Il Vicinato - Chicago

I have fond memories of Il Vicinato from my childhood. My father used to work in the area and would take me there for special occasions. It was always filled wi... read more I have fond memories of Il Vicinato from my childhood. My father used to work in the area and would take me there for special occasions. It was always filled with locals and businessmen, creating a lively atmosphere. I revisited the restaurant 10 years ago, under new ownership, and was pleased to see that many of the regulars were still there. The place had maintained its cool, bohemian, and neighborhood-friendly vibe that I remembered. I was excited to introduce my adult children, who had recently moved to the neighborhood, to this restaurant. However, our experience was a bit disappointing. Our waiter seemed uninterested in my nostalgic story, and the service was slow and impersonal. The food was typical Italian fare, nothing exceptional, but I appreciated that they had preserved the restaurant's décor, including the beautiful chandeliers. Overall, Il Vicinato is a decent option for a Friday night out if you are local, but it's not worth the long drive for me anymore.

You feel wecomed immediately into this vozy, authentic Italian gem in the heart of Italy. The staff takes great care to help with menu, and cater to all our nee... read more You feel wecomed immediately into this vozy, authentic Italian gem in the heart of Italy. The staff takes great care to help with menu, and cater to all our needs. Food was delicious, calamari excellent , walleye delicate, pastas were like homemade . Valet parkingtoo.

I decided to dine at this restaurant for a first date on Valentine's Day, but unfortunately, I will not be returning. We arrived 15 minutes before our reservati... read more I decided to dine at this restaurant for a first date on Valentine's Day, but unfortunately, I will not be returning. We arrived 15 minutes before our reservation, but still had to wait in a long line that blocked the bathroom and extended outside in the cold weather. Once we were finally seated, our waitress seemed determined not to write anything down and ended up bringing us the wrong drinks, appetizers, and entrees. The steak medallions were mediocre and my partner's gnocchi was undercooked. The only highlight of the evening was a very kind woman who helped clear our dishes when she saw we were running out of space on our table. Overall, we were not impressed by our experience, possibly due to the holiday rush.

We had a 7:30 reservation and we did not get seated until 8:00pm. We put in our order quickly, but did not receive food until 9:00. Food was good. Staff were ki... read more We had a 7:30 reservation and we did not get seated until 8:00pm. We put in our order quickly, but did not receive food until 9:00. Food was good. Staff were kind. The restaurant was not prepared to manage a full house. They over-booked their reservations. We were disappointed.

My partner's food was served cold, and her salad never arrived at our table. Additionally, our appetizer was never brought out. Overall, it was a terrible exper... read more My partner's food was served cold, and her salad never arrived at our table. Additionally, our appetizer was never brought out. Overall, it was a terrible experience for Valentine's Day.