Enoteca Roma Ristorante
2146 W Division St, Chicago, IL, 60622
Enoteca Roma Ristorante Menu
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Address :
2146 W Division St
Chicago, IL, 60622 - Phone (773) 772-7700
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Opening Hours
- Mon :5:00 pm - 10:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Valet, Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Romantic
Noise Level : Average
Music : Background
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : No
Best Nights : Wed, Thu, Fri
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
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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E M.
After moving to Ukrainian village have been here now about five different times. It's solid Italian food. I'm pretty happy to find a cozy place that has some really nice food. The staff is always attentive. Favorites are the Giovanna and the Pera. The polenta dishes are nice as well. Even the tiramisu is good. I'd like to see a few more wine choices on their menu but nonetheless it's a great neighborhood place. The patio is really nice on warm days!
(4)Sam D.
I've been here a few times in the past year and just keep loving on it more and more. Always start with the Bruschetta flight. You get to choose 5 and believe me it's hard narrowing down. They are all yummy. I always go with one of their specials on the board. Last night the seasonal sweet potato gnocchi was divine. Their pasta sauces are so rich and flavorful! You just can't go wrong in this small, quaint, romantic (if you want it to be) place.
(5)Erin R.
Went here on a nice hot night couple weeks ago... We had reservations and were seated right away outside. Such a fun atmosphere! We started with the Bruchetta and choose about 4 different types. I love this idea, and a great take on mixing up your traditional Bruchetta. The meat plate was fantastic, however I love meat and cheese plates anywhere pretty much. For dinner i had the tapas order of the spicy penne with sausage. wow. loved the flavors. My husband had the gnocchi in cream sauce (forget the original name of the order) it was truly rich and delicious. Good wine selection. we each started with a white wine flight and then kept ordering glasses.....probably would have been better to have a bottle. Really cute spot and would love to come again!
(4)betsy b.
Super cute back patio for a girls dinner in the summer. Our server was basically a douche bag and pretty flighty but we were in no rush. The food was really good though....loved the pizza, the pear ravioli and the risotto. Other tables seemed to have bread but we never got any. They should invest in some valet.
(3)Peter W.
Food is Great! Service has been attrocious over the last few months! Have stopped going. We've been going to Enoteca roma for the last 3 years. The polentas and wine flights are great. The prices are right. Ever since the weather started warming up, the service has been horrible. I think this mostly stems from a lack of wait staff. The waitresses are running arround harried, but are impossible to flag down and take over an hour to bring you your food. This hasn't been an isolated incident. The last 3 times we went, this was the situation. I've also confirmed with a friend who is also a regular and he has had similar experiences on the last 2 out of his last 3 visits. I'm so sad to be giving such a low rating to a great restaurant, but I just can't waste 3.5 hrs of my time to enjoy the polenta.
(2)Jimmy S.
Very expensive and just okay, dinner for two was over $100 and i didn't get anything fancy. My boyfriends beer was $10 and not really worth the money. The bread was weird and left a bad taste in my mouth. I will never come back!
(3)Brian B.
Under staffed + over priced = 2 stars (no matter how good the food is) When you're having customers spend $125 for two people, you better have good service... I have nothing else to say - I was truly hoping for a fantastic experience but walked away pretty disappointed.
(2)Melanie M.
My server was one of the BEST I've had in a long time. I worked in restaurant service for over five years so I am very picky about service, and she was fantastic! We sat on the patio, and even though it was a little chilly the blankets they provided made it quite comfortable. The wine flights are good as well as cheap. The bruschetta was so good, and perfect to share! We picked four different kinds, and my friend and I were able to try one slice of each variety. I had the risotto of the day which was very good. The menu was a bit small and I thought their entree selection was a little dull, but I enjoyed what we had. We were here on a random Wednesday so did not have to deal with the crowds.
(4)Amanda Y.
This is an instance where I wish I can give a rating for the meal (5 Stars) and a rating for the service (1 Star) since the two are on complete opposite ends. I was there in the spring for a birthday dinner. There were about eight of us in the group. We were seated outside. It took us awhile to get drinks order in because the waiter dropped off the menu and didn't come back for about 20 minutes. After that, it took another 30 to 40 minutes to get the waiter's attention to come back to take our orders. After our meal was delivered (with my meal served 15 minutes after everyone elses'), the waiter didn't come back to check on us until we flagged him down to get refills on drinks and water. Then, dessert ordering was another wait... Overall, I would say this server was beyond extraordinarily slow and was very bad on following up on refilling our water, alcohol, and any other drinks. Now that I have the bad part of the review out of the way, let's get started on the good! We all ordered something different and tried each other's dishes. The "Pick 4" Bruschette were delicious. We ordered Enzo, Piemonte, Chef's special of the day, Calabria, Napoli, Toscana, and two others I can't remember. We loved the combination of flavors and everything was plated beautifully. For the main dish, my husband ordered Cervo and I ordered Maialino. For not being a fan of venison, their Venison bolognese sauce changed my mind about not liking venison. It was tender and perfect with the campanelle pasta as it catches all the sauce in its nooks. I loved my dish as well. It was a piece of perfectly braised pork shoulder. It fell apart just right when I picked at it with my fork and the polenta that it was served with was moist. Others had Boscaiola, Risotto of the Day (it was shrimp the day we went), and Risotto alla Pescatora. They were all very good and I would definitely go back to try their other dishes, especially the Pear Ravioli... Now, onto dessert... their Tiramisu was phenomenal as well as the Perfiteroles. I wasn't a big fan of the cheesecake--too dry. Overall, with good company and good food, I guess I can let the slow service slide... (we literally took about five hours to dine!) I would go back again and hope for a better service next time!
(3)Courtney S.
I swear, I don't work here. We just had our wedding reception here this weekend, and I was blown away by how wonderful this party was. The food was out of this world. More fun than buffet or plated, Fabio's team did family style for our 100 guests. There were two amazing salads, polentas, pastas, and 4 desserts, not to mention a cheese and prosciutto platter that will bring a tear to the eye of any Midwesterner. Enoteca is amazing for a romantic dinner, with a group, but to my great bride-delight, they are phenomenal for weddings too.
(5)Sean D.
I will definitely be back to this restaurant. Its a great value for interesting Italian food. The polenta is served on a cold marble slab, and smothered with the topping you choose. The venison bolognese was delicious. The bruschetta sampler was also very tasty. We ended up nott ordering an entree as we were full from the earlier courses, so we had the meat and cheese plate, which was delicious. To top it off, the server recommended two of the less expensive wines on the menu, which I appreciated.
(4)Ellie L.
Bueno bruschetta--try 'em all. the honey, brie, green apple was unexpected amongst the mozzerella, tomato, garlic fare, but worked perfectly with the wine-French--(must do some serious face in bottle research of French vin, left it out over the years). All the food-Venison pasta, risotto del giorno, caprese salad-was tasty Sitting outside on a great night, fabo staff, wine, italian custards, one of those truly enjoyable experiences--and my Dad had the Eurotrash flight-best name of vin selection to date.
(4)Frances C.
Oh god. I see one of the photos on this plcae is that polenta. I need to puke in my purse again looking at that. this place is weird. can't decide if it's upscale or not. the food was pretty decent, the service was socially retarded. the polenta looked like a yeast infection and tasted like one too. but, then again, i was just getting over the swine flu and didn't have it altogether. However, I know my italian food. and this seemed to be a little full of itself. oh god that picture is disgust.
(2)steve l.
Great place sit at the bar, do a wine flight and have some apps.
(4)Heather G.
I am a HUGE FAN of this place. Went there for the first time about a year ago for a dinner to kick off my bachelorette party. While I'll leave the details of that night out of this review (!), I can't sing Enoteca's praise enough for starting that night off in an unforgettable way! They truly went above-and-beyond to carefully select the finest food and wine pairings for a unique 5-course dinner...everything, be it the food, the wine, the service, or the "feel" of the place, was fantastic. I will always think of this place as a quite refuge in the heart of a neighborhood's otherwise chaotic center. Even when at a table on the sidewalk, you'll soon forget your troubles and the hustle/bustle of everything surrounding you. It's comfortable...casual yet sophisticated...relaxing. Just come in, enjoy a flight of wine recommended by one of the most wine-geeky people you'll ever encounter (which is fabulous, by the way), and take in the flavors of simple, rustic Italian food. Highly recommend the smaller plates -- the best experience at Enoteca is one where you taste several different things in balance with a great wine or two...or three. The various polentas are incredible, as are the bruschettas and antipasti. This is one of those places where as I write about it, I get more and more excited about getting there all over again. Oh summer, please hurry up and get here so I can savor long alfresco moments again!!!
(5)Brandon S.
service was great, and food was ok. back patio is really nice. good place for date night.
(4)Kelly H.
We come here at least once a month, on a slow month. The food is fantastic. The muscles is my husband's favorite, while I'm a huge fan of anything bruschetta, caprese, sausage or chicken, and it feels even better when the weather is perfect enough for patio seating in the back. It is gorgeous, romantic and so relaxing. However, we have figured out the best pattern to enjoy the food the most: don't go during heavy rush times, and go there for the food, not the necessarily the service. We have been there multiple times at peak times and between slow service, a rude waitress one time, and a very odd and oftentimes uncomfortable bar-man on another visit. However, when we are served by Janet in the main dining room late at night or early in the evening, everything is perfect. I'll probably be there again next weekend.
(4)Chris M.
I've visited Enoteca Roma a few times before, but only for bruschetta and, of course, the expansive wine selection (both of which are worth the trip in and of themselves!). I recently had my first, full dining experience there, and I was absolutely blown away. I was with a large group, and we had earlier settled on a multi-course option that included a simple antipasto (highlight: the spicy mustard dip for the meats), a cheese plate (highlight: goat cheese w/ raspberry preserves), various bruschette, two different salads, polenta (a fan favorite!), three pasta dishes (I'm still obsessing over the penne arrabiatta w/ sausage -- so simple yet so delish!), risotto w/ shrimp and a basic dessert tray. We had earlier agreed that our server, Courtney, would choose our wines for the evening, and she did not disappoint. We started w/ a tasty rose, then transitioned through two different whites and two reds before capping the evening w/ a dessert wine. (Things were hazy at the end, for sure!) Courtney and the other staff members are especially knowledgeable, and did a fantastic job of talking us through the three-hour marathon of food and drink. Extra kudos to the owner and head chef, Fabio, who, in spite of the busy night, made an effort to greet us personally. What an enjoyable and delicious experience -- I recommend it to all!
(5)Vivian Y.
I came here for the New Years Eve set dinner because it was a WICKED deal!! Imagine this: 5 courses (turns out the dessert has 3 parts so it felt like 7 courses!!!) 5 glasses of wine $55.00 - EXCELLENT for ANY day! Fabio - head foodie and cork dork did an amazing job with the pairings. Really enjoyed the wines. The food was GREAT although nothing blew me away. I will go back again to try their regular menu and believe this will be upgraded to a 4 star.
(3)Christina L.
I went back and forth between 4 and 5 stars for Enoteca Roma and decided on 4 only because I try to reserve 5 for perfection. This is however, one of my favorite places in Chicago. I love the bruschetta and really dig that you can get a bruschetta "flight" where you try a bunch of different kinds. The strawberry with marscapone is to die for as is the brie with pear. My mouth is watering just thinking about them. My only complaint is that I wish they were a little bigger for the price. But that's just because I'm cheap and I love them so much! I also often get the cheese plate and have had terrific pasta as well. My servers have always been very helpful and friendly - in fact one was so friendly and made so many great recommendations that she got my mom totally hammered (by recommending a wine that my mom loved so much she HAD to order a second - seriously, two glasses gets my mom hammered). I also adore their back patio and front sidewalk cafe - especially how they have blankets on all the chairs and heat lamps when it gets a little chilly out! Blankets for everyone! How cute is that!
(4)Suz S.
Did not enjoy my last two trips here. Food is great, but it came out cold both times. Had to send it back to be warmed up. I don't know what's been happening in the kitchen, but cold polenta and pasta in unacceptable anywhere, especially at these prices.
(2)Dane K.
Semi-decent food... annoying bus boy who hawked over our table, to the point of pretty much ruining our meal... taking away things before we were really ready, etc. if it were a busy restaurant, I'd see it as trying to turn the table quickly by taking away every item on our table... but we were one of two tables in the place, so i don't think there was any sort of rush crowd coming in after. the bar itself seemed to be the desired place to drink and eat... but the place is borderline pricey for a casual place to hang out at on a weekly basis.. the wine flights seemed like a decent value though, and also the only wines available by the glass are in the flights... definitely try the polenta though.
(3)Ram V.
Heard a lot of good things about this restaurant. I went there for dinner by myself this evening. Got seated immediately on the outside patio. 20 minutes passed. No one showed up to say welcome, take an order, nothing. The waitress stopped by at the tables next to me to take orders, check on neighboring diners. Never looked in my direction. 25 minutes passed. I got up and walked out. Not sure I will ever go back there again...
(1)Natalie F.
My friend Alberto and I went this past Monday. Alberto from Milan I call him, had read about this place and was really excited about giving it a go. We arrived in very casual clothing. We were worried they wouldnt let us in, but the hostess was pointing everyone else out in shorts and said no problem! she then asked us if we have ever been here before, we answered no. She wanted to show us the backroom. Just lovely! I am so pleased she did. I have to say thank you to her for that, she really made the experience enjoyable. we were just exhausted and wanted to just be for a few hours and eat. Yes, the prices are a bit a high, but considering the neighborhood, why would you be surprised? and! its authentic. Please see above to my friend from Milan. you can tell junk food and poorly made. this is not it. this is fantastic. I am over in europe enough to know authentic from a mile. i will say the pizza? not so much. mr. milan rolled his eyes at the thickness of the crust.............its an italian thang. Our waiter, Sean, was hopping. NO big deal. we had water and waited. it was on of those days where we were happy to be just sitting. I would have asked for a candle. it did get a bit dark in there at dusk but they grabbed us a candle. the food is fantastic. I had the clams and spaghetti and Alberto had the risotto. wow! how wonderful. We also had the frommage and the cured meat plate. we asked to have it broke up and the waiter was like no problem. Sean was very cool and made great suggestion, very even kealed in temperament. i panick when ordering and he reassured me what i ordered was fantastic. however, i wish i had the rissotto. omg! also the half orders are a good size. dont fool yourself. seriously, very generous servings. alberto breezed through dinner, and ordered bruschetta. wow! again, our waiter made a suggestion and then had something special put together for alberto when he realized where alberto was from. i dont know what it was but it was a killer combo. i nearly knocked him over for the rest, i maybe short, but i can aim for the knees at that level and for their bruschetta i would! the apples, goat cheese and honey combo, oh boy. So thank you to the waiter and the hostess. We had a wonderful time. i love the back court yard. These are the things that count in customer service in my book. I will be back many more times! I also wonder if they allow renting out he back courtyard for corp. parties? an idea maybe? hm?????
(4)Scott G.
Rarely have i found an Italian dining experience that truly lives up to my early childhood memories of the amazing tastes from the small family-owned restaurants on Murry Hill in Cleveland's Little Italy. Enoteca Roma back patio set the mood (fresh plants, candles, intimate tables, etc..) but it was their amazing polenta and homemade pasta that made for a truly memorable evening. The chef even came out and checked in on our party as if we were his own family. Enoteca Roma has all of the traditional cuisine one would desire as well as some very creative and unusual flavors of a modern Italy. I highly recommend their sweet ravioli with pears - what an amazing and creative combination of sweet and savory.
(5)Luke P.
I am always on the look out for relaxed Italian places where I can have a glass of wine and pick at a small pasta dish while reading a book. Anyone who's lived in North Beach in SF knows what I'm talking about. I've been to plenty of places in Chicago and around the country with terrific food that take me back to the culinary delights of country Italian dining, but with stuffy gastrofascist 'I'm turning this table as quickly as possible' attitudes from the staff, and a pushiness from customers that don't quite match my interest. As far as I'm concerned, nothing ruins my appetite faster than restaurant staff who look at you like a piece of meat and a fixed 15% tip to get fed and out the door as quickly as possible. If I'm paying good money, I want to sit back and enjoy it. Smokers may identify this as the difference between a hurried puff on a cigarette on the sidewalk while running late for an appointment and a long drawn-out cigar enjoyed with a glass of port and newspaper in a comfortable chair overlooking an oceanside sunset. If I'm getting cancer from it, well the short-term enjoyment must be worth it. Whether you're looking to spend $10 or $200 for your dinner, Enoteca Roma is Chicago's ultimate lay-back-and-enjoy-yourself Italian culinary orgy. The food is less metropolitan -- the name alludes more to the attitudes of the high Empire (think Emperor Tiberius at Capri) than to the capitol city of today (although I understand the family who owns and runs the joint are Roman natives). Shy of opening a massage parlor upstairs for a pre-dinner steam bath and rub-down, I can't think of a way they could create a more satisfying dining experience. Try the pastas, try the antipasti, TRY THE POLENTA!! Try some wine: kick back on the patio and enjoy the sunset with food that could only pique more senses if it spoke. Also: there was an enormous group on the patio when I went here -- I know for sure the next time I'm trying to figure out what to do with 20 of my best friends for a festive dinner I'm going to drag them here. I may try to talk my fiancee into doing a rehearsal dinner or family reception here.
(5)Nick S.
I absolutely LOVE the bruschetta, particularly the Napoli and Sicilia. The first time I went here I had the spaghetti con le vongole which was good, however I later had the boscaiola and later wished I had a full order as opposed to the half. The total bill was only just above $50 for the bruschetta, two entrees, two drinks and the caramel cheesecake (which was excellent). I will be going here more often when the weather gets nicer and spending alot of time on the patio.
(4)Danielle B.
Really delicious Italian food. The Antipasto platter with the chef's recommendations was incredible as were the entrees and desert. The service was good and very helpful. Would definitely go back.
(5)Rose N.
Enoteca was a very enjoyable pit stop on our recent neighborhood crawl. We stopped in for what was to be our last stop and sat at the bar for a cocktail and small plate. The Hum cocktails were dynamite! We ordered the antipasto and the meats were delicous, the cheses were nice but I am not sure about the jam pairing, it was not really my favorite execution of a pairing. Everyone around us we enjoying the polenta dish of the day and next time we will surely try that.
(4)Ashley B.
Oh Enoteca, how I love you. I went here on a warm summer night...how I miss those. I come from an Italian family that makes homemade everything, so I can be a tad picky when it comes to restaurants of this fare. However, the restaurant and its reviews did not disappoint. Because it was during the summer, their back patio was open. If I can give you one word of advice, go here in the summer and sit outside. It's definitely romantic and worth it if you have to wait to be seated. Now onto the food. We first started with the pick 4 bruschetta. Their ingredient combinations were oustanding. We tried the Martina, Piemonte, Calabria, and Napoli. I think the Piemonte was my favorite. Then for entrees I had the Giovanna (pasta with eggplant and mozzarella) while my friend had Salsiccia e Funghi Polenteria. That is polenta with mushrooms and garlic sausage. I hate sausage, but I absolutely loved the polenta...I will definitely get some type of polenta next. The only bad part of this restaurant is that it's hard to go here when it's not warm out. After being able to sit outside in the back of the restaurant, you never want to try inside seating. Also, how could you not love an Italian restaurant that shares its space with a bakery.
(5)Kris R.
enoteca is a quaint, dark, romantic place. you wouldn't think much of it. it's attached to the place next door, but the dining room itself is pretty small. you can sit at the bar or at the 6-7 tables. probably not the best place for groups. i came here a long time ago and ordered either some sort of clam pasta or shellfish pasta. it was really good. so i didn't blink twice when i came here for the prix fix menu. yikes, i was wrong!!! 5 courses, 5 wine pairings, $55. not bad...you'd think. it was VERY underwhelming!!! the first course was a baby arugula salad. i do like arugula, but it was really ALL arugula. it was bitter, which was expected, but it was too much. the dressing didn't cut the bitter. it came with ONE piece of yellow potato. one. and it was a slice, not even a whole small potato. just very mediocre. the 2nd course was pea soup. baby food! the peas seemed like they came straight out of a can, or it was over cooked. there was a little bit of arborio rice, but really not enough. i didn't finish it. 3rd course was the stracchino cheese with tomato on bread. it was good, but again, it was "pizza." mild cheese, sort of a sundried tomato type thing, and then bread. eh. 4th course was the favorite - paradelle with duck. pretty good. the pasta was homemade, and i love homemade pasta! the 5th course was dessert, which was chocolate mascarpone with amaro ganache and shortbread cookies. um, the alcohol in there was super strong and overwhelming. the cookies were good, but i barely touched the dessert (and i love chocolate!) the wine pairings actually worked but the least favorite was the papardelle pairing, which sucked bc that was the best dish! and can i tell you, 5 glasses of wine??!? i was TRASHED by the end! i couldn't even finish the prosecco at the end! not sure i'd come back, unless it's for that pasta...
(2)Janna V.
UGH ENOTECA ROMA!! Why cant you just be better so I can give you bunches and bunches of stars????? Everyting is just a little bit off--- nothing is amazing...nothing is terrible....thus, i am disapointed. I always seem to have the same bartender/server-- If i manage to get him to talk he seems to know his stuff...but its like pulling teeth with this guy! Also, since I always seem to be there at closing time and have felt pushed out a bit-- even when its an hour before closing - its not really my fault no one has been in for 3 hours...if i am engrossed in my convo i'm staying until you close...so stop moping...So, I gotta say-- meh The wine list has these amazing poetic and romantic descriptions...but the wines dont match up to the passion of the descriptions--- so again meh (plus this reviewer thinks the by the glass prices tend to be off...not high...just off) i've only had the food once...and it was just a salad...and it was delicious so they have that going for them (which is nice) Decor is also very nice-- i've always sat at the bar and have always been very comfortable... so i have high hopes that my opinion of this place will change in the near future...i go because other people want to...i usually try to steer them towards Vintage down the street or up to Bin --
(3)Chibi Q.
My mouth waters just thinking about the delicious meal I had. We had a group of 8 people sitting around a big high table in the back. It was too cold for al fresco dining, but I'd love to go back when it's nicer. The table was perfect for our group... big enough, but still felt intimate. We shared a variety of bruschetta. They were all so good, and I hope to get around to trying all of them at some point. For my entree, I had the gnocchi with wild mushrooms and sausage. The dinner size portion was huge, and I unknowingly ordered this size. After all of the bruschetta, I could barely eat half. I was so sad I couldn't finish it because it was SO yummy! Next time, I'm ordering bruschetta and a smaller portion of the gnocchi. We were too full to eat dessert, but the desserts and pastries from the bakery all looked so good.
(4)Jessica M.
Great place to do the family style dinner with friends - Six of us, $25 each for SO MUCH FOOD! The best part is that you don't have to decide what to get off the menu, they give you a little taste of everything. Apps, salads, cheese and fruit, pasta and main dishes. And if you are still hungry (which I don't know how you could be - I ate so much I couldn't breathe) they will top off the meal with their pizza. I was kinda of bummed not to try the pizza because it looked amazing. The only reason to knock off a star, was that we had 2 bottles of wine with dinner, and their list isn't cheap. So the bill ended up being $96 for us (a couple). Worth it for a long evening with friends and good food, but not often :)
(4)Nancy B.
We've been eating out almost every night while our kitchen is being renovated and this is a fabulous place. I hesitate to tell everyone because it's so small (though much more seating in warmer weather outside), I would hate to struggle to get in next time. We've been there twice - both meals were fabulous. Bruschetta is a must, of course, and it's fun to pick out your five choices and share in bite-size pieces. We've had several salads - the beet and goat cheese was our favorite. I've had both the pear ravioli and the linguine with clams, both superior. And we got stuck in the 'profiterole' rut, ordering it on both visits, but not complaining. Service is also a plus - despite the crowd waiting at the bar for our table, no one rushed us.
(5)Sonia L.
Um....I came back for my second time around. This place is BETTER than I remembered (big deal, its only been two months, but who is really counting?)! Please please please get the Bruschetta appetizer. The one with the brie and honey and apple - that one is my favorite! Is it weird that I feel so proud that I have discovered this? Anyway, same thing = great food, great service, and great atmosphere.
(5)Daniel H.
Guys this is the place to have a good time, great Italian food, and awesome service. The back yard is the place where to have a good romantic setting for your special someone. I highly recommend it.
(4)Laura K.
The hubby and i like to get to Enoteca at least once a month and it's always a pleasure. Our last visit was the first time we had tried the pizza. Who knew??? Soo good. The polenta is insanely good and i dream about the gnocchi. I must take HUGE exception with yelper Brenan on this board! Our server was Jessica and she was great. Recommended a good red but we usually sit at the bar and Sean (who's there almost always) is a faaaabulous guy.
(5)Kara Z.
The bf and I went here a couple weeks ago - I had been once before, he had not. Everything was great. He had the polenta of the day, I had a whole wheat gnocchi. The wine we chose was ok, as we had to deal with the 'by the glass' selection because it was a "school night". The icing on the cake - was the cake. Chocolate with ganache and raspberry sauce...I will be back soon!
(4)Dawn G.
I would love to say more about this place, the beer variety and wine selection is good- the patio is quaint, everything looks and smells good as well...the service was terribly awkward though- there was this strange 'am i bothering you' vibe I got from the waitress to the point where we couldn't tell if she wanted us to leave or stay- it was really that hard to tell- we decided to leave as we both started feeling uncomfortable by this experience, which is sad because it was such a beautiful relaxing night and that sort of ruined it. I won't let one server ruin the rest of the experience though- definitely good for a date as well, as that's what I was on when we went and definitely good for nice chats as well (quite atmosphere etc).
(4)Dave L.
Went for brunch on Sunday and what an improvement over the last time I went here! The omelet with mozzarella tomato and basil was super good. The patio is also very enjoyable for brunch as there aren't any drunks on division street at 11am (maybe just the functional alcoholics). I will definitely continue to eat here, so glad I came back!
(4)Marianne G.
We gave Enoteca Roma one last chance last night. After 3 bad service related experiences in a row, we're done. I loved this place when it first opened but lately, the service has been so bad, that I can't really justify going here again. There are too many fabulous places in Chicago to eat at a place that so clearly does not care about the customer. One of my friends was to pick up her boyfriend from Midway and she had to leave by 9:30 PM. We thought we had plenty of time since we sat down at 7:30 PM. Nobody came to order even drinks for a bit. At 8:15 we finally had drinks and had ordered our dinner. At 9:10 PM (yes, we were watching the clock at this point), we finally got part of our order. The waitress then informed us that she forgot to order one of our pasta dishes. At this point, since my friend had to leave, we decided not to wait. Then, there was the check. This process took another 25 minutes. During which time, I went to the ladies room, which was trashed. I'm not sure what happened to Enoteca Roma but clearly there has been a major failure of management. Too bad. Our food, what little we got of it, was good. Don't bother going to Enoteca Roma, try Folklore (amazing staff), or Mana Food Bar, or my favorite - Taxim.
(1)Sarah D.
Mussels were delish, went out of my comfort zone & had the pear ravioli & was blown away! Would eat it every day if I wanted to be morbidly obese. The hubby's lasagne on the other hand was blandsville. Bottles of wine nicely priced. Yummos
(4)C Fabulou s.
i found the Secret Garden and its not in my pants! Enjoy fantastic al fresco dining with excellent wine. I've eaten here with some friends before but recently was able to enjoy the "Mangia! Mangia!" (Italian for eat! eat!) tasting menu (offered to groups of 6 or more) and what a treat! Mangia indeed. Easily comparable to restaurants in Rome, where the cuisine is known for being uncomplicated and remarkable. The back patio created a beautiful setting and our (was he cute? i still can't tell...) waiter kept the wine coming. I implore you, try the Gamay, a red wine so light and fruity its enjoyable even in Chicago in August. The service was impeccable and each course arrived perfectly timed from the last, no one once interrupting us to ask 'can i take this plate?' nor were we ever left waiting for the next course. The ambiance, the service, the food and of course the wine worked seamlessly together to create one of those incredible Chicago nights fueled by great friends and a nearly tantric dining experience to power a 3-hour dinner. Reservations are accepted for larger groups so plan ahead. Come before the summer is over and be sure to save room for dessert (baked right next door at Letizia's!). I'm going to go dream about that wine, and maybe the waiter...
(4)Stephanie M.
