Nonna Silvia's is everything you could want in a neighborhood Italian restaurant. The staff is knowledgable and attentive and the food can easily speak for itself. Nonna's has a large menu with enough options to satisfy everyone who walks through the door. Fantastic pastas, seafood, meat and salads-the hardest decision is choosing what to order! Many of the pastas are made in-house including their amazing ravioli. The specials are innovative and delicious. And the grilled calamari is the star of the show! The ambiance is welcoming and there is a semi private room for parties. The patio is perfect for long summertime lunches and dinners. With a good cocktail or bottle of wine, it is a great place to enjoy the beautiful weather.
(5)
Jaime E.
Located on the border of suburban Park Ridge and Chicago, Nonna Silvia's is worth a trip from the city. The ambiance invokes old world Italy and the cozy size of the restaurant makes you feel right at home. I've never had something here I didn't like but the lobster ravioli will change your life. Their homemade pastas, impressive wine list and rotating seasonal specials always provide a new culinary adventure. The staff is incredible- from the hosts, servers and bus boys all the way up to Chef John and Chef Steve, it's clear that this family business puts their heart and soul into every dish. I've never been to Italy, but Nonna Silvia's has inspired me to plan a trip and it seems the only difference between Nonna's and Italy is the language spoken.
(5)
Amy D.
Was in town a few weeks back for some meetings and we set up a group dinner at Nonna Silvia's - it was pre-fixe but the choices were great and the food was really good. The grilled calamari was a bit strong for me; however, the bruschetta and caprese salad were great as was my entree. Braised short rib? I don't even recall, but the meat was tender, veggies perfectly cooked and garlic mashed potatoes were de-lish. Dessert was a smorgasbord of miniature cannoli, tiramisu and more. All very tasty! Service was spot on as well - we all had a great time here!
(4)
Crystal L.
We had seen it every day on our bike ride to and from home. It seemed like it was a bit to upscale for us and on our way to Lucky's found out that they had changed hours and decided to give it a try. Wow is all I have to say. The food is amazing. I did feel a bit under dressed but the fresh bread was amazing and the staff was super friendly. It was around 3 P.M. so it wasn't really crowded. A bit pricey but the staff and the food made up for it. I loved the most that the sauce on the noodles wasn't watery. That is normally an issue when ever I get pasta dishes but this was thick and creamy. So rich in flavor. Will be going back!
(5)
Penny K.
Wonderful. Great food. The chicken pizzioli (sp?) was so delicious - everything is great. Nice ambiance and good service. Menu features some usual choices that you won't see everywhere else.
(5)
Joann H.
I haven't been to Nonna Silvia's in 15 years, which is when they first opened. I was meeting a friend for dinner there and I was blown away by how it has changed!! This was a tiny new restaurant two doors down where the restaurant is currently located. It was a lovely place but boy oh boy has it expanded. The Place: The restaurant has an Italian world charm with exposed brick and dark wood tables and chairs all perfectly situated so as to give you and your party privacy and not too far away to not feel like a family traditional Italian trattoria. The Service: Everyone was welcoming, and our server was truly interested in what we were in the mood for based on our appetite and what we were looking for that night. My friend and I decided to try a bunch of stuff and share it. Our server knew the details of each dish we ordered, told me how the dish would be made, and if I was so inclined, gave a wine pairing suggestion. Food: We started off with their signature grilled calamari: Holy crap!! AMAZING. The grilled calamari was delicious, tender (not rubbery like some places), and not cut in rings. It was a great presentation layed out on bed of sauteed spinisch, garlic, grape tomatoes and a lemony balsamic glaze. All the flavors meshed well with one another, that grilled tender taste of the calamari against the earthy spinach and zest of lemon.....PERFECTION. My friend and I split the next dish on purpose to save room for the rest of our items. We ordered the Spaghettini nero con gamberi. It was hand cut squid ink pasta with a spicy puttanesca sauce topped with gulf shrimp and zucchini. The shrimp and zucchini was good. The pasta was good but not my top favorite. I think it was the fact that the black ink pasta is pretty dark and took my mind off wanting to eat more. Tried the Ravioli di Carciofi: (hope I didn't butcher than name!) ANOTHER HOLY CRAP!!!!. It was a house made braised artichoke ravioli, with ricotta, and a balsamic cream sauce. OMFG. Delicious and velvety in flavor. I had to ask the owner about this dish. He was so happy to see me so crazy in love with this dish as the flour is not a regular flour from here. The restaurant uses an Italian flour that is lighter in texture. It really did this dish some justice. My all time favorite dish was my last dish (yeah yeah, I ate alot, we know but I did actually take some home as I ordered dishes I really wanted to try). The RISOTTO Di MARE (using caps on purpose here)......IF YOU ARE A SEAFOOD LOVER, or need an option for lent. Get yourself this dish. A plum tomato sauce risotto with fresh garlic and basil, with a lovely melange of seafood that included clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops, king crab, and calamari. I am not kidding, I had to tell my friend in mid conversation: Shhh hold on as I was in seafood heaven truly enjoying this dish. MY ALL TIME FAVORITE DISH. This is a solid restaurant with amazing Italian options for both the meat and seafood lover. Venture out to Park Ridge and try their food and enjoy the ambiance. Truly worth it. Not far from the city, easy trip to the restaurant. WILL BE BACK again.
(4)
David L.
Had another great meal. And the service was even better! And the Tiramisa was to write home about.
(5)
Mirza M.
I live right around the corner from this place and decided to give it a try (carry out). Grilled calamari was incredible. Margherita pizza was delicious and chicken alfredo desired some inspiration but there is only so much you can do to a simple dish such as this one, I guess. Food was ready on time, nicely packaged and ready to go.
(4)
Michael M.
An outstanding meal. The calamari appetizer is grilled and seasoned to perfection and the spinach salad with chicken (something I eat regularly elsewhere) is the best I've ever had. What a great treat for my first night on the outskirts of Chicago. Might have to come back this week again before I leave. Did I mention the delicious Napa Cabernet? Yumm
(5)
B G.
Cozy neighborhood atmosphere. Enjoyed the outdoor area on a beautiful evening. Pumpkin ravioli! Yes!
(4)
Roxanne R.
I'm surprised to see all of the mixed reviews on Yelp because I thought this place was fantastic. I came here with my in-laws for a graduation celebration. We all very much enjoyed our food. We started with the grilled and fried calamari. Our table was split as to which we liked better but I think both were equally good. The restaurant has specials that they change out every week. I ordered a special of thick noodles, shrimp, and saffron brandy cream sauce. I like how fresh the egg noodles tasted. I thought it was great. I think the sauce could have had a bit more flavoring but the shrimp and pasta were cooked perfectly. My husband had a meat ravioli and devoured his meal as did most everyone at the table. The service was excellent. The waiter was very friendly and brought a cake for the graduation celebrants. I would definitely return!
(4)
Nikki's Hair Designs T.
Omg we loved everything about this resturaunt and the food was mouth watering !!!! Definitly goin back many more times to try as many dishes this place is a must see !!!!!!! Servers Were awsome and attentive and friendly ;)
(5)
Irena A.
I went to this place recently and absolutely LOVED it. Truly authentic Italian food! The service was excellent. The food was incredibly delicious. Truly authentic Italian. I loved their calamari. Their Caprese salad was so fresh! The pumpkin ravioli was yummy. I Will definitely return. You won't be disappointed. Go here.
(5)
Mark G.
Came here for my daughter's birthday, beautiful day to be out on the patio. Kids had a great time, enjoyed the pizza and lemonade. My wife had the walleye, she thought it was great, and freshly prepared. I had a lamb shank, with saffron risotto, delicious and tender. My mom had some porcini stuffed pasta, unbelievably great. Service was fast and to the tee.(Carl) Dessert was amazing, had one of almost everything since it was my daughters Birthday, and you can just tell that they were homemade. Most of all, the experience left me with the sense that I felt welcome, even with young children, and for that reason, I will be back very soon.
(5)
Beth C.
Nonna Silvia's has become one of our most frequented restaurants for work events. The food is great, the service is helpful, and the wine is not overpriced. A must is the grilled calamari. I'm not typically a fan of calamari. I typically find it to be kind of chewy. Their grilled calamari is divine. When we go with a large group, we get several orders of this for the table. I am a fan of their house-made ravioli. They don't overly douse their pastas in sauce. It's always the perfect balance of sauce and pasta. However, on my last visit, I was craving something a bit more heavy handed. I wanted something saucy, meaty, cheesy - so, of course, I went with the lasagna. OMG - so good. I almost wish I didn't know how yummy this was because now I'll have to keep getting it. My work family can be a bunch of wine snobs. Nonna Silvia's menu is solid but not overpriced. You can get a pretty good bottle at a decent price. We typically go for work events, which means we usually have a large group. They have a great back room that can be used for private parties that they just added in the last year or two. I don't know why but it's never crowded at Nonna Silvia's. Maybe we go on "off" nights, but we usually dominate the restaurant.
(4)
Linda M.
Wouldn't let us use the coupon for brucessta for lunch time dine in when it clearly said one free order of brucessta dine in only. Had some excuse that it was only when ordering entrees when we ordered sandwiches. Said nothing about that on the coupon. Please and the sandwiches not even good. Sour tasting ribeye meat had to take it off. Do not recommend
(1)
Jamie S.
Amazing service and delicious food! We all ordered something different and each one was great. We highly recommend the pumpkin ravioli and rotolli. We also ordered drsserts. The cannoli were good, the shell a little thick, but the filling was very good.
(5)
Ryan L.
Fantastic neighborhood Italian restaurant. They have weekly specials and a traditional Italian seasonal menu. Good for something as simple as a pizza or you can go to the other end of the spectrum and get a steak or fresh fish. The staff is friendly and knows the menu. I highly recommend Nona Sylvias for a meal out.
(5)
Gabriella M.
A small family establishment that is now going on their 15th year, so I've experienced! Their house and weekly specials are what keep us coming back. Not to mention the monthly wine dinners that are held. They're reasonably priced and you leave the place making friends with some of the regulars and if you're lucky, a raffled off bottle of wine. It truly is a pleasure to support small family businesses who have such a passion for food. Highly recommended.
(5)
Bridgette B.
My favorite Italian food in the area! Great service! I recommend to everyone!
(5)
Pierre D.
Free bruschetta (with check-in), nice outdoor seating and solid food. Swiss charr fettuccine was excellent. Great service too.
(4)
Joanna A.
So it's 8pm on a Friday night and I understand that places are going to be a bit busy during dinner time. The hostess tells us there will be a 30 minute wait. It's 9pm and our party of 4 still hasn't been seated. Hostess says it will be another 15 minutes. I'm already one bottle of wine down at the bar and my 4 year old son is all over the place. Do I care? Nope! They made me wait this long. Hostess needs a watch and better expectations. Food better be good because I'll never be back here. The food was fantastic! Well worth the wait. The owner came to the table to apologize for the wait and the bottle I drank at the bar was comped and the desert they threw in was fantastic!
(3)
Diana B.
My husband & I always drive past Nonna Silvia's, so eventually we decide to give their food a try. We called for pick-up & I ordered the "Pollo Con Pesto Panini"...... It was just not up to par. The bread was cut in different angles that didn't match the bottom piece. So when I picked it up, the huge piece of chicken was dangling off the piece of bread that didn't fit it's size. The bread was barely pressed as a panini should be. On top of that, it was very bland. I didn't finish it. My husband had the Panzerotti. He ate half of it, & I asked to try some because I was still hungry. It was below average. There were big bits of garlic that overwhelmed my taste buds. The sauce is lacking. To be honest with you, I regret eating the food. They should probably fire their chefs and hire new chefs with better culinary expertise before they start getting more bad reviews. This is a sign for the owner/manager to act on the problem.
(1)
Stephanie R.
Nonna Sylvia's is truly a neighborhood treasure! I wish it was in our neighborhood:) We met friends for dinner on a Saturday and thank goodness we had a reservation because it was really busy. We were seated promptly and greeted by our waitress right away. The service was perfect- attentive but not bothersome. The food-AMAZING! My husband had the pork chop which came with Brussel sprouts and it was on point. I had the lasagna and it was probably the best lasagna I have ever had. Their red sauce is so good-not acidic like it can get after sitting in a steam pan, but very fresh tasting. We were able to have normal dinner conversation without shouting because even though the restaurant was full, it wasn't super loud. I really appreciate that we saw the chef out in the dining area checking things out and talking to people. Great place for an excellent, affordable meal!
(5)
Eily O.
I have really tried to like this establishment. The plus side-very good fried calamari and bruschetta! The staff was attentive and very friendly. The downside, smelled like sewer inside and the entrees have always been bland at best. I always think I will wait and try it again but never really gets better.
(3)
Ginger P.
I've been back to Nonna's quite a few times since my last review --- and my experiences have been across the board very positive, so I thought it time to revise and update my rating! In my experience, the service is always terrific....friendly, attentive, helpful. The grilled calamari with garlic and spinach is divine. I always order it as an appetizer when I bring friends who are new to the place. I love the special they sometimes offer with short rib, and I highly recommend the tilapia with vesuvio potatoes....very flavorful -- last time I was there I was tempted to lick the plate clean. ;) Go with a friend, order a nice bottle of wine, a shared dish of calamari, house salad and the tilapia....can't go wrong. Bon appetit!
(5)
Azra H.
This review is far overdue!! I've been to Nonna's too many times to count. I've ordered delivery, dined in and even hosted a baby shower here. Delivery is always timely and the food is piping hot and delicious. Dining in is a wonderful experience (great for date nights) and they have a great wine selection. The grilled calamari is literally an orgasm in your mouth. It's that good. I am literally drooling at the thought of it. Their steak with blue cheese crust is delicious as is their pumpkin ravioli. For the baby shower I hosted, the private room was perfect. The room in itself was absolutely beautiful! It was gorgeous yet simple which really made my baby shower decorations POP. Their staff assisted in every aspect of the shower preparations from hanging colorful puff balls to helping me tape a baby clothes line to helping me melt chocolate for my chocolate fountain. The guests were greeted with a mimosa as they walked in the the restaurant. (They literally had someone making fresh mimosas as needed and physically HANDING them to each guest. How great is that?) Dealing with Steve Marti (I believe he is one of the owners) to book and plan the menu was great. I didn't have to worry about a thing. I just told him what I would like and he took care of Every. Single. Thing. (My sister was very picky with food during her pregnancy, which made planning a menu difficult) I visited with at least 7 other potential restaurants for the shower before I choose Nonna's, not any other one made me feel like I was their top priority. (I know I wasnt, but I felt like it) I can't make it to Nonna Silvia's as often as I like, but every time I head to that part of the 'burbs, I have to eat there.
(5)
Cheryl H.
We were in the neighborhood and stopped by on a whim and we are so glad we did! It is so refreshing to eat at a restaurant where the food is fresh made, flavorful and priced favorably. Fantastic service, too! Despite the fact that we live 45 minutes away we will undoubtedly be back. Recommend the gnocchi with pasta sauce and homemade banana pudding for dessert---yummo!
(5)
rachelle m.
I route by Park Ridge for work every month and ALWAYS stop by Nonna Silvia's for their gluten free pizza which is delicious. The crust is crispy, the service is awesome, and the staff very friendly. I would highly recommend this restaurant for those in need of gluten free options. The gluten free flour less chocolate cake was amazing and so rich that I ate a little at lunch and the rest at home after dinner with my Hubby. Karol (pronounced as Carl) is a very caring and efficient waiter. Do not let any low reviews dissuade you from eating here!
(5)
Amanda W.
We had such a great time here. Carl was our server, he was funny and took great care of us. The food was amazing!!! We sampled several of the specials including seafood risotto, osso bucco, veal. For dessert we has the Tiramisu, Carmel gelato (my favorite), cannolis, chocolate lava cake. We will definitely be back!!! I highly recommend this place!!
(5)
Stephanie L.
A nice little place that has good food and nice staff. Everything we ate was really good, I especially liked their dessert selection. The banana pudding in a mason jar is so good I am still talking about it. We came in late and they didn't rush us to order or eat or pay which was nice considering it was very close to closing when we arrived. If you're looking for a nice Italian place with lots of options, this one is for you.
(4)
Cyrus M.
My wife, mom, and I recently went to Nonna Silvia's and had a great meal. We sat at the bar, and the bartender was friendly and attentive. I ordered the pollo arrosto and thought it was very good. The chicken was cooked well - not dry at all. The sauce was flavorful, and my wife loved the mashed potatoes. The prices are reasonable, too. I'm sure I'd send my friends here, and I'm sure I'll be back.
(5)
Melissa W.
