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Formento's
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Formento's
8.0
This Italian steakhouse homage to Nonna Formento blends Chicago's steakhouse heritage with Italian tradition since 2015. The cavernous space features burgundy leather banquettes and a 300+ varietal wine program, while Chef Robert Cutler's carbonara and house-made canestri with Sunday gravy honor family recipes with modern technique.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bucatini Carbonara, Nonna's Meatballs, Veal Tomahawk
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Italian steakhouse with 300+ wine varietals honoring grandmother's recipes
Who should go: Groups needing private dining and wine enthusiasts
When to visit: Patio season on Restaurant Row for people-watching
What to order: Carbonara, meatballs, any steak, chocolate cake
Insider tip: Three private event spaces upstairs accommodate 10-200 guests
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15-16 (cash only) available daily. City parking garage at 922 W Washington Blvd. Metered street parking in the area. Pro tip: valet lets you pick up your car after United Center events - great for pre-game dinner.
Dress code: Smart casual - collared shirts and dress pants work well. The burgundy leather banquettes and white tablecloths suggest you should lean dressy, but jeans with a nice top are perfectly acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - dimly lit and bustling during peak hours. The cavernous space is divided into smaller sections with high ceilings, so conversation flows but you'll notice the energy. Patio offers a quieter alternative.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation on Friday/Saturday. Book via OpenTable - this is a popular Restaurant Row destination.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - lunch available Thu-Sun. Weekday afternoons are the quietest window for a relaxed experience.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid options including risotto, pasta modifications, and antipasti. Staff accommodating with substitutions.
Vegan options: Yes - marked vegan options available. Kitchen can modify dishes; staff knowledgeable about ingredients.
Gluten-free options: Yes - excellent GF program. Offers GF bread, pasta, tiramisu, and gelato. Staff trained on allergens and cross-contamination. Multiple reviewers cite this as a go-to GF Italian spot.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice. The dimly lit room with burgundy leather banquettes creates old-school romance, while the 300+ wine program gives you something to discuss. Sophisticated enough to impress without being stuffy. Request a booth for maximum intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but risky on weekends. The 450-seat space means bar seating often available for walk-ins - one reviewer was seated within 5 minutes on Valentine's Day. Weeknight early dinner (4:30-6pm) is your best walk-in bet. Book ahead for weekend prime time.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - officially noted as family-friendly with a menu suitable for all ages. The expansive space accommodates families well, and familiar dishes like meatballs and pasta please kids. That said, the upscale ambiance and $35+ entrees suggest this is better for older kids or special family occasions.
Best For
Better for: Large groups and private events that most trendy West Loop spots can't handle. The three upstairs event spaces (10-200 guests), serious wine program (300+ varietals), and Italian steakhouse format make it the go-to for rehearsal dinners, corporate gatherings, and celebrations where you need both capacity and quality.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge contemporary Italian - this is deliberately old-school red-sauce nostalgic. Also skip if you're on a tight budget; the steakhouse pricing ($35+ entrees, $15 valet) adds up. For casual weeknight pasta, neighborhood spots deliver better value.
Formento's
8.7
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Business Lunch Power Players
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
On Randolph’s restaurant row, Formento’s leans into Italian-American classics in a polished dining room where Nonna’s lasagna Bolognese and chicken parm are staples. The lasagna comes layered and deeply sauced, matching the throwback supper club feel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nonna's Lasagna Bolognese, Chicken Parmesan, Nonna's Meatballs
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A polished Italian-American spot where Nonna’s lasagna Bolognese feels built for celebratory, old-school dinners.
Who should go: Date nights, business dinners, and celebration groups.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings with a booking or later weeknights.
What to order: Nonna’s lasagna Bolognese, chicken Parmesan, garlic bread.
Insider tip: If you want lasagna, mention it when booking—servers can help pace antipasti and mains so you’re not overwhelmed by portions.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet typically available in the evenings; metered and side-street parking nearby but competitive during peak dining hours.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jackets and dresses common, but polished jeans are fine.
Noise level: Moderate — energetic dining room but you can hold a normal conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: Usually requires a reservation; walk-ins may wait 45–90 minutes depending on the night.
Weekday lunch: Often easier — usually seated within 0–15 minutes with a small party.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several appetizers, salads, and a few pastas can be ordered meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited — some items may be modified, but it’s not a vegan-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — the kitchen can accommodate with select dishes and adjustments; ask your server for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished dining room and warm service create a comfortable, slightly upscale setting that feels special without being stuffy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — your best bet is early evening or later at night. During peak weekends, expect a wait or limited bar seating.
Is it kid-friendly? It can be, especially earlier in the evening, but the vibe leans adult. Older kids and teens will feel more at home than toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Classic red-sauce Italian in a refined setting with genuinely celebratory energy — ideal when you want dinner to feel like an occasion.
Skip if: You’re looking for ultra-modern Italian, a quiet dining room, or a budget-friendly casual night out.
