First of all, this place is a downtown Springfield icon. It hasn't changed its appearance in my memory, so it's a combination of kitch, retro and casual fine dining. Over the last 50 years of coming here there may have been a miss or two, but come on, now. I think Jennifer Coolidge was our waitress and she was quite entertaining. I don't think she was trying. The food was great, and lots of it. The usual, pizza, spaghetti, ravioli, lasagna. It is always sad when a place doesn't get the basics right, but Saputo's hits the mark. read more

It's all about the attention to detail: like whipped butter on thick fresh bread... like checking to ensure all items in a takeout order are provided, including all those needed accessories when eating on the go... and like going the extra step to make certain your "to go" drink (that you have been sipping on while waiting on your order to be meticulously prepared) is topped off before you leave. These details when accompanied by lively banter and some absolutely delicious main courses and appetizers - make an excellent restaurant worthy of recollection and warranting a return visit because it delivers an exceptional overall experience. Jennifer at Saputo's was in command of ALL the details for me and others around me. The kitchen's creations were outstanding - flavor profiles on a different level and a cutlet pounded by someone in full understanding of their craft. So amazingly good. Thank you again to Jennifer and the extended team who put Springfield, IL on the map for Italian Food - coming from someone who frequents the North End in Boston, Federal Hill in Providence, and Wooster St in New Haven, CT. Saputo's is both memorable and exceptional and I can't wait to return. #highquality #yelp #soldierswelcome #italian #patriotic #love read more

Positives: 1. Conveniently located walking distance from the Wyndham and Double tree hotels 2. Great customer service - while waiting a few minutes for the host to find us a table, we were asked by at least 2 other people if we were being helped. Our server was friendly and attentive. We were visited during our meal by the someone other than our server to ensure all was well. 3. Food was good - I ordered eggplant parm; hubby ordered linguini in clam sauce. Fair sized portions. Negatives: 1. Could use an update/remodel. 2. Tables were too close for comfort. read more

A magnificent Italian restaurant. The problem with, um, previous reviewers is that they have "never had Italian food" and don't know great Italian food when they taste it. Oh, well. Those of us who know great Italian food can ignore the previous reviewers - or, really, just one reviewer - who has "never had Italian food." Chicken fingers? Are you kidding me? read more

I was in Springfield for a conference and had dinner here with a client. This is a classic Italian restaurant with all the classic dishes. Old school decor and menu but you can't go wrong no matter what you order. They could shoot an episode of The Saprano's in there it's so authentic. read more

Visited Saputo's for the first time and instantly upon entering I knew the food was going to be good. It smelled amazing as soon as the door opened. Upon entering we were greeted promptly and took to our table. The space is much bigger than it appears too. I had the chicken Parmesan with spaghetti and it's a very generous portion. There were two chicken breast seasoned, covers and cheese and a really yummy tomato sauce. I requested marina. The spaghetti came separate and on the side. I also chose the Cesar salad for the meal and it was yummy. It even had the fish in their per traditional Cesar salad. I would definitely come back for some Italian food and recommend them. read more

OMG... growing up my mother's specialty was manicotti so I really looked forward to celebrating her birthday today.... in her honor. she always made a garlic bread with anchovies so I ordered the anchovy bread. The bread was soaked in grease. I was very much looking forward to that bread because I have never seen anyone except my mother make it. The server came to the table, I told her that I wasn't going to be able to eat it. And I asked her what she thought of the meatballs because I thought they were really salty. She said don't worry I'll take care of you. The owner came into the middle of the restaurant and in front of the entire restaurant told me to leave or he would kick my effing ass and that he's been open for years and never had anybody complain about his anchovy bread. I cannot believe that an older man is that offended because my stomach couldn't tolerate that type of grease. I think that there's something wrong with him and that he is completely unhinged and unwell. Obviously that's why the food quality is suffering terribly. I feel sorry for him because he needs help. Its unfortunate that he threatened me in front of the restaurant. read more

Terrible service. The waitress never asked us what we wanted to drink just dropped off waters then left. After taking our order we never saw her again even though there was only 1 other table. We could see and hear her being very friendly and helpful to the other table which she obviously thought would give her a bigger tip (she's right I have her a terrible tip because she sucked). The food didn't help matters either. The chicken Parmesan was very clearly a Sysco frozen chicken patty with red sauce and cheese, and the Italian "fries" were just soggy potato rounds covered in olive oil and Italian seasoning they were also cold. There is no music playing so when there are very few people in there it's awkward to have a conversation since it is dead quiet. Would never recommend read more

