Bongiorno's Cucina Italiana & Pizzeria — Restaurant in Chicago

First night in Chicago and thought this place would be nice for an Italian dinner based on the reviews and with patio dining outside. We were shown to a 2 seat table and asked to be seated at a 4 top. There were many unoccupied. The host shrugged and said “I can, but I’ll have to move you when the 7 o’clock rush comes in”. We stayed at the 2 top. I ordered an entree from the separate specials menu Lightly seared sesame seed crusted yellow fin ahi tuna served with arugula, shaved parmesano, and diced tomatoes. served over arugula. My husband ordered the Silvio E Gabriele Pizza - Tomato sauce, mozzarella, arugula, tomatoes, prosciutto, and shaved parmigiano. Both were fine but not anything special - no bold or even savory flavors - just plain bland. And the toppings on the pizza were cold, so they were not even incorporated into the pizza They were added after the crust was cooked. We asked for nonalcoholic beer. “Sorry, no“ we were told. We used to have it, but it didn’t sell and we had to throw it out.” He asked if I wanted fresh pepper and I heartily replied “yes“. He pointed to the jar of red pepper flakes on the table. I said no black pepper fresh ground. “Sorry no” again. When we finished and got our bill, the tuna rang up for more than what was on the specials menu. When we inquired about the discrepancy, we were told it was because they used the specials menu for the picture with the wrong price on it. “Sorry” again. I asked why don’t they fix it? I got the shrug again. Our waitress was fine, but this host made our experience there memorable, but not in a good way. It’s not a place where the host who works there cares about the customers and tries to ensure a pleasant dining experience. I think there are more authentic Italian restaurants in Chicago that care and I am on a quest to seek them out! BTW, the restaurant was more empty at 7 than...

Awesome! I have lived in Chicago for almost fifteen years and have tried almost all of the places that advertise NY style pizza. Some are great. Some are awful. Some are meh. This place is wonderful! I ordered online and my food was promptly delivered. I was in pizza HEAVEN! The garlic cheese bread and the salad I ordered were delicious too. I even ordered a salad to go the next day for pickup. Lots of outdoor seating. The perfect place for good pizza on a summer's day.

The main reason for this review is to tell you all how nice the staff was when I couldn't find the location. I called and the woman on the phone patiently explained where it is. Very patiently. I walked there with my dog and ran inside to pick up my salad. The male server inside invited me to take a seat outside on the bench with my dog (where my dog was tied) and offered to bring my salad outside. It was such a sweet and kind gesture that I appreciated. Both people went way out of the way to be kind to me. Thank you!

To get there: DO NOT FOLLOW GOOGLE GPS DIRECTIONS! They will take you to Hubbard, below Wabash. The location IS on Wabash in the walkway between the Trump Hotel and Michigan Avenue (the same walkway where Peet's is) but it's not visible from the street, hence the confusion. If you're looking south down Wabash, you will see a Dunkin Donuts on your right immediately before the Langham and a ton of construction/scaffolding on your left. Immediately before the Trump on your left (again, looking south), you will see a green flag and a walkway that seemingly leads to the river. Go up that walkway and this place will be directly ahead of you on the left. You...

Came to try as their sandwiches came recommended. Disappointed that I had to wait quite some time before getting seated. I was a SOLO DINER and I know it was a Saturday, St. Patrick’s Day weekend, etc. but several people were seated before me. It wasn’t until the very end where * I * had to let the owner know, I was more than willing to sit at a high top against the wall And the shorter woman said you should’ve said something in the beginning. I’m sorry, but I shouldn’t have to. She should’ve asked - even though people were seated there waiting for carry out and another couple were eating there too.

The owner kept telling her you need to seat this woman (me) as she’s been waiting for quite some time. I thought that was very kind of him as I wasn’t disrupting anybody nor was I getting upset. Just people watching while customers were coming and going. Once the couple left, she sent someone over to clean the high top and I was able to sit, place my order and enjoy my meal.

I understand seating one person at a four person table may not be good for business or what not, but I was there maybe 30 minutes maximum at my high top seat.

I absolutely loved the chicken Parmesan sandwich. The bread was fantastic, the sauce was perfect, and the chicken was thin and cooked perfectly. I even told the owner when I was cashing out that this was one of the best chicken parms I’ve ever...