When it comes to comfort food, nothing compares to the warm, hearty dishes crafted in a true scratch kitchen. At Coppolillo’s Italian Steakhouse in Crown Point, Indiana, we take pride in preparing every dish from the finest, freshest ingredients, creating meals that are as comforting as they are unforgettable.

What is Scratch Cooking?

Scratch cooking means everything on your plate is prepared fresh, in-house, with no shortcuts. From our handcrafted sauces and dressings to the tender pastas and perfectly seasoned proteins, every dish is a testament to our dedication to quality and tradition.

At Coppolillo’s, we believe that comfort food is more than just nourishment—it’s an experience that warms the heart and satisfies the soul.

A Menu Full of Comfort

Our menu is filled with Italian-inspired comfort dishes, expertly crafted to deliver bold flavors and a sense of home. Some of our must-try favorites include:

• Classic Lasagna: Layer upon layer of fresh pasta, creamy ricotta, rich meat sauce, and melted mozzarella baked to perfection.
• Chicken Parmesan: Tender, breaded chicken breast topped with marinara and melted mozzarella, served over a bed of pasta.
• Short Rib Risotto: Creamy risotto paired with slow-braised short rib, a dish that melts in your mouth with every bite.
• House-Made Soups: Rotating daily, our soups are always made fresh, offering a cozy start to your meal.

More Than Just Food

What sets Coppolillo’s apart isn’t just our scratch kitchen—it’s our commitment to creating an atmosphere where guests feel like family. Our warm and inviting dining room, attentive service, and the care we put into every dish combine to offer an experience that’s as comforting as the food itself.

Visit Us Today

If you’re craving a dining experience that feels like home with a touch of indulgence, come to Coppolillo’s Italian Steakhouse. Discover how scratch kitchen comfort food can elevate your next meal.

Reserve your table or browse our menu at www.coppolillos.com and prepare to indulge in the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine done right.

At Coppolillo’s, every meal is made from scratch—and every bite is made with love.

Chef Coppolillo’s Take On The Warming Power of Red Meat at Coppolillo’s Italian Steakhouse!

Fall is here and the cool air of winter is around the corner…Who are we kidding…It’s already cold in Illinois! I’m going to share a secret (backed by science!!!) to staying warm and it involves eating steak at Coppolillo’s, and lots of it! So keep reading to find out what my little secret is and trust me– I found this all on online, so it must be true …..And you will stay warm if you know what to do! But science or no science, there is a reason why they call it comfort food and I know that when it gets cold, I want hearty meals to help me stay warm!

In colder seasons, we crave foods that can help to keep us warm through Teromgenesis! I will spare you the technical stuff and bottom-line it. You should pick foods that have lots of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates—they stay in your system longer, creating extra heat and helping you stay warm by lighting your bodies internal furnace.. Our delicious steaks, burgers and pastas are perfect and will give you the firey boost you need to stay comfortable even when it is chilly outside.

So now that you understand why eating lots of delicious pastas and steaks at Coppolillo’s during the colder months is important, you need to share the secret with friends and family. I have the PERFECT solution for you and I will spell it out in two words….gift cards! This holiday season, spread the joy and warmth with Coppolillo’s gift cards. Perfect for friends, family, teachers, or anyone special in your life, these gift cards are more than just a present—they’re an invitation to experience the coziness of our Italian Steakhouse! Make your holiday shopping a breeze with the gift of not only warmth, but the best pastas and steaks around!

A Coppolillo’s gift card is an over-the-top gift that will surprise and excite even the pickiest people. It’s a thoughtful and easy way to share your favorite Italian Steakhouse, Coppolillo’s, with those who matter most. So, why not make your holiday shopping easy and fast so you have time for everything else in your life? Give the gift of Coppolillo’s and wrap up your holiday shopping without leaving the house.

