ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Wicker Park & West Town
Best Pizza in Wicker Park & West Town
Best Family Friendly Italian in Wicker Park & West Town
Master Critic Review
Acerra Italian Kitchen & Bar
7.8
The DiDiana family brings Neapolitan soul to Bucktown with wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas, and recipes from their ancestral town of Acerra outside Naples. This newer addition to the neighborhood offers warm family hospitality and a charming outdoor patio.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rigatoni Vodka Arrabiata, Pappardelle Bolognese, Wood-Fired Margherita
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Family-run Neapolitan cuisine with wood-fired pizzas and ancestral recipes from Campania
Who should go: Those seeking authentic Southern Italian in a welcoming atmosphere
When to visit: Happy hour for half-price appetizers
What to order: Burrata prosciutto, wood-fired pizza, fresh pasta of the day
Insider tip: Owner Bobby personally tends to guests - ask for wine pairings
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on North Ave and side streets - reviewers note it's easy to find spots nearby. No valet.
Dress code: Casual neighborhood Italian - jeans and nice top perfectly fine, no need to dress up
Noise level: Moderate - cozy small space can get lively on weekends, but intimate enough for date conversation
Weekend wait: 15-25 min possible on Fri/Sat evenings; reservations recommended via OpenTable
Weekday lunch: Closed for weekday lunch. Opens Wed-Thu at 5pm; Sat-Sun noon service has minimal waits
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - eggplant parmesan, beet salad, margherita pizza, various pasta preparations
Vegan options: Limited - ask about marinara-based pastas without cheese; pizzas can be modified
Gluten-free options: Not specifically advertised - inquire with staff about accommodations for wood-fired pizzas or dishes
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - the gorgeous patio with wood fences, flowers, and a fountain creates effortless romance. Small enough to feel intimate, owners Bobby and Lisa personally check on tables adding warmth. Request patio seating for best ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights yes, especially early. Friday/Saturday evenings book via OpenTable - the space is small and fills quickly. Arrive by 6pm on weekends for best walk-in chances. Later evening (after 9pm) tends to quiet down.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - families and birthday groups dine here regularly. Pizza and pasta please younger palates, and the patio gives kids room to move. No dedicated kids' menu, but portions are shareable. Early dinner timing recommended with little ones.
Best For
Better for: Hands-on family ownership where Bobby personally tends tables, gorgeous patio dining, Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizzas, and half-price happy hour apps - all in a newer, less crowded spot than established neighborhood Italians
Skip if: You need weekday lunch (closed Mon-Tue, opens 5pm Wed-Thu) or want extensive gluten-free/vegan options; try Monteverde or Club Lucky instead
Hours
MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday5pm - 10pm
Thursday5pm - 10pm
Friday5pm - 11pm
Saturday12pm - 11pm
Sunday12pm - 8pm