I second the suggestions of Coco Pazzo, Osteria Via Stato, and Cafe Spiaggia for higher-end Italian dining. Trattoria #10, in the Loop, is another excellent choice. These are more pumpkin-ravioli-with-sage-butter type places.

If you need huge portions of pasta for carbo-loading Mia Francesca (very close to the Belmont Red Line stop in Lakeview) is the best combination of big portions and high quality. Buca di Beppo, Rosebud, Harry Caray's etc. are fine for the giant bowl of homestyle spaghetti & meatballs approach; Mia Francesca is the best of both worlds.