0 Followers
Volare Ristorante Italiano
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Volare Ristorante Italiano
8.8
Volare is a Streeterville standby for old-world Italian cooking, tightly packed tables, and big plates of pasta served in a room that’s been humming since 1997. Guests come for house classics like gnocchi alla vodka and seafood pastas, plus a deep Italian wine list that keeps the space buzzing night after night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gnocchi alla Vodka, Spaghetti Neri al Pesce, Fettuccine alla Bolognese
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: High-volume, classic Streeterville trattoria serving hearty pastas since 1997.
Who should go: Classic-Italian fans craving busy, old-school downtown energy.
When to visit: Prime weekend dinners for full dining room buzz and energy.
What to order: Gnocchi alla Vodka, Spaghetti Neri al Pesce, veal chop.
Insider tip: Bar seats can snag you a table faster than the book on busy nights.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot — street parking is limited in Streeterville; most guests use nearby paid garages along Grand Ave & St. Clair. Valet is occasionally offered during peak evenings, but availability varies by night.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most diners lean polished (button-downs, dresses, sweaters).
Noise level: Lively and conversational but busy — you can talk across the table, though peak hours can feel loud.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during prime hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait; reservations rarely required.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pastas, salads, and starters can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — some dishes can be modified, but expect 1–2 viable options with guidance from the staff.
Gluten-free options: Good accommodation — many sauces are naturally GF and some pastas can be prepared gluten-free on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want classic, high-energy Italian — the room is lively and romantic in an old-school way, but it’s not quiet or intimate during peak hours.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, but expect a wait on weekends — walk-ins are seated at the bar or on a waitlist; arriving early or closer to late dinner improves your odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids and families — staff is accommodating and portions are shareable, but the space is tightly packed and best for ages 8+ during busy evenings.
Best For
Better for: Classic red-sauce Italian, generous portions, and a bustling downtown trattoria vibe with long-running consistency.
Skip if: You prefer quiet, minimalist, or modern Italian — or you want a spacious dining room with wide table spacing.
Volare Ristorante Italiano
8.8
Volare is a tightly packed Streeterville stalwart for old-school Italian cooking, from gnocchi alla vodka to seafood pastas, backed by decades of regulars and thousands of reviews. The room runs loud and convivial rather than precious, making it a go-to for hearty, family-style meals and celebratory nights near the Mag Mile.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gnocchi alla Vodka, Rigatoni all’Arrabbiata, Salsiccia e Peperoni (sausage & peppers)
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Crowded, old-world Italian staple where regulars pack in for pastas.
Who should go: Pasta lovers wanting lively, classic Italian near the Mag Mile.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings when the room is buzzing but manageable.
What to order: Gnocchi alla Vodka, Rigatoni all’Arrabbiata, Salsiccia e Peperoni.
Insider tip: Book patio or early-evening slots; waits can easily exceed an hour.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site lot; metered street parking is limited and nearby garages are the most reliable option, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for evening dining.
Noise level: Loud and lively during peak hours — conversation is possible, but expect raised voices at larger tables.
Weekend wait: 45–90 minutes without a reservation during peak hours; walk-ins are seated quicker early evening.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait, though small rushes occur around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pasta and appetizer options can be made or ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items may be adjusted, but the menu leans traditional Italian with dairy and egg.
Gluten-free options: Selective accommodations — some dishes can be modified; ask the server about pasta substitutions and sauce compatibility.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want energetic, classic Italian vibes — the room is lively and convivial rather than quiet or intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, but expect a wait at peak times; arriving early evening or near opening improves walk-in odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for families with older kids who can handle a busy, crowded dining room; no dedicated play space or kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Hearty, old-school Italian favorites with a bustling, celebratory atmosphere and generous portions.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal, highly modern Italian cooking, or extensive vegan and gluten-free options.