We came for dinner on a weekday, with a group of 5. The atmosphere was wonderful, small Italian feel. The food was Amazing! We ordered all off all the special menu, including the veal medallions, seafood rissoto, and osso bucco ravioli. We also indulged in dessert, the tiramisu was one of the best, smooth cream, not too sweet, good espresso taste. The salted caramel gelato delicious! The chocolate lava cake with vanilla gelato, is perfect for a chocolate lover. We had drinks off their specialty menu. The "old fashion my way" and "ruby slipper" were both top notch. They have a full bar and good selection of beer and wine too. Our server Karl was great! Attentive and funny, he made very good suggestions and was personable.
(5)
Jimmy B.
Really enjoyed everything at this restaurant. Came here for my wife's birthday with her mom, and every dish was fantastic. They were a little busy so service was a little slow, but we have been there since, and it was great so I think they were just a little swamped. I'll definitely be back!
(5)
Paul B.
I absolutely love this place. The food is always fresh and well prepared. The owners always seem to have plenty of specials to keep the menu interesting. And the specials usually seem to be based on the availability of fresh ingredients. The service is always friendly and very helpful. We eat at Nonna Silvia's often, and always totally enjoy ourselves. And of course, when the weather is nice, the outside patio is a wonderful place to relax, enjoy a fantastic meal and a bottle of wine.
(5)
John K.
We've always enjoyed the vibe and quaint feel of this place. We've been here twice before but haven't visited in a year or more. It's the perfect little place for date night or dinner with a small group of friends. We arrived and were seated within 5 min (we were a bit early for our reservations) Our waitress (very pleasant) arrived quickly and took our drink order. Our dinner arrived fairly quick and was exactly as we had ordered. My Pollo Veneto (chicken w/ sweet onions, sun-dried tomatoes, shitake, spinach, goat cheese cream sauce) was so good I was tempted to ask for a second helping! (like I need that :-) I also made sure I ordered the House made meatballs which I always enjoy. My significant other chose Bistecca (steak) which was one of the specials of the evening. It was grilled exactly to her liking and she wasted no time in finishing her steak. We both devoured our main courses and were still ready and willing for dessert. My dessert, the Budino di Bannana with sliced bananas, banana pudding and graham crackers was delicious. The only negative aspect was our bread basket which contained bread that was slightly on the harder side of things. We've had MUCH worse so I won't harp about this too much. We did have to ask them twice to bring us a second bread basket. It also took awhile before the olive oil arrived at our table. The olive oil should always be there right along with the grated cheese when that warm bread arrives. Beyond these slight hiccups, we were very satisfied and content. Overall, a successful Italian dining experience for two. Will gladly come back again and recommend Nonna Silvia's for your Italian taste buds.
(4)
Diane N.
The last time I was here was back in 2012 when I'd cross the restaurant off my list after too many bad service experiences. What an improvement! After hearing they'd expanded and improved on the service, we decided to give this local eatery another chance. Service last night was quite good. We were immediately acknowledged by the hostess who told us she had a table almost ready and then gave us our choice of two tables. After being seated, and receiving menus, water and bread, the hostess stopped by to let us know the waitress was a bit behind, but she offered to take our drink order - which was great! I totally understand when a restaurant is busy, just please take my drink order and ensure I have water and a menu. The food was excellent - I had the trout with sweet onions and a pesto sauce, baby grilled asparagus - done to perfection and risotto - also very good. My husband had the sausage fennel ravioli with broccolli rabe and spinach. He ordered it with a different sauce - the marinara, which the waitress suggested since he didn't like the basil marinara served with the dish. Little accomodations like these make it worth the price. Great redemptive experience! We will be back!
(4)
Mary L.
Went to lunch there today with my 84 year old Aunt . We have never been there before, but have heard good things about the place . Waitress was VERY welcoming.! My aunt loved the hot fresh crispy bread . They gladly brought her a second loaf !! Minestrone was very good with fresh vegetables . Bowl of Spaghetti and meat sauce was very large for her . I had the chicken dish ( forgot the name ) with spinach , sun dried tomatoes, mushrooms and onions. It was very flavorful and brought home my leftovers for my hubby :) Thank you for an enjoyable time out and being so patient and nice to her :) I would definitely come back again !!
(4)
Rob W.
The reviews are all over the board on this place and many seem to be less than stellar. Nonetheless, my review is based on my and my family's Mother's Day experience here - and I must say that they did a great job. The five star rating is a touch high - probably more of a 4.5, but I'll give them a nod for now. First, we arrived in three separate vehicles a little before 6PM when the reservation for our party of five was made. I arrived first and saw that there was a cramped waiting area so I asked the hostess is there might be a place for my mom to sit as she is older and can't stand for long periods. Their "waiting area" is limited to a small bar area up front and a tiny entry way - it was a little too cold to wait outside that day. The hostess noted that a party near the bar would be seated soon and there would be more room - or maybe waiting in the car might be a better option - not exactly a hospitable response, but in truth a practical one. However, as that is being discussed, I see my brother and mom through the window walking up to the restaurant. When she was inside, the hostess understood why I was seeking a place for her and immediately offered to put a chair right behind the hostess stand, where there was ample room to sit - and was actually an inconvenience to the host staff - but they were fine with it. Their willingness to accommodate was commendable - and my mom ended up chatting with a nearby table for a bit, so that went well too. After a reasonable wait, we were seated in the adjacent room. Our table ordered two appetizers - my brother and I split the grilled calamari, which I found to be extremely tasty. It was served with some grape tomatoes on a bed of lightly sauteed spinach, most of which I also ate. Bread was served warm - almost hot and was very good. While I didn't have any bruschetta, the rest of my family enjoyed it. For entrees, my mom had Sea Bass which she enjoyed though she thought the portion was a little small. Both my brothers enjoyed their meals; one had farfadelle and the other lasagna - he said the lasagna was near some of the best he has had. My sister-in-law and I both enjoyed the gnocchi. While it wasn't lacking, I do wish there was a touch more pancetta in the vodka sauce. The gnocchi dumplings themselves were about the best I've had - perfect texture and a good taste too. We all ordered dessert and were happy with that as well; I had a sea salt caramel gelato which was loaded with flavor. Service throughout the meal was timely, pleasant and attentive. We ended up being there for about two hours and had a great time. As I got up to leave, I noticed that unlike so many places nowadays, I wasn't having to worry about bumping another diner or table due to cramped accommodations - there was sufficient room. I commented on that to my brother and he also noted how the restaurant wasn't trying to push people in and out either - like so many do to fill their place. So, as I noted earlier, while the food wasn't absolutely perfect, I'm still giving this place a "benefit of the doubt" five star rating because of their excellent hospitality. I definitely enjoyed my experience here and do plan to return again.
(5)
Tiffany K.
Great food, great customer service, and great atmosphere. The food was delicious. I completely recommend this place to anyone. The host was very kind and welcoming. =)
(5)
Kathy D.
Went there last night for my birthday with friends and it was my first time there. I am giving it 2 stars because we all loved our dishes. I had the gnocci in vodtka sauce and I thought it was delicious. Here's the thing. This is the first Italian restaurant where I would say you must order an appetizer!! These were the smallest portion sizes I have ever seen. Out of 4 of us, not one of us had a doggie bag and considering we start with alcohol and plan on celebrating all night, we do not pig out. These were child size portions if you compare it to any other Italian restaurant. For the same price go to Zias and have an extra meal for the next day. Our waitress would not even bring us more bread. The service was horrible. We told the waitress it was my birthday and after waiting 15 minutes for our first round of drinks, she never came back and asked if we wanted another. We had to beg her for more. And the second round was made completely different from the first round. Smaller glasses, different taste. How weird!! They charged the same price. There are so many Italian restaurants around. This place is truly not worth it.
(2)
Ina S.
Their pasta is not fresh.... Lasagna is microwaved. I don't go to a restaurant to have a frozen meal... Even Jewl osco can do better than that. Their chicken was very dry... The service was very slow here but polite.
(1)
Annmarie K.
We went back for pizzas the next week for lunch. Amazing! Definitely get a pizza for lunch.
(4)
Deeje E.
This place is amazing. Homemade everything. Fresh weekly pastas. The duck sausage pizza is great. the homemade burratta and lemonchello are incredible to start and finish. Fresh quality ingredients and a well priced wine list with some hidden gems. Of all the options if good Italian restaurants in the neighborhood...these guys stand above them all.
(5)
Dana Z.
Food was good, service needs improvement, decor and ambience is nice.
(3)
Yvette S.
there are only a few words to explain the food and service here! excellent and definitely a restaurant we will visit often.
(5)
Mary Ann C.
Dinner last night on the patio at Nonna Silvia's was so good. Enjoyed homemade Swiss chard fettuccini and homemade asparagus ravioli. The pasta dishes they create are heavenly.....my favorite when I am craving Italian food!
(5)
Sam S.
My boyfriend and I just dined at Nonna Silvia's tonight for Valentine's Day. We LOVED our experience. We weren't feeling wine tonight, so to start to drink I got the Ruby Slipper which was a mix of Absolut's Ruby Red, Lychee, and grapefruit juice. It was a nice drink-- a bit bitter, but I wish there was more of it so I can't say I didn't like it! My boyfriend got the Urban Twist, which was a play on a vodka-cran-lime in a martini glass. Also very delicious, but maybe a little too sweet for my taste. (Oh well! we drank them and were feeling great :) ) As starters we ordered the Bruschetta and the Portobello Mushroom caps in a balsamic reduction. Bruschetta was perfect--absolutely fresh and perfect serving size for the two of us. The portobello were very VERY delicious as well. (I'm a huge mushroom fan). I would say in my opinion there was a little too much reduction in the dish it was served in. We had to do a little fishing for the mushrooms! For our entrees, I got the rotolo which was a pasta spiral with ricotta, spinach, and in a tomato cream sauce--wonderful! I thought the tomato sauce was flavored perfectly. I also loved the spinach. The only thing I could say that it was very, very heavy on the cheese. (Which isn't necessarily a bad thing ;) ) My boyfriend ordered the baked eggplant. This dish was AMAZING, and I fought him for some of it as well! Nonna's marinara sauce was beautiful, completely fresh, home made, and sweet without being too sweet. The eggplant itself was cooked in thin slices, which I was not expecting, but still delicious! I would definitely order this dish if we visit Nonna's again. I've got to say, the service was fantastic. Our server was incredibly friendly, outgoing, polite, fun, prompt, and accurate. I think our service was just as big of a star tonight as our meal. We only live about a half hour away, so I definitely think we will be giving Nonna's another visit sometime in the near future! THANKS NONNA'S!
(5)
Joelle S.
Had dinner on a Tuesday night, lots of outside diners, we sat inside. Ordered two of the specials: Insulata Tuscana, which was arugala with procutto di parma, grilled peaches and cheese. Not my favorite. The peaches were grilled too much for my taste, and the peppery arugala did nothing for the peaches, which should have been the focus. The Fettucini Verdi was another story. Wonderfully made, the pasta itself was made with swiss chard and held a deep green color. Simply made with garlic, evoo and cherry tomatoes, we fought over who would have the last fork full! Based on what we had, this place is a 50/50 chance. But with a coupon, worth the trip.
(3)
Bruce L.
First Let me say the service is great. Also very friendly & knowledgeable. However, the food is another story. Lets just say you don't get much for the Very expensive price you pay. Prices and offerings are like something you would find in Lincoln park. You break your wallet and leave hungry. The dinner I got was Chicken with artichokes in red sauce. My drink napkin was bigger than my portion. Bland taste. The pizza my wife had looked like a frozen pizza that was microwaved. It was soggy and cheese wasn't even melted. Don't waste your money on a bottle of wine either. $42.00 for 1 bottle? I don't think so..At least the bread & olive oil was good. Everything is ala carte. Many other good Ital places in the area that give you way much more and don't pretend to be Lincoln Park on the NW side..
(2)
Lauren D.
We ordered items that were not listed on the menu. They were happy to whip up these dishes for us. For example, chicken parmigiana and chicken vesuvio were not listed on the menu. They were very flavorful, the chicken was juicy and delectable. The chicken parmigiana receives four stars and the chicken vesuvio receives four stars. My only suggestion to the Chef is to cut the potatoes for the chicken vesuvio larger. It makes it easier to stab with a fork. What I like about their pasta is that it is made fresh. One can really taste the difference (pasta in a box versus freshly made pasta). My niece ordered the pumpkin raviolis. The sauce was so good that she mopped it up with their warm crusty and freshly made Italian bread. She rated the pumpkin raviolis with five stars! My sister ordered Pollo arrosto - which is chicken breast with roma tomatoes, yukon potato slices, rosemary, san giacomo balsamic white wine with vegetables, but no pasta. She said it is worth a 5-star rating. We ordered a side of angel hair pasta with marinara sauce. The sauce was light, sweet and actually pretty decent tasting. We thought it was worth 4-stars. In 2013, my over all rating was three stars, but I increased it by one star because our Server was knowledgeable, made some excellent recommendations (including wine) and described, in details, their 'specials' which we really appreciated. She was attentive, but not smothering. Also, we increased the ratings because they prepared several dishes for us that were not listed on their menu. We really thought this was a great way to provide excellent customer service. Give the customer(s) what they want, and they'll return. The portions were perfect. We didn't have left-overs, but we actually prefer not to have left-over food. We were satisfied but not "stuffed" and uncomfortable. My only gripe was WHY have "Open Table" reservations if we cannot use it on Yelp. I attempted to make a 7 pm dinner reservation for four, via "Open Table," but it was not do-able. I tried and tried to make a reservation for 18-APR-2014, but the only choice I continued to get was "2" people. I wasn't able to change the "2" to "4" so after some frustration and aggravation, I called the restaurant and made the reservation the old-fashioned way. The cuisine, the vino, the Italian bread, and most importantly, the service were all positive. Our total for four persons came to $106 and change, which included two glasses of wine and no dessert. The vibe of the restaurant is casual, modern and contemporary with exposed brick walls and a loft-like appearance in their newer dining area. The original dining area has a dark brown copper ceiling. Most Italian restaurants give an abundance of food that three people can share, but this is not the case at Nona Silvia's so don't expect to walk away with a "Doggie" bag. I think this is why Americans are over-weight -- huge portions of food. Order a salad and/or soup if you want to feel full, but yet satisfied. Otherwise, enjoy the fresh made pasta dishes and the crusty, hot, freshly made Italian bread. It's crispy crust and fluffy inside are the perfect amalgamation!
(4)
Russ M.
A-OK describes it. A nice outdoor dining experience on a nice weather night. The food was decent, nothing magnificent but also not expensive.
(3)
Cristie F.
I'm not sure what's going on with some of these horrendous reviews about Nonna Silvia's Trattoria & Pizzeria. I had quite a fab experience! However, I've only dealt with NS for catering, delivery, and my most recently, my first dine-in experience for lunch. Either way - it makes me sad. Nonna Silvia's and I had a grand ol' time together. I will admit that will only three tables filled during lunch, the service lacked some. The waiter wasn't quite as attentive as he should have been, and I had to ask for my water refilled several times. When you only have 2-3 tables to wait, you should be on top of that like a fat kid on a cupcake. The dine in menu is different than their delivery/catering menu - so I recommend dining in. They have quite a few more seasonal options that aren't listed on the other menus. ((strange)). I had previously had their Pumpkin Ravioli with creamy tomato goat cheese sauce. Those little stuffed pasta squares are the most delectable ravioli I have tasted. However, they are very sweet and rich - so go easy. It's a dish best for sharing. I opted for something new so I went with the housemade swiss chard fettuccine with a spicy olive oil and tomato sauce. BEST. F'ING. PASTA. EVER. You could taste the swiss chard in each noodle, and they were cooked to a perfect al dente. If I didn't have to go back to work and have a gut bomb for the rest of the day, I would have eaten the whole bowl. The rest of the group felt the same, and we all left with clean plates or a small amount of leftovers. Obviously we thought it was delish. Final Note: I dig the food. I dig the romantic atmosphere. And I overall dig Nonna Silvia's.
(4)
Dhruv P.
The food was bland and the cocktails were average. The decor is done well and the service was terrific. I probably would never come here again because its just out of my way and the food wasn't something I would crave. I got the Rotolo Ripieno (pinwheel pasta) with ricotta, spinach and creamy tomato basil sauce. When I got it, all I tasted was the ricotta and vodka sauce. The pasta seemed to be chewy and I couldn't taste the basil in the sauce. The two different cocktails I got both tasted like each other, which ended up tasting like White Russian.
(2)
Vee D.
I cannot believe how terrible our experience was at this restaurant. The server did not have recommendations for wine, entrees, appetizers... basically everything a server should have knowledge about. After receiving burnt bruschetta, under cooked pasta and the incorrect replacement order... it was easy to determine why we didn't tried this place sooner. AVOID!!!
(1)
Valerie S.
I'm surprised by the poor reviews. I've been here twice and both times my food was wonderful and we had good service. The first time we took my husband's parents for dinner and everyone raved about their food. Two of us had the pumpkin ravioli, one had pizza and one had gnocchi. The second visit was with a group of about eight girlfriends and everyone seemed to enjoy their meal. The restaurant was very accommodating of our group size, which also lingered for a few hours while eating and holding a book discussion. No complaints.
