In the heart of Joliet, IL, Baldo’s Restaurant has established itself as a local gem, renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine and old-world hospitality since its opening in 1996. The warm and welcoming ambience is a reflection of a family legacy that spans generations, offering patrons a taste of Italy right in the heart of the Midwest. This complete guide to the menu at Baldo’s includes a variety of popular dishes, from family recipes that have been perfected over time, to signature cocktails and daily specials that keep the local and visiting diners coming back for more. Each meal at Baldo’s is a dining experience and a journey through the rich flavours and hospitality only a family-owned establishment can offer.
| Category | Item | Description | Price |
| Appetizers | Bruschetta | Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil. | $7.99 |
| Fried Calamari | Tender rings fried to golden perfection. | $11.99 | |
| Mozzarella Caprese | Sliced mozzarella with balsamic glaze. | $8.99 | |
| Baked Clams | Little neck clams with breadcrumbs. | $10.99 | |
| Mussels Marinara | PEI mussels simmered in a zesty marinara sauce. | $12.99 |
Baldo’s Restaurant sets the stage with its classic Italian appetizers, each sharing a piece of Italy before the main meal. Appetizers like Bruschetta and Fried Calamari offer a delicious start to any meal, featuring fresh and flavorful ingredients. Mozzarella Caprese and Baked Clams continue the tradition, leading up to the mussel marinara, a hearty option for those who love seafood. Each appetizer is crafted to perfectly complement the entrees that follow, ensuring a memorable dining experience at this classic Italian eatery in Joliet, IL.
Soups & Salads
| Category | Item | Description | Price |
| Soups | Minestrone Soup | A classic Italian vegetable and pasta soup, embodying the heart of Italian cuisine. | $5.99 |
| Pasta e Fagioli | A hearty bean soup with tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, a staple in Italian homes. | $5.99 | |
| Salads | Garden Salad | Mixed greens, cucumbers, and red onions offer a fresh start to your meal. | $6.99 |
| Caesar Salad | Romaine lettuce with parmesan and croutons is a classic choice for salad lovers. | $7.99 | |
| Italian Chopped | A hearty mix of salami, provolone, chickpeas, and onions, dressed in signature house balsamic vinaigrette. | $8.99 |
At Baldo’s Restaurant, the Soups & Salads menu brings together the essence of Italian cooking with classic and hearty options. From the Minestrone Soup to the Pasta e Fagioli, each soup serves as a warming prelude to the meal. The salad selections, including the Garden Salad, Caesar Salad, and the Italian Chopped, provide a refreshing and flavorful contrast, each crafted with fresh ingredients and signature dressings. These dishes not only showcase the diversity of Italian cuisine but also emphasize the importance of fresh, quality ingredients in creating memorable meals.
Chicken Dishes
At Baldo’s Restaurant, the Chicken Dishes menu features authentic Italian classics that promise a delightful meal. Pasta Dishes
Add a side salad or soup to complete your meal for a full dining experience at Baldo’s Restaurant. Each pasta dish is crafted with care and attention to detail, using only the freshest ingredients to bring the authentic tastes of Italy to Joliet, IL. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic like Spaghetti with Meatballs or looking for something a bit more adventurous like Linguine with Clam Sauce, Baldo’s offers a variety that is sure to satisfy any pasta lover’s palate. Veal SpeciSeafoodAt the heart of Baldo’s Restaurant’s menu lies a delicately flavoured treasure trove of Veal Specialties, each dish a testament to the authentic Italian culinary tradition. Starting with Veal Parmesan, where breaded veal cutlets are baked to perfection, and then lavishly topped with marinara and mozzarella, creating a harmonious blend of flavours that dance on the palate. Moving on, Veal Marsala offers a rich tapestry of taste, with pan-seared veal medallions nestled in a velvety mushroom Marsala sauce, offering a depth of flavour that is both comforting and luxurious. Lastly, Veal Piccata presents sautéed veal cutlets that are bathed in a vibrant lemon caper butter sauce, providing a zesty kick that brightens the entire dish. Each of these entrees is served with a side of linguine in either a marinara or garlic butter sauce, ensuring that the experience is as indulgent as it is unforgettable. Through these dishes, Baldo’s not only serves food but also a slice of Italian heritage, making each visit a journey to the heart of Italy. |
Seafood
At Baldo’s, the menu proudly showcases a selection of fresh seafood dishes that are both innovative and steeped in tradition.
Shrimp Scampi
First on the list is the Shrimp Scampi, featuring jumbo shrimp sautéed to perfection in garlic butter and white wine sauce. This dish exemplifies how simple ingredients can be transformed into an unforgettable dining experience.
Salmon Piccata
Following closely is the Salmon Piccata, with pan-seared salmon filets enrobed in a zesty lemon caper sauce. This dish offers a refreshing twist on the classic piccata, showcasing the versatility of seafood.
Cioppino
The Cioppino presents a hearty seafood stew, abundant with mussels, clams, shrimp, and fish. It’s a testament to the rich, communal spirit of Italian dining, inviting you to delve into a bowl of warm, comforting flavours.
Each of these dishes is thoughtfully served with a side of linguine and a crisp garden salad, rounding out the meal with a touch of freshness and balance. Baldo’s seafood selections are more than just meals; they are a journey through the heart of Italian culinary excellence, designed to enchant and satisfy with every bite.
