If you've never been to Buffo's in Highwood, you might find it similar to a family fiesta. The lively atmosphere echoes with the sounds of giggling children, bleeping video games, sports on television, music and the sizzling of char-broiled burgers.

Thin crust and double-decker pizza are specialities of the house. "What makes our pizzas so good is the consistency and quality ingredients, which are always fresh," said owner Lenny Innocenzi. He started in the business as an apprentice at a local pizza place before venturing out on his own to establish Buffo's (Italian for clown) in 1977.

Some of the favorite pizza picks are the BLT (grated mozzarella cheese, crispy bacon, sliced tomatoes topped with chilled lettuce) and the Ollie Special (fresh spinach and tomatoes). Cheese-less and sauce-less pizzas are a recent addition for the health-conscious or people allergic to dairy products.

The party doesn't end with pizza, though. A complete menu of charbroiled burgers (junior and double sizes), Italian beefs and sausages, soups, chili, salads and homemade pastas served with garlic bread and meat or marinara sauce are among Buffo's varied selection.

There's a bit of something for everyone here, and Innocenzi sees to it that everyone feels welcome and has plenty to eat. "We have big family crowds and lots of regulars," he said. "On Friday nights we get packed; it's like being at home with the family."

Highwood, Illinois - Chicago's Suburban Restaurant Row.
With large Irish, Italian, and Latino populations, Highwood is the melting pot of Chicago's North Shore - and it has been bringing global flavors to the city's dinning scene for more than 50 years.

AWARDED BEST PIZZA: Buffo's serves the best thin-crust pizza in the deep-dish Chicagoland area!

Bon Appetit Magazine - April 2007

Edgewood Middle-School seventh-grader Jack H. (left) collects a pizza lunch he earned by writing a business letter to Lenny Innocenzi (right), owner of Buffo's Pizza Restaurant in Highwood. Innocenzi was so impressed with the letter, he decided to bring pizza for the entire class and discuss the restaurant business.