Taste of Milano Arrives in South Loop as Forno Mauri Brings Authentic Italian Pizza to Printer's Row

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/South Loop · January 6, 2026

South Loop residents craving authentic Italian cuisine have a delicious new dining option with the recent opening of Forno Mauri at 620 S. Dearborn Street in historic Printer's Row. The pizzeria, which opened its doors in December 2024, offers Northern Italian-style thin crust pizzas crafted with imported ingredients straight from Italy.

Owner Maurizio Michi, a Milanese restaurateur who also owns neighboring Sofi Italian, brings impressive credentials to the South Loop dining scene. His extensive experience includes catering to high-profile clients from fashion designers to film stars, and he's now focused on bringing "the best of Milan right here to Chicago" through his passionate approach to pizza-making. The restaurant specializes in 14-inch thin crust "Tonda Classica" pizzas featuring premium imported ingredients, including Fiordilatte mozzarella from Agerola. Local diners have already praised the Emiliana pizza as a standout favorite, with early visitors appreciating the authentic flavors that "you don't find just anywhere."

The cozy establishment offers both indoor and outdoor seating options, with dinner service Tuesday through Sunday starting at 4:00 PM. South Loop neighbors looking for a taste of Italy without leaving the neighborhood are encouraged to support this local addition to Printer's Row's growing dining scene. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or weekend date night, Forno Mauri provides an authentic taste of Northern Italy right in the heart of South Loop.

Sources:
1. http://www.sloopin.com/2025/02/grazie-forno-mauri.html?m=1
2. https://www.opentable.com/r/forno-mauri-italian-pizzeria-chicago
3. https://fornomauri.com/about/
4. https://www.yelp.com/biz/forno-mauri-chicago