(5)
Mike L.
Last Saturday was my first time at Nonna Silvia's and before that I never knew it existed - I am really glad we went. I cannot understand some of the reviews I have read - it's almost as if we ate at 2 different restaurants, but what can I say? Pros; One of the best and unique grilled Calamari dishes I have had anywhere in Chicago - why? Because it was spicy and just the right amount of hot added! Not just gilled plain with olive oil, etc. VERY GOOD!! My Grilled White Fish with Pesto and Pinoli (was out of this world) I don't eat Risotto or Rice that much anymore, so I asked for Spinach instead, and it was perfect. I don't use butter or oil when I eat bread, I use gravy (Red Sauce) like when my Mom made gravy. Excellent Red Sauce - not too sweet, and nice and thick the way it should be. The Margherita Pizza was not the best I ever had, but certainly not the worst, it was all fresh ingredients, and the crust was crispy the way I like it, but not my favorite item. The Cannoli were ok - a little dry, but the filling was excellent and the Tiramisu was also just a little dry - I think the Lady fingers (or Pan Di Spagna) could sit in the Espresso a little longer, and I would mix in some real Whip cream into the Marscapone - it makes it moister, but that is just my opinion. And I am NOT complaining at all because I didn't come for desserts, I came for the main dishes so non e stato una problema affato! The service was a 10! Holly could not have been more attentive and her ability to manage and PLEASE multiple tables without making anyone wait was something to watch - a VERY good server and well worth your request to be in her area when you go! Una cameriera bravissima! The Limoncello was perfetto!!! One of the owners, John, came out and served multiple tables their food and made sure everything was taken care of - he did the same to us and really treated us well and made us all feel very welcomed. The Cons; Nothing! All in all we really had a great time and the food, wine and service were outstanding. Grazie per tutto e ritornarci presto!!
(5)
Debbie C.
I must say this has pretty good Italian food! My husband is very picky but he lived this place!! Kids enjoyed their dinner although they had spaghetti, but none the less the people who work there are super nice and welcoming!!
(3)
David R.
One of my favorate places to eat in the Edison Park / Park Ridge Area
(4)
Franco S.
Calamari fried or grilled truly a delight. You can taste the prime ingredients that are used Wonderful experience definitely returning .
I have been cooking for almost 30 years, I've owned 3 restaurants. I know how hard this business can be to operate successfully. Nonna Silvia's dining room is nicely decorated and the tables are spaced so that you are not on top of one another. We were a party of four and we found the dining experience very enjoyable. The appetizers were delicious. We started with the burata which was served on a bed of greens. It was sublimely delectable, very creamy and the grilled calamari which was very tender. My wife and I shared the pappardelle with a very good bolognese sauce and for our primo we shared veal saltimbocca that was also extremely well prepared. Our dining partners had shared a pizza that was good but not great and had a red snapper that they let us taste which was four star good. The service was just a little bit slow but I will cut them slack on this because the room was full. Although the service was on the slow side I did not feel we were being ignored. In my opinion it is better for the service to be a bit on the leisurely side rather than feel rushed because the restaurant wants to turn the table to get another seating. The server was obviously busy but she was still attentive. While the pricing is not cheap I think it is a good dining value. I feel it is fairly priced for what they produce. My primary point is that the people who own and run this establishment really care about what they do and the product that is put on the table. The food is prepared with care, the presentation on the plate shows they put thought into what they do. This was my second visit and I will be back. I will recommend Nonna Silvia's to friends. While I rated it 4 stars if there was a half star option I would give it 4.5 out of 5.
(4)
MK D.
I've been to a lot of good and bad Italian restaurants. But Nonna Silvia is truly one of the best places for authentic Italian cuisine! They serve the freshest pasta and ingredients! Love going here with my hubby!
(5)
Katie F.
I went to Nonna Silvia's for a birthday dinner with my friends. The space is small and cute... and the wait service is very nice. However, coming from an Italian family... that loves to cook true Italian.... I can safely say their food is anything but Authentic Italian. At best it is a canned or frozen store bought American version of what they think Italian is. I ordered the Bolognese - which is an authentic Italian MEAT sauce. Not a tomato sauce. However, what was brought to me can only be described as Marinara with store bought Italian Sausage pieces in it... not Bolognese. Because my friends had taken me here for my birthday, I decided to pick at it and not complain. However, had it been just me and my husband it would have gone back. Someone needs to teach their chef real Italian recipes. I would bet that was brought to our table was not homemade or fresh. It all tasted frozen and canned... even their pasta. For their prices, I would have expected more. Even their Tiramisu tasted like it was from a box. Oh and it was so hot in their restaurant that I thought I was going to pass out! And when I told the waitress that it was rather hot, she essentially said she has it worse than me because she is running around. Which is true. But also not the response one would expect. There are much better places to go for Italian in Park Ridge and Edison Park. For those looking for somewhere else - try Pizanos.
(2)
Jennifer P.
To be completely honest, I cannot believe this place is still in business. It was so loud I couldn't even hear my boyfriend from across the table!! The food was overpriced as all hell and most importantly, NOT REAL ITALIAN FOOD!!!!!!!!!!! I literally had 6 bites of pasta with a few shrimp and clams for over $20. NOT WORTH IT!!!! Take your money elsewhere.... I would rather make the drive someplace decent!! I filled out a survey card about our horrible experience and no one ever got back to me. all i got was more newsletters about their crappy food. When you get a negative review, the thing to do isn't send them more stuff that they won't ever get... it's to APOLOGIZE for the experience!!!!!!! I am never usually this harsh with a review, but this time, i feel it is necessary. i am so mad about everything that happened with this place. Especially because the whole point of a comment card is to respond to your customers feedback. This was my anniversary dinner with my boyfriend and it was only salvaged by a trip to ben and jerry's afterward. Bottom line..... STAY AWAY unless you are looking for a noisy, overpriced, fake italian restaurant!!!!!
(1)
Bob M.
This was our second time to Nonna Silvia's. I ordered the balsimic chicken dish. I was looking for something healthy. The chicken breast was very thin and dryed out. The potatoes were smothered in sauce, as if it was sitting in the kitchen all day. My wife ordered pasta that was buried in sauce. Too many decent place to eat, avoid this one!
(1)
Epicure S.
We have passed by Nonna Silvia for years thinking it to be an upscale pizza place. However, after our experience for lunch today, we highly recommend anyone who enjoys quality fresh pastas, good wine and veal dishes should give it a try. The service we received was personal and friendly. The mussel dish was made to our specifications rather than accepting what was offered on the menu. Taking time to make a diner happy with a personal preparation is rare these days. Mushroom ravioli was freshly made accompanied by an outstanding cream sauce. Parpadelle was also freshly made of egg noodles fava beans with a hint of mint. Caesar salad and minestrone were well above average. My wife and I dine out regularly but only comment on Yelp when we are very impressed.
(5)
Christina B.
I have been here 3 times for dinner and enjoyed every visit. It is small, it gets crowded quickly on the weekend, so the last time I went I made reservations and we were seated immediately. I always start with the caprese salad which is always good, but probably pretty difficult to screw up. I have had the pumpkin ravioli twice, which was delicious, and the rotolo on my last visit which was not amazing but it was pretty good. I always order the same drink, I believe it's called the think pink lemonade. I've had it as a martini and a cocktail on ice and loved it either way. For dessert (I cannot remember the name) my husband and I shared some banana pudding graham/cracker concoction that was delicious.
(4)
L W.
Service was good. The appetizer of baked clams were little neck clams with a bread crumb sauce; still trying to find the clams! The veal picatta as mentioned on the menu, "provimi" veal; this was not "provimi" veal or else was an old piece of meat. This was served on a bed of linguini swimming in a lemony brackish watery sauce with a sprinkling of capers. This was horrible version of veal picatta; an "old family" Italian restaurant should be ashamed to serve this. It was taken off the bill, but that does not bring me back to this place. I am sure there are more reliable "italian" restaurants in the Chicago area. This Nonna Silvias is not among them.
(1)
William C.
I've been to Nonna Silvia's twice now and would love to go back. The restaurant is family owned, and I could tell. While the dining area is smaller than one would expect, I haven't felt crowded when I visit. The environment is incredible - the walls are a gorgeous brick, the ceiling has incredible accidents, the tables and chairs are a nice dark stain, everything works well together. The reason I bring this up is to note that Nonna Silvia's clearly cares about patron experience. High class environment pairs incredibly well with the high class service from our waiter (I had Luis both times) was beyond expectation. He was quick for refills, quick to remove completed dishes, and super friendly. The food is also world class. The bread is warm and delicious, the bruschetta is perfectly sweet and tangy. The margarita pizza is superb, and the vodka sauce that covered my pasta is admittedly the best sauce I've ever tasted (but please don't tell that to my great grandmother). It does take a bit of time to get your order out, especially when they're busy, but the food is hand crafted and well worth the wait. I cannot fathom how the poor reviewers had such an experience with the way Nonna Silvia's treated me. I'm no one special, but I've had excellent service, incredible food, and both times came home with something for lunch the next day. If you're looking for delicious Italian food with fantastic service and an environment to match, you'd be at a deficit to not try Nonna Silvia's.
(4)
E K.
Its a beautiful night tonight and my husband and I thought we should go back and give Nonna Silvia's a try tonight and take advantage of their outdoor seating. So we walked to the restaurant, arrive and enter inside (like requested) in order to be seated outdoors. A nice tall, male server (Polish guy) greeted us kindly and let us know that the hotsess would show us to our seats. The hostess barely looked at us as she walked past us and maybe grunted for us to have a nice meal?? Still not turned off, thought maybe she wasn't a naturally friendly person, which you usually don't find that in a hostess, but hey I worked in the restaurant industry (as a server & hostess) for years and I've seen ALOT. Our server, nice but new to serving (I imagine), because she was always around when you didn't need her, but never around when you did... she took our orders and we sat outside on the patio and enjoyed the scenary ( as much as one could on the corner of Talcott and Canfield ;) ) The last time we dined at this restaurant was when we were dating, so I imagined that lots has changed since then...and it did! They expanded into the old barber shop next door and their menu was bigger and seemed more interesting. My husband and I are easy to please people that love good food- so we were looking forward to the specials that we ordered. He ordered a rigatoni with a red gravy, wild boar sausage, peas, etc and I order their fusilli special pasta that boasted wild mushrooms, carmelized vidalia onions, a fancy cheese in a marsala cream sauce- sounded delicous but I ordered a chicken breast on top for some protein. Well, they are very good at decribing how delicious their dishes could be, but I think the menu itself probably held more flavor than my pasta. It arrived and I was immediately confused...where were the mushrooms?? I saw pasta and chicken...and in the dimness of the evening maybe a coating of something on the pasta?? The server leaves us to our meals and I go ahead and try it and it was worse than expected...how does a marsala cream sauce not be the star of this vegetarian pasta?? It tasted like noodles with water and maybe some olive oil...I was very sad to get this dish looking and tasting like it did. The server came to ask how everything was and I asked her for extra -whatever type of fancy cheese- they promised because the pasta wasn't what I expected. As she is away, I keep eating the chicken (out of hunger) and have to salt every bite to "enjoy" it. She comes back and brings me a tiny ramekin of what looked and tasted like parm....so I take and dump it on and I mention that I thought their would be more vegetables like listed on the menu, and she mentioned that they are prepared with the sauce....WHAT sauce? So essentially, IF I ordered the pasta special, like listed on their menu (w/o chicken), at an ITALIAN restuarant, you're probably expecting something tasty and fresh....or in this case edible. So in this case, if the sauce was the star...there was lots of cheap pasta and very little, tasteless sauce. And then to have the audacity to charge almost 20 dollars for it is just beyond me. Sorry for the vent session....I am a little cranky... still hungry ;( My husband ate his and I tried a noodle and his red sauce WAS better than mine but that's not saying much...it wasn't anything to right home about. And the funny thing was there was only 6 peas in his entire pasta dish....SIX. Did the produce not make it in today or what? He ate the whole thing being the big guy he is and he was hungry...but he was very disappointed and quite peeved when the bill came and we endned spending about $50 for less than medicore food and two non-alcholic drinks. We will NEVER be dining there again, and I suggest you take your business north of there to Edison Park or south of there to Lawerence Ave (Norrdige area) for Cucina Biagio's....WAY BETTER The generous 2 stars was for the nice server (who wasn't ours) and the outdoor seating which is hard to find around our neighborhood.
(2)
Laura H.
Loved the grilled calamari as an appetizer! I had ordered pumpkin pillows off the specials menu and I'm hoping that dish makes it to the regular menu. I wasn't super impressed with the beet salad (also on the specials menu). Great service!
(4)
Andy M.
I went into this place with not knowing what to expect. First of all there were so many Seniors in there that I thought that I was in God's waiting room. My girlfriend and I sat for a good 20 minutes before our server came over. Finally one of the bar backs asked a server to come to our table. After about 30 minutes, we finally got our drinks. They had a seasoned pork chop dish on the menu that I tried. When the entree finally arrived it was cold and the pork chops had the consistency of a hockey puck (for all you Cannucks out there). Not to mention that the place was totally over priced for Park Ridge. Needless to say, I won't be coming back. I can be ignored at home.
(1)
Linda P.
Had a VERY disappointing experience here over Valentine's Day. The mister wanted to do something romantic and different for the Big VD this year. As he looked in the paper, he read that Nonna Silvia's was doing heart-shaped pizzas this year. When we arrived at the restaurant I thought it was going to be a little hole in the wall place, but we were both pleasantly surprised at the classy interior. We were seated right away by the host as we had the foresight to make reservations for the evening. They gave us bread, parmesan cheese and olive oil for dipping and took our drink order right away. I thinking how great this place was, but unfortunately it had gone downhill from there... We waited patiently about 20 minutes (or more, I lost track) for a server to come take our food order. The waiting was not as bad as seeing other people who got seated AFTER us get their orders taken, very frustrating! We were about to leave when finally a waitress decided that we were worth serving. She was pleasant and polite but we got NO apology for the lengthy wait. The wait for the pizza was actually kind of short and the heart-shape was very cute, and delicious too! I was very happy....until we wanted to get the check. We waited....and waited...and waited... I would have forgiven this because it was Valentine's Day and it was kinda busy but EVERYONE ELSE who came in AFTER us had not only gotten their food, but their check, paid and left. Very frustrating! Greg finally had to get up and pay at the cash register where the takeout orders were paid for just so we could finally leave. I'm heartbroken (maybe the heart shaped pizza should have been cut in half?) because I really was liking this place but the subpar service had ruined it for us.
(2)
Genevieve C.
Well, I wouldn't go back. First, the positive: nice enough atmosphere, friendly enough server, good bread, parmesan, olive oil, and our spinach salad was decent. And the negatives: The service was a bit irregular, the server could not recommend a wine when asked, and, the thing that really ruined the meal for me--I ordered the seafood risotto special. If you're going to put a seafood dish on as a special, the fish must be fresh. At the very least, the fish should not taste old or borderline spoiled. This seafood was completely questionable--from the moment the plate was brought to the table, I could tell, as an overwhelmingly fishy smell wafted up to my nose. The clams were horrendous, the mussels were extremely fishy, etc. I ended up eating the risotto, against my better judgment, but left most of the seafood on the plate. There are so many good Italian restaurants in the Chicagoland area, and though we're not near the ocean, I have never had a mussel this old before--it's simply too easy to get fresh mussels, very affordably, at just about any supermarket. This was a huge letdown, and the dish really turned my stomach. There's no excuse--I've eaten much fresher seafood at divey chinese takeout places. I overpaid for old food, and won't make that mistake again. My boyfriend ate the ravioli of the house, filled with sausage, and it was passable, but nothing special.
(2)
tom b.
Doesn't make any difference if you go in , carryout or have it delievered, the food here is great! Pizza is thin crust and tasty, pastats melt i your mouth and their weekly specials are to die for. In addition, try their wine tasting dinners. Great price, excellent food and the wines are terrific!! Those who don't like this place should go elsewhere. too bad Domino's pizza doesn't have seating for them!
(5)
Chillie D.
