Cafe Bionda

"Cafe Bionda is the type of inoffensive Italian restaurant that won’t piss anyone off. You’re bound to see a lot of families, couples at varying stages in their relationships, and solo diners watching whatever game is on in the separate bar area. It’s earned its reputation as a neighborhood staple: service is friendly, dishes are consistently good, and the menu is full of pastas, steaks, and entrees like braciole that are ideal for leftovers. The dimly lit dining room might make you think this place is formal, but the massive fake swordfish on one wall and random mix of INXS and Dean Martin in the background say otherwise." - veda kilaru, adrian kane, john ringor

"Now run by 8 Hospitality’s Carmen Rossi, the infamous operator of Hubbard Inn and Joy District (plus a huge University of Illinois backer), Cafe Biondi is back serving Italian American favorites for brunch, lunch, and dinner." - Ashok Selvam

"Cafe Bionda is the type of neighborhood Italian restaurant that won’t piss anyone off. The dishes are consistently good, with things like pastas, steaks, and entrees that are ideal for sharing. The dimly lit dining room might lead you to believe this place is formal, but the massive fake swordfish on the wall and the random juxtaposition of INXS and Dean Martin on the playlist aren't, and give this spot the added bonus of having a conversation starter. There’s also a separate bar with a big TV, perfect for excusing yourself from a boring family dinner to catch the end of whatever game happens to be on." - Veda Kilaru