50 Best Italian Restaurants near Forest Park

“It’s great place with great service, a variety of wine options, and delicious pasta!! 100/10“

“One of the best spots for authentic Italian and the best traditional atmosphere and great service and customers!“

“Excelente servicio y comida deliciosa“

“Amazing Pizza. Top notch staff and service. This place is a must try!!!“

“The focaccia alone is worth writing home about—pillowy, warm, and absolutely addictive. I nearly had food FOMO when I saw my friend’s dreamy mushroom risotto… but then my short rib arrived and I stopped questioning my life choices. It was fall-apart tender and full of rich, deep flavor.

My husband ordered the veal ossobuco, and let’s just say—every dish at our table was to die for. From start to finish, the meal was unforgettable.

Can’t recommend Il Milanese highly enough. 10/10. Already planning our return.“

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

“Good food and lovely atmosphere“

“We drove down from Milwaukee. I’ve been wanting to try Tortello since they’ve opened and I found out that they source their eggs from where I get mine (they are the best). Dario was kind, friendly, and extremely engaging. The food was fantastic. We started with Focaccia Ricotta & Honey which was ridiculously good. I had the spaghetti pomodoro which was perfectly balanced sauce to pasta to cheese. My husband had the Cacio e Pepe and devoured it. Our son had the Kids Lumache and ate half (he’s only two) and inhaled the rest tonight. It smelled even better the second time around if that’s possible. Best authentic Italian I’ve had in the States. Felt great after too, not like I’d eaten a pound of pasta. If you aren’t making plans to go sometime soon…you’re missing out!“

“If you are looking for a really special food experience with a cozy casual atmosphere, this is an awesome place to visit. The chef, Ms Dani Kaplan, is the daughter of one of my closest bff. OMG! Each bite is a tastebud delight! And the bar - so special! If you want a true, high-quality, Chicago, eating experience don’t miss this place!!!!“

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

“The risotto in the arancini was undercooked (crunchy) and the pasta vesuvio and shells were bland. Atmosphere was cool and wine was delicious. Would be a good place just for drinks and possibly apps. Otherwise, there are so many other better pizza and pasta restaurants in the city.“

“**Long Review – Worth the Read!** I first noticed this charming restaurant while driving by a month ago. Intrigued, I did some research and couldn’t wait to visit. Unfortunately, each time I attempted to dine there, they were closed. Lesson learned: always check the hours! Finally, eight days ago, I arrived on a busy Saturday evening. With no seats available inside, we opted for the patio near a heater despite the chilly weather. **What I Loved**: I was impressed as the staff graciously apologized to walk-in guests without reservations, offering them the option to wait or take food to go. Once seated, we were informed about the busy night ahead and things may take a little longer. They made sure to take care of us, even inviting us inside when seats became available. Walking into the restaurant felt like stepping into a trattoria in Italy, the kind only locals know about. The pizza was divine—and reminded me of Naples. The homemade pasta was perfection, and the mussels were absolutely to die for! This meal transported me back to my days living in Italy, away from the tourist trap restaurants. **A Second Visit**: I returned today, craving pizza and pasta, but they were out of pizza. While disappointing, it’s a sign of their growing popularity. Pamela, my server, delivered the news with grace and empathy, which made the experience enjoyable despite the setback. We quickly and playfully switched gears, and she suggested some fantastic alternatives that I loved! I truly appreciate good communication and understand the importance of patience in the dining experience. To those leaving negative reviews: It’s easy to critique from the sidelines. I challenge anyone who thinks they could do better to step into a server's shoes. Patience and kindness are free and go a long way.“

“Grande! Finalmente anche gli americani possono mangiare una pizza seria.“

“Wonderful, creative menu as well as great service.“

“We were at a holiday/retirement party. Large group. We were well cared for. I highly recommend them for a date night, happy hour or a large party!“

