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BEST RATED ROCKFORD, IL ITALIAN RESTAURANTS

3 Best Italian Restaurants in Rockford, IL

Expert-recommended Top 3 Italian Restaurants in Rockford, Illinois. All of our italian restaurants actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!

Lino’s Rockford - Rockford, IL Italian Restaurants - Food Image
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11+ YEARS IN TBR
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LINO’S ROCKFORD

(5.0 Score)
5611 East State Street,
Rockford, IL 61108 Directions

Since 1972

Specialities:

✓Spaghetti ✓Mostaccioli ✓Tortellini ✓Gnocchi ✓Meat Ravioli ✓Cheese Ravioli ✓Spinach Ravioli ✓Gluten Free Mostaccioli ✓Fettuccine Alfredo ✓Spaghetti All'aglio E Olio ✓Garlic Bread ✓Garlic Bread With Cheese ✓Pizza Bread ✓Toasted Ravioli ✓Onion Rings ✓Meatball Appetizer ✓Sausage and Pepper Appetizer ✓French Fries ✓Duane's Wings 10pc ✓Shrimp De Jonghe Appetizer ✓Bowl Minestrone Soup ✓Graze Box ✓Single Special Salad ✓Large Special Salad

"Lino’s Rockford family-owned and operated Italian restaurant has over 50 years of experience. The Battista family founded the restaurant and continues to operate it. You can enjoy their everyday hand-rolled pasta and their famous Italian sausage. Their pizza dough and sauce are also house-made using their old family recipes. Lino’s Rockford offers classic Italian wines from Tuscan Chiantis to Prosecco and Pinot Grigio. The restaurant provides indoor/outdoor seating options. Lino’s Rockford provides dine-in options that can accommodate 30 to 180 guests and catering and events that can accommodate 10 to 1,000 guests.

2026 Highlights: Lino’s Rockford offer signature dishes made with their house-aged artisan cheese, crafted from milk sourced from local Amish farms. They feature live jazz performances every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at their East State location."

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License #1A-0005297

Menu:

PASTA:
Spaghetti $11.99
Mostaccioli $11.99
Tortellini $14.99
Gnocchi $15.49
Meat Ravioli $14.99
Cheese Ravioli $14.99
Spinach Ravioli $14.99
Gluten Free Mostaccioli $14.15
Fettuccine Alfredo $15.99
Spaghetti All'Aglio E Olio $14.99
PIZZA SPECIAL:
Large Pizza (Whole) $26.99
Large Pizza (Half-Half) $26.99
APPETIZERS:
Garlic Bread $3.49
Garlic Bread With Cheese $3.89
Pizza Bread $3.89
Toasted Ravioli $9.59
Onion Rings $6.79
Meatball Appetizer (3 Mbs) $5.70
Sausage & Pepper Appetizer $5.59
French Fries $3.49
Duane's Wings 10pc $14.29
Shrimp De Jonghe Appetizer $14.89
Bowl Minestrone Soup $4.89
Graze Box (Serves 2) $17.49
CHICKEN DISHES:
Chicken Ala Lino $16.99
Chicken Parmigiana $16.99
Grilled Chicken Breast (2 Pc) $16.99
Chicken Alla Français $17.49

Discount:

Get 25 Bonus Points by Just Signing Up

Get 1 point for Every $2 Spent

Contact:

(815) 397-2077

Sun-Thu: 4:30pm - 9pm
Fri & Sat: 4:30pm - 10pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

Franchesco's Ristorante - Rockford, IL Italian Restaurants - Food Image
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11+ YEARS IN TBR
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FRANCHESCO'S RISTORANTE

(5.0 Score)
7128 Spring Creek Road,
Rockford, IL 61107 Directions

Since 1986

Specialities:

✓Spaghetti ✓Mostaccioli ✓Fettuccine Alfredo ✓Gnocchi Basilico ✓Half Gallon Spaghetti or Mostaccioli ✓Linguine Aglio ✓Tagliatelle Bolognese ✓Apple Chicken Walnut Salad ✓Classic Caesar Salad ✓French Onion Cup ✓French Onion Bowl ✓House Salad ✓Lobster Bisque Cup ✓Lobster Bisque Bowl ✓Chicken and Wild Rice Cup ✓Chicken and Wild Rice Bowl ✓Side Salad ✓Special Salad ✓Garlic Knots ✓Garlic Bread ✓Cheesy Bread ✓Mozzarella Sticks ✓Toasted Ravioli ✓Chicken Wings 6pc

