Formento's
ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in West Loop
Best Lasagna in West Loop
Best Fine Dining Restaurants in West Loop
Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in West Loop
Best Pet Friendly Restaurants in West Loop
Master Critic Review
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.