Top Best Italian Restaurants in Oak Park

"Curved silver booths and vibrant artwork on the walls greet diners at this River West Italian eatery. It’s the sibling restaurant of Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse, a Chicago icon and c..."

"Technically an Italian steakhouse, Gibsons features a large lunch menu with a large variety for diners with a variety of..."

"Situated in the hip and busy Fulton Market District in Chicago's West Loop, Formento's is, at its core, a homage to traditional Italian home cooking. Executive Chef Todd Stein features the light and bright flavors of Italy with the best ingredients he can get his hands on. Meanwhile, the recipes are all based on traditional family recipes from the owner's grandmother, while Chef Todd contributes new-age dishes to the menu as well."

"Next on our list of the best desserts in Chicago, it’s Formento’s. Formento’s is a really great restaurant in it’s own right (and definitely a place to enjoy a fancy date night), but you absolutely want to go here for their famous chocolate cake. Just take a look at the photo below and tell us you don’t want to get stuck in!"

"Formento's offers delivery and pick-up for seasonal Italian cuisine. Enjoy a varied menu of starters, pastas, fish and meats for Formento's To-Go, and of course their famous chocolate cake for dessert!. Formento's also sells select wines and beer for delivery."

"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."

"This newer delicious hotspot comes from the same owners as Maple and Ash. Located in Wicker Park, Etta is known for its mediterranean-leaning menu with lots of tasty wood-fired options like pizza and the “bubbling shrimp.” The large second floor terrace offers the same menu and warm breezes above North Avenue."

"Forget a Tiffany necklace, this massive stained-glass masterpiece at the Chicago Cultural Center is thought to be the largest Tiffany dome in existence."

"Located on the lakefront just south of Jackson Park, this park has 65 acres of green space and is home to the South Shore Cultural Center, originally built in 1095 as a country club. Today, the center is a historic landmark maintained by the Chicago Park District and offers a large variety of cultural programs, including classes for all ages in culinary arts, music, dance, and visual arts, as well as special events throughout the year. The parkland surrounding the center includes a golf course, acres of green grass dotted with shade trees, a beach, and the South Shore Nature Sanctuary."

"Originally built as the South Shore Country Club, this South Side icon was penned by architects Marshall and Fox in 1905. Purchased by the Chicago Park District in 1975 and renamed as the South Shore Cultural Center, the landmarked Mediterranean Revival building features painstakingly restored historic details, a grandiose ballroom, and golf course. It remains a popular venue for weddings and other large events."

"The South Shore Cultural Center is a great example of what the South Side has to offer. The sprawling landscape surrounding the center features manicured gardens, a golf course, nature paths, a butterfly garden, and picnic areas. Next to the former country club is a wild, overgrown nature preserve with a fire circle and views of Lake Michigan and the city."

"This museum and memorial tells the story of Khmer Rouge and the Killing Field through multimedia displays, archives, narratives, and a collection of monumental and authentic artifacts. Guided tours are available so you can learn more about what happened during the Cambodian Civil War. Hours are subject to change, so they advise that you call prior to visiting (773-878-7090)."

"It doesn’t get any more old school than Chicago’s oldest family-owned bakery, which has been servicing Humboldt Park sweet tooths since 1911. As a specialty, Roeser’s offers low-glycemic options for birthday boys and girls who could benefit from reduced sugar, carbs and calories. Follow the bakery’s iconic neon sign to find cakes baked using recipes perfected over 4 generations with culinary skills to decorate to any theme you could possibly imagine, including a wide variety of licensed character cakes."

"Roeser’s Bakery is the ancient family-owned bakery still in the same location in Chicago. They are now in their fourth generation, with John C. Roeser IV leading the way. They are truly passionate about what they do, you can see it in the wide variety of products they offer."

"One of Chicago's oldest food purveyors, venerable Roeser's Bakery has been in business in Humboldt Park for more than 100 years. Beautiful custom cakes and tortes are a specialty, but don't miss the cookies and holiday items at this long-running local institution."

"You can find fried dough here 24 hours a day, and when you try these pillowy pastries, you’ll find a good reason to come back at all hours of the day and night. If it’s your first time, go for a box of the original glazed yeast donuts, which basically melt in your mouth."

"Dat Donut is next on our list of the best desserts in Chicago. Dat Donut is one of the most famous donut places in Chicago, and it’s a city institution!. They have a huge range of flavors, and the donuts are absolutely delicious."

"Glazed and Infused’s classic doughnuts are sugar heaven, but their specialty doughnuts for holidays and special occasions are the real treat. The jumbo sprinkle doughnut is also a great birthday surprise."

"Logan Square/Lincoln Park Known for their inventive takes on the brewing process and the eccentric flavor combinations in their beers, Off Color is on the rise thanks to the relentless pursuit of excellent from its founders: former Goose Island barrel-age brewer John Laffler and Dave Bleitner, formerly of Warrenville’s Two Brothers. While the brewery has only been around since 2013, it raised its profile with the recent unveiling of The Mousetrap tap room in Lincoln Park. Highly regarded for their focus on brewing forgotten styles of ales, stop into The Mousetrap and try some of their latest (and weirdest) small-batch specials.Must-try beer: Brewed with grain and sugar to create a hazy, golden body, their popular Apex Predator farmhouse ale pairs superior drinkability with a dry finish and fruity bite."

"Another Chicago staples, Off Color was founded in 2013 by John Laffler (formerly of Goose Island Brewery) and Dave Bleitner (formerly of Two Brothers Brewing). As you might expect, the pedigree of the founders is obvious in Off Color Brewing’s mature and technically excellent beers, which lean toward European styles. While the beers are serious, the branding is fun, leading to a very silly and unique taproom experience at both the original location and The Mousetrap, located on the North Branch Canal just west of the Old Town neighborhood."

"Off Color Brewing's taphouse, Mouseroom has a beautiful indoor and patio for you to enjoy their signature drafts, canned beer, as well as seasonal and foedre aged specials. Seating is on a first-come-first-served basis, so head on over or place an order for pick-up or delivery here."