Maria's Cafe,

410 Sheridan Road, Highwood, IL 60040

"Best most authentic Italian in the area, owner is so friendly and personable. Food is amazing!"

"So glad I tried and continue to enjoy Maria’s Italian Bakery and Cafe! This authentic spot offers wonderful service and excellent quality menu items— highly recommend!"

"The very best the North Shore has to offer in Italian food. This small cozy restaurant serves the most authentic Italian dishes and the baked goods are incredible. Gino the owner is an amazing person in every way and a great friend Tonight the squash stuffed raviolis in a sage butter sauce with sugar brought me back to Tuscany 5 stars and get a cannoli"

"Thank you Gino! Great food, great service and great ambiance! I was in Sicily June 20, 2023 and our meal brought me back to Italy today! They have Gluten free options as well as homemade pasta (Cavatalli). The meat lasagna & house wine was very good! We’ll come back again for sure!!"

"I lived in Catania, Italy for 3 years and have not really found anything close when I moved back. Well didn't stop me from looking and I am so glad. Sicilian cuisine is different than Italian so it really is hard to find. I met Geno the owner and as soon as he said he was from Palermo I knew. I ordered arancinis, bruschetta, and canoli. Those are very difficult to imitate. First bites and I knew I would be back very soon. Bruschetta was exactly how you want, you can taste the quality of the olive oil and the garlic, ooohhhh the garlic. Almost burned my mouth trying to eat the Arancinis because I could not eat it fast enough it was perfect. I need to try the main dishes but I know it is not going to disappoint. Geno and the host were very very friendly and welcoming as Sicilians are and made me miss the island."