ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in River North
Best Pizza in River North
Best Cheap Pizza in River North
Best Family Friendly Pizza in River North
Master Critic Review
Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Family Friendly Favorites
Opened in 2025 by Boka Restaurant Group, Zarella does both tavern-style squares and artisan round pies alongside starters and a few Italian American plates. Its grab-and-go window and relatively moderate pricing make it a newer, more casual entry into the River North Italian landscape.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soppressata & Mortadella specialty pie, Spicy vodka pizza, Sunday Salad with salami and ditalini
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Chef-driven tavern and artisan pizzas with a grab-and-go window in the former GT Fish space.
Who should go: Pizza fans wanting modern tavern pies without white-tablecloth formality.
When to visit: Evenings for dine-in, or lunch for quick grab-and-go pies.
What to order: Soppressata & Mortadella pie, spicy vodka pizza, Sunday Salad.
Insider tip: Use the grab-and-go window on Grand when you want a whole pie fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily paid garage and metered street parking in River North; street spots can be scarce during evenings and weekends, and no consistent valet presence is reported.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy in the evenings.
Noise level: Moderate-lively — conversation is doable at smaller tables, but peak hours can feel energetic.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes at peak times without a reservation; faster for bar seats or takeout.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, especially when using the grab-and-go window.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — multiple meat-free pizzas and salads, with the ability to remove toppings on request.
Vegan options: Limited — some pizzas can be made cheeseless and salads can be adjusted, but there isn’t a dedicated vegan program.
Gluten-free options: Availability may be limited — ask about crust options and cross-contact risk if medically sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual, low-pressure first date — it’s relaxed, affordable, and easy to share a pizza, but it’s not ideal if you want a very quiet or formal setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes — walk-ins are common, especially early evenings and weekdays, but expect a wait during prime weekend dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the casual format, shareable pizzas, and quicker service make it workable for families, especially earlier in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Modern tavern-style and artisan pizzas at moderate prices in River North, plus the convenience of a grab-and-go window for quick meals.
Skip if: You want white-tablecloth Italian dining, a deep wine list, or a quieter, linger-longer experience.
Hours
Monday4pm - 10pm
Tuesday4pm - 10pm
Wednesday4pm - 10pm
Thursday4pm - 10pm
Friday11am - 11pm
Saturday11am - 11pm
Sunday11am - 9pm