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Avanti Caffé
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Avanti Caffé
8.0
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
A Loop café-counter built for fast weekday lunches, where the lasagna is a true hot-line staple rather than a once-in-a-while special. The move is to grab a homemade meat or veggie lasagna with the included small salad and bread, then keep it simple with a coffee and one pastry if you want to stretch the meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Homemade Meat Lasagna, Homemade Veggie Lasagna, Homemade Gnocchi
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Homemade lasagna served fast in a true Loop lunch-counter format.
Who should go: Loop workers who want quick, filling pasta
When to visit: Weekday lunch before the noon rush
What to order: Meat lasagna, veggie lasagna, gnocchi
Insider tip: Eat lasagna immediately—this is best when it’s hot and fresh.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated parking. Street parking is limited and time-restricted; nearby garages are available but can be pricey on weekdays.
Dress code: Casual—office attire, jeans, and workday basics all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate at peak lunch hours; quieter before noon and after 1:30pm.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—primarily a weekday lunch café and often closed or limited on weekends.
Weekday lunch: Short line or no wait before noon; 5–10 minutes during the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable lasagna and other meat-free pasta options are regularly available.
Vegan options: Limited—some veggie items may work with modifications, but no dedicated vegan lasagna.
Gluten-free options: Very limited—lasagna and most pastas contain gluten; salads are the safest option.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional date—it’s counter-service, fast-paced, and geared toward efficiency rather than lingering.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Order at the counter and grab an open table; turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who can handle quick meals, but there are no kid-specific amenities or menu sections.
Best For
Better for: Quick, filling lasagna lunches that feel homemade and affordable in the Loop.
Skip if: You want a sit-down Italian experience, extended table time, or polished service.
Avanti Caffé
7.9
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
A European-leaning Italian cafe that’s most useful for a quick but sit-down-friendly lunch—panini, pasta, and salads made to order. The food stays straightforward and consistent, and it’s a solid move when you want something calmer than a pure grab-and-go line.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled panini, Pasta bowl (daily style), Soup and salad combo
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Made-to-order Italian lunch with a calmer cafe feel.
Who should go: Downtown lunchers who want a seat
When to visit: Mid-morning or early lunch window
What to order: Panini, a pasta bowl, soup and salad
Insider tip: Keep it simple: one panini and one side for best pacing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street metered parking nearby is limited; multiple paid public garages within a few blocks are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Business casual to casual — office wear, jeans, and sneakers all fit comfortably.
Noise level: Low to moderate — generally calm and conversation-friendly, especially outside peak lunch.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — primarily a weekday lunch spot and typically not a weekend dinner destination.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; short lines possible during the 12–1pm rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetarian panini, salads, and pasta options.
Vegan options: Limited — some salads or vegetable-based items can be modified, but not a vegan-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited — salads are the safest choice; gluten-free substitutions are not a core offering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It can work for a low-key daytime first date — it’s calm, affordable, and easy to talk in, but it’s more practical than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — this is walk-in friendly, especially before noon or after the main lunch rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids who can handle a cafe setting; there are no specific kid amenities or children’s menu.
Best For
Better for: A sit-down-feeling lunch that’s still quick, calmer, and more relaxed than typical Loop grab-and-go counters.
Skip if: You want bold Italian flavors, nightlife energy, or a destination dinner — this is firmly a practical lunch play.