Signature Entrees
Diving into Baldo’s treasure trove of Italian classics, the menu unfurls a captivating lineup of signature entrees that blend traditional recipes with a twist of creativity.
Steak Pizzaiola
The Steak Pizzaiola stands out with its succulent NY Strip steak, topped with sautéed peppers and onion, all smothered in a robust marinara. This dish is a bold fusion of hearty steak and classic Italian flavours, offering a taste that’s as unforgettable as it is satisfying.
Pork Osso Buco
Next, the Pork Osso Buco invites diners to explore the depth of Italian cooking through a braised pork shank, nestled in a rich tomato-wine sauce. This slow-cooked marvel showcases the tenderness of pork, enhanced by the complexity of its sumptuous sauce.
Eggplant Parmesan
The Eggplant Parmesan provides a vegetarian delight, where breaded eggplant slices are baked with marinara and mozzarella. It’s a testament to how Baldo’s signature dishes incorporate classic Italian flavours into creative offerings, making each bite a journey through Italy’s culinary landscape.
Baldo’s signature entrees are more than just meals; they are a homage to the rich, diverse tapestry of Italian cuisine, carefully curated to offer diners a taste of Italy’s best, right in the heart of Joliet, IL.
Desserts
At Baldo’s, the invitation to save room for desserts is akin to beckoning one into a realm of heavenly homemade Italian delights, each a masterpiece of confectionery art.
Tiramisu
Tiramisu leads the grand finale, with ladyfingers soaked in rich espresso and layered with a light mascarpone cream. This classic dessert is a symphony of flavours that encapsulates the essence of Italian indulgence.
Cannoli
Following closely is the Cannoli, featuring crispy pastry, fingers and wings meal shells filled with sweet ricotta cream. This iconic Sicilian dessert offers a delightful contrast of textures, from the crackle of its shell to the smoothness of its filling.
Spumoni
Spumoni, the colourful Italian ice cream with cherries and nuts, presents a refreshing option. This tri-coloured delight is a playful nod to Italy’s vibrant culture and cuisine, perfect for those looking for a lighter end to their meal.
Italian Cheesecake
The Italian Cheesecake, known for its dense texture, rounds out the dessert menu. It offers a rich and creamy finish, and DQ Heart Cake promises a deeply satisfying last course.
Through these desserts, Baldo’s not only shares Italian culinary traditions but also the joy of ending a meal on a high note, with sweet creations that linger in memory long after the last bite.
BBQ Specialties
Baldo’s introduces a heartwarming selection of BBQ Specialties, where each dish is a homage to the art of slow cooking and flavour enhancement, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
Whole Slab Rib Dinner
The WHOLE SLAB RIB DINNER takes the spotlight, featuring tender ribs that have been slow-cooked and basted in a special BBQ sauce. This dish is a testament to patience, as each rib is cooked to perfection, ensuring the meat falls right off the bone.
Half Chicken
Not to be outshone, the HALF CHICKEN, roasted to perfection, offers a simpler, yet equally satisfying option. Its preparation respects the integrity of the ingredients, allowing the natural flavours to shine, especially when enjoyed sauceless in the ROTISSERIE style.
Each of these dinners is served with a choice of Baked Potato or French Fries, accompanied by a Salad, Coleslaw, and a slice of Bread with Butter, providing a well-rounded meal that caters to a variety of tastes and preferences.
Through its BBQ specialities, Baldo’s not only diversified its menu but also celebrates the universal joy of shared meals, where each bite is a story of flavour, tradition, and culinary craftsmanship.
Subs
Baldo’s offers a delectable variety of Subs that are a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to flavour, freshness, and creativity. Each sub comes adorned with Lettuce, Tomato, Onions, and a homemade Italian Dressing, crafting a perfect base for the diverse fillings. Customers can order these mouthwatering creations in either a Full (12 inches) or Half size, catering to appetites big and small.
Baldo’s Italian Sub
The BALDO’S ITALIAN SUB is a crowd-pleaser, loaded with Salami, Ham, and Provolone Cheese. It’s a classic combination that never fails to satisfy, delivering a taste of Italy in every bite.
Turkey Sub
For those seeking a lighter option, the TURKEY sub offers thinly sliced Turkey, a healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavour.
Steak and Cheese
The STEAK AND CHEESE sub, featuring thinly sliced Steak and melted cheese, is a hearty option for meat lovers, while the addition of Canned Mushrooms turns it into the indulgent STEAK, CHEESE, AND MUSHROOM sub for an extra layer of flavour.
Ham and Cheese
The HAM sub, especially when Fried, pairs excellently with cheese, creating a simple yet delicious choice.
Cheeseburger Sub
A unique twist on a classic, the CHEESEBURGER sub uses Ground Hamburger and American Cheese to replicate the beloved burger experience in the subform.
Meatball Sub
The MEATBALL sub is a homage to traditional Italian cooking, featuring homemade Meatballs and house-made Meat Sauce, encapsulating rich and robust flavours.
Pizza Burger Sub
Lastly, the PIZZA BURGER sub combines Pepperoni and Pizza Sauce for a creative fusion that pizza and burger fans alike will adore.
For those looking to customize their subs further, the option to ADD HOT PEPPERS or EXTRA ITEMS ensures that each sandwich can be tailored to individual tastes, making Baldo’s subs not just food, but a personal experience.
