Italian Village’s red-checkered tablecloths and family-style portions suggest a traditional trattoria, yet the menu spans everything from veal parmesan to fettuccine alfredo. If you are looking for the Italian Village menu with prices before you book a table, you are in the right spot. We have broken down the full cost structure, portion sizes, and the best value picks so you can plan your meal without any guesswork.
This guide covers the lunch specials, dinner entrees, and the famous dessert cart. We will also tell you which dishes are worth the splurge and which ones you can skip. Let us walk you through every section of the menu, item by item.
Italian Village Menu With Prices: The Full Breakdown
The Italian Village has been a staple in Chicago since 1927. It is actually three restaurants in one building: the Village, La Cantina, and the Florentine Room. Each space has its own menu, but the main dining room is the one most people visit for classic red-sauce dishes.
Below, you will find the most current pricing for the main dining room. Keep in mind that prices can shift slightly depending on the season or special events. Always confirm with your server before ordering if you are on a strict budget.
Appetizers And Soups
You will want to start with something warm and shareable. The appetizer list is short but covers all the bases, from fried calamari to baked clams.
- Garlic Bread with Mozzarella – $8.95
- Fried Calamari with Marinara – $14.95
- Baked Clams Oreganata (half dozen) – $13.50
- Shrimp Cocktail (4 pieces) – $15.95
- Soup of the Day (cup) – $5.50
- Minestrone (bowl) – $7.25
- Caesar Salad (side) – $8.95
- House Salad (side) – $6.50
The garlic bread is enough for two people. If you are dining alone, you might want to skip it and go straight for the soup. The minestrone is hearty and filled with vegetables, not just broth.
Pasta Dishes
This is the heart of the menu. Every pasta dish comes with a small house salad or cup of soup. You also get warm bread and butter on the table. Portions are large, so plan to take leftovers home.
- Spaghetti with Marinara – $16.95
- Spaghetti with Meatballs – $19.95
- Linguine with White Clam Sauce – $21.50
- Fettuccine Alfredo – $18.95
- Penne alla Vodka – $19.50
- Rigatoni with Eggplant – $18.50
- Cheese Ravioli with Marinara – $17.95
- Lasagna al Forno – $20.95
- Manicotti – $19.50
- Tortellini with Cream Sauce – $20.25
The lasagna is a massive square that is layered with ricotta and a slightly sweet sausage ragù. It is one of the best values on the menu because the portion is huge. The fettuccine alfredo is rich, but it can be a bit heavy if you are not used to cream-based sauces.
If you want a lighter option, go for the linguine with clam sauce. The white wine and garlic broth is bright and not overly oily. You can also ask for whole wheat pasta on any dish for an extra $2.00.
Chicken And Veal Entrees
These dishes are served with a side of spaghetti or a vegetable of the day. The chicken is always pounded thin and breaded fresh. The veal is tender and sourced from a local butcher.
- Chicken Parmesan – $22.95
- Chicken Marsala – $23.50
- Chicken Francese – $23.50
- Chicken Cacciatore – $22.95
- Veal Parmesan – $26.95
- Veal Marsala – $27.50
- Veal Francese – $27.50
- Veal Piccata – $27.50
The chicken parmesan is the most popular item in the whole restaurant. The cutlet is crispy on the outside and juicy inside. It comes topped with melted mozzarella and a ladle of marinara. The side of spaghetti is plain, so you might want to ask for extra sauce.
For veal, the marsala is the standout. The mushrooms are sautéed in a sweet wine sauce that is not too boozy. The veal piccata is more tart and lemony, which pairs well with the buttery capers.
Seafood Specialties
The seafood section is smaller, but the quality is solid. These dishes cost a bit more because of the fresh fish delivery every morning.
- Shrimp Scampi with Linguine – $24.95
- Salmon Piccata – $25.50
- Broiled Whitefish – $23.95
- Lobster Ravioli (half order) – $18.95
- Lobster Ravioli (full order) – $26.95
The shrimp scampi has six large shrimp tossed in a garlic butter sauce. The salmon is cooked to order and comes with a light lemon caper sauce. If you are watching your carb intake, you can swap the pasta for extra vegetables at no charge.
Pizza And Calzones
Yes, they serve pizza here too. It is a thin-crust, tavern-style pie that is cut into squares. This is not a deep-dish place, so adjust your expectations.
- Cheese Pizza (12-inch) – $14.95
- Pepperoni Pizza (12-inch) – $17.95
- Combination Pizza (12-inch) – $19.95
- Margherita Pizza (12-inch) – $16.95
- Calzone with Ricotta and Mozzarella – $15.95
- Calzone with Sausage and Peppers – $18.50
The pizza is a good option if you are sharing with a picky eater. The crust is cracker-thin and gets crispy at the edges. The calzone is huge, so you can easily split it with a friend.
Beverages And Desserts
Drinks are priced reasonably for a sit-down restaurant. The dessert cart is the real showstopper, though. You can see the options before you commit.
- Soft Drinks and Iced Tea – $3.95
- Coffee or Hot Tea – $3.50
- House Red or White Wine (glass) – $9.00
- House Red or White Wine (carafe) – $28.00
- Tiramisu – $8.95
- Cannoli (2 pieces) – $7.50
- Cheesecake with Strawberries – $8.50
- Spumoni Ice Cream – $6.95
- Tartufo – $7.95
The tiramisu is made in-house and has a strong espresso flavor. The cannoli shells are crispy and filled to order, so they do not get soggy. If you are celebrating something, the tartufo is a chocolate shell with vanilla and cherry ice cream inside.
