Cafe Bionda
(312) 326-9800
1924 S State St
Chicago,
IL
60616
41.8563
-87.6272
Neighborhoods: Near South Side, Central
What People Are Saying About Cafe Bionda
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
Spiffing up a formerly dreary stretch of south State Street, the restaurant is divided into two halves--sporty bar with flat-screen TVs on one side, and a more elegant dining room with original art on the other--separated by a dark wood and frosted glass partition. Diners are a neighborhood mix of newly urban empty nesters and young South Loop condo dwellers.
The Food
The menu features hearty southern Italian fare that offers sausage lovers plenty of options: from salumi (cold cuts) samplers featuring smoked paprika and hot sopressata to antipasti like mild or hot char-grilled fontanini sausage served with crunchy broccolini. As for pastas, the bucatini--thick spaghetti noodles--comes nicely spiced thanks to chili flakes and garlic, but is stingy on the pancetta. The traditional veal francese is a satisfying dish, enhanced by details like thinly sliced roasted garlic flavoring the sauteed spinach side.
User Reviews
Anonymous
July 15, 2008
Loved this restaurant. Cafe Bionda is a very homey, traditional Italian restaurant serving up generous portions of deliciousness. Great menu with a super waitstaff. Loved the relaxed atmosphere.
read full reviewcristynes
April 18, 2008
I stumbled upon this place about a month ago and I've been back 3 times. Nana's Gravy is the best! Also the meatball salad and Lemondrop Martini's made with Lemonchello are awesome! It's my new favortie place!
read full reviewurbanpln
February 12, 2008
Big food does not equal good food or great retaurant. I don't get it, this place is average at best.
read full reviewThe Details on Cafe Bionda
What to Drink:
The martini list comes with smooth-sounding Italian names like Un Viaggio Piacevole (A Pleasant Journey), a mix of Grey Goose vanilla vodka, Midori, and Malibu rum and cream, rimmed with graham cracker crumbs.
Where to Sit:
An obtrusive TV monitor placed too low plus kitchen traffic and noise make the back room the least desirable of the three seating areas.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Family-Friendly Dining, Outdoor Dining, Private Rooms, Lunch Spot, Date Spot, Group Dining, Dine At The Bar, Bar Scene





