A Tavola: User Reviews

Arugula Sauce!
By jmccavitt from Ukrainian Village, July 2, 2009

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Went to A Tavola for first time last night and loved it! I live around the corner and never knew about it, which made it even more fun b/c I love new places. Sat inside since it was unseasonally cool, but next time will grab a seat in the backyard patio area. I love arugula and one of their daily specials was fresh arugula sauce made from their garden added to any of their signature pasta dishes....delicious!! Great find.

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Such a hidden surprise!
By glittermonkey from Wicker Park, December 29, 2008

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My husband and I took my mom and dad there for his 60th birthday and everyone had a wonderful dinner. The pastas were especially good and the service and wine made it even better. I will definitely go back for another special occasion.

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Great date place
By Lola from Little Village, January 26, 2008

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My sweetheart took me here for my birthday. The atmosphere was romantic and intimate. The service was warm and inviting and we were allowed to linger. I hate when the staff tries to rush you along like cattle. We sat at a table by the window enjoyed a predinner cocktail then a nice bottle of wine with our meal. The portobello mushroom appetizer was delicious. I like that the appetizer portions are small, perfect for two. Dinner was fabulous, so tasty. I'm definately going back and will recommend this restaurant as a great date place.

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My new favorite restaurant!
By Heather from Ukrainian Village, January 2, 2008

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I have never written a review before, however, A Tavola was so unbelievably amazing, I just had to spread the word! My boyfriend and I went here on New Year's Eve because we were looking for a romantic restaurant that didn't have a preset menu and didn't make you pay a set price in advance on this popular dining day. My boyfriend found this site and checked out the reviews and we decided since it's only a few blocks from our place, we'd check it out! It was a little challenging to find, especially since we forgot to bring the address with us so we were about 15 minutes late for our reservation which ended up not being a problem at all. There were 2 waiters there and each were absolutely great. Very knowledgable, polite and friendly. We were allowed to choose which table to sit at, either a cozy booth or a free standing table. We chose the booth. They had a fantastic wine selection and our waiter made great reccommendations for us. We split the mixed greens and pear appetizer salad which was awesome, and had the gnocci after that. This place had the BEST gnocci EVER! We were both blown away and my boyfriend is Italian so when Italian food other than his mom's impresses him, you know it's good! It was the perfect consistency and had the most delicious flavor. Just when we thought it couldn't get any better, our entree's were served (timed perfectly) and we both got the tenderloin with the garlic spinach and rosmary potatoes. Wow. The steak was so juicy and flavorful, it was quite possibly the best steak we'd ever had. The spinach and potatoes were wonderful too. The setting of the restaurant is very quiet, romantic, low lighting, and it's small, only about 8-10 tables in the whole place yet it never got crowded! I think this may be one of Chicago's best kept secrets and I am so glad to have found it! By far, the best special occasion restaurant around and not unreasonably priced either! I highly reccommend it!

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Great place
By shoegal from ukranian village, January 1, 2008

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My boyfriend and I went for New Year's Eve. What a wonderful time. A nice place for a romantic dinner without attitude!!! The portions are a bit small, but otherwise the food is great. You can order a la carte contrary to the general review on Metromix.
This place is a total find, I will be returning with friends and family!
Thanks A Tavola!

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Too high of expectations?
By Elizabeth from Albany Park, December 31, 2007

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My boyfriend and I went here for New Year's Eve expecting delicious food and great ambiance based on the reviews. The ambiance was fine and the food came quickly but I was definitely not impressed. We had the mushrooms appetizer which was way too vinegary. Then I had the roasted chicken as an entree with polenta and garlic spinach. The only good thing about the entree was the spinach. The chicken was black and the polenta was burnt on the bottom. My boyfriend had one of the specials that night, I believe it was pork and risotta, his entree was good...the risotto was just regular risotto...nothing special. :( We totally wasted money and had a crappy New Year's Eve dinner.

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This place represents the BEST of Chicago!
By trigirl_330 from Buena Park, December 17, 2007

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Although I feel there are many high quality, fairly priced (thank you BYOB!) restaurants in Chicago, I have never felt compelled to write a review until now. After calling last minute for a reservation on a Saturday night, the host was extremely friendly on the phone and was able to accommodate us at 930. Due to blizzard conditions we arrived 15 minutes late, and when we called to inform them they were very understanding. When we finally did find the place (it looks like a house), we were greeted by our friendly waiter/host at the door. The white linens, understated but classy decor and romantic lighting made me initially think we might have underdressed (nice jeans), but it didn't seem to matter whatsoever. Then there was the food. WOW! I am generally hesitant about fine dining at Italian restaurants, as there are many delicious Italian dishes which are easily made in your own kitchen. However, the food at A Tavola blew me away. There were only a few dishes on the menu (which changes daily) and each of us ordered something different, so I think we tried nearly everything from the kitchen. The gnocchi with sage butter and Parmesan just melted in my mouth. The braised pork with garlic and lemon zest literally fell of the bone the instant my fork grazed the meat. We finished with the panecotta. The texture was spot on. In fact, the table next to us came in just after 11pm just for the coffee and panecotta. After two bottles of wine, three entrees (and I'm not talking chicken or vegetarian), two second courses, two deserts, tax and 25% gratuity the bill was only $250 - a complete STEAL for the quality of food and service. After we were the last table left, our waiter even waited 20 minutes in the blizzard to hail us a taxi!

This place represents the BEST of Chicago! I can't wait to try the cooking class upstairs!

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What a Gem! We've...
By The Kramers from Chicago, IL, July 23, 2007

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What a Gem! We've been dining at Atavola for over 10 years and have never had a bad experience. The service is exceptional; Brad is well polished definitely in his element one of best indeed. Although all the entrées are equally wonderful the Gnocchi and the Short ribs with perfectly cooked saffron risotto are a real treat. My only concern is that the secret is out!

One word...Amazing. My boyfriend...
By Stephanie from Chicago, IL, February 16, 2007

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One word...Amazing. My boyfriend and I spent Valentine's Day at this adorable little spot. The gnocchi, as stated by everyone is incredible. The textures of pillowlike gnocchi and crunchy sage was heavenly. The braised short rib was the most tender and flavorful dish I've had in quite a while. The service was impeccable. Our waiter made wonderful wine suggestions and was very attentive. The atmosphere is romantic, quiet and perfect for sharing a night with someone you love. I will be returning often.

This place was wonderful! From...
By IDI from Chicago, IL, December 21, 2006

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This place was wonderful! From the minute you walk in you feel like you have been invited to dinner at someones home. The waiter was truly one of the best I have ever had! He described every dish prefectly and recommended an excellent wine pairing. The gnocchi was to die for too! Highly recommended and will go back again!