LONG-TIME Customer won over -- YAY! I'm a fan again! My niece loves the pumpkin raviolis at Nonna Silvia's restaurant. She was craving them the other evening. I vowed never to patronize their restaurant again, due to poor service, but my niece talked me in to going to Nonna's again. The last time we went here (early November) the service was horrible. WOW, we were pleasantly surprised at how much the service had improved since our last visit. Our Server, Gabriella, was very attentive. She did not pull a "disappearing" act on us. Gabriella stopped by several times to make sure that our dining experience was pleasurable. She asked us how is everything and anticipated our every need, which was very refreshing to say the least. Finally, a Server that knows how to take good care of customers. We felt that the customer service, this time around, improved in a major way! Thank you Gabriella for being such a pro. We certainly appreciated the much-improved service. A huge thumbs-up for the service! All of the pasta dishes we ordered were delectable, saporofic and fantastically fabulicious. We soaked-up the succulent sauce with our bread which was delightfully delicioso! We truly enjoyed our dining experience this time around. We also enjoyed the astounding freshly baked, warm, crusty Italian bread which was very alluring. The inside of the bread was fluffy and soft. Our pasta was like a classical symphony orchestra -- excellent. Keep in mind that we went on a Thursday, around 6 p.m. and the restaurant was not very crowded. Another Server (male) was explaining the evening's specials to another customer nearby. We over heard him making recommendations of different wines to compliment their meal. It was obvious that he knew a lot about wines, because he explained the wines in great detail. I was impressed. He sounded like the host of Check Please! Alpana Singh explaining the different wines, etc. We were not sure if the service had improved because it was not crowded that evening or if they hired experienced servers with a great deal of knowledge in taking "good" care of their customers. Repeat business, coupled with excellent customer service, is important in the restaurant industry. However, I got the impression that it was the latter.
(4)
Courtney F.
I got the pumpkin ravioli and it was good. The bread was to die for. If i could have just eaten the bread for my meal i would have. I opted out for a cocktail as they looked pretty expensive. Time for desert- I got the banana pudding. Don't bother. They make it sound cool by putting in a mason jar but it makes no sense. You have to eat the desert layer by layer which ruins the whole experience. First, the whipped cream- store bought. boring. Next, bananas- they're bananas. Next- the pudding- again store box bought- disappointing. Lastly- instead of Nilla wafers they opted for cheap graham cracker crumbs that took up a third of the mason jar. So after you eat the pudding you just have these silly crumbs in the bottom. Ehhhhh. Can't say my experience was terrible but nothing to jump for joy for.
(3)
Marie B.
Buono! Fantastic! Fabulous!! This is a neat little find. I had the op to try their pumpkin ravioli in white sauce and fell in love!! Thus, when a friend had a short layover at O'Hare, I suggested we grab dinner here. We were not disappointed. I had the most marvelous pear and cheese ravioli that was absolutely divine. Words cannot describe the blend of flavors. Yum! My friend had the calamari -- perfectly prepared, a wonderful house salad that was a meal in itself, and a mouth watering lasagna. Each dish was fresh and very well seasoned. I am in love with this place. Next op -- will try their pizza and the gelato next door. I think I'll become a regular!! If you're in the 'city', Nonna Silvia's is worth the drive. Since moving to Chicago, I've found few restaurants that offer REALLY fabulous food (consistently) at a REALLY good price. This place does!!
(5)
Tony D.
They have really improved the food here and the new addition is very nice. I am very happy to update my review and acknowledge the responsiveness of the owner.
(4)
Grace G.
I really wanted to love Nonna Silvia's, but unfortunately I was let down. I really enjoyed their margherita pizza and I think they offer a wonderful wine selection. However, I think they have a major flaw in their conflicting carryout, dine in, and catering menus. In my excitement to try the place, I perused the menu online and picked out the pizzas I intended to order. Well, I come to find out that if you are dining in, you can ONLY order their specialty pizzas (margherita, quattro formaggi, etc.) in a 10". If you do carryout or delivery, you can order up to an 18". AND online it says their specialty pizzas are only available in a 12". Very confusing, right? Additionally, you can not order panzerotis or stuffed pizza in the dining room. I don't understand why Nonna Silvia's has such seemingly senseless pizza rules. I find it kind of ridciulous, and it's very confusing for customers.
(2)
Sue P.
I am happy so say that I went back to Nonna's with some friends and our experience was night and day compared to last time! The server was great and the food was spot on! Thank you for listening and having our experience be one that was enjoyed.
(4)
Richard V.
I strongly recommend that you partake in the various entrees rather than just settling for pizza. Be sure to review the specials to take advantage of some unique dishes (i.e. butterfish which literally melts in your mouth) at this restaurant. I don't order any of the pasta entrees due to personal choice. The restaurant have many entrees which are not spicy but has plenty of flavor. I tend to order their vitello (veal) dishes which are done wonderfully. The Tilipia Vesuvio is alwys a satisfying dish. The service is friendly and attentive. There is usually ample parking right outside.
(4)
J S.
I'm not sure what these people are talking about that don't like this restaurant. It is my absolute favorite and is family owned. We have been here many times and the service is exceptional! The calamari is the best I have ever had, grilled and served on a bed of spinach, with fresh garlic and cherry tomatoes. If you don't go here for anything else, go here for this. Fantastic. The pizza is great and the lasagna was to die for. Great small, family italian spot in the middle of a neighborhood. Love it!
(5)
Debbie O.
I love their pizza here! This also feature special wine pairing dinners
(5)
Peter M.
Don't bother...not worth trying. The food was bland, small portions, overly priced, horrible service (only the bus boy provided good service - and the waiter was non-existent) and very cramped space.
(1)
Michael M.
I have only been to Nonna Silvia's once, but the experience was so bad that I don't think I could go again. Everything that could go wrong did. The place is cramped and I kept getting bumped. (I am a normal sized person.) The service was extremely slow and inattentive (partially due to the fact that the waitstaff could barely get to our cramped table). I ordered the tilapia and it was sopping wet. You could have poured all the water off of my plate. My girlfriend ordered the Pollo Veneto and it was covered in way too much sauce that had a strong taste of eggs that overpowered the entire dish.
(1)
Michele B.
I had an opportunity to dine here this past week as they were having a 4 course menu with wine pairings from Spain. The atmosphere is warm and staff is friendly. Overall the food is very good, and the owners are very friendly. Our first course was a breaded eggplant served brushetta style with diced tomatoes, and fresh grated parmesan cheese on top. This was paired with a pinot noir sparkling wine from Barcelona. The first course was a hit. Next course was a tri-color farfalle pasta served in a cream sauce with sundried tomatoes and asparagus tips. A little heavy on the palate, but good flavors paired with a Rioja. Third course was a petite filet mignon cooked medium, topped with blue cheese and marinated portobello mushrooms. Along side asparagus and mashed potatoes with another red wine. Gernache (sp?). Very yummy. Lastly, a raspberry topped custard served with a sherry. A little too sweet for my tast. But three of the four courses were a hit with me. Overall, I will definitely be back again as they have a wide offering of entrees and pizzas, and a pretty decent wine list as well. I would recommend this restaurant, and will definitely be back again.
(4)
Carolynne M.
I am shocked and saddened at how sub-par this restaurant experience was. First off, the place was about 1/2 full when we arrived (there is like 25 tables in the whole place - its small!), yet we came dangerously close to being forgotten. Luckily, the guy who was refilling water took notice and said something to a waiter standing about 5 feet away from our table. I didnt especially care for the fact that we were in hearing range as he said flatly "That ISN'T my table" and walked away. But then a waitress rushed over and took our order soon after, so we tried not to dwell on it. But then BF ordered pork chops and I ordered mussels and polenta. His pork chops came so tough he was shaking the table trying to cut into them. He said the potatoes were cold and his spinach was terribly salty. He ate maybe a third of the meal, which is saying alot since he goes to restaurants hungry and rarely leaves anything on the plate. We ended up stopping at Dominck's on the way home so he could buy a sandwich. And thats a real shame. My mussels were OK, but they were very small and in a lukewarm sauce. To it's credit, however, the polenta was incredibly delicious with this creamy tomato sauce covering it. I wanted to lick the plate it was so good. I got three impressions from eating here. 1) seemed like a place where if you knew someone that worked there you would get better service than if not 2) seems like pizza is the forte here (I have had take out on a few occasions and have really liked it) 3) I would like to pretend they were having an "off" night, but they really werent that busy when we were there to use that excuse.
(2)
Brian C.
I have had great success with the menu specials. The other day I had short ribs with a glass of primitivo. I kind of miss when they had a special on Rosso Montalcino by the glass earlier in the summer, though. I have enjoyed dessert here, too. I seem to remember having a great affogato.
(4)
Mary B.
Great neighborhood gem. Wonderful specials. Regular menu is full of surprises. The wine is fanstinkintastic, and all are well priced!
(4)
Tom Z.
I had Carry-out Pizza and it was great. The sauce had just the right amount of spices. The crust was thin and crispy. There were just the right amount of toppings on the pizza. I will be going back for more pizza and to try some of the other menu items. I went back and ordered a Italian Sausage Sandwich. This was one of the best Italian Sandwiches I have ever had. The thing was big and delicious. The staff was very friendly. I will be going back! BTW. There is a parking lot kitty-corner to the restaurant, which I was told by the staff you can use.
(5)
Michelle B.
We really like nonna Silvia's. I've gotten pumpkin ravioli, linguini and clams, and pizza off their menu and they've all been really tastey. My fiancee likes their gnocci. For dessert the only thing I've tried was tiramisu, which I'm always hesitant on ordering at places bc it can be dry or too soggy, but mine was just right. Its a smaller restaurant, I think family owned. Service is pretty good and we're never had a bad experiece so far.
(4)
Tracy K.
A friend of the family kept telling us we needed to go here.. and now I know why. I had been craving a solid Italian meal for a while, and here at Nonna Silvia's, I found it. Fresh, hot bread, a simple but tasty salad, a glass of wine & and plate of pumpkin ravioli later, I was a happy (albeit stuffed) girl. If only I had saved room for dessert. Next time! We initially sat outside on their large patio. I was visibly shivering though, so our waitress helped us shift things to the dining room with no sign of annoyance. Once inside, our service was kind of slow, but the place was very busy and we could see she was running her tail off. Everyone here was friendly and polite. They have a small lot east of the restaurant, but street parking is so easy here that its not an issue.
(4)
Dan F.
Nonna Silvia's is OK. My family often takes delivery from this place and it works well. The Pollo Venelo is extraordinary. Pasta with marinara or alfredo are both good. My wife is also a fan of the Pumpkin Ravioli. The restaurant itself is small and can be very cramped.
(3)
ellen p.
Nonna Silva's has really stepped it up. The past couple of times we have eaten here it has been great. The fish dishes are very flavorful. My husband had the di mare and the beet salad with goat cheese was delicious. The pizza is also very good...the crust is very crispy and on the thinner side. We made it a point to order our take out pizza from here next time. Would definitely recommend.
(5)
N P.
This place is a total rip off. Our bill was $52 for a glass of wine, fried calamari, and two vegetarian pasta dishes. The calamari was frozen and heated in the microwave, had absolutely no seasoning and no flavor. The pasta was so completely tasteless - even the vodka sauce! I may give this place a second chance and try the pizza but our first visit was a huge disappointment and totally overpriced. Aside from the fact that our waitress disappeared and the busboy had to look for her for 20 minutes.
(2)
Antoknight B.
I love Nonna Silvias. It is my go to Italian spot in Chicago. Great food, great service, great wine. Some of my favorite dishes are the polenta with goat cheese, grilled calamari and any of the weekly specials. If your looking for Italian food with a flare, Nonna Silvias is the place.
(5)
Gennie A.
Love Nonna Silvia's! My favorite is the gnocci with vodka sauce. Had the grilled calamari for the first time today and it was great. The food is cooked fresh with each order and it definitely shows. Will be going there again soon!
(5)
litl m.
We love this little place! Definitely our go-to date night spot. The pizza is fantastic and the pasta dinners are delicious! Not the best we've ever had but definitely good. My favorite is the gnocchi. They also have a nice wine list and help you match up the wines with the food you ordered. Always had great service here too. Please bring back the gelato store a few doors down!
(4)
Jonathan S.
It's all about the food for me, ESPECIALLY when I order the food to go. With that being said, if you're interested in quality food, look elsewhere. I first visited Nonna Silvia's when they opened a few years back. I couldn't recall much from that visit so I figured I would give it a shot again with family. We ordered the following: 1) Lasagna. I can't really see how this dish is something easily screwed up. It's noodles, meat, sauce, and cheese (reminds me of Jim Gaffigan's joke about Mexican food) and any decent Italian joint should have this one down. Unfortunately that wasn't the case. My biggest issue was the meat itself. It was unseasoned ground beef that really didn't taste very fresh, and certainly didn't taste very good. The sauce was solid, but the whole dish was dry. The center of the lasagna was luke warm. Unacceptable. 2) Cheese ravioli. Once again, this HAS to be something that an Italian restaurant does, and does well. Here too Nonna Silvia's fell short. I am absolutely convinced that these were frozen ravioli with their sauce on them. 3) Gnocchi alla Vodka. This was the best dish of the four, which isn't saying a whole lot. The sauce had a nice consistency, but it had no flavor. I had to add quite a bit of salt and pepper. The texture of the gnocchi was like ... mush? 4) Veal Marsala. This was the by far the biggest disappointment, and perhaps the most damning to this review. This is a dish that doesn't have to be the allstar of the menu, but it does have to be edible. The veal was terrible. I'm talking to the point where, after my sister couldn't choke it down, I offered a piece to my dog. I simply cannot make this up - he sniffed, sniffed again, and then slowly backed away from the offering. He's a 120 pound monster who has never said no to a piece of meat. He refused to eat it. I really don't know what else I can say. I'm not one to write reviews out of spite. I'm actually understanding about mediocre meals, especially for local joints. But this meal was simply unacceptable. And for the price (if memory serves, it was over $60 for the four dishes and minestrone for PICK UP) it was borderline insulting. I guess in retrospect there was a reason I hadn't been back to this establishment for quite a few years.
(1)
Katherine R.
Is there new owners? New cooks? I don't know what the deal is here. I can officially say this was my second and last time here. Well maybe not officially since my Grandma might want to go here and I don't really want to argue with her. The food here just is below average, not bad just not good. Ok, the bruschetta was good- but how hard is it to mess that up? I ordered the gnocchi and it was horrible. I love gnocchi, I always order it at Italian restaurants and have been to Italy, so it's safe to say I have an idea of what good gnocchi should taste like. This gnocchi tasted like balls of uncooked dough with olive oil, that's it. It was super chewy, no flavor, wasn't even hot (which I can get over since I drink lots of wine and forget to eat sometimes) and overall was not good. My grandma got the side order of sausage, so if you're wondering why she might go back, that is why. So, if sausage is all you want or need (no judgment) then more power to ya. Service is a whole other issue. Our server was not very attentive and forgot to bring our salads. No big deal by itself, but lacking on refills etc., it all adds up. Two other tables near us complained- one because he had been sitting there for ten minutes and had not been approached and one because the orders were wrong. This place is small, about 15 tables inside...so what's the deal? Next time we went out with Grandma, we went to Zia's (see my other reviews) and were delighted once again.
(2)
Matthew S.
I use to take customers here all the time after they first opened. It seemed a great spot. The last time I was so embarrassed, I wished I had taken my clients to Mc Donald's. Apparently the waitress - who appeared to be doing noting - was to busy to wait on us so the chef himself was doing it. The food has gone downhill in a major way. I don't understand how they screwed this place up so fast.
(1)
K M.
I drive past here every day and finally stopped in a week or so ago. They opened about a year ago and recently added a patio for dining and a gelato shop two doors down. We went at a weird hour - around 3pm and were the only ones there. We ordered the antipasta salad, pizza, and chicken with capers. All were tasty. I can't remember any of the proper names, but what I can tell you is that it was a great value. The portions provided us with lunch and dinner later that evening. They even deliver. This restaurant is clean, new, conveniently located near the expressway (Canfield exit) and tasty. Good for families, kids, dates, friends.
(5)
Erika A.
I had driven by this place on the way to my father-in-law's many times and always thought it looked cute & neighborhoody. My father-in-law wanted to go & try the pizza a couple Sundays ago, so that's what we did. The space is small & it has an outside dining area, but it seems to be having an identity crisis. The prices scream "we want to be a fine-dining establishment," and the service screams "I like to watch Mtv in the bar area and never come to your table to check on you!!!" The pizza? Eh. Could get way better for WAY cheaper somewhere else. I can't speak of the other menu choices (of which there are not that many) as we only had pizza. The service was slow & inattentive. Sometimes that can be forgiven if the place is super-busy, but we were 1 of only 3 tables in the whole restaurant! Not cool. They also have very poor quality cloth napkins. They left a layer of white lint on our clothes that would not come off no matter how much you tried to brush it off.
(1)
Meghan S.
Amazing food! Best pumpkin ravioli in tomato cream sauce. Their panini is phenomenal. The Nonna's Veggie thin pizza is covered in tomatoes, spinach, onions, mushrooms and garlic-can't go wrong. Their new restaurant is larger and super cute. A decent sized outdoor area for lunch and dinner. They just opened Nonna's Gelato two doors down at their old restaurant. Perfect Italian style evening!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.
Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.
Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.
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.
Dan D.
Second visit was much better! Thanks!