“Been wanting to try this place and it did not disappoint. Service was great and waiting time isn’t long, I would definitely recommend the Italian beef combo, and the Mexican grilled chicken sandwich if you’re looking for something more spicy. Overall fantastic experience and I highly recommend coming to Tony’s.“

“From the moment I walked in, I knew I was in for a treat—but I had no idea just how satisfying it would be. Let’s start with the French toast: golden, fluffy, and kissed with just the right amount of cinnamon and sweetness. It was perfection on a plate—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and topped with fresh fruit and syrup that made each bite better than the last. Next up? A wholesome egg white omelette that didn’t skip a beat on flavor. Packed with vibrant veggies and just the right amount of seasoning, it was light, fresh, and oh-so-satisfying. And that’s just scratching the surface. The service was warm, the vibe was cozy yet elevated, and every dish was crafted with care. From start to finish, this brunch felt like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re a fellow foodie, a brunch aficionado, or just looking for your next go-to spot, add this one to your list. Trust me—your taste buds will thank you.“

“AMAZING!!!

Decided on a vacation week! Chose Berwyn due to its proximity to Chicago. Glad we did!

What a great community!

We stopped in around 5pm. Nice greeting! Quickly seated.

We started with the Bruschetta. Instantly knew we were in the right place! Grilled bread! Not to hard not to soft. Fresh ingredients, great flavor.

I chose the lamb chops. Holy Smokes! Best I’ve ever had and that’s saying something!! I don’t know how they did it!!?? Grilled! Breaded! Crunchy! Tender! Perfectly cooked. Broccoli perfectly! Served with potatoes that were a little crispy with big flavor!

My wife had the Crab Cake. It was huge! Loaded with crab and perfectly seasoned and fried. The sauce paired perfectly with this dish. She also had penne pasta in their Marsala sauce. Again, everything was fresh and amazing.

Ended it all with 2 desserts because why not!
Tiramisu….Amazing
Crème Brûlée…Amazing

We ate all over Chicago, this was our #1 favorite!

Thanks for a great meal! I’ll be dreaming about those chops!! 🤤🤤😃“

“Gpay didn't work and I had no physical card. After trying the Gpay several times, I gave up. The manager asked for the drink I was drinking back, lol. I got in the car, saw my wallet in the seat and decided not to go back in. I drove out of my way to try this food, but this experience with being asked for the drink back was shocking. #theapartmentlady“

“Last week I hosted a private party for 20 people. We had drinks, dinner, dessert and it was all delicious! The service was outstanding and Eileen went out of her way to ensure the event was beautifully planned. It was everything I could have asked for. Thank you!“

“Well, we just loved it! We expected a slightly more bustling urban Italian experience, but being a bistro, we got a more home kitchen feel. The prices were a little lower than expected, but typical with a dine-in Italian experience.

But the food! We have tried lots of Italian restaurants in Chicago recently. This was a standout. They offer a delicious homemade cornbread and feta spread upon arrival. We ordered the Gorgonzola fettuccine and the linguine putaneska and they were just to die for! The Gorgonzola was creamy and not overpowering. The putaneska was savory, salty in the right way, with lots of umami. The shrimp was cooked to perfection. And the carrot cake with cream cheese icing was delicious. The food was just wonderful.

Going along with the home kitchen feel, the server was casual and friendly. Lovely and personal attention is given. Please give this place a try. It is worth it.“

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

“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!!!“

“Excellent food, great service, knowledgeable waitress“

“an instant superstar in this community, people will come from near and far for this quality of Italian.“

“The food was very good. Our server, however, was so hyper, it was hard to even communicate with him. NOT fine dining experience for sure, but not worthy of a diner even. The “music” continues to be merely a pounding sound, not an addition to ambience as it should be.“

“Pasta done just right! Salad, pizza and calamari were delicious and fresh. The pizza crust 😋! The server was so kind and polite. Fantastic and prompt service! Definitely recommend!“

