The Food Is So Fresh At This Illinois Pizzeria And Bakery That You'll Think You've Been Transported Straight To Italy
By Linze Rice|Published August 04, 2023
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Linze Rice
Author
Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
Italian food in Illinois is one of our best-kept secrets. Sure, everyone knows Chicago is famous for its pizza and Italian beef, but if you dig into the smaller communities a bit, you’ll find some of the most exceptional Italian eateries on the planet. In fact, some of the freshest Italian food in Forest Park, Illinois comes from a relatively new restaurant that has quickly caught the attention of hungry diners.
Fiore Pizzeria & Bakery, 7407 Madison Street, is located on an enchanting commercial strip of Forest Park that's lined with local shops and diners, making it the perfect spot for a night out.
The restaurant opened in 2022 and has since become a neighborhood favorite, attracting visitors from nearby towns (like me!) who crave a great meal in an elevated, yet unpretentious, atmosphere. With festive murals, exposed brick, natural lighting, and wide glass panes, Fiore is a relaxing and fun environment.
What I love most about Fiore is its pure freshness. The glass panels allow you to see straight into the kitchen where you can view your food being prepared as soon as it's ordered.
Pro tip: Keep an eye on their social media for pizza-making classes! They're offered occasionally and give you the opportunity to make your own professional pie.
Another star of the menu is the pasta, made fresh daily.
And speaking of Fiore's meatballs, I highly suggest trying them either with the pasta, as an appetizer, or during the diner's happy hour. Served on a smear of whipped ricotta cheese with buttery grilled bread, it's a dish that goes straight to the soul.
Happy hour specials run Monday through Thursday from 3-6 p.m. and include discounts on pizza, cocktails, meatballs, and more. My husband and I love to take advantage of the deal and get a little of everything!
Fiore also specializes in a tight list of incredible cocktails, as well as offers beers, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages for all diners to enjoy. My go-to is the Venus de Milo, which includes reposado tequila, Licor 43, Giffard Pamplemousse, lemon, and bitters.
And make sure to leave room for dessert — not only does the eatery have its own after-dinner specials, it also has its own bakery and market where you can grab baked goods, as well as packaged ingredients, to take with you.
So, would you put this Italian food in Forest Park, Illinois on your date night list? Where’s your favorite place in the state for a nice Italian meal? Tell us in the comments! Start planning your visit by checking out the Fiore Pizzeria & Bakery website and the Fiore Pizzeria & Bakery Facebook page. And while you’re in town, why not make it a quick getaway? This adorable bungalow can fit the whole family, you’re close to tons of nearby Frank Lloyd Wright properties for a cool tour, and Fiore is just a few steps down from this amazing local ice cream shop!
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