(4)Alyssa G.
Nonna Silvia's is everything you could want in a neighborhood Italian restaurant. The staff is knowledgable and attentive and the food can easily speak for itself. Nonna's has a large menu with enough options to satisfy everyone who walks through the door. Fantastic pastas, seafood, meat and salads-the hardest decision is choosing what to order! Many of the pastas are made in-house including their amazing ravioli. The specials are innovative and delicious. And the grilled calamari is the star of the show! The ambiance is welcoming and there is a semi private room for parties. The patio is perfect for long summertime lunches and dinners. With a good cocktail or bottle of wine, it is a great place to enjoy the beautiful weather.
(5)Jaime E.
Located on the border of suburban Park Ridge and Chicago, Nonna Silvia's is worth a trip from the city. The ambiance invokes old world Italy and the cozy size of the restaurant makes you feel right at home. I've never had something here I didn't like but the lobster ravioli will change your life. Their homemade pastas, impressive wine list and rotating seasonal specials always provide a new culinary adventure. The staff is incredible- from the hosts, servers and bus boys all the way up to Chef John and Chef Steve, it's clear that this family business puts their heart and soul into every dish. I've never been to Italy, but Nonna Silvia's has inspired me to plan a trip and it seems the only difference between Nonna's and Italy is the language spoken.
(5)Amy D.
Was in town a few weeks back for some meetings and we set up a group dinner at Nonna Silvia's - it was pre-fixe but the choices were great and the food was really good. The grilled calamari was a bit strong for me; however, the bruschetta and caprese salad were great as was my entree. Braised short rib? I don't even recall, but the meat was tender, veggies perfectly cooked and garlic mashed potatoes were de-lish. Dessert was a smorgasbord of miniature cannoli, tiramisu and more. All very tasty! Service was spot on as well - we all had a great time here!
(4)Crystal L.
We had seen it every day on our bike ride to and from home. It seemed like it was a bit to upscale for us and on our way to Lucky's found out that they had changed hours and decided to give it a try. Wow is all I have to say. The food is amazing. I did feel a bit under dressed but the fresh bread was amazing and the staff was super friendly. It was around 3 P.M. so it wasn't really crowded. A bit pricey but the staff and the food made up for it. I loved the most that the sauce on the noodles wasn't watery. That is normally an issue when ever I get pasta dishes but this was thick and creamy. So rich in flavor. Will be going back!
(5)Penny K.
Wonderful. Great food. The chicken pizzioli (sp?) was so delicious - everything is great. Nice ambiance and good service. Menu features some usual choices that you won't see everywhere else.
(5)Joann H.
I haven't been to Nonna Silvia's in 15 years, which is when they first opened. I was meeting a friend for dinner there and I was blown away by how it has changed!! This was a tiny new restaurant two doors down where the restaurant is currently located. It was a lovely place but boy oh boy has it expanded. The Place: The restaurant has an Italian world charm with exposed brick and dark wood tables and chairs all perfectly situated so as to give you and your party privacy and not too far away to not feel like a family traditional Italian trattoria. The Service: Everyone was welcoming, and our server was truly interested in what we were in the mood for based on our appetite and what we were looking for that night. My friend and I decided to try a bunch of stuff and share it. Our server knew the details of each dish we ordered, told me how the dish would be made, and if I was so inclined, gave a wine pairing suggestion. Food: We started off with their signature grilled calamari: Holy crap!! AMAZING. The grilled calamari was delicious, tender (not rubbery like some places), and not cut in rings. It was a great presentation layed out on bed of sauteed spinisch, garlic, grape tomatoes and a lemony balsamic glaze. All the flavors meshed well with one another, that grilled tender taste of the calamari against the earthy spinach and zest of lemon.....PERFECTION. My friend and I split the next dish on purpose to save room for the rest of our items. We ordered the Spaghettini nero con gamberi. It was hand cut squid ink pasta with a spicy puttanesca sauce topped with gulf shrimp and zucchini. The shrimp and zucchini was good. The pasta was good but not my top favorite. I think it was the fact that the black ink pasta is pretty dark and took my mind off wanting to eat more. Tried the Ravioli di Carciofi: (hope I didn't butcher than name!) ANOTHER HOLY CRAP!!!!. It was a house made braised artichoke ravioli, with ricotta, and a balsamic cream sauce. OMFG. Delicious and velvety in flavor. I had to ask the owner about this dish. He was so happy to see me so crazy in love with this dish as the flour is not a regular flour from here. The restaurant uses an Italian flour that is lighter in texture. It really did this dish some justice. My all time favorite dish was my last dish (yeah yeah, I ate alot, we know but I did actually take some home as I ordered dishes I really wanted to try). The RISOTTO Di MARE (using caps on purpose here)......IF YOU ARE A SEAFOOD LOVER, or need an option for lent. Get yourself this dish. A plum tomato sauce risotto with fresh garlic and basil, with a lovely melange of seafood that included clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops, king crab, and calamari. I am not kidding, I had to tell my friend in mid conversation: Shhh hold on as I was in seafood heaven truly enjoying this dish. MY ALL TIME FAVORITE DISH. This is a solid restaurant with amazing Italian options for both the meat and seafood lover. Venture out to Park Ridge and try their food and enjoy the ambiance. Truly worth it. Not far from the city, easy trip to the restaurant. WILL BE BACK again.
(4)David L.
Had another great meal. And the service was even better! And the Tiramisa was to write home about.
(5)Mirza M.
I live right around the corner from this place and decided to give it a try (carry out). Grilled calamari was incredible. Margherita pizza was delicious and chicken alfredo desired some inspiration but there is only so much you can do to a simple dish such as this one, I guess. Food was ready on time, nicely packaged and ready to go.
(4)Michael M.
An outstanding meal. The calamari appetizer is grilled and seasoned to perfection and the spinach salad with chicken (something I eat regularly elsewhere) is the best I've ever had. What a great treat for my first night on the outskirts of Chicago. Might have to come back this week again before I leave. Did I mention the delicious Napa Cabernet? Yumm
(5)B G.
Cozy neighborhood atmosphere. Enjoyed the outdoor area on a beautiful evening. Pumpkin ravioli! Yes!
(4)Roxanne R.
I'm surprised to see all of the mixed reviews on Yelp because I thought this place was fantastic. I came here with my in-laws for a graduation celebration. We all very much enjoyed our food. We started with the grilled and fried calamari. Our table was split as to which we liked better but I think both were equally good. The restaurant has specials that they change out every week. I ordered a special of thick noodles, shrimp, and saffron brandy cream sauce. I like how fresh the egg noodles tasted. I thought it was great. I think the sauce could have had a bit more flavoring but the shrimp and pasta were cooked perfectly. My husband had a meat ravioli and devoured his meal as did most everyone at the table. The service was excellent. The waiter was very friendly and brought a cake for the graduation celebrants. I would definitely return!
(4)Nikki's Hair Designs T.
Omg we loved everything about this resturaunt and the food was mouth watering !!!! Definitly goin back many more times to try as many dishes this place is a must see !!!!!!! Servers Were awsome and attentive and friendly ;)
(5)Irena A.
I went to this place recently and absolutely LOVED it. Truly authentic Italian food! The service was excellent. The food was incredibly delicious. Truly authentic Italian. I loved their calamari. Their Caprese salad was so fresh! The pumpkin ravioli was yummy. I Will definitely return. You won't be disappointed. Go here.
(5)Mark G.
Came here for my daughter's birthday, beautiful day to be out on the patio. Kids had a great time, enjoyed the pizza and lemonade. My wife had the walleye, she thought it was great, and freshly prepared. I had a lamb shank, with saffron risotto, delicious and tender. My mom had some porcini stuffed pasta, unbelievably great. Service was fast and to the tee.(Carl) Dessert was amazing, had one of almost everything since it was my daughters Birthday, and you can just tell that they were homemade. Most of all, the experience left me with the sense that I felt welcome, even with young children, and for that reason, I will be back very soon.
(5)Beth C.
Nonna Silvia's has become one of our most frequented restaurants for work events. The food is great, the service is helpful, and the wine is not overpriced. A must is the grilled calamari. I'm not typically a fan of calamari. I typically find it to be kind of chewy. Their grilled calamari is divine. When we go with a large group, we get several orders of this for the table. I am a fan of their house-made ravioli. They don't overly douse their pastas in sauce. It's always the perfect balance of sauce and pasta. However, on my last visit, I was craving something a bit more heavy handed. I wanted something saucy, meaty, cheesy - so, of course, I went with the lasagna. OMG - so good. I almost wish I didn't know how yummy this was because now I'll have to keep getting it. My work family can be a bunch of wine snobs. Nonna Silvia's menu is solid but not overpriced. You can get a pretty good bottle at a decent price. We typically go for work events, which means we usually have a large group. They have a great back room that can be used for private parties that they just added in the last year or two. I don't know why but it's never crowded at Nonna Silvia's. Maybe we go on "off" nights, but we usually dominate the restaurant.
(4)Linda M.
Wouldn't let us use the coupon for brucessta for lunch time dine in when it clearly said one free order of brucessta dine in only. Had some excuse that it was only when ordering entrees when we ordered sandwiches. Said nothing about that on the coupon. Please and the sandwiches not even good. Sour tasting ribeye meat had to take it off. Do not recommend
(1)Jamie S.
Amazing service and delicious food! We all ordered something different and each one was great. We highly recommend the pumpkin ravioli and rotolli. We also ordered drsserts. The cannoli were good, the shell a little thick, but the filling was very good.
(5)Ryan L.
Fantastic neighborhood Italian restaurant. They have weekly specials and a traditional Italian seasonal menu. Good for something as simple as a pizza or you can go to the other end of the spectrum and get a steak or fresh fish. The staff is friendly and knows the menu. I highly recommend Nona Sylvias for a meal out.
(5)Gabriella M.
A small family establishment that is now going on their 15th year, so I've experienced! Their house and weekly specials are what keep us coming back. Not to mention the monthly wine dinners that are held. They're reasonably priced and you leave the place making friends with some of the regulars and if you're lucky, a raffled off bottle of wine. It truly is a pleasure to support small family businesses who have such a passion for food. Highly recommended.
(5)Bridgette B.
My favorite Italian food in the area! Great service! I recommend to everyone!
(5)Pierre D.
Free bruschetta (with check-in), nice outdoor seating and solid food. Swiss charr fettuccine was excellent. Great service too.
(4)Joanna A.
So it's 8pm on a Friday night and I understand that places are going to be a bit busy during dinner time. The hostess tells us there will be a 30 minute wait. It's 9pm and our party of 4 still hasn't been seated. Hostess says it will be another 15 minutes. I'm already one bottle of wine down at the bar and my 4 year old son is all over the place. Do I care? Nope! They made me wait this long. Hostess needs a watch and better expectations. Food better be good because I'll never be back here. The food was fantastic! Well worth the wait. The owner came to the table to apologize for the wait and the bottle I drank at the bar was comped and the desert they threw in was fantastic!
(3)Diana B.
My husband & I always drive past Nonna Silvia's, so eventually we decide to give their food a try. We called for pick-up & I ordered the "Pollo Con Pesto Panini"...... It was just not up to par. The bread was cut in different angles that didn't match the bottom piece. So when I picked it up, the huge piece of chicken was dangling off the piece of bread that didn't fit it's size. The bread was barely pressed as a panini should be. On top of that, it was very bland. I didn't finish it. My husband had the Panzerotti. He ate half of it, & I asked to try some because I was still hungry. It was below average. There were big bits of garlic that overwhelmed my taste buds. The sauce is lacking. To be honest with you, I regret eating the food. They should probably fire their chefs and hire new chefs with better culinary expertise before they start getting more bad reviews. This is a sign for the owner/manager to act on the problem.
(1)Stephanie R.
Nonna Sylvia's is truly a neighborhood treasure! I wish it was in our neighborhood:) We met friends for dinner on a Saturday and thank goodness we had a reservation because it was really busy. We were seated promptly and greeted by our waitress right away. The service was perfect- attentive but not bothersome. The food-AMAZING! My husband had the pork chop which came with Brussel sprouts and it was on point. I had the lasagna and it was probably the best lasagna I have ever had. Their red sauce is so good-not acidic like it can get after sitting in a steam pan, but very fresh tasting. We were able to have normal dinner conversation without shouting because even though the restaurant was full, it wasn't super loud. I really appreciate that we saw the chef out in the dining area checking things out and talking to people. Great place for an excellent, affordable meal!
(5)Eily O.
I have really tried to like this establishment. The plus side-very good fried calamari and bruschetta! The staff was attentive and very friendly. The downside, smelled like sewer inside and the entrees have always been bland at best. I always think I will wait and try it again but never really gets better.
(3)Ginger P.
I've been back to Nonna's quite a few times since my last review --- and my experiences have been across the board very positive, so I thought it time to revise and update my rating! In my experience, the service is always terrific....friendly, attentive, helpful. The grilled calamari with garlic and spinach is divine. I always order it as an appetizer when I bring friends who are new to the place. I love the special they sometimes offer with short rib, and I highly recommend the tilapia with vesuvio potatoes....very flavorful -- last time I was there I was tempted to lick the plate clean. ;) Go with a friend, order a nice bottle of wine, a shared dish of calamari, house salad and the tilapia....can't go wrong. Bon appetit!
(5)Azra H.
This review is far overdue!! I've been to Nonna's too many times to count. I've ordered delivery, dined in and even hosted a baby shower here. Delivery is always timely and the food is piping hot and delicious. Dining in is a wonderful experience (great for date nights) and they have a great wine selection. The grilled calamari is literally an orgasm in your mouth. It's that good. I am literally drooling at the thought of it. Their steak with blue cheese crust is delicious as is their pumpkin ravioli. For the baby shower I hosted, the private room was perfect. The room in itself was absolutely beautiful! It was gorgeous yet simple which really made my baby shower decorations POP. Their staff assisted in every aspect of the shower preparations from hanging colorful puff balls to helping me tape a baby clothes line to helping me melt chocolate for my chocolate fountain. The guests were greeted with a mimosa as they walked in the the restaurant. (They literally had someone making fresh mimosas as needed and physically HANDING them to each guest. How great is that?) Dealing with Steve Marti (I believe he is one of the owners) to book and plan the menu was great. I didn't have to worry about a thing. I just told him what I would like and he took care of Every. Single. Thing. (My sister was very picky with food during her pregnancy, which made planning a menu difficult) I visited with at least 7 other potential restaurants for the shower before I choose Nonna's, not any other one made me feel like I was their top priority. (I know I wasnt, but I felt like it) I can't make it to Nonna Silvia's as often as I like, but every time I head to that part of the 'burbs, I have to eat there.
(5)Cheryl H.
We were in the neighborhood and stopped by on a whim and we are so glad we did! It is so refreshing to eat at a restaurant where the food is fresh made, flavorful and priced favorably. Fantastic service, too! Despite the fact that we live 45 minutes away we will undoubtedly be back. Recommend the gnocchi with pasta sauce and homemade banana pudding for dessert---yummo!
(5)rachelle m.
I route by Park Ridge for work every month and ALWAYS stop by Nonna Silvia's for their gluten free pizza which is delicious. The crust is crispy, the service is awesome, and the staff very friendly. I would highly recommend this restaurant for those in need of gluten free options. The gluten free flour less chocolate cake was amazing and so rich that I ate a little at lunch and the rest at home after dinner with my Hubby. Karol (pronounced as Carl) is a very caring and efficient waiter. Do not let any low reviews dissuade you from eating here!
(5)Amanda W.
We had such a great time here. Carl was our server, he was funny and took great care of us. The food was amazing!!! We sampled several of the specials including seafood risotto, osso bucco, veal. For dessert we has the Tiramisu, Carmel gelato (my favorite), cannolis, chocolate lava cake. We will definitely be back!!! I highly recommend this place!!
(5)Stephanie L.
A nice little place that has good food and nice staff. Everything we ate was really good, I especially liked their dessert selection. The banana pudding in a mason jar is so good I am still talking about it. We came in late and they didn't rush us to order or eat or pay which was nice considering it was very close to closing when we arrived. If you're looking for a nice Italian place with lots of options, this one is for you.
(4)Cyrus M.
My wife, mom, and I recently went to Nonna Silvia's and had a great meal. We sat at the bar, and the bartender was friendly and attentive. I ordered the pollo arrosto and thought it was very good. The chicken was cooked well - not dry at all. The sauce was flavorful, and my wife loved the mashed potatoes. The prices are reasonable, too. I'm sure I'd send my friends here, and I'm sure I'll be back.
(5)Melissa W.
