Chicago’s Oldest Italian Restaurant Celebrates 85th Anniversary

Chicago, IL – The city of Chicago has a rich and storied history. Though much has changed throughout the years, one downtown restaurant remains a living monument to years gone by.  Imagine dining at the same table as Al Capone once did or where Frank Sinatra’s wedding reception was celebrated or comedy legend Rodney Dangerfield toasted his wedding anniversary—all were held at 71 West Monroe home to the Italian Village. Feast upon the same entrees that Barbara Streisand enjoyed before she was a star. Celebrate at the same place Florence Henderson came to dine, 62 days in a row or where Pavarotti held his 53rd birthday and took his 2nd curtain call. This is the kind of special history that very few places in the world can claim to have. These are just a few of the many great stories that come from being in business at the heart of Chicago’s loop for 85 years like the Italian Village has. This legendary Chicago restaurant was opened in September 1927 by Italian immigrants Alfredo Capitinani and his wife Ada. This September marks 85 years of the legendary Italian Village.

Perhaps what makes the Italian Village most special is just how little has changed over the years. Walk into the main dining area and one can see the original paintings created by the artists Daniel Burnham enlisted to work on the World’s Fair at the turn of the 20th century. Much of the infrastructure, light fixtures and even the booths still remain true to their original form. Sure they have been maintained and restored over the years, but authentic history and charm shine through in almost every nook of the restaurant. 

More milestones at the Italian Village include:

• First to serve Chicken Vesuvio –no peas!


• Has served over 9 million meals


• Employed over 34,875 Chicagoans


• Donated to over 15,823 charities


• Served 13 Mayors of Chicago


• Three employees have been with the Italian Village form more than 50 years, with 10 employees more than 25 years!


• In 1927, the Italian Village’s Spaghetti with Meatballs were a mere 40 cents with a martini costing 43 cents

Italian Village has the largest on-site wine cellar in the Midwest and holds over 45,000 bottles of 1,200 different wines. Don’t forget that this restaurant first opened during the prohibition era! In addition to its vast selection of fine wines, the Italian Village has plenty of delicious food items on its menu including Spaghetti with Meatballs, rated best in the city, and it’s signature Chicken Vesuvio. 

As legend has it, the signature dish was made from a recipe first brought over from Italy many years ago by founder Alfredo Capitanini and famously known for no peas! 

What has helped the Village stay true to its roots all these years is that the business has always stayed in the family.  Currently run by third generation family member, Gina Capitanini, daughter of  the second generation Frank Capitanini Sr. (Ray Capitanini and Frank Capitanini – 2nd generation, though retired, are still known for getting back in the kitchen every now and again and whipping up some of their famously delicious Italian fare). Alfredo Capitanini oversees the financials of the restaurant while Pamella Capitanini manages the marketing. With pride in their food and nearly a century of knowledge, it is little wonder why the Italian Village has received numerous awards and recognitions for having some of the finest Italian cuisine in the city. You can even purchase the authentic sauces from the Italian Village at grocers across Chicago including Whole Foods and Peapod.   

“A toast to 85 years…it’s almost hard to believe,” says Gina Capitanini (3rd generation owner operator). “This restaurant has been a part of my entire life and it’s hard to describe in words just how much this place means to me and my family.  If these walls could talk, they would tell you stories that would take your breath away.  So much history has passed through these doors and while sometimes it seems like the entire city has changed around us, we’ve always been here and that’s something I take great pride in.”

To celebrate 85 years in Chicago, from September 17th – September 21st, the Italian Village will be offering a different original menu item from “Alfredo’s Favorites” each day of the week for only $8.50!  Served from 11 a.m. – 2p.m., items to include:

• Monday – Alfredo’s Special: ½ spaghetti and ½ meat ravioli with meat or mushroom sauce


• Tuesday – Alfredo’s Salad: Mixed greens, tomato, artichokes, fresh mozzarella, diced chicken tossed in Italian dressing


• Wednesday – Chicken Breast Pizzaiola, grilled chicken breast in tomato sauce of olive oil, garlic, oregano and parsley served with mostaccioli


• Thursday – Sausage Parmigiana, italian sausage, baked mozzarella cheese, served with mostaccioli


• Friday – Spaghetti Marinara in a sauce of plum tomatoes, olive oil, parsley and garlic

The “Alfredo’s Favorites” anniversary luncheon specials include a choice of soup or salad, entrée and Spumoni or Lemon Ice (no substitutions).  On September 20th, which is the actual anniversary date, a cake will be cut and all patrons visiting the restaurant will receive a gift.

For additional details on the anniversary specials, the public can visit www.italianvillage-chicago.com or call (312) 332-7005.

ABOUT THE ITALIAN VILLAGE

Alfredo Capitanini, the Italian immigrant who never worked in any restaurant before coming to the United States, opened The Italian Village in 1927. His philosophy was uncomplicated: make good, simple food, serve it in ample portions, and offer it with warm Italian courtesy. A menu once read: “Spaghetti with Meatballs: 40 cents.”

The idea of combining authentic dishes with great value marked the beginning of the Capitanini family’s tradition of culinary excellence that continues to this day, and makes Italian Village the oldest (and most unique) Italian eatery in Chicago. For more information, please visit www.italianvillage-chicago.com.