One restaurant on this list occupies a historic building dating all the way back to 1871. I love that a plate of pasta can come with a side of history.
Another spot bakes Neapolitan pizza in an imported wood-burning oven. A third keeps things simple, cooking with local ingredients in a room lined with exposed brick.
Chicago usually grabs the Italian food bragging rights in Illinois. Yet the suburbs keep turning out handmade pasta, stone walls, garden patios, and tiramisu worth planning a whole Saturday around. A few kitchens lean on family recipes.
A few lean modern, with small plates and live music.
I’d gladly trade a night in the city for a suburban Italian dinner, especially when handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and a little history are on the menu.
1. Traverso’s Restaurant | Italian
Fried ravioli might be the best argument for leaving the city on a weeknight. Traverso’s puts it right on the appetizer list, next to calamari and bruschetta.
The restaurant sits on Plainfield-Naperville Road in the western suburb of Naperville. It’s a family-friendly Italian spot with a rustic feel and a menu that covers a lot of ground.
Thin-crust pizza is a big part of the draw here. That makes it an easy pick when your group can’t agree on pasta or pie.
Speaking of pasta, the handmade kind gets plenty of attention. The cheese ravioli earns special praise, and portions come generous with just the right amount of gravy.
You can round things out with full entrees or a vegan house salad. Dessert is a strong suit too, so save a little room before you ask for the check.
Planning a party? A private dining room makes Traverso’s a handy choice for birthdays, showers, and team dinners.
Catering is also available if you’d rather bring the food to your own table. Takeout and delivery cover the nights when the couch wins.
Kids get their own menu, and high chairs are on hand. That takes some pressure off parents juggling crayons and a hungry toddler.
Hours run 4 to 9 PM Monday through Thursday, with service until 10 PM on Friday and Saturday. Sunday opens a little earlier at 3 PM and wraps at 9 PM.
Friday and Saturday evenings bring the biggest crowds, and reservations are accepted. A free lot means you won’t circle the block like you would downtown.
Naperville already tempts city folks with its riverwalk and busy downtown. Add a plate of fried ravioli, and the drive from Chicago starts looking like a very smart plan.
Address: 2523 Plainfield-Naperville Rd, Naperville, IL 60564
2. Disotto
Highwood is a small town with a big appetite, and Disotto fits right in. The restaurant on Green Bay Road serves artisanal pizza and pasta with plenty of North Shore charm.
Start with the Pappardelle Bolognese if you love wide ribbons of pasta. The carbonara gets serious love too, and so does the tiramisu.
The menu feels both creative and classic. That’s a tricky balance, and it gives you a reason to return and try something new.
Vegetarians get a full menu instead of one lonely option. Healthy choices and small plates make it easy to share around the table.
The dining room leans romantic, so date night is an obvious fit. Servers bring real enthusiasm and offer smart suggestions when the menu gets hard to narrow down.
Weekends add a bonus for early risers. Saturday and Sunday open at 11 AM, and brunch is on the schedule.
Weeknights run from 5 to 9:30 PM Monday through Thursday, and Friday stays open until 10 PM. Saturday also goes until 10 PM, while Sunday closes at 8 PM.
Reservations are recommended for both brunch and dinner. Saturday evening is the busiest stretch, so book ahead if that’s your window.
When the weather cooperates, outdoor seating opens up. Dogs are welcome outside, which means your pup can tag along for the trip.
Coffee here earns its own praise, too. It makes a sweet partner for that tiramisu at the end of the meal.
Catering is offered for events at home. A private dining room also makes Disotto a solid pick for bigger celebrations.
Highwood sits snugly between Highland Park and Lake Forest. After a bowl of Bolognese, a slow North Shore drive home sounds pretty perfect.
Address: 310 Green Bay Rd, Highwood, IL 60040
3. Livia Italian Eatery
Nonna’s Chicken Parm sounds like a dish with family stories baked right in. At Livia Italian Eatery, it shares the spotlight with a hearty Pasta Bolognese.
Geneva sits along the Fox River, west of the city. Livia holds a spot on South 3rd Street in the town’s walkable downtown.
The space is intimate and modern. It feels upscale without being stuffy, which works for date night or lunch with your mom.
Appetizers deserve your attention first. Whipped ricotta and zucchini fritters are two standouts that set the tone nicely.
For a main course with some swagger, look for the New Zealand lamb chops. They’re a fun change of pace if you usually stick to pasta.
