Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants will open Piccolo Buco’s second Naperville location on August 25, 2025, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 23 at 4:30 p.m. The outlet is the business’s second venture in Naperville.
Highlights
- Located in the Block 59 development, Piccolo Buco Naperville is at 456 Illinois Route 59.
- Specializing in Neapolitan pizza, Piccolo Buco showcases Chef Luca’s signature high, crown-like crust.
- The menu features classic Italian favorites alongside modern takes, made with a mix of imported and local ingredients.
Piccolo Buco by Cooper’s Hawk Official Naperville Launch
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants is opening its second Piccolo Buco in Naperville on August 25, featuring Italian cuisine paired with a curated wine selection. A sneak peek of the upcoming debut was shared on Instagram.
Piccolo Buco by Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants is a collaboration between the CEO and Founder of Cooper’s Hawk, Tim McEnery, and Chef Luca Issa of the original Piccolo Buco in Rome. McEnery said, “We’re thrilled to bring the Piccolo Buco experience, and best pizza, to Naperville.”
He added that the second location marks a milestone in expanding neighborhood-focused dining and creating spaces where guests can gather and make memories.
The new outlet is situated in the Block 59 development at 456 Illinois Route 59, Naperville, IL 60540. Under Chef Luca, the restaurant brings authentic Neapolitan pizza and traditional Italian recipes to the Chicago area. McEnery was en route to Rome when he discovered Piccolo Buco, following which he decided to bring their unique pizza experience to wine club members and guests.
Culinary Program and Wine Offerings
Piccolo Buco specializes in handcrafted Neapolitan pizza with Chef Luca’s signature tall crust, each paired with a curated wine selection.
The menu pairs staple Italian recipes with creative variations, made from authentic and regional ingredients. Lunchtime at Naperville will introduce a new menu featuring an assortment of Sardinian sandwiches.
Signature offerings include Luca’s Red, Yellow, or White pizza, known for its crisp but airy dough and high crust. Guests can start with Mama Luca’s meatballs, crunchy stuffed squash blossoms, or crisp calamari.
Modern Roman dishes on the menu feature Cacio e Pepe, Truffle Fondue Cappellacci, and slow-braised short ribs. The wine list includes Italian varietals alongside Cooper’s Hawk’s award-winning labels. Cooper’s Hawk wine club members may redeem membership benefits at any Piccolo Buco location.
Space Design and Ambience
Seating capacity is 195, split between 127 interior seats and a 68-seat enclosed patio. An expansive tasting bar welcomes guests, providing wine-tasting experiences within a warm, decorative setting.
Ceiling stencilwork and custom wallcoverings of Roman landmarks create striking focal points, with subtle local details scattered throughout the space. Distinctive touches include a Trevi Fountain coin motif and a vintage gallery wall.
Twinkling string lights and lush plants give the enclosed patio a Roman bistro vibe. The restaurant’s design and menu bring the feel of a classic Roman pizzeria while honoring Luca Issa’s original Piccolo Buco in Italy.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place with Mayor Scott Wehrli, DuPage County Board Member Saba Haider, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants Founder and CEO Tim McEnery, and Luca Issa, chef of Piccolo Buco Rome, on August 23 at 4:30PM.
Piccolo Buco Naperville hours are Sunday through Thursday 11 AM–9 PM and Friday and Saturday 11 AM–10 PM. Lunch is offered daily from 11:00am to 3:30pm. Happy hour runs Monday–Thursday, 2:00pm–5:30pm.
