Chicago is a really fun city – well, maybe not so much in the middle of a frigid Midwest winter, but all other seasons are great times to visit Chicago, Illinois. Chicago is famous for its deep dish pizza (and its ill-fated Cubs, another story). However, when hungry travelers want a great Italian restaurant that goes beyond the Original Gino’s and Pizzario Uno style pizza, there are viable alternatives. Three favorites are in Old Town, Chicago.

Banquet Room at Topo Gigio, a Best Italian Restaurant in Chicago

Second City is in Old Town, walking distance from Lincoln Park. A Chicago vacation almost dictates seeing the Second City troupe perform (or at least ETC, the Experimental Theater Company at Second City). Before or after a show, have fun in Old Town. There are a few popular, terrific Italian restaurants very close to Second City that come highly recommended.

Dinotto Ristorante, at 215 W. North Ave., is completely relaxed and comfortable. Dinotto Ristorante is one of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago for people wanting a mix of a cozy, casual environment and delicious, no-nonsense Italian fare. “Real” Italian food is prepared here, the bar is fun, and locals enjoy it. Of course, service depends on the particular staff and night – it gets busy here – and guests aren’t rushed.

Trattoria Roma, at 1535 N. Wells St, serves Roman style pizza (thin crust). It’s a tasty break from the usual Chicago deep dish – and the toppings can be creative as well as traditional. Trattoria Roma is very popular at both lunch and dinner: This is a testament to how delicious, affordably priced meals at a fun restaurant can really bring out the crowds. The menu changes every day, but there’s always a well-rounded selection of popular Italian favorites.

Topo Gigio Ristorante, at 1516 N. Wells St., is also popular with tourists and native Chicagoans alike. As unstuffy as a great Italian restaurant in Chicago should be, there is some whimsy here as well. No surprise, seeing that the restaurant is named after the “Ed Sullivan Show” mouse. It’s more of a family restaurant than the busy Trattoria Roma, with musicians on the weekends. Even though there’s no children’s menu per se, Italian food is generally kid-friendly anyway. Ask, and the staff here will create child-sized portions.

The best Italian restaurants in Chicago should fit the casual mood of the town – relaxed and unpretentious, but with attention to what makes for great meals. Take a break from Chi-town deep-dish pizza; these fun restaurants in Old Town make for fun, satisfying nights out.