A nice place to go. The food is excellent and definitely reasonably priced. The staff are very friendly. Always neatly dressed and polite. Whenever I have to go to Peoria for more than a day, I always try to eat here. I always feel like I'm welcome. read more

Very much enjoyed. MUST get their fries!!!! So good! Our server was super nice and very quick with everything! Our drinks were never empty. I ordered the all you can eat pasta and man it was great! read more

Avanti's Italian Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Pekin, Illinois

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Wife and I both got the cheese ravioli, very good, very hot. Salad was simple yet delicious. Service wasn't the greatest, slow to refill drinks and she offered us a to go drink and she never brought them. Clean restaurant. Will be back! read more

Avanti's Italian Restaurant - Baked Cheese Ravioli - Italian Near Me - Pekin, Illinois

I was really disappointed with the food and preparation here. I got the chicken Parmesan and they served both the chicken and the pasta in a ramekin with no plate underneath. Every time I tried cutting into the chicken, sauce and pasta would overflow out the edges. It was so hard to eat without making a mess. I'm also not a fan of sweet sauces, and this sauce was overwhelming sweet. No amount of salt could help. read more

Avanti's Italian Restaurant - Chicken Parmesan - Italian Near Me - Pekin, Illinois

Went for dinner last night. They brought out a basket with bread ( 3 pieces for 2 people) as usual. We ordered and when our food arrived the waitress asked if there was anything else we needed. I asked if we could get some more bread. The waitress informed me that they no longer give more bread for free. She explained that we could either purchase a 1/2 loaf or a full loaf. Avantis has ALWAYS gave free bread when you are dining in. Olive Garden does not cut off the breadsticks when you ask for a 2nd basket. The food its self was good but Avantis deciding they will no longer give more bread means I will now go elsewhere. This is clearly a case where Avantis is being pennywise but pound foolish read more

The server was friendly and polite. My meal exceeded expectations, and the restaurant was clean.

I was a little unsure when I saw all the negative reviews but I have to say, we had a pretty good experience here! We had a private room for a family gathering. Our server was friendly, helpful and attentive. I'm sure she had other tables she was waiting on besides us and even though we were in a completely different room, she was on it. I went with the buffalo chicken wrap. Our server suggested going with the crispy chicken over the grilled for the wraps (my mom also ordered a different wrap) and she did not steer us wrong! The wrap was delicious! Pretty spicy though so a side or two of ranch was definitely necessary. (Which, lets be honest, I would have done regardless of the spice level.) Overall, two thumbs up! read more

Avanti's Italian Restaurant - Buffalo Chicken wrap. Very good but spicy! - Italian Near Me - Pekin, Illinois

I guess I should've read the reviews before I went to eat there, but there was a lot of cars in the parking lot when I pulled up and figured it's gonna be good, right? So I ordered the chicken Parmesan, and it was absolutely tasteless! The spaghetti was over cooked And it was like a tomato soup poured over the noodles. The chicken was some sort of frozen wheel that was thrown into the deep fryer with a layer that looks like cheese, but wasn't sure. I got a salad with the meal, that was only lettuce with no tomatoes or carrots or nothing? I thought I would ask the waitress about the dessert and she said that the desert was so small. It didn't taste very good and very expensive that if it was her, I should skip it. Needless to say, I will not be back. I sure hope the owner reads these reviews, because I would've been embarrassed to serve such a low quality meal! read more

Waitress was so rude and a simple pizza bread was horrible. Not sure what happened to this restaurant, it used to be good. Don't go there

They are now closed on Tuesdays due to a lack of staff. Went there for lunch, and a bit of a wait for the same reason above. We placed our orders, and they came fairly quickly. Everyone at the table said their meals were good. Got the small 6" pizza and a whole gondola. Took some of both home as leftovers. Waitress was OK. read more

Decent keep up the good work. Good food good service . It's was nice not to wait for the food

The reason to go here is the Avantis Gondola. That's their thing. And it's good. It's salami cheese letttuce and mayo or mustard on their bread which is like a sweet bread. They have pizza which I've had which was average. I've even had their wraps which were good. Today's visit was a bit slow. They seemed very understaffed for a Saturday and there was a big party in there as well. They have a sign on the door they're closed on Tuesdays now due to short staffing. It's 2024 I feel like staff could be found now. read more

Avantis is the home of my favorite food- ever. I have been coming to this place since I was younger when I lived in Peoria and come back just to make at least 2-3 stops here. We always leave with extras to take home too since I'm never sure the next time I will be back in town. The bread is the best and the main factor for why I love this place so much. Every time I always get their famous gondola and got pizza bread this time too. Due to COVID, the location is currently curbside pick up/ take out only but I actually prefer the pizza bread this way than in the restaurant (it comes more as a sandwich rather than 2 halves of bread with cheese on top) Avantis food is always fresh, flavorful, and I'm not even sure they've increased their prices since I moved away 20 years ago! Very affordable and I can't wait to come back. Also- we have ordered from this location multiple times for my friend from Pekin to bring to me in Indiana. They will siren wrap the bread to keep it fresh and also bag the sandwich items (ham, salami, cheese, lettuce) separately to then assemble ourselves. I have ordered it for my friend to bring to my bridal shower and for our pre-wedding meal and it still turns out great. Love this place & will be back soon! read more

Very cheap and great staff! Usually not too bad of a wait either. Cheapest eat in restaurant for what you get.

