A Tavola
2148 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, 60622
A Tavola Menu
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Specialties
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Appetizers
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Handmade Pastas
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Entrees
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Sides
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Desserts
Healthy Meal suggestions for A Tavola
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Specialties
-
Appetizers
-
Handmade Pastas
-
Entrees
-
Sides
-
Desserts
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Address :
2148 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL, 60622 - Phone (773) 276-7567
- Website https://www.atavolachicago.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :5:30 pm - 10:00pm
- Mon : 5:30 pm - 10:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Dressy
Ambience : Romantic
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
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Gena K.
I love this place. The atmosphere, the food, and the attention is incomparable. It is small and intimate, with dim lighting and only a few tables in the dining room (although for the love of god, a dropped ceiling...please change it). The food is delightful, rich, and flavorful. It's not to be missed for a special occasion.
(5)Tim H.
I had the best meal of my life at a tavola. The place is totally unassuming, which I see some people consider boring, but I found charming and unpretentious. Our waiter couldn't have been more friendly or helpful, and with so few tables, it was easy to get whatever we needed. But the food was unforgettable. We shared a porterhouse that was flawless. I thought I knew what gnocchi could be...but no, I was shown a greater thing. If I was about to die, I'd ask the executioner for a tavola's panna cotta. To be fair, though, we spent a ton of money ($350 for two). But it was without a doubt the best meal I've ever had.
(5)Anonymous F.
My husband and I went to A Tavola for my birthday recently. Three stars: service was 1 star, the food was 5. So all over a 3 star place. We got there and the waiter asked if we wanted tap of bottled water. We requested tap water. He came back about 5 minutes later and asked us if we wanted bottled or tap water. OK, we were only one of two tables at this point. Bad memory? Anyhow, we ordered our food. They forgot to bring our salad, and we thought it was taking a long time.... One hour and 10 minutes after we sat down, they brought our main course. When we asked about our salads, they offered to bring them out, but at this point, we had hot food in from of us, and it was too late. Our waiter came by and made a comment "oh, looks like they forgot your salad." I felt like saying, "um, YOU forgot our salad." But whatever. The waiter also forgot to bring our wine that we ordered, and we had to ask for it. It arrived well after our food. While the food was fantastic, the waiter never once stopped by our table during the entire meal to see how everything was or if we needed anything. As mentioned, we had to flag another waiter down to get our waiter to get the wine. My husband had asked for a candle in my dessert (clearly NOT a big deal to me), but it arrived without. And finally, when the bill came, the salad was still on the bill. We tried to flag down our waiter, but because he was never checking on us, again, we had to get another waiter to get our waiter to ask that they remove this charge. Oh, also the 2 top we were at was like sitting on wooden boards, which it literally was. A Tavola was highly recommended to us, but we were quite disappointed, and will not return.
(3)Emily T.
I found A Tavola in the search for a nice, intimate place to have dinner with a new guy (this was my first time to plan a date) and this restaurant was exactly what I was looking for. Small, quiet, romantic. I'm pretty sure I got bonus points for even knowing about it- A Tavola is so tucked away and non-descript that it feels like you're privy to a closely guarded secret. Unfortunately, it only gets 3 stars from me. We ordered a trio of different meats, served carpaccio style, which was wonderful. I ordered the gnocchi, which had been billed as their house specialty, and he ordered the short ribs on risotto. My gnocchi was pretty undercooked and as a result- gummy. My date tried it and concurred- I still managed to eat about half of the dish, but when pressed by the waiter, ("...But it's our house specialty!" ) declined to send it back. (New relationship- too nervous to come off as high maintenance, which I most likely am) His short ribs were great, much more flavorful. We got a bottle of red and spent probably $160 with tip. Otherwise, while nice, and tucked away, the jazz playing via cd on an old boombox under a server's station where we were seated upstairs kept skipping/stopping, and the waiter kept having to futz with it. That kind of kills the mood. (And really- CDs? Is this 1992?) Also, I wish there were more reasonably priced wine options by the bottle. Otherwise, still a good evening.
(3)Casey F.
My husband and I dined here last night for New Years. This place had been on our list for awhile after some friends recommended it. The restaurant is literally an old house and was really cute inside with a nice atmosphere. We started with a Tuscan blend wine which was delicious. The menu is designed to be a 3 course meal- first an appetizer, then a pasta course and ending with an entree. We opted not to get any appetizers, mainly because nothing really jumped out on the menu. For the pasta course, I ordered the gnocchi with brown butter and sage and my husband got the lamb ragu. I had high expectations for the gnocchi after reading various other yelp reviews and while I thought they were good, I have had better gnocchi elsewhere. They were super light and pillowy - so much so that my fork broke them apart when I tried to eat them. My husband's ragu was the show stealer. It was such tender braised lamb and a great sauce. Also it was a much larger portion. For our entrees I got the duck leg with garlic spinach and potatoes and my husband the braised short rib with saffron risotto. Again, his dish was by far the winner. My duck was overcooked. The middle was pink however the ends were well done and basically inedible. The spinach was the highlight of my dish. On the other hand, the braised short rib and risotto was amazing. So tender, so flavorful and the risotto was perfect. If I had ordered what my husband did, I probably would give this place 4 stars. Also our service was very slow. We were there for an hour and 45 minutes when we only ordered 2 courses. We were nursing our bottle of wine. Our server never checked on us during our entrees, which would have been nice considering my lamb was overdone. I didn't think this place was worth the money. Next time I want high quality Italian, I'll be heading to La Scarola instead.
(3)Shelby B.
Wonderful food, but an even more wonderful experience because of our gracious and lovely waitress, Aubrey. A fantastic time. Great pasta dishes, and wonderful dessert. Charming.
(5)Amanda P.
This place is as good as everyone said! I went here for a special occasion and was very worried it would be just eh a dinner. First off, not even the taxi knew it was a restaurant so that was great! They asked if we wanted to sit outside, but looked like it was going to rain, so I hesitated but he assured us he would hold a table inside just "in case" (nice!). patio is lovely, the table rocked a tiny (brick patio), but before we could say or even think it, the waiter was out with little plastic inserts to even the table out for us. Wine was good, dinner was great. Gnocchi was great, I had it as an entree since I am a veg, the Beef Tenderloin was huge. Service was very attentive, but not overly so. Dessert was amazing, forget the name now but it was the vanilla one. Make sure you get it! Do not hesitate to go here for a great and memorable dinner!
(5)Yvonne Y.
Solid Italian food with the pasta primi and meat/seafood secondi. For the primi, we had the gnocchi and the daily special pepe e cacio. Fresh pasta with the right amount of seasoning. Only downside was the pepe e cacio was cold (supposed to be warm) by the time they served it. Very tender beef ribs served over creamy polenta. Easy to find parking. Older clientele averaging 50s.
(4)Alexis S.
I am in b/t a 2 and 3 star review but overall I would not recommend this restaurant. It's cute on the outside but the inside felt pretty ordinary to me with not much decor to make it feel cozy (there are only 10 tables and its pretty quiet so you can hear everyone) or anything to make it unique. We also had a table right by the door which wasn't that great.. every time someone opened the door we felt the cold breeze and as people came in they waited by our table which was awkward. Our waitress was nice but she wasn't experienced, causing some problems later on. I think at a restaurant like this (which is expensive) waiters should be experienced. Two people at my table ordered the rack of lamb medium rare; their lamb came medium well which was really disappointing. Between our 2nd entree and 3rd (their are 3 courses) it took 45 minutes to get our food, which is really unacceptable (the table next to us, who came in 30 minutes after we did, got their entree before we did and they also ordered 3 courses). They did provide us with a free entree b/c the lamb was cooked incorrectly which was nice but still disappointing b/c neither person in my party could really eat their entree. Also my mom ordered a side of spinach with her pasta and they forgot it and brought it to her like it was a dessert course (the timing was very awkward). My arugula salad was simple but very good and I enjoyed my pasta. Just very disappointed in how they cooked the lamb and it took to long to get our food. I prefer The Bristol, Mia Francesca, or Anteprima for similar food.
(3)candace l.
We celebrated our anniversary here, and what a special, intimate, gem of a place! I loved it, everything from the ambiance, location (obscure two flat) and romantic feel of having found this place. Oh, did I mention the food?! I had the gnocchi and I still talk (and dream) about it! That's saying a lot considering I married into an italian family. We will celebrate here again and again...
(5)Jeff S.
Absolutely amazing. Atmosphere. Service. Style. Presentation. Flavor. I accomplished two major feats this week. One - I introduced 4 native Chicagoans to a tavola - in a city of fine restaurants none of them had heard of a tavola until I recommended we dine there based upon the recommendations of my fellow yelpers. Which brings me to Two - by now we should have four new yelpers! What an amazing experience. For starters, we felt like we were entering the restauranteur's home, as the restaurant is a refurbished row house. Upon entering, we received a warm welcome and were escorted to our corner table. From there, the fine service began. Everybody was completely attentive to our needs. The menu is limited on purpose, and for good reason. Many items are grown fresh in the backyard garden, and the pasta is made on site. So where to begin? A fresh spinach salad? Salad calabrese? (I had the Calabrese - completely fresh and totally delicious). Second course is a pasta. At the recommendation of many fellow yelpers, we had the gnocchi - and the yelpers were right. Best gnocchi any of us have ever tasted. I also ordered pasta tagliatelle bolognese. We passed it around the table, and all agreed that a tavola bolognese was the best we had experienced. On to main course. I had the filet, medium rare. Seasoned with olive oil and sea salt and cooked over wood it was outstanding. It was accompanied by sauteed spinach with garlic and roasted rosemarypotatoes. A lightly breaded grouper filet was also offered off menu, and three of my companions enjoyed this wonderful dish. The dessert selection included four items, all prepared fresh in-house. Of course, we tried all four accompanied by either cappucino or port (guess which I chose) and the meal concluded with smiles all around. A tavola is definitely worth a visit. I know that when I return to Chicago I will look forward to a return visit.
(5)Mahsa T.
The food at A Tavola did not live up to the hype. The pear salad was lackluster. The brown sage butter gnocchi was decent, but the sage over-powered the whole dish, I've had better gnocchi at a handful of other restaurants. My braised beef short rib was good but exactly half of it was pure fat and bone that I could not eat. The risotto that came with it was runny and had a weird flavor to it because of the lemon zest. My dining companion liked his beef tenderloin. Good wine selection. We decided not to have dessert. A meal here can be quite expensive and I'd say your money is better spent somewhere else. The menu is extremely limited and if you have a limited menu, each entree better be phenomenal, but this was not the case. Nothing tasted authentically Italian to me. Atmosphere and dress are casual. You may have trouble finding this place, it looks like a house from the outside, no sign. It is in fact a house turned into a restaurant, the small living room is basically the dining area. Just a handful of tables with slow turnover so make sure you have reservations. The place feels cozy and service was excellent but the food is what matters and sadly, A Tavola did not deliver.
(3)John A.
My lovely wife and I dined at A Tavola for the first time with best friends and had an experience that makes my top 10 dining experience list with the likes of Trotters and French Laundry. The Location: The place is inconspicuous and easy to miss. Street parking only on Chicago Avenue. The Service: In a word fabulous. Josie, our server was welcoming, friendly, attentive and extremely knowable about the wine list. The food was outstanding especially the gnocchi with the crisped sage leaves. The black pepper spaghetti was a delightful clean and crisp (al dente) dish that would have made a lite dinner by itself. The main dishes were just as incredible. One of the specials for the night they served was a grilled leg of lamb sliced and served with a parmesan crusted potato and spinach which was one of the best lamb preps I have had in a long time. The short rib on a bed of risotto was equally as good. Topped it all off with great limoncello. The restaurant is pricy and in our case because we made it so, but the ambience, service and food made it all very worth while. I live in the western suburbs which makes this restaurant a hike (took an hour to get there), but I am anxious to go back soon.
(5)Melanie S.
It rather pains me to have to drop two stars when my multiple previous visits were all worthy of five stars. I went again last night because it is (was) one of my favorite restaurants and it had been quite a while since I had been. A good friend was taking me for a belated birthday dinner and since we both loved A Tavola, going back was an easy sell. We didn't make a reservation, but since we arrived on the early side, we had no problem getting a table on their patio. It was a perfect evening to sit outside and enjoy a leisurely dinner. We wanted to start with wine but the wine list on our table was empty, as in the book had no pages in it. After we were finally able to flag someone down, we were given the wine list and we decided on what we wanted to order. I ordered a rosé and my friend ordered something white that she couldn't pronounce (this will be important later). Our wine arrives and we're asked about our food selections. We always share an order of gnocchi to start and I opted for the lamb special, medium rare, and my friend went with the fish of the day. Our gnocchi arrives, already split, which I always appreciate, and while it was good, it just wasn't nearly as good as I remember. Our empty plates sat there until our dinner arrives...thirty minutes later. We were never offered second glasses of wine which we would have happily drunk. Our server simply plunked our plates down and scurried off. My lamb was frightfully overcooked but since our server didn't come back to check on us (I never even saw her on the patio after that), I couldn't send it back so I just ate it because I feared it would be another half hour before a new dish was prepared and I didn't want my friend to eat alone. The other odd thing was that both of our entrees were to come with potatoes - that's potatoes, plural. What we each got was one sad little new potato (and I mean tiny), cut in half. Did potatoes suddenly get really expensive? Last time I checked, they were one of the more cheap starches (hell, I used to buy a bag of them in college and subsist on them for a week), so why so chintzy, A Tavola? After we finished our entrees my friend decided she really wanted a second glass of wine but again, finding our server was next to impossible. When she finally came out, she had to ask my friend what she ordered. My friend said "The wine I couldn't pronounce earlier." The server said "Oh, I'll figure it out" and walked away. The server must have passed by our table at least six times in the next ten minutes but never looked our way or delivered the wine. My friend got up to go to the bathroom and our server came to me and asked if she had ordered white wine. I said "yes" then she ran off again. By now, my friend returned and still didn't have her wine. I would have ordered dessert to enjoy while my friend was drinking her wine but we were never asked and since the wine situation wasn't looking so promising, we decided to just find the server and tell her to cancel the wine so we could get out of there. Again, we couldn't find her so my friend got up to look for her and found her and told her to cancel the wine. The server remarked that it "was on the table" and my friend had to tell her that it wasn't and to just forget about it and bring our check as it was getting late. The server then brings the wine, apologizes and tells us she won't charge us for the wine. Okay, great. Since we got the wine, I decide to order dessert so I can eat it while my friend has her wine. Again, it took our server several minutes to bring the dessert menu and take my order. I finally get my panna cotta and we eat and drink in a hurry as we've now been there 2.5 hours. Another server brings our check and asks us if we want gratis limoncello shots to make up for the long wait. It was a nice gesture but we declined as we just wanted to leave. An apology was nice, but it was kind of too late at that point (and it would have been more appropriate if it came from our own server). So all we wanted was a leisurely dinner, and by god, we got it. 2.5 hours later, we were out of there. I'm hoping the bad service was just a fluke, because I really love A Tavola and prior to last night I'd had nothing but good experiences there, but it may be some time before I go back and give it another try.
(3)Olivia E.
From being greeted to every dish that was served, I couldn't have asked for more. This By far the BEST Italian place in Chicago.
(5)Chris D.
Very nice, very small and quaint neighborhood establishment. Food was great. Especially the short ribs and risotto. Also the panna cotta is excellent as well. They have a decent wine selection. A very professional and friendly staff willing to recommend food or wine for the evening.
(4)Luke D.
If you hate food with seasoning, you will love A Tavola. A Tavola might be Chicago's most boring restaurant. Based on my diet, it is not for me and I would not return. I eat fish but not meat, and that severely limited my options here. What I could eat was, at best, unmemorable and, at worst, completely tasteless. Meat eaters might have an entirely different experience. We started with a very good grilled mushroom appetizer (one of only two appetizers I could eat, the other being a boring preparation of mixed vegetables). I then had very nice, if unremarkable, gnocchi with sage and brown butter (the only pasta on the menu I could eat). My entree was the fish of the day (again, my only choice), an unidentified whitefish served with unseasoned (?!) potatoes and broccoli. This unbelievably unimaginative preparation was high priced hospital food. Easily the most bland dish I have ever had in Chicago and possibly my life. I could not believe how tasteless and boring the dish was, especially for this price. Given that I have eaten every item I can on A Tavola's menu, there is no reason for me to return. The patio was nice and service was friendly and attentive. Unfortunately, it doesn't make up for the lame menu. Again, meat eaters may have a completely different take.
(2)Sam K.
If you want a lovely, simple dining experience with solid, delicious food, then a tavola is your best bet. No hype or frills - just an old fashioned New York style Italian restaurant with accessible, perfectly cooked food. The decor was classic with a few black and white photographs and lovely drapes with hints of gold - the sort of classic contemporary that's comforting and never tries too hard. We had the gnocchi as one of our first courses, and I can honestly say it's the best gnocchi I've every had. I sorrowfully told my boyfriend that there's no way the gnocchi can be topped - I was right, but the grilled leg of lamb from the specials menu came pretty damn close. I asked for medium rare, and goddamn it, they gave me medium rare. Perfect lamb. My boyfriend got the roasted chicken, which I wasn't impressed with, but he liked it. The best part of our meal was the ambiance - this is a seriously romantic restaurant - the type where you can lean into your lover and hold hands and whisper and giggle. Cons: The roasted chicken came with a savory bread pudding, which was way too salty and buttery and greasy - quite below par for the rest of our meal, which was delicious. Neither of us could stomach a second bite. The service definitely needed some improvement. We had a reservation, and yet we still had to wait twenty minutes until someone even came by to get our drink order. When the waiter finally did attend to us, he said "uh, has anyone come to help your guys or taken your drink order yet? Oh. I guess I'll be your waiter tonight." The service was slow for the rest of the night, too, which was fine, because who cares when the food is good? But when the waiter did come by, he was flustered and rushed. He also didn't check on us even once after we got our first course, or even once after we got our entrees. To be fair, when we got our bill, they hadn't charged us for my single glass of wine, and when I pointed it out, he said "because things were crazy tonight." I appreciate it, and I'm glad they were aware of the problem, but I'd rather have paid for my wine and had good service. Also, as yelper Shradha pointed out, they didn't really have good vegetarian options. We weren't vegetarian, but we were scoping out the place for future visits with my parents, who are, and I can be assured that this isn't a place to bring them. It's 2012, and vegetarians usually love Italian food - they should try to have something to accommodate them.
(4)Heather M.
This place is truly amazing, a total gem, and totally worth the schlep over to the area. The chef's mantra seems to be "keep it simple," and that is just what he does - find really good ingredients, and cajole them carefully to make them taste as good as possible. Nothing fancy here - just really delicious food. I can't wait to go back with a big group and order one of everything on their menu. I was lucky enough to attend a cooking demo with Chef Dan, where he whimsically taught us to make his fantastic gnocchi (literally, the best I've ever had) with sage brown butter and tons of parmesean. I will be back to this restaurant for the gnocchi alone. He also taught a simple chicken recipe, and showed an awesome trick on trussing the legs (I'll let you go and find out for yourself.) After that, the man did something with oyster mushrooms that made them so flavorful and wonderful... it was one of the standouts on a giant table of delicious food. And they only had a tiny pat of butter!!! Amazing. (The portobellos, as often noted, are also delicious. His vinegarette/marinade recipe is delightful.) The tarte tatin that we made was great. Chef Dan was so thorough and passionate with his instruction that I actually believe that I will be able to make this again at home. Recommend highly. Mangia!
(5)Karen N.
This is a mix review. Atmosphere and service-5 star. Cozy, romantic, very attentive service. Food-My husband would rate it 4 and I would rate 3 because I had a not so great entree. I didn't like the portebella mushroom that tasted completely like balsamic vinegar. Instead, I liked the oyster mushroom that came as part of the dish. On the specials list, there's a turkey filet entree, served with sauteed spinach and procuitto raisin bread pudding. The whole dish was just ok for me. The turkey fillet is on the dry side, I know.. it's turkey but I thought there will be some magic happening given how everyone raves about this chef. The 5 star food items: short ribs, gnocchi, tarte tatin. All freshly made everyday, truly out of the world. I think i will go back and try the cooking demo. the restaurant has an inviting vibe and I would like to try the back patio.
(4)Colleen C.
Would you like to score a few romantical points with your significant other? A date at A Tavola will achieve the following: 1. Prove you to know your stuff...despite quite a few raves on this particular website, it's still a bit "undiscovered." Meaning, you are ORIGINAL. Always a good thing. 2. Shows that you have breadth and depth beyond the stapled neighborhoods of Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Wicker Park and Bucktown. (But it's not TOOOOOO far). 3. A goodnight kiss. (If that is what you so desire). Ok, I can't promise this one, but play your cards right, order the correct wine, languish over some finely cooked food...and well, the rest is up to you, mmmk? A TAVOLA! It's an upper scale Italian restaurant on Chicago avenue nearing Western. There is a sign that whispers...but does not scream. There is no valet (but street parking is very easy). There's just A Tavola, sitting there inhabiting a former home, with a sprawling (city standards) back patio. It's a white-table-cloth-kind-of-place (and priced accordingly, for the most part). It's nice, but you won't feel under dressed in jeans and a jacket, or even just jeans and a button-up shirt. Girls, I'd leave the flip flops at home (but hey, I always think that). It's not a "judgey" place, but it is the kind of place you'll feel a bit proud to be at (and protective of), and thus...adorn accordingly. Typically at fancy-ish type restaurants, the food is small and perhaps unintelligible from the menu. At A Tavola you get wonderful homecooked classics with a twist, all freshly prepared and created that very night. An ever-changing menu of classic (real) Italian fare with large tender cuts of meat (I had the pork loin), fresh salads, appetizers, and fish. Great for a family dinner, out-of-towners that want a real taste of that lustrous Chicago dining scene...but aren't "foodies" or interested in fusion, sushi, etc. A special occasion date with salads, appetizer, bottle of wine (sangiovese), 2 entrees, dessert and a bit o' bourbon for my beau + tax/tip = $175. It's not inexpensive, but it IS quality. Classy, but not gauche.The twinkly white lights and candles on the patio were icing on the (birthday dinner) cake. Sneak out through the side alley for that kiss, ta da.
(5)Robert T.
A wonderful quiet and romantic gem! It is located on the first floor of a wonderful brownstone. Our party of four enjoyed an absolutely excellent dinner selecting Short Ribs, Chicken, Branzani and several pastas. The foccacia with olive oil was a hit. We had two delicious bottles of wine and split two desserts. Our waitperson, Tim, was very attentive to our needs and was extremely professional. Everything was perfect for a lovely evening with friends. Plus...it is a conversational friendly (no large parties and no TVs) restaurant!!! My wife and I are adding A Tavola to our regular restaurants--especially with other couples.
(5)Carol K.
Tucked away in a house on Chicago Ave is A Tavola- a little piece of Italian perfection that is easy to miss as you drive down the street. For there are no glaring neon signs, no valet stand and none of the "pomp and circumstance" that is usually present in a restaurant of this caliber. No. A Tavola is more like having dinner at a friend's house. A friend who grows their own lettuce for the arugula salad in the back yard. A friend who's fresh herb garden provides the added accent to many dishes. A friend who's mom must have come from the "old country" to be able to make food as good as this! We started with a couple of their appetizers. The portabella and shittake mushroom special was amazing. Marinated and then freshly grilled- who knew mushrooms could taste this good! And the caprese salad? The buffalo mozzarella just melted in my mouth. We then ordered two of the pasta dishes- the gnocchi (an extra large portion as my friend said he was going to take some home) and the pasta with the homemade bolognese sauce for me. Let me say right now- that there were no leftovers of either. Both were delicious! As for entrees- my friend ordered the red grouper which was the special of the day (served with caper sauce) and I had the grilled lamb with fresh spinach. These, too, were perfectly prepared and still were "praise worthy" the next day when I had them for leftovers. Finally ,we split the panna cotta. This rich dessert drizzled with vanilla sauce had a firm, fresh texture that made for the perfect ending to our meal. Service was outstanding. There were no missed steps and our server's recommendations were spot on. She knew her stuff. On the night we were there- there was a private party in the main dining area so we were seated upstairs. Upstairs lacks the ambiance but the food is just as good. If you are going to celebrate a special occasion- make sure you are seated on the main floor or you will miss some of the magic of what is A Tavola. Street parking is easy on this stretch of Chicago- just don't forget to pay the meter box. And there is no need to get dressed up as this place is casual yet nice. If you are looking for that special place to enjoy a night out with some great food, excellent service with an intimate ambiance, try A Tavola. It's a little bit of Italy, right here in Chicago!
