ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Wicker Park & West Town
Best Restaurants With Private Dining Rooms in Wicker Park & West Town
Best Date Night Italian in Wicker Park & West Town
Master Critic Review
A Tavola
8.5
Chef Daniel Bocik's converted house has delivered Northern Italian excellence since 1995, with his signature gnocchi in brown butter sage sauce earning a devoted following. The intimate candlelit rooms and ivy-covered patio create one of Chicago's most romantic Italian dining experiences.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage, Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe, Veal Saltimbocca
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Nearly 30 years of Northern Italian excellence in a converted home with secluded garden patio
Who should go: Couples and families seeking intimate authentic Italian
When to visit: Summer evenings for the enchanting back patio
What to order: The legendary gnocchi, tagliatelle ragu, short rib risotto
Insider tip: Book Monday cooking classes with Chef Dan for a hands-on Italian feast
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - generally available in residential Ukrainian Village neighborhood
Dress code: Smart casual - nice shirts, dresses, or casual blazers; no athletic wear
Noise level: Quiet - guests describe it as the 'quietest dining room' with easy conversation; music stays in background
Weekend wait: Reservations strongly recommended - intimate space fills quickly; book via OpenTable
Weekday lunch: Dinner only - opens at 5pm Tue-Sat, 4pm Sun; closed Mondays
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - seasonal vegetable preparations, marinated mushrooms, pasta options; small focused menu
Vegan options: Very limited - ask staff about modifications; not a specialty
Gluten-free options: Limited - starters and proteins available GF, but no GF pasta offered
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Exceptional choice. Candlelit converted home with quiet, intimate rooms where conversation flows easily. The ivy-covered patio in summer is particularly romantic. White tablecloth service without stuffiness. Staff helps pace the meal for a leisurely evening - this is date night refined, not rushed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Risky - the space is small with limited seating across two dining rooms plus patio. Weeknight early seatings (5-6pm) may have availability, but weekends and patio seats in summer require advance booking. Call (773) 276-7567 or book via OpenTable.
Is it kid-friendly? Families do celebrate here (birthday candles are common), but it's primarily an intimate adult-oriented spot. No kids menu - the focused menu is sophisticated Italian. For young children, request an early seating or the patio and call ahead to discuss menu flexibility.
Best For
Better for: Couples and small groups seeking a quiet, genuinely romantic Italian dinner in a hidden converted home - the antithesis of loud trendy spots, with 30 years of loyal regulars who treat it like a neighborhood secret
Skip if: You want lively energy, a large menu with lots of choices, or robust vegan/GF options - the focused menu means limited dietary accommodations