Located at 410 Sheridan Rd, Highwood, IL 60040, Maria's Cafe serves as a welcoming destination for those seeking a genuine dining experience in the heart of the community. From the moment you step through our doors, the atmosphere is designed to make you feel right at home, whether you are stopping by for a quick morning pick-me-up or settling in for a relaxed meal with friends and family. Our commitment to quality and hospitality has made us a staple in the local neighborhood, where we prioritize fresh ingredients and a warm, inviting environment for every guest who walks through our doors.
At Maria's Cafe, we believe that food is more than just sustenance; it is a way to bring people together. Our kitchen focuses on preparing dishes that honor traditional flavors while embracing the simple joys of home-style cooking. We take pride in our service, ensuring that every visitor receives attentive care and a memorable experience. Whether you are a long-time local resident or a traveler passing through Highwood, our doors are open to provide you with a comfortable space to enjoy a well-prepared meal.
What Makes Us Special
A Welcoming Community Atmosphere: We strive to create a space that feels like an extension of your own living room. Our cafe is designed to be a comfortable retreat where conversation flows easily and the pace of life seems to slow down just enough to enjoy the moment.
Dedication to Quality Ingredients: We believe that the foundation of any great dish lies in the quality of its components. By sourcing reliable ingredients and focusing on careful preparation, we ensure that every plate served meets our standards for flavor and consistency.
A Prime Location in Highwood: Situated conveniently on Sheridan Road, our cafe is easily accessible for those exploring the area or looking for a reliable spot to gather. Being part of the Highwood community is central to our identity, and we are proud to contribute to the local culinary landscape.
Consistent and Friendly Service: Our team is dedicated to providing a hospitable experience from start to finish. We value the relationships we build with our guests and aim to make every visit a positive one, characterized by genuine kindness and professional attention to detail.
The philosophy behind Maria's Cafe is rooted in the belief that a neighborhood establishment should be a place of comfort and reliability. We understand that in today's fast-paced world, having a go-to spot where you can count on a pleasant environment and quality food is essential. Our staff works diligently to maintain the standards that our guests have come to expect, ensuring that the cafe remains a place where people feel valued and well-fed. We pay close attention to the small details, from the cleanliness of our dining area to the way our dishes are presented, because we know that these elements contribute to the overall satisfaction of our patrons.
We invite you to visit us at 410 Sheridan Rd and see for yourself why so many people choose Maria's Cafe as their preferred local spot. Our menu is crafted with care, reflecting a balance of classic favorites and thoughtful preparations that cater to a variety of tastes. Whether you are looking for a quiet corner to read a book, a place to host a casual business meeting, or simply a spot to enjoy a hearty meal, we are here to accommodate your needs. We are constantly looking for ways to improve and grow alongside our community, and your feedback is always appreciated as we continue our journey.
Thank you for considering Maria's Cafe for your next dining occasion. We are honored to be a part of the Highwood community and look forward to serving you. Our team is always ready to welcome new faces and greet our regulars with a smile, ensuring that your time spent with us is as enjoyable as possible. We hope to see you soon at our Sheridan Road location, where good food and good company are always on the menu.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible seating
Service options
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Fast service
Great coffee
Great dessert
Serves local specialty
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Coffee
Comfort food
Quick bite
Small plates
Wine
Dining options
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Table service
Amenities
Restroom
Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Crowd
Family-friendly
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Usually plenty of parking
Menus
Photos
Reviews Maria's Cafe
Maria G
23-04-2026
I love this little restaurant for their simplicity and food. It is like stepping into Italy for homemade meals. The prices are reasonable, and the pasta sauces are fantastic. We've had cheese ravioli, stuffed peppers, pasta bolognese, and … More
Wendy
23-04-2026
Family owned Italian restaurant. I love the atmosphere. Food is good though nothing surprising. Will come back for the chicken pizza recommended by the owner.
Linda Iovino
23-04-2026
Walking into Italy and Best on the Northshore. Great pastries, espresso and food that is outstanding. Gino has been doing this a long time. Knows what customers want and always delivers. Great atmosphere and ambience. More
jane
23-04-2026
I had heard that Maria’s was a good bakery and lunch spot. We were there for dinner. If we spoke Italian and/or knew the owner, the experience might have been different. As it was, we waited a very long time for two mediocre pasta dishes and some undercooked risotto. More
Sahian Cruz
23-04-2026
My visit to Maria’s Cafe was so pleasant that I am already longing for the next time I stop in. This restaurant boasts an intimate setting and a beautiful selection of meals. My friends and I ordered paninis, which were honestly some of the … More
Yusuf Kapan
23-04-2026
Wonderful hostes she made us feel at home
Great Italian vibes and food authentic.
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommendation for vegetarians
Highly recommend
Gilat Zamost
23-04-2026
The very best the North Shore has to offer in Italian food. This small cozy restaurant serves the most authentic Italian dishes and the baked goods are incredible. Gino the owner is an amazing person in every way and a great friend … More
E J
23-04-2026
Cute little place, great food, nice owners!
Food: 5…
More
Rebecca Serfilippi
23-04-2026
As soon as I tasted the pasta, it reminded me of my grandma’s one in Italy. The atmosphere is so comfortable and familiar, nice service and Gino is absolutely welcoming! More
Kelsey Smith
23-04-2026
Good food, good pastries, wonderful atmosphere. The owner, Gino, was very sweet and welcoming!
