da Baffone Cucina Italiana
Is this your business?
Claim this profile to update your info and track analytics.
About
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"
Experience Breakdown
charles lawhun
435 reviews
“The dish was outstanding, the best and only matched by a similar dish I had in Italy”
Highlights
What Diners Are Saying
Diners loved
Some noted
I havent tried the food here because I turned around so abruptly.
Location
111 N Main St, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
What 799+ diners say about da Baffone Cucina Italiana
“Wonderful food, friendly service and a cozy atmosphere.”
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
Feb 2026
“First time eating here and we can’t wait to come back to try more.”
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
Nov 2025
“My daughter brought me here for dinner tonight.”
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
Oct 2025
“How is a great experience, Frankie is an amazing server and the food is always fantastic!!!”
Shelly F
Oct 2025
“This charming Italian restaurant offers a truly delightful dining experience.”
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
Sep 2025
“Charming little gem in downtown Crystal Lake.”
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
Aug 2025
“If you like a classy spot with excellent Italian food and drinks, this is your spot.”
If you like a classy spot with excellent Italian food and drinks, this is your spot. Nice ambiance and a really friendly staff.
MATTHEW PERRI
Jul 2025
“So accommodating and perfect for a true Italian food experience- the meals are generous/ authentic and has great vibes.”
Patricia Greenwald
Jun 2025
“Paisanos, Cucina Bella, and da Baffone are the only Italian joints you should patronize.”
Paisanos, Cucina Bella, and da Baffone are the only Italian joints you should patronize. Arguments can be made for all. Tonight's dinner was excellent. Great service, bread, drinks (dirty with 4 blue 🧀 stuffed 🫒 and a 🍋 drop) House 🥗 was underwhelming, but the 🍲 (pasta e fagioli) was great. Gnocchi was very good and fresh. The 🐔 LE PARMIGIANE was the best I've ever had. A recommendation to spice it up on a scale of 1-5 was given. 3.5 is the sweet spot. No issues with seating or being yelled at by the owner. In fact, she was quite pleasant and enjoying herself.
Steve Bushore
May 2025
“We've been coming here for years and love the food.”
We've been coming here for years and love the food. It's a great little restaurant!
Scott Fogel
Mar 2025
“Da Baffone Cucina Italiana is always a wonderful experience.”
Da Baffone Cucina Italiana is always a wonderful experience! My husband and I have been here multiple times, and every visit is just as amazing as the last. The servers are always great; attentive, friendly, and they truly enhance the dining experience. The food is consistently outstanding. Some of my favorites include the Medallions Goldenzola, chicken parmesan, eggplant parmesan, and baked claims. Every dish is packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. And the desserts? Always on point! The only downside is that it can be tough to get a reservation, and I wish the restaurant were a bit larger to accommodate more guests. If it were easier to get in, we’d be here even more often! That being said, it’s absolutely worth the wait. Highly recommend!
shawna pearson
Feb 2025
“Fantastic service, ask for Darren.”
Fantastic service, ask for Darren! The food was amazing! Great spot for a date night, this is now a favorite! 100% worth it. Atmosphere is fabulous also!
Christopher Michael
Jan 2025
Love da Baffone Cucina Italiana?
First Bite — Coming Soon
Our monthly Chicago food newsletter — new openings, hidden gems & trending spots.
More Italian in Chicago
Top-rated spots serving the same cuisine.
You Might Also Like
Similar style & budget — Italian, mid-range.
