Sotto

“Got the crispy artichokes and the short rib pasta dish, and both were excellent.”

Got the crispy artichokes and the short rib pasta dish, and both were excellent. Also ordered the smoking gun and got a special request for a smoked diet Pepsi, which was also glorious. Lovely people, great service, and an all around wonderful restaurant. Definitely recommended. (Thank you for such great service, Alex!)

Roya

Dec 2025

“Wonderful place to dine with a big family vibe!”

Krista Gleason

Aug 2025

“We went there on a Saturday evening and the walk into the restaurant set the tone.”

We went there on a Saturday evening and the walk into the restaurant set the tone. After descending down a flight of stairs, there was a sense of walking through a charming Italian alley with tables along the right side and the host ready to greet us for our reservation. We were shown to our table near a large party who were already enjoying the space with conversation and cocktails. Our server Bailey walked us through the menu and confirmed our choices were great. The bar was a bit backed up but we took the time to admire the drawings on the wall. We ordered the cacio e pepe arancini and every bite was peppered perfection. Next up was the frutti di mare with squid ink bucatini, shrimp, scallop, and octopus. It was a saucy masterpiece. I had a grin across my face from the first bite. We finished with another drink from the mixologist and then headed home. This place should be on your radar and the rating should be on the rise as it gains more traction in the neighborhood.

J. Connor Delaney

Jul 2025

“We wanted to eat at The Village but they were full and said go downstairs.”

We wanted to eat at The Village but they were full and said go downstairs. We headed to the basement to this quaint little restaurant with delicious, homemade Italian. Our waiter was wonderful and suggested the fish, which I tried. It was one of the best fish dishes I’ve ever had. The sauce was so flavorful and had a zing to it. The pesto pasta was also very delicious but the best part was the unique, deconstructed tiramisu we had! I think the best ever! If you are ok with a small, intimate menu, please stop down to Bar Sotto!

Erika

May 2025

“We dined here on NYE for our anniversary and it was fantastic.”

We dined here on NYE for our anniversary and it was fantastic! I've thought of the burrata many times since eating here, you need to order that as an appetizer. We loved both our entrees - my husband said the beef short rib is the best he has ever had. Tiramisu was delish!

Annie

Jan 2025

“Amazing spot in the Loop, tucked speakeasy-style beneath The Italian Village.”

Amazing spot in the Loop, tucked speakeasy-style beneath The Italian Village. My friends and I loved the relaxed yet lively atmosphere. It was perfect for our group dinner and will definitely be a go-to for future date nights with my girlfriend. The Hunter's Chicken was the standout dish of the night. We arrived early for our reservation and started with drinks at Bar Sotto. The Last Word cocktail was so good that I had to order another one to the table!

Josh Word

Nov 2024

“Loved our meal at Sotto.”

Loved our meal at Sotto. The ambiance is great, and the food is a great mix of Italian classics with a modern touch. The arancini is a must order.

Maggie Becker

Nov 2024

“Nestled under the historic Italian Village (Chicago’s oldest Italian restaurant!), Sotto is like...”

Nestled under the historic Italian Village (Chicago’s oldest Italian restaurant!), Sotto is like stepping into the quaint, rustic wine cellars of Italy, only to be lured in further by a tastefully delicious menu of drinks, appetizers, and entrees. The exposed brick, arched ceilings, and dim lighting evoke a warm, intimate atmosphere, while an enthusiastic waitstaff with deep menu knowledge curate a most desirable experience! My new favorite is the Casper the Friendly Ghost cocktail…. 100000/10!!!!

Betty Richardson

Nov 2024

“This is THE spot to go for drinks and good eats.”

This is THE spot to go for drinks and good eats. The atmosphere is incredible and their menu is so fun and delicious. Make sure to get the arancini!

Emily Casaletto

Nov 2024

“Loved dining at Sotto!”

Loved dining at Sotto!! The food was delicious and the intimate vibes of the restaurant were great, from the beautiful artwork on the walls to the fun music. Also as someone with dietary restrictions, I appreciated that the menu very clearly labeled which items were gluten free. The staff was also very knowledgeable and accommodating my dietary restrictions. Highly recommend the seafood risotto and the panna cotta! Also loved the Last Word cocktail.

Megan Lubow

Nov 2024

“Dinner at Sotto was even more delicious than I could have anticipated, after experiencing the food...”

Dinner at Sotto was even more delicious than I could have anticipated, after experiencing the food at Bar Sotto many times in the past. Each dish I tried was innovative yet comforting, coupling old Italian favorites with modern flavor twists. The whole space is the perfect vibe, with the speakeasy feel of Bar Sotto and the family feel of the Village. It is the perfect after work dinner and drinks spot!

Lizzie Porter

Nov 2024

“Nous avons eut une très bonne expérience sur place.”

Nous avons eut une très bonne expérience sur place. Joli restaurant dans une ambiance speakeasy. Le service était rapide et sympathique. La carte est réduite mais de bons produits bien sélectionnés. Les cocktails sont très bons également.

Deborah Castanheira

Apr 2025