If you're craving a salad, this is the place to go. I'll run down here to pick up lunch for my whole department frequently- and they never disappoint. If you're looking to find a seat at noon, it's going to be a long wait- this place is PACKED with mall shoppers. Carry out is easy and they are very good with dietary needs. I am allergic to anchovies, which is only an issue when I'm craving a Caesar Salad (the dressing is chock-full of little fishies.) and I have to make a special request to (1.) have the dressing on the side and (2.) make it anything besides caesar dressing. That tends to confuse all eateries, even my regular haunts. Not so with Ruscello. It's a great place for a quick dinner with friends or even on you own. I'm fully comfortable eating solo, but for those of you who aren't, this place will help you feel more at ease. Order like I do and get the Caesar Salad with Balsalmic Vinagrette and a glass of iced tea- it's delicious without being heavy. Snag the pre-meal olives, too! read more

Came here with girlfriends, thinking it was Nordstrom Cafe....it's not :P The menu looks similar, however it's not a psudo cafeteria style anymore but a sit-down restaurant. We were seated pretty quickly, which was a relief during the lunch rush.....in the holiday season....inside a mall! We started with munching on bread and olive oil, which is always appreciated! The server told us about the soup, which was touted as a bacon pea soup. Of course, being the carnivore that I am, I had to ask if it was more bacon or more pea. The server said more bacon, so I asked if we could have a taste. Our server promptly returned with two ramekins for tasting and enough spoons for the whole table. First look, it definitely looked more like a veggie or minestrone soup, but when I tasted it, I definitely got way more pea than bacon flavor. As we passed it around, some got more bacon flavor and some got more pea, but overall, the soup wasn't good on anyone's pallet :( I was starving when we arrived, so I really felt like something hearty. I decided on the Turkey Club panini with a side of their sea salt frites. Although the Turkey Club was delish, it was very....white. White bread, white turkey, white cheddar, white aioli.....on a white plate....with white(ish) potato chips. Good thing I was hungry :P It could have used some greens or something a little fresher to give the sandiwch another dimension of flavor, but it was still hearty and tasty. The frites were ok....a little softer than what I would have preferred, but since I asked for an extra side of the aioli, it as ok. For those who have come here when it was Nordstrom Cafe, they still end the meal with their infamous stick of chocolate minty goodness :) If your'e coming out to Oakbrook, this is a great place to stop and have a relaxing lunch! read more

Ruscello at Nordstrom - Turkey club panini - Italian Near Me - Oak Brook, Illinois

Always great service, food is ALWAYS perfect and delicious. From a salad to short ribs to soup, everything is awesome. Be sure to check out specials that are always unique.. when in doubt, cilantro lime chicken salad is a great go to. Pro tip: Always ask for a (FREE!) side of bread read more

I always stop in here when I am out shopping with my mom & brother-it's a place the 3 of us can always agree on. On a Saturday I've waited about 40 minutes for a table, but we went in last night (Tuesday) around 6pm and we were seated right away. Our server was sweet and efficient. We started with bowls of their famous tomato soup. I always get a bowl and can never finish it so I really need to remember to get a cup in the future. We ordered extra crostinis because they are delicious; they always say they have to charge us extra for them but we put up with it because they're good. We also got the artichoke tempura, which is always very good and hits the spot. I also got the Cesar salad, always a good choice here. My brother always gets the turkey Panini with a bunch of changes to it and he always loves it. My mom got the steak sliders and said they were really good. Yes, it's sort of pricy for being a restaurant in a store, but for a trip every couple of months it's worth it. read more

Great spot for a quick bite! Located by the men's department on the lower level. The chicken pesto mozzarella sandwich with balsamic was very good. read more

Ruscello at Nordstrom - Italian Near Me - Oak Brook, Illinois

I was in the area for a business seminar and a friend recommended Ruscello for great food and fast service for the 'business lunch' crowd. They certainly were right on both counts, I placed my entree order and it was served just a few scant minutes later. I had the Chicken Mozzarella Ciabatta sandwich and it was amazing - if I had to complain about anything with the sandwich was that it could have used more chicken in it. But the flavor was great. What was just as delicious were the homemade potato chips. I am not usually a potato chip fan but I eagerly cleaned my plate of them. I almost asked if I could by some to go. ;) read more

