Italian Restaurants near Lake Bluff

“Solid pizza & salad, and a beautiful small business Loved the fresh ingredients, and the crispy crust that HELD UP to all those fresh ingredients. We brought our kids in on Valentine's Day. What a pleasant experience!!! Beautiful space too. We will be back!“

“We regularly order from Donati’s at the early education center I work at for lunches and staff meetings and food is always fantastic. But, the customer service is even better… recently we had and a issue with our food vendor and we need it 20 pizzas delivered to the school as soon as possible… Donati’s stopped everything and got us the pizza as soon as possible, the timeliness, the willing to work with us, and wonderful customer service will keep us coming back time and time again! I highly recommend Donati’s rather it’s for lunch or dinner, a family party, staff meeting, etc…. You will not be disappointed!“

“Four of us had a most wonderful lunch, trying Tina's specially prepared Italian dishes and desserts. She is incredible with the love she puts into this place, her food and the decor. The staff provided great service and worked together for our every need. Tina made it even more special by singing "Happy Birthday" in Italian for my cousin. It's not unusual for her to stop by your table to see that all is good. What a fun time we had. Thank you Tina and everyone.“

“Love the restaurant and the food, however was there on a Saturday night at the peak dinner hour and it.wasn't nice. The wait staff were almost running up and down the aisle making it feel very chaotic . Felt rushed during our meal and the large groups around us were very loud. We couldn't hear each other talk. I'm sad to think such a nice restaurant turned out to be a big disappointment.I realize it was a very busy evening but it was not a good evening“

“Came in again to try out their pizza special. I got the 2 slices and a drink last time, and it was too much for me. Just got a slice of sausage, and my usual soda can. Place is usually nice and clean. Everyone is friendly and acknowledges you when you walk in. It was cooked nicely and great crust. It wasn't too hard or soft, but just the right amount of crunch. The best part is that it's not really greasy like others. Big plus in my book. I definitely would come back if I'm in the area. Perks of working out in the field and trying new places.“

“Our first visit to Disotto. Seamus was our server, and was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. We split an Italian chopped salad, tried some Bruschetta with roasted apples and one with whipped ricotta and peppers-really great- and then moved on to some pasta. The Pappardelle Bognese and Cavatelli con Burrata were delicious. Everything we ate was outstanding. Seamus seemed to anticipate our needs-we felt cared for without ever feeling rushed. We will make Disotto a regular destination.“

“Absolutely adore this place, visited with my family and they made us all feel very welcomed. They treat you like you’re their family. Bartender was very warm and attentive, even let us sample some high end whiskey before buying it. Loved the ambiance, it felt very cozy. Like something out of a movie. The food was pretty good as well. I’ll definitely be going back“

“I grew up going to this place almost every day! Spent my allowance on soda and candy there! Now that I’ve grown up and moved away, I still make the hour drive every now and then for their awesome comfort food! The Paterson family is just like our own family❤️ I recommend Louie’s to everyone ❤️“

“A fantastic brunch with their version of biscuits & gravy and an egg white omelet with Parmesan potatoes. Very attentive service that was timely in bringing out our food and keeping our glasses full, and empty plates removed from the table.“

“we recently ordered carry out for a small get together at our house. We ordered off of the catering menu and were very specific with our choices. The woman on the phone was exceptionally friendly, patient and helpful. Everything in order came out perfectly incorrect. The food was delicious, everyone was happy and we even have amazing leftovers for the next night or two. Washington Gardens is consistently good and there is always a pleasure to deal with. We love it.“

“I can't understand the negative reviews. I brought my three girls here for lunch and we had an amazing lunch! We last dined here about a year ago. The service was incredibly fast, the fried calamari was delicious, and the pizza was amazing. My picky eater asked for four more meatballs after devouring the first three that came on her spaghetti. I decided to try the soup/sandwich combo. It was so difficult to choose a sandwich because they ALL sounded amazing. I was very pleased with the Italian sandwich with the asparagus soup. I wish I would have brought a quart of the soup home for my husband to enjoy. The ingredients are fresh and everything tastes wonderful. I am already looking forward to our next visit!!“

