Italian Restaurants in Illinois
When Guy Fieri’s iconic red Camaro rolls into Illinois, you can bet he’s hunting for some serious Italian flavor—and the Land of Lincoln delivers in a big way. Over the years, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives has featured 10 Italian restaurants across the state, with the Windy City claiming eight of those coveted spots. From 2009 to 2025, Guy has uncovered everything from old-school red sauce joints to innovative Sicilian street food, and not a single one has closed its doors since their Triple D debut.
The numbers speak for themselves: these establishments boast an impressive average rating of 4.5 stars, with standouts like Sfera Sicilian Street Food leading the pack at 4.8 stars, bringing authentic Palermo-style cuisine to Chicago’s streets. La Scarola, another Chicago gem, earns 4.6 stars for its classic Italian-American dishes, while Rex Italian Foods holds it down in Norridge with equally stellar reviews. Whether you’re craving handmade pasta, crispy arancini, or a perfect chicken parm, Guy’s Illinois Italian picks prove that Flavortown extends well beyond the coasts.
Sfera Sicilian Street Food
Still Open
Chicago, Illinois
La Scarola
Still Open
Chicago, Illinois
Rex Italian Foods
Still Open
Norridge, Illinois
Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap
Still Open
Chicago, Illinois
The Shanty
Still Open
Wadsworth, Illinois
The Original Vito & Nick’s Pizzeria
Still Open
Chicago, Illinois
Panozzo’s Italian Market
Still Open
Chicago, Illinois