This is definitely one of my favorite restaurants in the area. I come to Chicago once a month on business and I am glad I stumbled on this little gem. Today I had pizza with thinly sliced prosciutto and arugula and an awesome lemon and ricotta dessert. Price is very affordable and great service too. read more

Went here for lunch with a co-worker and we split a Grilled vegetable salad and a cup of soup. There were small chunks of bread served before the meal and the bread was soft, chewy and a little warm. Very good. The roma tomato basil soup I had was really good, some of the best tomato soup I have ever had and tasted very thick and creamy, instead of runny and more broth-like. Almost had a cheesy consistency. The salad was made up of fresh greens (including kale, which I wasn't so sure I'd like), kale, spinach, asparagus, yellow squash, zucchini, corn, tomatoes, avocado, crispy farro, parmesan cheese, basil covered in a creamy garlic vinaigrette. The squash and avocado were large pieces which I cut up into bite size pieces and this blend of vegetables worked really well together with the vinaigrette dressing. The salad was full of flavor and I felt so much healthier after eating it, that I had no guilt about the chocolate I ate later... The waitstaff was very good, coming to check on us often and with the excellent, fresh food, they get my seal of approval. read more

I've been a regular here for years! The menu has a nice balance of everything you could want! They are very accommodating when I ask for my regular server. Cindy! She is the best! Always has a smile on her face (back before masks were required and you could see her smile) she knows the menu inside and out and always has great recommendations. The food is amazing. From their crisp salads to pasta dinners. I've never had a bad meal there. Great selection of wine too! Cindy always suggests something that I end up loving. Can't wait to go back for my next meal! read more

I went around 12:45 on a Thursday and it was a 10 minute wait to get a table for 2. I ordered the chicken gnochhi ($16 with tax and tip). It was very creamy and delicious! A bit pricey for a casual lunch though. Update: I came at 11:30 on a Monday. It was pretty empty so I got seated right away. I decided to order the chicken gnocchi again like last time because I remembered it was amazing. However, this time I did not enjoy it! The gnocchi was good but I really hated the sauce. I wonder if last time I ordered it if it had a different sauce on it. I thought it was some kind of red sauce but this time it was white. Now I don't know if I want to go back... The server and hostess were really friendly on a side note. Update 2: I came at 12:00pm on a Friday. It was packed but I made a reservation so I was good to go. The gnocchi was just OK ... 3rd time is not the charm. I give up on this dish! The server was really nice again. Update 3: My friend and I shared two appetizers. We got the hummus with pita bread and the mussels in vodka sauce. The hummus was really good but we got like 5 tiny pieces of pita bread. The ratio was not even close to being even. There were a lot of mussels in the bowl but the mussels were tiny! They were not bad in terms of flavor but so small! read more

Ruscello is located inside Nordstroms at Oakrbrook Mall. They have a simple limited menu but everything seems fresh and well prepared. I had the skirt steak and my wife went with the shrimp salad. The steak was grilled perfectly and came with a side of potatoes, asparagus, and carrots. I keep forgetting about this place when I'm in oakbrook but it's a refreshing alternative to the busy trendier places next door. read more

Ruscello at Nordstrom - Grilled skirt steak. My favorite item here - Italian Near Me - Oak Brook, Illinois

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This is my friend and my favorite quick eat, well untill today. We ordered minestrone and a tomato basil which we were both very happy with, very hot and came out in a good amount of time. Then as we plowed through the 3 helpings of bread with olive oil and olives our entrees arrived and I was very disappointed. I had ordered the mussel appetizer as an entree and they were fishy, such a disappointment because last time I had them they were amazing. My friend had the ceaser salad which was so good. When I had sent mine back I picked at hers, beautiful pieces of grilled chicken and crunchy flavorful croutons. I will more than likely get that next time. P.s get the chocolate mousse cake its ugly but so yummy! Our server kristen was very friendly and accommodating to us. We will be back. read more

