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Angelina Ristorante
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
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.
Angelina Ristorante
8.5
Angelina Ristorante is a Lakeview East institution dating back to 1988, known for candlelit rooms, old-school hospitality, and a spinach-forward vegetable lasagna that draws regulars. The space feels built for dates and anniversaries, with generously sauced pastas and classic Italian-American plates over strict trend-chasing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spinach Lasagna, Eggplant Parmigiana, Chicken Parmigiana
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Long-running, candlelit trattoria where spinach lasagna and red-sauce comforts anchor the room.
Who should go: Couples wanting candlelit old-school Italian and big portions.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings for date nights; brunch for laid-back visits.
What to order: Spinach Lasagna, Eggplant Parmigiana, a shared tiramisu for dessert.
Insider tip: Request a window or wall table when reserving for a cozier feel.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Lakeview East — generally available but can be tight after 6pm; allow extra time on weekends
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but many guests lean dressy for dates and anniversaries
Noise level: Moderate — lively room but typically quiet enough for conversation at two-tops
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait when open for brunch/lunch service
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple pasta and vegetable-forward entrées, including the spinach lasagna
Vegan options: Limited — some dishes may be adapted, but menu skews dairy-forward
Gluten-free options: Partial — select dishes can be modified; confirm pasta substitutions with the staff
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the candlelit dining room, classic service, and relaxed pacing make it well-suited for a first date where conversation matters.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — walk-ins are sometimes seated early or late evening, but peak weekend times are safest with a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and family celebrations; the room skews adult and date-focused, with limited space for strollers or very young children.
Best For
Better for: Romantic, old-school Italian dinners with generous portions, attentive service, and a signature spinach lasagna that regulars return for.
Skip if: You want ultra-modern Italian, tasting-menu experimentation, or a loud, high-energy scene.
Angelina Ristorante
8.2
Angelina Ristorante is a small Lakeview East dining room that has been pouring wine and serving red-sauce Italian and weekend champagne brunch for over three decades. The room runs intimate and slightly old-school, making it a fit for couples who prioritize candlelight, bottomless mimosas, and gnocchi over cutting-edge technique.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rigatoni bolognese, Potato gnocchi with gorgonzola cream, Lasagna al forno
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A compact, veteran Italian room where candlelight, brunch mimosas, and hearty plates feel more important than polish.
Who should go: Couples or small groups who like cozy, slightly nostalgic Italian.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or later evening seatings for softer lighting.
What to order: Focus on rigatoni bolognese, gnocchi, and a shared tiramisu.
Insider tip: Book brunch well ahead and ask for a two-top along the wall; the center of the room can feel tighter and louder.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking; metered spots along Broadway/Clark can be limited after 6pm and on weekends — expect to circle or use rideshare during peak brunch and dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jeans are fine but most guests opt for elevated date-night attire.
Noise level: Moderate — cozy and intimate early and late; can feel lively at peak brunch and primetime dinner but conversation at a two-top is still manageable.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for walk-ins during peak hours; reservations are strongly recommended for primetime.
Weekday lunch: Not typically a weekday-lunch destination; hours skew toward dinner and weekend brunch — check current schedule.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pastas, salads, and starters can be ordered vegetarian or with minor adjustments.
Vegan options: Limited — the menu leans dairy- and egg-forward; a few items may be modifiable but confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Partial — some entrees and proteins can be prepared without pasta; gluten-free substitutions may be limited and cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the candlelit, intimate room and classic Italian comfort dishes create an easy, conversation-friendly setting, especially at later evening seatings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — small parties may be seated as walk-ins early or late, but expect a wait on weekends and for brunch; booking ahead is the safer move.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — the space is compact and feels more adult-oriented; older kids are fine earlier in the evening or at quieter brunch times, but there’s no dedicated kids menu.
Best For
Better for: Cozy, nostalgic date nights, champagne-leaning brunch, and hearty red-sauce Italian in an intimate neighborhood dining room.
Skip if: You want modern, chef-driven Italian, very large group seating, or extensive vegan/gluten-free options.