ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in River North
Best Late Night Pizza in River North
Best Family Friendly Italian in River North
Best Family Friendly Pizza in River North
Best Date Night Italian in River North
Master Critic Review
Quartino Ristorante
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
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: High-volume Italian small-plates house with hand-cut pasta and late hours.
Who should go: Groups wanting lively, shareable Italian with wine.
When to visit: Evenings before peak to avoid the loudest rush.
What to order: Margherita pizza, tagliatelle bolognese, salumi board.
Insider tip: Order several half-portion pastas so the table can sample widely.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site lot; expect paid River North garages within a 1–2 block walk and limited metered street parking (often difficult after 6pm). Rideshare is common during peak hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy in the evenings.
Noise level: Loud and lively during peak hours — conversation is possible but raised voices are common at dinner.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak hours; shorter waits earlier in the evening.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait; walk-ins are usually seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — multiple antipasti, salads, pizzas, and several pastas can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few salads and vegetable antipasti may work with modifications; confirm ingredients with staff.
Gluten-free options: Selective accommodation — some dishes can be modified and there are gluten-free-friendly items, but no dedicated gluten-free kitchen or prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for energetic, social dates than quiet conversation — the atmosphere is lively and often loud, but fun if you want a casual, bustling Italian spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they seat many walk-ins, especially earlier in the evening and at lunch, but expect a wait at peak weekend dinner times.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes — shareable plates and pizzas work well for families, though the room can feel noisy and busy for very young children during peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, shared plates, casual celebrations, and lively Italian meals with steady pacing and broad menu coverage.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dinner, highly personalized service, or refined, fine-dining Italian — choose a smaller, more formal restaurant instead.