DUA Italian Cuisine and Steak House — Restaurant in Norwood Park Township

Let me start by saying we love supporting local and are happy this place is doing so well (based on how crowded it was), but I don’t think we will be back. To start, the place is absolutely beautiful and the decor is outstanding. However, we barely had a chance to sit down and the waiter was asking to take our order. Tables are VERY close to one another and my husband’s arm was run into by three different waiters with zero acknowledgment. After being asked 5 times to place our order in the first 2 minutes after sitting down we placed an order for some appetizers and drinks. They do not have alcohol at this location which was a bummer since we were celebrating our anniversary, but wasn’t a big deal. I ordered a coke and received a can of the Jewel brand signature select Coke, which was very odd for a steakhouse that also has a $300 steak on the menu. The waiter then went to serve another table and came back about a minute later to take our order - everything seemed very rushed. While taking our order I did ask if they had a side salad to which we were told no, which seemed odd since my husband’s meal came with a salad. My son who is two was also with us and we were surprised to learn they did not have any kids options on the menu - not even the option to get a smaller portion of anything. For a place that has high chairs and seems pretty family friendly, you’d think they’d at least have something like a kids pizza or pasta. Unfortunately, we ended up ordering a big pizza so my son would have something to eat. My husband ordered the ribeye with mashed potatoes and I ordered the chicken parmesan with pasta. Our order was timed very oddly as mine came out a good 10 minutes before everything else, so it was eat while my husband and son didn’t have food or let it get cold, which was disappointing. The chicken parm came with a pesto like pasta and was actually very good. The rest of the food was not so hot. The steak was edible, but we’ve honestly had better steak at Long Horn. I’m not sure what they did to the mashed potatoes but they were not edible - they tasted like watery potato puree with no seasoning - similar to something you’d give to a baby. We had high hopes for the pizza as it looked really good, but there was almost like a chemical after taste with each bite. My son is obsessed with pizza and even he spit it out immediately. We were also trying to track down our waiter virtually the entire meal - she did not stop by to check on us once and was impossible to find despite being at our table every two seconds when we first sat down. We did end with homemade vanilla ice cream and the cream cake. Both were yummy, but definitely overpriced - my two year old devoured the $5 ice cream in 4 bites - it was very small. Finally, when the check came, there was a 15% service fee on the bill. At first I assumed this was an included tip and that you could add onto it, but when you go to pay, it asks if you’d like to “leave a tip that goes directly to the waiter”. A 15% service fee on top of a 20% tip can get quite pricey and seems pretty tacky. Overall I’m glad we checked this new place out, but it...

Sharing our take at Dining at DUA for dinner, an experience that elevates even the simplest dishes into a refined culinary journey, and the Grilled Lamb Chops with Waffle Fries and Seasonal Greens is no exception. Each element of this plate speaks to the meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality that has become synonymous with high-caliber dining.

The lamb chops were expertly grilled, their exteriors adorned with perfectly defined char marks, offering a subtle smokiness that complements the lamb's inherent richness. Each bite was tender, revealing a delicate balance between a caramelized outer layer and a succulent, perfectly pink interior. The seasoning was subtle yet sophisticated, accentuating the lamb's natural flavors without overshadowing them, a hallmark of skillful restraint. There was a depth to the flavor that suggested a careful marination or perhaps a hint of herbaceous brine, elevating the lamb beyond the ordinary.

The waffle fries—a seemingly humble side—were transformed into something extraordinary. Crisp and golden, each fry was dusted with finely grated artisanal cheese, which added an umami depth and a delightful saltiness. They provided a satisfying contrast to the lamb, with their light crunch and soft, airy interior. This attention to a classic ingredient, refining it with precision and quality, speaks to the chef’s philosophy of elevating comfort food into an art form.

The seasonal salad of mixed greens, thinly sliced red onions, and delicate, handpicked vegetables offered a refreshing counterpoint. Dressed with a subtle vinaigrette, the greens maintained their integrity, providing a bright, clean palate cleanser between the richness of the lamb and the warmth of the fries. This component was thoughtfully curated, showcasing the chef’s commitment to balance and seasonality, ensuring that every flavor on the plate has its moment, all thoughtfully served by our gracious server, Samra who'd suggested both mine and my SOs entre' today.

The accompanying sauce was a small but potent addition, presented in a minimalist ramekin. A vibrant orange hue suggested a house-made reduction, possibly with notes of roasted pepper or a hint of citrus. This sauce provided a gentle tang, harmonizing with both the lamb and the fries, offering a touch of acidity that brightened the dish without overpowering it.

Each component on this plate was thoughtfully conceptualized, balancing textures, flavors, and temperatures. The lamb chops were undeniably the focal point, yet each side played a supporting role with an elegance and attention to detail befitting a uber-starred kitchen. This dish transcends comfort food, transforming it into an unforgettable dining experience that honors both tradition and innovation.

Highly recommended for those who appreciate the artistry of restraint and the elevation of classic flavors into a realm of sophistication. I will review cheesecake again, but to put it simply, it is to DIE FOR, hands down the...

We had really high hopes for this place, but unfortunately they have some kinks they have to work on, and quick.

The staff.. this place has a lot of staff, and they are really lost and unorganized. No personality whatsoever, and overall not experienced in waiting tables or serving. Sometimes less and more efficient staff is better. Break the staff in sections. Some staff were just standing there looking lost and others kept walking around. Felt like they’re all over the place.

Drinks… the biggest let down is when you have a $370 item on the menu, but you’re serving RC Cola. There is a time and place to cut costs, but when your restaurant has “Italian and Steakhouse” on the name, one would expect either Coca Cola or Pepsi products, and on top of that add some Italian drinks to the mix.

Food.. it was 5 of us on a Friday night, when they finally came to take our order, the waitress had no clue how to work the system. Their 2 favorite words to say were “sold out” “give me a minute” They had items that they were sold out of on Friday night at 6 pm.. they were out of 2 appetizers, and when we asked for recommendation on replacements, they only pointed to one that they had available. “Give me a minute” was their favorite phrase after every item we were ordering. Looked like she had a hard time working the machine, so our order took a while to put through. After all that we finally got the food. The steak, not good at all, and very tough. For a ribeye, that was one tough steak and very hard to chew. Not sure where they get the products from, but they need to do better. The food wasn’t seasoned well and it was overall bland. It also took a while to get the food. The other items that were ordered were ok to taste. Deserts were delicious. We had the tiramisu and triple chocolate mousse cake. Coffee, loved the floral designs on the coffee, but it took forever to get them. It seemed like they forgot to bring them to us, but they finally did and half the coffees were spilled.

Overall, I would like to see this place succeed, but I honestly don’t know how they will succeed if they continue operating like this. Reduce staff, assign sections, and be more personable. I can only imagine how disappointed the person that is going to order the $370 steak will be. If it comes out that bland and tough, that would be bad.

I hope they take these reviews seriously, because the restaurant business depends on...