My experience at The Village was a solid one! The restaurant is dimly lit and busy - a nice place for a good Italian dish and it gives off a nice, romantic ambiance. Service was solid, but nothing above and beyond what was expected. To start, they bring out a side of bread, which you can dip in the olive oil that's on the table. Per usual, this is always a delicious appetizer at most Italian restaurants. For dinner, I ordered the chicken scamorza sandwich. The sandwich was absolutely fantastic, though my only recommendation would be to include some more sauce on the sandwich. It gets a bit dry with all of the bread. I also came to find that, while I had never had or heard of scamorza cheese before, I would now consider it one of my favorite cheeses. It's like a mozzarella, but with a smoky flavor, and the taste is amazing! This is a dish I highly recommend trying! read more

The Village - Chicken Scamorza Sandwich - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This Italian restaurant, was such a disappointment, since we were really anticipating a great overall experience. Starting with the service, it was just very cold and not personable. We were seated at our table and were handed our menus in a very cold way. We then waited (which was totally ok, because the restaurant was busy on a Saturday), to then have our waitress, who was clearly stretched thin, come and introduce herself quickly and get our drinks orders. Then we had a bus-boy bring us some bread in a very rude way. He also didn't speak one word english. No smile and not even some type of acknowledgement. We probably waited another 30 mins to get our drinks. Then we waited again to get our soups, however, the same bus-boy came continuously to take our plates/away... At one point he just stood there next to one of us to finish our bite to then take that one plate.... It was incredibly awkward and rude. He was efficient to clean the table, however never once brought us more water or bread while we were waiting. Then we all got our meals, and the only good meal was the Gnocchi. The risotto, was clearly made with normal short rice... not arborio rice. It wasn't creamy and thick as the consistency should've been. The Veal was tough, and the pasta was overcooked. We probably saw our awkward bus-boy more times than our actual waitress, and even to get our check was such a long wait... We were just so disappointed in the whole experience. read more

We've been walking by The Village for years and finally decided to try it. It's so cute! The interior looks like a street cafe in Italy, and they have Italian music playing. A lot of the tables are in private booths/rooms...definitely request one. We started with a pitcher of sangria, which was super refreshing. For appetizer, we got the fried calamari. It was really light and crunchy and not chewy at all. I like that they serve it with a cocktail sauce instead of marinara. They also bring warm bread to the table. For entrees, we ate family style and got: - Caesar salad - cold lettuce with a decent dressing. What you would expect. - Lasagna - served with a marinara and a cream sauce. Really good. - Meatballs - good when combined with the marinara. For dessert we got the Torta Del Diavolo which was super rich, and the Limoncello Tiramisu, which was also super rich. We had to take leftovers! We made a reservation on Resy for 7:45 and were seated right away when we arrived at 7:30. Note that it's on the second floor and they don't have an elevator. read more

The Village - Torta del Diavolo - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

If you appreciate a delicious tomato sauce (gravy to some), this is a great spot to visit. We enjoyed a traditional Italian meal -- a meatball starter followed by lasagna and gelato for dessert. The decor is Italian-ish and the place is crowded, but fun. The service was good. We even had extra help selecting an outstanding Italian wine. Reservations are a must. read more

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Loved the history behind it, but the food was average. The chicken Marsala had bone, so difficult to eat. The peach tart was from frozen gross. The special with the pumpkin carbonara was bland. The booth was so dark to see each other the food and the menu. We felt rushed to eat too. read more

I had heard great things about The Village and knew it has been around for a long time, so I was excited to try it. Unfortunately, the experience ended up being a bit disappointing. That being said, the atmosphere is absolutely beautiful. The restaurant really makes you feel like you've stepped into Italy, with the music playing and all the thoughtful details throughout the space. One of the most unique features is the way the restaurant is designed with these small dining rooms built right into the structure, which makes the whole place feel cozy and special. The service was great, our waiter was attentive and very kind throughout the meal. However, the food just didn't really hit the mark. We started with the antipasti, which was about $20 and surprisingly small. The quality wasn't great and there were quite a few filler items rather than standout components. The spaghetti ended up being the best dish on the table, simple but good. I also ordered the chicken piccata, but it unfortunately lacked flavor and the breading wasn't great. Our waiter actually noticed I hadn't eaten much of it and kindly had it sent back. Overall, while the service was wonderful, the food didn't quite live up to the reputation. read more

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We were celebrating the first night of our honeymoon and we were treated to a special table in an alcove with a great view of the restaurant. The food was delicious and the service was attentive and friendly. And a complimentary cannoli for dessert. read more

