Riccardo Enoteca

Delicious dinner at Riccardo Enoteca with great friends. The caprese and arugula salads (to start) and lasagna, salmon, lamb, and gnocchi as mains were all amazing. Definitely a restaurant to repeat.

Go here if CPOG doesn't work out! What a lovely spot! It feels like Italy minus Italian waiters! But don’t get me wrong. Our waiter was terrific, and the entire staff worked hard. We stopped in to eat after trying to go to Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder across the street, which had a several-hour wait. Luckily, we grabbed a table at Ricardo Enoteca. This spot is so charming and cozy that I expected the prices to be outrageous, but they were actually pretty reasonable for the food quality, service, and lovely atmosphere. Our food and drinks were delicious, and my group left quite happy! It's a perfect spot for a date that you really like!

A quaint restaurant tucked away in Lincoln Park. The outdoor sidewalk seating was perfect. I was surprised to see that restaurant itself is very small (maybe around 12 tables) but it added to the charm. Service was fantastic Food was right up there but I wasn’t blown away I will be back to try more here 😊

Incredible service and food! It felt like I was dining in a swanky old New York Italian restaurant where Mr Big serenades Carrie Bradshaw. LOVELY. Cannot wait to return!

This place, yes this one! Are you looking for great Italian food anywhere in Chicago? It’s this place! I am amazed! My wife and I stumbled upon this place and it’s sister restaurant across the street when we were looking for an odd recommendation of pizza pot pie, when we got turned away from the pizza pot pie place we decided to try this places sister restaurant across the street. I specifically said let’s see if we get lucky and oh my did we! The other restaurant is supposed to be the more upscale place but i have to respectfully disagree. We came back to try this place knowing it was the sister restaurant and we were absolutely blown away by the level of warmth and service by the staff, not to say the sister restaurant was bad by any means this was just so amazing. We came back to see which we would try again, we passed by the sister restaurant saw our server, he waved and smiled but here we walked by and they said “Are we doing this again tonight?”, it felt like a family member asking if you were hungry and wouldn’t let you leave even if you weren’t, phenomenal! We had such a great time, I’ll post pictures of the food and the wine but I really cannot imagine these fine people serving anything that is not up to par. Be sure to tell your server what you like and what you don’t, trust their recommendation and enjoy the best Italian and probably the best meal and service you’ve ever had. I’m so grateful Chef Riccardo hasn’t opened one in Houston where I am from because I would be enormous, and not have a dream of opening a real Italian restaurant there! Prove me wrong by naming a better place, until then I will remain haunted by this one and hope you will too!

This place is amazing! We had the best time and great service. The brick oven flatbread is a must. The octopus was amazing. By far the best tiramisu in town. I can’t believe it took me this long to try it

While waiting for that place across the street, we decided to try out Enoteca. I’m very glad we did. The service is outstanding, out server was super nice, knowledgeable, and very attentive, he made a great recommendation on the fava beans for an appetizer. The food was fantastic, decent sized portions and they have a pretty nice wine list to accompany your meal. Definitely a place to go if you’re looking for Italian food.

Highly Recommend: the food, atmosphere, and service were all great! On weekend nights make sure to make a reservation as the place is not big and can fill up. From what I had I would definitely recommend gazpacho and bucatini carbonara. Fava beans as well as tiramisu were alright to try, nothing particularly special, about them, yet good.

A glowing experience here at Riccardo Enoteca! 10/10 service, food, vibes, and drinks. The prosciutto burrata was delicious, I could have it every day. Their Greek salad was bigger than I thought it would be and super fresh. Their salmon with potatoes came piping hot and the salmon melted in your mouth like butter. My other friend got a pasta off their specials menu so I'm not sure what it was called but it was delectable! We also ate outside on their patio and it was such a vibe. The servers were very attentive and welcoming. We came here on a whim and were pleasantly surprised. I have nothing bad to say about this restaurant- totally go here for some delicious Italian food!

