Located in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood, directly across the street from world-famous Second City, Gussie's Handmade Italian is a project of passion inspired by co-owner David Thate's love of Italian cooking and serving friends and family.

The inspiration of the restaurant comes from his grandmother Augusta “Gussie". For Thate, recounting the time being in the kitchen with grandma, helping her throw dinner parties for friends and family was always the best time. As Thate grew, he took what he learned not only from his own experiences with Grandma Gussie, but also his great aunts and his own travels to Italy.

Gussie’s Handmade Italian combines all of those experiences together to transport the joy of using the freshest ingredients and handmade pastas to bring the family party to our neighbors in Old Town. Our menu is approachable and fit for families or a date night out.

As Grandma Gussie used to say when asked about her secret ingredient – her reply was “Love Piccolo Love”.