We came for dinner on a weekday, with a group of 5. The atmosphere was wonderful, small Italian feel. The food was Amazing! We ordered all off all the special menu, including the veal medallions, seafood rissoto, and osso bucco ravioli. We also indulged in dessert, the tiramisu was one of the best, smooth cream, not too sweet, good espresso taste. The salted caramel gelato delicious! The chocolate lava cake with vanilla gelato, is perfect for a chocolate lover. We had drinks off their specialty menu. The "old fashion my way" and "ruby slipper" were both top notch. They have a full bar and good selection of beer and wine too. Our server Karl was great! Attentive and funny, he made very good suggestions and was personable.
(5)Jimmy B.
Really enjoyed everything at this restaurant. Came here for my wife's birthday with her mom, and every dish was fantastic. They were a little busy so service was a little slow, but we have been there since, and it was great so I think they were just a little swamped. I'll definitely be back!
(5)Paul B.
I absolutely love this place. The food is always fresh and well prepared. The owners always seem to have plenty of specials to keep the menu interesting. And the specials usually seem to be based on the availability of fresh ingredients. The service is always friendly and very helpful. We eat at Nonna Silvia's often, and always totally enjoy ourselves. And of course, when the weather is nice, the outside patio is a wonderful place to relax, enjoy a fantastic meal and a bottle of wine.
(5)John K.
We've always enjoyed the vibe and quaint feel of this place. We've been here twice before but haven't visited in a year or more. It's the perfect little place for date night or dinner with a small group of friends. We arrived and were seated within 5 min (we were a bit early for our reservations) Our waitress (very pleasant) arrived quickly and took our drink order. Our dinner arrived fairly quick and was exactly as we had ordered. My Pollo Veneto (chicken w/ sweet onions, sun-dried tomatoes, shitake, spinach, goat cheese cream sauce) was so good I was tempted to ask for a second helping! (like I need that :-) I also made sure I ordered the House made meatballs which I always enjoy. My significant other chose Bistecca (steak) which was one of the specials of the evening. It was grilled exactly to her liking and she wasted no time in finishing her steak. We both devoured our main courses and were still ready and willing for dessert. My dessert, the Budino di Bannana with sliced bananas, banana pudding and graham crackers was delicious. The only negative aspect was our bread basket which contained bread that was slightly on the harder side of things. We've had MUCH worse so I won't harp about this too much. We did have to ask them twice to bring us a second bread basket. It also took awhile before the olive oil arrived at our table. The olive oil should always be there right along with the grated cheese when that warm bread arrives. Beyond these slight hiccups, we were very satisfied and content. Overall, a successful Italian dining experience for two. Will gladly come back again and recommend Nonna Silvia's for your Italian taste buds.
(4)Diane N.
The last time I was here was back in 2012 when I'd cross the restaurant off my list after too many bad service experiences. What an improvement! After hearing they'd expanded and improved on the service, we decided to give this local eatery another chance. Service last night was quite good. We were immediately acknowledged by the hostess who told us she had a table almost ready and then gave us our choice of two tables. After being seated, and receiving menus, water and bread, the hostess stopped by to let us know the waitress was a bit behind, but she offered to take our drink order - which was great! I totally understand when a restaurant is busy, just please take my drink order and ensure I have water and a menu. The food was excellent - I had the trout with sweet onions and a pesto sauce, baby grilled asparagus - done to perfection and risotto - also very good. My husband had the sausage fennel ravioli with broccolli rabe and spinach. He ordered it with a different sauce - the marinara, which the waitress suggested since he didn't like the basil marinara served with the dish. Little accomodations like these make it worth the price. Great redemptive experience! We will be back!
(4)Mary L.
Went to lunch there today with my 84 year old Aunt . We have never been there before, but have heard good things about the place . Waitress was VERY welcoming.! My aunt loved the hot fresh crispy bread . They gladly brought her a second loaf !! Minestrone was very good with fresh vegetables . Bowl of Spaghetti and meat sauce was very large for her . I had the chicken dish ( forgot the name ) with spinach , sun dried tomatoes, mushrooms and onions. It was very flavorful and brought home my leftovers for my hubby :) Thank you for an enjoyable time out and being so patient and nice to her :) I would definitely come back again !!
(4)Rob W.
The reviews are all over the board on this place and many seem to be less than stellar. Nonetheless, my review is based on my and my family's Mother's Day experience here - and I must say that they did a great job. The five star rating is a touch high - probably more of a 4.5, but I'll give them a nod for now. First, we arrived in three separate vehicles a little before 6PM when the reservation for our party of five was made. I arrived first and saw that there was a cramped waiting area so I asked the hostess is there might be a place for my mom to sit as she is older and can't stand for long periods. Their "waiting area" is limited to a small bar area up front and a tiny entry way - it was a little too cold to wait outside that day. The hostess noted that a party near the bar would be seated soon and there would be more room - or maybe waiting in the car might be a better option - not exactly a hospitable response, but in truth a practical one. However, as that is being discussed, I see my brother and mom through the window walking up to the restaurant. When she was inside, the hostess understood why I was seeking a place for her and immediately offered to put a chair right behind the hostess stand, where there was ample room to sit - and was actually an inconvenience to the host staff - but they were fine with it. Their willingness to accommodate was commendable - and my mom ended up chatting with a nearby table for a bit, so that went well too. After a reasonable wait, we were seated in the adjacent room. Our table ordered two appetizers - my brother and I split the grilled calamari, which I found to be extremely tasty. It was served with some grape tomatoes on a bed of lightly sauteed spinach, most of which I also ate. Bread was served warm - almost hot and was very good. While I didn't have any bruschetta, the rest of my family enjoyed it. For entrees, my mom had Sea Bass which she enjoyed though she thought the portion was a little small. Both my brothers enjoyed their meals; one had farfadelle and the other lasagna - he said the lasagna was near some of the best he has had. My sister-in-law and I both enjoyed the gnocchi. While it wasn't lacking, I do wish there was a touch more pancetta in the vodka sauce. The gnocchi dumplings themselves were about the best I've had - perfect texture and a good taste too. We all ordered dessert and were happy with that as well; I had a sea salt caramel gelato which was loaded with flavor. Service throughout the meal was timely, pleasant and attentive. We ended up being there for about two hours and had a great time. As I got up to leave, I noticed that unlike so many places nowadays, I wasn't having to worry about bumping another diner or table due to cramped accommodations - there was sufficient room. I commented on that to my brother and he also noted how the restaurant wasn't trying to push people in and out either - like so many do to fill their place. So, as I noted earlier, while the food wasn't absolutely perfect, I'm still giving this place a "benefit of the doubt" five star rating because of their excellent hospitality. I definitely enjoyed my experience here and do plan to return again.
(5)Tiffany K.
Great food, great customer service, and great atmosphere. The food was delicious. I completely recommend this place to anyone. The host was very kind and welcoming. =)
(5)Kathy D.
Went there last night for my birthday with friends and it was my first time there. I am giving it 2 stars because we all loved our dishes. I had the gnocci in vodtka sauce and I thought it was delicious. Here's the thing. This is the first Italian restaurant where I would say you must order an appetizer!! These were the smallest portion sizes I have ever seen. Out of 4 of us, not one of us had a doggie bag and considering we start with alcohol and plan on celebrating all night, we do not pig out. These were child size portions if you compare it to any other Italian restaurant. For the same price go to Zias and have an extra meal for the next day. Our waitress would not even bring us more bread. The service was horrible. We told the waitress it was my birthday and after waiting 15 minutes for our first round of drinks, she never came back and asked if we wanted another. We had to beg her for more. And the second round was made completely different from the first round. Smaller glasses, different taste. How weird!! They charged the same price. There are so many Italian restaurants around. This place is truly not worth it.
(2)Ina S.
Their pasta is not fresh.... Lasagna is microwaved. I don't go to a restaurant to have a frozen meal... Even Jewl osco can do better than that. Their chicken was very dry... The service was very slow here but polite.
(1)Annmarie K.
We went back for pizzas the next week for lunch. Amazing! Definitely get a pizza for lunch.
(4)Deeje E.
This place is amazing. Homemade everything. Fresh weekly pastas. The duck sausage pizza is great. the homemade burratta and lemonchello are incredible to start and finish. Fresh quality ingredients and a well priced wine list with some hidden gems. Of all the options if good Italian restaurants in the neighborhood...these guys stand above them all.
(5)Dana Z.
Food was good, service needs improvement, decor and ambience is nice.
(3)Yvette S.
there are only a few words to explain the food and service here! excellent and definitely a restaurant we will visit often.
(5)Mary Ann C.
Dinner last night on the patio at Nonna Silvia's was so good. Enjoyed homemade Swiss chard fettuccini and homemade asparagus ravioli. The pasta dishes they create are heavenly.....my favorite when I am craving Italian food!
(5)Sam S.
My boyfriend and I just dined at Nonna Silvia's tonight for Valentine's Day. We LOVED our experience. We weren't feeling wine tonight, so to start to drink I got the Ruby Slipper which was a mix of Absolut's Ruby Red, Lychee, and grapefruit juice. It was a nice drink-- a bit bitter, but I wish there was more of it so I can't say I didn't like it! My boyfriend got the Urban Twist, which was a play on a vodka-cran-lime in a martini glass. Also very delicious, but maybe a little too sweet for my taste. (Oh well! we drank them and were feeling great :) ) As starters we ordered the Bruschetta and the Portobello Mushroom caps in a balsamic reduction. Bruschetta was perfect--absolutely fresh and perfect serving size for the two of us. The portobello were very VERY delicious as well. (I'm a huge mushroom fan). I would say in my opinion there was a little too much reduction in the dish it was served in. We had to do a little fishing for the mushrooms! For our entrees, I got the rotolo which was a pasta spiral with ricotta, spinach, and in a tomato cream sauce--wonderful! I thought the tomato sauce was flavored perfectly. I also loved the spinach. The only thing I could say that it was very, very heavy on the cheese. (Which isn't necessarily a bad thing ;) ) My boyfriend ordered the baked eggplant. This dish was AMAZING, and I fought him for some of it as well! Nonna's marinara sauce was beautiful, completely fresh, home made, and sweet without being too sweet. The eggplant itself was cooked in thin slices, which I was not expecting, but still delicious! I would definitely order this dish if we visit Nonna's again. I've got to say, the service was fantastic. Our server was incredibly friendly, outgoing, polite, fun, prompt, and accurate. I think our service was just as big of a star tonight as our meal. We only live about a half hour away, so I definitely think we will be giving Nonna's another visit sometime in the near future! THANKS NONNA'S!
(5)Joelle S.
Had dinner on a Tuesday night, lots of outside diners, we sat inside. Ordered two of the specials: Insulata Tuscana, which was arugala with procutto di parma, grilled peaches and cheese. Not my favorite. The peaches were grilled too much for my taste, and the peppery arugala did nothing for the peaches, which should have been the focus. The Fettucini Verdi was another story. Wonderfully made, the pasta itself was made with swiss chard and held a deep green color. Simply made with garlic, evoo and cherry tomatoes, we fought over who would have the last fork full! Based on what we had, this place is a 50/50 chance. But with a coupon, worth the trip.
(3)Bruce L.
First Let me say the service is great. Also very friendly & knowledgeable. However, the food is another story. Lets just say you don't get much for the Very expensive price you pay. Prices and offerings are like something you would find in Lincoln park. You break your wallet and leave hungry. The dinner I got was Chicken with artichokes in red sauce. My drink napkin was bigger than my portion. Bland taste. The pizza my wife had looked like a frozen pizza that was microwaved. It was soggy and cheese wasn't even melted. Don't waste your money on a bottle of wine either. $42.00 for 1 bottle? I don't think so..At least the bread & olive oil was good. Everything is ala carte. Many other good Ital places in the area that give you way much more and don't pretend to be Lincoln Park on the NW side..
(2)Lauren D.
We ordered items that were not listed on the menu. They were happy to whip up these dishes for us. For example, chicken parmigiana and chicken vesuvio were not listed on the menu. They were very flavorful, the chicken was juicy and delectable. The chicken parmigiana receives four stars and the chicken vesuvio receives four stars. My only suggestion to the Chef is to cut the potatoes for the chicken vesuvio larger. It makes it easier to stab with a fork. What I like about their pasta is that it is made fresh. One can really taste the difference (pasta in a box versus freshly made pasta). My niece ordered the pumpkin raviolis. The sauce was so good that she mopped it up with their warm crusty and freshly made Italian bread. She rated the pumpkin raviolis with five stars! My sister ordered Pollo arrosto - which is chicken breast with roma tomatoes, yukon potato slices, rosemary, san giacomo balsamic white wine with vegetables, but no pasta. She said it is worth a 5-star rating. We ordered a side of angel hair pasta with marinara sauce. The sauce was light, sweet and actually pretty decent tasting. We thought it was worth 4-stars. In 2013, my over all rating was three stars, but I increased it by one star because our Server was knowledgeable, made some excellent recommendations (including wine) and described, in details, their 'specials' which we really appreciated. She was attentive, but not smothering. Also, we increased the ratings because they prepared several dishes for us that were not listed on their menu. We really thought this was a great way to provide excellent customer service. Give the customer(s) what they want, and they'll return. The portions were perfect. We didn't have left-overs, but we actually prefer not to have left-over food. We were satisfied but not "stuffed" and uncomfortable. My only gripe was WHY have "Open Table" reservations if we cannot use it on Yelp. I attempted to make a 7 pm dinner reservation for four, via "Open Table," but it was not do-able. I tried and tried to make a reservation for 18-APR-2014, but the only choice I continued to get was "2" people. I wasn't able to change the "2" to "4" so after some frustration and aggravation, I called the restaurant and made the reservation the old-fashioned way. The cuisine, the vino, the Italian bread, and most importantly, the service were all positive. Our total for four persons came to $106 and change, which included two glasses of wine and no dessert. The vibe of the restaurant is casual, modern and contemporary with exposed brick walls and a loft-like appearance in their newer dining area. The original dining area has a dark brown copper ceiling. Most Italian restaurants give an abundance of food that three people can share, but this is not the case at Nona Silvia's so don't expect to walk away with a "Doggie" bag. I think this is why Americans are over-weight -- huge portions of food. Order a salad and/or soup if you want to feel full, but yet satisfied. Otherwise, enjoy the fresh made pasta dishes and the crusty, hot, freshly made Italian bread. It's crispy crust and fluffy inside are the perfect amalgamation!
(4)Russ M.
A-OK describes it. A nice outdoor dining experience on a nice weather night. The food was decent, nothing magnificent but also not expensive.
(3)Cristie F.
I'm not sure what's going on with some of these horrendous reviews about Nonna Silvia's Trattoria & Pizzeria. I had quite a fab experience! However, I've only dealt with NS for catering, delivery, and my most recently, my first dine-in experience for lunch. Either way - it makes me sad. Nonna Silvia's and I had a grand ol' time together. I will admit that will only three tables filled during lunch, the service lacked some. The waiter wasn't quite as attentive as he should have been, and I had to ask for my water refilled several times. When you only have 2-3 tables to wait, you should be on top of that like a fat kid on a cupcake. The dine in menu is different than their delivery/catering menu - so I recommend dining in. They have quite a few more seasonal options that aren't listed on the other menus. ((strange)). I had previously had their Pumpkin Ravioli with creamy tomato goat cheese sauce. Those little stuffed pasta squares are the most delectable ravioli I have tasted. However, they are very sweet and rich - so go easy. It's a dish best for sharing. I opted for something new so I went with the housemade swiss chard fettuccine with a spicy olive oil and tomato sauce. BEST. F'ING. PASTA. EVER. You could taste the swiss chard in each noodle, and they were cooked to a perfect al dente. If I didn't have to go back to work and have a gut bomb for the rest of the day, I would have eaten the whole bowl. The rest of the group felt the same, and we all left with clean plates or a small amount of leftovers. Obviously we thought it was delish. Final Note: I dig the food. I dig the romantic atmosphere. And I overall dig Nonna Silvia's.
(4)Dhruv P.
The food was bland and the cocktails were average. The decor is done well and the service was terrific. I probably would never come here again because its just out of my way and the food wasn't something I would crave. I got the Rotolo Ripieno (pinwheel pasta) with ricotta, spinach and creamy tomato basil sauce. When I got it, all I tasted was the ricotta and vodka sauce. The pasta seemed to be chewy and I couldn't taste the basil in the sauce. The two different cocktails I got both tasted like each other, which ended up tasting like White Russian.
(2)Vee D.
I cannot believe how terrible our experience was at this restaurant. The server did not have recommendations for wine, entrees, appetizers... basically everything a server should have knowledge about. After receiving burnt bruschetta, under cooked pasta and the incorrect replacement order... it was easy to determine why we didn't tried this place sooner. AVOID!!!
(1)Valerie S.
I'm surprised by the poor reviews. I've been here twice and both times my food was wonderful and we had good service. The first time we took my husband's parents for dinner and everyone raved about their food. Two of us had the pumpkin ravioli, one had pizza and one had gnocchi. The second visit was with a group of about eight girlfriends and everyone seemed to enjoy their meal. The restaurant was very accommodating of our group size, which also lingered for a few hours while eating and holding a book discussion. No complaints.
