The Village: User Reviews

Waste of money
By Andelini from Pilsen, February 14, 2009

Overall rating:

My daughter wanted me to meet the love of her life for the first time and so I invited them out for dinner. I knew it was important to her so I wanted to take them to somewhere special. I had read about the Italian Village in an article and it seemed like the perfect place. Their web page showed fancy dining areas and boasted about their great customer service. Instead we were lead to a wooden booth near the bar and given mediocre service. I was embarrassed and angry. I requested a real table in the real dining area but my guests insisted that it was fine. I will never spend another dime in that dive again. Instead, I will spend my money at a fine dining establishment like Sabatino's or Tuscani's.

Ambiance:

Food:

Service:

Value:

Very disappointed
By Josie from Albany Park, September 21, 2008

Overall rating:

I haven't been there for a number of years and remembered it as being much better. The gnocchi was below average and grainy. The grilled chicken salad was good, but it's hard to do something too wrong with salad. Sorry - but we won't be going back again soon. The service was ok - the server was pleasant and they filled the water glasses frequently. But frankly, the bad pasta wasn't offset by anything else.

Ambiance:

Food:

Service:

Value:

Great value for the money...except....
By purefire7077 from Lockport, June 16, 2008

Overall rating:

We arrived at The Village @ approximately 5:30pm on Saturday, June 14th. We were told we would be seated in about 20-25 minutes, which we were. Upon being seated, I ordered a glass of Pinot Noir (excellent) & my wife ordered a Strawberry Daiquiri (awful). She took two sips, and I informed our waiter that she did not like the drink and wanted something else (more to come on this). She ordered the "Chicken noodle soup" (accurately described in the menu as chicken broth with noodles...ten of them) and I had a salad with house italian (very good). Appetizer was Brushetta, but it was not what you would expect (still, very good). I had Veal Parmigena & my wife had Chicken Marsala, both excellent dishes. For desert we had the cheesecake with blueberry topping. All said and done, our bill was around $90.00. This included an $8.25 charge for the Strawberry Daiquiri my wife did not drink. This was disappointing to me, but overall I definitely recommend this restaurant!

Ambiance:

Food:

Service:

Value:

No Reservations for Two...
By nighthawk from Des Plaines, March 3, 2008

Overall rating:

I have eaten at the Village before and have enjoyed it. However, I recently wanted to eat there but when I called, I was told that they would not take reservations for less than four. Whoever I talked to, suggested I arrive at 5:45 and probably would be seated within 20 minutes. We arrived at 5:40 and were told there would be an hour wait!

So, if you are less than 4, I would not recommend this place. Which is unfortunate, because if you can get in, it's a great atmosphere

Ambiance:

Food:

Service:

Value:

I've had better meals at...
By TC from San Diego, CA, September 7, 2007

Overall rating:

I've had better meals at the Olive Garden. I went to the village thinking it was going to be a nice place to go on my honeymoon and they stuck myself and my bride in the closet next to the kitchen!! I had the chicken parmigiana and the gravy was absolutely disgusting, it tasted like someone who didn't have any idea what they were doing in the kitchen cooked it! What a joke of restaurant! Last time I ever go to the village! Oh yeah, the cheesecake didn't taste homemade to me.

Do alot of business in...
By Susan Mentors from Schaumburg, il, July 25, 2007

Overall rating:

Do alot of business in the city, always eat here for dinner or lunch. The Captain always remembers me, the food is always so very good. and the bang for my dollar is terrific.

A Chicago Classic treasure! I...
By Wendy L. FitzGerald from Chicago, IL, May 21, 2007

Overall rating:

A Chicago Classic treasure! I particularly love the ossobucco (when available), chicken, Vesuvio, and (of course!) their unique, homemade Italian Wedding Cake. The wine list is awesome, great pizza, great menu, and all at a great value, too. And... The Staff Rocks! Keep on coming here and talking them up,too, so we don't end up losing another Chicago Culinary Great to formula menu dining mediocrity!

Went here the other night...
By Dave H. from Batavia, IL, October 21, 2006

Overall rating:

Went here the other night on the way to the CSO. In past years we'd stop by the Berghoff for a bite, but that's no longer possible. We were impressed by the old-style level of service provided here - folks worked as a team with everybody being most gracious and accomodating. Our dinners were delivered quickly and they hit the spot. We'll be back!

I rarely complain about service,...
By Lauren Levrant from Oak Park, IL, September 30, 2006

Overall rating:

I rarely complain about service, but we were put in a back alcome, which at first we thought would be great, however, although we were asked twice if we were going to see a show after dinner, after we told the maitre'd we were, the service was slow to non-existant, and we were even offered a dessert menu less than 30 minutes before the show and then noone even came back to ask if we wanted to order from it until we went in search of help. The food was bland, the fish almost uncooked,and the "house Italian dressing" cheap oil and vinegar. If we hadn't read all the good press this restaurant received, we would never have gone, and now we will surely never return.

Everytime I come to...
By Bill J. from Seattle, WA, September 4, 2006

Overall rating:

Everytime I come to Chicago I go to the Italian Villag...upstairs to the Village. the ambiance is the best with the Captains, Wine sommelier and waiters to help you select your food/wine. The prices are reasonable and they give you alot of food. The lasagne was my favorite and the Veal my wife's. The wine list is staggering and they know how to decant and use the proper glasses. I love this place !