The Village
Jorge Cherriz · 201 Google reviewsThe Village — reliable italian in Loop that keeps people coming back. It has that lived-in, been-here-forever warmth. The flavors don't apologize for being bold. Luna Lucadou: "The sea bass was perfection: the fish was fresh and perfectly tender, every bite an explosion of flavor" [$$]
What 4,928 diners keep saying
What 4,928 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“The Village is like going back in time and being transported to a Tuscan village for your meal. Be sure to look around and check out Al Capone's regular booth if you can. My waiter, Daniel, provided great service and his recommendation for the lasagna was perfect. I'll definitely return here on my next visit to Chicago”
“Yummy coffee-hazelnut dominant, very Italian house latte. Friendly service as well, with indoor and outdoor seating.”
“Third time visiting The Village and every experience delivers delicious food, outstanding staff, and a romantic/relaxed atmosphere that elevates the whole experience. Starting with homemade mozzarella sticks, the quality cheese, great breading, and marinara go so well together. For the patient, coordinated, and slightly silly, the fresh mozzarella made for a quality cheese pull. Tomato Panzanella is my new summer salad obsession. If you love tomatoes and cucumbers, don’t miss it. Chicken broth and minestrone soups really send home the message they honor ‘low and slow’ cooking methods and breadth of flavor that come along with that patience and care. Eggplant parm threaded the needle of a great crispy crust with plenty of flavor and moisture still in the eggplant. Tomato sauce and penne were also incredible. Basically two meals in one. Take next bit of critique with grain of salt because I’ve never had risotto in Italy or really know what a perfect one should taste like. I wouldn’t reorder the specials menu saffron risotto and shrimp. Not sure I could distinguish any saffron flavor but that could be my own palette’s fault. Mostly tasted lemon and a slight umami flavor, but that could’ve come from the broth? Shrimp well seasoned but would’ve like large gulf shrimp. Still tasted good, just not a home run for me, and the range and quality of the rest of their menu I’ve had over three visits still earn the Village an easy 5 stars all around. Would love to try a mushroom risotto with some cheese folded in to go on the side of a chicken dish. Tiramisu ended dinner on a high note with great cream, coffee, and ladyfinger balance. Even though I typically prefer trying new restaurants out when I visit cities, my fiancé and I have made so many good memories and experiences here, I have no doubt we’ll be returning for years to come.”
“Delightful little Italian restaurant tucked away out of sight. The decor makes it feel like your in a little Italian village. We started off with a pitcher of sangria that was very good. For our main we had veil parm and the spicy ravioli. Both were delicious. Their meatball appetizer was ok. Nothing to write home about. Service was fantastic. Over all I would definitely recommend 👌”
“We came at the off-hour of 3pm. It was quiet and minimally occupied. We had El as our server and he was fabulous. Knew his stuff, a d knew how to attend a table. We didn't request a private room and because the place was so empty, we're glad we didn't... Had it been peak hour, we would have like one though. Food was exactly what we were looking for. A hearty bite, with leftovers for later. Meatballs were great, meat ravioli with arrabiata sauce was delish and pretty spicy. Garlic bread was delicious. Veal parmigiana was fabulous. Pitcher of sangria was soooooo good! Try them all. We loved the small stairway going up to the second floor to this restaurant. It's beautiful and quaint.”
“We were celebrating the first night of our honeymoon and we were treated to a special table in an alcove with a great view of the restaurant. The food was delicious and the service was attentive and friendly. And a complimentary cannoli for dessert.”
“Loved the atmosphere. Food was delicious and service was fast.”
“Grandkid #8 and Grandma say come here for great food and wonderful atmosphere. The service is personal and attentive. Our fave in all of Chicago!”
“Love this restaurant and the ambiance. Made sure we made it on time to the show we were going to after dinner! Can’t wait to eat my leftovers tonight lol”
“Visiting from Houston, boyfriend and I had a blast at The Village, food was delicious and service was awesome.”
“My partner and I went here for our anniversary and we were not disappointed. For our appetizer, we got the mozzarella sticks. I've never had homemade mozzarella sticks before, so these were easily the best I've ever had (I've never been to a place that made their own before; it's always the same Sysco pre-breaded ready-to-fry ones). The bread basket was also delicious, fresh, fluffy, and warm. My partner got the four cheese ravioli and house salad. She noted the salad was well-organized, not drowned in dressing, and had perfect cuts. The ravioli was delicious. I got the Chilean sea bass (from the daily specials menu) and minestrone. The soup was divinely rich and the vegetables perfectly tender, and I enjoyed it so much that I ended up using a slice of bread from the basket to soak up every last drop of broth. The sea bass was perfection: the fish was fresh and perfectly tender, every bite an explosion of flavor. It was easily the best fish I have ever eaten. And the bed of saffron risotto it was served on was also excellent. The restaurant is beautiful and well-decorated for the holidays, and the music is quite tasteful. I hope to visit again in the future.”
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