Tuscany on Taylor Is Still the Gold Standard After 35+ Years — and Little Italy Is Richer for It

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/University Village Little Italy · June 11, 2026

University Village Little Italy has no shortage of dining legends, but few anchor the neighborhood quite like Tuscany on Taylor. The beloved Northern Italian restaurant at 1120 W. Taylor St. has been a cornerstone of the corridor for more than 35 years — a remarkable run that puts it in rare company even on a street famous for longevity. Convenient to the UIC campus and a short drive from the United Center, Tuscany has long been the go-to destination for pre-game dinners before Bulls and Blackhawks games, neighborhood date nights, and special family celebrations that call for white tablecloths and serious pasta.

As Chicago's broader dining scene surges into one of its most exciting years in recent memory — with acclaimed new concepts debuting across the city in 2026 — Tuscany on Taylor stands as a reminder that the best neighborhood restaurants don't chase trends. They set them, and then quietly outlast everyone else. For Near West Side regulars, it's a place that needs no introduction; for newcomers discovering Taylor Street this summer, it's the essential first stop.

Have you dined at Tuscany on Taylor recently? Share your favorite dish and tag @SocialhoodChicago with #TaylorStreetEats — let's celebrate the restaurants that have kept Little Italy's table set for generations!

Sources:
1. https://www.tuscanychicago.com/taylor
2. https://www.modernluxury.com/most-anticipated-chicago-restaurant-openings/