The food remains solid, unfortunately, the service has deteriorated significantly and overshadowed the meal. After being seated, it took our server a full 30 minutes to even approach the table to take drink and food orders. Throughout the evening, we had to repeatedly flag someone down just to get basic attention (refills). It felt like we were begging for service rather than enjoying a night out. I suspect the mandatory gratuity (or auto service charge) policy is contributing to this decline. When tips are guaranteed regardless of performance, there's less incentive for attentive, proactive service. A straightforward fix would be to build an 18% service charge directly into the menu prices (transparent pricing, no separate line item), eliminate the mandatory add-on, and let voluntary tipping reward good service. That way, great servers still earn well, and poor ones face real consequences. It is genuinely sad to watch another Chicago institution slide because service standards are slipping. The food deserves better, and so do the customers. read more

The reviews honestly kept me away at first, even though I pass this place all the time. I finally decided to try it for myself and I'm glad I did. We sat at the bar and the bartender was very nice and helpful throughout our visit. We ordered the calamari, a salad, and a crab cake. Everything was delicious and the portions were generous, which was a pleasant surprise. There is free parking available in the back as well as street parking, which made the visit even easier. Overall, I had a great experience and would definitely go back. read more

Came here for a little happy hour and we were pleasantly surprised by how good it was! I got a tiramisu espresso martini (not on the happy hour menu but that didn't deter me LOL) and it was STRONG but so good! The cream and cocoa powder complimented the espresso really well! We got the stuffed mushrooms which came in the most delicious white wine sauce! Really loved these! We also got the whipped ricotta which was pretty good especially with the spiciness of the hot honey and the warm bread! Everything came out super quickly and our waitress was really sweet! The restaurant is decorated with lots of art on the walls and gives a cozy italian vibe. Would love to come back for dinner! read more

Cafe Bionda - Whipped Ricotta - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Classic Italian spot in the South Loop! We came here for the tiramisu martinis and had a wonderful dinner as well. The tiramisu martini was STRONG but delicious!! To eat, we had the whipped ricotta for an appetizer and then shared a pasta special as well as some ravioli. Normally I don't get dessert, but the olive oil cake here is a must! It might be my favorite part of the meal. We made a reservation which I don't think is necessary always but is definitely recommended. I really love the classic feel to this place and the ambiance of a classic Italian restaurant without too much floof. read more

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We've been back twice in the last month and have had such wonderful experiences. The first was later than most places serve and after picking up airport guests from the West Coast (their regular dinner time) and we loved the late night service. The fresh garlic knots and excellent house red made us happy to be back. The pastas are still very good and it's such a nice friendly space. We also came for happy hour recently and the bar service was really exceptional-friendly and attentive and so kind. Pizza was very good and we loved the crust. And a repeat sampling of the house red made for a great night. We've now decided this is in regular rotation for us. Thank you for the great experiences! read more

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We went during their happy hour! Our waiter had the kindest smile!! I'd recommend not sitting at the high tables perpendicular from the front entrance when the sun is bright out, because the windows reflect it weirdly and I had a hard time seeing my friend who was sitting across from me. Sadly I didn't end up getting their $10 apps. Good prices for the drinks though! I got the spicy vodka chicken pasta, which came with two parm crusted chicken cutlets that were nicely thin and breaded. The sauce had a bit of spice, but I felt the pasta needed more sauce to coat it. It also didn't taste nearly as creamy as I'd hoped. Still really enjoyed it though, and there were zero leftovers! My friend got the fettucine Alfredo chicken, which also came with the same crusted chicken cutlets on top, with a bed of thin fettucine with alfredo sauce. The sauce had a rich creaminess that coated the spaghetti so well. read more

Cafe Bionda - Fettucine Chicken Alfredo - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I came here for restaurant week on a cold snowy evening so there weren't many people there. The ambiance was nice and service was quick and efficient. Unfortunately the food disappointed. The ricotta appetizer was much too sweet and was more like dessert. I had halibut for the main course and it was flavorful, but the portion was tiny. The desserts (pistachio tiramisu and olive oil cake) were okay. The tiramisu lacked pistachio flavor. I don't think I'd return. read more

I finally stopped into Café Bionda to continue my birthday celebrations, and it didn't disappoint. It's tucked into the neighborhood but gives off this old-school Italian charm -- cozy lighting, leather booths, and friendly faces who seem to know their regulars. The orchiette sausage pasta was delicious and full of flavor. We also ordered the tableside truffle cacio e pepe -- a total showstopper. It's made right in front of you, smells incredible, and tastes even better. My only wish is that it held its heat longer because it cooled quickly -- but it was still a hit. Everything about Café Bionda feels genuine -- warm service, good drinks and comfort food and the best part is that they don't try too hard. I'll definitely be back to work my way through more of the menu. read more

