50 Best Italian Restaurants near Winnetka

“If you want an amazing steak, this is the place! Steak at an Italian restaurant you ask? Yes. They have a dry aged tomahawk steak this is to die for. Mind you it is expensive, but so worth it. It’s huge and when we go as a couple we get it plus a few sides. It is also great for a larger group because then you have room to enjoy their pastas and desert. People usually think you go to a steakhouse to get a great steak. But I have found that many Italian and French restaurants offer these larger prime cuts and they are usually outstanding.“

“Incredible food with very handsome cash register workers. 10/10 would go again! Growing up in Italy I can say they have the best Italian food I've had since moving to the Americas. Hopefully their business continues to thrive and become more and more recognized.“

“Incredible food! This is such a great option to have restaurant high quality Meals specially prepared to be taken home! I have tried most items, and often get some sides & appetizers, to have for lunch next day. I especially love the eggplant Parmigiano, Sour Cherry saffron rice, Prosciutto & mushroom pasta, etc. Service is really friendly, with the proprietor hands on! I highly recommend this local treasure!“

“Four of us went to Tocco yesterday for dinner. We had not been there before, and it was recommended by a friend. So happy we went there. First of all, the restaurant itself is beautiful. The place settings are lovely also. The menu is good, many choices for all tastes. We all enjoyed out appetizer, salad, main entrepreneurs and dessert. Really good food. We will definitely be back.“

“2nd time coming and was bit disappointed. There was few open tables in other parts of the restaurant for group of 4 and they sat us by the door. Every 2-3 mins the server or someone would come up to see if we wanted to order something and barely gave us time to look at the menu. Even during dinner we felt rushed asking us if we want everything then giving us the check before asking if we wanted something else. Overall the food was good but service was very rushed.“

“From the moment we stepped into Munno Pizzeria and Bistro, we were greeted with a warmth that only foreshadowed the delightful evening ahead. The ambiance strikes a perfect balance between elegance and comfort, making it an ideal setting for any occasion.Each dish we ordered was a testament to the chef’s mastery over Italian cuisine, blending traditional flavors with a modern twist that left us savoring every bite. The pizza, with its perfectly charred crust and innovative toppings, was a highlight, while the pasta dishes were reminiscent of a culinary journey through Italy.What truly sets Munno apart, however, is the impeccable service. The staff’s attention to detail and genuine care for the dining experience made us feel truly special.Our dinner at Munno Pizzeria and Bistro wasn’t just a meal; it was a memorable dining experience that we’re already looking forward to repeating. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, missing out on this Michelin-starred gem would be a mistake. Bravo to the Munno team for exceeding our expectations!“

“30 years ago we celebrated our first anniversary at Francesca’s original restaurant on Clark. Scott came around the tables with a frozen bottle of vodka in ice with expresso, lemon and sugar. We feel instantly in love with the entire experience. The food was simply exquisite. Today we celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary at Francesca’s in Lake Forest and our angel Margo was the single most wonderful wait staff ever! She made our evening everything! Our meal was beyond luscious! She was the coolest most professional and kind person! Our evening was everything we could have imagined!“

“My guest and I thoroughly enjoyed our time this evening. Our food was wonderful, the ambiance was fun and lively. Our server "AMY" was a total professional .... Many thanks and look forward to seeing you soon.Parking: Hey, It's Chicago....“

“We were very pleased we chose this place right down the street from our hotel. The food was excellent, and the service was fast. I especially recommend the octopus and cannellini small plate - absolutely divine.The prices were also great. I would have expected to pay at least 50% more for a meal of this quality in the Chicago area.“

“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.“

“A wonderful Italian style deli. Deli contains authentic Italian meats. Prepared foods are Wonderful and staff is willing to accommodate to special requests. Hands down one of the most authentic grocery’s in the area, right down to the fresh hand made cannoli! Enjoy.“

“Exceptional Dining Experience Thanks to Outstanding ServiceI recently had the pleasure of dining here and was blown away by the exceptional service provided by the staff, particularly by Kim M.From the moment I stepped in, I was greeted warmly by Kim M. and made to feel welcomed. Kim M. went above and beyond to ensure that my dining experience was nothing short of perfect. Her attentiveness and genuine care for our needs were truly remarkable.Moreover, the food was absolutely outstanding. Every dish was prepared with precision and bursting with flavor. The presentation was impeccable, showcasing the chef's skill and attention to detail.Not only did Kim M. ensure that our orders were taken promptly, but she also checked in regularly to ensure that everything was to our liking. Her recommendations were spot-on, and she was knowledgeable about the menu, accommodating our dietary preferences flawlessly.Overall, my dining experience at here was exceptional, thanks in large part to Kim M.'s exemplary service. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for not only delicious food but also top-notch service. I can't wait to return!“

