Our Story
About Villa Toscana
A Labor of Love
Born in Siena,
Raised in Chicago
Villa Toscana was founded on a simple but profound belief: that the greatest Italian food is born of memory, craftsmanship, and love. When Chef Marco Bellini arrived in Chicago in 2001 after years cooking in the finest restaurants of Florence and Rome, he found a city hungry for something authentic.
Drawing on his grandmother's recipes, his training under legendary Florentine chef Gualtiero Marchesi, and his own two decades of experience, Marco created a restaurant where every meal feels like being welcomed into an Italian home — one with extraordinary food, exceptional wines, and genuine warmth.
Twenty-five years later, Villa Toscana stands as Chicago's most beloved Italian fine dining institution — still family-operated, still faithful to its founding vision, still setting the standard for what Italian cuisine can be in America.
2001
Est. in Chicago
Recognition & Awards
- James Beard Award Nominee (2022, 2024)
- Michelin Bib Gourmand Recognition
- Chicago Tribune Best Italian Restaurant (2005–2025)
- Chicago Magazine Best Restaurants (20 consecutive years)
- OpenTable Diners' Choice Award
- Eater Chicago Essential 38
The Maestro
Chef Marco Bellini
Executive Chef & Co-Founder · 25 Years of Excellence
Born into a family of Sienese farmers and cooks, Marco Bellini developed his reverence for ingredients before he could read a recipe. His mother taught him that great cooking begins in the market, not the kitchen — a philosophy he carries into every menu he writes.
After completing his classical training at Florence's prestigious Scuola di Arte Culinaria Cordon Bleu, Marco apprenticed under legendary chef Gualtiero Marchesi, widely considered the father of modern Italian cuisine. He then honed his craft across Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and Sicily before earning his first head chef position in Rome at age 32.
The move to Chicago in 2001 was a deliberate choice. "Chicago has the energy of a great European city," Marco explains. "It has people who care deeply about food, who want to understand it, who want to be transported. That's everything I cook for."
Today, Chef Marco oversees every aspect of Villa Toscana's kitchen — from selecting the morning's market vegetables to approving each plate that leaves his pass. His menus change with the seasons, but his commitment to Italian culinary tradition never wavers.
"Italian cooking is not about complexity. It is about honesty — the honesty of great ingredients, treated with respect and cooked with love."
What Guides Us
Our Philosophy
Passion for Tradition
Every recipe honors the centuries-old culinary traditions of Tuscany, passed down through generations of Italian cooks.
Culinary Mastery
Our team trains rigorously under Chef Marco's guidance, combining classical Italian technique with a reverence for great ingredients.
Provenance Matters
We import signature ingredients directly from Italy and partner with the best local farms for seasonal produce and proteins.
Uncompromising Quality
From the pasta dough made fresh each morning to the hand-selected wines in our cellar, we refuse to compromise on excellence.
Twenty-Five Years
Our Journey
2001
The Dream Begins
Chef Marco Bellini leaves his coveted position at a starred Florentine restaurant to bring Tuscan cuisine to Chicago, opening Villa Toscana's first 40-seat dining room on W Kinzie Street.
2005
First Recognition
Chicago Tribune names Villa Toscana 'Best Italian Restaurant' — a title we've held ever since. Chicago Magazine includes us in their annual 'Best Restaurants' list for the first time.
2010
Expansion & Evolution
Growing demand leads us to expand to our current 80-seat main dining room, adding the intimate private dining room and the acclaimed wine cellar with its curated collection of 200+ Italian labels.
2018
National Spotlight
Chef Marco receives his first James Beard Award nomination for Best Chef: Great Lakes. Eater Chicago names Villa Toscana one of the 'Essential Restaurants' in the city.
2022
Silver Anniversary
Two decades of excellence. Chef Marco earns his second James Beard nomination. We introduce our highly anticipated seasonal tasting menu, available by reservation only.
Today
Continuing the Legacy
With 25 years of service, Villa Toscana remains Chicago's most celebrated Italian fine dining destination — still family-operated, still sourcing the finest ingredients, still telling Italy's story.
Experience It Yourself