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Il Girasole Trattoria
Master Critic Review
Il Girasole Trattoria
8.0
Il Girasole Trattoria is a newer Northern Italian spot at the edge of Logan Square where brothers Rodolfo and Christian Hernandez serve ossobuco, chicken milanese, and a long list of pastas. The renovated former pub space is cozy rather than flashy, but the menu leans classic trattoria with a structured happy hour and Restaurant Week menus.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ossobuco with saffron risotto, Spicy arrabbiata with meatballs, Chicken milanese with arugula salad
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: A chef-owned Northern Italian trattoria with a deep menu of classics and a surprisingly thoughtful early-bird deal.
Who should go: Guests wanting traditional, sit-down Italian without downtown formality.
When to visit: Early evening for the three-course specials and easier parking.
What to order: Start with arancini or fritto di mare, then ossobuco or chicken milanese and a tiramisu.
Insider tip: Check their happy hour and Restaurant Week menus; they often mirror the main dishes at a friendlier price.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on nearby residential blocks; generally manageable earlier in the evening but can be competitive after 6pm. Limited metered spots along the main corridor; no valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and sweaters are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate — you can hold a conversation at the table, though it gets livelier during peak weekend seatings.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: N/A — primarily a dinner-focused restaurant; lunch availability is limited or seasonal.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options — salads, some pastas, and starters can be made vegetarian on request.
Vegan options: Limited — a few dishes may be adapted, but this is a dairy-forward, classic Italian menu.
Gluten-free options: Some accommodations — select proteins and a few pasta dishes can be served gluten-free; confirm with your server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the cozy room, attentive service, and classic Italian menu make it a comfortable, low-pressure date setting without feeling formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — arriving early evening improves your chances, but walk-ins at peak weekend times should expect a wait or bar seating first.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and calm family dinners; the space is compact and more date-oriented than stroller-friendly, with no dedicated kids menu.
Best For
Better for: Classic Northern Italian comfort dishes, relaxed neighborhood service, and value-forward early evening specials compared to flashier downtown trattorias.
Skip if: You’re looking for cutting-edge tasting menus, large party energy, or extensive vegan and gluten-free dining options.
Hours
Monday4pm - 10pm
Tuesday4pm - 10pm
Wednesday4pm - 10pm
Thursday4pm - 10pm
Friday4pm - 11pm
Saturday11am - 11pm
Sunday11am - 10pm