Trattoria 225 — Restaurant in Oak Park

I was walking by the place and stopped in. I asked the hostess if they had pizza. She said that they did and gave me a menu. I was originally going to just get takeout but then asked the hostess if I could eat at a table. She said I could sit at the bar which I did. The hostess brought the pizza to me at the bar and I paid her and gave her an approximately 40% gratuity. Because I did not order the pizza through him, the bartender, however, did not want to be bothered with me. I had to repeatedly ask him for water which I should not of had to do. If a water glass is empty, good service staff fill it with more water automatically but not this guy. The third time I asked him for more water I watched him serve all of the other people at the bar, get the servers their drinks and then talk a few minutes with the two other bar patrons before re-filling my water. He did not want to wait on someone else's customer who was only drinking water. I left the place thirsty because I did not want to go through that whole ordeal just for a glass of water. On my way out, I talked to the manager. He agreed with me and said that he would have a talk with the bartender. But he did not appear to care. I told him that I was leaving his establishment thirsty because I did not want to go through the whole ordeal of getting another glass of water with my meal. A caring manager would have went and got his thirsty customer a glass of water but not this manager. I told the manager the whole story and that I regretted even setting foot in his restaurant. He did not even offer an apology....

After years of raves from my brother about this place, we finally shared a meal there tonight. He knows me as a foodie and wanted to impress me.

What had I been waiting for? Located in Oak Park's Art District, my first impression was of a favorite place in New Orleans. I learned 225 honors local artists by displaying an eclectic mix of works on their walls. The jazz tunes enhanced, not distracted from, conversation.

Upon seating the pockets of warm bread and parmy EVOO were delivered, and our server delivered prompt, efficient while warm service throughout.

Craft cocktails, personal favorite bourbon (MM), wine and beer offerings were carefully selected to compliment the seasonal menu.

The menu was focused yet managed to be eclectic. Mussels, calamari and other starters did not distract from the family-friendly gourmet pizzas nor from the entrees. I opted for the sublime squash ravioli with walnuts in brown butter: pillows of pure pleasure. My brother's pistachio encrusted salmon was anything but ordinary. The chef aced the challenge of crispy yet tender, with superb flavor. The uber-fresh green beans were married by the tart lemony sauce to the entree.

With a hand tied behind my back I shared the pistachio glace. For once - a dessert not dripping with sugar.

There is something to delight everyone in every demographic, as it is prepared and...

We love this place. Drinks are great and they offer wonderful wine selections plus craft brews. Food is always excellent and very creative. I never heard of a grilled watermelon salad (was a special and decilious) and the different menu offerings that the chef prepares. Register to get email updates on their weekly specials which change every Friday. They have updated their regular menu too. Can't say enough about Bill and all the wonderful staff. It's a little gem on Harrison St in Oak Park!

Was just dining here tonight and we had a group of 7 for dinner. We live near by but the rest of our party drove from quite away. They all loved the food and said they would drive back again. Great job Trattoria 225!

Update...we so enjoy dining here. Love the ambiance, jazz music, food and the drinks. Dave is back 2 nights and he is such a master behind the bar. The staff are all...