Topo Gigio Ristorante

Absolutely success here! We got to sit on the patio (first come first serve). We split a well priced bottle of wine and enjoyed the complementary bread service.

So many fabulous options on the menu, it took a while to make the ultimate pasta decision. We went with the rigatoni and a summer pasta (arugula, cherry tomatoes, EVOO, garlic). The pasta was absolutely delish. I decided to substitute the fusollini for whole made fettuccine. It was an up charge but definitely worth it! Waiter was knowledgeable as well.

Only complaints: the table was not well positioned, it was crooked and our plates and glasses would slide if not held down. Similarly, I found a piece of paper in my pasta, looked like a butter wrapper perhaps? Who knows...

Came here with a party of 6+1 baby for lunch and got seated right away without a reservation. There was plenty of seating inside and outside. It seemed liked there was only one waiter and two helpers for the whole restaurant. I understand that he was rushed but he was still very friendly. Our high chair buckle was broken though and I was disappointed that the helper blew off my husband for asking for another one and seemed annoyed so we had to lower the stars for that experience. Food was delicious and a great value though. We spent about $120for the 6 of us and it was the perfect amount of food. The table bread was warm and soft and crunchy on the outside.

Conchigle - creamy and flavorful. One of the best

Fettuccine - I think we were up sold on the special here. It was just ok. Kind of wished we got the one on the menu

Tortellini - I liked the white sauce but you couldn't really taste the veal. It was a little doughy

Fusilli - pretty standard. Perfectly Al dente

Burrata - very creamy and paired so nicely with the veg and crunchy bread

LOVE this place!!!! It feels like you transport to Italy when you walk in. Especially in the summer when their bar area is uncovered. This place is normally packed, so I would make a reservation if you can or be prepared to have a long wait. Once seated - I've always had pretty good service. Sometimes it can take a little bit for a server to come greet you and get your drink order, but other than that all my servers have done a good job.

I've tried something new every time I've been here. This past time was one of my favorites - The Spiedini Adriatica came with shrimp and scallops & was a huge portion size. The spinach that came with it was the best spinach ever - I think they dowsed it in garlic & olive oil. If you think you don't think spinach, this spinach might change your mind.

The Insalata Di Calamari Grigliati was a really good salad. It was more of a warm salad because of the calamari which I loved and thought was so good.

The Fusilloni Tocco Delicato was very simple which I think contributed to it being one of my favorite items. The red sauce made it feel light and the arugula freshened it up.

Can't go wrong with anything on Topo's menu. Can't wait for my next visit!!!!!!

The space here is fairly big with a classic home-y Italian feel. When you walk in, you're in the bar area but towards the back to the left is the main dining room. They've definitely tried to maximize space as many of the chairs get pretty close together - wasn't too bothersome but definitely a little awkward to get around. They accommodated our group of 11 on a Sunday evening around 5. It got packed closer to dinner time so I can see that it's a popular spot.

We started with a burrata platter and the Calamari Fritti which were great for sharing. The burrata platter was good and the roasted red peppers paired so well. The calamari was crispy but lacked seasoning.

For our main, I tried the popular Conchiglie alla Sarda and my boyfriend got the Garganelli con le Luganighe. We also shared one of their specials which was a Ribeye and Mushroom Risotto. Both of the pastas were delicious - the pasta was cooked perfectly and it was packed with flavor however, I find them both to be incredibly oily so it got sickening towards the end and made me feel a little nauseous, which was unfortunate! The Ribeye Risotto wasn't too bad!

The staff were welcoming but I found service to be average! Overall, I personally don't think I'd go out of my way to come back as the pasta didn't really wow me and it was so heavy that I ended up feeling sick, but to each their own!

I always love eating Italian food and I couldn't wait to try Topo Gigio after all the good things I've heard. It's a bit tight inside but the food is great, for a reasonable price, and big portions!