(5)Youssef E.
We found this place through a friend, and it was one of the best Italian food I have had so far in the city. It's a small place with about 10 tables, dimmed, and very home felling. The server was knowledgeable, and pleasant when describing the food. The short ribs were to die for. Braised for 10 hours and was complemented by a great polenta with carrots. The gnocchi was just unique. It melted in your mouth without the starchy finish. You have to go!!!
(5)Mark C.
This small, quiet, and intimate space is the perfect place for a romantic date. It is so easy to pass this restaurant by as it is hidden in a former town house on an otherwise nondescript section of west Chicago Ave. The wine list is expansive with many Italian wines that frankly, we had never heard of, so we placed the selection in the hands of our attentive server. We were not disappointed as the wines were great. My finance had the arugula salad (all freshly grown in the back) and I had the mussels and clams in a tomato broth. Both were a perfect start. We split the gnocchi in butter and sage and I was somewhat disappointed that we shared as it was so good. I wanted more! The lamb and braised beef entrees were terrific and we savored the ambiance as we finished our wine. We will be back as this gem is one of the better Italian restaurants in the city. It reminded me of the many small neighborhood restaurants I have frequented while traveling to NYC. Great service and delicious food!
(4)Alanna M.
I fell in love with this place last night! It looks like a home, so you just might miss it on Chicago Ave! It truly felt like I was being invited into someone's home for a meal. Usually I think Italian food is too heavy, but the portions were great here. It wasn't too busy, so service was flawless. My experience here was truly about good food, good wine, and good company. We sat inside the dining room but I'm sure that I'll be frequenting their patio when it gets warmer.
(5)Kelsey K.
We went here for my brother-in-law's graduation dinner and it was great. The problem with Italian is that it's really hard to screw it up and it's really hard to make it stand out. Luckily, A Tavola is able to succeed in the latter. I was feeling miserable and wasn't fully able to enjoy it, but even in my misery I knew that it was something special. The wine was great and everything that we ordered from the menu was incredible. My father-in-law says that he hasn't had anything there that wasn't incredible and I trust his expertise.... so I would go out on a limb and say that everything here is awesome. I searched for epic Italian in Chicago for a few years and now I have about 4 really good options and I am just happy as a clam!! The long and short: you absolutely can't go wrong with A Tavola for a special occasion!!
(5)Katherine H.
So, my partner loves the place. I think it's pretty good. Very cozy, pretty warm. Small menu, and I'm noticing they run out of items quickly. Food is very creamy, heavy, and meaty. A lighter option or two would be nice. Loved the spinach, though.
(4)Michael T.
I came here for my anniversary and was my second visit... Both visits were spectacular! The food was as always simply perfect! I ate the pork shank... It was so tender it practically fell apart. The gnocchi was pillowy and savory. The only reason why I did not give it 5 stars was because I felt rushed by our waiter... Yes we were the last table to leave but we ended up leaving at least 1/2 before the restaurant's closing time.
(4)Claudio J.
Great food, service and ambiance for great price
(4)K M.
My old coworker who was a big foodie recommended this place for my bf and I to enjoy Valentine's Day years ago. It was the perfect spot! They sat us upstairs that evening & it was not too crowded. We have returned many times since. My friend said we HAVE to get the gnocchi. My bf did, I got a lamb pasta dish, & very upset I didn't listen to the advice:) Best gnocchi you will ever have! I did not make THAT mistake twice! You can also receive an entree sized portion of the gnocchi as we did once when we returned with a group of 6. All of the entrees I've tried were delicious with the exception of the short ribs, I did not personally care for. The pork shoulder is in a class of it's own, however! And, I never order pork anywhere I go, but now order this every time! It falls off the bone, so juicy and tender! Yum! Want to go back just thinking about it:) Service can be slow sometimes, but that's fine, makes you feel like you are back in Europe. If you are in a hurry, I'm sure you can just tell them.
(5)Brandon T.
Had dinner here last night. Everything just equaled out to be ok I guess? Alot of heavy ups and downs. Gnocchi..Great. Vegetable appetizer just tasted like grilled veggies, nothing really special. The entree sides had no salt or pepper and were missing any kind seasoning. Ordered my steak med-rare, came out well done. Seriously completely cooked through. I hate sending food back, and probably have 5 times in my life, but I just had to have this redone. The second one was smaller, but cooked fine. Unfortunately everyone else had already finished there entree's by the time I got mine. Ended up slightly ackward. Beautiful back patio! Ok-subpar service. 3 stars.. Its really to bad, because it is a really nice place for a outdoor dinner.
(3)Danielle J.
A Tavola is a really nice place, cozy in the winter and lovely twinkle-lit patio in the summer.They start you off with DELICIOUS foccachia and a nice wine list. You must order the gnocchi, it is unbelievably good. I always burn my mouth on it because I can't help but start to eat right when it comes out. Also, try the apple dessert, amazing. The waitstaff is friendly and works together well. We had such a consistently great experience that we decided to have our rehearsal dinner here. It was a beautiful evening and they were exceptionally accommodating to our large group. We wanted something off the beaten path that our out of town guests wouldn't have found on their own and they still can't stop talking about how good the food was!
(5)Kevin C.
Great Italian restauran!. The patio is wonderful and the food is even better. Each pasta we got was better than the next. I love that their menu is composed in true Italian fashion, with anitpasti, small pasta dishes, and finally secondi, all portioned perfectly so you can enjoy each course. The service was great despite how very busy they were. Nice wine list with a very reasonably priced selection. I can't wait to go back!!
(4)Lois A.
After eating here it comes as no surprise that this restaurant has been here for so many years and that it doesn't need a huge sign proclaiming its existence. The dining room is small and intimate and it fills up incredibly quickly. We had 5:30 reservations and within 30 minutues of opening there was not a seat left in the house. We started with some wine and the braised lamb ragu. The lamb was perfect and next we ordered the gnocchi. The gnocchi was good but probably the least impressive of all we had, if only because the rest of the meal was so outstanding. The lemon caper sauce that came with the whitefish was so flavorful and fantastic that we have taken to trying to replicate it at home (as close as we can come to it) for our own chicken and broccoli dishes. The roasted chicken with bread pudding was another highlight and since I could not eat it all in one sitting, it made for an excellent lunch the next day. Due to high demand in the kitchen one of the sides I ordered was very slow to come out. Our server kindly gave me another glass of wine on the house to make up for it and given how enjoyable the wine was, that gesture was much appreciated. This is a perfect date destination and I can not wait to be able to dine here when the outdoor patio is open in summer. It's really hard to say enough about this place - I would highly recommend it to anyone.
(5)Julie A.
It makes me so sad to drop down from 5 stars to 4, it should probably be three stars, but our waiter added the extra star. It's our one year anniversary, and A Tavola was THE PLACE I wanted to spend it. The food was great, we had the calamari, gnocchi and split a bone in steak for 2. It was delicious. Our waiter was great, too - and we were lucky to have him. However, the other servers was freaking spazes. Yes, you're busy but you're also a fine dining establishment where you are making a minimum of $40 in tips a table, yes its warm outside and there are people on the patio also dining, but come on! I couldn't believe how the server huffed and puffed and loudly sighing over and over and over in front of guests and behind the bar. I understand shit gets busy, and maybe they were short staffed, but try to keep up a professional demeanor and relax. I heard the other server SCREAMING at the chefs in the kitchen. I mean, make sure the kitchen door is closed before you start swearing.... Ugh it was such a bummer. Everything else was great just the energy in the space was terrible. Maybe because I basically never go out to a meal for two that is over $60, I really expect the best from an expensive restaurant with such a great reputation. This seriously was a mood killer. I may go back, but for sure not on a weekend night.
(4)Konfushus K.
Dined at A Tavola for Valentine's Day. Unique location, quality food, great dining experience. I am not a big fan of typical Italian cuisine, but this is not your typical Italian restaurant. Check this place out. 4 stars instead of 5 for a couple service hiccups, but nothing major, just a tough night.
(4)Kathleen L.
We came here for our special 5 year anniversary dinner, and once again my husband did not disapoint in choosing the perfect spot. Romantic and intimate, this restaurant gets 5 stars for atmosphere. Our server brought us champagne on the house to celebrate our anniversary and his service was excellent for the rest of the evening. He was very attentive but not too much that you got sick of seeing him. I was really impressed with all of the attendants as I observed them, not just our particular waiter. For our order, of course we had to try the gnocchi. My husband had the beef tenderloin and really enjoyed it - it was cooked to perfection and super tender. I noticed other patrons around us who got their gnocchi before we did but defnitely ordered it much later than we had put in our order, so in my mind I already was praying my beloved gnocchi would not come out cold (in case they made it and were waiting to bring it out to us until hubby's beef was ready) . My fear was true...it came out cold. :( BUT! Our server was more than gracious to bring me a brand new one and I am so glad he did!! The new order came out in 3 minutes, steaming hot and the little pillows of gnocchi melted in your mouth. The brown butter sauce is not too heavy (I got every last drop of it with their homemade foccacia bread) and I never knew I'd be so excited about crispy sage. Oh crispy sage. How delightful. Skip the baked apple dessert - the apples were mushy and had a skimpy crust. Indulge in the delicious panna cotta with a shot of espresso. Perfect ending to a wonderful evening! We can't wait to bring back our foodie friends and dine on their patio this summer!
(4)Jonathan S.
This place is incredibly unique. A total foodie, hidden gem spot. We didn't think it was even open at first and had to call to double check from out-front. But it was, and nearly full on a Thurs. evening around 8pm. it's been converted from a house on Chicago Ave. to an intimate Italian place such as you might find on a small side street in Florence. Our dishes were all perfectly flavorful and the setting is romantic.
(4)Terese S.
Don't be a fool - order the Gnocchi. ORDER 2!! Dined here this week with a friend who has been going here for over 10 years. Really neat ambiance/decor, very quaint. Wine - amazing, great recommendations and selections to choose from. We had a blend from Mantipuchiano. Food - just as wonderful. Get the gnocchi and also the braised beef rib - wow, the accompanying risotto was so yummy. Desserts - very good selection and not tiramisu. The lemon tart was simply wonderful. Staff- very friendly and funny. You will be well taken care of. Great date place, very nice ambiance and quiet feeling for a good value also.
(4)Chris C.
A Tavola continues to wow me. I went here recently for my birthday and had my usual Gnocchi appetizer and Beef Tenderloin entree. Both were fabulous as usual. I got stuffed pretty quickly and the Beef Tenderloin and rosemary potatoes made for excellent leftovers. The service continues to be superb. We brought in one of my favorite bottles of wine (corkage fee of 20-30 dollars) and they put it in a decanter after noticing that it was a special occasion wine. The staff is always friendly and we always have a pleasant time.
(5)Anna V.
Great place. I had never heard anything about it before and was invited to join a friend there with his family for dinner (who I believe are friends of the owner). Blew past it twice before I realized it was inside of a little house. We got a table near the window and passed everything except the entrees. The mushroom appetizer was fantastic, so much better than it seems like mushrooms are allowed to be. So were the cured meats and the pear salad. All three pastas we had (tagliatelle, lamb ragu, and the illegal gnocchi) were really wonderful. The short ribs fell apart and had something unexpectedly brilliant going on with the polenta base. We had several bottles of wine I don't remember drinking and left pretty happy. Chicago has a lot of really tasty italian but not a lot of standout wtf this is fantastic italian. A Tavola is, to me, one of the few that does it close to perfect, and it's a treat to have it here.
(5)Vendy L.
This place is nice for dating . Itis beautiful inside and has lovely atmosphere . Service was great . Nice server very helpful .
(5)S B.
I wish there were more than 5 stars. This place is amazing. Been here twice, once with my husband and once with my husband and parents. First time we sat outside on a beautiful night in early fall, second time inside on a cold winter day. Both locations were perfect. So cozy, so intimate, and I love that you can't tell from the street that there is a restaurant behind the door. Romantic--great for anniversaries, birthdays, parents in town, etc. Joel, our waiter both times, was a dream. He's the kind of waiter where we handed him back our menus and said "just bring us your favorite stuff." He's passionate about the food and the restaurant, and I love when the staff takes such pride in the food (he talked about possibly planting sage plants in the back to add fresh sage to one of the dishes...). The food is beautiful, exquisite, and I love that the menu is small. Not a great liquor selection, but good wine list. This is what a restaurant should be. Well done, A Tavola. Can't wait to come back.
(5)Amanda H.
This is one of Chicago's best-kept secrets! It is the sweetest, most romantic and unpretentious little restaurant with spectacular food and wine. Definitely try the gnocchi; you will not be disappointed!
(5)Dna C.
My husband and I celebrated a memorable anniversary here with a private cooking class with Owner and Chef Dan who makes it all look so easy! He is extremely sweet and friendly... So the class was really more than a class because it was like we were at his home and he just invited us into his kitchen. It was super expensive though because u have to pay for wine and then tax and the tip! (With 2.5 glasses of wine we spent $400). But again, its a totally unique homely yet exclusive experience. So if u are the type who don't want to spend a special ocassion partying and getting drunk, this is an interesting idea provided u have the budget for it.
(5)Derrick T.
My fiancee is a huge fan of gnocchi... and because of this, I decided that this Valentines Day, we would make our way to find the best gnocchi in the city of Chicago as a treat! I did my research on the foodie forums as well as yelp, and found that A Tavola was consistently ranked one of the best places to enjoy gnocchi...and with three weeks before Valentine's Day, I called ahead to make a reservation... for the only spot they had left... at 10:00 PM. That's how crazy it was on Valentine's Day here. People aren't kidding when they say that this place is a converted apartment into a restaurant. It is absolutely that. Wired with some speakers playing some smooth jazz and some dimmed overhead lights with candlelights on the table, it was a comfortable atmosphere... and unfortunately at 10:00 PM after a full day of running around, my fiancee and I were growing tired by the minute. Not being heavy eaters, we ordered an appetizer to split, a pasta to split, and then two main courses. This consisted of the special of the day (Mussels and Clams), the Gnocchi in Brown Butter and Sage, the short rib, and the beef tenderloin. Mussels and Clams: Neither my fiancee or I have ever tasted such tender, flavorful mussles in our lives... I didn't even know mussels could be cooked to such perfection! I'll be honest, this was the highlight of the meal... while each of us only received three bites of mussel and two bites of clam, this appetizer will stay etched in our memories forever... This may be a rotating special, so absolutely order it if you have the opportunity! Gnocchi: This was delicious... and memorable, but unfortunately, my fiancee is not a fan of the brown butter/sage sauce. While each of us only received five pieces of gnocchi, I can honestly say I don't think I would be able to eat more due to the richness of the sauce. The gnocchi on it's own was light and airy, and had a perfect texture. No chewiness at all (far different from my experiment at home). Delicious second dish. Tenderloin: Tasty seasoning, but not equivalent to the steak you find at a good steak house. Nothing wrong with this tenderloin by any means, but compared to the finer steak houses in the city, it just didn't match up. This came with sauteed spinach and some roasted potatoes which were above average, but nothing phenomenal. Short rib: A VERY fatty piece of meat.... which was surprising, as I would think they'd use a leaner cut. Tasty, and good flavoring, but again nothing spectacular. Came with a saffron risotto that was good, however my personal preference is a creamier risotto overall. Fiancee is not a fan of saffron we found out this night. Both my fiancee and I enjoyed the food, however whole heartedly agreed that the appetizer and pasta were miles above the main course. Would I go back? Quite possibly... while the appetizer and pastas would likely have us going back, the main course would definitely need a change of pace. They have a fantastic deal on Mondays where you can sign up to learn to cook with the chef, and enjoy a meal with all those that were signed up afterwards for practically the same price of the meal... in fact, I think it's actually cheaper than the meal itself. It would be a great experience, I believe, for foodies and those interested in learning how to prepare some of these dishes... I plan to call ahead and find out if they'll teach those appetizers and the gnocchi specifically before signing up.
(4)Thatgirl T.
First let me say that the food here is outstanding. It's also in a very cute environment. I had eaten here 5 years ago, and was very excited to return with my husband. I called for a reso and was told that we'd be seated upstairs. No problem. When we arrived, we were actually seated in the main dining room, which was also terrific. It was a very cold evening when we dined. Everytime the door opened, we got a terrible draft. They have curtains that separate the main dining room from the foyer, but they were held open, not shut, which would have helped immensely, we were very cold the entire time, which really ruins the dining experience. The service was fine, nothing stellar. They did a great job giving us new silverware between each course, and new plates. At one point I was given a dirty plate and had to ask for a new one. Another time one server brought us new plates, then immediately another server came and removed them, even though we were awaiting our pasta course. Then somebody else came and brought us new plates again. One thing I didn't like was that I could hear the only female server (who wasn't our server) always stressing - I could hear her talking stressfully to somebody about the computer screen, and another time to the bus boy/back waiter about getting the table cleared, and several other times about various items. I noticed once that one of the other servers was running food out for her and she didn't know which table it belonged to, she was asking him "did the kitchen tell you which table that was for????" I felt like her volume forced me to be involved in a lot of her drama, and she wasn't even our server. I'd suggest that she keep it down a bit and keep the drama either off the dining room floor or quieter as it did invade our dining experience a bit. We had the green salad, the chicken and vegetable risotto and split both of those. Both were delicious. My husband ordered the beef, which he ordered medium and it came out medium rare. I ordered the fish special, which was described as having a crispy crust, and didn't. It was still delicious, but wasn't as it was described. My husband had a glass of red wine. Our tab was $100. We also were served focaccia bread and really delicious olives. It was a fine dining experience, but we probably will try something different next time. I love the idea of it, but we probably won't return unless we are dining with others who would like to go there.
(3)Michelle H.
This restaurant is a phenomenal find. It's intimate. The food delights. It's super consistently amazing. I'm updating my 2006 review as I recently sent a friend to enjoy a Tavola. His text to me included thanks along with every, single dish their party tried that evening. I'd mark this as one of one of the very best food experiences in Chicago.
(5)Mary G.
a tavola is just so delightful. good, honest food. my first time, we ordered almost the entire menu and thus stayed for hours. the ambience, the food, the wine, everything kept our attention. well, actually...the tables are kind of on top of one another (get close with your neighbors!) so the couple next to us were actually keeping our attention the most...thanks to their conversation. i have been here only a handful of times and have never been disappointed. bring your mom, bring a date, bring a coworker. actually...if you can't find anyone to bring with you, just go alone. it's that good.
(5)Kate W.
Gnocchi, mussels, and clams - oh my!! I'm stil reeling in delight from last night's dinner. My date googled "slow food in Chicago" and this came up. They don't own a freezer. They make their own limoncello and pasta. Their menu is not extensive - 3 or 4 each of appetizers, pastas, entrees, and sides, plus a special or two for each category - but it's been created with a lot of thought and care, and the flavors and aromas are so full and intoxicating that everything tastes like a delicacy. It's an intimate dining experience without any pretension. The restaurant looks like an unobtrusive home from the outside, with 11 tables in what was probably at one point the living room, plus a small bar, and a coatroom under the stairs. The waitstaff was excellent - good recommendations, very attentive. We shared the mussels & clams appetizer (a special) and the gnocchi with brown sage butter & parmesan. Both were unbelievable. Not large portions but perfect to share as starters. I haven't seen mussels that large in a very long time, and the gnocchi was perfection. Our entrees were the fish of the day (grouper) and the pork shank special. Again, ridiculously good. The grouper was slightly breaded and cooked just right, and the pork shank was huge chunks of savory meat falling of the bone. Dessert was baked apples in a tart-like crust with homemade whipped cream - an excellent, light end to the best meal I've had all year.
(5)Kelley C.
I am not sure if people can't handle giving this place less than 4 stars because they paid so much for beef stew or because someone paid them to write the review. The dining experience reminded me of a southern small-town country club... meh. The other diners were either stuffy 50-60 somethings or other unsuspecting young couples. Oh wait... except for the clearly coked-up asshole at the table next to us. This dude was obviously an investment banker straight out of the 80s. His poor girlfriend must have been deaf... he was screaming about all the "hot new wines" he likes to drink (probably right before jumping in his new Delorean and driving around town wasted). He had a friend with him that tried to escape out the kitchen back door at one point. This dude TOTALLY fit in. I was SO EXCITED to take my boyfriend to this place for his birthday... this was in late October and I can't even remember what we had that I liked...All we both know is that I've had it ALL either when I have made it at home or for less than $10 at a RiverNorth-ish bar. What I do remember is the short rib. Such a disappointment. Its just beef stew with no vegetables. How sad... It was literally the biggest mistake in my ordering history. My BF had roasted chicken.. he thought it was OK. The staff was OK but our server recommended the short rib, so screw her. I would NEVER go back to this place.
(1)Annabelle F.
Cute hidden gem w/ a good patio. Pasta was good, antipasta better. Bit on the pricey side given what you get. No crowd at all (Thursday PM during summertime)
(3)Kyle P.
Prolly a 3 1/2 but going it a four based on excellent service wine and first 2 courses. Main dish was good and everyone else's was ....good....but not great and for the price it needed to be great. Again love the spot and have had a great meal there in the past. Try it out for yourself
(4)Jimmy P.
Recently found this gem through yelp, and gently hinted (repeatedly, loudly, forcefully) that my girlfriend take me here for the most important day of the year. My birthday! - Roasted Vegetables - Simple, fresh and delicious. - Caprese - Delicious mozzarella, fresh tomato. Clean and refreshing. - Gnocchi - Best gnocchi I have ever had. The gnocchi spoke several languages, inspired me to climb a mountain, paint a picture and run for president. - Short Rib - Amazing. Tender short rib on a bed of tasty risotto. - Grouper - Pan seared and cooked perfectly. Served with spinach and the spinach was incredible. It had a fluffy texture and a hint of garlic. It brought back a lot of great memories, and in my humble opinion, is one of the best restaurants in Chicago.
(5)Laura G.
Yum, more please! So my parents took me here for my 26th birthday. I decided to try it, as all the reviews are pretty much stellar. And like most of the reviews, my experience was the same. Everything was pretty much perfect. The Service was excellent, our waiter ( forgot his name!) was fantastic. He recommend a great wine ( not even too expensive) and I'm not much of a wine drinker and I thought it was delicious. So my father and I shared a bottle of red and my mom got a glass of white. Which he definitely over poured on purpose. ( how nice!) The food was delicious, everyone on here was right about the gnocchi, it was unbelievable. It literally melts in your mouth. SO good. My mom and I both got the steak and my dad got the short ribs. The steak was perfectly done and perfectly seasoned. I dare to say it was even better than the Chop house. The short ribs came with this risotto, which was to die for. We got the panna cotta for dessert. The waiter was so nice, he put a candle on the plate but didn't want to embarrass me by singing happy birthday. What a nice guy. Overall, a perfect dining experience. My parents are now going to recommend this place for my sisters rehearsal dinner.
(5)Laurie S.
