Italian Village

After reading the reviews, I gave this place a try. I found it to be quite.......great!
We had a bunch of appetizers, wine and dessert. The calamari was cooked perfectly. I found the food to be a great value and VERY tasty!
I look forward to trying out the other two restaurants located in the same building and run by the same family.
Because of the good reviews, I was definitely pointed in the right direction!

Pros: Great Food

Recently took my family here as my sister was in town from California. We were seated in a very charming booth, which could have sat six, so it was quite spacious. We were immediately greeted by our server, and had bread and our drinks promptly. We ordered the chicken vesuvio, the osso bucco, chicken marsala and veal parmigan, the chicken vesuvio took a bit longer to cook, but it came out fresh and very good. After the meal we were treated to a sampling of the desserts. Tiramasu, cheesecake, a chocolate mousse which was to die for, and some cannolis. For four of us, our bill came out to under $100 and the portions were huge. Great value and price. The Village is very quaint with its hand painted murals on the wall, you feel like you are in an authentic Italian Village. I will definitely be back!!

Pros: Fantastic portion size and excellent cuisine

One would think an Italian restaurant could make minestrone soup and pasta however my meal was completely void of flavor. I feel sorry for tourist who think they are in for a great meal. Please skip it and find one of many great italian restaurants in the city.

great place!!! will definately revisit!!!

Pros: great food, and very friendly staff

Cons: the food took a little longer then expected

The only good thing about our meal was the bread and olive oil. Neither of our dishes lived up to the expectation and both lacked any sort of taste at all.

Pros: Neat design, nice atmosphere

Cons: Bad Food.

I was here on Friday and then again on Saturday. The food and service was great and we know all the Maitre d's so they really take care of us. We love the food and the atmosphere. We were so sad for the Manager last night when a guest yelled at him in front of all these people waiting because he did not like his table. The Manager offered to move him but he just yelled and was totally unfair. We could not believe this ! We saw this Manager on two nights and we have never seen anyone do such a great job as busy as it was.

We love the place and will be back and hope to see you all their again next year.

Pros: Fast service, affordable prices

The IV not only rates highest in accomodations and style, but the attractive menu and the food behind it is some of the best you will ever have in your life. The sommelier and chefs are connected with their customers and the staff couldn't be nicer. The Capatiniini's make you feel like family- it is a 5 star classy and exquisite restaurant but not pretentios, it is loving and sensational, my only regret is I don't live above the restaurant because I would be there every night!
Viva Italian Village!
XOXO

Pros: Top Chefs. Service, Food, WIne

I first came to the Italian Village in the sixties. I was amazed at the service, quality of the food and the energy of the restaurant. As I had a family it was a favorite place for lunch on school holidays or before theater. When my children each found marriage partners, they both brought them to the Village. And now, I have brought my grandchildren, visitors from other countries, and good friends to the Village. What a wonderful treasure. I can always count on excellent food, attentive service, and an most enjoyable dining experience. Last evening I even noted its presence in the new film, Chicago Overcoat!

Pros: perfect manicotti and bread, good wine, professional service

Cons: none

It is hard to find a place where you can sit down with your friends to wine and dine, without feeling like you got kicked in the wallet!!
This place is a great value for your money. Everything they turn out is excellent. The gnocchi is so very light and fluffy. The salad they serve table side is really yummy and the wine......awesome!!
They brought my girlfriend and I, a complimentary birthday dessert. I could go on for days about this stuff. Make sure you save room for some!!
I will continue to return again and again!!!

Pros: Food, Wine, Service

Cons: none

This is the best Italian restaurant in Chicago...period. I suppose that is why they have continued a successful business for over 80 years.
There are a lot of restaurants in the city who over promise and under perform. The food is consistent, service is terrific. All this; topped off with a great bottle of wine, you have a WINNER!!

Pros: Great value

We had four very very simple Italian dishes: carpaccio ,spaghetti with tomato (arrabiata ) sauce , minestrone soup and grilled fish. The carpaccio was tasteless , no salt ,no balsamic, no olive oil .the spaghetti sauce was made out of none fresh tomato puree with a very few chunks that should have been tomato and was slightly burned .I ordered the sauce arrabiata but instead it made me arrabiata .the minestrone soup was mad from frozen vegetables and tasted like instant Knore soup. the fish was OK but not more. we were hoping to wash everything with a good double espresso, but even this was taken from us. the coffee came in cups with the ILLY logo but contained other low brand. We didn't have time to find a decent restaurant .This restaurant was on our way .we shouldn't have made that turn. I'm not Italian and the food is not Italian either.

