Top Best Italian Restaurants in Downers Grove

"There are three floors to explore at this modern riverfront steakhouse, which deals in premium cuts, decadent handmade pastas and classic Italian eats. The handsome dining room is hard to forget, but as soon as you see the views—an eyeful of the Chicago River and world-class architecture—you might have trouble concentrating on your date. Center the conversation with a bottle of bubbly and an order of tiramisu."

"Steaks , Italian"

"A chic, brick-accented spot inspired by red-sauce joints of the 1950s The B. Hospitality guys (The Bristol, Balena, and Nonna's) opened the doors to their sprawling Randolph Street restaurant back in 2015 and have been serving up well-executed takes on mid-century, southern Italian cuisine ever since -- even with a menu overhaul leaning toward lighter, seafood- and veggie-focused fare a year later. The dining room's old-school vibe -- complete with crimson banquette seating, white tablecloths, and black-and-white photos -- invites diners to try pasta dishes inspired by the classics like rigatoni, in which the ricotta-topped pasta covered in a pork neck gravy is accompanied by spicy fennel sausage and fluffy meatballs."

"Located in the Fulton Market District, Formento’s is an authentic Italian restaurant that serves traditional and classic Italian dishes alongside new Italian-American favorites. Inspired by the age-old tradition of an Italian ‘Sunday-supper gathering,’ Chef/Partner Tony Quartaro has created a menu that takes diners into the heart of an Italian Cucina – think porcini bruschetta and Nona’s meatballs for lunch and wood-fired zucchini and pesto Giovanni for dinner. Desserts include handmade gelato and chocolate cake, while a world-class wine menu features over 600 varietals from around the world, ensuring guests will find the perfect accompaniment to the cuisine."

"Opened in January 2015, Formento’s is among the best Italian restaurants in Chicago. It serves an array of dishes with flavors deeply rooted in classic Italian recipes with a modern twist. The interior has a classic feel to it, with large leather booths and white tablecloths."

"When Chicago Cubs coach Joe Maddon and acclaimed chef Tony Mantuano pair up to open a restaurant, people pay attention. The resulting Maddon’s Post is family-friendly, with childhood classics showing both Polish and Italian influences, as well as plenty of the pasta that Mantuano is known for. Kids will love the paczkis in flavors like peanut butter-banana or strawberry jam."

"Located in what many call the "real" Little Italy, Bruna's Ristorante is a mainstay in the Oakley Avenue area and has been satisfying voracious appetites since 1933. Their longstanding history in the neighborhood is more than enough proof of their culinary prowess, but for the doubters, one bite is all it takes to squash all doubt. Bruna's has got all things Italian covered with their exceptionally tender veal limone and a great selection of pastas."

"Restaurants Italian Lower West Side. This old-school favorite opened its doors in the Heart of Italy neighborhood in 1933, which almost explains the faded travel posters and weary saloon decor. But the kitchen is far from tired, going beyond typical pastas and parmigianas to specialize in rustic dishes from Siena."

"Located in the Heart of Italy, this old school restaurant has been serving hearty Italian fare since 1933. The excellent tiramisu is composed of espresso-soaked ladyfingers layered with sweetened mascarpone cream and cocoa powder. Just like Bruna’s, the dessert is a timeless classic that diners keep coming back to."

"Ranalli's has heaters for its patio in Lincoln Park, but the pizza and pasta restaurant's website still advises, "Dress warm, Chicago." (Ranalli's/Ranalli's). The famed large patio in Lincoln Park is equipped with heaters for outdoor dining. The hot pizzas should also help."

"Sit back in an Adirondack chair and cozy up near a fire pit while sipping one of many specialty winter cocktails. Warm up your vocal cords for weekend karaoke."

"Located in the luxurious Raffaello Hotel in the heart of the city, Pelago is a hidden gem. It puts a modern twist on traditional Northern and Southern Italian pasta and seafood dis..."

"Pelago is part of the Raffaello boutique hotel in Streeterville and serves some of the most elegant and refined fine dining cuisine in all of Chicago. He is also the owner of the s..."

"They combine to create a modern dining experience at Pelago. Simple yet soft colors and refined elements, highlighted by the..."

"Restaurants Bakeries Bridgeport. This iconic Polish bakery closed in October 2019 after decades of serving pączki, doughnuts, cookies and other candy-colored sweets to its fans. Thankfully, new ownership swept in and restored the spot to its former glory."

"If you’re wondering what happened to Bridgeport Bakery 1.0, it closed. But thankfully version 2.0 has the same delicious treats as the original. And while they have a lot of baked goods besides donuts, we like coming here for their long johns and bismarks."

"Another great place to spend leisure time in idle chit-chat with besties while enjoying delectable vegan foods. It is a worry-free cafe as it only serves plant-based foods that are vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. Although the menus are made of edible plants, they do not taste bland."

"I can’t believe it’s seitan,” is what you might be saying after a bowl of chili, piled-high Reuben or taco salad that are all completely vegan. Cashew cheese, faux bacon and organic tempeh are used to make every item meat- and dairy-free."

"This popular restaurant chain runs several vegan restaurants in Chicago. This restaurant never disappoints!. If you are in the mood for nachos or burgers, or you want something simple like soup or chili, this restaurant has you covered."

"Peeled is proof that here in Chicago we do choose healthy options (sometimes.) The best way to start your day or end a workout is a Peeled smoothie or açaí bowl."