Driving through Springfield with my mom on vacation after a really good day we decided to try this restaurant. Up until this point we were impressed on how nice people were in this town, we walked into Saputo's around 4 PM 6/25/19. When we walked in we saw only one table and waited patiently to be seated, the only employee up front made eye contact with us TWICE and completely ignored us both times. After my mom and I waited about 10 minutes we decided to leave. We were embarrassed and very upset. I was a waitress for 4 years and so this experience even further disappointed me. I have never written a review on a restaurant but this needed to be addressed. read more

I was so disappointed, we went here 6 years ago and my memories were great. The floors needed vacuuming as they were covered with bread crumbs, at least that is what I though the white specks were on the carpet? The salad was chopped up iceberg lettuce, that is it. My wife ordered the cheese ravioli and they tasted like frozen Mama Celeste, not that that is bad but not what you pay $15.99 for. I had the Lasagna, which really is not Lasagna. It is noodles covered in sauce, then covered in mozzarella and baked. It was really bad. Service was ok, but our waitress brought the check and then asked if we wanted dessert, kind of backwards? read more

Walking through the entrance is a crossing time portal into the late 60s-decor, food and all. The waitress was a peach, though our bread didn't arrive until the dinner service. The baked halibut was an unappealing that was a touch redeemed when tasted, not enough to justify its price. The baked homemade ravioli was just yummy. read more

Ok I'm to "Yay" with this place. Yes the decor is weak and the menu is simple, but *damn*, these days you've got to love large tasty portions and consistent service! I did the chicken and peppers this time *only* because I'm challenging myself to stay away from red meat and it so didn't disappoint. Two large breasts covered with spicy red sauce and a lot of veggies was Mmm, Mmm good! read more

Reminded me of the old-school Italian places on The Hill in St. Louis. Great toasted ravs and garlic bread. Great sauce. Hit the spot!

We came on down to Springfield by way of Chicago for the 4th of July. Our hotel had offered dinner at Saputo's as part of the package; claimed that it was "THE SPOT" to eat in town. Upon entering the restaurant, we noticed how old school, and suburban the atmosphere is. The tables are small and cramped, so keep your conversations at low levels-unless you want others to hear your business. I made the mistake of ordering a Lobster ($37.00) and was very disappointed. The lobster was small, dry and over-cooked. Additionally, my friend ordered their hightly vaunted porkchops; and to her shirgrin, found them quite distasteful and dry. Most of my reviews are very positive, but the "truth is the truth" and the food just isn't very good at all. Another friend ordered Salmon, and that was okay. However; a 4th person in our party tried the chicken cacciatore and found it compariable to swanson frozen dinners-a dry chicken patty. Also, you will ask for bread and water with your meal, as the servers are not apt to providing them as part of the meal. Yuck! read more

Saputo's - Saputos - Italian Near Me - Springfield, Illinois

Very nice Italian restaurant. Lots of history here. Food was very good! Atmosphere is nice!

When my brother is in town from California the only place he wants to go is Saputo's for their Italian breaded steak! Imagine a lemon infused char-crusted New York Strip or Filet seared to mouthwatering perfection! Paired with one of their fine wines & you will have discovered one of Springfield's best kept secrets. read more

Really dont care for. The cheese is good on baked pastas. The salads are just basic. Much better pasta for better prices at other places in Springfield area. read more

Saputo's is old school, the kind if place that grandparents would be drawn to. I am always taken back upon entering the establishment as it is old, and dark. But I think it's oldness can be viewed as experience. The service is basic (they are not putting on a show or doing that phony kissing butt thing), but very good (all of my needs are met in a courteous manner). The drinks are great. And the food is phenomenal. The food is what will always bring me back to Saputo's when I'm near Springfield! read more

Our party of 12 ate here last night and it was surprisingly very good. Several of us ordered the filet and the lobster tail and both were delicious. Personally it was one of the best steaks I have ever had. Others in my party ordered a variety of food and all said it was phenomenal. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone. It was great. read more

Let me help you out. Order the breaded garlic steak and Italian fries. For an appetizer order the breaded shrimp. They aren't on the menu - tremendous. This is a very old school Italian restaurant and there is attitude. Been going there for years read more

The place could use an update and I'd hate to think what the kitchen looks like so I plead ignorance when I go here. BUT, everytime I go I just get the the pasta with marinara sauce because that's the most veggie you can get and it has a little kick so it's a little better than dumping Ragu on top of noodles. Also, I did try the Italian style potatoes as an appetizer and it's dangerously good. It's thinly sliced potatoes that are deep-friend and sprinkled with garlic and, I think, parsley, seasoning. It's really good. On average, our team goes about every week. read more

I find the food here overpriced, and it consistently gives me heartburn. There are better Italian options in Springfield.

