ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Lakeview & Wrigleyville
Best Lasagna in Lakeview & Wrigleyville
Best Date Night Italian in Lakeview & Wrigleyville
Master Critic Review
Angelina Ristorante
7.8
Angelina Ristorante is an East Lakeview staple with white-tablecloth charm, a compact dining room, and a menu that toggles between brunch standards and candlelit Italian dinners. Despite some mixed recent feedback, its hundreds of Yelp and Google reviews point to a place locals still use for intimate celebrations, especially around pasta and brunch plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rigatoni Bolognese, Eggs Benedict, Banana Stuffed French Toast
Scores:
Value: 6.3
Service: 7.1
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A quaint Broadway dining room where old-school brunch and pasta plates meet low-lit, romantic energy.
Who should go: Brunch groups and couples prioritizing ambiance over cutting-edge cooking.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or earlier dinner slots before the room packs.
What to order: Rigatoni Bolognese, Eggs Benedict, Banana Stuffed French Toast.
Insider tip: Request a two-top along the wall or window for the coziest, least-trafficked seats in the room.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Broadway and nearby side streets; spaces can be limited in the evening and on weekends, with tighter availability after 6pm. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for date nights and celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak dinner and brunch; you can hold a conversation, but expect some room buzz in the compact dining space.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours; earlier seatings are easier for walk-ins.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait when open during weekday daytime hours, though service hours can vary — checking ahead is recommended.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pastas, salads, and brunch items are vegetarian or can be adjusted with minor modifications.
Vegan options: Limited — a small number of items may be made vegan with adjustments; best to confirm ingredients with the server.
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodation — some entrées and salads can be prepared gluten-free, but pasta options are limited; ask about substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the cozy, candlelit room and intimate table layout make it a strong fit for a low-key first date, especially if you book an earlier seating before the room fills.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes during early dinners or non-peak times, but on weekend evenings and popular brunch windows you should expect a wait unless you reserve ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — brunch can work for families with older kids, but the small, romantic dining room and tighter spacing make dinner service better suited to adults.
Best For
Better for: Cozy, romantic ambiance and intimate neighborhood charm, plus a brunch experience that feels a bit more celebratory than casual cafés nearby.
Skip if: You’re looking for cutting-edge Italian cooking, a very quiet dining room, or a restaurant with extensive vegan or gluten-free options.