This place has become my go-to for a perfect night out. Service has always been great, even on busy nights, love the cozy ambiance and atmosphere, and the outdoor patio is the epitome of a great summer night. The food is superb and has always been really fresh and well-presented - great ingredients and generally lovely, simple preparation like a proper Italian dining experience should be. The risotto with prosciutto, broccolini and goat cheese is superb as is the beets/arugula/goat cheese salad. Pizzas are great to share and nearly always have some to take home. A note that this place is run by an incredibly lovely couple who really encapsulate the Italian generosity and attention to clientele. As the granddaughter of Sicilian immigrants, this place is as close to a real Italian kitchen as I've had in this city! Go and enjoy...
(5)Beth O.
We were talking about the attributes of great public squares, places where you can sit for hours outside and watch people of all ages, while drinking wine or beer or coffee and eating light food. Chicago may not have the real deal, with limited auto traffic like in European cities, but we do have Enoteca Roma to enjoy cheap wine flights (French and Italian are awesome) while crowd watching in spite of the car noise on Division. Bonus is the secluded garden in back. Bonus is that now that it is fall/winter, we sit inside and discovered that Enoteca Roma is nonsmoking.
(5)Ms. R.
Love their pizza here and their wine selection is impressive. Have also been there for a birthday party out in the patio and we had a family style dinner, which was a lot of fun. Got to try out lots of delicious Italian dishes. Haven't been in awhile, but I am craving their pizza so I may have to go back soon!
(4)Maggie G.
Nice outdoor patio. Lovely service. Delicious food. I think they are a tad over-priced and might want to re-strategize in that regard. Perhaps they could offer some healthier or lighter options as well.
(4)James B.
My new fiance and I recently had our engagement party here, for a party of 18 people. Sean (the manager I believe) was very nice and was helpful in getting everything set up. For larger parties, they require you to do their "mangia, mangia" menu - which is family style. What you get exactly depends on what the chef decides .. but it felt like we had everything on the menu! The food just kept coming, and it was all delicious. The back outdoor patio was a perfect environment, and the service was impeccable ... All in all, just the perfect evening and venue to celebrate a special occasion!
(5)lash girl B.
This place sucks the waitress was rude and unhelpful . The wine flight was way over price and the food portions could not fill up a rabbit. It was way over priced as well - over all it was a waste of time going there and money -
(1)Lee P.
My Hubby and I flew from San Francisco to visit friends in Chicago. Born and raised in SF, I "naturally assume" that only Italy has better restaurants. Never have I been so happy to be WRONG! The disarmingly short one block walk to the restaurant in no way prepared my pallet for it's culinary trip overseas. Our waitress quickly moved a couple of tables and the eight of us were seated, set with silverware and water, almost immediately. Several of us had the special of the day: Fettuccine with speck, while the hubby chose the Gnocchi with venison bolognese. The fettuccine noodles were like eating ribbons of velvet bathed in an incredibly flavorful, yet light sauce. I greedily thought twice about exchanging bites with my lovin' hubby, but I'm so glad I did! His lovely little pillows were complimented perfectly with a rich and satisfying sauce. Our server was friendly, fast and attentive. It really doesn't get much better.
(5)curtis c.
i love this place. the paninis are amazing. pizza is OK - not the greatest, and way overpriced for what you get, but tastes amazing. you really can't go wrong with this place. food is fresh, tasty, and most of it is slathered in olive oil. a real taste of italy. :o) a bit spendy, otherwise i would eat here much more often. but if you're in the mood for an amazing grilled sandwich, or have $20 to drop on an amazing pesto/tomato/mozzarella pizza, go for it. but get an appetizer too, because the pizza is fairly small (6 decent-sized square pieces). oh, and you can order online for delivery! HUGE plus. grubhub.com !!
(4)jamie k.
I am completely rewriting my review. My previous review was bullshit. I made some ridiculous comment about the food not being that great.. Now thinking about it...what had I eaten even? I had had wine, and my only comments are...they have a great wine list, it can be a bit pricey, but it seems to me that they have added some more affordable bottles recently. The food...Is awesome! My husband and I have gone 2 weeks in a row..and there are still a bunch of things we want to try. It's a huge menu. The mussels are big and great, the brucetta is amazing, They have the best olives ever! The pizza is so good, and you probably will have some to take home and it's just as good the next day cold, the polenta dishes are innovative and Delicious. Sorry Bin Cafe...You need to step up your meatless options, Enoteca Roma has endless options to keep me coming back!
(5)Bry H.
This is by far one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago, especially in the summer. The outdoor seating is to die for! It is a great place to have a romantic dinner, or just drink some wine and people watch with a group of girls. Every time I have been to Enoteca Roma the Bruschetta has been excellent- ask the server about the daily special bruschetta (it is always a treat). The ingredients are fresh, tasty and filling! The service is friendly and helpful- they will always help you pair wine and your food. If you haven't tried this gem yet, you should! Pick a nice night and eat outside- the outdoor seating in the back is great for those who like to eat outside, but do not like to see or hear cars, motorcycles or the Division Bus race by.
(5)Naina J.
This place is amazing!!!!!!! I live in the neighborhood and it is my go to place from when I am having a bad day or with out of town guest. I have tried almost everything on the menu and it has been Fabulous!! It is a MUST try
(5)Chloe M.
I had been going to the adjoining Leticia's for some time, so I was thrilled to be invited here by a co-worker. They have great wines, good service, and amazing bruschetta. I had the pear Gorgonzola ravioli which was delish beyond words. My only complaint was that I felt a bit cramped inside, I'd like to go back and try the outdoor seating next time...not that I need an excuse.
(4)dawn w.
Delightful outdoor garden seating, which is great in the few warm weather months we get here in Chicago. Small but interesting wine selections and the rustic Roman fare is well priced and tasty! They also serve somewhat late, which is nice in the summer when you may want some lighter food early & a bit more savory later when it cools down.
(4)Andrew B.
Love it. Food is great. Menu is varied and interesting. They have like 10 different types of bruschetta. Prices are right. Total win.
(5)Brandon H.
Tonight, I ordered takeout from Enoteca via Grubhub. When it arrived (on time), however, my pasta was stone cold. When I called the restaurant to inquire what happened, the manager immediately offered a full refund and apologized. Apparently, I was the tail end of a large delivery (even though I am 5 blocks away) and tonight was slammed. I have been there in person and can personally attest to the quality. Kudos to the manager for turning an unfortunate situation to a 5 star review. Thanks, I will be back soon!
(5)Jed L.
The chocolate tiramissu made me cream my pants - just a little bit. I'm usually not a fan of sweets, and def not a fan of tiramissu, but boy o boy was this piece of heaven delicious!!! I was visiting a friend (Tony M. from around the corner) in Chicago and he couldn't speak highly enough about this place. I'm glad he took us there on that cold and snowy day after Christmas. Pretty much everything about this place is fantastic - the service, the "feel", the staff, the food - everything was just right. I wasn't aware that this place was owned and operated, same staff and everything, by the bake shop next door. So I was surprised to see the same people from the day before at the bake shop there the next day at the restaurant. I had a "Am I going crazy?!" kind of moment. That's when my friend explained to me that the restaurant and bake shop were connected. It all makes sense now! Haha! Anyways, our wonderful server brightened (and warmed) my dreary cold Saturday with her great service. She was very friendly and knew the menu like the back of her hand. She wasn't too attentive and always came to our table at the right time. Nothing was ever left empty for more than 10 seconds on our table. She also gave us some nice tips on where to visit while in Vietnam. She was also kind enough to let us know what she recommends. She recommended the seafood salad - YUM! As far as the entree, I was feeling a little traditional. I went for the Ameritriciana (sp?) - spaghetti, sauce, cheese! Can't go wrong! The only gripe I had with this dish was that is was slightly salty, but still good. I was really digging this place and will def come back in the future!
(4)ER S.
Really tasty food, but a bit pricy... especially the pizza and the wines by the glass. The pizza was $20 - $24 each! (They were really good though) Dinner was like $80 for two people.
(4)Erin C.
I love enoteca because of the bruschetta! You can make a meal by pairing 4 types of this wonderful stuff, made on bread from letizia's next door. I love the cannelini bean and onion type and the roasted red peppers with goat cheese best. Of course, I would pretty much eat anything with goat cheese on it. The wine flights are decent and not too expensive, perfect for learning about different wines that you may not be familiar with. The patio is excellent even in the fall when the owners bring out heating lamps and blankets for their chilly patrons.
(4)Amy S.
Lovely Italian restaurant. Intimate setting, great for catching up with friends or date night. If you are a Pinor Noir fan, try the flight. I especially liked the Lechtaler. The bruschetta app is a lot of fun because you get to choose different varieties, we went for a couple sweet and a couple savory. Polenta with carmelized onions and gorgonzola was great and I love the presentation. Service was very friendly. Food was a little slow to come out but it was pretty busy (on a Wednesday night, which is a sign of how good it is).
(4)Anna B.
Two words: BRUSCHETTA. FLIGHTS. Choose 3 or 4 different types of bruschetta and they bring you a huge platter with samples of each. Everything from tomato & mozzarella to brie with apples. Their cheese plate is incredible too, and the salads, while simple, are very fresh. They don't have a massive selection of entrees but the pasta is always very good. Go here if you want a light meal and some fantastic wine. The staff is friendly and cute, the atmosphere is cozy, and the outdoor seating is beautiful. When the weather turns cold they extend the patio's life by offering blankets to patrons who want to sit outside.
(5)Cat H.
I really really wanted to like this place...but it just didn't live up to our expectations. When we made the reservations, we asked if it was possible sit outside. They told us they couldn't say for sure yes, but they would likely be able to make it work. When we arrived, the hostess told us there was absolutely no way we could sit outside and then continued to mumble something about not being able to use half of the patio and it is not her fault and what do people expect. So - we sadly sat inside, which in theory was fine. However, we were the first table by the front door, and the silencer on the door clearly was broken. So every time a customer or staff person came in or out of the restaurant (about every 15 seconds) the door would SLAM shut. EVERY TIME. Not exactly the most relaxing or comfortable dining experience. We said something to both the hostess and our waitress and neither seemed to care. In fact, the waitress commented that "every seat in here has something wrong with it." As to the food - it was good, but nothing amazing. Had the bruschetta sampler which was very tasty. My husband had the spaghetti with clams which he said was good but nothing amazing and I had the chicken of the day. Again - a decent meal, but nothing I would go back for. With as many good, comfortable places as there are in the city, I just can't see us going back.
(2)Laura R.
This is my favorite neighborhood restaurant. It's a tiny smoke-free wine bar and the food is incredible. This place is very vegetarian-friendly, they have veg options on the menu and you can often take the meat out of the dishes that aren't veg already. I have never asked them to make anything vegan though, so I'm not sure how they are on that front. Things that are ridiculously delicious: -the bruschetta (definitely vegan options here) -the cheese selection -the pizza -the gnocci and the gorgonzola/pear ravioli -the salads Yeah um that would be pretty much everything they offer. This place is better for the summer because most of their seating is outdoor, they only have a few tables inside. But it isn't super popular so as long as you aren't going at 8 on friday night you should be fine getting a table in the winter. The only con is that the wine is somewhat pricey, but it's because they have a more edited selection (after all it is a wine bar).
(5)Angelina P.
This is a very charming and relaxing place to go after work. I came in friday night after my shift after years of wanting to try this place out. I work in the neighborhood at a bar pretty close by and I always pass Enoteca Roma on my way to and from work each night. The bartender was very helpful as well as courteous while the waitstaff seemed most kind. Wonderful place to decompress and get a glass of wine at the end of your day. I'll go back next week.
(5)Denton J.
My lovely girlfriend and I stopped in on Saturday night to have a small meal. The room was smaller than I thought (maybe 8 tables), but the atmosphere was warm and cozy. The service was really quite nice: friendly and attentive without smothering. We had a glass of Procesco and split a flight of Bruschetta. The food was good and we had a nice time. I'd enjoy coming back to try some of the other food options and spend a little more time here. It's a nice, intimate place for dinner. My girlfriend, who lived in Rome for a year, was impressed (if I may put words in her mouth) and even enjoyed that the lone TV was showing an Italian TV station. Well worth the trip.
(4)Elizabeth D.
we are STILL talking about how fabulous our experience was at enoteca roma on new years eve... not only was the food incredible and the wine outstanding, but the owners (fabio and letizia) are so kind and passionate about what they do: they care and it shows. this is a real gem, don't miss it! wondering if it's too soon to start thinking about heading back for valentine's day?
(5)Margaret F.
Visited Enoteca last minute with a girlfriend. The service was great and the wine was very good! Sean our server even made a special hummus. Even though it wasn't on the menu it was prepared quickly and looked beautiful. Thanks for a nice evening, I will definitely be back.
(5)emily b.
i'm pretty loyal to damen. a friend keeps pushing me to try division. last night, after reading about this spot in 'time out chicagos wickerparkbucktown pull-out guide', i decided to consider wandering that way. the note on the website about the $22 prix-fixe tuesday special helped sealed the deal. the inside is teensey tiny in that warm and cozy way. the crowd is a mix... some couples, some small groups, most people probably upper twenties and up. exposed brick walls, awesome ceiling fans above the bar, and tin ceilings.... it got my seal of aesthetic approval. every item on the rather large menu sounds incredible. the wine list is great, and, like the menu, is written thoughtfully, and with a sense of humor. the bruschetta is a treat - the one w the apples and brie and honey.... make sure to get that (but note, you can also pick 3 others!). the baked spaghetti dish is AWESOME - i even enjoyed the peas in the dish, which normally i casually, like a toddler, push to the side of my plate and refuse to eat. dessert was so-so, (surprising, given the connection to letizias next door). four (and a half) stars as opposed to five because the dessert selection left me wishing for more, and the service (w the exception of the bus boy who was incredible), wasn't WOW, (i had to inquire about the prix fixe deal). when i go back, i want to go with a few more people and make sure everyone gets a different dish so we can all share....
(4)Courtney M.
Simply put, this is a great neighborhood restaurant. Service was solid ,and more importantly, the food was great. I found myself checking out other diner's tables to see what they had ordered and wishing (as good as my food was) that I had ordered what the table next to me received. Great place to enjoy dinner with friends or take that first date.
(4)Mopsie B.
This place is pretty much the perfect spot for intimate conversation, lovely wines and expertly prepared Italian comfort food. We sat at the bar last Saturday on a frigid Chicago night and enjoyed zippy reparte with the bartender while we tried the bruschetta sampler, drank wine and cocktails and finally broke down and ordered the simple but fantastic pasta dishes. The ambience is dark, warm and not overly crowded. It's as though you're a guest at someone's place. I would drop by again for more of the same anytime. Prices aren't outrageous, either.
(4)Denny M.
So ... my wife wants to go to this place in a bad way and it's her turn to pick a place to dine. I look at the menu on-line and am wondering what I'm going to order. I'm not excited. We order some pear ravioli and a pizza .. tomato, basil, cheese, olive oil ... Not excited. Pizza comes to us and I'm still not excited ... Then I takes a bite and WOW!! If you are looking for Chicago style pizza this is not the place. If you are willing to try a pizza that is not Chicago style .... you have got to try this out. I am amazed ...!! Pasta loved by my better half who also enjoyed a nice wine flight. Check this out.
(5)Susana D.
Cozy atmosphere, dynamic menu, attentive service. Recommended by a Friend Who Should Know. Give it a try!
(4)Brad K.
Ordered delivery. Their caprese was just pathetic. The two pasta dishes were very underwhelming for their cost. We'll stick with Via Carducci down the street. Their pastas are bigger, less expensive and include a house salad.
(1)Ryan G.
Went here for a nice little date night on a Saturday. The atmosphere was exactly what I was looking for: quiet, intimate, candle lit tables, and very little noise. The wine flights are very good. There are 2 white wine flights and 2 red wine flights, both with 3 kinds of wine. Had the italian red wine flight, which is great. We ordered the bruschetta flight, which came with 5 different types of bruschettas. My favorite is the goat cheese with red pepper. The lasagna is excellent. Would have given 5 stars, however, portions were a little bit small. We easily finished all our food.
(4)Janet E.
We came on a Monday night and business was relatively quiet, just the way we liked it. Our waitress spent a lot of time with us explaining the dishes and describing the flavor and texture of it all. We ordered the bruschetteria and were allowed to pick four. Each of the bruschetteria we ordered was cut in half which made it easy for sharing. We picked the Emilia (tomato, garlic, basil, prosciutto), the Debby (grilled marinated eggplant, goat cheese, hazelnuts), the Napoli (tomato, baby mozarrella, pesto) and the Roma (tomato, garlic, basil). ALL OF IT WAS DELICIOUS! Great flavors! We also ordered the special of the day polenteria. The special included grilled eggplant, sausage, garlic, and shaved parmigiano. It was served on a slab of marble and prepared in front of us. The menu says the polenta is served hot, but when we tasted it, it was more luke warm. Maybe the marble slab cooled it down? It didnt really matter though because all the ingredients combined tasted really good. The texture was similar to grits but very smooth. I'm normally not a fan of grits but this polenta was great! For dessert we shared the profiteroles which was filled with chocolate gelato. YUMMIE!!!! Overall a great experience. Parking in the area was easy and the prices were a little on the high side but not super expensive. On Mondays they have a special of $20 wine bottles. We didnt have any wine but sounds like a great deal for the wine connoisseurs. There is a bakery that is connected to the restaurant. The waitress advised us it was basically used as an "overflow" room in case the main dining room got too crowded with people. We didnt get a chance to stop in the bakery but it sounded like they had a lot of great baked goods. Maybe next time!
(4)emily h.
I was at the same party as my Yelp/real life friend Stephanie S and have to agree- I would give this place 3.5 stars. The food is super duper great and they have a wonderful concept but the service was meh. Our waitor/the manager kept appologizing for how poor it was but that didnt stop him from adding a 20%+ gratuity to our bill. REALLY? After saying what crap service you are giving us, you still think you deserve 20%?!Kinda mind blowing!!! However, even though I was semi pissed, I will be back for their yummy vino and pizza and apps!
(4)Monica H.
This place is fabulous. We sat outside and it felt like we were in Italy. Great ambiance. Even better food! I highly recommend the bruschetta flight. So much good stuff on that menu and a great wine selection. Definitely will be back.
(5)James C.
Basing this entire review on the service. No food purchased. Came to this restaurant during Do Division. My guest and I ordered two drinks and sat down in the bar area. We walked to the beer garden to take a look, and the hostess said we could not sit out there. She then started saying that she may be able to help us if we came to the hostess stand, while she walked away and had her back to us. She was incredibly rude and had no business being the face of the restaurant. We may have stayed for food if the place was more welcoming. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt, since it was a busy festival.
(2)Sara A.
I love going to Enoteca. I've lived in the city for just over a year and come here about once every two months or so. It's also a place we like to bring our out of town guests. The food is unique and delicious. We've always had great service. And during the summer, the outside back patio is really lovely to have dinner in. Everything I've eaten here and been great. You can taste the handmade-ness of their pasta. Just delicious! The gnocchi are light and pillowy. We usually get the arancini as a starter since they're amazing. The bruschetta are great too. One of changing daily special pastas is a pappardelle noodle with mushrooms, truffle butter sauce and parmesan cheese. Absolutely my favorite dish. Every bite has me saying "this is amazing ". Desserts have all been good as well. Highly recommend going here!
(5)Dan T.
Not sure what all the stars are about. Isn't an Enoteca about wine? Our waiter brought a wine, so different what we asked for. Pointing out his faux-pas, his reply was he does not really drink wine and does not know much about them!!! You work in the wrong restaurant, go home, ... Food is mediocre, nothing to write home about.
(2)Stefanie A.
My family of 10 came here last Saturday for a birthday celebration and decided on doing the "mangia mangia" or family style menu. GREAT option when you have a large group! Could not believe it was only $30/person! Included a meats & cheeses platter, 2 different salads, many different varieties of bruschetta, mussels, polenta and three different entres of pastas. (see pictures) Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING was delicious. Esp loved the bruschettas and the pear raviolis. Not your typical "Americanized" Italian food-more classic and definitely authentic. So much food, we all left full but not overly full. Love this place, will definitely be back! Oh and if you come hee in the summer-def recommend dining al fresco in the back patio!
(5)Sam T.
Great dinner spot! Especially if you want to share a couple of different dishes. We got the bruschetta flight, which was great! The arancini was nothing special, but they were good. We then split the herb gnocchi with pork ragu and the mushroom and sausage polenta. The pasta and polenta were def our favorite. Service was excellent too! Especially after moving inside when the rain was moving in. Will def be back to try more food. Oh, and Tuesday's are half price pizza right now (which also looked amazing!)
(4)Robert M.
Favorite place for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Food is delicious and original, atmosphere is relaxed, and service is prompt.
(5)Sara T.
This a really cute restaurant. They have the most delicious pizzas and I will keep going back. Absolutely amazing!
(5)Colleen D.
I haven't been here in a few years but stopped in Saturday an so glad I did! It's there 10 year anniversary so they have all sorts of specials on wine and food. Our server was awesome - she made great recommendations and was so knowledgeable. I'll be back in soon for sure.
(5)Meredith K.
What a gem! We came here with a deal. I can't believe I've lived in walking distance of this place for so long without trying it. Its no-frills, and small when the patio is not open, but that's part of its charm. We had some of their bruchettas, and a beet salad. The salad was lovely but we though could use more cheese (is it ever too much?) We both tried the gnocchi but mine was the traditional and my boyfriend got the special. The traditional was lovely with a nice red sauce and lots of basil. The other one was purple potato gnocchi with a creamy hazelnut sauce. It was fantastic! Then our deal included dessert so we got the very dense, very rich chocolate cake. Yum! We are going to remember to come here more often. Everything was freshly made, good prices, and friendly service.
(4)Molly K.
I first must preface this review with saying that we have LOVED all food that we have had from here. We came one Friday night as a last minute decision and ordered the bruschetta sampler (which we enjoyed trying multiple kinds), a pasta special and the Dregona pizza (which we absolutely loved!!). The first time we visited there was a significant delay between each course and we waited for a long time for our bill. I must note that the restaurant was no where near crowded. We decided to return a couple weeks later because we were craving the Dregona pizza. We once again had VERY slow service and once again the restaurant was not crowded. We hesitate to go back, simply because of the poor service we have consistently received.
(3)Andrew D.
Patience is a virtue, they say. That could not ring more true at Enoteca Roma. The first few times I went in, I was underwhelmed and forgot to post Yelp reviews. I'm glad I didn't, because I didn't get a full appreciation for the joint. I was just ordering the wrong things! The clam dish, calamari, and pizza were underwhelming on my first few visits. On my last trip, armed with a Gilt City voucher, I went with something completely different. As did the lady friend. We both got variations of dishes with venison bolognese. We were not disappointed. The lasagna and polenta with aforementioned venison bolognese are incredible. This is their shining star and will be my regular order (in some capacity) for the rest of my trips here. I would also recommend doing a bruschetta flight. Lots of fresh, tasty, and original ideas there. For dessert, try the to-die-for profitaroles. Not only are they scrumptious and full of homemade gelato, but you get three of them! They are huge! On the night in question, we got the hazelnut gelato (rotating every day), which made them taste exactly like Ferraro Rocher chocolates. Heaven. Only real complaint is the tight proximity to other diners in cold weather when their beautiful patio is closed. The entire restaurant side was taken by a large party, so we sat in the adjoining bakery area. Comfortable and quaint, but not classy. Could be the best Gilt City voucher investment I've ever made, and surely I will be returning when they open their amazing patio in the Summer.
(4)Antaash U.
Enoteca Roma is cozy, quaint and actually quite small (which would explain why it's been so difficult to score a weekend reservation here). But it is welcoming and the staff are very friendly and helpful. I think we had one of the best servers I've ever encountered! We started with the Dragona Pizza:Baked with tomatoes and olive oil then taken out of the oven and topped with burrata and fresh basil. This pizza was AMAZING. We mistakenly only ordered the half portion. When my husband had to take a work call, I couldn't resist stealing his last remaining piece ;)! Our server suggested the special of the day which was a Paparadelle Funghi: Cremini mushrooms and garlic sausage with shaved Parmigiano cheese over fresh, handmade paparedelle. OH GOOD GOOD. Hands down, the best pasta dish I have ever had. I don't even know how to put into words the freshness, the earthy goodness of the pasta. It was everything I crave in a pasta dish: fresh pasta, simple and clean flavors that shined through, and hearty at the same time. This one fulfilled each and every criteria. I could have eaten the whole portion. Sadly, we had chosen to do halfsies so we could both try two entrees. Our second entree was Risotto alle Erbe: Spinach, butter and Parmigiano.This dish was very good too. The risotto was creamy and flavors mild. There wasn't anything that made the dish stand out, but it was definitely well executed. Rarely, do we want dessert, but the options were too good to pass up. We wanted the caramel cheesecake, which they had sadly run out of for the evening. Since our server had suggested we order it, she felt bad that she didn't know it was no longer available, so, she bought out a complimentary tiramisu instead. It was very sweet of her to do so, because we would have happily paid for the Plan B. Thank goodness we were able to show our appreciation in her tip :). I loved our experience at Enoteca Roma from start to finish. The personal attention, the 5 star customer service and the quality of food exceeded every expectation of our which is no easy feat!
(5)Tracey G.
Love this place - we recently moved to the neighborhood and were looking for a go-to italian place. This is THE spot. Amazing food, friendly, welcoming service, an excellent bar. And the patio. OMG. This place is heaven.
(5)Sarah W.
Sitting at restaurant right now on a beautiful Father's Day. Food has been great so far, but service is terrible. Our waiter is inattentive and borderline rude. Asked after ordered antipasta tray and salad. -- "do you want any more food?" Like we ate so much that we shouldn't eat any more. Sat for 20 minutes without coming back and drinks sat empty. Hoping it will turnaround. Other servers seem great. Guess we were stuck with a dud.
(3)Jamie B.
Three stars. The ambiance could use a little work in my opinion, but the no-muss unpretentious vibe they were going for was achieved. The cocktails were strong and certainly put some hair on your chest. I ordered the pizza here on our visit, the half size which was $11 and equated to 4 pieces in total. I was hoping for more of the coal fire type of pizza but this was more of a "lots of cheese on a square partial deep dish slab" type of pizza. It was still good, just not what I hoped it would be. Everyone was happy with their meals and seemed to enjoy the place. I'd come back to try the polenta on the marble slab deal, that looks delicious.
(3)Natalie C.
Great spot with a really cute patio out back - I can imagine it being really great for a long romantic dinner. I went, not for date night but with a few girlfriends, and we had a lovely meal. We started with the bruschetteria sampler - choosing five different types of bruschetta. The highlights that I tried were the gorgonzola with caramelized onions and the chevre with roasted red bell peppers. For my main dish I had the orecchiette con vongole - little ear shaped housemade pastas tossed with sweet clams and broccolini. The pasta was delicious and the sauce was wonderful, sweet from the clam juice but with a spicy kick from some crushed red pepper. My friends had the ravioli with pear ricotta in a walnut cream sauce and the daily pasta special, a fettuccine with speck and scallops. Overall the meal was absolutely delicious, although the service was definitely on the slower side. Given we were enjoying the perfect summer night, the slower service wasn't a problem (I feel like traditional Italian meals are meant to be enjoyed slowly with people you love). While we were waiting for the check, the owner stopped by for a chat, a thoroughly lovely little lady who obviously takes pride in her restaurant and the food they serve. Definitely will be back to check out their other menu items, especially the soft polenta they pour tableside. Check out my full review at thehungrynoodle.weebly.c… .
(4)Dan S.
One of the best Italian places I've been to in Chicago. The lasagna is incredible. Very rich and delicious. Good wine options as well. The owner made rounds at all the tables outside while we were there. She was real friendly and is from Rome. She does a great job providing an authentic experience.
(5)Mickey M.
Made a reservation here for Saturday at 7:30 to go on a date night and this place was the perfect fit. The back patio was very nice with ample lighting and a nicely landscaped area. The only negative was the closeness to the condos next door which took away from the great vibes just a tad. Starting off with drinks, there is a lengthy list of wine and beer that you can not find in every eatery in the city. Ordered the calamari which was perfectly cooked and had a nice dipping marinara to compliment. My girlfriend ordered the Arancini which she loved as well. For our main course we had the carrot gnocchi and Penne Arrabiata which were both very good. The Arrabiata had house sausage which was very tasty and the sauce had a nice level of flavor and spice to it, but certainly not too spicy. I would come back here in a heartbeat. Since I try to be as balanced as possible when giving a 5 star review, the only con I can come up with was the mosquitos which bit me all night and I find it very very odd since I have lived in the city for 7 years and can't ever remember this happening to me.
