Don't have an Italian nonna? Stop at this little store in Highwood for the fresh pastas, and frozen entrees, soups, desserts, and Italian specialty goods. We love the lasagna, and don't let the small size or the price throw you, these are the best. The meat lasagna is really delicious and the pasta so tender. There is street parking, and a small lot. Check in advance for store hours. I haven't tried the tiramisu, but maybe I can find a special occasion to serve it. read more

Amazing dinner! The meatballs were delicious The lasagna.... So good!!! My first time there but I will be back. It's pricey... but worth it! read more

Simply great. 1. It's fun to shop there. 2. The food is outstanding. 3. It's a staple for reheating for dinner parties. 4. It's real, authentic, and local. read more

Best frozen and fresh pasta and sauce. The hype is real. Makes dinner so easy and something to look forward to.

I am a convert. A few weeks ago, my husband suggested we try making our own pasta. I countered with a trip to Pastificio as a gentler entry point into the world of fresh pasta. The small but mighty shop is stocked with a variety of pastas as well as desserts, soups, and pasta dishes that you can stash in your freezer (if you can wait that long). We stocked up on a few different kinds of pasta - garlic parsley linguine, spinach fettucine, and herb linguine. Because we were there, we also nabbed a small frozen lasagna, some biscotti and cannoli. This has ruined all other pasta for us. The pasta is flavorful, fresh and cooks in just a few minutes. Because it's so flavorful, we add a splash of pasta water, fresh parmesan cheese and a little cracked black pepper - it's really all it needs. The lasagna was a great dinner option on a night we didn't feel like actually cooking. It was flavorful and a generous portion for the price. The biscotti have become a stand-in for what we could only buy locally years ago in Indiana - they aren't quite the same but they're the closest we've found! The cannoli is also very good, my only complaint being that the shells aren't crisp because they're refrigerated, but it's a small price for an excellent dessert. I brag about Pastificio to everyone I know now and it's where we buy all of our pasta. read more

Another delicious birthday celebration thanks to Pastificio! We ordered - and devoured the meat lasagna, the pasta literally melts in your mouth. Everything about it was perfection. The butternut squash cappellacci was another hit, especially for those that did not choose a meat entree. Ending with the tirimisu was the perfect punctuation mark. Thank you for allowing me to enjoy my own party. Absolutely appreciated your effort and expertise in everything you created for us to enjoy a family celebration! read more

I couldn't wait to eat my food to post my experience. I was speaking to my client today and she raved about this little place, she told me its her meal every Christmas...I went from my meeting in Winnetka and headed straight to this little gem. I'm stuck here finding the words to describe my experience.... The warmest and kindest staff...old and young The food was packed to keep in the freezer and to grab for that day The selection was made for high end restaurant type meals. The meals were portioned to feed family style, individual and for 2 people...the value was beyond amazing. I bought several items...I felt so special by everyone....I was called by my name as though I'd been a long time friend. I was taken on a tour of the entire store and shown and explained to....each and every item and ingredient....from meats to vegetarian to gluten sensitive meals Salads, soup ,meatballs, pizza and garlic bread with amazing spreads is on the menu tonight in my home. I was told by the owner...this is certainly great food but best of all...its made with love. The passion and enthusiasm...care and welcome I got today will be filling my home and table today...I am so excited. It was truly a wonderful shopping experience and no doubt my family will enjoy it all. Tonight's Menu: Garlic Bread with Caponata and Bruschetta Gourmet Salad...a melody of fresh vegetables Minestra Di Fagoli Mushroom Fedelini Dinner Meatballs with Sauce Catalina Cheese Pizza The food quality is clean, fresh and well chosen Thank you all for my amazing meal read more

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If I'm cooking Italian, then this is where I'm getting my pasta! There is such a great selection of dried pastas in every shape and color. Squid ink - yes, spinach - yep, lemon - uh huh! This family owned business has been making some of the best Italian foods for many years. My family has been buying the premade lasagnas and meatballs forever. Those meatballs are to die for! The lasagnas come in a few variations of sauces in both fresh and frozen. There is also a great selection of pasta sauces in assorted sizes should you choose to add your own pastas. Plus, there is a quaint selection of oils, vinegars, and desserts. read more

