Formento's
Sabrina Crawford · 113 Google reviewsFormento's — a West Loop italian mainstay. The mood here leans quiet and romantic. Drink selection punches above its weight. Katie O: "The atmosphere was really well detailed and the food tasted phenomenal, like its rated a 15 out of 10" [$$$, patio]
What 1,580 diners keep saying
What 1,580 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“This is a really great place, especially if you’re gluten free! They have a huge gf menu with gluten free bread available as well. Great drinks and food, and good atmosphere.”
“The best meal we had in Chicago....and that's saying alot. The atmosphere, service and food are top notch.”
“We found this restaurant at the last minute and it was such a lucky find! We were served by an excellent waiter who was very friendly. The options are great, everything is delicious, and the pasta is clearly handmade! The potato appetizers and the meatballs were sensational. My carbonara was fantastic! It was a great dinner.”
“Formento’s hosted a beautiful fundraiser for Code Platoon, and the experience exceeded our expectations in every way. They did not simply provide a venue; they created an atmosphere. The upstairs event space was warm, elegant, and beautifully prepared, with natural evening light coming through at dusk and creating a perfect backdrop for photos of our guests. The setting felt intimate, elevated, and welcoming, which was exactly the tone we hoped to create for our donor and community event. The food and service were outstanding. The charcuterie display was beautiful, the open bar was ready when guests arrived, and the passed hors d’oeuvres were thoughtful, generous, and delicious. The staff struck the perfect balance: present when needed, attentive without being intrusive, and constantly keeping the space clean, uncluttered, and comfortable. It felt seamless. Our guests absolutely loved the evening, and the organization sponsoring the fundraiser was equally impressed. They host events in Chicago often and immediately noted that they would keep Formento’s in mind for future gatherings. Our own organization also hosts an annual gala just a few blocks away, so we know the area well and would seriously consider Formento’s for another event. From planning and coordination to hospitality, ambience, service, food, and execution, the entire experience was exemplary. * Special thanks to Wendy and Ben! Formento’s helped make the evening feel special, and we are deeply grateful.”
“Adriel took incredible care of us for our Valentine's date! We had the potatoes, brussels, wagyu, and angolotti. 10/10”
“Great Italian spot. Generous portions, excellent food, helpful service. We had a large party and were seated upstairs in a more comfortable and quiet area.”
“I think I would have enjoyed sitting on the dining side vs the bar side, as it felt cramped at times with large groups gathering around the bar. Overall, the food was good and service was nice. We tried the dinner menu for restaurant week.”
“The bucatini carbonara was impeccable, as was the kale salad starter. For dessert, try the tiramisu! You won’t be disappointed. A reservation is a MUST. It is packed.”
“Formentos needs to be on your must visit list! Let’s start with the fact that their pasta is made in house and you can taste it! The recipes here consists of food that is made from scratch with recipes from Nonna Formento - the beloved grandmother of one of the owners. It’s full of flavor and that good Italian feeling that can only come from well executed cusine. Their famous Nonnas meatballs, the garlic bread with the truffle butter in the Housemade giardinara, the Parmesan chicken, the Wagyu fillet - all DELICIOUS! And the desserts? Just wow! They have a new banana tart dessert that is light but lovely if you are a fan of banana pudding and the chocolate cake? I can see why people just come in for a slice of it! It’s so rich, moist and one slice is just not enough! They have a great wine list and if you ask they are more than happy to recommend a good pairing for your meal. If you are going for CHICAGO RESTAURANT WEEK - They have a four course meal for $60 which comes with an optional beverage pairing for $39! And their portions for restaurant week are still BIG! I loveeedddd that! The beverage pairing is also very well put together and you get a couple of options for each pairing. And ask for Louis to be your server! He’s the best!”
“What a delicious dinner! The staff were all so kind and friendly! The food was delicious! We split a chicken parm and it was more than enough!”
“I picked Formento's over a few other places for a small, special event. I visited all of the venues and met with the special event representatives of each places. Formento's had the perfect private space that I wanted. I especially liked the old brick walls and antique wooden cabinet in the room. What really helped me decide to choose this place over the others is the Director of Sales, India D. Compared to the other event representatives whom I've dealt with, India's sincerity and thoughtfulness stood out. I came back to the venue in less than a month to finalize the menu and other details. I met with India and Wendy P, the event manager. They were both fantastic. They listened to what I wanted the for the event, and they also offered great recommendations. They charge a fee if guests want to bring in their own cake. You can either pay the fee or order a custom made cake from their pastry chef. I opted to send pictures of the cake design I want. Wendy confirmed with me that their pastry chef can create my request. The price was very reasonable too. The service that we received during the event itself was excellent. I liked the personalized menu for each guest. During dinner, Wendy came by to make sure that everything was going well for us. The designated server for our event, along with the rest of the staff, were all efficient and great. The food was delicious. We had the family style dinner which included: Starters: PROSCIUTTO TOAST, NONNA'S MEATBALLS, GEM LETTUCE SALAD Entrees: CLASSIC CANESTRI, CHICKEN PARMESAN, PORK CHOP Sides: CRISPY POTATOES, WOOD GRILLED BROCCOLINI Desserts: CHOCOLATE CAKE, VANILLA GELATO The chocolate cake from the pastry chef was amazing. It was not just beautiful, but it was moist and had the perfect sweetness. Thank you to India, Wendy, and the rest of the staff of Formento's in making this event special for my family and I. It was a happy and unforgettable evening.”
“First time here last week! I want to say his name was David who took care of us! He and the rest of the staff were very attentive. The food and drinks were just what we needed! I’ll definitely be back, I’d love to sit in the bar next time. Seems cozy and has a nice ambience.”
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