This place was dynamite. Food was great and the place is very nice. We went with salads to start. They were amazing and the dressing was great. Then we went with Tonnarelli Cacio E Pepe. Perfect flavor and seasoning. I had the Sangiovese Braised Beef Short Rib Saffron Risotto And Horseradish and it was the perfect hint of horseradish for a perfect complement on the dish. My wife had the gnocchi and she loved it. I had a few and thought it was excellent. Everything is fresh and homemade. It's a great place and the service was superb. read more

Great vibe, cozy food was delicious. We were attending a Bday party where food can get iffy. Everything tasted like we'd ordered it. Drinks and wine were excellent read more

This place is beyond delicious and I particularly liked the ambiance. It is a small restaurant and it feels very warm and welcoming. The mushrooms were incredible and I would come back alone for that. If you don't like mushrooms I think this place could convince you to eat them. The lamb was very well prepared and the pasta with beef was incredible as well. The only "hiccup" I would say is the arugula salad, very very acidic which I think it's due to the lemon/lime dressing. I think in this case, the less is better. read more

Date night in the city after work without the kiddos! I love their cute little back outdoor seating area. It's intimate. The service was excellent and I really enjoyed the cocktail I got. Good pear salad but the star dish was the tagliatelle bolognese. I wanted to like the risotto short rib more but unfortunately it had a lot of cartilage on it and was not worth the large price tag. read more

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We were a party of six for dinner. The grilled mushrooms and grilled calamari to start were fabulous. I ordered the Chilean sea bass which was beyond flavorful as were the various pastas we ordered. Everyone enjoyed their entrees. The ambiance was very quaint .. perfect cozy dining room on a winter evening. We will be back! read more

Dined last night- was surprised to be handed only the restaurant week menu for when I made the reservation thru open table it did not mention that. We were greeted right at the front door of the restaurant. The server and bus boy were very attentive. Complimentary olives & bread- nice. Salad- baby mixed greens- very good. Main dishes Braised Beef Short-rib - ok- Risotto was crunchy. Tagliatelle Bolognese- had no taste. Drinks Limoncello Martini Tall Vodka & Soda Dessert: We had one of each on the menu (see pictures below)- they were good. I've been wanting to try this place for two years, since they cancelled my reservation. I so wanted this restaurant to be very good- it was just ok. read more

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Good, service and atmosphere was perfect. Might become our favorite Italian choice in Chicago Lamb was excellent. Pasta was perfect and dessert is a must read more

A Tavola - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We hadn't been to this restaurant in years but since reviews have been good lately, we decided to try it before going to a jazz concert. A week later open table cancelled and the restaurant cancelled my reservation. Some woman called to say they cancelled as they had a private party.. no apology whatsoever. I called and the rude owner answered. No apology. "Okay. Was all he said. I hope people stop going there unless they appreciate rude and hostile owners and staff. We are sorry we bothered. read more

Very nice Italian restaurant. You almost feel like your in a secret hideaway as the restaurant is in a row house on Chicago Avenue and just looks like someone's home. We've been here three or four times, and brought friends who also enjoyed the experience. The food is good, above average and always interesting. I especially like their Cacio e pepe. The staff is very pleasant and make sure you enjoy the experience. I understand there is an outdoor area in the back. I would love to try it next time we're there. read more

What a gem of a place! The ambiance, the food, the wine... all truly such an experience. The cherry on top were Tim and Antonio, they were so kind and attentive and truly made it such a special experience!! Highly highly recommend!! read more

When I say this place is one of Chicago's best kept secrets, I'm talking treasure island. You will walk right by this on a Main Street not thinking it's a restaurant. It is a small and intimate white table cloth setting when you walk in. We came on a quiet Tuesday night for an early dinner. First ones in the room and 3 more tables filled up shortly after. Great service accompanied by outstanding food in my opinion. Small menu, everything ordered was made to precision. The quality of ingredients used on the food and the exquisiteness of the hand made pasta really blew me away. The gnocchi and tagliatelle were the closest thing I've tried to perfection in a while. I will definitely be back soon to try their cacio e pepe! read more

