33 Best Italian Restaurants near East Peoria

“I was very impressed!!! I really enjoyed the privacy curtains. The food was very good cooked perfectly! the service was perfect as well very polite and checked in frequently to be sure everything was good and we had everything we needed. I will be back and recommend to all my friends! If I had 1 complaint I guess I'd say the prices but in reality you get what you pay for all around here. It's worth it to me! I do not recommend this as a restaurant for kids. ☆☆☆☆☆“

“I no longer even live in Illinois. But I always make it a point to go to a Michael's and get some subs, garlic bread, and some of their amazing cinnamon bread. You just don't find the bread density and sweetness anywhere else. That combined with pretty decent ingredients. Makes for something that I always seek every single time I make my way into Illinois again. Good deals and decent prices also definitely help. Everybody also loves their bucket of spaghetti which always comes out great and is always a good staple whenever we order the family feasts“

“Good local spot- a pillar of the Peoria community. Every time I go to Avanti’s I know I can get a reliable delicious Italian meal for not too much money.

They have a pretty good selection of dinners and salads here. Also have to try the sweet Avanti’s bread while you are here- it’s a classic.“

“The scallops and risotto dinner was excellent. The tiramisu was just as good and big enough for two. Parking lot behind the building is handy.“

“Their pizzas are the best around. I order one every time I’m in town. Every time.“

“Great atmosphere, great staff, and even better food.“

“Great option for good Italian food. Service from I believe Brock, was excellent! Pasta dishes were good. Black & Blue burger was exceptional. The warm fresh bread was phenomenal! The one suggestion would be to serve or offer the salad dressing on the side for the house salad. The night we were there it was too saturated to enjoy.

Great fried chicken as well.“

“I would recommend Michael’s to anyone looking for great Italian food. The food is great and the staff is extremely friendly. The restaurant has a great atmosphere.“

“great food“

“Recently moved to the area and was lamenting that I couldn't find a decent sandwich to save my life. Enter LA Gondola. Freaking fantastic. Bread is sweat, but I enjoy that, sandwiches are delicious and well priced. Facilities are a little lackluster but I'll happily trade a modern dining room for delicious, inexpensive food any day of the week. 10/10.“

“The food is easily a 10 out of 10. The service is exemplary, friendly and personal. I love eating there. The only con is the price of a Caesar salad, on our last visit my wife and I each got a Caesar salad to start our meal and the two salads alone was $25.00, everything else was inline with the service and atmosphere which is the best.“

“Growing up in Springfield, getting La Gondola was always the ultimate treat. My mom traveled a lot for work, and whenever she could bring it home with her, it completely made my day.

Years later, it’s still just as good. The sandwiches are simply amazing, and that fresh-baked bread is unmatched. It’s pure childhood nostalgia in the best way possible!“

“I dined with a party of 3 and we were extremely impressed with the service we received from Dallas Brown. Friendly, willingness to adapt dishes to our preferences, efficient and continual checks with all of us are a few of the qualities that describe her service. She definitely makes me want to come back again! Thank you!“

“Food was fantastic. Service was amazing. Even the other guests were wonderful. Met the coolest lady from Littleton.“

“Being from New York I've been looking for good pizza here in the Peoria area for over 8 years. Im not one to normally leave reviews but this pizza definitely deserved it! Will be my go-to from here on out and will be vocal about Fat Jacks being the best pizza in Peoria!“

“As someone who has lived and worked in the Peoria area for many years, I truly appreciate locally owned businesses that consistently provide outstanding food and exceptional customer service. Chicago Grill is one of those special places. I have been enjoying Chicago Grill for years, and it never disappoints. The food is consistently fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned. Whether you're craving authentic Chicago-style pizza, Italian beef, gyros, hot dogs, or one of their many other menu favorites, everything is prepared with care and served with pride. What really sets Chicago Grill apart is the friendly, welcoming atmosphere. The owners and staff make you feel like family and genuinely appreciate every customer who walks through the door. It's refreshing to find a restaurant that takes such pride in both the quality of its food and the experience it provides. If you're looking for authentic Chicago-style food, generous portions, and genuine hospitality in Peoria, I highly recommend Chicago Grill. It has earned my business for years, and I always look forward to my next visit.“

“Ate there today with friends - service was great and friendly and everything was DELICIOUS!“

“Love the da Vinci delight 🍕“

“I am amazed by how well the atmosphere and the food and the drinks in the service are“