Ready to elevate your fall and winter dining experience? Make a reservation to eat at Coppolillos.com now, and purchase your gift cards while you are here! Now that’s treating yourself and your loved ones to the ultimate gift of dining at Coppolillo’s Italian Steakhouse. And when you are here, don’t forget to say hi when you see me! #CoppolillosItalianSteakhouse #WinterDining #GiftOfWarmth

As the summer season unfolds, it’s time to savor the delectable cuisine of Coppolillo’s, a family-friendly, traditional Italian steakhouse nestled in the charming town of Libertyville, IL. With its scratch kitchen, high-quality ingredients, and handcrafted cocktails, this renowned restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience on its picturesque patio. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with dishes that have been perfected over the last 25 years by Executive Chef, Steve Coppolillo.

Coppolillo’s prides itself on its commitment to authentic Italian cuisine. Each dish is meticulously prepared using traditional recipes that have been passed down and perfected through generations. The secret to their culinary success lies in their scratch kitchen, where everything is handcrafted with love and passion. From the moment you take your first bite, you’ll be transported to the heart of Italy, relishing the flavors that have stood the test of time.

The menu at Coppolillo’s boasts an array of mouthwatering options, with their steaks taking center stage. Sink your teeth into the succulent, hand-selected cuts of ‘Black-Hide Angus Steaks’ from our proud partner— Meatz By Linz, expertly seasoned and seared. The combination of premium ingredients and Chef Steve Coppolillo’s culinary expertise ensures an unforgettable steakhouse experience that will leave you craving more.

But Coppolillo’s isn’t just about steaks. Their menu offers a variety of other Italian classics, including homemade pastas, flavorful seafood dishes, and an assortment of decadent appetizers and sides. Each dish showcases the restaurant’s dedication to using only the finest and freshest ingredients available. Locally sourced produce, imported Italian cheeses, and artisanal ingredients come together to create a symphony of flavors that will transport you to the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany.

To complement your dining experience, don’t miss out on the handcrafted cocktails at Coppolillo’s. Sip on refreshing, light libations expertly mixed by the talented bartenders. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic Negroni, a zesty Aperol Spritz, or a custom-crafted cocktail, the bar at Coppolillo’s has something for everyone. Pair your cocktail with one of their tantalizing appetizers and revel in the warm summer breeze on their inviting patio.

As the temperatures rise, reservations at Coppolillo’s become highly sought after. The combination of the exquisite cuisine, scratch kitchen, high-quality ingredients, and handcrafted cocktails make it the perfect spot to celebrate summer with friends and loved ones. From intimate dinners to special occasions, Coppolillo’s offers an ambiance that is both elegant and inviting, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to indulge in the culinary masterpieces created by Executive Chef Steve Coppolillo. Reserve your table at Coppolillo’s today and prepare to embark on a culinary journey through the rich flavors of traditional Italian cuisine. Whether you’re a steak lover, a pasta enthusiast, or a cocktail connoisseur, Coppolillo’s promises to exceed your expectations and leave you with a lasting impression of a truly remarkable dining experience.

The restaurant lifestyle defined for me can be summed up as the relentless pursuit of perfection driven by passion! I can honestly say that I have spent the majority of my life in a kitchen and I don’t regret a single second that I have invested in honing my skills. I feel the most relaxed and in my element at the craziest times, the restaurant is slammed and the line needs guidance or an extra set of hands, I am a true italian and I love getting mine dirty!

After a recent Carpal Tunnel surgery, I had the time to reflect on how much of my life I have given to the industry and our customers. I also thought about all the physical, financial, and family sacrifices it has taken to get here. This was a very happy moment for me and brought back some great memories as well as a realization that it has and will continue to be worth it.

It was tough to sit sidelined in a cast and have these thoughts running through my head because I just wanted to get back in the mix and get to work with the staff, but in my eagerness to get back in the frey, cemented in my mind that I made the right decision to give my life to this pursuit.

I am very humbled and grateful for the reception Coppolillo’s Italian Steakhouse has received in Libertyville and for the outpouring of support the community has given to our namesake brand. I am committed to ensuring Coppolillo’s continues to be the premiere restaurant to dine at in Libertyville by providing amazing service and unprecedented, authentic Italian cuisine. Why???? Because my name is on the door!!!!

Striving for Perfection and Absolutely Driven by Passion.

