Best Group Dining Gatherings Pizza Restaurants in River North
4 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Quartino Ristorante
High-volume Italian small-plates house with hand-cut pasta and late hours.
Notable Picks
8.9
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
Since 2005, Quartino has operated as River North’s all-purpose Italian enoteca, turning out housemade pastas, Neapolitan-style pizzas, and antipasti in a loud, always-busy room. Enormous multi-platform review volume and steady crowds at nearly all hours make it a default choice for groups wanting shareable Italian without formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Tagliatelle bolognese, Salumi and cheese board
What Makes it Special: High-volume Italian small-plates house with hand-cut pasta and late hours.
8.7
A South Loop deep-dish anchor built around buttery crust, bright tomato sauce, and a dependable bake that rewards planning ahead. It’s one of the neighborhood’s most reliable late-night sit-down options when you want classic Chicago pizza with a full-service rhythm.
Must-Try Dishes:
Malnati Chicago Classic (deep dish), The Lou (deep dish), Thin crust sausage & giardiniera
What Makes it Special: A butter-crust deep-dish standard that stays consistent at massive volume.
8.4
Perched along the riverwalk, Pizzeria Portofino focuses on hand-stretched pizzas, coastal-leaning salads, and spritzes with a strong patio-first mentality. The combination of waterfront views, shareable pies, and approachable pricing makes it a go-to for casual Italian lunches and group dinners in warm weather.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Charred pepperoni pizza, Mediterranean salad
What Makes it Special: Riverfront pizza and spritzes with a resort-like patio setting.
Parlor Pizza Bar’s River North outpost is a huge, sports-friendly pizza hall with wood-fired pies, a long beer list, and an almost-club energy on busy nights. Locals use it for casual group meet-ups, watching games, and sharing pizzas like the Bee Sting and Sgt. Pepper alongside big salads and bar snacks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bee Sting pizza, Sgt. Pepper pepperoni pizza, Antipasto chopped salad
What Makes it Special: A massive, high-energy pizza bar where wood-fired pies meet sports-bar drinking.