Very good Italian food in the neighborhood. Everything from the appetizers to the entrees were very delicious. The different options for espresso martinis were also great. Nice spot for a date night. Only knock is that they said they had a complimentary dessert for it being a birthday and still charged for it. read more

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We stopped in for their happy hour menu while in the neighborhood (no reservation) at 4:00 pm. They have amazing appetizers for $10 at happy hour. We ordered six appetizers - Meatballs, Arancini, Mushrooms, Stuffed Banana Peppers, Grilled Calamari, and Whipped Ricotta Cheese (with hot honey). They were deliciously filling and we were too full to order an entree. The rose wine on their happy hour menu was very good. Service was excellent. The restaurant is well designed with a huge bar area wrapping around the entire right side and complimented by high top tables. The separate left side is partitioned off and has regular dining tables. It is well decorated with romantic ambience for a great date spot. I will return soon to try their entrees. read more

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Had to try this place out when we visited Chicago. The place was intimate and aesthetic. When we got in, we were immediately directed to a table with bread! The Cacio e Pepe was delicious and a big portion to split between two. They brought out the cheese wheel as well. 10/10 and I'm afraid I won't find better here in Texas. The crème brûlée was decent. read more

There are few things in this world more welcoming than a warm Italian restaurant with delicious food. So what better way to open restaurant week than at Cafe Bionda. My girlfriend and I got different dishes all around and shared, so we could have a wide sampling of dishes. App's: arancini and whipped ricotta. Mains: braised beef ravioli and chicken parm on spicy vodka rigatoni. Dessert: pistachio tiramisu and olive oil cake. All around, the food was absolutely phenomenal. I would absolutely recommend the vodka rigatoni. I've had a lot of vodka sauce in my time, but never one so delicious as this. Buttery, rich, and a hint of spice from the Calabrian chilis. The chef even came out to speak with us! He told me his secret is to not add so much tomato and let the ingredients do their magic. Bionda is a gorgeous little Italian eatery tucked away in south loop. I would certainly recommend everyone try it out during this year's restaurant week. read more

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Amazing food. Beyond expectations. We ordered whipped ricotta + hot honey which was very tasty. Also I had tableside truffle cacio e pepe which was actually not heavy and very tasty you must try. Crepe Brulee was created beautifully and tasty. Service is attentive and they watered us very quickly. The ambience is out of date. The ambience style itself is fine. You want to update like balthzar in our city(new york) . Also they have a promotion from apps inkind for the first timer for the apps - if you spend 150, they can give us 50 off. I could not spend 150 for 2 people, so we will need to go back with more empty stomach next time! Highly recommended. read more

Cafe Bionda - A bowl of creamy pasta, likely fettuccine or linguine, is presented in a blue ceramic dish. The pasta is coated in a white sauce and garnished with thin black truffle shavings and black pepper. The setting suggests a dining environment, possibly at an Italian restaurant known for pasta dishes. - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The best neighborhood spot! Their food and drinks are so great every time and they have the most welcoming environment! Great for gluten free as well. Definitely recommend! read more

Cafe Bionda - Gluten free Orecchiette - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We had dinner here since it was close to the convention center and what a great pick! They had an amazing happy hour menu that we were just in time for. They had $10 appetizers and great prices for wine, beer and even some fancy cocktails. Their food menu was great and even had table side Alfredo pasta which we got to see not too far away. Food was great and the company was awesome. read more

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I'm genuinely confused about some of these reviews because they definitely need to be higher! We came here for my 30th birthday, and we experienced such amazing food and service. We were sat at our designated time, we're always checked in on, and the food was phenomenal. My friends kept saying how much they'd love to come back since they live in Chicago. I got the vodka pasta and added chicken to it. Absolutely obsessed with it. Will definitely be back! read more

Cafe Bionda - Spicy Vodka Chicken - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Nice Italian option close to McCormick Place. Quick meal at the bar with nice service and good food including piping hot pasta. Nice glass of wine, side Caesar, and really enjoyed the Gorgonzola gnocchi. I don't know that I've ever seen that combo. The Gorgonzola was rich, the sauce really creamy, and add in some pecan bits for a little crunch with the well cooked pasta. read more

