Our Story
Our Story
Traditions of family, flavor, and fun
Traditions of family, flavor, and fun
Where It All Began
Where It All Began
Where It All Began
Becoming a neighborhood favorite
Becoming a neighborhood favorite
Becoming a neighborhood favorite
In 1982, the Gallo family set out with a simple but meaningful goal: to create a welcoming place where people could come together, share a good meal, and feel like family. What started as an eight-table, cash-only restaurant has evolved into the beloved local gem that has withstood the test of time.
In 1982, the Gallo family set out with a simple but meaningful goal: to create a welcoming place where people could come together, share a good meal, and feel like family. What started as an eight-table, cash-only restaurant has evolved into the beloved local gem that has withstood the test of time.
In 1982, the Gallo family set out with a simple but meaningful goal: to create a welcoming place where people could come together, share a good meal, and feel like family. What started as an eight-table, cash-only restaurant has evolved into the beloved local gem that has withstood the test of time.
Milestones and Achievements
Over the years, our trattoria has become a local staple, recognized for its exceptional food, friendly service, and dedication to quality. Here are just some of our proudest moments.
Hole in the Wall Opens
Hole in the Wall Opens
A dream realized
A dream realized
With decades of skill developed in the kitchen, and experience in much larger restaurants, Frank and his father opened the doors to Northbrook's now favorite Italian eatery in 1982, wanting a small, intimate space where everything is made to order and quality never goes overlooked.
With decades of skill developed in the kitchen, and experience in much larger restaurants, Frank and his father opened the doors to Northbrook's now favorite Italian eatery in 1982, wanting a small, intimate space where everything is made to order and quality never goes overlooked.
Our Homemade Sauce
Our Homemade Sauce
Bring the flavor home
Bring the flavor home
Our famous marinara sauce is slow simmered and made from tomatoes imported from Italy. Can't make it in for dinner? That's okay! We're proud and honored that, since 2024, you can find our sauce in local grocery stores, bringing our traditional Italian flavors to your pantry.
Our famous marinara sauce is slow simmered and made from tomatoes imported from Italy. Can't make it in for dinner? That's okay! We're proud and honored that, since 2024, you can find our sauce in local grocery stores, bringing our traditional Italian flavors to your pantry.
Recognition & Growth
Recognition & Growth
A brush with fame
A brush with fame
When we were featured in Chicago magazine, more people started to discover our humble trattoria, and our guest list grew even more eclectic. Now our entryway is full of signed headshots from actors, singers, chefs, and stars who have loved our food.
When we were featured in Chicago magazine, more people started to discover our humble trattoria, and our guest list grew even more eclectic. Now our entryway is full of signed headshots from actors, singers, chefs, and stars who have loved our food.
Meet the Hole in the Wall Family
Behind every meal we serve is a team of people who share the same passion and love for creating a good-hearted and personal environment filled with nourishing, delectable bites.
Francesco "Frank" Gallo
Francesco "Frank" Gallo
Francesco "Frank" Gallo
As the owner and "idea guy," Frank is the creative genius behind our ever-evolving menu. His passion for cooking and his love for creating new dishes is evident in every bite. While he's an imaginative chef, his spirited personality doesn't stop at the kitchen doors. When you come to visit, Frank greets every table. Whether you're a regular who's been coming in for a decade or it's your first time here, Frank treats everyone like family.
As the owner and "idea guy," Frank is the creative genius behind our ever-evolving menu. His passion for cooking and his love for creating new dishes is evident in every bite. While he's an imaginative chef, his spirited personality doesn't stop at the kitchen doors. When you come to visit, Frank greets every table. Whether you're a regular who's been coming in for a decade or it's your first time here, Frank treats everyone like family.
As the owner and "idea guy," Frank is the creative genius behind our ever-evolving menu. His passion for cooking and his love for creating new dishes is evident in every bite. While he's an imaginative chef, his spirited personality doesn't stop at the kitchen doors. When you come to visit, Frank greets every table. Whether you're a regular who's been coming in for a decade or it's your first time here, Frank treats everyone like family.
