Orland Park may be Chicago’s suburban neighbor, but its Italian dining scene stands proudly on its own. Decades after the first trattorias opened, it still draws families celebrating milestones, couples on date nights, and anyone craving authentic flavors that feel transported straight from Nonna’s kitchen. While menus have evolved with modern twists, what hasn’t changed are the handmade pastas, warm hospitality, and that unmistakable aroma of garlic and tomatoes.
Pop’s
$ | (708) 460-3000 | WEBSITE
Did you forget your appetite for classic American comfort food with an Italian twist? Don’t worry: you can satisfy it at Pop’s, a restaurant that also happens to serve some of the best fries and milkshakes around. The freshly cooked food means there’s great flavor in this spot, which is perfect for enjoying a family meal at one of the accessible tables with fellow hungry diners.
The menu is straightforward and to the point—Italian Beef, 2 Hot Dog special—and you’ll probably be satisfied if you stick to the classics they’re known for. For sides, choose from their excellent fries, which customers rave about, as well as those creamy milkshakes—try the chocolate or vanilla alongside your main.
Papa Joe’s Italian Restaurant
$$ | (708) 403-9099 | WEBSITE
The original Papa Joe’s was created as the ultimate gathering spot for its founder, a man whose presence—warm smile, crisp white apron, and a genuine love for feeding people—was so memorable that regulars still share stories about his generous portions. He retired years ago, but his passion for family, celebration, and hearty Italian cooking are woven throughout the restaurant in touches like the large family-style salads and crusty bread brought to your table before the meal even begins.
The menu has all the Italian classics, but you should order their famous chicken Parm, a specialty dish that uses tender breaded chicken and comes topped with melted mozzarella and marinara. Add on a side of spicy rice or the roast lamb, and save room for the delicious ham and eggs breakfast option on weekends.
The kind and attentive waiters make you feel at home, and the spacious rooms with separate bar and ballroom areas create that warm, welcoming atmosphere perfect for baby showers or any special occasion.
Joey’s Pizza, Pasta & Gelato
$ | (708) 478-6200 | WEBSITE
Joey’s Pizza, Pasta & Gelato is where your friends who don’t actually cook Italian will be hanging out, three garlic knots deep by the time you get off work. Located in a cheerful Orland Park strip mall, Joey’s is only accessible by car or a serious craving. Assuming you have an appetite or are willing to indulge, you can dine in this bright, bustling space while enjoying the aroma of fresh-baked pizza and simmering sauces.
Go for the famous cheese pizza, which comes on a crisp, thin crust with just the right amount of gooey mozzarella. The chicken limone pasta, sausage pizza, and golden fries are also solid.
RoccoVino’s Italian Restaurant
$$ | (708) 460-5900 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Orland Park, RoccoVino’s Italian Restaurant offers a cozy dining space that feels intimate yet welcoming, with warm lighting and classic wooden tables that seat families and couples comfortably. You might feel like you’re dining in a traditional Italian home, as there are rustic wall decorations and soft background music that creates a relaxed atmosphere after 6 pm.
Menu highlights include the excellent veal saltimbucca and tasty lasagna, along with the chicken marsala served with roasted potatoes and mixed veggies. Order something from the modest wine list and pair it with one of the hearty pasta dishes, like the baked mostacolli, which delivers on flavor.
If you’re looking for a reliable meal—or just want to enjoy a quiet evening out—RoccoVino’s attentive service and fresh dishes make it a solid choice, though be prepared for occasional inconsistencies with newer staff.
Italia Imports
$$ | (708) 349-2007 | WEBSITE
Let’s be honest: you came to Orland Park craving that authentic Italian deli experience you remember from childhood visits with your family. And no other spot in the area captures that genuine neighborhood feel quite like Italia Imports, tucked away in a local shopping plaza.
This lunchtime destination (that’s also perfect for grabbing dinner to heat up later) serves classic Italian-American fare: think sandwiches, including a standout Italian sausage option, meatball subs, breaded steak sandwiches, and fresh salads that’ll make you forget you’re not in Nonna’s kitchen. The store is immaculate, the staff makes you feel like family, and those good food smells that greet you at the door are worth the trip alone.
While the selection might be limited, the quality of meats, sides, and sauces is excellent—and at around $12-15 for a sandwich with sides, it’s a value that keeps customers planning their return visits.