Vegetarians get a full menu, and small plates make sharing simple. Happy hour food adds another reason to swing by early.
Servers know the menu well and enjoy talking you through it. That helps when you’re torn between fritters and ricotta.
Live music shows up on the calendar, too. Check ahead if you’d like dinner with a soundtrack.
Lunch is a real option, since doors open at 11 AM daily. Livia closes at 9 PM most nights and stays open until 10 PM on Friday and Saturday.
Saturday afternoon into evening brings the biggest rush. Reservations are recommended for dinner and brunch, so plan accordingly.
Outdoor dining is part of the deal in warmer months. A private dining room handles bigger groups, and catering can bring Livia to your next gathering.
Geneva’s downtown is full of shops worth browsing. Make a day of it, then finish with dessert here before heading back to Chicago.
Address: 207 S 3rd St, Geneva, IL 60134
4. Pazzi Di Pizza Elmhurst
Somebody imported a wood-burning oven so Elmhurst could eat proper Neapolitan pizza. Pazzi Di Pizza built its menu around that fiery centerpiece.
The restaurant sits on York Street in downtown Elmhurst. Inside, the dining room is modern and comfortable, with a family-style approach to the meal.
Neapolitan pies are the headliners, of course. Thin-crust pizza is also on hand for anyone who prefers a crispier bite.
Pizza is only half the story, though. The lemon chicken and the pasta in vodka sauce both earn loud praise.
Baked clams are another dish worth flagging. They’re a nice way to start before the pizzas land.
Want flexibility? Vegetarians get a full menu, and small plates let you graze instead of committing to one big entree.
Hours shift through the week, so check before you go. Monday and Tuesday run 4 to 9 PM, while Wednesday and Thursday open at 11 AM and close at 10 PM.
Friday and Saturday also start at 11 AM and stretch until 11 PM. Sunday is a day off, so don’t plan a lazy Sunday pizza run here.
Late-night food makes those weekend hours extra handy. Live music and big games on TV can turn dinner into a whole evening.
A patio offers fresh air when Illinois weather plays nice. Dinner reservations are recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Elmhurst is an easy hop west from the city. With a wood-fired pie waiting at the end, it barely counts as a road trip at all.
Address: 105 S York St, Elmhurst, IL 60126
5. Piacere Mio Italian Restaurant
Gnocchi so soft they’ve been compared to cotton ball pillows? That’s the kind of reputation Piacere Mio carries on Madison Street.
Forest Park sits right on the edge of Chicago’s west side. That makes this one of the shortest drives on the list, which is great news for impatient stomachs.
The kitchen focuses on fresh, house-made pasta and seafood. Linguine with clams is a rich, flavorful standout from that side of the menu.
Meatballs and tiramisu are two more favorites. One starts the meal strong, and the other ends it on a sweet note.
Plant-based diners can find vegetable-focused options here, although anyone following a strictly vegan diet should check ingredients and available substitutions before ordering.
The room feels refined and romantic, yet still friendly. It’s welcoming to families, groups, and LGBTQ+ guests alike.
Live music adds some extra sparkle on certain nights. It pairs well with a slow plate of pasta and nowhere to be.
Doors open at 4 PM daily. Service runs until 9 PM Sunday through Thursday and until 10 PM on Friday and Saturday.
Saturday evening into night is the busiest time. Dinner reservations are recommended, so lock in a table before you leave the house.
Outdoor seating is available when the weather allows. Madison Street makes a fun stroll before or after dinner, with shops and other businesses lining the strip.
Takeout and delivery are options for nights at home. Still, those pillowy gnocchi taste best when you’re sitting right there in the dining room.
Address: 7636 Madison St, Forest Park, IL 60130
6. Ottimo
Crab cakes at an Italian trattoria might raise an eyebrow, until you hear they come crispy on the outside. Ottimo likes to surprise you a little.
The restaurant sits on LaGrange Road in Orland Park, a southwest suburb with plenty of shopping nearby. Inside, the space feels rustic, with an upscale edge.
Handmade pasta anchors the menu. The kitchen also leans on locally sourced ingredients, which keeps flavors fresh and seasonal.
Seafood fans have options beyond those crab cakes. Perfectly cooked scallops and tender calamari both earn high marks.
Portions run huge and well seasoned. Don’t be shy about asking for a box, because leftovers make an excellent next-day lunch.
Vegetarians can relax, since there’s a full vegetarian menu. Dessert is another strength, so pace yourself.