What a gem! All sorts of dried pasta, refrigerated pastas, gelato and many other side fishes and dessert. Limited store hours so plan ahead. 1lb pasta for 4 people main course. Dried pasta around $10/lb. sign up for newsletter specials. read more

Hidden gem alert! So it seems, I've been exploring the Italian side of life in Highwood lately. I've always been so curious about Pastificio. I mean if Jay K and Valerie D love it, I knew they wouldn't let me down...and they didn't! Today I stopped in and had the most amazing experience. At first I received a complete tour of the store and learned about the freshness of their products. Knowing I wanted to leave with something for my kiddos for dinner, I figured I'd pick up an authentic cheese and sausage pizza from their freezer. I have a typical budget for dinner, and went to pay with my debit card, but I didn't meet the $15. However, since it was my first time, the owner, Pat, came out and let it slide. I also had the chance to chat with her for quite awhile and learned so much about her business and the Highwood community. She is celebrating 40 years in business. Wow! Not only did I leave with a delicious, authentic, frozen pizza, but they gave me two dried pasta nests in a bag with a ribbon as an extra special treat. Speaking of the dried pasta, the cases of homemade pasta are in plain view and so pretty to look at. You'll want to leave with all of it. I'm totally coming back for pasta on a future trip. Take note: Saturdays they have a nice hot bar with Italian delights. Pat mentioned the neighborhood regulars always come in for that. 5+ stars for the customer service. What a lovely establishment. I really hope you'll stop in when you find yourself in Highwood. The shop is a little off the beaten path, but it's so worth the visit. read more

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For homemade pasta, this place is bar none. The only reason for only 3 stars is it's crazy overpriced. Not just expensive, but OVERPRICED. Everything is homemade so I understand being expensive but honestly you can't charge $30 for a frozen Tiramisu that only serves 2-3 people. You can't charge $20 for a jar of meat sauce. I'd rather go to a restaurant and pay for someone to prepare it fresh serve it and tip for cheaper. Quality is good though so there's that. Maybe they got hit by the inflation bug? Double the cost of anywhere else... read more

Was in the area and had to check this out. They have a small hot buffet on Saturdays only from 10:30 to 1:00. Varies week to week. Large frozen selection and deli selections during the week. Very good Italian food, not cheap especially for the frozen dishes. Take out only! I'll be back during the weekdays for more tastes and info. read more

Pastificio - They have a small hot buffet on Saturdays only from 10:30 to 1:00. Take out. - Italian Near Me - Highwood, Illinois

This is an unfortunate review. I read about this place and took a ride to Highwood. I was excited because I've been looking for an authentic Italian shop that sold homemade fresh pasta & sauces. Went on a Saturday. Hours posted were 9-4pm. I got there at 2 and it was closed. The Saturday hours posted next to the closed sign. Mixed message. I suggest to call before you go. read more

Pastificio has been a staple for my fiance's family for years, as I learned his grandparents frequently used them for catering and also bought soups and other items. When my grandfather-in-law passed away, Pastificio lasagna was ordered to cater a private family meal after his celebration-of-life service this past weekend. I will be the first to tell you that even though I am Italian, I do not usually eat or care for lasagna, because I do not care for the texture or taste of ricotta cheese. I can safely say, I would eat Pastificio lasagna any time it is placed in front of me. We had both a meat and spinach lasagna, and I honestly don't know which I liked better. They were both delicate and surprisingly light. The combination of flavors is perfect, and the noodles are velvety perfection. Trays of lasagna are well labeled with heating instructions, and from what I hear, the staff is incredibly helpful and friendly (I'll have to stop in in person one day.) It is obvious that not only is this food made with love, but that the owners and staff at Pastificio genuinely care about their customers. Thank you, Pastificio, for helping our family by taking away the stress of having to prepare a full meal during this time. read more