Started with the caprese salad and sauteed mushrooms. Both were divine. I had the house special, braised shortrib on saffron risotto, for my main. Oh My God I think time stopped from the moment I took my first sumptuous bite to my last. Gnocci was bomb as well. Skip the dessert. Side effects may include thin wallet and mild to moderate euphoria.
(4)Matt R.
The gnocchi is everything people say it is: light, fluffy and savory. The Panna cotta was some of the best custard I have ever had, and was soft, rich and creamy without having a gelatinous texture. The portions are properly adjusted for individuals. The beef tenderloin and braised beef was delicious. I had the lamb on the menu, which was a little tough. The service was great and the wine was delish, as was the home made limoncello! But a word of advice: this place can get super pricey. I think $$$$ is more appropriate than three. It was also hard to find (it is in what looks like a home). We were dressed casual-ish, and were definitely the odd ones out. :)
(5)Bryan M.
Pork Shank FTW. Seriously, it was an outrageous hunk of meat...served simply, with a lemon/parsely gremolata. I can't remember much else b/c this entree was such a winner. I went here with my Mom and can't even remember what she ordered...the pork was that good. The salad was nice and fresh. The gnocchi were good, but the sage was a bit understated...if you have sage & brown butter sauce, the herb should be kickin', even if it's fried. But still, nicely done. Wine list was solid enough. I can imagine this place is a great spot to bring a date...nice and dark inside w/ a good atmosphere. Can't wait to hit it up when their patio/garden opens up. Only negative is that it was tad pricey...
(4)Alysha P.
I am in love with this place......really and truly! From the almost unfindable facade (which you will totally walk right by at least once....promise).....to the dim and cozy dining room.....to the waitstaff that is always spot on and charming.....to the incredible food.......swooooooon......A Tavola....will you marry me?? Seriously....here's the deal....if you want to take your lady (or gent) to an intimate romantic dinner.....that will deliver on deliciousness and not break the bank....A Tavola is the place. Hands down some of the best Italian food I've had in Chicago.....the Tagliatelle Bolognese is phenom....so rich but so light....like eating air....I dream of it!! My bf has gotten the lamb both times we've been (it was on the specials)......again.....perfecty cooked....juicy, tender....everything good lamb should be. This time around, I had the fish of the day in a lemon caper butter sauce and was so so happy.....light n' flaky....melt in your mouth. Everything is so fresh and flavorful...yet you don't feel heavy after a 3 course meal.....that in my opinion, is the mark of excellence. The cozy little dining room, with it's dim lighting just sets the stage for romance......the service is fantastic.....the servers are so wonderful in helping choose wines.....not rushing you and making sure you are enjoying your dining experience...and really being genuine....which is a really hard combo to find....5 star service! I will be back again and again and again.....
(5)Vipin K.
This is a little gem located in the UKV and definitely a wonderful place to eat. The ambiance was appealing however the restaurant is very small (approximately 10 tables or so). A great place for a romantic dinner or with a few close friends. The service staff were incredibly helpful, extremely friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu. Now to the food. We started out with the gnocchi with browned sage butter and parmesan which was very good. This was my first introduction to gnocchi and I found it to be very enjoyable. My main course was the leg of lamb special that they were offering, and I found the lamb to be succulent, cooked to order (medium rare) and paired with parmesan potatoes and garlic spinach which complimented the lamb very well. The portions were good for the entrees and slightly small for the appetizer. As for the dessert I shared the flour-less chocolate cake with ice cream. It was a wonderful way to end the meal. In all it was a fantastic experience and definitely a place that I would go to again. I would definitely recommend going, although it is a pricey restaurant so be prepared for that. My girlfriend and I had a great time and I'm sure we'll be back at some point.
(5)Jennifer J.
Fantastic food. Romantic. Reasonably priced. Great overall experience. Awesome reviews by other yelpers and they didn't let me down this time! Due to my tendency to over look at the menu before a restaurant visit, my bf decided to keep the place a secret until we pulled up in front. Glad he did because it was a great surprise. I really love that it's in a little house and it feels very romantic in there. Perfect for a birthday dinner! We had the gnocchi and mussels. Loved loved loved the gnocchi and I could go back just for those. The mussels were decent as well. I like my mussels with a little more garlic, which was lacking here. It was more of a tomato based soup. Good nonetheless. I really like how they split up the appetizer on to two plates so each has their own portion. Had the leg of lamb for my main course and it was awesome! Very tender and already off of the leg. They made it too easy for me to love!! To end the night, we had dessert and celebrated my birthday with two complimentary limoncello drinks on the house. The limoncello is homemade and I highly recommend it!! We had a great waiter who was very attentitive and helpful. He did a superb job of describing the specials. It made our mouths water and everything sounded good. You could tell he was passionate about food and that was a breath of fresh air compared to some restaurants. He had a great recommendation for a Chianti too. Now if only I could remember the estate. My only really tiny complaint is the ceiling tiles. I know that seems silly, but they could have made it look less office like by putting up a real ceiling. If that is the only thing that I didn't like, I think that's great!
(5)Melissa M.
Had high expectations based on the many 5 star reviews, and I was not disappointed. Went here to celebrate an anniversary and it was the perfect place! Quaint, romantic atmosphere with excellent food and awesome service. We started with the prosciutto melon, then had the gnocchi and tagliatelle bolognese as pasta dishes. Beef short rib for an entree and a lemon tart for dessert. All delicious. Our server was very attentive (but it wasn't that busy when we were there) and very accommodating (special dietary requests), which makes for an enjoyable dinner.
(4)Lou M.
Hands down one of the top Italian restaurants in the city of Chicago. For people who haven't been to Italy - please note - THIS IS HOW ITALIANS COOK. Simple and fresh ingredients with tons of flavor. At A Tavola it's not about quantity (don't get me the wrong the portions are good size) - it's about the quality of the food. If you are looking for huge portions, lots of gravy and no flavor - I believe Buca di Beppo has coupons for you in the Sunday Tribune. I think I've had just about everything on the menu - some of my favorites include the gnocchi, lamb ragu, short ribs and the chicken. My wife and I have introduced many couples and we've attended some of Chef Dan's cooking classes - they're a blast.. Highly, highly recommend it.
(5)Jenn C.
Came here for my Birthday. Was seated on the patio seating area which was quaint and cute. The restaurant itself is small and you can pass this place easily. The homemade foccacia bread was so good (I think I literally ate a loaf on my own)! The menu has very little selections and the portions are just right (don't expect "American" portions, but not small like some upscale places). I am not a huge fan of gnocchi in general, but the gnocchi here is EXCELLENT! The hubby had the short ribs and OMG the meat was so tender and seasoned oh so right! The homemade pastas were so fresh and the sauces were quite tasty. They have quite a wine selection as well. Parking is easy to find in the area, and we were lucky to find one right in front. Prices were about $25-50 per person if you are ordering appetizers and wine with your meal, but very well worth it. I don't recommend this as a place to bring your kids especially if they are expecting fettucini (like mine did), but was able to have her eat one of the "today's specials" instead. Definitely a place for the mature. Overall the food was excellent!
(4)J M.
I'm admitted not the biggest fan of Italian restaurants. That's not to say that I don't enjoy Italian food (especially cooked by someone who's grew up /lived there) but I find the stuff we get in restaurants in the US to be bland. I thought A Tavola would be different but no such luck. We started with grilled mushrooms, which were excellent and tasted like a steak. Next we moved onto the gnocchi, which was good, but not the best I ever had. I was still on my short-rib kick of 2010-2011, and ordered the short ribs and saffron risotto. Talk about huge disappointment: 2/3 of the short ribs were fat (and I hate the texture of fat in my mouth) and the risotto, while sounding good in theory, was goopy with an odd aftertaste. For dessert, we had the panna cotta and something else. Not good that I can't remember the "something else" because I have a mega sweet tooth. Overall, I'd be hard pressed to come back. Side note: I'm the other half of the "rather outrageous" conversation quote above and absolutely agree. This place is so intimate to the point of awkwardness. * from my visit on 10/28/2011
(2)Mark C.
One of the better meals I've had in a while. The gnocchi are the best I've ever had. Light but with texture. Salad with pears and parmesan was very good. Service excellent. It can be easy to miss, so keep your eyes open. Plenty of street parking on a Wed. evening. I will go back.
(4)Daniel C.
I had been in search of a really good Italian restaurant in Chicago, since I had not found one that matched my meal at Ristorante Milano in San Francisco. A Tavola totally blew my expectations, considering that the menu they have on their website doesn't seem very impressive at all. I tried the gnocchi, tagliatelle Bolognese, the pork shank special and the beef short ribs (shared, of course). All were very good. I highly recommend the pasta dishes, especially the gnocchi. I believe they make their own pasta, which is probably why they are so good. As previous reviewers have mentioned, the pasta dishes are pretty small, not enough to constitute a meal by themselves (unless you order a couple). The entrees, on the other hand, are HUGE. Though the place is a bit small, it's a good restaurant to bring a group, since good food makes for good conversation!
(5)Rob L.
Simple. Quiet. Intimate. Fabulous. Wonderful. Amazing. Comforting. Warm. Heavenly. There is a small simple little sign that is perched out front, as soon as you enter from the front door and is off to your right. It says something to the effect of, "It is like being invited to a friend's house for dinner, but that friend knows how to cook really really good Italian food." Perfecto. I couldn't have said it better myself. Here you will find food to please the heart and the base of your soul. I came here for a friend's birthday, I left a changed man. The food, wonderful, superb and lovely. The service, friendly, comforting, like the good friend you are happy to see and all they want is for you to have is a great time. Treasure those friends. Walking in, it isn't big. A myriad of tables neatly placed, neatly set up. Immediately greeted, my jacket was taken and friend #1 was spotted. Scooting up to the table, I breathe a sigh of relief and pleasure, not only to not be the first to arrive, but the pleasure of the sight I see before me. The space speaks on many different levels. A night for friends, a special evening for two and everything in between. But really, it isn't what is there, it is more what is created. The mood, the servers flow with what you are looking to do. Our friends birthday dinner? Lively and fun and joking with us. Two couples that were out to catch up? A little more subdued. And so on.... And so we come to the food. A menu that changes from time to time, like day to day. And really, I can't wait to come back. The Parmesan polenta was flavorful and wonderful. The beef short ribs were delicious, falling off the bone and hard to not to figure out how to enjoy every morsel of every drop off of each bone. The gnocchi? Incomparable. Soft. Delicate. Savor. Every. Bite. Wine? A wonderful list. Nice concise descriptions, but plenty of options. From a red sparkling, deep and dark as blood to a medium bodied white to a caramel scented red, every drop was savored and succulent. The cuisine is wonderful, the service bent over backwards, the night? Wonderful. Share this place often, share with someone you care about. This is too good of a place to share with anyone less.
(5)Jonathan R.
a tavola isn't as bad as the rare few have rated it, and it's definitely not as fantastic as most people contend. Wednesday night was our first visit to the restaurant. It was about 7:30 and we were seated immediately as there were only two other tables occupied (there are a total or 10 tables, so on weekends, I can imagine wait times can be extensive). Our waiter was prompt, friendly, and very knowledgeable on the menu. Starting out with a glass of merlot, we ordered the portabella mushroom and caprese. The mushroom was fantastic--marinated and cooked perfectly. The caprese was caprese; there's nothing particularly original about a tavola's, be it quality or taste. Rather than order a full on entrée, we decided to try out the various pasta dishes, opting for the Bolognese, gnocchi, and risotto. The Bolognese would have been fine enough, except for the fact that it was covered in salt. My cousin had the same complaint when he was there earlier this week, but I wrote it off as an isolated incident... I was wrong. The gnocchi was all right, but not great. Quite honestly, it didn't really offer any special experience, in either taste or texture. Finally, the risotto was absolutely fantastic. The flavors were incredible--fresh spices blended with slices of tender chicken. At that point, we were both content, so there was no need for dessert. In the end, the location and ambience were very comfortable and cozy, the service was great, the wine menu is extensive and of stellar quality, and the food, while not bad, just wasn't particularly extraordinary on the whole.
(3)Anne Marie J.
Perfect place to go to have an intimate and cozy dinner with the fiance after a month of grueling hard work (school sucks!) I made him pick a place b/c I was too tired to search for a new restaurant to go to and based on Yelp (I'm turning him into a Yelper!) he picked this. He did a good job :) We drove past the building at least 3 times and of course, it was the unassuming one that looked like a nice apartment from the outside. The name A Tavola is barely noticeable on the window. This place is tiny - don't come with a large group and even though it wasn't crowded at 5:30, I assume that you'd need reservations at the regular 7 PM dinner time. Had the fried calamari, where they use cuddle fish instead of squid. PERFECTION! Tender with a slightly lighter taste than squid. Mmmmmm. Then we each got our own entrees: his the braised short ribs, 3 large pieces with meat falling off the bone, sitting on warm risotto. Mine was the grilled beef tenderloin. I thought that for $28 at a semi fancy Italian restaurant I was going to get 3 tiny medallions that were probably bland. WRONG! I got a huge piece of meat, as if I ordered a 12 oz ribeye. It was PERFECTLY cooked to order. I love a good piece of meat!!!! And I would recommend that dish to all of my steakies out there! Ended with the panna cotta - creamy with a light touch of sweetness. It was perfect for my fiance, who enjoys food with great texture, but I would've liked it a wee bit sweeter. Hey, I eat at American bakeries...I love sugar :) PS: EXCELLENT SERVICE! Warm, thoughtful, I wanted to be friends with our servers!
(5)John U.
Quaint restaurant in making use of a huge backyard. Small dining area available indoors. Looks like a house if not for the logo in the front window. Gnocchi is the best bit of the whole thing! Wine is available, BYOB with a $20 uncorking fee per bottle. Not a bad idea to get a few items and pass them around the table, gives you the chance to taste more than one of their many great plates and starters. Super friendly staff and cool, peaceful surroundings.
(5)Edward W.
I agree with John H. Love this place!
(5)Jack S.
First time here was a hit with all of us. And this was a 3 guy, hearty eater, food critiquing ensemble. Gnocchi was very good, light in texture, perfectly cooked. The very tasty roasted marinated vegetables were most excellently cooked, not fashionably raw or bland. Braised short ribs with risotto were very good. The panna cotta was superb. Homemade lemoncello was delicious. the espresso was expertly made and served. Portion sizes were perfect. Decent regional representation of moderately priced Italian wines. Waitstaff was very competent. Definitely return - highly recommend.
(4)Jeffrey D.
Recently went to A Tavola for first time. Without question reminded me of our trip to to Ruscany and meals at Gabi 13, a small restaurant in Montefelonico in Tuacany. The place was amazing. Would suggest specials, as chef puts heart and sole into dishes each night. We has the duck ragu appetizer (great) and my wife had chicken dish ( ok) and I had braised pork loin ( spectacular). Everybody enjoyed. Regional Italian wines and all dishes looked good. Night was made even better with waiter straight out of NYC Flat Iron District of perhaps Soho. Came with just enough attitude and lots of knowledge. Helped make night a success. Hope as good next time as this and we all and other couples enjoyed very much.
(5)Mandy K.
Wow, what a fantastic dinner. We went there for my birthday dinner last night and I absolutely loved it. When we first arrived, my initial reaction was what a delightful, intimate setting. I loved the little wine/bar area, as well not crowded set up of the white clothed tables. We started with the cuddlefish/calamari appetizer, fantastic! I had never heard of cuddlefish, but I am a huge fan. Its a lot less chewy than calamari. It was breaded to perfection. For our entrees, I went with the fish special, the grouper, which was breaded lightly and in a deliciously light lemon sauce, served with potatoes and broccoli. It was very good, but really nothing compared to what my fiance got, the short ribs with the risotto. The cheesy, creamy risotto was my favorite thing of the night, absolutely amazing. I rarely eat red meat, but those short ribs were outstanding, I will definitely be ordering that next time I go back. I didnt try the gnocchi like everyone recommended, but I will definitely on our next visit. So all in all, I highly recommend A Tavola. And as a plus, they are opening the outdoor patio soon, which looked cute and perfect for a romantic date this summer.
(5)Angelica M.
My boyfriend and I dined at A Tavola for Valentine's Day dinner. SO ROMANTIC. What a discreet little gem in Ukrainian Village. First of all...the BREAD is so delish and fresh. I would go for that alone. We started with the seasonal vegetables, then had the gnocchi. The gnocchi was heaven on earth. My bf called ahead to see if they had vegetarian options and they had taken it into consideration and added a portabello mushroom option for the secondi course that evening. Usually I'm kinda meh about portabellos, but this was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It was a non-meat-eaters dream, as close to a steak as you can get. The Bf had the rack of lamb and he said it was the most tender lamb he's ever had... Also the waitress we had was thorough, conscious (we had a time crunch), and highly knowledgeable. In LOVE with A Tavola. Take your wife there.
(5)Amritha K.
My boyfriend and I stumbled across this restaurant while walking on Chicago ave and decided to try it. Granted we didn't have a reservation and were lucky to get a table. The food was amazing, and just as everyone else, we thoroughly enjoyed the gnochhi. However, the service was piss poor. It was almost as though we were being ignored. From the very beginning, the only service we received was having the menu and the food handed to us. No explanations, no friendly conversations, not even a typical "how are you doing today" to greet us. Was it because we didn't have a reservation? Was it because we weren't dressed formally? I can't tell. Hell, we did shell out over $100 per head, didn't we? Either way, we did not have a good experience and sincerely hope no one else goes through this.
(1)Akash P.
Some conversations last night reminded me that I have yet to review this intimate and wonderful restaurant. My favorite part of A Tavola is finding the place, you could drive by it a thousand times and not realize where it is. This is one its true charms, the size and intimacy of the place. On to the food, I think you'll be hard pressed to find a better Gnocci in the city. I've had the short rIbs over risotto and the chicken, both were very memorable. The wine list is largely Italian and most Italian wine lists are over my head. I've yet to decipher Italian wines but the waitstaff is very helpful and thoughtful about providing suggestions.
(4)Lydia B.
First let me make it clear, A Tavola is better than your run of the mill Italian resturant. By giving it three stars I don't mean to say its average, but rather for the hype and the prices its only ok. Perhaps I expected too much. After reading all the amazing reviews on here I went to A Tavola for my anniversary with high hopes. I appreciated that they had a short but delicious sounding menu, my hope would be with only a select few meals they could really make each exceptional. Sadly, this was not the case. Our gnocchi, which the waiter pushed heavily as a house favorite, had the very nice light and airy texture other reviewers had referenced but was bland. I did appreciate that it came already pre-split to share between myself and my partner. My meal (short rib) was decent, the risotto it came with was excellent, but it didn't stand out from other higher end Italian resturants I've been too. The Panna Cotta for desert however was very good. All in all, a very nice meal, better than average, but nothing to write home about. The service was great. Our waiter was attentive and helpful and checked in on us often. This was the high point of the night. Low point, we were sitting on the outside patio and throughout dinner we were bothered by the smell of garbage from the alleyway as well as the shirtless man lounging on his balcony directly above us. While A Tavola can't be faulted for these things I did take away from our experience. I would recommend sitting inside if you go, it looked very sweet and intimate in there.
(3)Jeff J.
Great service with fantastic food. The gnocchi is amazing and the pana cotta is a must have!
(4)Christine J.
I've found that at most italian restaurants, I enjoy the appetizers and pasta more than the entree. So rather than ordering an appetizer, pasta and entree as the menu was organized, we ordered 3 pastas and 1 entree, and I was glad that the restaurant accommodated us. They also split our one entree into two half portions, so we didn't have to reach across the table. Now for the food...Their mussels were large portion. Their pastas were amazing, chewy and flavorful and very very fresh. We got their braised short rib entree, which was probably as good as other short rib we've had. I would definitely come back for their pastas.
(5)Brooke L.
i went here a few years ago after discovering a tavola on yelp. such a hidden gem. it has an out-of-the-way location inside a townhouse that makes it hard to just stumble upon without really looking for it. we went during the summer months and sat outside. it was a fabulous meal paired with stellar service. definitely try the gnocchi. we also split a huge meat entree special that was amazing. been looking for excuse to go back ever since!
(5)Spencer H.
My favorite restaurant in Chicago. It looks like a lovely apartment when you enter, it is very intimate and the patio in the back is so pleasant at night in the summer. The food is delicious, not over priced, and I can say I have never had anything bad there. The owner is very nice too. Coming from France I have had a very hard time finding restaurants with quality food, simple and fresh flavors that not over powered by tons of garlic, cheese or unecessary seasonings, and that is not over rated. I wish there were more restaurants like this one in Chicago.
(5)Jennifer L.
Went to a tavola on a gorgeous night and sat outside. After reading all of the reviews, I had very high expectations and a tavola delivered, mostly! I started with the Baby Mixed Greens w/ Pear and Balsamic Vinegar/Oil dressing. It was ok - it was a salad. Nothing stand out in my mind but not bad. Had the Gnocchi for the pasta course - OMG! Awesome. Literally melted in your mouth. This was definitely a favorite of our table! For my entree, I went with the Short Rib over Saffron Risotto - again, another awesome dish!! LOVED the risotto. My husband had ordered the beef tenderloin and I tried this as well - very good and cooked perfectly! For dessert, our whole table was disappointed. I ordered the Panna Cotta and thought it was just okay. I can't even remember what the other 2 diners with me ordered but we were underwhelmed by dessert. Overall, a great meal. I don't feel like I would have missed out on anything by skipping dessert though!
(4)Ann S.
Intimate atmosphere. Gnocchi is amazing along with the shortrubs. Italian that is worth it.
(5)Marc D.
* What a nice welcome to Chicago! * This was a nice first meal in Chicago. Service was very friendly (although a bit verbose on the description of the daily specials). Setting was really comfortably simple. I got scared a bit when they brought out some focaccia that was not as fresh as it should have been. Bread can be such a giveaway about what is coming as it is the first thing you try. So I was worried. The olive oil they served it with was fruity and a nice one, and they also served a selection of olives that were good. But that bread. Oy...... But my fears were quickly relieved when the apps arrived. The fresh fig and buffalo mozzarella was superb. Really nice dish. The cuttlefish calamari was a nice twist on the more traditional calamari. The cuttlefish was more mature and had a nice strong flavour. The breading was the right crispiness and the fried lemon slices were a nice touch. The gnocchi were wonderfully soft pillows presented in a brown sage butter with fried sage leaves. The gnocchi themselves had been dipped in a bit of parmesan before being finished off, which provided a slight hint of a crust on one part. Very nice texture contrasts and great flavours. The tagliatelle bolognese was cooked to the perfect al dente. The sauce was packed with flavour but not overpowering. A nicely balanced dish. The grilled marinated leg of lamb was phenomenal. After marination the lamb was grilled off and got a nice crust. It was then presented sliced along with garlic spinach and rosemary potatoes. This was my favourite dish of the night. I'm a sucker for lamb, and this was prepared perfectly. I requested it rare, and they provided it perfectly rare. It was incredibly tender, and had a nice crust around the edges. Beautiful! The garlic spinach was cooked very lightly so that it was still bordering on almost undercooked - but it worked well. The potatoes had been encrusted with a bit of parmesan and were lovely. Overall a wonderful first meal!
(4)Abhist D.
So basically, every great thing you hear about this place is pretty much on spot. First, the location: You won't find it, even if you're looking for it. The only reason I knew where it was is because the guy who took my reservation told me that if I didn't find parking, I could park in the loading zone right in front of the restaurant. Secondly: MAKE RESERVATIONS! This place is small and so they get quite a lot of patrons, and your luck in getting a table if you walk in will be VERY slim! Thirdly: If you're concerned about what to wear, don't be. You can wear jeans and a nice shirt which goes for both men and women, I mean heck, the guy at the table next to me was wearing a sweatshirt! The food and the service is PHENOMENAL! They have this cuddlefish calamari as an appetizer that you should definitely try because it is delicious! And also make sure to get the gnocchi because it is light and really good! From the pasta to the desert, they make everything from scratch which is what I love about this place. Anyways, as a final word: if you're trying to woo a girl, definitely bring her here so you knock her socks off and I guarantee you'll be knocking her before the night's over!
