Italian Restaurants near Great Lakes

“We came to this spot for lunch. we heard about this restaurant from many people. Well, it was a winning. The crew were very polite and we had a fantastic feeling. The meal was fresh and delicious. We loved this spot a lot and we shall absolutely come back again. Recommended.“

“Great place for Italian!“

“Omar gave great service! Good was very good (ravioli with tomato cream). Good for kids too!“

“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“

“We had drinks and dinner at Mundelein restaurant on Saturday 10/5/24. We didn’t have reservations so we ate at the bar. It was all excellent! Friendly staff and the bartender made an excellent Margarita! Will be going back“

“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.“

“Del Rio is a family owned place, been there for nearly 100 years, in the same family. Food is very good, the quality is excellent, the wine list is huge, and the staff is friendly. It is a wonderful place for a couple, or a small gathering of friends.“

“So glad I tried and continue to enjoy Maria’s Italian Bakery and Cafe! This authentic spot offers wonderful service and excellent quality menu items— highly recommend!“

“Great, authentic Italian cuisine. Never disappoints.“

“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.“

“We went to Washington Garden’s last night with friends hoping to enjoy some good Italian food. The food was delicious! The portions were large and the waitress couldn’t have been nicer. We will be returning soon. 🥰👍👍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“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“

“Delightful owners, excellent customer service. The best lasagna we have ever tasted. It melts in your mouth. Beyond delicious!!!!“

“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.“

“Great place to have Italian food 😊“

“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 restaurant is my preferred one. I visit many restaurants but to this one I keep coming back again and again. The crew is very attentive and the food they offer is so fresh and tasty. I never decline to have a decent dinner in this place. Highly recommended.“

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

“Went out with the family! Great service, our waitress Jenyttzy is a gem! Very charismatic friendly and energetic! Service was good, time passed by quickly with good times here. The Drink in the picture was strawberry lemoncello margarita. Cheers everyone!! 🥂“

“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.“

“Walked out of this place, hit with scent of drugs being used as I opened the door. No need to spend my money at an establishment who has no regard to regulations.“

“Louie's is the best place to eat in Waukegan. Great Italian food, thin crust pizza, fried chicken and fish. Everything is great. They give you the best bread hot from the oven when you sit down. Huge bar. Family friendly. You can't go wrong at this place.“

“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!“

“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!“

“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 have been going there for 60 years and it is still the very best. You order it with double sausage and what ever else you like on it and don't forget to order it well done. Everyone I take there said it is one of the best pizzas they ever had.“

“Ordered pizza on Deville’s new online ordering system and I would say it’s the best one I’ve used. It was clear, simple and they had thought through every option you might want to customize. They even broke it down to whole pizza or one side and the other. Simple payment and estimated pick up time. Well done, Deville.“

“everyone loved it, just wish it was more affordable would have more often.“

“First time at Lou's and Chicago and they made the wait fun and inviting. Great service real friendly workers with great conversation and the pizza is absolutely superb, truly exquisite, a meal fit only for kings. Truly a must go and I intend on coming back in the future.“

“My go-to place for thin-crust pizza in Libertyville. Consistently good... crispy crust, tasty sauce, perfect blend of cheese and just the right amount. Tried lots of others, and always end up going back to Rosati's. Don't be put off by the location in a mostly deserted and run down strip mall.“

“I can't thank Erica and her staff enough. We had a large outdoor group. They ran to get table clothes to make the tables look nice. Service was awesome and kind. First visit not our last. Much appreciated.“

“First time at Half and Half Pizza Co. tonight and I will return. The pizza is incredible! and on top of that the atmosphere is great and the staff were equally incredible. A very impressive selection of wine so I can’t imagine you wouldn’t find something you’d like. Great experience.“

“Since the day Lenny opened the place, I have been a loyal patron. Even though I moved out of state in 87, 5 times a year I come in for for the best beef and sausage in them we state.“

“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.“

“Great food. awesome customer service.“

“Awesome location! Store looks amazing, food taste great, and the staff are AWESOME!!“

“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!“

“Lou's pizza is always amazing everywhere, but this specific location really stood out. They were on time with my take out order, someone helped me carry the large order to my car, and most of all, the manager went all out to make things right when there was an issue. Great food and great staff.“

“Food is always A1 here. Order well-done on the app for less soggy crusts that holds better later. The Lou gets the umami of the garlic tomatoes and veggies, but add in a Sausage patty to get meat distributed evenly underneath.

I only come back to Chicago on the holidays, and I was a part of last year’s infamous cancellations after 3 hour delays. Yesterday, the store was backed up out the restaurant for pick-up as well.

However, unlike this year, the delays were met by very empathetic and trained staff to handle the Karens. They were pushing out pies quickly despite being behind, and I saw no one person overstay 20 minutes past their arrival (myself included).

Huge improvements to last year with respect to personnel and training. App needs better ETAs on holidays to account for delays.

I’ll always be coming back here to get my holiday pies for my family when I visit home as per tradition.“

“Rosati's Pizza, is pretty good. Especially if you like pizza by the slice. The Libertyville, IL., location offers on Tuesday's a 2 slice special w/ 2 free sodas! Not many locations where you can dine in though. The only dine in location I have noticed is located in Schaumburg, IL. I am sure there are other locations.“

“Delicious pizza and the Malnati's salad is excellent. We love the deep dish with buttercrust for the extra crisp crust. The thin crust is so unique and really good, too. The spinach pizza is the best I've ever had. Service is fast and friendly. The prices are a little bit more than other pizza in the area, but the quality makes it worth it.“

“I got a gyro, large cheese fry from this particular location and I was impressed wit everything. The staff was better than great and the gyro to this day is the best I ever had. The fries were perfect.... The price had me thinking it wasn't going to be all that but I was wrong and I'm going back in a bit... Try them and thank me later.“