Baked lasagna was really good, salad was tasty, but it is a little loud. Will return in the future!

I had the Chicken Parmigiana and it was very good. My wife had the Baked Lasagna and loved it. Tables are a little close, but overall it's a great restaurant. We will return. read more

You should know what you're walking into with Saputo's. It's an old school Italian joint, pure and simple. If you want a place with character and a menu full of familiar, well prepared favorites this is your place. If you're into that kind of thing, I can't recommend this place enough! read more

Very good, friendly service. I have only been there once, so I can only speak of the one meal I had. I ordered the lasagna that came with a salad. It was very disappointing. The lasagna was very runny and if not for the meatballs served with it , it wouldn't have much flavor. It seemed there was no ricotta cheese, just a lot of melted mozzarella and maybe another type of cheese that melts easily and is very stringy. So much cheese, it was difficult to eat and chew. The salad was also disappointing. Iceberg lettuce and a very dull dressing for a house Italian. I may return, but would definitely try something else. Another guest brought their own bottle of Italian dressing, that should tell them something about theirs. read more

Food was pretty terrible. The clams in the pasta dish were 100% from a can and extremely salty. The shrimp in the shrimp pasta were extremely tiny and were the frozen variety that you can easily buy at Meijer. This place even managed to have terrible tasting cheesy bread - I mean, how can you make bad cheesy bread? Our bill was $50 - take your money and go elsewhere! read more

I've always had excellent service and good food. It's not a "hoity toity" place, it's a local place that's been in business for decades, so they must be doing something right. If you're a snob from out of town, stick with the Olive Garden's cookie cutter menu, service and ambiance. If you're a regular person who wants good Italian food, and midwest hospitality, make a reservation for Saputos. read more

I'd like to say this is a nice place to eat but they are very difficult when you call for a reservation. The last three times I've called I've been unable to get a table. When we have gotten a table, half the restaurant is empty yet they seat people off the street. What gives Saputos? read more

Dark out dated setting. Unprofessional waitress! Way over priced. For $20 I received a "grillen chicken salad" with warm wilted ice berg lettuce, a small piece of tomato & cubed canned chicken. My Bud Light was room temperature. read more

Best restaurant in Springfield...those that say otherwise dont know their food and would be happy at McDonalds. The veal was the best and the steak we got was best in town. Hidden secret. Also, New outside dining is best in downtown! read more

Saputo's is great. I've been going here all my life. The food is always good. Stick to the salad dressing and red sauce. The breaded steak is the best. I am amazed by some of the bad reviews. This place has been in business for over 60 years by the same family. They must be doing something right. The décor is fine. It's not fancy but nice. All the big wigs eat here. It's great people watching. My favorite place. read more

You'll love this place if your idea of good Italian food is over-cooked pasta dishes loaded with cheese. Of course you could try the chicken parmigiana, but you might be disappointed when you are served a fried pressed-chicken patty (like fast food restaurants) with some red sauce on it. The garlic bread is good I am a Springfield native and I have never understood how this restaurant ever became an institution. read more

Great place. Really the only complaint I would have is that the prices do seem on the high side for what you actually get. That said, I really liked everything we had. I very rarely ever like restaurant marinaras (because they're too sweet), but loved Saputo's. The baked mostaccioli (another thing I rarely ever like b/c the pasta is always overcooked) was really good- especially if you love cheese. They don't shy away from it! House salad dressing- so good. Salad could have a little more going on- it is pretty basic. The hostess definitely lacked personality and seemed like she was having a bad day, however, our waitress was really sweet and made sure we were taken care of. If we're in Springfield again, we'll go back here. Worth it. read more

I had the breaded filet, it's great, house salad dressing is real good. And they had Schafly Pale Ale from St. Louis. Sign outside is pretty cool too, i took a picture. Location is good, down the street from a craft beer bar. read more

Saputo's - Italian Near Me - Springfield, Illinois

We come here every year when we bring our students to Springfield for a conference. It clearly used to be used as a banquet hall, but the atmosphere is very outdated. The server that we had did an EXCELLENT job with our 16 person party. We always had full drinks, the food came quickly, and she was very helpful. The menu has several options, but I was disappointed in my food experience. Their "house salad" that come with some of the meals was iceberg lettuce with 4 tiny tomato pieces. I cannot consider this a salad by any one's definition. I ordered the rigatoni with broccoli and was disappointed to receive a large bowl of noodles with 4 pieces of broccoli thrown on top. The Italian sausage served with it was nothing special either - in fact it tastes like there was some barbeque sauce on it with the marinara. In short, for $17 my meal cost I did not feel that I was served a meal worth that price point. Sorry Saputo's, but at least make sure the food with worth the price your charging. read more

