Pasta D'Arte Trattoria Italiana — Restaurant in Jefferson Township

I'm not usually the sort of person to write reviews, but the experience was very disappointing. Everything started great, the ambiance and decor of the place is lovely and it's cozy yet still comfortable. Our server was very friendly and made us feel at home right away. The appetizer was served in a reasonable amount of time and everything was on track to being a great evening. When our mains arrived, we had to check the menus again because we were sure the dishes were missing key ingredients. Sure enough, they were. When I asked the server about the missing ingredients in my dish, he very condescendingly tried to convince me that a piece of fig on my plate was actually prosciutto. After he realized the mistake (which took some arguing), he told me they use tiny cubed prosciutto instead of thin slices. Huh? But, this is not soft and cured meat, but rather very tiny cubes which are almost certainly pancetta or even bacon bits! Also, there was so few of them in the dish that they were almost impossible to find. The proportion of spaghetti in the dish compared to everything else was so absurd that it was essentially oily spaghetti. Very disappointing for the price. But it gets worse still. My girlfriend's dish was missing tomatoes. At an Italian restaurant. Think of that. So they brought some out, they were cold. (They were supposed to be roasted tomatoes on a bed of steamed spinach). And the grand finale of pretentiousness was that her $30 plate of seafood included a single piece of cuttlefish which was passed off as octopus, three pieces of shrimp, and three pieces of squid. Every single one of which was severely overcooked. The shrimp was like rubber, the squids were quite literally burned. I wish I had taken a picture of it because it was so embarrassing. She was such a sweetheart and insisted that I not make a fuss. During the whole ordeal, the server was very condescending to us. They offered us one dessert as compensation for the kitchen's mistakes. We took it, ate it, and left with an extremely sour taste in our mouth from the experience especially since the last thing you do is pay the bill.

How can a menu be wrong about the difference between prosciutto and pancetta? How can the chef(s) send two out of two dishes to a table with mistakes? How can the proportion of ingredients be so awfully wrong? How can you so severely overcook shrimp? How can you forget tomatoes?!?!? Who was supposed to be checking the food and why was it missed? Does anyone working there actually care about the quality of the food going out, the accuracy of the menu, or what a $30 plate of 7 pieces of overcooked seafood looks like? It looks incredibly pretentious, which was met by the same incredible amount of condescension. One or two mistakes is forgivable. This problem appears systemic. It's a shame because the potential was great. At this price, spend your money elsewhere. You pay for the decor and the ambiance, not the food. I wouldn't have eaten that seafood dish for free. Spend your money elsewhere. They pretend to be a sophisticated upscale Italian restaurant, but it's just a facade in front of a kitchen that makes fundamental and embarrassing mistakes, and as soon as you challenge it, you're met with...

Perhaps I’m high maintenance, but my experience with Pasta d’Arte is not worthy of the nearly 5-star google rating it boasts.

The food is mediocre, bland, and not prepared correctly in some cases. The tomatoes in the bruschetta seemed gritty and not all that fresh. Our house salads came only with balsamic vinegar, no olive oil, which was bizarre. And the Peronis we ordered were served with Heineken glasses. The best thing we had - which was amazing - was the tiramisu, however it was such a tiny piece it was also disappointing.

The vibe of Pasta d’Arte feels like an identity crisis. First impression is an old school Chicago Italian restaurant, but the dining room has been recently updated and feels like a modern run-of-the-mill northside bar and not anything like a romantic Italian date night spot. The dining room is also echoey which is unpleasant and awkward.

The waitstaff is the redeeming aspect of Pasta d’Arte. Our waitress was sweet and attentive, as were the busboys. But regardless of the friendly service, this place just really plain and simple misses the mark.

The level of attention to detail and food is amateur and not what I expect from an Italian restaurant in Chicago that’s been in business for as long as Pasta d’Arte has been. Italian food is FRESH and FLAVORFUL, not processed and bland. A ramekin full of straight balsamic vinegar is not a traditional or tasty way to serve a salad, let alone your signature salad. You don’t put piping hot-off-the-grill chicken right on top of a bed of spring greens, and anyone that knows anything at all about European culture knows that a Peroni goes in a Peroni glass and a Heineken goes in a Heineken glass.

Sorry, but this place...

Pasta D'Arte in Chicago is a hidden gem that truly stands out in the city's culinary scene. The moment we entered, the charming ambiance created an inviting atmosphere that instantly set the tone for an unforgettable dining experience. The staff went above and beyond, providing service that was not only professional but also genuinely warm and attentive, making us feel like cherished guests.

What truly sets Pasta D'Arte apart is the culinary artistry evident in every aspect of the dining experience. The menu is a carefully curated selection of authentic Italian dishes, each one a masterpiece of flavors and presentation. The chef's dedication to using fresh, high-quality ingredients was palpable in every bite, elevating the dining experience to a whole new level.

From traditional pasta dishes to exquisite seafood and delectable desserts, each item on the menu showcased a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The attention to detail was evident, reflecting the passion and expertise of the culinary team. It's clear that Pasta D'Arte takes pride in delivering an authentic taste of Italy to its patrons.

The restaurant's commitment to excellence extends beyond the plate; the cozy yet sophisticated decor, paired with attentive service, creates an atmosphere that enhances the overall dining experience. Whether you're a local or a visitor to Chicago, Pasta D'Arte is a must-visit destination for those seeking an exceptional Italian culinary adventure in the heart of the city. This establishment truly embodies the essence of fine dining, making it a standout choice for anyone who appreciates the art...