50 Best Italian Restaurants near Cicero

“Where do I even start... The establishment is unlike anything I've experienced so far, the place feels magical for both kids and grown-ups alike. When you step in for the first time, it feels akin to a fun, fantastical experience coming to life. This place is a great experience alone, but trust me, it's best when visiting with some company; you could even bring your sister to this location. As for the staff, they know what they do and take their job seriously: they don't treat their job as some sort of pizzeria simulator. The pizza they serve is catered to your specifications, allowing you to have the ultimate custom experience any night. Don't get me wrong, this place is still prone to human error, but the staff is capable of providing help when wanted. Aside from the inevitable human error (and unsubstantiated rumors involving disappearances) the only downside is the lack of a warning when accessing the free wifi, if you do want to use the free wifi, just remember to use a VPN to prevent a security breach on your device. Personally, I reccomend it over any of the other copycat locations; I don't know the secret of the success of mimic locations, but having already patronized here for 5 nights, I know that I will always come back.“

“Love them best tacos in town and pizza! Huge pizza slices for cheap , and they are QUICK.“

“This pizza was absolutely delicious. So pleasantly surprised. Their sauce is everything. Had so much delicious cheese on it. I ordered this at midnight and it was still incredible. I ate the leftovers for breakfast lol Arrived fresh and piping hot. 🔥❤️🤌and it was still good the next day too.“

“We got a burger with fries & a medium pizza and everything was excellent.
Fries were crispy , pizza was nice and hot and delicious & the burger was good.
Definitely will be back considering we live a couple blocks away! Yum 10/10“

“My Fiancé and I discovered this restaurant after watching “Somebody Feed Fill” and were inspired and intrigued by Sarah’s restaurant and craftsmanship. We had our eye on getting reservations here for a very long time and we ended up landing lunch reservations for my Fiancés birthday (whom is also a Chef). We just happened to be seated by the expo line near the kitchen where we saw Sarah working. From start to finish our server Rose, and Sarah made sure our experience was personalized special. Sarah even signed the cookbook we bought and menu! Everything was on point from the food to the service. I can see why it’s so hard to get a reservation here! If we could rate our experience higher we would. We greatly appreciate the hospitality and dedication that this restaurant displays!“

“I went here for my anniversary with my husband and the food was phenomenal. I highly recommend it.“

“We had a lovely dinner at Rose Mary last night and it was the most fabulous meal that we have had in some time. Amazing service, beautiful venue and the food was just so good. Simple but very complex; rustic but refined. And the service was impeccable. What a glorious end to our experience in Chicago!! Very highly recommend it. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟“

“I am late writing my review but I had to write it !! I visited provare chicago On july 8th !! From start to finish this restaurant gets 5 starts . The decor was nice and set a perfect atmosphere for a great night . We were greeted immediately upon arrival and seated within 5 minutes of being there . Once seated the wait staff began their introduction's on drinks and popular menu item's. After my party ordered drinks and appetizers a gentleman came over (not sure if he was the manager) and introduce himself and made sure we were having a great experience. Appetizers were amazing!! We couldn't wait for dinner!! Our entrées we just as good if not better ! Everything was cooked and seasoned to perfection! When we didn't think the night could get even better the entire wait staff and the gentleman that came over before stopped and recognized my friend for her birthday and brought over a birthday surprise!! I live 307 miles and this place was definitely worth the drive !!!“

“Wonderful Birthday/ Father’s Dinner tonight…Ambiance, Food and Staff absolutely incredible!!! John and Cole, along with the rest of the Ciccio Team are the consummate professionals!!!“

“Intimate place with great food and service. Chicken parmesan and rigatoni were delicious. If I lived closer, I certainly would be a regular.“

“The pasta was incredible!!!! Alfonso was our server and he was fantastic and really good at helping us out when we couldn’t figure out what to order!“

“We had such a great time at Gino’s East! The atmosphere was so fun and cozy, making it the perfect spot for dinner. The mozzarella sticks are an absolute MUST — seriously some of the best we’ve had. And of course, the pizza was delicious from the first bite to the last. Definitely a Chicago spot we’ll be coming back to!“

“Great staff, awesome cocktails and menu. Don’t miss out on this gem in River North!“

“Great restaurant with delicious food and the best people working there.“

“Nobody can beat the classic pasta dishes at La Scarola. Escarole soup and escarole with beans; they have it and it's excellent. Be sure to save room for dessert; the cannoli is as good as it gets and the best Spumoni anywhere.“

