Cafe Spiaggia: User Reviews

I had lunch there with a friend for $95 and we did not have any wine or dessert. The food was standard, the service slow and the place needs some refreshing for that price!

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We had a nice time at Café Spiaggia on this, our first visit. I enjoyed it a great deal more than “Spiaggia Grande,” across the hall, where I’ve found the service a bit snooty and the food not quite worth the tab. The Café is certainly not a cheap date, but the capable cooking, high-quality ingredients, responsive (and cordial) service were a treat, as was the setting -- a warm, nicely decorated room with appropriate music played at conversation-friendly levels. There aren’t many places in town that put all that together in one package!

We were seduced at the outset by the cheese crisps in the bread basket. Then came a tasty grilled octopus appetizer and an enjoyable green salad with pear and walnuts. The entrees were superb: I had a trattoria steak with smashed potatoes that was very flavorful and nicely plated; my companion’s duck leg with root veggies was also a treat. For dessert, their take on panna cotta was pleasant, if a bit dull (presented as a glass of good dark chocolate pudding). The coffee was very good.

A nice time, to be sure -- but at $180 (including one of their least expensive bottles of wine), certainly not a top value, nor a place I can afford on a regular basis...

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My husband and I ate dinner here last night with another couple, and what a wonderful time we had. We brought our 8 month old baby, and everyone was very accommodating and didn't act like we were causing a huge problem by having her car seat with us. Everything we ordered was surprising and delicious. The Zuppa Primavera was wonderful- light, flavorful, satisfying. We each ordered a different dish--from pasta to lamb to seafood-- and we all thoroughly enjoyed each bite. The wine was excellent as was the dessert. Go for the polenta pound cake for something different and delicious. The food did take a very long time to arrive, so they presented us with a complimentary signature dessert. My husband's drinks were messed up twice (have you ever seen an Old Fashioned made with limes and olives?) but altogether the meal was superb. A great place to eat.

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Had a wonderful lunch the other day. Great pasta (amatraciana with bacon, tomatoes, garlic and tiny peppers that explode with flavor), fresh mozzarealla appetizer with oven baked tomatoes, Pizza delicious as well. Excellent service, and a good deal considering you're getting pretty much the same food as Spiaggia next door for half the price. Dining room space a little awkward.

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I don't think that the last reviewer dined at the same restaurant that we did. First timers. Preferred it to its older sibling-Spiaggia. Eclectic layout that is near cramped. Best seating is for parties of 4. Liked the frescos, high ceilings, could carry on a conversation in an energetic rest. Cheese flatbreads - try to stop eating them. Gnocchi/BOAR was excellent, chicken was very good+, salads very good, gelato desserts excellent. Wait staff superb. Liked the availability of 1/2 bottles of wine.

Getting access to perhaps the best culinary team in the city at a fraction of the price. They also have a preferred dining plan.

Best overall restaurant value in CHI? Maybe.

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Underwhelming and pretentious. The servings were very small, and what they were lacking in size they did NOT make up for in flavor. Dry crabcake, bland veal... you get the idea. From the staff to the other diners, it seemed as we didn't have the right membership card to warrant our spot at one of their tables. The atmosphere is nice, but nothing to get excited about. I can think of many other restaurants in the city and the 'burbs that offer a more enjoyable (and filling) experience.

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When I was in Italy, I ate at this incredibly (and yes, expensive) restauranr called il convivio triojani... Cafe Spiaggia always reminds me of that one incredible meal in Rome. The pasta is always flawless (although I find tht the spaghetti vongole is occassionally bland), the mozzarella is so tender... and their signature sicilian crabcake to die for. Sitting with a companion, enjoying a bottle of wine and a simple meal here is always a perfect date.

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This is a place you can add to your list of places to go to when you want something a little nicer than a basic staple. The food is always great and the service and atmosphere are very inviting. Although less expensive than the main Spiaggia right beside it (a place to also treat yourself for a great evening to remember), many of the same wines and food are served here.

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Always a favorite spot of mine for fantastic wine, wonderful food and amazing people. I feel like royalty when I go because everyone is so warm and friendly - it has become a very special experience that I love to share with friends. Upscale food and service, and prices are reasonable. Come for the truffles because they are truly incredible. Prepare to come for dinner and stay through dessert and after-drinks. Be sure to try the hot chocolate after dinner (while it is still chilly). You truly will not believe it!

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