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Name: Buona Terra Ristorante
Address: 2535 N California Ave, Chicago, IL, 60647
Telephone: (773) 289-3800
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.28

Buona Terra Ristorante

2535 N California Ave, Chicago, IL, 60647

(773) 289-3800
Store is closed

Buona Terra Ristorante Menu

Antipasti

Calamari Al Tre Modo

Caprese

Zuppa Di Cozze

Carpaccio

Bruschetta Toscana

Prosciutto E Mozzarella Alla Ferri

Carpaccio De Baebabietola
Zuppa

Minestrone

Zuppa Del Giorno
Insalate

Ceasare

Tricolore

Mista

Panzanella Toscana

Verdura All'aglietto
Pasta

Rigatoni Buona Terra

Capellini D'angelo Al Naturale

Pennine Al'arabiata

Gnocchi Verde Al Quattro Formaggi

Angelotti Zuca

Farfalle Alla Dominic

Linguine Alla Vongole

Spaghetti Al Gamberetti

Fettucine Primavera

Ravioli Con Vittelo

Rotini Di La Nona
Secondi Piatti

Paillard Di Pollo Al Palio

Pollo Alla Provinciana

Salsiccia Con Escarole E Fagioli

Pollo Al Funghi

Vitello Monte Carlo

Costoletta Di Maiale Alla Toscana

Bistecca Alla Crosta Di Parmigiano

Melanzana Alla Emilia Romana

Pesce Del Giorno
Bevande

Soft Drinks

Iced Tea

Coffee

Tea

Espresso

Cappuccino

Mineral Water

Limonata 3.2

Healthy Meal suggestions for Buona Terra Ristorante

Antipasti

Calamari Al Tre Modo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Caprese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Zuppa Di Cozze [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Carpaccio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bruschetta Toscana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Prosciutto E Mozzarella Alla Ferri [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Carpaccio De Baebabietola [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Zuppa

Minestrone [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Zuppa Del Giorno [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Insalate

Ceasare [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tricolore [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mista [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Panzanella Toscana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Verdura All'aglietto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Pasta

Rigatoni Buona Terra [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Capellini D'angelo Al Naturale [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pennine Al'arabiata [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gnocchi Verde Al Quattro Formaggi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Angelotti Zuca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Farfalle Alla Dominic [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Linguine Alla Vongole [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spaghetti Al Gamberetti [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fettucine Primavera [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ravioli Con Vittelo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rotini Di La Nona [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Secondi Piatti

Paillard Di Pollo Al Palio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pollo Alla Provinciana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salsiccia Con Escarole E Fagioli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pollo Al Funghi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vitello Monte Carlo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Costoletta Di Maiale Alla Toscana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bistecca Alla Crosta Di Parmigiano [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Melanzana Alla Emilia Romana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pesce Del Giorno [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Bevande

Soft Drinks [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Iced Tea [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Coffee [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tea [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Espresso [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cappuccino [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mineral Water [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Limonata 3.2 [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Brandan J.

Pleasant atmosphere Everything looked amazing Get dessert cream puffs
(5)
Chris W.

This isn't like the most incredible Italian place I've ever been to, it's cramped, and loud, but it's got tasty food for a pretty decent price on a Thursday night. They don't mention the Prefix deal to you so you need to make sure when you order that you specify. Otherwise they just might sell you a special or something. What's Tasty: A lot of people have been raving about the bread, so when I tried it I expected it to sparkle and pop into my belly but unless you put the spread on it, it's just bread. However! That spread is also good on... Appetizers: Caprese: (Sliced tomato with fresh mozzarella and basil). It's ultra basic but really good. And as I was saying, put a little bit of the crazy spread on your tomato with cheese and basil and enjoy. Makes the dish even better if you want a more complicated flavor. Carpaccio: (Sliced tenderloin of beef drizzled with truffle oil and topped with portabello mushrooms, capers and shaved parmesan.) This is also really good. I'm pretty sure that the crazy meat is raw, but its so thinly sliced that it didn't matter. Entrees: Ravioli con Vittelo: (Ravioli pasta stuffed with veal in a brandy cream sauce topped with fresh mozzarella). This wasn't what I ordered but I totally should have. It was ULTRA awesome, and the sauce was great for dipping bread in as well, as it was plentiful. Pollo Afumicatto: (Sauteed chicken breast with smoked mozzarella in a tomato and smoked bacon sauce served with pesto mashed potatoes). I ordered this, and it was actually just about as good as the Ravioli, however I just wasn't entirely in the mood for it. The portions especially for this meal were absolutely awesome. The mashed potatoes were probably my favorite part of the meal, they're not too loaded with pesto but you can definitely taste it in there. We wanted to get the Profiteroles, because our friend had told us that they were like her favorite thing in the entire universe but YOU HAVE TO GO EARLY, we found out :( They sell out quick apparently. We ended up having gelato, which never fails to be delicious, but still, as much as I love gelato I haven't had a puff pastry in quite some time. Service is decent, tables inside and out, defiantly make reservations.
(4)
Katherine K.

We went here Friday night for a late dinner and I'm upset I haven't been here before... Just moved to Logan Square/Bucktown and I'm so happy to have this gem in my hood and a place of this caliber... I have had dreams of my pannine all arabiatta! This was possibly one of the best pastas I've ever had. EVER. (And I've been to Italy). The textures in the pasta made for a little party in my mouth with every bite. Not as spicy as other arabiattas, but VERY garlicky - so watch out if that is not your thing... Hubby had some veal dish (I'm not impressed with his selection, but that could be due to my vegetarian beliefs). Totally appreciate the wine prices. $5 for a glass! That is unheard of and entrees started at $9.50, if I'm remembering correctly... Such a welcoming and "accessible" place. People were dressed in shorts, dresses, jeans, heels, and sandals. The man behind the bar (the owner?) and his group he was entertaining gave us a cheery and thankful goodnight. Did I mention the service? Attentive, but not pushy and we had a few people helping us. Go, go go! To Buona Terra!
(5)
Emily W.

This is where my infamous worst date ever took place, those of you on the Talk threads know what I'm talking about. I am now 2/2 with terrible dates happening at this restaurant. I think I will stick to coming here with my girlfriends from now on!
(3)
Nick K.

Went here for dinner on saturday night and it was a great dining experience. The place is very small and has a nice cozy authentic atmosphere. I started my meal with the Caprese salad which was very good. It wasn't the best I've had in Chicago, but for the price it was probably the best value. Also, the garlic dip that they bring with the bread was so good! I then had the Rigatoni Buona Terra which was excellent. The mixture of the creamy sundried tomato sauce with the walnuts and goat cheese was great. We then split the profiteroles for dessert. Each portion of our meal was delicious. The only downside of the experience is it is a bit of a hike away from us and theres hardly any cabs in the area so you have to call if you want to be picked up.
(5)
Laura M.

I really wanted to love this place especially since it was a "date night" for me and my husband, but I should have just brought my one-year old with us! We went on a Saturday night at 6:30pm and seriously every table around us had at least one child with them. So, forget romantic. I also think that I didn't order the right thing, and I should have ordered pasta because my food was just okay. My husband ordered a fish special and his was just okay too. As I said, based on the reviews I was really looking forward to this place and I have no problem with "little hole-in-the-wall" places but even the bread that someone described with the garlic spread was... just okay.
(3)
Neha S.

I've tried Buona Terra several times, and the food here is always wonderful. Never a miss! This is a great restaurant in the Logan Square neighborhood. The last time I was here the bartender suggested and created excellent martinis for the girls and myself. The quality of food for the price is outstanding. I love all of the pasta dishes I've tried, notably the primavera (a simple dish, but the make it taste so good!) and the Rigatoni Buona Terra are delicious. All of the ones I've had are good, though. I don't think you can go wrong here!
(5)
Daniel W.

I'm not really sure why there are so many good reviews for this place. I not saying the food was bad. The portions were very large, and I guess the prices arent bad, but really it was nothing special. A step above Olive Garden, but several large steps below Cafe Spaiggia. Whoever says its the best in the city probably hasnt been out of Logan Square.
(2)
Karthik N.

It was an awesome restaurant, had a fun waiter too. They however did not have freshly ground pepper. The pastas and entrees had a good amount of food to fill our stomach! The wine was great too!
(4)
Amy J.

OVER RATED. Food is okay, and service is poor. There are many other Italian joints in Chicago to attend to, which give you both great food and service.
(2)
John B.

If not for a prix fixe outing with a group of Yelpers, I would never have found Buona Terra. It's on a little stretch of California just south of Logan Boulevard. It's not really hidden away, if you know the neighborhood. There are a couple of other restaurants within spitting distance (one Japanese, one Thai), and the beloved Two Way Lounge is just a few blocks away. But getting off the bus at Fullerton and California, I didn't see much more than a gas station and a repair shop. Not auspicious. That said, I'm glad I did find it. The restaurant is very cozy and homey. The first room is very small, with a bar, some seating and some cafe tables. I didn't know how they were going to fit us in, until I realized the main dining room was off to the left. It's larger, but still fairly intimate. Our group of 20 filled nearly half the room. The prix fixe special on Thursdays is a great deal. 20 bucks for an appetizer, entree and dessert, all off the regular menu. Yum. I started with the carpaccio, which was a little fussy: shaved beef, parmesan, portabellas and capers. It was very fresh, well prepared and presented. But a little goes a long way. Next time, I'll probably go with someone else and split the carpaccio and a salad. For my entree, I had the veal Monte Carlo, which is veal medallions with prosciutto and fontina cheese. Excellent. The veal was tender, and the prosciutto and cheese accented the meat without overpowering it. If you've had a veal scallopine or piccata drenched in sauce, you know what I mean. Dessert was the chocolate pecan tart, which is actually chocolate tart in a pecan crust. Very tasty, without being too sweet. Although this is what I had, there were a number of other dishes I coveted. Grilled calamari. Mozzarella wrapped in prosciutto and then grilled. Panzanella salad. Gnocchi in a four cheese sauce. Butternut squash ravioli. Grilled pork chops or parmesan crusted NY strip. And many more possibilities. Service was a little brusque, but professional. Bus service was excellent. our busser was really on top of a fairly difficult table, and kept our water full and our empty plates moving. Since I had a nasty cough, I was grateful for the plentiful water. I probably won't be back to Buona Terra on a "regular" (non prix fixe) night. But only because it is inconvenient for me, and I don't have a car. While it is certainly better than average, there are plenty of good Italian restaurants in the city. But if I lived in this neighborhood, I would be a regular.
(4)
Andrew K.

Was recommended by a friend and decided it would be a great place to try for its thursday deal. Got there around 8:30 (maybe?) And only waited a minute for a table. Remember this is only my experience, but I didn't feel that the meal was that great. Apps: prosciutto wrapped mozz that was warm....was good, but could have been so much better, but alas very salty. Partner in crime had the carpaccio...terrible, dish had no taste. Entrees, we should have planned better but she got a shrimp and spaghetti with red sauce type dish and I got the special seafood fra diavolo (or something of that sort.) Neither were anything special (actually I will say mine tasted much better the next day.) Our desserts were good. Wine wasn't. Atmosphere was very good though. With the bottle of wine it really wasn't a deal ($40ish/pp)... Final decision: Will I give it another try on Thursday? Yes, I wanted to like it, but just couldn't. So for that reason and the reviews I would go back for the deal. BUT, I wouldn't go another night as I would have been pissed if I went here on a normal night and paid more for that meal.
(3)
Leelah P.

