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312 Eats
Crystal Lake · Italian · $$

da Baffone Cucina Italiana

4.6834 reviews ·Opentil 8 tonight
The dish was outstanding, the best and only matched by a similar dish I had in Italy
charles lawhuncharles lawhun · 435 Google reviews
Read the reviews on Google →

da Baffone Cucina Italiana — among the best italian in Crystal Lake. Everything about the room says stay awhile. The cocktail program is serious. Brad Simpson: "That was followed up by a grilled calamari that was tender and a light brown sauce overall phenomenal" [$$]

What 834 diners keep saying

Neighborhood institutionFamily runRomanticCozyFamily friendlyGreat cocktails
Plan your visit
111 N Main St, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Crystal Lake
Today4-8PM
Sun4-8PM
MonClosed
Tue–Thu4-8PM
Fri–Sat4-9:30PM
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What 834 diners keep saying

verbatim, from Google
Review photo by Kristin Taylor
Jul 2026

the waiter made a suggestion it had to be the best pasta dish i ever had in my life. this place was incredible even the bruschetta was amazing!!!!!!!

Kristin Taylor

Kristin Taylor

100 reviews on Google

Review photo by Becky Rogers (_QueenB20_)
May 2026

If I could give a million stars I would. I had the pleasure of having my wedding and reception at da Baffone and it was nothing short of perfect. From the set up and talks of how to pull it off to officially pulling it off, Camille and her team were absolutely wonderful in making sure we had everything we needed for set up and the day of. We have received nothing but compliments to the staff and chefs for the amazing service and food. My husband and I could not ask for a more perfect day to get married, truly from the bottom of our hearts, thank you ao much❤️

Becky Rogers (_QueenB20_)

Becky Rogers (_QueenB20_)

12 reviews on Google

Review photo by Harry
Mar 2026

This is the kind of place you drive hours out of your way to go to, the food is better here than at some Michelin starred places I’ve dined at. The Sicilian calamari is unreal, the untraditional chicken parmesan was to die for, and if everyone in the world tried their tiramisu there would be world peace. Darren was superb waiter, extremely knowledgeable and passionate about every dish he’s serving. Do yourself a favor and try this place out!

Harry

Harry

16 reviews on Google

Review photo by Don Furlano
Mar 2026

Best new dish ever!

Don Furlano

Don Furlano

3 reviews on Google

Review photo by Jim Carpenter
Mar 2026

Best Pear Martini and best service!

Jim Carpenter

Jim Carpenter

1 reviews on Google

Review photo by Kari Freeman
Mar 2026

Awesome food. Best salad. We had Giambotta and Chicken Vesuvio. Large portions.

Kari Freeman

Kari Freeman

203 reviews on Google

Review photo by Sam Sieber
Feb 2026

Wonderful food, friendly service and a cozy atmosphere. The special today was grilled filet, chicken and sausage over potato wedges with a light sauce. Delicious! A good wine and cocktail list, and wide range of meal choices with customizable pasta dishes makes this a great date night or family/friend gathering site. Best for a night out! Reservations recommended on Friday and Saturday nights as even the hightop/bar seating gets booked up quickly during peak times.

Sam Sieber

Sam Sieber

12 reviews on Google

Review photo by Ashleigh Handschiegel
Nov 2025

First time eating here and we can’t wait to come back to try more. We felt like we were transported to Italy for the night! I would recommend their handmade cheese tortellini, I paired with the vodka sauce which was excellent. Cheesecake for dessert is a must!

Ashleigh Handschiegel

Ashleigh Handschiegel

72 reviews on Google

Review photo by Jennifer Battaglia
Oct 2025

My daughter brought me here for dinner tonight. The food was delicious and our server Frank was fantastic and super attentive, everything was perfect and brought out on time!

Jennifer Battaglia

Jennifer Battaglia

4 reviews on Google

Review photo by Shelly F
Oct 2025

How is a great experience, Frankie is an amazing server and the food is always fantastic!!!

Shelly F

Shelly F

6 reviews on Google

Review photo by Beata Kochmansli
Sep 2025

This charming Italian restaurant offers a truly delightful dining experience. The atmosphere is intimate and inviting, the cuisine is exceptional with authentic flavors, and the martinis are crafted to perfection. Attentive service and a cozy setting made our evening unforgettable. A wonderful spot to return to again and again.

Beata Kochmansli

Beata Kochmansli

11 reviews on Google

Review photo by Debra Johnson Chin
Aug 2025

Charming little gem in downtown Crystal Lake. Reservations needed during prime time. I really liked choosing my own pasta shape, sauce and add-ons. Plenty of parking in the lot behind the main street block.

Debra Johnson Chin

Debra Johnson Chin

321 reviews on Google

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