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!“

“3 categories of 5 stars: food, service, and atmosphere. My first visit with 2 other "firsts" and one "vet"...everyone enjoyed their meals and the service was top-notch. No glass went empty or even came close. Recommendations were excellent, food was delicious, servers and wait staff helpful, courteous and smiling ?. The sage butter...my mouth is watering again just thinking about it. Thank you, C and C...I will Definitely be back and wholeheartedly recommend dining here. Excellent. No room for dessert, but they all looked amazing as well. I looked at other dishes around the restaurant as they came out and want to try several dishes just from seeing them. Worth the price of $30-50 a meal.“

“We had a great meal of Calamari, steamed mussels, pasta dish, and a cherry tart. We ate outside on a perfect evening so what's not to like. I highly recommend for casual dining. I thought the wine prices were a little high but that was the only negative.“

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

“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!“

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

“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!“

“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 old school Italian with a modern flare, this is the place!“

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

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

“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!!!!“

“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 🤎“

“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.“

“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. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“Great food, great people!“

“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.“

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

“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 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!“

“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!“

“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.“

“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“

“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!“

“Photos from ~10:30 on a Friday night: perfect late night dinner substitute
Not gonna rob you, huge single slices, open well past when you should think about going home.
**consider the mac’n’cheese pizza, will change your life!“

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

“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!!“

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

“There are a lot of good Italian restaurants in Chicago. This meal top to bottom was absolutely delicious. The owner, Rafi, was a gracious host. We'll definitely be back on my next trip back from Dallas!“

“Pasta done just right! Salad, pizza and calamari were delicious and fresh. The pizza crust 😋! The server was so kind and polite. Fantastic and prompt service! Definitely recommend!“

“I always stop when I’m nearby!“

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

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

“The food was very good. Our server, however, was so hyper, it was hard to even communicate with him. NOT fine dining experience for sure, but not worthy of a diner even. The “music” continues to be merely a pounding sound, not an addition to ambience as it should be.“

“OUTSTANDING! What an amazing place that has been around and in the same family for decades. We all had homemade pasta including the gluten-free option and they were all delicious and authentic. We had just returned from Italy the prior week and it felt like we were still there! KUDOS to the family and Chef.“

“I stopped by for the first time although I had tried their food before. Service and atmosphere were not bad but not welcoming just simple.
The food was excellent! I ordered a lamb lasagna that was perfect for us, lots of meat, not too much pasta or cheese just the perfect amount. The flavor was awesome. I also ordered the steak salad ... ( I don't ever order salads as I'm very picky about the ingredients) but here at T Kitchen all was fresh and delish!
I have had their beef stew before and it is cooked to perfection! I definitely recommend it and I will be back!“

“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. 🤣“

“Fantastic place! Pastina is a hidden gem in the neighborhood. By far, the best Italian restaurant in the area. Food is made fresh daily, the service is phenomenal, and the restaurant is charming and cozy. Try this place if you haven't already! You will not be disappointed.“

“Everything was perfect ❤️!!!“

“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!!“

“The service the food are good“

“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. 🥰👍👍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

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

“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!! 🏆👍🏻“

“Wonderful all around. Amazing food,amazing wait staff, 10/10 atmosphere as well.“

“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.“

“Whether I’m celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or simply treating myself on a quiet Thursday night, Saba is my first choice — and it never disappoints. I’ve come with friends, with family, and even by myself, and every single time, I’ve been greeted with warmth, genuine hospitality, and food that speaks straight to the soul.
The dishes here don’t just arrive — they make an entrance. You can see it in the way heads turn as plates are delivered, hear it in the excitement at each table, and feel it in the joy that fills the room. Every meal feels deeply personal, like it was made just for you. Everything about Saba is intentional, comforting, and unforgettable.
I never leave without a full heart and a full belly. I’ll never pass up a chance to return — because Saba isn’t just where I eat. It’s where I feel most at home and I can swear by that. Can’t wait for my next meal there♥️“

“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!“

“Great place for Italian!“

“Good food, good wine and a good time !!!

Came to enjoy diner here with a close friend, although I will say the food was good overall the prices were out of line for what food was being served at this restaurant. They need to be a bit more conscientious about what they are charging for some of the dishes there, although I love pasta I did not enjoy spending as much on the food there as I did when knowing I could’ve easily had a better meal from a restaurant I would’ve preferred for steak, but this is the restaurant my friend wanted to go to in particular for the breadsticks and soup, fortunately that is what made the visit worth going. The unlimited soup and breadsticks helped balance out the value of the meal.“