Location: Elmwood Park
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Where to eat Italian food in Elmwood Park: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Reviews on Italian food in Elmwood Park, Illinois, United States. Elmwood Park is a village in Cook County, Illinois, United States. The population was 24,883 at the 2010 census. The community has long maintained a large Italian-American population, with a more recent influx of Polish-American and Hispanic residents.
Things to do in Elmwood Park
10. Gaetano's & Ristorantino Mediterraneo
Overall Ratings
5 based on 101 reviews
Analyzing who Gaetano is, and where he comes from (Bagheria, Sicily), he decided to go back to his roots and the basic fundamentals of Mediterranean cuisine, honoring the chefâs who taught him, his parents, and his mentor, Francesco Paolo Sanmarco, the pr
Reviewed By Taylor B
In 2011, owner/chef Gaetano Di Benedetto of Gaetano's in Forest Park was presented the distinguished "Ospitalita Italiana" award by the Italian government for his "authentic" Italian restaurant, an honor that only 600 restaurants worldwide have achieved. It figures. Gaetano's is unique with appetizers like crab cake cannelloni dei Cesari or desserts like tiramisu and home-made limoncello. Located at 7636 Madison Street, Gaetano's specializes in old school Italian cooking with classic recipes. Opened in 1978, Gaetano's serves from 5 to 9:30 Monday through Thursday and 4:30 to 10:30 Friday and Saturday. My wife and I opted for the a la carte menu. We started with spicy shrimp bisque with house-made Italian sausage, baby mixed greens tossed with sliced tomatoes, cucumber and red onion with sweet mustard vinaigrette, caramelized almonds, crispy pasta and carrots, and shrimp sauteed with caramelized garlic, gorgonzola and a touch of cream served in a puff pastry. Can it get better than this? Yes. For entrees, we chose one of Gaetano's specialties, the veal chop stuffed with crab meat sauteed with garlic, shrimp, gorgonzola fondue served over mashed potatoes, and the provimi veal scaloppine sauteed with shallots, garlic, assorted wild and exotic mushrooms, soaked with Marsala-white wine sauce and served with mashed potatoes. For dessert, what else but tiramisu? For a fine dining experience at an Italian restaurant, it doesn't get any better than this.
9. Jim and Pete's
Overall Ratings
4 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By 801natalief
This place is in the neighborhood so it is convenient. Had a pizza from there last Saturday and then ordered pasta on Sunday. The Pizza, 18 inch cheese and sausage was delicious. Perfect amount of cheese and cooked properly. We had leftovers for a few days. The pasta, baked rigatoni, was only fair. It did not have a lot of flavor. The amount of food was plentiful but wished for more flavor than food. Also had the garlic bread, I would skip that all together next time.
8. Carlucci Rosemont
Overall Ratings
4 based on 939 reviews
Consistently among Chicago's top Italian dining destinations and a Chicagoland area hot spot, Carlucci proudly celebrates over 25 years in the restaurant and private dining industry. With close proximity to O'Hare airport, area hotels, and Rosemont's thri
Reviewed By Colafina
Host was friendly. But that was the highlight. Checked my suitcase (came straight from airport) but when I was leaving the closet door was open and no one was watching over it. Food was below average. Had the âspecialâ of risotto with sliced filet mignon which was basically cut up well done small pieces of meat mixed in with rice. Colleague said swordfish was dry as a bone. We had a separate room and restaurant was accommodating but the food really needs work.Dear Colafina,Thank you for your feedback. We take every single review seriously and will share your experience with the entire team. It is extremely unusual that the closet is ever left unattended. I have addressed that immediately. Regarding the food, we are so disappointed to hear that the food did not meet your expectations. We of course hope that you will allow us another opportunity to make your impression right. If you would like to discuss this with me further please reach out.
7. Cucina Paradiso
Overall Ratings
4 based on 132 reviews
Cucina Paradiso is a regional Italian restaurant, meaning that we create weekly menu changes from the Northern part of Italy all the way down to the Southern part. All in a modern, contemporary dining room along with a professional staff.