For me, Buona Terra's initial lure was its proximity to my home. l've eaten here a couple of times, but the meal I had last night was the best. I'm generally happy with fresh bread and olive oil, but Buona Terra has some thick, gorgeous garlic, olive oil and parmesean spread, and it's incredible. My friend and I shared a beautiful appetizer: thinly sliced beets with arugula (balsamic vinaigrette) and goat cheese. My main course was the farfalle alla Dominick, and holy crap, it was good. Farfalle with ricotta, asparagus and spinach... it was surprisingly light and perfect. I kept thinking to myself, "Why haven't I thought of this?" It's simple, but the balance of flavors was somehow revelatory. In the past, I've had the spinach gnocchi in a four cheese sauce and the butternut squash sauteed with butter and sage, but I kind of doubt I'll ever have anything ever again besides the farfalle alla Dominick.
(4)
Karl S.

The best! We've been to Italy every year since 1999 and when we can't go to Italy we come here. The food is excellent, the wine list is perfect and the service is A+. This is a true gem and worth checking out!
(5)
Jenny z.

Eh. The prix fixe menu pulled me in, but I wasn't overly impressed with the food - not in a town with so many great Italian restaurants. We were able to get seating quickly outside, and the hostess was very nice. Very good menu, and the prix fixe is a great deal. Limited wines by the glass. Pretty good bread and garlic spread come out right away. For starters, we had grilled baby octopus, minestrone soup, mozzarella wrapped in prosciutto and grilled, and bruschetta. The soup was pleasant, the octopus was a bit overdone and rubbery, but the mozzarella was rather nice. For entrees we had veal in a white wine sauce, gnocchi in a 4 cheese sauce, parmesan encrusted steak, and the veal ravioli. Again, everything was good, but not great. I was very disappointed with the gnocchi - it was heavy and dense, and the sauce was bland. Dessert was decent as well, the pistachio gelato was a nice finish, the profiteroles were finished off quickly, and my friend greatly enjoyed her chocolate walnut tart. All in all, a decent meal, but with great restaurants like La Gondola and La Scarola in the same town, not a place I'd go out of my way to eat at again, even for the great value on prix fixe night.
(3)
Vanessa P.

I went here with the mob of 21 Yelpers. Overall, everything was very good. I had the caprese salad for the app, the tilapia special for the entree and the chocolate gelato for dessert. While I enjoyed both the app and the gelato (with a touch of hazelnut, yum!), the tilapia actually tasted a bit earthy (like it had a bit of dirt in it). It was still good, just not rave-worthy. -1 star for the simple fact that I felt like we were in the servers' and customers' way while waiting for our table.
(3)
Josh M.

Awesome Italian food....and a great Thurs. night special. $22 for any appetizer or salad, any main dish, and any dessert. Phenomenal. A little loud...but definitely worth a trip.
(5)
Sophie D.

One of my favorite places to take people who visit from out of town. When I lived in Logan Square I went much more often, but I'll be back. I've tried about 10 of their dishes and was impressed by every single one of them. One of my favorites is the spaghetti with white clam sauce. So. Good. Makes me hungry just thinking about it. They also give you this amazing parmesan dip with bread to start. Careful, though, it's so good it's very hard to stop. I've been known to make myself full before dinner even arrives. The fixed price is too much food for me, but one night they let my friend and I split it. For $20 or so, total, we split an app, entree and dessert. Which was PLENTY. I don't know if they commonly let people do that, but we were appreciative, and it made me love this place all the more. Obviously it's Italian, but it actually reminds me quite a bit of restaurants in southern France. Cozy but not too tight a squeeze, nice art on the walls (I'd actually like to buy one if I could afford it and/or if they were for sale), and the staff is friendly. Ok, that's not particularly French, but... The owner's also always very friendly, so it's nice to see her business doing well. The waitstaff in general does a good job. Professional, not too in your face, but attentive. They also have some really affordable wines by the glass. Overall, it's totally affordable without skimping on flavors. An absolute favorite...
(5)
Alex N.

Friends recommended this place to my girlfriend so we decided to check it out. It turned out to be an excellent restaurant. Made reservations the day of (a Friday) and was seated right in the front of the restaurant near a window (loved it). It was pretty busy on that Friday and the place isnt huge so I would recommend reservations on the weekends. Food was exceptional as far as taste and value are concerned. Hostess was very friendly, same goes for the waiter. Whole experience was tops. Atmosphere was also enjoyable (nice painted lanscape of a countryside, possibly Italy?, on the top of the walls in the room with the bar. Overall exceptional place for an Italian dinner!
(5)
Alexis H.

I had a wonderful experience dining at Buona Terra. The laid-back atmosphere with both intimate indoor and outdoor seating is a great addition to Logan Square. We shared 2 salads for our appetizers: The caprese, which had thickly cut tomatoes and fresh mozzarella with just the right amount of basil and olive oil, and a squid dish that was served pan seared with herbs over a bed of greens. Both dishes were perfect and there was plenty to go around for 3 diners. For dinner we stuck to pasta dishes: The gnocchi verde (spinach gnocchi) served with a creamy four-cheese sauce, the veal ravioli in a red cream sauce topped with fresh mozzarella, and the rotini di la nona, which had mushrooms, peas and proscuitto in a parmesan cream sauce. We all shared and still went home with plenty of leftovers. Finally, we also had dessert (cannolis and tiramisu) and the entire experience led me to believe you couldn't go wrong with the food at Buona Terra. Blindly put your finger down anywhere on the menu and you are likely to be satisfied. The service was great, the prices were more than appropriate for the quality of food, and there was plenty of street parking available. I highly recommend Buona Terra if you are looking for quality Italian food.
(5)
Rachelle G.

Small and quaint Italian restaurant that has a great prix fixe special on Thursdays, three courses (appetizer, entree, dessert) for $19.95. They did a great job of accommodating our party, but I wouldn't really recommend the restaurant for a group outing as is small and there really is no room to stand. As we waited for our table and waited by the bar, I felt like I was constantly in the way of the waitstaff as they hustled to and from to get things. They have a decent sized menu and everyone should be able to find something to suit their palate. The garlic spread that is given with the bread basket is fantastic. However, they failed to give it to us w/ our bread and by the time it reached our table, we had already devoured most of the bread and it took quite a while to get another basket. The food was good, but nothing was outstanding that I am yearning to return immediately. I was also a little disappointed that two of what seemed to be highly desired dessert options were no longer available. Overall, Buona Terra seems like a great addition to the neighborhood but unless I'm in the area, I don't think I'll be returning anytime soon.
(3)
Linsey B.

Service is always perfect. Garlic spread never seizes to blow my mind. This place is my default Italian restaurant. The cuisine descends from the northern region of Italy making the dishes a little more contemporary and sophisticated. It's a Logan Square gem. Go there before the wait becomes as bad as Lula on a weekday.
(5)
Edward H.

My date and I made it for their Thursday prix-fixe and made complete pigs of ourselves (well... at least I did). Three course dinner for a mere $19.95? How can you lose! We started the night right off with a nice bottle of wine. That went quite well with the nice and crusty bread (with a chewy center) served with some heroin laced garlic spread. I don't know what was in that spread but they kept that coming and I kept on eating! The calamari was by far some of the tastiest and most tender that I've ever had. The prosciutto was savory and delicious. The main events were plates of perfectly prepared fork-tender pig chops (HUGE portion) and scrumptious filet of moo cow. By the time dessert was coming up, we were already rubbing our ever expanding (and very happy) bellies. Dessert's somewhat of a blur as the bottle of wine finally started to set in - suffice it to say it was damn good. Buona Terra is... how can I describe it... FREAKING AWESOME. We had such great service and the recommended grub never disappointed. I was pleasantly entertained by a couple near us - the woman was wolfing ... no inhaling her meal while the man was nibbling like a little girly-mahn. Oh yeah... being the pigs we are, we happened to visit the wine/grocery shop across the street and they happened to be passing out free wine tastings (full glass here!) and made to order crepes - SCORE!
(5)
Nicholas G.

In a town full of Italian restaurants, I'm tempted to say that this one is close to being the one I'd call my favorite. Between my gf and myself we have had so many good meals here I can't remember them all. The tiramisu is outstanding as well for dessert. I also appreciate the wait staff and owners too. The very first time we went here the owner made her rounds saying hello to everyone. When she learned it was our first time there, and that we were new to the neighborhood, out came the coffee and dessert and she spent a good 15 minutes talking with us (it was welcome, i do not want to give the impression she imposed. my gf and i loved the conversation).
(5)
martini g.

If you've read my other reviews, you'll know how picky I am. I'm giving this place 4 stars because of its attentive service. We went on Thursday, the prix fixe menu day, and it was absolutely refreshing to be able to pick the courses off the regular menu instead of having a different set menu. We had reservations but when we got there, the place was slammed (and there's not a whole lot of waiting room available near the front door - it was cold outside). We ended up waiting for about 30 minutes (bad when you have a reservation) but the hostess was extremely apologetic and bought my whole group drinks on the house to compensate...Classy! I like it! The food was ok, I would stay away from the steak, it was quite fatty. I had pasta (which was the best) and the chicken was ok. For the price, it was a good deal, especially with their great service.
(4)
Sarah B.

I ate very well at Buona Terra, for a mere $20--octopus, veal and tiramisu (one of the best tiramisus in the city!). Good wine selection--the list is just long enough to give you plenty of choice, but not too long that you get a headache from trying to make a decision. The hostess and the bartender were a little bit vacant--attentive but not too friendly. Our server and the owner (who took our coats) were great! Buona Terra would have received 5 stars from me were it not for the fact that the 4 of us were seated at a table that jutted out into 2 areas of heavy foot traffic. I woul have liked the hostess to have been more conscientious of the seating arrangements.
(4)
Phil F.

If you're in the mood for a cozy, neighborhood Italian restaurant, Buona Terra is worth a look. And not just for this Thurs night deal that everyone raves about (although talk about the ultimate recession night out that doesn't come with a side of fries). I ordered the spaghetti al gamberetti (pasta with rock shrimp/garlic/spinach/tomatoes) and it was fantastic! The dish itself probably could've served 2-3 people, and I managed to take care of business all by myself. Only a 5-10 minute walk from the California stop on the Blue Line, Buona Terra is right up there with the other top local Italian joints -- Rose Angelis, La Scarola, etc.
(4)
David C.

Me lady and I went for the prix fixe last thursday and the only person who left satisfied was my friend Mr. Credit Card. He liked that it was $50 for two three course meals and 2 glasses of vino. That said, the service was abhorrent. We literally waited 30 minutes between finishing one course and the next. After the main course, I went across the street and had time to pick out a bottle of wine, chat with the owner, and when I came back there was still no dessert. This may be an exception as it was a VERY busy thursday night. The food was decent, especially for the price, but not worthy of the leisurely (more like infinite) pace of the meal. Edit: My gf and I ate here two weeks ago and everything was spot on, including the service. Great grilled calamari salad, pasta, and desert for $20. Man, Logan Square has the best midweek deals in town.
(4)
kim w.

I've been through Buona Terra three times now. The first couple times, just to meet friends in time for sweets, and I must say, it was this most recent full-dining visit that has me SOLD and craving more. Outside of the unbelievable draw of Thursday's $19.95 -fix special: 3 courses- ANYTHING from the menu-SPECIALS included, our server was outstanding! He was so attentive without being verbally intrusive, quite adorable and generous. (His backwaiter was also completely on top of it. Kudos. What a team!) I'm not a big bread service freak at all, but the garlic-pesto(?) spread presented alongside a sliced loaf, upon being seated, is FREAKING addictive! The wine list here is short and kind of sweet, but I do wish they'd have a broader Italian wine selection. My guest and I opted for white wines by the glass in best order to try a few. My roommate and I started with the grilled octopus salad and their sauteed calamari. I was so ridiculously impressed by my calamari that I barely forked the octopus. Roomy ordered the filet mignon MR, and I banked on our server's favorite pasta recommendation: veal-stuffed ravioli in a brandy-cream sauce. I swear I saw this dish on every table in the house, and rightfully so! (It has honestly been -vividly- three years since I've had an Italian feast so delectable! Then: LaDonna in Andersonville, Feb.2004.) We capped off the early evening with the signature tiramisu- give it a gold star * and also shared my favorite dessert choice: the decadent and dangerous chocolate ganache pecan tart. Rich. We checked out at about $60 and hit the door with huge wine-induced smiles, happy stomachs and hefty left-overs only to hurriedly gobble them mere hours later at 2 a.m. I'd go back any day of the week and especially on Thursdays but next time with more friends! More. More. More! I'd also advice making a reservation. Buona Terra fills up quickly, and I'd really hate to get stuck at one the those [high-traffic-area] high-top bar tables! WEAK LINK: One hostess is stupid-shy on hospitality and etiquette. Bad attitudes at the door tend to soil my 'moment' and make me HELLA cranky. It's just too bad that an unassuming server may be the next to absorb my evil-eye deathrays after being passed off to "Enjoy" what could have been an incredible OVERALL experience. (A server should NEVER have to compensate for a unnecessary hardly-two-minute awkward frontdoor exchange.) Easily influenced, YES, but I'm sensitive to feeling welcome and/or properly acknowledged. It is what it is, and lame for one OFF personality to taint the making of a smooth evening. No?
(4)
Becca M.

