50 Best Italian Restaurants near Skokie

“Delicious food and a vibrant atmosphere. I had the pleasure of dining recently with friends, and every dish, from the Octopus to the Sea Bass was cooked to perfection. The cocktails sent our experience over the top, long with the amazing wait service. Anytime I am back in Chicago, Bar Siena will most certainly be a mandatory stop!“

“We had family style dinner. Food was amazing!! Service was great. Everyone took such pride in their jobs.“

“Everything is fresh and delicious! They really have something for everyone including vegan! It’s fast food only in the sense that it is fast. It’s very affordable too and we love their points program! Love their cheese ravioli and meatballs! I also love the Rainbow cone which is a Chicago original! It may seem like a weird combination of flavors but it works! Great customer service!“

“Originally from Jersey it's been hard to find pizza that's even decent out here. This pizza is amazing! (Both my picky kids approve too!) You call it Detroit style I call it Sicilian. Perfect crispy buttery bottom. Thick yet airy inside. Sauce is flavorful and cheese is real, not a puddle of oil on top of your pizza. The gentleman (I think the owner of store) is A+ as well. Customer service is important and he aced it. I will be back anytime I am in the area and I suggest you do the same!“

“I ordered the 15 Pc. Buffalo Wings, it tasted pretty good, was wet, crunchy, and had some good quality texture of meat.

The service was pretty quick, and very nice cashier, the atmosphere usually has one fly flying around, otherwise, pretty good scenery in the building.“

“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!!!“

“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 meal while on our van Galder day trip to a concert. Wonderful service, food and atmosphere. They even packaged up a tiramisu for our bus driver!“

“Stopped there for a Birthday meal for my wife and enjoyed everything very much. Mozz Sticks were really crispy and flavorful, sauce complemented them very well. The Pizza was bursting with flavor, so cheesy and delicious. Would definitely visit again.“

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

“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.“

“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.“

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

“Service was prompt and very friendly. Our glasses were always filled/refilled; and staff checked in on our table throughout the meal. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was delightful.
Personal favorites/standouts: scallops + bacon pasta, braised short rib pasta, and tiramisu!!

Vegetarian options: Truffle pasta, tomato burrata pasta, gnocchi, and the desserts“

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

“Trip from Waukesha to Chicago to celebrate our wedding anniversary, I was really impressed and satisfied with the Italian flavor of all the food, the chef was very friendly, helpful but above all dedicated to the attention of the diners, he was always attentive to every detail in our dishes, he came over several times to help us with the menu and giving recommendations according to our tastes, I was delighted with the treatment and service of the entire team in the restaurant, they made us feel like we were eating in a restaurant in Rome, everything was organized , clean, a pleasant and very calm atmosphere, I recommend it 100%, the olive oil cake is such an exquisite thing, the mortadella with pistachio is an Italian product, the flavor is somewhat indescribable, the cheeses are wow, I really loved it and we are sure to return, Thanks to the Chef and his team for the attention and service!“

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

“I've eaten in many restaurants in Italy which are not as good as Il Milanese, right here in Chicago. It's exactly the sort of place you want to be able to walk to in your neighborhood, and go back to again and again. All of the staff is kind, and make you feel at home. (Special thanks to our server, Jason!) The ambience is cozy and fun.
Most importantly, the food is outstanding. The beef carpaccio with truffles was out of this world. So was the tagliatelle al ragu, and the buccatini carbonara. A week later my wife and I returned, and were thrilled with the spaghetti with clams, and a large portion of delicious ossobuco with risotto.
There is a an excellent selection of Italian wines which are reasonably priced.
We look forward to being back again...soon!
Thanks for everyone at Il Milanese for your hard work!“

“Good food and lovely atmosphere“

“Come see Elizabeth, service and food were superb! Best Italian Beef sandwich in Chicago.“

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

“An intimate space, but the entrées and desserts were excellent and the service was pleasant and efficient. A modest, but reasonable wine list.“

