Tapas Gitana

Doesn't Recommend

Flackman

Joined 3 years ago

good food, miserable service. Six of us went to Tapas Gitana on a Saturday night. Three people arrived a few minutes before the others and had no trouble getting drinks.

From that point on, thing dropped off. Drink orders took forever because, as the waitress told us more than once, "the bar was backed up."

Apparently so was the kitchen. While the food was good, it took forever. Service, which began attentive, diminished. We had to flag our waitress down to order additional food and we were never offered coffee or dessert.

As luck would have it, another friend had tapas the same night -- at La Tasca in Arlington Heights and had a great experience.

That's where we'll go next time.

Doesn't Recommend

WillieTheWildcat

Joined 3 years ago

We had a horrible experience at this place. My wife and I joined friends who were already seated when we arrived. We first had to chase down the waiter after a fairly long wait. They then agressively pushed us to finish entries. After desert, while still finishing drinks, the waiter told us to leave in 5 minutes (we had been there about 2 hours by then). Subsequently, he positioned himself in a visible place and continued to look at his watch. Angered, I confronted him and asked to see the manager which resulted in him accusing me of pushing me which I did not and threating to call the police. I have known rude and pushy waiters, but have never had such an experience in my 69 years.

Recommends

CSMobileUser2

Joined 5 years ago

The best dining experience ever!. I love tapas gitana- I dine there as often as I can- always the same thing, I just can't get away from having my favorites. Garlic potato salad, salmon slices with toast points, pork tenderloin with the most amazing sauce and carmelized onions, tomato sauce with an incredible cheese in the middle that you dip your bread in, dates wrapped in bacon and blueberry mousse for dessert, yes blueberry!!!. I wish I knew the formal names for these items but just know---they are to die for!!!! The service is great!! By far the best dining choice no matter what mood your in or what your looking for. Chef andy is the best!

Recommends

CSMobileUser

Joined 5 years ago

The best restaurant in chicago!. I have never had better, more creative, delicious and amazing meals then the food I get at tapas gitana. I eat there as often as I can. The menu is brilliant and chef Andy is the best!

Recommends

acrooks

Joined 4 years ago

Love this place. Eating outside is much better than inside, in my opinion. Service has always been wonderful as is the food. It is a small, hidden away restaurant that isn't stuffed with typical north shore people. It is easy going staff and crowd.

Recommends

rosequeen

Joined 4 years ago

Great for dates!. We have been here a number of times and each time discover some new favorite. Have never had a bad experience and it's lovely when you can sit outside, but cozy inside as well. Regular menu has real winners (like the dates!) but the specials are always tempting. Clean, friendly, delicious--it's easy to drop a lot of money when you're having fun, but still quite economical.

Recommends

timmyweb

Joined 4 years ago

Exquisite Tapas. I wasn't a big fan of tapas until dining at Tapas Gitana last night. This restaurant is exceptional. I was part of a group of seven people, and we ordered a wide variety from the menu. Tilapia, pork medallions, octopus, mushroom caps, goat cheese, and lamb, among others. All exquisitely prepared, seasoned perfectly, and masterfully presented. All reasonably priced. Great selection of wines, and their version of creme brulee is to die for. The room was very busy, as expected for a Saturday night, and a little on the noisy side. The service was excellent.

Recommends

JDfromChicago

Joined 4 years ago

Fantastic, Innovative Flavors in Every Dish. I would highly recommend Tapas Gitana. If you are looking for a dining experience with a variety of flavors that will excite you every time a new tapas arrives to your table and a vibrant atmosphere, then this is your place. I grew up on Cuban food, and Tapas Gitana adds to the foundation with a flair. The Pulpo a La Vinagreta had a twist of sherry vinaigrette. Don't miss the Tilapia Al Caparas (grilled tilapia with caper sauce). OMG, it was seared slightly for a crispy outer and so moist inside with the tanginess of capers. In total, we ordered Aceitunas Alinadas, Tomate y Queso Con Aceitunas, Pulpo a La Vinagreta, Queso De Cabra Al Horno (some at my table thought this was the best!), Champinones Rellenos, Vieriras Con Espinaca (besides the Tilapia, I thought the Sea scallops were number one on my list), Tilapia Al Caparas, Tarta De Nueces con Caramelo y Chocolate, Flan De La Jefe (which was an awesomely smooth chocolate flan), Arroz Con Leche and Crema Catalana De Chocolate (great way to end the meal!) We finished off with a class of Port and left with a an amazingly affordable bill even including a bottle of wine. We were a party of seven at one round table (which is great for conversation), and each of us had a great experience with the food, the personal attention of the server and the atmosphere. The chef even stopped by to ask for feedback which was a nice personal touch. I loved it!

Recommends

lovetoeatout2

Joined 5 years ago

Chef Andy Novak is wonderful and creative. We asked our waiter about dishes without onions since I am allergic. The chef, Andy, came immediately to our table & asked specifics re our food desires. We asked him to be creative. He smiled & said "no problem, it'll be my pleasure". Neither my husband/I had ever eaten such delicious food! Each dish was completely different & terrific! Andy checked on us throughout our meal, as did our attentative waiter. We were delighted! Looking forward to our next dinner @ Tapas Gitana! Thanks for making us aware of this fantastic restaurant!

Doesn't Recommend

dumasboy

Joined 6 years ago

Very bad experience with hostess.. A bad start to a romantic evening. Based on a recommendation from a friend, we had very high expectations for a wonderful evening. Had reservations for 7:45 PM for a party of two. Arrived at 7:55 PM and was told that our table had not been held because they only hold tables for 15 minutes. We pointed out that it was not yet 15 minutes. The hostess pointed at her watch showing ~7:59 - as if to say the only time that mattered was her watch! This event never had to happen. - we would not have been put off by waiting a few minutes for a table, if she had simply avoided the lame excuse. It was rude. The fact that we were an inter-racial couple problem had nothing to do with it - she was simple rude and lost our business and our recommendation. We drove to Evanston to The Stained Glass restaurant and had a wonderful evening.