This place is an amazing find in the Logan Park neighborhood! Great outdoor seating out front, good service and spectacular food! I had the Rotini Buona Terra, great sun dried tomato cream sause, topped with goat cheese and walnuts. great table bread and garlic/herb spread too.
(4)
kelly c.

This place is amazing!!! We have been here multiple times and the service is consistently good. The staff is friendly and the food is amazing!
(5)
Alyssa S.

Quite amazing little restaurant. The veal ravioli is ridiculously good. It's also a nice place to stop by for a glass of wine before going out, since they have a tiny little bar and a respectable wine selection offered by the glass. Since Logan Square only has about 3 restaurants, I'm really glad this is one of them.
(5)
K G.

When you order a seafood pasta special that is supposed to include shrimp scampi and scallops, how many scallops and shrimp do you think should be included? Maybe more than 1 scallop and 2 shrimps? Yes. I am generally a fan of small portions for health reasons, but skimp on the PASTA dude, not the seafoods! Maybe that was the wrong thing to order, who knows. My poor husband was very sad, in any case when he got his entree. Having said that, though, the flavor was great. Although the pasta was a little over cooked, it was nice to get food that was so hot and freshly prepared. I ordered a boring prociutto pasta with peas and mushrooms. It was very nice. My fault, it's a boring entree not the restaurant's fault. The atmosphere here was really nice, very romantic. We had great service and I love Prossecco for 22 bucks. We will probably try it again and avoid the seafood special next time.
(3)
James D.

Great food passionate owner. Eileen the owner stopped at our table several times to see if we were enjoying our meal. A bit crowded on a Saturday night but well worth it. Veal dish passed the cut with your fork test.
(4)
Madge S.

Great local spot! Large portions and reasonable prices, in fact, the appetizer salad was enough for two AND they split it onto two plates for us without an extra charge. Bruschetta wasn't soggy or heavy. The bread was thin and crispy- nice. The Yelp site says there isn't a corkage fee, but we were told it's $15. Their wine prices are reasonable, so we didn't see a need to bring our own wine. I accidentally left my purse (I know) and didn't realize it until they called the next morning from my cell phone (I know, I know) to inform me. When I went to pick it up, everything was in it and they were really nice. I highly recommend Buena Terra.
(4)
Sarah-jayne M.

Went here for dinner the other night on a whim, we wanted a nice dinner and had nowhere particular in mind. I've seen this place when I am out running so thought we'd give it a try. I'm so glad we did! The restaurant itself is pretty small (read cozy) but has a good vibe and was busy when we got there. We sat at the bar while we waited for our table and had a glass of wine. The bartender (maybe the owner?) was very friendly and the place just had a welcoming ambiance. We were then seated in the back dining room which is a little less crazy. The wait staff immediately brought us warm crusty bread with a roasted garlic paste that was delicious. We ordered the prosciutto wrapped mozzarella which was so good! The smokiness and saltiness of the meat with the creamy blandness of the cheese on top on a tart vinaigrette dressed salad was wonderful! I ordered a chicken dish that was a pounded chicken breast served with a caprese like salad. It was melt in your mouth soft, well seasoned and nicely complimented by the lightness of the salad. The man ordered a spaghetti dish with rock shrimp that was also very tasty. A good tomato base with plenty of flavor. I have to say I wanted dessert but just didn't have room even though they looked yummy. Everyone there was polite, friendly and attentive. The prices are very reasonable and parking is not bad. This is a real gem in Logan Square and I will definitely go back.
(5)
Alli L.

3.5 stars. Decided to go here based on all the good reviews. I went on a Friday night and the restaurant was pretty crowded. I had made reservations, just in case. It was a pretty decent experience, but I wish I had gone on a Thursday night for their prix fixe dinner instead. I would have saved myself a good twenty bucks! First off, the tiffs: it was a dimly lit restaurant but there were no candles on the tables. I didn't expect such a small detail to bother me, but it did. The way our tables were situated, I kept playing chair war with the woman sitting behind me - so that was kind of uncomfortable. I also wish they had a slightly more extensive wine list - but at the prices (we got a chianti for $20/bottle) it was pretty solid. And now about the food. The bread comes to you warm and fresh out of the oven (a major plus) and the garlic sauce was exactly as good as previous yelpers raved. I ordered a mussel appetizer to start, and I kid you not, the mussels were absolutely phenomenal. They were huge, plump, tender, and incredibly fresh. The sauce that they came in was a tomato broth. It was a little spicy, very rich, and garlicky. I ordered their spaghetti al gamberretti for the main course, and it was decent. There was fresh spinach, tomato, and rock shrimp, but the mound of pasta was too much. They were generous with their shrimp, though. I was too full for dessert, so sadly cannot comment on that part of it.
(4)
Nikki M.

One word: Profiteroles. This place has the best profiteroles (my boyfriend and I call them profit roles) I have ever tasted and I've been around. Seriously. If you don't know what they are, go there and order them now! Obviously, it's a must to be here on a Thursday night to take advantage of the prix fixe special. A friend of a friend's mother recommended the baby octopus salad. I've always seen it on the menu but was too scared to try it. (sometimes I'm a wuss) The last time I was there, I ordered it and was pleasantly surprised; it's delicious! The octopus wasn't too chewy or rubbery, which is what I was afraid of. It was perfect. I wish this place was a tad bit bigger or there was at least a "waiting area" when it gets crowded. I hate sitting near the door when 30 people are standing around watching me eat. It's also best to get there before 7-7:30pm, too. The owner guy is cute and I love his accent. I love this place.
(5)
JJ S.

One of the hidden gems of the Chicago area, an area that has plenty of Italian choices around. A bit out of the way for some, on the corner of Logan Blvd. and California, but that means there is actually street parking! A few years ago, when I spent the summer living in Logan Square, I had at least 3 meals an evening sitting at the bar. (Eating at a bar is ALWAYS more fun that drinking in a restaraunt). The owners are pleasant and will remember you forever, and the staff is always ready with good recommendations. The butternut squash ravioli is by far my favorite dish, although the daily specials can be worth your time too. Portions are good sized, without being huge. Try this place, it is worth the hype.
(5)
Nels W.

Prix Fixe Thursdays are awesome. I got a Cajun Steak that normally goes for $19.95, plus the fried calamari and gelato dessert, basically for free. I'm only going 4 stars, though, because the first time I went, it wasn't prix fixe and the food was only okay. That was a while ago, though, so I'm thinking maybe things are getting better, or else that was just an off night.
(4)
Kim J.

I went here for the first time last night and really enjoyed my visit. There were 4 of us. We were sat at a table in the front and started out with a basket of sliced bread that was accompanied by a garlic/olive oil spread that was fantastic! We then tried the calamari. We had it fried, which I usually don't usually prefer but they did it very nicely here. It wasn't greasy at all. We all tried different things for dinner. My boyfriend had the pasta with tomato-cream sauce and goat cheese. He was quite enamored with it - and he usually isn't a big fan of goat cheese dishes! My best friend had that night's special, seafood linguini. She was surprised that it had a nice, spicy kick to it, but she really enjoyed it. My friend's husband had the ravioli filled with veal, which he finished in about three seconds. I had the gnocchi, which I liked, but I agree with the reviewer below who said that it lacked flavor. I did like the sauce though. For dessert we had the cream pastry sandwiches filled with vanilla gelato and the cheesecake. Both were excellent. And at $120 for all four of us for an appetizer, 4 entrees, 3 desserts, and a bottle of wine, it was a great deal. They lose a little appeal for telling us the wait would be half an hour and not seating us for an hour, but other than that, i was pleased and will definitely return!
(4)
Daniel E.

I don't understand the popularity of this place. Its amazing to walk by at 10pm and see a packed house every night. The food and atmosphere are pretty decent...about on par with a Macaronni Grill maybe... Buona's not that special really, just its right in the neighborhood. I guess I think its overpriced and that makes me cranky...sorry to rain on your parade...
(3)
R P.

Fantastic place. The food was amazing. I had a salmon carpaccio with a creamy truffle sauce and pink peppercorn, followed by a wonderful chicken breast with melty cheese and a really amazing smoky bacon-tomato sauce. I don't even like tomatoes but I do love bacon, and this was a winner! We went for the $21.95 pre-fixe, and the service was terrific, and the owner even came around to see how everything was, I love that! It's great to have so many good places to walk to now.
(5)
Jean C.

I live in Logan Square and love that there are good places to dine. Buona Terra is such a good comfort food place. The first time I came here was years ago with my then-boyfriend-now-husband and his cousin. When I go to Italian restaurants, I always get pasta. And Buona Terra pasta does not disappoint. I love their veal ravioli with the fresh mozzarella. Normally, I don't eat veal but I always make an exception when I am here. I am such a creature of habit that I continually order the same thing when I come here but isn't that why I keep coming back?
(4)
Dom G.

I'm not easily impressed by most Italian restaurants. I've never had a bad meal here. Always a warm feeling at this place. Pollo Afumicatto.
(4)
A S.

Food was great and service fantastic. My girlfriends and I enjoyed the grilled calamari special, tri salads and pasta dishes--rock shrimp being the best of the three. I was impressed that they have very affordable options on the wine list too. My ONLY complaint...why the TV? I couldn't believe there was a television staring at me as soon as I walked in.
(4)
Cate R.

I had a great meal here. Very good grilled calimari app, excellent rock shrimp and tomato pasta dish, very good pecan chocolate dessert. The atmosphere was homey, and my only complaint is that the service was a little slower than I would have liked. I will be back!
(4)
M L.

