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 online thru their app. By the time I got there, it was ready. The cashier was very friendly. The food was delicious. I should have gotten a larger order of the mushrooms. I don’t know what I was thinking. They all fought over them. I wish we had one closer to us.“

“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 !!!“

“The pasta was incredible!!!! Alfonso was our server and he was fantastic and really good at helping us out when we couldn’t figure out what to order!“

“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.“

“Had good bruschetta starter, and ordered rigatoni pomodoro, and spaghetti carbonara. Rigatoni was simple and tasty, the pasta was on point. The carbonara however was a disappoinment, the sauce being more buttery than yolky and cheesy. The spaghetti was slightly well done, normally with a good sauce would not have been that big of an issue. But with the sauce tasting butter, and the pasta slightly off, it was an overall half eaten disappointment - a real sorry as all the rest was good - sometimes it happens.“

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

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

“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.“

“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!“

“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!!!!“

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

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

“Our 1st visit was amazing! Food ✅ Service ✅ Atmosphere ✅ Taking a selfie with owner- Armando ✅ So impressed- loud and crowded AND FUN! Yummy! Thank you Armando Scarola!“

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

“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.“

“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!“

“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.“

“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! ❤️🇮🇹“

“Wonderful food and service.“

“This is the perfect spot for a date night!! The service was fantastic, the vibe is cozy and romantic, and food is amazing with great portions. I highly recommend the pesto gnocchi and trying some Italian wine!!“

“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!“

“Amazing food and service always!“

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

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

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

“First time here, we came for our Anniversary and it was great. Food was amazing, service was excellent Alex and Javier were courteous, attentive, and accomadating. Whatever we asked for they delivered! Couldn’t have asked for a more better experience“

“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.“

“Nice ambiance! Great food.“

“Ambiance is great, very cozy. Our server Julianna was very attentive. My favorite was the fig and honey pizza, so delicious!“

“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.“

“**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.“

“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. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“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.“

“Free Valet to start our experience here was a pleasant surprise and much appreciated. Hostess was very friendly, and our server Jose was thorough and had such a positive energy. Everyone chips in to help keep the table clean, waters refilled, etc. We truly had an amazing experience and would recommend to anyone looking for an Italian gem!“

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

“Everything was perfect ❤️!!!“

“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!“

“Very good service and delicious food“

“What a wonderful surprise this restaurant was! We found it by accident after a show at the Athaneum. The food, service and ambiance were outstanding! Apparently the owner/head chef used to work at Topo Gigio and Como Inn, so the food is reminiscent of those restaurants. Really high quality for a reasonable price. Excellent limoncello too, made in-house. I will be back!“

“Best food,great service,Love The Open windows beautiful summer breezes, it’s a Delight💜🩷🩵Fun🎊🎉and great desserts and did I mention the food is fabulous!!“

“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“