Pros: none

Cons: food quality

great food and wine list! went there with my husband last week and their service made our experience great. look forward to going back again

Pros: great food and wine!

My husband and went to Italian Village tonight before seeing the Jersey Boys. REALLY DISAPPOINTING. I almost returned my food but I have never done this in a restaurant before so I didn't. I had the caprese salad and the eggplant parmesan. They doused the salad with strong vinegar and it really should have just had some good olive oil on it - but olive oil obviously is more expensive than vinegar. The same was true for the salad that came with the meal - the vinaigrette was all vinegar and no olive oil. The eggplant parmesan tasted literally like cardboard. I could not eat the penne that came with it because the marinara sauce was sour and tasted like it sat in the saucepan for too long. It literally had a metal taste to it. This was a real stunner. How can Italian food be so bad from a place that has been in business for so long? I am pretty angry at the waste of money. I should have sent the dish back but I am not forward enough to do something like that so I decided to do this posting on the website. I am a Chicagoan and will never recommend Italian Village to anyone. I am also 100% Italian so this review I believe is pretty accurate. Thanks for reading.

Pros: Convenient to Theatre across the street

Cons: Just a bad place to eat

My husband and went to Italian Village tonight before seeing the Jersey Boys. REALLY DISAPPOINTING. I almost returned my food but I have never done this in a restaurant before so I didn't. I had the caprese salad and the eggplant parmesan. They doused the salad with strong vinegar and it really should have just had some good olive oil on it - but olive oil obviously is more expensive than vinegar. The same was true for the salad that came with the meal - the vinaigrette was all vinegar and no olive oil. The eggplant parmesan tasted literally like cardboard. I could not eat the penne that came with it because the marinara sauce was sour and tasted like it sat in the saucepan for too long. It literally had a metal taste to it. This was a real stunner. How can Italian food be so bad from a place that has been in business for so long? I am pretty angry at the waste of money. I should have sent the dish back but I am not forward enough to do something like that so I decided to do this posting on the website. I am a Chicagoan and will never recommend Italian Village to anyone. I am also 100% Italian so this review I believe is pretty accurate. Thanks for reading.

Pros: Convenient to Theatre across the street

Cons: Just a bad place to eat

Try their stuffed ravioli or eggplant Florentine.

The restaurant on the top floor is the best for a date. Its designed to look like Venice at night with lots of vines and little lights to simulate stars. All three floors have a different menu.

Pros: Best Italian food in Chicago

Cons: Not cheap and no walk ins

A place I can take co-workers or my dad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pros: Great food, good price, fast service

Im a huge fan of the Italian Village. The food is excellent, and the wine list is the best! Ive been here several times for lunch and dinner and have always had a great experience, which keeps me coming back. The prices are fantastic for the portions and the pasta is always cooked just right. This is a great restaurant to come to late night, as their are some pretty famous Chicago celebs that come here. I highly recommend this place.

Pros: Pasta, wine, dessert, ambience

I love this place!!! From the appetizers to the scenery, its awesome!! I've come here several times and have never been disappointed. The service is always outstanding and the food is excellent. The wine cellar is shared between the 3 restaurants at the village, and has over 40,000 bottles. The sommelier knows them all too, and can recommend a great pairing with whatever you order. I would recommend the Ossobucco, the tomato sauce is outstanding. They also have a very extensive seafood menu and the seafood is always fresh.

Pros: Best wine list in the City

I was meeting my daughter's boyfriend for the first time and she wanted it to be special. I made reservations at the Italian Village because their website showed a nice, fancy dining area with table clothes, etc. . Instead we were herded to a wooden booth right next to the bar. The bread sticks and bread were stale and I could have prepared the main courses myself (I don't cook). The portions were small and not very tasty (Veal Parm). The bus boys tried to pull plates before we were finished so we felt rushed. The waitress copped an attitude when I told her that their website is not reflective of the actual dining experience. As a matter of fact, this restaurant does not deliver on any of it's claims of a great dining experience. I was embarrased and promised my guests to take them out to a better restaurant in the near future.

Pros: Parking attendants were very polite.

Cons: Price, service, food, disgraceful.

NO COMPLAINTS!! We went here before viewing a play with a group of seven. We were well accomodated and the food was delicious. The wait staff, host and manger came in to fill our drinks, chat and engage in some joke telling. It was a group effort, they were friendly without being overly intrusive. There was never a moment when a glas was empty or that we had to ask for anything. They went out of there way for everything. If you go I would highly recommend the lasagna or any chicken dish. Great Italian food! Great for a group (try and get one of their small themed rooms). And the best service.