I typically don't rave about my favorite finds much, as it sucks to see a hidden treasure get discovered, and then get so crowded you can't get seated anymore. Well, it looks like that's happened already, so here goes: The owners of Buona Terra (Eileen at the bar, Chef Chepe in the kitchen) are true pioneers, setting up shop on what was then a pretty rough patch on California Ave., just south of Logan Blvd. And that was exactly why I was curious to check 'em out when I first heard about them via some Internet listing I stumbled across. Chef Chepe is Mexican (not Italian), and while he's one of my fave culinary artists in Chicago, let's just say that - at that time, at least - he had a much better command of cooking skills than the English language. So when he picked up my first phone call there, it wasn't the easiest conversation I've ever had getting info on a new place; regardless, there was something about what he said & how he said it that got us in the door that first time. And here's one thing that helps make them probably my favorite restaurant in the city: Incredible consistency, beginning with that first visit a few years back until now. Don't you hate a restaurant that's so loud & bouncy you have to yell? Not here. Don't you hate a restaurant that can't figure out how to light a room so everyone can REALLY loosen up? Not here. Makes things easier to focus on the real star - the food. I'm admittedly not a normal diner; It's fairly easy to flash out with the entrees or desserts; I look for the smaller touches that reveal a true kitchen master. In the case of Buona Terra, it's three things: 1. Their steamed broccoli is perfect EVERY time; 2. Their pesto mashed potatoes are wickedly ingenious (I've never seen or heard of them anywhere else, Chepe claims they're his creation); 3. Their heavy pureed garlic/oil bread dipping sauce is just too damn good to describe. ONE LAST THING. The bar, baby. I always try sitting/eating there, which holds a grand total of six people. It feels like you're on some sort of TV show, with the bar curving around where everyone can see & talk with everyone else sitting there. Killer killer vibe, great way to meet folks. CHEPE'S FANS. Turns out Chef Chepe instills rabid loyalty in some very heavy-duty fans. There's one customer I met named Barry who apparently owns food flavoring factories all over the world. He has a HUGE glass saying "Barry" on it, which stays at the restaurant, and from which he drinks HUGE amounts of hugely expensive vodka -on the rocks. But Barry told me that he wouldn't consider eating there until Chepe gave him a tour of the kitchen; apparently, it was clean enough to pass Barry's particular bill of health, allowing him to subsequently eat there. Did I say he was rich as hell? If you're still reading this, YOU MUST BE BORED OUT OF YOUR MIND! But do save me a seat at Buona Terra's bar - and make sure it's Chepe pouring drinks (Eileen is great, but when a great chef is pouring, it's something special in my book). Chow, baby!
(5)
Eliot J.

buona terra is like meeting someone who's totally hot. you check them out on the street or a bar or something ( yelp.com ), walk up to them and strike up a conversation (drive to the restaurant and go inside) and listen to what they have to say (read the menu and enjoy the atmosphere) so to "soak it all in" and get a better idea of who this hot person is. it's going really well and you like what they have to say (the appetizers and service), so you continue to engage them (continue the conversation with whomever you are having dinner with) but all the while you are maybe, just ever so briefly, simultaneously imagining what kind of mad sex you're going to be having later that night (the entree). then s/he turns out to be a dead lay and you get food poisoning.
(2)
Jenn C.

When I am craving italian...its normally thursday. Thank god my tasty buds are in check with my wallet and my calendar- cuz, man...this place has got the thursday prix fixe thing down! At first I couldnt believe that you could choose anything off their regular menu. ANYTHING!! I have a day chock full of decisions- so typically, I am welcome to the idea of a restaurant acting like my mom saying- "you will eat this, then you will eat this, and to finish, this...and you will like it" -Side note: Mom is not that demanding but during her weight watcher days in the 80s she got pretty food nazi. Back to Buona- After the shock of free range menu picking, I have now found that a trip to the BT is quite lovely. I am a fan of gluttony (probably back lash from mom's calorie counting/ point system binge) so I enjoy a plethora of food, BT doesnt disappoint, even on prix fixe nights when most restaurants serve smaller portions to cut corners on food costs. Nope, the BT stays true to form. Large pieces of fish (try the salmon and lick your lips the entire way home), mounds of pasta (the linguine del mar is so full with seafood even my fella was amazed- and he is a fish king!), and super duper salads-the grilled octopus was nice but I am president of the arugula carpaccio with goat cheese fan club. Last week I strayed from the tiramisu (sorry nonna) and tried the peach gelato...not sorbet, gelato...and god bless you bouna! Come Friday morning, I normally need to wiggle a little more to get into my pants...
(4)
Sarah M.

Italian doesn't get better than this. The food here is absolutely outstanding. It you are looking for old style Italian drowning in red sauce and mozzerella, this is NOT your place. All of the dishes here are light and made with only the freshest of ingredients. But don't let that fool you from thinking you won't walk out of here completely satisfied. The Rigatoni Buonta Terra has to be their signature dish - a tomato cream sauce with goat cheese and walnuts. Unbeleivable. Their fresh fish is always a great choice, as Cheppe (the owner/chef/your new best friend) comes up with delicious sauces for each masterpiece. After you try the garlic sauce that comes complimentary with the bread you are going to want to take a tub home with you so you can bathe in it in private. Be creative - order the side of sauteed spinach to dip in the spicy red sauce that comes with the black mussel appetizer. You'll get your iron kick the delicious way. One last added bonus - if you're lucky enough to fight a barstool from one of the regulars, you may have just found your newest neighborhood spot. Enjoy!
(5)
Natalie R.

One star for ambiance, two stars for good food, one star for watching the waitress fall on her ass and not drop anything on her tray. ***Ok, thank you smartiepants Rocky B for noticing my terrible math.
(4)
Meghan A.

I love this restaurant. The atmosphere is comfortable and inviting - good for meeting up with friends, but also suitable for a date. I had the pollo afumicatto and it was absolutely wonderful. The pesto mashed potatoes are amazing! They have a nice menu and what I consider to be perfectly reasonable prices for dinner in the city. Parking was a bit of a challenge, although their website says they now have valet, which is a huge plus. I will definitely be back to try more of their great food.
(5)
Robin W.

It's decent Italian food, which is hard to find in Logan Square. Nothing terribly exciting. The calamari was okay. The bread was pretty fresh. My gnocchi was tasty, but nothing spectacular. The wine selection could be better. I'll probably go again because it's close, but you can get better Italian if you leave Logan Square. It's a cute restaurant though.
(3)
D R.

Family style Italian, warm friendly atmosphere, and delicious food make this humble Logan square spot a no-brainer. It completes the trifecta that also includes hachis kitchen and rustico (now closed), all on the same block. California ave is like a mini randolf street just south of Logan blvd. The wine is ok, but the bread and roasted garlic paste is off-the-charts delicious. Good for all walks of life.
(4)
Nikki L.

I don't know what the big hype is about this restaurant. I came here on a Wednesday night for an early dinner. As the first customer of the night, I set my expectations higher since there was no excuse for them being too busy to go above and beyond. For starters, I ordered the fried calamari, it was a small portion with a simple presentation. The cocktail sauce had tabasco sauce which I didn't like. For my entree, I had the veal ravioli with a tomato cream sauce and fresh mozzarella, this was pretty delicious and a hearty portion. I was disappointed to see that there were NO other pasta dishes with meat, except for one with shrimp. Other then that, it seemed to be all vegetables!? I don't think I'll be coming back anytime soon I would rather go to pasta bowl for better pasta selections and better service.
(3)
Jenny S.

Pretty damn good Italian food! I wouldn't say that it's the best I've ever had but it was a very good dinner. The staff was extremely nice and helpful. Although the interior of the restaurant is small, you won't feel cramped by sitting indoors.
(4)
dan l.

Hands down, I'm a big fan. I've been there 4-5 times and each visit was very solid. The thursday prix fixe is as good of a deal as you'll find (rare to find a deal like this without limitations on the menu). Even without it, the restaurant is still a great value, fresh pasta and ingredients, decent seafood, and yes...the dipping sauce is delicious. Just don't go overboard or you'll be missing out! On top of it all, the restaurant is very homey and I always feel good about supporting a quality, local business who makes it clear from top to bottom that they appreciate my business as well.
(4)
Barb P.

I've been here several times and each time the food and service were great. The value is terrific and the portions generous. The sauce they serve with their bread will appeal to anyone who is a garlic fan. My friend ordered the Rotini di la Nona, which was great, but didn't have enough sauce so it was dry. The waiter returned with a bowl of extra sauce and served it with a smile. I went again a year later with another friend who also that the same dish and it had plenty of sauce and was terrific. The Ravioli con Vittelo had a delicious rich sauce. We all enjoyed the Carpaccio. I wish I had room for the cannoli everyone raves about. If they have the Butternut Squash Ravioli with the sage, you should try it. It was outstanding. Reservations are recommended because it has gotten very popular.
(4)
Mike G.

I love this place. The PERFECT neighborhood spot to grab a delish meal. Love in winter, summer, fall, spring. The grilled Ocotpus is great! The owners are so nice. The staff is always ready to deliver. GO
(5)
Mary F.

I've definitely had better Italian. But I've been to Buona Terra 3-4 times and the food is always good, portions are large, service has been pretty good, and prices are reasonable. I go for their Prix Fixe more often than not. I think it's a good deal - $22 for 3 courses - you can order anything off their menu.
(4)
Diana B.

We went here night before last and we were very happy we went. Great food, excellent specials and awesome garlic spread for the crusty French bread. We will certainly be back soon.
(5)
David A.

My dad's side of the family is Italian, which has instilled in me a critical cautiousness toward Italian restaurants. Buona Terra is a good Italian restaurant. It is reasonably priced and accepts reservations. If you can make it on Thursday, the prix fix deal is great. In my opinion, this is one of the best and most generally recommendable restaurants in Logan Square.
(5)
Jelly C.

I've been to Buona Terra twice. After hearing so much about the restaurant from my cousin, we finally made a last minute reservation for 7... My mom loved it so we went back again a few weeks later. They have a very awkward waiting area (the area between the bar and the kitchen). The restaurant is what you would expect from your neighborhood restaurants, warm colors and cozy atmosphere. We ordered the carpaccio, proscuitto wrapped mozzarella, mussels, and calamari. Everything was yummy. For my entree, I had the butternut squash ravioli and the second time I went, I tried the gnocchi. I liked it but the gnocchi and the sauce it camed it was muchomucho creamy and filling. Allin all a good place to eat but a little out of the way for me (I'm on the South side).
(4)
Jen C.

Wow - this is apparently the place to be on a Thursday night! I went with a big party for a birthday celebration for the prix fixe deal - $21.95 for a three course meal - appetizer, entree, and dessert. And these are big portioned meals! If you can eat a lot - it'll still probably make you stuffed if you finish it all (just maybe you won't have enough for leftovers for another entire meal). But for such a big party - they were very accommodating, attentive, and friendly considering gratuity was already included. In Summary: -LOVED IT! -Great for groups -Great, friendly service -Big portions of very yummy food! -Thursday is a fabulous deal! That means...you should definitely go and try it! I'm definitely going back to try more!
(5)
Andrea K.

Prix fix menu on Thursday is worth the visit. It's awesome you can select from the entire menu vs. a few offerings, all for $22. Try the peach gelatto while you're there, very refreshing on a warm summer night.
(4)
Andrea W.

I went to serve as wing woman for my friend who for some reason elected to bring her current boyfriend and her weird out-of-town ex to this restaurant. The prices were great. I had one of the specials, linguine with fruitti del mare, which was fun to say all night, but the fruitti was a little fishy. What was fantastic was the stuff they give you to dip your bread in. The asparagus soup was good. We sat outside, which was very nice, and the service was good but nothing special.
(3)
erika s.

i've been meaning to update this for a week now. i'd heard too many good things about the place after our first encounter so it was decided we should give it another go. second round we decided to do the thursday prix fixe so we could taste a few things rather than just one. i've been there 3 times since--be it for drinks or dinner. it's that good. they have a roasted garlic and parmesan spread that comes with warm bread that starts things out right. they don't make the bread, but it doesn't matter. their grilled octopus salad is good--a bit spicy so watch out if you don't like that. grilled calamari over their fried for sure. again a little spicy. they master simple pasta--on the not so simple side the gnocci is delicious. their chicken with smoked mozzarella is delicious. the pesto mashed potatoes are a little too pesto-y, but the broccoli makes up for it--simple but incredible. get dessert. homemade tiramisu. get wine. they have the prisoner. best wine ever. what this place lacks in summer seating thoughtfulness (read previous review ie garbage smell outside) they make up for for winter seating. they have not two but three doors you must enter before the dining room meaning dining room and diners are both warm and fuzzy. delicious wine helps too. their special tempranillo is reasonable and very good.
(5)
tracy j.

Muy good and great prices! All of their pasta dishes are fabulous. Actually, so is this crazy condiment that they serve with the bread - it has a nice spicy kick. Hey-o.
(4)
Sarah K.