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TDLR - Hidden gem Italian spot with excellent wine and food. Not overwhelming portions but you'll leave satisfied and will definitely be back. Get the Bolognese but you really cant make a bad choice. The best martini I've had not at a martini bar and that's saying something. I almost don't want to write this review because I don't want to give away this hidden gem but alas I am not here to gatekeep and this place deserves its flowers. It's a classy and adorable Italian spot that feels intimate without being stuffy or literally overstuffed. You really cant go wrong with anything on the menu, they make a simple marinated mushroom appetizer feel like a special occasion, the greens salad is crisp and well dressed, the BOLOGNESEEE I've been thinking about for days. Seriously my favorite martini I've had in a minute. Everyone there is friendly and kind and helps with recommendations and pacing of plates. The back patio looks darling and I cant wait to enjoy it when weather permits. Great for date night, great for girls night, anniversary, whatever, doesn't even need to be an occasion just go eat pasta and have a good time what are you doing read more

I appreciated the effort in service by some support staff, but this restaurant was far overpriced for what was presented. High end prices for banquet hall food. They are very clearly cooking many dishes cafeteria style and just plating it as order. The chicken and potatoes most definitely sat under lamps for hours. Our server stunk like cigarettes and it was apparent every time he went outside to smoke. We could see him eating through a window in the back, while our table remained dirty and drinks empty. And, the bolognese is not a bolognese. It's hamburger helper. read more

If you haven't yet visited A Tavola in Chicago, you're seriously missing out on one of the city's best-kept secrets. You have likely driven by a million times - it is right across from Mariano's on Chicago Ave. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted by a warm and intimate atmosphere that sets the tone for an extraordinary meal. The setting is perfect for a romantic night out or a special dinner with friends, with its cozy yet elegant vibe. It feels like a hidden gem tucked away just waiting to deliver a perfect evening. What truly makes this place stand out is the service. The staff here are incredibly attentive and make you feel like you're the most important guest in the room. They are knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely care about making your experience top-notch. You're not just another customer; you're treated like family. But let's talk about the food - where do I even begin? The portabello mushroom appetizer is absolutely unreal. The mushrooms are cooked to perfection, juicy and bursting with flavor, and served in a way that you can't help but savor every bite. It's a perfect start to what becomes an unforgettable meal. Then, the gnocchi with Bolognese sauce - let me just say this is my absolute favorite dish, and A Tavola does it better than anyone else. The gnocchi is light, fluffy, and unbelievably cheesy. It melts in your mouth with every bite, and the rich, hearty Bolognese sauce takes it to a whole new level. It's the kind of dish that makes you want to order more, just so you can keep reliving that perfect balance of flavors. I have also had the short ribs and they are equally phenomenal. Do yourself a favor and make an agreement with your date, friend, party, etc to order two different things and share. That's the way to go! Every time I visit A Tavola, I leave feeling like I've had one of the best dining experiences in the city. From the intimate setting to the exceptional service and, of course, the mind-blowing food, this place never disappoints. It's hands-down my favorite restaurant in Chicago, and I cannot recommend it enough. If you're looking for an unreal dining experience, A Tavola is the place to be. read more

We were a bit disappointed. Everything we read suggested this was going to be a hidden gem. The food wasn't bad; it just didn't 't meet the standard for the 4- or 5-star review. The Portobello mushroom was excellent. The gnocchi was fair, if a bit heavy, and the Bolognese sauce was underwhelming. Service was good. Glad we tried it, but we probably won't return. read more

Hidden away in Westown this place is a great spot. Cool patio and a brand new back dining room! Food is amazing, I recommend the Bolognese or Gnocchi if you're having pasta. Great service as well. read more

The food and drinks were amazing as well as the ambience the outside looks like a normal suburban house while the inside looks like a fancy Italian restaurant (which it is) I highly recommend the cacao de Pepe as well as the short rib. Tim and Antonio were extremely nice, patient, attentive and good with kids read more

