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 - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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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 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

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

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

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

My roommate told me that cafe bionda was mentioned on block club chicago as recently re-opened so we decided to go to celebrate finishing finals! First of all, love the decor and movie posters, and setting, we sat right under a marlin, very old-man-and-the-sea of us! Honestly I was pleasantly surprised by the portion size bc I feel like Italian food can be very expensive for a small portion of food sometimes but this portion was very hearty! I don't usually struggle to finish my food, but I felt very full after this meal! My roommate got the braciole which is like this stuffed flank steak over pasta in a red sauce, it was yummy and the meat was very tender. I got the orecchiette and the rapini in it was SO GOOD. The flavor is very sausage heavy if that's your thing! The dish well-salted which is I think a good thing! The space is intimate and charming. I do agree with the other reviews that the lights could be turned up in the entire restaurant so if you're cafe bionda and reading this review I would HIGHLY CONSIDER this suggestion read more

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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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Food excellent manager Stephen and Bartender Alex try to steal from you than blame it on you Got tab I put my card in my friend put cash in got bill back nothing subtracted from tab then when I confront them it's my fault Who tips on first time the bill goes over unless all cash no one read more

I got the chance to stop by and try their new lunch menu! Weds- Fri from 12pm-4pm, they have their authentic Italian options available. You can tell the ravioli and pizza are homemade! The calamari was good as well. There is also a full bar available and they have a pretty extensive wine menu. Stop by to get some authentic Italian cuisine and enjoy! Tell 'em Bri from Planes and Plates sent you. read more

This place was amazing! We wanted to come for the happy hour which was advertised in my reservation at 6 but was not true when we arrived so double check if that's your plan. Otherwise, food was delicious- we got the whipped ricotta, spicy shrimp, sopresatta pizza and spicy chicken. The sauces were incredible and everything tasted fresh, paired with a nice glass of cab. Cute Italian vibe, we will be back! read more

Cafe Bionda - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Got carryout from here for the first time and I can say I wasn't diassapointed. I came in from the back and was a bit confused but there were employees nice enough to tell me how to get to the front to pick up my order. Customer service was good. The ambience was nice and romantic with lighting dimly light. There is plenty searing and a nice bar area. I ordered the rigatoni and it was pretty tasty and very fresh. I look forward to going back to dine in soon. read more

Honestly their happy hour can't be beat. $7 Prosecco and $10 fried calamari (full serving!). The bartender was fantastic. I highly recommend! Five stars. read more

Cafe Bionda - Fried Calamari - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've eaten here twice recently for the Godfather dinner and a happy hour. The food for the dinner was outstanding, and since I don't eat meat, they accommodated me by giving me 2 of the fish dishes. The happy hour food was tasty and reasonably priced. Service was excellent. read more

Delicious dishes. See pictures! Parking is free in the back lot. There's a back entrance as well. Very convenient. Otherwise, there is metered street parking too. read more

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Amazing entrees, the short rib ravioli was one of the best dishes we ordered that night! The cacio e Pepe was good minus the bitterness, possibly from the truffles? The dessert? God awful, worst tiramisu I've ever had in my life. read more

Thought the restaurant, art, candlesticks were all really cute. I explained to the waitress that I have to eat gluten free and shellfish free. I ordered a Caesar salad and asked for the croutons on the side (so others at the table could add them if they wanted) and croutons were in the salad. The waitress told me my only food options were the chicken or salmon....i later saw a comment from another diner that the restaurant has GF pasta! We were also celebrating my daughter's birthday and told them that and no offer was made to let me order a dessert with a candle or nothing. I really wanted to love this place - but I'm not sure now if I will be back. read more

Came to Cafe Bionda as the after party/reception to the 8/9/25 White Sox "Married in a Minute" Igyarto wedding and it was great! Easy to get to, ample parking, great atmosphere, and the food was incredible. Can't wait to come back. read more

Fantastic find! If you are looking for a Italian Restaurant and in South Loop- Cafe Bionda is a fantastic find! The staff was wonderful and their Happy Hour food delicious! Calamari was fried to perfection - crunchy and not oily at all. You can't go wrong with it! Bionda Pizza Margherita was one delicious! Perfect amount of cheese and sauce!! LOVED IT! Tiramisu - this was my top #1 item! So creamy and flavorful!! The drinks were great but my absolute favorite was Limoncello Martini! read more

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Their website and phone say they open at 3 pm daily. Showed up a little after 3 today and the place was dark and closed. Before Covid the place was great. Friendly family atmosphere. Since the new proprietor took over- it's not the same and not worth it read more

Went here for a happy hour, stayed here for the vibes! Bartender Jenny was incredible she's so personable and sweet! Food was exceptional. Elliot the manager catered to our every need and exceptional service all around! Definitely will be coming back read more