I want to like this restaurant so much and I just don't. I live nearby and everyone else seems to like it, but I've eaten here 3-4 times and the food is never that good. It's not bad, but it's certainly not worth going considering how many other great restaurants there are in Chicago.
(2)
Tanya M.

awesome $20 prix fixe menu! for course 1 i had mozzarella wrapped with grilled prosciutto on top of greens drizzled with vinaigrette = delicious My friend had grilled octopus on top of greens = amazingly delicious for the second course i had chicken in a tomato and bacon sauce with pesto mashed potatoes, really good but i kinda liked the appetizers more. my friend had salmon but i did not try it. they have a lot of wonderful looking pasta dishes, meat dishes and daily specials to choose from. and dessert was a delicious cream puff with vanilla ice cream inside with chocolate sauce drizzled on top. i had to hold myself back from licking the sauce off the plate. its small so we made reservations to make sure we had a table which i'm glad we did because the place was packed the whole time but they have a second dinning room that is bigger and can accommodate large groups of people. our waiter was very nice and the tables are not too close together like some other places which i enjoyed but we were seated right next to the bar so it kinda felt like this one couple at the bar was over hearing our conversation but whatever. there is only street parking so it can be a bit difficult late in the evening but i only had to park 1 or 2 blocks away so it wasn't bad. so far its the cheapest and most varied prix fixe i've found. update: oops sorry, the prix fixe is on thursdays.
(5)
Aurore L.

A little correction to the website: the prix-fixe menu on Thursdays is now $21.95. It's still a very good deal given that fact that you can choose any appetizer, any entree and any dessert from the menu. I had the mozzarella wrapped in cooked prosciutto served with greens and a balsamic dressing, the spaghetti al Gamberetti (fresh shimp, fresh spinash, fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil) and a pecan-crusted chocolate tart. It was not amazingly good but all the ingredients were fresh and high quality. Reuben had the carpaccio served with shaved parmesan, capers and sliced mushrooms - very nice - and a veal dish that was amazing. His tiramisu was very light and creamy. It was packed and a little loud and the service was not the most attentive one but it's definitely a good destination for a good meal. And yes, this spread is darn good!!!
(4)
Stephanie C.

This is a terrific little local Italian joint. My husband and I have been here at least a 1/2 of dozen times and have never had a bad meal. I'd keep coming back just for the little dish of awesomeness that you get to dip your bread in! The Thursday night prix fixe menu is a great deal too, no exclusions from the menu! We will keep coming back for more.
(5)
jill a.

This is a nice little neighborhood Italian restaurant close by. I was pretty impressed with the menu overall and it is definitely one of the more authentic Italian restaurants that I've been to here in Chicago. The atmosphere is very quaint and there is a little patio area that is nice during the summer. The wine list is a little bit lack luster but the pasta is very good. Last time I had fettuccine with scallops which was excellent. I was also pleasantly surprised that they had grapa.. yum.
(4)
chad n.

This is a great little italian spot in logan square - cozy feel with excellent food. We went saturday night at 6:30 without a reservation - just early enough to beat the rush and got seated right away. We started with cream of mushroom soup and fresh italian bread with an awesome garlic/parmesan tapenade (did i mention awesome?). Expecting large portions, me and my girl split the red beet salad and a special entree consisting of filet of beef tenderloin, mash potatoes, and green beans. Both were insanely good, but super small portions. I prolly got 2-3 oz of meat, 8 green beans, and a couple spoonfulls of mashed potatoes. I easily could have eaten 2 orders of that, maybe 3 if i did not have bread or anything else. But yeah, insanely good - meat was high quality with a mushroom marsala sauce cooked to perfection, potatoes and beans rounded it out nicely. The beet salad came with beets, arugal, and lightly-fried goat cheese - a combination giving you a mouth full of bliss. Normally we don't get dessert but since i was still hungry - we had the chocolate pecan tart and the cannoli. Both were great, but that cannoli was fabulous (most cannoli's I have disappoint). Our hostess was extremely personable, wait service was not bad but not good, atmosphere was nice but nothing to write home about, and our meal was not super expensive but no value - it came out to $80 with 3 glasses of wine, tax and tip. But yeah, the food quality is definitely the reason to go and I'll be back.
(4)
Tyler B.

Yeah I went here a couple times when I used to live near the square. Descent food- the bread and the garlic sauce is heavenly. And the pesto mashed potatoes- hot damn! Very friendly staff, it seemed to get pretty busy in the evening and especially summer time. Cute little joint, cozy atmosphere, take a date. I miss it already.
(4)
Bev h.

veal ravioli in a brandy cream sauce. sooooo good. almost orgasm good. the thursday pre fixe for $22 is a sweet deal, though i was unimpressed with the appetizer and desert (not bad at all, just not orgasmic like my entree). 8 of us sat outside, and even though the service was a bit on the slow side, i thought it was a great meal. i almost went with the almond crusted tilapia, and after hearing good things from the people that did order it, i will be going back for sure.
(4)
Jen K.

5 stars for the garlic/olive oil/cheese dip that comes with the bread alone. I thought it was fantastic. Service was very quick and attentive. They had a small bar which was packed earlier in the night but we used it to wait while waiting for a cab. (Definitely call a cab if you need one, there are no cabs in the area.) I had mozzarella wrapped in prosciutto for an appetizer. The prosciutto was a little too strongly flavored for the cheese though. For dinner I had a gorgonzola gnocchi which was absolutely amazing. Very light sauce considering how fattening I'm sure it was. Finished off dinner with profiteroles which we enjoyed as well.
(5)
Natalie G.

This place was great. We went on a night where there was a special (appetizer, entree and dessert for $20/person) and it was a great deal, not sure if they still do it on Tuesdays. The food was great and service was awesome.
(5)
Anne M.

Just barely 3 stars. Maybe it was an off night (judging for many other glowing reviews...that's why I went). On the upside; had no problem sliding in on a busy Friday night, staff was friendly, seated in the 2nd room (not as noisy as the bar room). Cauliflower/roasted walnut soup was great - make sure you let it cool (hot!). Baby Octopus, Panini Salad was OK. Seafood linguini special had nice smokey flavor, but afraid one of the mussels was bad (didn't eat the other - slight fear of shellfish for this reason). Tuna Sashimi special wasn't the awesome dish I expected - sliced paperthin (good), but with only a few slices of avocado to accompany, it was a very unsubstantial dish (not good and overpriced). Profiteroles were quite good. A $100 meal for 2 people should be a bit better than this IMHO.
(3)
Amanda L.

Great Italian, Service and room. Buona is "Good" they live up to there name. Only downside is the parking is bad.
(4)
Natalie J.

i love this place. i always get the same thing, the veal ravioli. it is so delicious. the service is excellent and it's a great place to go for a special occasion.
(5)
Tiff B.

Ok, so my review is pretty much going to echo the sentiments expressed in the other reviews. But I just wanted to throw my few opinions and observations in the mix because I'm self-important like that. Went here with a few friends on a Friday night and we had to wait about 20 minutes even though we had a reservation. The place was super crowded and it's not very big and we were relegated to hovering by the bar with about 25 other people to wait for our table. Normally, this would be kind of annoying, but it really wasn't. Everyone was so friendly and we grabbed some wine and made the best of it. It really does feel like you're dining in someone's home. Very intimate quarters. The service was pretty good, even though there seemed to be some confusion with who our actual server was, as we had two guys asking us the same questions. They got it figured out and it was fine eventually. First thing to know, the garlic spread they serve with the bread is soooo delicious! Seriously, if you go for no other reason, go for this. I think it has crack in it. You can down a whole bread basket yourself if you're not careful. It would make old shoe leather taste like mana from heaven, I'm sure of it. On to the food. We had the bruschetta. It was excellent and all things bruschetta should be. I had some pasta dish that I don't recall, but it was also delicious and a generous serving. Most importantly, it wasn't super greasy and drenched in the sauce like a lot of Italian restaurants seem to be fond of doing. Then, the piece de resistance...the tiramisu for dessert. Let me tell you, this was hands down the best tiramisu I've ever had. I've had tiramisu in Italy and it was better than that! I'm going back to this place again and again. It's crowded for a reason. After you eat the crack laden garlic spread, you don't even care that you're in close dining quarters and everyone's celebrating a birthday. You laugh, raise your drink and toast to the random birthday dude and eat some more!
(5)
Tanya R.

Cute, cozy place, but our food was kinda meh. I had the ravoli stuffed with butternut squash in the browned butter sage sauce. The squash was flavorless, and my sage was burnt, which caused the dish to tasted like you were munching on a cooked pine tree (sage does this when burned or overcooked). My date had the ravioli stuffed with veal in brandy/cream sauce. It was just okay, but compared to mine it was delicious. The price was good, and my date was nice and switched meals with me. So, dinner was not a total loss.
(2)
Angela C.

AWESOME!!!! Laid back atmosphere and food was out of this world. Will be back.
(5)
Bryan X.

Party of 6 on a Friday night. 4 of us arrived on time at 7pm, but surly female maitre d' said she would not seat us until all 6 arrived even though table was reserved for us. Table was empty. Reason given: must wait to see if remaining 2 actually show up. They did at 7:10. It took over 55 minutes for dinner to be served (one course). Asked waiter twice about when we'd be served, & he rolled his eyes & smiled. Female Maitre d' finally comes over & asks if we have any where else to go that evening. Said pork chops & chicken take very long time to prepare. Totally un-sympathetic. 2 of us ordered pasta with rock shrimp. Shrinp were of the frozen variety. Pasta, however, was perfect. Pork Chop very good. Chicken heavily flavored with smoked cheese--inedible. At no time did anyone in management offer an apology for our long waits. My suggestion is to fire the Maitre d' or else return her to charm school for post graduate work. Definitely avoid on weekends.
(2)
Kathleen O.

Very cute! Great food! We had the calmari and bruchetta (both great) and 3 different pastas. The tomatoe cream sauce pasta dish was excellent and had gobs of fresh cheese. Excellent!
(4)
Andy P.

Definitely try it. I liked all of the stuff. And I listened to Yelpers here. We had the Prosciutto e Mozzarella alla Ferri, Carpaccio, the Pollo Afumicatto, the Ravioli con Vittelo, and Angelotti Zuca (see buona-terra.com/menu.php ). My favorite was the butternut squash ravioli. Very simple brown butter sauce with fried sage leaves was the perfect complement. Another example of less is more. I think the chicken was good, but I kinda think the cream sauce on the other ravioli dish was so good I wish I had got the rigatoni with prosciutto, peas, and cream sauce. Overall very good.
(4)
Tiffany S.

Good food. Great service. Sorry- I wanna write more but all I remember is I had a good time.
(4)
Pam S.

We came here for the Thursday pre-fixe dinner...and it was pretty damn awesome! Totally worth the $22 bucks a person... with awesome and tasty full-sized appetizers, above average mains, and pretty good desserts. Great deal, good family vibe and good food. Can't ask for much more for a large group dinner.
(4)
Victor G.

Great portion size and simple yet colorful combinations of fresh ingredients make for an outstanding meal. Seating was quick on a Wednesday evening and the food took less than 15 minutes to arrive. Veal ravioli ($12.95) and the baked butternut squash special ($14.95??) come highly recommended.
(5)
Tommy M.

Yummy! I was there on a date about a year ago. We sat outside on the sidewalk. It isn't a very busy area so there weren't tons of people walking by. The menu is pretty short, but certainly not simple. The potato gnocchi is great. Be careful with the bread, you'll want to eat that for your whole meal!! The next time I have my eye on the rigatoni with walnuts and goat cheese.
(4)
Vaishali P.

Delicious! I loved the food. I just went tonight on a date. It is a great place to take someone and catch up with each other over a wonderful meal. The staff is friendly. Make sure to get some dessert. There is also a cute wine shop across the street if you want to grab some vino to take home.
(5)
Liz Z.