Service was friendly, sat us down fast. ambiance was old fashioned a little too dim for me. I understand the whole classic Italian thing but our food came out on what looked like ww2 era mess plates. Food was a little lacking. I got the chicken parm with fettuccine Alfredo. Presentation was 2 pieces of chicken with sauce and cheese. A little soggy our noodles were pretty good. our waiter grabbed our bread with their bare hands probably shouldn't do that. Was very friendly though we liked their personality. Feel like this spot was once awesome. Could use some slight improvements imo read more

Good Italian food, friendly waiters and waitresses. The bread was wonderful and my ravioli was excellent!

Excellent food! The best sausage sandwich I have eaten. I highly recommend. Service was quick and courteous. read more

Saputo's - Sausage sandwich and Italian fries - Italian Near Me - Springfield, Illinois

Great service and Food. Old school Italian with a delicious breaded filet. Give them a try

Love the ambience, feels like it's been here a long time. The lasagna and meatballs were unbelievable. Thank you for an outstanding meal, friendly service and speed. read more

This place is a 5. I believe the waitress had worked their for 20 years. Privately owned and this place hasn't been touched in 50 years. Had a real old school Italian vibe. Loved it. Enjoy. read more

Absolutely delicious, though the lactose intolerant need not sit down! Started with the house salad with Italian dressing and crumbled blue cheese. It was very good. The wife had eggplant Parmesan and loved it, though she said it wasn't crisp under the sauce and cheese, but still very good. I had the lasagna which they self describe is not your typical lasagna. Instead of using ricotta, they bury the stuff in their homemade mozzarella. And this isn't just a sprinkle of cheese, it is a mountain of cheese! I get the meat sweats when digging into a big 'ol steak, but have never gotten the cheese sweats until I dug into this lasagna! The noodles are a bit different, too. Rather than using full size lasagna noodles, they are cutting them into fettuccini width which allows the cheese and sauce to be more prevalent in every fork full. Also had a couple of home made meat balls on top which were very good. Sauce was plentiful and a bit on the sweet side. Service was friendly and fast. Would come back again in a heart beat. read more

Saputo's - Eggplant Parmesan with a ton of mozzarella! - Italian Near Me - Springfield, Illinois

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Okay. I am really picky when it comes to Italian restaurants. I mean, I eat at the supposed mob hangout in Philly. (I used to eat there regularly, so they asked me if I wanted an account... they do not take credit cards. Probably not a good idea to owe them money, so I said no thank u!). So, I am really hard to please. With spaghetti only costing one dollar for an entire box, it really has to be special in order for me to pay for it at a restaurant. This place has not disappointed. It's not overly fancy, but the food is always consistent and good. They make a really wonderful meatball sub. The Italian fries, which are loaded in garlic, are ridiculously tasty. Meals are always served with fresh warm bread. I have heard that the big lasagna was great. So I tried it, and well, yes it was. I think I've been here now a total of six times. Always good. If you're ever here, give it a shot. read more

Saputo's - Italian Near Me - Springfield, Illinois

We were sat at a table that was too small for us especially considering that it was Covid. We were practically right on top of each other. No issues with the waitress or service. Ordered the linguini with claim sauce. It was different than I expected but it was good. I enjoyed it. read more

I ate at the bar last visit. Truly a Springfield tradition. Food is traditional Italian.

The best steak I've ever had. The little pot of flavor they set on the plate is pure heaven. I would have given 5 stars, but we were greeted rather rudely by the man at the door. We were dressed to go to a concert at a local bar. Everyone else seemed pretty casually dressed, so I'm unsure why he was so cold to us. It set us off on a bad foot. Glad we stayed and gave it a chance. I would return, in hopes of a better, more welcoming greeting next time. read more

Delicious and authentic....just what we wanted! From the bread to the salad to our entrees-all of it was wonderful!