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After a nice Hamilton show, my lovely boyfriend and my sister and I decided we wanted Italian for dinner. As soon as you walk in the restaurant, it feels real cozy and the lighting is warm and doesn't hurt your eyes. The music was low and not loud as to not being able to hear your conversation and the music choice was very pleasant. The staff all around were very friendly and they were fast to attend to us even when people were crowding up the restaurant. I ordered some spaghetti and meatballs and it was simply just amazing. You can taste the authenticity in the pasta, the thickness of it gives it another layer of texture to the dish and the sauce wasn't oily or too much but just sweet and right. The meatballs were huge but they were also just as good. I loved the vibes overall and it was definitely an experience! read more

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The ambiance of the Village was intimate and nicely decorated. It reminded me eating in Italy. It was dimly lit and a tad loud but you could still hold a conversation. Started off with a sangria and a caprese salad. The sangria had the right mixture of flavors. The caprese salad was enjoyable . The cheese and tomatoes were fresh. Both the sangria and caprese salad were refreshing. Next up was the main course. I had the lasagna with meat sauce and I highly recommend it. It was not heavy and had a tasty sauce. I also tried the four cheese ravioli. I enjoyed them but not as much as the lasagna. On the side were meatballs that were shared. They were a little dry but still tasty. To end the night I had a coffee and torta al diavolo (chocolate cake). The cake was excellent. It had three kinds of chocolate which gave it rich and flavorful bites. I also tried the pumpkin tiramisu. I enjoyed it but prefer the traditional version. The service was excellent. Remmy was our waiter. He was attentive and friendly. He answered questions and gave suggestions on what his favorites were. read more

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I've been wanting to try this spot, and it truly is an iconic Chicago restaurant. Great decor and service and overall ambiance. I had some wine, and we ordered some plates to share. The ceasar salad was fresh and tasty, the grilled calamari was delicious, the linguine frutti de mare was excellent but on the smaller side, and the ribeye was also excellent. They also gave us a complimentary cannoli for dessert, which was okay. Overall this is a great restaurant and has been around for a long time for good reason. read more

The Village - Ceasar salad and grilled calamari - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

As Chicago's oldest Italian restaurant, dining at the village takes you back in time. It's a bit kitschy in the decor, and has old-school style service. You enter from the street but walk up a set of stairs to a room without windows that feels cavelike. I came during lunch so it was empty and I was promptly served by my buttoned up waiter. I just wanted a snack so I started with the chicken broth with pastina. It was cheap but had no flavor. I had an order of the arancini, one of their daily specials, and an order of the meatballs. Both were good but the meatballs were delicious. The garlic bread supplied was a little on the oily side so I stuck to the protein. read more

The Village - Arancini and Meatball Appetizers - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Stepping into The Village feels like walking straight into a piece of Chicago history--and the food lives up to every bit of it. The lasagna? Pure comfort in every layer. Rich, slow-simmered meat sauce, perfectly tender pasta, and that thick blanket of melted cheese on top that pulls apart with every bite. It's warm, hearty, and tastes like it's been perfected over generations--classic in the best way possible. And the fried calamari... crispy, golden, and so light. Each bite has that perfect crunch without being heavy, paired with a bright marinara that adds just the right tang. Add a squeeze of lemon and it's game over--simple, fresh, and completely addictive. Between the cozy, old-school ambiance and dishes that feel timeless, this spot proves why it's one of Chicago's most iconic Italian restaurants. The service was sooo quick! We told them we had a show to go to and they flew through and constantly changed on us, super sweet! A true "you just had to be there" kind of meal. #ChicagoEats #ItalianVillage #LasagnaLove #CalamariCravings #FoodieChicago read more

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Went for a pre theatre meal. Place was crowed but that didn't stop them from serving us (party of 10) an excellent meal. Food, service, atmosphere were perfect. Great old time spot but above average in everything. read more

Got to give oneself a chance to go to the most famous Italian restaurant in Chicago. It has a pretty average looking location in the middle of The Loop. The Village is really basically what one stereotypically thinks of such a restaurant. Of course it may have gone through a few changes but the food is as good as ever. You can find a few surprises among the classic and older menus. For sure you can find a few okay kinds of things while looking around. It's one of those places that brings in the expected guests. They sat us at the bar and there was plenty of room at lunch. Lots of choices. You can find the most authentic or there's some modern takes. It's about $12 for a cocktail. There's a few rarer things like the Chianti, which is along the classic wines. It's about $20 for a plate of spaghetti which is crazy. They're doing it because you get many choices of sauces and toppings. Has a lot of history. It's one of the key places to go to while in this area, which is about the atmosphere as much as the drinking and eating that's going on. This is located on Monroe close to Clark, so it's convenient to get to by the Blue Line stations, which is great because the parking sucks so you avoid those problems or whatever. read more

