DeNucci's Highland Park — Restaurant in Highland Park

Downtown Highland Park seems to get restaurants to come in, but a lot really don't stay. The stalwarts are all here (Michael's Red Hots, Once Upon A Bagel, Backyard Grill, etc.) but others tend to come and go. I'm hoping DeNucci's can make a go of it as it's a really good place and it is situated just off the main street, Central Ave, on 2nd Street, next to the Wayfarer Movie Theater.

They have a nice outdoor seating area that is covered by the building, so rain would not disrupt a meal outside. The place on the inside is huge with a nice size bar and counter seating. There are a bunch of booths and tables and areas inside for larger groups with a private room in the middle surrounded by walls of wine bottles.

We were seated along the windows at a table that faces the patio. They took our drink order and let us review the menu. Then we placed our orders. My wife ordered a salad and shrimp scampi with noodles and I ordered the chicken piccata with a side of noodles with butter and parmesan cheese.

So, here's my issues with the restaurant. They do serve bread, but you have to ask for it (and I don't mean their garlic knots - which we ordered because we wanted bread and didn't know they had any). I think that was kind of crappy that the waiter didn't mention that they had bread and when we ordered the knots, he didn't say anything about their bread. It felt that he was padding the bill a bit for a larger tip. The next thing that bothers me is that the dishes do not come with pasta. You have to order them as a side. And it's $9. That's a bit pricey. Especially when the dishes a little pricey for what you're getting (as in the shrimp scampi - which is $26 for 6 shrimp sitting on a plate and then you're adding another nine bucks for pasta. Seems like a bit of nickel and diming the customer. A "Spirit Airways" take on Italian dining.

Now, my chicken piccata was very good and the cutlet (there were two) are sizeable, so adding the pasta was a very filling meal, which I had leftovers of and brought home. And that's where you have to be aware of what you're ordering as some items are generous portion sizes and some are not and are not worth ordering, delicious as they may be.

I would question your server on portion sizes before adding on the pasta and make sure you get the bread before you feel like the restaurant is holding out on you.

And how did we know about the bread? After we got the garlic knots, we saw another table get served the basic bread and butter and asked about it and our server was very nonchalant about stating, "oh, that's free, but you have to ask for it." Um, if it isn't brought complimentary, why would I even think to ask for it? Yeah, that's the "Spirit Airways" of doing things.

It's a good restaurant, and well worth checking out. Just be aware of some of the tricks (asking for bread, portion sizes, and $9 pasta added on...

The atmosphere aims for a moody, intimate aesthetic, but it falls slightly short due to the openness of the space, which feels overly dark rather than inviting. The bar area is well-designed for socializing, but its proximity to the dining space makes it a bit loud, detracting from the ambiance for those seeking a quieter, more intimate dining experience.

The service is outstanding! The wait staff and bartenders are highly knowledgeable about the menu and wine selections, making recommendations with confidence and professionalism. Their attentiveness adds a polished touch to the overall experience.

The food is fine, though not particularly memorable given the cost. The menu design feels mismatched with the fine-dining atmosphere, resembling something more suited for a casual pizzeria. Additionally, the menu lacks clarity—there’s no indication of whether certain dishes are meant to be shared or served individually, which led to some confusion. It would also benefit from brief descriptions of dishes to reduce the need to google dishes. The selection of side dishes is very limited, which was a disappointment. While the food isn’t bad, it doesn’t quite meet the expectations set by the pricing or the restaurant’s seemingly fine dining aspirations.

Overall— This spot is decent for a casual bite and a drink, whether solo or with a friend. While the service shines, improvements to the atmosphere, menu design, and food offerings could make it a more...

It’s great to see a restaurant thriving in this space, especially given how many have come and gone in such a short time. Unlike the others that barely lasted six months to a year, Denucci’s is clearly doing something right this place is steadily packed, and for good reason.

My wife and I have made it a bit of a tradition to come in for their tavern-style pizzas on Mondays crispy, flavorful, and just the right amount of indulgent. They really hit the spot every time. We also can’t get enough of the mozzarella sticks not your average version either. These are flavorful, perfectly seasoned, and have a unique twist that sets them apart from the typical bar fare.

The vibe inside is warm, welcoming, and has just the right energy. It’s casual enough for a laid-back night out but polished enough to feel like a proper night on the town. You can tell this team knows what they’re doing.

Parking can be a bit tricky, especially during peak hours. We usually end up parking over by Love’s Yogurt and walking over not a huge deal, but something to keep in mind.

Overall, Denucci’s is a total gem in the Highland Park dining scene. It’s refreshing to see a spot that not only lives up to the hype but actually brings something sustainable and well-executed to the neighborhood. If you’re in Highland Park or anywhere nearby hit this place up. You...