(5)Debbie H.
The atmosphere was very cozy and charming--the best thing about this restaurant. The food was just OK. Our group had the gnocchi pasta as appetizer, and braised short rib, leg of lamb, and beef tenderloin for entrees. While all was adequate, nothing was really yummy or a stand-out. And definitely not worth it for the money. I might have given this place 3 or 4 stars had it not been for the painfully slow and inattentive service. We waited for about an hour between the pasta course and the entree. No one came over to explain the delay. After an hour passed and my husband stopped the waiter to inquire on our food, he was told, "Oh, sorry, I was upstairs." What? After we were finishing our entrees, another waiter began to clear the plates while one of us was still eating. Then, when our waiter brought the desert menu, he took a coffee order for one of us, but did not bother to ask anyone else if we wanted coffee. We might have ordered desert, but we just wanted to get out of there at that point. The final straw was when we went to get our coats. They couldn't find my husband's overcoat for several minutes, while examining every single coat on the rack--finally found it crumpled up on the floor of the coat closet. We are not going back.
(2)Rich K.
Absolutely a great dining experience. Our waiter Pedro was fantastic. He took our meal to another level. The dishes from the gnocchi, to the short rib, to the polenta were excellent. The wine suggested, Tramin Pinot Noir, was fabulous. Can't wait to go back.
(5)K T Y.
Small restaurant about the size of a living room in your home. Probably was the living room at one point since the restaurant looks like an older two-flat house. Nice cozy feel. The music was low and soft so kinda felt akward that you can easily overhear other table conversations. I also found myself talking lower than I normally do when I'm out enjoying dinner and some wine. The food is unmatched IMHO. Like other reviewers indicated the gnocchi was perfect. I had the ribeye special and it was succulent tender perfectly cooked and salted. Pedro our server took care of us great with help of a young lady also very friendly and helpful. All in all great experience. Only downside is the food is expensive and wine list is on higher side. So get ready to pay "I broke a window" prices. But did I mention ...it was worth every penny.
(5)Michael S.
Really, 4.5 stars, but a fish dish was slightly overcooked, and the Florentine steak (a HUGE charred ribeye on the bone for two) was somewhat tough. Nonetheless, this restaurant is one of our favorites, and for it to be one of yours, all you need to do is try the gnocchi - simply the BEST we have ever eaten (and how they get them to be so light and fluffy is a marvel unbeknownst to me). Actually, the pasta dishes are generally phenomenal, with my favorite being the lamb ragu. As for the Florentine steak, it's served charred with sea salt and olive oil, and if not for being a little tough, it would be incredible. Still, despite that minor element, the flavors will have us continuously returning to this favorite. Service is impeccable at this quaint, inconspicuous location, and it's clear they take pride in what the kitchen is putting out for guests to enjoy.
(4)Kara V.
Going to have to agree with the majority - A Tavola is fabulous. Went here with my boyfriend and parents on a Wednesday night. What we had: Apps- Portabella and king oyster mushrooms: majority's favorite. AMAZING flavor. Risotto: I thought this was mouthwatering. However, our party was split on whether it tasted like chicken soup or greatness. Everyone liked it though because it's hard not to like risotto. Gnocchi: completely unique. Definitely worth it, just make sure to order the mushrooms, too. Mussels and clams: Good, but not memorable. Not very inventive or anything. Mains- Grouper special: Phenomenal. The outside was crispy and the inside was cooked perfectly. Great quality and flavor. The sides, potatoes and broccoli, came out looking plain, but were so incredibly tasty. Beef tenderloin: Again, cooked flawlessly. My boyfriend must have said "this is just a great cut of meat" three times. Polenta side dish: Very unique - much lighter and airier than I'm used to with polenta (I'm usually not a polenta fan). Almost cakey. If all polenta tasted like this, I'd eat it more often. Dessert- Panna cotta: I didn't think I liked panna cotta because of the texture, but this was awesome. Wow, we smiled the entire time eating this. Flourless chocolate cake: My parents ate this. My dad liked the panna cotta better, my mom disagreed. Environment was nice and cozy, super nice. But I'd rather talk about the food.
(5)Michelle S.
Situated in a single family home and hidden along a quiet stretch of W. Chicago Avenue, A Tavola provides an intimate setting, white glove service and simple, yet, flavorful dishes created using their own herb garden. Speaking of their garden, it hosts the perfect place to dine in the summer. Book a reservation in its petite, dim lit space whether a date or a private, small family celebration. As a special treat, they have once a month cooking classes in the second floor kitchen with Chef/Owner Dan Bocik. Following your culinary hands-on lesson, you will sit down with the Chef/Owner to enjoy the feast you have helped create, as well as, a few additional menu items compliments of the house.
(4)Jackie N.
I'm sorry. Even though I love this place, I really have to adjust my review. I made reservations for 9 PM and arrived early with my guy. The restaurant was very crowded at this point and there wasn't even room at the 4-5 seater bar. We were not able to sit at the bar and stood for about 15 minutes, despite the reservation (not why I am adjusting the review). Eventually, a larger blonde woman sat everyone that was waiting. Unfortunately, she sat everyone backwards according to arrival time! Thus, the couple that arrived after us was seated first and the couple that was at the bar was seated last! When the head waiter asked if she was "sure" that this was the correct order she INSISTED it was. Uh, no. Well, the woman at the bar had a fit and yelled out quite a few profanities, which made for a stressful situation. She even implied that we were taking "their table." Sorry, but if you can't seat customers according to reservation and arrival time you have serious problems. I really don't appreciate hearing vulgarities screamed by some white trash woman dating a rugby player young enough to be her son. I especially don't like hearing the apologetic tone of the head waiter after said waitress has committed this error. Please - compile a list, maintain it and check off who arrives. It's very simple but it really does matter!
(4)Ivanka B.
I saved this place for my 100th review b/c I love it soooo much! We have had many family celebrations, graduations and anniversaries here and take-out from here every so often. Love the back patio, the staff (especially Peter who totally hooks us up) and most importantly - the FOOD. Rosemary bread w/olives is great starter; the gnocchi are phenomenal pillows of goodness unlike any others; mozzarella in the caprese is always super fresh; when they have figs w/prosciutto on the menu it's also super tasty and the figs are perfect; chicken w/polenta is always done perfectly as is their lamb and catch of the day. The panna cotta, like the gnocchis, is unlike any other - those dishes could be my final meal on this Earth! It is a small establishment but I think that's what made our gatherings always so memorable - their intimacy and the consistent, delicious food. Best place in the ukie neighborhood and will always hold a special place in my heart ...
(5)susan f.
Love this place--great food and great fun. 'Took a cooking class, which was led by Chef/Owner Dan--a down-to-earth, fun guy who knows how to cook and keep it simple. 'Hoping that my gnocchi will turn out as good as his when I try to make it at home....!
(5)Dan P.
I am conflicted about writing this review because, honestly, I dont want more people to find out about this awesome little italian place. I've been very dissappointed by Chicago's lack of quality italian restaurants. Fortunately, A Tavola came to the rescue. The food is great, and the service is outstanding. As many have said, the gnocchi is worth having at least once. While the pastas are great, they are meant more as side dishes for the fantastic entree options available. Pay attention to the specials.
(4)Amanda L.
My husband and I have decided to work our way through Zagat's 2010-11 guide this year, and we kicked it off with a tavola because (a) we L-O-V-E Italian food and (2) a tavola got one of the highest ratings in Zagat. Being a vegetarian, I'm usually pretty limited in what I can eat, so I could really only order the gnocchi. But I also ordered a wonderful salad beforehand with arugula and a really light, zesty dressing. I believe our waitress said they grow the arugula themselves out back, and it was delicious! The gnocchis themselves are divine..cooked to absolute perfection. I thought the sauce was a bit bland/could have used more cheese..but that might just be my own preference, as I'm a total cheese addict. My husband had some sort of hunk of meat, which he loved and devoured :) The atmosphere is really nice, a converted brownstone. It is a bit tight in the dining room, though, and I kept getting bumped by the wait staff as we were at the table right by the door, kind of in the middle of the room. But really, it was overall a great night with good food and good wine! I'd go again, for sure.
(4)Michael D.
On a recent Saturday night in October 20011 my wife, my son and his wife, and I celebrated our son's birthday at A Tavola as first-time customers. Dinner reservations were made with Joseph who also acted as our host upon our arrival. Until we stepped into the restaurant, I didn't know that it has a large outdoor patio in the rear. Although we thought we would be dining inside, after we saw the patio and it being a beautiful evening, we asked if we could be accommodated outside. The patio was completely occupied but Joseph said that he would try to get us seated as soon as possible. In the meantime he provided a well located table inside the restaurant, and we were served excellent drinks. About 15 minutes later, Joseph led us to a very comfortable table in the patio where we subsequently very much enjoyed a well prepared and leisurely paced meal. We were served by Kevin who was very professional and congenial. We started with a couple of very tasty appetizers that included grilled mushrooms and vegetables. Next, we shared an order of the gnocchi and the tagliatelle Bolognese that were both excellent. Highlights among the entrées were the white fish and the braised beef short rib. On the recommendation of Kevin the roasted turkey breast was ordered, and it turned out to be outstanding. The only disappointment was that the sides for the entrées, specifically the potatoes, spinach, and other vegetables, were somewhat bland and unremarkable. We found A Tavola's main dining room to be very charming, and the outdoor patio was large and private with well spaced tables. Overall, the meal was very good and the service was attentive, friendly, and very accommodating. We had a great time, and we will certainly be return patrons.
(4)Allie B.
Absolutely wonderful dining experience. The wait staff was friendly, attentive and unobtrusive. Would have given a 5th star, but my husband's shortribs, though fantastic tasting, were not butchered well. The bone had splintered, so he had to eat very, very cautiously so as not to get any bone. Hard to do when it tastes so damn good. All the other reviews are spot on! Get the gnocchi and anything covered in gremolata - delish!
(4)Jordan F.
NOTE: I am reviewing the Cooking Class, not the regular restaurant. This was a super fun class! I went with a group of four, and luckily there were two other couples (a father/daughter and father/son) that were fun and easy going. Dan the chef/owner definitely beats to his own drum...but the music is great! We made the roasted chicken with brown butter sage gnocchi, mushroom appetizer, and tarte tatain (something french with apples, butter and sugar...can't go wrong there!). I have taken a couple of cooking classes and they are all different. This class is the type where you help minimally with peeling and chopping, but you are for the most part an audience member. This is not a problem as it leaves more time to drink wine and ask questions without ruining anyone's food. The service was good - attentive but in the background. When we sat down to eat family style, it really felt like being at home which was refreshing. My only complaint is that it was a little spendy, but we were paying for the experience and the food, so really it is justified. Oh, and all of the food was AMAZING.
(5)Eliza B.
Had dinner here last night to celebrate a dear friend's birthday. It was wonderful. We almost walked right past which made it seem special, just for us. The calamari fritti is exceptional (the deep friend lemon was delicious too!) and everyone enjoyed it. I had the pork special and the meat fell off the bone, literally. My friends loved their dishes (tagliatelle bolognese, beef short ribs, lamb special) and our waitress Maggie was great. The only this that I thought fell short was dessert. My husband and I were not as impressed with them as our friends were so I can't say they were bad, just not amazing (like the pork). Here's why I didn't give them 5 stars: I wasn't in the mood for a meat dish but there was very little without meat on the menu so I ended up with the pork. I would have preferred a nice meatless pasta dish but the only option was gnocchi in browned butter and sage, a dish I ate a lot of this winter. I'm sure it was nice, just not what I was looking for. Also, I may be neurotic (abnormal?) about this, but I don't like a lot of salt in my dishes and the soup was a touch too salty for my taste, the same soup that was essentially the bed for my pork. These few things are very personal to my taste and may be a positive for others... All in all, I think it's a wonderful restaurant and I hope to go back!
(4)Vin R.
One of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago...very intimate, nothing better! Well done Dan!
(5)Maura S.
I feel as if I have nothing more to add to the other excellent reviews of A Tavola except that, yes, they are true. Go, eat, be happy.
(5)Suz Z.
Patio was perfect for date night. Meal was awesome. Italian meats to start and gnocchi was AMAZING!. Our server, Josie, was great with suggestions and a smile! We will return next time we are in town!
(5)Lina N.
My friend and I came here after a failed attempt to go to Ruxbin for dinner. The atmosphere is certainly a unique experience - it is not a storefront but rather a house, there are approximately 10 tables, and the experience is very intimate. My friend and I tend to have fairly outrageous conversations, so this was not a plus for us. However, for normal folks with normal conversations, the ambience is certainly very romantic and intimate. We decided to share an appetizer and pasta, and each got our own entree. The waiter recommended what they were known for and we decided to go with it since the dishes did sound tasty. Let's start off with the bread. SALTY. What is going on with that bread!? Moving on..the olive oil was very good and the olives that came with the bread were also super tasty. They also gave us seconds (and really, as much as we wanted) so that was a plus. grilled marinated portobello mushroom served with sautéed oyster mushrooms - We went with the mushrooms as the appetizer. This dish was amazing. The flavor of the mushrooms reminded me of tasty grilled steak! The texture was the right amount of firm but smooth and the flavors were bold but not overwhelming. gnocchi with browned sage butter & parmesan - I am not a gnocchi person but I have to say this was an excellent dish. The gnocchi were melt in your mouth and of course, how can you go wrong with browned sage butter and parmesean? I will say I am glad we split the dish though, because the portion came out to be the perfect amount of food. If we each had our own plate of gnocchi I think it would be way too rich, so I definitely recommend sharing. sangiovese braised beef short rib over saffron risotto with horseradish gremolata - This dish is responsible for the low, 2 start rating. I did not think this dish was done well at all. The short rib was very tender/fall off of the bone but it was so fatty that I think it was a larger percentage fat than meat. The risotto was too aldente and not very pleasant to eat. The saffron was a nice touch and worked well flavor-wise but was not enough to save this dish from being anything but mediocre. Panna Cotta - I was extremely excited to have the panna cotta here! I love panna cotta and I've had it many different ways with varying levels of firmness/creaminess and have not had one yet that I did not enjoy. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy the panna cotta at a travola. It was weird...firm and kind of GUMMY??! The flavor was...blah and forgettable (literally, I can't remember if it was vanilla? coconut?). The service was very good here and that, along with the neat ambience and tasty appetizers makes a tavola deserving of a 2 start rating in my opinion.
(2)Rachelle G.
Thanks Yelp for helping me find the door =) Fantastic service. I LOVE their outdoor space in the back. The garden showcases where some of your dinner is coming from. I was surprised at how small their menu was but everything we did have was fantastic. I fell in love with figs here. I still think about it to this day! I will definitely be back.
(4)Emily F.
The food was good. However, I would never come back to this place. I went here for my birthday. There was no information on the website or the menu stating the corkage fee. I assume as I freuent BYOBs that the standard $8-10 fee would apply. We got the bill and our corkage fee is $75. Outrageous. We protested the fee as the waiter never explained the fee and this is a requirement. They removed one fee bu not the two others. Not worth the money. Would never go again!!! I only put one star because 0 stars was not an option.
(1)Agila R.
I love this place! Last night was the second time I had dined there, and I had a great time. The food is amazing, the staff is attentive, and the ambiance is cozy, warm, and inviting...What else could you want in a restaurant? They also have a nice patio area in the back that is perfect for warm spring/summer nights. On both occasions, I have had the cuttlefish (prepared fried-calamari-style) appetizer, which does not disappoint. But the star of my meals there has been the risotto with roasted chicken and vegetables...it is creamy, flavorful, and a total delight! I could go to A Tavola and just eat the risotto and be perfectly satisfied. Fish entree is also good, and the desserts are definitely worth trying (and I'm not even a dessert person).
(5)margie o.
I know, I know, you're sick of hearing about the gnocchi. But it's really THAT good that it deserves a mention in every single review of this restaurant. Each one is a pillowy bite of deliciousness. If I'm ever on death row, I will be ordering the gnocchi here as part of my last meal! I brought my boy here in March for his birthday dinner, and it was a hit with both of us. It's a cozy little place with fantastic food and excellent service. We were warmly greeted and seated immediately for our reservation. Our server was friendly and helpful with recommendations, not pretentious at all. The crowd was mostly couples, of all ages, and a few larger groups. It's not a big dining room, but the tables are well-spaced and it's a very comfortable setting. I started with the grilled/marinated/roasted veggie appetizer, which was basic but very good. Then on to the aforementioned gnocchi fabulousness, which the boy and I split. I had beef for my entree (I think it was filet mignon, but it could've been tenderloin - sorry, it was awhile ago). I do remember it being tender and delicious. We also had a bottle of Spanish wine which was very tasty. You may have an issue with the restroom here if you have a shy bladder since it's right off the dining room, and it's not exactly sound proof. It's a very clean, nice restroom, though, and I had no problem with it. A Tavola is a great place to take your honey for a special date night, or maybe to get together with a small group of girls for a celebration, or to take some out of towners to show off a delicious Chicago neighborhood restaurant. Our waiter told us the phrase "a tavola" is how Italians call people to the table. You should definitely heed the call to A Tavola's table.
(5)Derek L.
Ahhhh, it's my all time favorite Italian restaurant in Chicago. Lovely atmosphere, very knowledgeable waitstaff, great wine selection and unbelievably fantastic food. The gnocchi with sage butter is amazing, the lamb ragu is to die for, even the espresso is a notch better. And you won't break the bank. This place is sooooo much better than those played out popular joints because it's truly a tiny little gem. And they have a nice patio to boot. So good!!!
(5)Mel M.
We haven't even dined here and most likely never will!! Our very good friends are going there tonight for their 1st wedding anniversary. We thought it would be nice to call the restaurant and order a bottle of wine to have waiting for our friends at their table. The manager said that "they don't have the time to actually do that... we are slammed and I just think it would be impossible for us to do that for you." I can't believe what an A-hole the manager was that I spoke with and how he wouldn't even do this for us. How difficult can this be??? Needless to say we will not be going there!!!!!!
(1)Ciara S.
I have worked in the restaurant industry for over 5 years and I'm as picky as they come! My boyfriend and I decided on a tavola for our Valentine's Day celebration and I am SO glad we did. It was just perfect for a date night - VERY romantic! We arrived 30 minutes before our reservation and they had no problem getting a table early for us. Our server, Kevin, greeted us right away and brought our 2 glasses of wine over quickly (which were wonderful!) Kevin explained the menu so we decided to split everything we ordered, which was the gnocchi, risotto, and the fish of the day. They brought everything out already split up, which was much appreciated! The food was fantastic! This is fine dining at it's best. Kevin checked on us often and suggested a wonderful second glass of wine for me. And to top our perfect date off? They brought out a free dessert, for no reason at all. I am so impressed with a tavola my boyfriend and I will - without a doubt - be back again. Thanks for providing us with a Valentine's Day we'll never forget!
(5)Charlotte T.
I had the gnocchi, he had the shortribs. Halfway through, we decided that whatever it was the other person was having was better, so we switched... They were both amazingly good... :)
(4)Raytus C.
A Tavola is inside a converted house, so its kind of hard to find from the street. I'm not sure there's even a sign out front, but maybe I missed it. Plentiful meter parking - 15 minutes/quarter. The restaurant features a very limited menu, but the pasta and meat selections manage to represent all of the important choices. But if you are looking for 5 different types of spaghetti, you will be out of luck here - there's on noodle dish, one risotto, on gnocchi - and so on. So if you are picky, this could be a problem. The most serious drawback to the limited menu was one salad selection in the starters, a simple category to offer variations on. A Tavola is great with meat preparations. My dad and I split a monstrous bone-in rib-eye special that was cooked to perfection. My companion had leg of lamb which was also well prepared. My mom had spaghetti with clams and thought the pasta was overcooked. Service was tip top. We were delighted to discover a wonderful patio this visit.
(4)John H.
Everything has already been said. I can only say that Peter is my professional of choice. If you ask for him to take care of your meal it will take the meal to another level. I enjoyed this place without reservation. If the weather permits sit outside in the back.
(5)Char Y.
I read about this place on yelp over and over again, and being a HUGE Italian food addict, I just couldn't resist the urge to visit any longer. I made a last minute reservation and was STARVING when I arrived. We ordered the fried calamari, mussels and clams, gnocchi, tagliatelle bolognese, and the Florentine steak. EVERYTHING, except the focaccia, was WONDERFUL. The pastas were fresh and soft, the sauces flavorful, and the steak big and juice (although it needs a little more salt). The waiter was helpful and attentive, and the overall experience pleasant. The bill was, surprisingly, cheap! This beats going to Spaggia.
(3)Diana R.
My boyfriend took me here for Valentine's day and I was incredibly excited as this is certainly my favorite kind of food, simple and elegant. The setting was perfect for a date or small dinner with close friends. The service started off really well, as our server recommended a delicious wine to go with our meal and was attentive and informed. By the end of the evening however the were not enough servers to handle the packed restaurant. The meal was enjoyable enough that this wasn't a huge problem, but for a restaurant like this, on a night like Valentine's day, one would expect they would be properly staffed. In terms of food we started with a Duck Liver Pate Crostini. I could have eaten six helpings of this dish and been content. The Pate was great quality and the crostini was perfectly crispy. Next we had the famous gnocchi which was a disappointment. The consistency of the gnocchi themselves were above par but still were slightly too dense. It was the complete lack of flavor in the dish that was the real upset. The shredded Parmesan on top was the only thing that actually had any taste and there was not enough of it. I had the leg of lamb as a main course which was well cooked but a little tough and definitely over salted. My boyfriend had the short ribs, which I think had the best overall flavor of the night but the meat was way too fatty. Everything was good, but that's it, nothing really stood out or would make me want to return.
(3)Brendan S.
This place is total pro. Great wines and amazing food. Plan on walking past it your first time going. Maybe even your second. It's tucked away discretely amongst the Ukrainian Village homes it's adjacent to. This place is worth whatever trip you have to make. It's a perfect break from the hustle of the day to day where you can truly enjoy the company of your dinner companions. The main dining area must only have about 10 tables or so. Check all the other reviews for food recs. Everything we had was incredible. Yes, especially the gnocchi. If your looking for something a little more hipster low-key for afterward, scope out Bar DeVille just around the corner.
(5)Emily S.
50 other Yelpers can't be wrong - the gnocchi is fabulous! My husband and I were given a dinner at A Tavola as a Christmas gift. We were set up with a table and a bottle of really good red wine. This was the best Italian meal that we have had outside of Italy (although Anteprima is a very close second). The short rib with saffron risotto and gremolata was fabulous. My husband's special - braised pork shank over cannellini beans - was just as good. The pastas were outstanding, as were desserts (although Anteprima's panna cotta wins by a hair). Service was a little awkward, but I think that was more due to the fact that we weren't paying (though we did tip our server), and neither we nor our server quite knew how to handle the end of the meal. All in all, it was really a wonderful dining experience. We will go back, even if we are footing the bill.
(5)Steve J.
Awesome place - great braised beef. Drink menu is limited, but love the service and the food! Great job!
(4)Jeff H.
At the time of this review I have only eaten here once. That being said, my girlfriend and I had a fantastic experience. The waiter was extremely knowledgeable with the wine list, we wanted for nothing, and he helped us make reasonable choice from the menu (i.e. what we could split, portion size, what goes well with what, etc.) instead of just trying to up-sale the whole thing. He easily could've sold us more than we needed or plates that were more expensive, but he guided us to just what we needed and wanted. The place only has about 9 tables, it's very intimate, classic, and reasonably priced for the experience you get. Also, you feel like you're dining at a secret spot as it only has it's name etched on one of the side windows. I live around the corner for a year before I even noticed it! I'd love to give 5 stars, but I feel I need to reserve that for places that I've dined at multiple times. So, it could in fact earn a fifth star in the future.
