Finding a great Chicago restaurant that welcomes every member of the family, including the kids, can sometimes be a challenge. Look no further! This list compiles Chicago’s best kid-approved pasta dishes at top restaurants, highlighting both delicious meals for everyone and stress-free dining.
Pasta Via
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Known for its on-the-go style, Pasta Via is an ideal restaurant for the whole family. Every dish is completely customizable, allowing guests to select their preferred pasta, sauce and toppings. They also offer a dedicated kids’ menu, providing numerous options for your little ones to choose from.
- Location: 179 N Morgan St, Chicago
- Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday
What to try:
- Pasta Con Burro: The most popular item on the kids’ menu, this classic dish comes with pasta of choice and butter, garlic and parmesan cheese.
- Pasta Formagino: An option for the adventurous eater, this Italian mac and cheese is made with cheddar, parmigiano and mascarpone cream.
Francesca’s on Chestnut
Francesca’s offers a warm, comforting environment, emphasizing authentic Italian food. While they do have a dedicated kids’ menu, they are also highly accommodating with menu modifications to please any taste buds.
- Location: 200 E Chestnut St., Chicago
- Hours: 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and Sunday; 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday
What to try:
- Spaghetti and Meatballs: A timeless classic, featuring creamy spaghetti tossed in a delicious tomato sauce, topped with succulent meatballs. It’s a perfect comfort dish for any kiddo.
- Rigatoni with Butter: The ultimate, simple classic meal, it’s a high-quality pasta dish lathered in sweet butter and topped with cheese.
Maggiano’s Little Italy
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Maggiano’s Little Italy offers a vibrant atmosphere that’s perfect for families, serving signature Italian American cuisine. Flexible menu options ensure every child can enjoy ideal Italian comfort food.
- Location: 516 N Clark St., Chicago
- Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday; 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.- 11 p.m. Saturday
What to try:
- Cheese Ravioli with Marinara: Ravioli stuffed with cheese and drizzled in marinara sauce, it’s a guaranteed favorite, no matter the day of the week.
- Kids’ Pasta: A choice of noodle and alfredo, butter, marinara or meat sauce, ensuring there’s a perfect match for every picky eater.
Pasta D’Arte
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Discover the perfect family meal at Pasta D’Arte. Known for its homemade, regional Italian dishes, the restaurant features menu options that satisfy every age and preference.
- Location: 6311 N Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
- Hours: 11:30 a.m.- 9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 11:30 a.m.- 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 3 p.m.- 9 p.m. Sundays
What to try:
- Kids’ Baked Mostacciole: Penne pasta tossed in tomato sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a gooey, cheesy masterpiece that is impossible not to love.
- Kids’ Penne with Butter and Parmesan: Penne pasta served in butter sprinkled with parmesan cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for little ones who prefer a basic yet delicious meal.
Sal’s Trattoria
Sal’s Trattoria, a cozy neighborhood Italian restaurant known for its authentic cuisine, has options for the entire family. With a dedicated kids’ menu, every child can easily choose their ideal dish. For added convenience, outdoor seating and highchairs are available.
- Location: 2834 N Southport Ave., Chicago
- Hours: 5-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 5-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday
What to try:
- Spaghetti and Meatballs: Spaghetti covered in tomato sauce with meatballs. This iconic favorite is a signature meal that never disappoints.
- Fettuccini Alfredo: High-quality pasta served with creamy alfredo sauce. This cheesy, creamy dish is excellent for a special meal.
- Sweet treat finish: Every kid’s meal comes with a complimentary scoop of high-quality, housemade gelato.
