Zarella's soppressata and mortadella pizza with Calabrian chile honey and arugula
Heads up, pizza fans: A new neighborhood pizzeria and taverna has just arrived in River North, and it’s dishing out tavern-style and artisan pies. Located at 531 N. Wells St., Zarella is the latest restaurant concept from Boka Restaurant Group—the team responsible for beloved Chicago institutions like Boka, Girl and The Goat and Cabra.
Created by chef-partners Chris Pandel (Swift & Sons, Cira, Swift & Son’s Tavern) and Lee Wolen (Boka, Alla Vita, GG’s Chicken Shop), the menu celebrates the city’s culinary icon with scratch-made spicy vodka, carbonara and Margherita pies.
“Who doesn’t love pizza? It’s one of those foods that brings people together,” Wolen says. “With Zarella, we’re excited to put our own spin on a classic while still keeping things simple and delicious.”
From left: Chef-partners Chris Pandel and Lee Wolen
Other specialty pies include soppressata and mortadella with Calabrian chile honey and arugula, white sauce-topped mushroom and truffle and spinach and artichoke with chili flakes and pickled peppers. The spot also serves gluten-friendly crusts and vegan cheese upon request, plus entrées, fresh salads, small bites and Italian specialties, which are illustrated on a chalkboard and presented tableside.
Starters like crispy calamari, mozzarella sticks, marinated artichokes and baked feta are complemented by main courses, including chicken and eggplant parm, chicken piccata and crab-stuffed shrimp.
“Chicago is a city that knows and loves great pizza, and it feels like there is always room to try something a little different,” says Pandel and Wolen. “Beyond pizza, we’ve put just as much thought into every dish—whether it’s our marinated vegetables, fresh salads, or a standout eggplant parm. Even the breadsticks get the same level of attention. It’s all about creating a menu that’s not just delicious but truly memorable.”
In keeping with the restaurant’s culinary and beverage offerings, the two-level space—designed in collaboration with interior designer Anna Filatov—channels a quintessential Italian eatery with a main bar, a mahogany dining room and a lower-level taverna for cocktails and private events.
“Zarella was designed to feel timeless and inviting—the kind of place you’ll want to come back to again and again. It’s cozy yet lively, with a warm, welcoming energy that makes it just as perfect for a casual weeknight dinner as it is for a long, leisurely meal with friends. We’ve created a space where you’ll want to settle in, stay for hours, and make it a go-to spot for any occasion.”
Reservations can be made here. For more information, visit www.zarellachicago.com or follow along at @zarellachicago.
See also: The 13 Most Anticipated Chicago Restaurant Openings Of 2025
Photography by: Photography courtesy of Boka Restaurant Group