Caio and see you soon…

-Chef Steve Coppolillo

I don’t know about you, but when I want Italian food it has to be authentic, fresh, and full of flavor- just like my Nonna’s! This can be really hard to find if you don’t know what to look for in an Italian restaurant. However, since I am a card carrying Italian…I can help you out here and give you a recommendation. But if you’re looking for the perfect Italian restaurant in Libertyville, you’re in luck- you have a Coppolillo’s! Capeech?

When you’re trying to find delicious Italian food- you will definitely want to focus on atmosphere, wine/cocktail/spirit choices, the quality of the ingredients used and the level of service the restaurant provides to help determine if it is the ‘right’ restaurant for you.

Authentic Italian Cuisine

Authenticity.

Only an authentic Italian menu can provide customers with a traditional Italian meal. Authentic dishes offer fresh and flavorful ingredients, used in the iconic recipes passed down for generations!

My Nonna got them when she was married from her family and passed them along to me in the kitchen. I am no spring chicken so these recipes have gone through some heavy lifting to be served exactly the way Nonna’s intend.

This is by far the most important area to take a hard look at to decide if the restaurant has the chops to serve up the real stuff.

A Full Bar & Wine List

No good story ever started with “So, I was eating a salad…” Libations make any occasion better, and paired with food they are lovely!

Customers typically have a favorite beer, spirit, cocktail, and/or wine they hope to see on the  menu. However, a top-notch Italian restaurant like Coppolillo’s will offer a wide selection to choose from to really take your meal to the next level.

Having an extensive and robust wine list, helps servers make a suggestion as to which wines will pair well with your meal. Many times the server is able to offer the perfect pairing to bring out the bold flavors of the meal, that I intended, transforming it from good Italian food, to the best Italian food you have ever had!

Plus, adding the right libation to a meal, whether it is a spirit, cocktail, beer or wine- creates the perfect finishing touch to an already delicious meal. No matter the type of drink choice, you will always find what you are looking for at Coppolillo’s.

An Enticing Ambiance

Where you are eating is just as important as what you are eating! Ambiance can transform eating dinner out, into a memorable experience you’ll never forget. It sets the tone for a great meal and can make your experience unforgettable.

Of course, a big part of this lies in the little details that we never miss at Coppolillo’s–Do you feel welcomed when you enter? Does the decor create a traditional, cozy atmosphere? Is the space photo ready? If so, you’re onto a winner.

Above all else, when it comes to restaurants, the key lies in getting natural elements right.

For example, a semi-enclosed patio can allow the sun to shine in and bring an atmosphere of tranquility with its neutral color palette walls. Combined with modern textiles modeled after rustic natural earth tones, this welcoming and visually pleasing ambiance will make your guests feel right at home.

Top-Notch Service

While the food might be the most important factor when selecting a restaurant, great service will make or break your experience.

If you’re looking for an authentic Italian establishment in Libertyville, it’s important to choose one with team members who are attentive, knowledgable and have a great personality…And it also helps if the Executive Chef is handsome and has a great personality.

You can feel confident that you will be greeted right away and that your server will be able to accurately articulate their thoughts on any particular item. Dining at a restaurant with exceptional customer service makes the overall atmosphere more enjoyable.

It also means that a scratch kitchen is behind each dish Nonna would approve of!  Each ingredient used to be sure the dishes are made to order and arrive hot from the kitchen – no waiting around!

Good service ensures warm hospitality and excellent attention to detail, making for a memorable evening. When you arrive at Coppolillo’s, your experience will make you feel as though you are part of the famiglia!

Choose The Best Italian Restaurant In Libertyville

By considering the authenticity of Italian cuisine, the full bar & wine list, and the atmosphere and service offered, you can be sure that your experience matches or exceeds the value for your time and money when dining out. And let me tell you, Coppolillo’s will deliver in all areas!

As one of the best-rated restaurants in Libertyville, Coppolillo’s offers all of these amenities and more. Our traditional Italian staples are made from the freshest ingredients, in our scratch kitchen, and served with excellent customer service every single time.

Why not treat yourself and have an unforgettable dining experience?

Visit Coppolillo’s for delicious food, tantalizing drinks, a charming atmosphere, and amazing service – you won’t regret it!