(4)Sarah B.
Ok A Tavola. You win. I gave you another try and you have captured my heart. It's still small and cozy, but they have an amazing outdoor patio open now. We ended up getting rained on, but the staff did an outstanding job moving everyone in from the rainstorm. We did have to wait an interminable amount of time for a couple to get up from their table before we could eat...this was obviously not the restaurant's fault. The service was otherwise impeccable and no one lost their cool during the hectic rearrangement. I had the figs, the gnocchi, and the steak tenderloin. Yum.
(5)Andrew K.
I really am stuck here...I want to give it five stars, I just can't do it. I somehow feel dirty, because I enjoyed my meal and if I could give it 4.5 stars I would, but alas I can't. Ok, enough excusing myself...onto the review. Service was wonderful. I really enjoy when you get a server who is a professional and our guy was. Layout of the inside was cute, the outside patio where we ate was as well, creating a great date spot. Location=great for me....probably not as great for others. I was commenting if this place was moved to LP, everyone would know about it (and it would also probably get ruined.) Food: The menu itself is pretty bare (4 courses, about 3 choices each...mains are nothing to write home about)...The key is the specials. App: Split the figs with mozz...large portion...was good, fresh, but not what I was expecting. I asked if the mozz was Burrata and explained it as the kind with the creamy center and he said yes...it was not (side note: if you see burrata flown in fresh from Italy absolutely try it.) Pasta: Gnocchi, as everyone commented it was like eating pillows blah blah...its good...also got the pasta with the lamb? ragu...was also great, but unnecessary...the pastas are very small (gnocchi esp) Mains: Date ordered red snapper which was the fresh fish, and is apparently made the same way (lemon and capers), b/c she wanted something lighter...It was lighter, but overcooked and pretty bland, although a good piece of fish. Also, served with friggin huge head of broccoli...this dish was definitely subpar.... I ordered the short rib (of course :)) and it was amazing....highlight of the night...the risotto accompanying it was fantastic and it was a huge portion. No dessert...I don't think that is their strong point. Overall, with wine it was around 140 with tip for two, which I didn't feel was worth the meal we got. If I were to go back I think the two pastas were unnecessary and you could easily just split an app or pasta and get an entree and be satisfied. Wine list had cheaper options (all italian wines.) Overall, good place I would come back to...seems like at the very least you will get a good meal.
(4)Aditya S.
My girlfriend and I stumbled across this restaurant while walking on Chicago ave and decided to try it. Granted we didn't have a reservation and were lucky to get a table. The food was amazing, and just as everyone else, we thoroughly enjoyed the gnochhi. However, the service was very poor. It was almost as though we were being ignored. From the very beginning, the only service we received was having the menu and the food handed to us. No explanations, no friendly conversations, not even a typical "how are you doing today" to greet us. Was it because we didn't have a reservation? Was it because we weren't in a suit and a dress? I can't tell. Either way, we did not have a good experience and sincerely hope no one else goes through this.
(1)anna c.
What a gem! If you didn't know it was there, you'd walk right by. Melt-in-your-mouth delicious gnocchi. One of the specials the night I visited was A Tavola's take on calamari: a lightly breaded and fried cuttlefish - AMAZING. Not the best place to order a steak, would probably try something else next time, but wasn't anything to complain about. Service was attentive and on point, although my date was mildly perturbed when the server recommended the most expensive bottle of wine on the list. All in all, a very enjoyable experience. Perfect date spot.
(4)Christina M.
I live 3 blocks away and never knew this place was here! To start, their bread is fantastic. It has herbs and garlic and was ohhh so yummy. The people who said the gnocchi was not good must have gone on an off night. It melted in my mouth! The best food and wine I have had in a while. Little pricey but we also had 2 bottles of wine. I'm definitely going back
(4)Kaori S.
Just as amazing as everyone says it is. Let's start with the food. The gnocchi with brown sage butter & parmesan was fantastic. Just like the waitress said, "they're like little pillows." I've never had gnocchi like this before. Usually it's heartier with a good chew but A Tavola's gnocchi literally melts in your mouth and the sage leaves compliment it so well. We also got the white bean soup, which was nice, except it was too salty. We actually had to add some water to it because it was just too much! The pork shank and fish of the day (grouper) were great. The pork shank fell off the bone, literally, while we were eating it and the grouper was great. My one and only complaint was that the pork shank was a bit too salty for my taste, but that's just me. I like my food on the sweeter and spicier side, not so much salty. Anyone else probably would've devoured the entire thing. The new & rosemary potatoes were also great. Last, but certainly not least, the torta di cioccolato was AMAZING! Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside with just enough whipped cream. If you are a chocolate lover, this torta will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth. As far as the service goes, it was wonderful. All the waiters and waitresses were waiting on everyone and they were all so attentive and willing to answer any questions. They all seemed so enthusiastic to work there. The atmosphere is very romantic and cozy, so it's perfect for a date or a small group. All-in-all, I love this restaurant. It's definitely somewhere I will visit over and over again for any occasion. Delizioso!
(5)Kelly R.
Oh my! I have died and have gone to Italian food heaven! Wanting to enjoy a "nice" dinner out, we had arranged to have dinner in the private dining room upstairs. This way, my toddler could run around and make all the noise she wanted without disturbing other diners. Service was excellent - our waiter was very friendly and seemed genuine with the kids, which was a nice touch. The food? The food? OMG! So good, you can't help but clean off the plates. We started with a charcuterie platter of prosciutto and salami drizzled with olive oil; assorted roasted veggies; and sauteed mushrooms. Next came the tagliatelle bolognese (my toddler just INHALED this) and the house-made gnocchi in a brown butter sage sauce - probably the best gnocchi I have ever had. EVER. And if that wasn't enough, plates of the braised short ribs over risotto and roast chicken with polenta and spinach were next. Both dishes were so tasty & delicious, I can still taste them. To finish...yes, there's more...plates of assorted desserts: flourless chocolate cake with nuts, apple tart, lime tart, panna cotta. Needless to say, I was very full by the time we left. But, it was all worth it for the A Tavola experience.
(5)Ellen F.
A nice, intimate atmosphere. The decor leaves a little something to be desired, but the food and service completely make up for it. Our server, Robert, was fantastic! Very friendly and down to earth. As I have come to expect from restaurants of this calibre, he was knowledgeable, genuine, and gave us just the right amount of attention! And of course, he provided excellent suggestions.
(5)Madeline O.
We went to A Tavola for a friend's birthday last Saturday and it was so good, I was inspired to write my first EVER yelp review. The restaurant is VERY small, so it is better for groups of four or less. Although there is an outdoor patio that is bigger than the dining room, and quite lovely, but it was not open yet. The wine selection is stunning - large varieties of amazing wines. Our server Nicole was very knowledgeable and suggested perfect wines for our courses. For first course, our table had a salad with pears and white bean soup. The salad was average but the soup was delicious. For second course, we shared a large gnocchi and is was unforgettable. I ACTUALLY dreamed about it that night! Brown butter and crispy sage, great texture and cooked to perfection. It was the best gnocchi I have ever had. You must try it if you go. For dinner, we had braised short ribs (wonderful), braised pork shoulder (wonderful) and roast chicken (very good). The Parmesan polenta was fantastic, too. Dessert was really good, but we had a lot of wine and way too much food for me to really remember it. So, go here soon and go here often, ask for Nicole, drink what she brings you, and order the gnocchi! Enjoy!
(5)Elizabeth A.
So I read all these AMAZING reviews for A Tavola and was very excited to go spend some cash on New Years Eve. WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT! It was overpriced bland food. I ended up going to Baskin Robbins for dessert. Ambiance = great, food = bland & overpriced.
(3)Amy Elizabeth S.
Best Meal in a long time. You know it is good, when the server rejects a bottle of wine and the chef has to send him out to tell every table that the newly opened case of spinach isn't to his liking, so may be suggest ______ with their entree. Most people would see these as bumps in the road or inconveniences, but I see them as a desire to serve nothing but the absolute best and the freshest. Who knew that Grilled Veggies could be so simply delicious? And the Gnocchi served with brown butter, basil and parm were cooked like perfectly roasted marshmallows (nice and soft in the middle). The Lamb I had was perfectly cooked, sliced, and seasoned. The entire meal, from appetizer to dessert was so simple, so fresh, and so delicious (and not that expensive). The service is fabulous. The atmosphere is comfortable and a bit romantic (perfect for a date night). I cannot recommend this place enough!!!
(5)carrie g.
An often unnoticed little place but once you savor the gnocchi you'll return again and again - they absolutely melt in your mouth. Just a few tables, intimate, comfortable and in no way stuffy. The 2 servers will get to know you during your dine. No overflowing piles of unappetizing food. Everything is served in small appropriate amounts allowing you to sample more! Extensive wine list. Perfect date place. Making reservations usually means leaving a message but they're great about calling back promptly. Enjoy!
(5)Katie G.
YUM! Went with a friend for dinner last night. I live really close by and have been wanting to try it for awhile now. It's very nondescript, you might miss it if you're not paying attention. It's a small space but very cute inside (and almost too quiet). Probably between 10-12 tables... It's definitely a couple-y type place. Overall, I thought the food was fantastic. We had a couple appetizers (try the mushrooms!), the gnocchi and the shortribs (which were absolutely amazing). The waiter told us that there is a garden in back which I want to check out in a couple weeks when the weather gets better. Looks really cute!
(4)Andrew S.
Perfect place for a romantic date. Very cool converted house. Service and food were outstanding.
(5)Adam M.
Gnocci is amazing (I'm not Italian and I don't frequently eat gnocci, but this was damn good). I loved the atmosphere - it's like someone set up dining tables in their livingroom. Definitely charming. My main course was the pork loin; I'm not a huge fan of pork (aside from bacon, belly, rinds, etc), but when I see it at a 'fancy' restaurant, I'm curious if my lack of appreciation for the dish will be cured. It was not. I found the pork to be dry, underseasoned, and just not very satisfying. Perhaps it's because I don't like pork chops. Or perhaps that pork chop just wasn't very good. Every other part of the meal (And my companions' meals) were fantastic, however. I can say that the lamb shank was fantastic, as I tasted a bite from my friend's plate. This place would be a 4.5 had I not ordered the pork entree, alas, I did, so A Tavola, you get a 4.
(4)Mike C.
After reading most of the reviews here and given a recommendation to A Tavala, i had high hopes and really wanted to enjoy it. My review is 2.5 stars. My Wife and I had 6pm reservations on a Saturday night and we were seated promptly, only about half of the very small restaurant was occupied. This place is very small, most tables have 4 chairs but it would be very tight to get 4 people at these tables comfortably. It was very quiet, no soft music playing and actually brighter than i would of liked it, dimming the lights would of helped. On to our meal: Our server was very good all night. She was knowledgeable about the wine list and paired things well with the meal. Overall service was very good and had no complaints there. - To start, we ordered the gnocchi to share. While it was tasteful, it did not live up to all the hype. For $11 we each got 5 little gnocchi which as others have said were pillow soft. Almost too soft to where the texture was mushy and felt raw. Needless to say the flavor was good, but my Wife did not enjoy the raw texture. - I ordered one of the specials which was a pork dish over a bed of beans. The pork was fall off the bone fork tender, but the mixture of flavors were over powering the actual flavor of the meat. I think it was the mint on top that over powered everything. - My Wife ordered the beef tenderloin and was pleased with the beef and spinach. It was about an 8oz piece of tenderloin with 3 thin potato slices and some spinach. I tried the Beef and it did have good flavor but the overall value/price is what bothered us more. The reason for our 2.5 stars comes down to value for the money. we walked out of there with 1 appetizer, 2 entree's, and 3 total glasses of wine and it was $140 with tip. Now let's think about this. $140 could of gotten us a lot more food and value for the money in this city. I'm still trying to find what the niche is about this place. It's not overly romantic, the food is overpriced, and the atmosphere was pretty dry.
(3)J. V.
Amazing....quaint.... cozy....romantic....delicious...I could go on and on and cannot recomend enough for dinner. It works as a romatic special occasion spot or even a nice dinner with a group of girlfriends or dinner with your parents. The short ribs are spectacular. I never would have even considered ordering them but they were highly recomended by the server and were absolutely delicious. Bottom line......do not miss this place for your next special occasion.
(5)EV G.
This is a sweet little place - and I mean little. They have 10 tables plus a few more on their patio in the summertime. Atmosphere is very nice, pleasant jazz playing in the background. We went on a Wednesday evening and 7 of the 10 tables were occupied - pretty impressive. There was only one waiter but he did a really good job. Food was outstanding. Who knew grilled vegetables could taste so good? Both my husband and I had the halibut which was delicious. If it had a bit more of the lemon caper reduction, I'd probably have sprung for the 5 stars vs 4. I also think it is quite inexpensive relative to the type of meal you are getting.
(4)Renee M.
Part if it's charm is that you have to know it is there to find it. Quaint and great photography on the walls. Had the two person ribeye. Oh. My. Goodness. Yum. Servers were so friendly and chatty. They made it a fun experience. Go here if you are in the area.
(4)Dane K.
Lovely lovely lovely place. A Tavola is tucked away in a discreet house along Chicago avenue; everyone keeps saying it's like walking into someone's house, and I'd totally agree. I can't think of any other Italian restaurant in Chicago that is like this place. Many good Italian places in Chicago seem to give you the mobster-in-kitchen-cooking feeling, or they are massive corporate places. This place is tiny yet very, very classy and quite a fine dining experience. You could get away with casual dress but most people dressed up for their night out. The service was outstanding. Personal, not stuffy, friendly, top notch. Food was delicious. Their menu is very succinct, with several specials in addition. I ordered calamari that was on special, and short-rib dish that was on special. The calamari was wonderfully cooked, no sauce given or needed. The short-ribs were good, served on a saffron risotto that was also tasty. The menu is set up to have a 3 course (4 with dessert) meal, but we opted to share the pasta course between our table. We had the Gnocchi, which is what they're known for... It was marvelous. Though I think a whole plate of it would've been too much for me. For dessert I had a flourless chocolate cake, which was good (very brownie-like). Dinner for 3 was about $200 with 2 drinks each and dessert. Everything I've read elsewhere highly recommends reservations since the dining room is so small. They also have a patio out back.
(5)Jenny Y.
a tavola is so intimate and perfectly about the food, i am liable to weep at the sheer emotion and joy of it all. while this review is a little dated (the meal was had in april of 2006) i must say a tavola provided the best meal i have ever ever had (but then again, i eat cheap grub and not often do i go to pricier joints). the service was attentive, friendly, personal but not overly involved. the setting was intimate with fresh white linens and minimalist taupe walls and black and white photos as a gallery-like decor. we opened with four appetizers for five people, which included thinly-sliced dried cured ham with cheese, light salad with fresh greens and vinagrette, grilled vegetables, and grilled portobello. the ingredients didn't sound exotic or surprising but the ingredients themselves and the judiciousness of the seasoning were impeccable. exceedingly fresh. we had two pastas as the first course (to share). the gnocchi was forgetful (cinnamon and nutmeg spiced). the lamb ragout parpadelle was SO. GOOD. My dish was the braised beef short ribs on a bed of saffron risotto. it was beautifully cooked, meat just falling apart. it was definitely done right. perfectly seasoned with the gelatin evenly distributed throughout the meat, giving just the perfect mouthfeel. yum. i finished every luscious bite. one of my dining buddies had the braised pork shank over a bed of cannellini beans and topped with a wasabi slaw. again, the braising was simply perfect with the pork just perfectly tender, moist and gelatinous. the portion was large with the bones still in. look at this lovely beast. to finish, the panna cotta was the best of the desserts that we had during our chicago trip (business trip that is). luscious with a light caramel sauce, the white creamy confection was perfect.
(5)Nora B.
Interesting. I haven't fully decided if I loved it or it was just ok. Very small menu with several nightly specials to bolster it. The patio looked cute, but it was raining when we went. The indoor area is teeny, I guess you might call it intimate, but I didn't want to smell the fish that the next table was eating during my meal!! Our server was knowledgeable and courteous, no complaints. The 'raved about' Gnocchi was good, it was light and fluffy, but you only get a little taste and a smidge of the simple sage butter sauce, the crispy spinach was a nice addition. I did like how dishes were split for us and if you're into sharing and some small plate type stuff, give it a try. we didn't have dessert that night, but the choices looked yummy.
(4)A S.
A very sophisticated place. If you enjoy an intimate quiet evening with fine Italian food, you need to check this place out. A must.
(5)Hello S.
YUM. Amazing food and service! Make sure to try the gnocchi, it is the best I ever had. I would highly recommend eating here, especially for a great date night.
(5)Rachel H.
A Tavola is an adorable little gem, that even I forget about sometimes. They have a small menu, but they offer rotating specials. The marinated mushrooms are absolutely amazing. I'm getting hungry thinking about them right now. They also have a small upstairs space which use to host art openings and other events I believe. A friend of mine had a show here and it was definitely a good time. This is on my list of places to head to next.
(4)Julia H.
AS GOOD AS IT GETS. Food AND atmosphere wise. This was truly the type of dining experience that I enjoy the most. My friend Dmitry and I came here - we'd had a reservation but a few of the tables had stayed longer than anticipated. This, however was remedied by the manager Brad who let us choose a nice wine from the list, on the house. We sipped our wine at the small bar, and the manager offered us an "aromatic" of black truffles to get our senses involved right away. Once our table opened up, we ordered a bottle of the Castello Di Brolio Chianti Classico, 1999. We started with two appetizers: the "baby mixed greens, thinly sliced pears & shaved parmesan cheese laced with balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil" and "grilled, marinated portobello mushroom served with sauteed oyster mushrooms" -- the first was simple and the ingredients all mixed well together, but I loooved the portobellos and oyster mushrooms. Thick, tender and robustly flavorful. Wow. For our entrees, my friend ordered the beef tenderloin with rosemary potatoes and spinach and I ordered the infamous gnocchi with brown sage butter & parmesan. My friend said his tenderloin was perfect, and..... OH MY GOD. The gnocchi sent me directly to the face of God. The heavens opened up and the plates of the earth shifted. Tender, delicate, morsels of the best gnocchi I will ever eat in my life, this I am sure of it. Be sure to make a reservation -- and the location is a bit hard to spot -- the restaurant has no blaring sign, just a simple etching on one window -- it's across the street from Tuman's bar. This restaurant is a very romantic atmosphere too -- bring a date you'd like to have an intimate evening with, or with a good friend as I did -- it's the perfect place for great conversation.
(5)Meesh C.
More like 3.5 stars, but I am rounding up because I do think this place deserves 4 stars over 3....SO, my boyfriend and I hadn't had a cozy date night like this in a while. Despite the awkward first date occurring at the table next to us and the constant cold breeze, our experience was really nice! The things I liked: - The waiter let us try a bunch of wines by the glass until we found the perfect one for us. - The cuttlefish appetizer with fried lemons. Really flavorful and interesting. A nice upgrade to regular ole fried calamari. - The mussels and clams. The mussels were huge, plump, and juicy! Clams were good. I have had that broth 100 times at other restaurants...nothing special, did not want to sop it up with the bread (see bread review below!) - The tagliatelle bolognese! So amazing. Fresh, delicious pasta with a delicate meat sauce. I could eat 10 plates of this! - The size of the restaurant...felt like you were in a little house at someone's dinner party! Things I didn't love: - A curtain blocking the entrance. A curtain just doesn't cut it in the dead of a Chicago winter! - The foccacia. Cold, cold, cold. Foccacia should be warm and soft. I loved the olives and olive oil accompanying the bread, but the bread was EH. - Maybe it was all the hype, but I thought the gnocchi was GOOD. Not amazing, not the best I have ever had. And how many times can you have gnocchi with sage? It's overdone. Maybe I would have loved it with a delicious homemade marinara or vodka sauce. The actual gnocchi did melt in my mouth. Just didn't love the prep. - The pork. I am not saying that we didn't eat every bite, but it was not my favorite. It felt like we were eating dark meat turkey, not flavorful, juicy pork. It was just okay. - Service was good, not great. A little slow and a little unauthentic. I would say that it was more good than bad though. So there was nothing about the night that was bad per se - we had a wonderful night and I love just having a chill night with my BF with red wine and good food. And it was funny to listen to the horrible conversation going on next to us - unnecessary and inappropriate petting included. I would go here if you are in the area, but there are definitely other places I want to try before coming back here for seconds.
(4)Luciana B.
Um, ridiculous. This place has everything you would want for a perfect summer dinner. Adorably rustic back patio, complete with a little garden that they pull fresh herbs and vegetables from. Friendly and obviously knowledgeable waiter who knew exactly what he was doing at all times. And a fabulous menu - that tasted even better than it sounded. The wine, the meat, the sides, everything was delicious (I had the beef tenderloin with spinach and rosemary potatoes - heavenly). And the best part is, I would have never known it was there, had the person I was with not been there before. Its amazing and I plan on going back and bring everyone I know!
(5)john j.
I've eaten here many times on different nights during different seasons and for different occasions. I've yet to be disappointed. Even a little. It looks like a trattoria with all the extra crap power-washed off, leaving white tablecloths, clean decor and no frills. This place is about the food and drink. Crown jewel: They are pretty jazzed about their gnocchi and so am I, but I generally go with whatever red meat is on special. I rarely eat red meat, but with a slap-in-the-face bottle of Chianti, go bold! Avoid: Yeah, I said it above, they've yet to disappoint me in any way. I guess I wish it was free and located in my dining room.
(5)Phil F.
You would never know this place was there unless you were looking for it, just looks like a random two flat. Its super nice and cozy inside, very relaxed vibe. The outside appearance kinda dictated the experience as a whole, understated but well done and solid. Good wine list, nice menu overall. They are definitely keeping things simple here, the menu doesn't aim to impress with fancy ingredients or techniques. Seems like upscale midwestern fare, something a fancy housewife might make. We had the fried cuttlefish, assorted cured meats and the gnocchi for apps....all were good especially the gnocchi! For dinn, I had a seared lamb steak with parmesan potatoes and wilted garlicky spinach, which was super good and simple. My sister did get the chicken which sounded great, but was actually super dry....so that blew. And my boyfriend got the braised short ribs, which were of course super yummy because anything braised is DELISH. Dessert was good, but nothing nutzo. So overall, for the price, which is reasonable, the ambiance and down to earth food, I would go back.
(4)Elaina W.
A Tavola is one of the best restaurant I've ever eaten at. I went there with my boyfirend and parents this past Thursday and we all had a great experience. One of our friends told us about it and we thought we'll give them a shot (happy we did :-).... When we were looking for it we thought we had the wrong address, we were actually looking for a restaurant like and not a typical 2 flat apartment complex. We were the first one's there that day and towards the end of our meal the place was filled. All around the food was great from the appetizers to desert. What I recommend are the gnocchi (have to try) they were so soft and buttery... and for desert - lemon tart (crust was the best).... ohh and for the main course got to try the short ribs with creamy saffron risotto. As for the wine, don't even bother to look at it, if you're not familiar Italian Wine just ask the waiter/manger "Brad"!!! We let him pick two different wines and LOVED IT.... I highly recommend this place....Brad mention that they have been there for 13years.... Wish I knew about this place back then.....
(5)Sharon Z.
