Sadly, first the restaurant, and now the market, are permanently closed. The restaurant was wonderful, a true favorite. The market was also great, unfortunately not a quick in and out stop, considering the traffic, parking, and very slow check out. But it was worth the effort on occassion to pick up focaccia, arancinis, mortadella and salami. It will be missed by many!
Terrance B.
The food was delicious and authentic to taste along with the decor of the restaurant. It was a quiet spot tucked away in the midst of busy city life.
kathy g.
The worst restaurant meal I've ever had. My dish was inedibly salty (and I have a high tolerance for salt!) and they didn't do anything to correct it. My dining companion was served a soupy dish of shrimp, which she had to get her fingers all sticky to peel the shell off. We were really looking forward to the meal upon the recommendations of friends. The place has had a lot of hype around it, and he has done great community outreach, but I wouldn't go back.
Nicole S.
This used to be a sit down restaurant and now it is a takeout place. I love their food and it is very authentic, but pricy for Forest park. They're pizza, bread, focaccia and sandwiches are great. Good wine options, but you may get a bit of sticker shock.
Jess Friedericks
We purchased a variety of items to try - sauces, spaghetti, fettuccine, bread and pizza. Ate the slice of pizza right after leaving. Came back to order even more slices because it was so delicious. Definitely worth the 2 hour drive from our home!
Jessica E. Friedericks
Delicious. The pizza was so good that after consuming our initial slice in the car, we drove back and ordered more slices for the long ride home! We cannot wait to try the sauces and pastas.
Allison R.
I love Gaetanos. We dined there when it was a restaurant, and now shop the market and deli. I highly recommend that everyone checks them out if you live in the area or are just passing through. They always have a wonderful selection of sandwiches, pre-made meals, fresh pasta, sauces, gelato, and now frozen vegan options that I am excited to try. Chef Gaetano is so enthusiastic and proud of the food he creates, and his employees are always friendly and helpful if you have questions on any of the items. I always looked forward to shopping there and always tipped due to the wonderful service I experienced until recently. One of their newer cashiers is unpleasant to interact with. I thought that maybe he was just overwhelmed as a new employee or going through a rough time. However, several months later, his attitude has not wavered. I'm not sure if other customers have had a similar experience, but he always seems to be in a bad mood every time I shop there. He also addresses me as "Ma'am" excessively and in a somewhat harsh tone which is uncomfortable and quite jarring to experience.
Roman E.
Very friendly and helpful. Great selection of Italian food. Lasagnas are great, impressive collection of breads, sandwiches and pizza. Will definitely return.
Barbie Wambach
Brasola sandwich was crisp fresh warm and delicious. House cured beef was perfect for this sandwich. Can't wait to try more goodies.
Natasha L.
Yum, yum, yum! My cousin put me on to this place when I was in town. I mean the pizza is to die for then Caprese sandwich is THE BEST! They are huge 14' long but one fresh amazing ingredients it's a must try! I also left with delicious hi made pasta sauces and truffle butter and Wild Boar Ragu. This will be a forever stop on my way home out of River Forest. Don't walk, run to go try. The service was so amazing they're all super sweet and will explain anything to you which is helpfulness .
Prefectio, chef's kiss!! Seriously, we actually had our last meal out pre-pandemic when this was a restaurant. We were nervous when they first closed to shift. But oh my God the market is amazing and we've been able to go even more then if it had continued to be a restaurant. Everything is delicious we have never had anything that wasn't. The staff is gregarious and helpful. Run don't walk
Tintin H.
As a restaurant, Gaetano's stood. As a deli, it stands out even more. The sauces, home-made pasta, focaccia, confit duck leg, wines are all excellent. You have to try the wild boar ragu. It is not cheap, but it is if you figure that you are taking a restaurant-quality meal for 2 home for a third of what you would pay otherwise. My only gripe is that the check-out and in store experience are kind of chaotic, too many people and no one seems to be knowing what they are supposed to do. And this may sound petty, but I am no fan of the requests of tipping 20% upon paying at a store.
Kevin Harnett
Fantastic prepared meals. Italian sub sandwiches that nothing compares to. Pizza. Bread. Homemade sausages and sauces all homemade by a most talented chef.!!
Lisa DiBenedetto
Amazing food and selection, can pick up and enjoy with my family. The diverse menu and always a new dish awaits, you just never know what Gaetano is cooking... Love the soup, delicious....
