50 Best Italian Restaurants near Wilmette

“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 :)“

“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!“

“Convito's is a restaurant where one can count on a professional wait staff. Courteous. Friendly. Service with a smile. The food selection is great and the food is delicious! The added bonus is the food market next to the restaurant, which is wonderful for “take home”!“

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

“I’m 40, and I’ve been eating Lou Malnati’s for as long as I can remember. I left Chicago at 18, and of all the foods I miss, this is at the very top of the list. There is simply no substitute for their deep dish pizza with that legendary butter crust. I’m a classic cheese fan, but the sausage chunks have become a favorite over the years, too.

This location has been our family’s takeout spot my entire life, and it still feels like home. They’ve done an incredible job scaling the company while preserving the soul of a Chicago family business. The food is consistently excellent, the pricing feels fair, and I’m genuinely proud to bring friends here when I’m back in town.

The Malnati salad is a standout, rich and flavorful, and the perfect way to start a pizza night. The storefront is easy to access, always buzzing, and the staff are kind, efficient, and truly embody the brand.

I’ve ordered dozens of frozen Lou Malnati’s pies shipped to the East Coast over the years, and they come impressively close to the real thing, especially with a high-functioning oven. Best tip: bake and eat them right away, and butter the pan. I’ve made the mistake of letting them sit too long in the freezer, and they lose a bit of their magic.

I’ve even worked holiday shifts in the warehouse where these pies ship from, so I don’t just love this place, I live and breathe it. Great family, great history, and a world-class pizza experience. The boneless wings and bruschetta are also excellent. The newer app and loyalty program are also a great evolution for the brand.

If you’re visiting Chicago, this is a must, and with roughly 60 locations to choose from, it’s a true Chicago institution you have to experience. If you’re in the North Shore suburbs and want a dine-in experience, the original Lou Malnati’s in Lincolnwood is fantastic for group dinners and highly recommended. This Lake Avenue location is takeout only and consistently delivers.

Highly, highly recommended!“

“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.“

“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!!“

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

“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!!“

“You can’t skip the charred octopus to start! It’s a perfect appetizer to share with an incredible roasted Calabrian chili sauce. My absolute favorite dish is the pennette cardinale! I can’t go to Sapori without ordering. The creamy tomato sauce pairs perfectly with the sun-dried tomatoes. I’m drooling just thinking about it! Lastly, you have to finish your dinner with the bread pudding. The warm pudding with the cold ice cream is perfection in every bite. 10/10 always!“

“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. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

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

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

“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.“

“Dinner was excellent . All four of us enjoyed our choices. My butternut squash pasta dish, one of the specials was amazing. My husband praised the salmon. We enjoyed appetizer, main course and dessert. Great waitstaff with excellent suggestions.“

“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!“

“I always stop when I’m nearby!“

“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“

“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.“

“First time we were here and we will be back. Were looking for a different nice italian place other than our usual ones on the north shore. Excellent food, attentive service. My wife and I split a large caesar salad. I had risotto buscaiolo which was very good and was a huge portion for a risotto. My wife had the veal marsala. Again very good and generous. Finished with lemon mascarpone cake which really hit the spot.“

“Lovely and delicious food! Can’t wait to go back 🤍“

“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!!“

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

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

“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!“

“A Classic! Family run for over one hundred years. You can see, taste, and appreciate why. Our server Stella is fifth generation from the original family. Her lovely mother stopped by to say hello too. Eggplant Parmesan, Halibut in butter sauce, Alfredo and Spaghetti. So delicious! No room for dessert!!“

“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!“

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

“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. 🤣“

“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!“

“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!!“

“Amazing and now I love the tacos 🥰“

“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. 🥰👍👍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“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!“