New Italian Pizzeria Brings Authentic Flavors to South Loop as Apartment Building Begins Leasing

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/South Loop · October 20, 2025

South Loop's dining scene has a delicious new addition with the opening of Forno Mauri, a thin-crust pizzeria bringing authentic Italian flavors to the neighborhood. Opened in December 2024 by Maurizio Michi, who also owns neighboring Sofi Italian, the restaurant imports ingredients directly from Italy to create pizzas with authentic flavors rarely found elsewhere. The Emiliana pizza has quickly become a neighborhood favorite.

Meanwhile, residential options in South Loop continue to expand with Straits Row Apartments at 633 S. LaSalle beginning its leasing process this month. The 18-story development offers a mix of traditional and co-living units, adding to the neighborhood's vibrant housing market. Other exciting developments include the 21-story mixed-use building at 1010 S. Wells at Riverline, which will feature 386 apartments and 2,904 square feet of retail space plus public river walk access that could eventually connect Harrison all the way to Ping Tom Park in Chinatown.

South Loop residents looking to explore these new additions can visit Forno Mauri to sample their authentic Italian pizzas and should keep an eye on leasing opportunities at Straits Row for those seeking new living arrangements in this rapidly evolving Chicago neighborhood.

Sources:
1. http://www.sloopin.com/
2. https://chicago.urbanize.city/neighborhood/south-loop
3. https://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=pizza&find_loc=Chicago,+IL+60604