(5)Dustin H.
SOLID my friends. SOLID. This place is small and quaint with a genuinely friendly staff. I totally loved the pizza, as well as the calamari. Unexpectedly, the highlight for me was the (not intentional) vegan appetizer of olive tapenade covered toast with capers. YUM. No question I will come again for this Division street, perfectly classic Italian joint. Not groundbreaking, just really good.
(4)Thomas T.
Solid 4 stars for this place. Came here randomly one night with the gf after our original plans fell through. Pretty lucky choice. First walked in and thought the place was empty. No one inside, and then no one in the front either. Then we saw the back patio and wow, really nice. Lights and decorations make it have a really good atmosphere. Especially once they add flowers. Be aware though, the sun went down and it got pretty cold pretty fast. May not be the case in the summer but bring a sweater just in case. They do provide blankets which is a nice touch. And now down to the food. First we started with the bruschetta appetizer. Our 5 choices, in order of my opinion of most to least favorite, were napoli, roma, proscutto cristina and piemonte. I'm looking at a not updated menu online, so the cristina here says raspberry but ours was strawberry, but anyway that was my 2nd to last favorite. Then for the main course, I ordered risotto alla pescatora (seafood place) and it was pretty good. A bunch of mussels and clams but only 2 scallops and 2 shrimps though. The rice thing it was over was pretty good. I didn't really like the mussels though since it seemed like there was no seasoning or flavor and it was just steamed. But hey, maybe that's how they intended it though. All that for about $17 so yeah. The gf got the Pera which is the pear ravioli and that was pretty good. Good flavor, though it was just 6 ravioli's for about $16 so money wise, that would not be a good filler dish. For dessert we had a trio of something that I can't remember the name of, but there were 3 small cups of it. One was caramel, the other was chocolate, and the last was berries. That was pretty good, just pretty small. But i mean this is more of a quality over quantity place. One thing that bugged me though is that there was only one waitress for the whole back patio and there was just a lot of waiting. Was probably there an extra 30-40 minutes that we needed to be which would have been fine if it didn't get so cold.
(4)Aj A.
I really like this place, very good for vegetarians. Bruschetta, polenta, and all the pastas we ordered were top notch. Wonderful patio seating and good wine list, excellent service. Only complain was the ravioli seemed slightly dry, not as soft and flavorful like a good homemade ravioli should taste.
(4)Sharon B.
Got a gilt city deal and was pleasantly surprised. We had to get an early reservation because the place is pretty cozy (tiny), but I made it the same day so that's my fault. We got 3 courses and a different wine pairing for each. Mussels were incredible. My favorite out of everything. Calamari was crispy and had a rich marinara to dip in. My companion had gnocchi, which was really decadent. I had the spicy sausage pasta. It could've been spicier, but it was still very good. The dessert was incredible! I would come back just for that. It starts with a P, and I can't remember the name for the life of me. Overall, excellent! Will return.
(5)AJ T.
My friends looooved this place, but I was less enamored with it. Food & service is 3 stars, but the place/ambiance charmed me, so I'd give that a solid 4. Service not good enough to make up for what I feel like is less than stellar food. Firstly, this joint is small, so reservations definitely recommended. We ordered: - Gnocchi : these chubby little gnocchi were just meh; a little too dense for my personal preference. I want that bad boy to be pillowy and have the texture of a cloud. - Orecchiette Pasta with clams: Pasta was too thick, and amount of clams felt stingy. There were some really lovely pieces of roasted garlic in the dish, and I also liked the broccolini. - Spaghetti with venison: Good, not great, nothing offensive or outstanding about the dish. - Pasta of the day -- not memorable and average tasting. - Flight of 5 Bruschetta: Every single one was freakin' delicious. Easily top eat of the night. - Two different salads, the caprese & barbapapa with goat cheese, beets, nuts, and arugula. I don't even like goat cheese, and I thought the barbapapa was pretty delish. - Tiramisu: Nice, a denser, more cake-like tiarmisu. I enjoyed it over all. Beverages: the rest of my party loved the wine list & really liked the recommendations our server made. Anyway, I wouldn't go back, but I'm glad to have tried.
(3)Carolyn K.
Me and my boyfriend went here tonight for date night, and I have to say this was one of our favorite places we've been in the city! Firstly, all the staff was very kind and attentive. Our server was very nice to explain many things on the menu and help us decide. Now the food: we had calamari as an app. I'll say it was good, but average. Next, we enjoyed the Roman style pizza. It was absolutely FANTASTIC. And being from Chicago I'm picky about pizza. This was some of the tastiest pizza I've had in my life. Next the price: for an app, a full pizza, and 4 glasses of wine our bill was less than $60. That's incredible for a beautiful, fancy restaurant like this! We were so pleased. Lastly: the ambiance. During the summer I love to go to places with patio dining and I have to say this was one of the most beautiful restaurant patios we've eaten at. Very nice and private feeling, with beautiful plants and decor. Overall it had incredibly romantic ambiance, great service, delicious food, and all for a reasonable price. We'll definitely be back for another date night!! **Tip: Tuesday night is 1/2 price pizza. Seriously, you have to try this pizza it's friggin amazing!!
(5)Ella E.
We ordered all of the specials on the menu and they were delicious. I would have liked them to have a better wine selection. I thought their wine selection was slim. It was also really cute that they gave us blankets to sit on the picnic like tables in case the cold from the windows bothered us. Very cute and reasonably priced!
(4)Shan D.
Such an awesome little spot. The pasta is so light and delicious. You'll feel satisfied, but never too full for dessert. Don't miss out on their polenta appetizer. They have several different options, and I can honestly say they're all good. Our server was awesome, and gave us great wine pairing for our food. I'd definitely come back for any occasion.
(5)Charles F.
outstanding al fresco dining in the back yard patio. service was good, ambience excellent.
(5)Dee M.
Walking in I found this to be a very cute quaint space. I also noticed that they have a patio out back that would be great in nicer weather. If we ever have nicer weather that is. While I am giving this 4 stars, I am going to say that the food is 3 star, but the atmosphere and staff add a star for me. My girlfriend and I decided on the bar rather than a table. We were doing a girls night out and just wanted to eat slowly and enjoys some drinks. We enjoyed most of the wine we tried and I thought they had a pretty good selection. For food we ended up just ordering one dish at a time and sharing. We started with The Aracini of the day- This was a great start. The aracini was perfectly cooked and we definitely enjoyed it and I would order it every time. Next up was the Lasagna- it was piping hot and gooey served in a round crock. It was good. It wasn't the best Lasagna I have ever had, but we enjoyed it. Lastly we had a 1/2 pizza- we chose the Dragona with Tomato, Olive Oil, Burrata and Basil. This pizza is a little more bread-y than I like but the flavors were great and it was good to sop up some of the alcohol with so it this case it worked for us. The bartenders and staff were all very personable and fun as was the clientele, it was a fun spot to hang out and I would definitely go back.
(4)Lily Z.
I came here with a friend two weeks ago for dinner. We ordered the caprese salad, pasta with nuts and crab? The backyard patio is absolutely lovely. Basic, but intimate and so calming. It was kind of sad to walk through the completely empty restaurant though. The food was alright. The pasta with walnuts? was interesting and pretty tasty. They were out of the calamari by the time we arrived. Service could have been better. The entire meal took almost 2 hours for two people. There was some kind of mixup where our waitress thought the kitchen had already sent out our entrees so she brought the check, but we had only received our appetizer. To make up for it, she gave us 2 glasses of wine for free. I felt bad for my friend because his pasta was cold by the time my food came out. Come for the atmosphere, but don't order anything complicated. Just sit and sip some wine.
(3)Gemma C.
Was not expecting much from this place, just needed to grab some food whilst in the area so was very pleasantly surprised by this place - good value and DELICIOUS! My friend and I shared the Antipasti plate which is on special on a Thursday for $20. OMG, so good. The calamari was cooked to perfection. 3 types of bruschetta, some delicious cheese, prosciutto, an excellent house-made giardiniera and some very tasty vegetables, served with fresh bread We also had a glass of wine each (again on special for $5 glass. Bargain!) We then had penne aribiata with sausage which was good - an excellent sauce and big hunks of tasty sausage. My friend had Gnocchi alla Erbe a Four organic herb gnocchi with braised pork sugo. Which was the winner of the meal. They also had a guy playing guitar, providing some really nice, non-obtrusive background music V Small place so would recommending booking ahead, but definitely make a trip here! I will be back.
(4)Emma S.
One of my go-to places for dinner. Consistently good (and I've tried a bunch of different things on their menu), and generally easier to get into on the weekends than it should be. Reasonably priced. Whole-heartedly recommend.
(5)D O.
Yum! Yum! Yum! I've been craving risotto for days and boy did their risotto hit the spot! It's rich, just the right amount of cheese, rice cooked perfectly, the spinach base was flavorful and fresh.... I'm almost drooling thinking about it now! We also had a bruschetta flight, also magnificent. Specifically, the roasted eggplant one had great texture and grilled flavor that went perfectly with the exact right amount of goat cheese. It was also artfully placed on top of the goat cheese, so that the eggplant bits didn't fall off. Brie and apple bruschetta had a lovely balance of sweet, sour, and creamy. Those were my 2 favorite, but the others were good too. For dessert we got the panna cotta trio. Again, the texture and flavor made me very happy. Portion sizes here are fairly generous. At lots of other places I can finish the entree in 5 minutes. Enoteca's entree was large enough that I had some left over to take home. There's a lot of other stuff I want to try on the menu. Coming back soon.
(5)Mary T.
I do not like Restaurant Week, I will not bore you with the why, but I'll simply say that we planned our dinner double date around places convenient to all and away from the RW madness. Through a happy accident, we failed on one account. We were happy to scoop up a last minute reservation for four on a Friday. When i arrived, I was warmly greeted by our patient and friendly server. Emphasis on patient. We were long overdue for a dinner and spent way too much time catching up and ignoring the menu. Had our server not pointed out the one RW menu tucked in with all of the other menus at our table, it would have gone completely overlooked. Afterall, we chose Enoteca Roma because we thought it wasn't participating. We gave it obligatory scan, passed it around the table and all looked at each other. It was a pretty fantastic deal; the RW menu had a pretty sizeable cross section of their regular menu items and included many of the items we intended to order. In the end we all went for it. After a round of drinks, we also ordered a few bottles of wine for the table. We treated the appetizer course as a shared course getting two portions of the bruschetta (each person could select three varieties), an order of the mussels and an order of the calamari. Of the starters, the calamari was my least favorite; not because it wasn't good, but the other dishes were executed so well. The mussels were delectable and a standout. For the Primi course, I went with the seafood risotto, which was quite good. I received a nice portion with generous amounts of seafood. The table also got the penne arrabiata, venison bolognese and wild boar ravioli. The dishes received rave reviews from my dining compatriots. For the Secondi, I went against the grain and ordered the pan seared whitefish with spinach and potatoes while my friends each got the polenta. I rarely deviate from pasta when I get Italian, but I loved my fish, it was moist and tender. By the time dessert rolled around we were pretty full. The three of us who ordered the chocolate raspberry truffle cake barely made a dent in it. The caramel cheesecake though was devoured by my partner in crime. I would definitely make another trip back to Enoteca Roma, the experience was great. We were also pleasantly surprised at how good a deal the RW menu was; the quantity and quality of the food was outstanding.
(4)jody y.
We plan to become a regular here. The food was amazing.service lovely.comfortably sat for hours for my birthday....such a great evening...everything you want a dinner out to be.
(5)Kim G.
I chose this restaurant based on the recommendation of a nice patio for outside dining. It did not disappoint in that respect. My husband and I went for our anniversary so we wanted a nice atmosphere. It was a little chilly the evening we were there and they had heaters basically for each table as well as blankets on our chairs. It was a very cute patio with flowers and cute tables. We started with a bottle of red wine. They have a very nice wine list. We ordered the bruschetta which they had several to choose from and they were all very good. For my meal I had the eggplant parmesan. It was baked in a bowl, and it was very mushy and lacked flavor. I hated to ask for salt but even after adding that I really did not enjoy it at all. My husband had the polpetta which was a giant sausage meatball served on polenta. That was very tasty and definitely a better choice then the eggplant. Service was friendly but not attentive. Kudos on the wine list and atmosphere. 50/50 on the food.
(3)Jackie E.
I have never had a bad experience here. We are right down the block and our "go to" place to eat. The Pera (pear ravioli) is by far the best thing on the menu and is a perfect portion for 1. The bruschetta flight is also a great idea to get to try them all. The fruit ones are a must. The outdoor patio in the back is very intimate and good for a date night out with a special one. Decorated very well also. Servers are all very pleasant and knowledgable about the menu. A Must try!
(5)Ashley C.
We came to Enoteca Roma for a double date believing that it was not participating in restaurant week. Lo and behold, they were, but they had a great selection of menu items for a great deal. Needless to say, we all ended up going the restaurant week route. Service was excellent. We were the first to arrive and our waitress was attentive without being pushy. She immediately took care of our drink order while we waited for our companions. She was also helpful in making recommendations for the different options. For the appetizers, the table had ordered the calamari, mussels and some brushetta. The mussels were my favorite by far. The broth was amazing and I would drink it if I could. The others were good, but just don't stand out as much. For the second round, I had the seafood risotto which was delicious. It was probably my favorite course of the night and had a generous portion of seafood. The risotto itself was cooked perfectly with the right amount of bite which can be sometimes difficult to do. For the main course, I had ordered the polenta. This was the only dish I would not order again. The polenta itself was good, but I had gone out on a limb trying the recommended wild boar for the meat. I did not like it and it resulted in a trade for my husband's plate (venison polenta) which was much better. We split dessert, but found we were pretty stuffed at the end. We asked to make sure there were no nuts in the chocolate truffle cake, but something just seemed off. I would skip dessert there. Enoteca roma isn't the best Italian or the hottest place. It is however a solid option on Division street. I will be interested to see what their outdoor space is like come summer.
(4)Anli C.
After seeing all the rave about the bruschetta, the polenta, and the backyard patio, we came with high expectations and Enoteca Roma didn't disappoint us. We started with bruschetta flights, which you get to choose five that you like. The Napoli (the one I tried with mozzarella, tomato and pesto) is good, although I feel I've tasted better pesto sauce, and the flavor can be bolder. Another antipasti we tried was fried polenta with sautéed tomato and cannellini beans. I'd like the polenta to be crispier, the way we had in Italy. But the polenta, almost tasting like cornbread, is pretty decent. My favorite part of the dinner was the meatball with cream polenta and broccoli. I'm not meatball type of gal, but the dish really agrees with me. The meatball shines at the center, blending with the creamy polenta. The broccoli wasn't the star of the dish, but well prepared, juicy and tender. Oh, please make sure you get to sit in the backyard; it's just way too cute to be missed. The water features and the plants remind me of Tuscany quite bit. Quite an escape from busy street of Division.
(4)Aneta K.
Some of the dishes were a bit too salty! Other than that, a great place for dinner with friends :)
(4)Daniel R.
Great cheese plate and brushcetta apps! And they cater very well to vegetarians.
(5)Alexandria T.
I have been wanting to try Enoteca Roma Ristorante for quite some time because I love Letizia's so much. My friend, her husband, and I decided to try it out the Saturday night before last. We had to wait for a table, but they were able to seat us on the front patio. There is a really awesome back patio as well. We decided to order a bottle of wine and start out with the flight of bruschetta. We went with Emilia, Debby, Cristina, Piemonte, and Napoli. They were all fantastic. For my main, I ordered the Risotto Alla Pescatora. It was very good, but a little on the salty side. I don't order risotto that often, but this was really good. Overall, I had a nice dinner outside with good friends. The service was pretty good too.
(4)Ashley S.
My first visit and only visit here was during restaurant week and it was incredible! The staff is attentive and informative. I cannot wait to go back. Everyone in my party was pleased with their meals and the ambiance. It is a great place for any type of event.
(5)Dee P.
So yummy! Didn't have a reservation at 6:30 on a Saturday night and they found us a table. Every dish was amazing! Seafood risotto. As good as reviewed. The penne arrabiata, spicy and flavorful. The polpetta (sp?) was polenta with the Enoteca sausage and marinara. Our daughter raved about it! And the sweet potato gnocchi was a fave of all of us. The staff were friendly and attentive. The bread was crusty and dense. Just perfect for dipping into their yummy olive oil. The only criticism was that we had to ask for it, they didn't just bring it. Finally, I had the Italian wine flight and it was just perfect for the meal and quite good. We will definitely be back!
(5)A K.
Was looking for a place to get reservations in Wicker Park on a Saturday night. Not being familiar with the area and entertaining picky eaters, settled here due to availability and previous ratings. It's an interesting little place. We walked in (it was unseasonably cold that night) and the place was roasting - like make you sweat hot. We were seated next door in a place that looks like it's a bakery during the day. A little weird, but fine. Our server was just ok - a little quirky and not super helpful, but pleasant and answered our questions the best he could. He did serve a person in our group grapa as a substitute for not having a moscato wine on their list. Talk about night and day - grapa is like a hard alcohol! He did have the bartender make something else, but it certainly required more work and conversation than necessary. The food was good - solid. Hot food could'be been hotter, but it was good. The bruschetta appetizer flight was awesome. Something for everyone. My favorite is the olive tapenade. For entrees, the polpetta was really yummy - was supposed to be a giant meatball over creamy polenta with broccolini. Instead mine was two smaller meatballs. Either way, all of the component, including the marinara, were very good. Very garlicy, though. The pork gnocchi and chicken dishes were good, as well. The venison polenta lacked venison, but had nice flavor. Pizza had a very bread-y crust. It was ok - sauce good - but not what we were expecting. The knowledge and help of the server could've been a major plus in ordering, but he offered no suggestions unless we asked specific questions. All in all, it was solid and might return if I'm in the area. But, probably will look for something new to try. Just wasn't one of those "I gotta get back here" type of places. But enjoyable nonetheless.
(3)Stacey H.
I came here with a group of girls later on a Friday night. The server was nice and accommodating, which was great since a few in our party had already had too much to drink. I tried the Daniele pizza, the pasta of the day, the pear pasta, and the mushroom polenta. I highly recommend the two pasta dishes. You can tell the pastas are homemade. The pizza is very bread-y which wasn't exactly what I was expecting. I was hoping for a thin crust brick oven style so I was slightly disappointed. The polenta was definitely interested although I wouldn't order it again. We had a great meal and even better company. The food was great but there are so many other stellar Italian places in Chicago that I'll probably check out a few more before I return.
(3)Selena L.
I ordered the Linguine Alle Vongole (fresh baby clams, wine, roasted garlic, broccolini) while my fiancé ordered the crimini mushrooms and garlic sausage polenta. My pasta was just ok, but my fiancé did not enjoy his polenta at all. My dish was bland so I added quite a bit of Parmesan to give it some sort of flavor. Despite the mediocre food, the service we received was great.
(2)Henry H.
The service was pretty good. The atmosphere itself is pretty nice as well. It's a great place to take a date. However, the food was hit or miss. We ordered the bruschetta flight which was really good. Our favorites were the brie with apple and honey and the roasted onion. For our entrees we ordered the seafood risotto and the vongole pasta. Both dishes were EXTREMELY salty. I read a lot of previous reviews stating their meals were bland, well i would've preferred that. My girlfriend and I had to ask for some balsamic vinegar to cut the saltiness of the two dishes. Our meals were so salty that our mouths started to get raw. This is really upsetting because the flavor of both dishes were great, but the excessive saltiness ruined it. We may come back for some appetizers and maybe some wine, but will look elsewhere for a nice meal. Bummer because I really wanted to like this place.
(2)Annalise S.
Bruschetta flight is good, but I could make it at home. The service here is fine but way too casual... Coming from two very casual people. Don't do dessert it's not worth it...probably from Costco. Won't being going back.
(2)Ed J.
I dont know if it was just my luck that night, but it was FANTASTIC! The last time I remember having Italian food this great was in Florence, Italy itself. Ambiance-We sat in the back patio in the summer for dinner and fell in love right away. I loved the fairy lights they had up, the beautiful patio garden decor, the back patio area stretched out to Letizia so it was spacious. Candle on the table for a lil romantic cozy feel.. Service-I had a wonderful server, he was very attentive, warm and welcoming. He knew the menu very well...and the moment I saw that pear ravioli, that was it for me. He also made great recommendations on the bruchetta i believe you get to choose 4 different kinds..and all of them were delicious. Food-Great presentation, but most importantly, that ravioli just melted in my mouth and exploded with so much flavour and i can just taste it right now lol *drool*.My husband ordered the housemade pasta with lamb ragu, and he was absolutely in love with his dish. The ratio of the sauce to pasta was perfect and the flavors were amazing, he also mentioned the pasta texture was perfect. The panna cotta was good, nothing too exciting relative to the main dishes, but still, good. Price-I believe it was about $80 including tip..i think. Thats with appetizers, 2 amazing entrees, desserts, coffee, drinks. Highly recommend this. Perfect for family dinners, a romantic date..and you can always head to Letizia natural bakery next door for delicious baked goods as well!
(5)Amber N.
We've been a few times over the past 7 years and just love the beautiful outdoor patio! Its a hidden gem. The wait staff is always nice and does a great job! We especially like the multiple bruschetta options. Always fun to try different combinations. Pastas are all great and the desserts are done so well! Last time we had the trio of panna cotta - berry, carmel and chocolate. All were amazing! Great neighborhood restaurant with a relaxing atmosphere. You won't be disappointed. Disclaimer - we've never sat inside, so not sure how it feels inside.
(4)Ashley B.
My boyfriend and I were craving some light, simple, fresh Italian. Something good for summertime. This place had solid reviews and it was in a new area, so we decided to try it. First of all, the place is cute. There's a small outdoor patio that looked cozy, and the inside is a mix between romantic, trendy and still somewhat classic with old wooden beams and kind of rustic feel. I could already tell it was a great wine spot, though we didn't get any (next time). I ordered the shrimp spaghetti which just had huge roasted tomatoes and garlic and olive oil and it was awesome. The shrimp was HUGE and perfectly cooked. I also kept stealing bites of my boyfriends dish, the daily risotto which had goat cheese, asparagus, and mushrooms in it. It was amazing. There's something about simple, basic, but really fresh ingredients that make good pasta dishes, and this place had it. I'll definitely be coming back and trying some wine and the rest of the menu!
(5)G K.
Two of my girlfriends and I arrived in Chicago for a reunion and this was our first meal in Chicago. We were staying in the neighborhood so in the cold, we walked over and were greeted by a very friendly waitress, Julie! We just wanted to give her a shout out and say thank you for your kindness. Never being to Chicago before, we asked her about where to go and what to do. She took it a step further and drew out a map for us! The food is great and service is wonderful too. Check it out!
(5)Shakila M.
Had drinks and apps at the bar, then joined a larger group for dinner. This a place to go for dinner on a cheat day. Even though they have plenty of veg and gluten free options, you'll want to try the more decadent items because everything looks so good!I had earmarked the polenta and was not disappointed. I also split a beet salad that was inexplicably good. For an appetizer, I had caprese salad, I believe. Highly recommeded. The owner/chef came over and gave us some great background to the recipes and her favorite choices. You can't fake a love of food that deep, and it shows.
(5)Dan H.
Worst service I have ever received. Went once and has bad service. Wife and I was 2 of 10 people in restaurant. Very slow but oh well stuff happens. Second time my wife went with a friend and she had one of the worst experience she has ever had at a restaurant. Rude and not attentive. Wife left a 11% tip (way too much for the circumstance). The restaurant called me that evening (I had booked with my open table account) and asked about service and I had said how my wife would call back. My wife called back and talked to a MANAGER in which the manager basically tore into her and told her about how bad of a patron she was for leaving a bad tip. Food was good but will never go again. I hope the owner sees this and starts over with the management.
(1)Stephanie S.
I would probably give 3.5 stars if that were an option, but since it is not, I will round up! Things I loved: the patio, the food, the drinks. Things that were kinda meh: the prices, the service. I went with a large group the other night and we were ordering drinks, appetizers, and some pizzas to share. Our server was pretty slammed and so he was kinda all over the place when it came to waiting on us, but I think overall it turned out ok. They have a great drink menu and I really like the wine flights available. Their patio is ah-may-zing. Love a good Chi-town patio! I kinda think they should share shift with the bakery next door since theirs was empty and Enoteca's was packed and could have used the other half, I mean, no one is getting pastries at 9pm. The pizza was super de duper. I am typically a cracker thin pizza kinda gal, but this fluffy thick pizza was reallllly good. I wish I tried more kinds! The bill was a little pricey for what we got, but the ambiance was great. Will definitely be back!
(4)Genuinely A.
All of the positive reviews are true but the service sucks. I've been here a number of times and it's consistently poor. It's a trade off: great atmosphere, nice patio, good food and wine... and enduring slow and incompetent staff, with the notable exception of one slightly older woman, who is lovely.
(2)Amber C.
This place has pretty good food, but unfortunately everything else was terrible. The bathrooms are disgusting. Both soap dispensers were completely empty early on a Saturday night. Makes you wonder if the staff even washes their hands after using it. There was garbage all over the floor too. This isn't a bar in wrigleyville! They allow smoking on their patio. If you're not a smoker, this is gross. When I'm trying to eat my overpriced appetizer I prefer not to be engulfed in smoke. But that's just me. The service is painstakingly slow.
(2)Sara H.
Enoteca has a nice menu and good wine specials ($20 bottle anyone?). They even have a lovely outdoor patio. The reason for 3 stars is the inconsistency of the food: - Some of the food we ordered (lasagna, flight of bruschetta ) was delicious. - Other things we ordered (Gnocchi di Patate, Polenta Del Contadino) were bland. The big win was that the polenta is poured table side on a marble slab and the toppings are added right there. It's a fun way to dine but our toppings were bland and the poleta never set like it's supposed to on the cold marble. This is a good place to go for a snack and a bottle of wine in a great atmosphere. However, I might head someplace else if I were craving serious Italian.
(3)j m.
OH MY. A friend and I had Enoteca Roma recommended to us for our last dinner during our Chicago visit. It was cold, so the outside seating was closed up - it didn't look like much from the outside. Inside, the ambience was pleasantly dim, cozy, and intimate. My friend immediately started chatting with the friendly and knowledgeable bartender, and we picked out some lovely red wines. We started with a spinach aroncini (fried risotto ball with mozzarella in the center). Delicious, delicious, delicious. I'm such a risotto fiend that I had it as my entree as well - a creamy, luxe vegetarian spinach risotto with parmesan. It turned my brain absolutely inside out. I cannot express how happy I was in that moment, on that barstool. My friend ordered a sweet potato gnocchi and seemed entirely pleased. If that was not enough (it was!) we ordered dessert, and split a very generous, very delicious tirimisu, and my friend tried some of the bitters as a digestif. I cannot compliment this place highly enough, and if I lived within a few states, I would be a fat and happy regular. PS, we both liked their eclectic and charming music selections.
(5)Call Me A.
Awesome place for a large group. We had a private dining area, and food was great and the service was even better.
(5)Anne L.
Came here for dinner with a group of friends last night and were able to take advantage of a crisp fall night on their pretty back patio, made even better with heaters and soft blankets! We were lucky to have a group of 6 so we could order the mangia mangia chef's menu...and mangia we did! Everything from the meat and cheese platters, bruschetta, salads, calamari and mussels, polenta with 2 sauces, and pastas was all delicious and so flavorful. Service was attentive yet unobtrusive, just a great evening.
(5)Noemi R.
The food was great, the place was cozy! We enjoyed it all. Timely service as well.
(5)Brent G.
We all knew this was coming... After a luke-warm experience at another Italian cafe one block east we decided to try again at this option. Enoteca Roma (the western-most outpost of good eats on Division before crossing into Humboldt Park) shares space with Letizia's where we had a positive experience many months ago. To really test their game we had the entire family in tow. Enoteca Roma did well. The rear outdoor wine-garden was full but they were able to quickly accommodate all of us at the front al fresca option by rearranging a few tables and chairs. We ordered a "kids pizza" and a couple of bowls of simply prepared penne for the young ones. Julia and I went outside the box with the Ostia Antica pizza. The latter was an amazing mix of well-made buttery crust, fresh sauce, goat cheese, mounds of arugula, and prosciutto. Very tasty and very nice. The kids devoured their food as well. The service was fine, but more hipster than Italian. I prefer the atmosphere and service down the street, but the food here was superior (at least on this occasion). I would recommend; however, not charging $7 for a small bowl of plain pasta.