I have been to this Avanti's a few times and it's great. The food is always good and consistent between restaurants. My wife loves this place so whenever we visit it is a must go. Very affordable food items ranging from salad, sandwiches, pizza, pasta, and obviously there famous gondola sandwiches. I got the turkey gondola with swiss and American cheese and added mayo. Huge sandwich but with determination you can finish it! Thought about trying the Crispy chicken sandwich but maybe next time. The pizza bread is very good, also recommend. Didn't have time to take a photo this time, just enough time to get to eating :) Overall great restaurant with great service and delicious, very affordable foods. Will definitely be back next time we are in town. Covid19 update: currently curbside pick up or order and take out. Restaurant part is currently closed. Staff wear masks and there is hand sanitizer available. Obviously you must wear your mask. read more

Again I ordered bread with butter and the bread came stale with no butter. It was a delivery so you would think they would try better to get the order correct! read more

I don't know what all the complaints are about. we stopped traveling through town & loved this place! The food was delicious, especially the bread. The bruschetta was to die for-best we have ever had! The service was also great. A great value too-prices were very reasonable. read more

Incomparable prices - fast service - friendly - they even have a drive thru pick up window! Highly recommend their veggie sub or salads. Best one around. read more

Cheap food for cheap cost. The bruschetta would have been better if the bread wasn't a sweet bread. I got the linguine carbonara and added chicken, it was basically a frozen dinner thawed out. (Waitress even admitting that everything was frozen and they just warm it up from Sysco). Husband said lasagna was ok. Side salads basic salad kit thrown in bowl with a little dressing. Would not recommend. They serve pizzas as well, not sure if they just a frozen pizza warmed up also. read more

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We were in the mood for some fettuccine Alfredo and we figured, "it's an Italian restaurant it should have that right?" We used the build your own pasta menu to order some noodles and Alfredo and waited. Well, what came out piping hot, was the most sour and disgusting Alfredo sauce we have ever tried. The waitress was great, and the bread was fresh. But when in the mood for fettuccine Alfredo it's best you pick up the microwave meals at Walmart. read more

Avanti's Italian Restaurant - Spaghetti Noodles with their "Alfredo sauce" - Italian Near Me - Pekin, Illinois

Italian food without the decor of Italy. The menu had the Italian staples and was simple but enjoyable. Not too many options in Pekin but I would certainly return. Polite and prompt service. Basic beer selection but at least they have it. read more

I asked for double meat on their sandwich like I always do. This was supposed to be supper. Paid for double and it said so on the receipt but only one layer of each meat. disapointed! read more

So I rolled up to Avantis at noon today and I thought it was odd that the parking lot was nearly empty. Avantis has always been one of my favorites. I love the bread. I ordered my usual, even though I hadn't been there for a couple of years. I don't eat out much. Salad tortellini. Salad was lettuce. you don't call lettuce salad. it was lettuce no tomatoes no carrots no nothing, lettuce. OK so we're off to a bad start. Again did I say the bread was delicious? I thought it odd the waitress never asked me if I wanted my tortellini baked with mozzarella on top but who needs mozzarella right? so she brings the tortellini. Well it's not the same don't know what they did. Don't know why they did it. It's no longer delectable. It's barely edible changing the recipe? I don't know it didn't even look good. Needless to say need to step it up Avanti's read more

Not sure why all the low reviews. Evertime I have been here it has been clean, quick service, and good food. I have had banquet rooms, and also tables for 2. Place is pretty cheap also. All you can eat spaghetti on monday with bread and salad for $5.45 come on, your not going to get a better deal anywhere. read more

Had to have waitress to the table 3 times, shorted us on cheese sticks, then the 2 large size pasta dishes ordered were both aller than the small size. Finally when salad arrived there was no dressing...waitress never returned with dressing. Bread cold read more

Great food and friendly staff . They serve delicious bread along with their pastas. Very reasonably priced for 2 people I think it was around 25.00 .My fiancé too me there for our first date . Great pizza too can't forget that !We Will definitely return .Sauce is so good too read more

Small portions of cold pasta, salads were some lettuce and a cup of honey mustard sauce, delivery was good however. All of this do $30+ , never again read more