Pros: Great food. The food is worth the price. Amazing service!!

Cons: A lot of stairs for the elderly women we had with us...

I've heard of this resturant, so myself and a few friends checked it out before a play. I ordered the veal and it tasted like rubber. The place was crowded so we sat at the bar, which smelled like mold. It was very dark and dingy. Would never go there again.

My wife and i throughly enjoyed our evening here, will come no doubt, sooner rather than later I hope.

Pros: Service

I came here with friends and we loved eating here. I recommend it to everyone. The price can't be beat.

Pros: service, food

nice place to eat. Had a great holiday party! Would recommend to anyone and everyone. We had a party of 6 people and the service was on top of its game.

Pros: great service

I came here with friends and family. Left with a bunch of money in my pocket. Food in me belly and a smile.

Pros: Great Service

This restaurant never lets me down. I have been here many times for lunch and dinner, during busy and slow times. The service is great, the food is outstanding and they always remember me. The prices are very reasonable and the portions are generous. This is a great place for lunch or before a show. They know how to get you in and out without making you feel rushed. I also love the atmosphere. There are murals on the walls and its a night scene in the bar. Its very cool. This restaurant sure knows how to do it right.

I hadn't been here in quite a few months, so when I had to go downtown to have my computer repaired, I thought i'd pay a visit. It was just after lunch on a Monday, but it was just as i remembered. We were seated immediately and our waiter was too our table within minutes. Our food served quickly and as always in huge portions. I am still eating it. I am never disappointed by the professionalism and the quality and Quantity of food. I will be back for years to come.

We heard great things all about the Italian Village from our friends who live there, WOW !! they were right on. We arrived on a busy night and were greeted cordially by the Maitre'd and a Manager who took our name and politely asked if we wanted to wait in the lounge and we would be called in 20 minutes for our table. We of course headed to the lounge where we were once again greeetd by the bartender quickly and he took our drink order and presented us with food menus. We explained we were waiting for a table in the dining room. He was very polite and talked to us for a few minutes about the three different restaurants in the building. Before you knew it we were called for our table of two and were seated in about 15 minutes. We loved the atmosphere of the dining room and were taken care of by Abe who attened to all our neeeds efficiently and professionally. The captain even tossed us a salad after we ordered a great Barolo wine. Completely un-expected, we felt like royallty !.
The food was hot and tasty and the price a great value. We now know why our friends love this place. The service, prices and genuine concern of the staff exceeeded our expectations. We were greeted with a thank you by three employees on the way out plus the Maitre'd and Manager. Wow they really care about their guests. We will be back soon. Thank you Italian Village .

Pros: Great Hospitality !! and a value for food and wine.

Cons: We encountere none.

Always seated prompty! Always waited on promptly. The food is always the best and I can take leftovers home to the wife! I am a huge fan! The family owned place is not only an great place for lunch but they enjoy having you! The place is always hopping but they take the time to say hello to a familiar face and let me know they appreciate me! Hard to get that any other place in town! Everyone in the place works hard and it shows!

Pros: it works beautifully

The Italian Village is a Chicago dining institution. Its one of the last vestiges of ethnic european dining left in the midwest. Impeccable and sensitive service, rich and savory italian classics like chicken marsala and pasta with clam sauce are second to none in the city. If you believe this, you are exactly the kind of gullible out of town chump Italian village is looking for. Tourism is good for the city but not if it lowers the standards of a venerable cultural icon. Friendly professional greeters give way to bartenders too long in the tooth to realize that a jaded and stilted attitude given to those who require a bit more attention may not get you a tip. If you can survive the wait at the bar, you are in for a treat. For parties of 4 or more you will be navigated to your table as you bask in the festive air that is the main room. Enjoy. Enjoy the stale and tasteless bread sticks and bread that says, "Good evening, eat and then get out"! For parties of 2 or less, you may be in for a special treat. You and your guest have the privilege of being shoehorned into the Opera room, an eleven by fifteen foot room packed with 7 tables, right next to the busy and dare I say soiled kitchen staff busily at work. The room is so small and remote from the rest of the restaurant that you feel like you are in a different building. You're better off at corner bakery. At least the bread there is warm.

I have been going to the Italian Village since the late 60s. I have gone during lunchtime and dinnertime It has beautiful dining rooms with warm ambiances. The wait staff is professional, knowledgeable and friendly. I have never been disappointed with my food. I have gone to other Italian restaurants in the Chicagoland area and none compare to the Italian Village.