Lunch Specials And Early Bird Deals
If you want to save money, come during lunch hours. The lunch menu is available from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays. You get a smaller portion, but the price drops significantly.
- Lunch Spaghetti with Meatball – $12.95
- Lunch Chicken Parmesan – $15.95
- Lunch Lasagna – $14.50
- Lunch Veal Parmesan – $18.95
- Lunch Fettuccine Alfredo – $13.50
Each lunch special includes a cup of soup or a small salad. You also get a non-alcoholic beverage. The lunch portions are still generous, so do not expect a tiny plate.
There is also a early bird dinner menu from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM on weekdays. It offers a three-course meal for $29.95. You get a soup or salad, a choice of five entrees, and a small dessert. This is the best deal if you like to eat early.
Family Style Dinners For Groups
For groups of four or more, the family style option is the way to go. You pick three pasta dishes and two entrees. The kitchen brings out large platters for everyone to share.
- Family Style Dinner (per person) – $34.95
- Includes: Salad, garlic bread, 3 pastas, 2 entrees, dessert
- Beverages are not included
This is a great way to try multiple dishes without ordering individual plates. The staff will keep bringing food until you say stop. Just be careful not to over-order because the portions are already massive.
Gluten Free And Vegetarian Options
The Italian Village is not the most accommodating for special diets, but they do have some options. You can request gluten-free pasta for any dish for an extra $3.00. The kitchen will also prepare most vegetable sides without butter if you ask.
Vegetarians have a few solid choices. The rigatoni with eggplant, the cheese ravioli, and the margherita pizza are all meat-free. The marinara sauce is vegan, so you can ask for spaghetti with just marinara and no cheese.
If you have a severe gluten allergy, be careful. The kitchen is not a dedicated gluten-free facility. Cross-contamination is possible because they cook everything in the same water and pans.
Tips For Ordering On A Budget
You do not have to spend a fortune to eat well here. Here are some practical ways to keep the bill down while still getting a full meal.
- Order the lunch special instead of the dinner portion. The food is the same, just smaller.
- Skip the appetizer and get an extra side of garlic bread instead.
- Share a large entree with a friend. The portions are big enough for two.
- Drink tap water or iced tea instead of wine. You will save at least $10.
- Ask for the early bird menu if you are dining before 5:30 PM.
- Take your leftovers home and make a second meal out of them.
One more tip: the bread basket is free and refillable. Do not fill up on bread if you want to enjoy your main course. But if you are really hungry, you can ask for extra bread and make a meal out of it with the marinara sauce.
How To Read The Menu Like A Regular
The menu can be overwhelming if you have never been here before. Here is a quick guide to decoding the descriptions.
- “Al forno” means baked in the oven. This usually refers to lasagna or baked pasta.
- “Francese” means the meat is dipped in egg batter and sautéed in lemon butter.
- “Piccata” means the meat is served with capers, lemon, and a light butter sauce.
- “Marsala” means the meat is cooked with sweet Marsala wine and mushrooms.
- “Cacciatore” means the meat is braised with tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers.
Knowing these terms helps you understand what you are getting before you order. If you see a dish you like but you are not sure about the sauce, just ask your server. They are usually happy to explain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about the Italian Village menu and pricing.
Does The Italian Village Menu With Prices Include A Service Charge?
No, the menu prices do not include a service charge or gratuity. You should tip your server 18-20% based on the total bill. For large groups of six or more, the restaurant may automatically add an 18% gratuity. Check your bill carefully before you tip extra.
Are There Any Hidden Fees On The Italian Village Menu?
There is no cover charge or bread fee. However, if you split an entree, the kitchen may charge a $5.00 plating fee. If you order a side of pasta to share, that will also be an extra charge. Ask your server about split plate fees before you order.
Can I See The Italian Village Menu With Prices Online?
Yes, the official website has a PDF version of the menu. However, the online menu may not list the daily specials. Those are written on a board near the kitchen and change every day. You can also call the restaurant directly to ask about current pricing.
Is The Italian Village Menu With Prices The Same For Lunch And Dinner?
No, the lunch menu is different from the dinner menu. Lunch prices are about 30% lower and the portions are smaller. The dinner menu has more seafood and veal options. The early bird menu is a separate third menu that is only available from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM on weekdays.
What Is The Most Expensive Item On The Italian Village Menu?
The most expensive regular menu item is the veal marsala at $27.50. The lobster ravioli full order is close behind at $26.95. If you include the family style dinner, that comes to $34.95 per person, which is the highest cost per person.
Final Thoughts On Pricing And Value
The Italian Village is not a cheap eat, but it is fair for the quality and portion size. You are paying for a sit-down experience with table service, fresh ingredients, and a historic atmosphere. A typical dinner for two with an appetizer, two entrees, and a shared dessert will run about $80 to $100 before tip.
If you are on a tight budget, stick to the lunch specials or the early bird menu. You get the same kitchen quality without the premium dinner price. The pasta dishes are the best value, while the veal and seafood are the priciest.
One last piece of advice: do not skip the dessert cart. Even if you are full, share a tiramisu with your table. It is the perfect way to end a meal at this old-school spot. And remember, the menu changes slightly with the seasons, so always double-check the prices when you arrive.
Now you have all the info you need to order with confidence. Go enjoy your meal, and do not forget to save room for the cannoli.