Reviewed By Zlch0c
Our family of four with two teen boys were out for dinner in Oak Park due to another event near there, and looked for an Italian restaurant. This had great reviews already. We are more great experiences to share. They provided breads with 3 different kids and olive oil with parmasean cheese and 4 olives that were soaked and slight pepper flavor. A great start. We started with the fried calamari and the brussel sprouts. The brussel sprouts were Amazing - with lemon and parmasean cheese on top. My son and I then tried the lobster bisque. This was different that most, with a brown color. It was broth based instead of heavy cream, and we both loved it. It was larger than cup for sure also. The best story was when my son commented that the soup only came with 1 toasted piece of bread, and about 30 seconds later the waitress showed up and asked if he'd like a few more pieces of bread to go with the soup. Wow! It's like she read his mind. Then I ordered the Pear pizza, which was very sweet and tasty. I only finished about 1/2 of it. My husband ordered the Margarita and similarly only finished half. Our teen sons, both over 6'3" who usually finish all meals, got the "full" portion size of pasta and both did not finish. Both the shells and the spaghetti bolognese were excellent. We didn't have room for dessert, so we got our leftovers to go.
6. Agostino's Ristorante
Overall Ratings
4 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By SuAnneL_13
This is a great southern Italian restaurant! Each dish uses the freshest, ripest, most delicious ingredients. We have been twice in 5 days its that good. For starters The ricotta stuffed zucchini flowers were perfect. The caprese salad with buffalo imported mozzarella, the ripest tomatoes large basil leaves and prosciutto was heavenly although pricey ($22.00). We've had pasta putenesca, sea food linguini, a special cavetelli with sausage and rapini and the chicken parmigiana. Each was perfectly prepared and sauces. At the end of the meal fresh, ripe fruit is gratis. We felt as though we were back in Naples.
5. Da Luciano
Overall Ratings
4 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By Traderjoey
While we came ostensibly for the gluten free options, the overall food experience was wonderful. My GF loved the separate menu and all the choices. She asked if they could make something NOT on the menu, Shrimp Parmesanâ¦.turns out they could and she loved it...pasta was served on the side. On the non-GF front, I couldnât decide between the eggplant parmesan and Rigotoni Boscaiola, so I order half portions of each! I loved them both. The GF clams were more breading than clams, but it was nice to have the GF option. We hope to be back here soon. GF bread and deserts also available.
4. The Original Nottoli & Son Sausage Shop & Deli
Overall Ratings
5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By Guy K
This place makes the kind of italian sausage Chicagoans all over the world wish they could find. Simple, course ground pork, fennel (gotta have fennel), salt, pepper, little else. Nothing fancy, just stuffed gold!They have mild, mild with fennel, hot, xx hot and garlic. Subs are amazing on awesome crusty bread. Will be bringing lots of sauage back to Atlanta with me. Raised in Chicago, jonesing for a taste of home no more.
3. Il Vicolo Trattoria
Overall Ratings
4 based on 133 reviews
Reviewed By RockeRoanoke
Arrived at opening and we were warmly greeted by Roberto. After viewing the menu and given warm bread with olive oil, Roberto answered some menu questions. We ordered and thoroughly enjoyed Gnocchi alla Vodka and Penne Prosciutto e Piselli. Both meals were EXCELLENT and presented well.
2. Lou Malnatiâs Pizzeria
Overall Ratings
4 based on 269 reviews
Reviewed By Eric H
This would be great pizza if it were the 1970s, and your other options were Little Caesarâs and Dominos. However, in the 21st Cenrtury, there are so many better options, even among national chains. Visitors to Chicago who feel compelled to try Chicago deep dish will find it here. Just donât confuse it with GOOD pizza. Hi Eric, we are sorry to see you had a disappointing experience with us. We would love to hear from you about this more directly. What could we have done better? Please click the link to fill out the corresponding information. We are looking forward to hearing from you and truly appreciate your patience with us. http://bit.ly/LousCrew Best, Michelle Martinez Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
1. Forno Rosso Pizzeria Napoletana
Overall Ratings
5 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By lys s
The pizza at this restaurant is absolutely delicious! The ingredients are fresh and full of flavor. My person favorite is the Buffalina pizza and my boyfriend loves the Tres Carne. Also hands down the best cannoli I have ever had in my life (and I've been to Italy). The fries are delicious as well. I can't say enough good things about this place. If you're debating on trying this place don't wait any longer! Also the pizza reheats really well so you can always take leftovers home and enjoy the pizza again!
