When thinking about a night out, either with the family–or a prized date night, Italian is always a hit. Kids typically love it, the pasta options are endless, and who doesn’t love a combination of marinara, bread, and cheese? We polled our readers for their favorite Italian haunts. It turns out Lake County has an abundance of locally owned, incredibly authentic Italian food. Read on, but don’t blame me if you start craving garlic!
Best Italian Restaurants in Lake County
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano
20560 N. Rand Rd., Deer Park | (847) 438-1850
Cafe Pomigliano
160 E. Cook Ave., Libertyville | (847) 247-2208

Di Piero’s Ristoriante
17 E. Main St., Lake Zurich | (847) 438-3252
Just Like Italy
1810 N. Delany Rd., Gurnee | (847) 336-1200
“All homemade (even the sausage) and run by a couple from Italy. Total hole in the wall, but soooo good (and inexpensive)!”–Garnett A.
Lauretta’s Italian Bake Shop and Café
709 S. Lake St., Mundelein | (847) 566-0883
“Lauretta’s Italian Bake Shop and Cafe in Mundelein, hands down. We’ve been eating there for years. The food is fresh and delicious; the chicken piccata is divine! Tasty paninis, scrumptious cookies…my mouth is watering.” –Jen P.
Louie’s Restaurant
1009 North Ave., Waukegan | (847) 244-0101
Mambo Italiano
748 Butterfield Rd., Mundelein | (847) 281-9100
“Mambo Italiano in Mundelein on Butterfield is great !! The food, the service and the atmosphere make a winning combination!” –K.H.

Ristorante Bottaio
946 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville | (847) 573-1800
“Absolutely delicious!”–Dee H.
Tina’s Italian Bake Shop
5101 Washington St., #14-A, Gurnee | (847) 244-9001

Za Za’s Tavola Italiana
5047 Shoreline Rd., Barrington Township | (847) 381-1333
“Za Za’s Tavola Italiana in Barrington. After living in Naples Italy for three years, I am very picky about Italian food…this is awesome!” –Megan D.
Worth the (short) trip, just over the border in McHenry…

Bimbo’s Ristorante
1318 Riverside Dr., McHenry | (815) 385-1444
What is your favorite Italian fare in Lake County?
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