Adesso
Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: (773) 868-1516
- Price:
- $
- Cross Street:
- Buckingham Place
- Directions:
- Bus: 77 to Belmont
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 11:30am-3pm, 5pm-10:30pm, Sat-Sun 11:30am-3pm, 5pm-11:30pm
Editorial Review for Adesso – by Valerie Moloney
The Scene
The communal dining situation at this one-room restaurant is by necessity rather than design--there's only space for 30 or so. The larger communal tables lend to unpredictable seating arrangements: A couple on a romantic night out could find themselves next to a group of guys in leather and latex. Decor sticks to chic lines with cobalt-colored tiles arranged in petal patterns and dome-shaped light fixtures. Servers are mindful not to rush to anyone out despite the in-demand seating.
The Food
Streamlined offerings of meat, fish and pasta sate cravings for casual Italian. Start with arancini, a deep-fried rice ball stuffed with creamy mozzarella and beef ragu, or simple calamari fritti, lightly battered and not greasy. Pine nuts and green beans bring crunch to a basil- and parmigiano-flavored orecchitte pasta mixed with potatoes, while prosciutto crisps crown a flakey halibut nestled on rosemary olive oil mashed potatoes. Tiramisu is moist and rich.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
ParkingMake sure you have enough quarters to feed the meters on Broadway; metered parking is effective until 9pm.
B.Y.O.B.Pay a $4 corkage fee for every opened bottle of wine.
The ExtrasA lunch menu features grilled panini, burgers and meatball sandwiches.
Know Before You GoWhile the restaurant calls itself kid-friendly, Mom and Dad won't find much room for strollers.
User Reviews for Adesso
06/14/2008 Posted by nikic571
My boyfriend and I were walking through our neighborhood yesterday evening when we saw Adesso. Regrettably, we decided to give it a shot. We started with the Bruschetta Adesso. There was too much oil, and the balance between the sweet and savory flavors was completely off. We finished that course, however both of us agreed that it was merely ok. Next was the Caprese salad (normally my favorite salad, and pretty difficult to screw up). Typically, the basil, mozzarella, and tomatoes are layered with a drizzle of balsamic. On this particular salad, the aforementioned ingredients were scattered all around the plate mixed with spring greens, the mozzarella was balled up and chunky, and once again, way too much oil was used. We were not offered cracked pepper, and there was no pepper on the table. On to the entrees. I had the Linguini Neri Con Frutta Di Mare. I love the combination of seafood and pasta, especially when it's done with a red sauce so I was particularly excited about this. This was hands down the greasiest, oiliest sauce I have EVER experienced. It was like they crushed red pepper flakes into a bowl of olive oil and butter, and dumped it all over the pasta. There was a half inch reservoir of bright orange grease in the bottom of the bowl. Disgusting. I ate the seafood, which actually was surprisingly fresh given the rest of the meal, but left the pasta/orange grease pit concoction. The highlight of our meal was the rosemary and sea salt french fries, which the server forgot to ring in, but did have comped for us. Also, not once was our silverware replaced during the three courses. The busser would remove our dirty silverware off of our plates, and lay it back down on the table. The bottom line is, I could have cooked a much better meal at home and wish that I had. If you are looking for a delicious, authentic Italian meal, this is not the place.
Pros: location
Cons: beyond greasy food, lackluster service
12/14/2007 Posted by djones1915
Read the earlier reviews on this site and I must state clearly that this must have been an "early opening experience." My wife and I (dined there this past Friday night) and found our experience simply outstanding in every area. The food ordered was just wonderful and the overall menu options are well thought out although I would suggest a couple more white creamy sauce choices. The calamari was tasty and "plump," and I had to have 2 extra pieces of the hot buttered bread. My wife ordered the Rollini and I had the Lasagna--each prepared and presented exquisitely---but tasted even better! The service and atmosphere were impeccable---professional and pro-actively attentive. Adesso is a "Must Dine At" and will be one of our first choices from now on---a cozy, warm, genuine neighborhood experience that we would recommend to our closest friends!!
Pros: Food quality & presentation / Service atmosphere and attentiveness
Cons: Dining room a little small---get there between 5 and 7 for best seating
Users Like You Also Viewed
Schwa
1466 N Ashland Ave
Chicago, IL 60622-2263
