45 Best Italian Restaurants near Grayslake

“I’m so glad I found this place! great fresh food and good service. A great addition to the neighborhood.“

“The service is fantastic, we typically have a lot of lurker requests, like, pie cut, half this half that, well done, you name it. And always comes piping hot fresh and perfect. The delivery guys are the best. One of them brings biscuits for our dog and she loves him for it. Outstanding service excellent food, and perfect Friday night experience. Thank you Rosatis Grayslake!“

“Hidden in plain sight in Lake Villa, this Italian restaurant is the kind of unassuming neighborhood gem critics quietly root for. It isn’t flashy, it isn’t loud, and it doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is: a place that consistently serves excellent food at fair prices. In the Lakes region—where Italian options can feel uneven—this spot rises confidently to the top. On my most recent visit, I was seated immediately at a corner table, a small but meaningful luxury in an age of hour-long waits. The dining room, typically hushed enough for actual conversation, again delivered one of its underrated pleasures: a peaceful meal without the intrusive din that plagues so many suburban restaurants. Service followed suit—friendly, attentive, and genuinely eager to help, never hovering or rushing. The kitchen remains the star. My spaghetti with vodka sauce was outstanding—rich, balanced, and among the best renditions I’ve had anywhere in the region. Other entrées at the table echoed the same strengths: sauces with clarity and depth, pastas cooked with confident restraint, portions generous without tipping into excess. Cocktails, too, arrived promptly and properly mixed, further reinforcing the sense of a kitchen-and-bar team that takes pride in their craft. If there is a shortfall, it lies in the ambiance. The room carries a certain charm, but the décor feels a step behind the quality of the food. A refresh of tables, finishes, and overall presentation would elevate the experience from very good to genuinely special. The warmth is there—the aesthetics simply haven’t caught up yet. Even so, the value proposition is undeniable. For reliably excellent Italian cuisine, low noise, easy seating, earnest service, and honest pricing, this restaurant more than earns its “highly recommended” status. It is, in every meaningful way, Lake Villa’s little culinary treasure.“

“This restaurant is beautiful inside with chandeliers and nice tables and chairs I really enjoyed the fried calamari we had as a appetizer. The Lasagna is wonderful! The cannolis are so delicious too! Antonio our server was outstanding and goes out of his way to make it a enjoyable experience. Thank you Salvatore for your kindness! I highly recommend them for a delicious dinner!“

“Tina G’s in Mundelein is truly a gem! As happy multiple visit repeat customers, we can’t say enough about the outstanding food, warm atmosphere, and the incredible people who make every visit so special. Tina and her husband, Chef Phil Gilardi, pour their hearts into every detail, from the creative and delicious dishes to the welcoming hospitality that makes you feel right at home. Dining here is always more than a meal—it’s a memorable experience filled with flavor, comfort, and joy. We can’t wait to return again and again, and we recommend Tina G’s to anyone who loves great food and genuine warmth!“

“My husband and I had lunch today for the first time. The atmosphere was very nice and our waiter Louis was exceptional. The food was delicious. We were also told that to reserve space there that holds up to 80 is $200. I thought that is very reasonable. I highly recommend Olivia’s for a wonderful dining experience“

“After a couple of years away following an uneven prior experience, a recent return to Bottaio with friends proved both reassuring and mildly frustrating. The dining room remains one of the restaurant’s strongest assets: warm, attractive, and inviting in a way that signals classic Italian comfort. Unfortunately, that promise is undercut by one persistent flaw—seating that is simply uncomfortable. After fifteen minutes, the chairs distract from the experience, an avoidable misstep in a restaurant that otherwise understands ambiance. Service, by contrast, was a highlight. Our server struck an engaging balance between edgy and personable, and—most importantly—demonstrated genuine knowledge of the menu and wine list. Wine selections, guided by their recommendations, were uniformly well received by the table, showing thoughtful pairing and sound judgment. The meal began on a high note with excellent crusty bread, a simple but well-executed opening gesture that set expectations optimistically. The entrées, however, struggled to rise beyond adequacy. While none were poor, they failed to deliver the refinement or depth one hopes for. The veal parmigiana arrived in an impressively large portion but was overly breaded, sacrificing balance and nuance. In contrast, the risotto stood out as the best dish of the evening—properly executed, flavorful, and satisfying. Other diners echoed a similar sentiment: the food was good, but never quite great. This mirrors past experiences and suggests a recurring issue rather than an off night. Bottaio remains a solid option for casual Italian dining, particularly for those who value ambiance, wine, and congenial service. With greater attention to detail in the kitchen—and a renewed focus on authenticity and precision—the restaurant has the potential to elevate its culinary standing meaningfully. One hopes that future visits will see that promise more fully realized.“

“perfectly cooked steak- very creamy mac and cheese- sausage and peppers were perfection- service was top tier- Batman was was playing on the television behind the bar which was in perfect viewing from our table. Thanks for helping make a Daddy Daughter Day a huge success.“

