The Absolute Best Italian Restaurants in Arlington Heights [Updated 2024]

Having reviewed a diverse selection of 12 local establishments, I can confidently say that Arlington Heights is a hidden gem for Italian cuisine.

Whether you're in the mood for a classic spaghetti and meatballs or something more adventurous, this town has something to satisfy every palate.

From family-run trattorias to upscale dining experiences, I’ve tasted it all and am eager to share my insights with you.

Join me as we explore the flavorful dishes, inviting atmospheres, and unique stories behind these beloved restaurants that truly showcase the essence of Italian cooking.

Toscana Restaurant & Lounge

Highlights
Great lunch menu
Quick and courteous service
Delicious food
Preferred over Maggiano's
Recommended ravioli and bruschetta

Toscana Restaurant & Lounge is an absolute gem tucked away in Arlington Heights, and my recent visit was nothing short of delightful! The lunch menu is simply stellar, offering a variety of options that are both delectable and generous in portion. I found myself torn between the savory ravioli and the perfectly seasoned bruschetta, both of which came highly recommended—and let me tell you, they did not disappoint!

What truly set my experience apart was the quick and courteous service. My server greeted me with a warm smile and ensured I was taken care of throughout my meal. In a bustling restaurant scene, it’s refreshing to find a place that values both quality food and customer experience so highly.

I distinctly remember thinking this was a phenomenal alternative to some more well-known chains like Maggiano's. The atmosphere at Toscana feels inviting, making it perfect for a casual lunch or a more intimate dinner. If you're in Arlington Heights and craving Italian cuisine, I wholeheartedly suggest you pay a visit. Trust me, you'll find yourself returning for more!

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Fausto's Italian Kitchen

Highlights
Delicious food and desserts
Incredible cannolis
Best meatballs in town
Friendly and helpful staff
Family-friendly atmosphere

Dining at Fausto's Italian Kitchen is like diving into a plate of homemade warmth right inside Arlington Heights. From the moment I walked in, the friendly and helpful staff wrapped me in a cozy embrace, setting the tone for my evening.

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: the food! I have to say, the best meatballs in town truly lived up to the hype. They were surprisingly tender and bursting with flavor, making each bite a delightful experience. And if you're in the mood for something sweet, do not skip the incredible cannolis! They were light, creamy, and brought a perfect symphony of textures that made my taste buds do a happy dance.

The atmosphere is adequately family-friendly, making it an ideal spot for both intimate dinners and casual family outings. Overall, Fausto’s encapsulates the essence of traditional Italian cuisine while providing a warm and inviting environment. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, make sure to stop by this gem—you won’t be disappointed!

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Avanti Cafe

Highlights
Homemade pastas
Authentic Italian dishes
Reasonable prices
Friendly service

Firstly, let me tell you that Avanti Cafe is a hidden gem that I stumbled upon during my research. The restaurant offers an array of authentic Italian dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the friendly staff who made me feel right at home.

To start off, I ordered their homemade pastas, and boy was it worth it! The pasta was cooked to perfection and tossed with fresh herbs and spices that brought out the flavor in every bite. For my main course, I opted for their classic Margherita pizza which was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, topped with gooey mozzarella cheese and fresh tomatoes.

The best part? All of this came at reasonable prices without compromising quality or quantity. The portions were generous enough to share with a friend or take some back home for leftovers.

Overall, I would highly recommend Avanti Cafe to anyone looking for a cozy and delicious Italian dining experience. Between their homemade pastas, authentic Italian dishes, reasonable prices and friendly service – what more could you ask for?

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Fellini Restaurant & Pizzeria

Highlights
Fabulous food
Awesome service
Italian atmosphere
Kid-friendly
Ample parking

First of all, let me tell you that the food was simply fabulous. From the moment I took a bite of the homemade pasta to the last slice of pizza, my taste buds were in heaven. It's clear that the chefs put a lot of attention and care into every dish they prepare.

But it wasn't just the food that impressed me. The service was also awesome. The staff was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about their menu. They even went out of their way to make sure my 6-year-old daughter was happy with her meal.