"Franchesco’s Ristorante is a casual fine dining, chic, contemporary Italian restaurant serving classic entrees, pizza, and grilled steak. The restaurant interior exudes a luxurious charm, with its rich, warm tones, ambient lighting, and art pieces that create a welcoming Italian experience. Franchesco's Ristorante is known for its authentic Italian cuisine, which is cooked by skilled chefs using only the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients. The restaurant has a Benny's Bar & Lounge with an outdoor/indoor patio and a live music series for customers. Franchesco's Ristorante provides a happy hour menu.

2026 Highlights: They offer different banquet choices for special events, parties, weddings, and meetings, with flexible options designed to accommodate various group sizes and celebrations."

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License #02470225

Menu:

PASTA:
Baked Mostaccioli $14.00
Tortelloni $17.00
Lasagna $15.00
Linguine Charlie $24.00
Ravioli $13.00
Spaghetti $10.00
Mostaccioli $10.00
Fettuccine Alfredo $17.00
Gnocchi Basilico $19.00
Half Gallon Spaghetti Or Mostaccioli $14.00
Linguine Aglio $11.00
Tagliatelle Bolognese $19.00
PIZZA:
Small Cheese Pizza $11.00
Medium Cheese Pizza $13.00
Large Cheese Pizza $15.00
X-Large Cheese Pizza $17.00
Calzone $8.75
Italian Beef Calzone $11.75
Meatball Calzone $10.75
STUFFED PIZZA:
Small Stuffed Pizza $14.00
Medium Stuffed Pizza $16.00
Large Stuffed Pizza $18.00
X-Large Stuffed Pizza $20.00
PAN PIZZA:
Small Pan Pizza $12.00
Medium Pan Pizza $14.00
Large Pan Pizza $16.00
X-Large Pan Pizza $19.00
DESSERT:
Tiramisu $9.00
Toasted Almond $9.00
New York Cheesecake $9

Discount:

Get 35% Off Small Plates on Happy Hour from Tuesday Through Friday from 3 PM to 5 PM

Contact:

(815) 229-0800 (815) 979-5422

Tue-Fri: 3pm - 9pm
Sat: 4pm - 10pm
Sun & Mon: Closed

TBR® Inspection Report:

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Rockford - Rockford, IL Italian Restaurants - Food Image
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7+ YEARS IN TBR
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OLIVE GARDEN ITALIAN RESTAURANT ROCKFORD

(4.9 Score)
6367 East State Street,
Rockford, IL 61108 Directions

Since 1982

Specialities:

✓Fried Mozzarella ✓Calamari ✓Stuffed Ziti Fritta ✓Spinach-Artichoke Dip ✓Meatballs Parmigiana ✓Toasted Ravioli ✓Lasagna Fritta ✓Shrimp Fritto Misto ✓Chicken Alfredo ✓Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini ✓Eggplant Parmigiana (v) ✓Chicken Scampi ✓Homemade Soups Large (serves 12) ✓Homemade Soups (serves 6) ✓Homemade Soups (Single Serving) ✓Breadsticks (v) ✓Chocolate Lasagna (v) ✓Black Tie Mousse Cake (v) ✓Strawberry Cream Cake (v) ✓Tiramisu (v)

"Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Rockford offers an authentic Italian menu in an elegant dining ambiance. The restaurant is situated in Forest Plaza. It provides a warm, inviting dining experience and an Italian ambiance for guests. Enjoy their recommended dishes, classic entrees such as Chicken Parmigiana, or everyone’s favorite Fettuccine Alfredo. Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Rockford provides Eclub options for the latest updates on menu items, special offers, and more. The restaurant offers special deals and gift card options. The restaurant also offers Car Side Pickup and Online Ordering facilities.

2026 Highlights: They provide nutrition and allergen information on their website, allowing customers to choose meals based on their dietary needs and preferences."

