Longtime Peoria restaurant wins category for best Italian food

Meet Journal Star food and dining reporter Cas Waigand

Journal Star reporter Cas Waigand covers food and restaurant news throughout the Peoria area.

PEORIA − Journal Star readers were invited to choose their favorite dining spots for the 2025 Community’s Choice Awards.

Here are the top three Italian restaurants in the Peoria area as voted on by participants.

Winner: Rizzi’s Italian Restaurant

4613 N. Sheridan Road, Peoria

(309) 689-0025

rizzisrestaurant.com

Finalist: Avanti’s Ristorante

2320 E. Washington St., East Peoria

(309) 694-6200

3610 Kelly Ave., Pekin

(309) 346-3400

4711 N. Rockwood Drive, Peoria

(309) 688-6565

8517 Knoxville Ave., Peoria

(309) 691-2525

avantispeoria.com

Finalist: Bernardi’s

2137 Washington Road, Washington

(309) 745-5505

bernardirestaurants.com