50 Best Italian Restaurants near Riverside

“A delivery app made a mistake with my order. LaBarra took charge and the general manager personally delivered 2 delicious pizzas to make up for the outside apps mistake. Above and beyond! Thank you!“

“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!“

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

“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!!!!“

“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.“

“Our server Anna made the evening special. She was so sweet, funny, and genuinely kind, adding the perfect personal touch to an already lovely dinner.

I had the risotto primavera, which was perfectly creamy and full of fresh flavor. The chicken pizzaiola was absolutely delicious and filling. We finished splitting a tiramisu that was light, decadent, and everything you’d hope for.

Amano Bistro has such a warm, inviting atmosphere and truly memorable food and service. Can’t wait to come back and try more of their food! ❤️🇮🇹“

“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!“

“I always stop when I’m nearby!“

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

“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.“

“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!“

“Finally got to try an Italian beef sandwich, and it didn't disappoint.
Huge sandwich at a decent price. I barely had time to put my credit card back in my wallet that my order was ready 🤪.
The beef is juicy and delicious. I also liked the hot peppers. I had mine with extra american cheese but it didn't really add much, the beef speaks for itself.“

“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!!!“

“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“

“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..“

“Excellent food, great service, knowledgeable waitress“

“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!“

“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.“

“Was perfect. Great wine great food. Great service. Will be back. Thank u.“

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

“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.“

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

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

“awesome place thank you Jackie and Gio“

“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. 🤣“

“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!“

“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! :)“

“This was a Friday during rush hour. But waited too long for our first order of drinks. 2 martinis. Appetizers were good and came out at an exceptional time. Ordered our 2nd order of drinks ( glass of wine & martini ) at the same time with our entrees. Drinks did not come out until I was a couple bites away from finishing my entree! Ordered a glass of whisky neat, with my dessert which came out after some minutes receiving the dessert. I Usually have about 4-5 drinks with my dinner to try a couple of things. Would recommend maybe just getting a bottle of wine instead. Food is tasty and staff is nice.“

“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!!“

“Excelente servicio y comida deliciosa“

“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.“

“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.“

“This restaurant makes you feel at home. The owner and staff are very welcoming and friendly. The food is also delicious and made with love! My favorite place to go after watching the Chicago Fire!“

“Donny G’s is a great restaurant! Starting from the manager George to his staff! They all are very welcoming and make sure that the food is cooked to your liking to your cocktails made great! I went with a party of ten for my daughter’s birthday and we all had different plates and we loved our tasty food . To our surprise they had entertainment which added to our experience. We will definitely be going again soon💕.“

“Great place to dine and great food“

“Friendly, professional staff and delicious food.“

“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!“

“I recently enjoyed the new lunch menu. The chicken parmigiana sandwich had a huge chicken breast on a wonderful ciabatta roll. It was truly delicious. I’m looking forward to exploring the huge lunch menu.“

“I have been coming to this location for a little over a year now and they just. don’t. miss. You walk in that front door and they are always ready to push out orders! I go so often I’m starting to think I annoy them a little 😂 all jokes aside, I have tried pizza from all over the state and others too, but nothing can compare to a slice from Anthony B’s. They never have the pizza just sitting it’s always fresh and piping hot. It’s HONESTLY the BEST PIZZA I have ever tasted in my life. I find myself coming back at least once a week (or more 😂) if you feel like you’ve never tasted REAL pizza come to Anthony B’s, you’ll never want a slice from anywhere else. Thank you to the amazing employees who are dedicated to providing AMAZING quality and thank you specifically the young lady with the blonde streaks, she is so so amazing, kind and SUCH a hard worker. Thank you Anthony B’s for being so MARVELOUS !“

“Very nice. Highly recommend. Excellent food, very good service, great atmosphere and ambiance. Will definitely be back.“

“One of the best spots for authentic Italian and the best traditional atmosphere and great service and customers!“

“We always enjoy visiting with Bill and enjoying their delicious dishes (especially those crazy good wood fire pizzas!) Amazing!“

“Incredible food. Very high quality“

“If you like Italian food, you’ll love Bacchanalia! Located in the Heart of Chicago, this restaurant has some of the finest dishes outside of downtown Chicago, with arguably the best lasagna in the city, as well as some of the best calamari and baked clams, and not to mention the tiramisu. I heard they make other good pastas, some excellent chicken and veal dishes, as well as a phenomenal Lake Superior Whitefish, which I would love to try! There are many amazing Italian restaurants in Chicago, and Bacchanalia is one of them! Go try it! You won’t be disappointed!“