Sfera Sicilian Street Food
Restaurant seen on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives

About
SFERA SICILIAN STREET FOOD

A Taste of Sicily in Edgewater

Tucked into the vibrant Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago, Sfera Sicilian Street Food feels like a little slice of Italy dropped right into the Midwest—and we're absolutely here for it. Steven Jarczyk and Daniela Vitale, the heart and soul behind this gem, have built something truly special, blending the sun-soaked flavors of Sicily with the hearty, familiar vibes of our Midwestern home. When Guy Fieri and his Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives crew swung by in 2025 to shine a spotlight on this spot, it was like the world finally caught up to what we've known for a while: Sfera's a treasure worth shouting about. And trust me, once you step inside, you'll get why we can't stop raving.

Fast-Casual With a Homemade Soul

The first time we wandered into Sfera, it was one of those crisp Chicago afternoons where the wind off Lake Michigan makes you crave something warm and soul-filling. The moment we crossed the threshold, that signature scent hit us—risotto frying to a golden crisp, dough baking in the oven, and a whiff of fresh oranges being pressed into juice. It's fast-casual done right: you order at the counter, snag a seat, and within minutes, you're digging into food that feels like it was made just for you. But it's not rushed or slapped together—everything's fresh, intentional, and bursting with flavor. The staff? They're the cherry on top, greeting you with smiles so genuine you'd think you're a regular even if it's your first time.

Street Food With a Midwestern Twist

Steven and Daniela's vision shines through in every bite. They've taken Sicilian street food—think handheld, hearty, and packed with history—and given it a Midwest twist that feels both exotic and familiar. It's like they've cracked some delicious code, marrying the bold, bright tastes of their Sicilian roots (Daniela's got Sicilian blood, after all) with ingredients that nod to Chicago's local bounty. The result? A menu that's quick, creative, and so good you'll be plotting your next visit before you've even finished your meal.

Arancini That'll Blow Your Mind

Let's talk about the star of the show: the Arancini. If you've never had one, picture this—a golden orb of saffron risotto, stuffed with goodies like beef ragu and mozzarella, fried to a perfect crisp that crunches with every bite. Our first taste was a revelation. We ordered the Classico version, and as we broke it open, steam curled up, revealing that melty, meaty center. It's rich but not heavy, crisp but not greasy—just pure perfection. Dipped in their house-made marinara (which, by the way, you can buy by the jar), it's the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and savor the moment. We've had it every visit since, and it never gets old.

Pizza, Juice, and All the Joy

But Sfera's not a one-hit wonder. The Sicilian pizza here is something else—thick, chewy crust with that telltale wood-fired char, topped with combinations that feel like a hug from Nonna. The Alla Norma pizza stole our hearts one rainy afternoon—grilled zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes mingling with mozzarella and a slick of marinara that's so good we'd drink it straight if we could. It's hearty yet fresh, a balancing act that proves Steven and Daniela know their stuff. Pair it with a glass of their fresh-squeezed orange juice—pressed right there on a machine that's half appliance, half performance art—and you've got a meal that's as bright as a Sicilian summer.

Cannolis, Coffee, and Sweet Surprises

The sweets? Oh, they're a whole other adventure. The Cannolis are a must—crisp shells stuffed with ricotta so creamy it melts in your mouth, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar that leaves you licking your fingers. We tried the Pistachio Cupcakes once, too, and they were a revelation—moist, nutty, and just sweet enough to cap off a meal without overwhelming you. And if you're a coffee fiend like us, the Cappuccino here is a game-changer—rich, frothy, with that perfect espresso kick to wake you up or wind you down, depending on the hour.

One Perfect Saturday at Sfera

One of our favorite trips to Sfera was a sunny Saturday last spring. We'd spent the morning wandering the neighborhood, popping into shops along Broadway, and decided to refuel here. We grabbed a table outside—Sfera's got plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, all cozy and welcoming—and watched the world go by as we dug into a spread that felt like a feast. The Arancini made its usual appearance, but we also tried the roasted red pepper chicken sandwich from the Triple-D episode—pesto-slathered, served on housemade focaccia, and so juicy we needed extra napkins. We washed it down with that orange juice, the kind of fresh that makes you wonder why you ever settle for store-bought. The patio buzzed with families, couples, and solo diners, all chatting and laughing, and it hit us: this place isn't just about food—it's about community.

A Place That Feels Like Home

That's the thing about Sfera—it's adorable without trying too hard. The space is bright and simple, with a casual charm that invites you to linger. Inside, there's enough room to spread out; outside, the patio's perfect for soaking up Chicago's fleeting warm days. The staff keeps it all humming, checking in with just the right amount of warmth—no hovering, no rush, just a vibe that says, “Take your time, enjoy.” We've brought friends here, family, even out-of-town guests who now swear it's their must-visit spot whenever they're in Illinois.

Everything They Make Just Hits

Every dish we've tried has been a winner. The pizzas—whether the Alla Norma or a simple Margherita—are consistently spot-on, with that wood-fired flavor that's hard to replicate. The orange juice is a non-negotiable sidekick, and those Cannolis? We've started ordering extras to take home. Even the little things, like the way they package to-go orders with care, show how much Steven and Daniela pour into this place. It's fast-casual, sure, but it feels personal—like they're cooking for you, not just churning out orders.

Guy Fieri Got It Absolutely Right

Guy Fieri's visit was the icing on the cake. Seeing him dive into the Arancini and that chicken sandwich on TV, his spiky hair bobbing with excitement, felt like a win for all of us who've been fans from the start. He got it—Sfera's not just another eatery; it's a story of two people bringing their passion to life, one crisp risotto ball at a time. And honestly, everything here's delicious—there's not a dud on the menu.

Your New Favorite Chicago Tradition

So here's our plea: next time you're in Chicago, swing by Sfera Sicilian Street Food. Grab a seat, order an Arancini (or three), and let yourself get lost in the flavors. It's a little Italian escape in the heart of the Midwest, and we can't get enough. You won't either—promise. See you there, probably hogging the last Cannoli.
Aired on March 14, 2025
Updated July 13, 2025

Address / Location

5759 N Broadway
Chicago, IL 60660

773-739-9128 website