Giordano’s
$ | (708) 349-7500 | WEBSITE
Giordano’s is one of Orland Park’s Italian favorites, which has a pizza-focused menu that could satisfy even your most particular family members. Go for the chicken sausage and hot peppers pan pizza, BBQ wings, and a classic cheese pie, but always add a side of garlic bread with their signature marinara dipping sauce. Choose from a dozen craft sodas and local beers, and treat your table to another round using their convenient digital ordering system.
After you tire your kids out with soccer practice, bring them to Giordano’s for kid-sized pizzas, cheese sticks, and chocolate milk shakes.
Ottimo
$$ | (708) 403-3366 | WEBSITE
When it opened in the 1980s, families would line up outside Ottimo for a taste of traditional Italian cooking, or “Otti,” as it’s known to regulars. Today, people still arrive early to secure a table before the evening rush. A go-to for anyone craving classic pasta after a long workday, the Otti menu has remained consistent, and the portions are generous enough to share.
The dining room is decorated with touches of Italy, including rustic wooden tables and warm lighting, which you can appreciate while enjoying fresh bread with garlic butter in the outdoor seating area while you wait for your meal. Order the Rosa Ravioli and the crowd-favorite Chicken Vessuvio, a hearty dish with tender chicken, potatoes, and herbs. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a weekend, check out the specials, though they may sell out quickly due to popularity.
Buona
$ | (708) 274-8770 | WEBSITE
Buona is the definitive Italian spot in Orland Park. Families and regulars have been coming here for years, and it’s been a favorite with locals who want to enjoy a consistently great beef sandwich or a hearty combo since it opened. Well-priced meals are only around $15 and served generously by the friendly staff everyone appreciates.
If you’re craving something special, prepare to try the weekly burger special, which you will then savor with a side of their still-popular fries while the casual atmosphere makes you feel right at home.
Italian Villa Pizza
$$ | (708) 403-3335 | WEBSITE
You’ll definitely want to call ahead at this beloved Orland Park spot, otherwise, you might be told to come back in forty-five minutes, and even then have to grab one of the few counter seats. The wait is worth it, though, for delicious pizzas and satisfying Italian classics.
Come with friends or family and get the Beef and Hot Gardiniera Pizza, a veggie pie with generous toppings, cheese and sausage, and one of their pasta dishes (if you’re feeling adventurous, try the cheese with sausage and onions, with its flavorful sauce and thin tavern-style crust). Try to snag a booth near the front to enjoy your hot, made-to-order meal while watching regulars come and go, always greeted by name by the friendly staff.
Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage
$ | (708) 403-9070 | WEBSITE
Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage feels like the kind of classic neighborhood joint you might stumble upon while cruising through Orland Park, only to discover the best Italian beef of your life. The unassuming storefront might lead you to think Pop’s doesn’t take itself too seriously, but one bite of their generously portioned sandwiches (made with well-done sausage and sweet peppers) will rid you of those suspicions.
Share a couple items from the “appetizer” portion of the menu, but save room for the main event: Italian beef, available with mushrooms, gardinara, or gyros. The drink selection is straightforward and features fountain sodas alongside other classic beverage options. For a savory treat, head to Pop’s broasted chicken counter, a standout highlight, right inside.
Barraco’s Pizza
$ | (708) 873-2540 | WEBSITE
Barraco’s Pizza occupies a cozy corner in Orland Park, making the restaurant the perfect spot to bring hungry kids after soccer practice when you realize you forgot to plan dinner for a family of six. Start with a selection from the buffet like crispy fried chicken and the meatballs in sauce, followed by bigger plates like sausage and peppers, two pastas, and a hot chicken marinara sandwich.
On weekdays, they have a lunch special—$12 all-you-can-eat buffet that includes the salad bar and fruit—when you’re looking for a quick, affordable meal that runs until the afternoon rush. Just look for the warm pizza case near the entrance, beckoning all who enter to grab a slice—or three.
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
$$ | (708) 364-9641 | WEBSITE
Keep Olive Garden Italian Restaurant in your back pocket for when you’re too busy planning a family gathering and forgot to make a reservation for dinner. They accommodate walk-ins well, so it’s perfect for large groups and something last-minute. Start your meal with unlimited soup and salad for the table before moving on to entrees like the seafood alfredo and the spaghetti with marinara sauce.
There’s a warm dining area inside where you can relax with a drink, and if you’re there on a busy night, enjoy some Italian music in their spacious dining room.