Front of House
Front of House
Front of House
Our servers have been with us for years, creating lasting connections with our guests. They know how to make you feel at home from the moment you walk in, and their dedication to excellent service is one of the reasons so many of our guests are regulars. Not sure what you're looking for? Need a wine pairing recommendation? Our servers won't suggest just anything, they'll get to know you to find the right dish, every time.
Our servers have been with us for years, creating lasting connections with our guests. They know how to make you feel at home from the moment you walk in, and their dedication to excellent service is one of the reasons so many of our guests are regulars. Not sure what you're looking for? Need a wine pairing recommendation? Our servers won't suggest just anything, they'll get to know you to find the right dish, every time.
Our servers have been with us for years, creating lasting connections with our guests. They know how to make you feel at home from the moment you walk in, and their dedication to excellent service is one of the reasons so many of our guests are regulars. Not sure what you're looking for? Need a wine pairing recommendation? Our servers won't suggest just anything, they'll get to know you to find the right dish, every time.
Back of House
Back of House
Back of House
Our cooks share Frank’s passion for great food, and it’s their friendship, teamwork, and commitment to quality that make every meal special. They’re the ones who bring Frank’s creations to life, each one contributing their expertise to deliver dishes that are consistently delicious. Want something that's not on the menu? Our Back of House team can adjust recipes for dietary restrictions, create something new for adventurous eaters, or whip up the classics for diners looking for traditional favorites.
Our cooks share Frank’s passion for great food, and it’s their friendship, teamwork, and commitment to quality that make every meal special. They’re the ones who bring Frank’s creations to life, each one contributing their expertise to deliver dishes that are consistently delicious. Want something that's not on the menu? Our Back of House team can adjust recipes for dietary restrictions, create something new for adventurous eaters, or whip up the classics for diners looking for traditional favorites.
Our cooks share Frank’s passion for great food, and it’s their friendship, teamwork, and commitment to quality that make every meal special. They’re the ones who bring Frank’s creations to life, each one contributing their expertise to deliver dishes that are consistently delicious. Want something that's not on the menu? Our Back of House team can adjust recipes for dietary restrictions, create something new for adventurous eaters, or whip up the classics for diners looking for traditional favorites.
Where We're Headed
Where We're Headed
Where We're Headed
Staying small, staying personal
Staying small, staying personal
Staying small, staying personal
We've grown from our original 8-table dining room—but not too much. While we now accept credit cards, have upped our table count into the double digits, and added outdoor seating, we want to stay true to what makes us special. Every dish is still made with the same attention to detail as it was in 1982, and we'll always strive to make each visit feel like you're coming home.
As we look to the future, we're focused on continuing to provide the same warm, welcoming experience while keeping our menu fresh and exciting.
We've grown from our original 8-table dining room—but not too much. While we now accept credit cards, have upped our table count into the double digits, and added outdoor seating, we want to stay true to what makes us special. Every dish is still made with the same attention to detail as it was in 1982, and we'll always strive to make each visit feel like you're coming home.
As we look to the future, we're focused on continuing to provide the same warm, welcoming experience while keeping our menu fresh and exciting.
We've grown from our original 8-table dining room—but not too much. While we now accept credit cards, have upped our table count into the double digits, and added outdoor seating, we want to stay true to what makes us special. Every dish is still made with the same attention to detail as it was in 1982, and we'll always strive to make each visit feel like you're coming home.
As we look to the future, we're focused on continuing to provide the same warm, welcoming experience while keeping our menu fresh and exciting.
See the Menu
Plan Your Visit Today
Whether you're dining in or carrying out, your meal is made to order. Call us if you have any questions or to place a take-out order.
Contact Us
Dinner Hours
Mon, Wed–Sat: 5:00 PM til Close
Sun: 4:00 PM til Close
Lunch Hours
Mon, Wed–Fri: 11:30 AM–2:15 PM
Dinner Hours
Mon, Wed–Sat: 5:00 PM til Close
Sun: 4:00 PM til Close
Lunch Hours
Mon, Wed–Fri: 11:30 AM–2:15 PM
Dinner Hours
Mon, Wed–Sat: 5:00 PM til Close
Sun: 4:00 PM til Close
Lunch Hours
Mon, Wed–Fri: 11:30 AM–2:15 PM