50 Best Italian Restaurants near Lincolnwood

“My first time here, and I loved it! Got there early with my own choice of seating. It’s pretty quiet on the inside, so it’s easy to talk with your table. The food is traditional Italian, and delicious. Our server Jeff was patient, friendly and informative. He carded us for drinks and saw it was my birthday. So after our courses, he brought a little dessert and sang me Happy Birthday! Would definitely recommend and go back again.“

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

“Nuovo is one of the finest restaurants I've ever eaten in. The food is all fresh and expertly prepared. The dishes are all very artistic and beautifully presented. The flavors are authentic and fantastic. I am always excited to have a night out here, even if I am on my own for the evening.“

“My friend and I haven’t been to Olive Garden in awhile - but we were blown away. Both of us are vegan and we had the minestrone soup and angel hair pasta with broccoli and mushrooms. Andres was our server and he knocked our socks off. He was charming and attentive - and to be honest we didn’t want to leave. Thanks so much Andres, you are a smooth criminal!“

“5 star !!!!!“

“My Fiancé and I discovered this restaurant after watching “Somebody Feed Fill” and were inspired and intrigued by Sarah’s restaurant and craftsmanship. We had our eye on getting reservations here for a very long time and we ended up landing lunch reservations for my Fiancés birthday (whom is also a Chef). We just happened to be seated by the expo line near the kitchen where we saw Sarah working. From start to finish our server Rose, and Sarah made sure our experience was personalized special. Sarah even signed the cookbook we bought and menu! Everything was on point from the food to the service. I can see why it’s so hard to get a reservation here! If we could rate our experience higher we would. We greatly appreciate the hospitality and dedication that this restaurant displays!“

“We had a lovely dinner at Rose Mary last night and it was the most fabulous meal that we have had in some time. Amazing service, beautiful venue and the food was just so good. Simple but very complex; rustic but refined. And the service was impeccable. What a glorious end to our experience in Chicago!! Very highly recommend it. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟“

“Alla Vita is an exceptional restaurant for several reasons. First, their menu offers a delicious variety of authentic Italian dishes, prepared with fresh and high-quality ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and elegant, perfect for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends. Additionally, the service is impeccable, with a friendly and attentive staff that ensures every diner has a memorable experience. The combination of exquisite flavors, charming ambiance, and excellent service makes Alla Vita an outstanding choice for any occasion.“

“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 !!!“

“Wonderful Birthday/ Father’s Dinner tonight…Ambiance, Food and Staff absolutely incredible!!! John and Cole, along with the rest of the Ciccio Team are the consummate professionals!!!“

“The pasta was incredible!!!! Alfonso was our server and he was fantastic and really good at helping us out when we couldn’t figure out what to order!“

“Marcos and Sofia were awesome. They both deserve raises! Welcomed me as the first guest of the day with smiles and chatted with great service & kuddos to the chef, my pizza was amazing!!!!! Absolutly will come back when I am in Chicago again! Fun atmosphere and YUMMMM!!!!!!“

“Intimate place with great food and service. Chicken parmesan and rigatoni were delicious. If I lived closer, I certainly would be a regular.“

“Great staff, awesome cocktails and menu. Don’t miss out on this gem in River North!“

“Our 1st visit was amazing! Food ✅ Service ✅ Atmosphere ✅ Taking a selfie with owner- Armando ✅ So impressed- loud and crowded AND FUN! Yummy! Thank you Armando Scarola!“

“Had supper at the bar before the ELO concert. Service was great, the food was delicious! I definately would go back!“

“My experience at Torchio was unforgettable. Bebe my waitress was attentive and well mannered as well as all the staff was. The food never missed, I was super impressed by all the dishes I was served. The chef who created these dishes is well mastered and knows how turn food into an experience. I have a high standard when it comes to food such as freshness, quality of ingredients and taste and the team at Torchio exceeded my expectation. I will definitely be back and highly recommend!“

