
Is it kid-friendly? It skews adult and business-focused; older kids and teens are fine at earlier seatings, but it’s not oriented toward young children or stroller space.
Best For
Better for: Polished service, presentation-driven pastas, and a sleek, special-occasion environment that works for dates and corporate dinners.
Skip if: You’re looking for casual, neighborhood-style Italian, budget-focused meals, or a quieter, low-profile dining room.
Hours
Monday4pm - 9:30pm
Tuesday4pm - 9:30pm
Wednesday4pm - 9pm
Thursday4pm - 9:30pm
Friday3pm - 10:30pm
Saturday3pm - 10:30pm
Sunday4pm - 9:30pm