RPM Italian

Why we recommend RPM Italian in Chicago

RPM Italian sits on the Chicago dining map for a specific reason — Midwest power-dining institution — steakhouse, chef-driven, or Michelin-recognized — and it comes up on our concierge calls often enough that it earned a proper page on the site. Outside of Las Vegas, MyRSVP does not hold restaurant inventory; this write-up is meant to give you enough context to reserve confidently with the restaurant directly, then pair the night with a nightclub or pool booking through us if the rest of the trip calls for it. Think of it as a curator’s recommendation rather than a reservation funnel.

What to expect in the room and on the menu

RPM Italian opened in 2012 as a flagship concept from RPM Restaurants, the partnership between Bill and Giuliana Rancic and Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises. Studio K designed the River North space with sleek marble accents, plush velvet seating, and soft ambient lighting that balances polish with approachability. The lively bar features mirrored panels and curated Italian music; a private Board Room accommodates intimate gatherings or high-profile events. The menu emphasizes house-made pastas and fresh seafood—Lobster Cappellacci and Grilled Branzino anchor the mains, while Mama DePandi’s Meatballs (Giuliana’s family recipe) and Short Rib Bolognese showcase richer preparations. Sides like Truffle Polenta and Brussels Sprouts with Lemon, plus desserts such as Bombolini (Italian doughnuts with espresso cream), round out each course. The Italian wine list skews premium; cocktails like the Limone Basilico (gin, lemon, basil) provide lighter alternatives. Service is attentive, though peak weekend tables often book weeks ahead. Pricing reflects its elevated position in Chicago’s dining landscape—expect premium costs for quality ingredients and execution.

Reservations — how to book RPM Italian

We keep RPM Italian on our curated Chicago dining list for guests asking what to do around a MyRSVP nightclub or pool-club booking. Restaurant reservations are direct with the venue; we don’t hold dining inventory here — that part of the concierge service is Las Vegas-only. Practical advice: book as early as you can, because flagship Chicago rooms routinely close a month or more out on peak weekends, and ask about chef’s counter, bar dining, or private-dining allocations if the main reservation book looks tight. Those formats often stay open days after the dining room has gone fully booked.

Hours, dress, and planning windows

Here is the practical layer for RPM Italian — the details you need before booking. Hours of operation: Monday–Thursday 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM; Friday–Saturday 3:00 PM – 10:30 PM; Sunday 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM. Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans and a nice top are fine; athleisure is not. River North celebratory tone. Reservations tighten around Lollapalooza, Bears, Bulls, Cubs, Sox, and Blackhawks game nights; on those weekends, plan to book two to six weeks out depending on the seating type, and ask about chef’s counter, bar dining or private-dining allocations if the main reservation book reads fully booked.

How MyRSVP helps with the rest of your Chicago trip

Booking RPM Italian for your Chicago trip. The dinner reservation itself runs through the restaurant; MyRSVP’s concierge service in Chicago specializes in nightclub and pool-club bookings rather than dining rooms. Dinner reservations are direct with RPM Italian. For the nightclub, pool day or beach club you’re planning around the meal, submit the MyRSVP form on the relevant venue page and a concierge assigned to that venue will be in touch with pricing, placement and the best area for your group.