Gene & Georgetti has made its mark on Chicago as a must-visit Italian-American dining spot, and this August, the family-owned institution is celebrating a significant milestone: its 85th anniversary —and it will do so the best way it knows how: through its food.
Throughout the month, Gene & Georgetti’s will be going all out with limited-time specials and a selection of cherished dishes that have been revived and reimagined for the occasion. From longtime guest favorites to classic preparations that have delighted diners for decades, the menu pays homage to the recipes, flavors, and traditions that have defined the restaurant since 1941.
Founded in 1941 by Gene Michelotti and Alfredo “Georgetti” Federighi, Gene & Georgetti has spent over eight decades earning its place among Chicago’s most enduring dining establishments.
“It honors the generations of people who built Gene & Georgetti“
Michelle Durpetti, the owner and third-generation restaurateur, stated:
This anniversary is incredibly meaningful because it celebrates so much more than 85 years of serving great food — it honors the generations of people who built Gene & Georgetti into what it is today. My grandfather, Gene Michelotti, helped establish the traditions that became the foundation of this restaurant, and my father, Tony Durpetti, devoted his life to preserving and strengthening that legacy while making every guest feel like family.
Gene & Georgetti celebrates 85 years by bringing back beloved dishes from 1941
- Bacon & Blue: Thick-cut smoked bacon caramelized and topped with creamy blue cheese.
- Fried Ravioli: Homemade ravioli served with the restaurant’s classic marinara sauce.
- Walnut Cranberry Salad: Featuring crisp apples, toasted walnuts, and Gene & Georgetti’s signature apple vinaigrette.
- Lobster Fra Diavolo: Sweet Maine lobster tail served in a signature spicy tomato sauce.
- Pepper Steak: Filet medallions sautéed with sweet peppers, mushrooms, and homemade tomato sauce.
Built on its founders’ Italian heritage and a steadfast commitment to hospitality, the restaurant has hosted everyone from Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball to Keanu Reeves and Will Ferrell. Longtime regulars have made it a part of their family traditions as well.
Sinatra, a close friend of Gene Michelotti, was known to arrive after late-night performances for dinners that extended late into the evening; the table where he often sat remains one of the most coveted spots in the dining room.
The 85th Anniversary Specials will be available from August 1 to 31, 2026, while supplies last.
If dining at Sinatra’s favorite spot isn’t enough, experience his timeless music reimagined by a talented live band in an intimate setting.
