Ciro
Ciro — Forest Park italian that sets the standard. Order the Meatballs. Built for a slow, quiet evening, and [$$]
What 234 diners keep saying
This spot has closed for good. Its reviews stay up for the record — the rankings have already moved on.
What 234 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“Great little place run by an actual Italian! Warm atmosphere, good food w/take-out options. Plus, they were playing F1 there when I passed by. Hard not to love.”

“The absolute best restaurant I’ve been to! After living in Italy for 2 years this is the best Italian food I’ve had.. ever! A cozy environment with the chef/ owner being personable and caring. I can’t wait to visit again!”

“OMG, I love this place. First time here. The atmosphere is relaxing. 10 people max for this small restaurant, but the experience is wonderful. The appetizer, the food and the dessert is so good. Taste like true Italian food from Italy. Yum. You must make reservations or you can do carry out.”

“Kind of wish people don't talk about this place so it doesn't blow up. Is that selfish? For sure. My wife and I were saying the last time we tasted this kind of food we were in Italy. The fresh made pasta cooked perfectly. The flavors. And the owner stops by and talks to you about how he started and why he does what he does. Oh the tiramisu! Forget what you get at any chain store. So soft and creamy. Just like I had last in Rome. If it wasn't weird I'd like the plates clean. For every dish we had. Limited seating, call ahead. Tell your friends. Or don't.”

“Oh my God, what an amazing restaurant 🤌🏻 A truly authentic Italian experience.Thank you to the chef and owner for such kind and charismatic service. It’s a very cozy and शांत restaurant, perfect for an intimate dinner. The flavors are exquisite—fresh and beautifully prepared! You also have the option to purchase dishes to take home and bake yoursel Delicioso ! 🤤 Riquísimo Hay dios mío que rico restaurante 🤌🏻 Una verdadera experiencia italiana Gracias a su chef y dueño por tan amable y carismática atención Es un restaurante muy acogedor tranquilo y perfecto para una cena íntima Sus sabores son exquisitos !! Frescos y bien preparados Tienes la posibilidad de comprar y llevar a tu casa y hornear !!”

“Unbelievably good, the tiramisu and the cannoli were the best I’ve had, and the pasta and appetizers are fantastic.”

“INCREDIBLE experience. This restaurant was such a delight to visit. I visited with my girlfriend and we brought a very nice Italian white wine with us. For anyone that appreciates a high quality meal made with love, don’t miss visiting this restaurant. The ingredients are imported from Italy, and the staff and chef create a one of a kind experience, in a unique intimate setting. All the food is home made in house, and the desserts are to die for. I definitely will be going back in the spring.”

“Extremely authentic Italian food, the quality is unbelievable and the best authentic Italian spot in Chicago. The Tiramisu and Cannoli were by far amazing, and the Chef - Ciro himself is such a good host and extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Hospitable and intimate environment.”

“Ciro is truly a hidden gem that offers an unforgettable, personal dining experience. From the moment you step inside, the small, intimate setting makes you feel like a welcomed guest, especially since you can watch the chefs work their magic right there. The BYOB policy is a huge bonus, allowing us to perfectly pair the focused menu with a beautiful bottle of Napa Valley wine we brought along. Ciro himself is a friendly and wonderful host, ensuring everyone feels taken care of. We started with the beautifully simple Focaccia Evoo and the flavorful Nanello. The Spaghetto con Pamodorino Fresco was a highlight; the texture of the pasta was absolutely spot-on and perfectly complemented the fresh sauce. However, the undisputed star of the night was the Canolo. It was hands-down the best I have ever tasted—the creamy, silky smooth ricotta filling paired with the subtle sweetness of candied orange was pure perfection. Whether you’re planning a fun group dinner or a romantic date night, I highly recommend Ciro for its amazing food and warm hospitality.”

“A true hidden gem in Oak Park! It feels like you are stepping right into Italy. Delicious and authentic Italian food made with ingredients direct from Italy! Ciro and his staff are so welcoming, kind, passionate, and entertaining. We even showed Ciro the fresh pasta we made at home and he was excited to tell us his secrets to make it even better next time! I can’t wait to come back, the tiramisu is to die for!”

“Beautiful, from scratch Italian kitchen with quality ingredients. The owner is very friendly and truly cares about the food he makes. Always happy to stop in and grab a bite. Also, they have the best cannoli I've ever had. The candied orange peels are game changing.”
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