Honestly, you don't need me to add to the impeccable reviews of this place. My brother comes here all the time and decided to take our family there for dinner. The back room is lovely - the decor feels rustic Italian. I'm pretty picky about Italian food because of my food experiences in Italy, but BT did 'er right. The pastas were clearly homemade, nice refreshing seasonal salads, tender & juicy chicken, thinly sliced/flavorful veal medallions, really great gelato made with love. The beauty is in the simultaneous simplicity and elegance of each dish. Love!!!
(5)
May K.

This place is amazing and tasty! The best Italian I've had in Chicago. They have this great garlic spread they give with bread. Their octopus salad and gnocchi are some absolute favorites.
(5)
Nicki S.

The prix fixe menu on Thursday is spectacular. You really can't beat that deal. My favorite options are the Carpaccio or Prosciutto e Mozzarella alla Ferri as an Antipasti and then the Pollo Al Afumicatto for the Secondi Piatti. So delicious!
(5)
Nina P.

Had dinner here because it was a convenient location but the dinner turned out to be pretty good. Nothing too unique but the food was good and service was quick. Would not recommend the carpaccio but all the main dishes we got were good!
(3)
Gabriele P.

Food was good, especially the rigatoni were nicely cooked and the sauce tasted great. Definitely overpriced, though. 40 bucks (pre-tip) for a glass of wine and a plate of pasta is just too much. Also, not very relevant to the food itself, but most Italian words on the menu were misspelled. Get someone native to fix it, because it's awkward.
(3)
Kristin E.

WOW is all I can say after a dining experience here! Everything was top notch and so unique. I came here after recommendation from a friend and was definitely not disappointed. It's one of my favorite places in the city now! Such a cute little place that's intimate and it has great quality food at a great value. To start we ordered the prosciutto e mozzarella (mozz wrapped in prosciutto with mixed greens). There were four of those in the mixed greens and we could've probably in them all day. Delicious and never saw anywhere else. Wish all salads were like this one! As the main course we had the gnocchi verde al Quattro Formaggio (green gnocchi with four cheese sauce). the flavors were amazing and worked so well together. Gnocchi melted in our mouths. Almost Mac n cheese like.. But better. We also ordered the Pollo Afumicatto, chicken with mozzarella in a bacon sauce (also flavored with something else). That also was delicious and the chicken melted in our mouths too. At the end we combined the gnocchi and the sauce for the chicken and it was also a great winning combination. My boyfriend also liked his glass of wine. I wish we could save room for dessert because the pastry stuffed with vanilla gelato with warm chocolate sauce on top looked very good. We have to save room for next time! DEFINITELY GO! We took the blue line train at California and walked, though valet is available for $8.
(5)
Lena Z.

Great Italian food. Made the reservation the day before, no problem. Was seated immediately. My waiter was actually very attentive, despite previous reviews written about this place. He recommended a great red wine. The food was delicious. All of it. I ordered the rigatoni, you won't be disappointed and the leftovers are just as delicious! My only issue is the seats are so close together that you're basically in everyone's conversations
(4)
Claudine K.

Must go! Please go! I am in love with this little Italian place. EVERYTHING IS JUST SOO DELISH. GREAT Salomon, Chicken and the PASTTTTAAAAA!! It's so fresh and has just the right amount of zest. (MY mouth just watered)! I love the service and the actual restaurant. It's clean, cozy and very family like feeling. Perfect for dates, perfect for group gatherings and perfect for just because! SOOOO happy I was introduced to this place! (Do not order for take out- you have to dine in for the best quality) xoxo, Koko
(5)
Jeff B.

Thank you for another fantastic meal! My friends and I have been to this restaurant on numerous occasions and have never had anything but the highest praise for both the quality and taste of the food and the excellent service. There Thursday prix fixe deal is without a doubt the best deal in the city! The variety of dishes offered and the taste of virtually everything is off the charts. I cannot recommend them highly enough.
(5)
Kyle P.

One of the better dinner experiences in awhile. It starts with the best roasted garlic and oil and chili oil spread with fresh bread. Then couldn't decide so we ordered three entrees. Gnocchi.....get it......branzino...on special with a great sauce... Flattened chicken......good The service and family owned feel is in full effect. Everyone was great and try this place for sure
(5)
Tricia D.

It's been a couple years since my last visit, and on that one, there was plastic in my friend's ravioli. I won't be back after last night's dinner either. For starters, the service was slow. It took over 5 minutes for the waiter to come by and greet us and take our drink orders. It was also only until we asked for bread that it was served. You receive a dish of garlic puree to enjoy with your bread, but here's an insider tip: ask for the jalapeno olive oil. The combo is so tasty! The kitchen must have been behind, but it took a good while before our prosciutto wrapped cheese and beef carpaccio arrived, both of which don't seem to take that long to prep. When my veal cerafino (with wine sauce and CANNED mushrooms, roasted potatoes, and bland broccoli) arrived, there was a folded light colored hair on my plate. My bald waiter's joke about it probably not being his did not make the situation better. My entree was taken away and a new plate prepared, but overall, this capped off a disappointing experience and meal.
(1)
Debra L.

Buona Terra is a gracious little neighborhood restaurant. I've been here a couple of times and have enjoyed it each time. The menu is traditional Italian. The service is alway super attentive. A must try is the garlic spread that comes with the warm bread. The minestrone soup has a tomato-based broth and lots of chunky vegetables. Chicagoans love there al fresco dining and Buona Terra has a nice little outdoor area. Never mind that its on crazy busy California Ave. Have a glass of wine from the extensive wine list and enjoy.
(4)
D M.

Love this place! Love the buona terra pasta and the spread that is given with the bread!
(5)
Caitlyn M.

Chose this spot on a whim for a 10 person friends and family dinner. Amazing food and awesome staff. Very welcoming and cozy atmosphere.
(5)
C F.

My wife and I have been enjoying this place, their food, their service for 10 years! It has never disappointed. I love the garlic spread with the fresh bread. No other restaurant delivers anything similar that I know of. A healthy and simple meal for two that we order often is the tricolor salad and veal marsala. They don't mind splitting the salad and dinner plate to serve two. Plenty of food when you add the bread and beer/glass of wine. We've also enjoyed sitting at the bar meeting people from the neighborhood. Some of the pasta meals can be a little too much of the same thing, so we always plan to share to provide a variety for everyone with us. Keep that in mind.
(5)
Anthony S.

Ordered a salad and soup to go and to say the least, the portions and quality were unfortunate. Being new to the area I really wanted to give this place a chance. Too many other options out there to give them another chance after my salad looked like scraps were thrown in a container with a dressing and sent out the door. Disappointed.
(1)
Ann K.

My friend and I were the first ones in on a Thursday evening after searching for Italian cuisine around Logan Square. We were seated right away, and the ambience was great! I ordered the butternut ravioli (Angelotti Zuca) and my friend ordered Spaghetti al Gamberetti - both tasted pretty good. We were also there for almost two hours and never felt rushed! Would recommend this place!
(4)
Christa Lei S.

For all the time spent in Chicago, I'm surprised I never visited. Buona Terra, despite winning a couple of "new restaurant" awards (which is how I stumbled upon it in the first place...) isn't actually new, and is located right on the outskirts of Logan Square. It feels like a family-run, family-oriented, very cozy Italian restaurant. It has a pretty traditionally Italian menu, but has a focus on fresh ingredients and cooking with love. My boyfriend came and I came here with my Yelp wife, Alessandra S., and we tried the food. The atmosphere is more family-friendly, but I would come here on a date. The tables are very close to one another, but there weren't a lot of people when we went (perhaps because it was very late?) I remember getting two specials, one being an appetiser that had burrata and proscuitto (though I'm not sure what the dish was called,) and gnocchi. All of it was great. Burrata wasn't as good as the type I can get at Eataly or Pazzia in SF, but it was still delicious. My boyfriend got the breaded eggplant dish and really liked it, and my friend also got the gnocchi. When it came out, we both thought it wouldn't be enough, but it definitely was. And it was delicious. The servings, otherwise, are MORE than enough and you can definitely take it all home in a doggy bag. :) The other thing is the DELICIOUS garlic spread that they serve with the bread. YUM! Ask for extras. :) All in all, we really liked Buona Terra. While not the best Italian restaurant, it is still solid and a place to come when you want to feel like family.
(4)
Ken O.

Three friends took me to this Logan Square's gem for a birthday dinner on a Thursday night. I wasn't familiar with this restaurant at all but they just raved about. Cool - let's check it out. We had arrived early on Thursday and we were seated right away in the dining room. The restaurant is like two conjoined stores - the first part is the bar area with open seating and then the dining room is in the second store. The dining room has the original wooden floors, exposed brick walls, wall of windows facing the street. The atmosphere is formal but relaxed with the linen table clothes and napkins. We were seated next to the window, which can be a little breezy but nothing to complain about. On Thursday nights, you can opt to have the prix fixe menu for $22.00 which is a great deal. I had ordered the Caesar Salad, Parmesan Crusted New York Strip and the Cream Puffs. Sorry, that I don't remember what my companions ordered, but the mussels were a huge hit. From the time we sat down to the time we departed, the service was impeccable. One of my friends dropped her fork and by the time she picked it up, the waiter had a new fork for her. The food put all of us in a food coma. The food was presented to us in the appropriate amount of time. Well seasoned. Just right. Kudos to the kitchen staff!! My friends have been here several times, and stated, the food is always consistent. On our departure, we met one of the owners, who was very gracious. I would highly recommend the restaurant to everyone.
(5)
Monica B.

Loved the warm, cozy atmosphere during the blizzard on Saturday night. Met a few girlfriends here and started with a couple bottles of a Barolo. Loved the light, smooth finish. We shared the grilled calamari and buratta, both were delicious. For the entrees, we shared the Mahi Mahi special, Rigatoni Buona Terra and Spaghetti al Gamberetti. My favorite was the rigatoni! The sauce complimented the cheese and walnuts so well. For dessert, we shared a scoop of pistachio and peach gelato. Nothing out of the ordinary. A highlight of our meal was the garlic spread that accompanied the bread. I could eat an entire jar of this stuff! I'd love to come back and try more of the pasta dishes!
(4)
RJ G.

This is a cozy little italian place right off the highway. Good prices, good food. I had the rigatoni and man was it delicious. Its a rigatoni drenched in vodka sauce and goat cheese and nuts sprikled on top. Just the right amouny of cheese and nuts. They give you bread at the start with this mustard sauce thats pretty tasty. I slso had a tricolor salad, which was nothing special just a simple salad. Lastly, for dessert they have canoli. And it definitely didnt dissapoint. Some italian restaurants are hit snd miss. But this was spot on italian. Definitely recommend the canoli as a finisher. All in all it was a good experience and i would come back.
(4)
Ana B.

We went at 515 on a Saturday they where not busy yet. They where very friendly and welcoming. They don't have a wide menu but where nice enough to make something that was not in the menu. My picky brother wanted chicken Alfredo and they cooked it for him it was delicious! By 545 the restaurant got super busy. I was smart enough to have a reservation made even though it would've not been a problem to be seated but if you decide to go after six call and do a reservation :) I liked how there was a wide variety of clientele. Definitely will be back!
(4)
Becca A.

Atmosphere was great for our medium sized group while we were celebrating a birthday. Service was wonderful! Ravioli Con Vitello was amazing and our tables favorite out of all our dishes ordered! Fried calamari was also great! Wonderful place that I can't wait to come back to many times again!
(5)
Carol K.

Buona Terra continues to deliver great Italian food at reasonable prices! This is my favorite restaurant in Logan Square and it continues to delight me each time I go. I don't know if it's just luck or the fact that my friend who lives in the area is probably their best customer but we always get a great table, right in the front windows. There is a patio out front which is nice (can't decide if I have only gone in the Winter months or if that is new as I don't remember seeing it before!) and a great place to enjoy a glass of wine as you watch the world go by! Our service was great, the food quite good and the ambiance charming! And the best news? They still have their great prix fixe on Thursdays so the pricing gets even better! Check it out!
(4)
Chelsey F.

