Il Forno Review

Il Forno Pizzeria in Deerfield, Illinois
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

Chicago is a city that is known for many amazing things. We love our business, our sports, and most importantly, our food. Whether you are a resident or just a visitor of the Windy City or the surrounding areas, you need to try the cuisine, namely an Italian beef, a hot dog, or some dynamite pizza. Sticking with the pizza theme, when one typically thinks of Chicago-style pizza, they think of thick, doughy, sauce-covered deep dish. Those who enjoy this style of pizza savor each bite to the tune of one or two slices, a complete meal to most. What many fail to realize is that there is another side to Chicago-style pizza, which is the polar opposite of deep dish, known simply as thin crust. Chicago-style thin crust features heavy cheese, light sauce, an abundance of toppings, if that’s what you’re into, and is served on cracker thin crust. The light and airy dish is perfect to share with friends and family after a long day at the office or after the game has ended. Among the many places who serve this food staple around the Chicagoland area, Il Forno, which has locations on Chicago's North Shore, is one of my favorite spots.

Pepperoni and Sausage Chicago-Style Thin Crust Pizza
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

Il Forno has been serving up great pizza and much more on the North Shore since the early 1950s. Whether you are looking for a place to take a quick lunch break or are in a dinner time pinch, Il Forno has what you need. Their menu has plenty on it, but is nothing that would overwhelm anyone. They serve up pizza by the slice or full pies, thin crust or pan style, and provide customers with over 20 different toppings to choose from. They also have a number of sides, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, pasta dishes, salads, soups, chicken and seafood dishes, and desserts to choose from. Pricing on all items is fairly decent considering all the food you get. Pizza ranges from $10-$15 with additional toppings and specialty pies being extra. Everything else can be purchased for $10 or less, which is what one would be expected to pay for a standard meal at a non-fast food chain.

The location I visited in Deerfield, which is a North Shore suburb, is nestled in the downtown area among other restaurants and local businesses, which makes it accessible and in walking distance for town residents, business people, and those who are getting off the nearby train. It has a good amount of inside seating, the wood floors, high ceilings, and colorful atmosphere making it very inviting. There is also an outdoor patio area, which is great place to enjoy a nice summer day while you catch up with a close friend.

I have only known about Il Forno for a few months, but I can already say it is one of my favorite spots to get pizza in the state. Being one who is a huge fan of thin crust pizza, this spot gives me everything I look for in a pie; light sauce, lots of cheese, and a really thin, airy crust. When I go, I order an extra large 17” thin crust pie with sausage and pepperoni, splitting it with family or close friends of course. This meal runs in the $20 range, but the taste and amount of food you get makes it worth it. So if you’re in the mood for great Chicago-style thin crust pizza or are just looking for a new place to try, stop by Il Forno at 750 Osterman Ave. Deerfield, IL 60015. 

Ryan Magnuson is a Baseball/Food Writer from the Chicagoland Area