We walk by this place all the time but have never stopped in. I’ve always been skeptical because it’s in a hotel and it never seemed very busy. What I’ve come to realize is that it gets busy late and we are early eaters. The atmosphere was lovely. Everything was nicely decorated for Christmas. The fire was going and the lights were soft. It really was perfect. Because they make everything from scratch, there was a lot of versatility which I really appreciated. Believe it or not, it’s hard to find vegetarian Italian in Oak Park that isn’t drenched in thick oozing cheese. Everything could be customized. This was one of the nicest dining experiences I’ve had in while. We’ll definitely be back. Vegetarian options: Talk to your server and the chef will happily work with you to create a vegetarian meal you will adore.
Gorgeous, gorgeous restaurant. Giovanni is sweet, kind, caring and treats all of his customers as family. This was the best Italian food I’ve ever had in my life. Even better than anything I’ve had back home. (NJ ) It’s legitimate, and everything was perfect- even the salad. The bolognese was to die for, I’ll never forget it! Make sure you order the special tulip dessert, as well. It’s a lovely little chocolate tulip with tiramisu inside. You will not be disappointed! I sincerely hope I can come back one day. -Angela
Lovely spot Charming staff
Came to celebrate our 20th anniversary, included it on our reservation, but it was not acknowledged. The food was mediocre at best, then after paying and leaving we got a phone call that they screwed up our bill because the waitress was one of those cool waitresses who doesn't write things down, and items had been left off so I had to call them and make an extra payment to fix their mistake. Also the place was 3 quarters empty, so it's not like they had an excuse for such a dumb mistake. Finally the floor was filthy under our table
Mauricio made me a custom martini and WOW it was awesome. Very cool bar. Excellent service. Fantastic experience! Highly recommend!!
Busy Saturday night the place was empty, uh oh. But I'll try to be fair. Smelled of bleach but that just means it's clean. I can only judge on the 1 dish I ordered. Veal marsala. Very thinly prepared and very little portion put onto a cold plate. Thus was served cold. Ok, no problem they promptly heated it up. Nice hot pasta under it would help make this dish a bit , more.... There was a dish of pasta with red sauce served with it bit seemed out of place. I did see the owner but who am I to criticize a man who's life is invested in this. He won't want to hear me. This is what he deems his best effort for his customer. Perhaps he might think I need to be educated on what is a properly prepared veal marsala. But here's the thing, I won't be back. I sorry because I really appreciate a man so devoted to to running that restaurant and providing income for his employees. I know good meals can be had there but with so many places to eat I won't ever find out. Portion sizes being so small makes me wonder if they are trying to save on costs. The problem is if your customer leaves thinking there should been a bit more on the plate they won't come back. So you saved a bit but lost future income. And no, I'm not expecting olive garden endless pasta, just fill the plate. I'm sorry, to the owner, for this harsh review because I know this place is your life and you can say I'm nuts but the truth is I won't be back. Just think about it why do you think your place wasn't full of people. Good luck sir.
Everything we ordered was made to order and made perfectly. Fantastic Italian restaurant, save room for dessert. Must have homemade cheese cake.
Consistently delicious! I’ve tried so many things on the menu and everything is great. And the owner is a gem!
DO NOT ORDER ONLINE - THEY ARE OVERCHARGING YOU Went to order off GrubHub for this restaurant and they are significantly up-charging the price of food. Risotto 4 Formaggi is $29.00 on their regular menu and $35 online... getting a side of chicken for it in the restaurant is $6 - online it is $8. You are receiving the same amount of food (if less - because of the sizes of the containers). I don't understand why they are charging more for it when GrubHub also tacks on fees. Most items on the menu are like this. Felt incredibly ripped off for food that is decent at best. I understand they likely must pay GrubHub to be hosted on their website - but a price difference of $6 for one food item is wild.