This is a solid 4 stars. The food was good. I wouldn't say 5 star worthy. For 4 of us with a prefixed meal and drinks we spent a little over $700 dollars with a 20% tip. So be prepared to cash out some $$$. Was it worthy it? In hindsight I'd say no but the experience was one to remember: your in a quaint atmosphere, with excellent service (a little more attention to filling water would've been good), and the food was high quality but nothing outstanding. Dress code: I was nervous walking in after reading some reviews of being turned away. Our party of 4 were casually dressed jeans and nice sweater/button down shirt. No need for a tie or dress. read more

Recently celebrated a birthday with a party of 6 and we weren't disappointed. The service was kind and casual. The food was delicious and portions solid. We ordered short rib, cacio de pepe, chicken, bolognese, gnocchi, and several salads. Everything was incredible with the only dish being good not great was the cacio de pepe. The lemon tart for dessert was the perfect ending. We also had several cocktails and a bottle of wine. Now, I would say the total tab felt high at a little over $600 but after thinking about it, it's hard to entertain a party of 6 with food and drink for less than that. Factoring in the ambiance, intimate and lovely, all was well worth it. I would say make a date to visit this tiny little spot, get a small pasta or two and feast on any of the mains. All delicious! read more

I've been waiting to post this because I don't know how to put into words the experience we had. All I truly can say is wow. The service was spectacular. From seating to catering drinks to our tastes to water refilling (I'll explain later) was perfect. We've lived in Chicago since October and costed most high ended restaurants but nothing compares to this. The food, well let's just say it's all true, fresh, flavorful, nice t weighed down with salt and presented beautifully. Do the Pre Fixe..... thank me later! read more

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Amazing pasta. Went there twice in a week and looking forward to going back. Ordering is a little weird but once you get the hang of the menu it works. read more

Menu was simple yet the food was so delicious. Service was prompt, friendly, and on point. Ambiance was casual and romantic, but not over the top. We ate inside, but they also have a cool outdoor space, which they'll probably have open until the end of September. We moved to Ukrainian Village over a year ago and finally got to dine here. Must try and will definitely come back again. read more

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The staff, the pasta, the patio, the cocktails - I can't pick which one is my favorite! This place is always so accommodating, friendly, and most importantly delicious. The grilled mushrooms are the best thing I've ever had - not exaggerating It tastes like steak. The bolognese is creamy and balanced. The short rib with saffron risotto is out of control - the flavors are unlike anything you've ever had. Anyways, go here while it's "a hidden gem" before people discover! read more

The four of us (plus 8 month old in a high chair) had a wonderful early dinner at a Tavola last night. It's an intimate, 10-12 table delight occupying the first floor in an old brownstone on Chicago Ave. Our waitress, Eva, was outstanding - solicitous and accommodating without overly intruding. She took the presence of an 8 month old in a high chair in stride (he was a completely unobtrusive diner the entire evening). The food was wonderful. We recommend the gnocchi, Cacio a pepe, Arugula salad, and braised beef short ribs. We had a dessert sampler, and can recommend them all. The wine list was well-curated, with excellent choices. We will certainly return. Unqualifiedly recommended. read more

3.5 stars When the Lyft dropped my off, I checked and rechecked the address. The place looks like a home, not a restaurant in that there was no signage and the door handle is a keypad lock you might find at your AirBnb. A friend picked this out for dinner as it's near her house. For once, I didn't check the menu out very far in advance. I'm so for places keeping the menu tight; focusing on those things they do well. That said, this once seemed a bit sparse to the point you might go elsewhere if you had picky eaters or dietary restrictions. The menu can be ordered a la carte or pre fixe. At a glance the appetizer portion of the menu seemed a bit pricey ranging around $14 for either a mushroom plate, grilled veggies or salad - none of which we very large in portion. The table ordered a la carte with others ordering the short rib & mushroom appetizer. I split the pear salad and got the gnocchi, one of the two pasta options (and only veggie pasta option). As noted, the salad wasn't huge and was pretty simple - pears, mixed greens, cheese & dressing. It was fine, but would skip in the future and just enjoy the delicious focaccia. The gnocchi was good, but it's not something I'd probably order if given other pasta options. I like brown butter sage, but usually gravitate towards dishes with a wine or tomato based sauce. We had wine with our meal and I closed mine out with a dessert wine. Service was extremely friendly and attentive, but a little flakey. More than once our server needed to clarify what we'd asked for despite seeming to write it down. This is a nice cozy restaurant, but I'd say know you're audience before bringing folks here. This wouldn't have been a great place for my parents or in-laws who expect and enjoy pasta forward, red sauce Italian places. Overall 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. The food is solid, but the menu is limiting for anyone who prefers pasta when dining out for Italian. There isn't much selection in that department (aka two dishes). read more

