02/16/08

Intimate Date Spot

by faribath

My fiance and I went here for Valentine's Day and found the food and staff to be superb. From the fresh focaccia to the extensive daily specials, this place has everything. The gnocchi is soft and buttery, and the entrees were packed with interesting flavors. The waiter suggested excellent wines to compliment my grouper and his beef tenderloin. The portions are quite reasonable, and I would actually suggest sharing one of the courses (we shared the gnocchi and still didn't have room for dessert). With wine, the bill will probably run you $100 for two, but could be less if you share some courses. The flavors are worth every penny! This is our new favorite neighborhood gem!

• Pros: food, ambience, service
• Cons: small space means limited reservations

07/10/07

This convivial neighborhood restaurant serves a focused menu of top-flight Italian fare.

by Contributor

The Scene
Set in the front room of a Ukrainian Village rowhouse, intimate A Tavola accommodates roughly 50 patrons--mostly young, in-the-know couples and groups--at a tiny bar and about 10 white-clothed tables. Tan upholstery, natural wood accents and stylish black and white photography give the place an uncluttered, personalized feel, and friendly service makes the crowd of regulars feel right at home.

The Food
Good things come in threes on the classic Northern Italian menu, which features just three starters, three second-course pastas and three entrees plus a couple of daily specials. A simple salad of greens and pears clears the way for impressive pastas: Taglietelle Bolognese strikes a lovely balance between creamy and meaty, while chewy gnocchi contrast nicely with crunchy sage leaves. Roasted chicken with spinach on a bed of Parmesan polenta is a succulent main course. For dessert, panna cotta is a creamy, delicious way to finish.

07/29/06

Incredible Gnocchi!

by dendau

A Tavola has the best Gnocchi I've ever tasted. Small, but fantastic menu with extremely friendly staff. Decent wine list as well. Great for a romantic dinner or small group.

• Pros: Fantastic food & friendly, knowledgeable staff
• Cons: A bit out of the way

07/27/04

best italian -- hands down!!!

by bluechef1

my favorite restaurant in chicago. a truly amazing and affordable date spot. exceptional service, amazing food and the best desserts in town. great wine list and an outdoor patio!!! puts more expensive places like vivere TO S-H-A-M-E!!! must try the gnoche, any seafood or lamb dish and the flourless chocolate cake for dessert. staff knows the menu and makes EXCELLENT suggestions on both food and wine. an incredible dining experience!!!

• Pros: knowledgeable staff, outdoor seating, great food!!!

04/03/03

Excellent!

by tutu

The food was excellent! I'm still dreaming about the gnocchi with brown butter and crispy sage leaves. It was spectacular! Everything was great from the tasty braised short ribs with creamy saffron risotto to the wonderfully moist halibut in the yummy caper sauce! We just love this place. Nice wine list........and the panna cotta.......oh, my! Even the foccacio was xtra good. A must try!

• Pros: the gnocchi, excellent food, panna cotta
• Cons: a bit small, not many menu choices

11/30/02

Hidden treat!

by pmski

This hard to find restaurant is worth the expedtion. The decor is simple and personal. The music was soft and at any time I felt like we could start a conversation with the table next to us, and did. The selection of wine was available to any pocket-book. From $20 to $200. I opted for the $22 and was very pleased. The menu was selective, and the food was phenominal.

• Pros: Inexpensive, Romantic, Personal

10/19/02

All around perfection

by cmuckle

All around great place. The food isn't necessarily jumping off your tongue, but they never miss a beat. From the courteous service at the door, to the heavenly gnocchi, to the well-priced wine list. All set in a very private but friendly atmosphere. A MUST for any real Chicago diner.

• Pros: private, reasonably priced, great food