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

“Fantastic service. Had reservations on a Tuesday nite. Seated immediately at 6 pm and then restaurant continued to fill up. Had attentive service throughout dinner. Enjoyed beet salad and pasta de mare. Nice spice to pasta. Loved the pistachio ricotta cake: tasted light. Will be back!“

“Reserved for Valentine's Day a week out and had a great experience! Naturally it was busy given the night but we were still sat by our reservation time and the service was flawless. We will definitely be coming back and going to their other businesses.“

“Just had lunch with my neighbor Jorge and as usual was NOT disappointed! Chris was her usual friendly self. She’s always on the ball about pleasing people and sending them home happy and full. Rose was the waitress everyone dreams of. Patient and funny all in the same breath. If you haven’t been to LaVilla I highly recommend a visit. You will want to return again and again! I’d be there more often but I have no self control. 🤣“

“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.“

“Great vibe! Sat outside.“

“Very good food. We enjoy the dinner. Very good service too“

“I stopped by for the first time although I had tried their food before. Service and atmosphere were not bad but not welcoming just simple.
The food was excellent! I ordered a lamb lasagna that was perfect for us, lots of meat, not too much pasta or cheese just the perfect amount. The flavor was awesome. I also ordered the steak salad ... ( I don't ever order salads as I'm very picky about the ingredients) but here at T Kitchen all was fresh and delish!
I have had their beef stew before and it is cooked to perfection! I definitely recommend it and I will be back!“

“It is always a pleasure dining here. Wonderful service is always provided. Great food with large portions. The cocktails are amazing! Let’s not forget the tasty appetizers and scrumptious desserts!!! GA must try!! You will not be disappointed!!“

“My FAVORITE grilled chicken sandwich! Everything is amazing! Highly recommend!“

“My first time dining experience was amazing 👏🏾 Our server Madeline was super sweet and so attentive to our party of 5. It was my first time but not my last time.“

“There are a lot of good Italian restaurants in Chicago. This meal top to bottom was absolutely delicious. The owner, Rafi, was a gracious host. We'll definitely be back on my next trip back from Dallas!“

“My family and I love this place. You can’t go wrong with anything you order. Great service and family atmosphere too.“

“Nottoli's is the Best Italian Food in Chicagoland Period! Everything is Handmade! The Homemade Italian Sausage is World Class! The Sandwiches are Amazing, They Also Have Frozen Food, The Frozen Handmade Pizza's are Delicious! We Have 4 Generations of My Family that have Shopped at Nottoli's...We Highly Recommend it!! 🏆👍🏻“

“Fantastic place! Pastina is a hidden gem in the neighborhood. By far, the best Italian restaurant in the area. Food is made fresh daily, the service is phenomenal, and the restaurant is charming and cozy. Try this place if you haven't already! You will not be disappointed.“

“Been here a handful of times ..
The pizza is th Star !!
Last few times the food was not as on par with the first 3-4 times.
Staff was slow and food was slow.
The first few times i went was when they first opened.
Seems service went down a bit!“

“Our entire experience was wonderful, from the valet parking, the excellent service, friendly faces, mouth watering entrees and delicious desserts! We are from southern Illinois and have always wanted to visit. So glad we did, as we had an excellent time, never felt rushed and will definitely visit again!“

“Love this new for me tasty omg takecare uslike a VIP excellent service quality and oldiest place wonderful“

“10/10 Anto’s was a last minute decision on my way home from Chicago to the Upper Peninsula and will now be my stop every visit. The atmosphere was welcoming, our waiter was extremely kind and helpful, bring water after water as we chatted and drank. We ordered 3 different dishes and all were delicious, from the ricotta cheese to the fresh basil, every bite got better!“

“The best pizza! Love the Summer outdoor dinning. I highly recommend this restaurant. So happy is so close to me ❤️“

“This place is the best! The sauces are thick and creamy. Best fried calamari, fettuccine Alfredo and lasagna!!! I love sitting outside in a cool night on the weekends too!!’ Love it!!!“

“awesome place thank you Jackie and Gio“

“The best Italian Cusine in the northside of Chicago.“