ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Lincoln Park
Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in Lincoln Park
Best Date Night Italian in Lincoln Park
Master Critic Review
Dimmi Dimmi Corner Italian
8.3
This 2025 opening from Cornerstone Restaurant Group brought chef Matt Eckfeld from Major Food Group's Carbone to helm a neighborhood red-sauce joint. The tavern-style pizzas with 48-hour fermented dough and handmade pastas honor the former Tarantino's space while adding contemporary polish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Orecchiette with Spicy Tomato Cream, Four Cheese Tavern Pizza, Spicy Vodka Stuffed Shells
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Carbone-trained chef bringing upscale technique to neighborhood Italian
Who should go: Foodies seeking the next hot opening
When to visit: Walk in before 5pm Tuesday-Thursday
What to order: Tavern-Style Four Cheese Pizza, Cavatelli Bolognese, Calabrian Dirty Martini
Insider tip: The orecchiette dish pays tribute to former tenant Tarantino's signature fusilli
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet - street and metered parking available along Armitage and Seminary
Dress code: Smart casual - jeans fine, Lincoln Park neighborhood vibe
Noise level: Moderate to lively - starts with light chatter at 4pm, gets louder as evening progresses
Weekend wait: Book 1+ week ahead, walk-ins face 30-45 min waits after 6pm
Weekday lunch: No lunch service - opens at 4pm Tue-Sat, 4pm Sunday
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - Caesar salad, four cheese pizza, several pasta dishes adaptable
Vegan options: Limited - salads and sides can be modified, ask server for options
Gluten-free options: GF pasta available, servers trained on modifications - not a dedicated GF kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice. The 78-seat space is charming and buzzy without being overwhelming. Grab a booth, split the tavern pizza, and let the Calabrian Dirty Martinis do the talking. Book ahead - prime tables go fast.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but strategy matters. Walk in right at 4pm Tuesday-Thursday for best odds. After 5:30pm on weekends, expect a wait. Check their Resy page daily for cancellations.
Is it kid-friendly? Very much so - Chef Eckfeld designed a dedicated kids menu (fettuccine alfredo, cheese pizza, chicken tenders). The 4-5:30pm window is prime family time before the adult crowd takes over.
Best For
Better for: Carbone technique at neighborhood prices, tavern-style pizza with 48-hour fermented dough, the orecchiette honoring Tarantino's legacy
Skip if: You need whisper-quiet ambiance, require a dedicated gluten-free kitchen, or want lunch service