Balena Pop-Up

It was an A+ experience from the moment we entered the venue. Everything we ordered was really good, but my favorite was the Tagliolini Nero. I'm looking forward to going back to try the other items on the menu before they completely close :( Overall, service was impeccable. Kudos to our server (Randy) for being so attentive.

Good food and nice place. I enjoyed the drinks. Went her for the gf birthday. It was well lit with very good food options. I think that's the best part is the menu and the wait staff. The orchietta spaghetti and steak were excellent. Portions are on the smaller side, so if you like a lot of food I recommend a side

This was a special night for me and my boyfriend and Balena took it to the next level. The staff was absolutely amazing, kind and helpful, the best attention I've have in Chicago so far. The food was perfect, every course we had was delicious, it's not the traditional Italian food but it's definitely worth the try.

Excellent experience and meal! Food and service were very good. We ended up ordering another order of tiramisu after we had already paid for our meal seeing as it was amazing... Rather than a bill it came with this note, so kind of the restaurant! Definitely recommend giving it a try before the pop up is gone in 2020

My friend and I ordered the clam with pancetta pizza which tasted really amazing. I've never had clam pizza before but wow was it good. If you like the taste/smell of clams and bacon, then you'll like it. The place is also pricey but I think the portion/taste per price for the pizza was better than that for the pasta. And, really lovely ambiance (would be great for romantic, fancy dates).

Great ambience, if a little dim. Attentive wait-staff, great food and menu. Good value as well. Highly recommended! Pizzas are 14" and plenty for two or three even. Smaller tasting portions of pasta are available if you want to have some on the side with your pizza.

Fantastic northern Italian food in an intimate and unique restaurant setting. The interior is much bigger than it looks from the outside, high ceilings, exposed wood beams. It almost reminds me of a lodge. Currently not on the menu, ask for the pasta with cheese, salt, and pepper. Simple and delicious. The lamb meatballs are a great choice for appetizers and the Tiramisu is one of the best I've had in recent memory. Service is attentive and the kitchen is visible to the entire restaurant. Great choice for date night or going out with friends.

Modern Italian food done perfectly. Pasta made from scratch are fantastic. The portions sizes are share-able which makes for a great date night spot. A cocktail list based around bitters is a great way to try something new. Every time I go I am amazed at the level of execution.