By Zach Feral
Whether you plan on exploring
Chicago--one of America's most famous cities and former home to President Obama--or navigating the idyllic back roads of rural Illinois, the question is going to come up sooner or later: What to eat? For fans of Italian food, the answer is pretty straightforward. The state of Illinois is rife with Italian eateries offering every kind of pasta, pizza and traditional Italian specialty imaginable.
Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano
Start off with an appetizer, like fried calamari or crispy shrimp Almafi, before moving on to one of Biaggi's specialties, such as eggplant parmesan, seared sea bass or pork osso buco. In addition, Biaggi's also offers a glutton-free menu. The restaurant's casual, laid-back atmosphere is ideal for family dinners. Reservations aren't necessary, though you can always reserve via their website. The Bloomington branch of this national chain, one of five in the state of Illinois, is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano
1501 N. Veterans Pkwy
Bloomington, IL 61704
(309) 661-8322
biaggis.com
Giordano's Pizza
Having been the subject of praise by Chicago Magazine, Giordano's Pizza is famous for its Chicago-style pizza and casual, friendly ambiance. According to the book "Everybody Loves Pizza," Giordano's is one of the original creators of the stuffed pizza. The owners pride themselves on using fresh ingredients in rendering both their stuffed pizzas and thin crust classics. In addition, Giordano's also offers an extensive pasta menu and an array of salads. The restaurant has 39 branches in Chicago.
Giordano's Pizza
310 W. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 201-1441
giordanos.com
Michael's Italian Feast
Michael's Italian Feast is worth stopping by if you happen to find yourself in Metamora, 16 miles northeast of Peoria and home of the Metamora Courthouse State Historic Site. It offers a diverse array of traditional Italian specialties, such as spaghetti, ravioli, lasagna, tortellini and fettuccine Alfredo. Each meal comes with garlic bread and tossed salad. In addition, there is an emphasis on hot and cold Italian sandwiches, such as turkey subs, grilled ham and cheese, Italian meatballs and grilled cheese. Mike's Italian Feast also offers a take-out menu.
Michael's Italian Feast
605 Upper Ten Mile Creek Rd.
Metamora, IL 61548
(309) 863-5610
metamorarestaurant.com
Lino's
Since opening its doors in 1971, Lino's has become something of an Illinois institution, offering Rockford-area residents and visitors an array of food based on recipes brought from Italy by owners Michaelino and Pasqua Battista. Lino's offers casual dining in a restaurant interior modeled on classical Italian architecture. Choice menu items include New York strip steak, baked lasagna, chicken parmesan, saltimbocca alla Roma, breaded veal cutlet, baked cod and orange roughy.
Lino's
5611 E. State St.
Rockford, IL 61108
(815) 397-2077
linosrockford.com
Angelo's Pizza
Angelo's Pizza has been in business since 1965. It is famous for its thin crust pizza, but also its takes on traditional Italian mains such as chicken Alfredo, lasagna, meat or cheese ravioli, rigatoni and mostaccioli. In addition, Angelo's also offers a variety of sandwiches, such as meatball subs.
Angelo's Pizza
404 W. Spresser St.
Taylorville, IL 62568
(217) 824-8209
angelos-pizza.net
Resources
About the Author:
Zach Feral has been writing and editing professionally since 2003. He has a B.A. in philosophy from the New School for Social Research in New York and pursued postgraduate studies at the Open University in the U.K. His writing has appeared in numerous international publications, including "Dazed & Confused," "Artforum" and "Think Again."