The Village - Inside - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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First time in Chicago and everyone told me I had to check out The Village. As an Italian-Irish woman from California who grew up on homemade Italian meals, I was curious to see what the hype was about--especially knowing this place has been serving home-cooked Italian food for over 100 years. I didn't have a reservation (highly recommend making one), but since it was just me after a conference, I was able to grab a seat at the bar and was helped right away. The vibe was warm, cozy, and elegant--dim lighting with so much character and detail. Exactly the kind of old-world charm I love. I started with bread, olive oil, and balsamic, paired with a great glass of red wine. For my meal, I went with a classic: chicken parmesan. It was huge and absolutely fantastic. I somehow managed the starter salad and half the chicken before admitting defeat (and putting myself into a food coma). For dessert, I had the crème brûlée--and oh my God, they nailed it. On top of the amazing food, I met some great people while dining. Honestly, I wanted to come back the next night, but I already had other dinner plans. Still, this is now a mandatory stop I'll recommend to anyone visiting Chicago. I can't wait to return and try more of the menu. read more

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I was in town for business and tasked with finding g a place to eat. After searching around yelp I noticed that The Village had great reviews and has been around a while. We walked in with no reservations on a Wednesday evening and was seated within 30 mins. The receptionist was kind and helpful. We sat at our table, very comfy, where we were greeted by our server, a sweetheart of a gal, took our drink and apps order. Apps came out quick and were delish! Placed our dinner order and it too came out quickly. I had the lasagne and it was probably one of the best I've ever had. Wrapped up an paid our bill for 4 people and it was lower than I expected. This is now my go to place when in Chicago. read more

The Village is such a gem. I'm glad we were able to enjoy lunch here. We ordered the lasagna, chicken vesuvio, roasted beet and whipped ricottas salad. Super delicious and freshly made. Loved the atmosphere of the restaurant. We were seated in one of the booths which was perfect. The servers were attentive and friendly. Definitely recommend The Village. Don't forget the cannoli! read more

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A great atmosphere with some delicious Italian food. My party was sat in a back section away from the bulk of the surrounding tables which was nice and quiet. The inside is adorable and really does look like an Italian village! Although due to the age of the building there is no elevator, so that may be something to consider. Once we were seated we attempted to order a bottle of wine. I say attempted because the server returned and said they did not currently have that bottle. We ordered a different bottle and was later informed that they did not have that bottle either. Third time was a charm though and we finally picked a bottle available. This was inconvenient but the server was very apologetic and seemed more frustrated than we were. For the entree I got the Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken which truly never fails. There was a good amount of chicken chunks throughout and the sauce was thick but not overly rich. The overall experience was quite enjoyable and would recommend. read more

The Village - Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Our hotel was nearby and we wanted to give it a try considering it's been around for nearly 100 years by the same family! We made reservations for 11:30 in order to make our train back home. We were greeted promptly and seated right away. We had a table in one of the snugs and it was cozy and comfortable. A bit dark, but we could use the lights on our phones if needed. We ordered the meatballs to start and they were delicious. Great seasoning and texture! Next, we ordered some wine and our meals. Both came with salads and warm bread. If it's on the menu, I'm always going to order eggplant Parmesan. Hubs ordered the meat ravioli with meat sauce. We both enjoyed our meals and ate every bite! We visit Chicago a few times a year and will definitely add The Italian Village to our list of dining options. read more

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Wish I could give half stars, because I do think this is truly a 3.5 given how beautiful it is inside! Unfortunately the food was just okay, nothing super memorable (fish was tasty?) but to be fair I didn't order a classic Italian dish. The bread they served was French which I thought was odd for an Italian restaurant and it didn't come with any olive oil dip (just plain olive oil) or butter. I think this is probably more of a tourist spot, and again, it is super stunning inside, so not a bad experience at all. Our waiter was on top of it though! Very prompt service. read more

The Village - Lake Superior Whitefish - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place seriously stands out. It's not just another Italian spot, the second you walk in, it feels like you got dropped into a tiny village in Italy. Like, they really committed to the whole vibe. The space is warm and cozy with rustic brick walls, hanging vines, and soft lighting that makes it feel both romantic and relaxed. It's the kind of place where you want to take your time, sip some wine, and just enjoy the atmosphere. I ordered the Agnolotti, these little half-moon pasta pockets stuffed with cheese and spinach, swimming in a tomato-basil sauce, and wow. First bite and I was like, okay, they know what they're doing. The pasta was cooked perfectly, not mushy, not chewy, just right and the filling was so creamy and flavorful. You could taste the spinach without it being bitter, and the cheese was smooth and rich, not heavy. That sauce, it tied it all together, super fresh with a nice hit of basil that made everything pop. Service was super chill, not overly formal but still attentive. No long wait either, we were seated right away on a Saturday evening which felt like a win. Definitely coming back to try more dishes. This place has soul. read more

