Il Vicolo Trattoria — Restaurant in Oak Park

This was my first time dining here, and we made reservations on the patio for 7:00.

The pros: cute restaurant and patio. We were seated promptly and the hosts were friendly. A busser brought bread, olive oil and water to the table almost immediately.

Unfortunately it goes downhill from there. We sat for 20 minutes without a server greeting us, and we had to ask the busser to get our server. When our server does swing by, she apologizes very briefly and introduces herself. I asked about the flavor profile of a wine served by the glass but she didn’t know and went inside to ask. When she comes back out with the answer we place food and drink orders.

Our tuna carpaccio appetizer comes first. It was delicious - the saltiness of the olives and the richness of the sun-dried tomatoes paired well with the arugula salad and the orange slices added just the right amount of sweetness. But unfortunately we finished this before our drinks got to the table which was a little bit of a bummer because the glass of wine I ordered was intended to pair with the tuna.

When the drinks arrived, our server apologized for the delay again, but never offered a remedy and was quickly back on her way to other tables. From here, it took almost another 20 minutes for entrees to get to the table, and at this point we had been seated for over an hour. She seemed to be deliberately avoiding our table, and when she did check in with us it was very hurried.

I’m in the industry, and I know all restaurants have bad nights so I’m sympathetic to the fact that some nights are understaffed and busy. But during our time on the patio, bussers accidentally dropped silverware and shattered plates on more than one occasion, and dirty dishes sat on our table uncleared. A busser came to clear our entree plates with an entire hand full of dirty glasses from another table. Service as a whole seemed disorganized, thoughtless and chaotic.

Then to end the night, our server accidentally brought us another table’s check. She yet again apologized when she brought the correct check, but nothing was ever offered to help right the evening.

I’m willing to try this place again because the food was good, but maybe on a weeknight when it isn’t so busy and hopefully service...

Il Vicolo Trattoria: A Slice of Italy at Home.

Since returning from Italy, I’ve been on a quest to find a restaurant that matches the incredible food quality I experienced overseas. Today, I found that gem: Il Vicolo Trattoria. This place is nothing short of amazing, offering an authentic Italian dining experience that captures the essence of Italy right here at home.

From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere transported me back to Italy. The ambiance is warm and inviting, with an authenticity that feels as though you’re dining in a quaint trattoria nestled in the heart of Rome or Florence. The establishment is spotless, reflecting the owners’ attention to detail and pride in their business.

The service was equally impressive. The staff was attentive, friendly, and efficient, creating a seamless dining experience. I visited with a party of eight to celebrate a friend’s birthday, and the team went above and beyond to ensure our celebration was special.

Now, onto the food—where Il Vicolo Trattoria truly shines. Every single dish served was a masterpiece. What stood out most was the impeccable timing: all eight of us ordered different dishes, and yet every plate arrived simultaneously, piping hot and fresh. This level of coordination and quality control is a remarkable feat, especially for a bustling restaurant.

From the rich, velvety pasta sauces to the perfectly cooked meats and the fresh, flavorful salads, every bite was a testament to the kitchen’s skill and commitment to excellence. Each dish mirrored the upscale dining experiences I enjoyed in Italy, both in taste and presentation. It’s rare to find a place where every single item on the menu is executed with such precision and care.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving an authentic Italian meal, Il Vicolo Trattoria is the place to be. I’m overjoyed to have discovered a restaurant of this caliber so close to home. It’s not just a meal—it’s a journey back to Italy. I highly recommend this exceptional establishment to anyone seeking top-notch food, service, and atmosphere.

Bravo, Il Vicolo Trattoria—you’ve earned a loyal...

Well, I love this restaurant for many years. I just had a third birthday celebration with a party of 20 people and a magic show for dinner this past Saturday and the entire team went above and beyond to make sure everybody had a great time, and I as a host had zero worries. My parties at Il Vicolo are historic! People remember the past parties and they know they will have a great time for the next party. The party started with 2 appetizers of my choice (we had fried calamari and different pizzas), then we had 2 different meatless pastas (one with red sauce and one with vodka sauce), then we did a pause for the magic show. After that, the main dinner was served lemon chicken, and short rib in a wine sauce, with veggies and mashed potatoes. These were just delicious! There was lots and lots of food. Then he brought vanilla gelato for everybody. For drinks we had red and white wine for my guests, and sodas for those who wanted it. There was cash bar available but everybody was pleased with the wine. For dessert we all had vanilla gelato which was refreshing on a summer night along with cake, and for those who wanted it there was coffee. I love t his place just to have dinner but this party was amazing! I highly recommend this place if you want to have an event, in the summer they can hold it in their little patio or indoors. I chose indoors as that is my personal preference but they have a great patio in the Summer too. Every dish on the menu is great, my favorite from the menu is the fettuccine with seafood in red sauce, without pepper flakes. That is my go to dish but honestly any dish there...