Nestled in the heart of Highwood at 410 Sheridan Rd, Maria's Cafe stands as a welcoming destination for those who appreciate the simple pleasures of a well-prepared meal. Our establishment is built on the foundation of community, warmth, and a genuine passion for hospitality. Whether you are a local resident looking for a reliable spot for your daily routine or a visitor exploring the vibrant culinary landscape of Illinois, we invite you to step inside and experience an atmosphere that feels like a home away from home. We believe that dining is more than just sustenance; it is an opportunity to slow down, connect with friends and family, and enjoy the comfort of a thoughtfully prepared plate.
Our philosophy is rooted in the idea that quality ingredients and consistent care are the keys to a memorable dining experience. From the moment you walk through our doors, our goal is to provide a setting where you can relax and focus on the conversation at hand. We take pride in being a part of the Highwood neighborhood, contributing to the local culture by providing a space where everyone is treated with kindness and respect. Our team works diligently to ensure that every guest feels valued, maintaining a standard of service that reflects our commitment to our patrons and our craft.
What Makes Maria's Cafe Special
A Welcoming Neighborhood Atmosphere: We have cultivated a space that prioritizes comfort and ease. Our interior is designed to be inviting, making it an ideal location for casual morning meetings, quiet afternoon reflection, or lively weekend gatherings with loved ones.
Dedication to Quality and Freshness: We focus on the fundamentals of cooking, emphasizing the importance of fresh ingredients and traditional techniques. By keeping our approach straightforward, we ensure that the natural flavors of our offerings shine through in every bite.
A Commitment to Community Connection: Being located on Sheridan Road places us at the center of a dynamic community. We value the relationships we build with our guests and strive to be a reliable fixture in the daily lives of those who live and work in Highwood.
Consistent and Reliable Service: We understand that our guests lead busy lives, which is why we prioritize efficiency without sacrificing the personal touch. Our staff is dedicated to providing attentive service that anticipates your needs and ensures a smooth, enjoyable visit every time you stop by.
The culinary landscape of Highwood is diverse and ever-evolving, and we are honored to play a role in that story. At Maria's Cafe, we do not try to reinvent the wheel; instead, we focus on perfecting the classics and providing a consistent experience that our guests can count on. We understand that in a world that often feels rushed, having a place where you can rely on a warm welcome and a satisfying meal is essential. Our team is constantly looking for ways to improve our service and refine our offerings, always keeping the feedback and preferences of our community at the forefront of our decisions.
We invite you to visit us at 410 Sheridan Rd to see for yourself why so many people consider us a staple of the local area. Whether you are stopping in for a quick break during a busy workday or planning a leisurely outing, we are here to provide a comfortable environment and a high standard of care. We look forward to serving you and continuing to be a part of the wonderful Highwood community for years to come. Your presence is what makes our cafe truly special, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share our passion for food and hospitality with you.
Join Us Soon
Thank you for considering Maria's Cafe for your next dining experience. We are proud to be located in such a vibrant part of Illinois and are always excited to welcome new faces and familiar friends alike. We encourage you to drop by, take a seat, and enjoy the unique charm that defines our cafe. We are committed to maintaining the high standards that our guests have come to expect, and we look forward to the pleasure of your company. Whether you are a long-time regular or a first-time visitor, you will find a place at our table and a team ready to make your visit a pleasant one.
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
Richard Kahan
30-05-2026
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.
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Quiet, easy to talk
Group size
2 people
Wait time
No wait
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free street parking
Kid-friendliness
They love kids and the kids love the pastries in the cabinet
JY
30-05-2026
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
Robert Sturino
30-05-2026
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
Rockin Rana
30-05-2026
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
angie ruszel (four legger lover)
30-05-2026
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
Dalius Budvytis
30-05-2026
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
Quinee Penales
30-05-2026
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
Maria G
30-05-2026
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
Rebecca Serfilippi
30-05-2026
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
E J
30-05-2026
Cute little place, great food, nice owners!
Food: 5…
More
Gilat Zamost
30-05-2026
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
Sahian Cruz
30-05-2026
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
jane
30-05-2026
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
Linda Iovino
30-05-2026
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.
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Rigatoni Bolognese
Wendy
30-05-2026
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.
Kelsey Smith
30-05-2026
Good food, good pastries, wonderful atmosphere. The owner, Gino, was very sweet and welcoming!
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Jennifer Klein
30-05-2026
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
Yusuf Kapan
30-05-2026
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
bean
30-05-2026
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.
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Garlic Bread
Wait time
No wait
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Kid-friendliness
Very kid friendly!
Eric Fine
30-05-2026
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!
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Rigatoni Bolognese, Grilled Calamari, Minestrone Soup
Joy O'Donovan
30-05-2026
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!
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Trvlr
30-05-2026
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
30-05-2026
Great panini and espresso and they have such a huge variety of delicious confections.
Order type…
More
C Isolda F (Isolda)
30-05-2026
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
30-05-2026
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
30-05-2026
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
30-05-2026
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
30-05-2026
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
30-05-2026
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
30-05-2026
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
30-05-2026
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