“We had my mom’s 85th Birthday dinner here and it was perfect. We had a private section in the back which made it extra special. The service is exceptional and the food is delicious! We have also eaten here many times and every meal has been so good! From the salads to the risotto to the chicken Marsala, the flavors are incredible!“

“Excellent food and atmosphere!! I went here with my family and we had a great time. I had the langostino lobster stuffed ravioli in cream sauce and it was delicious I cannot wait to go back. My girlfriend had the penne farcita which was equally delicious!! I’d recommend the tiramisu and the peach cobbler for desert as well!!“

“The food was good. Reasonable prices and the owners are magnificent. Everybody there. It's a good place to be very friendly. Very the service is good. Everybody can't complain about nothing.And thank God, their prices were so low that I had to ask the waitress if she forgot to add something to do and she said no, that's the price, I said you can't even go to McDonald's for the price, and it was good food. So I'm very happy and I will definitely go back and back and back.“

“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“

“Carmen, our server was fabulous. Table was quiet, which was very nice and we felt our conversation wasn’t listened in on.I selected the skirt steak with the chimichurri. My fiancé had the sea bass on special. Antipasto to share as an appetizer. Bread was warm, butter whipped.Cocktails were good. Would absolutely come back again.The only weird thing, the chairs are leather. The seat I had was clearly stained, not sure what with, but it wasn’t wet or sticky. But the brown stain was a little off putting, but I totally forgot about it once I sat.“

“Everything about our experience was five stars. First off the ambiance was so nice, stylish but comfortable and cozy. My four year old spilled milk all over him, the booth and the floor. The staff, Claudia (server), Andres and Kristine (host) were so unbelievably kind, attentive and responsive I don't think I have ever experienced that before. Kristine was so helpful and concerned she even offered me a clean towel to help dry him off in the restroom. I haven't even mentioned the food! Everything we ordered was delicious. We had an assortment of small plates (focaccia, Brussel sprouts, calamari, farro) as well as pasta and the burger was enjoyed by all. We would definitely be regulars if we were local.“

“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.“

“BYG appears to be back to the ways they were before the pandemic of 2020. Their portions are generous again as before I felt there was major cutbacks in quality and quantity due to businesses suffering due to Covid. Loved the pork kebab (Souvlaki), tzatziki sauce along with the Greek potatoes and rice pilaf.“

“Lived here for 26 years and had never been - first visit and was wondering why I hadn't! Small menu, everything we had was done to perfection, from short rib to sticky toffee date cake. Staff was super friendly and a perfect spot for Friday night dinner.“

“Walking into Anto’s Pizza in Evanston, Chicago, is like stepping into a family’s loving embrace, one where Italian culinary traditions are not just preserved but celebrated with every dish. From the mozzarella sticks that promise a golden crunch with every bite to the rustic charm of their handcrafted pizzas, laden with premium toppings like paper-thin prosciutto and figs, every item is a testament to their commitment to quality.Their cone-shaped, hand-made pasta stands as a paragon of their innovative spirit, wrapping traditional flavors in a contemporary guise that is both delightful and satisfying. The salads are a fresh interplay of textures and tastes, combining the peppery bite of arugula with the sweetness of oranges, the richness of feta, and the crunch of walnuts, all drizzled with a balsamic glaze that ties it all together.And for those seeking comfort in a bowl, their vegetable soup is a harmonious blend of fresh produce and aromatic herbs, a true celebration of natural flavors that’s both heartwarming and invigorating.Anto’s Pizza is more than just a restaurant; it’s a destination where each meal is a labor of love. It’s a place that demands the attention of any food enthusiast in search of a genuine, down-to-earth Italian dining experience. Don’t just take my word for it—go and let the flavors speak for themselves. This family-owned and managed gem is indeed amazing, a must-visit spot on Chicago’s culinary map.“