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

“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!!!!“

“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.“

“Cute streetside dining. Food, drinks and service... Excellent!“

“**Long Review – Worth the Read!** I first noticed this charming restaurant while driving by a month ago. Intrigued, I did some research and couldn’t wait to visit. Unfortunately, each time I attempted to dine there, they were closed. Lesson learned: always check the hours! Finally, eight days ago, I arrived on a busy Saturday evening. With no seats available inside, we opted for the patio near a heater despite the chilly weather. **What I Loved**: I was impressed as the staff graciously apologized to walk-in guests without reservations, offering them the option to wait or take food to go. Once seated, we were informed about the busy night ahead and things may take a little longer. They made sure to take care of us, even inviting us inside when seats became available. Walking into the restaurant felt like stepping into a trattoria in Italy, the kind only locals know about. The pizza was divine—and reminded me of Naples. The homemade pasta was perfection, and the mussels were absolutely to die for! This meal transported me back to my days living in Italy, away from the tourist trap restaurants. **A Second Visit**: I returned today, craving pizza and pasta, but they were out of pizza. While disappointing, it’s a sign of their growing popularity. Pamela, my server, delivered the news with grace and empathy, which made the experience enjoyable despite the setback. We quickly and playfully switched gears, and she suggested some fantastic alternatives that I loved! I truly appreciate good communication and understand the importance of patience in the dining experience. To those leaving negative reviews: It’s easy to critique from the sidelines. I challenge anyone who thinks they could do better to step into a server's shoes. Patience and kindness are free and go a long way.“

“Amazing experience! Although we were seated long after our reservation time the service, atmosphere and food were all absolutely amazing.“

“Such a great experience! Such authentic Italian food! This is the first time since we have had a meal that compared to what we ate in Italy! Flavors were incredible and prices were great for the quality food we got! Grazie Mille!!“

“Hands down some of the best food I've had in Chicago. The charcuterie was a sensation. I had the best chicken Parm I've ever had in my life. I was there before the pearl Jam show, i wish so much I recalled my servers name, a guy who served us for outside seating. He was a delight. He knew his menu, he had great suggestions and was so friendly and professional. Thank you for a wonderful experience!“

“Amazing food and service always!“

“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“

“We were in Chicago for a couple days from Austin, Indiana, and stopped in at Pat’s for dinner based off of the great reviews and it did not disappoint! The food was amazing and excellent service. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“I went with a friend to Eduardo's Enoteca for dinner and enjoyed a nice, relaxed meal. The charcuterie board was well put together with a great variety of cheeses. The hot honey pizza was a great choice—the honey added a nice kick without overpowering the flavors. The tiramisu was tasty and a nice portion size. The ambiance was warm, and the service good (thanks Julianna). I will definitely come back for a casual night out!“

“Ben rocked as our server. Made the birthday dinner great!“

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

“We’ve been to Buona Terra several times and our experiences have been great. So it made sense to host a party there. We hosted my 60th birthday party at Buona Terra in late April 2024. What made Buona Terra so appealing to us was we could have the entire restaurant to ourselves and the food, of course!Planning the party was so easy with the help of the owner, Eileen. Eileen was helpful and accommodating and walked us through every step from the menu, bar options and different seating options. She emailed sample bar packages and sample lunch and dinner packages. She also said we could create our own menu which was exciting for us. We decided on Caesar Salad, Pasta di la Nona, Chicken Piccata and Tiramisu. When we arrived for the party Eileen had the room set up perfectly for our party of 35. And the weather was so nice she opened the front patio windows. Everyone had a great time! The food was delicious and the staff friendly. Our family and friends all remarked how great everything was and that they’ll all be back, including the Italians;)“

“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!“

“Fantastic experience here. I went completely off their recommendations and was not let down the seafood pasta with the spicy marinara sauce was fantastic. Loved the wine recommendations as well, and the service was unbelievably awesome it wasn't just one waiter checking on me, but it seemed like the whole staff was making sure the dining experience was good really enjoyed this place and would really recommend it!“

“We've been going to Il Girasole Trattoria since the first month it opened. the team started strong and has improved with every visit, it's now our favorite Italian restaurant in the city. the chicken Milanese, anything with their bologonase sauce, arancini, tiramisu and homemade sorbet. end the meal with a limoncello or an espresso martini. the staff is friendly, the dining is delicious.“

“Very good service and delicious food“

“Well, we just loved it! We expected a slightly more bustling urban Italian experience, but being a bistro, we got a more home kitchen feel. The prices were a little lower than expected, but typical with a dine-in Italian experience.