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This weekend we had 6:00 reservations at Cafe Bionda for my Birthday. We were really excited to go and made our reservations in December. We couldn't wait for the Tiramisu espresso martini and Cacio e Pepe especially. When we arrived, we were seated at a high top table in the bar and told we had to be done by 7:15. I had requested another table in the main dining because I did not want to sit in the bar and was also told no. When the hostess told me 7:15, I questioned it because that is not a long time to enjoy a dining experience and I was told they had a private party coming in so we had to leave by then. We asked if there was a different table we could sit at that does not have such a time limit and was also told no. With these reservations being made in December, why wouldn't Cafe Bionda let us know that we had such a short time limit to dine? Don't they review the book before the night begins? Mistakes happen and we understand that; however, it was almost like we were just pushed aside because someone else was coming in and all we received was a "Sorry about that." We at the very least could have received a call to let us know that our dining would be on a time limit. Very disappointed in the lack of professionalism and poor planning for a Chicago restaurant. Their poor planning had us scrambling to find a restaurant to dine in on a Saturday night in Chicago without reservations. Definitely ruined what was supposed to be an awesome Birthday experience. read more

Came here with a group of girlfriends for an early Sunday dinner at 5pm. We had reservations, although since we were eating so early it didn't seem like we needed it! When our party arrived, the man working at the front (buzzed hair, stocky build) didn't welcome us or say anything other than 'you NEED to leave 2 hours after your reservation start time.' Welp... happy Sunday to you too Once we were sat, our waitress was incredibly helpful and sweet! The five of us ordered the Tirimisu Espresso Martini's and some glasses of wine. To eat, we ordered a number of dishes to all try which included a dozen Oysters, the Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey, the Chopped Salad, the Rigatoni Alla Vodka, the Tableside Truffle Cacio e Pepe, and the Chicken Marsala. For dessert we had the Orange Olive Oil Cake and the Pistachio Tirimisu. We were excited about the Tableside Cacio e Pepe.. however when that same man that not-so-nicely welcomed us at the beginning of the night was bringing out the wheel for the dish, we told him half of our party was in the restroom (and you could obviously see our table was empty). He not only didn't stop.. he decided not to acknowledge us at ALL. Just rudely kept going, pretending he couldn't hear us? It was so awkward.. and after he was finished and was wheeling the cheese back, the rest of our party walked in and noticed they missed it and were pretty upset. He had nothing to say ? We could not stop talking about this rude man the entire rest of the dinner. He was so unapologetically unfriendly, and some of us thought he may even be a manager? I don't know.. but it left a terrible taste in all our mouths. The food was good, I could have done without the tableside cacio e pepe. I thought the rigatoni was outstanding though. Oysters were great too but we weren't given any utensils with the oysters so we were using our own large forks for the horseradish and mignonette sauce. Also worth mentioning, even though we were chastised at the beginning of our meal about the time constraint.. the dining room was 75% empty by the time our 7pm end time came around. Overall.. it was a very expensive meal and although the food was good, we could have gone without the unfriendly brashness from the male host. There are so many other Italian spots in Chicago where you can get both great service and delicious food. read more

Very good and quick service. I was a little bummed they didn't have bread or olive oil to go with our meal. We were seated immediately on a Thursday night, even though they had at least two big parties, so it was awesome we got in so fast. I really enjoyed my caprese salad--the presentation was authentic and pretty. I would try the cacio e pepe next time, but the short rib ravioli was also very good. read more

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Cafe Bionda is such a cozy italian spot in South Loop - They have delicious appetizers, drinks, and desserts. The cacio e pepe table side in a cheese wheel is a must try - So good with the shaved truffle on top. We also had the honey burrata pizza which was incredible! The flavors were perfect and the crust was light and crispy. The whipped ricotta with the toast was the best appetizer, and for dessert we had the tiramisu martini and the pink cocktail which were also delicious. Everything was great and the service was very friendly. read more

Cafe Bionda - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

4.5 | Romantic ambiance, food was really good! Almost everything we ordered was spectacular. I like to try different restaurants' rigatoni alla vodka's, and I think this one is my favorite that I've tried so far. My friends enjoyed as well. Service was okay. read more