Such an unassuming quaint pub (Enoteco) serving up the most authentic Italian food I've ever had. We arrived late and was still greeted with a smile and seated immediately. The waiter was super attentive and answered our many questions since most items were written in Italian. The mixed seafood and linguine arrived piping hot. The short ribs and pasta was tender and cooked to perfection. Our branzino in lemon butter and capers was to die for. We sat around dipping our bread in the dressing it was so good. We ended the evening with the best tiramisu cake ever. This place is top shelf! Maybe next time we will actually eat in their restaurant (trattoria) across the street.

Amazing experience with amazing service and food!!! I went to this restaurant for my mother and mother-in-law's birthday (birthday twins). We were greeted with wonderful service and a calm and family-intimate environment. Our food came out pretty fast and our waiter was super vigilant and accommodating. Personally, I had the Regatoni Buttera and the Branzino...AMAZING. The next time I visit, The Branzino will be a must.

From beginning to end the entire dining experience was top tier! The staff were friendly, patient, knowledgeable, just exceptional in every way possible. The food was amazing!!! Perfect evening

This place is a gem. Found it and will absolutely go back. Food is fantastic and the service was excellent. Great ambiance.

Amazing Restaurant Week deal alert! We decided to try Riccardo Enoteca since the trattoria restaurant week deal was a little more expensive and wow it did not disappoint. First of all, we showed up almost thirty minutes early and we're able to sit at the bar for a bit, but our table was ready super early which was great! As for the food, between 2 of us we were able to get two apps, two mains, and two desserts. The mains were phenomenal. I will literally have dreams about the Lasagna Au Gratin - best lasagna I have ever had. The Pennoni Fiorentina was also really really good. The short ribs we super yummy and the noodles tasted freshly made. For apps, the Polpettine di Vitello Puttanesca (meatballs) were yummy and came in a really yummy sauce, but we're just a little bit spicy for me (probably should've asked about spice levels). The Fava e Pecorino we're also pretty good. A nice light option with and little bit of truffle. We got the Panna Cotta and the Cheesecake which I thought were both ok. I'm maybe just not a big panna cotta person and the cheesecake had some crunchy bits in it when I usually prefer mine to be smooth.

Ambiance is like that of any classic Italian joint in Chicago. Seating is a little cramped, but we were able to be seated immediately upon arrival. The pasta was good, but not great. Would recommend if looking for a classic hearty Italian meal.

I made a reservation for a party of 3 for 7:45pm on a Wednesday evening and I'm so glad I did because most of the tables (both inside and outside) were taken! Once seated, we were kindly greeted by the manager who also gave us waters. For appetizers we ordered mozzarella caprese and grilled calamari. The grilled calamari was fantastic! It had the right amount of char and was not overly chewy. For mains we ordered Fettuccine Alla Bolognese, Rigatoni Alla Buttera, and fettuccine con cinghiale (special). Everything was wonderful and everyone's pasta was cooked perfectly. My rigatoni had a healthy portion of sausage and the sauce was super creamy. The service was very efficient and our waiter was super attentive. He made sure our water glasses were never empty and checked in on us every so often. I will definitely be back to try more dishes!

FALSE ADVERTISEMENT AND POORLY MANAGED. NO LAMB CHOP PORTERHOUSE, NO 18 MONTH PROSCIUTTO, NO BRANZINO, ETC. I drove across town to try this restaurant for restaurant week as they had a great 3 course menu with some delicious entrees online for a great price. Unfortunately none of the items that they have online menu are available at the restaurant when you get there they have a completely different menu than the one they advertise. The manager had no customer service skills and rudely demanded we pay for the bottle of water we ordered as if we decided to leave because they did not have anything we wanted on the menu. Nor did he care that we drove across town just for the false menu they advertised. We definitely won't be back.

Went here for restaurant week. Food came out very quick and was very good. Didn't love the steak covered in mustard but I didn't order it so wasn't a big deal! Paperdelle with ragu sauce was delicious. Meatball appetizer was good, spicy, but I had bad acid reflux after. Still ate the leftovers the next day though it was that good. My first time having pana cotta and it was delicious.