-Owner and chef, Steve Coppolillo

Okay, so February is the month when we all get a little mushy or soft, but it is for good reason…Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. I get asked all the time what my favorite times or holidays are to be in the kitchen, and hands down- it is Valentine’s Day! So please sit back and let me tell you why…

Valentine’s Day is a time of love, passion and celebration- and it’s no different in the restaurant. From the delicious dishes to the passionate people who serve them, there’s something special about Valentine’s Day that brings out the best in everyone. I love seeing couples come in with smiles on their faces, excited to share a special evening together. I love watching as each dish is presented with care and thoughtfulness, as if it were made with love itself. And I love seeing the look of joy on people’s faces when they take that first bite of their favorite dish or enjoy sipping a glass of champagne or wine. Valentine’s Day in the restaurant is truly an experience like no other – one full of romance, passion, and most importantly, love!

Most holidays in the restaurant industry, for lack of a term people can understand, are managed via ‘mini-explosions’ where you are bonding with your team over the pressure of plating perfection on the customer’s clock. These are the moments that allow us to serve the customer, but my interaction with them is so limited that I can’t get my fix.

The regulars and the new customers that just want to connect with the kitchen to enhance or complete their experience with us, don’t get the opportunity too because of the high volume and fast pace. I am driven by this, and when I truly need to to “Recharge The Batteries or Fill The Tank”, our customers and regulars keep me doing what I do daily. Please don’t get me wrong, Valentine’s Day is busy as well, but it is different. The mood is lighter and our customer and ambiance is very relaxed. I catch longing looks over our linguini and lobster at every turn. People are smiling, happy, and truly in love with each other and our restaurant.

Valentine’s Day in the restaurant is a special experience that will be remembered for years to come. It’s a day where couples can express their love for one another through delicious food and drinks, surrounded by people who feel the same way about each other, and about our restaurant.

Hugs and Kisses,

-Chef Steve Copolillo, Owner and Operator

This sounds so crazy coming out of my mouth because I can’t look at myself as an artist, but food plating is an art that requires creativity and skill. Fortunately, I have had some mentors that were able to cram the philosophy of plating into my brain. It can really make the difference between a dish that looks just okay on the plate and one that looks amazing.

To help you create eye-catching food picture plating presentations, here are three essential tips to get you started.

1. Plan, plan, and then replan…the ‘measure twice cut, once’ drill will make sure you have a solid shoot with the right outcome. Plan out your shoot with the end goal in mind and work backwards to create that vision on the plate and in your shot. Also, grab inspiration from your fellow Chef’s, but never, ever rip off someone else’s stuff or just don’t rip off my stuff and we are okay.
2. Selecting the right plate might sound like a no-brainer, but choosing the right plate for the right dish is the foundation of creative plating ideas and will help you create stunning food photos. Overtime, you’ll learn how to use different plate presentation techniques to make your dishes look even better than they taste!
3. To shoot the right shots, you’ve got to have style! Food styling is another art form that takes years of tips, tricks, and surprisingly, a trip to one of my favorite places- Home Depot! Food stylist have a ton of aces up their sleeves when it comes to taking great shots. In fact, and for the first time, I saw our Influx Photographer, Andy (BTW best photographer in the city), spray hairspray on my dishes, pour glue into one of my soup bowls, and pull out plastic ice cubes…I did not know if he should be committed or commended.

This is obviously not the type of styling you will be doing, but what you have to understand is that food starts dying (less appealing to the eye) as soon as it hits a plate. Your dish never looks better than the first few seconds it’s on the plate. If you’re one of my expeditors, you know I don’t let food hang in my window a single second longer than it needs to or a pair of tongs and my big boy voice make sure it gets the attention it deserves. The food needs to be shot quickly or you have to offset the cooling or “dying” stage of the food.

In conclusion and in my humble opinion, food plating is an art form that can help you elevate any dish and cooking experience. With the right techniques, you can create beautiful and professional looking dishes that will impress your guests and make your meals more memorable. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned old salt like myself, food plating can help you take your cooking to the next level. From simple garnishes to complex designs, there are many creative ways to plate food that will make it look as delicious as it tastes. With practice and patience, you can create stunning dishes that will have everyone asking for seconds. Or you can just do what I do these days, call in the pros at Influx, sit back, and call the shots during the shoots!