“I have food allergies. They made a delicious pizza that I could eat and enjoy instead the usual tasteless salad that I have to get so often. Couldn't be happier.“

“We see why the Chicken Parm Pannino is a favorite! Great sandwich served with thin cut crispy fries. Left full and yet wanting more! 😋“

“Had supper at the bar before the ELO concert. Service was great, the food was delicious! I definately would go back!“

“Pasta Veneta offers a good range of Italian classics, and we definitely had a nice meal. The burrata was a highlight — fresh and flavorful — and the pasta dishes were enjoyable, especially the truffle gnocchi, which had great depth of flavor. We also really liked the red wine blend. Worth a visit if you're looking for a dependable Italian option in the area.“

“Had such a great experience at Torchio Pasta Bar. The atmosphere was cozy, lively, and perfect for a night out. I ordered the “Sunday Meat Sauce” which is a rigatoni pasta with meat ragu, pork shoulder, pancetta, plum tomato sauce, topped with whipped ricotta and it was absolutely incredible — rich, flavorful, and the ricotta made it extra creamy and indulgent.

We also tried the shrimp & calamari scampi and the Caesar salad, and both were delicious and fresh. To finish the night, I had an amaro which was the perfect ending to an amazing meal. The cocktails, food, and overall vibe were all 10/10. Definitely a spot I’ll be coming back to!“

“Where do you go for dinner if you (regrettably) only have one night in Chicago? Gibson’s Italia, of course! From our first drink at the bar to our stunning riverfront table for dinner, everything was simply spectacular! We started by sharing the Arancini Cacio E Pepe and the Cacio E Pepe before savoring my filet mignon and her New York strip steak with sides of Brussels sprouts and handmade fries, topped off with an flaming baked Alaska! Destinee was the perfect attentive server who never rushed and gave us space to enjoy, and maître d’ Patrick and Manager Andrew added their personal touch and attention as well! I may never be hungry again, and my memories of the perfect night in Chicago will live on!“

“Family friendly restaurant with food choices for everyone but the made fresh pasta was the best part!“

“The food and service were AMAZING. Will most definitely be coming back here again!“

“Cute streetside dining. Food, drinks and service... Excellent!“

“This place has the real deal Italian food. It's not cheap, I went during Restaurant Week so I had a good deal and what they offered is not on the regulat menu, but let me tell you, after being disappointed by many an over priced Italian restaurant, this place is well worth the money. It actually delivers on delicious food, portions were also generous. Service was great and the atmosphere was fantastic too. Would return.“

“The brussels sprouts and cauliflower appetizers were so delicious and came in big portions. Most of the dishes here are large enough to share with another person! We came for Mother's Day with a reservation, and it was pretty busy. They also have outdoor seating available. The service was nice and attentive, checking on us frequently throughout the meal. It's a great place to try something new, and I thought it was such a sweet touch that they gave my aunt a free tulip for Mother’s Day.“

“Chef Wilson is a culinary genius! All ingredients are responsibly sourced and a crafted with such attention to detail. His flavorful pairings are out of this world.“

“Traveling to Chicago for a concert and this place stood out for a bite to eat. Our expectations of the food were exceeded and the staff was amazing!“

“Wonderful place! Loved the grilled calamari, alpino bianco pizza and orecchiette. Our server Hector gave us great recommendations and made it a very special evening.“

“Outstanding Northern Italian-inspired cuisine! Wonderful dining experience. Delicious food and excellent service.“

“Wonderful food and service.“

“Cozy small place with open kitchen concept.
I had a mushroom soup, pasta puttanesca & cheesecake with blueberry & hibiscus tea.

Delicious! Great service & attention to details!
Definitely will be back!“

“Absolutely the most delicious pasta I have ever had in my life! The scampi is like no other and the toffee carrot cake was so good I almost cried. The service was incredible. You feel so welcome. Like instant family.“

“First time I went was tonight and it was magnifico. Excellent service not too busy and cozy. Great food. I will definitely get back and have another meal there really recommended.“

“If you are looking for old school Italian with a modern flare, this is the place!“

“Wonderful restaurant. Food was excellent very close to what I had in Rome. Staff very friendly and made our dining very enjoyable! Go here!!“

“Best Italian sub I've ever had in my life! The atmosphere epitomizes Old Italy and all its charm. Definitely coming back!“