But the food! We have tried lots of Italian restaurants in Chicago recently. This was a standout. They offer a delicious homemade cornbread and feta spread upon arrival. We ordered the Gorgonzola fettuccine and the linguine putaneska and they were just to die for! The Gorgonzola was creamy and not overpowering. The putaneska was savory, salty in the right way, with lots of umami. The shrimp was cooked to perfection. And the carrot cake with cream cheese icing was delicious. The food was just wonderful.

Going along with the home kitchen feel, the server was casual and friendly. Lovely and personal attention is given. Please give this place a try. It is worth it.“

“Wonderful, creative menu as well as great service.“

“Excellent food! Highly recommend.“

“Sapori Italian Restaurant is a gem! The ambiance feels cozy and authentic, and the food is incredible—especially the homemade pasta and delicious pizzas. Service is friendly, making it a perfect spot for a night out. Definitely a must-try!“

“Wow! We arrived a little early for our Saturday at 7:30 dinner reservations in hopes of getting seated early, if there was a chance. It was restaurant week in Chicago Osteria was very busy. Unable to get a table early, we happily sat at the bar and waited. After debating on what drinks to order, we opted for the "just bring me wine" . The bartender asked if we were having the restaurant week menu, as that had specific wines to go with the courses (which is what we went with). We were seated a little after 7:30, no complaints on my part over that, as they were very busy. When a place is participating in an event such as restaurant week and there is a set menu, one shouldn't expect any substitutions from said set menu. I completely understand this, although having to eat gluten free poses a bit of an issue for me. The options for the main course of the set menu wasn't going to be a problem for me. I inquired about the ingredients on the first course. I knew the bread and roasted garlic, as well as the meatballs were a no go for me and explained that I couldn't eat the prepared salad due to the croutons. Much to my glee, I was offered a caprese salad instead of the Caesar. My husband thoroughly enjoyed the bread with roasted garlic in oil and vinegar, as well as the meatballs and Caeser salad. The soup was a delicious chicken and vegetable soup. At 8:10 started to get nervous about the time, due to us having tickets to see Drunk Shakespeare at 9pm. This was poor timing on my part, I should have reserved our table for 7pm or earlier not 7:30pm. When our waiter came over to check on us I explained that we needed to put out by 8:30(ish). Mild concern came over his eyes and he went back to check in at the kitchen. Moments later, a gentleman came to our table (I'm assuming the manager) to discuss our predicament. He kindly explained that our main course wasn't going to be ready for another 20 minutes (the restaurant was very busy). The timing would have been just fine any other night for us, but not that night. After a discussion with the manager, we all came to an agreement of us having a second bowl of soup and paying ala carte for what we had eaten and forgoing the set menu. I take full responsibility for our poor timing and am delighted in how the restaurant was gracious and accommodating. Our waiter brought over two glasses of chocolate wine to finish off our meal. The food was outstanding and the service was even better. Next time we are in Chicago, I'll make sure to set enough time aside to enjoy the full eating experience.“

“Food was excellent as always and our server Moses made it extra special. Always one of my favorites!“

“Went to mia Francesca today on a date with my boyfriend celebrating an anniversary. We ordered the bolognese and rigatoni which were both amazing. Walking in the atmosphere was definitely busy, but we were escorted to a table right away. The service was very quick considering the fullness within the dining area. The manager paisley took our food and drink order and was the absolute sweetest. She was so easy to converse with and was accommodating each and every request perfectly. She was super efficient and effective with every guest I saw her interact with. Definitely a place to visit in Chicago!“

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

“Everything was perfect ❤️!!!“