(3)Francesco F.
We have found this place to be quite good, and the only reason why I didn't give it a 5 star is that - as a true Italian - I hold my Italian food standards very high. The food was very good, we had a good pasta e fagioli, the polenta with salsiccia that was not only good but also beautifully poured on a stone, pasta with cervo (venison), and tiramisu. We were pleased with everything. The one disappointing item was - surprisingly - the focaccia. Being from Genova, I hold very high standards for focaccia. Their focaccia was good, but not salty enough, and a bit too thick for my own taste. In addition, contrary to what previous reviewers have experienced and commented on, we had a very good experience with the service. Our server, John, was very attentive, suggested a very nice bottle of Bardolino that matched well with our choice of food, was very flexible and accommodating with our request for extra space due to our 9-month old stroller. We will be going back.
(4)Nicole S.
I have absolutely nothing bad to say about this place. I've been maybe 4 times and it's never disappointed at all. I've been in the summer which means you have access to their amazing outdoor patio. You may be on Division but you can't tell when you are sitting out back under the stars...okay maybe not stars but rather plane lights going overhead. It's amazing how quiet it is! And during the winter, my cousin and I have cozied-up with a fabulous dinner in a comfy booth. During that visit they made a mistake and added tomatoes to an item we ordered (she happens to be allergic) they were quick to resolve the issue AND gave us free dessert which we would have ordered anyway. Every person I've been in contact with has been lovely, swift and genuinely happy I was there. And to boot, the food is amazing. Upon my last visit we stared with a few specials, on to a cheese plate and then a pasta dish. We rolled out a few hours later happy as clams.
(5)Abby B.
I love this place! In the summer it's particularly special because of the beautiful patio. I've always had fantastic service and the food is great and reminiscent of my time in southern Italy. My first time eating there was shortly after my fiance and I got engaged and our waiter gave our whole party (6 people) free champagne!
(4)Tom S.
This hidden Wicker Park gem IS as good as it gets! You MUST check out the menu options as well as as the house recommendations. Outstanding staffing only adds to the wonderful dining experience. Not overly fancy, but fancy enough. Not overly foodie, but very solid and well prepared dishes. Brian is "spot on" with wine pairings and drink recommendations. This is definitely a "go to" place for a great night out with friends or a quiet dinner for 2. Great patio setting out back for privacy, great street seating as well. A definite 5 star dining experience. Can't wait to go back with a group!
(5)Jeff R.
We were in search of a solid neighborhood Italian restaurant and found a few options but settled on Enoteca Roma. I'm glad we did because it is top notch good food with a great vibe and a solid menu. The back patio is quite large, even though there is also a front patio. Now that I think about it, there is probably more seating outside than inside - and that includes the connected Letizia's Bakery (same owner). I understand why they had blankets on all the seats for customer use as the weather turns. But the large backyard patio with small candles and blankets is the perfect setting for a neighborhood Italian spot. We kept the meal simple and classic. There are more than a few bruschetta options and you can mix and match (they even split them in half to share). We ordered a Vinny (gorgonzola, caramelized onions), Emilia (tomato, garlic, basil, prosciutto) and two Napoli (Tomato, Baby Mozzarella, Pesto). All were good and I really liked the Vinny. We also started with a salad to share since the description of the Rucola Classica sounded too good to pass up (arugula, cherry tomato, shaved parmigiano, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil). I could have eaten more since it was a nice a refreshing salad and a perfect size to start but I'm glad we saved room for the pasta. We both were craving delicious home made Italian pasta and we came to the right place. Erica out-ordered me with the Cuervo (campanelle pasta, venison bolognese sauce). I loved the texture of the campanelle and the venison bolognese was great (I had to savor my few stolen bites). My dish (Arrabiata - penne pasta, roasted garlic, spicy marinara, enoteca sausage) was also very good and had a little more happening but all in a respectable package. The sauce wasn't overwhelming but had a nice spice flavor. I liked the sausage and can never have enough garlic. The portions were large and fairly priced in the mid the teens. One dish can be shared or just take home the extras. I'm really happy we decided to explore our local Italian options. We will be hard pressed to venture away from Enoteca since we know the food is great with plenty of options. It might not be a destination restaurant but I doubt the locals want it any other way. I am happy to join the many happy fans of a welcoming neighborhood ristorante.
(4)Mary C.
We won a silent auction which had a coupon for dinner at Enoteca Roma for 2. We were treated like royalty. Our server,Brian was spot on. 80% of the staff was at a wedding of 2 employees and the restaurant was slammed on the perfect Sunday night of a holiday evening. Brian and the assistant he had never once lost their cool, appeared to be rushed or flustered. The bruschetta,polenta,salad,pasta and desert flights were delicious! Do yourselves and your friends that count for a night on Division(we were on the patio which was a fab summertime bonus.) The property was immaculate and the staff(wait and kitchen) flourished under less than desirable circumstances. I think we've found a new fav spot and it will be worth our trek from the Gold Coast for more Neopolitan ambiance.
(5)Christina M.
Had we known we'd be seated inside a bakery, we may have decided to go elsewhere. We were there, we were hungry, so we stayed. The nice Italian restaurant atmosphere was certainly lacking though, especially when random people were crowding around our table when ordering items from Letiza's. We ordered our food and it was average. My bf's meal was the most entertaining, he ordered the polenta... What they do here is they dump the polenta on a slab in front of you as an artsy display. Well, apparently his polenta wasn't cooked properly (it's was too runny) and it ran off of the slab, all over the table, and some even got on him (he had to hold a napkin to the edge of the table). Not good, right? After we said something, they offered to replace the meal...which was good. My bf said the gnocci (his replacement meal) was quite good, but overall the food and atmosphere certainly does not warrant a return visit.
(2)Nathan F.
My favorite Italian joint in Wicker Park. The food and wine is excellent, but the service is the best I have ever had. Highlights: - Risotto del giorno - from speck to wild boar, this rotating dish is as varied and interesting as it is delectable - Penne arrabiata - perfectly spicy sauce with a sausage that is to die for, but swap out the pasta for campanelle, which is usually fresher tasting - Wine selection - this place could be it's own wine shop and each server is a master at pairings; when seasonal flights are available, do not miss out - Ambience - the back patio is particularly charming in the fall when they set out blankets and heat lamps Lowlights: - Minimal indoor seating. Either make a reservation in the winter or wait until warm weather when the outdoor back area is available. Notable Narrative: On multiple separate occasions, I have been overwhelmed by the spectacular service. One time, I could not decide between specials, so the waiter advised that I pick one and he would have the other cooked at our next visit. I warily agreed, but, sure enough, when we returned (well over a month later), he remembered and had the kitchen make an off-menu item (which was a mind-blowing risotto) just to honor his word. On another visit, a friend noted his dish still had the wine that ought to have been cooked off and the garlic was a bit heavy. The waiter noted this was one of their core dishes and anything less than perfection was unacceptable -- he took the dish off the bill, offered to cook a fresh one (which was perfect), and sent us home with muffins in apology.
(5)Katie R.
We went last night with friends. Enoteca Roma is so dependable. It's so good every time!! My husband split the bruschetta platter with our friend. They let the waitress choose the toppings, and they were all good choices. He had the herb gnocchi-fantastic. I had the Giovanna pasta-even better than the gnocchi. We started outside but asked to be moved inside because it was so hot. Out waitress Janet didn't bat an eye. She was great. Good sense of humor, knew her food and her music trivia. I would request to sit in her section next time. A little bit expensive, but I am going back.
(5)Ivanka B.
Delicious different bruschettas - apples & brie? Oh my! The pizza is also rather magical - I haven't really tried anything else here unfortunately. It's quite pleasant to sit outside during the warmer months - beware of the service, sometimes not too nice.
(3)Erika S.
Enoteca Roma is my go-to. An occasion to eat too much? Enoteca Roma. An occasion to drink too much? Enoteca Roma. An occasion to sit down with a friend and chat over wine and a cheese plate? Enoteca Roma. Birthday dinner? Enoteca Roma. What the heck, it's Tuesday and I want to eat out? Enoteca Roma. I think you get it... The polenta is always amazing. We've had the specials a few times and stuck to the menu others. Trust me, its always good. Plus, the presentation is so authentic. The mussels are wonderful and I can never pass up a cheese plate. I've tried, it's impossible especially here. This is one of my favorite restaurants, and if you haven't been, I'd love for you to try it. But don't make it too busy for me next time I'm there.
(5)Amanda T.
My boyfriend took me here for our first date almost two years ago now, and I just can't seem to stay away. The food here is amazing, and the customer service is just as great. We live in Michigan and I'll find any little reason just to come to Chicago purely to go to this restaurant, and enjoy the food. If you can, do a five course meal with the wine pairings. The menu that the chef picks out is always perfectly paired with the wines. I've never had anything here that I have not liked. So, if you need to take your hunny to a nice dressy date this would be a great place to go. Especially when the weather warms up because there's a beautiful patio in the back that makes you forget you were even in a big city.
(5)Tammy C.
One of our favorite patios in Chicago! Their wine list and flights are great, and the food is delicious. Our favorite is to do the Mangia Mangia with a group, they just keep bringing out food until you are all so stuffed you can't button your pants! Standouts are the polenta served on the stone slab with an array of yummy toppings. Mussels and seafood and pasta are all great too. Then the deserts! Where do I start! Service is friendly and accommodating. Prices are fair to reasonable. The best is the patio on a nice day! Enjoy!
(5)Suzanne M.
Enoteca Roma has delicious food, a charming atmosphere, and great wines. I love their "pick four" bruschetta. Its a fun and yummy way to start the meal, especially with friends. Their charcuterie is delicious, and comes attractively plated on a wooden board. The portions are generous without being overwhelming. I adore their simple pastas. The gnocchi with sausage, mushrooms and peas is outstanding - creamy and rich without being a belly bomb. I ate the entire bowl, because I am a total food Hoover. I also really enjoyed their orrechiette with garlic - such a simple dish, with amazing flavor, and an example of how even a vegan dish can be transformed into something outstanding (no offense vegans, but I really love meat.) (and cheese.) Enoteca Roma is most well-known for their polenta, which is served plated on a marble slab. The flavors are well mixed and its also a good dish to share. Desserts are made in conjunction with Letizia's Natural Bakery. The caramel cheesecake is very good, but very small given the price. Their profiteroles and their panna cotta, however, are delicious and ENORMOUS, and should be shared! Wine selection is well curated, and the bartenders will gladly educate you on what you're choosing. You can also enjoy several wine flights, which is a fun and boozy way to try new wines without breaking the bank or dedicating yourself to finishing a glass of less-than-thrilling vino. Mixed drinks are not bad either. It is small and can get very crowded. I recommend sitting at the bar or outside on the patio (when seasonally available. Though I love the soft blankets they give you when sitting outside - nice touch.) The tables are crowded together on busy nights; one night I went with my boyfriend and we literally had to ask our "neighbor" to pick up and move their table over so we could squeeze in and out. Not very romantic of a meal when 1) you're sitting close enough to hear your neighbor's nose whistle, and 2) every time you get up from your seat, you have to choose "butt or crotch?" Service is mostly good. Bartenders are stunning - definitely another reason to sit at the bar. The table servers are generally pretty good, though in full disclosure my boyfriend and I walked out of this restaurant once without eating. We wanted to, but our waitress disappeared for over 25 minutes after taking our wine order. We never got our wine or anything else for that matter. One negative experience hasn't soured me on Enoteca however - this is definitely a gem of a place, and one I greatly enjoy.
(4)Vaidehi T.
This place did not live upto the expectations. My friends and me were here on a sat night. We made reservations, and when we got there i was surprised because it is a tiny place... Probably just 3 tables in addition to the bar. After reading the riviews, now i know that dinner patrons are seated in some bakery. We ordered the pizza, vegetarian ( mushroom) polenta and a special of the day. The service was very very choppy. Our server was a nice guy, but was invisible for most of our dinner. It took us more than 20 mins to just get the orders placed. The bread served was not good. I did not like it at all. It was a spongy bread soaked with olive oil. The best dish was the polenta... It was very yum and the flavors of tomatoes, caramelized onions and mushrooms were on point. The pizza was bland. Its served on foccaccia bread... It was alright, not memorable at all. We ordered the white chocolte truffle for dessert. Our server described it saying, it is a light fluffy cake. Well, neither was it light nor fluffy. It was a dense layered cake. Will not be returning to this place... There are way too many italian places in chicago that serve excellent food, you dont have to settle for mediocre.
(3)Chris P.
Ya know that pretty girl you felt up while you were completely drunk at a party? Well this place is like that pretty girl only you find out she used to be a dude up until 9th grade. Pretty disturbing.... To me it seems a little odd that you have to make reservations at a "Ristorante" (in a snobby, naperville momish voice) so you can be sat in a FUCKING bakery. Seriously...What happened to the overly friendly waiters who use "sir" and "ma'am", or the dark ambiance with a soft background soundtrack by the Rat Pack. Amateur. It really was.. The food was good, can't really bash that. It was like that pretty girl who you found out is an ex-tranny actually had the nicest set of cans you've ever felt. Bittersweet. That is exactly how I feel about this place....
(2)otilia p.
Visited Enoteca Roma this past weekend for a girls night out and I had a pleasant time. They had a decent wine selection as well as great appetizer options. We had the bruschetta where we got to choose from four different types and we also did the cheese and meat plate. The service was great and our waitress was very attentive and social. The hostess was also very accomodating especially with a short notice change on our reservation. I'll definitely be coming back especially since it's so close to home.
(4)Amanda G.
It was a girls' night out type thingy and we needed a place to eat. After much yelping, my friend and I chose Enoteca Roma. I am so happy we did. This is one of those places that is fun and cozy, rather than fancy, and has a menu that is interesting, obviously crafted by people who really want you to have a good time dining. The service was slightly overeager -- with several different servers checking in on us multiple times -- but honestly I just got the feeling that they really, really wanted to be sure we were happy. I'll take that over abrupt or absent servers any day. We each tried a wine flight, which I think is always fun. They had several flights available; I think the four of us each chose a different red flight. Then we sampled some bruschetta -- they have several very interesting options -- it was excellent. We all had one of their polenta dishes; they were great. Excellent food, excellent wine, a good and moderately priced beer list -- rather than dessert, we moved on to that. I have no idea why I haven't been back and I'm sad that I somehow missed patio season here. This place is definitely on my must-return list.
(5)Ruby K.
The food, ambiance, & wine was just what I needed. The bartender? Not so much. My girlfriends and I dropped about a million smiles, pleases and thank yous just hoping to get an ounce of friendliness. Didn't happen. I know people have bad days, but GEEZ. Call off next time, lady. I'll definitely go back but I'll definitely grab a table.
(4)Moe f.
Well I've never had more than wine and cheese here but judging the other reviews, I should try the food. Usually have bellied up at the bar. Go with the wine flights. Best bang for your buck. Friendly staff and decent prices.
(3)David B.
I really do like this place a lot. I've been going here for many years, but have to downgrade it to 3 stars (normally 4) as things have trended downwards in my last 2-3 visits. First off, this place is absolutely amazing during the warm months. I actually don't bother coming here much during the winter as the inside of the restaurant is quite small. But during the summer, the place expands tremendously as they have outdoor dining in the front and back of the restaurant. The eating area in the back of the restaurant is one of the best outdoor patios in the city. Very scenic and relaxing. The menu is organized as a sharing menu. Lots of bruchettas, cheeses and meats to pick from and share. They have a nice selection of polentas, pastas and pizzas. I've tried a ton of things there and everything has absolutely wonderful. My favorites are the bruchetta (enzo, piedmonte) and pear ravioli. The drink menu is quite nice. For beer fans, they have a pretty nice selection of Belgian style and craft beers. I'm not a wine expert, but the menu looks pretty expansive and I know the service there is quite knowledgeable about the list. My biggest complaint (and its really my only complaint) about the place is that over the last few visits, the bruschetta, pizzas and pastas have gotten smaller and the prices have gotten higher. The prices are not horrible, but they're not good either. The portions are average to below average on everything. Overall, wonderful place to have a drink and share food on a beautiful outdoor patio. If you're concerned about cost, don't go there famished as you can rack up a pretty big bill fast.
(3)Summer P.
Enoteca Roma has a great deal going on right now; one appetizer, one entree, and one dessert for $22...very economical! Great selection of Bruschetta and you're able to choose four - fantastic for trying more than one or two. For an entree, I had the Orechiette; it was pretty tasty...a bit heavy on the olive oil but you can avoid it easily enough. My only complaint is that there isn't a larger non-meat selection for the entrees. It seems like if there is one dish that can be reliably delicious when vegetarian...it's pasta. Side note - my friend says that the bathroom is AMAZING. I cannot verify this since I didn't need to use it, but thought I would pass it on. It's always a plus.
(3)Stan W.
Definitely different - I can't call it mediocre. Some things went OK, some not so great. Not necessarily expensive but surely overpriced for what you get. I probably wouldn't go out of my way to return. The menu is unique and has lots of options. We got their signature mussels, which had a good broth and a ton of huge but slightly stinky mussels. Probably would've been a great dish had the mussels been fresher with less funk. I got a polenta because it sounded weird and I never had anything like that before. I guess I'd always had polenta fried or solid. Definitely not a bad dish, but I wasn't thrilled with the baby food-like texture - probably not something I'd get again until all my teeth fall out. The arribiata my wife got tasted like Spaghettios to me. Seriously, they were pretty close to that flavor - the sauce was quite ketchupy: too sweet and not enough depth. Both dishes were saved by their spectacular sausage. That sausage was about the best I'd had at any italian restaurant, it was so tender maybe they stuff it themselves or something. Given the average pasta dish was $14-18, my polenta was $16 or so, and I saw entrees in the mid to high $20s, I think Enoteca is generally overpriced by about $2 to $4+ across the board. Also paper napkins and no bread, not that either is a dealbreaker but when you jack the price of your entrees up there's a certain level of expectation there.
(3)Melissa S.
This place is delicious. My boyfriend and I came here on a Tuesday night. Not too busy but the service was great! We were seated right away and the waitress gave us great food suggestions. All of the suggestions, we ordered. As an appetizer, we ordered the fresh mussels with the garlic crostini. OMG this was amazing. So flavorful and a good portion. I got the Ravioli with mushrooms and added chicken. This was so good. So much flavor and not too much sauce to mask the other flavors. My boyfriend got the risotta which consisted of goat cheese, prosciutto and asparagus which was also very delicious. I ordered the Syrah wine flight which was a perfect amount of wine in each tasting. I am already craving to come back here! Can't wait!
(4)Craig S.
Amazing polenta - said by a guy who grew up on his nona's polenta - and a reasonable (though not overwhelming) wine list. The bruschetta is tasty and has some interesting combinations. And the outdoor seating is a nice touch. The only downside, if I may be pedantic, is that my wife keeps calling it "Enoteca," which is the type of restaurant, not the name of it. :)
(5)Kunal K.
I got takeout from here one night when I was too lazy to do anything else. I got the polenta del contadinho. The polenta itself was actually really good. It was topped with mushrooms, caramelized onions and and Gorgonzola cheese. Pretty tasty. Just a little overpriced though, I think.
(3)Kim P.
I went to Enoteca Roma for a much-needed romantic dinner last night. We made reservations and were promptly seated in the cool, candle-lit back patio. Our server was very attentive. Now for the food! We ended up gettng the bruschetta appetizer, which included our choice of four. I remember one with tomato and feta cheese, and one with pear, brie and honey. It was so, soooo good! For my entree, I got the dinner special; tilapia on a bed of spinach and basil, topped with capers, cherry tomatoes, and parmesan. It was every bit as delicous as it sounds. Josh had the pear ravioli in hazelnut cream sauce topped with gorgonzola. It was as decadent as a dessert, but we couldn't resist... We ended our meal with chocolate tiramisu. It was so creamy and perfectly flavored that I know I'll have to go back sooner rather than later. The only part of our meal that wasn't absolutely perfect was the wine. The flights are priced so reasonably that it doesn't seem logical to try anything else. Try something else. We had the Italian flight - flat, sour And the French flight- once again flat. In utter desperation, we got the Pinot Noir Flight - rich and floral. It was nice. If it hadn't been for the Pinot Noir flight, I would have given Enoteca Roma four stars. Overall, I would highly recommend Enoteca Roma for a romantic date or a cool place to bring out of town friends. I will be back!
(5)Anna P.
Okay, so I always give places 4 stars, but that's because I only write reviews when I'm inspired. Enoteca Roma is a great place to go for conversation, maybe a casual romantic dinner, a nice meal and WINE WINE WINE: decently priced, yummy yummy WINE. To start, my friends and I had the bruschetta; it was tiny but well flavored; my sicilia bruschetta had a finely ground tapenade. Though the amount was tiny, I tasted garlic, olives, capers, currants and salt in each savory bite. Not sure if all those flavors were in there for real, but it seemed as though they were at the time. Next came my wine flight. We were four girls defying stereotypes and each of us ordered a different red wine flight; I had the "Flight to the Americas" which featured a dry, tannic Uruguayan Tannat (wtf: Uruguay grows wine?). It reminded me of a crappy tempranillo I had not too long ago and I would have been happy to not have tasted it again. Then came a Chilean zinfandel, which was spicy and enjoyable, and finally, my favorite, the malbec, which was extremely fruity and rounded in its flava-flavs. I then ordered a glass of it and got a little crunk. I was disappointed that the menu advertised that they would make items not listed on the menu, then turned down my request to have the Cestino made without prosciutto (I don't eat meat.) But I had the polenta del contendino instead which was pretty tasty--marked-up peasant food--but tasty. The one thing that bothered me was that one of our servers acted like polenta is some miracle of God and somehow difficult to make. For realz, I can make polenta at home and it only costs $1.39 a pound in bulk. All it takes is some cream, parmesan, chicken or vegetable stock, and you've got yourself some fine tasting fancified grits. However, I don't always feel like making myself polenta, and Enoteca Roma delivers when it comes to presentation. The hot-off-the-stove corn meal was served from a rustic pot and poured onto a marble slab. A sautee of mushrooms, tomatoes and onions, which had been well soaked in wine and garlic, was spread on top, followed by some cheese. Wow, that was long, and written mostly on the evening I went there, so I was a little boozed up at the time. BOTTOM LINE: Go here for a laid back but nice dinner and drink the wine.
(4)Jonathan C.
I have lived in Wicker Park for nearly 8 years and I just went to Enoteca Roma for the first time....as Bukowski wrote..."there is nothing worse than too late".. well, don't wait, this restaurant is excellent. Enoteca Roma is quaint with a great outdoor dining area, a very comfy and local feeling bar and a rock solid menu of rustic Italian cuisine. We ordered a bottle of Catena Alta malbec and at around 45 bucks, a great value. I like a place that does not hold you hostage with the wine list. The list has a gaggle of good values. My wife and I had a really simple arugula salad and a plate of spicy cerignola olives. Both, were just right. You can tell when the kitchen cares and it was apparent right away that this kitchen new what they were doing. Pear Ravioli with Walnut and Gorgonzola. Rich and delicious! A little sweet but that should have been expected. We also had the chicken of the day special. A nice plump and moist breast with crispy broccolini, mushrooms and perfectly done roasted potatoes. We did not order dessert but the list is impressive and the profiteroles I saw at the neighboring table looked huge and delicious. That's it! So, make like a poet and compose yourself a great experience at Enoteca Roma!!
(5)Carolynne M.
$55 for a 5 course meal WITH wine on New Years Eve in Chicago? It seemed like a typo at first, but then after confirming the package with the restaurant, I thought - how can you possibly say no! Of course, the place is adorable even though it is minuscule, with brick walls and low lighting and my favourite - the flat screen with the "roaring fireplace". Here is the menu: Rucola Finocchione - Baby Arugula, Shaved Fennel, Green Apple, White Anchovy with a lemon-honey oil, served with Prosecco Frizzante (not my favourite course, I thought the flavours were a bit too mild and the dressing did not pop through) Lenticchie di Capodanno - Black lentils, roasted tomato, root vegetables and Enoteca sausage, served with Talia Inzolia/Catarratto (very rich and hearty - almost stew like) Gnocchetti Cacio e Pepe al Filo di Tartufo - baby gnocchi, black peppercorn, parmigiano reggiano and black truffle served with Villa Giada Barbera d'Asti (perfect - the way all gnocchi should taste. rich and silky with just enough hits of the Parmesan and truffle) Cinghiale in Umido - Wild boar stew, creamy polenta and broccolini served with Conti Contini Sangiovese. (this was incredibly delicious with tons of flavour) and the finale, the Tris alla Fine which consisted of a chocolate profiterole with Cointreau Pastry Cream, and then not one but TWO gelato affogatos (seriously, that's worth 5 stars right there). The one was a Gelato di Nocciola and the other was a Gelato al Creme Caramel. Both incredibly divine and was served with a Villa Giada Moscato d'Asti. I loved how warm and friendly everyone was and how everyone got so excited once the party favours were passed out! It was a great night and you even managed to make my somewhat-of-a-Scrooge boyfriend have a great time too. Now that's an accomplishment!
(5)Chirag P.
Very packed, but great food. We had a bunch of the different bruschettas... all were great. Tried the polenta, that they serve on the marble stone, really cool way of serving and tasted great. Shared a couple of pizzas, Tuscan style (thicker crust) with a great ratio of cheese, toppings and sauce. Definitely a fan. And they had a nice selection of wines (decently priced) so was overall very happy.
(5)Stephanie B.
Woulda been four stars, due to slow service (we came on the first nice spring night of the year, and the poor staff was slammed and couldn't get their heads above water), but they were SO. INCREDIBLY. NICE. AND. ACCOMMODATING. and apologetic about it, that I bumped 'em to a 5. They also gave us a free round of vino for our trouble - well played, homies. Wine: started with prosecco. delightful. then did a malbec, which was solid. THEN asked our server for a rec, and she delivered, big time. a mouthwatering, smoky red. parfait. Apps: read ALLLLLL about the Bruschetta on yelp. You get to choose 4, which is neat-o, but they are TINY. Was not impressed. Not impressed w/ the miniscule size or the flavah. I mean, fine, but not amazing. Also a smallish portion for $11. Entree: The Cervo (campanelle with venison bolognese) = PHENOMENAL. As good, if not better, than the homemade wild boar bolognese I had in Italy last fall at a RENOWNED restaurant tucked away in Florence. Amazing. My friend and I split that and the (penne w/the spicy marinara, basil, and feta, I think), and hers was a snore compared to mine. Best part? I ate all that food and went home and didn't want to rarf. Was a happily content full. Which says to me that it's good, fresh, authentic food. You def have to order well there, but the atmosphere is delightful, and you're in good hands w/the folks that run the place.
(5)Andy M.
I'm not easily impressed, but this beautiful, little, Italian eatery left me in awe. Let me set the stage. I hate winter, and I'm not a fan of New Years eve. New Years eve is a night for over intoxicated Frat boys and people who go out once a year and have no idea how the handle their liquor. So I was grumpy from the moment that I walked in. I sometimes wonder how Carolynne r. puts up with me. But the great staff, great meal and wonderful wine soon changed my mood. I was not looking forward to sitting through a five course meal on New Years eve. But the staff at Enoteca roma made it impossible to stay grumpy. I have no idea how to pronounce, more less spell half the stuff I ate that night. But it was all delicious and presented well. The different wines were perfectly selected for the courses. The brought out noise makers and funny hats out at midnight , which would normally annoy the shit out of me. But I had a good buzz going from the wine and I was quite fat and happy from the food, so I gladly participated in the festivities. Enteca Roma: You totally pleased a grumpy, Holiday hater and I can't wait for my return trip. Thank you for giving both Carolynne r. and I a wonderful New years eve.
(5)l w.
