50 Best Italian Restaurants near Downers Grove

“Food is fantastic with great portions. Get you some good food here.“

“Stayed at the doubletree hotel and was very pleasantly surprised how great the food was at Osteria Italian restaurant. We dined here two nights in a row because it was so delicious. Julio our waiter was very attentive and friendly. Made our first evening at the restaurant memorable. I ordered the eggplant parmigiana and Caesar salad. It was wonderful. I had plenty of leftovers and can’t wait to enjoy the other half when I get home. My husband ordered rigatoni with chicken and the soup of the day. He had plenty left over for another meal also. Had two Tiramisu martinis and unfortunately ran out of room for dessert. The second night we sat in the bar for happy hour. Joey, the manager remembered us and made us feel like we were friends dining at his home. Handsome gentleman and incredibly friendly. Tony the bartender managed a full bar of people yet was very available to take our order. Happy hour is a great deal with $7 martinis and affordable large appetizers. Luckily we saved room to share a piece of Tiramisu. Absolutely divine. Can’t wait for our next visit to Chicago to dine here again. Highly recommended.“

“We had a private 70th Birthday at the Downer’s Grove location last weekend The food (buffet) was great, and the service was top notch. Our server Rocky and his team were on top of every detail. Our 55 guests were taken care of like we were family. I’d highly recommend this restaurant for your events!“

“Pizza was good! Great place to dine in at Downtown Downers Grove! I will be coming back!“

“just tried it today. I must say it 🔥. Very good“

“good deep dish pizza especially their all meat pizza 😋“

“This little pizza place does an amazing job! The food was awesome and they were soooo crazy busy and were churning out the pizzas. It was weird that so many people were able to get their pizza at the same time (it was the day of a Bears playoff game). Love the pizza and the boneless wings.“

“I LOVE Aurelio's pizza! Crust is great and there's the right balance of toppings. Overall just great pizza!“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Our team had the absolute BEST experience at La Sorella di Francesca! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, the food was incredible, and the service was next-level. A huge shoutout to Donny Greco, who went above and beyond to make us feel right at home—like we were dining with family. It’s rare to find that kind of genuine hospitality and care these days. If you’re looking for authentic Italian cuisine with heartfelt service, this is the place. We can’t wait to come back!“

“Food and service fantastic. They were running behind with reservations but they comped us drinks an an appetizer...which is pretty unheard of these days. Rachel, our server, was phenomenal, I liked her so much I even asked her to help me "customize" my pasta dish, which she happily did (and it turned out great! The lobster diavolo but with vodka sauce...keeping the spice level.) Caesar salad good but not traditional...and missing anchovies (I know, I'm weird. Very fresh ingredients though.) We were a party of 6 and everyone loved their food. Reasonable prices too. Will definitely be back! Only wish it weren't so cramped inside.“

“The food is excellent and I cannot say enough kind words about how amazing the staff is. Every time we bring our toddler here, they treat her so special, making her smile, and so attentive to her. She absolutely adores the servers we’ve had. It makes you feel like part of the family.“

“We had the pleasure of hosting our wedding reception at Francesca’s Amici Elmhurst. The event coordinator, Nancy, was hands down the best. She is well experienced and has a true talent. Our group of nearly 80 people were very comfortable in the private room. There was plenty of room for our guests to enjoy a standing cocktail hour followed with a sit down dinner. The food was even better the evening of, kudos to the kitchen. And they did any excellent job making sure they were well staffed for the event. The staff was EXCELLENT, attentive and helpful. Thank you again!“

“I have nothing but compliments for this wonderful establishment! My fiancé and I went out to dinner last night and had a taste for authentic Italian. I found this place online and read nothing but wonderful reviews about the food, and service. Located in downtown Westmont. Parking was so easy (right across the street), and from the moment we walked in we were treated like royalty. The manager Sergio greeted us with a huge smile, sat us, and told us a little about the restaurant. Our server Alysa was nothing short of amazing, knowledgeable, and gave us wonderful recommendations. We felt like family! All of the food is made in house, pastas, sauces, and even the wine and desserts! You can taste the quality of the ingredients, and tell that every single person puts so much care into making sure every customer is happy. The whole experience was wonderful, and it’s so nice to see small (not chain restaurants) are thriving. It’s been a long time since we had an experience like this at a restaurant and we appreciate their hospitality! I think we found our new date night spot! We will be back!! OFTEN! If I could give 10 stars I would! 👏🏻🍾🩷🙏🏻🫶🏻“

“5 stars for HECTOR in Western Springs!!! Hands down this was the absolute best dining experience I’ve ever had! While the food was delicious and the overall ambiance and decor of the restaurant was cozy, it was our server that made this dining experience over the top, great! HECTOR, you are a gem, a diamond! You have an absolutely charming personality and made my mother in law’s birthday dinner an experience to remember! From your spot on suggestions, to your lovely rendition of “Happy Birthday”, to the funny banter, our whole family left talking about how wonderful you were! We will be back and we will be sure to come when you are serving! Thank you Hector!!!“