“Pasta Veneta offers a good range of Italian classics, and we definitely had a nice meal. The burrata was a highlight — fresh and flavorful — and the pasta dishes were enjoyable, especially the truffle gnocchi, which had great depth of flavor. We also really liked the red wine blend. Worth a visit if you're looking for a dependable Italian option in the area.“

“Celebrated my birthday here and had a wonderful time! Great food, and really enjoy the Cosmopolitan martini! 🍸 I had the Branzino. All delicious! Recommend!👍🏽“

“Great restaurant with delicious food and the best people working there.“

“I have food allergies. They made a delicious pizza that I could eat and enjoy instead the usual tasteless salad that I have to get so often. Couldn't be happier.“

“The food and service were AMAZING. Will most definitely be coming back here again!“

“This place has the real deal Italian food. It's not cheap, I went during Restaurant Week so I had a good deal and what they offered is not on the regulat menu, but let me tell you, after being disappointed by many an over priced Italian restaurant, this place is well worth the money. It actually delivers on delicious food, portions were also generous. Service was great and the atmosphere was fantastic too. Would return.“

“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.“

“Wonderful place! Loved the grilled calamari, alpino bianco pizza and orecchiette. Our server Hector gave us great recommendations and made it a very special evening.“

“Outstanding Northern Italian-inspired cuisine! Wonderful dining experience. Delicious food and excellent service.“

“Cozy small place with open kitchen concept.
I had a mushroom soup, pasta puttanesca & cheesecake with blueberry & hibiscus tea.

Delicious! Great service & attention to details!
Definitely will be back!“

“Traveling to Chicago for a concert and this place stood out for a bite to eat. Our expectations of the food were exceeded and the staff was amazing!“

“Eduardo’s Enoteca in Gold Coast is one of the cutest spots in the city for a romantic date night! It has a super cozy interior and a delicious menu of wines, apps, and the most incredible pastas! Here’s the breakdown of what we ordered: -Pomona Spritz -Da Amico -Arancini -Cheese Board -Spicy Vodka Gnocchi -Pappardelle Bolgnese -Pumpkin Cheesecake We had such an incredible meal here and I’d highly recommend to anyone in the area!“

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

“Wonderful food and service.“

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

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

“Everything was perfect ❤️!!!“

“First time I went was tonight and it was magnifico. Excellent service not too busy and cozy. Great food. I will definitely get back and have another meal there really recommended.“

“Absolutely the most delicious pasta I have ever had in my life! The scampi is like no other and the toffee carrot cake was so good I almost cried. The service was incredible. You feel so welcome. Like instant family.“

“I only get up here from Florida every few years. Always make it a point to stop in with my cousin. I’ve never been disappointed in the food or service.“

“Great food and 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!!“

“You can’t skip the charred octopus to start! It’s a perfect appetizer to share with an incredible roasted Calabrian chili sauce. My absolute favorite dish is the pennette cardinale! I can’t go to Sapori without ordering. The creamy tomato sauce pairs perfectly with the sun-dried tomatoes. I’m drooling just thinking about it! Lastly, you have to finish your dinner with the bread pudding. The warm pudding with the cold ice cream is perfection in every bite. 10/10 always!“

“This was by far the best authentic Italian dinner I've experienced since living for 3 years in Naples Italy 22 years ago. AMAZING food and service with extremely reasonable pricing for the quality. A special acknowledgent and appreciation to Maria that brought the experince to the next level. Great conversations, so inviting and professional! Thank you Maria, I'll certainly recommend to all my frineds and colleagues to come and enjoy as well!“

“Amazing food and service always!“

“Good food and lovely atmosphere“

“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!!!!“

“I came all the way from California for St. Patrick’s Day and somehow ended up having one of the most memorable Italian dinners of my life at Rosebud on Taylor Street.

The night started with me confidently ordering… a salad. Just a salad. The host paused, looked at me, and said, “That’s it?” while the rest of my table went full Italian feast mode. I was already laughing and also slightly questioning my own decisions.