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License #1A-0006334

Menu:

CREATE YOUR OWN PASTA:
Create Your Own Pasta $13.99
APPETIZERS:
Calabrian Hot Honey Chicken Bites: $10.99
Fried Mozzarella: $8.79
Calamari: $12.29
Stuffed Ziti Fritta: $8.99
Spinach-Artichoke Dip: $10.99
Meatballs Parmigiana: $11.29
Toasted Ravioli: $9.79
Lasagna Fritta: $11.29
Shrimp Fritto Misto: $13.29
CLASSIC ENTREES:
Chicken Alfredo: $20.49
Calabrian Steak & Shrimp Bucatini $23.79
Eggplant Parmigiana (V): $18.49
Chicken Scampi: $21.79
Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo $22.29
Shrimp Scampi $21.29
HOMEMADE SOUPS:
Homemade Soups Large (Serves 12): $29.99
Homemade Soups (Serves 6): $19.29
Homemade Soups (Single Serving): $8.79
Breadsticks & Dipping Sauces:
Breadsticks (V): $4.49
DESSERTS:
Chocolate Lasagna (V): $9.79
Black Tie Mousse Cake (V): $9.99
Strawberry Cream Cake (V): $9.79

Discount:

Get 5% Off for When You Purchase from $500-$999

Get 10% Off for When You Purchase from $1000-more

Contact:

(815) 399-3176

Sun-Thu: 11am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 11pm - 11pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

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LINO’S ROCKFORD REVIEWS

Had a group dinner with colleagues, they shared their pizza, and it was phenomenal. I had the Rib-Eye medium rare, it was perfect. Appetizers were delicious, everyone enjoyed their meals. The old-fashioned gas was great. The bill was very reasonable. Must visit if in the area, I will definitely be back.

I Love Lino's. I have never had even so-so food there. It is always delicious! The service is normal. The inside looks like Italy. It has a space to be seated inside of the leaning tower. It is a beautiful place. Definitely a destination restaurant!! You will not be disappointed. Restrooms are clean. Restaurant is clean.

Great food & awesome atmosphere!!! If you’re looking for great Italian food at reasonable prices this is the place. Outstanding service.

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FRANCHESCO'S RISTORANTE REVIEWS

I’m in love with Francesco’s! Everything about this restaurant is done right. The timeliness of your food, the attention to detail, and the staff are the best too. I celebrated my birthday here last year and they made my night so memorable. Every dish they make is guaranteed to be a delight. This restaurant has my heart and will always be a Rockford staple. Go here for any special occasion and you’ll leave satisfied. The owner is so kind and friendly too! I love that he greets his customers and shakes hands with people. I can tell he’s a family man. He’s very respectful and honorable.

What a positive experience! 1st time here, I came by myself which was difficult in itself. What a relief to have Yosi as my waitress!! She was extremely knowledgeable, had great recommendations. She made me feel not so alone. Food was amazing! Presentation was excellent! Will definitely come back again! Thank you so much Yosi!! You are a crown fixer & made me feel so at ease.

Great setting for our holiday gala! Wait staff and bartenders were all extremely friendly and helpful the entire day as we were setting up and throughout the event. The food was yummy and the DJ Greg Sanders exceptional! Michelle is a wonderful manager and had everything set perfectly. Thank you.

OLIVE GARDEN ITALIAN RESTAURANT ROCKFORD REVIEWS

I love the NEVER ENDING pasta Bowl. With never ending first course of soup or salad. And breadsticks Drinks are awesome Holly went above and beyond.excellent customer service. Highly recommended.

My mom and me went for my Birthday. Our waitresses Grace was very friendly, and patiently explained some of the menu items to my mom who can be indecisive at times. For a chain restaurant they did an excellent job. We were very happy with the service.

It was really good. I'm gluten free and vegan so they made me my own specialty plate. It was nice of them to do.

TBR® Inspection Score Report

LINO’S ROCKFORD Total Inspection Points: 120/120
Acknowledgments: 10
Table Reservations: 10
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Experience: 10
Gift Certificates: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Online Order: 10
Pricing: 10
Real Discounts: 10
Video: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

FRANCHESCO'S RISTORANTE Total Inspection Points: 119/120
Reviews Study: 9
Acknowledgments: 10
Table Reservations: 10
Menu Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Experience: 10
Gift Certificates: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Online Order: 10
Pricing: 10
Video: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

OLIVE GARDEN ITALIAN RESTAURANT ROCKFORD Total Inspection Points: 118/120
Acknowledgments: 9
Reviews Study: 9
Table Reservations: 10
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Gift Certificates: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Online Order: 10
Pricing: 10
Real Discounts: 10
Video: 10