Gussie's busy restaurant in the evening with a view of a few booths and the bar

Overhead photo of multiple plates and drinks from the menu

Gussie's busy restaurant in the evening with a view of a dining room

Authentic Italian, made from scratch.

Unexpected fare inspired by family and the kitchens across Italy. We’re the neighborhood place that takes you across the ocean.

Across the street from Second City!

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Sunday Dinner

We’re serving a huge helping of gourmet Lasagna bolognese with soup or salad and a glass of wine every Sunday. It’s how Grandma Gussie did it.

4.5 Star Rated Reviews

Classic Handmade Italian Done Authentically.

Maybe you saw our complimentary bread go viral. Maybe you’ve heard about our affordable curated wine list, or the pasta we make by hand, every day.

No matter why you’re here, our fresh Italian fare and warm hospitality will defy your expectations and be exactly what you’re looking for.

Made from Scratch, Daily

Fresh Pasta

Inspired by Visits to Italy

Inspiration comes from great restaurants and from simple home-cooked meals. We’ve shared food and wine across Italy, and we’re bringing the experience and the tastes to you.

Laughably close to

Second City

Pre-Show Dinner and Drinks

We’re right across the street from Second City and its parking garage. It’s easy to eat with locals and visitors before the show. We’re the perfect start to your great night.

“Love Piccolo, Love.”

Growing up, when David was cooking Sunday dinner with Grandma Gussie, he asked her what made her food so special. She told him, “LOVE PICCOLO, LOVE.” It wasn’t any one specific ingredient or seasoning, it was the love she poured into her food for the people who were going to enjoy it.

When David opened Gussie’s Handmade Italian in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood, he brought what he learned from Grandma Gussie: fresh and authentic Italian food, inspired by family and travels, served with love.

See the Gussie’s Story

Framed picture of Grandma Gussie at her restaurant

Guests in a booth smiling and talking while a busy staff is working behind them, serving dishes form the kitchen

“Come sit around our table.”

I’m most happy when I’m cooking for the people I care about. At home, when I turn on the stove and open a bottle of wine, that’s my way of telling friends and family I love them.

That’s what we’re doing at Gussie’s. Our recipes are inspired by what I learned from my grandmother, and by my trips to restaurants and kitchens throughout Italy. The result is something original and authentic. The dream was to make a neighborhood restaurant that feels like home.

-David, Proprietor of Gussie’s Handmade Italian