There is a corner of Chicago where Italy isn't just evoked, but experienced. Amid the aromas of ragù, glasses of fine wines, and a hospitality that feels like home, Volare Italian Restaurant Over the years, it has become much more than a restaurant: it's a story of passion, roots, and vision. At the heart of it all is Benny Siddu, a host who has turned hospitality into a true art.
From Sardinia to the American Dream
The story of Benny Siddu has its roots in Sardinia, in a small town where hospitality is an integral part of daily life. As a teenager, he took his first steps in the restaurant business, working in his uncle's bed & breakfast. At just 15, he moved to mainland Italy, beginning a journey that would teach him discipline, sacrifice, and dedication.
Europe soon became too small for his ambitions. After significant experience in England, he decided to test himself in an international context by working on cruise ships. Here, for nearly a decade, he honed his management skills and developed a high level of service.
In 1984 He landed in Chicago, the city that would become his permanent home. He worked successfully in French restaurants and at the most renowned steakhouses, building a solid and respected reputation. But the turning point came in 1997.
Flying: When a Name Becomes Destiny
“"Volare" in Italian means to soar, to take flight. A name that's almost a declaration of intent. When Benny Siddu opened his restaurant in the Streeterville neighborhood, no one could have imagined how much the project would grow.
From the very beginning, Volare has stood out for its distinct identity: authentic Italian cuisine, deeply rooted in tradition and with a contemporary twist. It's not just a restaurant, but a place where every detail tells a story: from the warm and refined old-world atmosphere to the impeccable service.
An experience that feels like home
Entering Volare means being welcomed as part of the family. This is one of the elements that has made the restaurant a Chicago landmark: a sincere, unpretentious hospitality that perfectly reflects the character of its founder.
The customer is never a number, but a guest. A simple concept, but increasingly rare today.
It's no surprise, then, that many recount memorable evenings, immersed in a vibrant, almost cinematic atmosphere. Some swear they expect, at any moment, to see Frank Sinatra sitting at a corner table.
The kitchen: tradition, talent and identity
The beating heart of Volare, however, remains the cuisine. Here, Italian tradition is respected and celebrated, with influences ranging from Sardinia to Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna.
Leading the team is the executive chef Massimiliano, originally from Bologna, who brings to the United States authentic and refined culinary expertise. The result is a gastronomic offering that blends comfort food and innovation: classic dishes elegantly reinterpreted and creations that explore new taste horizons.
Lasagna becomes a memorable experience, tiramisu conquers even the most discerning palates. Each course tells a story of technique, passion, and respect for the ingredients.
To complement everything, an extensive and carefully curated wine list features prestigious labels, particularly Tuscan and Sardinian, and a selection of spirits designed to complete the experience.
A success built over time
Since its opening, Volare has continued to grow. Its reputation has grown year after year, becoming one of Chicago's most popular Italian restaurants.
This is thanks to a clear vision: not to chase trends, but to stay true to one's identity. In a competitive landscape like that of the American restaurant industry, this consistency has proven to be a winning choice.
The Secret of Benny Siddu
What makes Volare truly special? The answer is simple: passion.
For Benny Siddu, food and hospitality aren't just a job, they're a way of life. After more than 35 years of work, he continues to embody the values he learned as a boy: dedication, respect, and love for what he does.
It is this authenticity that you perceive as soon as you cross the threshold of the restaurant.
In a fast-paced world, Volare represents a place to pause, savor, and feel at home, even thousands of kilometers from Italy. It's the result of a personal story that becomes a collective experience, of a dream that took flight without ever losing its roots.
And perhaps this is precisely the secret to its success: making every guest feel part of something real. Because at Volare, you don't just go to eat, but to experience a piece of Italy that, in Chicago, continues to soar.