“My husband and I set out to find the best sushi in the area and we’ve eaten at many places so far in Peoria. I promise you this was by far the best sushi we’ve eaten here and we travel a lot. We started with the Ceviche app and you just can’t go wrong with something so fresh combined with their bread. For main, he had the Surf and Turf sushi combo and I had the Tsunami. They both come with a delicious fresh veggie medley. We followed up with my favorite dessert, Crème Brûlée. Absolutely perfect in presentation and subtle sweetness. Still remains unmatched for the Best in the Area but Ardor is racing to beat them.“

“Absolutely wonderful time at Monical’s to celebrate my little girl’s birthday. It’s what she specifically requested for dinner and the staff made her feel so special! Good food, great people!“

“I definitely recommend the food is great! The staff however is constantly rude. The last 3 times we’ve been there we’ve had terrible experiences with the staff.“

“Long overdue Thank You to the amazing staff here!! My niece was in the hospital and she ONLY wanted LaGondola alfredo tortellini! It was just 10min before closing but they got it together with 2 free cookies! Made her night and helped her feel better for sure! I couldn't thank you enough! It was delicious! 😋 We both really appreciated it! Thank you for your kindness! ❤“

“BEST. CUSTOMER. SERVICE. EVER. My son and I came in today before a Dr. appt. As we were boxing up our pizza I biffed and dropped half of it on the floor. Immediately our waitress came over and said she was going to get a fresh one to go because of my accident!!! Amazing customer service. She definitely didn’t need to that because it was my fault!! Thank you so much!!!!!“

“RONNIE!!! Ronnie was my server tonight and he was the absolute best. I recommend coming to Monical’s on Knoxville, if you do ask for Ronnie, he’s the DUDE!“

“I may be a full-on Chicago tavern-pizza snob now, but nothing will ever beat the thin crust I grew up on at Monical’s. Still some of the best around and yes, the nuclear red dressing remains undefeated. If you know, you know. 🍕🔥“

“First day the candied bacon bourbon burger back on the menu, so I had to grab one. It was as good as I remembered! Service was stellar, beer was cold, and Colleen made me a Key Lime martini that was outstanding. My favorite restaurant in the area. Forgot to snap pictures, tho...“

“My wife and her mom have raved about the sandwiches from here since ive met her, we finally made the trek to Peoria for family reasons amd of course had to stop by. The bread they make is amazing, theres a reason her mom said if we dont bring a sandwich home, then dont come home! Delicious! Staff was friendly and everything was clean. We will definitely come back when we are in town again“

“We arrived around 6:00 p.m. on a Friday night. There were only 10 people in the restaurant. We were seated and got our drinks right way. We sat for 20 minutes before anyone took our order. We got two different waitresses. The first waitress gave us poor service. The other one at least tried. It took 1 half hours just to get served and paid. I usually leave a decent tip but after this experience I left $2.00. Our food was watery and had poor flavor. We will not be returning which is sad because we usually love the food and always had good service.“

“Ordered the Thursday Specials Lasagna and side salad
Overall the Lasagna was average, the side salad plain. When going to chain Italian the expectations cant be to high but overall this is a good meal for a good price when visiting Pekin“

“I placed an online order to picked up at 11:15. I drove up at 11:13–paid my bill…- little over $63.00. She asked me to pull over and they would bring it out…I waited over 30 MINUTES in 90degree temperatures for an order that had been ordered and PAID for —RIDICULOUS!!! Avantis needs to do BETTER…beyond disappointed!!!“

“Pizza Hut on Perkins offers a satisfying dining experience with a wide variety of pizza options, pasta dishes, and sides. The restaurant provides a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere, making it a great choice for casual meals, gatherings, or takeout. The interior is clean and well-maintained, with a friendly staff that ensures a welcoming environment.

The menu at this Pizza Hut location is extensive, featuring classic favorites like the Supreme, Meat Lover’s, and Veggie Lover’s pizzas, along with specialty pizzas and new, limited-time options. The pizza is consistently fresh, with a crispy crust and flavorful toppings that many patrons appreciate. The pasta dishes, including the popular Tuscani Pastas, are also a hit, offering hearty portions that complement the pizza selections.

The service is typically prompt, with staff members providing attentive and courteous service. However, during peak times, the wait for food can be a bit longer. The restaurant also offers convenient delivery and carryout options for those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home.

Overall, Pizza Hut on Perkins delivers good food and great value for the price. The variety of menu options, consistent quality, and friendly service make it a reliable choice for pizza lovers and families looking for a casual, enjoyable meal.“