Why Locals Love Ricobene's
Located in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant West Loop, Ricobene’s is a beloved pizza restaurant that offers an authentic taste of Chicago’s classic Italian-American cuisine. Stepping into Ricobene’s feels like stepping back in time to an old-school Chicago joint, where comfort food reigns supreme and crowds come for hearty, soul-satisfying meals.
The highlight at Ricobene’s is undoubtedly their famous Breaded Steak Sandwich, a Chicago staple that has earned passionate fans. This sandwich is a glorious mess of crispy breaded steak, gooey cheese, and spicy sweet and hot peppers, often smothered in flavorful sauces that drip with every delicious bite. It’s exactly the kind of indulgence that makes you savor every messy, saucy mouthful with a smile. Beyond the steak, Ricobene’s offers a rich menu lineup including Italian classics like the Sicilian Beef with savory beef gravy, the zesty Italian Sausage with red gravy, and the crowd-pleasing Meatball sandwich. Their Eggplant Parmesan sandwich is a delightful meatless option, layered with rich sauce and parmesan—perfect for anyone craving bold flavors without the meat.
For a more traditional sit-down experience, Ricobene’s dinners are a wonderful choice. Dive into spaghetti or mostaccioli served alongside crunchy, buttery garlic bread, or try their baked ravioli with mozzarella that melts perfectly, creating a symphony of textures. Their bucket meals are generous and perfect for sharing, laden with meatballs, sausage, or mushrooms that add depth and heartiness. Not to be missed are the fried chicken and perch dinners, which arrive crispy and accompanied by fresh cut fries, slaw, and warm bread, creating a satisfying, homestyle meal.
Ricobene’s also pays attention to variety and sides, with offerings that range from homemade minestrone and hearty pasta fagioli soups to unique items like chili 'n' fries — fries topped with cheese and hearty chili, delivering a comforting kick. The garden-fresh salads provide a lighter counterpoint amidst the rich flavors, while the pizza puff and tamale add bursts of nostalgic delight.
What sets Ricobene’s apart isn’t just the food, but the atmosphere. It’s a no-frills, welcoming spot that feels like a hidden gem adored by locals and visitors alike. Customers consistently praise the generous portion sizes and friendly, straightforward service that nails the authentic Chicago dining experience. Whether you’re grabbing a slice from their dedicated pizza-by-the-slice line or settling in for a full meal, Ricobene’s combines tradition and flavor in a way that feels both comforting and exciting.
Whether you’re a longtime Chicagoan or a visitor seeking an authentic taste of the city’s Italian-American roots, Ricobene’s promises a memorable culinary journey. Its iconic breaded steak sandwich alone makes every visit worth it, but the warmth of the atmosphere and the breadth of menu options ensure that you’ll find something to captivate every craving.
See the Space & Food
What Makes This Place Friendly
- Kerbside pickup
- Delivery
- On-site services
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Fast service
- Serves local specialty
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Wine
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Toilet
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Casual
- Cosy
- Historic
- Trendy
- Family friendly
- Groups
- Locals
- Tourists
- University students
- Usually a wait
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- Parking
Real Reviews from the Community
- Apr 12, 2026
What an awesome old school Old Chicago feeling joint serving fresh Chicago classics as well as their unique and famous breaded steak sandwich. My buddy and I both got our own steak sandwiches, both with extra sauce, sweet and hot peppers. They were awesome -- an absolute mess to navigate with sauce and cheese and toppings spilling everywhere but 100% worth every bit of eating effort. Looking around, everyone around us was eating something different -- the Italian Beef, the pizza, everything looked awesome and I would love to come back and try everything!
- Apr 4, 2026
After hearing so much about Ricobene’s as an essential Chicago restaurant, I finally made a point to stop in for dinner. Breaded Steak sandwich was massive and pretty tasty. Cheese fries were a little underwhelming. Although my heart can’t handle frequent visits here, I understand the appeal. A no frills joint serving good sandwiches.
- Mar 31, 2026
The best place to get pizza in chicacgo, this is 3rd time I've gone back to get pizza. Honestly my favorite has to be the breaded steak pizza. Would recommend the pan pizza as well, especially if you want a slice to go, they have a dedicated line for by the slice.
- Mar 28, 2026
It's been years maybe even decades since I visited this historic place. My lady had never been here so I wanted to turn her on to the breaded steak. It was just as I remembered and better because it was in front of me. We also had an eggplant sandwich which was delicious. The menu is abundant with all kinds of things to try and I'll have to come back a lot sooner to get in on other flavors like a chicken parmesan sandwich with bacon. On a side note, I forgot my sling bag and went somewhere else. Then when I went home looking for my keys I realized I left it behind. I called and sure enough if they had it. So on top of having a great meal they looked out for my belongings in a super crowded atmosphere with long lines of people waiting to get their orders in.
- Feb 17, 2026
Ricobene's is famous for their Breaded Steak Sandwiches, and they are extremely delicious. You have to try it! Thier other food is really good and tasty also,like their Italian Beefs and Pizza. Price point isn't bad, especially for the size. Service is good, it's typical order and pickup. This is a must try spot in Chicago........
- Jan 28, 2026
I had a slice with breaded steak as the topping. The crust is thin and doesn't have much flavor, but there was plenty of sauce. I didn't try the cheese-only pizza and wonder if the sauce the put with the breaded steak is different, because it tasted more like a pasta sauce. It worked well on my slice, though. Nice amount of cheese with good flavor. Ricobene's is a walk-up counter service restaurant, with plenty of seating. One side for pizza, another side for sandwiches and other entrees. Free parking in their own lot, literally under the Dan Ryan overpasses across the street.
- Jan 23, 2026
Wow this place was like old Chicago. The staff was friendly and helpful. We ordered the cheese and sausage pizza slices. The cheese and sauce was delicious. We ordered the breaded steak sandwich with sweet and spicy peppers. It was so good. The steak was tender and the sauce on top of it was fantastic! I am sure the pasta dishes would be so amazing. I look forward to going again. And I highly recommend going! Oh and one the best parts is they have a parking lot across the street that is free parking!
- Dec 20, 2025
Fell in love with this place. We crave it all the time. The pan pizza might be the best I’ve had with a perfect buttery crust. The chicken vesuvio is a phenomenal sandwich. Quick and friendly service and great prices. Draft beer too. Free parking across the street. Place is worth the hype
