50 Best Italian Restaurants near Harwood Heights

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

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

“friendly staff food was hot and 😋 tasty“

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

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

“We ordered a couple of pizzas tonight and one of the pizzas had a wrong ingredient. It was an understandable mistake but not an ingredient we would enjoy.

I called up and they were very nice and made us another one right away. When I went to pick it up they were very apologetic and the manager couldn’t have been nicer. The new pizza was exactly what we’ve come to expect , delicious. Always a good experience there and we’ll of course be back.“

“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 !!!“

“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.“

“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.“

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

“Good food and lovely atmosphere“

“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!“

“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.“

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

“Great food, great people!“

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

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

“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.“

“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!“

“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!! 🤤🤤😃“

“We really enjoyed eating at Tutto Fresco! We were served fresh bread when we sat down and we were all happy with what we ordered. We highly recommend the Salmon Cognac and the Lobster Ravioli. We sat outside, which was nice, but the flowers in the pots were all dead. (Not a huge deal, but I notice and appreciate things like that.) The wait staff was very friendly and helpful. We picked Tutto Fresco because it's within walking distance to the Athenaeum Theater. We would definitely eat there again!“

“Excellent food, great service, knowledgeable waitress“

“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“

“We have come to Pasta D'Arte several times and it is definitely our favorite Italian restaurant in the USA! We love the grilled calamari appetizer. As for the main courses, we love all the seafood pasta entrees. The staff are always very friendly and attentive. Also, they make a great gin martini!“

“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.“

“So glad the original Rosebuds is back on Taylor! The chicken parm was the size of a platter, the lasagna was rich but perfectly balanced, and the cheesecake was amazing. Our server, Sara V., was fantastic—friendly and attentive. Honestly, I'd pick Taylor Street over the West Loop any day. A true neighborhood gem.“

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

“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!!“

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

“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!“

“Very good service and delicious food“

“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!“

“3 categories of 5 stars: food, service, and atmosphere. My first visit with 2 other "firsts" and one "vet"...everyone enjoyed their meals and the service was top-notch. No glass went empty or even came close. Recommendations were excellent, food was delicious, servers and wait staff helpful, courteous and smiling ?. The sage butter...my mouth is watering again just thinking about it. Thank you, C and C...I will Definitely be back and wholeheartedly recommend dining here. Excellent. No room for dessert, but they all looked amazing as well. I looked at other dishes around the restaurant as they came out and want to try several dishes just from seeing them. Worth the price of $30-50 a meal.“

“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.“

“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.“

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

“Truly a family-owned, family-run and family-centric establishment. We've witnessed them grow since they opened in 1999, and their craft is perfected. Whether you want a quiet date night with some ridiculously delicious pasta and wine; or a coffee and Gelato; or a quick lunch of a sandwich, pizza or arancini and pasta salad... you can't go wrong. They're expert caterers and you won't have to worry about a thing if you're hosting an event of any kind. Love!“

“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. 🤣“

“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!“

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

“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!“