0 Followers
Riccardo Enoteca
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Riccardo Enoteca
8.1
The casual wine bar sibling of Riccardo Trattoria sits directly across the street, focusing on antipasti, handmade pastas, and thin-crust pizzas. The intimate storefront with just a few tables creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for lingering over a bottle of Italian wine.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna Bolognese, Brick Oven Flatbread, Bucatini Carbonara
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Same quality as Riccardo Trattoria in a more casual wine bar setting
Who should go: Wine lovers and those wanting laid-back Italian
When to visit: Early evening before the dinner rush
What to order: Lasagna Bolognese, Pork Ravioli, Tiramisu
Insider tip: Walk across the street from Oven Grinder if the wait is too long
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Clark St—challenging during peak hours. ABM Parking offers reservable spots nearby. No valet; consider CTA or rideshare
Dress code: Smart casual. The intimate wine bar setting invites you to dress a touch above jeans-and-tee, but nothing stuffy
Noise level: Moderate and intimate—soft jazz, dimly lit ambiance. Easy to have conversation even when crowded
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation. Only a few tables, so book ahead on OpenTable/Resy
Weekday lunch: No lunch service. Dinner only starting at 5pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple pasta and pizza options, plus antipasti like grilled vegetables and mozzarella dishes
Vegan options: Limited—some dishes can be modified. Ask server about pasta preparations without dairy
Gluten-free options: Yes—most dishes can be made GF upon request. Uses homemade vegetable stock as base. Avoid raviolis and lasagna
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Absolutely ideal. Dimly lit, intimate storefront with wood-burning fireplace, soft jazz, and polished wood accents. The wine-forward menu creates natural conversation. One of Lincoln Park's best date spots—it's even popular for Valentine's Day.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Risky. The storefront holds only a handful of tables. Walk-ins work early (around 5pm) or during off-peak weeknights. Otherwise, reserve through OpenTable—the space fills quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Surprisingly yes. The Infatuation calls it 'a good choice if you have small children.' Thin-crust pizzas appeal to kids more than the Trattoria across the street. Accommodating staff, but the intimate vibe suits calmer kids best.
Best For
Better for: Wine-focused date nights where you want Trattoria-level quality in a more casual, intimate setting. Better for lingering over a bottle with antipasti and handmade pasta without formal dining pressure. The cozy fireplace and jazz set a mood no competitor matches in the area.
Skip if: You need a reservation tonight (book days ahead), want a lively group dinner (too small), or crave a full steakhouse-style experience. If you're already nearby and see the Oven Grinder line, this is your Plan B—but it deserves to be Plan A.
Riccardo Enoteca
8.2
Riccardo Enoteca is a compact, candlelit Italian room on Clark where the Lasagna Bolognese au gratin is repeatedly singled out by critics and diners as the must-order dish. The menu leans into wood-fired, oven-finished pastas and antipasti, making it a focused, lasagna-forward option for intimate dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna Bolognese Au Gratin, Rigatoni Buttera, Trofie al Pesto
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 6.7
What makes it special: A small enoteca where the broiled Lasagna Bolognese is the star of a tight, pasta-centric menu.
Who should go: Lasagna-focused diners wanting a cozy, wine-friendly setting.
When to visit: Early evening or later weeknights to nab a small table.
What to order: Lasagna Bolognese Au Gratin, Rigatoni Buttera, a shared antipasti board.
Insider tip: Treat the lasagna as a shared centerpiece and round out the meal with a simple salad and one additional pasta instead of multiple entrées.
Hours
Monday4pm - 9pm
Tuesday4pm - 9pm
Wednesday4pm - 9pm
Thursday4pm - 9pm
Friday4pm - 10pm
Saturday4pm - 10pm
Sunday4pm - 9pm