This place is a gem in Lincoln Park. Small, intimate with outstanding staff who really do attend to your every need. The menu is large enough to give you choice without compromising on quality. Portions are very generous and the wine menu compliments the dishes they have with price points for every level. Every once in a while they have set menus like this year's Restaurant Week and every one I have had has been outstanding. Restaurant Week sometimes causes restaurants to compromise on quality and quantity just to get diners through the door. Doesn't happen here ever. Check their website For when they have set menus because they are really excellent and great value for money.

First time here and was really pleased. Great atmosphere and we had a fabulous waitress Jasmine. Was small enough that the sound was not loud at all. Easy to talk at our table. Bathrooms clean and updated. Food was amazing !! 5 stars.

Carbonara was great This place is very similar to the one across the street, but darker and with a different vibe The lava cake was just as delicious, and I enjoyed the overall friendly service and great experience

The ambience was immaculate in Riccardo Enoteca. Perfect lighting, soft jazz music, and an intimate setting. The food was to delicious, the pepper beef carpaccio was light and a perfect starter. We followed it up with two different pastas -both on the specials menu so apologies for forgetting the names of the dishes. The bacon wrapped tenderloin with risotto and short rib fettuccine had the perfect portions and left you feeling full, but not overly stuffed. Waitstaff was attentive but still let you enjoy your meal. I'm excited to go back and try out more dishes here!

One of my favorite Italian restaurants in Chicago! Have never had one bad dish, everything we have tried has always been excellent. When we dined there, we got a patio seat under the tree. It was very romantic and cozy and perfect for a late summer afternoon. Here's what we've tried: Pizza Margherita pizza: one of our favorite pizzas in Chicago. The dough was very soft and the ingredients tasted very fresh. Could use slightly more flavor though Calabrese: very tasty, my fiance liked it a lot, felt like the pepperoni was a little dry and hard Parma cotto: LOVED this one, the burrata on top was generous and so fresh, the flavors all blended together very nicely Gorgonzola: tasty, but prefer pizzas with tomato sauce Modela: tasty as well, but also not a tomato-based pizza Entree Braciole: this pork chop was bigger than the size of my hand! I just stared at the size of it in awe when I opened the box. The pork chop was very tasty and perfectly fried. A little on the dry side though but I think that was my fault because I asked them to hold the butter sauce. Pasta Rigatoni alla buttera: my fiance loved this, he thought the pasta was truly cooked al dente. I prefer a slightly more cooked pasta texture so we swapped dishes. Overall it was good (clearly given the prior reviews), but the sauce was a little heavy for my taste Fettuccine bolognese: I loved this dish. The softness of the tagliatelle was better to my liking and the sauce was more meaty and tomato-ey. Dessert Tiramisu: fine Italian ricotta cheesecake: preferred this over the tiramisu, had candied-like fruits inside the ricotta which made it interesting. Decaf cappuccino: LOVED it! Other people seemed to be ordering the gazpacho and fish, so these will be on our next to order list!

Had such a wonderful experience at Ricardo Enoteca. We made a reservation online and was seated right away when we arrived. Each table was spaced out and the restaurant cleaned each table with disinfectant prior to seating another patron. We stopped by to have share some appetizers and bottle of wine. Our server was so kind and checked on us often to see if we needed anything. For the appetizers: -Caprese (Wisconsin fresh mozzarella basil & heirlooms tomato) -Cheese and Cured meats plate (Parmesan, pecorino, olives, artichoke, burrata, and assorted cured meats). Everything was so fresh! We can't wait to try the entrees and pizza here!

One of my most favorite places in Lincoln Park, and I would put it on top of "neighborhood gem" category. Their team is the same for many years - they greet you as if you are a family even when I show up there once every six months (or whenever I make it to Chicago). I usually eat alone but never feel lonely bc their team makes you feel at home. The food is solid, everything is well made. My favorites are their salads and fish, but I did have pasta once - just like in Italy! I try to stop by every time I am in Chicago, just because I love it.