“Came with a party of 15 people. Half where children called ahead and they accommodated for us.Really enjoyed the tininess of the restaurant. Food was good. The server Robert was great. Price was a little over my comfort zone but what can you do ?‍♂️3 pastas split 6 ways. 4 where children. They accommodated with splitting plates. Honestly didn’t pay attention if they charged for splitting plates as a “service”There was nice baguette at the beginning and with the pastas you got a soup of salad. The minestrone soup was very nice !“

“We have never had a bad meal at Mambo! The staff knowledgeable and friendly. The food is excellent! Last night I ordered the duck and was very apprehensive as I have ordered this entree in the past at other restaurants and have been disappointed. The duck entree at Mambo was outstanding, delicious, absolutely amazing!! Everyone at the table tasted it along with the wild rice and all raved!Thank you Mambo!“

“Went with my friend and my sister. We started with cocktails and an appetizer of Bruschetta con Mozzarella. They both ordered the Rigatoni ala Vodka and I had the Sea Bass Pomodorini. Excellent Italian food! We were all very pleased and full.“

“Best tavern pizza I've had in 2 years! As a native Rhode Islander, I am very particular about pizza and knowing the Quonset name has a lot of responsibility associated with it ? My wife and I have decided this will be our new pizza spot going forward.“

“My nephew is friends with the owner and loves their food and wanted me to try it and I have to say I was very impressed. The chicken Parmesan was top-notch and the garlic rolls with the garlic inside delicious and prices that you can’t beat!“

“Excellent pizza! The sauce is not sweet but savory with proper seasoning. Their thin crust is so good that if I move away, I would drive hours to come back regularly. The service is friendly and helpful, and they even store my order info, so I can call up and order "the usual". Thank you for your excellence Pizza Italia!“

“Sal and Tony’s has such a cozy atmosphere, and yet the dining areas are large, so you don’t feel crowded. All the wait staff and owners were so friendly, efficient, and professional, and the food was absolutely delicious! We will definitely be back!“

“So, I've been to Deerfield Italian Kitchen twice now, and let me tell you, it's like stepping into a cozy Italian home! The staff is super friendly and really makes you feel at home.Let's talk about the food - we started with the bruschetta, which was absolutely delicious. The spinach lasagna was a pleasant surprise, so flavorful and comforting. The gnocchi with carbonara sauce was a standout, creamy and rich. The fettuccine Alfredo, although made with fresh noodles, was a bit too thick for my liking. However, the vodka sauce tortellini pasta was a real winner, the stuffing was so tasty with spinach and ricotta. For the main, we tried their pizza, which was unfortunately very average, nothing special. It's probably something I wouldn't order again. But let's move on to the salad - their garlic homemade dressing is hands down the best dressing I've ever had! It was so flavorful and really elevated the salad.And finally, dessert - the tiramisu was divine, one of the best I've ever had! It was so creamy and fresh, a perfect end to the meal.Overall, Deerfield Italian Kitchen is a wonderful spot for some homemade Italian comfort food. The small size adds to its charm, and they do take reservations, which is a plus. The staff, especially Alex, was so friendly and helpful, making the whole experience even more enjoyable. If you're looking for a cozy, family-owned Italian spot, this is the place to be!“

“The very best the North Shore has to offer in Italian food. This small cozy restaurant serves the most authentic Italian dishes and the baked goods are incredible. Gino the owner is an amazing person in every way and a great friendTonight the squash stuffed raviolis in a sage butter sauce with sugar brought me back to Tuscany 5 stars and get a cannoli“

“We have always gone to Lou's in Lincolnwood, but had family in town and Buffalo Grove was closest for them. what a difference, place was huge and the parking lot was great. It will be our new location for sure. Service was just ok. It was a Friday night and busy so the staff was not very attentive but the good is great so we can deal with that“