Woah, this place is good. I've been twice, and as I'm a creature of habbit, I ordered the spaghetti with red sauce and shrimp twice - so basic, but SO SO flavorful. The waitor / bar tender, could not be nicer (he even gave me the recipe!!). It's nice to eat somewhere where the staff is so involved and passionate about what they're serving you. My boyfriend has the polenta w/ sausage and mushrooms. While I don't think I'm much of a polenta fan, it was very good. I'd recommend it to those who like polenta. Just an overall cute atmosphere, nice size restaurant, and great food. Probably the best pasta I've had since I left Italy.
(4)Whitney F.
I went here for a cozy date night on a winter Friday. Since there was no patio, seating was very limited. Looking at the joint when we walked in, I thought we were SOL without a reservation. However, I must be born under a great sign. A table became available right away. Although, we were sat next to a large boisterous birthday party, our server did her best to accommodate us and provide some good insight to the wine light. Here is a breakdown of my thoughts on our meal by course: Wine Selection: Nothing I recognized, but there were a lot of boutique and mid-range price selections. We chose do to a white and red flight. At first tastes, I wasn't very impressed...however, a few of the selections came alive when paired with food (must be the key here) and I ordered another glass of them with my entree. Appetizers: Bruschetta was fresh and delicious. I only wish there were more of them. It doesn't compare to the D-Lish bruschetta at Postino, in my home town of Phoenix, but hey....a solid effort. Organic salad was delicious as well- perfectly dressed and great presentation. Entrees: The Arribiata was spicy and flavorful. I had the vegan pasta with it substituted for the sauce and was not disappointed. My partner in crime had the sausage and arribiata dish, which he claimed was excellent as well. Portion size was great...filling, but not gluttonous. Dessert: Riesling was delicious, as was my Intelligentsia soy cappuccino. The barrista marked it with a heart- one of my favorite techniques. PIC had the tiramisu and said it was light and rich at the same time. Bottom Line: Overall a great experience which will promote me to return. Definitely stop in if you are dining on the west side.
(4)Emily M.
Still good, but to be honest, the service is dropping off quite a bit. They've hired a new hostess, who is always reading a book when I go in and barely will give you the time of day. Plus, four times in a row this summer when I made reservations, I requested the back patio, and when I arrived there was no room. The last time, the hostess blamed Open Table and told me to call the restaurant ahead of time with my request. I told her I had--twice, once after making the reservation and once 15 minutes before arriving to confirm that the back patio would be available for my party. The response was basically "oh, sorry." If this had happened once or twice it would be forgivable, but four times in a row? This last time was a special meal with friends from out of town and I had been praising the back patio (hence the confirmatory call shortly before we arrived) so this was extremely disappointing. I told her this had happened repeatedly to me, but she did not offer any gesture of apology. In hindsight, I should have informed the manager that this has been happening, because the managers at Enoteca are quite good at addressing concerns. (More on that later.) Additionally, while it's great that they have delivery service,it's been slipping lately. with items repeatedly forgotten. The last time I called and mentioned that this has become a frequently occurrence, and they sent some free desserts, so they did get some make-up points for that, and I appreciate an attempt to remedy the situation. (Incidentally, the offer would not have come had someone else not overheard the situation, as I heard someone in the background instruct the person on the phone "Offer her a free dessert.") However, before offering the desserts, they blamed their delivery service, even though I'm fairly sure at least one of the errors (a missing sauce) was a result of restaurant staff missing it in packaging the meal. I don't really see how missing a container of sauce could be the delivery agent's fault. And even if it was, excuses are not my favorite thing. It's your restaurant, you hire your delivery service, and the buck stops with you. I also had some issues ordering from seamless from here. Evidently seamless does (or did) not have the restaurant's correct hours. They processed my order and charged my card, but needless to say, the food never arrived. Thankfully, someone at the bakery, which was open, called me to tell me Enoteca was closed, and suggesting I call Enoteca back the next day to make sure I wasn't charged. When I called Enoteca, however, the woman who answered the phone basically told me it was Seamless's fault, so I'd have to call them. Again, excuses. (Seem to be getting a lot of those.) As a restaurant, if you hire seamless or another service to handle online ordering, it's your responsibility to make sure they have your correct hours and menu. If they're not handling it properly, fire them and pick someone else; there are now ample online ordering engines you can choose to handle these matters. Eventually I asked to speak with a manager, and to his credit, he handled the situation, made sure I got my credit, and called me later to follow-up. It's great that the managers are able to address the situation, but ultimately the staff needs to be properly trained. If I had not had the sense to ask for a manager, I would have been extremely put off by this experience. I think perhaps some recent staff turnover has this place slightly declining in my book, which is a shame, because it was my favorite place in the neighborhood and I've been a loyal patron for quite some time. But this many flubs in recent months has to take it down a notch. It still has a beautiful patio and excellent food, so I will keep it at 4 stars and give it a chance to improve. But if the service continues to decline (and frankly, does not start to get better), I may start saving Enoteca for my summer patio meals (if I get to eat there) and skipping the delivery, take out, and indoor dining. The managers are great, but they really need to train the new staff to properly handle customer concerns. And if the staff just aren't handling things adequately, just teach them 7 magic little words that can go a long way to a customer: "Let me get a manager for you."
(4)Matthew K.
I have to mention this first because it was hands down the best - the bruschetta. I could write an entire thing about those little wonders alone because each one tasted absolutely spectacular. They each had their own great flavor, they looked super appetizing and they really set you up for your entree. With the group I went with we probably had two of each one and everyone loved them and we couldn't stop talking about them the rest of the night - who knew something that small would taste and be so amazing. Okay so on to everything else - they had a great wine selection to compliment the food and the beer selection was good too especially since they also carried a Sprecher beer which was pleasantly surprising. The food was great and I had the gnocchi with the enoteca sausage. The sausage was really the reason I got it because I really wanted to try it and the restaurant took its name from it I supposed. To be honest the sausage didn't change my life but it tasted good and was a nice compliment to the gnocchi which I loved in the sauce it came with and made me glad that was my entree of choice. A friend had the pear ravioli and I thought it would be an odd combination but it tasted great. She later said the pear taste got to be a little much near the end but she was glad she tried it. So to finish I have to mention the bruschetta again because it was so amazing and I probably could have made my whole meal out of those alone.
(4)Michelle M.
Wonderful place. The wine is delicious, the food is RIDICULOUS. I had the gnocci and it was to die for :) I had the italian wine flight and it was so tasty. Service was excellent and the price was awesome :) I will definately be back many many times especially since I live right down the street!
(5)Sep E.
Surprisingly good Italian fare. I did not have high expectations for this place, as I often do not for any restaurant on Division, but I was pleasantly surprised. The hubby and I tried out two salads to start - the beet salad and caprese. The caprese was unique because it was made with burrata, which I simply adore. The burrata was delicious and fresh, but the olive oil was a bit of an overkill because it had a very strong flavor. Nonetheless, very tasty. Th beet salad was a winner too with its roasted beets, arugula, and goat cheese. I love the addition of truffle oil to the salad, which added an unexpected twist. If I had to choose between the two salads, the beet salad was the clear winner! I tried out the pasta with the venison bologanese, and it was very delicious. The pasta was perfectly cooked and the venison added a nice gamy taste that was not overwhelming in the least. The portion size was very generous too. The hubby tried out the polenta with sausage and mushrooms. I tried a bit of the polenta, and it was creamy, buttery, and plain tasty. Overall, a very nice surprise in the sea of mediocre restaurants along Division. Service was attentive and very friendly too. We will definitely be back!
(4)Katie M.
I was hoping for a little more in terms of the service based on other reviews but was overall pretty happy with my dining experience. Hubby and I went there on a Friday night at around 10:30 (yes, late late late dinner) and there was only one other table in there. The atmosphere is nice and cozy-loved that. The waitress on the other hand seemed a little confused and put out by us being there. It was weird. Good: Food was delicious Wine flights were good sized great atmosphere yummy bruschetta Not so good: waitress portions were extremely small (how is that my husband and I ordered appetizers and two entrees and had no leftovers?) bruschetta was pretty small for the price pricey ($90 for dinner for two)
(3)Camilo R.
This is a perfect local restaurant and as close to an amazing home cooked meal you will get when dining out. Well priced, solid wine selection, and delicious food. The mussels are addicting, every time we order them my wife and I go into Olympic competition mode...we get quiet, focus and try to "out eat the other as fast as possible". We throw menacing glances at each other when we think we are being outpaced. No shame dipping the bread in the sauce to a ridiculous extent. Salume and cheese plate are a way great to start, the palenta for my palate needs more flavor but this is just knit picking and I'm no palenta expert. This place is small, so it can get packed quickly and it's usually under staffed on those occasions. However I dont go here because I'm in a hurry so I just order more wine while I wait. Besides the fact service is a tad slow, the staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommend this place. Oh yeah and wine flights, who doesnt love that?
(4)Ryan B.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. Quaint atmosphere, incredible dishes - especially the pear ravioli and the mussels. Go with a small group and enjoy Mangia, Mangia to taste it all...And then some! A steal for only $29 per person. The level of service is the only thing lacking to me, but I can't wait to go back and enjoy the patio.
(4)Clare K.
So I am generally not a fan. I came here on Friday night and thought we should give it a shot since there was no wait. But then, it seemed that nothing on the menu appealed to me. I don't really get into the antipasti thing, nor did I want bruschetta. But if you take those 2 things away--that is half the menu. sad-o. My fiance saw a pasta he really wanted, but the only thing that appealed to me was the pizza...and it "stuffs 2" for $20. So he compromised and we split the pizza. It totally did NOT stuff 2. We were still kind of hungry. On the upside, it left plenty of room for dessert...on the downside--the pizza was glorified pizza hut pan pizza in my opinion...but for 2x the price. It was definitely not a $20 pizza. The icing on the cake was that the service was all sorts of terrible. soooo sloooooow. Everything took forever. Bummer.
(2)Jessica D.
Inoteca Roma is hard to decipher. On the one hand, the food is pretty much amazing. On the other, it's so incredibly overpriced that it's hard to overlook that glaring issue. On our recent visit my partner and had: Bruschetta, which is served in a sort of flight format, you choose four to try; Pera Ravioli; and Polenta. We finished our meal with a trio of Panna Cotta. The Bruschetta we had were absolutely delicious. Which they should be, at $11 for 4 slices of bread with toppings. Our choices were one with mozzerella, pesto, and tomato; roasted eggplant, hazelnuts, and goat cheese; pear, honey, and parmesan; and strawberries, mascarpone, and balsamic vinegar. Again, amazing. Again, pricey. This was followed by our entrees. She had the Pera Ravioli, which is a pear ravioli in a gorgonzola sauce. This was absolutely phenomenal, and we really wanted more. Unfortunately, she'd ordered the tapas portion, which was $12 and included 4 pieces of pasta. I had polenta for my meal, which was topped with tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, and gorgonzola cheese. Unfortunately, at $16, this was both the least exciting part of our meal and the most expensive. Considering that the ingredients probably cost less that $3, I was a little upset by this. The tomatoes were roasted, not fresh, which the menu didn't specify, and I felt that the cooked veggies with polenta and cheese led to a meal with very little texture. Admittedly, polenta is a peasant food, but great things can be done with it. They just weren't in the case. Finally, we shared a trio of mini Panna Cotta because she was in the mood for something chocolatey and I for something fruity. Conveniently, they were offering this combo which included chocolate, caramel, and mixed berry flavors. They were all fresh and delicious and were a perfect end to our evening. On the whole, the food at Enoteca Roma is very good, but extremely overpriced. This is a problem not only because a small serving costs a fortune, but because if you're dining on a vaguely reasonable budget you have to keep to certain sections of the menu. Hopefully, I'll either strike it rich or they'll notice how the price point is effecting their patronage and bring their prices down.
(4)Leah B.
Really fresh and delicious food. I went with a party of 4 and we ordered a bunch of appetizers and dishes and shared everything, and everything was enjoyable. The pasta was by far the best pasta I have ever had. The chicken ala piazolla was awesome as was the pizza. The pizza crust is thick but crispy. Its a tiny restaurant and it really helps to have a reservation. We were seated in their attached bakery which was fine with us. I heard their cupcakes were supposed to be really good but they had sold out earlier. I was a bit disappointed because we were really looking forward to a cupcake. The price point is a little high for Italian, but definitely a great special occasion restaurant.
(5)Winston S.
First went on a rainy evening and sat at the bar. The bartender was WONDERFUL and the pizza and ravioli was phenomenal. Also, fun flights of wine and interesting apertifs. What a suprisingly fun evening. Went back a second time and sat outside. Service pretty good. Food still phenomenal. I am craving the pizza til the next time I can get back to Enotec Roma. So glad to find this place
(5)Christina C.
Flight options were pretty good, food was super! The polenta with spicy Italian sausages and mushrooms ragu was light but comforting. The bruschettes had topping options that made me wanting more the following morning (ie. Brie with apples and honey, diced tomatoes with prosciutto, gorgonzola with spiced raspberry jam, and more but I can't remember because I was pretty lax and buzzed). Pasta was cooked perfectly al dente, but I wanted more chunkiness in the sauce...but they were good about making sure there was enough grilled eggplant and basil. Fish with the tomatoes, potatoes, olives, and capers was all well balanced with the sauteed spinach. Overall, the bruschettes and polenta made my night, filling but not overly heavy for later activities that followed the evening!!!! :)
(4)Rose D.
After reading the mixed reviews of my fellow yelpers, I made a reservation here feeling hopeful, but cautious. I'm happy to report that the experience was excellent!! The food was delicious. My table ordered the pork should over polenta (amazing!) the eggplant parmigiana (delicious) and the polenta with mushrooms and caramelized onions (yummm). The service was great. A tad slow, yes, but we were in no hurry and her cheerful personality and knowledge of the menu gets her extra points. The ambiance is interesting- we were seated in the small front room where they have about 6 two tops crammed along the wall. I was concerned, as we were practically eating in our neighbors laps, but the noise level was perfect- we were able to hear our own discussion, but not our neighbors. They do have a large back room that lends itself better to a larger gathering. All in all, we will definitely be going back. Wait, did I mention it's affordability? We wanted to take my mom out to a nice dinner for helping us get settled into our new apartment without breaking the bank. An appetizer, three entrees and a bottle of wine only cost us $120! I hear they have half price bottles on Mondays- if I can get past my gossip girl addiction we'll head back for that.
(4)Kurt U.
Enoteca Roma is not quite perfect, but it is darn close for a low key wine bar. The staff is always nice and overly helpful, yet they will give you your space if you need it. Make sure to try the bruschetta flights and ask for wine recommendations. The only problem that I have with Enoteca Roma is that there is a hospital almost across the street, and on some nights the sirens from the ambulances are too frequent to truly relax. If it was only in a different location...
(4)Jen L.
I have been here many, many times and finally am writing a review. Perfect for a gathering with an old friend or a group party out back when the weather permits. They are always incredibly accommodating. Warmers out front are a nice touch as are the freebie cookies from Laetizia's killer bakery when there is are leftovers from the day. What other laid back wine bar plays Bowie and Gang of Four. And, oh, the food is always good, always consistent. Great deals and specials throughout the week help esp during such sensitive economic times.
(5)Bridget S.
Any place where I may make a meal out of bruschetta ranks high in my book. I'm salivating just thinking about it! The service was excellent and the atmosphere proved perfect for a great evening with my brother and his fiancee who were visiting from out of town. It's been a few months, but my guests' entrees were delicious (I tried them too), and they, like me, continue to tell others about how great our meal was. I'll be back - not sure when, but I'll make it back there eventually!
(4)Lois M.
I hosted a party of 20 here on a Saturday night for the "mangia mangia" dinner. It was wonderful! Sean worked with me to set up the party (he made is so easy!), the food was excellent, the server helped me choose 2 great wines that were reasonably priced and all my guests had a great time. Doing "mangia mangia",where they just bring out round after round of great food, is fantastic for a large party... no ordering and one price for all made it so easy! We had 2 vegans, 2 vegetarians and one kosher in the group and they accommodated all. Definitely going back here.
(5)S S.
We've been wanting to check this place out for a while and after eating there, I've decided it's probably best for delivery! The front "main part" of the restaurant is small with a good vibe, however, if this area is full, you're seated in their attached business, Letizia's bakery. Something about sitting in a closed bakery, overlooking their gelato freezer and deli section didn't mesh well with my bruschetta platter and seared Tilapia. Oh and our waitress was horrible! She was hating life (either that day or every day - who knows) was slow from the very beginning and forgot about us twice. All that being said, the food was great! Very unique dishes and a wonderful bruschetta and polenta dish selection. I can't wait to try the rest of the menu...overlooking my own freezer this time though. Hello Grubhub!
(3)Karen L.
4.5 stars. You have to try the family style meal here... it is so much food that is SO delicious! Well worth it! Everything was good, except I wasn't a huge fan of the polenta. The meat and cheese platters were delicious as were the other appetizers; there was a salad that I could have eaten the whole night. I think it was baby arugula in a lemon dressing. Whatever it was, it was amazing! And their pastas were also amazing but was SO much food! Definitely would love to go back and just order from the regular menu. The place is tiny... we had a larger party so had to go on the other side (Letizia's) which as nice. I would definitely recommend this place for a night out with friends or a birthday dinner.
(4)Danielle K.
If I lived in Chicago I think this would be in my regular rotation. Usually when I think of polenta I don't think of a filling, satisfying meal but somehow this place did it. We had the polenta with mushrooms, peppers, onion and gorgonzola on top. The way they assemble/spread the polenta dishes on the slab is very unique and just made it that much easier to share with friends. The wine was reasonable and delish and the atmosphere was cozy and warm. We had the go-to buffalo mozzarella pie and it was alright. Something in the tomatoes or the crust was just a little plain. Our server was very nice and helpful, but like some other people have mentioned, the front area was a little off. They seemed not to know what to do with us and asked if we had a reservation even though there were literally 2 tables occupied. Since its attached/ also a bakery I was hoping for some yummy bread on the table.... alas there was none. Def worth going and with a few tweaks this place could be stellar!
(4)Porsch K.
I've only been here for brunch/lunch and both times I've been I've ordered the same dish being the Alfredo (my cousin) sandwich & it's beyond delicious! This sandwhich has caused me to have hunger pains just craving this sandwich. It's a turkey panini (kinda) with green sliced apples, honey and cheese on it! It's absolutely AMAZING!!! To top things off especially for brunch please order the Double expresso & Baileys (Ask for it COLD because it comes out lukewarm & that wasn't a good combo for me so I placed ice in it & it was great!). The waiters were cool as it's NEVER been close to crowded the times I've been. I am anxious to go back for dinner so maybe in the near future I'll go back to try it out.
(5)Patty S.
Went here on a Thursday night and sat on the patio in the front. It's a really cute place and at the end of the Division strip. When I first arrived, my friends were already there and well into their 2nd pizza and 3rd or 4th glasses of wine. Since everyone was drinking wine and the only thing I had the chance to read before the waiter bombarded me was the different wine flights - I assumed that they specialized in wine since they had a very extensive list. So, when the waiter asked me what I wanted to drink, I asked him what he recommended. The next thing that came out of his mouth was, "Do you want some beer? We have a great beer list!" Considering what I already assumed, I thought he was joking and confused on how I should react! (He actually wasn't joking - they do have an extensive beer list as well as I found out after ordering a glass of wine and having a chance to read the menu.) Not only did the server catch me off-guard, he was also kind of rude. His attitude was I really don't want to be here and hurry up and tell me what you want. Wow dude.. I'm sure there are plenty of people who will take your job if you don't want to be there. Ok.. let's move on to the food. The piece of pizza I did have was decent. The crust was thick, chewy, and crispy at the same time. I thought it was nicely done. The pizza that was ordered was the Totti pizza; it was very basic and should have clean flavors but my only complaint is that there were way too many tomatoes! A balance of ingredients would have been much better. I also ordered the Boscaiola which is the whole wheat gnocchi with mushrooms and spicy italian sausage which made up for the pizza. I normally don't order gnocchi because it's heavy, but I thought I would take a chance and am glad that I did! I shared it with my fellow patrons and everyone seemed to have enjoyed it. The bakery next door is also part of the restaurant. So, you can pick up muffins for the next morning if you wanted to. The 2 establishments share bathrooms that separate the 2 spaces. This brings me to another interesting experience I had at Enoteca Roma. Yes, I think someone mentioned in another review that the bathroom was pretty, and it is. However, I don't understand why anyone would put a fountain that's sticking out right in front of the toliet. Aren't they afraid that someone might hurt themselves by hitting their head on the fountain and sue them??? I think I will have to go back and give it another shot. I think there are several items on the menu that looks interesting such as the cheese and meat plates as well as the variety of bruschettas they offer. 3 1/2 stars is my rating of this place...
(3)Mel A.
I will never set foot in here again. I went here to dinner with a friend, waited outside by the "Please wait to be seated" sign, whilst 3-4 employees walked by and looked at me and didn't acknowledge me. "Okay?" I thought, and ventured inside, because I thought maybe that's where you wait to be seated. As I went inside, I stood by the hostess table, where the hostess walked by me a couple times, making eye contact with me but not saying anything. The 3rd time around she asked if she could help me, then I told her I was just waiting for a table. She said "Okay" then proceeded to ignore me for the next 10 minutes, give a group of 5 a table (they were waiting there before me, I understood that...) but then gave a table to the couple that got in after me to which I was so furious with the place that I walked out. What a rude place. It wasn't like I was dressed as a bum or had 5 sets of eyes. I've never had this type of treatment. This place is awful for the service alone and I will never set foot there again. Not that it matters, I'm sure I'd be just as invisible.
(1)James F.
My wife and I went to Enoteca Roma for their New Year's Eve dinner (yeah, this post is a little late but hey better late than never). Fabio (chef and owner) went completely out of his way to make a 5 course meal for my wife and I who are vegan. Everything was outstanding!! I had called ahead and requested the pizza as the main course since we love it so much and it didn't disappoint. I was really blown away by the gnocchi which was perfectly cooked and the arugula and fennel salad was outstanding as well. Not only was the food great, the wine pairings stood up to each course perfectly. As vegans we're not always sure what we'll find when chefs say they'll prepare something for us, but we'll definitely be back again and again. Especially in the summer when you can dine al fresco.
(5)Cee A.
I was here for a birthday celebration with about 15 other people. The folks at Enoteca kept up with all of us! No service issues even with such a large party. The food was served family style, starting with assorments of bruschettas, cheeses and meats. We moved on to pizzas, salads, entrees and desserts ...all delicious! Our host picked the wines for each course and I must say I was very impressed! All fantastic and well matched with each course. The place is loud, but we were seated at a great table that still allowed us to see and hear each other. Highly recommend this place and can't wait to go back with a small group or date with my hubby.
(4)Laura H.
Very cute wine bar... great date place. As stated in the prior reviews, the patio is the key feature of enoteca. I did take advantage of the heat lamps and blankets to brave the chilly air last night. The menu suits the wine selection in my humble opinion. I split a pizza and a bottle of wine, and both were quite nice although on the pricey side. I will definitely be back here.
(4)Kristin B.
This is a friendly little neighborhood spot with amazing sausage and polenta. You can pop in for a quick glass of wine at the wine bar or stay for a full meal. I just celebrated NYE there and the 5-course meal was really tasty. The wine pairings were perfect! So if you are in Ukranian Village and want a great Italian meal, its a must try.
(4)Joscelyn M.
Being Italian, I'm VERY picky with Italian restaurants. This place is one of the few in Chicago that definitely makes the cut. Great service and wine, but amazing food. The polenta is served how it should be: over a board with the sauce on top! So yummy... Made me think of my family in Northern Italy. The bruschettas are incredible - very interesting flavor combos and there's not one I don't like!
(4)Claudette B.
We took the fam (no kids, all adult fam) here for an after dinner bottle of wine. Everyone loved the place. The wine selection was good, reasonably priced and they have a decent beer selection, too, for those of us who prefer a good beer to a red or white. We sat inside and the music and television (playing soccer) was just right for conversation. Outside, diners had blankets and heat lamps to stay warm. Service was a sold A.
(4)Sarah F.
Polenta, served on a marble slab, beautiful to watch assemble, topped with deliousness that is mouthwatering. Wine flights with funny names and delectable flavor. Happy people who are nice and happy to tell you about their favorite foods, make recommendations and serve you promptly and pleasantly. And then there's the tiramisu. Slap your mama good. And on a lovely night, you can sit on the patio and pretend you're in Rome while staring out on the hospital emergency room bays of St. Mary's. Good times.
(4)Dave A.
best part about this place? the outdoor patio in the back. it's like a private escape from the city. i don't think i've ever been to enoteca during the non-patio season. the pizza is pretty damn good. actually it's really damn good. the polenta is a nice unique change. i don't know if i've had anything besides that. but this place gets four stars for pizza and the patio which really makes a trip worthwhile.
(4)Kris A.
Decent Italian food and wine selection, and very decent prices; lovely atmosphere out back on the patio. We ordered some sort of prix fixed menu and I've already decided that next time I go back I won't do that again. It was a surprisingly sparse and carb-heavy menu - polenta and a little bit of pasta (at the end), bruchetta, salad and cheeses. I didn't love their selections - personally - and would like to try some regular menu items in the future. I'd go back for the chance to sit on that great patio and soak up the summer and sip wine.
(3)Ronald N.
I went to Enoteca Roma with a group of about 15 for my cousin's birthday. After some miscommunication about our reservation, they accommodated our large group in the outdoor seating area. Soon after, the food started coming, course after course after course. The family-style meal was a nice way to sample several dishes without being overwhelmed by a huge plate. Everything was delicious, from the bruschetta, to the polenta, to the various salads and pastas. My one disappointment was the beer, but that was on me for choosing one of the more inexpensive options. Our meal ended with dessert, including an amazing chocolate tiramisu. I'd definitely go back.
(5)Nick S.
The ambiance inside is average, but in line with what I perceive as the philosophy of the restaurants' owners. It's very low key. The service was very good. The food was excellent. This place is not going out of business anytime soon. The food is too good for that to happen. The absolute best Gnocchi I've ever had and the pizza was excellent too. I would give this place the five star rating, but it's pricey for the experience. The food feels like Rome and so does the price. Only in Italy can you buy a sandwich for $15 that consists of two pieces of bread, a piece of salami and a piece of cheese. I see this restaurant is keeping with that tradition in food and wine. We spent $185 (before tip for 4 people), I felt it was over priced and lacked the ambiance that would command $45-50 a person in Chicago. I realize this isn't fair and maybe I'm being a cheap bastard because I'm basically saying drop your prices or better yet, don't mark up your wine 200-300%. I can't prove this, but for God's sake, it's not perishable. The world is not running out of wine? I never understood why customers have to get hammered like this on the wine. In some ways I think it's a little unappreciative and disrespectful towards your customers, but let's face it, what you don't know won't necessarily hurt you. If they can disprove me on this issue, I would happily remove it from my review. For the record, their bottles are priced from $28-85, but their selection is small, so most bottles are between the $35-50 range. They're lucky that I really enjoyed the meal and especially the wine experience. Definitely, check this place out. It's real good, just don't go crazy on the wine, if price is an issue. Additionally, we were thanked when we left the restaurant. They're very friendly. I wish there were more restaurants with this level of quality and taste, like the Tasting Room on Randolph for example.
(4)Ross D.
Pretty weak. The food was okay, but was overpriced, along with tiny portions. My girlfriends $17 lasagna looked like an appetizer. Was still kinda hungry when I left.
(3)Karen K.
I went here last night to meet a girlfriend. I arrived at 8:01 and was seated at a cute outdoor table. My friend arrived five minutes later. By 8:30, we hadn't been offered so much as a drink. (We walked out and enjoyed our experience at Chocolate Grape across the street.) I won't be going back -- although I will say, their food looked decent from our view at the Invisible Table.
(1)Gabe J.
[Went on a Thursday] This was a very strong "3" for me. The food was what you would expect (not over the top, but good for the reasonable prices). It's definitely a great weeknight spot. My fiance and I started with the antipasto platter (3 meats paired with three cheeses), two bruschettas (mozzarella/tomato, strawberry/marscapone), and a bottle of Sergio prosecco. The prosecco was reasonably priced and went well with all of our starters (both sweet and savory - all combos were tasty). For our other dishes, we ordered the mushroom gnocchi (a little heavy on the sauce, but still pretty good) and the mussels (very good). All in all it's a great outdoor dining place to have some wine and conversation over some great smaller dishes. I will be back to try some of the other dishes.
