50 Best Italian Restaurants near Harwood Heights

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

“The BEST authentic Italian food! It’s always fresh, hot & tasty! 🇮🇹“

“friendly staff food was hot and 😋 tasty“

“Food is very good, the staff is so friendly. excellent.“

“The Best food in Chicago,delicious food,good prices,and the nicest owner in the world,Franco“

“One of my favorite pizza places. I've been going to them for years and whenever there's an issue with the order, they fixed it well and above than they need to. The staff are friendly, the food is amazing, and everything is just great.“

“I am late writing my review but I had to write it !! I visited provare chicago On july 8th !! From start to finish this restaurant gets 5 starts . The decor was nice and set a perfect atmosphere for a great night . We were greeted immediately upon arrival and seated within 5 minutes of being there . Once seated the wait staff began their introduction's on drinks and popular menu item's. After my party ordered drinks and appetizers a gentleman came over (not sure if he was the manager) and introduce himself and made sure we were having a great experience. Appetizers were amazing!! We couldn't wait for dinner!! Our entrées we just as good if not better ! Everything was cooked and seasoned to perfection! When we didn't think the night could get even better the entire wait staff and the gentleman that came over before stopped and recognized my friend for her birthday and brought over a birthday surprise!! I live 307 miles and this place was definitely worth the drive !!!“

“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!!!!“

“Il Milanese is hands-down one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had in Chicago. From start to finish, everything was impeccable — the service, the atmosphere, and most importantly, the food.
My mother-in-law was craving Italian for her birthday, and Carlo and his team absolutely delivered a special evening we’ll never forget. We tasted so many incredible dishes, but the lamb shank special with risotto was on another level — tender, flavorful, and perfectly paired. Truly the best I’ve ever had.
This isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a place that makes you feel like family while serving world-class Italian cuisine. Thank you, Carlo, for making my mother-in-law’s birthday unforgettable. We’ll be back often and will be recommending Il Milanese to everyone we know!“

“Wonderful food and service.“

“If you are looking for old school Italian with a modern flare, this is the place!“

“Chef Wilson is a culinary genius! All ingredients are responsibly sourced and a crafted with such attention to detail. His flavorful pairings are out of this world.“

“Good food and lovely atmosphere“

“Our server Anna made the evening special. She was so sweet, funny, and genuinely kind, adding the perfect personal touch to an already lovely dinner.

I had the risotto primavera, which was perfectly creamy and full of fresh flavor. The chicken pizzaiola was absolutely delicious and filling. We finished splitting a tiramisu that was light, decadent, and everything you’d hope for.

Amano Bistro has such a warm, inviting atmosphere and truly memorable food and service. Can’t wait to come back and try more of their food! ❤️🇮🇹“

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

“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!“

“This is our favorite neighborhood restaurant. While there are many great items to choose from on the menu, the real standout is their amazing thin crust pizza. The atmosphere is an eclectic mix of families, neighborhood folks, couples and groups. They have a friendly host, wait staff and bar staff. Reservation recommended if you want to go on a Friday or Saturday.“

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

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

“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.“

“We had friends in town for the night and knew we would get a good meal and experience at Gaia. We sat outside so had to pause conversation for the passing BNSF and Metra trains, but that is all part of the ambiance. We had the arrancini special appetizer which had the perfect ratio of rice to filling. I had the halibut, and it was perfectly prepared with a piccata sauce and angel hair. Our friends enjoyed that the staff is familiar and all welcoming which adds to the neighborhood feel.“

“**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.“

“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.“

“Great food, great people!“

“Best food,great service,Love The Open windows beautiful summer breezes, it’s a Delight💜🩷🩵Fun🎊🎉and great desserts and did I mention the food is fabulous!!“

“Delicious spot for a special occasion or a fancy night out. The food, service and ambiance were exceptional. Our server Jeff was so delightful - funny, attentive and patient. He knew the menu insight out and offered great recommendations. He made our evening really enjoyable. Will return!“

“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!“

“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!“

“Free Valet to start our experience here was a pleasant surprise and much appreciated. Hostess was very friendly, and our server Jose was thorough and had such a positive energy. Everyone chips in to help keep the table clean, waters refilled, etc. We truly had an amazing experience and would recommend to anyone looking for an Italian gem!“

“What a wonderful surprise this restaurant was! We found it by accident after a show at the Athaneum. The food, service and ambiance were outstanding! Apparently the owner/head chef used to work at Topo Gigio and Como Inn, so the food is reminiscent of those restaurants. Really high quality for a reasonable price. Excellent limoncello too, made in-house. I will be back!“

“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.“

“An intimate space, but the entrées and desserts were excellent and the service was pleasant and efficient. A modest, but reasonable wine list.“

“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“

“Excellent food, great service, knowledgeable waitress“

“Excellent service from the moment we walked through the door. They make you feel like family from the onset and are deliberate about making your dining experience a great one. Coupling the amazing all around service with phenomenal authentic Italian dishes ensures a return visit when back in the city!“

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

“Very good service and delicious food“

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

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

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

“I always stop when I’m nearby!“

“Great vibe! Sat outside.“

“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.“

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

“This past weekend a group ( 14 ) of us experienced a wonderful evening at Pazzi Di Pizza in Elmhurst. It was a fun get-together that was enhanced by great appetizers and varied, delicious pizzas. We also were served by some of the best and most courteous staff we have ever experienced. Marco, the Manager, who attentively scheduled our evening, came over, introduced himself, inquired about our needs, and then introduced us to Charlie, our evening's server. Charlie was exceptional!! It was our second time meeting at this venue, and I highly recommend a visit!“

“awesome place thank you Jackie and Gio“

“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. 🤣“

“This was a very pleasant surprise. Great old school Italian causal fine dining (love the white table clothes) fabulous staff, relaxing and very enjoyable atmosphere. Patio outside does not disappoint.“

“This is a little gem of a restaurant. The chef was there without a waiter for the afternoon and it didn’t matter. His service was so great and we felt special to be able to be the only ones in the whole restaurant because of the timing. The food he cooked was delicious. It’s a cute restaurant with unique options and traditional options too. We are so glad we found this place!“

“I ordered the mid-week take home special last week and we loved the selections. The soup was gnocchi with a short rib meat filling and a short rib broth. The dinner was boar's meat and sauce with kale. The dessert was fill your own cannoli. Everything was delicious and the instructions for reheating were easy. It's my third time getting it. So fun!“