“A huge thank you to the staff at Nottoli Italian Foods that worked yesterday! Our Sunrun crew worked in the rain and at the last minute, we ran into Nottoli Italian Foods to feed them. I wish I had everyone’s name however every, single employee did a phenomenal job to accommodate us at the last minute. Thank you so much!“

“Panino's Pizzeria was, frankly, a very pleasant surprise. We agreed to meet friends here - they had recommended it. It looked like so many run-of-the-mill pizza/Italian food joints in the Chicago area, that we weren't expecting much. Boy, were we wrong. This is NOT nouvelle cuisine Italian-style, but rather stereotypical, Italian-American food that is hearty and quite tasty. Gratis bread to start the meal, followed by pork meatballs in red sauce and burrata. My wife had the lasagna - very nice portion, and I had the pork chops with broccoli. The wait staff (Fred) was bend over backwards accommodating us. The fried dough with chocolate was amazing. The prices are moderate. And none of us had pizza! We're certain to return to try some (they serve several styles). Huge thumbs up!“

“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!!“

“Last Friday my wife and I dropped into Joes for the first time and we weren’t disappointed! We were greeted by friendly staff and live music! David was our server and he was attentive, knowledgeable about the menu, and had great food recommendations! My wife and I tried a few appetizers and the pizza. Everything we ate was delicious! This place is a 10/10 and we will definitely be going back!“

“Awesome place, modern, cozy. Our 2 and 4 kids loooove to eat pasta and dine in. not just thay make pasta from scratch bit they are using organic chicken for our favorite pasta. pasta is usually done in 5/6 minute and portions are big. If you like Europian flavor for both interior and food this is right place for you!“

“Calo is a very good restaurant very good food very good service and if I ever decide to go eat up to restaurant I would choose Calo they are the best. I’ve been going there for many years. I recommend this restaurant very good atmosphere very clean very nice good service.“

“Good spot... walking in.. it's really busy with a small bar and many tables surrounding/ exposed brick walls. Nice wine list with some good Italian bottles. Good menu with half a dozen apps, homemade pasta dishes & entrees! They also had an excellent *Specials Menu* she said. Started with a couple of glasses of Barbera and some baked clams with the bread of course. Great wine & clams were on the smaller side with an excellent sauce! They are known for their homemade pasta and I decided to try the special. This was a Jalapeño Gnocchi in a Vodka Cream sauce with Corn, etc... it was excellent, cooked perfectly! For dessert we had the Molten Chocolate Cake which was also very good & great ice cream. Waitress was very good & prices are a bit above average but worth it/ you can taste the quality ingredients for sure! Close it out with some Limoncello Shots// talk later“

“The food was fantastic, the staff was kind and friendly with great recommendations. The desert we had, the sticky toffee bread pudding was phenomenal! The service was perfect with timing and the atmosphere is comfortable and charming. This is a neat place to go to to catch up with friends and family or a date. Thanks so much for the great evening!“

“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!“

“Friendly phone person to start out . Thank you, Katy . ( Some restaurants have lost sight of the importance of the first person to represent their business . No one wants to deal with a cocky and rude high school girl who can't get their order right. ) Excellent Pizza! Nice CRUNCH on their thin crust dough . Only very slightly thicker crust than most. And not burnt or charred . ( Not that I mind a good char taste ) The cheese is perfectly caramelized, so I wouldn't risk losing that by ordering a well done pizza . The crunchy dough stands up well to the slightly generous amount of sauce that is perfectly balanced . Extra thin sliced fresh veggies are also much appreciated .“

“Bar none, the best pizza in Chicago. On top of the amazing pizza, the service is some of the best around. In a world where customers have been left out to dry, JB Alberto's staff really ramps it up and goes above and beyond. Thank you so much for the amazing experience.“

“Food was AAAmazing! Best pizza I've ever had. Ordered a small and could only eat one piece. Taking the rest back to Washington state. The Greek salad was so delicious, it's served with a fresh slice of feta cheese on top. (I forgot to take a pic, I was hungry).“

“We are very particular about our pizzas and Northshore Pizza was exceptional! We ordered the stuffed pizza and wouldn't change a thing. -The crust is flavorful with a slightly crisp bottom ....perfect platform for the generous amount of cheese on top. The tangy sauce is delicious and brings the pizza to life. Even the customer service is great! These guys know what there doing! Definitely our new go-to.“