(5)Mike L.
Last Saturday was my first time at Nonna Silvia's and before that I never knew it existed - I am really glad we went. I cannot understand some of the reviews I have read - it's almost as if we ate at 2 different restaurants, but what can I say? Pros; One of the best and unique grilled Calamari dishes I have had anywhere in Chicago - why? Because it was spicy and just the right amount of hot added! Not just gilled plain with olive oil, etc. VERY GOOD!! My Grilled White Fish with Pesto and Pinoli (was out of this world) I don't eat Risotto or Rice that much anymore, so I asked for Spinach instead, and it was perfect. I don't use butter or oil when I eat bread, I use gravy (Red Sauce) like when my Mom made gravy. Excellent Red Sauce - not too sweet, and nice and thick the way it should be. The Margherita Pizza was not the best I ever had, but certainly not the worst, it was all fresh ingredients, and the crust was crispy the way I like it, but not my favorite item. The Cannoli were ok - a little dry, but the filling was excellent and the Tiramisu was also just a little dry - I think the Lady fingers (or Pan Di Spagna) could sit in the Espresso a little longer, and I would mix in some real Whip cream into the Marscapone - it makes it moister, but that is just my opinion. And I am NOT complaining at all because I didn't come for desserts, I came for the main dishes so non e stato una problema affato! The service was a 10! Holly could not have been more attentive and her ability to manage and PLEASE multiple tables without making anyone wait was something to watch - a VERY good server and well worth your request to be in her area when you go! Una cameriera bravissima! The Limoncello was perfetto!!! One of the owners, John, came out and served multiple tables their food and made sure everything was taken care of - he did the same to us and really treated us well and made us all feel very welcomed. The Cons; Nothing! All in all we really had a great time and the food, wine and service were outstanding. Grazie per tutto e ritornarci presto!!
(5)Debbie C.
I must say this has pretty good Italian food! My husband is very picky but he lived this place!! Kids enjoyed their dinner although they had spaghetti, but none the less the people who work there are super nice and welcoming!!
(3)David R.
One of my favorate places to eat in the Edison Park / Park Ridge Area
(4)Franco S.
Calamari fried or grilled truly a delight. You can taste the prime ingredients that are used Wonderful experience definitely returning .
(5)Sarah C.
Service is slow... Very slow. Servers are mellow. She kept bringing me the wrong beer, which was annoying. Even worse, they served us all at completely different times. I had my ravioli before my fiancé has his pork chops- weird. Plus- we were probably the third couple in the restaurant-no reason for crap service.
(2)Mark T.
I have been cooking for almost 30 years, I've owned 3 restaurants. I know how hard this business can be to operate successfully. Nonna Silvia's dining room is nicely decorated and the tables are spaced so that you are not on top of one another. We were a party of four and we found the dining experience very enjoyable. The appetizers were delicious. We started with the burata which was served on a bed of greens. It was sublimely delectable, very creamy and the grilled calamari which was very tender. My wife and I shared the pappardelle with a very good bolognese sauce and for our primo we shared veal saltimbocca that was also extremely well prepared. Our dining partners had shared a pizza that was good but not great and had a red snapper that they let us taste which was four star good. The service was just a little bit slow but I will cut them slack on this because the room was full. Although the service was on the slow side I did not feel we were being ignored. In my opinion it is better for the service to be a bit on the leisurely side rather than feel rushed because the restaurant wants to turn the table to get another seating. The server was obviously busy but she was still attentive. While the pricing is not cheap I think it is a good dining value. I feel it is fairly priced for what they produce. My primary point is that the people who own and run this establishment really care about what they do and the product that is put on the table. The food is prepared with care, the presentation on the plate shows they put thought into what they do. This was my second visit and I will be back. I will recommend Nonna Silvia's to friends. While I rated it 4 stars if there was a half star option I would give it 4.5 out of 5.
(4)MK D.
I've been to a lot of good and bad Italian restaurants. But Nonna Silvia is truly one of the best places for authentic Italian cuisine! They serve the freshest pasta and ingredients! Love going here with my hubby!
(5)Katie F.
I went to Nonna Silvia's for a birthday dinner with my friends. The space is small and cute... and the wait service is very nice. However, coming from an Italian family... that loves to cook true Italian.... I can safely say their food is anything but Authentic Italian. At best it is a canned or frozen store bought American version of what they think Italian is. I ordered the Bolognese - which is an authentic Italian MEAT sauce. Not a tomato sauce. However, what was brought to me can only be described as Marinara with store bought Italian Sausage pieces in it... not Bolognese. Because my friends had taken me here for my birthday, I decided to pick at it and not complain. However, had it been just me and my husband it would have gone back. Someone needs to teach their chef real Italian recipes. I would bet that was brought to our table was not homemade or fresh. It all tasted frozen and canned... even their pasta. For their prices, I would have expected more. Even their Tiramisu tasted like it was from a box. Oh and it was so hot in their restaurant that I thought I was going to pass out! And when I told the waitress that it was rather hot, she essentially said she has it worse than me because she is running around. Which is true. But also not the response one would expect. There are much better places to go for Italian in Park Ridge and Edison Park. For those looking for somewhere else - try Pizanos.
(2)Jennifer P.
To be completely honest, I cannot believe this place is still in business. It was so loud I couldn't even hear my boyfriend from across the table!! The food was overpriced as all hell and most importantly, NOT REAL ITALIAN FOOD!!!!!!!!!!! I literally had 6 bites of pasta with a few shrimp and clams for over $20. NOT WORTH IT!!!! Take your money elsewhere.... I would rather make the drive someplace decent!! I filled out a survey card about our horrible experience and no one ever got back to me. all i got was more newsletters about their crappy food. When you get a negative review, the thing to do isn't send them more stuff that they won't ever get... it's to APOLOGIZE for the experience!!!!!!! I am never usually this harsh with a review, but this time, i feel it is necessary. i am so mad about everything that happened with this place. Especially because the whole point of a comment card is to respond to your customers feedback. This was my anniversary dinner with my boyfriend and it was only salvaged by a trip to ben and jerry's afterward. Bottom line..... STAY AWAY unless you are looking for a noisy, overpriced, fake italian restaurant!!!!!
(1)Bob M.
This was our second time to Nonna Silvia's. I ordered the balsimic chicken dish. I was looking for something healthy. The chicken breast was very thin and dryed out. The potatoes were smothered in sauce, as if it was sitting in the kitchen all day. My wife ordered pasta that was buried in sauce. Too many decent place to eat, avoid this one!
(1)Epicure S.
We have passed by Nonna Silvia for years thinking it to be an upscale pizza place. However, after our experience for lunch today, we highly recommend anyone who enjoys quality fresh pastas, good wine and veal dishes should give it a try. The service we received was personal and friendly. The mussel dish was made to our specifications rather than accepting what was offered on the menu. Taking time to make a diner happy with a personal preparation is rare these days. Mushroom ravioli was freshly made accompanied by an outstanding cream sauce. Parpadelle was also freshly made of egg noodles fava beans with a hint of mint. Caesar salad and minestrone were well above average. My wife and I dine out regularly but only comment on Yelp when we are very impressed.
(5)Christina B.
I have been here 3 times for dinner and enjoyed every visit. It is small, it gets crowded quickly on the weekend, so the last time I went I made reservations and we were seated immediately. I always start with the caprese salad which is always good, but probably pretty difficult to screw up. I have had the pumpkin ravioli twice, which was delicious, and the rotolo on my last visit which was not amazing but it was pretty good. I always order the same drink, I believe it's called the think pink lemonade. I've had it as a martini and a cocktail on ice and loved it either way. For dessert (I cannot remember the name) my husband and I shared some banana pudding graham/cracker concoction that was delicious.
(4)L W.
Service was good. The appetizer of baked clams were little neck clams with a bread crumb sauce; still trying to find the clams! The veal picatta as mentioned on the menu, "provimi" veal; this was not "provimi" veal or else was an old piece of meat. This was served on a bed of linguini swimming in a lemony brackish watery sauce with a sprinkling of capers. This was horrible version of veal picatta; an "old family" Italian restaurant should be ashamed to serve this. It was taken off the bill, but that does not bring me back to this place. I am sure there are more reliable "italian" restaurants in the Chicago area. This Nonna Silvias is not among them.
(1)William C.
I've been to Nonna Silvia's twice now and would love to go back. The restaurant is family owned, and I could tell. While the dining area is smaller than one would expect, I haven't felt crowded when I visit. The environment is incredible - the walls are a gorgeous brick, the ceiling has incredible accidents, the tables and chairs are a nice dark stain, everything works well together. The reason I bring this up is to note that Nonna Silvia's clearly cares about patron experience. High class environment pairs incredibly well with the high class service from our waiter (I had Luis both times) was beyond expectation. He was quick for refills, quick to remove completed dishes, and super friendly. The food is also world class. The bread is warm and delicious, the bruschetta is perfectly sweet and tangy. The margarita pizza is superb, and the vodka sauce that covered my pasta is admittedly the best sauce I've ever tasted (but please don't tell that to my great grandmother). It does take a bit of time to get your order out, especially when they're busy, but the food is hand crafted and well worth the wait. I cannot fathom how the poor reviewers had such an experience with the way Nonna Silvia's treated me. I'm no one special, but I've had excellent service, incredible food, and both times came home with something for lunch the next day. If you're looking for delicious Italian food with fantastic service and an environment to match, you'd be at a deficit to not try Nonna Silvia's.
(4)E K.
Its a beautiful night tonight and my husband and I thought we should go back and give Nonna Silvia's a try tonight and take advantage of their outdoor seating. So we walked to the restaurant, arrive and enter inside (like requested) in order to be seated outdoors. A nice tall, male server (Polish guy) greeted us kindly and let us know that the hotsess would show us to our seats. The hostess barely looked at us as she walked past us and maybe grunted for us to have a nice meal?? Still not turned off, thought maybe she wasn't a naturally friendly person, which you usually don't find that in a hostess, but hey I worked in the restaurant industry (as a server & hostess) for years and I've seen ALOT. Our server, nice but new to serving (I imagine), because she was always around when you didn't need her, but never around when you did... she took our orders and we sat outside on the patio and enjoyed the scenary ( as much as one could on the corner of Talcott and Canfield ;) ) The last time we dined at this restaurant was when we were dating, so I imagined that lots has changed since then...and it did! They expanded into the old barber shop next door and their menu was bigger and seemed more interesting. My husband and I are easy to please people that love good food- so we were looking forward to the specials that we ordered. He ordered a rigatoni with a red gravy, wild boar sausage, peas, etc and I order their fusilli special pasta that boasted wild mushrooms, carmelized vidalia onions, a fancy cheese in a marsala cream sauce- sounded delicous but I ordered a chicken breast on top for some protein. Well, they are very good at decribing how delicious their dishes could be, but I think the menu itself probably held more flavor than my pasta. It arrived and I was immediately confused...where were the mushrooms?? I saw pasta and chicken...and in the dimness of the evening maybe a coating of something on the pasta?? The server leaves us to our meals and I go ahead and try it and it was worse than expected...how does a marsala cream sauce not be the star of this vegetarian pasta?? It tasted like noodles with water and maybe some olive oil...I was very sad to get this dish looking and tasting like it did. The server came to ask how everything was and I asked her for extra -whatever type of fancy cheese- they promised because the pasta wasn't what I expected. As she is away, I keep eating the chicken (out of hunger) and have to salt every bite to "enjoy" it. She comes back and brings me a tiny ramekin of what looked and tasted like parm....so I take and dump it on and I mention that I thought their would be more vegetables like listed on the menu, and she mentioned that they are prepared with the sauce....WHAT sauce? So essentially, IF I ordered the pasta special, like listed on their menu (w/o chicken), at an ITALIAN restuarant, you're probably expecting something tasty and fresh....or in this case edible. So in this case, if the sauce was the star...there was lots of cheap pasta and very little, tasteless sauce. And then to have the audacity to charge almost 20 dollars for it is just beyond me. Sorry for the vent session....I am a little cranky... still hungry ;( My husband ate his and I tried a noodle and his red sauce WAS better than mine but that's not saying much...it wasn't anything to right home about. And the funny thing was there was only 6 peas in his entire pasta dish....SIX. Did the produce not make it in today or what? He ate the whole thing being the big guy he is and he was hungry...but he was very disappointed and quite peeved when the bill came and we endned spending about $50 for less than medicore food and two non-alcholic drinks. We will NEVER be dining there again, and I suggest you take your business north of there to Edison Park or south of there to Lawerence Ave (Norrdige area) for Cucina Biagio's....WAY BETTER The generous 2 stars was for the nice server (who wasn't ours) and the outdoor seating which is hard to find around our neighborhood.
(2)Laura H.
Loved the grilled calamari as an appetizer! I had ordered pumpkin pillows off the specials menu and I'm hoping that dish makes it to the regular menu. I wasn't super impressed with the beet salad (also on the specials menu). Great service!
(4)Andy M.
I went into this place with not knowing what to expect. First of all there were so many Seniors in there that I thought that I was in God's waiting room. My girlfriend and I sat for a good 20 minutes before our server came over. Finally one of the bar backs asked a server to come to our table. After about 30 minutes, we finally got our drinks. They had a seasoned pork chop dish on the menu that I tried. When the entree finally arrived it was cold and the pork chops had the consistency of a hockey puck (for all you Cannucks out there). Not to mention that the place was totally over priced for Park Ridge. Needless to say, I won't be coming back. I can be ignored at home.
(1)Linda P.
Had a VERY disappointing experience here over Valentine's Day. The mister wanted to do something romantic and different for the Big VD this year. As he looked in the paper, he read that Nonna Silvia's was doing heart-shaped pizzas this year. When we arrived at the restaurant I thought it was going to be a little hole in the wall place, but we were both pleasantly surprised at the classy interior. We were seated right away by the host as we had the foresight to make reservations for the evening. They gave us bread, parmesan cheese and olive oil for dipping and took our drink order right away. I thinking how great this place was, but unfortunately it had gone downhill from there... We waited patiently about 20 minutes (or more, I lost track) for a server to come take our food order. The waiting was not as bad as seeing other people who got seated AFTER us get their orders taken, very frustrating! We were about to leave when finally a waitress decided that we were worth serving. She was pleasant and polite but we got NO apology for the lengthy wait. The wait for the pizza was actually kind of short and the heart-shape was very cute, and delicious too! I was very happy....until we wanted to get the check. We waited....and waited...and waited... I would have forgiven this because it was Valentine's Day and it was kinda busy but EVERYONE ELSE who came in AFTER us had not only gotten their food, but their check, paid and left. Very frustrating! Greg finally had to get up and pay at the cash register where the takeout orders were paid for just so we could finally leave. I'm heartbroken (maybe the heart shaped pizza should have been cut in half?) because I really was liking this place but the subpar service had ruined it for us.
(2)Genevieve C.
Well, I wouldn't go back. First, the positive: nice enough atmosphere, friendly enough server, good bread, parmesan, olive oil, and our spinach salad was decent. And the negatives: The service was a bit irregular, the server could not recommend a wine when asked, and, the thing that really ruined the meal for me--I ordered the seafood risotto special. If you're going to put a seafood dish on as a special, the fish must be fresh. At the very least, the fish should not taste old or borderline spoiled. This seafood was completely questionable--from the moment the plate was brought to the table, I could tell, as an overwhelmingly fishy smell wafted up to my nose. The clams were horrendous, the mussels were extremely fishy, etc. I ended up eating the risotto, against my better judgment, but left most of the seafood on the plate. There are so many good Italian restaurants in the Chicagoland area, and though we're not near the ocean, I have never had a mussel this old before--it's simply too easy to get fresh mussels, very affordably, at just about any supermarket. This was a huge letdown, and the dish really turned my stomach. There's no excuse--I've eaten much fresher seafood at divey chinese takeout places. I overpaid for old food, and won't make that mistake again. My boyfriend ate the ravioli of the house, filled with sausage, and it was passable, but nothing special.
(2)tom b.
Doesn't make any difference if you go in , carryout or have it delievered, the food here is great! Pizza is thin crust and tasty, pastats melt i your mouth and their weekly specials are to die for. In addition, try their wine tasting dinners. Great price, excellent food and the wines are terrific!! Those who don't like this place should go elsewhere. too bad Domino's pizza doesn't have seating for them!
(5)Chillie D.