Intimate setting, good fresh food, and happy nice staff. This place is a must for date night! Make sure you don't blink while walking by it, a hidden gem in the city. read more

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If you're looking for a more intimate spot, then this is your place. Cozy, quiet, and really makes you feel like you're at home (the restaurant itself is basically a house, so that helps!). Overall I loved the vibe here - it was just what we were looking for on a cold winter's night! Parking was super easy - street parking right out front, and the wait staff was very kind. The menu was pre-fixe which was fine by us, but I'd like to come back and try more pasta options. Not sure if and how often the menu is switched up, but everything we had was great - I'd just like to try more variety! read more

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We were looking forward to a great celebration here, but the restaurant left a lot to be desired. Not only was the patio (which was supposed to be a highlight) unmanaged with weeds overgrown and not decorated, but the daily selection of roasted vegetables was served cold and sitting out. Upon asking, the chef and owner had decided to serve them that way. The braised beef short rib was probably the best bite we had along with the house wine (7/10). We heard people rave about the brown sage butter and parmesan gnocchi and the light sauce was great but the gnocchi was gummy. A tavola boasts being one of the best restaurants in the city, but it definitely is not at the top of my list and is overpriced so I wouldn't return. read more

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Please check your bank statement after eating here!!! I got dinner at A Tavola with two friends and split the bill evenly. A few days later I decide to check my bank statement and noticed that A Tavola charged me the full amount. The first time I called the restaurant the host told me the manager wasn't there and to call Thursday after 5. I call back the following Thursday right at 5 and once again the manager wasn't there, so I decided to give them my name and number so the manager could contact me. They never called. I will not be going back. read more

Fast, attentive service in someone's overly dark, stuffy dining room. Prix fix menu: ordered the caprese salad, gnocchi, braised beef short rib and torta di limone. The short rib and my friend's tagliatelli were excellent. Everything else was okay but not partcularly memorable. read more

Gnocchi was amazing. The staff were all very nice. Very cute inside. Pasta was good and so was the panna cotta. read more

A Tavola - Panna Cotta - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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A Tavola is definitely a hidden gem in Ukrainian Village! I had the best time with my co-workers and ate amazing food! I LOVED their short rib and Bolognese! If you're looking for an authentic Italian restaurant you have to give A Tavola a try! Their staff is great! Eva, Tim and Josie took great care of our table. We will certainly be coming back. read more

If you are on the mood to wait 2+ hours for your meal and want to pay double the value then you are in the right spot. Typically, when a restaurant runs behind they let you know, which did not happen. The kitchen also seems slammed and they are busting their ass in there (you can see them working) but not sure why it takes two hours for a service. When the menu says potato's they actually mean " a potato." Strange. Double check how they advertise how the dish is prepared, if I it read "fried" I would not have ordered. We used used to love this place. read more

Please get the limoncello martini if you order a cocktail. The prefixed menu has good options. The gnocchi was OK. The braised short rib was very good. Friend got the fish of the day (grouper) and was kinda underwhelmed, especially at that price point. Service was excellent. Ambiance is cozy, dark, and pretty quiet. There was a strange smell that hit me when I entered but I guess I got used to it. A little on the pricey side for the overall experience. read more

Underwhelming. The mushroom starter was amazing however our proceeding entrees were all mediocre. For half the price I would have been fine with it. read more

