Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna

Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna is one of the hottest new restaurants in River North, and it's quickly become a must-visit destination in Chicago’s dining scene. With buzzworthy pizza, handmade pasta, and a speakeasy lounge, it’s no surprise that reservations can be tough to come by. Luckily, we grabbed a weeknight table to experience the hype for ourselves, and it definitely delivered.

We started the night with the Kale Caesar Salad, made with a zesty Caesar vinaigrette and garlic breadcrumbs. The kale was finely chopped for a perfect texture, and the crispy breadcrumbs gave each bite a satisfying crunch. This was a fresh, flavorful way to kick off the meal.

Zarella offers both tavern-style and artisan-style pizzas, so naturally, we had to try one of each. For the tavern slice, we ordered the Carbonara Pizza topped with smoked pancetta, pecorino, and egg—ultra crispy and savory without feeling too heavy. On the artisan-style, we tried the Sopressata and Mortadella Pizza, finished with Calabrian chili honey and arugula. The balance of spicy-sweet honey with salty cured meats and peppery arugula was perfection.

Though we were already full, the menu’s Radiatore alla Vodka caught our eye—and let me tell you, it’s a must-order. The radiatore pasta held onto the rich vodka sauce beautifully, delivering bold flavor in every bite. This dish alone is worth returning for.

As a perfect end to the night, our server led us downstairs to Zarella’s speakeasy, a hidden lounge tucked beneath the restaurant. The vibe was moody and intimate—ideal for a nightcap. I ordered the espresso martini, which doubled as dessert.

Zarella combines elevated Italian-American comfort food with a stylish, vibrant atmosphere, making it perfect for date nights, group dinners, or celebratory meals. Between the artisan pizza, crave-worthy pasta, and hidden cocktail bar, this spot deserves a spot on your River North restaurant bucket list.

Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna: 531 N Wells St, Chicago, IL