50 Best Italian Restaurants near Forest Park

“This is our favorite restaurant in the neighborhood, hands down. We've been regulars since they opened, and we're always leaving happy and satisfied. The owner is consistently very welcoming and genuinely glad to see us return. My husband is known for ordering his favorite dish, pork chop, and I for constantly asking for the Chef's cheesecake, which is usually not on the menu. I'm excited to hear about their new uptown location. Congratulations!“

“Excelente servicio y comida deliciosa“

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

“Went in bold without ever trying this place to celebrate my 30th birthday and this place was absolutely stunning and delicious. The staff including the chef were truly attentive(compliments to the chef), thank you for an amazing experience . They asked if anyone had allergies to start off too. Their food and drinks was delicious. I had their chicken Alfredo, my husband the gnocchi with braised beef & various of my family their seafood linguine and the flavors were bold and exquisite. Flavored shots were amazing and so was their dessert (my favorite was the banana pudding). I have a few family members who are picky eaters and even they really enjoyed it. I have worked in the restaurant business downtown and this place is better than some places ive had in downtown Chicago. Great for dinner & special occasions. 10/10 for everything this is one of our new favorite places in the area.“

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

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

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

“Quite possibly some of the best Italian we have had in the US. If you've been to Italy, and miss it, or just want to taste authentic Italian pasta, come here. Dario is amazing. Signore, siamo lieti di averla incontrata! Torneremo! Grazie mille!“

“I haven’t had a dining experience this wonderful in a very long time. The service was impeccable. The food was fantastic. The wine and cocktails were unparalleled. This is one of those instances where you can go big or go small. Do you want to have just a light meal? That’s easy. Stuffed zucchini blossoms and a plate of pasta. A glass of wine and you’re out the door for $50. On the other hand, you can go for the gold and walk away completely sated. Either way, you’ll love this delightful spot.“

“This is a fantastic place to enjoy great food at reasonable prices. The menu offers delicious options, the drinks are just as enjoyable, and the welcoming atmosphere makes it a great spot for any occasion. The restaurant is also family and dog friendly, which makes it even more inviting.

The customer service was outstanding. Our waitress was amazing—friendly, funny, and attentive throughout the entire meal, making the experience even more enjoyable. The beautiful interior adds to the overall charm, creating a comfortable place to relax and dine. Between the excellent food, great drinks, warm hospitality, and inviting atmosphere, this is a place I would definitely recommend.“

“We moved to North Center right around the time Armano opened. This has become our go to spot for dinners out as well as our favorite place to bring friends. The food is exceptional with a menu just big enough to explore without feeling overwhelmed. The team at Armano is also wonderful and we've consistently received excellent service. Can't recommend this place enough.“

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

“Really enjoyed our dinner at A+ Italian Steakhouse! Great food (quality of the steaks is excellent!!), amazing drinks, and delicious desserts. Everything was fresh and flavorful, and the service was excellent. Definitely a place we’ll be back to!“

“Wonderful food and service.“

“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.“

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

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

“Great vibe! Sat outside.“

“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!!!!“

“Wonderful all around. Amazing food,amazing wait staff, 10/10 atmosphere as well.“

“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“

“First time going to this location for my birthday and everything was good. Our server Jeff was excellent. The appetizer and bread was good but my spaghetti bolognese could use a bit more flavor. The tiramisu was amazing. Overall, still had a good time with family and food.“

“Gaia has amazing food, excellent service, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Everything we ordered was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made our group feel welcome. It was the perfect place to celebrate, and everyone enjoyed their meal. We will definitely be back and highly recommend it!“

“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!!“

“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!“

“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!!!“

“The place is beautiful and has a very pleasant atmosphere. The service was excellent—everyone was friendly, attentive, and welcoming. However, the food wasn’t my favorite. I was hoping for a more authentic Italian dining experience, and unfortunately, it didn’t quite meet my expectations. Overall, I still had a good experience thanks to the ambiance and the outstanding service.“

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

“Perfect all around. Great atmosphere, prompt perfect service, polite attentive staff. The chef has a gift and talent. The bone in new york strip cooked to my specification and the sauce had a rich deep flavor that complemented the steak perfectly. The grilled calamari and shrimp was perfect, and the flavor was like nothing I had before. Dessert was Bananas Foster was mind blowing and prepared table side. We will be back again. This is a must try and repeat spot. The drinks were also on point.“

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

“I always stop when I’m nearby!“

“Best Lasagna hands down ! See you next month when I return to Chicago!“

“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!“

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

“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.“

“I ordered a breaded steak sandwich. It was excellent. Just tell them easy on the red sauce. Overall the steak was darn good. Next time I'm gonna order the jumbo steak sandwich. The restaurant was spotless and the associates were very friendly. Try the fries. Top shelf“

“In 2017, I picked up my older brother at Midway to come home to the funeral of our youngest brother that committed suicide at 23 yers old. We swung over to Vito and Nick's to get a pizza and talk. It was our first time there. We ended up telling the waitress the situation because we had both been crying. Next thing we know, the kitchen had par-baked like 8 large pizzas of all types, and gave us a hand-written note giving us condolences and instructions on how to finish baking the pizzas. They said they wanted to make sure my family was well-fed in our time of tragedy ❤ And the pizza is INCREDIBLE ❤ SPECIAL, SPECIAL PLACE“

“Solid food every time! Had great risotto last night, their pastas are always good & great cocktails. Take home family meals are delicious and a lot of food for the money. Recommend!“

“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!! 🏆👍🏻“

“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!“

“Excellent food, great service, knowledgeable waitress“

“La comida estuvo deliciosa, cada platillo con un sabor auténtico y bien preparado. El servicio fue excelente y el ambiente muy acogedor. Definitivamente un lugar para volver muchas veces y para disfrutar en familia o con amigos. The food was delicious, each dish authentic and well-prepared. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was very welcoming. Definitely a place to return to many times and enjoy with family or friends.“

“Delicious food Free uncorking Excellent service Romantic atmosphere“

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

“Amazing food and it tasted awesome .. Would love to visit again .. Staff were very helpful and ambiance was excellent .. 5 stars !!“

“By far, one of my new favorite restaurants in the city. The food was creative yet simple, the cocktails were craft, and the ambiance was just perfect for the mood. I enjoyed my whole experience so much, I wish I could come here regularly, but unfortunately I do not have that kind of budget. Nettare stole my heart for sure.

And a huge shoutout to the staff, they really made the place so special.“

“What a beautiful evening eating dinner on the patio. Our server DeAnna was incredible, attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. From the beet appetizer, the pesto pasta with shrimp, to the lava cake dessert, chefs kiss! Can't wait to go back.“

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