02/21/08

A place with potential

by satirav

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.

• Pros: cold iced water to wash the saltiness from your main course
• Cons: Service and saltiness in the food

11/10/07

Quite Overrated

by roger_rater

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.

• Pros: Food
• Cons: Service, Atmosphere

11/06/06

Rogers Park pizzeria and trattoria features a wood-burning oven for the pies and a capable kitchen for pastas and primi.

by Valerie Moloney

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.

09/21/06

Rogers Park really needed this!

by mfdonnelly

Very good food. Wine list is limited, but offers some nice selections at reasonable price. Friendly and efficient service. Nice atmosphere. Great job!

• Pros: Good food, friendly service, parking

09/03/06

Good food, great service

by electricluddite

I tried Gruppo di Amici a few weeks ago based on its Citysearch rating and was not disappointed. Well, ok, I was disappointed that I went by myself and could only try one thing. They don't have a huge menu, but it's big enough that there were things I would like to have tried. In the end I settled on their spinach lasagna. It was very good, made with a white sauce and just the right amount of cheese. The portion was not huge so I walked out of there feeling satisfied, not stuffed. The service was excellent. Both the hostess and my waiter were extremely friendly, the service was prompt and, passing my litmus test for service, I never needed to ask for more water.

It was humid and hot the day I went, so I ended up eating inside where they have a great ambience. They also have an outdoor patio that would be perfect for a mild summer day. There's no lot, only street parking, but I ended up walking so I'm not sure how difficult parking can be. Maybe I'll find out next time, as I'm planning on going back.

• Pros: Good food, patio for outdoor dining, great indoor ambience
• Cons: Street parking

06/28/06

Great authentic roman style pizza! Very nice looking place, great prices. Good wines and beer.

by ulab

Very nice looking interior with great italian food in Rodgers Park-finally!!! Good italian fare-enjoyed the octopus salad, steamed mussels and great lasagna! Pizza is roman style-thin, crispy and flavorful. Attentive service. Jimmy, the bartender makes a great pomegranate martini! or recommends good selection of wines or beers. Nice atmosphere. Great price for a very enjoyable dinner. I hear there will be an outdoor seating. I will be back there to try other things on the menu. UP

• Pros: Truly Roman style Pizza. Ambience. Great value.
• Cons: Parking on the street