The ambiance is great, the food is good, the service is lacking. For such a small place (maybe ten tables), one would think the service would be impeccable. Ours, unfortunately, was not. Because our table wasn't ready when we got there (no big deal), we stood at the bar and ordered a drink. After being seated and finishing our first drink and appetizer, we wanted to order a second glass of wine with dinner. We asked to see the wine list again, the waiter brought the list, but never returned to take our drink order. By the time we made eye contact with the other bartender/waiter and got a second glass of wine, I had just about finished my entree. Maybe it seems like a small thing to nag on, but it really put me off. I will say though, the gnocchi was excellent. Not sure if I'll be back.
(3)Kat and Geo M.
We went to A Tavola for a cooking class last summer. If you have never gone to a cooking class and want to try one I highly recommend going to the A Tavola class. The recipes that we prepared that night were an herb, lemon and salt (2 handfuls of sea salt!) stuffed chicken, delicious balsamic & herb marinated portabellas, fresh gnocci with brown sage butter & apple tart tatin. The class was small - only 6 people - so we were able to get some real hands on time on the kitchen. After cooking everyone went downstairs to the main dining room and got to eat what we made (along with a few other dishes from the main kitchen). The owner sat and ate with us. It's a little strange eating a family style meal with people you really don't know and trying to make small talk...but it worked since we spent most of the time talking about the food, other recipes and the chef. I'd give the whole experience 5 stars, except that when I tried to recreate the meal exactly as on the recipe card I ran into some major problems. I decided to surprise my husband one night by recreating the meal we learned in class... The 500 degree oven heat required for the chicken turned every smoke alarm on in my house. Apparently the fat rendered from the chicken decided to splatter all over the oven and burn, causing 2 stories of our house to be filled with smoke. It's not fun being 8 months pregnant on a ladder trying to take the batteries out of your smoke alarm. I don't think I'll be trying the chicken recipe again. I do make the portabellas and tart tatin regularly and they are amazing! I think the chef rotates the menu for the cooking classes - and I think you can even request a special meal cooking class.
(4)maggie r.
A Tavola is truly one of the best restaurants in Chicago. Excellent and authentic Italian. You can taste the love in each dish. If I could give 10 stars, I would. The lamb tagliatelle is to die for. The Sangiovese spare ribs are another must have. And their wine list is very reasonably priced. If you haven't been, go! Great for a romantic date, birthday dinner with family and friends or just because. And the service is excellent. You won't be sorry.
(5)Paul B.
Best Nocchi as a second course that I have had anywhere in the city. Everything was perfect including very reasonable prices. This is a great place to bring a date or a small group.
(4)Nile L.
I found it fascinating to read the reviews that were negative because the reviewer did not like the other customers. A Tavola deserves so much better. I give 5 stars to the food, the service and the wine. I am not a big Gnocchi fan but this was a taste of heaven. Light as air with crispy sage. A perfect combo. The mushrooms were probably the best I have ever had anywhere. Including Tuscany. I am not a wine connoisseur but I know what I like and when I could not find a white wine by the glass to my liking the charming waitress said "I think I have something for you..it is not on the list yet but I think you will like it" And I did. It was perfect. I never eat desert but my friend insisted we try the Panne Cote (sp?) and it was sublime. We also had the wonderful opportunity to chat with Dan, the owner and inspired chef and he, like the food, was charming, fascinating, fresh and unpretentious. I cant wait to return
(5)Kristina B.
A friend took me here for my birthday a few years back; sooooo...I was allowed to order whatever I wanted! They don't have an extensive menu, but they have a really good selection. I got steak and potatos and wow. This steak was sooooo wonderful and the potatos were perfect and fluffy. Amazing. The place isn't too large so it's not incredibly noisy. And you won't find large families with little children frequenting A Tavola. This place is good if you're having dinner with your best friend, or a hot date. This place would even be nice to take your parents to, as a nice anniversary treat. It's slightly pricey (then again, I got steak, HA!) but it's well worth it. My dinner here was both delicious and memorable! A Tavola gets two thumbs way up.
(4)allison m.
If I could give 4.5 stars I would have. Went there last night, if you can find the place, it's worth the trip. The service was great, however, this was on a sleepy Tuesday, but I would assume the rest of the week would be just as well. Our waiter was terrific, if not a riot. I wish I could recall his name. He was very helpful in choosing entrees and wines and someone was always attentive to our glasses. By the end of the night you could find him in the middle of the street hailing cabs for customers. Gnocchi Gnocchi Gnocchi. Just get it, if this many people have reviewed it on yelp, you may as well see what all the hype is - I don't think you'll be disappointed. Whoever said it's like a pillow in your mouth is spot on - it was delicious. The asparagus risotto was the best I've tasted...the halibut special probably was caught that morning, or not, but it could've been it was so fresh. I didn't feel like I needed salt or pepper on any of my courses, the seasonings were perfect - even on the stalk of broccoli. The bottle wine list definitely gets a little pricier ($50+), but the by the glass list offers bottle for the $20 range. Honestly, I thought it would be more expensive...consider a $55 bottle of wine, two pastas, two entrees for $120 or so - I'm not saying this isn't expensive (but for a particular occasion...), however, this place gives you the option to grab an entree or a pasta, stay sober or have a glass for probably around $30 a person (note: have A glass). It's romantic, it's cozy, it's quaint...don't waste it on someone you don't want to listen to.
(4)Randall K.
We sat outside on the patio, it is nice out there, but clearly good weather is critical. The food was excellent, possibly the best Italian food I've had in Chicago. I had the fish & my wife the braised pork special - both were outstanding. The pasta courses were both excellent, the gnocchi, as mentioned by about 100 others here, is crazy good. It's not cheap, but for the quality of food and the excellent service (attentive without being pushy, great suggestions), very much worth it for a great meal. Inside is very nice too, didn't see the upstairs.
(5)Jonathan C.
I ate here once many years ago shortly after it had opened. Its easy to walk right by. Make sure you get the exact address. The food was delicious and the interior, although small with very few tables was quite nice and comfortable. Good ambiance, pretty good date place. The gnocchi I had was a standout as I remember. A Tavola was pricey too even back then when I had more dough to throw around, but it was worth it if I recall.
(4)steve k.
This unassuming gem in the heart of Ukrainian Village was well worth the venture. As Dionele (a fellow food fan and enthusiast) and I left the remnants of West Fest, the choices were slim as far as food fare goes from the Wood st. to Damen. With the help of Kirby Kerr (half owner of Rotofugi) we decided to look for this mystical restaurant that looks like any other house along the street on Chicago. Dressed in our best outdoor festival clothes - i.e. jeans, hats, short sleeved shirts, gym shoes...we headed West on Chicago with the help of Google text and got the address. If you didn't know the exact, exact address you would totally miss this restaurant because it is literally a house right next to a grocery store across the street from Tuman's which is the unfortunate part. From the minute you walk in, you are greeted with a rich brown curtain that teases you to the well decorated intimate dining room. It really is like stepping into a whole new world. Nothing over the top and nothing too obvious or familiar. Despite my attire, they were happy to seat us at 10:30 which is when they usually close. They didn't seem hesitant or annoyed that we got in there right when they were supposed to close. Dionele and I got seated in the patio which was very nice and spacious complete with comfortable seating and atmosphere. It was still intimate yet expansive (fruity description of the day). Dionele started with the Portabella mushroom starter with oyster mushrooms. It was amazing...tender and meaty, smoky and simply seasoned to really make the veggie stand out. I started with a special that was Prosciutto with figs. The ham was very fresh tasting with a slight nuttiness which paired well with the mild figs. Dionele then had the gnocchi which I could have had a bucket of. The brown sage butter paired with the pillows of goodness was to die for. I had the bolognese pasta which was simple, rustic, but so damn delicious. We were in the beer mood so we opted for the only beer option that they had which was an Italian wheat beer that paired surprisingly well with everything. I guess the Old Style of Italian beers. I think the overall experience with the waitstaff, walk through the kitchen, accommodations, food and atmosphere was just such a great experience. I haven't had a good meal like that in a very long time and capping an evening with an experience like this makes you appreciate dining out once in a while.
(4)Becka B.
Dear A Tavola, I am coming for you! Keep watching! xo, becka.
(4)Ellen G.
It's easy to miss this adorable townhouse spot. The intimate dining room, friendly and efficient service and excellent food put it very high on my list. The butternut squash gnocchi and the Florentine rib eye were both cooked simply yet to perfection. The side of spinach deserves a mention, not sure how they did it but was especially fresh and tasty.
(5)Mary E.
Lovely dining on the patio with friends. Yummy warm, seasoned bread to start. Gnocchi with crispy sage and parmesan was voted Queen of the Party; server kindly offered to split our share on separate plates. Generous serving of garlic spinach, but the kitchen forgot the potatoes with our fish! (I would choose pasta or meat for entrees.) Wine list accommodates most budgets. And save room for desserts, esp the lemon tart - they were runners-up in the voting!
(4)Dave C.
Great place - well worth a try if you enjoy good food. A word of warning - this place is TINY, so don't go early like we did, expecting to have a drink at the bar. There basically is no bar. Actually, that's not technically correct - there are 3 stools at a counter smaller than my kitchen counter, but on the night we were there, one of them was covered with coats and purses. We sat, as it were, in the other 2 leaving our butts all but (hee hee) on top of the poor diners' tables next to us. Can't have been much fun for them, and as for us, the chill rolling off the cooler bowl of wine right in front of one of the stools made my wife ask me to switch places, so that way I could freeze. The food was great, though To wit: The white bean soup in tomato consomme (with lotsa extra stuff it it) as well as the cured meats appetizers were delicious, as was the famous gnochhi. The tagliatelle (sp?) pasta w/lamb ragout appetizer also looked great, but I missed a chance to sample it when one of our companions made a giant sucking sound, and it disappeared before I could ask for a bite. I snoozed, and I lost, on that one. I had the braised short ribs as my entree, which were awesome. Overall, a great place, and one I'll be happy to go back to sometime in the not-too-distant future.
(4)Kacie M.
This place is amazing if you are looking for perfectly done food. I don't recommend it for a big party or people looking for a fun atmosphere. It's quiet, simple, tiny, and formal. My specialty is finding amazing dives but my hubby and I came here (despite the price) because of the consistenly great reviews I'd been seeing from this place. It was all true. The menu is fairly small and simple, but every item is done perfectly. The chicken, the gnocchi, the specials.. every ingredient perfectly balances as it is supposed to.
(5)Chris B.
I was happy to see one other review for this restaurant, and actually thought I might be the first -- most people are not aware of this amazing little restaurant. I don't think they have any more than 10 tables in this street-side restaurant, that is obviously a converted duplex. You feel like you're walking into someone's home, and the good thing is: they treat you like you are in their home. Incredibly quiet, peaceful, romantic and dark, this was a great restaurant to celebrate a special occasion. I had just gotten back to Chicago following a long and hard trial on the East Coast. 20 hour days for two weeks straight, and my brain and body were mush. This was exactly the kind of chilled-out dinner for which my wife and I were looking. The dishes were very personal: it felt like someone was cooking this entree with you in mind, meaning it wasn't just cooked and thrown up on a hot plate. The menu is very limited, but portioned per course beautifully, and there is a staple item for even the pickiest eater. We had some incredible grilled vegetables, amazing pastas, and a delicious trio of veal medallions. We haven't done this yet, but apparently there is a cooking class that Chef Bocik (who also greeted us at the door -- a fun personal touch), teaches, and it runs an eye-poppingly reasonable $50/pp including the actual meal you enjoy along with the class. Pop over to West Chicago Ave. to A Tavola next time you're looking for a good date night, and a change of pace from the hustle and bustle.
(5)Dean S.
Hands down one of the best hidden restaurants in the city. I've been here several times and every visit has been a great experience. I botched Valentines Day last year and was trying to make up for it this year. I called 3 weeks in advance. However, I only called yesterday to confirm that reservation and they did not understand the message I left (I'm a mumbler at times.) The gentleman on the phone was so nice and let me know that he'd call around and see if he couldn't help me out. 30 minutes later I received a phone call letting me know that I had a Saturday 8 o clock reservation. Thanks A Tavola for saving my butt! My next review will be about the great dinner that I had, including a 10 page review about the gnocchi!
(5)Julie G.
Yep, this place is super awesome just like everyone says. Plenty of gushing already in this Yelp thread, so instead here are just a few tips for when you go there (which you must): 1) Go when it's warm enough to sit on the patio out by the herb garden. 2) The place isn't nearly as dressy or intimidatingly expensive as I had been previous led to believe (disclaimer: I wasn't the one who picked up the check [Thanks, Chad!] but I did see the menu prices and they really weren't that bad. 3) DO NOT skip the gnocchi, but more importantly, DO NOT skip eating the crispy sage leaves that come with it. Seriously, one of the most surprisingly delicious things I have ever noshed. 4) Both the daily specials and the regular menu were equally tasty. Note: The reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5 is that my lamb, while delicious and well prepared, didn't completely blow my mind. However, to be fair, the last couple times I had lamb anywhere I didn't think it was that great so maybe I just don't really like lamb anymore. However, my friend's pork shank and my other friend's beef tenderloin were top notch. 5) Get something with spinach...normally I only like raw spinach but this was cooked absolutely perfectly. 6) The best dessert was the flour-less chocolate cake and I don't even normally like flour-less chocolate cake. But it was rich and light and moist, kind of like a fresh-from-the-oven brownie. Um, yes please!
(4)Amy N.
My husband found this place by searching 'romantic restaurants' for my birthday a few years back. Thank goodness he found it because it is now one of our favorites--we try to go there once a year for special occasions. It is tucked away in a cute house so you could almost miss it. They have 2 great dining areas---however, I've never eaten upstars---and a patio. Try to do the patio if it's nice because it is gorgeous out there. The food is fabulous, the wine is amazing and the service is unbeatable. On our second visit there, I decided I wanted a vodka lemon aid. The waiter told us there was no lemon aid and I said I'd be fine with something else. Lo and behold, 5 minutes later, he returned with a vodka lemon aid for me---he made it using lemons from the bar. Talk about going above and beyond! I have sent several friends to A Tavola and they have always come back just as in love with it as we are. There are very few items on the menu but each one is better than the last. Don't pass up the gnocci---it's perfection!
(5)eden s.
Lovely neighborhood restaurant. We went with our friends and had a great time. The service was wonderful. A nice place to go and sit outside. Food is fresh and a bit different than your typical Italian food. Not somewhere that I would become a "regular" but certainly a nice special occassion restaurant.
(3)Madelyn H.
this is really a special place. you walk in and the romance is palpable. we had a corner table and there wasn't much light other than the votive on our table. there was only one server the night i went and he seemed to be very involved in the menu, almost as though he had a part in coming up with it or cooking the dishes. despite the fact that he was the sole waiter, he did a great job of helping everyone. the rosemary focaccia he gave us at the start of the meal was delicious, and i am anti-rosemary. a pretty extensive wine list... we didn't love what we chose, but that was probably our lack of knowledge. the highlights of the meal were the pears in the salad we started with (kind of an odd thing to comment on but they were so sweet and good), and the gnocchi. this is why people describe gnocchi as pillowy. i had the pork special upon recommendation from the waiter, which was super tender, but i thought it was a little overly seasoned. i had the panna cotta and practically licked the plate. this probably isn't the best italian meal i've had thus far in the city, but it was really enjoyable and i loved the atmosphere. must try: gnocchi
(4)Huw L.
Sadly we didn't get a chance to taste the food. Despite having a reservation and reconfirming just a few minutes before arrival (we were running a few minutes late but they said "That's ok, so are we"), the place was packed and we were asked to wait a few minutes and grab a drink at the bar. However, we couldn't get anyone to get us a drink for about 15 minutes before a waiter finally realized. We had a glass of wine and continued to wait for another 45 minutes. Eventually we noticed that they were giving tables away to people who had arrived after us and even walk-ups. Although the waiter seemed genuinely sorry and gave us the wine for free, we left.
(1)Mary Ann H.
As a native Chicagoan, I try to keep up with all the restaurant news about new and great places to eat in the city. Imagine my surprise when a client from Dallas, Tx made this recommendation based on his Yelp search. I am so glad he found this gem. I had no idea such a place existed in the Ukraine Village. Every dish we has was incredible. From appetizers to deserts, every mouthful was a delight. The rosemary bread was the first surprise, fresh baked taste and a wonderful seasoned crust. My appetizer was the cured meat dish of capicole, prosciutto and thin sliced sausage, not sure what the name was but delicious. We shared the gnocchi, and oh my, it was indescribable. Like no other gnocchi I have ever had, these were the lightest, most flavorful morsels I ever had in my life. The marinated, grilled portobello mushrooms were unbelievable. For my entree', I had the grilled lamb that was cooked to perfection and melt in your mouth tender. Desert was the perfect compliment to our melange of immensely flavored food. We order and shared four of the deserts, one better than the next, but the I think it was a draw between the panna cotta and the lemon tart. What a great dining experience. I cannot wait to bring my friends to this fabulous restaurant. A final hats off to the serving staff, they answered our every question and accommodated our every request with personal attention and courteous professionalism.
(5)Erika S.
I thought everything about my experience here was perfect...the food, the wine, the service, the atmosphere. The bill is a bit of a shock, but the food and experience are definately worth it. I'm actually getting hungry just thinking about it...
(5)Reina C.
We came to here on a recommendation by a friend. The place is very quaint. The wines were great. The food was good. I enjoyed my meal and presentation but there is a great lack of vegetarian options. The gnocchi was good but a bit too butter for my taste. Very nice choice for a "couples" special occasion.
(4)shivi d.
What a little find this restaurant is. The food is spectacular. I don't want to say anymore for fear I'll never be able to get back into this restaurant. But alas, I can't be stingy. Go, run, now, go!
(5)Jacob R.
So, what's not to like? 1. Our waiter was "super waiter". Putting on the voice, trying to upsell things. Otherwise, no complaints.
(5)NO C.
Cool place in Ukrainian Village. Great service. The gnocchi is a must. Very light and delicious. We enjoyed the room as it is small and intimate. A good date spot.
(4)Rachel A.
Wow, wow, wow. I loved my night at A Tavola. We started out with a nice half bottle of prosecco, fried calamari (done in true italian style, crispy but without the thick layer of breading that is common here), and figs and prosciutto... yum. We had to get the famous gnocchi which I believe was served in brown butter with pieces of crisp fried sage and it IS worth all the hype and its absolutely delicious. Other diners at my table had risotto... can't remember what kind, maybe chicken? and tagliatelle with homemade bolognese. Delish. We ordered fish and steaks for our mains -- simply but perfectly seasoned, and cooked to perfection. Dessert was amazing as well. Our waiter was great -- attentive but left us alone to enjoy our meal when appropriate. Wine and espresso was great too. I will DEFINITELY be back and will definitely recommend this as a date or double-date type of place.
(5)Tim V.
Our friends Laura and Jim brought us here and it was nothing short of spectacular. I felt like each dish we had was carefully thought-out and included only the ingredients necessary. They really find ways to make simple dishes extremely delicious. The gnocchi is done in brown butter with toasted sage leaves, and was as good as the famous "gnudi" dish at the Spotted Pig in NYC. It's perfect. Every course was delicious. Mushrooms, tenderloin. All perfect. Plus, the service here is extraordinary...I mean truly noteworthy. The experience is a lot like Terragusto, which I also love.
(5)cara r.
We use a tavola as a recruiting dinner for new applicants, and I've been there a few times sans University cartel. The sage gnocchi are little pillows from heaven - so light and delicious and yummy - even my mom, who doesn't like gnocchi, enjoyed them. The tagliatelle bolognese are also fantastic, and I've throroughly enjoyed all the meat and fish dishes I've had here as well. Dessert is also good, if slightly predictable - pot de creme, chocolate cake, but always tasty!
(4)lauren p.
A Tavola is so small and unassuming, that i wasn't even sure it's still open. All I'll say is this: Best. Gnocchi. Ever. So good I almost had to finish my plate in the bathroom so as not to disturb other patrons, if you catch my drift.
(5)Susan M.
we went here the other night for our anniversary and it was just lovely. the place is tiny! there were about 10 tables in the dining room, and our waiter said they have an additional 14 seats in the patio area. we were seated promptly and took a glance at the wine list. don't remember what we ordered, but it was good! we ended up getting a veal and lamb (i think it was)sausage with canellini beans for an appetizer. the beans and the sauce were wonderful, but the sausage was lacking a bit of flavor. we had the gnocci for a second course, and they were almost too rich. key word: almost. they were totally delicious! although if i tried to eat another bite, i might have exploded with the rich flavors. we both had the specials for our entrees. i had a marinated leg of lamb, sliced thinly with spinach and rosemary potatoes. my bf had braised beef short ribs with saffron risotto. both meals were amazing. my lamb had a wonderful crust of seasoning on the outside and was cooked perfectly. my boyfriends short ribs were falling apart they were so tender. everything was absolutely wonderful. we ended the night with a panna cotta and carmelized apples torta. i felt both desserts lacked a little something, but nothing to complain over. probably the best thing about the night was the service. the food was brought out promptly and in good time. our apps were ready shortly and second course brought out quickly after were finished the first. that's usually one thing i hate about dining out, waiting forever between courses. while it is nice to sit around and talk to your companion, i want to eat also! i definitely recommend going here! try the gnocci, have some wine, enjoy yourself. i imagine that the patio seating is lovely in the summer, so i look forward to trying a tavola again sometime.
(4)Andy R.
intimacy with substance a love of fine ingredients prepared to perfection
(5)Eric L.
Im a fan of this place and given how the night started thats surprising. I had a reservation for outside at 8pm. However, we didnt get seated until 845! This was because they have a policy of not kicking out their customers, which can be a positive, but at some point there becomes a limit. Well 45mins sitting at the bar starving...i almost lost it. The other people finally left and once seated they took our order pretty fast and the appetizers came out quickly. We had the grilled vegetables and cantaloupe / prosciutto. Both were excellent. For the main course we had the gnocchi and tagliatelle bolognese. Again both were very good...tagliatelle was a bit too salty but not a big deal. Finally we ordered the panna cotta for dessert which was rich, creamy and had a great texture to it. Overall, the food here is outstanding. On top of this, they comped us for the drinks we had at the bar because of the wait...so I really have to give their customer service high marks. The thing I love about this place is the focused menu. They dont have 20 different pastas....just core dishes they make extremely well. All of the pasta and entree dishes looked great and I will definately be back to try more of them. 4.5 stars overall.
(4)Mike B.
Delicious food, inviting, elegant and warm atmosphere. Not for parties, but who cares when the service, food and wine is this good. Not too pricey either. We really enjoyed the upscale vibe, without the attitude. We'll be heading back... often.
(4)Beth O.
Chef Dan leads a life I envy. He went to culinary school in California, opened this delicious and intimate restaurant in what used to be a sagebrush neighborhood for foodies, which flourished, has a private pilot's license that he uses to fly to his farm in Michigan, and seems surprisingly relaxed despite his jet set creds. The food is awesome: gnocchi, risotto, salads, mushrooms, salty, herby and moist chicken... go on a date and definitely order the gnocchi. Go home and fantasize about the food awhile. Then later celebrate monogamy by attending cooking class at A Tavola and learning how to make its recipes together, and hearing Dan's sage advice on how long to cook the chicken: "'Til it's done". Everyone loves A Tavola: lovers,parents, you.
(5)Sarah Z.
All around, a wonderful experience! The intimate setting, the scrumptious food and excellent service.. I had a great experience all around.
(5)Ron G.
I dined at A Tavola at the request of a friend. His praise was so high I had to try it, despite being skeptical of the overly lavish praise he laid on. It turns out he was correct. The bone-in rib eye for 2 I shared with my wife equaled the top Chicago steak houses. (Gibsons, Joe's, Chop House) You do not have to believe me like I did not believe my friend, but with this high praise, how can you not check it out? I would recommend attending on a special occasion as it can be quite expensive, especially if you enjoy a spirit with your meal. The first and second course plates are small and if ordered how suggested by the waiter provide the correct amount of food, but as I said, that gets expensive. But the steak 3rd course was more than the two of us could handle.