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It had been about ten years since I had visited this restaurant, and boy had I missed out. I came here for a Yelp event and the chef and staff really showed up and out. First, the dining room was perfectly lit, not too light and not too dark, just right for dinner time. The good choices were just divine. The rigatoni a la vodka was probably my favorite. I would order that again and again. Surprisingly, the mini Italian sub sandwich was probably my second choice. It was both creamy and tangy. I said I'd order a pan of them for any party. They were just delicious. I mean, the short rib ravioli, the calamari, the meatballs, the arancini (chef's kiss) were all just delicious. I'm so happy to have re-experienced this restaurant. It is a must try! Also, the serving staff was so accommodating and kind. The chef himself came out and spoke to us, who was also so personable and informative. 10/10 experience. read more

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Service was amazing, all staff members had really great attitude and just looked happy to work there. The ambiance was cozy and there was parking behind the restaurant which is a plus. We ordered the famous table side truffle cacio e Pepe.... The presentation was great and they were generous with the truffle, but I wish the pasta was more al dente and hand more cheese flavor from the cheese wheel. Over all good experience! The drinks were great and espresso martini was amazing. read more

Cafe Bionda - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Lovvvvved the customer service; from door staff to our waitress, to the Chef! It was a lovely experience to meet the Chef and have him asking questions about our experience and favorite items on the menu. So let's get to it! I was looking forward to trying the short rib ravioli and it was delicious! I'll be back Wednesday for that ravioli! I also enjoyed the chicken parmigiana, rigatoni vodka and mini Italian subs. I was pleasantly surprised to learn about this south loop gem! The food was fresh and flavorful. The ambiance and overall experience gave comfortable and homelike. It's spacious and beautifully decorated. Last but surely not least, that Italian 75 was crispy and boozy! read more

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We came here for a meeting. It was very loud for starters but that was ok I came for a meeting and so I based my rating strictly on the food. The food was subpar. I've had much better Italian. The food was not hot it was like warm. If given options I'm not returning as the city has far better places for Italian this is not it. The servers were kind mostly be struggled to get the orders correct. I gave it a 2 because the service was decent and the food wasn't horrible. read more

Cafe Bionda - Salad - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

From start to finish..Best Homemade Italian food my favorite. Loved the ambiance..service and knowledge of wine pairings were fabulous. If youre looking for great Italian food this is the place​ read more

Came with a large group and had buffet style servings that included charcuterie, bruschetta and salad for appetizers; spaghetti, brick chicken and chicken piccata for main; tiramisu for dessert. Pretty good all around. read more

Cafe Bionda has a cozy atmosphere and a welcoming interior, but the overall experience felt a bit underwhelming. While the menu offers a variety of Italian favorites, some dishes lacked depth in flavor and didn't feel freshly prepared. Service was polite, though not very attentive during the visit. The ambiance is pleasant, but improvements in food quality and consistency would make a noticeable difference. Overall, it has potential but didn't quite meet expectations this time!!!!!!!!!! read more

Food came fast, service felt rushed but everyone was kind. Wasn't super crowded but felt welcoming, music wasn't too loud. Went for an intimate birthday dinner and it was perfect read more

Cafe Bionda - Spicy Vodka Chicken and Braciole, tiramisu espresso martini, Italian old fashioned. Whipped ricotta and bruschetta for apps. - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We've passed by Cafe Bionda several times over the years, but never made it in until now. We are glad we did. It has a cozy warm atmosphere inside with lots of framed vintage posters decorating the walls. The hostess seated us quickly and the server was quick too. We ordered appetizers first. The fried calamari was spot on. The taste of the stuffed mushrooms were a bit disguised by the breadcrumbs, but it was fine. I think if they went a bit easy on the breadcrumbs, it would help the juicy taste of the mushrooms shine through. We all enjoyed the light freshness of the bruschetta. It was one of our favorites for the night. We also enjoyed the main entrees. The margherita pizza is big, probably enough for three people. The lemon shrimp tagliolini had a good lemony taste to it. It would taste more worth it if the shrimp pieces were not cut into smaller pieces. One of the stars of the night was the halibut, light and dreamy with just the right balance of flavors between the garlic, lemon, and capers. At the top was the brick chicken too. It was well flavored with the lemon and garlic. We would order the bruschetta, halibut, and brick chicken again. It is worth trying this neighborhood gem. read more

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Food and service were great. I had the rigatoni (11/10), the short rib ravioli (6.5/10 - the ravioli was a little hard for my taste), mushroom appetizers, and the tiramisu espresso martini. Definitely would go back. read more

Their Italian food is amazing. Also this guy kept walking around filling are water whenever we needed it. Are server so nice and service so good. The lights and decor were amazing. Their chicken so so so so so so so so so so so so so so good. read more