Here's the place... excellent products but pricey. I get it, if you want authentic quality there is a cost but I still feel $11 for a small container of sauce is just not reasonable. I'll still go but not as often as I would for better pricing. read more

Outstanding - I've loved everything I've tried from the sauces to the pasta salads. It IS very pricey but so delicious and convenient. I stock up on items for the freezer for when I dont want to cook. The pizzas are a must. Trust me. read more

Many of their foods are very, very good. I like their dried pastas, frozen lasagnas, and tortellini soups. It's kind of a bummer when Pat's not there because she's always so nice. The others aren't so nice and one in particular is downright unpleasant. They are somewhat expensive, but so is everything in this area and the quality would justify that. Except with some odd pricing practices. They sell soups in two sizes, the smaller is half the size of the larger, yet it costs $1.00 more per measure. When queried, the lady said to just buy the larger. I wanted the smaller because they are perfect for bringing to work. Theres no space or time to deal with extra dishes or refrigerating remaining half, reheating something already microwaved doesn't produce the best results. The cost of smaller containers or time involved does not justify an additional dollar each. And while it may sound like I'm penny pinching, if you buy 20-30 a month, that additional $20-30 adds up fast. Sunset and Once Upon A bagel also offer exceptional homemade soups and do not price gouge you in this way. The last time I was there they were giving little holiday gifts to their good customers. I asked what they were and the girl told me, yet did not give me one. I guess at a $50-100/month average spend I was not considered a valued customer. I think they could benefit from some customer experience training, but considering the owner's response to previous comments that they've been there 30-40 years, perhaps they don't care. I too, have experienced the shop being closed in spite of posted hours with no explanation. So do call first. read more

For over thirty years I have had the pleasure of being a Pastificio customer. I have two homes, Lake Forest, IL and Naples, Fl. The best part of two homes, Pastificio is either close to my Lake Forest home - or they ship their wonderful food to me in Naples, Florida. Presently, the world is challenged by the horrible Coronavirus 19. I am fearful of carryout, no restaurants are open - but, smile. I have Pastificio in my freezer!!! Tonight I had the most beautiful dinner all thank you to Patricia's Pastifico's team. Please do not look to your left or right - Pastificio is THE BEST. read more

The women are so nice here! The food is excellent and all home made! You can't get out of there without eating your weight because of all the food that they want you to try and it's all amazing. My kids are very finicky eaters and are on different diets but we all agree on the noodles, Every color and shape all made upstairs. Buy more then you think you need because there is never enough...man read more

Authentic, Italian specilaty food store with fresh, homemade delights ready to go. Delicious pasta and great customer service! Even my eleven year old raved about the pasta! read more

Been buying fresh pasta here for probably over 10 years. The only pasta I ever use. Variety is way better than anywhere else. The flavors kick up any dish as you match the flavor to what you are making. I keep 4 or 5 pastas in the cupboard at any time read more

the worst thing about Pastificio is that my wife won't let me cook Italian dishes anymore - the best thing is that everything they make is better than anything I can cook at home! The only difference between Pastificio and a great Italian restaurant is that you eat at home, you can pull whatever you want out of the freezer for lunch, dinner, whatever, and enjoy an amazing meal, snack, brunch. They will customize things if you want larger portions and Pat, the owner, is the nicest person you could meet. As a point of interest, we just ate at Pat's son's restaurant in Florence and he's a great cook too! read more

Mostly a mixed review sadly. My wife and I split a meat lasagna. She thought it was quite good. I was slightly less enthusiastic (but only given the price). Our boys had the garlic and herb pasta which was quite good. The meatballs had a nice gravy, but were small and also overpriced. Now the really bad, the garlic bread had no garlic and very little butter. It was just really a loaf of Italian bread sold as garlic bread. The whipped brie was purchased on a Friday evening and had mold on it by Sunday night. Just not worth the price point. read more