The mood tends to be quiet and calm. That’s a gift if you want a dinner where conversation doesn’t require shouting.
Hours take some planning. Monday runs 4 to 8 PM, while Tuesday and Wednesday stretch to 8:30 PM.
Thursday and Friday open at noon for lunch. Thursday closes at 8:30 PM, Friday at 9 PM, Saturday runs 4 to 9 PM, and Sunday goes 4 to 8 PM.
Friday and Saturday evenings draw the biggest crowds. Dinner reservations are recommended for those nights.
Outdoor seating opens up in nicer weather. Dogs are welcome out there, which is handy if your four-legged foodie rides along.
Address: 16111 LaGrange Rd, Orland Park, IL 60467
7. Rocco’s Little Italy
Lasagna with a meatball on top is the kind of order that tells you exactly where you are. Rocco’s Little Italy doesn’t do half measures.
This family-run spot on West 159th Street in Tinley Park focuses on Southern Italian cooking. Think home-style dishes that taste like something Mom used to make.
The menu sticks to traditional favorites, done with care. Chicken Marsala and a classic plate of spaghetti are two easy wins.
Then there’s the Garbage Salad. Don’t let the name scare you, because it’s a much-loved Chicago-area style of chopped salad.
Save room for tiramisu. Dessert is a highlight here, and the tiramisu sits near the top of the list.
Vegetarians aren’t left out, thanks to a full vegetarian menu. That makes group dinners much easier to plan.
Speaking of groups, Rocco’s works well for family functions. Catering is also available if the party is happening at your place.
Hours need a careful look. The restaurant is closed Monday and Tuesday, then opens Wednesday and Thursday from 3:30 to 8:30 PM.
Friday runs 3:30 to 9:30 PM, and Saturday goes from 4 to 9:30 PM. Sunday opens at 3 PM and closes at 8 PM, perfect for an early family dinner.
Delivery isn’t offered, but takeout is. Dinner reservations are recommended, so call ahead before you make the trek.
Outdoor seating is available on pleasant days. Prices stay reasonable, which leaves more room in the budget for that extra meatball.
Address: 7907 W 159th St, Tinley Park, IL 60477
8. DeNucci’s Hinsdale
New York-style pizza in a Chicago suburb sounds like a friendly rivalry waiting to happen. DeNucci’s leans right into it in downtown Hinsdale.
The restaurant sits on East 1st Street, steps from the village’s charming shops. Hinsdale is one of the most historic suburbs west of the city, with a downtown made for strolling.
Two things headline the menu here. You’ll find homemade pasta and big New York-style pies.
That combo makes DeNucci’s a crowd-pleaser. Half the table can fold a slice while the other half twirls noodles.
The setting gets praise for being beautiful. Even so, the overall mood stays casual and relaxed.
Groups fit in easily, and kids are welcome. It’s a solid choice when the whole family wants Italian but can’t agree on the details.
Craving something fast? The menu works for a quick bite, and service moves at a good clip.
Dinner hours run 4:30 to 9:30 PM Sunday through Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, the kitchen stays open until 10:30 PM.
Friday evening brings the biggest crowd. If you prefer elbow room, aim for an earlier weeknight dinner.
Outdoor seating lets you enjoy downtown Hinsdale on a nice evening. Takeout and delivery cover the nights you’d rather eat on the couch.
Save a little room for dessert before you go. Then take a short walk around the block, because Hinsdale’s downtown is too pretty to rush past.
Address: 8 E 1st St, Hinsdale, IL 60521
9. Francesca’s Tavola
Nonna’s Meatballs are a strong opening act at Francesca’s Tavola. They set the tone for a menu built on pizza, pasta, and Italian staples.
The restaurant is part of the Mia Francesca family of Italian spots. This location sits on South Arlington Heights Road, right in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights.
Pasta lovers have plenty to chew on. Ravioli Ai Funghi brings mushrooms into the mix, while Gnocchi Alla Norcina is another menu highlight.
Portions are generous, so sharing is smart. Gluten-free options are also available, which helps when not every diner eats the same way.
Vegans and vegetarians each get a full menu. That’s a rare treat at an Italian restaurant and worth knowing in advance.
The feel is upscale yet relaxed. You can dress up for a date or roll in after a long workday.
Lunch is easy to fit in, since doors open at 11:30 AM daily. Service runs until 9:30 PM Sunday through Thursday and until 10 PM on Friday and Saturday.