(5)Christopher G.
A foodies restaurant. No frills ambiance, or should I say rather-understated elegance. When I walked into the restaurant, i was a bit dissapointed because I was expecting "more". I was happily reminded that when dining out- ambiance is not always what makes a place. For the food here is exceptional. Once the food started arriving, I would have cared less if there were Coors Light posters on the wall (well maybe). Everyone was delighted with their food- and amongst those I dined with- that's a miracle. The place is very small, as stated in other posts, and is masterfully managed by one waiter! Considering the quality of the food and wines available- I was truely impressed with the waiters ability to give us due attention- and handle every other table- seemingly the same way. If you search this place out- be sure to make reservations- due to it's size (or lack thereof) and be advised that you can drive right past it and not see it. Over all, I'd say if someone wanted to have a REALLY good meal, A Tavola would definately be on the list.
(4)Jeff N.
This is really 4 1/2 stars. Here's why. The patio is intimate, cool and worth 5 stars. Service 5 stars. Mozarella appetizer with delicious figs 5 stars. Gnocchi and the risotto 3 stars. Ghocchi portion small and taste was good, not great. I have had better risotto; I like the creamier kind and this was a bit brothy. Lamb special was split for us and accompanied by an awesome Polenta that itself earns 6 stars. Lemon tart for dessert 4 stars. Menu is smaller than most you'll see at Italian restaurant. I want to go back soon to see if I can bump this place up to 5 stars.
(4)Karen L.
A Tavola is a cozy and quaint restaurant in Ukranian Village. You walk in and you feel like you are in someone's home, not a restaurant. The menu is pretty limited, with only a handful of appetizer and entree choices, but the ones they offered were pretty appealing. They also offer pastas, which are more of a second course, so it is larger than an appetizer but smaller than an entree. I opted for a pasta dish, gnocchi with brown sage butter and parmesan cheese, with a side of rosemary potatoes. The gnocchi was fabulous! Very light and flavorful, with crisp sage leaves. The rosemary potatoes were also very good with parmesan cheese crusted on top. This restaurant is a very cute find. It is a little out of the way from other things, but it is well worth the trip out there.
(4)Marisa D.
A Tavola is an amazing, hidden gem in the world of Italian restaurants in Chicago. It reminded my husband and I of several places we ate at in Italy. All of their pasta is made in-house and you can tell....it's amazing! The tagliatelle is to die for. The atmosphere is cozy and romantic; this is definitely a great restaurant to dine in when celebrating a special occasio birthday, anniversary, etc. The staff is knowledgeable and courteous. The overall experience is wonderful!
(5)Michael B.
Fantastic intimate place.
(5)pam w.
This is one of the best restaurants in Chicago. I love the ambience, the service and especially the food! I have never had better Gnocchi in my life. I've been to many fine dining restaurants in chicago and this is one of the best!
(5)Matt D.
simply an amazing experience...i've walked and driven by this place numerous times and never realized it's a restaurant...probably because it 's the classic ukie village brick duplex...only with the best italian restaurant in chicago inside... small, dark, intimate dining space on the first floor...only about 12 tables, 2 servers, very classy, perfect for a date... our server was excellent...definitely put on the "waiter voice", which is fine when you actually know everything about the food and wine options without being pretentious or condescending... started with the proscuitto and fig appetizer...very tasty...they give you a nice amount of high-quality italian meat goodness, and the sweet fig really played nicely off of the salty prosciute... next the highlights...the lady and i are pasta fans first and foremost at italian joints...and a tavola really earns its stripes here...as everyone has stated, the gnocchi truly are the best i've ever had...perfectly pillowy, with the right amount of sage and brown butter...AMAZING...we also had the lamb ragu tagliatelle, which also had a really good flavor... mains were also good...i had the lamb, the lady a steak tenderloin...my lamb was more tender, but her steak tenderloin was huge and also very good...also, the garlic spinach was so garlicky we were tearing up, but we like that so it's all good... not cheap, but reasonable for the quality...also, they have a patio out back that i've heard is very intimate and we'll have to check out soon... overall, just a wonderful experience...amazing food, great service, understated yet personable decor...
(5)Mary F.
I probably would have given this place 2 stars, but went with friends who liked it much better than I did. We'll start with the positives - I've wanted to try A Tavola for a while - we were able to get a fairly large reservation last minute. The service was good - wait staff was on top of everything. The food was good. Downside - Food was not great. Prices were expensive. One entree was $18, but the rest were $26 and up. Portions were small. I think I got 12 gnocchi for $20 (I've had a similar dish at Buona Terra that I thought tasted better). I thought they were fine, at best. Just not anything to get excited about. The table had - lamb, gnocchi, grouper, steak, chicken, bolognese, and another type of pasta. I tried most - liked the bolognese best. The sides on the dishes were unimaginative - BIG hunk of steamed broccoli, a large amount of sauted spinach... The wine list was pricey. There were 2-3 bottles of wine under $50. I did not think the atmosphere was cozy or charming - more like FLAT. Vanilla walls, black and white photos, and black lacquer 90s chairs. Quote from the dinner table "I just don't want to look at butt while I'm eating" - about the photos. The website does not have prices posted, which I think is obnoxious. Maybe I was there on an off night? Maybe I have higher expectations when eating $30 entrees. I just didn't think the food/wine/ambiance was worth it.
(3)Shawn L.
So I took a female friend to A Tavola for the Monday night cooking class. It was amazing. Dan, the chef, was very fun to hang out with. The food was great (even though I had a hand in preparing it) and we had a blast. I'll be going back soon.
(5)Olia H.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. Every ting on the menu is absolutely great. Even the simplest things, like chicken, seem new again. While the menu is small they always have specials and one thing that you have to have when you go there is the panna cotta, which is a baked cream dessert that is out of this world.
(5)Tony B.
My wife and I had a fabulous time and I love the food and the service. Can't recommend it more highly. Just go there.
(5)Wyllyam F.
you all must be sick of hearing that "The Gnochhi is to die for" but it really is, the fluffy pillows of pure delight will consume your tongue with instant gratification, if this feeling stays with you for the rest of your life, then you have a great taste for fine foods
(5)Dan M.
Great Italian restaurant. I agree with everyone else on the Gnochhi, its the best I've tried. The main entrees are creative and well portioned, never left this place hungry.
(5)K M.
Went here for a family dinner. The three stars is not indicative of the food quality or choice, more the cost and the slow slow service. I went two years ago, so my memory is only as good as an opinion - things could have changed, but the bill was over $400 for six of us without more than one drink each. Not great choice for a large group unless your boss is paying, otherwise a nice place for a romantic meal where time can pass you by without notice.
(3)Kate F.
Loved our dinner here. We went on a Wednesday and were the only table eating inside (everyone else was out on the patio). Three of us had 2 special apps, 1 gnocchi and 3 entrees. Tons of food!! The gnocchi are as good as everyone says. I can't imagine being able to eat a plate of gnocchi and then an entree for one person b/c they are so rich, but it's great to have a taste. Everything cooked perfectly. Great wine list. Really enjoyable evening, would recommend it to anyone.
(5)Julia S.
This place lived up to every amazing review on Yelp. I was in charge of Valentine's Day this year and chose A Tavola after a friend recommended it - I was little nervous because this friend had never actually eat here, but had heard it was good. The service was wonderful and our table was private enough to not feel like we were sharing our conversation with the table next to ours. On to the important stuff- the food! We ordered the salad as well as the gnocchi for starters (both to share). When the salad came out it was already divided onto two plates- this is the kind of thing I really appreciate. For the main course I ordered the braised lamb with rosemary potatoes and sauteed spinach. The bf ordered the roasted chicken with polenta and rosemary potatoes. We asked the waiter for wine suggestions and he provided a delicious bottle that fit into my budget. The entrees came out, but we had still not received the gnocchi. We let our server know and he said that the kitchen must have skipped a course on us. No big deal to us- we were thrilled with our meats. It is some of the best lamb I have ever had and the roasted chicken was delicious! The rosemary potatoes were nothing special and the polenta (I did not taste) looked to be rather plain. The sauteed spinach was PERFECT- not slimy and totally wilted, but cooked just enough and almost crispy- if that makes sense... We were too stuffed for dessert, but did have coffees. We both thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and are talking about the next time we can go back!
(5)K S.
This place is great. The wait staff is knowledgable and attentive. The restaurant itself is cozy. The food is yummy and like everyone else has said, the gnocchi is fabulous. The portions are actually quite large, after an appetizer and a pasta, I couldn't finished my entree. Also, I loved that we got olives with our bread. mmm olives.
(4)Marissa D.
very romantic restaurant. we had to wait even though we had a reservation, but the friendly service made up for it. the meal was delicious - each portion was the perfect size and the food was incredible. definitely come here on a date, definitely dress nicely, and definitely know where you're going when you come here because it is hidden!
(4)Sadie W.
I'm almost afraid to review A Tavola because I don't want everyone going there! I've been to most of the top restaurants in Chicago and A Tavola ranks among the very best. The atmosphere, food and service are all tremendous. On a recent visit I had their famous gnocchi with a side of rosemary potatos. Both dishes were absolutely perfect. My server recommended a glass of red wine that perfectly complemented my meal. As much as I enjoyed their menu fare, the bread they serve to start you off was incredible! If I could have nothing more than that bread and a nice glass of wine, I'd still leave very happy. I also want to point out how nice the room is. The restaurant looks like it may have once been a residence. And that's what it feels like, being in someones home. A Tavola is a great restaurant for any grown-up occasion, particularly a romantic date. I've already made plans to go back this weekend!
(5)Megan B.
Delicious delicious! We went with a group on a Saturday night. The dining room is super tiny, so make sure to make reservations, especially since they're pretty authentic in their Italian eating style -- long, drawn out dinner. Everything was wonderful. I started out with the special soup - very good. For entree, I had the gnocchi, which, legend has it is the best in the city. It was definitely good. My husband had the veal, also very delicious. Overall, our group was overly pleased with the meal. A warning, though - the place is pretty pricey. I thought we did well with a $300 check for 5 people, but we only had one bottle of wine amongst us all. I definitely could have been worse.
(4)coco r.
This place is perfect. It is unpretentious, yet sophisticated. The food is consistently good and the staff is impeccable. Most importantly, A Tavola has the best short ribs in town. They are not on the menu, but they are often offered as a nightly special. Also, be sure to try this restaurant in the summer when you can sit out on the back patio.
(5)Austin O.
I went here with my girlfriend for our anniversary. The food was good for the most part, but I expected to be blown away from all of the reviews that I head read. We split the mussels and clams as an appertizer, and they were pretty sandy. My girlfriend got the gnocchi, which was quite good, but I got the bolognase, which was surprisingly bland and under seasoned. For our main dishes I got the lamb, which was quite good, and my girlfriend got fish in lemon caper sauce (I think it was halibut). All in all I would say the found was worth three stars. However, the SERVICE was HORRIBLE. I requested a bottle of wine around thirty-five dollars--the waitress recommended one (without giving the price), and I said it sounded fine. Then, when the bill came, I noticed that we had been sold a fifty-five dollar of wine! I really think that is totally out of the price ball park that was requested. I should have told the manager or taken it out of the waitresses tip, but I didn't want to make a scene. I am still mad about it. Oh well.
(2)rebecca f.
had a nice birthday dinner upstairs at this hidden gem last night. 12 good friends enjoying a nice meal, family style. food was excellent, and robert, our server accommodated our needs fairly well. enjoy!
(4)Phil S.
We went with a group of 4 and were lucky to get a table in this tiny establishment. It literally sits in what feels like the living room of a house. The pasta and meat dishes were very good, as was the wine selection. Our waiter was awesome and very knowledgeable about Italian wines and even discounted one of the bottles when we couldn't get a second bottle of Amarone. The food, although good, was not amazing and the prices were a bit high for the meat plates. The pasta is very reasonable and we didnt have any of the appetizers. Overall a great experience but definitely on the pricey side. Might return in the summer when the patio is open.
(4)Kate G.
Wow!!!! We just moved to the neighborhood and happened to stumble upon this gem tonight. I felt very underdressed being in my "cleaning house clothes" but the outside patio lent itself to a more casual yet charming vibe. The inside is cozy and beautiful too. Immediately the entire staff welcomes us as their guests and everyone was SO kind. The two ladies serving us really knew the menu well. We ordered: arugula salad Mushrooms Bolognese Lamb Everything was cooked and season to perfection. To die for food! We will definitely be back to our new favorite Italian place.
(5)Justina K.
My friend brought me here on a dinner date and it was the weirdest thing walking into the restaurant because it literally feels like you're walking into a strangers home. I basically creeped in. The food was great. We got their daily roasted vegetables and got suckered into ordering their gnocchi by the waitress even though both of us don't even like it that much to begin with. (We still didn't like it but that's not because it tasted bad we just don't like it). For our meal we got the braised short rib and leg of lamb. The short rib is probably the best thing they have on their menu. Get it. Every time. Fall off the bone goodness. Service was okay. Had to ask a few times to get my water refilled and there were only two waitresses working. And I would watch them sometimes and they'd be goofing off and chatting it up with each other in plain sight and with the restaurant being so small I could hear everything they were saying. But the food doe. Solid A.
(4)Erica L.
I had to try this place out when I found it on a list for "Best Places in Chicago for Cacio e Pepe". Hubby and I made a date out of it last month to celebrate reaching 38 weeks in our pregnancy. We almost walked by it since it is located in a house that was converted into a restaurant. I felt we were walking into a private dinner party inside. Very romantic atmosphere. There were only a handful of tables. Our server was very warm and friendly. She gave Hubby great wine recommendations. We started with the delicious plate of roasted vegetables. That was Hubby's favorite dish. We decided not only to try the Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe but to split the ginormous Bistecca Fiorentina (the 32 oz bone-in-center cut ribeye for two, or in our case at that time, for three). Our server let us add a side of the Gnocchi with browned sage butter and parmesan as a side to the meat so we could try two different types of handmade pasta. We ordered the meat medium for me, but in hindsight, I wish we went with medium rare since the meat was so thick it ended up charred on the outside. It was a lot and we had to take the rest home. I was disappointed in the Cacio e Pepe as the pasta looked and had the texture of crinkly thin ramen noodles and their version added a lot of olive oil. The Gnocchi was flavorful. For dessert we split the Torta di Mele Rovesciata (baked apple pastry). It took them longer than usual to make it so the server apologized for the delay. It was just okay, not worth the wait for it. So the cacio e pepe didn't live up to the recommendation in my opinion, but the service and ambiance made up for it.
(3)Emily W.
Darling ambiance and amazing food....both are hands down a five star experience and I look forward to a repeat visit. The wine list is small and 100% Italian (which was fine by me) but I would have appreciated a little bit more depth on both the by-the-glass and bottle lists. Our server was fantastic, and she did a great job of 'fixing' a bad first impression by another server who took issue with our last minute OpenTable reservation and made us feel less than welcome. Despite one of the coldest greetings I've experienced at a restaurant, the remaining service, food and wine were great.
(4)Eric S.
Cool little unassuming place. Super friendly wait staff. Try the bolognese, you will love it.
(5)Justin B.
Exceptional Italian cuisine in what looks like somebody's house...this place is incredible. We tried a number of pasta dishes--specifically, the gnocchi, lamb ragu and the tonnarelli--and all of them were tasty, even if a couple were a little salty, the taste worked to perfection. We split an order of the saltimbocca and the braised short rib...wow. The short rib with that risotto underneath was cash; another person at our table got the lamb entree and that was also excellent. The wine list has a few bottles that are priced fairly (around $50 a pop), so that combined with the focaccia that was brought out before our pasta arrived helped pass the time. I say that because you should be aware that you are gonna wait if you come to A Tavola...much like meals served at ristorantes in Italy, we would have been at A Tavola for three hours had we not pushed the staff because we were paying for a babysitter and didn't think it would take so long. We ordered all of our food (a couple of salads, pasta and mains) last night at about 7:50 PM...the pasta didn't come to the table until 8:56 PM, and realizing that we were far from actually getting the entrees, we mentioned our 10 PM time constraint to the server. "Good to know; we'll put the order in for the entrees now." It's cool that everything is made by hand and the quality is worth the time, but just know that you can't blow through A Tavola...expect to stay a while. Otherwise, everything was great, and the back patio on an 80-degree day/evening makes for a pretty sweet dining experience. Also, be sure to ask for the price of the specials so that you aren't blown away when the bill comes (sadly, like most restaurants, we had to ask because our server didn't offer up that information freely); the saltimbocca is ~$60 and the steak is around $90.
(5)Erin S.
We rarely depart from our stand-by's, such as Joe's, RL, Bavette's, Publican, etc. When I made this reservation, I was nervous as we were celebrating a family birthday and it was on me to pick the place. It could not have been better. Hubby is a steak connoisseur and I can't get enough veggies to save my life. He said his Florentine steak rivaled the one we eat in Florence. He NEVER likes meat other than Joe's. And all of my veggies were so tasty. Also, the gnocci was definitely the best we've ever had. Carla, our server, was kind and helpful. We'll be back!
(5)Elsie R.
Thank you to Chef Dan and especially Carla for making our wedding celebration a success. We had a small wedding ceremony followed by a luncheon at this amazing small-quaint restaurant. We had the ceremony outside in the terrace followed by the reception indoors. I can't say enough about the level of service and treatment we received during the planning process and day of the wedding. Our guests were so pleased at the responsiveness and politeness of the staff, and commented at how impressed they were about the level of attention we all received. My new husband and I will make it a tradition to visit A Tavola during each anniversary. I am humbled and thankful to the entire A Tavola Family for making our day memorable!
(5)Bree S.
Loved everything about this hidden gem. We opted for ALL the pasta dishes instead of trying a main course...and we were not disappointed. The bolognese was our clear winner, but the other three were not far behind. Great service, nice atmosphere, zero complaints.
(5)Adam B.
I attended the April cooking class, where we made mushrooms, roast chicken, gnocchi, and the apple tart. There were 24 of us and the staff was incredibly accommodating. They offered us glasses of wine, although they failed to mention each glass was $15. Just for that, I'm docking one star. I'd rather the class cost $10 or $15 more and have them include a glass. Anyway, Chef Dan is a really nice guy and knows a lot about cooking. He merely stuffed the cavity of the chicken with fresh herbs, lemon, and kosher salt, tied it tight, and just stuffed it into the oven at 500 degrees. He invited us to participate in the process, from peeling apples and potatoes, to chopping herbs, to rolling the gnocchi dough. The bread they served us had some salt and rosemary on it, and we dipped into some extra virgin olive oil. Honestly, I probably would have been happy with just getting the bread recipe. It was so amazing. The chicken tasted fine, but I honestly felt like some salt and pepper would have made it much better. It's amazing to think that the chicken was really the after thought of the meal. I can barely describe the oyster and portabella mushrooms and how good they were. All I know is we made nowhere near enough to satisfy the table. The gnocchi tasted unlike anything I've ever had. It tasted incredibly fresh and the sauce made of butter and sage leaves made it a very satisfying dish. The apple tart was so simple, just butter, sugar, golden delicious apples, and pastry. Before we put the tart in the oven, the apples were cooked on the stove with the butter and sugar, so it created a caramel sauce, of sorts. Topped with some fresh whipped cream, it was a remarkable dessert. The meal was also served with grilled vegetables, garlic spinach, and an amazing savory bread pudding with pancetta. The total, with wine and gratuity, came to $220. It's a hefty amount of money to spend for the class, but it was a good experience and fun to do once. That said, I would still want to come back and try the steak!
(4)David M.
This place is a Gem. the location is the absolute last place you would expect such high quality, authentic food. Come hungry because you will want to eat everything. The gnocchi is stunning, take your breath away good. Food is fresh and the menu changes based on what is available that day so you will find that even for an early dinner there will be two or three items not on the menu where they only have one of them. I ate short ribs this last visit. The meat is incredibly tender...fall off the bone, you could eat it with a spoon if you wanted...definitely no need for a knife. Deserts are great and a lovely well curated wine list that does not break the bank. This is my go to place when I want to entertain someone special.
(5)Daniel R.
We had dinner for my brdy.....we had great expectations, since so much has been said about this place... Well here it goes: the pasta Noqui was not good, the oil taste like burned, arugula salad was ok, nothing extraordinary, the pasta with ragu was actually the best, but still pretty standard..... At the end and what we expect to be great, was the bisteka fiorentina ( T bone), far from good.. It taste like gas burned, far from been the best it was actually not good. You can have amazing meat at Chicago... The good stuff was the dessert Panacota... Superb... After having one, we order a second one and the waitress told us they ran out. So we finished our wine (15 minutes) and saw a bunch of panacotas going to another table??? Anyway.... Dont bother coming to this place, its far from real authentic italian food and nothing amazing.
(2)Stephanie B.
I can't recommend this restaurant to enough people! From the cozy, romantic ambiance of the restaurant, to the very friendly staff, to the delicious food, this is a great spot to bring a date, family, or friends! We split an order of gnocchi (a must-order!), and my boyfriend ordered the short rib risotto while I got the fish of the day. We also split the panna cotta for dessert, another must-order--I think it was the best panna cotta I've ever had. We were impressed by everything we got, although I will say I was a bit disappointed that they ran out of the wine we wanted to order. Our server also told us that they have a patio they open up when it is warm, so we have a perfect reason to go back!
(5)Gideon B.
Came here because of the TV show that talked about the gnocchi and huge steak that is not on the menu. Of course everyone at the restaurant was ordering the steak. Get the gnocchi as a starter the best I have had in Chicago. The steak comes with potatoes and spinach. It is 36 ounces which is huge. It could feed three people. The steak was good but not great so that is why I gave it four stars.
(4)Dhruv P.
I love the ambiance and I loved the service and loved the ambiance. Its a very romantic spot, feels more of a secret neighborhood spot. There are very few tables so reservations are necessary. They are also pretty accommodating. My SO reserved the place after looking on the online menu, which included a bunch of vegetarian options. However, when we arrived, we learned that the online menu was incorrect and had only a few dishes that I would be able to choose. The waitress was able to accommodate my preferences by making the pasta dish and entree size and recommending other items that I could partake in. While they have quite a selection of wine, our waitress mentioned that the bartender can make some cocktails (limited to only a select few as their bar isn't extensive). I liked my butter sage gnocchi, but wasn't overwhelmed by it. The salad, however, was spectacular. As a vegetarian, I would just advise that you be prepared for a limited selection and do NOT use the online menu to get an idea what is served at A Tavola.
(4)John P.
The food, wine, ambiance and service at A Tavola are unmatched in Ukrainian Village. This is the ideal date spot and ultimately the place I asked my now fiancé to marry me. I met with Josie of their coordinating team ahead of the proposal to plan a private party for afterwards and she could not of been more accommodating. I was able to reserve a private room for friends and family to join us to celebrate and everything went better then I could have hoped. Side notes: - If you think you would enjoy eating the best Gnocchi in existence I recommend ordering. -For something different for date night the cooking classes with Chef Dan are tasty, relaxed and educational.
(5)Allison F.
The gnocchi is out of this world. How do I know? Because it melts in your mouth, something only a true, handmade gnocchi does. This is without a doubt one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago!
(5)LandL S.
Terrible. We are temporary chicago transplants from Texas. The ribeye was like old shoe leather - so bad. We took a bite each and we're done. The gnocchi was okay but nothing I'd want again. The wine list was nice as was the service but keep looking for a nice steak dinner.
(1)Patricia S.
