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Ummo
Master Critic Review
Ummo
8.2
Ummo is a contemporary Italian restaurant where housemade pastas, wood-fired steaks, and a dramatic dining room skew more luxe than rustic. The Loft 22 event space and private dining configurations upstairs give parties a chef-driven option that still feels of-the-moment for River North.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mafaldine Cacio e Pepe, Carbonara Pici, Wood-Fired Fiorentina Steak with Bone Marrow
Scores:
Value: 6.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Modern Italian cooking with a dedicated loft-style private event space.
Who should go: Teams and diners wanting chef-driven Italian in private.
When to visit: Prime dinner for full kitchen and bar capabilities.
What to order: Mafaldine cacio e pepe, carbonara, Fiorentina steak.
Insider tip: Use shared antipasti and pasta courses to pace longer private dinners.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet typically available on peak evenings; nearby paid garages within 1–2 blocks; street parking limited after 6pm
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jeans ok with a polished top or jacket
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is doable at a normal tone in most tables, louder near the bar
Weekend wait: Often booked — without a reservation expect limited walk-in availability or 45–75 min waits
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, especially for smaller parties or business lunches
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several antipasti and pastas can be ordered vegetarian or easily adapted
Vegan options: Limited — a small number of dishes can be modified; best to call ahead for private events
Gluten-free options: Several mains and salads are naturally gluten-free; some pasta dishes can be adapted with advance notice
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the dramatic dining room and polished service feel special without being overly formal, and the noise level allows comfortable conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — the bar and limited walk-in tables may open up early or late, but prime weekend hours usually require a reservation, especially for larger groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — well-behaved older kids or teens are fine at earlier seatings, but the room and menu skew adult and occasion-focused rather than casual family dining.
Best For
Better for: Private dining and team dinners that want modern Italian with upscale ambiance and coordinated pacing in a dedicated loft-style space.
Skip if: You want rustic, casual Italian, very quiet dining rooms, or extensive vegan and budget options.