New takeout restaurant opens in Mundelein

A new takeout and delivery restaurant serving Italian dishes with Mexican influences has launched in Mundelein.

Mexitaly Pizza opened last week at 860 N. Route 83, which formerly was Lino's Pizza. It offers catering services, too.

The menu includes pizza, pasta dishes, submarine sandwiches, salads and an array of appetizers. Most are traditional Italian fare.

But some feature a Mexican flair. Those would include the taco pizza - with carne asada, green salsa, cilantro and other toppings - and panino sandwiches made with ingredients normally found in chicken or steak fajitas.

"We wanted to bring a unique pizza experience to Mundelein," owner Gerardo Cortez said. "Our food is a unique fusion of food we grew up eating - Mexican - with food we learned to love - Italian. We love and respect both the cultures and felt that the flavors blended well together."

Mexitaly truly is a family operation, Cortez said.

"When we say that we mean it," he said. "In the kitchen and taking care of our customers are uncles, aunts, cousins and spouses."

Cortez said he and his family have more than 30 years of experience in the pizza business. Mundelein seemed like the right place to open Mexitaly because much of the family has connections to the area.

Cortez promised Mexitaly will serve dishes with fresh ingredients, including fresh baked homemade dough and bread.

"We consider our customers family. And as family, you take care of one another - we do that with our food," he said.

Mexitaly is the latest independently owned restaurant to open in town. Other recent additions include the Eating Hub and Tina G's.

"Great food at a good price is a great combination," Mayor Steve Lentz said. "We wish them huge success,"