50 Best Italian Restaurants near River Forest

“This Capri sub is an absolute delight! The bread is crispy on the outside and soft inside—while the layers of Genoa salami, capicola, and mortadella deliver authentic, savory flavor. Fresh provolone, and a bright drizzle of house-made Italian vinaigrette tie everything together. Topped with crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, this sandwich hits every note and leaves you craving more“

“Highly recommend dining here! The staff and owner were wonderful to us. Pizza was excellent, really good thin and crispy crust. Toppings were so fresh, and the pepperoni was some of the best I’ve had. Not overly greasy, just plain flavourful.“

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

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

“Quite possibly some of the best Italian we have had in the US. If you've been to Italy, and miss it, or just want to taste authentic Italian pasta, come here. Dario is amazing. Signore, siamo lieti di averla incontrata! Torneremo! Grazie mille!“

“Wonderful food and service.“

“The service was the best I've had at a restaurant. We came for a birthday and the waitress was amazing.

The food was delicious. A lil pricey, but they do have happy hour drink specials and we loved everything we ate. The restaurant itself is beautiful. The faccacio bread appetizer was amazing. I will definitely come back.“

“Great vibe! Sat outside.“

“There is no better place for an amazing Italian meal in the Northside than this place
The food the staff the environment and the outdoor patio are excellent
We have been here so many times as we live close by and it is always perfect
This is a must try place
I promise you will be back“

“We had a wonderful dinner here celebrating my wife’s birthday, it was truly a memorable evening. The restaurant was warm, comfortable, and inviting, the staff made us feel very welcome from the moment we arrived. We enjoyed the chicken piccata and the porterhouse steak, both were excellent. A special thank you to our waiter, Edion, who was friendly, attentive, and made our evening even more enjoyable. We were especially glad he recommended the arancini, they were delicious! Overall, it was a fantastic experience with great food, a welcoming atmosphere, and exceptional service. We will definitely be back!“

“We moved to North Center right around the time Armano opened. This has become our go to spot for dinners out as well as our favorite place to bring friends. The food is exceptional with a menu just big enough to explore without feeling overwhelmed. The team at Armano is also wonderful and we've consistently received excellent service. Can't recommend this place enough.“

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

“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!!“

“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. 🤣“

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

“I always stop when I’m nearby!“

“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“

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

“Best Lasagna hands down ! See you next month when I return to Chicago!“

“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!“

“Best calamari and eggplant around. My husband and I go to different restaurants on Friday's for calamari & eggplant parmesan . Antonino's is the best.“

“The gm Stephan is amazing. Great experience and great good and service“

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

“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!!!!“

“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 had my baby shower at Mia Francesca and everything turned out perfect! The staff were helpful and attentive and the food was amazing. All of my guests were complimenting the food and how cute the restaurant is. I would highly recommend booking an event at Mia Francesca.“

“Jose the server was exceptional. Attentive, courteous and friendly. The food was delicious. The atmosphere is lovely. Everything was an A+. Would definitely recommend. Homemade pastas and sauce. Chef even came to our table to see how we were enjoying the food“

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

“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.“

“5 stars for HECTOR in Western Springs!!! Hands down this was the absolute best dining experience I’ve ever had! While the food was delicious and the overall ambiance and decor of the restaurant was cozy, it was our server that made this dining experience over the top, great! HECTOR, you are a gem, a diamond! You have an absolutely charming personality and made my mother in law’s birthday dinner an experience to remember! From your spot on suggestions, to your lovely rendition of “Happy Birthday”, to the funny banter, our whole family left talking about how wonderful you were! We will be back and we will be sure to come when you are serving! Thank you Hector!!!“

“Perfect all around. Great atmosphere, prompt perfect service, polite attentive staff. The chef has a gift and talent. The bone in new york strip cooked to my specification and the sauce had a rich deep flavor that complemented the steak perfectly. The grilled calamari and shrimp was perfect, and the flavor was like nothing I had before. Dessert was Bananas Foster was mind blowing and prepared table side. We will be back again. This is a must try and repeat spot. The drinks were also on point.“

“Absolutely loved my experience here! The food and atmosphere were wonderful, but what really made the night special was the amazing bartender “Fernanda”
She is incredibly friendly, attentive, and knows exactly how to make the perfect cocktail. Her Aperol Spritzes and martinis are honestly some of the best I’ve ever had! 🍸✨

She made us feel so welcomed and taken care of from start to finish. Definitely ask for her when you visit—you won’t be disappointed! Highly recommend this place for great Italian food, drinks, and exceptional service. ❤“

“an instant superstar in this community, people will come from near and far for this quality of Italian.“

“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!“

“Delicious food Free uncorking Excellent service Romantic atmosphere“

“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!“

“Amazing food and hospitality“

“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.“

“This neighborhood restaurant located in downtown Skokie, but with adequate parking options available, is superb. Their USDA Prime Rib Eye steak is on a par with any served with the abundance of high end steakhouses here in the Chicago area. My companion "raved" about her Lamb Chops as well. Should you choose to go, be sure to ask for a table with Eva; this gal is absolutely the epitome of servers you will find at any level of restaurants. Go and enjoy; we sure did!!!“

“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.“

“My first time trying Giuliano’s! I picked up a pizza last evening and literally could not stop eating it. This is arguably the BEST pizza in the entire Chicago suburbs. I got thin crust with spinach and roasted red peppers. The sauce, cheese, and toppings were absolutely amazing. What a great find and will recommend to all my friends!!“

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

“My sister Shelly Nagy purchased tickets to a Sunday afternoon drag brunch to celebrate my birthday! Marco not only held the door open for his guests, but he was also very kind and generous! He offered 2nd helpings (my only regret is that I did not indulge on that offer). Our meal was plentiful, delicious and presented beautifully! The bartenders cocktails (garnished w/ fresh flowers!) are pure elegance and his customer service skills are excellent! The drag show was a blast! The music was a hit (inside and out) and the upscale atmosphere will always have me anxiously waiting to come back soon! Thank you Marcos & Shelly for the most wonderful birthday celebration anyone will ever dream of! Gorgeous Downtown LaGrange is lucky to have Marco’s Kitchen! Take me back already!“

“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.“

“Excelente servicio y comida deliciosa“

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

“Absolutely the best Italian Beef sandwich on the south side, arguably the best in Chicago. The home made Giardiniera is also very good, with the perfect amount of heat. The sandwich is huge and the price is very good. Wish they had fresh cut fries. People working there are always nice. Small place, not a lot of seating, but has the old school Chicago vibe that I like. I live an hour away, but if I'm in the area I always stop in for a bite.“

“Great cappuccino and dessert menu. Try the vegetable empanadas!“

“EXCELLENT FOOD AND SERVICE EVERY TIME!“

“Lovely night out! The food was delicious, the service was attentive, lots of birthday celebrations, so lovely singing too! Made a reservations through open table about a week before and was sat quickly when we arrived. Great night! Thank you!“