“Great Place and the staff is always there for you“

“This is our family's favorite restaurant for birthdays, anniversaries, dinners with large groups...At this point we've been here probably 10 times and never once have we had a bad experience. Every server goes above and beyond to ensure that you have a WOW experience. The food and drinks are amazing every time. Last night we decided to try somewhere new since we just ate at Primo the previous weekend. The prices were the same yet the service and food did not compare. From now on we'll stick with here, where we know we'll have an amazing experience.“

“Was there Thursday night we had Braised Short ribs and crispy Brussels sprouts was delicious service was great the bartender colie made me a special drink Wow will definitely be back“

“Great place to have Italian food 😊“

“great atmosphere,quick and friendly.“

“I lived overseas for a number of years and came back after Covid only to find my go-to pizza spots had all closed. I spent the next three years chasing that real Chicago stuffed-crust fix and kept coming up disappointed.

Then, on my birthday today, I finally found the place that fills the void.

The sauce is robust, the cheese is generous, and the crust is exactly what you want from a quality Chicago stuffed crust pizza. Hands down, it’s the best stuffed crust I’ve had in Illinois in over 10 years, and the price is better than Lou Malnati’s (bland) and Giordano’s (#2 stuffed crust in il IMO, but far away from my location).

Great value for the money, and the people here are genuinely nice. First visit, and now loyal customer now.“

“This place is a hidden gem in Fox Lake! The bruschetta?? Amazing! Pizza is excellent as are the sausage and meatballs… and vodka pasta is fantastic. I haven’t had much else on the menu yet…but what I HAVE had is surprisingly good! Give it a try!!“

“Great food, fair prices, friendly staff.“

“Y'all if you're looking for an authentic Italian dining experience, Zaza's Restaurant is an absolute hidden gem! 🍝 The portions are incredibly generous, and the flavors are out of this world. It's just a short 20-minute drive from our place, making it the perfect spot for a delicious meal. It's a local favorite, it’s only open on certain days, so plan accordingly! My boss is a huge fan of this place, and now I totally see why. Highly recommend! 🇮🇹 #HiddenGem #AuthenticItalian #ZazasRestaurant #FoodieFind Zaza's Steakhouse and Italian Eatery“

“Staff is amazing. I'm not sure what role rank a gentleman was in the restaurant but he definitely wasn't a server, probably the Manger or assistant Manger, a gentleman with locked hair. He had a slight accent, I think he's Jamaican. He went around and made sure everyone was pleased with their food. Helped the server to deal with a table that had six children and made sure no one had allergies and was pleased with their food. All the staff memeber were very polite and my food came out in a good time. I definitely recommend Olive Garden, Vernon Hills. Clean and professional staff.“

“I went to this place just today, the waiters were amazing, so kind and on top of stuff. The place is so big, and although they were busy, it was very sanitary. The food was amazing and had many options. The atmosphere overall was so great, everyone was so nice and it was decorated beautifully. Overall, I give this place a 10/10, definitely would recommend.“

“Great time last night good all of this world remember when grandma used to make it“

“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great Authentic 🇮🇹 Italian Cuisine. Perfect For Date Night, Friends, Family, Kid Friendly. Beautiful Atmosphere, Warm Friendly, & Inviting. Great Menu, Cozy Bar. Best Of All Chef Salvatores Culinary Delights!! Great Staff. 🙋🏻❤️🍕 🍝🥖 Tell Salvatore Leon Sent Ya!! 🤌🏼“

“Our first time there and wow !Amazing food!Great service!The deep dish pizza, let me tell you how amazing that was!!Everything was just great!It's a far drive for us but we would definitely make that drive again to get that food!🙂“

“There meatball sandwich is huge and so good.I just had there Chicken Parmesan it was so fresh and so good.There pizza is real good also. Friendly and nice associates. Very clean inside .“

“We order from here 1-3 times a week for lunch at my shop and dinner at home. The food is always fantastic, delivery is fast and the staff are very friendly and helpful. We've also gotten catering before too and that service was fantastic. Night driver Scott is awesome too!“

“The pizza is so delicious. The right amount of sauce and cheese. My boys love the pasta and meatballs. Keep up all the great work Little Joey's.“

“Great service! Friendly. I am glad I chose to order from them.“

“good food. better if you sit down“

“Our pizza arrived quickly and cooked perfectly. We love Maciano’s! They used the best ingredients-quality cheese, great crust and the Italian sausage is wonderful!!“

“I want to thank the man with glasses at the counter for his kindness and generosity I appreciate it very much great personality and selfless! Thank you again 🥗💙🙋🏻‍♂️

Idk if you(of anyone else taking this)have faith in the 1 true God but if you don't please seek Him out today while you can, call out to Jesus Christ and you WILL be saved! ✝️=💙🙋🏻‍♂️“

“I decided to go to LAGO for the first time last night, and I’m so grateful I did! From the moment we arrived, the valet was incredibly kind, and the ambience struck the perfect balance—upscale yet cozy and welcoming. I felt at home immediately, with that unmistakable “city” energy that makes a night out feel special. Our server, Lexi, was absolutely wonderful—beautiful, vibrant, and genuinely attentive. She went above and beyond to make my birthday feel truly special, and we all adored her. The food was delicious, the service was impeccable, and every detail reflected how much care and expertise go into this restaurant. I’ve been missing a place like this, and I can’t wait to come back. LAGO is something special.“