Wonderful! Sweetest owners! Me and my friends stopped in 20 minutes before they closed, we didn't want to be a bother and they insisted we eat. We had excellent food and service. I look forward to me next visit.
(5)
Laura L.

Started off with a basket (actually 2) homemade bread with garlic onion purÃ©e, amazing. Homemade minestrone soup was so flavorful, and warmed ya all the way through. It felt like mom made it from scratch. Special of the day was a sausage rigatoni with red peppers and smoked mozzarella. I'm from WI and this cheese was .....delicious (thick, stringy, just slightly crispy for a nice smoked flavor). I couldn't decide for dessert on the cannoli or special (vanilla custard with fresh berries) so I got them both. Best decision ever. Very good energy, the food had that love in it. I'm leaving with food to go and a full happy belly.
(4)
Amy X.

2.5 stars to be exact. I decided to come after reading the reviews, but no, just no. So, I DIDN'T come on a Thursday for their prix fixe menu, like many others here. We ordered from the regular menu. I came on a weekend, well after 8pm. There wasn't a wait, which is good. Table for 4, we were seated by the windows. It took us a while to order because it was our first time here. But our waiter, oh our waiter, it seemed as though he was trying to avoid us or something. He barely ever came by to our table. But yes, we finally ordered. I don't remember what the others ordered, but my bf and i got: Sauteed Calamari Salsiccia Con Escarole E Fagioli Rotini Di La Nona Really, the hero of the dinner was the sauteed calamari. It was cooked nicely, great texture. And even then, it was a bit too salty for my own liking. On the menu, they described Salsiccia Con Escarole E Fagioli as this Italian "homemade" sausage served with some lettuce and beans. No, I didnt think it was "homemade." It was overcooked, and a bit rock solid hard. The lettuce and beans side was a joke. It looked like it has been sitting out for the whole day and microwaved hot. I could eat that at all. Rotini Di La Nona, it's this screw pasta with mushroom and green pea. Um, is it suppose to have this plastic looking gloss on the pasta? Are you sure you didn't microwaved this? Unless I am being invited/dragged by someone, I am not planning to come here again. Sorry.
(2)
jojo j.

I absolutely love Buona Terra, for its: - Hostess / owner, she is so friendly, I've always felt great meeting her with various dates + alone. - I know for certain she will take care of my friend and her son living in the area anew; she is an absolute professional and delightful as such. I think she noted she is a Four Seasons transplant? Regardless, she seems so. - The garlic dip they serve as appetizer w bread, is so delicious, it's worth going just for that. I want to know how to make it for my own parties! - Most other dishes and the atmosphere is charming. Homey, a charm of a hostess, delicious and city-fied food -- it is really a gem. In a charming and gorgeous neighborhood. Thank you for opening and continuing to operate your Gem!~ :)
(5)
Ceara W.

Great food and service! Bartender made a special cucumber mint martini which was amazing!
(5)
M A.

Good ravioli vitelo.Always in menu fish.Tried couple times lemon caper is good as mustard one ,had minestrone soup really tasty.Hot bread with two spreads you got me I coming back.
(5)
Antaash U.

Thank you "Check, Please" for the recommendation!! My friends and I thank you! Buona Terra is a smaaaaaaaaal, cozy and feels like your in an Italian grandmothers home. Every dish that we ordered was perfection. We started with the fried calamari. The batter was crisp without being heavy and the calamari, tender and not chewy. Friend one ordered Rigatoni Buona Terra: rigatoni pasta tossed in a sundried tomato cream topped with roasted walnuts and goat cheese. YUM! Friend two ordered Gnocchi Verde al Quattro Formaggi: potato spinach dumplings in a four cheese sauce. Also earns a big YUM! Friend three ordered Rigatoni with Bolognese sauce. Classic and perfect. I ordered the Farafell Dominic: farfalle pasta tossed with asparagus, spinach, ricotta and parmesan cheese. WOWZA! The portions are quite hearty so bring your appetite. Unfortunately, we were stuff and had no room for dessert, which was a shame since a few things did catch my eye. For the quality, and portions, the price is more than fair. Apparently they have a Thursday night pre-fixe special, so I will be back to take advantage of that! Until we meet again Buona Terra!
(5)
Drake R.

What a lovely place this is! I've been eating here since it opened and am still going back quite regularly. This is a family run establishment and they are the sweetest people. The prix fixe on Thursdays is the best deal. App, entree, dessert... all great. Ambiance is cozy, clean and inviting. Service is excellent and very friendly. Also a great place to get carry out. Overall this place is a must. Certainly on par with any other italian restaurant in the city.
(4)
J B.

This is our go-to-place for quality Italian food, great service, and a good time. We've tried many dishes, and all have been delicious. The bread with house made garlic sauce is a nice compliment! We also order the caprese salad (with buratta cheese if they have it in stock, so good!)
(5)
Brittany A.

Love this place. The atmosphere is quaint, the staff is accommodating, and the food is delicious. I have been here several times and can always rely on everything being on point time and time again.
(5)
Maggie M.

It was just an ok experience. The food was good, but it wasn't great. It's kinda an awkward set up and the place is super loud and Echo-y.. I could barely hear the people I was with. The service was terrible... Our server paid no attention to us and never checked up on us. I wouldn't go back.
(2)
Jeff J.

One of my favorite italian spots. One dish in particular is my FAVORITE and if they ever get rid of it, I'll stop going. So....Just an fyi, keep your veil stuffed ravioli in brandy cream sauce and you'll be ok.on my book. They also are one of the few that give you AMAZING garlic cheese olive oil bread dip already mixed the moment you sit down. Good stuff.
(5)
Deena H.

I love this place. YOU MUST TRY the angelotti zuca. Even just saying it is sexy and yummy at the same time! We come here for the prix-fixe special: an appetizer, an entrÃ©e and dessert, all for $21.95. Everything tastes home made and fresh. Thursday s are the prix-fixe days and can get super packed. The service is always excellent and the atmosphere is a mix of romantic with casual yet sophisticated. You will never regret a visit to this treasure. I am pretty sure they take reservations which is helpful. If you are doing the prix-fixe menu, fast all day before dinner because it is a ton of food!!! Ciao!
(5)
Csaby C.

We went there on a Saturday night, the place was packed and thus the service was slow, the atmosphere was very loud for my taste people were shouting. Finally the food was good but nothing to die for maybe the long waiting time killed my appetite.
(3)
shimon m.

everything on the menu is perfect !!! been going to this amazing restaurant for over three years now must try the fish and the half chicken !!!
(5)
Shayna Y.

I am not a huge fan of Italian restaurants, mostly because I can't eat the majority of the menu (pasta!). But I thought Buona Terra was pretty solid. The ambiance was relatively plain and the food was solid, but nothing special. We got a bottle of the La Querciola Barolo. It was a really nice, light and fruity red wine. We got the Burrata appetizer special which had prosciutto, tomato, and burrata. It wasn't anything special. The tomatoes were not very ripe and did not have a ton of flavor. We also got the grilled Calamari al Tre Modo. The calamari had a nice charred flavor and was very fresh. For my meal, I got the mahi mahi special (subbed the gnocchi for broccoli) - the dish was very simple. The fish was fresh, but the sauce wasn't anything special. For dessert we shared 2 scoops of peach and pistachio gelato. Again, the gelato was not anything unique.
(3)
M M.

This is my favorite neighborhood place! My favs are the penne pasta and the chicken with vegetables. I've eaten nearly everything on the menu and nothing is bad. If you like beets you should try the beet carpaccio. The restaurant is small and weekends at 8:00 can be crowded. Make a reservation if you want to eat anytime before 8:30. Also, be prepared to wait a few minutes for your 8:00 reservation (unfortunately). But the wait is worth it!
(5)
Amanda G.

Great service, good atmosphere, friendly staff. Overall it was a pleasurable experience. I ordered the special pappardelle pasta with duck. The pasta and sauce were very tasty and hot, but my duck was gamey and overcooked. This was really my only complaint; it didn't ruin my food, but I would have given it 5 stars if it weren't for that. My husband got the veal ravioli if I remember correctly, and he was quite satisfied. The portions are generous, which I prefer when I go out for Italian. Our bill was about $100 for 2 pastas, a salad, a soup, and a bottle of wine - not bad for date night.
(4)
Tim H.

I notice the many terrific reviews here and I hope that means that Buona Terra has its good nights and its bad nights. Guess I just got there on a bad one. But as for me, I'll not be back. Restaurants are selling three things: food, service, and atmosphere. FOOD: Buona does OK with this, although I've certainly had better (and lots worse!!!). They currently are serving a pre fixe dinner offering for $22 which is quite a good bargain. For that price, customers get an appetizer, entree, and dessert. The menu is great, with lots of pasta and an abundant selection of vegetarian entrees. How was my food? More about this below--see SERVICE. SERVICE: It's service that really ruined my meal last night. I was with a big group: there were nine of us, and I know serving a group that size isn't easy. (But servers do make sure they get compensated for their efforts with a group that size, right? You know, the almost universal practice of automatically including a service charge?) Order taking went great, and there was no problem with busboy service at any time during our meal. The thing is, when I go to a restaurant, I think that waiters, who talk with customers and take their orders in writing on a little pad, should, when the meals are served, have at least the tiniest clue who ordered what. They shouldn't stand at the side of the table and yell over the din asking who had what. When waiters do that, some people (say, in a group of nine, with me) might forget what they ordered and say "me!" when the waiter is standing there tossing out plates. And they might say "me!" even if they had ordered something else. And then they might really tuck into the thing, and even give portions to some of their dinning companions, while the rest of us wait several minutes for our meals. And then, say, if I were the last one being served, I might get an entree put down in front of me that was NOT what I ordered. By the time we realize what has happened and I speak up, our waiter pretends like he's lost his hearing (and maybe he has) and skedaddles away. Being of somewhat a good nature, I don't want to make a big deal out of this and I eat what I've been given and am reminded why I didn't order it to begin with. Of course, this problem could have been prevented if my dining companions could remember what the hell they ordered in the first place, but it would have also been prevented if the waiter knew who ordered what--and HE is being paid to do that, right? Add to this, that when waiters add up the check at the end of the night, they shouldn't inflate their tips by including the sales tax as the base for their mandatory 20% (yes, that's 20%, not 18% which is what one more often sees). Because, see, that makes the mandatory tip in the range of 22% instead. Please understand: I am delighted to pay even more for great service. I often pay 25% when I eat out, because I know service people work hard and they are sometimes stiffed by cheap customers. But I don't like mandatory 22% service charges for lousy service. Check this out too: the mandatory tip was hidden in the middle of the check, among the food items, and labeled as a "Gft Certf." How about telling customers that you've included a service charge? Is it supposed to be a secret? Maybe so the customer doesn't notice it and adds even more?!? ATMOSPHERE: The place is pleasantly decorated, with some nice art work and exposed brick walls. But tables are way too close together and the noise level borders on the insane. (Go to ORD. Stand as close to the runway as you can. The noise level from the 747 on takeoff roll is similar to what you will experience at Buona.) The restaurant is located on a very difficult to park section of California Avenue, but they have valet service, of course. So here's my recommendation for Buona Terra. Give it a try, maybe you will like it more than I did. But if you go with a group, don't let them get away with the mandatory 22% service charge.
(2)
Allison M.

Food was good, but service was terrible. We had a large group for a friend's birthday and our reservations were for 630. It was past 630, but they wouldn't seat us because 2 out of our 15 were not there. We were definitely in everyones way of the waiters/hostesses and I asked if we could get seated because we felt that we were in the way of their service and our 2 missing people were only 5 minutes away, BUT the manager (I believe he was the manager) talked down to me in a very disrespecting and condescending manner saying the full party needs to be there (this was understandable but he did not have to be disrespectful). The waiters also were very forgetful of the things we ordered/requested and would shrug it off. It is unfortunate that the dining experience was tainted by the poor service. I would not recommend coming here for a good dining experience until service ups its game.
(2)
mark b.