Food was good... I always get the tortellini! The bread is always really good!! Seemed like they were short staffed as a lot of restaurants are these days. So service was just okay. read more

They accommodated a large group and service was pretty quick. Also had a coloring page on the back side of the placemat which is good for the young...and of course the young at heart. I ordered a cup of chili which I think tasted pretty good, plus it wasn't too spicy. If you're a fan of spicy chili though, it may not be to your liking. I also tasted the house salad with ranch dressing... But I couldn't take another bite. It was a little bitter. On the plus side, the bread rolls were really good, especially dipped in my chili! And hey, the Jameson and ginger ale cocktail was mixed well. Delicious! I also appreciate that the waiter accommodated my SO's dietary restriction and informed us that the cooks had changed their gloves and took other precautions to ensure his food had the least chance of cross contamination. He only had a salad without croutons, but I appreciated the effort! read more

One of my biggest pet peeve at restaurants is they water down sauces/dressings. I ordered 5# of wings with a side of bleu cheese. What I got was water dyed white. This is just ridiculous. The wings and food was good but why taint it with watered down sauces/dressings. How cheap can you guys really be. I guess next time I order wings from you I guess I have 3 options. Option 1 ask for a side of water to dip my wings in. Option 2 ask for the normal watered down bleu cheese that taste like water. Option 3 buy my own bleu cheese. If you are hurting that bad for money raise the prices a few cents or have a jar sitting by the cash register with a note saying donations are used to keep us from being cheap and watering down sauces/dressings. Please stop doing this nasty habit. read more

I ordered the tortellini/spaghetti combo and my dad got the Pasta Primavera and added chicken. Both were great! Our waitress, Elaine, brought us a bunch of bread and provided wonderful service as well. Our glasses stayed full and so did our bellies. No room for dessert. Thanks! read more

Avanti's Italian Restaurant - The bread. - Italian Near Me - Pekin, Illinois

I have been standing here for 30 minutes. I came here for lunch as my vet is trying to figure out what is wrong with my dog as she is not eating or drinking. They rang about 25 people out but when I asked the girl what was going on she said well you were on your phone I didn't know what you were doing even though she was ringing up about ten older ladies at the time so I made the call. I had to call to get a dentist appointment setup . She walks away and then ten minutes later comes back throws my stuff on the table and walks away. I know places are short staffed but rudeness is not necessary read more

This is a hit and miss review for Pekin Avanti's on Ct Street. Our son and his wife, living in the boonies west of Glasford, ordered four types of food to be catered for a birthday party for 65+ people on a Sunday. The food arrived slightly early all in foil wrapped containers, hot and ready, for buffet type dining. There were many containers of sweet bread, salad, utensils, etc besides the chicken, spegetti, subs, and pasta all in various aluminum foil containers. The single delivery girl was polite and helpful setting everything up. The food was delicous and there was enough left for perhaps 25 more guests! We ate spegetti and bread for two days after. Now one seemed to complain about the food and all seemed to enjoy it. read more

People working there a rude and not helpful most of the time they don't have what we order and rude about it especially when it's things they say hey this is new to are menu then you order it and it's nope we don't have that and way over priced and we have been there enough times with same results before Covid and after I would recommend going some where else most staff doesn't even know the items on the menu and if you ask them to find out they are very rude about it it's very sad place to go eat especially with there prices and can't even get orders right read more

Avantis took an already prepared order of bruschetta and scraped the topping off and served it to me. There is melted cheese and leftover tomatoes on top of the bread. How disgusting!!! I highly recommended not going here. read more

Avanti's Italian Restaurant - A take out order from Avantis.... they scraped the toppings off an already prepared order and served it to me. - Italian Near Me - Pekin, Illinois

Walked in and hostess seated us after a few minutes, we got are menus. Several waitresses walked by our table never ackolaged us. Never came and got our drink orders, and waited other tables around us. After 20 MINUTES of no service we got up and left. read more

We ate here after a softball tournament and it was horrible. Nobody could finish their meal. I'm not sure how they stay in business. Never again!! read more

Closes at 9pm but we walk in at 8pm and the bar area is closed. We stay at the Holiday Inn across the street, as do many, many of our folk and other contractors. This business could do soooo much better if they cared about their customers instead of closing early and getting home or going to a party. Applebee's across the street earns most of our business because of this. When mentioned to their employee tonight at 8pm, her response was "oh well, sorry." You think a business owner would care about this. Nope. 1star is too much. read more

We had an excellent dinner here. My pasta primavera had a huge amount of vegetables and was well flavored. My wife's lasagna was outstanding and very good sized. Their bread is amazing but the garlic bread wasn't as garlicky as we like. It had a good flavor but could have had some more garlic. read more

Avanti's goes above and beyond to ensure their customers have an enjoyable experience.