“We held a family funeral lunch at Lino’s. The staff was welcoming, attentive and very friendly as they took care of our party, which filled their banquet room. We had a couple of chicken dishes, a couple of vegetable dishes, a garden salad, potatoes, and cannoli for dessert. Our guests raved about the food, which was delicious and hot! We could not be more enthusiastic in our recommendation of Lino‘s!“

“The place was very hyped up and I had a very memorable experience here! I came with my family on a Tuesday and there was a big bingo game where you could get free drinks, we won almost every round and even won the blackout where we won 50 dollars!! It was very fun and the food was bomb!! Definatley recommend coming here again!!“

“Hi, ordered for my team at work. The manager was very nice, pleasant to talk with, and handled my order well. Provided plates and utensils, forks and serving. I provided him with a headcount and he put together a complete meal for the team at a very reasonable price. If looking to feed your team, check out their catering menu or give them a call. Will definitely be ordering from them again.“

“I am so grateful to Rosati's Pizza of Antioch for their great food, courteous customer service, and optional delivery. With such responsive service, it's not just the food that tastes better, but the whole dining experience 'tastes' better. The food I have ordered maintains consistent quality for the price. And ordering with any special requests has been rewarding. They have brought on some great delivery people too. Kudos, Rosati's, and thanks!“

“Love this pizza! My husband is Sicilian, and we’ve had some amazingly fresh, authentic Italian pizza over the years. While this isn’t necessarily an authentic Italian/Sicilian-style pie, it’s hands down the best pizza we’ve found in the area. The Meat Lovers pizza, well done, is absolutely fire.“

“Salutes is one of my family’s favorite restaurants in Lake County! We especially like their salad dressing!“

“Had a great experience at Rosati’s Pizza in Vernon Hills! The food was delicious, the service was amazing, and everything came out fresh and quick. A special shoutout to Jay for being such a friendly and attentive server. He made our visit even better. Definitely coming back!“

“The food is always outstanding, but it's the people that truly make the experience exceptional. Every time I visit, I'm greeted with warmth and kindness. The staff goes above and beyond, especially when it comes to making my kids feel special. Their generosity and thoughtful service ensure that each visit is memorable and enjoyable.“

“5++?We were in the area conducting some personal business, and we decided to grab a bite to take home. My wife wanted a salad, and I was thinking about pizza, and getting our oldest son a Italian beef sandwich. I accomplished all three at Rosati's!It's a really small location, with a small rail bar with a few stools to sit at. Just enough to eat your food and be on your way if you're not getting to go. All of the ingredients for our meal were fresh and crisp. The pizza was extremely good, I had no issue with it. I'm going to also post this on my list of pizza joints. My son enjoyed his beef sandwich, and my wife thought it was one of the biggest, tastiest and attractive salads she's had. The staff was kind, and they brought our order out to our vehicle when it was done. I have to give them kudos, and the place was nice and clean from everything I could see. And the prices were very reasonable compared to some other establishments. I highly recommend Gabito?!?

Dietary restrictions: Ask

Kid-friendliness: Not really that type of facility, more of a grab and go.

Wheelchair accessibility: More of a grab and go, not really a sit-down location.“

“We went in for an early dinner with 10 people for our sons highschool graduation. It was pretty busy. There were only 2 servers on the floor. Our server was awesome, she got our drinks and appetizers first, came back to get our order, and even though they were slammed we never once felt rushed OR neglected. Great food, great service, great evening.“

“I am a tour director in Chicago. My company booked Giordanos on Belmont for 2 bus loads of high school students at 6pm. We unexpectedly got there at 5pm! Luis and his team were able to seat and serve us in short order. Thank you Luis and team. Giordanos pizza is the best!“

“I had a look at some of these reviews and some are misplaced. I been to around 7 Sbarros in 3 countries and this one is up there with the best ones. I asked for a cheese and they made me a new one no fuss. I was also not asked to tip and I spoke English.“

“I have been dining at Lou's since the 1st pizza joint opened in 1971. The thjn crust order i received today shows how they took the shrink-flation game with their pizzas. I took a picture of the scant sausage toppings as opposed to how Lou's dressed their pies in the past. Note that there is only one piece of sausage per piece. I have been ordering thin and deep dish for years, and the cost cutting shows! I would rather pay an extra buck or two and get what I have loved for years. Sad...“

“I absolutely love the lasagna here but tonight it is especially good!!! Very cheesy and I added cheese to the garlic bread for this cheese-a-holic!!“

“This is the face of a guy who’s having pizza for dinner tonight ! Stopped by to trade in some charity vouchers for frozen pizzas, and it couldn’t have been easier. Service was fast, friendly, and they had all the flavors ready to go. Clean and organized store. Super smooth experience. Big thanks to the Gurnee team for making it quick and easy!“