
Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna
Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna offers elite tavern-style pizza with a perfectly crispy crust and a unique speakeasy downstairs.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna offers elite tavern-style pizza with a perfectly crispy crust and a unique speakeasy downstairs.
"This restaurant should serve as a model for the hospitality industry."
Reservations Highly Recommended
Book in advance, especially for groups, as seating can be limited.
Customize Your Pizza
Order a custom pie for your preferences, or ask for less arugula if it overwhelms toppings.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tavern-Style Pizza Perfection
Experience elite tavern-style pizza with an exceptionally crispy, cornmeal-like crust and delightful flavor profiles.

Cheesy Mozzarella Sticks
Indulge in incredibly crispy mozzarella sticks with a satisfying cheese pull and a special accompanying tomato sauce.

Speakeasy Vibe
Discover a unique speakeasy downstairs, offering a cool vibe and a great spot for drinks and conversation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reservations Highly Recommended
Book in advance, especially for groups, as seating can be limited.
Customize Your Pizza
Order a custom pie for your preferences, or ask for less arugula if it overwhelms toppings.
Don't Skip the Fries
Fried zucchini chips with a special ranch dressing are a must-try appetizer.
Explore the Speakeasy
Venture downstairs to the speakeasy for a unique ambiance and drinks.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reservations Highly Recommended
Book in advance, especially for groups, as seating can be limited.
Customize Your Pizza
Order a custom pie for your preferences, or ask for less arugula if it overwhelms toppings.
Don't Skip the Fries
Fried zucchini chips with a special ranch dressing are a must-try appetizer.
Explore the Speakeasy
Venture downstairs to the speakeasy for a unique ambiance and drinks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna receives widespread acclaim for its exceptional tavern-style pizzas, crispy mozzarella sticks, and inviting atmosphere that blends modern and old-school Chicago vibes. Diners consistently praise the friendly and attentive service, with many calling it a top-tier dining experience. While most reviews are glowing, some find the music a bit too loud for conversation.
"Love Zarella! The food here is great! Tried the Mozzarella Sticks, Tavern Style Vodka Pizza and the Spicy Vodka Pasta! the mozzarella sticks were super crispy and had a great cheese pull. the tomato sauce with it was also very good. the pizza was a little underwhelming expected more of the vodka sauce flavor but it just tasted like a normal sauce. i like that the pizza is thin and crispy! the pasta is one of my top five spicy rigatonis in the city! definitely recommend making a reservation since bar seating is limited and first come first serve"
V P
"My friend and I had a wonderful time here. The restaurant felt like a blend of modernity while preserving that old-school Chicago vibe. Their tavern-style pizza was amazing, my friend mentioned it was the best one she had tried in Chicago so far. The service was amazing and they took good care of us and made the dining experience wonderful. I would highly recommend this place for others to try and will come back here again when I am back in Chicago again."
ngawang sherpa
"This restaurant is phenomenal! We wish we could give it more than 5 stars for the food, service, and atmosphere because they are all exceptional! Our server provided so many wonderful suggestions to make our first visit here a wonderful experience, and it exceeded our expectations. We are a family of foodies, and we drove over 2 1/2 hours to get here from our Airbnb while on our vacation from NY. It was so worth the drive. We will definitely be back! Every single person we encountered here was so nice and professional. This restaurant should serve as a model for the hospitality industry."
Lori Fritzen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Zarella is highly praised for its tavern-style pizza, which features a very thin and crispy crust.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for groups, due to limited seating.
Diners rave about the mozzarella sticks and fried zucchini chips with a special ranch dressing.
Yes, the restaurant offers a blend of modernity and old-school Chicago vibe, with a unique speakeasy downstairs.
Yes, you can order a custom pie. Some suggest asking for less arugula on certain pizzas to better enjoy the toppings.
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Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit