0 Followers
Ignotz's Ristorante
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Ignotz's Ristorante
8.6
A Heart of Italy classic that wins by leaning into old-school comfort with unusually tight execution—especially the chicken parmigiana and the baked pastas. The meal starts strong with the roasted-garlic-and-bread setup, and the portions make it easy to turn one order into a full table plan.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna, Roasted Garlic Bread Setup
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Old-school Italian done with standout chicken parm and a roasted-garlic bread ritual.
Who should go: Dates and families craving classic red-sauce comfort
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for smoother pacing
What to order: Chicken parmigiana, lasagna, roasted garlic bread setup
Insider tip: Split one baked pasta plus one cutlet—portions run big.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only on surrounding residential streets; generally manageable on weeknights, tighter on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressier for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate; lively dining room but still workable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several baked pastas, salads, and vegetable sides work well.
Vegan options: Very limited – possible with modifications, but not a strength.
Gluten-free options: Limited – some dishes can be adapted, but no dedicated gluten-free program.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want something cozy and low-pressure; it’s more romantic-comfort than flashy, with generous portions that make sharing easy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights if you arrive early, but weekends are unpredictable—calling ahead is the safer move.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes; families are common, portions are shareable, and the menu is approachable for older kids.
Best For
Better for: Old-school red-sauce Italian with standout execution on classics and true neighborhood character.
Skip if: You’re looking for modern Italian, lighter portions, or strong vegan/gluten-free options.
Ignotz's Ristorante
8.4
A classic Heart of Chicago Italian room where lasagna is the move: baked, layered, and built for a full sit-down meal. The best experience stays old-school—start with a simple salad, commit to one baked pasta, and let the kitchen do the comfort-work without over-ordering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baked Lasagna, Stuffed Gnocchi, Vodka Rigatoni
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Old-school baked pastas—especially lasagna—done with steady, repeatable execution.
Who should go: Lasagna-first diners and family-style Italian regulars
When to visit: Weeknights for the smoothest pacing
What to order: Baked lasagna, one baked pasta, a simple starter
Insider tip: Keep it tight: one baked pasta per person beats table sprawl.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on surrounding residential blocks; generally manageable but tighter during weekend dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans are common; no need to dress up, but avoid overly athletic wear.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak hours but still easy to hold a table conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple meatless pastas and sides, including baked options.
Vegan options: Very limited — sauces and pastas are largely dairy-based.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some gluten-free pasta options, but shared kitchen and sauces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a comfortable, low-pressure first date than an impression-driven one — it’s cozy, sincere, and food-forward rather than flashy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on weeknights and off-hours; weekends are possible but expect a wait during dinner rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common, portions are generous, and the environment is relaxed rather than hushed.
Best For
Better for: Reliable, classic lasagna in a true neighborhood Italian setting where consistency and portion size matter more than trendiness.
Skip if: You’re looking for modern Italian, lighter plates, or a date-night atmosphere with polish and edge.