The Village

Featured reviews

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  Melissa D'Angelo

  ·2 months ago

  “We were celebrating the first night of our honeymoon and we were treated to a special table in an alcove with a great view of the restaurant. The food was delicious and the service was attentive and friendly. And a complimentary cannoli for dessert.”

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  Cristina Lopez Sordo

  ·2 months ago

  “The Italian Village is truly a hidden gem! From the moment you walk in, you’re welcomed with warm, attentive service and an authentic Italian atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve been transported to Italy. The food is absolutely superb. The lasagna is hands down the best we’ve ever had, it was rich, flavorful, and perfectly made. The Linguini Frutti di Mare was fresh, delicious, and cooked to perfection. We also loved the salads, and the tiramisu was the perfect ending to an amazing meal. Every dish was outstanding, and the hospitality made the experience even better. We can’t wait to come back and highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for authentic Italian food!”

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  Megan Mulholland

  ·2 months ago

  “My friend and I came here, Chicago’s oldest Italian restaurant, for dinner. We didn’t have a reservation but they found a seat for us. The village and authentic Italian ambiance was such fun. Some people were eating in little “cottages.” Our service was good and my meal was yummy. My friend said hers was fine. It was fun to learn about the history.”

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  Michael Buscho

  ·2 months ago

  “Travel into Sicily when you go to the Village. Juan was our server and he made this experience one of the best! Not only did I order the pork chop but I was able to add broccolini and a sausage. When it sounded like Juan didn't understand …”

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  robert foster

  ·2 months ago

  “We love Chicago and were referred by Nicole at La Quinta Downtown to dine at The Village. I love old school Italian and the restaurant did not disappoint. They turn 100 years old next year and the dinning experience was amazing. The space is so beautiful and You can tell it has been thoughtfully decorated. I recommend everyone to make a reservation to enjoy an amazing evening in the City. Abraham, our waiter, was incredible and took great care of every detail during our dinner. I look forward to my next visit in Chicago and The Village for their delicious Italian cousin! Robert Foster”

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  Brian Locke

  ·3 months ago

  “The Village is like going back in time and being transported to a Tuscan village for your meal. Be sure to look around and check out Al Capone's regular booth if you can. My waiter, Daniel, provided great service and his recommendation for the lasagna was perfect. I'll definitely return here on my next visit to Chicago”

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  Kristen Birkbeck

  ·3 months ago

  “My family and I booked this spot because we love authentic Italian food and we love history. It's the perfect mix! The ambiance is amazing and there's so much history lining the walls. The portions of food were generous and delicious. If we weren't on-the-go and traveling we would've taken our leftovers with us. We got a table in the center of the dining room, but I'd recommend asking for a booth as they are placed in these little alcoves in the wall. It's an Italian restaurant, so it can get loud, so the booths are helpful to isolate some of that and not be in the center of it all. The restaurant is dark, with only stairs to access the second level, so be prepared. But for our family, it was a great Chicago experience!”

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  Michal Salach

  ·3 months ago

  “Third time visiting The Village and every experience delivers delicious food, outstanding staff, and a romantic/relaxed atmosphere that elevates the whole experience. Starting with homemade mozzarella sticks, the quality cheese, great breading, and marinara go so well together. For the patient, coordinated, and slightly silly, the fresh mozzarella made for a quality cheese pull. Tomato Panzanella is my new summer salad obsession. If you love tomatoes and cucumbers, don’t miss it. Chicken broth and minestrone soups really send home the message they honor ‘low and slow’ cooking methods and breadth of flavor that come along with that patience and care. Eggplant parm threaded the needle of a great crispy crust with plenty of flavor and moisture still in the eggplant. Tomato sauce and penne were also incredible. Basically two meals in one. Take next bit of critique with grain of salt because I’ve never had risotto in Italy or really know what a perfect one should taste like. I wouldn’t reorder the specials menu saffron risotto and shrimp. Not sure I could distinguish any saffron flavor but that could be my own palette’s fault. Mostly tasted lemon and a slight umami flavor, but that could’ve come from the broth? Shrimp well seasoned but would’ve like large gulf shrimp. Still tasted good, just not a home run for me, and the range and quality of the rest of their menu I’ve had over three visits still earn the Village an easy 5 stars all around. Would love to try a mushroom risotto with some cheese folded in to go on the side of a chicken dish. Tiramisu ended dinner on a high note with great cream, coffee, and ladyfinger balance. Even though I typically prefer trying new restaurants out when I visit cities, my fiancé and I have made so many good memories and experiences here, I have no doubt we’ll be returning for years to come.”

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  Suomirakastaa

  ·3 months ago

  “We stopped in on a Monday afternoon around 2pm. We started with the Garlic Bread for $11...quite disappointing for that price point. It is listed(and pictured on other reviews) as coming with parmesan cheese on top. The option of adding more cheese(mozzarella) was an extra option and charge which we didn't do. Well, the bread came out with no cheese at all. Luckily, they keep parmesan cheese shakers on the table with the salt & pepper. So, we put it on ourselves. The Chicken Vesuvio was pretty lacking on the potatoes...but flavor and cook on the chicken was good. I feel like the portion was not as generous as other pictures we had seen online. My husband left still hungry...pretty sad when $45 a person doesn't fill you up. The Shrimp Tuscany is one of their "house specialties" and once again, the cook on the protein and pasta was good. But, it was pretty boring and bland flavor wise. I took the top off of the black pepper and went to town. That definitely helped but I still wasn't wowed. Both entrees came with a soup or a salad so we went with one house salad and one minestrone soup. Both were yummy. And they also bring a bread basket to the table after you order entrees. So, don't waste your $11 on the garlic bread, just eat the bread they bring and dip it in the olive oil and parmesan cheese that's on the table. Also, this is the darkest, most drab, and outdated place I've seen in a long time. It's very stereotypical "Italian decor." And there are no windows looking out to see the city...so you're just "trapped" in a cheesy(no pun intended), wore out, cliché Italian restaurant. And don't go here if you have mobility issues. It's tight quarters and there is a large set of stairs leading up from the street level entrance. I didn't see an elevator but maybe I missed it? And there is no handicap stall available in the women's bathroom. Although without an elevator, a wheelchair wouldn't make it up those stairs anyway. Final verdict: the meal was fine, although overpriced imho($107 all-in for two entrees and one appetizer, no drinks only water), and a sad dining atmosphere. I wouldn't recommend it nor would I return.”

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  J*AF

  ·3 months ago

  “We came at the off-hour of 3pm. It was quiet and minimally occupied. We had El as our server and he was fabulous. Knew his stuff, a d knew how to attend a table. We didn't request a private room and because the place was so empty, we're glad we didn't... Had it been peak hour, we would have like one though. Food was exactly what we were looking for. A hearty bite, with leftovers for later. Meatballs were great, meat ravioli with arrabiata sauce was delish and pretty spicy. Garlic bread was delicious. Veal parmigiana was fabulous. Pitcher of sangria was soooooo good! Try them all. We loved the small stairway going up to the second floor to this restaurant. It's beautiful and quaint.”

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