“I only get up here from Florida every few years. Always make it a point to stop in with my cousin. I’ve never been disappointed in the food or service.“

“Good food and lovely atmosphere“

“You can’t skip the charred octopus to start! It’s a perfect appetizer to share with an incredible roasted Calabrian chili sauce. My absolute favorite dish is the pennette cardinale! I can’t go to Sapori without ordering. The creamy tomato sauce pairs perfectly with the sun-dried tomatoes. I’m drooling just thinking about it! Lastly, you have to finish your dinner with the bread pudding. The warm pudding with the cold ice cream is perfection in every bite. 10/10 always!“

“This was by far the best authentic Italian dinner I've experienced since living for 3 years in Naples Italy 22 years ago. AMAZING food and service with extremely reasonable pricing for the quality. A special acknowledgent and appreciation to Maria that brought the experince to the next level. Great conversations, so inviting and professional! Thank you Maria, I'll certainly recommend to all my frineds and colleagues to come and enjoy as well!“

“The food here is beyond exquisite. Homemade gnocchi and table side polenta steal the show, but everything is amazing. Make sure to ask for a table outside in the wine garden in the back. You will pass through this tiny restaurant into a true oasis in the back. The unassuming front of the restaurant wouldn’t make you think the food is as incredible as it is.“

“A true hidden gem in Chicago. Tucked behind Tribune Tower, Bongiorno’s serves authentic Italian food straight from Sardinia and every bite proves it. The flavors are incredible, the portions are generous, and the prices are surprisingly reasonable for the quality you’re getting. Honestly, I’d crown this the best Italian food in Chicago. I’ve been to all the Chicago Italian classics and this food is the most delicious and authentic. If you’re ever on Michigan Avenue or walking the Riverwalk and craving a delicious, authentic Italian meal, Bongiorno’s is the place to go. Warm up with an espresso martini, an old-fashioned, or a spritz, then save room for dessert. The homemade tiramisu was perfection, and dare I say, it might be the best gelato I’ve ever had. This spot is special. Do yourself a favor and find it.“

“Everything was perfect ❤️!!!“

“I came all the way from California for St. Patrick’s Day and somehow ended up having one of the most memorable Italian dinners of my life at Rosebud on Taylor Street.

The night started with me confidently ordering… a salad. Just a salad. The host paused, looked at me, and said, “That’s it?” while the rest of my table went full Italian feast mode. I was already laughing and also slightly questioning my own decisions.

But I absolutely made the right call. The burrata and prosciutto with arugula salad was hands down one of the best salads I’ve ever had. Fresh, flavorful, perfectly balanced. I’m still thinking about it.

Everyone at the table ordered something different. The bruschetta had a real flair for flavor. The cacciatore was incredible. There was one more dish that was so good I honestly forgot the name because we were too busy enjoying ourselves.

The drinks were also great. The kind where you say you’ll just have one and suddenly you’re fully living in the moment.

What really made the experience unforgettable though was the atmosphere and the staff. The managers were dressed in sharp black and brown suits, which gave the whole restaurant this classic old Italian movie vibe. Not in a cheesy way. In a timeless, elegant, you feel like you just walked into a scene kind of way.

At the same time, the servers were warm, attentive, and constantly checking on us. Everyone made us feel welcome, joked with us, and treated us like we had been coming there for years. It felt personal and genuine.

Ending my Chicago trip with dinner here before flying home the next day was the perfect finale. Amazing food, great drinks, incredible hospitality, and an atmosphere I won’t forget.

Rosebud didn’t just serve dinner. They created a whole experience. I can’t wait to come back. And next time… I might even order more than just a salad. Maybe.“

“This is our favorite restaurant in the neighborhood, hands down. We've been regulars since they opened, and we're always leaving happy and satisfied. The owner is consistently very welcoming and genuinely glad to see us return. My husband is known for ordering his favorite dish, pork chop, and I for constantly asking for the Chef's cheesecake, which is usually not on the menu. I'm excited to hear about their new uptown location. Congratulations!“

“From the moment we walked in, till the last breath we took walking out the door. This is not your typical Italian dish, this is HOME for us. Thank you to Issac and his amazing staff. Till next time, keep cooking with your heart and soul.“

“Great Italian authentic food… Love the family atmosphere ❤️“

“We were in Chicago for a couple days from Austin, Indiana, and stopped in at Pat’s for dinner based off of the great reviews and it did not disappoint! The food was amazing and excellent service. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“