Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna: Crust me, you’ll love it!

Even though the team at Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna probably doesn’t need any extra publicity—they served over 400 guests the Friday night we visited—I can’t help but add my voice to the chorus. As a self-proclaimed pizza enthusiast, this spot absolutely deserves a spot on my review list.

Zarella officially opened its doors on March 21 and is located in the heart of River North at 531 N. Wells Street. Behind the scenes are celebrated Boka Restaurant Group chef partners Chris Pandel (Swift & Sons, Cira) and Lee Wolen (Boka, Alla Vita), who’ve combined their culinary talents to create a mouthwatering menu that offers both tavern-style and artisan pizzas.

For those unfamiliar, tavern-style pizza—also known as bar pizza—features a thin, crispy crust and is typically cut into squares. Artisan pizzas, on the other hand, tend to be thicker and are usually served in wedge slices. Both styles are represented beautifully at Zarella, alongside an impressive lineup of small plates and entrées. 

The menu includes standouts like their unbelievably good fried zucchini (easily the best I’ve ever had), as well as vibrant salads, chicken parm, prawns a la plancha, ricotta gnocchi, sausage and peppers, radiatori alla vodka and Grandma’s eggplant, just to name a few.

BUT we’re here for the pizza, so let’s discuss. We went with the soppressata and mortadella pizza, topped with Calabrian chili honey and arugula. It was divine—crispy, savory, with just the right amount of heat and a touch of sweetness. It arrived at our table beautifully presented, served by our friendly and attentive server, Evann Meiers. Both Evann and general manager Michael Kunkel went out of their way to make us (and every other guest) feel welcome and at home.

We dined in the lively main room, where TVs line the back wall behind the bar and the energy is high. If you're in the mood for a vibrant, bustling atmosphere, this is the place to sit. That said, the music was a bit loud for conversation, so if you're looking for a quieter dining experience, I’d recommend requesting a table in the back room or heading downstairs to the "secret" Taverna.

The Taverna was a highlight for me since I LOVE surprises and the fun speakeasy twist to this experience made it extra special. This intimate dining space is accessible through a disguised “freezer” door that you come upon through the “pantry.” Once inside, you feel like you’ve stepped into another world: cozy Victorian-style wallpaper, vintage sepia-toned photos, lush ferns and a warm, nostalgic vibe that somehow blends your grandma’s parlor with a stylish downtown hangout. It’s quirky, elegant and absolutely magical.

Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna is more than just a pizza place—it’s a full experience, with fantastic food, a welcoming team and a setting that’s both energetic and enchanting. Whether you're there for the pizza (and you should be) or to explore the cozy Taverna, Zarella has quickly established itself as a must-visit in Chicago’s dining scene.

(Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna, Boka Restaurant Group, 531 N. Wells, (312) 470-0250)