(3)Tanya M.
definitely prefer buona terra or francesca forno over this place. the tables are so close together that it feels like you're eating at a community table. and the items on the menu aren't very inventive. pretty much just plain pasta and a sauce. and our waiter was kinda weird and awkward. just head up milwaukee to francesca forno, its way better.
(3)Laura R.
This is one of my absolute favorite spots in Chicago. The bruschetta is delicious; pair it with a fresh salad or soup, and you have a filling, scrumptious meal. The servers have always been very helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly. They are happy to recommend wines, and have always been spot on. It's the perfect place for a quaint, relaxing night out. Go here. You will be happy that you did.
(5)Madelyn H.
now this is some legitimate italian food and a place i could back to over and over again. i love that they have lists of different kinds of bruschetta, salumi and polenta. we tried several types of bruschetta and all were delish. i also ordered one of the polenta dishes. it comes on a marble slab and was so good. they have a good wine list, and a great atmosphere. i'm looking forward to spending some time on the back patio this summer too!
(4)mary b.
I went back again this past weekend and again, was sorely disappointed. Everything here is so over-priced for substandard or below average Italian food. If you want fantastic, authentic and delicious italian food at those prices go to Top Gigio in oldtown or to La Scarola on grand/milwaukeee, now those places serve some fantastic italian food. Enoteca sucks, sorry. The only thing it has going for it is the outside patio. I mean $20 pizzas that serve 2 maybe 3 people? come on, what a rip off and it's not even that great!!
(1)Kristen K.
I love going to this place, particularly when the weather is nice since their back patio is beautiful. I always share the bruschetta sampler with whomever I am eating, and I love the wine flights. Most pasta dishes come in a "small" and "large" portions and the small is usually enough if I've had an appetizer. I've taken several friends here and they've all loved it.
(5)Becca F.
I'm addicted to their authentic and delicious food. We've enjoyed dinner there inside and outside on the patio, with great service. The only downfall - its a bit small and cramped.
(4)mark t.
the food was perfectly prepared as if i were in italy. having been there more than a few times, that is saying a lot. the back patio was ideal for my three kids, no worries about them running into the street:) The wine selections was outstanding, the 31 dollar bottle of wine the owner recommended was so good we had two. My kids raved about the food (they never do that unless were at mcdonalds) I am not a review guy, but they food was so good i will be going back before we return to the east coast
(5)Lateshow N.
We live in Bucktown and were encouraged to try this little Italian restaurant by a friend...and we're glad we did. We made reservations for 8pm and were promptly seated inside when we arrived. There is a lot of space outside, but be sure to make reservations if you intend to eat inside. There are about 6 closely seated tables inside this small restaurant. Although close together, the dining area was warm, cozy, and friendly. We were really not sure why there was an LCD TV (no sound) playing random chanels on one wall, but it wasn't distracting to us. Be sure to try the bruscetta appetizer. You choose 4 from a large selection to share. Each are cut in half. Me and my wife are both vegetarians and we found there was plenty on the menu to choose from. The tilapia special was fantastic. My wife really enjoyed her seafood pasta as well. The food is the way italian food should be...simple, well-seasoned, and thoughtful. The wine selection is outstanding. You can choose to sample flights, which is a nice touch. Although we stuck with wine, the beer selection is very good and includes a lot of hard-to-find imports. Service was very good. Our waiter was busy, but when he was at our table we had his undivided attention and we never felt rushed. We have just found a new gem in the Wicker Park/Bucktown area. We'll be back for sure.
(5)Elizabeth G.
Amazing!!!! Loved the service, loved the ambiance (can't beat the backdoor patio during the summertime), and loved the food. Seriously, my only regret is not finding this place sooner. What a gem! Our waiter was exceptional and their caprese salad with burrata and home-grown basil is a must. I will be back on Monday!
(5)Christopher M.
Great neighborhood joint. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Great food. Had one of the best risottos that I have had in a long time, just perfectly al dente, and oh so rich. Menu changes seasonally. There are some real winners that they need to bring back, like the 'Ham Pasta' I think it was a spinach pesto infused with a ham hock, it was addictive. It was on the menu three years ago and I still pine for it! Wine list is great, they even have good beer. I love that they put blankets on all the chairs for those chilly Spring and Fall evenings. It is certainly one of my favorite restaurants.
(5)Sheila M.
(Sean - this one's for you!) Come to this restaurant, and I know it's all about the wine...but just make sure you order at least one of the hum cocktails...I had all four. I had the hum negroni, and the beertail, and the sazerac (maybe no hum in that, but still fantastic) and the sangria. And also the mussels and the pizza with tomatos, proscutto, and arugula. I'm giving this place five stars then I'm joining a nunnery because it was way too much pleasure in one night. If you go there, bring a rosary and say five Hail Marys promptly upon leaving to clean your soul after enjoying such decadence.
(5)David C.
We like the food here and have typically gone once every six to eight weeks. We went to eat there last month and were greeted with a political sign that we don't agree with. They have the right to free speech, but not the right to free speech without consequences. They have lost good customers and customers who have provided good recommendations. Good luck.
(1)Brian J.
I hate to be a party pooper but I was slightly annoyed while eating here. Our server was very good, right on top of everything, good wine recommendations, no complaints on that front. By the way, there are some great wines at this place. Complaint #1 -- Nothing was hot, not really even warm. I understand the idea behind pouring hot polenta on the marble slab, it sets up and makes things easy to eat. Am I ignorant in thinking that the mushrooms and sausage slathered on top should have been slightly warmer than room temperature? Don't get me wrong -- it was delicious... but cold. We also got the spaghetti con le vongole. Tasty, once again, but not even warm. Is that the idea? Maybe someone should have told me. Complaint #2 - I felt like a piece of roadkill being circled by the busboy, a.k.a. "the vulture". I set my wine glass down with half a sip left and he ran over and whisked it away. My SO was sitting with his back to the bar and this busboy would walk up behind him, within 6 inches of his back (facing me the entire time) and look over his shoulder to see if there was some sort of item he could rapidly remove from the table. If you can't picture it, trust me when I say it was strange. He took my plate and fork before I finished eating what was on it and THEN asked if I was "still working". Well, I was but you've taken my plate, silverware and glass. I guess I'll pretend I'm finished so you have something to do? By the time I finished chewing my last bite of food, the table was completely cleared and he was still staring at the table. I could only assume he was hoping to find one last crumb to pick up but was failing miserably in his search. Everyone else talks about how european this place feels. I don't know about them but when I'm in europe I do as the europeans do. I take it easy. Leisurely meals in a relaxed environment are par for the course. I felt like I needed to shovel food into my mouth as quickly as possible before "the vulture" returned. Nothing was relaxing, I felt very rushed and by dessert we were both tired of having the busboys arm in the middle of our conversation, so we decided to have coffee and dessert at home. Such a shame, because I really wanted to try the tiramisu with an espresso. Honestly, this could have been a great meal. The wine was fab and the food had great flavor. I loved the tables opposite the bar where we sat. The music was an interesting mix, fun to listen to, not too loud for normal conversation.
(3)Sharon W.
Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed based on the reviews. Maybe we ordered the wrong small plates to share? Everything just seemed average. A few menu items did stand out - and I would order them again in a heart beat. The sausage and mushroom gnoochi - very tasty and gnoochi melted in my mouth just as good gnoochi should. Side note - I tasted the worst gnoochi in Cleveland - chewy, undercooked, flavorless, pasta balls. Bruschetta - yes, everyone's review is right on - the bruschetta is awesome. I'll check this place out again - maybe to enjoy some wine and appetizers (and skip the meal).
(3)Delia C.
it was really early so the place was nearly empty and that was fine - it's a saturday evening, with the south carolina primary returns playing silently on the tv. i don't mind eating in a semi-empty restaurant; the staff has a chance to show how great they are or how apathetic. service: our server was friendly, perky and while the water boy was assiduous, he wasn't annoying. our server chatted with us while we watched the projections on cnn, helped me choose the best entree for my wine and had a 'just right' presence. when we needed her, she was there; when we didn't, she was scarce. the wine: i had the st. michael pinot bianco and i wanted to gobble a whole bottle, it was that good. the meal: four courses for $95? not bad. i'm a sucker for risotto so i had the special and it was a bowl of comfort; the bruschetta was awesome (the siciliana was a favorite); my friend had the pare - a pear ravioli that was so unusual and so complex on the tongue. it's hard to impress her and she was stunned by it. the desserts were standard but extremely well-made. (next time, i'll have to try the homemade caramel.) this place isn't trying to be a Les Nomade or Avec; it's not trying to make eating into a competitive sport or an 'It Girl' experience and thank god. it was a cozy dinner that was the perfect topper to a full winter day of errands.
(4)Robert N.
Absolutely love this place! The food, drinks and atmosphere are superb! But, the stellar staff, polite and accomodating, is what makes this special! They want you to enjoy their restaurant.
(5)Amy X.
i asked our waitress what i should choose between, and she actually told me what she found underwhelming on the menu! waitresses who give a fair assessment of their own establishment are rare -- usually when you ask someone what to order, the waiter closes his eyes and points his finger towards the truffle glazed filet or caviar stuffed lobster. this woman suggested the maialino, pork shoulder braised in red wine. a meal with comforting flavors in an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. nice outdoor dining and great service!
(4)Parker ..
Only went in for some wine and bruschetta. Incredibly authentic and the owners/chefs were very nice and hands-on. The prices for the food however were definitely a bit too high for appetizers.
(3)Tony W.
Rarely do I finish an entire meal. At Enoteca, I finished not just my plate, but an appetizer, entrée and desert. Everything was delicious. The dining room is intimate, dare I say romantic. There is plenty of outdoor seating for summer dining. If you go, I recommend sitting at the bar and ordering a flight of wine with your meal. The bartender will go over each wine in your flight(s).
(4)Leslee C.
Great outside area! Could have stayed there all night if I hadn't been so full from their fabulous tasting menu. :-) They will do a tasting menu for groups of 6 or more. And the price is VERY reasonable. Big fan!
(4)Bouchette J.
I wrote a scathing review on 5/29 b/c of a horrid experience w/ service (it had been my 2nd time dealing w/ appalling service there). Went here a few nights ago and got the same bartender. Much better service, got bread ; ), was able to get our food/drinks right away, etc. Really hoping Enoteca continues to work on improving their service, b/c it's a much more pleasant place when the staff is enjoyable/gregarious/attentive. (The food is ALWAYS out-of-this-world... ---my personal completely biased fave is the bruschetta---...as is the wine... and the atmosphere is cozy.) Still can't give it 5 stars b/c most places have much better consistent friendly service, but it gets 4 for giving a major effort in attempting to win back my business and huge improvement... Maybe I'll write another review in a few months and give it 5 stars, if service continues to impress.
(4)Katherine R.
I went here for a casual dinner and drinks with my boyfriend. The server was very helpful choosing the wine and the pizza with goat cheese, proscuitto and argula was absolutely fantastic. The patio makes this place ideal for summer but the wine here will be sure to get you warm in no time in the winter.
(4)Ruth G.
The food is delish!! I tried everything, the pasta, pizza, bruchetta, and polenta were great. The only thing i didn't like was the muscles, they were salty and gross to me.
(4)E M.
After looking forward to a potential event catered by Enoteca, I contacted Fabio for an estimate. I have had their catered food before at an event and thought it was great. I've also had dinner there a couple of times. The food was always good - service a little aloof, but I can let that go. After an initial estimate from Fabio, I then responded with a few questions (as I did with the other caters I was communicating with). Fabio never calls or emails me back. I try and contact him again, no response! How can you run a business this way?? Very bad customer service. Needless to say, I went with someone else and am very happy with the choice. I won't be going back to Enoteca.
(1)Amy S.
Really great italian - I have not gone wrong with anything I've ordered here and go regularly. Mussels are one of my favorites in the city. It has a nice subtle spicy kick to it. Polentas are great, pastas (venison campanelle) are great. They also have a beautiful patio out back as well as a decent sized front patio. The service is slow at times but nice. Really worth checking out and kinda of hidden since it's at the end of the division street mayhem.
(4)Meredith H.
this review is specifically of the valentine's wine dinner held 2/14/08. 4 courses, one wine paired with each, $55/person. definately worth the price. wines were paired very well, courses 1,2, and 4 were delicious. course 3 (the main course) wasn't that exciting. cornish game hen lacking flavor or excitement. the wine pared with it was great, but the little chicky wasn't good. tables were decorated with 2 roses in a vase and were placed close together. not too close that we heard our neighbor's conversations, but almost. the courses and wine pairings were listed on a menu which was helpful to follow through the progression. all in all, a good evening. our water glasses were filled promptly. all courses/wine parings served quickly and explained thoroughly. checks brought out in a timely manner. i'd go back for dinner or a special event such as this. excited for the patio to be open again! love the fountain and lights back there!
(4)Thomas A.
Letizia's has been an anchor to the recent development of the Division St area, and their Enoteca Roma is a welcome expansion of their offerings. I love sitting outside in their back patio area during the summer. On a recent visit we all tried different flights of wine with one of us trying the wonderful sparkling flight - great for summer. The pizza was plenty for four of us to snack on and the pesto and mozzarella were rich with flavor. I'm going one star down from 5 because of the not-generous-enough pours on the flights. A $12 flight with three glasses needs fuller glasses.
(4)Nina W.
Enoteca is trying to appeal to too many crowds. When I walked in, it felt like a laid back bar, but the sense I got before I came, was that it was more of a wine bar. It wasn't. The lighting was bright and it was very loud. This made it somewhat difficult to carry on a conversation. They have a cool outside area and if you visit during the summertime, you should sit there because the interior is tiny. The crowd was eclectic. And by that I mean there were a few goths, some indie people, a young couple sitting at the bar, and a table of older patrons. I was impressed with the bruchetta appetizer and my lemon pasta entree. The total cost of a bottle of wine, the bruchetta appetizer, and two entrees came out to $90.00 without tax.
(2)andrea r.
We had a great experience here - the wine flights are really fun! I tried the Latino Wine flight and I had one of the best glasses of wine I've ever tasted!! The brushetta was excellent - the choices are unique. The pizza was pretty good too. The atmosphere is very cute and cozy, we will be coming back to this spot for sure.
(4)Jenny O.
love this place... delicious pasta and polenta... knowledgeable wait staff... great atmosphere... i will be back!
(5)Lisa S.
I love Enoteca Roma and that is why I chose it to celebrate my 50th birthday with a group of friends last night. The food was wonderful, as it always is, but the service ruined the experience. We were seated in the bakery, which would have been ok if our server would have been attentive. Instead, we waited a long time in between ordering drinks and appetizers. We finally were abel to order our main courses well after an hour of sitting with little attention. When the entrees came, one dish was missing. Someone else came over and said it would be awhile and that our server would be over to talk to us. We finally called her over after 15 minutes and she said she didnt know what happened and they would bring the dish out when it was ready. We arcades dessert after 2 1/2 hours....with coffee. Another 15 minutes, our server showed up with 3 of the 5 desserts, saying that they were out of the others. Then she left. The desserts were gone 20 minutes before we could flag down the manager to tell him to ask our server to cancel the coffee. He explained that the server was slammed with tables and he would comp our coffee. We asked that he just cancel them and get the server to get our bill. She came, and comped our dessert, which was nice of her. I am just very disappointed that this was not a pleasant experience to celebrate this special occasion.
(2)Jennifer H.
I went here on a Friday evening with two grilfriends. we sat outside and the weather was nice. I had a red wine flight that was very good. At $15 it wasnt bad because they did fill the glasses to about 3/4 the size of a regular glass of wine. The food was ok. Nothing to brag over. I probably would not make an extra trip here but if you are close by a nice place to relax and it has never been crowded
(3)Megan M.
Such a great place to go with a big group! Order the "Mangia! Mangia!" and you'll feel like you tried everything on the menu. Seriously, I had dinner there on Saturday and I'm still stuffed. The family style meal includes 3 salads, an assortment of bruschettas, cured meats, cheese plate, and bread with tapenade, mustard and capers. The second course is the polenta, which is to-die-for...especially the four cheese...YUM! You also get sausage in a grape reduction. The final course is the pastas...we got three for our table of eight. What impressed me the most was our waiter's attention to my friend's gluten-free diet. He told her which things were gluten-free as soon as the plates hit the table. Since she couldn't eat the pastas, he brought her a full entree. He suggested the pork (which sounded amazing), but she chose the chicken (also pretty tasty). Enoteca Roma is a perfect spot for a fun, affordable night out with a group of friends. To add to the festive atmosphere, there' s a great wine/beer/cocktail list. I'll definitely remember this place for future celebrations.
(5)T S.
Still like the food, but service was TERRIBLE. Waiter was just checked out, he had an attitude, almost makes me not want to go back. If I do, and I see him, I will be asked to move to a different section.
(3)Ingrid G.
I'll join with others to say that this is an enjoyable neighborhood spot! It is a wine bar so the menu selection is limited. With all the pastas you have the option of ordering a large or a small, and the small will do you quite well. The wine list is a bit on the pricey side for a neighborhood joint--many of them are in the 30-40 dollar range. The bruchetta assortment is also a great idea. The interior of the restaurant is very small, so you are best to go early and get a space on the back patio. This is a nice place to have a party, I had a friend's bachelorette party here last year on the patio. It was rather cool (in early June) but they set up heat lamps, and along with those the attention of a very handsome waiter kept us toasty!
(3)Rory B.
went here a few weeks ago with a few chums... it's dope... most of the pastas come in small and large size, and if you ask me the small is plenty and only runs about ten bones... the wine list is dope and totally descriptive and full of good suggestions. Hit this shit, dogg.
(5)Bess R.
My favorite alfresco dining joint by far. Stopped by last Saturday and sampled some of their delicious pizza with mozzarella, fresh tomato and basil - not a big fan of thick crusts in general, but I LOVE theirs...much crispy goodness:) Also tried their tuna tartare which was perfectly paired with blood oranges and grapefruit, mmm fresh. I agree with all the others on the bruschetta flights, I've sampled and loved them all! Great date place, but they do have room for larger groups now that the patios are open.
(4)Sunny W.
Can't say anything bad about this place. Just great! I love how its casual yet very intimate and luxurious. Un-intimidating to say the least. Wine choosing is made accessible. The bruschetta is unique, unexpected and delish! I think its a great date place (great lighting) and terrific friend place as well.
(5)Gwen D.
The patio is the best thing about this place, but if you have to stay inside, that's okay too. I feel like I've been here at least 50 times, with only one slightly "bad" experience from a waitress, but the manager and bartender noticed immediately and were amazing. The pizza is a standard, as is the bruschetta. I LOVE the polenta with the bolognese sauce (too, too amazing), and their desserts are great too. The wine is totally pricey (hence the 4 stars, not 5), but this place is so Italian and great. Sometimes the music inside is loud, but that's so Rome, that I don't mind.
(4)bridget j.
Great for a date or a night out with friends. I've always sat outside and tonight they had blankets in case you were chilly. So great! Great food and wine - polenta, risotto or pizza are all wonderful. The pizza is a little pricey for the amount you get for two people, but still very tasty. The service is slow, but as long as you have your wine and some conversation it is fine.
(4)Julie B.
Best Italian in the city! Try the Pear Ravioli with a red wine flight. Went there on Valentine's Day and LOVED everything we got! Cute and cozy inside, too. The waitress was very good in recommending options for us.
(5)Shane H.
An extension of Letizia's bakery, this Italian restaurant is a great place for a romantic evening. The outside patio has a great atmosphere. Even if it gets a bit chilly, they have heaters and blankets for your comfort. The people were very friendly. I believe Letizia herself came over to say hi and see how things were. The Bruchetta selection was good. The apple with Brie and honey was an awesome combination. The wine selection was nice too. Careful though, having a meal here can get expensive. Maybe not suggested for a first date.
(4)Kate H.
This place is amazing. The only thing that I can complain about would be the fact that it's so near a hospital. All the sirens from the ambulances make sitting outside a little annoying. However, it's really fun to come here in mid-Spring when its still a little chilly in the evening. They supply plenty of blankets and outside heaters keep you warm while you dine. The waiters are amazing. They love wine and help to make you love it, as well. The pumpkin ravoli is some of the best in Chicago and their bruschetta comes in very creative forms. Love it!
(5)Sarah F.
After my best friend raved about this place, I was really excited to try it last Saturday night. My boyfriend and I loved the atmosphere--quaint and romantic with outdoor seating (always a plus). The food was delicious--very fresh and flavorful. We started with a basic salad and bruchetta. They have several different kinds of bruchetta (both traditional types and unique) and you can choose up to 4 types for your appetizer plate. For the main course, we chose an italian sausage and mushroom pizza. It was very tasty. Great food, great atmosphere. So, why am I giving it only 2 stars? HORRIBLE service! We arrived at 9pm and waited at the host stand for over 10 minutes before I flagged down a waitress who told us to wait at the bar. The bartender seemed annoyed to take our order. However, we were happy to learn that our table was ready very quickly. Next came the waitress---extremely slow and irritated with our questions about the wine list (wait, isn't this a wine bar?) and food specials of the night. We waited nearly 45 minutes before our salad and bruchetta came out. When my boyfriend asked what the delay was, the waitress responded by telling him that, "bruchetta cannot be served without the salad and the bruchetta takes awhile to make." 5 mintues later our pizza came out, which was what we were hoping to avoid. Now our table was crammed and we were urked that everything arrived at once. We had to stalk down our waitress for drink refills and fresh plates. Another table behind us got up and left before their food even arrived as they said they had been waiting for over an hour. After my boyfriend complained to the owner, Letizia, she said she was very sorry and offered free dessert and coffee. She also said that they were short staffed because of July 4th weekend and there wasn't much they could do about it. Our waitress was Julie. I would go back again as I believe that all restaurants have off nights and this place definitely has some redeeming qualities. However, I would request to NOT be in Julie's section and make sure it wasn't on a holiday weekend.
(2)kiki m.
this one goes out to all you yelp-ers. i went here tonight thanks to my yelp community of reviewers! ! had a meeting in the area and found that yelp-ers approve of this place. my friend and i sat outside in a very intimate and well laid out patio. the wool throws (just in case it gets cold---and it always does for me!) were a very cute touch. but really, you got me to sit down, but how is the food and the service? from start to finish, service was awesome. i ordered the larger portion (2 sizes) of spaghetti with baby clams so i could have some for dinner and take some for lunch tomorrow. ATE IT ALL LIKE THERE WAS NO TOMORROW!! (wine and coffee were great too). thanks yelp-ers, i love you!
(5)Miss O.
this is probably one of the best italian places i've ever been to. my bf took me here after he had gone with his parents. the polenta is delicious. this is a great date place in the summer - there is an open seating area in the back that is sooo cute.
(4)Amanda Z.
Really enjoyed the wine! The $20 bottle with dinner special on Monday night was fabulous! The wait staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the food and beverages (which is sometimes hard to find; usually you get either one or the other). The place was warm, too, which is unusual; I didn't need my sweater. It is a great place to go for a date or small gathering.
(5)E J.
Enoteca Roma is awesome in the summer. I haven't been blown away by the wine, but the food is usually pretty good (love the cheese plate!) and the service is typically above average. I love love love the patio in back - it's so quaint. One of my favorite places to relax with a date or friends and get a good wine buzz.
(4)Debra B.
We had a group of 20 for a special birthday and were set up on the back patio (which I did not even know existed ) and it was a beautiful setting --the weather also cooperated. But more importantly, the food was unbelievable. We did the "mangia mangia" family style --which is awesome for large groups and the food just kept coming, each platter exceptional. It was more than enough food, We had several foodies in the group who were totally blown away by the character and quality of the food and the ambience. Enoteca Roma is a must for anyone who enjoys great italian food.
(5)Lyle H.
After I had a shakey experience the first time I dined at Enoteca, the owner contacted me to apologize, which I found very impressive. It's rare that a business owner actually cares what his customers think, especially in Chicago. I was willing to give the place a second chance, so I had a large group of friends for dinner there on my birthday. We did a 5-course prix fixe menu, and the food was very good. The staff treated us very well, and everyone loved the selections that the owner had chosen. Since Enoteca is only a block from my house, I'm happy to be able to recommend it.
(5)Stefanie L.
I have been here quite a few times and most of the time, I've had great experiences! This past Saturday was an exception! My mom is in town for the week and we had a reservation for 8pm and there were 2 two tops open. We asked to sit at the one closer to the street and were told that it was being reserved for a group of 5. (They were going to put two tables together.) So, we agreed to the other table. 5 minutes later, two people were given the table we had asked for. Never mind the 5 top coming in.... Then it took our server 25 minutes to come to the table. The eggplant parmigiana that my mom ordered was extremely salty...inedible. My gnocchi was great (I've had it a few times prior). Over all this was the worst experience I have had here. They are great at large groups and are much more attentive to smaller parties during the week. Food is generally better than what we had Saturday. I highly recommend the antipasti platter, pera, gnocchi and the polenta.
(3)Max E.
Awesome place. Well...I did meet my fiance there. BUT that was after it had become a favorite, and that's hard for a wine bar to do with vegetarians!
(4)Arjun C.
Very nice place to go in the summer, largely because of the ample seating room outside. Amazing and interesting pizza, and pear/walnut raviolis, which are a favorite. Price is right and parking isn't too hard on that side of division if you know "the trick."
(4)Brandon T.
Now, Enoteca Roma is pretty cool. It is too small to me. The selection of alcoholic beverages are amazing, especially the setup in that cramped place. Now, this is attached to Letizia's bakery, and of course is the theme of Italia, but I think it is a tad bit overpriced as well. The food is not bad, I prefer the sandwiches, and the soups seem pretty good, also being part of Letizia's soup selection, and it's a nice cozy place to hang out. It's definitely worth a try. Not bad, although it is cramped, but you will get used to it, especially if it happens to be less crowded than I can remember during my last visit, and it is too similar to Letizia's, also sharing a front patio, and the option of a rear one also. Decent food.
(4)snoopy b.
this is the last of my neighborhood places i am to review. like it's "sister" business that is joined by a hallway, letizia's, this place is quite overrated. i mean, the wine is good, but waaaaay to expensive. one night i was there and the bartender was kinda rude. my friend who showed up a couple minutes later informed me he was the owner! wow, great service! as for the food, like letizia's, it is average: not bad, but not great. no way is it worth the prices they charge. i suppose i'm glad enoteca is in the neighborhood, but compared to webster street wine bar and some of the other's downtown, this place is a dump.
(1)frequent d.
great roman-italian food. the pastas are great and available in 1/2 portions, the wines are plentiful by the glass and they have great afflordable bottle choices , the owners are great and friendly and it is attached to letizia's cafe with great desserts. the outdoor seating is plentiful and gorgeous
(4)d. b.
the patio in the back is amazing in the summer - great place to rent out for a private party also. the menu is a lot of fun if you like to share - especially the bruschetta. good low key, cafe-like neighborhood spot.
(5)Heidi S.
Best Italian food ever! I found this hidden gem with some friends and it was a perfect Sunday night! The parmesean eggplant, pear ravioli, mussel, and caprese salad was all amazing. The pinot noir wine flight was superb, as well as, my new love for Gamay! Awesome service. Our waiter, Shawn, knew his stuff. Def my new fave place.
(5)Emily C.
I went here for brunch on a Monday morning and ate something I have never seen on a brunch menu before - the organic version of the food that probably helped kill Elvis. Multi-grain bread with organic peanut butter, sliced bananas, and wild honey. FRIED. So amazingly delicious, you won't even miss Elvis. Also, the owner of this place paused his playlist of Lady Gaga to play "The Final Countdown". I heard it and, of course, cheered and seat-bopped - namely because of G.O.B. Bluth in "Arrested Development". So later he played it a second time just for for me! Good man.
(4)Laura G.
This is a fun place. The bar is cozy and the original restaurant area is small and inviting (somewhat dark). What is fun is that they open up the bakery next door to seat you for dinner. The service is good and the wine list is excellent. The pasta with clam sauce is very nice - not too rich - and the bruschetta appetizers are unique and tasty. Save room for the caramel cheesecake dessert.
(4)Dana A.
Had my birthday dinner here about a month ago!! For sure get the bruschetta they have a bunch of flavors to try! I would recommend sharing that as a starter and trying the different kinds they have. I really liked (the enzo, debby, Piemonte) I got the Risotto Alla Pescatora! Was very tastey and the risotto was amazing! Great place!
(5)Jonathan R.