Omg, best meal ever. Such amazing ambiance and staff. I came in on an "order" from a friend who discovered them on the Travel Channel and since I was to be I Chicago for work, he gave me no choice but to go. I came from a ball game in Milwaukee and was so beat from being in the sun all day that I really just wanted to go to the hotel and sleep. But no, I was on orders so I stopped by on my way back into the city. I had no idea what the "dress code" was and almost turned around and left because I was in a tattered sweatshirt, stinky baseball jersey, jeans and my favorite Adidas sandals. This place seemed too chic for the likes of me. Thankfully, I was embraced immediately and brought to a lovely back patio table and treated like family. I had the most amazing meal (meat and potatoes); leftovers for days; and, such a relaxing time. I know I'll be back in the future, and every time I make the trip, this will be one of my stops. Thank you!
(5)Wayne H.
a tavola was the perfect spot for my 2nd year anniversary dinner. I went only based on positive yelp reviews and was not disappointed. This place is so charming, both outside and inside. It is very un-expecting when first getting there because they really don't have a storefront so it was perfect for surprising my girlfriend. She thought we were going to some fast food Chinese place for a moment, because that was the only sign of a restaurant on the block. The place was very romantic, low lit and we were greeted and seated right away. We both shared the Pear Salad and Gnocchi to start. The salad was fresh and very tasty. The gnocchi was fresh and hand made that same day. The gnocchi melted in your mouth like butter and had such excellent flavor. I ordered the braised beef short rib with risotto and she ordered the grilled beef tenderloin. Both of these dishes were to die for. We were making so many mmmm sounds when eating. We also shared a bottle of the Belpoggio, Rosso di Motalcino 2010. This wine was excellent and paired nicely with our entire meal. Our waitress was so kind and I overheard she was responsible for ordering a tavola's wines. I asked her what are some of her favorite Italian reds and she gave me some suggestions and later wrote them down for me. We topped off our meal with an excellent dessert, Swiss flourless chocolate with cream. Absolutely delicious! I highly recommend a tavola for that special evening with that special someone. I also hear they do cooking classes and private parties in the upstairs area.
(5)Christopher K.
Not sure what all the hype is about for a tavola - perhaps a lack of good Italian places in the Ukrainian Village? We went here for our anniversary and sat outside which is much more inviting than the outdated decor of the inside. The food was ok at best. We did try the gnocchi and short rib which are the house specialties and have no complaints but have eaten similar dishes of similar quality elsewhere so I don't feel the need to give a tavola praise for making a satisfactory dish. I probably would have given them 3 stars had it not taken 90 minutes(!) to get our entrees. Bottom line, the food isn't worth the wait, do yourself a favor and skip this one.
(2)Annie M.
I participated in the April cooking class - we were invited by friends that won the class from a raffle. My review is purely for the class and the food that we dined on. The class is instructional with some participation vs a class where the participants are doing everything. For the environment that Chef Dan made - I thoroughly enjoyed it. There were about 14 people - mostly strangers - and by the end of the evening I felt like it was the best dinner party. Chef Dan is hilarious and provided some great tips. I would definitely try another class again - it was a blast. We made marinated portobella mushrooms served with sauteed oyster mushooms, roasted chicken, fresh gnocchi in a brown butter sage sauce and an apple tart. The main kitchen made pear salad, grilled veggies and a savory bread pudding to accompany our meal at the end of the evening. In my opinion - everything was phenomenal with the gnocchi being my absolute favorite. If its possible to be drunk on food - this meal did it for me. Granted I did have some wine but not enough to make me tipsy. I will definitely attempt these recipes at home - including the fresh gnocchi. I saw the 4 minute segment on the travel channel with that Adam guy - I cannot wait to try the steak! I will definitely come back here for meals with family and friends. Chef Dan - thanks for such an awesome evening!!
(5)Darcy O.
Dining at A Tavola was a zen experience for me. I left calmer, quieted, and content. This probably had a lot to do with the intimate dining room and warm customer service, but the food certainly played its role too. We loved the bolognese and short rib risotto best, though the gnocchi was tasty too. This is not a "scene" restaurant and it's off the beaten path for visitors to Chicago, but it's exactly the kind of place you'd want to quietly celebrate good news with family members or take a date with whom you want to engage in real conversation.
(4)Louise P.
Terrific spot for dinner for two. Classic, old school Italian. We enjoyed salad to start (arugula, walnuts, grape tomatoes and the pear and parmesan), and each took in an order of the lauded gnocchi. It was super delicious, and exceptionally light in the brown butter sauce with dried sage (I could've finished two orders of it, easily). Then we split a bone-in ribeye for two (which could have easily served three or four!). The accompanying rosemary potatoes were excellent. Panna cotta to finish was great, as was their espresso (we overhead the chef telling other customers they are the only spot in Chicago with this particular espresso, so we couldn't pass it up!).
(4)David S.
The food was fine, but the atmosphere was a bit stuffy. I heard that I had to order the gnocchi, and I did, and it was just meh. Floors were a bit slippery in the dining room; my boo almost broke her neck! And we get it, your food is prepared daily, you don't need to keep reminding us that you don't have a freezer on site!
(3)Michael B.
A Tavola is one of those places that you almost don't want to share with others as it is so delightful that you selfishly want to keep it to yourself. It is a Chicago gem. It's location inside a townhouse makes the experience even more intimate and special. The Chef owner is charming and makes you feel like a welcome and special guest in his home. There has been lots said about the gnocchi, and food in general, and there is nothing I can add other than it is fabulous. The menu selection is small and changes frequently but the few items that are on the menu are fresh, well executed and delicious without being overly fancy in presentation. The Chef, who lived in Italy for years, uses fresh spices and ingredients from his own garden to create menus he designs from various regions of northern Italy. Weeks later, we still talk fondly with our friends about the wonderful, tasty food and delightful experience we had at A Tavola. Can't wait to go back!
(4)michael s.
Our office has done a couple cooking class dinners here, and it's always a great time. Chef Dan is fantastic, he's very engaging and informative. Our past menus have included gnocchi with browned sage butter & parmesan, saffron risotto, salmon, and panna cotta just to name a few of the items. Everything is delicious. We will definitely be back.
(5)Paige K.
A Tavola is the perfect date night spot. I love how the restaurant is hidden off the street on the first two floors of an old flat. Food (especially pasta), ambiance, and service were great. Value, not so much. I thought the prices were a little high for portion size, but I would still recommend.
(4)Michael J.
We found this place on a whim, trying to find something in the neighborhood to entertain a friend visiting for the evening, and wow, such a discovery. The room is storefront small, with no separate bar. Make a reservation if you're coming on a busy night. Atmosphere is the kind you see in movies when there's a scene set in an Italian restaurant. White-cloth tables that seat four, in a room that's full but not crammed. The staff are professionals experienced in the offerings. Our server gave us an expert introduction to their menu and wine list, the kind of familiarity with the food and wine that can only come from working in a restaurant for a long time. The menu is short, varied but true to style, and suggests a specific set of courses: salad, then small pasta course, then main. And of course dessert if you like. My wife ordered just salad and pasta, then nibbled a bit at the serves-two veal our friend and I shared for our main, and we all left happy. We chose mostly house specialties for our introduction to the place. Everything from the fresh, herbed bread to the homemade dessert was excellent. For her pasta course my wife ordered the lamb, and gave me a taste. I'm picky about lamb, but this was just right, only the faintest hint that distinguished it from other meats. I want to try their lamb main. Friend and I each had gnocchi as our pasta. House specialty, best I've ever tasted, the end. The veal was also superb. Topped with prosciutto and served off-bone, on a platter with sliced potatoes topped in cheese, and a mound of oh what spinach. Perfectly cooked to just the right doneness, with garlic that's forward but not overpowering. Just excellent, I wish I could make my own spinach turn out like that. Just superb.
(5)Amy D.
The only reason it's two and not one is because of the service. Our server was kind and recommended a fantastic wine that we loved. Overall, maybe the place had too many good recommendations but I was expecting great food and all four of us had okay meals. Let's start. When I made the reservation I ensured they had gluten free pasta, which they didn't tonight. It's not a deal breaker, but disappointing. Plus, it's a benefit when other restaurants remember my notes about being gluten free for when I arrive. Keep in mind the other three in my party eat gluten. First coarse, I hear the lamb ragu was great. I had the pear salad. It was good. Second coarse failed all of us. Two of us had the chicken. Both where dry and bland (I hate to say that because I love a good chicken). In our party we also had a beef tenderloin that was ordered medium and came our rare (they comped our check, which goes back to the great service) and all you can taste on the lamb was the chargrilled outer coat. Overall, I was expecting great, and we were very disappointed. I have my family in town for a few days and I feel bad I chose a meal here. Planning fail.
(2)James T.
Quiet little gem! Homemade pastas, the gnocchi is delicate and delishous! Far from American style Italian. This is the real deal, old world italian. Love this place.
(5)Joseph L.
Finally found some authentic italian food in Chicago! Having recently moved back to Chicago I have desperately been looking and this is the place. It feels like you are eating at someone's house for Sunday dinner. We went on a Saturday night and had reservations for 6:00. When we got there it was half capacity with mainly an older crowd. The servers were amazing, so friendly and just all around made you feel at home. Food came out fast after placing the order. THE FOOD! They give you focaccia bread to start which is so good and the keep it coming if you finish it. I started with the bolognese and my wife had the pear salad. Both were awesome, especially the bolognese. My wife had the chicken for her main and it was extremely good, crispy skin and tender chicken inside. I had the spare ribs with risotto, again amazing. Fall of the bone meat. If I have any complaints it would be this. The atmosphere is a little quiet I'd say. Mainly older people, still a good vibe though. The other thing I would warn people who are unfamiliar with italian cuisine is that the pastas are meant to be a first course and they are small, so most likely you will get a pasta and a main. It will run you about $35-$50 for both. Food: 5 Service: 5 (but i'd give it at 10) Atmosphere: 4 Value: 4.5 Will be returning.
(5)Radhika K.
After seeing great reviews on yelp and recommendation from my office colleague, we decided to try Tavola last Saturday. Food was bland and other than saffron risotto( super bland), there is nothing we could eat there. Oven roasted chicken was dry and lacked any flavor and gnocchi was very much okay . We all left completely disappointed with the quality of food for the price we paid only savior was pear salad but don't get me wrong..I will not pay 15 dollars for a pear salad
(1)Hannah H.
The service was awesome, the best I had in Chicago - we had Kevin as our server, and he always checked up on us, refilled our water, and always had a wonderful smile on his face. I liked that! We started off with the ever-so-famous gnocchi with brown sage butter & parmesan (airy and fluffy, but a little bland, and the crispy sage leaves kind of wigged me out), and the Sangiovese braised lamb ragu with tagliatelle (which was just way too lamb-y/game-like for me). These come in smaller portions, so it's a nice size to share between two people instead of an actual 'entree' size. For the main entrees, I had the oven roast chicken served with a savory bread pudding & garlic spinach (the chicken was cooked to perfection, great to dip in a bit of salt, and the garlic spinach was fantastic; I'd probably wanted an extra helping of the spinach rather than the bread pudding), and the braised beef short rib over saffron risotto topped with a raw horseradish, lemon zest, and parley gremolata (the brasied beef was alright, but a little too bland; the risotto was way too runny). For dessert, we had the panna cotta - it tasted like a thicker version of flan, with a thick texture like cream cheese, tasting like an unmeltable version of ice cream of vanilla and caramel - I really enjoyed this, even though the texture was a little odd. The prices were decent, and the restaurant itself is cute - people opted to sit out in the patio with the nice weather, but I preferred the well AC-ed dining room. The bathroom was like a freezer, and I LOVED it! I do like the fact that they have a 'limited menu,' in which the chef focuses on the dishes with the 'best ingredients.' The service, the chicken dish, and the panna cotta would probably be what I would order again if I came back. There is valet as well as metered parking up along Chicago Ave. +garlic spinach +panna cotta +ask for Kevin :D
(3)Pedro L.
Did I not review this yet? Ok, here goes. Really liked this place. It's small, intimate, very quite, and right in the neighborhood. I had the lamb, and the lady friend had the pork shank. Meat was done perfectly and food has never let us down. Brought the her p's there and all went smoothly. I can't wait for summer to try out the backyard and possibly bring the lady friend there for a date night (they have gnocchi making classes on the top floor). Great place to bring a date or someone hard of hearing. Going back again.
(5)Sarah D.
We went for my boyfriend's birthday. I emailed in a request for a reservation. They responded within 4 minutes to confirm. When we arrived at 7:30 there was only one other couple there. By the time we were leaving, there were 4 other couples enjoying their meals. We were treated to the most amazing service. There was one waiter running the whole show. I could see on a busier night that that could slow things down a tad due to the great attention the server paid to us. He suggested a great table wine that paired well with our very different tastes. The food was amazing. I found myself laughing after my first bite of my entree because it was SO unexpected. All we do is make up excuses to celebrate and enjoy another evening at this restaurant. So so so great.
(5)H M.
I have lived in Chicago for 25 years and can't believe I've just discovered this lovely gem of a restaurant! It is off the beaten path in an ivy-covered bungalow....you will miss it if you're not looking for it. White cloth tables, soft music playing, it's a quiet, unassuming spot for a great meal. Our waiter, Tim, was wonderful! We weren't in a rush and he respectfully checked in with us periodically whiled we perused the menu We started with their "famous" gnocchi in brown butter with crispy sage leaves. Amazing! The kitchen split the portion onto 2 plates for us which was a very nice touch. For entree we shared the oven-roasted Branzino which was delicious. We asked for a wine recommendation in a certain price range and we enjoyed what Tim suggested. It is a very pretty, romantic & intimate spot - casual yet great for a nice date night. A do not miss!!
(5)kevin c.
Real fresh pasta! Great wine, and service. Amazing food. Hate to leave a review as we want to keep this hidden gem to ourselves!
(5)Nichole H.
50 minutes for entrees. YIKES! You must try the gnocchi, OMG it's so delicious. And the Lamb Ragu, my husband hates lamb but loved that dish, I woke up today craving it. That being said, things go down hill from there. My husband and I stopped in on a Tuesday evening a little after 6 pm. It was my birthday and I LOVE Italian food, since a tavola is with in walking distance to our place we figured we give it a chance. When we arrived we were the only table and were told by someone that they weren't allowing people to sit on the patio because they didn't want to move them later when it got to cold. Okay, it's a Tuesday, really you can't sit us where we'd like to be sat. Okay, whatever, lets move on. Our waiter is soft spoken and mumbles, so its tough to understand what he's saying sometimes and there is younger guy following him, although we have no idea why. He just stands there and stares. It's a little weird. My guess is he's training but I don't know maybe tell the table what's going on cause it was very creepy at times. The waiter explains the menu and how it's meant to be ordered which is fine by us. We order a bottle of wine and figure out what we want to eat while we wait for our wine. While the waiter is pouring the wine he takes our order and gets it mixed up a couple times, you could have just waited until you were done pouring the wine to take the order. We are still the only table. We order a lot of food, thinking leftovers will be yummy for lunch the next day. 2 salads, the gnocchi and lamb ragu and 2 entrees. The pork shank which is one of their specials that evening and the beef spare ribs. About 10 minutes after we place the order our salads arrive. Great perfect. Yummy salads, we enjoy them. We finish those and the plates are removed, at this point a couple of tables are now full and 10 minutes later our pasta comes out. They are small portion pasta and the waiter warned us so I wasn't surprised. I mean price wise it's a bit silly but they were both so good that I didn't care. We finish the pasta (which wasn't the original plan, we were going to take some of the pasta home but) they take the plates away and now we have 50 minutes to wait for our entrees. I get that they want you to relax and enjoy your meal but seriously. If the dishes are going to take that long then I suggest you tell the patrons that before they order. If I would have known I would have said screw it I'll eat more pasta. FINALLY our food comes out and my beef short ribs are swimming in a pond of brown broth. It doesn't look very appetizing seeing as the risotto is now drenched in a lot of liquid, but I try the food anyway. The beef ribs are very salty and the risotto is almost hard, like they've some how separated into these little bricks of rice. My husband says his pork is okay but not as good at the pork I had a few days ago at a different place on the north side. SO after all that waiting, we only take a few bites of our food and then sit for 25 minutes with our plates in front of us waiting for our waiter to return. At this point there are now 8 tables and our waiter is the only one on, so he's running around like crazy. Finally he comes by to check on us and asks if we're still working. We say no and he offers a dessert menu, my husband agrees that we'll take a look. Now we're not dessert people but we usually get something to share on one of our birthday's but this time I said no. I turned down my husbands offer for an after dinner drink, espresso, dessert, all of it because I knew it would take forever to get it. We were now out of wine and again it took 20 minutes for the waiter to come back and ask if we wanted any dessert. At that point my husband handed the waiter his credit card and asked for the bill because I was over it. I really wanted to love this place. Especially after eating the gnocchi and lamb ragu but the price is high the service is slow and I just didn't feel welcomed at all. It felt very stuffy, so we'll see if we go back. There are better places in the city I just really wanted it to be GREAT since it's so close to us. Oh well.
(3)Sean A.
Fantastic experience from top to bottom. Diego, our server, was attentive, friendly and very good at his job. We got great advice on the wine and food menus and everything was executed very well. Desserts were a definite highlight as well and not to be missed!
(5)Doug F.
A Tavola had been recommended by several people in years past, but we never got around to going there until this week. Unfortunately it did not live up the recommendations. The service was good, but the food quality varied greatly. There were four of us and we started with three pear salads and a gnocchi. The pear salads were good and the gnocchi was very good. Then we had our entries witch is when things went downhill. My mother had oven roasted chicken that was dry, so she ate the dark meat and left the white meat. Her boyfriend had the best choice, he had ordered to of the small pasta dishes, Tagliatelle Lamb Ragu and the Tagliatelle Bolognese. My dish was a roasted leg of lamb that I ordered cooked rare but came to out more of a medium, and did not seem to have been seasoned in any way. The worst dish of the night was my partner's fish of the day, a branzino (European Sea Bass) that was charred on the outside and very dry inside. If it had not been for the giant broccoli tree on his plate he would not have had much to eat. From this experience I cannot recommend A Tavola for their entrées, but maybe for their pasta and salads. On a positive note when we mentioned the problem with the dried out fish to the waiter he did seem to talk to the kitchen, and took the $40 charge for the fish off the bill. The waiter did also mention that it was not the regular chef.
(3)Marc A.
One of our favored places in Chicago. The ambiance is near perfect -- quiet, intimate, attentive service -- although this was a weeknight and weekends will of course be busier and a bit louder. Still, it is a safe bet that the food will be terrific and the service excellent. It is a gem in Ukrainian Village; hard to find, but well worth the effort.
(5)Stephanie L.
I found this little gem because of Yelp. I would have never known it existed if not. It reminds me of this Italian place in Roscoe Village that has since closed BUT way BETTER! This is like a house. Literally. HA. Its a little tight so when we got there we had to stand at the front while they got our table ready. It was literally like bumper cars up there for a bit. The food is all made in house. Man, its good. The bread is made there. The pasta is made there! We had lots of stuff. Both gnocchis were delicious. The housemade pesto was to DIE for. The short rib was FANTASTIC!!! It was over a rich bed of risotto. Yummy! So tender and flavorful. The service was great and everyone was friendly. They have a decent choice of wines. I liked it. Its a romantic-y feel with good old homecooking sprinkled in.
(4)Shradha A.
As a vegetarian, I wasn't impressed by being served dorm-canteen style spaghetti. The gnocchi was better but the overall food was just okay (as a vegetarian). Their entire entree meny focused on meat dishes so we had to order off of the appetizers and sides. The patio dining in an old charming house is what saved this experience because the service was nothing to write about either.
(3)Larry H.
I guess people come here for the gnocchi mostly and I will say it was really good. So why the 3 stars? Sadly the portion/price was off. There were not a lot gnocchis for the price and the other dish we had (I forget now what it was) was also kinda small. We did also have the grilled vegetable platter app so that held us over for the night. But I guess if you are on a date and money is no object, this is pretty good. Apparently their patio gives out free money or something because while we were happily eating indoors, every party that came in asked for the patio and was disappointed when it was already full. Some even lamented they made a reservation just for the patio, but as the hostess repeatedly said, the patio is not guaranteed and first come first serve. Many a date was ruined that night, I assume. So if you are into pillowy soft gnocchis, I guess you could start here so you have a reference point. But if I ate here too often I think I'd either be broke or starving.
(3)Diego O.
If you want to take your date or spouse (as in my case) out for a romantic dinner, I strongly recommend you A Tavola. This intimate, Italian restaurant serves delicious dishes mostly prepared with fresh ingredients that are grown in the garden out back. What makes this place a special one is the fact that the menu keeps changing according to the season. If you ever go there, and you should, don't forget to try the gnocchi, their specialty. You will love it for sure! The restaurant also offers a plethora of wine types, so you are free to choose according to your preferences. The atmosphere, the dim lighting and the music are perfect for a quiet evening. The gentle waiters are always ready to attend you and since there are only few tables, everyone gets what he/she needs right away. I will definitely go back to A Tavola because I was really impressed by the services they offer.
(5)Meredith K.
I'm sure everyone who's reviewed a tavola has already said this but its worth repeating. Best gnocchi in the city. I could stop there. Get it as a starter. Its like savory cotton candy. Little pillows of brown butteryness that just melts. The crispy sage is a nice touch. That's a tough act to follow! But they can do it. They have seasonal items and if you're dining outside you can see that they grow some of their own herbs. I love the blueberry risotto! They have some of the best roasted chicken and I usually get the fish of the day whenever possible (and when its not salmon) The wine list is great. I've never had a bad bottle of something and its usually reasonably priced. Then the dessert. Chocolate or apple? Whichever way you go you'll be pleased. This is a hidden neighborhood gem that's the real deal. Its been around FOREVER but you've probably driven by it a million times and not noticed. It feels like you're going to your friend's three-flat for dinner. Its always a treat coming here.
(5)Seth F.
I've documented many times in these here parts my dislike of going out to dine on Italian food, so the 5 I've so graciously awarded a tavola should be viewed with the proper amount of awe. a tavola (which I was told can be pronounced with the emphasis on the a in tavola or the o) is located in what looks like a single family home on Chicago Ave. The only indication that it's a restaurant is the frosted glass "sign" just to the right of the front door. The inside is similarly unassuming. It really looks like nothing more than if someone set up a restaurant in their living room. The first floor seats maybe 15 people and the upstairs, where I had a recent birthday dinner, seats upwards of 20 but is even more sparsely decorated. But don't let the understated decor fool you, the food that a tavola serves is top notch. The menu you receive is hand written. Generally it's influenced by what they currently have in season in the garden out back. On one occasion, my date requested a Caprese salad, despite it not being on the menu. They waiter very kindly said, "Let me check out back to see if we have the ingredients" and came back with an affirmative. The menu changes so often it's tough to speak to specific dishes, but there is frequently a short rib option and even more frequently a gnocchi that I've never had a bad experience with. All in all, it's a unique experience that offers both a cozy atmosphere and excellent food.
(5)Julie Z.
This is the place to come if you want a traditional Italian meal. The menu is intended for you to have all of the courses but you don't have to order that way. I came here for Valentines Day so we figured what the hell, let's be fatties. It was a lot of food but well worth it. Here is the run down: Portobello salad - Mmmmm. Well seasoned, "tastes just like steak". ha. I love how everyone says that but it did Lemon caper whitefish - holy smokes...they do know how to make a lemon caper sauce. Fish was cooked perfectly. Lamb bolognese: traditional and savory BYO as well. Now, let's get to the actual interior. It's a bit reminiscent of the early 90s. It could use some updating but the food measures up so I can ignore that aspect. They do have good lighting which is a bonus. The building itself is inconspicuous. It looks more like a home than a restaurant from the outside which is why I wish the inside was a bit more warm. Also, this is not a place to bring a group. Mind you, I went on V-Day but it does seem like more of a place for couples or maybe a double date.
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