Il Girasole Trattoria — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

Walked in at 6pm on a Saturday without a reservation and they sat us right away on the second floor.

All of the staff greets you when you enter and when you leave. They were super friendly and frequently refill your drinks and ask if you need anything. The staff is super attentive.

The inside looks like it was converted from old apartments so it has that vintage Chicago feel with wood floors, wood panels and trim on the walls, and a fireplace upstairs made of wood and marble. It feels very clean and cozy. The bathroom is clean and cute, too!

Before your food comes, they bring a bowl of fresh bread and focaccia with olive oil. They have different types of focaccia to order as well! For the appetizer, we got yummy zucchini blossoms with truffle honey. I ordered the Rigatoni con Salsiccia. It’s made with plenty of their homemade sausage and a delicious tomato cream sauce. We all got pasta and the portions were great.

My friend had some trouble deciding what to order and the waiter said they could also make other types of pasta that’s not on the menu which was nice if you wanna mix and match pasta and sauces.

My friends and I had a great experience and would...

I’m not even sure where to begin because everything about this Italian restaurant blew me away. First off—the pasta. Hands down the best pasta I’ve ever had. Fresh, flavorful, perfectly cooked—it tasted like it was made with love by someone’s Nonna in the back kitchen. Every bite was heavenly.

Then came the drinks… and wow. I’m not exaggerating when I say these were the best drinks I’ve ever had in my life. Balanced, creative, and dangerously smooth—each one was a work of art. Whether you’re into wine, cocktails, or a classic Italian aperitif, they’ve got something that’ll completely blow your mind.

The service? A flawless 10/10. From start to finish, the staff made me feel like the most important person in the room. Attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable—they really elevated the whole experience.

And let’s talk about that lava cake. OUT. OF. THIS. WORLD. Rich, gooey, and served warm with the perfect scoop of vanilla gelato. It was the perfect ending to an already perfect meal.

I seriously can’t recommend this place enough. If you’re a fan of incredible pasta, top-tier drinks, exceptional service, and desserts that make your eyes roll back in your head—this...

Il Girasole Trattoria is a delightful spot that offers a memorable dining experience.

From the moment you walk in, the service is impeccable. The food follows suit, starting with a tuna tartare that stands out for its delicate texture and refreshing citrus notes. The tuna is exceptionally fresh, making each bite a pleasure.

The drink menu is equally impressive. The "Strawberry Fields" cocktail is a highlight, with its flavors evoking a pleasant nostalgia reminiscent of The Beatles song.

For the main course, the carbonara is creamy and flavorful. While it would be ideal to use guanciale or pancetta instead of bacon, the dish still delivers a satisfying taste.

However, the true star of the meal is the panna cotta. Its delicacy and the use of real vanilla beans in the custard make it a standout dessert, with the caramel drizzle adding a perfect finishing touch.

Overall, Il Girasole Trattoria is a fantastic dining destination. I highly recommend it for its exceptional service, delicious food, and memorable desserts.

Thank you for receiving me and I can't wait...