“Check see & please tell ?“

“This was our second time dining at Positano’s and it was just as fabulous! The food here is superb, the wait staff are very attentive and we love the photos on the wall! The Seabass was to die for and the grilled seafood appetizer was divine! Our only regret is that we live in New York and cannot be frequent patrons of this wonderful establishment! Mille Grazie!!“

“It’s a nice place to eat. Unfortunately there was a party of 10 celebrating a birthday. They was very loud and obnoxious. Couldn’t really enjoy the atmosphere. Staff didn’t tell them to lower their voices. Maybe they need a special room away from the front so that other paying customers can enjoy their meals and conversations.“

“Love this place! We eat here frequently on Sundays!“

“I’ve been eager to try Mortadeli since it first opened, and after hearing so many rave reviews, I finally had the chance to stop by for lunch yesterday. Let me tell you, everything everyone says about this place is spot on! First off, the food is absolutely delicious. Everything on the menu is so tempting, it was hard to choose, but I went with the meatball sub and pasta salad. As someone whose grandmother made the best meatball sandwiches, my expectations were high – but Mortadeli’s version did not disappoint! It was fantastic. The pasta salad was also amazing, fresh, and perfectly seasoned. The atmosphere at Mortadeli is incredibly inviting – it strikes the perfect balance between classy and cozy. The staff are very friendly, and you can tell they genuinely care about making your experience special. The service was top-notch, with attentive staff and quick delivery of our food. One of the owners even took the time to chat with us a bit. Another pleasant surprise was the parking – I had my doubts at first, but we found a spot just around the corner with no problem at all. Overall, the experience was fantastic, and I’ll definitely be back. Mortadeli is a must-visit!“

“I used to eat here all the time, unfortunately, I moved away and it’s been almost 10 years since I’ve eaten Serino’s. The food is amazing! It’s just like going to grandma‘s house and getting some fresh made Italian food!!!“

“Recently celebrated a 70th birthday with the D'Alexander family. What a great event. The staff could not have been nicer, and attentive. You only thought you might need something at the table and it would appear out of no where. The food was all home made and you could tell made from traditional old recipes and a lot of love thrown in. You feel like you are in a small cafe in Italy. If you want a great Italian dining experience please take the time to enjoy Made In Italy, because my wife and I plan to go back.“

“Food was fabulous! Margarita Pizza and cheesecake crepe both delicious“

“Wonderful place to dine., food was delicious and our server, Fidel, was thee BEST ever! Will definitely return when I’m in Illinois again.“

“I had an issue with gift cards from December that Jesus worked through with me. It couldn't be resolved without help through the app so he comped my dinner for the hassle. Buona has always been our family's go to beef place and service like this is way above and beyond. My favorite beef in all of Chicagoland.“

“awesome place thank you Jackie and Gio“

“Had dinner on 12/17/2023 service and food was excellent. Gluten free menu available.“

“From the second we arrived the girls at hostess stand were jovial and inviting. Then waitress and chef table side appetizer and dinner were fantastic! Ordered more food than our table of four could eat, but we got to try a variety of entrees. Everything was top notch quality. Order the Lemoncello shots to round out your dinner! Will be back for more!“

“Best calamari and eggplant around. My husband and I go to different restaurants on Friday's for calamari & eggplant parmesan . Antonino's is the best.“

“Food was good as hell frfr and u get a lot with the chicken Alfredo and broccoli 🥦“

“A true favorite—consistently amazing! This restaurant never disappoints. The Risotto of the Day is always outstanding—creamy, perfectly seasoned, and made with care. Pair it with their expertly crafted Old Fashioned or a nice glass of wine for the perfect meal. And don’t skip dessert—the limoncello gelato or tiramisu is an absolute must! The owner’s warmth and hospitality make every visit feel special. From start to finish, it’s a five-star experience every time!“

“We were a fan of the fabulous food already. But when my husband and daughter planned a surprise Birthday party for me, we were VERY impressed. They said whenever they asked Ricardo for something the only thing they heard was: No problem! OR… Whatever you need! And ALL of our guests complimented the food and most took home doggie bags. If you need a party room and want to work with the most accommodating staff - give Ricardo a call. If I could give a 10 star rating - I would. I promise you won’t be disappointed!“

“First visit here and everyone in our group loved their meals. Karen was our server and she was just awesome. My meal was so good, I couldn't wait to get at my leftovers (and my wife's leftovers when she wasn't looking). They are not close to where we live, but we'd definitely go back next time we're in the area!!“

