The art of making Italian cuisine and adding heavenly ingredients such as cheese, tomatoes, olive oil, flour, garlic, wine, and many more requires skills, patience, and a whole lot of heart. An instantly-recognizable cuisine, Italian food is, without a doubt, a favorite to most of us. For over a century, Italian cuisine has been one of the mainstays in Chicago’s culinary traditions. Often I get the question: What are the best Italian restaurants in the Chicago suburbs?
As it turns out, there are so many Michelin-starred Italian restaurants in the Chicago Suburbs that it’s almost possible to choose the best. Now, what would you do if you’re craving the perfect pasta or traditional Italian seafood that nourishes and comforts you? Well, you’ll be spoilt for choice given that there are so many Italian restaurants and eateries that locals swear by. Fortunately for you, we’ve visited most of these Italian restaurants in the suburbs and we can tell you for a fact that we can help you choose the best place to enjoy Italian food.
As such, these are the best trattorias that are fully loaded with the best Italian delis in Chicago. Here are the 5 best Italian Restaurants in the Chicago Suburbs!
5. Clara’s in Woodridge
6550 Rt 53 Woodridge, IL 60517
Menu Highlights
- Buratta and Prosciutto
- Primavera Veggies
- Insalata Caprese
Why We Love It
For over three decades, Clara’s has been enhancing the phrase “buon appetito” by serving guests fresh homemade sauces, pasta, traditional Italian desserts, and fresh seafood made in an authentic Italian way. Thanks to its warm ambiance and attentive service, this ristorante is always inviting and that’s why you’ll find guests flocking it throughout the day.
I once visited and wanted to experience the special of the night; burrata and prosciutto. Well, I was impressed beyond doubt. This meal is comprised of grilled garlic crostini topped with a seasoned fresh ricotta spread. It’s accompanied by thinly sliced prosciutto, burrata cheese, and garnished balsamic glaze before downing it with a glass of martini wine.
At the end of my meal, I had no doubt that this restaurant presents Italian recipes that have been passed down to the family generation and cooked with some sort of magic.
4. Livia Italian Eatery in Geneva
207 S 3rd St. Geneva, IL 60134
Menu Highlights
- Chicken florentine
- Polenta and wild mushroom ragu
- Shrimp calamari Fritti
Why We Love It
Another majestic Italian restaurant in Geneva, Illinois, Livia Italian Eatery is one of the newest restaurants in the area having started in 2017. It’s based on offering Northern Italian cuisine in a modern and intimate setup with outdoor seating and a full-service bar. This is, without a doubt, a hidden gem that lovers of Italian cuisines will flock to regularly.
While there are various sumptuous dishes on the menu including lobster bisque, veal meatballs, Caesar salad with romaine, Tuscan shrimp, and many others, I did sample the chicken florentine, which is chicken and bacon served with spinach, fontina, caramelized onions, artichoke, and mozzarella. I must admit that the meal was so special that I wouldn’t mind recommending it to anyone who cared to listen.
In addition to the delicious food, the service is great, and they even offer outdoor music on certain days during summer.
3. Francesca’s Multiple Locations
Locations: Lake Forest, Barrington, Northbrook, Arlington Heights, St. Charles, Elmhurst, Naperville, Frankfort, Oak Lawn, Palos Park.
Menu Highlights
- Bruschette alla Romana
- Polpo E Patate
- Chocolate martini
Why We Love It
Francesca’s family of restaurants is a chain of several Italian restaurants in Chicago including Mia Francesca, Francesca’s Intimo, Francesca’s Famiglia, and many more. While they’re under the same management, I fell in love with Francesca’s on Chestnut thanks to its intimate trattoria setting, private fireplace, and antique Brunswick bar that brings to life a rural Italian design.
I was served by a very friendly waitress named Tiffany who seems to hit it instantly with every guest. She took her time and made me feel very comfortable and even told me that the kitchen side of things is led by a gentleman named Chef Manny Ontiveros who brings forth a classic fare of savory and earthy cuisines of Rome, Lazio, and the surrounding areas of Umbria and Tuscany.
I did consume Polpo E Patate, which is a very delicious Sauteed Spanish octopus made with fingerling potatoes and string beans tossed in salsa verde with roasted cherry tomatoes. Honestly speaking, this dish had an excellent taste to it. I downed it with a limoncello, which is an authentic Italian lemon liqueur from the Sorrentine Peninsula. I must admit that everything was amazing and on point.
2. Osteria Bigolaro in Geneva
317 W State St. Geneva, IL 60134
Menu Highlights
- Pasts mi amore
- Shrimp Diavolo
- Fresh burrata
Why We Love It
If you’ve been looking for a perfect restaurant that offers sumptuous regional Italian dishes in Geneva, Illinois, Osteria Bigolaro is the place to be. Aiming to offer a unique and transformative dining experience to its customers, the place is designed in a very intimate and quaint way without losing its modern touch.
As far as the dishes are concerned, every food seems to be prepared in a very innovative Italian way. I once ordered a fresh homemade pasta, and oh boy… it was perhaps the best pasta I’ve ever taken in my life. You can also find their fresh burrata, excellent seafood, or even a variety of good-looking appetizers on the menu. In addition to offering authentic but high-end Italian cuisine, Osteria Bigolaro also offers a top-notch wine list, which makes the whole experience even more intimate.
1. Capri in Burr Ridge
324 Burr Ridge Pkwy St. 1 Burr Ridge, IL 60527
Menu Highlights
- Calamari alla Capri
- Eggplant Parmesan
- Rigatoni Campagnola
Why We Love It
There’s no other place in Chicago where the Italian experience is bigger than at Capri in Burr Ridge. From Donna Mancuso, who is the owner of this ristorante, to its lively staff with a no-frills attitude, Capri has everything that you might seek to experience from Italian dining. The contagious carefree energy will sweep you off your feet and I bet if you come here for dinner, you’ll, for sure, come back again the next day for lunch!
While there, I did sample the homemade rigatoni and vodka sauce with crumbled sausage, and it was very tasty. I was accompanied by a friend who tried the eggplant Parmesan with mostaccioli, which was indeed sumptuous. To be honest with you, Capri might not be the best place for you if you want an intimate and quiet dining experience because it’s always packed. But if you want to enjoy the best Italian dishes before washing them all down with a good martini wine served on humongous wine glasses, then this is Chicago’s best.
Conclusion
To this end, there’s no doubt that the above-discussed Italian restaurants are the best in the Chicago suburbs. These are hidden gems that will satisfy your Italian cravings like never before. And if you want to try something romantic that’s not Italian, you can check out these romantic restaurants in the Chicago suburbs.
You obviously didn’t check out Villa Verone in Geneva! ☹️
Can’t wait to try these, especially with the northern Italian menu. I don’t care for Clara’s .
Villa Verone in Geneva another hidden gem