If your Italian dinners consist of boxed spaghetti and frozen meatballs, it’s time to get out and explore what the Chicagoland area has to offer. While downtown is known for great Italian food, there are plenty of delicious spots near Skokie for some amazing Italian fare. Here are our favorites.
Nonno Pino’s
- Address: 6718 N. Northwest Highway, Chicago
Located in the Edison Park neighborhood, Nono Pino’s is a casual Italian restaurant that features family recipes passed down through generations. Their culinary influences hail from the southern regions of Italy, bursting with bright, bold flavors. We especially love the Pino Puffs appetizer — shredded zucchini and 3 cheeses formed into a light puffy ball, served with besciamella sauce.
Nonna Silvia’s Trattoria & Pizzeria
- Address: 1400 Canfield Road, Park Ridge
Nonna Silvia’s in Park Ridge is an ideal place to dine for an authentic taste of Italy. A family-owned restaurant named for Grandma (Nonna) Silvia Giannini, Nonna’s features many dishes from the hometown of Nonna – Abruzzi/Molise. Don’t miss the delicious Pei Mussels in tomato broth, topped with fresh basil, chili and served with a garlic crostini for dipping.
Maggiano’s Little Italy
- Address: Old Orchard Mall, Skokie
After opening downtown more than 30 years ago, Maggiano’s was an instant success, branching out into various locations in the suburbs. Skokie families will enjoy simple, authentic classic dishes, like rigatoni, eggplant parmesan and baked ziti. The whole family will enjoy the mini dessert sampler, which features individual portions of every dessert on the menu, including tiramisu, butter cake, cheesecake, creme brulee and warm apple crostada.
Bar Siena
- Address: Old Orchard Mall, Skokie
Owned by fan favorite Top Chef contestant Fabio Viviani, Bar Siena pays homage to various regions of Italy. The red mosaic tile pizza oven bearing the name “Bella,” was handmade and imported from Italy, and reaches temperatures of over 600 degrees. Bar Siena’s dining options are ideal for sharing. While pastas and pizzas make up most of the menu, other standouts include roasted half brick chicken diavolo and sea bass Milanese.
Pasta D’Arte
- Address: 6311 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
This quaint Norwood Park eatery features regional favorites from all over Italy, offering fresh pastas, seafood, meat and game dishes. A bread basket featuring a homemade giardiniera spread will hold guests until the appetizers or entrees arrive. Popular dishes include D’Asparagi (roasted asparagus with fresh tomato, gorgonzola cheese and olive oil), Vongole Gratinate (pasta with clams) and lasagna bolognese. The restaurant comes alive in the summer, as Pasta D’Arte has a beautiful courtyard with a retractable roof.
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