LONG-TIME Customer won over -- YAY! I'm a fan again! My niece loves the pumpkin raviolis at Nonna Silvia's restaurant. She was craving them the other evening. I vowed never to patronize their restaurant again, due to poor service, but my niece talked me in to going to Nonna's again. The last time we went here (early November) the service was horrible. WOW, we were pleasantly surprised at how much the service had improved since our last visit. Our Server, Gabriella, was very attentive. She did not pull a "disappearing" act on us. Gabriella stopped by several times to make sure that our dining experience was pleasurable. She asked us how is everything and anticipated our every need, which was very refreshing to say the least. Finally, a Server that knows how to take good care of customers. We felt that the customer service, this time around, improved in a major way! Thank you Gabriella for being such a pro. We certainly appreciated the much-improved service. A huge thumbs-up for the service! All of the pasta dishes we ordered were delectable, saporofic and fantastically fabulicious. We soaked-up the succulent sauce with our bread which was delightfully delicioso! We truly enjoyed our dining experience this time around. We also enjoyed the astounding freshly baked, warm, crusty Italian bread which was very alluring. The inside of the bread was fluffy and soft. Our pasta was like a classical symphony orchestra -- excellent. Keep in mind that we went on a Thursday, around 6 p.m. and the restaurant was not very crowded. Another Server (male) was explaining the evening's specials to another customer nearby. We over heard him making recommendations of different wines to compliment their meal. It was obvious that he knew a lot about wines, because he explained the wines in great detail. I was impressed. He sounded like the host of Check Please! Alpana Singh explaining the different wines, etc. We were not sure if the service had improved because it was not crowded that evening or if they hired experienced servers with a great deal of knowledge in taking "good" care of their customers. Repeat business, coupled with excellent customer service, is important in the restaurant industry. However, I got the impression that it was the latter.
(4)Courtney F.
I got the pumpkin ravioli and it was good. The bread was to die for. If i could have just eaten the bread for my meal i would have. I opted out for a cocktail as they looked pretty expensive. Time for desert- I got the banana pudding. Don't bother. They make it sound cool by putting in a mason jar but it makes no sense. You have to eat the desert layer by layer which ruins the whole experience. First, the whipped cream- store bought. boring. Next, bananas- they're bananas. Next- the pudding- again store box bought- disappointing. Lastly- instead of Nilla wafers they opted for cheap graham cracker crumbs that took up a third of the mason jar. So after you eat the pudding you just have these silly crumbs in the bottom. Ehhhhh. Can't say my experience was terrible but nothing to jump for joy for.
(3)Marie B.
Buono! Fantastic! Fabulous!! This is a neat little find. I had the op to try their pumpkin ravioli in white sauce and fell in love!! Thus, when a friend had a short layover at O'Hare, I suggested we grab dinner here. We were not disappointed. I had the most marvelous pear and cheese ravioli that was absolutely divine. Words cannot describe the blend of flavors. Yum! My friend had the calamari -- perfectly prepared, a wonderful house salad that was a meal in itself, and a mouth watering lasagna. Each dish was fresh and very well seasoned. I am in love with this place. Next op -- will try their pizza and the gelato next door. I think I'll become a regular!! If you're in the 'city', Nonna Silvia's is worth the drive. Since moving to Chicago, I've found few restaurants that offer REALLY fabulous food (consistently) at a REALLY good price. This place does!!
(5)Tony D.
They have really improved the food here and the new addition is very nice. I am very happy to update my review and acknowledge the responsiveness of the owner.
(4)Grace G.
I really wanted to love Nonna Silvia's, but unfortunately I was let down. I really enjoyed their margherita pizza and I think they offer a wonderful wine selection. However, I think they have a major flaw in their conflicting carryout, dine in, and catering menus. In my excitement to try the place, I perused the menu online and picked out the pizzas I intended to order. Well, I come to find out that if you are dining in, you can ONLY order their specialty pizzas (margherita, quattro formaggi, etc.) in a 10". If you do carryout or delivery, you can order up to an 18". AND online it says their specialty pizzas are only available in a 12". Very confusing, right? Additionally, you can not order panzerotis or stuffed pizza in the dining room. I don't understand why Nonna Silvia's has such seemingly senseless pizza rules. I find it kind of ridciulous, and it's very confusing for customers.
(2)Sue P.
I am happy so say that I went back to Nonna's with some friends and our experience was night and day compared to last time! The server was great and the food was spot on! Thank you for listening and having our experience be one that was enjoyed.
(4)Richard V.
I strongly recommend that you partake in the various entrees rather than just settling for pizza. Be sure to review the specials to take advantage of some unique dishes (i.e. butterfish which literally melts in your mouth) at this restaurant. I don't order any of the pasta entrees due to personal choice. The restaurant have many entrees which are not spicy but has plenty of flavor. I tend to order their vitello (veal) dishes which are done wonderfully. The Tilipia Vesuvio is alwys a satisfying dish. The service is friendly and attentive. There is usually ample parking right outside.
(4)J S.
I'm not sure what these people are talking about that don't like this restaurant. It is my absolute favorite and is family owned. We have been here many times and the service is exceptional! The calamari is the best I have ever had, grilled and served on a bed of spinach, with fresh garlic and cherry tomatoes. If you don't go here for anything else, go here for this. Fantastic. The pizza is great and the lasagna was to die for. Great small, family italian spot in the middle of a neighborhood. Love it!
(5)Debbie O.
I love their pizza here! This also feature special wine pairing dinners
(5)Peter M.
Don't bother...not worth trying. The food was bland, small portions, overly priced, horrible service (only the bus boy provided good service - and the waiter was non-existent) and very cramped space.
(1)Michael M.
I have only been to Nonna Silvia's once, but the experience was so bad that I don't think I could go again. Everything that could go wrong did. The place is cramped and I kept getting bumped. (I am a normal sized person.) The service was extremely slow and inattentive (partially due to the fact that the waitstaff could barely get to our cramped table). I ordered the tilapia and it was sopping wet. You could have poured all the water off of my plate. My girlfriend ordered the Pollo Veneto and it was covered in way too much sauce that had a strong taste of eggs that overpowered the entire dish.
(1)Michele B.
I had an opportunity to dine here this past week as they were having a 4 course menu with wine pairings from Spain. The atmosphere is warm and staff is friendly. Overall the food is very good, and the owners are very friendly. Our first course was a breaded eggplant served brushetta style with diced tomatoes, and fresh grated parmesan cheese on top. This was paired with a pinot noir sparkling wine from Barcelona. The first course was a hit. Next course was a tri-color farfalle pasta served in a cream sauce with sundried tomatoes and asparagus tips. A little heavy on the palate, but good flavors paired with a Rioja. Third course was a petite filet mignon cooked medium, topped with blue cheese and marinated portobello mushrooms. Along side asparagus and mashed potatoes with another red wine. Gernache (sp?). Very yummy. Lastly, a raspberry topped custard served with a sherry. A little too sweet for my tast. But three of the four courses were a hit with me. Overall, I will definitely be back again as they have a wide offering of entrees and pizzas, and a pretty decent wine list as well. I would recommend this restaurant, and will definitely be back again.
(4)Carolynne M.
I am shocked and saddened at how sub-par this restaurant experience was. First off, the place was about 1/2 full when we arrived (there is like 25 tables in the whole place - its small!), yet we came dangerously close to being forgotten. Luckily, the guy who was refilling water took notice and said something to a waiter standing about 5 feet away from our table. I didnt especially care for the fact that we were in hearing range as he said flatly "That ISN'T my table" and walked away. But then a waitress rushed over and took our order soon after, so we tried not to dwell on it. But then BF ordered pork chops and I ordered mussels and polenta. His pork chops came so tough he was shaking the table trying to cut into them. He said the potatoes were cold and his spinach was terribly salty. He ate maybe a third of the meal, which is saying alot since he goes to restaurants hungry and rarely leaves anything on the plate. We ended up stopping at Dominck's on the way home so he could buy a sandwich. And thats a real shame. My mussels were OK, but they were very small and in a lukewarm sauce. To it's credit, however, the polenta was incredibly delicious with this creamy tomato sauce covering it. I wanted to lick the plate it was so good. I got three impressions from eating here. 1) seemed like a place where if you knew someone that worked there you would get better service than if not 2) seems like pizza is the forte here (I have had take out on a few occasions and have really liked it) 3) I would like to pretend they were having an "off" night, but they really werent that busy when we were there to use that excuse.
(2)Brian C.
I have had great success with the menu specials. The other day I had short ribs with a glass of primitivo. I kind of miss when they had a special on Rosso Montalcino by the glass earlier in the summer, though. I have enjoyed dessert here, too. I seem to remember having a great affogato.
(4)Mary B.
Great neighborhood gem. Wonderful specials. Regular menu is full of surprises. The wine is fanstinkintastic, and all are well priced!
(4)Tom Z.
I had Carry-out Pizza and it was great. The sauce had just the right amount of spices. The crust was thin and crispy. There were just the right amount of toppings on the pizza. I will be going back for more pizza and to try some of the other menu items. I went back and ordered a Italian Sausage Sandwich. This was one of the best Italian Sandwiches I have ever had. The thing was big and delicious. The staff was very friendly. I will be going back! BTW. There is a parking lot kitty-corner to the restaurant, which I was told by the staff you can use.
(5)Michelle B.
We really like nonna Silvia's. I've gotten pumpkin ravioli, linguini and clams, and pizza off their menu and they've all been really tastey. My fiancee likes their gnocci. For dessert the only thing I've tried was tiramisu, which I'm always hesitant on ordering at places bc it can be dry or too soggy, but mine was just right. Its a smaller restaurant, I think family owned. Service is pretty good and we're never had a bad experiece so far.
(4)Tracy K.
A friend of the family kept telling us we needed to go here.. and now I know why. I had been craving a solid Italian meal for a while, and here at Nonna Silvia's, I found it. Fresh, hot bread, a simple but tasty salad, a glass of wine & and plate of pumpkin ravioli later, I was a happy (albeit stuffed) girl. If only I had saved room for dessert. Next time! We initially sat outside on their large patio. I was visibly shivering though, so our waitress helped us shift things to the dining room with no sign of annoyance. Once inside, our service was kind of slow, but the place was very busy and we could see she was running her tail off. Everyone here was friendly and polite. They have a small lot east of the restaurant, but street parking is so easy here that its not an issue.
(4)Dan F.
Nonna Silvia's is OK. My family often takes delivery from this place and it works well. The Pollo Venelo is extraordinary. Pasta with marinara or alfredo are both good. My wife is also a fan of the Pumpkin Ravioli. The restaurant itself is small and can be very cramped.
(3)ellen p.
Nonna Silva's has really stepped it up. The past couple of times we have eaten here it has been great. The fish dishes are very flavorful. My husband had the di mare and the beet salad with goat cheese was delicious. The pizza is also very good...the crust is very crispy and on the thinner side. We made it a point to order our take out pizza from here next time. Would definitely recommend.
(5)N P.
This place is a total rip off. Our bill was $52 for a glass of wine, fried calamari, and two vegetarian pasta dishes. The calamari was frozen and heated in the microwave, had absolutely no seasoning and no flavor. The pasta was so completely tasteless - even the vodka sauce! I may give this place a second chance and try the pizza but our first visit was a huge disappointment and totally overpriced. Aside from the fact that our waitress disappeared and the busboy had to look for her for 20 minutes.
(2)Antoknight B.
I love Nonna Silvias. It is my go to Italian spot in Chicago. Great food, great service, great wine. Some of my favorite dishes are the polenta with goat cheese, grilled calamari and any of the weekly specials. If your looking for Italian food with a flare, Nonna Silvias is the place.
(5)Gennie A.
Love Nonna Silvia's! My favorite is the gnocci with vodka sauce. Had the grilled calamari for the first time today and it was great. The food is cooked fresh with each order and it definitely shows. Will be going there again soon!
(5)litl m.
We love this little place! Definitely our go-to date night spot. The pizza is fantastic and the pasta dinners are delicious! Not the best we've ever had but definitely good. My favorite is the gnocchi. They also have a nice wine list and help you match up the wines with the food you ordered. Always had great service here too. Please bring back the gelato store a few doors down!
(4)Jonathan S.
It's all about the food for me, ESPECIALLY when I order the food to go. With that being said, if you're interested in quality food, look elsewhere. I first visited Nonna Silvia's when they opened a few years back. I couldn't recall much from that visit so I figured I would give it a shot again with family. We ordered the following: 1) Lasagna. I can't really see how this dish is something easily screwed up. It's noodles, meat, sauce, and cheese (reminds me of Jim Gaffigan's joke about Mexican food) and any decent Italian joint should have this one down. Unfortunately that wasn't the case. My biggest issue was the meat itself. It was unseasoned ground beef that really didn't taste very fresh, and certainly didn't taste very good. The sauce was solid, but the whole dish was dry. The center of the lasagna was luke warm. Unacceptable. 2) Cheese ravioli. Once again, this HAS to be something that an Italian restaurant does, and does well. Here too Nonna Silvia's fell short. I am absolutely convinced that these were frozen ravioli with their sauce on them. 3) Gnocchi alla Vodka. This was the best dish of the four, which isn't saying a whole lot. The sauce had a nice consistency, but it had no flavor. I had to add quite a bit of salt and pepper. The texture of the gnocchi was like ... mush? 4) Veal Marsala. This was the by far the biggest disappointment, and perhaps the most damning to this review. This is a dish that doesn't have to be the allstar of the menu, but it does have to be edible. The veal was terrible. I'm talking to the point where, after my sister couldn't choke it down, I offered a piece to my dog. I simply cannot make this up - he sniffed, sniffed again, and then slowly backed away from the offering. He's a 120 pound monster who has never said no to a piece of meat. He refused to eat it. I really don't know what else I can say. I'm not one to write reviews out of spite. I'm actually understanding about mediocre meals, especially for local joints. But this meal was simply unacceptable. And for the price (if memory serves, it was over $60 for the four dishes and minestrone for PICK UP) it was borderline insulting. I guess in retrospect there was a reason I hadn't been back to this establishment for quite a few years.
(1)Katherine R.
Is there new owners? New cooks? I don't know what the deal is here. I can officially say this was my second and last time here. Well maybe not officially since my Grandma might want to go here and I don't really want to argue with her. The food here just is below average, not bad just not good. Ok, the bruschetta was good- but how hard is it to mess that up? I ordered the gnocchi and it was horrible. I love gnocchi, I always order it at Italian restaurants and have been to Italy, so it's safe to say I have an idea of what good gnocchi should taste like. This gnocchi tasted like balls of uncooked dough with olive oil, that's it. It was super chewy, no flavor, wasn't even hot (which I can get over since I drink lots of wine and forget to eat sometimes) and overall was not good. My grandma got the side order of sausage, so if you're wondering why she might go back, that is why. So, if sausage is all you want or need (no judgment) then more power to ya. Service is a whole other issue. Our server was not very attentive and forgot to bring our salads. No big deal by itself, but lacking on refills etc., it all adds up. Two other tables near us complained- one because he had been sitting there for ten minutes and had not been approached and one because the orders were wrong. This place is small, about 15 tables inside...so what's the deal? Next time we went out with Grandma, we went to Zia's (see my other reviews) and were delighted once again.
(2)Matthew S.
I use to take customers here all the time after they first opened. It seemed a great spot. The last time I was so embarrassed, I wished I had taken my clients to Mc Donald's. Apparently the waitress - who appeared to be doing noting - was to busy to wait on us so the chef himself was doing it. The food has gone downhill in a major way. I don't understand how they screwed this place up so fast.
(1)K M.
I drive past here every day and finally stopped in a week or so ago. They opened about a year ago and recently added a patio for dining and a gelato shop two doors down. We went at a weird hour - around 3pm and were the only ones there. We ordered the antipasta salad, pizza, and chicken with capers. All were tasty. I can't remember any of the proper names, but what I can tell you is that it was a great value. The portions provided us with lunch and dinner later that evening. They even deliver. This restaurant is clean, new, conveniently located near the expressway (Canfield exit) and tasty. Good for families, kids, dates, friends.
(5)Erika A.
I had driven by this place on the way to my father-in-law's many times and always thought it looked cute & neighborhoody. My father-in-law wanted to go & try the pizza a couple Sundays ago, so that's what we did. The space is small & it has an outside dining area, but it seems to be having an identity crisis. The prices scream "we want to be a fine-dining establishment," and the service screams "I like to watch Mtv in the bar area and never come to your table to check on you!!!" The pizza? Eh. Could get way better for WAY cheaper somewhere else. I can't speak of the other menu choices (of which there are not that many) as we only had pizza. The service was slow & inattentive. Sometimes that can be forgiven if the place is super-busy, but we were 1 of only 3 tables in the whole restaurant! Not cool. They also have very poor quality cloth napkins. They left a layer of white lint on our clothes that would not come off no matter how much you tried to brush it off.
(1)Meghan S.
Amazing food! Best pumpkin ravioli in tomato cream sauce. Their panini is phenomenal. The Nonna's Veggie thin pizza is covered in tomatoes, spinach, onions, mushrooms and garlic-can't go wrong. Their new restaurant is larger and super cute. A decent sized outdoor area for lunch and dinner. They just opened Nonna's Gelato two doors down at their old restaurant. Perfect Italian style evening!
(5)