But I absolutely made the right call. The burrata and prosciutto with arugula salad was hands down one of the best salads I’ve ever had. Fresh, flavorful, perfectly balanced. I’m still thinking about it.

Everyone at the table ordered something different. The bruschetta had a real flair for flavor. The cacciatore was incredible. There was one more dish that was so good I honestly forgot the name because we were too busy enjoying ourselves.

The drinks were also great. The kind where you say you’ll just have one and suddenly you’re fully living in the moment.

What really made the experience unforgettable though was the atmosphere and the staff. The managers were dressed in sharp black and brown suits, which gave the whole restaurant this classic old Italian movie vibe. Not in a cheesy way. In a timeless, elegant, you feel like you just walked into a scene kind of way.

At the same time, the servers were warm, attentive, and constantly checking on us. Everyone made us feel welcome, joked with us, and treated us like we had been coming there for years. It felt personal and genuine.

Ending my Chicago trip with dinner here before flying home the next day was the perfect finale. Amazing food, great drinks, incredible hospitality, and an atmosphere I won’t forget.

Rosebud didn’t just serve dinner. They created a whole experience. I can’t wait to come back. And next time… I might even order more than just a salad. Maybe.“

“A true hidden gem in Chicago. Tucked behind Tribune Tower, Bongiorno’s serves authentic Italian food straight from Sardinia and every bite proves it. The flavors are incredible, the portions are generous, and the prices are surprisingly reasonable for the quality you’re getting. Honestly, I’d crown this the best Italian food in Chicago. I’ve been to all the Chicago Italian classics and this food is the most delicious and authentic. If you’re ever on Michigan Avenue or walking the Riverwalk and craving a delicious, authentic Italian meal, Bongiorno’s is the place to go. Warm up with an espresso martini, an old-fashioned, or a spritz, then save room for dessert. The homemade tiramisu was perfection, and dare I say, it might be the best gelato I’ve ever had. This spot is special. Do yourself a favor and find it.“

“Great Italian authentic food… Love the family atmosphere ❤️“

“This is our favorite restaurant in the neighborhood, hands down. We've been regulars since they opened, and we're always leaving happy and satisfied. The owner is consistently very welcoming and genuinely glad to see us return. My husband is known for ordering his favorite dish, pork chop, and I for constantly asking for the Chef's cheesecake, which is usually not on the menu. I'm excited to hear about their new uptown location. Congratulations!“

“I have been to Frasca's multiple times and it never disappoints. I went last night with my husband and we enjoyed it very much.

Our server was FANTASTIC! She was kind, quick, and helpful.

We started the night with the arancini, they were delicious risotto balls. There are 5 of them, so be weary if you want to split between two of them. My only critique is that they needed a little salt. My husband had the 4 star old fashion, which was just okay.

We also had the Mezze, which gives you three options. We had the mozzarella, tomato, basil bruschetta which was very good. We also had the red rock cheese and sweet soppresetta for a meat. It came with grapes, pickles, nuts, jam, and a Parmesan lavish. It was very good and a fun way to split some items. It was a lot of appetizers for just the two of us so I'd suggest going smaller depending on your party.

For our mains we had the pappardelle bolognese & orecchiette scarpiello. The bolognese is delicious, you can't go wrong with a classic. The orecchiette scarliello was divine, I could drink the sauce. The chicken in it was also a great add. I did wish the kale was chopped slightly smaller so it didn't overpower some bites. Otherwise, both were great. I would order them again. My husband had a glass of Cantina tritana montepulciano with dinner. It was very good wine, not too dry or sweet. He truly enjoyed it.

We finished the night with the tiramisu. It was pretty good, not the best I've ever had, but it was decent. The portion was worth the cost.

Highly recommend if you are looking for a fun, tasty, reasonably priced Italian dinner.“

“From the moment we walked in, till the last breath we took walking out the door. This is not your typical Italian dish, this is HOME for us. Thank you to Issac and his amazing staff. Till next time, keep cooking with your heart and soul.“