ABOUT OTTIMO RISTORANTE
Where authentic Italian tradition meets exceptional quality. We're not just a restaurant – we're a destination for food lovers who appreciate handmade pasta, locally sourced ingredients, and warm Italian hospitality.
OUR STORY
Founded in 2008 in Orland Park, Illinois, Ottimo Ristorante represents more than just authentic Italian cuisine — it's the manifestation of Chef Patrick Concannon's lifelong passion for simple, rustic Italian food prepared with the highest quality ingredients.
Chef Patrick's journey began in 1984 at the renowned Gordon restaurant in Chicago. His dedication to mastering his craft took him across the globe — from Maui's tropical shores to the culinary capital of France, then to San Francisco and Newport Beach, California. In Chicago, he had the honor of working alongside legendary Chef Charlie Trotter, where he refined his techniques and developed his culinary philosophy.
At Ottimo, Chef Patrick's vision came to life: a family-friendly Italian trattoria where quality ingredients speak for themselves. Our pasta is handmade fresh every morning using traditional Italian techniques. We partner with local farmers for the freshest produce, our fish is flown in daily, and our meats are aged to perfection.
Joined by Chef Laco Seeber, who brings his international experience from Buenos Aires and Chicago's finest Italian establishments, Ottimo has become a beloved destination where every guest is treated like family and every meal celebrates authentic Italian tradition.
"Simple, rustic food prepared with the highest quality, fresh ingredients. When you let exceptional ingredients speak for themselves, magic happens. That's the heart of Italian cooking."
Patrick Concannon
Chef-Owner & Executive Chef
THE LEGEND OF THE PIG
In the hills of Northern Italy, an ancient tradition celebrates the pig as a symbol of prosperity, abundance, and the art of using every part with respect and gratitude. This philosophy deeply resonates with our approach at Ottimo — honoring quality ingredients and preparing them with care and purpose.
The pig represents resourcefulness and the Italian tradition of nose-to-tail cooking, where nothing is wasted and everything is transformed into something delicious. From prosciutto to porchetta, from pancetta to our house-made sausages, we honor this centuries-old tradition in our kitchen.
This legend reminds us daily that great cooking isn't about complexity or pretension — it's about respecting ingredients, honoring tradition, and sharing the abundance of good food with those we love. That's the Ottimo way.
OUR VALUES
These principles guide everything we do, from the moment you walk through our doors to the final detail of your service.
Craftsmanship
Every dish, every sauce, every plate is prepared with precision and care. We believe in the power of handmade pasta and traditional techniques.
Guest Focus
Your experience is our priority. We listen, we care, and we deliver authentic Italian hospitality that makes you feel like family.
Excellence
We never compromise on quality. From our locally sourced produce to our daily-flown fish, we strive for perfection in every ingredient.