La Scarola - Chicago, IL Restaurant Review

Some restaurants in Chicago are a must when visiting the city as a tourist or as a local. Some restaurants you have to visit because of the celebrities that dine there or simply just how good the food is. One restaurant has all of the above characteristics and that place is La Scarola.

outside restaurantPhoto by Tripadvisor

At first, when you drive by La Scarola, it looks very unassuming. I would never think it would be a hotspot for celebrities to dine from around the world. I also could never imagine that the food was so fantastic. As soon as I walked into La Scarola, I was greeted like family.

Armando is the life of La Scarola.Photo by Frank S/ChicagoFoodKing.

The real secret to La Scarola is Chef/Owner Armando. He remembers everyone that walks through his restaurant doors. He will pour you a shot of tequila on your birthday or special occasion. He truly is the life of your restaurant experience at La Scarola. From the food to the atmosphere, Armando is the heart of the restaurant. There is a reason La Scarola has been around for decades. They know how to treat their customers and produce great food.

Pollo FlorintinoPhoto by Frank S/ChicagoFoodKing.

To say the food is amazing is an understatement. Whenever I come to La Scarola, I eat myself into a food coma. You must try their signature Pasta Fagioli. They make it to order and it is the best in the city. Some of my favorites are the ricotta-stuffed meatballs, the calamari, the sausage and peppers, and Pollo Florentine. All of the seafood is fresh as can be and delicious no matter what you get. You really cannot go wrong with anything you order here. It is all fantastic.

Pasta with ricotta meatballsPhoto by Frank S/ChicagoFoodKing.

Sausage and peppers, calamari, shrimp over arugula and mashed potatoes.Photo by Frank S/ChicagoFoodKing.

TirimisuPhoto by Frank S/ChicagoFoodKing.

While you are dining in, look around because you are most likely to see a celebrity or two casually eating next to you. Take a look at the walls around the restaurant that are covered in all of the famous people that have dined at La Scarola. The decor is truly an old-school Italian restaurant. The red tablecloths and white paper covering the tables truly make you feel like you are at home eating with your family.

Walls covered in celebrities that have dined at La ScarolaPhoto by Frank S/ChicagoFoodKing.

The restaurant is very popular and can get very busy as the night progresses, so I suggest making a reservation.

Busy every night.Photo by Yelp.

Bar areaPhoto by Tripadvisor

La Scarola is one of my favorite Italian restaurants and I highly recommend checking them out. I give this restaurant a rating of 9 out of 10.

Voted #1Photo by Frank S/ChicagoFoodKing.

Next time you stop by La Scarola, ask for Armando and tell him the Chicago Food King sent you.