Come for the food stay for the courtyard. This restaurant is nothing short of fabulous. Of course we were lucky enough to enjoy a beautiful summer evening on the extensive backyard patio. Most memorable was the polenta and peach ravioli. An all around fun two hour experience. youtube.com/watch?v=SSAx…
(5)Chris D.
Enoteca is a great Wine Bar. It's got a great ambiance. It's got pretty good Italian food from a limited menu. Can be pricey though. This is a great date place for a quiet romantic evening out. The seating is very limited so bigger groups will feel uncomfortable here. Great location. The Bar staff and the servers from what I remember were top notch as well.
(4)Julie K.
LOVE THIS PLACE- Food is hearty, it's not crowded, perfect for a romantic dinner.
(5)Dave H.
My gf and I came here with friends for a drink. The atmosphere was very chill, bartender was great and the two cocktails I had were on point. We will be back for dinner.
(4)Sarah S.
We ordered from Enoteca off Grub Hub. I love Italian food and I usually don't find Italian food I don't like, but maybe it's because we got it delivered.... it just wasn't good! Both dishes were DRENCHED in olive oil. I could have made either dishes at home myself, because there was barely any flavor. Their red pasta sauce has a wierd flavor to it. It's just not good! And one of my dishes had broccolini in it which was wilted. We ordered the Orecchiette and the Arrabiata. The food isn't worth the price!!! Two dishes, tax, delivery, tip = $43. Bummer.
(1)Mahsa T.
It's about the little things...like folded blankets on the chairs in their patio in case you get chilly--nice touch. This place has been on my "to try" list for a while and I finally got to go and enjoy a late night meal here. We started with a bottle of vino. I had the Giovanna (penne pasta, roasted eggplant, spicy marinara, baby mozzarella, fresh basil)--good flavor and perfectly cooked since I don't like my pasta too al dente. My dining companion had the risotto of the day--I can't remember exactly what was in it, but it had goat cheese and it was damn delicious. I'm getting that next time. Portions are a bit on the small side, but not too bad, you'll probably be able to finish everything on your plate. If you're ravenous, you may want to order an appetizer. Enoteca is very laid back and casual, serves up simple but good Italian food, and takes good care of you with attentive service. I was very pleased.
(4)S G.
I feel bad for those who had crappy Service, ours was great! Went here sat Night with a party of four and a reservation. It was a bit cool But they provide blankets for the patio. Service was great for a leisurely 1.5 hr dinner- drinks were fast. The waitress was Great, didn't screw up anything. The food was pretty awesome- bruschetta flights a must. I had the eggplant parm and others had the salmon and the eggplant raveoli special. Dessert was Carmel Cheesecake and a Decadent chocolate raspberry torta. I would def go here with a small Party or date night- not so much with my kid.
(4)Yen D.
Agreed with the others on the service. We were THE ONLY PEOPLE AT A TABLE in the restaurant; there were a few couples at the bar as well. Comically difficult to 1) order food, 2) get a check, 3) get water. Like wtf, enoteca roma? Anyway. The food and drink were great. Loved two of our wines (we had the tour of italy flight), thought the third was meh. The polenta is such a fun production, what with pouring it onto a wooden cutting board and spreading it with a spatula, then smattering it with whatever you ordered atop it (we had some kind of sausage-mushroom mix). Ate it immediately and it was great. Never had polenta like that before. The bruschetta are also quite fun and lovely; I'd recommend trying a bunch. The basil fresh tomato-basil-etc. one was probably our favorite.
(4)Margaret G.
I hate to write bad things about a place with good food but the service was ridiculously slow and unattentive. It was so bad I won't go back, and that's saying a lot because I loved some of the dishes we ordered. I think the owner(s) of this place needs to read the reviews here that complain about the service and do something about it. We went on a Monday night and we were the only table in the front patio area. Our server was Nichole but we had to ask the hostess, the bus boy and the guy serving our food for refills on drinks, more bread, etc. - even for the check. All that said, if you decide to go the bruschetta was really good and the venison bolognese was outstanding. My husband ordered the eggplant pasta which was also superb. The polenta, which lots of reviews rave about, was just okay. It needed salt but we couldn't get anyone to bring us any :(
(2)Alessandra Z.
If I could give zero stars I would. I really hate writing bad reviews, but my experience here was beyond disappointing so here goes. The Short: Terrible Service and HAIR IN MY (overpriced and bland) FOOD. The Long: Dined on 05/29/12 After two years of eying Enoteca Roma, a girlfriend and I finally decided to give this place a try (due to one of Yelp's Top 10 places to dine in Chicago). Well our entire experience from start to finish was horrible and it got progressively worse. We were seated in a very tight table btwn 2 girls and a family table of 5 . We asked to start off with some appetizers. And right after they arrived, she gave us the bill and told us to have a nice night. Two minutes later she came back, picked up the bill without explanation and laid it on the other table less than a foot away. After that, she offered us bread (yes, after the appetizers) but still had yet to take our order. So I said I was wondering about the specials. She said ok and just stood there blankly until I said... "What are they?" And she said OH and hadn't realized that she never explained them. After she did explain them, she left our table to go back to the family of 5 who had already placed their order to explain to them the specials as well. We ordered two entrees to share - the gnocchi and the mushroom polenta - both bland with undercooked sausage (didn't know that was possible.) And here's the best part... about half way through my meal I discovered every diners favorite find - a hair! When I showed the waitress discreetly, she got very loud and dramatic and asked me if I wanted to wrap the rest to go. Seriously!? After I declined, she said she would bring the bill and I looked away and said ok.. which apparently upset her because after that, she threw her hands in the air and said (in this very small and quiet restaurant) "You know what?!? THERE IS NO BILL! FORGET IT!!" Welllll alright! Obviously, to each's own, but I will never step foot in this establishment again.
(1)Richa A.
Between its sister bakery, Letizia, and Enoteca, I think service is totally hit or miss, probably falling mostly on the misses. Our server was friendly but just seemed a little out of it/ not on his A-game (didn't offer a dessert menu, which I would've totally ordered, but was not going to go out of my way to do so). Anyway, the pizza (gian luca) I split with a friend was delicious! They have a large bruschetta selection which I'll have to try as well. If you can get past the service, go to Enoteca for great Italian food and Letizia for a baked good!
(4)Char Y.
lots and lots of food! we ordered family style dinner on a weekend night, and there were more food than people! roasted eggplants with goat cheese - yum! perfectly done eggplant! mussels - big and juicy! cheese platter - different texture and creaminess charcuterie platter - salumi and prosciutto! polenta with mushroom and sun dried tomatoes - great while hot! ricotta ravioli with walnuts - sweet combination garlic orecchiette - need more sauce! spicy sausage penne - good with an after kick overall, super satisfying meal with good wine and service!
(4)Leang E.
Our latest Around the World dinner destination was Italian, and it was quite enjoyable! We were seated in the back area outside. I was imagine]ing we could be at some outdoor cafe in Italy as well. Our waitress got us drinks and was able to make some nice recommendations on the wine and food. We started out with the bruschetta where we could pick out 5 different kinds, which was perfect for the 5 of us ranging from traditional, sweet and savory. We each got a different entree so that we could share amongst ourselves. So, we got the Pear Ricotta Ravioli, Risotto All Pescatora, Vellitri, Pollo Al Rosmarino, and the Boscaiola. Everything was delicious. We got a couple of desserts - the Pannicotta, and the Tiramisu. The one down-sider thing that we thought they would have was cannolis and were disappointed that they didn't offer this. I would love to come back again!
(4)Gabi M.
Since we couldn't travel to Italy for dinner last night, we chose to fill our Italian food craving at Enoteca Roma in Wicker Park instead... My sister actually chose the spot. It was somewhere she'd been wanting to try for awhile, it was walking distance from her boyfriend's place, and it was also convenient for our friend Julie to meet us. Oh, and I checked the Yelp reviews just to make sure that "people loved this place on Yelp," and they sure did! I was sold... And the yelpers were right on; Enoteca Roma was just what we were looking for. It was cold and rainy outside, but warm and cozy inside. Attentive service, a fine selection of wine, and food that pleased our palates. The table started with an order of assorted bruschetta. I held out for my entrée, the tilapia. Served with spinach, olives, capers, and perfectly golden baked potatoes, I was a happy camper and finished every bite. I also had a few bites of the seafood risotto and the eggplant pasta - both were delicious. While we skipped dessert, the fine food, wine, and laughter from our dinner at Enoteca Roma sent me home to have sweet dreams and a great night of sleep before heading back home to Arizona the following morning. Go with friends, go with family, go solo, or go on a date, but definitely go to Enoteca Roma sometime soon! Buon appetito!
(4)tages t.
Great place to grab some pasta. Definitely on the pricey side and the portions were adequate, expect no leftovers. The staff was very friendly and accommodating to our vegan and vegetarian dietary restrictions. They list vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free items on the menu. They also have the options to substitute wheat pasta for corn or rice pasta. I can vouch that their pastas contain no eggs, so if you are vegan you can request pasta and marinara sauce, or try something that is vegan on the menu!!
(4)Jenny K.
Food and prices are solidly 3-star, but the atmosphere kicks it up to 4 overall. The back patio is an oasis; you don't feel like you're on Division at all. Service is generally great - they will offer to turn on heaters or even bring blankets for those braving the patio in not-quite-warm weather. Inside, it's dark and romantic. Recommend the house-style old fashioned cocktail, but be warned it is strong. Wines run fairly steep - $9 glasses and $40+ bottles. Pizza is delicious if you like the Pizza Hut style thicker square crust, but also overpriced for what it is. Pasta of the day and the cheese plates are better bets.
(4)A. M.
Food: I absolutely love that this place offers flights of many things - bruschetta, arancini, wine, etc. A great concept to let you taste the various gems on the menu. We started with the bruschetta flight. We got to pick 5 different types. All were good but the stand out was the brie and spicy raspberry preserve. I didn't know how they would incorporate spice but they did and it added an unexpected but pleasant flavor. Next was polenta with mushrooms, gorgonzola, etc. The fact that our waiter poured it on a slab of marble in front of us made the presentation extra special. And of course it tasted phenomenal. As for the entrees (yes we still had more room for food), I ordered the polpetta and the husband ordered the penne arrabiata. I typically don't order off the pasta section at Italian restaurants but I am ever so glad I did at this place. It was AMAZING. The meatballs were moist and perfectly seasoned. They went well on the bed of polenta (just can't get enough!) and marinara. The broccolini was also very tasty. Sadly for my husband, he was very disappointed in his dish. He has rather high standards for Italian food but I tasted his dish and even agreed it was below par. The sauce was lackluster and missing seasoning and the pasta just blah. Overall very sad. Luckily I felt nice and shared a meatball with him. Lastly for dessert we ordered the raspberry chocolate cake. The fudge it in was good but the cake itself was dry. I probably wouldn't order it again. Drinks: Moderate beer selection and extensive wine list. Very reasonable priced bottles of nice quality. Quite the variety to pick from for wine by the glass too. We ordered a bottle of an Italian red blend. It was delicious but what I really liked was that the bottle came out slightly chilled. I started liking red wine chilled after having it on tap. It makes a big difference. Try it. Service: The service was spectacular. Our waiter was friendly and attentive. He also gave us great recommendations throughout our meal, from the wine selection to apps to entrees. We also told him we wanted to take our time and draw out our meal. Instead of being pushy like some servers, he was totally cool with it and didn't come back every 15 minutes to check on us. Ambience: Laid back and casual but romantic if you want it to be. You can come here for a date night or with a bigger group of friends. Other: The decor of this place was so cute. The front seating area is quaint but the tables are roomy - not 6 inches apart like some places. I was surprised to learn they had a back seating area which was much bigger but still had the softer lighting and quaint feeling. An extreme bonus is that they have not one but TWO patios - front and back. I can't wait to try these out in the warmer weather (thanks a lot winter april weather). Overall, I was completely blown away by this place. I am excited to go back as soon as I can.
(4)Benjamin D.
Lasagna and bruschetta flights. Nuff said.
(4)Ryan K.
I ordered take out tonight and the serving size is very disappointing. Don't get me wrong, the food is delicious but you get the feeling that you are really being slighted on the take out portion. I ordered the large Penne Arabiatta and it had less than half a sausage and a small portion of noodles. Delicious but I won't be ordering take out from here again.
(2)Michaela P.
We were looking for a quick, tasty meal last Saturday night and Enoteca Roma did not disappoint. We showed up at 7 without a reservation and we were surprised to learn that the patio was booked (even though it was empty at the moment) and we would have to eat inside. It turned out to be for the best. We sat at the bar, and the bartender was awesome (I think he said his name was Dan?) He was super-attentive, with great food and drink recommendations. The food was fresh and delicious. We started off with a salumi and formaggio plate which was excellent. I had the whitefish, my boyfriend had the risotto special for the evening. We were in and out within the hour. I can't speak to the service elsewhere in the restaurant, but we had a great meal at the bar.
(4)L K.
I'm a huge pasta fan and it's place is great! The server was so helpful and funny. The food came out fast, the presentation was very inviting and it tasted amazing.
(4)Kristin G.
Came here for date night with my fiance. We decided to sit in the front patio as it was a slow night and we had out choice of tables. Service was a little slow at first, took awhile for us to place a drink order. Once we ordered food came out quickly, I got the Risotto Alla Pescatora and my fiance got the Polpetta. Both were delicious, we ended up trading half way through because I wanted to try the Polenta and he wanted to try the Risotto. Would defintely come back, great wine menu and good was delicious. Lots of options for dietary restritions as well.
(4)Tim S.
One of the bad things about Yelp is you get to write reviews on your favourite places allowing others to know where to go. Enoteca Roma is one of those places for me, I have been here on quite a few occasions at different times of the day for varying reason and have never been let down. Drinks at the bar, wine flights with meat & cheese chef's selection sitting on the patio, to last nights NYE Dinner... delicious. If you are looking for a place to spend a nice evening with friends, family or that special someone I highly recommend this place. Small, intimate, a great staff that knows what they are talking about and a kitchen that turns out some phenomenal fare. Surprised I have not reviewed before... maybe it's because I don't want anyone else to know about this little gem so shh, forget I ever talked about it.
(5)Kate H.
I've been here twice now, and it was like eating at two different restaurants: Visit 1- I went with my husband and we ate outside on the back patio. It is pretty and quaint and an overall great atmosphere. I loved the bruschetta flight, and our waitress was wonderful. We had a rose prosecco to drink, and it was a great date night. Visit 2- WOW, I will never return. I had a friend in from NYC and wanted to take her somewhere with a good outdoor area. We were seated outside luckily, and we started with a bottle of wine and a flight of bruschetta. Fine start to the night, but it went downhill. From the time we finished our meals (I don't recommend the gnocchi, by the way) until we saw our server again, 27 min had passed (probably longer than that; it was 27min from the moment I started timing it). Not ok! We had to ask the busboy for our bill, and even after that, we didn't get it for a bit! Our server was inattentive all night, made no recommendations, and seemed bothered by us being there. So what did we do? We left a sub par tip..... ......and the manager called us out!!! My husband made the reservation for us through his Open Table account, so the restaurant had his contact info. They called him at 9:45 on a Sunday night to ask why we left less than a 10% tip! And get your facts right, Enoteca, because it wasn't that cheap of a tip. I am appalled that they had the nerve to call about this! I called back a few days later to speak to the manager about this, and she basically lectured me on how the service industry works- the servers have to split tips with the bartenders, busboys, barbacks, so our server "basically paid to serve us that night" as the manager told me. Are you kidding me?! She did at least apologize for the bad experience and said they would take care of me next time I come in. It's chicago- there of plenty of good Italian restaurants. I won't be back.
(1)Candice G.
I've been here twice so far and both times have been great! The first time was a summer night and we were seated on their outdoor patio. It got chilly outsie very quickly and Enoteca was kind enough to bring us all some of the individual blankets that they keep on hand just for that reason. Both times I've gone I've gotten one of the cheese plates, marinated olives, and the Collosea salad (so good!). And both times I've gone I've gotten pizza- one time it was a pizza that was more like a salad on top of bread and I wasn't a huge fan. The flavors were kind of boring and it was hard to eat but on my last visit I got the buffalo mozzerella and it phenominal! You should defo get a wine flight- it's what they're all about. One of mine tasted a little like bug spray but after I finished the other two glasses it really didn't bother me. I would defo go back... maybe for an early dinner on the patio followed by some romance thanks to my wine buzz.
(4)Seth H.
Normally I would give this place 4 stars however this little gem is the lucky restaurant where I took my now fiance (getting married in October) on our first date. We've gone back probably 5 times now mainly with just us but a group of us another time. I get my spicy italian fix here and there's a pretty good selection of wine as well. We've since moved but will go back when we visit Chicago.
(5)Valerie R.
Though I did enjoy my meal here, my boyfriend was a bigger fan than I was. Enoteca offers a lot of great selections but I feel it was slightly lacking in the vegetarian dept. This isn't to say they didn't have options, they most definitely do and will also make substitutions for you, but not many jumped out to me. I got the orchiette pasta which was very good but slightly dry. A bit more oil would have made it perfect. A simple dish with a punch. My bf got a seafood pasta dish which he LOVED. Oh! The bread served before the meal was oh-my-gawd good. I was impressed with our waitress's knowledge of wines and liquors and she was super friendly. She made it a lot easier to pick something off their extensive and fun drink menu. The seating here is EXTREMELY limited, but they do take reservations. We went on a Wednesday night just after they opened so we had no problem getting a seat, but I can see that being a problem on busier nights. My overall impression? I enjoyed dinner here and would definitely go back, but I don't think I'd go out of my way for it, only because there are several similar places that I prefer.
(4)Ash K.
Awesome food, fresh ingredients used, it's just tastes way better. Polenta was well done, served hot on the table, must try!
(5)Chris H.
probably some of the best Italian in the city. The main dining room is a bit small but cozy. The lasagna is incredible, as are the bruschetta flights.
(5)Ebs B.
Service: Not so good. Being a wine bar, I asked the server what he thought I would like as I described the kind of wine I usually drink. His response was there are a lot of white and red wines...hmmm...kinda' figured that one out. He was not very attentive nor did he seem to want to be there. Food: Decent. I had the pork shoulder served with asparagus and potatoes over polenta. My friend had the polenta with sundried tomatoes, mushroooms, and goat cheese. Both were good, although, I'd rather spend the money for the entrees elsewhere. Decor: We sat outside on the back which was very dark (which probably attracted the rats in the area). I don't want it bright, but do want to be able to read the menu and not feel rushed from the server when I can't see anything. Hmmm...combined with bad service, so-so food, and nothing too impressive, I won't be roaming this way anytime soon.
(2)Beata M.
Great selection of brushchetta and cheeses!
(4)Ramya P.
Not a place I'm eager to go back to... 3 stars only because Enoteca Roma has nothing special to offer. Service was slow from the very beginning although our waiter was doing his best. Our polenta dish was the highlight of our meal. Didn't really care for the foccacia pizza. In a city like Chicago where we have so many wonderful restaurant options to explore, this type of average experience will not do good for their business.
(3)Ekow M.
Wow, really tasty food here, and an excellet waitress!. Easy parking on the street out front too, we will definately be back. Oh and do the fried polenta balls...so tasty.
(4)Allison C.
I never tried their food, and I will never go there again. We had reservations for 7:00 p.m. Our seating hostess (either stoned or stupid, maybe both) told us to follow her to our seats, then, told us to "follow him" (another staff). We followed the next staff nearly into the kitchen, and ended up standing around in Letitzia's, the adjacent bakery. This seating hostess reappeared and disappeared multiple times, each time telling us that she'd "be right back" to let us know about our table. She then seated a table of 8 before us, that had no reservations. Finally, she told us "your table isn't ready yet, you guys can wait at the bar," to which, I replied, "but we have reservations." She flippantly said, "sometimes you have to wait. You've been to restaurants before, right?" My fiance responded, "well, we're not going to this one," and we all left. My friend told the manager about this very rude seating hostess. He barely looked up at her, and said, "Sorry about that, she's new this week." No mitigation. I completely understand that sometimes, even with a reservation, your table may not be ready exactly on time. There are better ways to handle this. "I'm so sorry, we'll have to briefly sit you at the bar, I'll get your drink orders right away," maybe even comp us a round of drinks or appetizers. And there is NO excuse for rudeness, first week or not.
(1)Jorge C.
I went to Enoteca with some friends on Thursday night last week. We made reservations (however the place did not look that full at 8pm). From the reviews I knew there was a chance I would be sitting in the bakery next door instead of the actual restaurant (they are connected), and we did... I would've been fine except there was only one other table seated there, and they sat us right next to them.. it was two feet apart The food was "meh", I had the risotto of the day, which I swear the waitress said it was with prosciutto... but when it came, it was panceta. Not that I don't like panceta, but it's not prosciutto. It also had a very tough texture, like undercooked rice. The portions were pretty big, but at the end of the meal, we just left the rest because we knew we wouldn't eat more at home On the positive side, they had a nice selection of wine flights, which my fiance loves... and their cold cuts appetizer was decent There are many places I would go to for this kind of food before I return here...
(2)Crista L.
"Are you giving me a dirty look?" questions the bartender as we were seated at the bar. "Uh, yes I am" BF & I made reservations on a Saturday night to take mom out for Mothers Day. We were sat in Letizias Natural Bakery which is used as the dining room for Enoteca during dinner. Instead of smelling garlic & pasta sauce, we were overwhelmed by the aroma of coffee and pastries. Mom kept asking, "Shouldn't we smell the food?" We were sat next to a very loud and obnoxious party of 20-30 people. We requested to sit in the other room so that we could hear ourselves think and talk. Despite the fact that there were a few tables unoccupied, we were sat at the bar. As we found our way to the corner of the bar - the only place at the bar where we could all look at each other, the bartender announced that he would have a full bar by the end of the night and we all needed to sit next to each other at one side of the bar. During my hesitation, queenie behind the bar needed to know if I was giving him a dirty look. Excuuuuuuuuse me. When I think of a traditional Italian dining experience, I think of amazing service, I never thought I'd be mouthed at by a smartass and questioned for trying to create a comfortable dining experience during compromise. At Enoteca, we definitely did not receive an experience that was worth the amount of money we spent. The food was OK, the Panna Cotta dessert was amazing. With all of the choices Wicker Park / Bucktown / Chicago has to offer, there is no reason for us to ever visit Enoteca again.
(2)Cat R.
My boyfriend and I went here on a whim on a week night. We sat on the back patio, even though it was a little chilly, but there were blankets at each table for us to wrap up and stay cozy! There was also a guitar player and lights hanging; we totally felt transported out of Chicago. I'm usually not a huge fan of Italian, but I would go back here ANY day. We got the flight of bruschetta to start and shared the polenta and seafood risotto for dinner. Everything was amazing, and we're already making it a staple in our Chicago restaurant cycle!
(5)Lauren D.
We went here in mid-September 2013 with a large group of friends for a celebration of sorts. One couple was celebrating their 10 year anniversary while another friend completed her PhD degree at Yale. We were happy to finally get together for so many major accomplishments! We began with the Bruschetta, and ordered the following: The Cristina with brie, spicy raspberry preserves which was a perfect amalgamation of salty and sweet. The Piemonte covered in French brie, green apples and honey was an unusual marriage of ingredients, but the tartness of the green apples amalgamated with the honey and brie cheese, worked perfectly together. We didn't want to fill up on the Bruschetta, so we opted to try two instead of five. They were delectable, incredibly fresh and made with excellent quality ingredients. Some of the main courses included: Gnocchi Alla Erbe made with organic herb gnocchi and sprinkled with braised pork sugo; Salsiccia E Funghi crimini mushrooms and house sausage with shaved parmigiano; Orecchiette Alle Vongole served with fresh baby clams, broccolini, chilli flake, white wine and roasted garlic; and the Parmigiana fried eggplant, layers of mozzarella, marinara, goat cheese, parmigiano, and fresh basil. The dishes were made with "love" and farm fresh ingredients. We could tell that the pasta was made-from-scratch. It was ethereal and delectable. Our experience was enjoyable. I rate the pasta five (5) stars and the service three (3) stars. Even though our server was attentive, and not overly smothering, the service itself was slower than a snail. Maybe this is the reason they strongly recommend the "Flight of Bruschetta" so that people don't notice how slow service is here. The vibe here is casual, relaxing, cozy and can be semi-romantic. This is a nice restaurant for any special celebration, first-date, date night with your spouse, or to have a few drinks (minus dinner). However, I don't recommend it for children. Get a baby sitter instead and bring your spouse here. Make sure you experience this restaurant during the summer months and enjoy dining alfresco. You'll definitely feel like you are somewhere in Southern Italy! If you are a non-smoker (like me) be sure to state you want to be away from any smokers. Yeah, they allow smoking on their outdoor dining area. That is a huge negative for us, but we will definitely come back another time. Next time, we will dine indoors.
(4)Atish D.
I rarely write reviews, but felt like the experience at Enoteca was worth taking 5 minutes this morning. Overall, everything was amazing. The setting is somewhat small, but in a nice, intimate way. Once it gets warmer I would love to go back and eat in the back patio or out front, but for now there are about 15 tables between the main room and the bakery side. The server was really informative and not overly bearing at all. I really hate it when your server comes by every three minutes and interrupts conversations, etc. He did a great job of knowing when to stop by, take our orders, etc. He even came by just to top off our wine. Now - the food. As most people have mentioned, the Bruschetta is a must. You can pick 5 from a list of 10, and each one was delicious (the one with brie and raspberry preserves takes the cake). For the main course, I had one of the daily specials (Pork Shoulder over Polenta) and it was insanely good. My wife had the orecchiette pasta with shrimp. It was ridiculous how much flavor just permeated from the pasta itself. Neither of us spoke for 7 minutes, a sign that the food was damn good. We ended up taking home part of the pasta, and on day 2 it was still delicious. For dessert we had the cheesecake, and it was also great. With the bakery being right there, it's cool being able to pick something you know has been freshly made. A few reviews mentioned the pricing being expensive, which I tend to disagree with. If you go to any other comparable Italian restaurants in the area (Via Carducci, for example) you would easily spend the same amount, if not more. If we hadn't gotten wine (their wine list is intimidating but great), the whole dinner would have been around $50-$60, which is a lot of happiness in your belly for a decent price.
(5)Maura S.
A nearly perfect Friday night dining experience at Enoteca. We were seated in the small/intimate/dimly lit main room of the restaurant. There was an extensive list of drink options, including a good beer listing. I went with the Hum ("A bold hibiscus/cardamom/ginger/kffir lime spirit made in Chicago"). It was delicious and refreshing served with tonic. I would highly recommend ordering it when you go! We started with the bruschetta, which was a great deal. You pick four of their creative options for $11. My favorites were the Cristina (brie, spicy raspberry preserves) and the Vinny (gorgonzola, caramelized onions). Each of us enjoyed our entrees. I went with the night's special- pork shoulder, polenta, and broccolini. I was not disappointed! I am looking forward to returning and dining on the patio once the weather warms up.
(5)Jonny P.
My favourite wine bar in the city... If you are a visitor to the city this is a place definitely worth checking out especially during the summer. The food is second to none, great flavours, variety & qualit (seasonal menu). Glasses are priced accordingly & encourage experimentation (be on the look out for $5 Prosecco & 1/2 priced glasses in the summer). Perfection!
(5)Michelle E.
Came here for New Year's Eve dinner with a group of friends and it was delicious and enjoyable! And a STEAL! For $55 we got: Arugula, green apple and white anchovy salad w/ lemon honey oil --loved the white anchovies! Black beluga lentils with roasted tomato, root vegetables and Enoteca sausage --this was total comfort food! Made my tummy happy. The sausage was super good. Homemade gnochetti with parmesan, black peppercorns and a hint of truffle --also very rich, yet very simple. Simple yet addictive! Tuscan wild boar stew, creamy polenta, broccolini. --loved the flavors and textures of this dish. Chocolate profiteroles with Cointreau pastry cream --a bit more frozen than I'm used to w/ profiteroles, but LOVE the flavors of orange and chocolate together! Hazelnut gelato with espresso --let it melt into a yummy hazelnut espresso milkshake! Creme caramel gelato with Amaro Averna --citrusy, herby liqueur + caramel gelato = AMAZING dessert! And each course came with a wine pairing! I have to say that the wines were all great and the perfect compliments to each dish. As much as I like the food here, the thing that I REALLY like about this place is how friendly and personable the owners are. Fabio and Letizia both came out to talk to us during dinner. It's not just a "Hey, how is everything? Great!" Letizia came out and had a nice conversation with our table about the dinner. My friend who introduced us to this place said that he was slightly disappointed with dinner, which means that the food on a normal night must be PHENOMENAL! I am definitely planning on coming back for dinner again soon.