Ruscello at Nordstrom - Salmon salad - Italian Near Me - Oak Brook, Illinois

Yummmmmo! I had the mushroom and pepperoni pizza and it was so fresh and the pepperoni had an extra spice...just perfect. Made just like the old country. My husband had the shtrawberry chicken salad that he enjoyed as well. Nice little place for a dinner break from shopping. read more

Ruscello at Nordstrom - What's left of this piece of heaven.. ;) - Italian Near Me - Oak Brook, Illinois

SOOOO good. I didn't know it was inside Nordstroms when I decided to go here with a friend but I'm so glad I did. The chicken gnocchi is perfect and my friends penne bolognese looked amazing. Also, we got two glasses of wine, two full meals, cheesecake, and coffee all for less than $60 total. read more

Ruscello at Nordstrom - Cheesecake was the perfect temperature and texture- not so refrigerated that it's hard but not too warm either. Amazing - Italian Near Me - Oak Brook, Illinois

Just had the Norwegian Salmon with Polenta special and, my god, this is easily one of the best dishes I've had in my whole life. Every unique flavor in this dish was spot on. Will definitely be coming here more often! read more

Been here a few times now, typically for lunch, which was also the case today. Kristin was our server, who had a very positive and pleasant personality. The menu always seem to have quite a few selections that are simple but also incredible. It's always been prepared fast and with amazing flavor, today was no exception. I'd easily recommend stopping by for a bite if you're in the area or between shopping extravaganzas! read more

Ruscello at Nordstrom - Italian Near Me - Oak Brook, Illinois

This was my family's favorite place to eat as we visited Nordstrom and the Oakbrook mall. As I waited in an extra long customer service line, I promised my children the reward of buttered noodles (and myself a glass of wine). We were all very patient with the long customer service lines, the reason we went to Nordstrom. We arrived at Ruscello at 7:15pm, knowing they close at 8pm. They would not seat us, though there were plenty of open tables. They said they were no longer seating for the evening. It might be possible they lost a server? I think I would have appreciated the transparency, but instead I was made to feel like I was the crazy person asking for a table so close to closing. That I was being inconsiderate. I'm a tired mom that tries my best at all times. I'm very patient with everyone and always follow the rules. I don't like being perceived as I'm not trying to have the best intentions. I will most likely be visiting The Table at Crate and Barrel on my next visit to the mall. Unfortunately, they have lost all of my business. read more

Overpriced for what it is. Food is just okay. Went around lunch and took about 50 minutes from when we sat down to when we got the check. Salmon salad was pretty bland. read more

I've been here several times since this space made the change from Nordstrom Café to Ruscello, and I've been overall pleased. This is now a sit-down restaurant with full table service. Thankfully, the kids' grilled cheese, which I love, is still available on the new menu, and our waitress was more than happy to bring it to me, even now as a 25-year-old. Despite initially being brought the wrong soup to accompany the sandwich, my food was good and the service was quick. The rest of my party enjoyed their orders as well. The atmosphere isn't anything super special, but this is a great place to stop for a quick meal while shopping. read more

My sister and I have gone to Nordstrom's for lunch forever. The new restaurant is even better. My sister has withdrawal symptoms if it's been too long since she's had Salmon Nicoise. I must also say that they have done some darn fine hiring over there. The servers are like from Ford Modeling Agency. We were served by Carla Gugino and Blair Underwood. Pièce de résistance: manager Scott. OMG. read more

I was by myself and wanted a quiet place where I could comfortably sit alone and check my phone for emails while having a healthy delicious lunch. Struck gold with this place. Had An awesome cup of Cream of Mushroom soup with their daily Special which was an Arugula/Zucchini Carpaccio salad. They pair a wine with it if you so desire. Great service and fast. read more

I went to lunch at Ruscello with my son, a friend and her son. This place is so kid friendly! That is always a plus for me. They brought out water cups for the boys and raisins right away. I ordered a 1/2 panini (turkey bacon) and a cup of chicken rice soup. The panini was great! I kind of wish I ordered a whole one. The soup was good too. I think next time I go here, I will try the tomato basil because it looked really good. We will definitely go back here because the food was great. We had two servers, one was in training and they were both terrific! read more