“Love the food and wines and cocktails. Best Old Fashioned in the city. Impossible meatballs are a family favorite. Staff is exceptional. The only thing we don’t like is the big metal shelf that divides the high top tables in the bar area. They are just at face level so you can’t really engage with your friends across the table, but it’s really awkward to sit side by side and have to turn your back on one friend to talk to another. Happy Hour would be SO much more enjoyable without those dividing shelves.Vegetarian options: Not speaking vegan here so the vegetarian options are plentiful with the pastas and salads and impossible meatballs. We are not a vegetarian family but usually end up with the vegetarian options here simply because they are so delicious“

“I have driven by this place about 8,000 times and never paid much attention to it so when my BF suggested we go there, I was happy to give it a try! There is easy parking in a lot right in front. The ambiance is simple and cozy with a plentiful amount of tables. It has a family owned vibe which I appreciate. We each ordered our own pizza and equally enjoyed them. One veggie + arugula and one pepperoni + olive. A nearby table ordered a salad and I will definitely do the same next time as it looked large and fresh! I'm so glad to have this in the neighborhood and will certainly be back again soon. Thank you.“

“Nice atmosphere; good pizzas with decent vegan options! Great restaurant to enjoy before seeing a show at SPACE. Delicious cocktails too!Vegetarian options: Lots of vegetarian options; fewer vegan options but there are some.Dietary restrictions: Have gluten free crust too.“

“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“

“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!“

“I used Nuovo to cater a baby shower. The experience was fantastic. Josh was super responsive and gave great advice on what to order, timing of pick up, how to reheat, etc. The food was just outstanding - all the guests raved about it! Highly recommend Nuovo for any catering needs“

“My two friends and I had a lovely evening at Convito Cafe. All the staff with whom we interacted were very pleasant and professional, and the food was quite good. Almost best of all, they kept the music soft, and we were actually able to converse with each other without having to shout - something that is becoming increasingly difficult in many restaurants. Thank you!“

“What an amazing place. I have been coming here since I was a kid and I’m in my 40’s now and it just keeps getting better. Everything from the stuffed pizza to the pasta you honestly can’t go wrong. We have had family parties here and I pick up a stuffed pizza any time I get a craving. The owners are great people so friendly as well as the entire staff. Give it a try you will not be disappointed and can’t go wrong there!“

“My family and a couple of my sons hockey team members needed a quick food spot by the local Northbrook rink. Couple doors down from Pure Hockey too, bonus. Food was fantastic, lots of different options and had TVs to watch sports. Quick and easy. Menu was huge from Pizza, sandwiches/subs, salads, pasta and desserts. Staff was nice too. Would highly recommend.“

“Been going here since I lived in the area back in the 1960s, 1970s. Whenever I am in the area, I try and stop by. Great Chicago thin pizza! Nuff said. You won't be disappointed. Any restaurant that's been around this long obviously is doing something right. And of course, it has to be the food.“

“A quintessential Italian restaurant ideal for a large family. Or a great place to sit at the bar. Great friendly service and well prepared food to go with nice selection of wine. Located in a vibrant stretch of Glenview that is surprisingly pedestrian friendly. Definitely worth a trip to the suburbs.“

“If you are looking for a fantastic Italian dinner, this has to be on your list of restaurants to frequent. Marco, the owner, is dedicated. They recently changed their drink menu that he spent weeks working on with staff, and I can tell you my entire party was pleasantly surprised. We are treated like family every time we attend. The food is fantastic, there really is not a menu item that is not good. I personally love the gnocchi with vodka sauce and fried calamari, but you really can't make a bad choice. Jennifer was our waitress, and the service really felt like we were family.“

“Stopped by for some dine in lunch today with my husband. We both had the Detroit style Dom that has hot honey and it was so delicious. We also ordered 10 wings and the wings were amazing, some of the best wings I’ve had in a long time. This place didn’t disappoint and we will be back for sure! Only think missing was a cold beer. Lol“

“There's nothing bad I can say about Carlucci, especially during this amazing restaurant week! Every single plate that we got was truly delicious and that's rare! My husband and I attended this dinner and we had zero complaints everything was incredible the house bread, appetizers, drinks, entrees, and especially the dessert! The service was super and fantastic and on top of everything and honestly our server was such a sweet man so thankful we had him he gave us a great experience! And the ambience is so romantic we were sat by the window at sunset and the sun just made all these photos even better! Hope this review shows--Carlucci is the place to be!“