Gruppo Di Amici
(773) 508-5565
1508 W Jarvis Ave
Chicago,
IL
60626
42.0161
-87.6684
Neighborhoods: Far North Side, Rogers Park
What People Are Saying About Gruppo Di Amici
The Editor
Valerie Moloney
Citysearch
The Scene
Exposed brick walls, amber lighting and a giant wood-burning oven set a tone of warmth and laid-back dining at this charming pizzeria in East Rogers Park. With its name meaning "group of friends" in Italian, the restaurant beckons a crowd as diverse as its environs, from families to couples. Up front, a full bar greets diners, while simple wooden tables for two face a banquette lining the left wall. To the right, larger tables perch in front of a pizza bar with a view of the floor-to-ceiling oven. Service is unrushed.
The Food
Authentic Italian wood-fired pizzas and pastas call attention to rustic flavors served in manageable portions. Notable thin-crust pies include Italian tuna and four cheese. Caprese is simply prepared with basil and creamy sliced mozzarella; mini mussels sit in a shallow white wine sauce with garlic toast for sopping. Of the two lasagnas (spinach and meat), spinach reigns supreme with its creamy ricotta filling.
User Reviews
satirav
February 21, 2008
I moved to Rogers Park in November, and since then I have been to Gruppo di amici three times, and every time I've been there my personal dining experience has been quite disappointing. Their mussels and other items in their menu are really salty, service from the host / bartender / waiter and I think manager is bad and his attitude at times is even worse but I don't blame this poor multi functional guy for that. One positive thing though is that you will always have cold iced water thanks to the dedicated Hispanic bus boys that work there. Oh! and one last thing. They offer Half price bottles of wine on Thursdays I just hope that when you are down to your last glass you don't happen to find sediment or residue like I did on my last glass of Shiraz.
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roger_rater
November 10, 2007
Gruppo di Amici benfits from lack of competition in Rogers Park; there just aren't a lot of good spots to dine there. In other parts of town, it wouldn't get much attention. The food is good, but rather overpriced - especially the daily specials. I dislike restaurants that have menu entrees substantially lower priced than the specials and that is exactly how it is set up at this restaurant. Menu entrees are around $14-$18, but the specials that are announced without price run $25+. Portions are large, so sharing is the way to go. The pizza is good. There is a good, but inconsistent wine list - you get a wine that you like, but the next time you go there, they no longer have it. Service is pretty awful, frankly. Slow on a good day, unfriendly on a bad one. The atmosphere isn't as good as people here are saying either. They always have televisions on - ususally sports, so hardly a fine dining experience and the audio system is cheesy making the music either overpowering or inaudible depending on where you sit. Worse, they seem to have developed a snotty little clique at the bar that is unwelcoming to many. I still go there occassionally because, as I said, there isn't a lot to choose from in Rogers Park.
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mfdonnelly
September 21, 2006
Very good food. Wine list is limited, but offers some nice selections at reasonable price. Friendly and efficient service. Nice atmosphere. Great job!
read full reviewThe Details on Gruppo Di Amici
Parking:
Street parking will be available in front of the eatery; additional spaces can be secured on Sheridan.
Save Money:
On certain days of the week, bottles of wine are 50 percent off. Call ahead before you go.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Family-Friendly Dining, Quiet, Hidden Find, Date Spot, Group Dining, Dine At The Bar
