Merlo Ristorante
Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: (773) 529-0747
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- Wrightwood and Sheffield avenues
- Directions:
- Bus: 11 to Wrightwood
- Best of Citysearch:
- Italian Food 2006
- Hours:
- Sun-Thu 5:30pm-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm
Editorial Review for Merlo Ristorante – by J.P. Anderson
The Scene
Candlelight softens the yellow-gold walls of Merlo's spacious, open dining room, which is decorated with a hodgepodge of rustic figurines, wreaths, and mounted fashion photos. Chatting groups of 40-something Lincoln Parkers keep the energy level--and noise level--up. The front bar area is a cozier, tighter space, with window seats looking out onto Lincoln Ave.
The Food
Expect sizable portions of authentic Italian fare. Start with fritto misto, a platter of shrimp, scallops, calamari and veggies kissed with a light batter and a squeeze of lemon. Artichoke tort is a heartier option, rich with garlic, parsley, mortadella and parmesan. Entrees include meat and fish dishes, like veal shank with spinach and halibut on saffron cream. But don't miss out on pastas: Risotto of the day might feature ripe shards of asparagus buried in creamy rice; hand-rolled tagliatelle, light as air, paired with dark, earthy mushrooms. For dessert, panna cotta garnished with caramel sauce and strawberries is simple and delicious.
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Insider Tips
What to DrinkThe wine list offers more than 20 wines by the glass, most for under $10.
User Reviews for Merlo Ristorante
08/11/2008 Posted by friargee
Went there once. Saturday night. Party of 6. Service was ponderously slow - waitstaff hard to track down. NOW HERE'S THE GOOD PART: On paying the bill, the owner came over and asked us (nicely) to leave the table so they could employ it for others. Was he blind? We were already on the way out! We were standing. If we had occupied his table for too long, that was our misfortune and the fault of his staff. I wrote him a letter soon after in an attempt to find out what was going on in his head when he requested our departure (we're a fairly quiet, friendly and low key group), but consistent with his rudeness, he did not respond. Considering the relatively high price of his cuisine and the large amount of money I spent, I certainly deserved better. By the way, the food was good, but the memory persists. Live and learn.
03/09/2008 Posted by tootsiemn
From start to finish, my experience at this restaurant was deplorable. -quoted $25 for drinks at the bar, then charged $32 when I used my visa-red flag, anyone? -out of several entrees/wine-only discovered after we ordered, and then were told that they were "out" -1 of the 3 meals arrived cold -music in the kitchen was so loud, we could hear it in the dining room -when addressing our concerns with whom I can only assume was the Manager, we were brushed off, essentially told tough-even though he acknowledged their errors (this was also the same person at the bar who charged me 15% more when I used my visa) -with poor service, an incomplete bar and food menu, and no signs of remorse for a job poorly done...I will not be back, and I strongly suggest you do not go either.
Pros: central location in LP
Cons: Service-with an attitude
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