Maria's Cafe - Highwood: Authentic Italian Dining Awaits

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!!

The sea bass with Risotto is best in Chicagoland bar none. Served hot not warm. My wife loved the Burratta and kids love the Spaghetti and meatballs. You can dine in and they have nice al fresco too. You should ask for a price if you don’t see one and definitely make sure you ask for an itemised bill so there are no surprises where you don’t things things quite added up to a generic summarised price at the end.

Let’s get serious for a second… Cookies? Sure, Maria’s Cookies are amazing—but honestly, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. You have to come check out the real magic: mamma e papà’s pasta, sauce, and everything in between. We’re talking over 40 years of culinary love from a 100% Italian couple who truly know what good food is. They took over this place 30 years ago, and let me tell you—more authentic? Impossible. I’ve been a loyal fan of their family-style cooking for years, and my all-time favorite? Hands down, the chicken parmigiana. Comfort food at its finest. So yes, come for the cookies… but stay for the full-on Italian food hug. ????????

By far the best Sacilian restaurants and bakery, I’ve been to in many years. Brings back memories of restaurants past. Gino is a gracious host and serves fantastic food. The sweetest of the canolli is perfect.

A gem hiding in plain sight down the main drag of Highwood! Very good Italian entrées are outshined by an excellent pastry case. Homemade cannoli not to be missed!

Wonderful hostes she made us feel at home Great Italian vibes and food authentic.

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.

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!