50 Best Italian Restaurants near Norridge

“Simply the best food period. As so many in this area I've been coming to see Anthony and his family for 25 plus years. I'll say this, if anyone ranks rexs lower than 4.8 they shouldn't be allowed back because they're insane and a risk to society. 🙃 My #1 spot in the Chicagoland area for anything Italian food. My personal favorite is the eggplant parm sandwich.“

“While visiting a friend, I passed this place on my way to the liquor store as to not show up empty handed. Turns out he ordered some of their specialty pizzas during my visit. I had the sausage, mushroom,green pepper and onion all supported by a thin yet firm crust. When they called the order in, it was ready for pickup in 20 minutes. It arrived with steam coming out of the boxes. I wasn't the customer, but as my friend's guest, I benefitted from the experience and it was good. I want more of what they have to offer“

“Ordered catering for a 40th birthday party and it was excellent! A great value and everyone enjoyed the food! Huge portions of chicken and salad and guests devoured the beef! And of course the pizza never disappoints! Highly recommend! Great service!“

“Great espresso and amazing staff!“

“I ordered here and fell in loveeeeeee with their food. Pizza was fire and ordered a Kickin Chicken wow wow wow wow wow“

“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.“

“Good food and lovely atmosphere“

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

“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!!!!“

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

“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.“

“Dinner was excellent . All four of us enjoyed our choices. My butternut squash pasta dish, one of the specials was amazing. My husband praised the salmon. We enjoyed appetizer, main course and dessert. Great waitstaff with excellent suggestions.“

“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.“

“First time we were here and we will be back. Were looking for a different nice italian place other than our usual ones on the north shore. Excellent food, attentive service. My wife and I split a large caesar salad. I had risotto buscaiolo which was very good and was a huge portion for a risotto. My wife had the veal marsala. Again very good and generous. Finished with lemon mascarpone cake which really hit the spot.“

“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!“

“Just a fantastic place everything I order is always excellent! I ordered the sun-dried tomatoes and a side order of meatballs that were fantastic. I highly recommend this place the pizzas excellent the cannolis out of this world, etc..“

“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“

“I always stop when I’m nearby!“

“Excellent food, great service, knowledgeable waitress“

“This was our second time dining at Positano’s and it was just as fabulous! The food here is superb, the wait staff are very attentive and we love the photos on the wall! The Seabass was to die for and the grilled seafood appetizer was divine! Our only regret is that we live in New York and cannot be frequent patrons of this wonderful establishment! Mille Grazie!!“

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

“Nottoli's is the Best Italian Food in Chicagoland Period! Everything is Handmade! The Homemade Italian Sausage is World Class! The Sandwiches are Amazing, They Also Have Frozen Food, The Frozen Handmade Pizza's are Delicious! We Have 4 Generations of My Family that have Shopped at Nottoli's...We Highly Recommend it!! 🏆👍🏻“

“Raffi is a wonderful host and the server is very attentive. Loved all of the meals I have had there over the years. My favorite is the mostaciolli with spinach and ricotta, better at Raffis than anywhere else I’ve been.“

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

“It is always a pleasure dining here. Wonderful service is always provided. Great food with large portions. The cocktails are amazing! Let’s not forget the tasty appetizers and scrumptious desserts!!! GA must try!! You will not be disappointed!!“

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

“We ordered food for our daughter’s graduation party and it was amazing and so good! All of our guests commented how good everything was. Sandwich tray, vodka pasta and Italian beef were outstanding!“

“Carlos & Carlos in Wilmette was a good night out. We enjoyed the beef carpaccio, linguine with clams, and the meatballs—all well-prepared. Loved the sangria, and the service was excellent. We also tried the cannoli for dessert—beautifully presented, though probably not our favorite part of the meal. Overall, a good experience!“

“Our reservation was for 5pm and we walked in at 502pm. The food for both my wife and I were absolutely the best Italian food we have ever had. The price was excellent for such great quality. We will try to come at least once per month. Thank you very much for our delicious meals. We will see you soon.“

“awesome place thank you Jackie and Gio“

“My family and I love this place. You can’t go wrong with anything you order. Great service and family atmosphere too.“

“Had dinner on 12/17/2023 service and food was excellent. Gluten free menu available.“

“we had a table reservation 10 people walked in what a pleasant surprise interior was nicely done our waiter was excellent ordered drinks excellent our dinner order was great food was amazing we all had different entrees very well done I can't say enough about the staff we will definitely be back“

“The food was great and service even better, but prepare yourself for the noise. It's my only complaint. Salmon was outstanding as was Pappardelle Bolognese. Tiramisu and Panna Cotta were perfection. Server highly attentive. A great evening with good friends.“

“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. 🤣“

“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!“

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

“Amazing staff and the food was literally so fresh and DELICIOUS!!!! Worth the trip & portions are HUGE! I had the Diablo shrimp pasta, so flavorful and the shrimp was cooked perfectly. Will be back again! :)“

“Solid food every time! Had great risotto last night, their pastas are always good & great cocktails. Take home family meals are delicious and a lot of food for the money. Recommend!“

“Excelente servicio y comida deliciosa“

“First time diner. Very good food. Will go again.“

“great food, great service, good times.“

“Saba is always my go to for special events or date night and it's always my first recommendation when people ask for restaurants! Their carbonara is amazing, pizza is delicious, and their limoncello is out of this world, I need that recipe! Jackie was our server this last visit and she was such a lovely person, thank you so everything!!“

“Ate here for the first time a couple weeks ago. This un-assuming spot had great veal and a fantastic Braciole. Prices were reasonable. Atmosphere is lacking (it's not fancy) but food is great. Good spot to take kids for some great Italian food. Will be back“

“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!“

“Amazing and now I love the tacos 🥰“

“Friendly, professional staff and delicious food.“

“Alejandra: I often go here for dinner Sunday nights with my 9 year old son! I was attended by Johanna and Max, they went above and beyond to make sure that everything was great at our table! Thank you for such a nice service!

Oliver: I go here on Sundays like my mom um well today Max and Johanna were the best but when I got to my table people were sitting there but the hostess took us to a table witch was good thank god.but I heard them say there was a mango icee but I did not see it on the menu so idk how that if that’s new but they have great service and there the best.“