Craving authentic Italian? We’ve curated 10 must-try Italian restaurants in Joliet, IL. Find addresses, phone numbers, and real Google reviews inside!

When you’re craving authentic Italian flavors, the last thing you want is to waste time endlessly searching for the perfect place to dine. You want rich pasta, wood-fired pizza, classic family recipes, and a warm atmosphere—all in one spot. That’s exactly why 10 Must-Try Italian Restaurants in Joliet, Illinois, was created. We’ve gathered the top local Italian gems, complete with real customer reviews, standout dishes, and insider highlights to help you choose with confidence. Whether it’s a romantic dinner, family night, or casual bite, our curated list makes discovering the best Italian restaurants in Joliet quick, easy, and delicious.

1. Aurelio's Pizza Joliet

Website: https://www.aureliospizza.com/location/joliet/

Address: 3101 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60435

Phone: (815) 744-2400

Email: joliet@aureliospizza.com

Aurelio's is a name synonymous with great pizza in Illinois. Known for its sweet sauce and thin crust, this location has been a family favorite for decades. The aroma of baking cheese and pepperoni hits you the moment you walk in, making it impossible not to order a second helping.

Google Review Highlight:

"Today, we ordered takeout and were happy as usual. This is hands down our favorite pizza place around. The thin crust, sweet sauce, and generous toppings are amazing!"

2. Baca Restaurant & Pizzeria

Website: https://baciristorante.toast.site/

Address: 1019 Plainfield Rd, Joliet, IL 60435

Phone: (815) 280-5191

Email: info@baciristorante.com

Baca offers a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere where the portions are huge and the marinara sauce tastes like it’s been simmering all day. It’s the kind of place where the staff knows the regulars by name and the pizza dough is always fresh.

Google Review Highlight:

"One of the best pizzas I've had in a while. The crust is perfect and the staff is incredibly friendly. Highly recommend the baked spaghetti!"

3. Juliet's Tavern

Website: https://www.julietstavern.com/

Address: 205 N Chicago St, Joliet, IL 60432

Phone: (815) 666-1244

Email: info@julietstavern.com

Located in the heart of downtown Joliet, Juliet's Tavern offers a modern twist on Italian-American classics. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a vibe. With a fantastic selection of craft beers and an $8 burger night, it pairs Italian favorites with an American tavern feel.

Google Review Highlight:

"Really nice experience! The food was excellent (I had the Steak Diane pasta), and the service was great even though the restaurant was swamped."

4. Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

Website: https://www.loumalnatis.com/joliet

Address: 3340 Mall Loop Dr, Joliet, IL 60431

Phone: (815) 439-5400

Email: (Contact via website form)

You can’t talk about Italian food in Illinois without mentioning Lou Malnati’s. As a cornerstone of Chicago-style deep dish, this spot in Joliet delivers that buttery crust and chunky tomato sauce that people travel hundreds of miles to taste. It is busy, it is loud, and it is absolutely worth the wait.

Google Review Highlight:

"Very good Deep Dish Malnati’s Chicago Classic with pepperoni, sausage, green pepper & onion."

5. No Wood-Fired Pizza

Website: https://www.fornojoliet.com/

Address: 2941 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60435

Phone: (815) 409-7083

Email: info@fornojoliet.com

If you are looking for authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, Forno is the place. They use an imported brick pizza oven from Italy to get that perfect char on the crust. Beyond pizza, their arranging and pappardelle with short rib ragu are simply divine.

Google Review Highlight:

"The pizza is amazing, nice and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The calamari was also some of the best I've had!"

6. Sub Dock (Roost Cafe and Bistro)

Website: https://www.roostcafeandbistro.com/subdock-60435/

Address: 1531 E Washington St, Joliet, IL 60433 (Verify exact location via website)

Phone: (815) 726-2440

Email: (Contact via website form)

Don’t let the name fool you—Sub Dock serves up some of the heartiest Italian beef and turkey subs in town. It’s a casual spot perfect for a quick lunch. Locals love it for the consistent quality and the friendly service that makes you feel right at home.

Google Review Highlight:

"Love Sub Dock! Food is consistently good, and prices are not awful. Nice little gem of Joliet."

7. Sparrow (Louis Joliet Mall)

Website: https://sbarro.com/

Address: 3340 Mall Loop Dr #145, Joliet, IL 60431 (Inside Louis Joliet Mall)

Phone: (815) 439-1650

Email: info@sbarro.com

Perfect for a shopping break, this Sparrow location offers hearty slices of pizza, baked pastas, and stromboli. It’s a reliable spot for a quick, satisfying Italian fix without having to leave the mall.

Google Review Highlight:

"Great pizza by the slice! Always hot and fresh. The staff working the counter is always friendly even when the mall is packed."

8. Pop's Italian Beef & Sausage

Website: https://popsbeef.com/

Address: 1866 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60436

Phone: (815) 582-4966

Email: info@italian.com

Pop’s is the real deal for Italian beef. The beef is slow-cooked, juicy, and piled high onto fresh Italian bread. Don't forget to order it "dipped" with hot giardiniera for that authentic Chicago-style kick.

Google Review Highlight:

"The Italian beef sandwich is top-notch. The meat is so tender, and the giardiniera gives it the perfect crunch and spice."

9. Papa Saberio’s Pizzeria & Restaurant

Website: Papa Saverio's Pizzeria & Restaurant

Address: 1101 N Larkin Ave, Joliet, IL 60435

Phone: (815) 439-1900

Email: info@papasaverio.com

A true local gem, Papa Saberio’s is known for its welcoming atmosphere and consistent food. Whether you are dining in on a Friday night or grabbing a carry-out, the pasta is always al dente, and the pizza is always cheesy.

Google Review Highlight:

"Great local spot! The garlic bread with cheese is amazing, and the portions are huge. Definitely our go-to for family dinners."

10. Maria's Pizza

Website: https://www.mariaspizzamke.com/

Address: 1001 N Rayner Ave, Joliet, IL 60435

Phone: (815) 726-2000

Email: (No email listed)

Maria’s is an old-school, no-frills pizzeria that has been serving the Joliet community for years. They focus on doing one thing well: serving up delicious, greasy, perfect tavern-style pizza that pairs perfectly with a cold soda.

Google Review Highlight:

"This is what pizza should taste like. Crunchy crust, great sauce, and they load up the toppings. A classic Joliet joint."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best Italian restaurant in Joliet for deep dish pizza?

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria is widely regarded as the best spot for authentic Chicago deep dish in Joliet.

2. Are these restaurants family-friendly?

Yes, most of these restaurants, especially Baca Restaurant and Aurelio's Pizza, offer a casual, family-friendly atmosphere with menus that kids will love.

3. Do any of these Italian restaurants offer catering services?

Yes, chains like Lou Malnati's and Aurelio's typically offer catering trays for parties and events; it is best to call the specific store location to place an order.

Menu

10 Must-Try Italian Restaurants in Joliet Illinois

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