Champaign-Urbana's Favorite Italian Food

When Champaign-Urbana residents look for delicious Italian food, these are the restaurants they consider

Pizza, pasta, gelato and more; many choices exist at a variety of price points for Italian dining in Champaign-Urbana

Your idea of the perfect Italian meal may be unlimited soup, salad and breadsticks at Olive Garden, but odds are a different establishment pops into your mind when someone asks you where you go for good Italian food in Champaign-Urbana. With a range of casual dining and more formal fare, you have options in C-U when you’re eager for Italian food.

Napoli's

As with all of our “favorite food” lists, we focus on locally owned restaurants around Champaign-Urbana and beyond. (This list is in alphabetical order.)

Pasta is a popular choice on many of these menus, but we think that your palate will be pleased with some of the other dishes, as well. And when all else fails, try the pizza, because pizza is ALWAYS a solid choice!

Timpone’s, South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana (Campus)

Timpone’s has been around forever (since 1947, to be exact) and this is where many people head when they want great Italian food. In addition to all of its main course offerings, Timpone’s desserts are top-notch, so save room for something sweet.

Timpone's Currant Rhubarb Cheesecake

Baldarotta’s Porketta and Sicilian Sausage, Urbana

Traditional Sicilian sandwiches are the star here, though you’ll find a deli and so much more at Baldarotta’s. Located near the Courier Cafe, stop in for one of their lunch specials (a great deal!) and have a hot or cold sandwich that suits your liking. Porketta is the stand-out here and what Baldarotta’s is known for, but you can also try things like Sicilian flatbread, a long list of cold deli sandwiches and many deli salads sold by the pound.

Manzella’s, South First Street, Champaign (Midtown)

A mid-range Italian restaurant when it comes to price, Manzella’s rests just between Campustown and Downtown Champaign, hence the label of “Midtown.” You might have driven past this restaurant a number of times and just not noticed it. With lots of classic Italian options — translation: kid friendly — this makes a good stop for the family. Of course if you’d like a pricier entree, you can get that here, too.

Manzella's

Filippo’s Pizza & Italian Food, Mahomet

People drive from C-U just to dine in the quaint dining room of this Mahomet staple. Whether your party is going to be ordering Italian beef sandwiches, pasta dishes or pizza to share, we think you’ll enjoy Filippo’s. It is important to know it does NOT take credit cards, so bring cash.

Filippos

Mia Za’s, Champaign (Campus)

Are you someone who misses the now-closed Za’s restaurants in other parts of Champaign? Did you know the original Za’s can be found on campus, now known as Mia Za’s? In a choose-your-own adventure Italian dining experience at a budget-friendly price, you might want to take the kids to Mia Za’s for a build-your-own pizza, sandwich, pasta or salad. We really love its tea, too!

Mia Za's

Nando Milano, Champaign (Downtown)

Probably the most expensive among these choices, Nando Milano is an experience. If you have a special occasion, like a birthday, anniversary or maybe even an engagement (!), Nando might be the choice for you. Chef’s Specials rotate in regularly, and this meal will without a doubt feel very authentically Italian.

Nando Milano

Napoli’s Italian Restaurant, Champaign

The newest Italian restaurant on our list, Napoli’s original location is in Decatur. Chambanamoms readers were excited when Napoli’s came to C-U, inhabiting the space formerly occupied by Everyday Kitchen in the Lodgic building.

Napoli's Champaign

Pizzeria Antica, Champaign (Downtown)

If you’re looking for authentic Neopolitan pizza, you want Pizzeria Antica. If Pizzeria Antica can’t find its ingredients locally, it imports them from the Campania Region, “including San Marzano tomatoes grown on the foothills of Mt. Vesuvius.” Additionally we implore you not to skip the gelato offerings.

Gelato at Pizzeria Antica

Rosati’s Pizza, Urbana (Campus)

This campus location is conveniently located just off of Lincoln Avenue in Urbana, so parking is usually a breeze. In addition to pizza (of course), you can get awesome calzones, Italian beef sandwiches and cannolis or zeppole for dessert. Catering Rosati’s is a great option, as you can get trays of fettucine alfredo, chicken parm, lasagna and more for your next party. Dine in its spacious dining room or carry out and take it home,

Biaggi’s, South Neil Street, Champaign

Our first restaurant on this list is in fact a chain, which, if you have followed us for awhile, you know that we tend to focus on local options. However, we’re going to make an exception with Biaggi’s because we’re big Biaggi’s fans here. So much of the menu is delicious. See if you can still be hungry after all that fresh focaccia bread brought to you before the meal officially kicks off. We like the drink offerings too. Its sangria, often on special is delightful and it has a delicious pineapple beer from Hawaii (!) on tap.

Biaggi's bruschetta

Looking for all things pizza? We have the scoop on that!

Did we miss your favorite spot to enjoy Italian food? Email us and let us know!

Champaign-Urbana’s Favorite Italian Food