![Zeppo’s Meatball Achievement](/wp-content/archive/images/2019/0519/C201905-T-Pesto-Tempesta-Market.jpg)
Zeppo’s Meatball Achievement
Tempesta Market
As good as the meatballs are, the real achievement here is the way the creamy pesto stands up to the muscular marinara. $12. 1372 W. Grand Ave., West Town
![Pesto gnocchi](/wp-content/archive/images/2019/0519/C201905-T-Pesto-RPM-Italian.jpg)
Pesto gnocchi
RPM Italian
Ramps (used in early spring as the green base in the sauce) and aged goat cheese give the pesto for these sturdy yet light potato gnocchi a rich, oniony depth. $16. 52 W. Illinois St., Near North Side
![Herbed potatoes with arugula pesto](/wp-content/archive/images/2019/0519/C201905-T-Pesto-Anteprima.jpg)
Herbed potatoes with arugula pesto
Anteprima
This beloved neighborhood restaurant swapped the traditional basil for arugula, lending the sauce a peppery bite. $4. 5316 N. Clark St., Andersonville
![Ode to Rubirosa](/wp-content/archive/images/2019/0519/C201905-T-Pesto-Pizzeria-Bebu.jpg)
Ode to Rubirosa
Pizzeria Bebu
Named for an NYC pizzeria famed for its vodka-sauce pies, this homage is dolloped with a vibrant nutless pesto that packs an extra-herbaceous punch. $20. 1521 N. Fremont St., Near North Side
![Tagliatelle with pesto and shrimp](/wp-content/archive/images/2019/0519/C201905-T-Pesto-Reno.jpg)
Tagliatelle with pesto and shrimp
Reno
Reno’s version is particularly delicate — with an almost puréed consistency — and yet it holds its own against the rustic, hearty housemade pasta. $12. 2607 N. Milwaukee Ave., Logan Square