Just what you imagined an Italian restaurant to be. Dark, with no windows. Great bread. Iceberg lettuce in their salads. Good service (waitress calls you hon). Nice place. Homey. Recommend. read more

I love the old school charm that Saputo's has and the wait staff is very knowledgeable and honest about the menu items. The pick up option is very nice as well. The liquor especially is very pricey. The filet is very well the best in town, i do prefer the garlic butter sauce on the side. read more

A group of 6 of us stopped in for lunch on President's Day. My wife used to live in Springfield and always understood this to be a good place. Sadly, I think Saputo's is resting on its laurels and living off past glory. I just wanted a smallish lunch and for $7 got a fried fish square in a dried out sub roll. That's it, nothing else, a disgrace is all I can say. Others had greasy lasagna and none too pleasant salads. I am sorry, but the food is simply awful. Even the shaker of Parmesan on the table had rancid cheese in it. I would not recommend this place to anyone. read more

Great classic Italian food. If you like a great meal with the traditional dishes this is the best around. I'm from outside Chicago and this is just as good as some up north! Keep it up saputos! read more

Was here for a party. Must say I was a little nervous upon walking in because there is a very foul odor in the bar area. Smells of cat urine or skunky beer. Turned me off. However the large space where the party was held was quite nice. It was roomy and the service was good. I would not say the food was anything special. Just OK Italian food. read more

This is the first review I have done, although I travel a lot and rely on this site for dining. I felt I had to write this review because of some of the previous reviews. Saputo's is a fine place to eat, some of the finest Italian food in our State. I grew up in the south Chicago suburbs,and know fine Italian cooking. One reviewer should have taken the advice of the bartender and tried the steak. To my understanding, they have an exclusive contract for their prime beef in the city of Springfield. Their Italian breaded New York strip with the olive oil garlic dipping sauce is the best strip steak I have had anywhere, and my family from Chicago agree (we had a reunion there). Their pastas are homemade,the best being the ravioli, in my opinion. However, my favorite dish is the spaghetti with olve oil and garlic, with a side of their Italian sausage. If I cannot make up my mind, I get the breaded strip with the olive oil and garlic spaghetti on the side. (a little more cost, but well worth it). Oh, by the way, you must start your meal with a small Saputo's salad. It is simple, but heaven on earth. The Italian dressing is phenominal and you can buy a bottle to take home. Pizza is also good, they brush it with olive oil and garlic (I think) at some time before they take it out of the oven (very nice). I think that if some of the negative reviewers had gone there and known what to order, they would have had a different experience. I have been going there for 20+ years and love it, but you do needto know what to order. Oh, I forgot the bread..it is great to dip in that house salad dressing (just ask them for the bread when you get your salad, otherwise you will just get crackers and get the bread later)..the bread reminds me of the Milano bakery in Joliet....yum! Also, I think Saputo's has been there since the 1930's...As for it being close quartered, yes it is...you can deffinately listen to the tables next to you. I iu read more

To sum it up? Over priced pasta that tasted the same as the take home frozen dinners at the grocery store. My fiance and I each had pasta dishes and there was soo much cheap mozzarella-flavored cheese globed all over it. Besides the food disappointment the wine was good : ) read more

This old school Italian restaurant reminded me of the places my grandma would take me. Our awesome waitress, Shirley, was inviting and warm. With her 35 years at this gem, she recommended the house dressing for the salad and ravioli. It was amazing! We appreciated her and the food. read more

Food was not good. My lasagna was wet noodles. My dinner companion's food was marginally better. The decorations are terrible. This place isn't vintage, it is sad. read more

Had baked lasagna and ravioli, fantastic! Marinara had just enough spice, so not just tomato sauce. Staff was friendly.

Came back to eat here from STL. Hostess was rude, wouldn't take my name, told me over an hour wait without a reservation. I said I would wait and she still refused to take my name. Finally when she did take my name she said they still may not have a table if I came back and made a negative comment about my children. The party of three behind me without a reservation all adults was seated right way. They were out of towners too saw their VA plates. Bottom line people with children are discriminated against and NOT seated/served here. read more

We ate at Suputos last night, what a real treat! It was Tuesday night and the place was packed. We sat at the bar, and MJ, the bartender was fantastic! She was prompt, courteous, and funny and had us smiling the whole time. The food was spectacular!!!!! I had the baked ravioli with a meatball and sausage, it came out with perfect delivery, hot and it was so good! My business associate had Chicken Parm , it was equally as good. The owner came over and spoke to us, he was great! He was genuinely concerned not only about the meal, but everything else that came with it. I highly recommend Suputos, we were in town on business and the Suputos team got us relaxed and made us very comfortable! We definitely will be back! OUTSTANDING!!!!!!!!! read more