First time here. Food was very good and service was quick. Chicken sandwich was great. Lobster Risotto was outstanding and gluten free. Could use some bread or small salad with it though. It was a bit pricey for the few pieces of lobster you get but it's very flavorful. I would go back again. read more

The food is delicious. I had the blacken salmon Cesar salad, which was the chefs special. It was absolutely delicious. I tried my sons mac and cheese and that to was great. The dessert was delicious. I will definitely be back. read more

Went here today for a quick lunch while shopping. Excellent meal! I was seated very quickly and without any wait. I was seated at the back of the restaurant close to the kitchen but I never would have noticed an issue, I didn't think there was a lot of noise. The place is dimly lit, relaxing, and comfortable. I got the tomato jam jar and I wasn't too sure what it was or if I'd like it but let me tell you it was excellent! It has pesto and tomato and ricotta cheese I think, it was great! For lunch I had the shrimp risotto with asparagus.it was creamy and crunchy and just excellent! Really flavorful and perfect. My only complaint is that I wanted more but it is a hefty portion with 7-8 giant shrimp in it. I didn't get any dessert because I was way too full, but next time for certain! If you're at Oakbrook and really want a good meal for a fair price, check out this cafe, you won't be disappointed. read more

I love that there is a delicious place to grab a bite to eat while shopping at Nordstrom. It's in the lower level and it's easy to just stop by for a yummy dinner or lunch. I've had several of the sandwiches and my boyfriend loves the tomato basil soup. The chips are awesome and handmade. Ruscellos has fun cocktails too! read more

I would leave a 4.5 because the quality, menu, taste of the food, restaurant's ambience and service would deserve it. However, I could not negate the fact that in my Mushroom Raviolis with Short Rib Ragù, had a few or couple tangle hairs in it. The manager came over, was polite, and apologized. The waitress was kind. The dish was taken off the tab. The tomato basil bisque resembled a similar if not exact taste to one that I've had at a restaurant called Così Cosi. It was okay. read more

Still love coming here. Great food and service. My only request is that they please add some gluten free bread to the menu. Salads are very good but their sandwiches would be a nice change! read more

Overall, good food and service; after all, it is Nordstrom we're talking about... Also, a great bar area to stop for an app and a drink before or after shopping. Very convenient if shopping at Nordstrom. Everyone was very nice and attentive. read more

Ruscello at Nordstrom - If I remember correctly, these drinks are the Vine Street which has rosé and the GM which has grand marnier and prosecco... Cheers - Italian Near Me - Oak Brook, Illinois

My daughter had here birthday dinner here. We made a reservation for 3pm and once we arrived we still had to wait to be seated. Once seating our waitress kept reaching over our heads to pour drinks and she seem frazzled. Our food was mediocre, the waitress dropped part of my daughters food. Although she apologized. To top the evening off, we assumed that the tip was included in the price (we had a party of 9), after we paid the bill my daughter was contacted that she didn't leave a tip. I am not sure if that was from the restaurants management or Nordstroms, ( my daughter is employed there). My daughter was told that tipping is not required but polite and that the restaurant has to pay dishwashers, well, then maybe the restaurant should pay them fair wages, and not make them split tips. Another idea would be to add the gratituity in the check as I have seen other restaurants do, since your concern is the payment of your employees. I will never visit your establishment again and will not recommend it to anyone. While I understand that maybe the statement expressed was not from the restaurant put from an over-zealous employee of Nordstrom's I hold you both accountable. read more

Really good service my server was Frank A+ job the chicken soup is outa this world! Mr salmon was really good the vegetables were a little greasy but other then that I would definitely come back!! read more

Love this restaurant. Salads are great. They have great specials. The wait staff is very good. If I had to complain about anything it would be the acoustics. The newly remodeled restaurant echoes all the sounds. I can't talk across the table without yelling or repeating "What did you say?". There was a crying child the last time I was there. I thought I would have to leave. Very loud. read more

