50 Best Italian Restaurants near Downers Grove

“Best italian food ever!“

“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.“

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

“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!“

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

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

“Downers Grove has the most consistent great tasting pizza. There is excellent service. Last Wednesday 3/18 I picked up a pizza around 5:30 and the young man was very professional, pleasant and efficient. He does the job of 5 employees. I definitely will return next time I’m out there.“

“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!“

“The gm Stephan is amazing. Great experience and great good and service“

“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.“

“Food was excellent. Service impeccable! Will definitely go back again!“

“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.“

“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!!!“

“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!“

“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.“

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

“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!!“

“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 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!!!“

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

“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.“

“Any time I leave the area for work trips or anything like that, I’m always stopping at Buona as soon as I get back. The food here is phenomenal and the employees are second to none. I’ve been to multiple locations and they are all great, but my favorite is the one in Glen Ellyn!“

“My sister Shelly Nagy purchased tickets to a Sunday afternoon drag brunch to celebrate my birthday! Marco not only held the door open for his guests, but he was also very kind and generous! He offered 2nd helpings (my only regret is that I did not indulge on that offer). Our meal was plentiful, delicious and presented beautifully! The bartenders cocktails (garnished w/ fresh flowers!) are pure elegance and his customer service skills are excellent! The drag show was a blast! The music was a hit (inside and out) and the upscale atmosphere will always have me anxiously waiting to come back soon! Thank you Marcos & Shelly for the most wonderful birthday celebration anyone will ever dream of! Gorgeous Downtown LaGrange is lucky to have Marco’s Kitchen! Take me back already!“

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

“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.“

“The food and atmosphere were great!!!!!!!! Reasonably priced and attentive service!“

“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.“

“Great atmosphere and great food and drinks. We came here for my friend’s birthday and John M was an excellent server! The mozzarella is EXCELLENT! It was in the caprese and the risotto and was probably our absolute favorite part of each dish. The gnocchi has a great homemade flavor and has a very flavorful sauce! Branzino is also very yummy! The espresso martini, green goddess, and luccacello martini are excellent as well. The crudo was also incredible and very fresh. 10/10 recommend for a nice dinner with fun live music!“

“awesome place thank you Jackie and Gio“

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

“We were looking for new places to try this week and I came across Ella’s. Not too far from home and the menu looked great. Stopped in early on Saturday evening and grabbed a spot at the bar. Great bar for sure!! The whole place looks great. A little swanky and dim lights so it makes for a great date night. They had a super inviting patio out front but it was a little hot out so we stayed inside. We will be back to dine outside for sure!
We love to share plates so we got two appetizers and a salad. The Arancini alla Vodka was absolutely delicious, should have ordered two. The bacon wrapped dates were amazing. The house salad, perfect. Great drink selection as well. The menu has a great variety, not just Italian.
The staff was great, super friendly and attentive.
I love when smaller local places just do it right and Ella’s does it right!
Can’t wait to come back and dine alfresco.“

“We were there for dinner on 5/3. We informed the waiter that we have a garlic allergy. They prepared all of our food separately with no garlic, even making special salad dressing. First time we have been out to eat without pain afterward from garlic! Thank you for your excellent service and accommodation.“

“Just WOW!!

The Italian beef was exactly what I was hoping for — perfectly dipped, with mozzarella cheese and hot giardiniera. The beef was tender, juicy, and had so much flavor. It was one of those sandwiches where you take the first bite and immediately know they did it right.

We also ordered a pizza and asked for it to be well done. I asked them to go a little heavier on the hot giardiniera and a little lighter on the green peppers. When the pizza came out, it was cooked exactly the way we wanted. The crust had that perfect crispiness from being well done, and the toppings and giardiniera gave it a really good kick without overpowering everything else. It was honestly one of the better pizzas I've had in a while.

What really stood out to me, though, was how well everything was taken care of. The people working in the lobby were very attentive, friendly, and actually communicated with us throughout the experience. You could tell they were paying attention and making sure people were being taken care of instead of just going through the motions.

The restaurant itself was also extremely clean. Everything looked well maintained, and the bathrooms were absolutely spotless. I'm not exaggerating when I say they were some of the cleanest restaurant bathrooms I've seen in a very long time. That definitely says a lot about the people who work here and how much they care about the overall experience.

We came in around lunchtime, so it was a nice, relaxed dining experience. From the food to the service to the cleanliness, everything was just really well done.

Definitely impressed with this place. The Italian beef, the pizza, the service, and the cleanliness all exceeded our expectations. We will absolutely be coming back!“

“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!“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding Experience at Paisans Pizzeria! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We had an absolutely fantastic experience at Paisans Pizzeria, and a big reason for that was our waiter, Tony. From the moment we sat down, Tony was attentive, personable, and made sure everything was perfect throughout our meal. The food was excellent — fresh, flavorful, and exactly what you expect from a top-notch pizzeria. Service was quick without feeling rushed, and the overall atmosphere was warm and inviting. If you’re going to Paisans, ask for Tony — he truly takes the experience to another level. We’ll definitely be back! 🍕👏“

“Went for a dinner with my girlfriend. Felt lucky it wasn't as crowded as I expected. The atmosphere is very cozy and homey. Not cramped and small though. Feels like eating a meal at someone else's very large and well decorated house. And they have outdoor seating for those comfortable nights. The food was phenomenal. Decent sized portions, and very well done. Everything was great, and have to mention, I was able to get gluten free fettuccine for my ragu. And it was very good. The noodles were very good and the sauce to die for. I've had gluten free noodles at other restaurants, but this was definitely a lot better. Definitely recommend.“

“We stopped in last night for dinner for the first time… what a super decision! Food was so awesome! Had both the Coppola and Tarantino, dined in. Both sandwiches were absolutely perfect! Tasty left it as the menu suggested and they were awesome! The bread was amazing! The staff were super friendly! This place was so good we got some cream of mushroom soup and cannoli to go! Just a. Awesome experience!“

“Friendly, professional staff and delicious food.“

“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!“

“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!!“

“I love this place! Good!!“

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

“Best Italian restaurant in the world! Fantastic atmosphere“

“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!“

“⚠️ 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺, 𝗪𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗮 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸’𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀. 𝗪𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝘀 𝘄𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗮 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗪𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀. 𝗜𝗳 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝗻-𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆, 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆. 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁. 𝗪𝗲 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲. 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗹𝘆, 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗔𝗱𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿“

“I love this beautiful restaurant. The ambiance is perfect. The food matches the ambiance. The staff is lovely and I can't wait to go back. The dining room and rooftop are a noncompete. It's a gem you would never know about in Wheaton unless someone informed you. Love it. I liked the Aioli bread, the Cacio Pepe they do table side and Tiramisu. Def make a reservation. They are really busy.“

“I was on a soft diet for that diet and I thought of Olive Garden. I place a take out order because i had just left the hospital. I got there they was closed. I was willing to wait and i am glad i did. The food was great, Customer service meet my expectation. Branden was very friendly and professional. He is an asset to the company. I had not been to Olive Garden since you guys moved. I enjoyed my food. Hat off to the cooks. I will return very soon.“