Papa Saverio, Elgin

In the four decades since the first Papa Saverio’s opened its doors, the pizzeria has expanded to more than 20 locations but stayed true to the family recipes its founders brought from Italy. As a tribute to their long paddle across the Atlantic, a Venetian gondola wraps around the pizzeria’s logo; though the boat’s five-pronged prow has become its signature of sorts, it’s Saverio’s oven-baked pies that continue to earn the eatery new fans. Guests can choose from a menu of specialty pizzas or create their own from more than 25 toppings and five crusts, including a double-stuffed crust that nearly bursts with melted cheese. Chefs also churn out Italian classics, such as calzones, family-size pasta dishes, house-specialty ribs, and fried chicken. Lest anyone question the Italian origins of the latter two items, the pizzeria serves each with a buttery garlic bread.