“Nino’s….. I love you guys! I just had the minestrone with tortellini soup, grilled chicken breast sandwich & meatballs delivered…..wonderful comfort food after a stressful work week!! The soup, my favorite, was fresh & hot, & just what I needed! AND the delivery driver in the red Ford pickup truck was awesome & read my crazy apartment delivery instructions & did it right! Whoever you are, you get ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!! Btw, their thin crust pizza is awesome & their cheese is the best!“

“I enjoyed my first time eating at Maggiano's. We celebrated my sis in law's birthday there. We ordered chicken entrees and pastas. The servings were enormous and they even have an option to order take home for a cheaper price. We tried their desserts-- the New York style cheesecake was just okay but their Tiramisu was so good. Since it was a birthday lunch, they served a piece of Tiramisu with a lighted candle for the celebrant. We were so full and still had lots of take-homes..Kid-friendliness: There were some toddlers from another table and saw that they were seated on a high chair and looked comfortable. The placement of tables and chairs were not cramped so the kids could somehow run around.Wheelchair accessibility: They have a ramp at the entrance and the wheelchair could be freely pushed inside and fit into the dining area.“

“Michelle is usually my sever (the 2 times I’ve come has been during the lunch special hr) She’s great. The Cesar salad is well done, as is the pizza. Sausage is my jam, my friend had cheese and my son had pepperoni. Great service and great pricing for a solid meal.Parking: Parking CAN be great or CAN be a pain…downtown Libertyville depends on time of visit for parking accessibility.Kid-friendliness: It’s an open space, and allows for kids to be around freelyWheelchair accessibility: The front door and vestibule are wide enough for classic or electric wheelchairs and the tables allow for great accessibility.“

“One of my all time favorite oldschool family owned places ,same recipe since day 1 in 1966! The very best thin crust in the Northwest Suburbs for sure ! Their homemade meatballs are amazing , add some to Manicotti or try Meatball Mushroom pizza for major “

“Austin was awesome! The staff was polite and attentive. When Austin got busy, Marco helped out. The restaurant is a beautiful hidden gem. The food was delicious and the portions were generous. The restrooms were clean and well stocked. Can't wait to return when the weather is nicer so I can enjoy the patio.“

“The Order Taker was Friendly and Professional. His Attitude was OUTSTANDING and it was Easter Sunday with other Pizza Businesses Closed. When I went to pickup my Pizza, the Man that waited on me sounded like the Same Person that took my order. Smiles, Friendly and Thankful for New Customers. I Truly Appreciated the OUTSTANDING SERVICE EXPERIENCE!! The Pizza was Very Good Also. I WILL be telling Friends about the Service Experience I had.THANKS!!“

“My husband and I went here for our anniversary and we had the best experience. Our waiter was amazing he was very sweet, caring, and funny. Simply because of him we will be back again soon.Dietary restrictions: The gluten free noodles are very good.“

“If you're looking to buy some of the best fresh/dried pasta on the North Shore to cook at home, this is your spot. The only problem is once you have it, it's impossible to go back to store-bought dried pasta. They have a ton of different varieties that they sell by the pound. They'll also put it together into a really cute gift bag if you want a fun present for a friend. In addition to the dried pasta that they make in-house, they have probably around a hundred prepared frozen dishes in their freezer ready to take home and warm up, again all made in-house, as well as homemade frozen pizzas that are equally fantastic. This is a true gem, family run, and you can tell everything they do is done with love. There's nothing else like it around.“

“It's a small restaurant with big food! You will want to go early because they don't reservations. Wine list could use an update. They were out of a particular Italian red wine on the list, and the white wines need an overhaul. Otherwise, everything was excellent.“

“This was my wife and I first time at Lino's although we have heard about it for years. It was great! Cleanliness was. Thee first thing we noticed. Second, the service was great. Food and drinks were very good. We enjoyed our time at Linos and we will be back.“

“I came here for my moms birthday, and I have no regrets. The food was very delightful and tasty. I had their truffle cheese stuffed ravioli, and it was amazing. I'm very excited to see what else they have to offer.The waiter helping us was of very kind by suggesting my mom a wine without much history with wine. She is a people pleaser and admitted she wasn't the biggest fan, but the ability to offer one's experience to assist was great nonetheless.“