A father’s love for pizza, a son’s drive to carry on the tradition, and a name that literally means “I love it” backwards — that’s the story behind Tievoli Pizza Bar in Palatine, Illinois. 🍕
From the moment it opened its doors in 2023, this artisan New York-style pizza destination has been rewriting what it means to make a great pie in the suburbs of Chicago.
How Tievoli Pizza Bar Won Palatine’s Hearts
Giovanni Labbate didn’t just open a restaurant — he built a legacy. Growing up watching his Italian immigrant father open pizza shops across Chicagoland in the 1970s, Giovanni absorbed everything: the dough, the discipline, the dedication to doing it right.
After decades in the industry — including a successful stint as a franchise operator — he finally struck out on his own to bring back the kind of high-hydration, artisan New York-style pizza that has become increasingly rare in the Chicago area.
From the sleek, modern interior that Adrianna helped design, to the gold Marra Forni dome oven that turns out consistently award-winning pies, every detail at Tievoli tells the same story: family runs this place, and they care deeply.
Giovanni became a U.S. Pizza Team Premiere Member and went on to compete at the World Pizza Championships in Italy, proving that what he’s crafting in suburban Illinois is world-class. 🏆
Tievoli’s rise is a masterclass in doing things the right way: no discounts, no shortcuts, no compromising on quality. Giovanni has openly said he doesn’t rely on coupons or discounts to attract customers — because he doesn’t need to.
The pizza speaks for itself. And in a market crowded with chains and gimmicks, that kind of confidence is rare — and it works. 🔥
The restaurant continuously evolves — adding Detroit-style pizza to the menu, introducing handmade gluten-free gnocchi for National Gluten-Free Day, and expanding offerings while keeping the menu tight, efficient, and always consistent.
That balance between creativity and consistency is what keeps locals coming back. ❤️
Food Highlights
- Honey Sriracha Pizza: This crowd-pleasing pie is layered with honey sriracha sauce, roasted chicken, Gouda and mozzarella cheese, applewood bacon, and scallions. 🍯🌶️
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Hell Raiser Pizza: Built on San Marzano tomato sauce and mozzarella, topped with hot soppressata, creamy burrata, fresh basil, and a drizzle of Mike’s Hot Honey.
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Figeddaboudit Pizza: A garlic and olive oil base topped with fresh mozzarella, fig preserve, arugula, prosciutto, and a balsamic glaze finished with Parmigiano Reggiano. 🤌
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Tievoli Signature Pizza: The house pizza and a true flavor adventure — garlic and EVOO base, crema di pecorino, bacon jam, peppadew peppers, pepperoni, red onions, oregano, and fresh basil, all finished with mozzarella and a drizzle of truffle honey.
- Detroit-Style Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Tievoli’s take on Detroit-style features that signature thick, crispy-edged rectangular pan crust loaded with Buffalo chicken.
- Oro Bianco Pizza: A cheese lover’s dream come true — roasted garlic and oil base loaded with whipped ricotta, Parmigiano Reggiano, and mozzarella.
- Sausage & Peppers Pizza: A hearty classic — Italian sausage, red onions, tri-colored peppers, and mozzarella over a tomato base. 🍕
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Pickle Ranch Pizza: One of the more adventurous and buzz-generating items on the menu, this polarizing-in-the-best-way pie has become a fan favorite. 🥒
Atmosphere
Tievoli Pizza Bar is the rare pizza joint that feels as good as it tastes. Designed with a keen eye by co-owner Adrianna Labbate, the interior is described by visitors as modern, spacious, and “super cute” — a far cry from the typical suburban pizza box experience.
The open setup gives the space an airy, welcoming energy, while the gold Marra Forni wood-fired dome oven serves as both a workhorse and a showpiece, drawing eyes and appetites in equal measure.
It’s the kind of place that feels effortlessly cool without trying too hard — a family-run room with the polish of something you’d expect to find in the city.
Bottom Line
Tievoli Pizza Bar is a family-owned gem delivering award-winning artisan pizza with world-class ambition in a welcoming, stylish space. A generational story, bold flavors, and zero shortcuts make this one of the best reasons to visit Palatine, Illinois.
Address:
44 W Palatine Rd, Palatine, IL 60067
📞 (224) 452-5683
🕔 Open Tue–Thu 3 PM–9 PM | Fri 3 PM–10 PM | Sat–Sun Noon–10 PM/8 PM | Closed Monday