Cannova's Pizza

Technically I've eaten at Cannova's twice now. However the first time was carry out. That time we ordered two pizzas for carry out. Both were BBQ Chicken, but one was on Gluten Free crust. Yes, they offer a variety of gluten free items for those that are gluten sensitive. The pizzas were really good. They weren't traditional pizzas, but the way they made it was fantastic, one of the best BBQ Chicken pizza's I've ever had. The sauce was their own sauce with Sweet Baby Ray's added to it. No complaints here. If you're looking for a non-traditional pizza, this one is pretty solid.The second time we went was for a date night. It was a Friday around 7pm, we didn't have any reservations, but were able to be seated with minimal wait. Our server was a nice older lady. She was very friendly. After perusing the menu I ordered the Chicken Parmigiana over Spaghetti. It was good. The breading on the chicken wasn't as flavorful as I've had at other places. The sauce was decent. Over all I thought it was good, nothing to be wowed by, but still good. My girlfriend had the Alfredo Sauce (A signature menu item for which they're known) over Gluten Free pasta. She seemed impressed with the sauce. She thought it was good, much better than other places.The restaurant itself is a nice restaurant with an old charm. The décor is very rural 60's Midwestern super club style. There's old photos of the family and from around Freeport on the wall. There's a piano in the middle of the main room, and if you're lucky Pat, the owner's husband, will play it. He received his B.M. and M.M. in piano from the University of Illinois-Urbana, per their literature. They also have an upstairs area for private parties. Both times I was the upstairs level was being utilized. The only real issue I have with Cannova's is the Parking. They have a very small parking lot, it's not nearly enough for the size of the restaurant. This leaves you have to search for a place to park. Hopefully you get lucky and someone is leaving as you pull in. Other ways you have to park up the street or in a neighboring business' parking lot.Overall, it's a nice restaurant. I'll definitely be back.The next part is informational only. You do with this information as you will. It plays no part in my rating. Let your own personal beliefs and politics us this as you see fit. The Staff wore masks Mask wearing was enforced. There was sanitizer offered. The tables were thoroughly cleaned before new patrons were sat. Social Distancing was not enforced. Limited seating was not done. We were rubbing backs and shoulders with the tables next to us.

Bruschetta is not fresh bruschetta. It is more canned stewed tomatoes with melted mozzarella cheese, pretty disappointed.Pizza was good

I LOVE Cannova's! After working here for 5 years, the first thing I want when I come back and visit Freeport is Cannova's. The best time to visit is on Fridays during Lent because they make the best spinach lasagna - topped with their signature red sauce and a creamy bechmel (white sauce, lighter than alfredo), the massive serving is just oozing with yummy spinach! The pizzas are fantastic too! The pizza crusts are nice and thin and are a great base for all of the delicious flavors that top the pizza. The other two best parts of the Cannova's experience is the daily made bread and house salad dressing. In my opnion, the house salad dressing is the best Italian salad dressing in the world! I need to go home again!

Any time I'm in Freeport I do my best to stop into Cannova's. Don't be fooled by the name, they have much more than pizza on the menu. But no matter what you get -- pizza, pasta, etc. -- make sure you get an extra side of their house made red sauce. I'm a big fan of their vegetarian lasagna (only on the menu on select days), and the Sicilian pizza. This family establishment is a must go-to!

We were in town for our father's funeral and did not want to cook while we were cleaning out the house. This was one of our father's favorite places and after the first meal there we knew why. The food was great, the service was even better, and we had the owner talk to everyone at our table. He was gracious, our server was awesome, and the food was just icing on the cake. It was so good we came back for every supper we were in town. Each meal was different but each was excellent. I do not know how someone could have a bad experience unless they are not a happy person to begin with. The owner played the piano periodically which was a bonus. We will go there EVERY time we are in Freeport!

Table of four with reservations. Arrived on time was seated immediately. Then sat for 20 minutes before the staff could decide who was going to wait on us.The waiter took our drink order....we waited 30 minutes before our drinks were delivered to our table!After delivering our drinks & taking our dinner order....we waited 1 hour for our meal to be served!Meanwhile we watched 7 parties of 4-6 people come into the restaurant... get their orders eat and leave!!At one point I went to the bar and complained to the owner!!!!If it hadn't been that we were celebrating my brother in law's birthday....I would have walked out!Poor service, so so food, terrible drinks!!!

We used to love going there. I'm not sure if the owner has changed hands, or if the restaurant has a different cook but it was the worst meal I've ever had there.I had the fish dinner. The fish pieces were all clumped together. I knew right away that my meal would not have been cooked thoroughly. When cutting into it the fish, it was pink. So my fish was raw. The batter had a bad taste. Like it had nutmeg and/or Clove seasoning. It came with fries, which were cold and mushy. The fries were thin cut so there was no reason they could not have been cooked through.My date had the cauliflower crust pizza. It was disgusting.The drinks were outrageously expensive. A short vodka soda was nine dollars. And it was a shorter glass than most restaurants serve in. A glass of wine was $10.00.The waitress seen that I didn't eat my meal but did not ask how the food was. It was obvious yet she should ask. The food was not her fault, but taking the food criticism back to the kitchen or owner is a must. We will never go back and will make sure our friends are made aware.

I think Cannovas is the best. During Covid are their Tuesday special every week. I love the Chicken Parmigiana and the tiramisu for an ear in favorite. The piano playing really adds ambiance.Only complaint is limited parking

I'm surprised this place is so popular, subpar food, and horrible service. The owner Pat is a drunk and mean old man whom makes snarky remarks. The simplest things get ruined. Is it too much to ask for a cold salad? Alfredo sauce is practically water no time spent on thickening it up. All around I believed that the thought of it's past self is what keep people there, not the actual food quality. Microwaved lasagna is a joke.

ZERO STARS! NEGATIVE STARS IF POSSIBLE!!! Had dinner here last weekend. What a HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT!!! Server was extremely rude and inattentive. Seemed that we were bothering her with questions about a menu item. The meal was subpar at best and overpriced. Server ignored our request for a couple of bags to take home left overs to feed the dog. The server ignored this request. Then went to the servers station where 2 other servers were and asked for bags. They walked away. The bags were sitting there, so took a couple of bags. Started to head back to the table when confronted and scolded by the owner that he would get the bags and that "this isn't a democracy!" Needless to say that we will NEVER go back there again. Too many other places that would appreciate us spending our time and money to have a meal while not making us feel like an inconvenience. Cannot reiterate enough:ZERO STARS! NEGATIVE STARS IF POSSIBLE!!!