New La Grange Upscale Dining Option Coming

LA GRANGE, IL — When La Grange's La Buona Vita closed in late March, it was an early sign that the governor's pandemic-related shutdown orders would have a big effect on restaurants.

La Buona Vita was at 15 Calendar Ave., which has long been the site of Italian eateries. Before La Buona Vita, it was Marconi's for years.

As it turns out, it won't be vacant for long. In mid-January, Pazzo Bene restaurant is set to open there, continuing the Italian tradition.

The owner, Greg Less, told the village's liquor commission earlier this month that it would be an upscale Italian restaurant. Its name translates into "crazy good."

Less said he had some culinary background and that his family has invested in a variety of restaurants in southern Wisconsin.

At the Village Board's meeting Monday, Pazzo Bene's general manager, Andrew Nelson, said he and Less understand they have big shoes to fill.

"We're keeping it an Italian-style restaurant," Nelson said. "We want to go a little more upscale than the normal mom-and-pop spaghetti and meatball place, as Greg puts it."

The board expressed interest in the restaurant.

"We are definitely excited and appreciate the investments that are being made, especially at this time," Village President Mark Kuchler said.

The restaurant does not yet have an online presence, but its number is 708-603-2858.