Eataly - Chicago — Restaurant in Chicago

From the moment I stepped into Eataly in Chicago, I knew I was in for a one-of-a-kind dining experience. A bustling hub of Italian gastronomy, Eataly offers a unique fusion of restaurant, café, and high-end grocery store. There was an immediate sense of anticipation as I walked through aisles lined with an impressive variety of fine Italian ingredients, from handmade pasta to an array of cheeses.

My culinary journey began with a crafted cocktail, featuring the smoky allure of mezcal. The bartender was an artist, skillfully blending the potent spirit with citrus undertones and a hint of sweetness that balanced out the robust mezcal. This was not a drink to be chugged, but rather savored, each sip being a delightful exploration of flavor.

My appetizer was a rustic, hearty bread and fried risotto balls. The bread, served warm and fresh from the oven, had a satisfying crunch on the outside, contrasting the soft, fragrant center. The risotto balls were equally delightful, the crisp exterior giving way to a creamy, savory risotto that was rich without being overwhelming.

Next came the lamb pasta, a symphony of flavors that hit the right notes of comfort and sophistication. The pasta, cooked al dente, was the perfect vehicle for the slow-cooked lamb which was tender and bursting with flavor. The sauce, a harmonious blend of tomatoes and herbs, tied everything together.

The grand finale of my meal was the tiramisu, an Italian classic that Eataly has perfected. It was a beautiful balance of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and a dusting of cocoa. Not too sweet, yet indulgently creamy, it was the perfect ending to the meal. Between courses, my server kept me engaged with a fun wine challenge. A mystery bottle was presented and, using my limited sommelier skills, I was to guess the wine. While I didn’t win the bottle, I certainly won in experience. It was a playful addition to the evening, and my server’s charisma and knowledge elevated the game into a memorable highlight.

Throughout the evening, the service was exceptional. The staff was attentive without being intrusive, and their knowledge about the menu was impressive. They made me feel welcomed and cared for, ensuring a smooth dining experience.

Even after my meal, I couldn’t resist exploring Eataly’s shopping options. From an array of high-quality ingredients to an impressive selection of wines, it was a foodie's dream come true. Whether you're looking for a rare truffle oil or a bottle of Barolo, Eataly ensures you leave with more than just a satisfied palate.

Overall, Eataly offered an immersive Italian dining experience right in the heart of Chicago. From the tantalizing menu to the outstanding service and the impressive shopping options, it was a night to remember. Eataly is more than a restaurant; it's a culinary destination that promises a gastronomic adventure...

TITLE: Don’t expect Italian quality food Ok, I’m Italian, from Tuscany. I want to share my experience because I want the people to know that ITALIAN FOOD IS DIFFERENT. I don’t want to talk about the price, only the ratio quality/expectations. You enter in this Italia grocery/diner, you look at the tables, you ask for the menu (I was told that the two inside restaurants have different choices, indeed they are not, all the same) and this impolite manager, annoyed, point you to this big board. Ok, you are impolite, I seat at the other restaurant. Same menu… ok, it doesn’t matter. I order appetizer with focaccia as side . Then I got pizza, my son lasagna and my wife cacio and pepe. Aperol spritz, something called “rosso di montalcino” - only the price is in line with what is tasty, rich in odor and fragrance, original Rosso di Montalcino. Ok, the lady came with a big fat panino… “what’s that?” “This is focaccia! “ I was like, to myself - I’m polite, differently than the other manager- WTF?!? This is not even Italian bread ! It’s the “valdostana” dough soaked in oil! Wow… italian restaurant “Rosso Pomodoro”… oh, finally the wine… she twisted the cap, not the cork… ehi, this is not rosso di montalcino, is tavernello! I asked her why focaccia and wine are not the original. I got… “do you like it? So Sorry you expected something different “. Well, the pizza, lasagna and pasta were really good. Really good. Caffe… my bad, I should’ve asked for espresso… i don’t talk about it. Was time for me to drive home, i bought some stuff, mortadella, granbiscotto, salsiccia, ricotta. Come on, RICOTTA not cottage cream! What to say… first and last time I’ll step in that fake italian overpriced grocery store. When you have this kind of experience it becomes clear how places that serves kebabs or alfredo chickens pizzas are considered Italian restaurants. P.S.: some products (for example “fette biscottate”) have the expiration date two/three days after current day date. It doesn’t mean the product is not edible but for...

My friend and I went to Chicago for an evening stroll, attended a Christmas show, and decided to finish the evening at our favorite place, Eataly. We headed to the store after the performance, assuming it would be open until 10 PM. Arriving at 9:40 PM, we gathered our shopping basket, selected pastries, and wanted to enjoy our desserts on the spot. At 9:48 PM, we tried to sit at a table on the first floor and quickly eat our purchased pastries, but the lady who was cleaning and mopping the floor there refused to let us sit, claiming that the store was already closed, even though it was 9:48 PM on the clock. We decided to enjoy the pastries while standing at the bar table without bothering anyone. Still, a security guard immediately approached us and rudely pointed to his watch, saying that it was already 10 minutes past 10, and they were closed. I responded that we had a legitimate 10 minutes left, and we would quickly finish our pastries and leave the store on time, but he insisted that the store was closed and we had to leave. I tried to dispute this fact, but the salesperson politely hinted that the store would open at 7 AM tomorrow, suggesting we come back then. But we came from a different cities 1,5 hours of drive, and that evening will never repeat, and it wasn`t regular daily shopping!

I sincerely believe that such behavior is unacceptable! The quality of service was awful! When a store operates until 10 PM, and you are shopping and enjoying your evening, you expect it to be open until 10 PM, not to be told to leave just 10 minutes before closing because someone wants to clean or leave work early. Moreover, this is not the first time we have encountered dismissive treatment from the store and restaurant staff. It feels like it's some cheap pub with draft beer in the most dangerous part of Chicago, not an Italian market in the center of the city! It was a terrible evening and a terrible impression...