The restaurant has an Italian atmosphere which gave me the feeling that I was transported to Italy. The paintings on the walls, dim lighting, and warm colors made it feel cozy and intimate.

And speaking of my daughter, Fellini's is definitely kid-friendly with plenty of options on their menu for picky eaters like her.

Finally, let's not forget that there is ample parking available which made it easy for us to get in and out without any hassle.

Overall, I highly recommend Fellini Restaurant & Pizzeria for anyone looking for delicious Italian cuisine in Arlington Heights.

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Francesca's Tavola

Highlights
Quality Italian ingredients
Great for date, family dinner
Best pasta in town
Polite and helpful staff
Reasonable prices

First of all, the quality of the Italian ingredients used in their dishes was outstanding. From the fresh cheese to the robust tomato sauce, every bite tasted like it was straight from Italy.

I highly recommend Francesca's Tavola for a date night or a family dinner. The cozy atmosphere and dim lighting create a romantic ambiance, while the friendly and attentive staff make it an enjoyable experience for families as well.

But let's talk about the most important aspect of any Italian restaurant - pasta! Francesca's Tavola hands down has the best pasta in town. The noodles were cooked perfectly al dente and the sauces complemented each dish flawlessly.

The polite and helpful staff were always there to answer our questions and make recommendations. They truly went above and beyond to ensure we had a pleasant dining experience.

And don't worry about breaking your wallet at Francesca's Tavola - their prices are very reasonable considering the high-quality ingredients used in their dishes.

Overall, I highly recommend Francesca's Tavola for anyone looking for authentic Italian cuisine with excellent service.

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Joe & Giuseppe Restaurant

Highlights
Delicious, authentic Italian food
Wonderful and professional service
Busy, make reservations in advance

First off, let me just say that the food was absolutely delicious. From the moment I walked in and smelled the aroma of fresh tomato sauce, garlic, and basil, I knew I would not be disappointed. The pasta was cooked to perfection and paired well with the homemade meatballs. I also had a chance to try their pizza which was crispy and flavorful.

The service at Joe & Giuseppe's is top-notch. The waitstaff were attentive and knowledgeable about the menu items. They made great recommendations and were very accommodating to special requests.

One thing to note though, this place is popular! It can get quite busy so make sure you make reservations in advance. But don't worry, it's worth it! You won't regret it.

Overall, my experience at Joe & Giuseppe's was fantastic. The food was delicious, service was wonderful, and atmosphere cozy. If you're looking for an authentic Italian meal in Arlington Heights, then Joe & Giuseppe Restaurant is definitely worth checking out.

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Carlos & Carlos Restaurant

Highlights
Great atmosphere and staff
Authentic Italian dishes
Delicious homemade desserts

As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by a warm and welcoming staff. The atmosphere was cozy with dim lighting and beautiful decor that made me feel like I was in the heart of Italy.

The menu was filled with various authentic Italian dishes that were sure to satisfy any craving. Each dish was prepared with fresh ingredients and cooked to perfection. One dish that stood out to me was their homemade gnocchi with a creamy tomato sauce. It was so good, I had to order it twice!

But the real star of Carlos & Carlos Restaurant are their desserts. They have a wide selection of homemade sweet treats that you won't find anywhere else. From tiramisu to cannoli, each dessert was beautifully presented and tasted even better than it looked.

Overall, my experience at Carlos & Carlos Restaurant exceeded my expectations. The atmosphere, staff, and food were all top-notch. If you're looking for an authentic Italian dining experience in Arlington Heights, then look no further than Carlos & Carlos Restaurant!

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Osteria Trulli Cucina Pugliese

Highlights
Authentic menu
Fresh handmade pasta
Beautiful interior
Woodfire oven

First of all, let's talk about the menu. As soon as I saw it, I knew this was going to be an authentic experience. No fettuccine alfredo or chicken parmesan here, folks. Instead, they offer regional dishes from Puglia that are not commonly found in other Italian restaurants in the area. And let me tell you, it was a breath of fresh air!

Now onto the pasta. It's all freshly handmade and you can definitely taste the difference. The texture was perfect and it complemented the sauces very well.

