50 Best Italian Restaurants near Wilmette

“Had dinner last night, great food overall and service, although a bit loud as it is mainly one medium sized open room. The only issue with the meal was the carrot cake we got for dessert which was dry and disappointing. The clam appetizer, beet salad, lobster ravioli, and scallops were wonderful.“

“Convito cafe has long been one of our favorites. Our kids give us gift card every Christmas. Consistent quality , keeping old faves on menu along with specials per season. Tonight my husband loved the calves liver and I loved the fettuccini with fro magic and peas and pancetta. We each enjoyed the Caesar salads. That's fromagia not magic. And your desserts are always yummy!“

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

“Pizza by Sal is always a hit but it was the stellar service from Bonnie and Brian that really elevated my last visit. Even right in the middle of a crazy dinner rush, Bonnie was incredibly attentive. It’s rare to see a team handle a packed house with such a genuinely great attitude, so I highly recommend stopping in.“

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

“Lou Malnati’s has become the standard bearer for Chicago deep dish pizza. The ingredients are consistently excellent and the recipe is consistently executed. They also have an excellent thin crust pizza offering. This is not the same as NY style, wood fired, coal fired, pub style and so many other types (each of which are good in their own context) — and comparisons among these are not terribly relevant.

Note that this location is takeout and delivery only.“

“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!“

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

“The brussels sprouts and cauliflower appetizers were so delicious and came in big portions. Most of the dishes here are large enough to share with another person! We came for Mother's Day with a reservation, and it was pretty busy. They also have outdoor seating available. The service was nice and attentive, checking on us frequently throughout the meal. It's a great place to try something new, and I thought it was such a sweet touch that they gave my aunt a free tulip for Mother’s Day.“

“I haven’t had a dining experience this wonderful in a very long time. The service was impeccable. The food was fantastic. The wine and cocktails were unparalleled. This is one of those instances where you can go big or go small. Do you want to have just a light meal? That’s easy. Stuffed zucchini blossoms and a plate of pasta. A glass of wine and you’re out the door for $50. On the other hand, you can go for the gold and walk away completely sated. Either way, you’ll love this delightful spot.“

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

“Cozy small place with open kitchen concept.
I had a mushroom soup, pasta puttanesca & cheesecake with blueberry & hibiscus tea.

Delicious! Great service & attention to details!
Definitely will be back!“

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

“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!!!!“

“I only get up here from Florida every few years. Always make it a point to stop in with my cousin. I’ve never been disappointed in the food or service.“

“Everything was perfect ❤️!!!“

“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!“

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

“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. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“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!!“

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

“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!“

“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!“

“Great food, great people!“

“My first time here, and I loved it! Got there early with my own choice of seating. It’s pretty quiet on the inside, so it’s easy to talk with your table. The food is traditional Italian, and delicious. Our server Jeff was patient, friendly and informative. He carded us for drinks and saw it was my birthday. So after our courses, he brought a little dessert and sang me Happy Birthday! Would definitely recommend and go back 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“

“Really good Italian food and ambiance!“

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

“I always stop when I’m nearby!“

“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.“

“Perfect all around. Great atmosphere, prompt perfect service, polite attentive staff. The chef has a gift and talent. The bone in new york strip cooked to my specification and the sauce had a rich deep flavor that complemented the steak perfectly. The grilled calamari and shrimp was perfect, and the flavor was like nothing I had before. Dessert was Bananas Foster was mind blowing and prepared table side. We will be back again. This is a must try and repeat spot. The drinks were also on point.“

“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!!“

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

“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!!“

“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!! 🏆👍🏻“

“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.“

“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.“

“Delicious food Free uncorking Excellent service Romantic atmosphere“

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

“If your looking for a true hidden neighborhood gem come to Pastina. I came here for Valentine's Day with my wife and had a wonderful time. The food was excellent and all the recommendations were on point. The chef was also able to make anything off menu but we went with the offerings. The Chicken Lemon I had was delicious and very well prepared with fresh capers. My wife had the chicken Vesuvio and loved her food and enjoyed the fresh mushrooms in the sauce, she said it was like eating two different meals at the same time. We also had the spinach soup which my wife fell in love with and now wants the recipe. The Bruschetta with the sweet roasted tomatoes is a must try. For dessert we topped it off with a delicious creme brulee cheese cake. Our server was very kind and attentive and everything she recommended was 5 stars. I will say this is a very date night spot and cozy space but don't let that stop you from coming with a small group of friends though I'd recommend a reservation for that. Neighborhood parking isn't too bad but I'd say give yourself a little time to get here and find a spot. I can't wait to come back and try more.“

“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!“

“Amazing food with a very friendly knowledgeable staff! Made my friends birthday sensational!“

“Amazing and now I love the tacos 🥰“

“My palette’s lack of sophistication prevents me from doing justice reviewing the menu items I enjoyed, but my belly is satisfied , and there were no leftovers; however, no matter the exquisite culinary notes I, likely, missed that a more refined pallet might’ve identified, there’s no way there was anything on a plate in the Chicago land area this evening that matched the atmosphere, service, and proud history shared by the staff and current owner, a descendant of the original owners who established the restaurant 123 years ago. A truly delightful experience that I intend to repeat as often as I’m able!“

“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!“

“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!“

“What an amazing experience! My daughter had the best birthday meal and we enjoyed all our amazing food! Fresh and homemade doesn’t get much better than that. The place is smaller which was fined we got there during the dinner rush. She had been wanting bread bowl with her pasta, and this place did not disappoint! Such flavor and so delicious! Worth the 2 hour drive! We will definitely be back!“

“We celebrated Wednesday! Food and service was great! My only concern was the place is loud. It's crowded. You will definitely need a reservation! They do have Happy Hour! Parking, thank goodness, is complementary since the parking lot is small. Cheers!“