Our Favorite Italian Restaurants

Written By Joe Arendt

Photo Credit: Giostra by Fabio Viviani

Burbs Explored guides highlight our favorite places to eat and drink across the Chicago suburbs. The guides are curated by humans, not algorithms. Each place included was visited by us or a trusted source (we do not allow businesses to pay for inclusion). The lists will be updated as places close and open, and as we find new gems to recommend. We love to hear from readers so please let us know your favorite local spots here.

NORTH SHORE

  • Campagnola (Evanston): A local institution that has been around for two decades serving rustic Italian cuisine

  • Dave’s Italian Kitchen (Evanston): Cozy spot with great service and wide variety of homemade pasta, pizzas, and calzones

  • DeNucci's (Highland Park): Warm and inviting atmosphere paired with delicious food and drinks from Ballyhoo Hospitality

  • Mino’s (Winnetka): North Shore favorite offering authentic Italian fare in an upscale but welcoming space with a great outdoor patio

  • Hole in the Wall (Northbrook): A traditional Italian spot with an intimate, cozy setting and daily hand written menu

  • Tocco (Winnetka): Upscale modern space serving authentic Italian cuisine made from high quality ingredients

NORTHWEST SUBURBS

  • Bar Salotto (Arlington Heights): Voted as Daily Herald’s Best New Restaurant and Best Italian food last year

  • Giostra (South Barrington): An upscale Italian restaurant offering a modern take on classic dishes from celebrity chef, Fabio Viviani

  • Fire + Wine (Park Ridge): Cozy and stylish spot known for its wood-fired pizzas, housemade pastas, and extensive wine selection

  • Saranello’s (Wheeling): Handmade pastas, fresh fish, seafood, and classic Italian favorites from the Lettuce Entertain You Group

  • Sorelle (Long Grove): Charming spot that offers unique blend of cafe, market, and restaurant that is now open for dinner

  • Woodfire (East Dundee): Known for their pizza, but they also makes fantastic homemade pasta

WESTERN SUBURBS

  • Antico Posto (Oak Brook): A cozy Italian restaurant and wine bar serving Italian classics from the Lettuce Entertain You Group

  • Davanti Enoteca (Naperville, Western Springs): Rustic Italian wine bar and delicious small plates from the Scott Harris Hospitality Group

  • Gia Mia (Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Geneva, Naperville, St. Charles, Wheaton): A local favorite that is expanding across the suburbs

  • Fire + Wine (Glen Ellyn): Cozy and stylish spot known for its wood-fired pizzas, housemade pastas, and extensive wine selection

  • La Zaza Trattoria (St. Charles): Old school Italian spot with fantastic pasta, fish, steak, and chops

  • Livia Italian Eatery (Geneva): Tasty Northern Italian cuisine paired with great wine, beer, and cocktails

Are we missing a great Italian spot in your town? Let us know what places we should check out here.

Joe Arendt
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Our Favorite Restaurants