Heart of Italy

The Heart of Italy is a working-class neighborhood within Pilsen in Chicago’s Lower West Side. It is also referred to as “Little Tuscany” and is composed of mostly Northern Italian immigrants. The neighborhood borders Blue Island Avenue to 24th Street and Oakley Avenue to Western Avenue. The Heart of Italy is popular for having the best Italian cuisine. Neighborhoods annual summer festivals like the Columbus Day Parade are celebrated in honor of the Chicago’s Italian community.