Mano a Mano

“Came here for a private friend giving event for the grasshopper dispensary, so my experience was not your average night.”

Came here for a private friend giving event for the grasshopper dispensary, so my experience was not your average night. Food was very good! Not your average italian fare. Service was very slow and we flagged down waiters multiple times, but I think they were just under-prepared for the event. It was more like a party and less like standard service. They were generous overall, and staff was warm and lively. I would love to go back and try their regular full menu!

Octavia

Jan 2026

“We did the seven fishes dinner and we loved it.”

We did the seven fishes dinner and we loved it. From our amazing waiter, the wine and specially the peppermint gelato!!! We are definitely going back to try their regular menu.

Tania Negrón Vélez

Dec 2025

“Might be my new favorite Italian spot in Chicago.”

Might be my new favorite Italian spot in Chicago. My parents were in town for Christmas and we took them there for Christmas Eve dinner. It was one of three Italian spots we went while they were here and it was the best experience. From our professional, funny, and entertaining server Dre, to the owner who came over to shave truffles table-side, the service was top-notch. The food delivered on “modern takes on Italian classics.” The cheese stuffed focaccia app was so light and crispy, like nothing I’ve had before. The eggplant parm was literally a whole fried eggplant, so delicious and beautiful. All of the pasta dishes we got were creative, unique, and delicious. Wine pours were huge. The by-the-glass menu is small but all of it was unique and delicious. Dessert was great too…who knew about popcorn ice cream? I get the impression they change their menu a lot which is fun for Italian vs all the traditional dishes. Will definitely be back here and definitely check out their other restaurants! Thanks for making a lovely holiday evening with my family.

Liz Noftle

Dec 2025

“My experience here completely exceeded all of my expectations.”

My experience here completely exceeded all of my expectations. The food was amazing, I partook in the feast of seven fishes, but the staff was incredible. Everyone here is friendly, warm, attentive, welcoming, and great at their jobs. Tristan is a wonderfully kind server. 10/10 service, would go again.

Leyla

Dec 2025

“It was our first time visiting Mano a Mano but it won’t be our last.”

It was our first time visiting Mano a Mano but it won’t be our last! They were very friendly and we mentioned it was our anniversary dinner , they were so kind to bring out some drinks and dessert for us! Very dish we had was also delicious! Had to fight my husband over the pasta he didn’t want to share. ! Thanks you

Erica Guzman

Dec 2025

“The pasta tasted really authentic and had great flavor.”

The pasta tasted really authentic and had great flavor. I do think it's a little more costly than l'd like to admit based on the serving size. I don't think l'll order as often as l'd like because of the pricing but I decently can say I can't wait to try more pasta dish's from Mano a Mano when I can splurge! They were kind enough to follow my instructions and split my dish's in half which scored extra points with me. Thank you

Fotiny Diamantis

Dec 2025

“Had the chance to try out this restaurant and so glad we did.”

Had the chance to try out this restaurant and so glad we did! As someone who doesnt eat pork I appreciated that their bolognese is made with 100% beef. The food was very tasty we had the foccacia bread to start off with along side their bread service they provide complimentary for each table. For our app we had the eggplant parm which was amazing and the lamb ragu pasta dish was phenomenal alongside the pesto pasta dish. We ended our dinner with a tiramisu and apple crisp and both were very delicious. I'd say that the dessert portion sizes are great for sharing with 2 people after a dinner! Our server was very attentive and personable and the rest of the team seemed very invested in all the guests which was nice especially for a Saturday evening! Overall we will definitely be back and we hope they keep up the great service!

Lejla

Nov 2025

“We had a great dinner here.”

We had a great dinner here! Our waiter was very friendly and attentive. We had the pomodoro pasta and corn agnolotti, both of which were delicious. The interior of the restaurant had a great atmosphere.

Annie Jensen

Sep 2025

“Wow. This place is fantastic. It's been three weeks since I ate there, and I am still dreaming...”

Wow. This place is fantastic. It's been three weeks since I ate there, and I am still dreaming about the Wagyu bolognese. The drinks were fun and it pushed me to try something new. I can't wait to get back to Chicago and eat there again. Also, our waiter was absolutely incredible. Give him a raise and another vacay (he had just returned from Europe, but he needs like 20 more for how incredible he is).

Ashley-Sue Vizguerra

Aug 2025

“One of my favourite restaurants in Chicago.”

One of my favourite restaurants in Chicago! As an Italian I can confirm is authentic and the quality of the food is amazing! Stuffed Pappardelle and Cacio e pepe are a must!

Federica Dibennardo

Apr 2025

“Mano a Mano is a wonderful spot for an intimate Italian dinner, offering a mix of traditional...”

Mano a Mano is a wonderful spot for an intimate Italian dinner, offering a mix of traditional dishes and thoughtful chef-driven twists. We started with their spring Bruschetta, which was light, bright, and felt like a bite of spring—super refreshing. The ciabatta bread with butter was simple but so good, and a perfect lead-in to the main course. I was excited to try their handmade pasta and chose the Pappardelle with oyster mushrooms—creamy, comforting, and packed with umami from the mushrooms. Their service was also great—friendly, attentive, and they easily accommodated our requests, which made the whole experience feel even more relaxed and enjoyable. From the cozy atmosphere to the quality of the food, everything felt thoughtfully done.

Neha Bansal

Apr 2025

“I will be thinking about this meal for a very long time.”

I will be thinking about this meal for a very long time! I think this could be some of the best elevated Italian food I’ve had at a restaurant! It was a very cool, moody interior with some of the most friendly staff! The Negroni selection was a head above the rest! They had an entire list of interesting ones. I ended up getting the strawberry basil which I’d recommend! We started with the Burrata and then split a couple pastas, each better than the next! The homemade focaccia was other worldly! We caped it off with some of the best tiramisu!

Harrison C

Apr 2025