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A Tavola
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
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
A Tavola
8.5
Open since the mid-1990s, A Tavola is a tiny Ukrainian Village trattoria built around handmade pastas, candlelit tables, and a low-key back room used for private parties. The space works well for intimate celebrations that want old-school Italian warmth more than flashy design.
Must-Try Dishes:
Housemade gnocchi, Tagliatelle with meat ragu, Seasonal bruschetta
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Long-running, pasta-focused Italian spot with a cozy private room feel.
Who should go: Couples and small groups craving classic handmade Italian.
When to visit: Later weeknights or early weekends for relaxed private pacing.
What to order: Housemade gnocchi, tagliatelle with ragu, daily antipasti.
Insider tip: For private dinners, coordinate a family-style pasta progression with the kitchen.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Chicago Avenue and nearby residential blocks; allow extra time on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, many guests lean slightly dressy for date nights.
Noise level: Low to moderate — comfortable for conversation, especially in the back room.
Weekend wait: Reservations strongly recommended; walk-ins may wait 30–60 minutes depending on party size.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable (primarily a dinner destination).
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection of meat-free pasta and antipasti options.
Vegan options: Limited — some dishes can be modified, but the menu leans traditional Italian.
Gluten-free options: Limited — handmade pasta is a specialty, but the kitchen may accommodate simple non-pasta alternatives.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the candlelit, intimate setting makes it ideal for a cozy first date or romantic dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — small parties may be seated early or late, but peak weekend times usually require a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? It skews more adult and date-focused; older kids or teens are fine, but it’s not geared toward younger children.
Best For
Better for: Intimate, old-school Italian warmth and handmade pasta in a neighborhood setting.
Skip if: You want a large, lively restaurant, modern design, or an extensive vegan/gluten-free menu.
A Tavola
8.8
A Tavola is an intimate Northern Italian dining room in a converted Ukrainian Village home, known for candlelit tables, a secluded back patio, and painstakingly made pastas. Regulars treat it as a classic Chicago date-night staple where slow meals, deep wine list browsing, and long conversations come naturally.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pillow-soft gnocchi with brown butter and sage, Tagliatelle with lamb ragù, Saltimbocca veal chop
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: A long-running, romantic house-turned-trattoria with serious Northern Italian cooking.
Who should go: Couples wanting quiet, classic Chicago Italian date night.
When to visit: Early weeknight evenings for the calmest, most intimate feel.
What to order: Gnocchi with brown butter, lamb ragù, veal saltimbocca.
Insider tip: Request the back patio in warm weather; it books up quickly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the neighborhood; can be tight during peak dinner hours, so allow extra time.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but many diners lean slightly dressy for date night.
Noise level: Low to moderate — generally quiet enough for relaxed conversation.
Weekend wait: Often fully booked; expect a wait if walking in without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Lunch is not typically served; evenings are the primary service period.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pasta and salad dishes work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — some modifications may be possible, but options are not the focus.
Gluten-free options: Limited — pasta is traditionally prepared; ask staff about accommodations.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the candlelit dining room and calm energy make it ideal for conversation and a slower-paced meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights, but weekends usually require a reservation due to the intimate size of the dining room.
Is it kid-friendly? It’s more suited to adults — older teens may be fine, but there are no specific kid amenities and the mood is romantic and quiet.
Best For
Better for: Romantic, unhurried Italian dinners with a cozy, neighborhood feel and excellent handmade pastas.
Skip if: You want a loud, lively scene or need a restaurant with broad vegan or gluten-free dining options.