Il Milanese Ristorante — Restaurant in Lake View Township

Il Milanese has become my new favorite restaurant, offering an incredible dining experience that easily fills the void left by L&M Parkside. The moment I entered, I felt welcomed by the warm and inviting atmosphere, setting the stage for an unforgettable meal.

Now, let's talk about the food. The Fritto Mare, a delightful mix of perfectly fried seafood, was a definite standout. The batter was light and crispy, allowing the flavors of the sea to shine through. The freshness of the ingredients was undeniable, transporting me to the Italian coast with every bite.

The Zucchini Focaccia was a delightful surprise. Thin slices of zucchini complemented the fluffy focaccia, creating a harmonious combination of textures and flavors. The slightly sweet zucchini paired beautifully with the savory bread, making it a memorable dish.

However, it was the Paglia & Fieno that truly impressed me. This classic pasta dish featured spinach and egg noodles in a creamy sauce that was cooked to perfection. The pasta had a wonderful texture, and the sauce was rich without being overwhelming. Each bite offered a comforting and satisfying experience.

While the food alone is worth a visit, the cocktails at Il Milanese were the highlight of the evening. The bartender showcased her expertise by crafting unique and delicious drinks. Each cocktail was perfectly balanced, and the presentation was impressive. I want to give a special shout-out to the mixologist, who went above and beyond to create personalized cocktails tailored to our preferences.

In conclusion, Il Milanese is a culinary gem that has successfully filled the shoes of L&M Parkside. With standout dishes like the Fritto Mare, the delightful Zucchini Focaccia, and the impressive Paglia & Fieno, you won't be disappointed. And don't forget to indulge in their exceptional cocktails, which truly elevate the dining experience. If you're searching for a restaurant that offers delicious food, attentive service, and a welcoming ambiance, look no further than Il Milanese. It's a wonderful place to enjoy a...

We went to a new Italian Restaurant in the Neighborhood called "Il Milanese". I was skeptical at first as many Italian restaurants in Chicago are either too pricy or they present inconsistencies in the authenticity of their selection. However, I was completely blown away by this exceptional culinary experience. The ambiance was fantastic, cozy an yet elegant and serene. The buzz from the servers attending to customers was pleasant and in spite of the fact that the dining room was full, the acoustic allowed for a great conversation amongst my guests. This restaurant is a gem between ordinary anonymous diners and expensive dubious pizzerias costing the perimeter of the "Milanese". Service was fantastic and always on point, anticipating any possible coming up request for water re-fills, bread or cutlery which was punctually marked at the end of each course. We were served by Owner/General manager Carlo Maggi who greeted us a the door with charm and full of Italian hospitality. His impeccable professionalism as a restauranteur and kindness and pride in the way he delivered self and food to the table was impressive. We had the 'Grigliata mista" a combination of delicious gilled sea food ( octopus, tuna fish, calamari and scallops) marinated in herbs and olive oil that was outside of this world. It came with a light delicious mixed salad featuring one of my favorite greens: 'radicchio' and served with a balsamic vinaigrette. As an appetizer we tried one of their Zucchini and Parmesan focaccias, a true treat, soft and tasty, reminded me of the one my grand mother used to make. We also had two wonderful desert, Tiramisu' and Panna cotta which were outstandingly presented. A slice of heaven for the palate. I would strongly recommend to try this new upcoming restaurant full of delicious surprises and packed with authentic Italian charm from top to bottom. This is will be my new hang out place in the...

So glad I finally tried this place. I was sort of gutted to discover Due Lira closed, but was at least thankful this sister restaurant was so close. They really know what they are doing in terms of the food, service, and ambience. Really appreciated the heated patio and hope they will keep this open as long as feasible, as it is an accessibility need for some of us.

My dining partner and I shared the arugula salad which was a nice, fresh start. The bread they brought with it was pillowy soft with just the right amount of rosemary and oil. I had the pumpkin ravioli with brown butter sage sauce (a particular favorite flavor combo of mine) which I devoured. This was exceptionally good - they did something amazing to add just enough texture and bite that the ravioli with puréed filling didn’t become a mouthful of mush, which I find often happens with ravioli. My partner had the spinach gnocchi which he was also pleased with. We also shared the garlic green beans which were very tasty. We got different glasses of wine, both of which were delicious - and mine came at the recommendation of our server after explaining my preferences.

If I had to nit pick, the chocolate cake was kind of lacking in flavor and tiny for the price. There were some items on the menu that seemed overpriced, but there was also a nice variety of options at various price points.

Will definitely be back! And will be dreaming of that ravioli...