Brunch is also on the menu. A private dining room helps with showers, graduations, and other big milestones.
Saturday evening is the busiest window. Dinner reservations are recommended if you’re coming from the city.
Downtown Arlington Heights has shops and a Metra station nearby, so you can even skip the car. Hop the train, grab a seat, and let Nonna’s Meatballs reward the ride.
Address: 208 S Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60005
10. Campagnola
Exposed brick, local ingredients, and simple cooking make a quiet power move at Campagnola. The Evanston restaurant proves that fewer tricks can mean more flavor.
You’ll find it on Chicago Avenue, just north of the city line. That’s close enough for a spontaneous dinner, as long as you planned ahead for a table.
Reservations are recommended and sometimes required. Treat this one like a concert ticket and book before you go.
The menu celebrates seasonal, rustic Italian cooking. Dishes change with what’s fresh, so each visit can feel a little different.
Fresh pasta is a core strength, with pappardelle among the highlights. Braised short ribs are another favorite when you want something hearty.
Appetizers lean inventive, while the mains stay classic. It’s a balance that keeps both adventurous eaters and traditionalists happy.
Family meal specials are a fun bonus. They bring large portions at friendly prices, with sides like white grilled polenta and green beans, plus dessert.
Servers know the menu well and happily guide you. The setting feels romantic and upscale without getting fussy.
Hours require attention, since Monday is closed. Tuesday through Thursday runs 5:30 to 9 PM, Friday and Saturday go 5 to 9:30 PM, and Sunday runs 5 to 8:30 PM.
Delivery isn’t offered, but takeout is available. Evanston has a lakefront and plenty of walkable streets, so plan a stroll before dinner.
Address: 815 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL 60202
11. La Dolce Vita of Lemont
Look up when you sit down at La Dolce Vita of Lemont. The restaurant occupies a historic building dating back to 1871, with old-world character that makes dinner feel like a little trip through time.
That ceiling sits inside a historic building on Stephen Street in downtown Lemont. Stone walls and white tablecloths complete a setting that feels like a small slice of the old world.
The lighting stays dim and inviting. It’s the kind of room that makes a regular Tuesday feel like an anniversary.
Date nights and celebrations fit right in here. So does a random craving for classic Italian food.
The menu sticks to classic Italian dishes done well. Pork chops, shrimp, and pasta all show up among the favorites.
Vegetarians can choose from a full vegetarian menu. Dessert and coffee both rank as strong ways to end the night.
The servers have a reputation for being attentive and funny. A good laugh with dinner never hurts.
Doors open at 4 PM Monday through Saturday. Service runs until 9 PM Monday through Thursday and 10 PM on Friday and Saturday, while Sunday goes from 3 to 8 PM.
Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest times. Dinner reservations are recommended, especially for special occasions.
Outdoor seating offers another option on pleasant nights. A private dining room is ready for bigger gatherings, and catering is available too.
Lemont is one of the older towns in Illinois, with a downtown worth exploring. Arrive early, wander a bit, then let that 1800s ceiling crown your meal.
Address: 107 Stephen St, Lemont, IL 60439
12. Francesca’s Fortunato
Signature vodka pasta is the calling card at Francesca’s Fortunato. Few dishes make a stronger case for a road trip to Frankfort.
The restaurant sits on Kansas Street in Frankfort’s historic downtown. It’s part of the Mia Francesca family, and it brings that familiar style to the southwest suburbs.
The patio is the star when the weather cooperates. Ambient lighting turns an outdoor dinner into a lovely evening.
Colder months bring their own perk. A fireplace gives you a reason to visit after the patio season ends.
The menu goes beyond that famous vodka pasta. Fresh pasta, seafood, and steak all have a place.
Carpaccio and truffle fries make a fun pair of starters. Pizza Napoletana is another crowd-pleaser for the table.
Vegans and vegetarians each get a full menu. Healthy options help balance out a plate of truffle fries.
Lunch is easy, since doors open at 11:30 AM daily. Service runs until 9:30 PM Sunday through Thursday and until 10 PM on Friday and Saturday.
Brunch reservations and dinner reservations are both recommended. Friday and Saturday evenings bring the biggest crowds.
Birthdays and date nights are a natural fit here. A private dining room can handle bigger parties, too.
Frankfort’s downtown makes a charming place to wrap up a day trip in Illinois. Finish with dessert on the patio, and the drive home will fly by.
Address: 40 Kansas St, Frankfort, IL 60423
Share this story
