Maria's Bakery

I have eaten a lot of Italian fare in all different price brackets...this is, by far, my favorite.
It is a teeny tiny place where the owner greets you from behind the counter. The smell stirs the belly and you want to eat immediately.
The ricotta gnocchi is heavenly. Light and airy and decadent.
The chiacchiere can be consumed by the dozen
And the cappuccino is the perfect finish.

Thank you for a favorite spot well worth the drive in from the city.

We've been coming here forever.  It's really the only casual place to get good Italian food in Highwood (Buffo's up the street is not to be endured). Highly recommend the risotto balls for lunch and the eggplant lasagna.  OMG.  All the desserts are great, and this is also where we order cupcakes for our kids' birthday parties.  The employees are friendly and helpful and the atmosphere is very relaxed.

Lasagna...We have NEVER had a bad experience here.  It is a step back in time...slower and kinder.  The food smells fantastic...the garlic bread is heavenly.  But the Pesto sandwich, the Chicken Limon special, the spaghetti and large meatball and the meatball subs are our family's favorites.  Sampled the lobster claw pastry and this was also a crowd favorite with the REAL custard, not that crappy fake stuff that so many other places use.  We will be regulars here for a long time....