Long-standing Hyde Park favorite draws museumgoers and UC employees for fresh Italian fare.

by Contributor

In Short
This spacious room is fitted with simple wooden chairs and Tiffany-style lamps; giant windows offer views of the park and the Museum of Science & Industry. A small deli counter sells Italian grocery items. Recommended starters include bruschetta and a caprese salad with roasted red peppers and a hint of garlic. Fresh-made pastas bathe in sauces, including meat sauce and meatballs, and white wine with capers, mushrooms and artichokes.

• Pros: close to museumdeli up front
• Cons: cafeteria-like

10/28/02

Fair food and prices...Poor service

by scatteredshadows

Walking in, my group of 6 was greeted very unenthusiastically by our server, who took his time getting us a table despite the fact that the room was almost empty.

Every request seemed to be a tremendous inconvenience for him, even when we had to ask him to bring items he'd forgotten. A second request for my grandmother's soft drink caused a very telling look of disgust, and he never apologized for not bringing it. In fact he was almost mute through the entire meal.

Speaking of the meal, the food was fine. Not spectacular, but worth the prices were the service MUCH better. Many items were somewhat oversauced, but the flavors were fairly clear, and portions are good. The atmosphere was pretty dull though, much like the service. Overall, I'd only recommend this if you're STARVING after visiting Jackson Park or MSI........

• Pros: Solid Food, Fair Prices, Convenient Location
• Cons: Awful Service, Mediocre Atmosphere

06/27/02

Worth the Trip

by jallington

Who'd have thought such a great little Italian restaurant is hiding in Hyde Park. Friendly service and excellent food are always on order.

• Pros: food, prices, service
• Cons: location