La Storia, Italian Restaurant
Matthew schmitt · 167 Google reviewsLa Storia, Italian Restaurant — dependable italian in Gold Coast. Nothing about this place is trying to impress you, and that's the point. There's real intention behind the cocktail list, and handles groups well. "Food was very good, the pasta was fresh and sauce was great" — Matthew schmitt [$$$, patio]
What 401 diners keep saying
What 401 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“Sometimes the best date nights are the ones where you slow down, grab a seat on the patio, order a couple of drinks, and enjoy the moment. 🍹❤️ For my wife’s birthday dinner, we checked out La Storia and had an amazing meal from start to finish. We kicked things off with cocktails. She ordered the La Storia Spritz (lillet, lemon juice, and prosecco), and I went with the Cosmo di Flori di Sambuco made with Tito’s, elderflower liqueur, pineapple juice, and lemon juice. They were so good we had to order a second round. Since we arrived hungry, we started with the Grilled Caesar Salad, loaded with crispy bacon, parmesan shavings, and golden croutons, along with the Salumi Board, featuring a selection of cured meats and cheeses. For the main course, we decided to skip the pasta and try something different. My wife went with the Risotto al Funghi Porcini, a rich and creamy risotto with porcini mushrooms, white wine sauce, truffle paste, and pecorino cheese. I stepped outside my comfort zone and ordered the Vitello alla Milanese, a breaded and fried bone-in veal chop served with arugula and heirloom tomato salad. Not my usual order, but definitely one I’d get again. We also shared an order of the Fried Confit Potatoes, which were absolutely worth it. Dessert was the perfect finish. She had the Tiramisu (because of course she did 😆), and I went with the Olive Oil Cake stuffed with lemon curd and crème fraîche chiboust. The weather was perfect, the food was outstanding, and most importantly, we got to celebrate another year of the woman who puts up with me every day. ❤️”
“Wow-What an outdoor gem. The rear outdoor area could be one of the finest in the city. My daughters invited me and it was all our first time and I can’t wait to get back there. The food was incredible and super fresh but the atmosphere might just outshine the food and service. Definitely a must. Also a fantastic happy hour menu.”
“We had our wedding in the private event space at La Storia, and I truly can’t imagine a more perfect place. We rented the entire upstairs for our intimate 14-person celebration, and from start to finish, it was absolute magic. Working with Slav, the general manager, was a dream. He made the planning process so easy and enjoyable. He genuinely cared about every little detail. From curating the perfect menu, to helping us select the wines, to coordinating with our baker for the cake delivery, he handled it all seamlessly and with such care. The space itself is stunning, warm, and inviting—ideal for a cozy yet elegant gathering. And the staff? Absolutely incredible. They made us feel celebrated and completely taken care of, like we were the only event that mattered. And the food… don’t even get me started. Hands-down the best lasagna I’ve ever had (and I don’t say that lightly). Every dish was delicious and beautifully presented. I would highly recommend La Storia for your next private event—or even just a dinner out. It’s a truly special place with phenomenal food and a team that goes above and beyond.”
“I had a wonderful experience at this Italian restaurant. From the moment I arrived, the staff was incredibly welcoming and attentive. The hospitality was outstanding, and every member of the team made sure we felt comfortable and well taken care of throughout our visit. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. Thank you for such a pleasant experience — I will definitely be coming back!”
“We came to this place with our friends on Saturday night. It was moderately lively which was good. The decor was nice and welcoming. Cleanliness was also very good. Our server was very engaging and he did a good job in getting our order in. The food - now this was meh. I didn't feel the freshness that I would in other competition. The burrata didn't come with any bread which was disappointing and the bread given on the table when we sat only had 4 pieces (but it was good). The ravioli could use more sauce. The shrimp Alla vodka was very good. We aked it to be very spicy and they tried their best. If I come again, I'd expect better food quality.”
“Excellent buccatini and branzino. Great appetizers, grilled octopus nice wine selections.”
“This past Saturday I met at friend for Brunch at La Storia which is in a two story historic Victorian house located in the Gold Coast neighborhood. We chose to be on one of their two patios as it was a gorgeous day outside. Their brunch menu has been reformulated with some new additions and also some deletions. My friend started with an Aperol Spritz and I stuck with water. La Storia has great cocktail, an excellent wine list and small, but good selection of bottled beers. We shared one of the new items, the Mediterranea Salad which has Arugula, Spinach, Sliced Fresh Peaches, Fresh Mozzarella Pearls and Walnuts dressed with a Honey Balsamic Dressing. The salad was so fresh and wonderful and was the perfect starter for Brunch. We then progressed to our mains which were also a new addition to their brunch menu. My friend had the Benedict Pugliese and I had the Benedetto Al Prosciutto. Their Benedict was toasted grain bread with two fried eggs, creamy buratta, arugula and basil pesto. Mine, al Prosciutto was over a toasted English Muffin with two Poached Eggs, Spinach, Prosciutto and Hollandaise Sauce and came with a side of Cubed Breakfast Potatoes. Our food was fabulous with everything perfectly cooked. Our server Allie was superb and a delight. The ambiance on the patio was wonderful. Brunch was a big hit for us and we both agreed that we would be back soon, very soon. Having dined at La Storia many, many times I can honestly say that dinner is just as fabulous as our brunch. Whether it's brunch or dinner you cannot go wrong with La Storia.”
“Danny is the best bartender at Chicago! He’s a Gold Coast staple and it shows! He made us feel so welcome and made it a lively Wednesday night for us! Great drinks during happy hour and phenomenal food/deserts as well. Make sure to go Sunday/monday/wednesday when he’s working:)”
“We were referred here by our hotel: Food was outstanding, excellent service. Nice charming atmosphere! Strong recommendation”
“Impeccable service from Dan at the bar. The food is always fresh full of authentic flavors. The restaurant and the building is an absolute gem!”
“What an amazing experience, from the time I arrived, until the last goodnight! The Food, Service, and Atmosphere is Incredible! The bar is Fantastic, love the fireplace! Highly recommended! 💯”
“Excellent service! I think it's one of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago. 😋The food is delicious and the customer service is impeccable. In addition, it is a beautiful place to go with family, as a couple or alone. (I recommend that you make a reservation, since it is a very busy environment). 😉😌”
Sounds like your kind of place?
Star it — your hit list is where dinner decisions get made.
One email a month — new openings, hidden gems, and where locals are actually eating.
More Italian in Downtown & River North
See the ranking →
In the same lane · Italian, upscale
If it's packed, walk to…
More good rooms in Gold Coast, minutes away.