My issues here were that I received a glass with a lipstick stain and my friend and I were squeezed into a tight spot for us two to sit. I was confused at first where our table was but we were to squeeze past a table to get to ours that was next to a barrier separating the host stand to the tables.

If you were to order one item off their menu, I recommend the Conchiglie Alla Sarda ($19.95). This pasta was delicious with plenty of sauce to dip the bread in. A good mix of protein, tomato sauce, some veggies, and of course cheese is the perfect combo! The Fusilli Alla Topo Gigio ($19.95) is a great pasta as well. Can't complain about the portions either. My friend and I couldn't get enough of the dessert as well which was a perfect way to end the night. It was sweet cheesecake with a thick chocolate crust. I love a good crust that is thick on a cheesecake. The Capesante Con Pesto e Crema ($13.95) was good but nothing amazing. We wanted to try it as it seemed a little different than the other appetizers, but we would probably skip it next time.

Overall, the food here is great and you will be plenty full with leftovers as well. I didn't feel like I was crying inside when I had to pay the bill either which is a plus.

We did take out from here. I thought the prices were pretty fair, and the pickup process was quick and painless. The staff had smiles. Overall great pickup experience.

We ordered their Bruschetta, my wife ordered their Fusilli alla Topo Gigio and I ordered their Spaghetti con el Polpette (spaghetti & meatballs). I honestly don't know what it is about me and spaghetti & meatballs. It's literally the most simplest dish one can order, yet I keep ordering it everywhere I go. Perhaps I like the simple things in life. The dish itself was good though. The meatballs were big, and very flavorful. The pasta was cooked perfectly and the sauce tasted great. Don't know if I would order it again if I came back to dine in, but for sure wouldn't hesitate ordering for takeout again.

My wife's Fusilli Alla Topo Gigio came with chicken, pancetta, with a bolognese sauce, a four cheese sauce and then topped with mozzarella. The dish was also good. Definitely very cheesy, but filling. Not sure I would personally order it though. The bruschetta was also very tasty. You only get three pieces but that's honestly more than enough. Both dishes also came with a side salad. Which I thought was a nice touch. The salads were good too. I can definitely see myself returning.

Looking for your favorite old school neighborhood Italian restaurant? It's right here!
The food is delicious! Anything from apps and pasta to the salmon salad. You'll be happy!
It's a cozy fit! The waitstaff does an amazing job moving trays of food amongst everyone! They are true professionals! Kind and knowledgeable too! Make your reservation soon!

I used to be a mad hater and think most food places in Old Town were overpriced and average at best--Topo Gigio is the exception from that. Some people like to list this place as one of the best Italian places in Chicago and I believe it definitely is up there. The calamari (grilled) is decadent and juicy--we got some pretty nice big chunks of squid which served as a good appetizer. My seafood risotto dish was creamy, flavorful, filling, and delicious. I think it had the right balance of seafood and rice where it didn't feel like I was completely ripped off.

The service is also really great at this place considering how large the restaurant is and how many people they are able to seat. The interior is a bit darker and harder to read menus but sets the mood for a nice candlelit dinner sort of night.

We came to Chicago to visit friends and they took us here on a Friday night. We put our names in then went to grab a drink somewhere else while we waited.

Definitely worth the wait, we were sat in a semi outdoor section which was really cute. Prompt service. We split a few apps and a couple pasta dishes. Everything was delicious!

Love this place but it gets very busy and doesn't take reservations or call ahead. The wait time quote is a little off and when it's your turn, they only give you 5 minutes to respond and show up thus the reason why I knock down a star. They have a covered bar area where you can grab a drink while waiting but it gets very loud and crowded.
Food and ambiance inside the restaurant is lively and space can be a little tight. Food here is spectacular, well priced and worth the wait. I have never been disappointed whenever I've come and always leave with a happy belly. My favorite is their seafood risotto and salmon farfelle. Bread and olive oil are complimentary to hold your appetite until the entrees come but they also have great apps - the calamari is q solid choice. The portions here are on the larger side so come hungry or be prepared for leftovers!