0 Followers
Segnatore
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Segnatore
8.4
This Humboldt Park gem elevates classic Italian with creative Midwestern twists like meatballs stuffed with melted scamorza and deconstructed lasagna with garlic mafaldine. The candlelit vintage wallpaper atmosphere and inventive pasta preparations have quickly made it a neighborhood destination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Scamorza-Stuffed Meatballs, Bucatini Carbonara, Porchetta with Prune Mostarda
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Creative Italian dishes inspired by folk healer traditions with Midwest-sourced ingredients
Who should go: Adventurous diners seeking elevated neighborhood Italian
When to visit: Weekend brunch or weeknight dinner at the bar
What to order: Meatballs, leek gramigne, gnocchi, focaccia with herb butter
Insider tip: Sit at the bar for walk-in pasta and wine without reservations
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - can be challenging to find, especially evenings. Plan extra time or rideshare recommended.
Dress code: Smart casual - the vintage candlelit space has neighborhood vibes, jeans fine but lean slightly dressy for dinner dates.
Noise level: Moderate to loud - buzzing with conversation, music can make intimate talks challenging at peak times.
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation; same-day reservations often available via Resy
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch (dinner starts 5pm Tue-Sat)
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including Brussels Sprouts Risotto, Celery & Walnut Salad, Braised Escarole, and veggie-forward pasta preparations
Vegan options: Limited - some dishes can be modified; ask server about current options
Gluten-free options: Yes - ample GF pasta options available; staff knowledgeable about accommodations
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice. Candlelit ambiance, vintage wallpaper, and intimate tables create instant romance. The long wooden bar works great for walk-in dates if reservations fell through.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seats are first-come-first-serve and ideal for solo diners or couples wanting pasta and wine. For tables, reserve ahead even on weeknights - same-day Resy bookings often available. Friday/Saturday require a credit card to hold.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - highchairs, booster seats, and a coloring menu available. Staff explicitly welcomes families and many menu items work well for kids. Brunch is particularly manageable with little ones.
Best For
Better for: Creative Italian with unexpected twists (scamorza-stuffed meatballs, deconstructed lasagna) in an intimate neighborhood setting. Better than West Loop spots if you want charm over scene, and the female-focused wine list adds a unique touch.
Skip if: You want traditional red sauce Italian without surprises, need a perfectly quiet conversation space, or prefer larger restaurant energy. Try Alla Vita for bigger groups or more conventional Italian.
Segnatore
8.4
Segnatore is a Humboldt Park Italian restaurant where chef Matt Troost turns handmade pasta, meatballs, and porchetta into candlelit, wine-soaked evenings. The room feels like a lived-in neighborhood spot with vintage details and a long bar, but the cooking leans more date-night than red-sauce joint.
Must-Try Dishes:
Freestyle lasagna with mushroom bolognese and whipped ricotta, Leek gramigne with short rib and cured egg yolk, Porchetta with bitter greens and prune mostarda
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: Handmade Italian pastas and porchetta served in a candlelit, neighborhood dining room.
Who should go: Pasta lovers seeking cozy, modern Italian date nights.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or late reservations to avoid crowds.
What to order: Freestyle lasagna, leek gramigne, porchetta with prune mostarda.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar for walk-in dates and easy wine-by-the-glass guidance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; usually manageable on nearby residential blocks but can be tight during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jeans are fine if paired with a nice top or jacket.
Noise level: Moderate — lively hum but you can still hold a conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer during prime time.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — dinner-focused service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pasta and small-plate options can be made or are already vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — some dishes may be adaptable but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free accommodations available, but many pastas contain wheat — ask your server for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the candlelit room, strong wine program, and intimate vibe make it ideal for a relaxed, romantic first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly — the bar often has space for walk-ins, but expect a wait on weekends and arrive early if timing matters.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — it’s better suited to adults and older teens due to the intimate, date-night atmosphere.
Best For
Better for: Cozy, neighborhood-style Italian dinners with refined pastas and warm hospitality in an intimate setting.
Skip if: You want a loud, bustling scene, budget-friendly pricing, or a wide range of vegan or gluten-free options.
Segnatore
8.6
Segnatore is a modern Italian neighborhood spot at the edge of Humboldt Park where creative house pastas and seasonal antipasti are paired with a thoughtful cocktail and wine list. It feels tailor-made for dates that want something current and polished without being overly formal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Freestyle lasagna with slow-cooked ragù, Fried olives stuffed with sausage, Olive oil cake with seasonal fruit
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Seasonal, chef-driven Italian plates in a warm, design-forward room.
Who should go: Couples who follow new openings and care about cocktails.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings if you like a lively buzz.
What to order: Fried olives, freestyle lasagna, olive oil cake.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar for the same menu with front-row cocktail action.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the neighborhood; can be limited during peak dinner hours
Dress code: Smart casual — elevated but relaxed, jeans are fine if styled nicely
Noise level: Moderate — conversational but with a lively buzz during peak hours
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation depending on time
Weekday lunch: Lunch is not typically a focus; dinner is the main service period
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple antipasti and pasta dishes work well for vegetarians
Vegan options: Limited — some dishes may be adaptable, but options are not extensive
Gluten-free options: Some dishes can be modified; discuss limitations with your server
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the warm room, creative cocktails, and polished-but-relaxed vibe make it an excellent choice for an impressive but not overly formal first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins may find seats at the bar or limited tables early or late evening, but reservations are strongly recommended for weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — it’s more suited to adults and date nights, though well-behaved older kids would be fine during earlier seatings.
Best For
Better for: Modern Italian cooking with creative pastas and strong cocktails in a stylish but approachable setting
Skip if: You’re looking for very traditional red-sauce Italian, large family portions, or a quiet white-tablecloth environment
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday5pm - 10pm
Wednesday5pm - 10pm
Thursday5pm - 10pm
Friday5pm - 11pm
Saturday5pm - 11pm
Sunday5pm - 9pm