“This past weekend a group ( 14 ) of us experienced a wonderful evening at Pazzi Di Pizza in Elmhurst. It was a fun get-together that was enhanced by great appetizers and varied, delicious pizzas. We also were served by some of the best and most courteous staff we have ever experienced. Marco, the Manager, who attentively scheduled our evening, came over, introduced himself, inquired about our needs, and then introduced us to Charlie, our evening's server. Charlie was exceptional!! It was our second time meeting at this venue, and I highly recommend a visit!“

“My first time trying Giuliano’s! I picked up a pizza last evening and literally could not stop eating it. This is arguably the BEST pizza in the entire Chicago suburbs. I got thin crust with spinach and roasted red peppers. The sauce, cheese, and toppings were absolutely amazing. What a great find and will recommend to all my friends!!“

“Friendly, professional staff and delicious food.“

“Great place to dine and great food“

“Angeli’s had been our go-to for showers and funeral. We lost my Dad this month and they were so accommodating. Thank you so much for being a part of our family.“

“Best Italian restaurant in the world! Fantastic atmosphere“

“My best friend recommended Ellas’s and it was amazing! Definitely going back soon! The ambiance is soft and cozy. Every staff member I related with was friendly and went out of their way to make me comfortable with my requests. The food was amazing!! Very well done and stylishly served. Absolutely loved everything here!“

“We order here thru the drive thru often and everything is always good. Tonight was exceptionally great. All of the food was perfect. Rigatoni marinara with meatballs and cheeseburger with everything. This is probably the only place where we dont have to check the bag before leaving. (Knock on wood. 😆)“

“Had lunch there today with special friends. All our meals were excellent. Had cocktails & Merlot, soups, salad, eggplant parm, Pollo Al Marsala, create your own pasta. Will make this place a favorite place for delicious food as well as customer service above & beyond expectations. Oh, had bread pudding(heaven), Italian ice too(nice presentation)Our waiter Marco informs you of daily specials, makes recommendations, very informative & engaging. Thanks to all servers too!“

“We had food catered from Two Brothers and it was delicious! Everything was ready on time and the food was hot and plentiful. We had an Anniversary party with 50 people and everyone enjoyed the selection and variety of great food! I highly recommend Two Brothers for your next event! You will not be disappointed!“

“My family and I have been dining at Roberto's restaurant for over 27 years and I feel the secret to their success is consistency. The quality of their food is very good and their level of service is impeccable. It's fine dining in a neighborhood setting. We reserve through OpenTable for special occasions like birthdays because we know none of our guests will be disappointed with Roberto's quality. The restaurant side always delivers, but don't sleep on their carry-out food. The pizza, I believe, is award winning. The dinners, like BBQ ribs or chicken, are some of my favorites. Their pasta sauces are of the finest quality. Insider tip: Try the baked panzarotti with any ingredients you like, from plain cheese or my favorite, Italian beef and hot giardinera. You won't be disappointed.“

“Paisans is quickly becoming one of our favorite restaurants. The bbq chicken salad is my favorite salad in the area. It's hearty, large portion, and always consistent. If you're into chicken vesuvio you should get it here yum yum yum especially the potatoes. We also enjoy their thin cut pizza because it's still thick enough to hold the toppings but is never burnt on the bottom like other places. The meat is quality too when it comes to the toppings we enjoy the pepperoni and sausage. The only potential negative is the restaurant is always extremely noisy but it's a pizzeria and bar so can't really expect anything different and the food is worth it.“

“Great food and service!!“

“Food was delicious. Service was great and nice ambiance too. Lunch menu was reasonable & delish.“

“Dear Olive Garden Team,

On behalf of our students and staff, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to you and your team for the incredible experience we had at your restaurant. Your kindness, patience, and attention to detail did not go unnoticed—and made a lasting impact on all of us.

Our group included individuals with special needs, and it means the world to us when businesses not only welcome us, but go above and beyond to make everyone feel comfortable, respected, and included. From the warm greetings to the thoughtful accommodations, your team created a positive, stress-free environment that allowed our students to enjoy their time, gain real-world experience, and feel truly valued.

When we returned to school, many of our students were talking about the visit and how kind the staff was. It’s experiences like this that help build confidence and independence—and we’re so grateful to you for being part of that journey.

Thank you again for making our visit so memorable. Special shout out to Claudia, Diego, and Eric and the rest of the team for the incredible hospitality! We look forward to coming back soon!

Best,
The Jane Addams Middle School Multi-Needs Team“

“Maybe not usual but we were forgotten. Got our wine and then no one ever came back!. They were not crowded either. Finally we called someone over, about 35 minutes of sitting. The manager came over and was really apologetic, comped us the wine and offered another glass free. I've been there several times. The food is consistently very good. Usually the service is fine. I enjoy going there in part because of good food and close and plenty of free parking.“

“Very nice. Highly recommend. Excellent food, very good service, great atmosphere and ambiance. Will definitely be back.“

“Delicious pizza ! But unfortunately our waitress Lisa was not the friendliest ….. in fact she was pretty rude !“