Pros: great food, great service

Cons: none

There are no tricks at this restaurant, just perfectly honest to goodness Treats of authentic Italian food. The versatality of the menu allows you to celebrate any tastebud you might have.The service is impeccable and the Chef really knows his way around a kitchen. For over 75 years this has been a place to dine because of the family and staff who take genuine pride in creating a piece of Italy. A do not miss restaurant.

Pros: Genuine food and service

In early June, the girls and I (three of us and our three daughters) went to Chicago for the weekend for our girls' 9th birthdays. This restaurant was recommended to us by one of the mom's brother who lives in Chicago. From the time we stepped into the place we felt as if we really belonged there (and most of us are Dutch from G.R. MI)! Everyone was especially lovely to our three 9 year old girls (in matching American Girl outfits). We were offered split dishes for our girls (without asking) and all of the dishes were absolutely fantastic! I love the italian food that I can not cook at home and they came through on all of our dishes (we're girls, we share!). The prices were exceptionally reasonable, if you have eaten at "traditional" italian restaurants, that is. I had veal and you have to expect a bit of a higher bill for that dish. Andre' was just wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!!! We hope he recieved the photo we sent to him (the three blonde girls!). As I said, it was our girls' birthday (three of them) and Andre' really made them feel special! We are going back the weekend of the 22nd of Aug. and we are hoping that we will make it back to Italian Village if nothing more than to say "HI" to Andre!!!!!

Pros: They are so friendly!!!!!

Cons: I can not think of a single one given our single visit

In town this weekend for a wedding ...ate there cause the rehearsal group wanted to go. A very good all around experience. Food, service, ambiance. We made the right choice.

Cons: Has everything! From food to parking

My friends and I came in without a reservation, a total of six, and the restaurant was busy. We were greeted like family and was told that we would only have to wait 25-30 minutes. Wow how about that !! Everyone at the front door, the bartenders, servers and special attention from the Captain was un-believable. It's no wonder this place has been aroun for 80 plus years. We ordered a nice bottle of wine and before you knew it we had a Captain tossing us a special salad and taking care of us along with Roberto our server. Food was tasty and plentiful. We had a very memorable experience and the hospitality from the begining we walked in to the many "thank you's" on the way out was something we have not experienced at other high end restaurants. Thank you to all !!! See you soon.

Pros: Great service and prompt seating

My friends and I were in Chicago for the air and water show and needed a place to eat. Someone suggested the Italian Village by Millinium Park and the Art Institute. We were dirty, sweaty and tired but decided to make the walk because they said the food was great.
We made it and it was a good decision. The hostess said we looked great. Ha, and sat us pretty quickly for the crowd that was there and the fact there was quite a few of us. Our waiter was very nice, knew his stuff and took his time with us even though you knew he was busy. We had the baked clams and the antipesto salad for the apetizer and then we all had a pasta dished of our own and then passed them around, each was better than the rest. We of course fit in desert, and decided to walk back we stuffed our faces so much.
The decor was great. The place was very busy, all different ages, economic backgrounds, families, couples etc. We liked it very much.

Our family came for the weekend recently..we were at Milliniuem park and then went over to the Village for dinner. I was a bit nervous because we did not have a reservation and there were 8 of us. I was pleased that the maiter'd Andre reconized me as I eat lunch there often, and he explained they were very busy, but if we could wait 15-20 minutes he would be honored to seat us...who can argue with that...we went to the bar, ordered drinks and is about 10 or so minutes the hostess seated us. The restaurant was very very busy, however the waiter explained all specials and promptly had our drinks -bread and had taken our appetizer order. We had to drive our waiter/server nuts...we ordered together seperate...this and that...he was quite the professional smiling all the way and bringing us our every desire. The food as always was on the mark! And each dessert better than the next. They win all the awards for wine so I'll just say they do deserve them...the choices are really amazing. Since we are regulars we will of course be there again!

I was pleasantly suprised by the Italian Village as I have gone several years ago. The place was just as I had remembered it but better. The food, service and the charming Captain reminded me of my trips to Italy. The Chicken Vesuvio was recommended and excellent. I also tried the fried calamari and the mussels which were very good. The Wine List is tops and I the Waiter and Wine Guy helped me pick out a great bottle at a great price. My family enjoyed the special Children's meal and they treated the kids as adults. I will hurry back when I am in Chicago. I also loved the decor and the quaint little lights and booths

Pros: food and wine

Cons: none

I couldn't wait to try this place because of the great reviews. I was thinking I'd have Chicken Marsala because it was recommended more than once (on this site) but also because the waiter made the same recommendation. He also told a co-worker that was also trying Italian Village for the first time that the Chicken Marsala was a best recommendation. Great.

