Formento's

"Formento’s is a big West Loop Italian restaurant with very good housemade pasta. It has a quiet atmosphere, and it’s on a stretch of Randolph that doesn’t have the same heavy car and foot traffic as the busier parts of the neighborhood. So if you and another single friend decide to arrange a “wedding” for your respective dogs, come here to plan it over cacio e pepe and a glass of wine." - adrian kane

"We like Formento’s old-school classics well enough, like a chicken parmesan the size of a plate. But the serving-size-to-price-to-quality ratio is all over the place. So save Formento’s for a sleepy night out and take advantage of their dog-friendly outdoor tables on one of Randolph’s calmer stretches. " - nick allen, adrian kane, veda kilaru

"Formento’s is designed to feel like an old-school Italian restaurant, but there’s no mistaking the fact it’s shiny and new. The inside has big leather booths, tables that at times feel too big, white tablecloths, and proper service that makes you feel just fancy enough. While we can get down with the atmosphere, we aren’t quite as excited about the food. The menu has the classics you would expect to see, but the serving size to price to quality ratio is all over the place. A $48 veal tomahawk is worth the price of admission, but instead of a $49 whole chicken Vesuvio, we’d take the Whole Food version for $7 any day. On the pasta side, our experience has been similar - the spicy twist on the penne alla vodka doesn’t beat the classic preparation for us, yet canestri with Sunday gravy exemplifies what red sauce is supposed to be. Despite our ping pong thoughts on some of the food, we like Formento’s for some old school action in a fun and classy environment. Food Rundown Nonna’s Relish Tray Great for sharing if you have at least four or more. Some small salads, olives, and vegetable mixes for a couple quick bites. Wedding Soup Talk about a party. The chicken meatballs make this soup. Shrimp Scampi Mixed feelings about the shrimp scampi. The large langostinos were sweet and delicious, but the sauce tasted like strictly butter opposed to a “scampi.” With a market price hovering around $30, around double any other appetizer, don’t think we like these enough to order them again. Rigatoni Alla Vodka The vodka sauce has a noticeable spicy twist. It’s almost like they made it with some giardiniera, even though we aren’t exactly sure. We appreciate the innovation, but prefer a more traditional version. Canestri with Sunday Gravy A hearty red sauce pasta with pork neck, meatballs, and fennel sausage. Order it. Half Chicken Parmesan It’s literally the size of an entire plate. Seriously, a big ss piece of chicken parm. Served with some spaghetti pomodoro and topped with mozzarella, it’s solid, and you’re going to have leftovers. 16 Oz. Veal Tomahawk This on-the-bone veal is stuffed with a mushroom and marsala sauce mix. We like the stuffed meat, and the crisped edges make it complete. Roasted Chicken Vesuvio Half and whole portions are available. Neither excite us." - Sam Faye

"Everyone knows about Monteverde - it’s one of Chicago’s best Italian restaurants. That means everyone’s too distracted by it to think about heading to Formento’s, another great neighborhood Italian spot that can stop the two-hour-long “I don’t care, just pick something” conversation before it starts. This place has very good housemade pasta, a nice piece of fish, and a truly excellent chocolate cake. Think of settling on this place as agreeing to go on a date set up by your aunt." - adrian kane

"Formento’s is an Italian-American favorite inside a spacious dining room that has reopened for indoor dining (its owners were very frustrated by the government’s restrictions). Find chops, pasta, and salads — the appetizers (meatballs, tempura fried calamari) are great, quick snacks. Outdoor dining is also available. For those who love sandwiches, Nonna’s is located around the corner. The turkey sub might be the best in the city." - Ashok Selvam, Naomi Waxman