Dining

A small pizzeria in Galesburg, in central Illinois, made the list of “The Best Hole-In-The-Wall Pizza Joint in Every State” by The Takeout online publication. The pizzeria, named baked (with lowercase “b”), has a playful and creative approach featuring fun and innovative flavors, according to the review. “Inspired by Grandma’s kitchen, but anything but stuck in the past, this spot offers everything from classic pies to unexpected options, like goat cheese and herbs, or brisket with blue cheese. The crust leans bread-y, the ingredients are thoughtfully sourced and it’s perfection.”  

If you’re curious about the history of Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, you can delve into the memoir “Deep Dish” by Marc Malnati, the founder’s son and chairman of the company. “Malnati reveals the inside story of a chaotic family dynamic, and the healing and ultimate success that could only come because of a loyal team with an unrivaled work ethic, a willingness to embrace personal growth and a faith that wouldn’t die,” publisher Agate Midway says. Malnati graduated from Indiana University with a business degree in management. Under his leadership, Malnati’s experienced tremendous growth, going from two pizzerias to 52 throughout …

The newest arrival on the gelato scene in the Chicago area is Gelati Biscoti, an all-volunteer gelato shop with “a mission to make every scoop count.” Gelati Biscoti opened in late April at 4014 Main St. in Skokie. Through the Something Truly Sweet Foundation, 100% of all sales are donated to the fight against food insecurity. Linda Z. Neiman, president of the Something Truly Sweet Foundation, is also the founder and president of Zelda’s Catering in Skokie. “In early 2020, COVID-19 changed everything,” Neiman writes on the Gelati Biscoti website. “Although Zelda’s Catering was designated an essential business, we found …

Mazala Pizza, which has two locations in Chicago and one in San Jose, California, recently opened a new location at 535 Fairway Drive in Naperville. Another location is planned later this year in Schaumburg. The word “mazala” derives from the fusion of the Hindi words masala (spices) and maza (fun), and symbolizes bold flavor and joy. The restaurant blends pizza with the rich flavors of Indian cuisine, offering something distinctive in the fast-casual space. Pizza choices include the Tikka (choice of paneer or chicken, tikka-masala base, chicken, green peppers, onions, cheese, garlic seasoning, moti sauce, cilantro-lime sauce); Butter Masala (tikka-masala …

Liz Lombardo Stark has been appointed chairwoman of the board of the Illinois Restaurant Association. Lombardo Stark is the director of marketing and public relations at Gibsons Restaurant Group, as well as a member of the family that owns and operates the group. GRG includes Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse, Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House, LUXBAR, Quartino Ristorante & Wine Bar, and Gibsons Italia. Born and raised in the Chicago area, Lombardo Stark was immersed in the hospitality industry at an early age. She has many fond memories from within the walls of her family-owned establishments, Gibsons and its predecessor, …

Chicago’s Milly’s Pizza in the Pan was one of only two U.S. pizzerias that made the cut for the 18 best pizzas globally, according to Time Out. Milly’s landed at No. 12 on Time Out’s list — a slight drop from its No. 11 spot in 2025. The eatery “is known for pan-style pies with crispy edges and thick, airy crusts. … Editors singled out Milly’s thick-crust Untitled #1 as a standout example of Chicago’s signature pizza style, saying it represents the pinnacle of the city’s most iconic dish, topped with cheese, tomato sauce, pepperoni and jalapeños,” Time Out reported. …

Volare Ristorante Italiano at 201 E. Grand Ave. in Chicago was the top Illinois destination on a list of the most authentic Italian restaurants based on Tripadvisor reviews, according to a study conducted by Accademia Italiana Chef. Food Industry News reported that the study examined thousands of Tripadvisor reviews of Italian restaurants in all U.S. cities with more than 250,000 residents, looking for keywords such as “authentic,” “traditional” and “genuine.” Naples 15 restaurant in Madison, Wisconsin, and Parma Cucina Italiana in San Diego tied as the highest-rated authentic restaurants. For more, click here.

Two-time James Beard Award recipient chef Rick Tramonto joined Roanoke Hospitality as vice president of culinary for Grill on 21, on the 21st floor of The LaSalle Chicago hotel in the Loop. The initiative stems from the company’s commitment to ensuring that the once-vibrant dining scene of the city’s downtown financial district is restored, Food Industry News reported. A celebrity chef who has written eight books, Tramonto has worked in many facets of the industry in his career, including serving as executive chef and founding partner of Tru in Chicago, and overseeing Tramonto’s Steak & Seafood in Wheeling and RT …

  After 42 years, Tony Spavone’s Ristorante in Bloomingdale has changed ownership, although it might not be apparent to customers. New owners Dan and Teresa Williams, who live in nearby Wood Dale, bought the eatery at 266 W. Lake St. from founder Tony Spavone in late October. However, Spavone remains actively involved in the running of the restaurant, which has helped tremendously with the transition, Dan Williams explained. “It’s been a great partnership,” Williams said. Born in Naples, Spavone came to the U.S. as a boy and learned to cook at 13 while working in his father’s Chicago restaurant, Seven …

Gibsons Italia in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood took the top spot among the 13 Illinois restaurants featured in Restaurant Business’ 100 top-grossing independent restaurants for 2025. The modern Italian steakhouse boasted more than $32 million in sales, with an average check of $114. The No. 1 spot was claimed by Mila in Miami, with more than $51 million in sales. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse in Chicago, Oak Brook and Rosemont are also on the list, as well as Bob Chinn’s Crab House in Wheeling, and Cindy’s Rooftop, Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House, Quartino, Swift & Sons, Cira, Luxbar, Girl …