ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in River North
Best Pet Friendly Restaurants in River North
Best Family Friendly Italian in River North
Master Critic Review
Nonnina
8.2
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Nonnina feels like a modernized neighborhood red-sauce spot, serving big bowls of pasta, meatballs, and cutlets in a space that balances after-work energy with family friendliness. A separate counter next door handles quick slices and sandwiches for daytime traffic.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rigatoni alla vodka, Prime beef meatballs, Chicken Parmesan
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Modern red-sauce cooking with both sit-down dining and a neighboring slice counter.
Who should go: Anyone craving hearty pasta and classic Italian mains.
When to visit: Weeknights for relaxed dinners or lunches with colleagues.
What to order: Rigatoni alla vodka, meatballs, chicken Parm.
Insider tip: Use the attached counter spot for quicker lunches or solo meals.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in River North; most guests use nearby paid garages. Valet is occasionally available during peak evenings — call ahead to confirm.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but most diners lean slightly dressy during dinner hours.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is doable at smaller tables, but it can feel busier during peak dinner service.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours; shorter waits early evening.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait except during business lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — several pasta and starter options are naturally vegetarian or easily modified.
Vegan options: Limited — a few dishes can be adapted, but menus lean traditional and dairy-forward.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free friendly choices (salads, mains); pasta substitutions may be limited — ask your server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a relaxed, classic Italian setting with generous portions and a comfortable feel — it’s better for casual conversation than ultra-quiet romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or early evening, but expect a wait during prime weekend dinner hours; the bar or patio (when open) can be your best bet for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common earlier in the evening and at lunch. The menu is approachable for kids, though peak dinner hours can feel lively and crowded.
Best For
Better for: Hearty red-sauce comfort dishes, generous portions, and dependable business-lunch or family dinners in a casual-but-polished setting.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge Italian, a very quiet dining room, or extensive vegan/gluten-free options — a more specialized spot may fit better.