50 Best Italian Restaurants near Libertyville

“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.“

“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.“

“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“

“We stopped by Antioch Pizza in Libertyville after visiting a family member at Condell Hospital, looking for a late lunch. It was our first time there, and it turned out to be everything we’d hoped for. They offer several pizza options—including a gluten-free choice for one person in our group—as well as beer and wine selections.

To our surprise, there’s even a small ice cream shop inside! We ordered the two-slice deal, a large pizza, and a gluten-free cheese pizza. The thin crust was excellent—crispy and flavorful.

We also had the pleasure of meeting the owner, John, who was super friendly and welcoming. We didn’t get to try the ice cream this time, but we definitely plan to on our next visit.

Highly recommended if you’re in the Libertyville area—thank you, John, for a great experience!“

“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!“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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“

“Great place for Italian!“

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

“Great, authentic Italian cuisine. Never disappoints.“

“A Classic! Family run for over one hundred years. You can see, taste, and appreciate why. Our server Stella is fifth generation from the original family. Her lovely mother stopped by to say hello too. Eggplant Parmesan, Halibut in butter sauce, Alfredo and Spaghetti. So delicious! No room for dessert!!“

“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 service and food. 100% recommend“

“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“

“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. 🥰👍👍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“Excellent service, amazing food. Gelato is incredible! :) Very nice people there, too! Will definitely return!“

“The food was amazing!! I need to go back and try more of their menu.“

“Great Food! Great Service! Always a Favorite❤️“

“We had appetizers which were delicious! The place was packed! Our waitress was so great! Everyone who worked there seemed to love what they do! Speaks volumes for the owner! We will 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 😊“

“Great food, fair prices, friendly staff.“

“They fit us in on New Year’s Eve and made us feel at home. The food was excellent. Kids and adults loved the food. Great, friendly service and a warm atmosphere. Thank you for making a memorable night and saving our New Years Eve!!“

“I think Buona is great because every time I go there, the food and service never disappoint me. The employees are always friendly and efficient, which makes me feel welcomed and taken care of. I really enjoy the food because it’s flavorful, fresh, and consistently well prepared, especially the Italian beef, which is one of my favorites. The atmosphere is comfortable, and my order is always ready quickly without feeling rushed. Overall, Buona stands out to me because it gives me a reliable, enjoyable experience with great service and great food every time.“

“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.“

“Great food. Their supper club menu is wonderful. #iraeats“

“It is a very cozy italian place. We went here for mom Moms birthday The food was scrumptious My wife and I had the lasagna.While my mom, the birthday girl had chicken marsala Our waiter Damon was exceptional.He was gregarious and attentive And they topped it off with a birthday treat.For my wonderful mom“

“. Good Food The Italian sub was delicios Good Food The Italian sub was delic They are too expen though“

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

“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.“

“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 .“

“Got the gyros and onion rings with Cajun ranch. Wife got a grilled chicken sandwich. We went at 6:30 on a Saturday. Food was hot and tasty, ready to try the pizza next time. The service was fast and friendly. They have lots of staff working for them.“

“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!!“

“We were in town for a convention and staying at a hotel. We decided to order a pizza our last night there. We chose Joe's at random, and we were not disappointed. Our order was delivered promptly by a very nice, and courteous person. The pizza we ordered was delicious. We loved everything about it -the thin crust, delicious sauce (not too much), and generous amount of cheese. I especially liked that the toppings were under the cheese, and there were herbs!! Kuddos to Joe's for great food and friendly service!!“

“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.“

“There’s nothing better than Lou’s! So accommodating for large groups and excellent service! We came for a college send off and the food, like always, is outstanding! Perfect send-off until they return Thanksgiving! ❤️“

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

“We usually order on fridays, love this location where the manager and the guys are always helpful and friendly. Our personal favorite is the Chicago deep dish. Their Mike's hot honey wings are a little gem we discovered recently. So glad that's on the menu to stay forever :) :)“

“How are waitress, Coco, was excellent. We always request our since she is always so attentive without being intrusive. Our food was very good. I had the chicken Francesca, which was excellent and minestrone soup was the best. The, which salad has changed. There are fewer tomatoes and bacon pieces in the salad so it seems as if they are cutting back on that which made me somewhat disappointed. Hopefully it was just a one time thing. We will be back.“

“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.“

“Best pizza and wings out there! Always fast and hot delivery!“