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!“

“The deep dish pizza was rich, cheesy, and packed. The crust was thick but still buttery and soft, which made it really satisfying. Each slice was filling, so it’s definitely a meal to share with friends or family. The place had a laid-back atmosphere and the staff were friendly, making it a spot worth visiting again.“

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

“Best pasta I’ve had in so long. Had a great experience there, have had 4 different pastas: the fried truffle, the bucatini arabiata, the Torchio special, and the Cacio E Pepe. All of them are fantastic. They told me at the table once I inquired how they learned the recipes that the owner and his wife studied in Italy with the “Nonnas”. This restaurant is their retirement project… go figure. Anyways 10/10“

“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.“

“The focaccia alone is worth writing home about—pillowy, warm, and absolutely addictive. I nearly had food FOMO when I saw my friend’s dreamy mushroom risotto… but then my short rib arrived and I stopped questioning my life choices. It was fall-apart tender and full of rich, deep flavor.

My husband ordered the veal ossobuco, and let’s just say—every dish at our table was to die for. From start to finish, the meal was unforgettable.

Can’t recommend Il Milanese highly enough. 10/10. Already planning our return.“

“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.“

“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.“

“I made reservations for Saturday, July 19th, but upon arriving and noticing the bar wasn't busy, I opted to sit in the back corner. It was my first time at the restaurant, and the space looked beautiful. Unfortunately, the service didn't match the ambiance. I sat for several minutes before anyone acknowledged me. Someone eventually handed me a brunch menu—which surprised me since I came for dinner. I had to request both the regular food and cocktail menus from the male bartender. I ordered the fried calamari and vegetables, which were quite good—tender calamari and lightly battered vegetables. After finishing, Amelia asked if I wanted another drink. I told her I was ready to order dinner. Frustratingly, no one had asked if I planned to dine—something typical at a bar. I ordered the Branzino based on her recommendation. The tomato sauce was flavorful, though the vegetables weren't hot. Still, no one checked on my meal or offered more silverware, which had been cleared with my appetizer. Thankfully, a tall, slim, dark-haired barback noticed and brought me a fresh set. He also asked how everything was—something none of the bartenders did. He later brought a to-go container and followed up with the dessert menu, showing far more attentiveness than the bartenders, who didn't seem busy—just disengaged. After my meal, I waited for someone to bring the check. With a to-go bag in front of me, I sat at the bar for several minutes without a single bartender stopping by. Again, the barback stepped in and brought it. The food and ambiance were great, but the bartenders' service was lacking. The barback truly saved the evening—he was the star of the night. Sadly, the overall experience makes me hesitant to return.“

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

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

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

“Great old school Italian food and atmosphere, always good food and service.“

“Absolutely the most delicious pasta I have ever had in my life! The scampi is like no other and the toffee carrot cake was so good I almost cried. The service was incredible. You feel so welcome. Like instant family.“

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

“We drove down from Milwaukee. I’ve been wanting to try Tortello since they’ve opened and I found out that they source their eggs from where I get mine (they are the best). Dario was kind, friendly, and extremely engaging. The food was fantastic. We started with Focaccia Ricotta & Honey which was ridiculously good. I had the spaghetti pomodoro which was perfectly balanced sauce to pasta to cheese. My husband had the Cacio e Pepe and devoured it. Our son had the Kids Lumache and ate half (he’s only two) and inhaled the rest tonight. It smelled even better the second time around if that’s possible. Best authentic Italian I’ve had in the States. Felt great after too, not like I’d eaten a pound of pasta. If you aren’t making plans to go sometime soon…you’re missing out!“

“Love this spot in the heart of Gold Coast. Fantastic dinner options and you can’t go wrong wjth an Aperol spritz. I recommend sitting outside!“

“We had such a great date night here! We did the wine pairing dinner and they collaborated with Planeta from Sicily. Such a special evening 🤎“

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

“Good food and lovely atmosphere“

“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!“

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

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

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

“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!!!!“

“Nice ambiance! Great food.“

“Great food, great people!“

“The risotto in the arancini was undercooked (crunchy) and the pasta vesuvio and shells were bland. Atmosphere was cool and wine was delicious. Would be a good place just for drinks and possibly apps. Otherwise, there are so many other better pizza and pasta restaurants in the city.“

“**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.“

“Very friendly and accommodating - I usually go alone but never feel alone - the staff always stops by to chat with me and make sure I have a good experience. By the end of my wonderful meal, I’ve chatted with lots of them, they’ve learned my name and when I go back, they greet me by my first name - wonderful feeling 🥰“

“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. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

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

“This is our favorite neighborhood restaurant. While there are many great items to choose from on the menu, the real standout is their amazing thin crust pizza. The atmosphere is an eclectic mix of families, neighborhood folks, couples and groups. They have a friendly host, wait staff and bar staff. Reservation recommended if you want to go on a Friday or Saturday.“

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

“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.“

“We have come to Pasta D'Arte several times and it is definitely our favorite Italian restaurant in the USA! We love the grilled calamari appetizer. As for the main courses, we love all the seafood pasta entrees. The staff are always very friendly and attentive. Also, they make a great gin martini!“

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

“We were in Chicago for a couple days from Austin, Indiana, and stopped in at Nonnina for lunch. Great service and the rigatoni was excellent! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“We really enjoyed eating at Tutto Fresco! We were served fresh bread when we sat down and we were all happy with what we ordered. We highly recommend the Salmon Cognac and the Lobster Ravioli. We sat outside, which was nice, but the flowers in the pots were all dead. (Not a huge deal, but I notice and appreciate things like that.) The wait staff was very friendly and helpful. We picked Tutto Fresco because it's within walking distance to the Athenaeum Theater. We would definitely eat there again!“

“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“

“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.“

“Amazing food and service always!“

“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!“