Bertolli’s Pizza Since 1963

Bertolli’s River Pizza, a cherished establishment in River Forest, Illinois, has been serving authentic Italian cuisine since 1981. The pizzeria’s roots trace back to 1963 when it originally opened as River Pizza. In 1981, Southern Italian native Frank Bertolli purchased the pizzeria, adding his name to the business and continuing its tradition of quality and authenticity. 

Born in 1949 in Mola di Bari, Italy, Frank Bertolli immigrated to the United States in 1963. He immersed himself in the pizza industry, gaining experience by working in his uncle’s and godfather’s pizza businesses on Chicago’s Southeast Side. In 1969, Bertolli joined the Marine Corps, serving his adopted country with dedication. After his military service, he returned to the culinary world, working in his father’s restaurant on the South Side and later managing a restaurant on the North Side. 

In 1981, while residing in Forest Park, Bertolli learned that River Pizza on Lake Street was for sale. Seizing the opportunity, he purchased the business, rebranding it as Bertolli’s River Pizza. His commitment to homemade, high-quality dishes—such as cannolis and lasagna—crafted by hand, quickly endeared the pizzeria to the local community. 

Bertolli’s River Pizza offers a variety of Chicago-style pizzas, including pan, stuffed, and thin crust options. The pizzeria has become a staple in the River Forest community, known for its history, service, and traditions brought from Italy by Frank Bertolli. 

In 2009, Bertolli expanded his culinary ventures by opening Frank’s Deli adjacent to the pizzeria. This establishment offers a range of Italian specialties and convenience items, further embedding the Bertolli family into the fabric of River Forest’s local business scene. 

Today, Bertolli’s River Pizza remains a family-run institution, with Frank’s children—Carlo, Tony, John, Nora, and Marilda—actively contributing to its ongoing success. The pizzeria continues to serve as a home away from home for many, offering delicious homemade items and maintaining the traditions that have made it a beloved fixture in the community for over four decades.