The Village - Agnolotti - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Absolutely loved my experience here! The food was delicious, fresh, and beautifully presented. The service was friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Everything from the food to the service was great. I'll definitely be coming back and would highly recommend this restaurant! . Milano was so nice to us! read more

Angel steered me to Eggplant Parmesan was way dry and overcooked. Should have stuck with spaghetti and meatballs. Angel was really sweet and tried to accommodate with a second order, but still overcooked. The sea bass special was disappointing and "fishy". The Shrimp special was good, not great. The ambiance of this oldest restaurant in Chicago was fantastic so we left happy, especially because the manager comped both disappointments. It wouldn't be a return for me. read more

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Everything was WONDERFUL, the food was so good, every bite was a treat. Amber our bartender was very helpful with Wines and suggestions. Angel our waiter was very attentive and timing was perfect. He even gave his piece of peach crumble up! It was a birthday dinner to remember . read more

This dinner was a pick by my best friend while we were staying downtown for an event. She said it's Chicago's oldest Italian restaurant and we have to go! We took a risk walking in without a reservation on a Friday but we're sat without a wait for the two of us. Our server was friendly and attentive. The restaurant is cozy and dimly lit with extravagant decor. There are tons of options on this menu and it feels like maybe a no-bad-choices scenario. My best friend ordered the spaghetti and I ordered a prime rib French dip off the specials menu. I subbed out fries for a Caesar salad (there is an up-charge) but they accidentally gave me fries too (they were delicious lol). The Caesar came out so cold and crispy and fresh - absolutely appreciated that it was chilled! This was one of the best sandwiches I've ever had. I'd eat it all day every day. I hope when I can get back it's been added to the menu (pleeeeeease). My friend also loved her spaghetti! Cant wait to visit again, thank you Village!! read more

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I went to The Village for dinner with a colleague. We had a lovely dinner! I had a lovely Chianti recommended by our waiter. My friend had Linguine Alfredo, and I had Fruiti Del Mar. Both were excellent. She had a Caesar salad, and I had the soup. I had a blackberry gelato for dessert, and she enjoyed a wonderful tiramisu. We capped off the dinner with a lovely cappuccino. The staff is kind, helpful, and attentive. The restaurant is cozy and special; perfect for an intimate evening or special occasion. read more

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This has been one of my favorites since I was little. The food is consistent and delicious. The atmosphere always takes me to a different time period and the location is perfect for the theatre! read more

The Village - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My father and step mother used to live near Chicago. They brought my sister and I here on one of our visits. I ordered the Sphaghetti with Spicy Arrabiata sauce. The dish was delicious and a really good spice to eat. Years later, my father and step mother have moved away from the Chicago area but I still talked with my fiance about how good the food was here. Couple weekends ago, my fiance and I had tickets to see a play in Chicago. While we were in the area, we managed to make a trip to this restaurant. We both took an Uber to the restaurant so I cannot talk about parking in the area. We arrived at the restaurant and we're able to be seated immediately even without a reservation.. You do have the option of making a reservation on like. For food, i ordered the Sphaghetti with Spicy Arrabiata sauce and sausage. It was a delicious as i remembered. Please forgive my picture of the plate. I was so excited to try it again that I forgot to take a picture before digging in. To drink, I ordered the Capone which is described as an Italian Style Rum Old Fashion. I'm a big fan of regular old fashion but this was a nice change. The service was both friendly and attentive. They did ask us if we were interested in dessert buy they meal was very filling. I definitely recommend this place to anyone visiting Chicago or living nearby. read more

The Village - Sphaghetti with Spicy Arrabiata Sauce and Sausage - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

In Chicago for work, in the mood for...Italian? Walked to the Village, made my way upstairs to the bar (weird how that always happens) and ate right there. Eggplant Parm? Yes please. Solid meal, nice service, what's not to love? read more

The Village - Eggplant Parmigiana - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

As noted it is the oldest Italian restaurant in the city- and family owned. We were seated immediately at 5:15pm and service was prompt and friendly. Fresh bread came immediately and was replenished without asking when we ate it all. Whitefish was ok - veggies were a nice compliment to it. The lasagna was delicious and no xtra cheese is needed. The béchamel sauce was super-d-duper! Huge piece and very shareable if you wanted. In and out in slightly over an hour with a very satisfying meal. Go and try for yourself. read more