Cafe Bionda - Burrata and honey pizza - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Prior to COVID, this was a great place to get my porkchop. They finally reopened. Unfortunately, the porkchop wasn't as good as I remembered it. Perfectly cooked on the outside but raw in the center. My partner chose the brick chicken with no salt and sauce on the side. It's a perfect healthy request but I thought that was a bad idea. And it was. Without the sauce, the chicken was dried and I couldn't taste the marinade. The sauce was okay. It needed salt and more garlic. The potatoes needed more rosemary. read more

Cafe Bionda - Brick chicken with sauce on side was so freaking dried - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Some of the best food I've ever had! Meatballs were a great start, Truffle pasta was 10/10, & service was even better. Captain Guy is the man! Highly recommend read more

Very much a TikTok hype restaurant, I was underwhelmed after our visit during our vacation. The hostess and server were nice enough. Not super friendly or personable. The food was ok, a little bland (beef ravioli and skirt steak). The tiramisu martini was TERRIBLE! I would skip this one if on the fence because I feel we could've gotten better food elsewhere especially for the price point. read more

The food was safe but some were misses like the lamb; it was a bit too gamy and tough. The dessert was a bit odd textured. But overall, still 4 stars. Tables were nice and large and I also appreciated the free parking in the rear. read more

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Great Italian spot on near south side of Chicago. It's a great option for very friendly service and fresh pasta.

Excellent service by a lovely Irish Colleen in a lovely setting. We did a family style and shared our entrees. The brick chicken was the best we ever had and not to mention the short rib ravioli was exceptional. Restaurant is reasonably priced with free parking in the back. Give it a try. read more

Very good food! I had the vodka pasta. Everyone else liked their food. The bruschetta appetizer was amazing ! Good atmosphere as well!

this place deserves a higher rating! i came here for a yelp event and was not disappointed. everything i tried was great and seemed very authentic. however, i think the highlights were the ragu ravioli and the stuffed mushrooms. the chef came out and personally greeted each table. he was such a sweetheart! the staff also replenished the food multiple times and even gave all the guests to-go containers for the leftovers. impeccable service! read more

Loved this classic Italian restaurant that serves old world staples as well as newer creations. It's a cozy space with friendly staff. We had fried calamari which my daughter said was delicious then followed up with penne Alla Vodka. The chef is from Naples and serves authentic Italian food read more

Cafe Bionda - Penne Alla Vodka - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Traditional style and ambiance. Measured portions and nice presentation. Scallops cooked perfectly. Tortellini Alfredo exquisite. The flavors are all there on their own and sauces compliment well. Great deserts and a pretty good Italian Old Fashioned. Wish I had more time to try other dishes. A little pricey. read more

Cafe Bionda - Old Fashioned - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My favorite dish has returned--the Lobster Fettuccini!!! I was so excited when the staff informed me and I was not disappointed. The presentation was exceptional and the taste was superb. Thank you for bringing back one of my favorites and I look forward to new lobster dishes in the weeks ahead. Service is always second to none. Thank you for listening! read more

Service was exceptional & portions were huge. Loved the chocolate almond cake! We arrived at just the right time as the restaurant started to get very busy for dinner! read more

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I had the Vodka Rigatoni and it was soooo delish. Lovely vibes. Lovely cocktails. Great service. I wish I could go back but I don't live in Chicago. LOVE. read more

Honestly save yourself. The vibe wasn't it and the service wasn't much better. The food was cold and our server never checked on us once. Only came over to bring our drinks, take our order, and bring us our check (after we waited 35 minutes to find her). We asked for our steak to be cooked Medium, but it was fully straight rare but we couldn't do anything about it because our waitress was no where to be found. I was really excited to try this place but it didn't live up to the expectations at all and I won't be back. read more

This place is a pass. I ordered the brocolini, short rib ravioli, and the Chicken marsalla. Cheesecake factory quality or Sisco foods quality. Nothing to brag about. I went thru at least 30 Italian restaurants today to make a reservation. What stood out was the short rib ravioli. The ravioli was too thick. I have made pasta by hand and with a machine. I would say using a machine the dough was a three on the thickness. It should be a 1. They lost the quality trying to mass produce them. I choked on it. Asked for it to replaced and only ate half of four ravioli for 30 dollars. They kept it on the bill. The chicken marsala was standard, basic. I did like the mashed potatoes. The brocollini also decent. The replacement for the ravioli was also cheesecake factory. Chicken parmesan. Luckily my husband will eat it. The drinks were not strong considering they were martinis. I asked for titos. Could have been Tonka. Avoid this place at all cost. This is a spot for people who can't cook and who lack taste buds. Also we never received straws which were requested or bread service which should be complimentary for an Italian place. Will be disputing with out credit carrier if overcharged. read more

It literally was a few hours before the New Year Eve event to get started we received a email saying it was canceled no explanation why hair done nails dress etc how unprofessional we're literally talking about New Year Eve they stated they was going to refund us immediately of course that's without a doubt. So far no refund I had to go through my bank for a dispute I have the email from the owner and the response from the owner which is mysteriously gone luckily i screenshot it for my bank horrible horrible experience read more