The food was great, but are server was never around. She forgot a few things in that we ordered. The place was friendly and decor old school, but very nice. Definitely go there for the food. Hopefully you get a decent waitress. read more

This place feels like you've stepped back in time as it doesn't appear it's had any updates in the last 10 years. I was here on business 3/4/19, and the boss and I walked to Saputo's from the Abraham Lincoln Hotel (Doubletree) a block a way. The place has great charm. We were seated close to the entrance along the wall, next to the bar. The patrons really started to stream in as the evening wore on. We had attentive service during our visit. The waitress recommended the rigatoni and meatballs and we were both ordered the same. It came with a house salad and she bought in-house made Italian bread. The pasta was a delight and smothered in cheese. The meatballs were tender and not dry. I would have liked to have eaten it all but decided to save myself from overeating. If I found myself in Springfield again, I'd definitely go back! read more

Saputo's - Rigatoni and meatballs - Italian Near Me - Springfield, Illinois

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Went with a big party and the service was great One waitress took care of about 20 people. We were seated in a private like room which was very nice. The server did separate checks with no problem. She really did a great job with our group. It was the bland food that earns the two stars. Oh, and the wilted house salad. I didn't really like the heavy tomato sauce every entrée swam in. I had the chicken parm. The plate was heaping full, very large portion. It was covered in melted mozzarella. That sauce needs an overhaul, just acidic, flavorless and very thick. I only ate half of my meal and didn't bother with a to go container. read more

A must if you are in town. I was in town for 3 weeks for work so I came in a couple of times. OLD SCHOOL Italian place. Food is not the best Italian I've ever had but was way above average and you will want to go back. The experience is worth the trip. VERY reasonable prices. Fantastic service. read more

Enjoyed our meal here ! Good food with outstanding service. Manager / maitre d Was somewhat curt and dismissive keeping this from being a 5 star review. read more

This is a family friendly, old-school Italian restaurant, close to the convention center and the two hotels. The staff was very friendly and helpful, the food was good. I would definitely recommend this place for someone staying or attending the convention center. read more

Best pasta in town with authentic old Italian vibes. Toasted ravioli, and baked pastas are amazing and covered in lots of cheese

While on a work trip in Springfield, I was advised that I should stop by Saputo's. Of course, after walking around all the historical spots, I found my way to Saputo's. From the second I walked in everyone was very hospitable. I ordered the chicken parmigiana, minestrone soup and made room for their home made cannoli. The food was so flavorful and delicious. The service was great. If and when I come back to Springfield, it'll definitely come back. Thank you. read more

Saputo's - I love a great Italian restaurant. - Italian Near Me - Springfield, Illinois

Went here for dinner on a recommendation from the hotel. Food was OK but not great. Maybe I was just oversold by the front desk clerk. Service was good. I got to watch Illinois Speaker Mike Madigan hold court with a table of about 12 people when I was there. read more

We absolutely love coming here! It's such a warm, comforting environment. Our service is always wonderful and the food is excellent.

Service was fantastic. Food was good but not as much as we paid. Ambience? Old School look which we love. I'd give it a 4 1/2 overall.

I've been to Saputo's a couple of times and it was ok. Not great, not horrible. Tonight I decided to walk to the gym and get some food on my way back home. I had the salmon and steamed broccoli. The fish wasn't that bad (despite some bad reviews) but my one star goes to the owner. When I was about to pay I noticed I had forgot my wallet. I asked the lady at the bar if I could use Apple Pay. Rolling her eyes she said "NO! I don't even know how to do that!". I said: "I'm sorry, I forgot my wallet but since I have my phone, are there any other options? And I don't live far from here, so I can go get my wallet and come back in less than 30 minutes." The waitress, the lady at the bar and the owner looked at each other and the waitress said aloud: "you have to leave something so we know you'll be back." I left my cell phone device. At that point I wasn't sure what was more embarrassing: the fact that I forgot my wallet or the way they treat customers. I walked home as fast as I could, grabbed my wallet and made it back in less than 20 minutes. When I payed they gave me the change missing $3 dollars. I asked to talk with the owner. Would that be a tip for great service?? Humm... With a very bitter face, she showed up. I introduced myself and she was unable to say her name. So I asked her statistically how many "customers " go to her restaurant and pretend they forgot their wallet just so they can eat for free. Her answer was even worse than the horrible steamed broccoli they serve. She started bragging that she's been in business for 50 something years and she calls the police on customers sometimes (!!!). Half century in business and she never updated her payment options. I have a business and honestly, every single time a customer says they forgot their wallet, I SERVE THEM with the same dedication. I never had a person not coming back to pay. As a matter of fact, a couple of customers pointed that that's why they like small businesses: because we care about people. I told Saputo's owner that a customer doesn't cost what's in the ticket. Building trust has a different value. She coldly said: "it doesn't cost me anything because the waitress pay if the customer doesn't pay". At that point my embarrassment was replaced by pity and I could only feel sorry for her and her employees. At the end, I decided to give her the whole change ($16,00). I believe we can always learn something from every situation. For $50 I had valuable lessons: My takeaway from this episode: If I ever make a customer leave their cell phone device because they can't pay for a $30 bill (doesn't matter the reason) I'd rather close the doors of my shop. If what it takes to be in business for 50 years is to treat people this way, I'd rather not have a business at all. read more

