La Cucina di Donatella (closed): User Reviews

We hate going to BYOB's...
By James from Chicago, il, August 6, 2007

Overall rating:

We hate going to BYOB's that punish the customer for the lack of a liq license. Dinner for 2 without desert or coffee $65? Food was just ok,service was just ok and the place has a mom and pop charm-but see no value here!

The dining experience and food...
By EP from Chicago, IL, May 31, 2007

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The dining experience and food is truly Roman. The enticing specials make it difficult to decide what to order. The stuffed pork chop, mouth watering veal and salt baked fish are my personal favorites. The seafood salad is the best and most traditional that you will find in this county. Donatella treats each party like she is specifically catering your evening.

Warning to those who fancy Olive Garden and all you can eat American "over prepared" pasta bars... .please keep driving! Show Some Respect to the Roman Goddess!

This is by far, the...
By PM from chicago, il, May 9, 2007

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This is by far, the most outstanding Italian food I have ever had. Cute, quaint, romantic and the food - well the food is unparalleled. Donatella herself will great you and relay the day's specials. Everything we had made us roll our eyes in ecstasy. Highly recommended. I can see how the staff can get overwhelmed on a busy night, so try a weekday - the service will be second to none. BYOB.

What a gem of a...
By Kathy K from Chicago, IL, May 7, 2007

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What a gem of a restaurant from the fesh ingredients to the the delightful atmosphere...Donatella is a wonderful true Italian chef.

The restaurant is very small,...
By JD from Chicago, IL, May 5, 2007

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The restaurant is very small, just a few tables, but it has a truly Italian atmosphere. Food is excellent, service slow at times, but very cordial. The special's description was my favorite part! One of the best BYOB in town.

terrible. cramped. poor, poor service....
By fin from chicago, il, May 4, 2007

Overall rating:

terrible. cramped. poor, poor service. everybody there seems to have an attitude, my pasta was undercooked. and dont bother asking them to add an ingrident- they just wont do it!

THE best Italian food in...
By Eileen from Chicago, IL, April 27, 2007

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THE best Italian food in Chicago...and a saving grace for Rogers Park, to have such a gem in the neighborhood. When Donatella reads the specials to you, it's hard to resist ordering one of each. I've never had a meal here I didn't love.

Made a late reservation for...
By bruce from Highland Pk, IL, April 22, 2007

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Made a late reservation for Saturday night which they accepted and seated us. We waited 15 minutes and then requested service. After providing water and opening our wine we waited another 5 minutes when Donatella finally came over and told us the table was reserved for someone else.Not wanting to create a scene, we,we corked our bottle and left.It was our second (and last) time there.

Restaurant is small with only...
By SB from Chicago, IL, April 14, 2007

Overall rating:

Restaurant is small with only 9 or 10 tables.. service can be a little slow and unattentive, but the food is outstanding and best of all, you can bring your own wine to enjoy! Donatella is genius.. every dish is fabulous!! The gnocchi is soft and yummy, the spaghettoni boscaiola (an April special) is better than sex!! Yes, it is $2 extra for cheese, but to be honest, you really don't need it. The olive oil and balsamic vinegar on the table are of an excellent quality to use for your bread and cheese comes atop those dishes that should be served with cheese.. Reservations are a must as most walk-ins cannot be accommodated due to the small size of the restaurant.