Order …
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Quinee Penales
23-04-2026
Most delicious evening I’ve had since moving into Highland Park/ Highwood. We had the kindness host and the sweetest waitress. The Grilled Calamari had just enough charred taste with butter - oil sauce to dip the bread into. The pasta was … More
Dalius Budvytis
23-04-2026
The lady who served us for lunch, made sure that we did not feel welcome - at all. Hopefully that was just a one-off mid-day experience (place was empty). Lasagna, ravioli, buratta were nice, but the service will make me come back never. More
angie ruszel (four legger lover)
23-04-2026
Wanted canoli for desert. Maria's has the best canoli and coffee. And of course the rest of their bakery good are unquestionably fantastic. Personally haven't eaten a meal there but friends give them high recognition for both lunch and dinner dishes. Am looking forward to a meal there soon. More
Rockin Rana
23-04-2026
Not just a great Italian bakery, but an excellent Italian restaurant. The restaurant is kind of small, but that just adds to the charm of the place. On my last visit, I had the spaghetti carbonara and my wife had the lasagna. The food was … More
Robert Sturino
23-04-2026
This is a great treasure of the Chicago area! Bakery: try the Biscotti, either with or without chocolate. Also, this is a top choice for genuine Calabreze & Sicilian pastries. Restaurant: Terrific Italian sausage with peppers & onions; … More
JY
23-04-2026
The local, friendly atmosphere is charming and the waitress was kind. The Americano was really good and I usually don’t even like Americanos! Tiramisu, French toast, and tomato bisque were also delicious. Only came here for a mid-afternoon … More
E J
23-04-2026
Cute little place, great food, nice owners!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Jennifer Klein
23-04-2026
Maria's cafe is a gem. Amazing food and super delicious cookies. I always have to leave with a huge box of cookies because I'm too full for dessert. Try the timbalo. It's my favorite and great for vegetarians. The owner is always there and the service is top notch. Probably one of my favorite places to go. More
Richard Kahan
23-04-2026
By far the best Sacilian restaurants and bakery, I’ve been to in many years. Brings back memories of restaurants past.
Gino is a gracious host and serves fantastic food.
The sweetest of the canolli is perfect. More
Yusuf Kapan
23-04-2026
Wonderful hostes she made us feel at home
Great Italian vibes and food authentic.
Order type…
More
bean
23-04-2026
We have been eating at Maria's for 20+ years and every single time it is fantastic! The service is phenomenal and the environment always feels welcoming. The atmosphere is unmatched anywhere else in the North Suburbs. More
Eric Fine
23-04-2026
A gem hiding in plain sight down the main drag of Highwood! Very good Italian entrées are outshined by an excellent pastry case. Homemade cannoli not to be missed! More
Joy O'Donovan
23-04-2026
Terrific service! Delicious, authentic Italian food with that Little Italy vibe. We had the Calamari to start then the Salmon Farfalle & Bacon Ravioli Tetrazini. A gem in Highwood on the North Shore! More
Trvlr
23-04-2026
Great panini and espresso and they have such a huge variety of delicious confections.
Order type
Dine in
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Loud, but you can still talk
Group size
2 people
Trvlr
23-04-2026
Great panini and espresso and they have such a huge variety of delicious confections.
Order type…
More
C Isolda F (Isolda)
23-04-2026
Let’s get serious for a second… Cookies? Sure, Maria’s Cookies are amazing—but honestly, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. You have to come check out the real magic: mamma e papà’s pasta, sauce, and everything in between. … More
Sammi McKenzie
23-04-2026
So glad I tried and continue to enjoy Maria’s Italian Bakery and Cafe! This authentic spot offers wonderful service and excellent quality menu items— highly recommend! More
Thomas TheSilverback
23-04-2026
I lived in Catania, Italy for 3 years and have not really found anything close when I moved back. Well didn't stop me from looking and I am so glad. Sicilian cuisine is different than Italian so it really is hard to find. I met Geno the … More
Laura Mora
23-04-2026
We had an amazing meal took me back to Italy Fine Cuisine, you want authentic this is the place. Various dishes ,from the fish, pasta,sirloin, calamari, soup and the bread, there olive oil, and yes the wine only the best from Italy!! .owner present and very kind and friendly atmosphere. Service "excellence". Bakery yummy. More
Mark Juhl
23-04-2026
The sea bass with Risotto is best in Chicagoland bar none.
Served hot not warm. My wife loved the Burratta and kids love the Spaghetti and meatballs. You can dine in and they have nice al fresco too. You should ask … More
Leslie Mendoza Temple
23-04-2026
This place is a gem. Consistent high quality, fresh, absolutely delicious Italian cuisine with the owner Gino on site every time I've been there making sure everyone is happy and the quality stays top notch. It seems like places like this … More
Laura Jean Bazal
23-04-2026
I used to live in Highwood and always had the best hospitality and customer service at Maria's, let alone the very tasty bakery items. I also tried their Italian sandwich and see they have more on the menu now. I'd love to go back and enjoy it again, and I'm happy to see that Maria's is still going strong. More
Bora Esenler
23-04-2026
Thank you Gino!
Great food, great service and great ambiance!
I was in Sicily June 20, 2023 and our meal brought me back to Italy today! … More
Reviews Maria's Cafe