While we were waiting the waiter brought out a basket of bread which was a handful of dry bread sticks and cold french bread--no butter or anything to drip in. Neither of us ate more than a couple of bites of the bread. We ordered garlic bread instead--it was good but not plentiful. Finally the Chicken Marsala arrived and I was READY for it and expected to love it. The taste? It tasted like a couple of pieces of boiled chicken breast dropped into a bit of Marsala sauce. I ate about half of one breast because I was so hungry. My friend ate less. I brought my home and ended up throwing it away. What a huge disappointment.

I asked a friend later how this place got such high ratings and he said he had no idea that he'd been there only once-with a large group and that none of them ever wanted to go back.

Cons: The Food

My husband and I ate at Italian Village recently while in town vacationing. We had heard many wonderful things about Italian Village so we made a point to get there. We had tickets for Jersey Boys, so we made reservations for before the show. We arrived about 10 minutes early, and were seated promptly, even though the restaurant was jam packed. We were immediatley shocked by how extensive the wine list was. I think the server told us there were almost 40,000 bottles in their wine cellar. We ordered a bottle of chianti, and the antipasto for an appetizer. The food was great - the pasta was obviously homemade and very good. My husband loved his lasagna. The service was great - we felt it was very attentive. The portions were good - not too large or too small. We left feeling full and content with plenty of time to make it to the show. When we are in town next time we will definitely be back!!!

If you are looking for authentic italian cuisine, don't look any farther. In my opinion Italian Village has the best italian food in the city. Ive been to several italian restaurants and havent found anything better!! I'd suggest starting with the antipasto and the garlic bread. The service here is outstanding, not once have I ever had a problem, prompt attention and the food comes out fast. Also, large portions and reasonable prices, I am never left wanting more. The walls are painted with scenery/murals of Italy's countryside. I'd recommend the chicken marsala or the manicotti, both two of my absolute favorite dishes. The tomato sauce on the manicotti is delicious. Ive come here for lunch and dinner and cannot say enough good things about the restaurant. Truly fantastic and a must go if you;ve never been.

Not worth the time or money. Service is acceptable, but nothing more. Food is the big disappointment. Pasta served cold (not warm -COLD) Most dishes have little or not flavor. The chains do a better job, unfotunatly.

La Cantina's food was surprisingly bland, with the exception of its Caesar salad dressing, which was exceedingly salty. As an Italian who has recently lived in cities with mediocre Italian food, I was so disappointed. We tried veal limone with no discernable lemon taste, and a shrimp/pasta special with a forgettable cream sauce. I suggest going elsewhere in town.

We dined last night for the second night in a row. When we walked in the Manager immediately recognized us from previous evening and we felt like we were special. He gave us a nice private"grotto" which madeus feel even more special. We had a great time. The food was great and it's nce to see a menu with veal dishes on it. Our service was relaxed and right on pace. Andre and Joe made our second night at the italian village an un forgettable one. We will be back next month and cant wait to come back.

Pros: Great customer service, prices and food quality

Cons: ----

Great place, but definitely did not live up to the hype it receives on this website. We started at the bar where bartender Scott was very friendly and courteous. We had antipasto which was very average to below average. It tasted OK but the portion was very small. Then we went to our table which luckily was a nice private booth (the tables out in the middle of the room looked small and uncomfortable with waiters and patrons zipping around the diners and bumping into them. Our booth was lovely and private, which was very nice. Our waiter did not seem very intelligent - when my father asked which was better the veal parm of the veal marsala, he basically described what was in both dishes which we all of course knew and everyone at the table responded with blank stares. His servece wasn't too great either, we waited almost 40 minutes to give our order. We weren't in a big hurry and we didn't mind, but when we needed something he was nowhere to be found.

The portions were generous and not too pricey. The veal parm was good but not great, as well as the caesar salad. The free bread was delicious and warm, and almost overshadowed the rest of the meal. They do have a very extensive wine list, almost too extensive and we had a nice oregon pinot. I will say that the tiramasu was excellent, some of the best I have had. But for hearing so many good things about the food, the rest was certainly a letdown.

If you are looking for a nice date spot or place to take your family I would recommend going once, but only if you get a booth. Other than that taste-wise the food just doesn't measure up to even a franchise place like Maggiano's.

Pros: nice booths, bar service, tiramasu

Cons: not up to the hype, service, waiters