Delightful find. The waitress was excellent (Makenzie), clean and casual atmosphere. Baked rigatoni was fabulous along with the fried ravioli. The perfect dinner our last night in Springfield. read more

Don't think that just because you're going on a Monday night, you don't need reservations. You do. We were lucky to have gotten a table. The food was all very good, but oh my gosh, our server Kelly was outstanding. We never have a "professional" server any more, but this woman obviously sees her job as a calling. She was top-notch, checking on us numerous times - even in a full restaurant. Her manner was both friendly and genuine. And here's the clincher, she actually spoke and listened to us like we were people, instead of just another table or inconvenience. We definitely will return and ask for Kelly. read more

It was good you know. Classic Italian. Word around town is the family's from Sicily. The folks would be too happy to know, their grandchildren call the red gravy, sauce. read more

We went their on a Wednesday with a friend. Very cozy. Ordered a few appetizers- garlic bread, meatballs and a few drinks. Decided to have the filet. It was cooked and seasoned perfectly! Our server was friendly and prompt. read more

4 1/2 stars would be more accurate. Husband and I walked in here w/o a reservation, visiting from out of town. We were told 20 mins. wait and that was accurate. It is truly an old-school Italian place, as they state on their site and just what we were in the mood for. Husband ordered the spaghetti-ravioli combo plate, and he opted for cheese-filled ravioli. Well made and delicious. I ordered the Homemade ravioli, which is ravioli with tomato sauce. They also offer Baked ravioli, which has mozzarella melted on top, and not my preference. I opted for meat-filled ravioli. Well made and delicious. Meatballs or sausage are also included with these pastas, which was a surpise, but we came with big appetites and each opted for the meatballs - well made and delicious. Who knew ravioli with meatballs on top is pretty darn great! Our pastas also included a house salad and we each selected house Italian dressing. It was iceberg lettuce, which I don't mind, and it's old school, but it was almost all spines, few leafy parts of the lettuce, my only minor comlaint. The dressing was very good, but I didn't finish the salad. I also selected an add-on for a few more dollars of a small antipasto dish of olives, pepperoncini, cheese and salami that was offered with the pastas, and we shared it. All was delicious. I put some of it on a piece of the delicious bread that was put on the table for free. A glass each of house white chardonnay was our beverage of choice. Everything was very delicious (have I mentioned that?) and done well, really better than we expected it to be. We will definitely return here for good food and good value. Service was very professional and good. Maybe because we were there during a dinner rush, the service felt a bit rushed with our server speaking really fast, but not unfriendly. Tables emptied while we dined and the server slowed down too, and seemed more relaxed as our dinner wound down. We might try to time our arrival at a slower time, but plan to return next time we're in town. Good place! read more

Most disrespectful and rude staff. If you are not a regular than you don't seem to matter. The host were more concerned socializing then welcoming guest read more

Saputo's!!! This is an Italian restaurant that, in my opinion, is worth a try! Their baked lasagna is delicious! It is a house specialty that does NOT contain ricotta cheese, so it is a little easier on the stomach for those that have an issue digesting cheese/lactose. Their chicken parm is also very hearty and delicious! Great portion size and everything is reasonably priced. Please check this place out whenever you are in Springfield! read more

Amazing place. At twice same day it was so good. Pizza crust was thin and crispy. Great find in Springfield!