Is This Rockford Pizza Favorite Also the City’s Best Pasta Spot?

I came across a foodie blog ranking the best places for pasta in America, and somehow, not one restaurant in Illinois made the top ten.

No Chicago and no Rockford. Naturally, I took umbrage because I know we've got some pretty heavy hitters right here in the Forest City.

READ MORE: Rockford’s ‘Best Spaghetti’ Restaurant Might Be One That Closed Four Years Ago

Rockford's Highest-Rated Italian Restaurants for Pasta

So I started looking through Google reviews and found plenty of highly rated Italian restaurants around Rockford.

Deli Italia, Woodfire, Franchesco's, John's, and Salamone's in Cherry Valley all have 4.6-star ratings. But one Rockford restaurant takes the lead simply by the sheer number of positive reviews.

Lenny Pics

Lino's Makes a Strong Case for Rockford's Best Pasta

Think you figured it out? I'll give you a hint. It's a place mostly known for its pizza, but apparently, you shouldn't sleep on their pasta either.

I'm talking about Lino's at 5611 East State Street. Lino's has been part of Rockford's dining scene since 1972, and with a 4.6-star rating and 3,700 Google reviews, it's making a convincing case for being one of the best pasta spots in the 815.

READ MORE: 6 of the Best Pastas in Illinois are at the Same Restaurant

Lenny Pics

Why Lino's Is More Than Just a Rockford Pizza Favorite

My family and I have been eating at Lino's for as long as I can remember, and we started with pizza. While we still love it, we now order spaghetti, mostaccioli, fettuccine, and have even tried their legendary lasagna, so I have no problem putting them near the top of the list.

Of course, picking the best pasta in Rockford is a pretty good way to start an argument, especially when we've got this many restaurants making a case for themselves. So who gets your vote?