I can't be the only one who was reeled in from the cheese wheel pasta! I feel like I already have my rotation of favorite Italian in the city but I'm always up for trying new places. My friend and I both had two rounds of the Loren's diary cocktail which was light and fruity but sometimes had a medicinal aftertaste. Also the egg white foam was not thick at all so that was a bit of a let down. Between us two, we shared the arancini, hot honey whipped ricotta with focaccia, truffle cacio e pepe. The arancini was pretty standard. Good flavor but didn't really taste or see any of the meat. The vodka sauce that it came with had too much heavy whipping cream in my opinion. Tasted more like a watered down tomato sauce than a vodka pasta sauce. You can tell by the color of the sauce. The arancini probably would have tasted better with a standard marinara. The whipped ricotta with hot honey.. tasted well just as it sounds. It was a bit bland for me but can't complain about bread. Though the portion of bread versus whipped ricotta was off. Way too much ricotta for 5 itty bitty pieces of bread. As for the tableside cheese wheel pasta, the experience (after experiencing it) was a bit underwhelming. The pasta itself didn't really have any truffle aroma rather than just truffle shavings. I also felt the pasta lacked flavor besides the black pepper aroma. The bucatini was cooked perfectly though! Nice and bouncy. Both me and my friend felt like the pasta got really room temp or cold fast because it's just sitting out while the cheese from the wheel is mixed in. I don't think it's actually that warm so when the pasta finally got served to us, it wasn't hot at all. I'm glad we got to try Cafe Bionda. Feels very homey and old school. Cute date night spot. read more

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Came here for a late night dinner and I'd have to say it was average. When you walk in you're automatically greeted by the host. We went around 9pm so it wasn't busy - it was the right amount of noise of background music and good conversations. The staff was very friendly! He sat us down and we were given water and bread. The bread according to my boyfriend had a good hint of garlic to it. We ordered calamari for apps and they were good. My boyfriend mentioned them being small than what we're used too - think of bite size. Nonetheless very tasty. Now, the reason for me taking away 2 stars was the pasta.. what a disappointment! I spent 1/2 of my time adding salt, pepper, and Parmesan to my pasta as it had no seasoning which was so unfortunate. It was sooo creamy which some places lack so I was excited at first glance, but man did it surprise me. My boyfriend had the tortellini carbonara and also had to add seasoning but got it to a point where he was enjoying it. I will say he didn't finish his food and he ALWAYS finishes his food haha Not sure if I'd really give them another shot nor recommend cause I've had so much better around town for same pricing. read more

Cafe Bionda - Fettuccini Alfredo - A serving of fettuccini Alfredo pasta coated in a creamy white sauce, garnished with chopped herbs, is presented on a brown plate. The dish appears to be part of Italian cuisine, featuring wide pasta noodles in a rich sauce. - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Came in to get this famous truffle pasta... but let's start at the top. Tiramisu martini, tasted like straight rubbing alcohol. Tableside cheese wheel pasta, now mind you the restaurant was empty, the guy stood behind my husband so I couldn't even see. He then handed it to my husband to give to me. For $45 you can't put my plate down in front of me? Also I saw them put it in the pan when it was sizzling hot but by the time he did the cheese thing it was cold and I ended up with huge chunks of Parmesan cheese. Overall, not worth the hype. read more

Great food. Good service. Nice Italian restaurant and bar. I would definitely go back read more

The food was good but average nothing extravagant. The experience with our waitress was unpleasant. Appetizers came out last ... she forgot to put them in. We asked for bread but they "ran" out and were charged for bread? It was had to get her attention for refills and we were sat and forgotten about by the bathroom... ruined our 1 year wedding anniversary dinner. Will not be returning. read more

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Cafe Bionda in the South Loop has my heart. It's my go-to for those nights when I want delicious Italian comfort food that feels like a warm hug. Their pastas and sauces are unmatched, and everything tastes so fresh, it's like a little taste of Italy right here in Chicago. The vibe is perfect--cozy with just the right amount of buzz, making it ideal for anything from a casual dinner to a night out with friends. Plus, the staff is always welcoming, adding to that feeling that you're part of the Cafe Bionda family. read more

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Phenomenal restaurant with great food. Didn't have to wait for seating which is hard to come by in Chicago. Atmosphere was cozy and dark. The chicken Parmesan with fettuccini Alfredo came out so hot and fresh. Such generous portions. They also didn't skimp on the tiramisu read more

Cafe Bionda - Tiramisu - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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