While the food was honestly really good, my party and I couldn't help but notice the different treatment between us (all people of color) and other guests. Our waiter was quite passive aggressive and even impatient with us at one point after a simple request. Afterwards, we observed how the waiter was much kinder to the other people in the restaurant, who happened to be predominately white. I hate to assume the worst about someone, but after reading other reviews about rude service, I unfortunately cannot recommend this place despite the good food. However, I will say that the host we briefly interacted with treated us kindly compared to the waiter, and I can say the same about the other host from the other Riccardo establishment across the street.

Yummy food and nice atmosphere! The service felt like a true Italy experience! Definitely a yummy authentic Italian restaurant!

Taste of Italy.... This place did not disappoint. Authentic northern Italian cuisine with great variety! We tried the gazpacho, village salad, rigatoni, veal parmesan and risotto. It was all delicious. And the Tiramisu is a must!!

The staff at the restaurant is wonderful. Very attentive and knowledgeable. The food was excellent! As were the cocktails. It was a very nice atmosphere and we had a delightful time.

Came here as a walk in since another place we had a reservation was running behind and we were in a rush to get food. They were very accommodating and were considerate about the time crunch we were in for another event. The place is cute and intimate but has a wide variety of options on the menu. We were also able to customize dishes and it was clear that they wanted to make sure we had the best experience. I loved the pink sauce ravioli and tiramisu. Would definitely come back here again when in the Lincoln Park area

Always awesome with great service! The food is always hot and fresh from beginning to end. Recommend making a reservation because it packs up quick cause it's so good. Definitely worth giving a shot and you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Food from the soul.

Hands down the best bolognese I've ever had. Looking forward to adding this spot to our favorites

Really delicious Italian food! I'm surprised I haven't heard of this place earlier - it's definitely underrated. We got the caprese salad, Rigatoni alla Buttera, Maialino alla Saltimbocca. Everything was delicious! The rigatoni seemed like a simple pasta but it was really impressive - the sauce was super flavorful, creamy, and cheesy. The saltimbocca was also great, the pork and sauce were very rich and flavorful. I'd recommend trying all of these dishes, although I'm sure other menu items would be great as well. Overall a great experience and the food was amazing. This is a cute neighborhood spot and one of the better places for Italian in Chicago!

Riccardo Enoteca was a great dining experience! I came here for a reunion with some friends from out of town, and the intimate dining room was perfect for us to laugh and have a great time, while not so small that it felt claustrophobic. It had a very authentic, Italian vibe to it. I ordered the salmon, which was amazing! So many flavors that complimented each other so well. They also had an amazing selection of wines and the wait staff helped us to choose what we were all feeling. We had a pretty late reservation, so the restaurant was closed by the time we had wrapped up, but not once did I ever feel like they were rushing to get us out of there! I really appreciate that, and will definitely be back to try more of the food.

ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE! My family and I always have different reviews on restaurants but this was a family favorite! It was a busy Friday night yet they still managed to seat us right away. Service was quick and the staff were super friendly. We ordered the cavetelli alla vodka, lasagna au gratin, and margareta pizza and split it amongst three of us. INCREDIBLE FOOD! The best Italian we have ever had! Hearty portions at an affordable price! A classic Italian dinner for the win! Will be returning soon!

The best Italian food we have eaten in Chicago! We were there for my daughter's birthday and everything was perfect!

Tried Riccardo Enoteca for the first time in over two years while we had visitors in the city. Restaurant was busy with prompt and friendly staff. Well priced wine by the glass and bottle. The specials looked great but we chose the pasta dishes and all were outstanding including the carbonara, rigatoni buttera, and the seafood linguini. We also tried desserts which were also great! Really outstanding food, good service, nice atmosphere and well priced. We will be back again soon!

A gem. Everything is excellent and the staff is always the best. From the veal to the pastas and their specials it never disappoints.