The interior of Osteria Trulli is absolutely beautiful with a mix of modern and rustic decor that transports you right to Italy. And let's not forget about their woodfire oven which gives their pizza that extra flavor that just can't be replicated by a regular oven.

Overall, I had an amazing time at Osteria Trulli Cucina Pugliese and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a true Italian dining experience. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try something new – you won't regret it!

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Passero

Highlights
Modern atmosphere
Delicious brunch and dinner options
Big portions
Outdoor seating available
Friendly staff

First off, let's talk about the atmosphere of Passero. It's modern and chic, with sleek decor and dim lighting that sets the right mood for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends. The ambiance definitely adds to the overall dining experience.

Now onto the most important part, the food. I tried both their brunch and dinner options, and let me tell you, they did not disappoint. Each dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. Plus, the portions were generous enough to share (if you're feeling nice).

If you're lucky enough to catch some good weather on your visit, I highly recommend sitting outside in their cozy outdoor seating area. It's perfect for people watching while enjoying some delicious food.

Lastly, I have to give a shoutout to the staff at Passero who were incredibly friendly and accommodating throughout my visit.

Overall, I had an amazing experience at Passero and it definitely deserves a spot on my list of best italian restaurants in Arlington Heights. So if you're looking for some tasty Italian food in a modern atmosphere with great service, be sure to check out Passero!

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La Zingara Trattoria

Highlights
Delicious food
Cozy atmosphere
Excellent service
Good value

First, let me start by saying that the food at La Zingara Trattoria is truly delicious. Every dish I tasted was made with fresh ingredients and cooked to perfection. From the classic spaghetti carbonara to the more adventurous seafood risotto, everything was simply mouth-watering.

The cozy atmosphere of the restaurant is perfect for a romantic date or a family dinner. The dim lighting and rustic decor give it a charming, old-world feel that transports you straight to Italy.

But what really stood out to me was the excellent service. The staff was attentive and friendly, making sure that every customer felt welcome and satisfied. They even offered suggestions on what dishes to try based on our preferences.

And as if all of this wasn't enough, La Zingara Trattoria also offers good value for their high-quality food and service. You can enjoy a delicious meal without breaking the bank.

Overall, my experience at La Zingara Trattoria was one of the best italian dining experiences I've had in Arlington Heights. If you're looking for authentic italian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere with top-notch service, then you definitely need to check out this gem of a restaurant!

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Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

Highlights
Great service
Amazing food
Highly recommended

From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm smiles and friendly faces. The service was impeccable, with attentive servers checking on me regularly without being intrusive.

Now let's talk about the food. Oh my goodness! It was amazing. I started off with the classic bruschetta, which was fresh and flavorful. For my main dish, I tried their famous chicken alfredo and it did not disappoint at all! The sauce was creamy and rich but not too heavy. And don't even get me started on their breadsticks - they were so soft and fluffy that I could have eaten a whole basket by myself!

Overall, Olive Garden Italian Restaurant is definitely one of the best italian restaurants in Arlington Heights. The combination of great service and delicious food is hard to come by these days, but Olive Garden has nailed it. If you're looking for a place to satisfy your Italian cravings, this restaurant comes highly recommended by yours truly.

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Garibaldi's Italian Eatery

Highlights
Accommodating staff
Catering menu options
Clean atmosphere
Large menu selection

First and foremost, the staff was incredibly accommodating. They welcomed me with open arms and were very patient with all of my questions. I felt like a VIP!

The menu was extensive, with a large selection of authentic Italian dishes to choose from. I appreciate that they have options for everyone, whether you're in the mood for pasta or pizza. They even have a catering menu if you need to feed a crowd.

The atmosphere was also impressive. The restaurant was spotless and well-maintained, which is always a plus in my book. It really added to the overall dining experience.

Overall, I had a great time at Garibaldi's Italian Eatery. Their dedication to quality food and service is evident in every aspect of their business, and it shows! If you're looking for an authentic Italian meal and top-notch service, look no further than Garibaldi's Italian Eatery in Arlington Heights.

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