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!“

“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!“

“I discovered this gem during restaurant week two years ago, and I've been a fan ever since. The food is amazing, I'm particular the Carbonara pasta is one of the best I've ever had. The apps are also all winners. The best part about this place is Rudy, the bartender, who makes best drinks and is always so much fun to chat with! I love to bring friends who've never been here, it has such a fun and welcoming atmosphere.“

“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.“

“This is a fantastic place to enjoy great food at reasonable prices. The menu offers delicious options, the drinks are just as enjoyable, and the welcoming atmosphere makes it a great spot for any occasion. The restaurant is also family and dog friendly, which makes it even more inviting.

The customer service was outstanding. Our waitress was amazing—friendly, funny, and attentive throughout the entire meal, making the experience even more enjoyable. The beautiful interior adds to the overall charm, creating a comfortable place to relax and dine. Between the excellent food, great drinks, warm hospitality, and inviting atmosphere, this is a place I would definitely recommend.“

“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!“

“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!“

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

“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!!!!“

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

“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 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.“

“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.“

“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!“

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

“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“

“Never a bad meal or evening at Mia Francesca’s, but what’s been even more special has been our server Rebecca, who we’ve been lucky enough to have the last two dates here. She’s sweet, attentive but not intrusive, and makes the night feel special!“

“I recently dined at Gaia and had a wonderful experience. The garlic butter shrimp stuffed with crab meat was cooked to perfection, and the flavors were fresh and well-balanced. Our server was very attentive and gave us great menu recommendations. The cacio ee pepe is a must try, they cook the pasta in a cheese wheel at your table. The atmosphere was cozy, making it a great spot for a relaxed dinner. I will definitely come back!“

“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!!“

“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!!!“

“Went there with two former colleagues; we meet from time to time to catch up and solve world problems. It was the first time at Pasta d'Arte for each of us.

Food and service were marvelous, and I came away wishing the restaurant were closer to my near north home. I've not had better Italian cooking in Chicago, and we all thought Pasta d'Arte was a great discovery.

Only drawback, which disappeared as the night wore on and other folks finished and left, was the hard room surfaces which made conversation tough at times. But we left glad to have discovered a place with such good cooking and service.“

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

“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.“

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

“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.“

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

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

“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.“

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

“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.“

“I always stop when I’m nearby!“

“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!! 🏆👍🏻“

“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!“

“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!“

“Excellent food, great service, knowledgeable waitress“

“La comida estuvo deliciosa, cada platillo con un sabor auténtico y bien preparado. El servicio fue excelente y el ambiente muy acogedor. Definitivamente un lugar para volver muchas veces y para disfrutar en familia o con amigos. The food was delicious, each dish authentic and well-prepared. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was very welcoming. Definitely a place to return to many times and enjoy with family or friends.“

“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!“

“Very good food. We enjoy the dinner. Very good service too“

“Amazing food and it tasted awesome .. Would love to visit again .. Staff were very helpful and ambiance was excellent .. 5 stars !!“

“This is the place to go if you’re looking for a delightfully creative cocktail list and scrumptious food options. We hit this place for brunch and were not disappointed. We had the burger, sausage, jam and egg sando on a milk bun, the earl grey cinnamon (it comes warm by the way), fried potatoes and the matcha raspberry GF cake and Bloody Marys. All of it I would order again with the exception of the GF situation.
The vibe is amazing, loved the design and the service was spectacular.“

“The food and atmosphere were great!!!!!!!! Reasonably priced and attentive service!“

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

“This crust blew my mind. 10/10“

“One of our favorite restaurants! The food is nothing short of amazing—every dish is beautifully presented and absolutely delicious. You can tell a lot of care is put into both the quality and the flavors. The service is always friendly, welcoming, and attentive, making every visit a great experience from start to finish. We love it and highly recommend Lucca Osteria to anyone looking for an exceptional meal!“