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We have been coming here 1984 and have never been disappointed with the service or the execution of our meals. Yes the place is old and the ambiance is like eating on a sidewalk in Italy. We enjoyed the salmon puttanesca and chicken piccata (I added a small side of pasta to help get all of the wonderful sauce). The desserts were delicious, blackberry gelato and torte al chocolato with some really good decaf coffee. Enjoy! read more

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Great spot! Tried several of the appetizers and main dishes. Most mains come with a small soup or salad to start. The garlic bread appetizer was not great because the garlic was a bit raw tasting. The stand out item was the cheese pizza! The menu says the pizza takes 30 minutes but honestly it took about 15 minutes. Tried several desserts and the best dessert was definitely the cheesecake. The serving staff is very friendly and the service in general is very quick. The ambiance was reasonably upscale. Restrooms are easily accessible and clean. Would definitely go back! read more

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Just... wow. The service, the accommodations, and the history is incredible. As a vegan, Italian cuisine is one I often avoid. However, this place will make sure you have a great experience. The table bread is vegan, so enjoy it with the house oil that is on the table. For an appetizer, enjoy the minestrone soup. A cup, is literally a cup of soup. It is delicious, so for selfish reasons I would order a bowl and not share if I went again. Additionally, the charred broccoli is vegan. Enjoy a huge side of that. The servers are always able to provide accommodations and work with the kitchen if you're looking for something special. The ambiance is truly an experience of being transported to Italy. I absolutely recommend visiting here for all vegetable and meat eaters. read more

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got to sit in one of their small rooms which made our meal feel more intimate. I got the seafood ravioli and really enjoyed it. I also ordered their Franks "Old School" Manhattan which tied everything together. We also got to try their tiramisu for dessert and were pleasantly satisfied. Overall I enjoyed coming here and I'd recommend it if you're looking for an Italian spot with a cozy feel. read more

The Village - Seafood Ravioli - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

From outside, it looks a bit worn and like they are waiting for the tour bus to pull up with tourists ready to see the oldest Italian restaurant in Chicago. Inside, staff knew everyone's name and order, and welcomed newcomers with warmth. Meals are complete and plentiful. I didn't look at the menu and asked for the eggplant Parmesan and ended up with lunch, dinner and food for a friend. Tomato sauce was good, spiced (mildly) and the food was excellent. Large cuts of eggplant lightly battered, nicely sauced with enough cheese that worked but was the weak link in the food (noting only because I rarely give five stars, so noting the weakness matters). Waitstaff has advanced degrees in caring for customers and engaging with them. They make the place special. A family restaurant for about a 100 years staff shared the changes with cocktails increasing in. Importance and portion size always ample. They joked about the place 50 years ago when screwdrivers and bourbon and coke were the standard to cover up substandard liquor today when cocktails need a twist, a drop of this or that, and attention to detail. read more

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We changed dinner plans last minute after seeing this place online and i'm so happy we did. The restaurant is beautiful and so is the bar area. Food was AMAZING! best pasta in town for sure. The service was fast and friendly even though they were packed. We walked in and sat at the bar for a short ten minutes before being seated. I came here for my birthday and they gave me a complimentary cannoli which i loved. Can't wait to come back!! read more

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We loved this spot. The gnocchi, espresso martini, & tiramisu was amazing. Big serving as well- we split the gnocchi. We had a very private booth. Loved the old fashioned Italian vibes. Our server was also great. read more

The Village - Gnocchi con Salsiccia - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Enjoyed this experience in the oldest Italian restaurant- the ambiance is top notch with its indoor decor and cute little private dining corners. Service was excellent and attentive. Food delicious. Don't eat too much bread before your main course! read more

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Hubby chose this restaurant to celebrate our anniversary and he made a good choice! The restaurant is elegant with dark tables, heavy silverware, nice glasses, what appear to be Italian glass water bottles, and a well dressed wait staff. We had reservations for after we went to the theater and it was a good thing because the restaurant filled up while we were there, including a table for 20 right beside our table for two. We started with water, a glass of Pinot Grigio and a pineapple mock-tail and then added a small Caesar salad and a Caprese salad. The beverages were refreshing and the salads were delicious. For our entrees we ordered lasagne (with melted cheese on top) and rigatoni di Franco. All of the portions were generous and I had plenty left over to bring back to our hotel. It was a nice way to end our day of celebration! read more

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Great Italian Food with even better service. Make a reservation, otherwise you will have a LONG wait or be turned away. Cutesy and cozy with a very warm. My first time eating here but not my last. read more

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