7 Best Italian Restaurants near Salem

“Fantastic food! Excellent service! Welcoming atmosphere! Family friendly! Homemade desserts! We will be back!“

“Hidden in plain sight in Lake Villa, this Italian restaurant is the kind of unassuming neighborhood gem critics quietly root for. It isn’t flashy, it isn’t loud, and it doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is: a place that consistently serves excellent food at fair prices. In the Lakes region—where Italian options can feel uneven—this spot rises confidently to the top. On my most recent visit, I was seated immediately at a corner table, a small but meaningful luxury in an age of hour-long waits. The dining room, typically hushed enough for actual conversation, again delivered one of its underrated pleasures: a peaceful meal without the intrusive din that plagues so many suburban restaurants. Service followed suit—friendly, attentive, and genuinely eager to help, never hovering or rushing. The kitchen remains the star. My spaghetti with vodka sauce was outstanding—rich, balanced, and among the best renditions I’ve had anywhere in the region. Other entrées at the table echoed the same strengths: sauces with clarity and depth, pastas cooked with confident restraint, portions generous without tipping into excess. Cocktails, too, arrived promptly and properly mixed, further reinforcing the sense of a kitchen-and-bar team that takes pride in their craft. If there is a shortfall, it lies in the ambiance. The room carries a certain charm, but the décor feels a step behind the quality of the food. A refresh of tables, finishes, and overall presentation would elevate the experience from very good to genuinely special. The warmth is there—the aesthetics simply haven’t caught up yet. Even so, the value proposition is undeniable. For reliably excellent Italian cuisine, low noise, easy seating, earnest service, and honest pricing, this restaurant more than earns its “highly recommended” status. It is, in every meaningful way, Lake Villa’s little culinary treasure.“

“All I have to say is WOW. From the absolutely divine food to the kind service every time we have ordered from here…… 10/10. If you like GREAT FOOD period you need to try!!! Won’t be disappointed 🩵 I get the Tortellini with chicken alla Toscana, hubby gets the chicken Alfredo, so fckin good!!!!! The soups, the salad (I think they make the Italian dressing in house) OBSESSED!!!! We’ve ordered twice in the past two days!!“

“Food is ALWAYS � tasty! They deliver right to our sites making it so convenient for our customers too!“

“The young lady at the cash register Jarely is a fantastic customer service person. She is always so friendly on the phone taking your order and then very friendly and attentive when you arrive to pick up your pizza. We go to this ROSATI location all the time and she has always been very friendly and receptive.“

“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great Authentic 🇮🇹 Italian Cuisine. Perfect For Date Night, Friends, Family, Kid Friendly. Beautiful Atmosphere, Warm Friendly, & Inviting. Great Menu, Cozy Bar. Best Of All Chef Salvatores Culinary Delights!! Great Staff. 🙋🏻❤️🍕 🍝🥖 Tell Salvatore Leon Sent Ya!! 🤌🏼“

“The app said it was going to take 1hr 35 minutes for delivery but the pizza was delivered within 35 minutes and it was amazing as always!!! When I got the text my driver was on the way my family beyond happy they didn’t have to wait any longer.“