I am a true lover of anything Nordstrom and Ruscello is another reason to love them! We have been to Ruscello quite often and are never disappointed. The prices are reasonable for wonderful food and service. It is one of my favorite restaurants to go to in Oakbrook and there are many other restaurants there. From appetizer to dessert, I highly recommend you try this place! read more

Wow. I just had a terrible experience at the Nordstrom Café at the Oak Brook mall. Our credit cards were mischarged multiple times for our lunch. And they can offer no evidence that they corrected it - just that we had to wait and see tomorrow. In the meantime, my credit card account shows I paid $60 for a salad and ice tea! The waitress just kept repeatedly asking for our credit cards and giving us the incorrect receipts. We tried to get a managers attention on it and he kept walking away from the table telling us that it wouldn't happen next time. How does he know? It shouldn't have happened this time. read more

Went here for lunch and had Jody as a great waitress. She was knowledgeable and offered great suggestions for lunch. She had a wonderful personality and it was a delight to have her as our waitress. I had the Chicken Parmesan Baguette and it was delicious. Will definitely be back again! read more

We ate here on a whim after I vetoed McDonald's as a "snack" (blech). Good selection of food on the menu - salads to sandwiches to heavier fair. Excellent service. Clean and spacious sit-down restaurant located just inside Nordstrom. My only complaint is the lack of a bathroom in the restaurant. read more

By far the worst dining experience I have had! The food is not appetizing, especially for the price point. Our server asked if we were interested in dessert not but four minutes after receiving our entree. For our appetizer we ordered humus, that comes with pita chips. We inquired if we could have celery instead, which is only available for a $3.95 up charge. When we received the celery, it was with cucumber, red pepper, and carrots that were so thinly sliced the cucumber you were unable to dip! My $11.95 salad was so small, it could have been a side salad, it did not even fill the bowl it was served upon! The pot roast sandwich which was $12.95 was rubbery and COLD! We did not go right before closing either, we arrived at 7pm. I am in the restaurant industry, and understand everyone has bad days, but this was all around terrible! The two hostesses were rude and unresponsive, and gave a look to one another when we asked to look at the menu. I don't understand why they needed two hostesses, seeming that the restaurant was almost empty. I would proceed with caution if you think about dining at this "restaurant". read more

My husband and I went for lunch yesterday and I wasn't very impressed. I sat down at the table and it hadn't been wiped off yet. I had to ask somebody to clean it off. I ordered the pork and it was so fatty I barely ate half of it. My husband said his pasta was overcooked. The server was at least friendly and pleasant, but besides that, nothing else to bring me back again. It was a pretty expensive lunch for a below mediocre experience. read more

Not one to write bad reviews, but I can't tell you how disappointed I am in the food and service on a Monday night. My husband and I went to shop the anniversary sale and grab a quick bite. We both decided we wanted pasta and the place wasn't too busy. I ordered the chicken artichoke in a lemon butter sauce and he got the gnocchi carbonara. His meal was ok. Mine was appalling. The dish looked like it was tossed with end of the day scraps, chicken was filled with grissel. The sauce was served with a cream and no hints of lemon. It was gross. When I was finally able to get the attention of my waitress, she commented how the changed from the breast meat to shredded. I didn't expect this at all. They did take my dish off our bill, but I think they need to revisit the Monday cook and quality. The manager didn't even come and apologize for the quality. Just went back to the bar to visit with someone. For how great the cafe has been, so disappointed in this experience. read more

We used to enjoy going here whenever we were in the area, but will not be back. The food is good, but the service is just average. Yesterday, we had a reservation and while it took the three people at the hostess stand to figure out what to do with us, a woman walked around us and they sat her immediately. They were just so confused at the hostess stand. They had no idea what tables were open or occupied. We ended up leaving. We instead went to Antico Posto and enjoyed an excellent meal with exceptional service. Antico Posto was much busier, but their hostess stand runs like clockwork. Professional with exceptional food and service. They even gave me a piece of cake since it was my birthday. We will just go there from now on. It is disappointing because Ruscello is convenient for a nice meal while shopping in the store or the mall. Maybe the employees should go out to other restaurants in the mall to see what good customer service looks like. read more