Top Best Italian Restaurants in Joliet

"Why we love it: Serving pies since 1949 (although this location opened in ’65), Vito and Nick’s is a Chicago tradition. The cracker-thin, tavern-style crust is loaded up with rich red sauce, gooey mozzarella and fennel-flecked sausage chunks; test the limits with a few more toppings—we like mushroom, pepper, onion and black olives on ours. For the complete experience, stop by to sip an ice-cold Old Style in the dining room while catching a glimpse of the Bears or Sox game on TV."

"For many South Siders, Vito & Nick’s is the epitome of Chicago with its crispy thin-crust pizza (known as tavern-style or “party cut”). Frosty mugs of beer make the square-cut slices taste better in a dining room that looks like a classic ‘70s-style basement. They’ve been around for 100 years, and they don’t skimp on the toppings."

"Yes, deep dish is the type of pizza that Chicago is known for. But much like how Queen’s “We Will Rock You” was originally a B-side to “We Are The Champions”, Chicago’s legendary cracker-style thin crust can’t be ignored. And that’s what you’ll find at Vito and Nick’s in Ashburn."

"Davanti Enoteca is a small plate Italian restaurant with locations in Chicago and in San Diego. The Focaccia Di Recco (flatbread filled with ricotta and topped with honeycomb) might be the greatest thing on the menu. They also serve Glazed & Infused doughnuts, which are another Chi-Town fave."

"Davanti Enoteca is an Italian restaurant that is located in the southwestern suburbs of Chicago. This restaurant offers a streamlined menu with dishes that pack a punch— from the Truffle Egg Toast to the Della Terra pizza, diners can expect interesting flavor combinations here."

"One of the most unique coffeeshops in Chicago, owner Phil Sipka came over from Robust Coffee Lounge to give Englewood a coffeeshop and alternative to fast food. He uses beans from Bridgeport Coffee. There's a small but dedicated group of people who show up for these early Saturday morning hours for some tranquility..."

"We won’t lie to you and say these macarons are the most Instagram worthy of those listed here, but we all know you should never judge a book by its cover. Chef Toni’s signature macarons offer some of the most unique flavors we’ve heard of, including strawberry lemonade, made fresh at the cafe on Washington Street. What we love most about this patisserie is its option to create your own custom order."

"Bronzeville & Time Out MarketThis frosty favorite debuted in the Time Out Market just last month, bringing with it the same homestyle scoops that put its original Bronzeville location on the map two years ago. Owners Yahya and Nataki Muhammad wanted to deliver their version of the old-fashioned scoops Yahya remembers having as a child, and one might say they’ve succeeded—mega fans arrive on the regular to choose between 25 rotating flavors (including vegan and sugar-free options) spanning homey creations like Banana Pudding, Black Walnut, and, their nostalgia-sparking bestseller, Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Vanilla.How to book: Stop by for counter service or get delivery via DoorDash and UberEats."

"The cold case at Yahya and Nataki Muhammad's cheerful Bronzeville scoop shop is packed with hand-churned homemade ice cream in flavors like Jamaican rum raisin, honey cinnamon graham cracker and strawberry supreme. But it won't take long to spot someone devouring the creamery's crown jewel: a generous serving of peach cobbler crowned with melty vanilla ice cream. Once you try this summertime delicacy, prepare to crave it for the rest of your life."

"With more than a dozen locations in Illinois, including Evanston, Naperville, Mount Prospect, and Bolingbrook, Andy’s is spreading the love of frozen custard throughout Chicagoland. Frozen custard is creamier than traditional ice cream, with more butterfat and less air. At Andy’s the slow-churned custard is made fresh hourly to maintain the rich texture."

"With five Chicago-land locations, Andy’s is very accessible. The Jackhammer is one of many flavors of concretes. Choose from a list of over 25 seasonal toppings to add to a frozen custard of your choice."

"Classic chocolate and vanilla custard with all the fun mix-ins one could possibly want. From concretes to malts to sundaes, Andy’s offers every possible way for you to enjoy your custard."

"If you’re looking for a different sweet treat this summer, then head down to Ohana Ice & Treats. The concept here is simple – simply grab a pot, fill it with shaved ice, and choose your flavor!. This is one of the best desserts in Chicago for those intensely hot days, as the fresh ice will cool you down like nothing else can."

"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."

"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."

"Located only a few minutes south from Hyde Park's Museum of Science & Industry, the South Shore Cultural Center has been an iconic structure in the neighborhood since 1905. Throughout the summer it focuses on rich programming that is free to all. Entertainment ranges from West African dance performances to live jazz or classical music."

"The Beverly Arts Center is a multifaceted space that hosts regular programs on dance, film, theater and music. There is also a gallery space here that presents a rotating and diverse program of visual arts. Past exhibits have included works by local Chicago cartoonists, printmakers, photographers and painters, as well as programs focused on the LGBTQ community."

"Founded in 1974, the Smart Museum of Art is part of the University of Chicago and is home to acclaimed special exhibitions and a permanent collection that spans five thousand years of artistic creation."

"The Smart Museum of Art is scheduled to re-open April 8, 2021. These aren’t the only free things to do in Chicago!. Find more in our ultimate guide."