2 pizzas- 10" by 4" rectangular shaped; 8 slices/box. Margherita: 4 Pepperoni: 4 Caesar salad with anchovies- 4 Fava beans- 5 20 minutes for pickup. Great food and wonderful workers! Happy to support this local establishment during the pressing times of COVID-19.

This was a perfect Valentines Dinner! The warm ambience was both clean and bright while contemporary and cozy. The food was the best Italian I have had in months and Juan, our server, was a joy!!!! I will be back, many times!!!! :)

Outstanding hidden gem in east Lincoln park! The space is very cozy and intimate and the food was excellent! We shared the burrata/proscuitto appetizer, rigatoni with vodka sauce and veal parm and everything was delicious. Their tiramisu was great as well! Highly recommend

This is so far our favorite Italian restaurant spot in Chicago. When my husband and I walked in (I thought I made an opentable reservation - while on our way) when we got there, I confidently said, had a table for 2 for 730, we are just early. The host couldn't find my reservation but was a very polite follow up on but "I can seat you in the next 20 minutes". We waited at the bar area (super tight bec it's small) and it didn't take long we were seated at our table. I ordered carbonara and my husband had lasagna, also had a bottle of wine and finished out dinner with tiramisu! Oh boy, the food was delicious but the service is amazing. I haven't felt so much welcome in any other restaurant. I can see every single staff working very hard to make sure every guest is satisfied.

I've been eating at Riccardo's for the past 7 years and every meal has been great. I am French Italian and was born in Chicago. I live in Lincoln Park for 12 years and enjoy fine food, mostly Italian, French and Japanese. Riccardo Enoteca is my favorite because the chefs cook in a wood oven and it is amazing how they cook with wood Italian food. JP the manager has been great to me and all the customers. He always takes that extra step to find great wine and make my dishes special for my French /Italian taste. There are a number of us from the neighborhood that come here two or three times per week. Trattoria across the street is also great. Riccardo the owner create authentic amazing Italian dishes and his chefs never miss the detailed of real authentic Italian.

This place is as good as it gets! After a long day at work, all I wanted was a nice Italian meal and some wine. We stopped at the Red Lion Pub, where the owner recommended Riccardo Enoteca. Also known as a local haunt, this restaurant far exceeded our expectations. The owner found us a table even though we did not have a reservation. The service was impeccable, and the food was some of the best I have ever had. I highly recommend the Bolognese- by far the best dish I have ever tried.

Went here for the first time tonight and it was sooooo good. I'm annoyed I haven't been here sooner and have lived close by for two years . Our waiter was amazing and extremely attentive . Something I loved is after we got two apps, he let us eat the entire app before asking for our entree . I love that we didn't feel rushed , because a lot of restaurants will have you order mid appetizer . We started with the mussels and meatballs , both were great but the meatballs are a must. You get free bruschetta when you arrive and free bread , so you definitely won't be hungry at the end. We got the veal with prosciutto and the fettuccine bolognese . The veal is an absolute must , best thing ever ever ever . I will say however it was so rich it would be good to share . We shared a pasta and the veal and it was perfect . Ended the meal with a cappuccino . Overall , would HIGHLY recommend for good Italian food and even better service . My only suggestion would be to turn the music up a bit - it was quiet for a Friday !

I wasn't initially thrilled about dining at Riccardo's, moreover, with being in Chicago the idea of grabbing traditional Italian didn't thrill me. But, by the end of dinner I had decided this is one of my favorite haunts in Chi-Town, in addition to being a solid contender for some of the best Italian food I've ever had the pleasure of consuming. I cannot rave enough about the quality of food here. Don't get me wrong, it is pricey, but it's worth every penny you are going to spend. My table was enthralled with every item we consumed: entrees, appetizers, & desert! The service was also impeccable, moreover, the wait staff was very prompt, knowledgeable, & polite. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to visiting the next time I'm in Chicago. Ps: Make sure to book a reservation, this place stays busy for obvious reasons.