(3)Amanda Z.
Not much makes my heart happier than a cozy Italian meal with my cozy and decidedly non-Italian man. So when we decided to go here for a long-overdue date night, I was thrilled. The weather was rather frightful, so we dined inside. And dine we did...we started with the bruschetta appetizer, of which you get four choices. We went with the Napoli (tomato, mozzarella and pesto), the Vinnie (carmelized onions and gorgonzola), the Calabria (goat cheese and roasted red peppers) and the Piemonte (green apples, brie and honey). All were marvelous...perfectly delightful little bites to begin the meal. I highly recommend it. For our entree, we shared the Ostia Antica pizza, topped with tomatoes, goat cheese, prosciutto and arugula, it was quite good. As far as "rustic-style" pizzas go, I still feel like Pizza Rustica is my favorite, but this was not far behind. YUM. Oh, and to drink? We both started with the International Wine Flight (oh, how I love to fly). All of the wines were very lovely and carefully explained by our server. I capped it off with a glass of Prosecco. Did you know that Thursday is "Prosecco Thursday?" You do now! $5 for a glass and $25 for a bottle. Get. On. It. Service was efficient, polite, and unintrusive (key on date night). I will definitely be back. The menu has many more things for me to try. Oh, and I will probably HAVE to have another flight. And some prosecco. Who's coming with me?
(4)Mike Z.
I honestly had a blast. went there on a busy friday night. yelp says for 5/5 it is "as good as it gets". thats pretty much impossible as somethings gotta give - free food thats tasty in a great setting - i know thats BS. so where did Enoteca live up - and what fell short? I really enjoyed the setting. The bakery part was a nice change of scenery. Music was right volume, still easy to talk, not too serious/quiet. value for money was definitely there. no pretentious pricing, and pretty big portions. Service was fast, despite it being busy. there was a bit of a wait for the food but not unreasonable for a friday night. had starters, main and desert. (and ate too much :-) quality was good and i will definitely come back, just not quite top notch. but that got me back to my expectations of what classifies for 5/5. i had one of the best friday night dinners in a while. easy as that. One request to the owners: Please get some better/thicker forks. I was good with the knives but the forks are too thin. Ikea wont set you back by too much!
(5)Karlie B.
I have dined here twice in the last few weeks and I really wanted to love this place. I really enjoy the idea of ordering lots of dishes and sharing. The wine list is great, and I like that they have flight options. The truffle cheese was out of this world. I like the variety of bruschettas, but I felt like they lacked a little flavor. Nothing else really blew me away. If I went back I think I would stick to the wine and meat & cheese plate.
(2)Melissa N.
I have heard people say that it's hard to screw up Italian food, but I guess that's why I found most Italian places to be just standard...not bad, but nothing spectacular. However, Enoteca Roma was spectacular! We had the A N T I PA S T I a la c a r t e - from the meats, we had Prosciutto di Parma, Speck....from the cheeses, we had Buffalo Mozzarella and Bianco Sottobosco (with black truffles). They were all very delicious....I could have just made that my meal! Moving on to my pasta, which was the Giovanna penne pasta (with roasted eggplant, spicy marinara, baby mozzarella, fresh basil)...it was quite good as well. I wasn't in the mood for a lot of meat that night, so I went for a vegetarian pasta. Did not miss the meat/seafood at all. It was very flavorful without it. The best part was the mozzerella and the eggplant! My husband had the Penne Arrabiata (with spicy marinara, roasted garlic, Enoteca sausage), and it was very good as well....so if you are looking for a more meatier option, I would go with that one. Although we were full, we could not pass up the dessert - panna cotta. There were actually 3 little dishes of panna cotta on one plate - chocolate, caramel and berries. I cannot say which was my favorite because they were all so yummy! Chocolate and caramel were rich and decadent. The berry one was more light and milky. There were so many other dishes on the menu I wanted to try, so I am definitely going back there in the very near future!
(5)Michael D.
On Sunday, Oct. 23, 201, my wife and I revisited Enoteca Roma and brought two couples who are friends of ours who were visiting Chicago. These couples are New Yorkers and are very discerning food critics. We started off at the bar where master mixologist Sean was taking care of business. As is customary, Sean asked about the types of beverages that these folks liked (kind of like a checklist), and then he made great recommendations to suite their individual tastes. Marvelous cocktails, including a manhattan, a vodka gimlet, a sazerac cocktail along with an amaro dolche (made with café mocha and amaro) and a champagne-like wine were served. Next, we moved to our table and were served very professionally and attentively by Jesse. Of course, we all shared a wide variety of brushettas that were, as usual, unique and delicious, and the polenta that is served on marble boards and is the best in town. We followed that with everyone ordering the white fish that was fresh and delicious. My wife and I knew that we would have a great time at Enoteca Roma, but we were very interested in the critique of our friends. Well, they raved about the place and said that the drinks, food, and entire experience were spectacular. Our friends are already looking forward to a return visit to Enoteca Roma on their next trip to Chicago.
(5)Candice R.
My boyfriend and I had such a great time here last NYE that we wanted to come back this year. I mean, you can't really beat $55 for a five course meal including wine pairings. But it was so different from last year. Not the food. The food was still delicious, but everything else was off. We came in around 9:10, and were sat at the bar to wait. Unlike last year, the place was slightly empty and quiet. There were a few open tables in the front and another few in the back. And unlike last year, there were no peace offerings of bubbly while we waited. So I ordered a glass of that delicious rose, and the boy got a beer. The bartender was aloof at best. My boyfriend dubbed him a jerk because of the short, curt answers he kept giving to my comments and questions. Our server was very nice, but covered in a layer of pretension. The whole meal was too fast paced for my liking, and the wine pours were odd. They served the white wines in a port glass, giving only a 2 oz pour at best, and did not have a champagne toast at the end of the night. There was no celebre-chef going around and topping off our glasses of bubbly at the stroke of midnight, and no atmosphere of merriment save for the large group next to us counting down. My boyfriend actually said that next year we should go somewhere else. Pretty amazing, considering his love of Italian food and good deals, but not a bad idea. I think we just learned that you can't repeat NYE plans two years in a row, lest you end up having too high of expectations and leave disappointed.
(3)Yvette L.
We dined here Saturday night to celebrate our friend's birthday. I looked at the reviews before we headed there. I was a little nervous about the reviews on the service. We got seated on a decent time and we got a good table outside. The waiter started out really good and gave good recommendations. Everything we ordered tasted really good. We ordered 8 different kinds of bruschetta , spaghetti with shrimp , penne pasta with sausage and the polenta. This is where it all went downhill. This the first time we all had polenta and it was really good, better if we got good bread with it. The bread was bland to begin with and not warm but what the heck . It seems like it goes with the polenta. It seems like the waiter forgot about us once our food arrived. It took forever to get more bread and iced water. It was warm out so iced water would have been great. We must have asked about the damn bread and iced water 3 times or so. Finally the waiter said they ran out and baking more bread. So .... It finally came and our food is almost done and guess what? The bread was not even warm so where did they come from? Not the oven for sure. It was also very dark outside and I could barely see what I was eating. It did not help that my darn toric contact lenses kept moving around my eye . Oh and bugs!!!!!! I had to ask my husband to go get the bug spray in the car. I had a feeling I should have called to find out if we were being seated outside or inside before I slathered myself with Victoria Secret Bombshell lotion... duh! Of course the bugs loved me. It was a good night for us to nonetheless . Great weather and great company.
(3)Ari L.
First things first: mussels were a hit in a light, spicy broth. Raspberry pepper jam was awesome complement to the cheese board. These two elements served as positive bookends for an ultimately lackluster meal. The sauce on my Gamberoni was more oily than cohesive and kind of bland. Boyfriend had a cheesy pot of peas, ham and cream cream cream...don't know what it was called. Dessert was the cheese board and a cappucino (from Letizia's, maybe). Great cappucino. The cheese board was fine, would have preferred that it come with crostini instead of just pears and apples. Maybe this is just one of those hit or miss establishments.
(3)Martha Z.
I'm bummed about going against the grain and giving a low rating. We walked in to Enoteca, the place was dead and we were seated in the adjacent Letizia's. Which I guess I should be glad about, because Enoteca smelled like straight up sewer gas. But as a patron it's kinda discouraging if you are going to shell out some big bucks and the table next to you is eating a $6 panini and iced coffee while doing homework. Service was prompt, friendly and helpful. We ordered a beet salad, sausage entree for the companion and pesce risotto for myself. My favorite was the beet salad. The risotto and sausage were underwhelming. Especially the portion to price ratio. Afterwards we both had some major digestion issues which really didn't add much in the way of romance of our date. Sorry guys, if I will ever be coming back it will be for the bakery & cafe next door.
(2)Brian K.
Beautiful setting in the back patio area. Service was great and I couldn't have asked for more. Great place to grab a quite intimate dinner if you sit in the back. Even if you can get seating in the back patio the front area is also a nice place to grab a quick bite.
(5)Alaina F.
Had a fantastic late dinner here a few weeks ago and am looking forward to my next visit. The atmosphere was perfect for my mood that night - dark, small and intimate. The food was very good, as was the wine. We ordered the insalata caprese, which was great. The buffalo mozzarella was very fresh and the tomatoes were perfectly ripe and delicious. We also ordered mussels, which i dont really remember but i know we liked them. For the main course, we got the Ostia Antica pizza. While it was very good, it was not what we were expecting when we ordered it. It was layered, almost like a sandwich - and it was HUGE. We barely ate a third of it. If you plan to order this, you won't need other apps, etc. Had a great bottle of cab as well. Overall, quite a nice experience. i suggest you try it.
(4)laela l.
Save your money. The service was terrible (unfriendly/borderline rude staff and a very long wait for our drinks and dinner), the food was cold, boring atmosphere, and the food was not worth the price. I had some pasta drenched in oil with clams (little clams). For about $15. With no salad, and bread came out only after we asked. Really? My recommendation: go to Lucia's on North Ave (see my Yelp).
(1)Tommy D.
Enoteca is very nice. The food is fine and the wine is plentiful, but hot damn is it expensive! I know I'm paying fine dining prices, but I just don't feel like I'm "fine dining" when I'm there. With that being said; the pizza is good. It's prepared in a unique way, and although there are only 5 choices of pizzas, each one looked very tasty. But a 6-slicer for $24? I could see $12, maybe even $14. We all had the bruschetta, and they have an array of different kinds. We tried 6 different kinds and each were tasty, and surprisingly priced logically. The Wine is very good wine, and you're paying for it as well. Golly, I sound like a fuckin cheap-ass. I'm really not, but while you're there, it feels like any type of outdoor bar area on Division, until the bill comes.. Holy Shit! The food is tasty, the atmosphere is nice (especially outside), but the prices should be slashed in half. I'm gonna go buy groceries with a bag of pennies now. (and coupons).
(3)Melissa M.
I can't believe I've not written a review of this place considering how many times I have been here. This place is amazing -- a true gem that is definitely one of my top 5 in Chicago. The service here is impeccable. I most recently came on Tuesday with my sister to have a post 30th birthday celebration. I had the Tilapia which is by far the best I have ever had. The bed of spinach it is on is beyond words. The fish is so meaty and a "way too much" portion which I don't mind because I had leftovers for the next day. Normally I hate any sort of cooked tomato -- but the baked cherry tomatoes in this dish just melt in your mouth. I should mention that the sis and I split the caprese salad which is BY FAR the BEST i have ever had. First, I've never had it with sun-dried tomatoes -- AMAZING. Second, I have no f'ing clue where they get that buffalo mozzarella from but it melts on your tongue in an instant. It's so addictive in should be illegal. The wines -- holy shiz!!!! BEST wines/flights I have ever had. I just came back last night and sat at the bar with my sister. Last time we came she got the BEYOND REMARKABLE gnocci but had loved my tilapia so much she got that this time. This time we had the caprese appetizer and then i had it again for dinner with the proscuitto ... and several bites of my sister's tilapia. In all honesty, it doesn't get any better than this place. SERVICE is IMPECCABLE. (the wonderful bartender recommended amazing wine parings for the dishes) ... and the time before when we were there we had Jessica -- AWESOME!!!! Soooooooooo nice, sweet, attentive and amazing. I am beyond impressed with Enoteca's service, FOOD and wine. This place is what other restaurants should benchmark themselves against. I have been going for 3.5 years and I will ABSOLUTELY be back. Most restaurants thank their patrons. .. I must thank this place for being in business. I am beyond in love and cannot get over how FABULOUS the food is. PS: bathrooms are impeccable.
(5)natalie v.
Enoteca Roma was not by any means great, but wasn't terrible. I went with a few friends last night late, so we were seated very quickly. The Euro Rail wine flight I had was delicious. I'd go back for the wine. We ordered an appetizer with mussels. The mussels were, by no means, fresh. They were fishy and kind of made gag a little. The caprese salad was very good and had a sun-dried tomato on it. For an entree, I had the special risotto which had brocollini, goat cheese and procuitto. The flavor of the dish was delightful, but a lot of the procuitto was tough and grissly. My friend had the tilapia. I'd go back to have the tilapia. It was great. Someone else had the polenta, which had a great presentation and was tasty. My husband had the seafood risotto and thought it was just ok. I was disappointed in the tiramisu. Tiramisu is one of my favorite desserts, but the one here just fell short. I didn't like the texture. So, all in all, I didn't love Enoteca Roma, but maybe it was because we didn't go to dinner until after 10PM. I'd give it another try if someone suggested it; but there are so many other great Chicago spots, I'm unlikely to go again on my own.
(2)Janet X.
Have you ever had a first date in which the person looked perfect on paper? Enoteca had all the things I wanted in a restaurant -- cozy location on Division, wonderful ambiance, good prices and Italian food. I love Italian food! (I think it's because the Italians stole a lot of things from the Chinese... tortellini, anyone?) But then we met in person. The food was good but... not stellar. First of all, the portions for the bruschetta are smaller than I would expect for $11 (you get 4 pieces of bread with toppings). Every pasta I've had here (and I've been here three times now) have woefully underqualified compared to their siblings at La Gondola or Francesca's. The only things I've consistently enjoyed are their wine menu and specials. $5 for a Matilda? Yes, please!
(3)Karen N.
3 stars for the food. 1 extra for the outside dining. I know everyone raves about the bruschetta, and we tried them with genuine positive expectations. But they tasted just okay. Sure you can choose from 10 different kinds and that makes it more fun. But really they were just okay. The sausage mushroom gnoochi was delicious. I cleaned the bowl of the sauce. So was the mussels appetizer, and the antipasto plate. All very good. The atmosphere is excellent because this is the last restaurant patio on the Division/Wicker park strip. It's a little more quiet and less hype. Makes a romantic date spot.
(4)Mark V.
The food here has been absolutely delicious. I love the pizza and the pear ravioli has to be my favorite. Great service and a nice selection of drinks. The place is very small inside and can get a little warm with all the body heat but its so worth it. Although since it's finally warm outside the patio has opened up. I can't think of anything better than some fine Italian food and a glass of wine or iced tea on a nice summer day.
(5)Caroline C.
One of the best, most authentic Italian meals I've had in Chicago. A great choice for summer since the back garden is large and has ample seating. The pizzas are just like those I had in Rome but are a bit over priced. That's really my only criticism. The menu had great variety and everything our party of six tried was well-prepared, authentic and delicious. I had the lasagna with a venison bolognese and bechamel sauces. It was creamy and flavorful.
(4)Jen H.
The bread with seasoned olive oil was great. Loved the bruschetta, many options to choose from and they were all excellent. The gnocchi was fabulous. The Giovanna pasta was really good, the mozzarella was super fresh. Great outdoor patio. The prices were a bit high, but well worth it. However, it took the server 15min. to take our appetizer order and then she forgot to take the rest of our order until we were done with it. Five star food, regardless of poor service.
(5)Eric B.
Popped in here again for an impromptu dinner Monday night. I love the trattoria decor and the Monday wine special - $20 for certain bottles, a few reds, a few whites. The Montepulciano d'Abruzzo worked out fine. The menu here is strictly Italian - the bulk being pastas and pizzas, with some polenta, antipasto, and cured meats. We had some pasta and the La Bufalotta pizza, which proved hit and miss. The pizza was disappointingly bland and drowning in tomatoes. The basil did not seem fresh, for while it was not in short suppy it gave off no aroma. The mozzarela was similarly (and surprisingly) uninspiring. This was a rectangular pizza (allegedly "rustic roman style"), with a reasonably thick dough - not deep dish, but not part of the latest coal fired trend, either - a bit of an anomaly. Unfortunately, the crust was bland, utterly lacking in flavor. So, a big chunk of the menu menu is basically cut off for future visits. However, the venison bolognese was superb. They did not skimp on the venison in the meat sauce, and it infused the pasta while a deliciously rich, gamey, smoky, complex flavor you won't find from merely beef or pork. The portion was massive and will provide me with two more meals over the course of the week. Service was pleasant and relaxed. They have an interesting cocktail mix going, excellent bourbon selections (Woodford!), and a good range of prices on the wine list. I'll definitely come back to try the salumi and, when spring unfolds, outdoor seating, which is plentiful. Worth a visit, but you should check the menu first to be sure you are open to pasta.
(3)Seth P.
Did anybody see the "Check Please" episode where the lady was complaining that this restaurant gives you too much food -- and that the food has too much flavor? Um... What? Anyway, the night after we saw this place on TV, we got a group together and found out that yes, they feed you very well at this restaurant. A particular standout among the appetizers was the Calabrian salami, something you don't find in Italian delis here. It was made with chili peppers and was absolutely scrumptious! On to the pasta. My girlfriend said is was perfectly seasoned; the sausage was spicy, the sauce was tart and tangy and the pasta was al dente. Her arrabiata sauce was hearty, strengthened by garlic that managed not to be overwhelming. I hadn't seen arrabiata sauce like that before, and my girlfriend and I tend to try each other's food, but I didn't get the chance this time; apparently that stuff was so good that she abandoned her normal ladylike daintyness and wolfed it down. So I contented my self with my yummy Roman style pizza - made for two - and was proud of myself for only eating enough for one, giving one piece to my friends and boxing up the other two. I was perfectly contented, having eaten enough. But then my friends, those motherfuckers, ordered dessert, and I promptly ate half of what was on the table. People loved the chocolate-raspberry torte, but what did me the most damage were the light and tasty tiramisu and the deadly-good profiteroles with chocolate ice cream. Only one flaw; the waitress forgot to take our entree orders after we'd finished our appetizers, and didn't apologize about it. Otherwise the service was great, including the visits from the owner (Letizia), and the knowledgeable (but never snobbish) bartender at the wine bar.
(5)Colleen P.
We dined at Enoteca Roma last night for my birthday celebration. There were 11 of us, and we were seated at a wonderful table in the back of the adorable Italian deli portion of the restaurant, complete with candles, twinkly lights and attractive decor. Our server was Janet, and she was a delight from the get-go. We decided to do the $29 per person family-style dinner, and it was just perfect. It started with bruschetta plates, mussels, salads and charcuterie trays, and then moved into polenta served on marble slabs with two different toppings/sauces, and then we were delighted with the pasta course. Pear and gorgonzola ravioli was to die for! Janet guided our table into wine and prosecco selections beautifully, and we enjoyed her knowledge of the menu, her delightful personality and her ability to foresee our wants before we spoke of them. The restaurant brought a slice of the raspberry chocolate truffle cake for my birthday, and then we ordered caramel cheesecake, hazelnut gelato, a trio of pana cotta, and more chocolate cake. All in all, it was the best dining and eating experience I've had in a long time - making it perfect for my birthday with wonderful friends. Thanks to the chef, our server Janet, the attentive bus staff, and the charming bartender for the experience. We will ALL be back!
(5)Karen H.
Italian is never my first choice.....but at the suggestion of a friend, we tried Enoteca Roma......and I WILL go back!! Excellent menu selections...even for the non-Italian lover! Loved the Pear, goat cheese and cranberry salad! Friends had the Polenta...what a GREAT presentation!! I had the Eggplant Parmigiana...the best I've ever had! And on Monday's....they have several excellent wines discounted to $20.00 a bottle! (or you can get it by the glass) Nice atmosphere.....enjoyed sitting on the back "balcony"....and fine service!
(4)Jovim V.
Was decent @ best. I went on a double date and we got to sit outside in the back. Felt like someone's back yard - which it was. It was kind of cool. The Misses had tummy troubles so she had to eat something bland. We tried a salad and two regular pasta dishes she can eat and I can share with her. It was decent sized, decent taste, decent proportions. It wasn't the best double date we've had. The food wasn't very memorable. It's sad if the biggest thing we remember about the night were the crazy mosquito that attacked us. Another customer brought OFF Spray which was so random.
(3)Melany P.
This is the best Italian restaurant in the Midwest!!!!!!!!!!!!! We tried 6 different dishes and stayed for 4 hours and melted with each bite! I will count the days until I can go back again. I have two favs: 1) the pear ravioli and 2) the home-made pasta-of-the-day. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. For example, we started off with different types of bruschetta that includes: 1) enzo- fresh strawberries, mascarpone, and balsomic reduction and 2) piemonte- brie, green apples and honey and too many more to list... I'm tired of each tomato bruscheta and didn't know there are other types. When I left the restaurant, I fell the impulse to travel to Italy because this restaurant made me realize that there are so many great dishes that we have not been introduced to in Chicago. You will also need to know that they have a huge patio out back that is very romantic and peaceful. Everyone on the staff gave us amazing service including Jesse and Sean. Please ask them to help you with your wine selection because they really know their wines and gave us the perfect selection for each course. Did I mention they have a bakery connected with the restaurant that is open very late with tons of natural (no preservatives) baked goods? If you need somone to go with you just say the word...I'm in!!!!
(5)Kelly K.
I've been here twice and was not disappointed on either visit. The bruschetta is light and fresh, not oily, the pizza is on amazing, and the risotto pescatore is delish! My only complaint is that I don't get cell reception in the back room!
(5)Kim J.
I still lurve Enoteca. They've added a brunch menu, and man, is it tasty. I love the eggs and polenta, and they have some nice mimosa-y drinks. A warning for Enoteca fans - I got an email today saying they're going to be on Check Please on November 6! Better go visit this week before the crowds hit and the food/service inevitably go downhill. (Damn you, Check Please!)
(5)Christy Q.
I've been here 3 times now and never ever been disappointed. I LOVE Italian food. LOVE IT! I LOVE wine. I LOVE this restaurant. First off, it's VERY tiny inside. I've never been in the winter months, so I'm not sure what seating is like then. I've only come in the summer and except for one trip, have always sat outside. This is a wine bar and they specialize in bruschetta. You MUST order a bruschetta sampler- they have bruschetta with the normal expected toppings and stuff a bit more exotic such as strawberries. All are delish! My only complaint is trying to choose which to order. I also always get a flight of wine. It's inexpensive and fun! Plus I like that I don't have to commit to a whole bottle without knowing if I'll like it. The pizza is AWESOME! Recently I had the pizza topped with sausage and giardiniere. It was really tasty but a little too salty when I reheated the leftovers. My FAVORITE pie is one I've actually mimicked at home. It's their pizza with goat cheese, prosciutto and arugula. It is FANTASTIC. It's almost like a HUGE open faced sandwich rather than a typical pizza. I absolutely adore this wine bar/ restaurant. I love the atmosphere and the food and the wine and the appetizer selections and the bruschetta. I think you owe it to yourself to come by and indulge. (I think they also deliver!!)
(5)Tina W.
Packed like a sardine on uncomfortable benches, straining to see the faces of my companions through the near dark, I thought, "Well the food had better be good". And it was... sorta. We started with a selection of bruschettas (tasty and varied!) and a selection of cheese (also tasty, but it always annoys me when 15$ buys you a centimeter slice of three cheeses. I mean I could buy 500g of each for the same price.) I shared a bottle of Malbec which was really superb! The waitress came off as a little affected but competent and well-informed. However, she seemed to be waiting on the entire room, so we didn't see too much of her. I ordered the risotto of the day with saffron, shrimp, and zucchini. It wasn't bad, but it tasted a little lackluster. I couldn't really taste (or see) the saffron and the other ingredients didn't infuse the rice with any sort of flavor. My boyfriend's first attempt at making risotto tasted much better if that tells you anything. He had the polenta special. It was pretty extravagantly prepared! They spread it onto a stone slab in front of him and then added the toppings onto it. It was pretty good! Not grainy and hard like your standard polenta. He says "surprisingly filling". For 40$ a person I expected a little more. Maybe this place is better for a weekday date for two than a Saturday night for six.
(3)Natasha P.
Enoteca Roma is absolutely charming, rustic and romantic. It's a cozy, hidden gem at the end of Division that my sister and I dined at last week. The quaint atmosphere immediately takes you in, wraps you in a chenille blanket, and allows you to relax with a great meal. My sister and I have weekly dinners and this was my pick, for some reason I had a craving for pasta but entirely ended up ordering the "Maialino," a pork dish braised in wine served over a bed of polenta. I highly recommend this dish, the pork was tender and flavored to perfection. My sister opted for the lasagna dish and about died right in front of me with the crusted-over-cheese topped creation. The service here was wonderful, thoughtful and attentive since it was our first time dining here. Our waitress was very educated and helped to answer about a thousand of our questions (we were rather indecisive that night). I'm actually considering having my next birthday get together here, it's very much my scene and a guaranteed good time all around! PS Letizia's Bakery next door is phenomenal, definitely swing by after dinner and pick yourself up some sweets! You can't pass up a bakery with an "I LOVE CARBS" sticker on the door! PPS Enoteca Roma would be a great place for a date and/or some alone time with the good 'ol Moleskine and a glass of Moscato, I'll be back!
(4)Corey B.
We've been going to Enoteca for years--since it opened--and I can at least say that the food has always been consistent, although I wish the wine list would change more or include some of the bottles of wine they have out for display. It isn't really the greatest wine list, but it does deliver for the price. Best things: the patio, bruschetta, the meat and cheese plates, the desserts Not so great: the wine pour is inconsistent, the service is just OK and the atmosphere can be flat inside--actually the place needs a paint job and serious dusting
(3)Matt S.
Both times I've been to this place, I've had the privilege in sitting in their outdoor patio area. Ambiance is always a big part of the meal for me and this is a huge plus for Enoteca Roma. I get the feeling that I'm walking into an Italian bistro in New York City--there are couches, umbrellas, strings of lights crisscrossing the patio. Hell--you might even be able to convince yourself your in Italy... well... that's a bit of a stretch, but you get the idea. My first visit I ordered a polenta dish which is served on a slab of marble--according to their menu, this is how this dish is traditionally served in Northern Italy. Who knew? While I loved the polenta, and the marble slab plate was unique, I enjoyed my second round entrée, an orecchiette even more. And by golly it was vegan! While I can't image ever becoming a vegan, this is a pretty damn good dish. Going to make it a point to make a daytime visit to Letizia's Bakery!
(4)Jackie W.
Okay, clap your hands and say this with me: Over-Rated! I came here on a Friday after work. There were a bunch of tables that were open, but apparently the hostess felt that 2 of us just couldn't sit at a table for two. After being generally snotty and reprimanding us for not having reservations (a reprimand? are you serious!?!?!), she told us it would be a 45 minute wait. And there was no space in the bar, so we could just stand there. Never mind that the people who came in right before us didn't have a reservation and were seated at one of the numerous empty tables. It's a shame that a snotty hostess ruined it, because I will NOT be taking my $$ or my friends back here. Rude, and a total waste of a cab fare.
(1)Fred M.
Excellent all the way. Sean the maestro at the bar paired some perfect wines with our meal. Here's what we had...Apps: Arugula salad and Fried polenta with Ribolla Gialla. Primi: Carrot gnocchi and Ravioli Mortadella with Cirelli Montepolciano D'Abruzzo. Secondi: Giant meatballs and Polenta with venison bolognese with Cantine Barbera Monferatto. He also reco'd some wonderful Amaros..Nonino and Mardini...with our dessert. Doesn't get any better. Thanks Sean!!
(5)