50 Best Italian Restaurants near Wilmette

“Love this place. As a dine in experience terrific for kids too! Two arcade games, one TV on nickelodeon, and paying via code on your phone! (A godsend for parents needing to make a quick exit.) Our favorite spot in town, for take out and now dine in too!“

“Carlos & Carlos in Wilmette was a good night out. We enjoyed the beef carpaccio, linguine with clams, and the meatballs—all well-prepared. Loved the sangria, and the service was excellent. We also tried the cannoli for dessert—beautifully presented, though probably not our favorite part of the meal. Overall, a good experience!“

“Great place! Great price! Best place to come in a city :)“

“Food and service is always wonderful and we were not disappointed this time. Our server answered in detail questions on the specials menu and his timing with courses was spot on. The food, as usual, was outstanding with all entrees done perfectly. Can't wait to return!!“

“Great pizza! Make sure to check out the salads and the homemade gnocchi“

“Best pizza in Chicago! This spots pizza with the sauce on top is excellent. The gluten free pizza is also very good and I found it to be of an equal level to the gluten pizza. If you don't want a crust filled experience, their thin crust is also quite good. Highly recommend!“

“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!“

“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!“

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

“Family friendly restaurant with food choices for everyone but the made fresh pasta was the best part!“

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

“Everything was perfect ❤️!!!“

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

“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. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“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!!!!“

“Authentic Italian. Great vibes, feels like a family kitchen with 4 or 5 Italian grandma's making the tastiest food. I've lived off and on in the area and never went there, however my daughter now lives in the area and suggested it about 3 months ago. Now it's the place I've been back to four times and it's where I take visitors for an authentic Italian dinner and atmosphere. Plus they have free parking across the street!“

“Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar is a cozy spot that combines delicious Italian flavors with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Their pizzas are made with fresh ingredients and perfectly baked, and the wine list pairs nicely with the menu. The staff is friendly and attentive, making the experience even more enjoyable. It’s a great place for a casual night out or a relaxed dinner with friends.“

“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! ❤️🇮🇹“

“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!!“

“I always stop when I’m nearby!“

“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!!“

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

“Great food, great people!“

“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.“

“Delicious spot for a special occasion or a fancy night out. The food, service and ambiance were exceptional. Our server Jeff was so delightful - funny, attentive and patient. He knew the menu insight out and offered great recommendations. He made our evening really enjoyable. Will return!“

“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!“

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

“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.“

“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“

“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!“

“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!“

“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.“

“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!!“

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

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

“Great place for Italian!“

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

“So glad I tried and continue to enjoy Maria’s Italian Bakery and Cafe! This authentic spot offers wonderful service and excellent quality menu items— highly recommend!“

“The food and wine were outstanding. The service was superb. We discovered new things on the menu that we hadn't tried before and the experience was wonderful. I eventually want to try everything on the menu; I have not been disappointed yet. This restaurant is a gem.“

“My sister and I both ordered the grilled salmon. She asked for her to be cooked through; I asked for mine to be prepred per chef's recommendation. Both of our dishes were prepared to our specifications. Mine was seared on the outside and tender moist on the inside. To add to that perfection, the sunchoke purée had an amazing mélange of flavors. I finished my meal with the Scorza Dolce--also packed with flavor.I have now had three meals that were so exquisitely flavorful that they will stick in my mind forever (previous two are from 1981 and 2005). My salmon at Mino's is now my #1 all-time favorite meals!“

“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. 🤣“

“always great pizza, really friendly staff, and good prices for the amount of food! I would go for the specialty slices. my favs are the mac and the chicken and waffles!! place itself is pretty no frills but staff was friendly enough to change TVs to games we were interested in!!“

“I ordered the mid-week take home special last week and we loved the selections. The soup was gnocchi with a short rib meat filling and a short rib broth. The dinner was boar's meat and sauce with kale. The dessert was fill your own cannoli. Everything was delicious and the instructions for reheating were easy. It's my third time getting it. So fun!“

“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!“

“Excellent service, amazing food. Gelato is incredible! :) Very nice people there, too! Will definitely return!“

“Quaint place with excellent food and cocktails at a reasonable price. The service was exceptional in this unexceptional restaurant environment. Our Server was excellent. She didn’t miss a beat! We enjoyed the evening.“

“We went to Washington Garden’s last night with friends hoping to enjoy some good Italian food. The food was delicious! The portions were large and the waitress couldn’t have been nicer. We will be returning soon. 🥰👍👍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“10/10 Anto’s was a last minute decision on my way home from Chicago to the Upper Peninsula and will now be my stop every visit. The atmosphere was welcoming, our waiter was extremely kind and helpful, bring water after water as we chatted and drank. We ordered 3 different dishes and all were delicious, from the ricotta cheese to the fresh basil, every bite got better!“

“Our entire experience was wonderful, from the valet parking, the excellent service, friendly faces, mouth watering entrees and delicious desserts! We are from southern Illinois and have always wanted to visit. So glad we did, as we had an excellent time, never felt rushed and will definitely visit again!“