Delicious! Excellent service and delicious food. Our waitress was stellar- very friendly, quick yet not overbearing. We had the ravioli with meat as well as the pasta with lobster. Both were delicious. The prosciutto and melon was so tasty. We shared a bottle of Chardonnay and it was tasty and on budget. The tiramisu was SUPERIOR. A little pricy but mostly worth it. Can't wait to return!

Wouldn't take water from them if my esophagus was on fire. And I wouldn't recommend them to my worst enemy.Disgusting rapport at the door, they truly should be ashamed of themselves. My fiancé and I were given the cold shoulder and literally got walked away from at the door. To make a point I went ahead and got a table, but then I realized I'm not going to give a dime to a place to prove a point. I'll take my money, which is plentiful, across the street to an establishment who knows how to greet customers. (Said establishment with good service is located across the street at Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder Co.)

One of my favorite spots for Italian food in Chicago, or anywhere for that matter! Everything is great, although the standouts for me are the fettuccine bolognese, the grilled calamari, and the pasta with truffles (I forget the specific one). Prices are not cheap for Chicago, but the quality is excellent, and the overall experience is really nice. Nice indoor and outdoor seating. Reservations highly recommended. Both the enoteca and trattoria across the street are great. A lot of the menu items are the same. Either one you choose will not disappoint!

Average Italian food that's most likely survives off of the overflow from Chicago Grinder Co. my salmon was good, but overpriced and small. Her Pasta was not good. If you go, order wine. The mixed drinks were terrible. Service was fine though.

Quaint, friendly Italian restaurant with a family atmosphere. Staff was extremely friendly and helpful, value was great, and the outdoor patio area is great for the summer. You can tell it's good because of all the regulars. Only gave this a lower rating because the seafood pasta did not sit well with my stomach at all and the patio seating has a lot of passerby (not their fault).

Enjoyed our dinner and ambiance! Felt like a European trattoria instead of a neighborhood restaurant. The fried calamari appetizer was a lot of food and the sauce was some of the best I've ever had. The bread was yummy! Bon Apetito!

The restaurant we wanted to go to had a 2-1/2 hour wait (!) and so we walked a short distance and found Riccardo Enotera. In short, the food was amazing--the kind that after you take a first bite you say, "Oh my god, this dish is amazing" and your dinner companion is having the exact same reaction to their dish and you both say, here, you have to try this. And days later you're still talking about it. I loved how much the staff takes such pride in their business, their product, and being able to serve you. Easily one of the best restaurant experiences I've had in years. Cannot wait to go back!

This a cute Italian restaurant in Lincoln Park. The service was excellent and I liked the ambience. They give you complementary bread and a bruschetta a chip which was nice. I ordered the burrata appetizer which was absolutely delicious! I would definitely recommend that. I also ordered the lobster ravioli which was just okay in my opinion, I thought the meat in the ravioli would have a lot more flavor along with the sauce it's self. If I go back I'd go for a different past dish.

Excellent dining experience and dinner. We were on a mission to find the best carbonara in chicago and I'm not sure how well we did, but I have yet to have carbonara as good as Riccardo's. We ordered lasagne, carbonara, and bolognese, and arugula salad. All excellent. I believe our waiter was Juan who was by far one of the absolute best servers we've ever experienced. He cared so much about our dining experience, truly personalizing it and never once making us feel unheard or rushed. He was meticulous in his service. **if you are gluten intolerant or celiac, they do offer gluten free gnocchi and risotto that can be made with their sauces. I definitely recommend. I loved this restaurant and certainly plan to return soon. Thank you!

I'll start with the service. The pacing is outstanding and the servers are quite friendly (thanks, JP). The meals are reasonable priced and portions are perfect - not too much where you get too full or feel wasteful, but enough where it meets value. The gnocchi is outstanding, and the carbonara is also quite tasty. Support this local spot!

Delicious food! You can special order. I had a brick-oven pizza that I created from scratch. Sooo good! We drank Manhattan's. Excellent! Spaghetti with meatballs was very meat forward in flavor. Waiter was friendly and fun outdoor dining available