Pat & John
We met friends and sat outside. Had an eggplant parm sandwich that was big enough for 2 or for a second meal. It was so delicious! We filled a bag with more good food to bring home. Love this place!
Sadly, first the restaurant, and now the market, are permanently closed. The restaurant was wonderful, a true favorite. The market was also great, unfortunately not a quick in and out stop, considering the traffic, parking, and very slow check out. But it was worth the effort on occassion to pick up focaccia, arancinis, mortadella and salami. It will be missed by many!
The food was delicious and authentic to taste along with the decor of the restaurant. It was a quiet spot tucked away in the midst of busy city life.
The worst restaurant meal I've ever had. My dish was inedibly salty (and I have a high tolerance for salt!) and they didn't do anything to correct it. My dining companion was served a soupy dish of shrimp, which she had to get her fingers all sticky to peel the shell off. We were really looking forward to the meal upon the recommendations of friends. The place has had a lot of hype around it, and he has done great community outreach, but I wouldn't go back.
This used to be a sit down restaurant and now it is a takeout place. I love their food and it is very authentic, but pricy for Forest park. They're pizza, bread, focaccia and sandwiches are great. Good wine options, but you may get a bit of sticker shock.
We purchased a variety of items to try - sauces, spaghetti, fettuccine, bread and pizza. Ate the slice of pizza right after leaving. Came back to order even more slices because it was so delicious. Definitely worth the 2 hour drive from our home!
Delicious. The pizza was so good that after consuming our initial slice in the car, we drove back and ordered more slices for the long ride home! We cannot wait to try the sauces and pastas.
I love Gaetanos. We dined there when it was a restaurant, and now shop the market and deli. I highly recommend that everyone checks them out if you live in the area or are just passing through. They always have a wonderful selection of sandwiches, pre-made meals, fresh pasta, sauces, gelato, and now frozen vegan options that I am excited to try. Chef Gaetano is so enthusiastic and proud of the food he creates, and his employees are always friendly and helpful if you have questions on any of the items. I always looked forward to shopping there and always tipped due to the wonderful service I experienced until recently. One of their newer cashiers is unpleasant to interact with. I thought that maybe he was just overwhelmed as a new employee or going through a rough time. However, several months later, his attitude has not wavered. I'm not sure if other customers have had a similar experience, but he always seems to be in a bad mood every time I shop there. He also addresses me as "Ma'am" excessively and in a somewhat harsh tone which is uncomfortable and quite jarring to experience.
Very friendly and helpful. Great selection of Italian food. Lasagnas are great, impressive collection of breads, sandwiches and pizza. Will definitely return.
Brasola sandwich was crisp fresh warm and delicious. House cured beef was perfect for this sandwich. Can't wait to try more goodies.
Yum, yum, yum! My cousin put me on to this place when I was in town. I mean the pizza is to die for then Caprese sandwich is THE BEST! They are huge 14' long but one fresh amazing ingredients it's a must try! I also left with delicious hi made pasta sauces and truffle butter and Wild Boar Ragu. This will be a forever stop on my way home out of River Forest. Don't walk, run to go try. The service was so amazing they're all super sweet and will explain anything to you which is helpfulness .
Restaurantji Recommends
Prefectio, chef's kiss!! Seriously, we actually had our last meal out pre-pandemic when this was a restaurant. We were nervous when they first closed to shift. But oh my God the market is amazing and we've been able to go even more then if it had continued to be a restaurant. Everything is delicious we have never had anything that wasn't. The staff is gregarious and helpful. Run don't walk
As a restaurant, Gaetano's stood. As a deli, it stands out even more. The sauces, home-made pasta, focaccia, confit duck leg, wines are all excellent. You have to try the wild boar ragu. It is not cheap, but it is if you figure that you are taking a restaurant-quality meal for 2 home for a third of what you would pay otherwise. My only gripe is that the check-out and in store experience are kind of chaotic, too many people and no one seems to be knowing what they are supposed to do. And this may sound petty, but I am no fan of the requests of tipping 20% upon paying at a store.
Fantastic prepared meals. Italian sub sandwiches that nothing compares to. Pizza. Bread. Homemade sausages and sauces all homemade by a most talented chef.!!
Amazing food and selection, can pick up and enjoy with my family. The diverse menu and always a new dish awaits, you just never know what Gaetano is cooking... Love the soup, delicious....
We met friends and sat outside. Had an eggplant parm sandwich that was big enough for 2 or for a second meal. It was so delicious! We filled a bag with more good food to bring home. Love this place!