Dine In
Grab a booth in our wood-paneled dining rooms. Family-friendly, unpretentious, and full of character.
Our Story
64 Years of Good Food & Good Times
Since 1960, Italian Village Pizza & Pasta has been Carbondale's gathering place — where SIU Salukis, locals, and visitors come together over great food and leave their mark on the walls.
“Just good food & good times.”
Where It Started
A Young Man, a Dream, and a Pizza Oven
In 1960, a young man named R.E. Bridges — barely into his 20s — opened a small Italian restaurant on Washington Street in Carbondale, Illinois. He called it Italian Village.
What started as a neighborhood pizza spot quickly became something bigger. Located just blocks from Southern Illinois University, the restaurant became a second home for generations of students. Freshmen discovered it during orientation week. Seniors held their last dinners there before graduation. And somewhere along the way, people started writing on the walls.
For over six decades, Italian Village has been more than a restaurant. It's a Carbondale institution — a place where the food is honest, the atmosphere is warm, and every surface tells a story.
Through the Decades
Six Decades of Memories
1960
It All Begins
R.E. Bridges, in his early 20s, opens Italian Village in Carbondale, Illinois. The first pizzas hit the table, and a tradition is born.
1970s
A Campus Staple
Word spreads across the SIU campus. Students discover what locals already know — this is the spot. The first signatures start appearing on the walls.
1980s
Walls Tell Stories
Sharpie markers become as essential as napkins. Every inch of wall space starts filling with names, dates, inside jokes, and declarations of love. The tradition takes on a life of its own.
2000s
Generations Return
Parents bring their children to the same booths where they carved out memories as SIU students. Grandparents point to faded signatures on the wall: "That one's mine, from '72."
Nov 2024
A New Chapter
The Light family — husband, wife, and four children, all born and raised in Southern Illinois — takes over Italian Village, committed to preserving every recipe and every signature on the walls.
The Tradition
Write on the Walls
There is no other restaurant quite like this. Walk in and you are immediately surrounded by thousands of handwritten messages covering every wall, every booth, every surface — a living record of everyone who has ever sat here and wanted the world to know.
“SIU Class of ’87 — best 4 years of our lives”
— written on the back wall
“Jake + Amy forever ♥”
— carved into booth #4
“Go Dawgs! Salukis 4ever”
— by the front door, since ’04
Names, dates, love notes, graduation messages, inside jokes, Saluki pride — the walls hold it all. Every visit, people search for their old messages or add new ones. Sharpie markers are always available. Your spot is waiting.
Our Food
Same recipes. Same heart.
A New Chapter
The Light Family Carries On
Born & Raised in Southern Illinois
New owners as of November 2024
In November 2024, Italian Village passed to a new family — but not to strangers. The Light family — husband, wife, and four children — are born and raised right here in Southern Illinois. They grew up eating at Italian Village. They know what it means to this community.
Their promise is simple: preserve what makes this place special while bringing a few new ideas of their own to the table.
“We are so grateful for this opportunity to provide the same tried and true recipes you have been enjoying all of these years with a few new additions of our own!”
The recipes stay. The walls stay. The tradition stays. The welcome mat is out.
When You Visit
What to Expect
Whether you're dining in, picking up a frozen pizza for later, or ordering a family-size pasta tray for the whole crew — we've got you covered.
Carry Out & Delivery
Call ahead or order online through Square. Also available on DoorDash and Grubhub.
Full Bar
Draft, cans, bottles, imports, wine, and cocktails. Something cold for everyone.
Free Soft Serve
Complimentary and unlimited. Every meal ends with as much soft serve ice cream as you can handle.
Banquet Room
Private room for up to 40 guests. Perfect for parties, team dinners, and family celebrations.
Video Games
Arcade games right in the restaurant. Keep the kids entertained (or challenge your friends).
Also: patio seating in season • frozen pizzas & lasagnas to go • family-size pasta trays (serves 10) • online ordering via Square
Your Spot on the Wall Is Waiting
Come for the Food. Stay for the Walls.
Sixty-four years of pizza, pasta, laughter, and Sharpie markers. Join the tradition — bring your appetite and something to write.
(618) 457-6559