Formento's
8.0
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Date Night Magic
Formento’s leans into Italian-American nostalgia with leather booths, framed family photos, and big portions along Randolph’s Restaurant Row. The kitchen focuses on red-sauce staples and Sunday-gravy energy, anchoring celebrations as much as weeknight cravings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nonna's Meatballs, Bucatini Cacio E Pepe, Chicken Parmesan
Scores:
Value: 6
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Throwback Italian-American suppers with big red-sauce plates on Randolph.
Who should go: Families and groups craving classic Italian-American comfort in style.
When to visit: Prime weekend dinners or Sunday suppers for full, lively room.
What to order: Nonna's Meatballs, Bucatini Cacio E Pepe, Chicken Parmesan with garlic bread.
Insider tip: Split rich pastas and mains; save room for dessert and amaro.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be limited on Randolph, especially weekends. Valet is typically available during peak dinner service, and nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly polished for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — you can hold a conversation, but the room buzzes during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Plan ahead — reservations are strongly recommended. Walk-ins may wait 45–90 minutes during peak times.
Weekday lunch: Generally easier — often seated quickly with a reservation or short wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pastas, salads, and appetizers can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — some dishes can be adapted, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free pasta is often available and many mains can be modified. Ask your server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the warm, nostalgic setting and comfortable booths make it feel intimate without being formal or stuffy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — early or late seatings are your best bet. Prime weekend times usually book out in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids and families — the menu is familiar and portions are generous, but it’s more polished than casual.
Best For
Better for: Classic Italian-American comfort in a polished, old-school setting — ideal for celebrations, dates, and business meals.
Skip if: You’re looking for cutting-edge Italian, a quiet dining room, or a strictly vegan-friendly experience.
Formento's
8.3
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Formento’s channels mid-century Italian-American supper club energy with red-sauce staples, steaks, and a deep wine list in a roomy West Loop space. It’s popular for family celebrations, rehearsal dinners, and gatherings that want comfort dishes done with polish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nonna's lasagna Bolognese, Chicken Parmesan, Bucatini carbonara
Scores:
Value: 6.3
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Old-school Italian-American comfort with private rooms tailored for celebrations.
Who should go: Families and groups wanting classic red-sauce celebrations.
When to visit: Weekend evenings or Sunday dinners with a reservation.
What to order: Nonna’s lasagna, chicken parm, a rich pasta like carbonara.
Insider tip: Consider booking an upstairs private room if you’re hosting a milestone party.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet typically available during peak dinner service; limited metered street parking on Randolph and nearby side streets
Dress code: Smart casual — polished but relaxed; jeans are fine if dressed up
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is possible, but expect buzzier energy during peak times
Weekend wait: Plan ahead — reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins may wait 45–75+ minutes
Weekday lunch: Generally easier — often little to no wait with a reservation
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good number of options — pastas, salads, and appetizers can be made meat-free
Vegan options: Limited — some items can be modified, but the menu leans dairy-forward
Gluten-free options: Staff is accommodating — several dishes can be prepared gluten-free upon request
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the warm, classic Italian atmosphere and polished service make it feel special without being stuffy. It works especially well for milestone or slightly more formal first dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly, but it’s risky — especially on weekends. Your best bet is an early walk-in or checking bar seating, which is often first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids and family celebrations — the menu is familiar and comfortable, but the vibe leans adult-polished rather than casual kid-centric.
Best For
Better for: Classic Italian-American comfort food in a refined, nostalgic setting — ideal for celebrations, group dinners, and traditional family-style meals
Skip if: You’re looking for cutting-edge or minimalist Italian, very quiet dining rooms, or a quick casual meal
Formento's
8.7
Formento's is a polished Italian steakhouse on Randolph that leans into house-made pastas, red-sauce classics, and a famous multi-layer chocolate cake in a warm, midcentury-inspired dining room. The dog-friendly sidewalk patio along a calmer stretch of restaurant row makes it a strong pick for al fresco date nights or celebratory dinners with your pup alongside.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe, Chicken Parmesan, Nonna Formento's Chocolate Cake
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Italian steakhouse with house-made pastas and a true dog-friendly patio.
Who should go: Couples and groups seeking classic Italian with their pup.
When to visit: Golden hour into evening for patio energy and ambiance.
What to order: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe, Chicken Parmesan, chocolate cake.
Insider tip: Request a patio table away from Randolph’s busier corner for a calmer dog experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Randolph and nearby side streets; valet typically available during peak dinner service.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy.
Noise level: Moderate — conversational inside, quieter on the patio depending on traffic.
Weekend wait: Expect a wait without reservations, often 45–60 minutes during prime times.
Weekday lunch: Generally minimal wait, especially for patio tables.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple pastas, salads, and appetizers can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items may be adapted, but it’s not a vegan-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes — some dishes can be modified and gluten-free pasta may be available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished dining room and relaxed patio atmosphere work well for conversation, especially at golden hour.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins are occasionally seated on the patio or at off-peak hours, but reservations are highly recommended for weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are welcome, though the vibe is more adult-leaning during evening hours. Older kids and teens tend to fit best.
Best For
Better for: Classic Italian comfort dishes served in a refined yet approachable setting with a truly pet-friendly patio.
Skip if: You’re looking for ultra-casual dining, fast service, or a fully vegan/plant-based experience.