Long standing Chicago gem. They just don't come like this anymore which is a true shame. From the quaint location in a small home, to the service staff, and the intimate and quiet atmosphere. It is pure class minus any pretentiousness. The food is amazing. We had gnocchi, half chicken and fish special (grouper). Wine bottle list is small but good choices with varying price points, some quite reasonable. Highly recommend and hope they are around for another 25+ years. read more

Walking down Chicago Avenue, you can easily pass over A Tavola; my husband and I almost walked right past on our Friday night visit. It appears to be an old apartment that's been converted into a restaurant, with an ambiance that we found somewhat odd. It was SO quiet inside that I think we spoke in whispers all during our meal. Apparently the patio is lovely, and I'm sad we missed out. We opted for the four course meal and while the food was great, I don't think anything we had was super memorable. The salad starters were very bland. The bolognese and gnocchi were by far the best items we tried. Our desserts (panna cotta and lemon tart) were average. Our waitress was amazing, attentive and thoughtful. Overall, it was a good time... That being said, I think our bill was close to $150, and we didn't order any drinks. Even for four courses for two people, we felt like that was a bit steep for the portions and quality of food. We might come back just to sit out on the patio for a drink or two, but I wouldn't recommend it for a full meal. read more

Well, aren't you so fancy? You know how to do date night right! Go here for dinner. This is where it's at for wine and dine. You'll want reservations in this tiny place. It's real cozy. We got seated at a cute little bench with a great view and just a tad extra romance. The service was good although you could tell the servers were really working it that night. I feel like they could have used another server on staff. Well, it's neither here nor there because the wine was great. Oh man. That wine. Whatever you do ask your busy server for the wine specials because this fabulous red is not on the menu and you cannot die without a sip of it. All the food is good. The table bread. The caprese salad to start. And the gnocchi of course. We ordered the short ribs with risotto and the fish. I have to say that the fish turned out a little on the dry side. Bummer! But the short ribs were outstanding. So tender and juicy. The risotto was also very well done. It makes up extra points for five stars all around. I left way too tipsy and way too happy. So yeah. Come here. read more

A Tavola - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Great service and ambiance . Good food and wine. I would have liked to give 4.5 if I could.

Holy A Tavola! What delicious food can be had at A Tavola. It's pricey. It's dark & romantic. It's Italian food done really well. Service is very attentive & professional though they messed up our order, then charged us for their mess up. My friends and I started with a simple Caprese Salad ($10) which was enjoyable. 4 slices of tomato, 4 slices of cheese, so everyone in my group had one piece of each. Though this was fine, it could be skipped on our next trip in. We ordered each pasta on the menu and this is where a discrepency was made. Instead of being one of each of the 3 pastas, we were brought just 2 pastas with 1 bowl of one and 2 bowls of another! Not sure why they would think we'd get two bowls of one type. When we asked, they said, ah yes, it's coming right out. Well the one they forgot was very al dente (aka rush order) and the extra pasta was not removed from our bill. We did not love having to pay for their mistake. That being said, the pastas were delicious. The Gnocchi ($18 or $12) with browned sage butter & parmesan was my personal favorite, done really well with just the right amount of cheese with fabulously done pasta. We needed a red sauce dish of course so ordered the Tagliatelle Bolognese ($18 or $12) - a combination of ground pork and beef in a san marzano tomato sauce. I don't normally love tomato based sauce dishes but actually loved this! This was however the dish they forgot about so the noodles were a bit undercooked. My friend says Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe ($18 or $12) in the most terrible way possible with a heavy accent. Though we can't stand him saying the name of this dish, we totally could stand the dish itself. 'Twas traditional Roman dish with cheese & pepper. Very cheesy. Very peppery. Very good. All the pastas were wonderful but the pièce de résistance of the meal was the Sangiovese Braised Beef Short Rib for $28. The meat just fell off the bone, so tender and packed full of flavor. The dish as a whole came together in perfect harmony being plated atop a bed of saffron topped with a horseradish gremolata. Every element of this dish was mind blowing and I highly recommend this pricey but well worth it entree! Between four of us & splitting a bottle of wine ($46 bottle of pinot), we spent $200. Considering the bottle was $40, that really isn't too terribly bad. read more

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