I recently went here again, with my girlfriend and some friends. We came on a Thursday night, and discovered that you get any appetizer, entree, and dessert for $22. What a deal! I realize this sounds like a TGIFridays or Applebee's type of deal, but the quality that you get in return is not indicative of the promotion. I totally agree that the food is good (simple Italian food done well), but the price and portions make it outstanding. We made reservations that day for 7:00, no problem. The staff was very friendly, prompt, and not pushy or too chatty. The restaurant was definitely packed, but I can see why. I would recommend a Thursday date night for here, for sure. 4 Stars on a Thursday!
(4)
Rachel H.

I once lived in Logan Square. For two years. Yet, I never came to Buona Terra until last night. Yes, I knew it was there and yes, I knew about the prix fixe. I'd just always been of the mindset, "It's right there, I can come to it anytime..." and never did. Finally, I did. I'm a prix fixe lady, as many people know. I love a good deal... ok I'm cheap. I said it. Luckily most of my pals are as well. Thursday is the night for that, here. After devouring an entire basket of warm bread, I started with the calamari and my gal pal had the caprese. I'd already had a caprese sandwich for lunch. The little squidlets were light and crisp and flavorful. This app is perfect for one person for the deal, but I think if I were sharing, I'd be left a little unsatisfied. The caprese looked good and didn't skimp on the mozzarella. For the entrees we had the NY strip and the eggplant dish. I hate eggplant, but my date cleaned her plate (ba dump bump..I'll be here all night). My steak was a little overdone. I'd ordered medium rare and it came out more like a slightly overdone medium. I ate it anyway b/c I was dying of starvation, and it was still juicy, and the parmesan crust added a lot of flavor. Next time I'd order rare. We both finished the meal with a very nice tiramisu. Our server was friendly, not overbearing, and the service was quick but not rushed. I am definitely all about bringing my boyfriend back to try one of their many veggie options and some of the specials. Also, I am a piglet and ate my whole dinner. Yikes.
(4)
Gabe M.

Food wise this place will stand up to any Italian restaurant in the US. Food tastes very handmade and fresh. Service was attentive, the decor is nice with brick walls, and the ravioli was great. I like the street also, parking isn't too bad.
(4)
Pickiest Eater A.

Great bread. Okay clams in white sauce. Friendly service. Lots of extra 'stuff' in the clam sauce....i prefer lots of shelled clams versus extra white fish/garlic. Overall would return.
(3)
Nancy C.

HOLY. SCHMOKES. The prix fixe menu is such a good deal, it is insane. And not only do they blow us away with an unbelievable deal, but the food is, honestly, the best Italian food I have ever had. The butternut squash ravioli bursts with a sweet yet savory flavor and is topped with an intriguingly crispy and slightly-salted fried sage. The calamari appetizer, grilled or fried, is delectable as well. Though my favorite might be the ravioli con vittelo--a veal ravioli served with a delicious cream sauce and topped with perfectly melted mozzarella cheese. Gracious, just thinking about it makes me salivate. You will not regret trying Buona Terra. It is truly a well-hidden gem.
(5)
Lai-Nin W.

I honestly didn't know what to expect at this place, but after I read all the other fantastic reviews I had to stop by since I was working local this past week! Seriously, I went on Thursday, and this place is AWESOME. It's a $20 pre fixe, and it includes a full appetizer, an entree and a dessert. I got the beef carpaccio, the linguine with mussels and calamari, and the profiteroles for dessert. Beef carpaccio was HUGE, but I ate it all because.. well, it's beef carpaccio. The pasta was cooked perfectly and by the time dessert came around, I was stuffed. The service was absolutely great- they were a bit busy on Thursdays, but our waiter was very attentive even though he was handling 6 other tables. I'm definitely going to be heading back there as SOON AS POSSIBLE!
(5)
Sadat A.

I'm so lucky to live near this Logan Square gem. This is one of my favorite Italian spots in the city. Friends have been talking about this place for year and I've never made it inside for dinner. My experience from last night has me already planning my next trip back. Let start off with excellent 5 star service. Out waiter had an awesome personality that always made me and my party smile and laugh. He also helped us pick out the best wine on the menu which was really tasty. I ordered the Octopus and Carpaccio to start off with. Both were mind- blowing tasty! I will order the same two appetizers on my next trip back. The steak and pasta that we ordered were perfectly made. The greens and mashed potatoes just melted in my mouth. We also ordered cheesecake and tiramisu slice, both were the perfect end to a perfect dinner. Can't wait to go back sometime soon. The Thursday special is were it's at.
(4)
Adam R.

This is a great italian gem for the Logan Square neighborhood. The food is consistently good and the service friendly. The seating indoors can be a bit tight and their patio is a bit high traffic because it's on a decently busy sidewalk. I haven't tried their prix fixe menu yet, but I seriously hope they'll consider updating their sign advertising it. It's a fixed price menu, and they are advertising prefixes (the sign says "Pre Fix Menu"). I appreciate the effort, but don't know whether I'm about to order a meal or pay for headers to words.
(4)
Stephanie M.

Dear Buona Terra, I must have caught you on a few of your off days... The last few times I've been here, the food as been fantastic! I LOVE the Rigatoni Buona Terra - AMAZING! That's all!
(5)
Phoebe W.

Yay! I love that Buona is only a few blocks from my place, if only I could convince my boss to let me have Thursdays off so I can gorge on Buona's prix fixe menu. Well, once you go prix fixe you never go back. I was a fan of their bruschetta and their prosciutto wrapped mozzarella. Thankfully, they're really good about refilling your water because that prosciutto is SUPER salty. Oh! And that spread they give you for the bread, its a nice change of pace from regular butter or olive oil. Their steak has a parmesan crust on it, which really adds a great flavor to it although, I wasn't a fan of the veggies that came with it. Their veal medallions were a little bit too salty for my taste and I also wasn't a fan of my friend's pesto mashed potatoes. HOWEVER, my sister ordered their gnocchi and it was awesome, very creamy and rich. I also really liked their cheesecake with raspberry sauce and their chocolate pecan tart with berries. I'd definitely recommend making reservations for this place on Thursdays since their prix fixe deal is so popular and tends to get crowded.
(4)
Rachelle B.

My friend and I decided to go out for dinner on Friday night. I'd never been to Buona Terra, our neighborhood Italian spot, even though I've lived only a few blocks away for over a year. The space is small so I called ahead to make a reservation. When I arrived at 6:30, the restaurant was empty and I wondered if I'd even needed to call ahead. Within a half hour the place was packed. For an appetizer we split the bruschetta. Tasty, but pretty much your standard bruschetta. My friend and I both decided to get pasta for our entrees. I got the gnocchi and she got the rotini. We skipped dessert and got coffee instead. I liked everything we ordered at Buona Terra. The interior is cute and the service was good. I mean, it wasn't like this place was the best meal I ate in my life, but I think it's a solid bet. Kind of like Piazza Bella in our old Roscoe Village neighborhood, but, like Logan Square, Buona Terra was a bit less expensive.
(4)
Eric Q.

Great food. Intimate atmosphere. Average to small sized restaurant with a lot of tables packed in tight. Good place for a date but you may feel crowded.
(4)
Y M.

i went with two friends to this place and we had a perfect meal. with the bread they brought out a garlic-parmesan spread which was delicious and very addictive. we also had a special wine, a red spumante which none of us had ever seen before-it was refreshing and not too sweet, very nice. we split the bruschetta as an appetizer, the ingredients tasted very fresh and flavorful. for entrees, i had the veal ravioli which was rich and delectable, friends had pork t-bone and almond crusted eggplant which were both also delicious. portions were generous, we left feeling full but not stuffed. ambience is nice and is a sort of family style italian vibe, very charming. service was also good. all in all, a great experience!
(5)
Nikita W.

I've been to BT before and absolutely loved it! The pasta was fresh, homemade...the waiters friendly, the ambiance romantic and cozy. It was an amazing experience. So when it came time for our 3 year wedding anniversary I told my husband the ONE place I simply HAD to go for dinner was here! However on my second visit to BT, almost a year later, things have drastically declined. The ambiance is no longer cozy but instead very very loud. I could barely hear my husband over the noise and the place was not that crowded to where this kind of thing would be expected. Our waiter was nice, but very quick with us and seemed in a hurry to get to other customers. The food was very marginal. The pasta seemed straight out of a box, not the handmade fresh pasta I remember craving from a year ago. The sauce seemed poorly put together and just slopped on the plate. Our desert was also of the same caliber. I don't know what happened...but this place is no longer the gem it used to be. I was greatly disappointed and to say the least. It seems from the other reviews that BT regularly has 'off-nights.' Maybe this was one of those nights...but either way I'd say only come here for a regular meal, not a special occasion as to not chance having a bum night like I did.
(2)
April M.

Went here the night before the shamrock shuffle with my friend before his frist ever race. We were needing some good carbs before our race yet we didn't want to cook. It was a Saturday night so the place was packed, although the wait was only said to be 30 minutes long we waited 45-60 mins (thanks to a couple staying to chat forever when 10 people were sitting/standing by the bar... While sitting at the bar I noticed the place was bigger than expected, just by walking in. It's a cute little place and makes you feel at ease while having one tv for those interested in watching the game. Staff was friendly and service was quick/good. The food was really good and it was a fair price. I'd go there again when in the neighborhood. Good for a date or getting together with friends or family. Reservations may be needed for weekends to avoid the waits.
(4)
Aaron G.

A wonderful spot for Italian food that isn't too pricey. A generous listing of specials accompanies a menu that follows traditional Italian eating practices, yet covers both traditional and more modern interpretations of the cuisine. We tried an appetizer of prosciutto and mozzarella, which was very good. We had a more traditional rigatoni dish that was very good, but was overshadowed by the steak special we ordered and also better when I reheated it as leftovers. The restaurant was very busy on a Saturday night, and as a result we waited for 20 minutes before being seated, despite having a reservation. I do not reflect variable service issues in my reviews, and the staff was very nice about the inconvenience. It would have been nice to get a free drink or dessert for it, but only if it happens again will I let it affect my opinion of this very delicious restaurant.
(5)
Jorge A.

Portions are a bit small, mussels a are great but very small portion
(4)
Caroline A.

So I'm not much of an Italian food person. But Buona Terra rocked my socks off. My girlfriend had her rehearsal dinner there on a cold Friday night, and it was warm, cozy and very friendly. Our dinner was family style, and there was enough food to feed a small army. First of all, lets comment on the bread. Hell to the YES. Not only is the bread thick and crusty with a soft center, but the garlic spread might be the best thing I've ever put in my mouth. If I didn't have to wear a bridesmaid dress the next day, I could have polished off a whole loaf of bread for dinner. Can I buy it in bulk or have the recipe?? Moving on, we had the Panzanella Toscana - vine ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, olives and basil in a gorgonzola vinegrette. It was good, not great. Next was the fried calamari. That was polished off pretty quickly. Next was the Pennine al'Arabiata - It was perfectly cooked with just enough spice. I don't like pasta too much, and I thought it was delicious. For the main course, we had Paillard di Pollo al Palio - a pounded chicken breast in an herb sauce. It was very good and perfectly portioned. For dessert, we had a platter of pastries and cakes. Definitely try the tiramisu and cheesecake. I hear the cannolis are also very good too. Service was stellar! I will be back for sure... even if it's just for the garlic spread.
(5)
Elizabeth S.

A wonderful recommendation from the TV show "Check, Please!" My parents and I had a fantastic meal at Buona Terra. We grabbed a seat at the bar and were taken care of by Eileen, the owner of the bar. Her enthusiasm and friendliness is reason alone to come and have a meal at her restaurant. The selection of wines were unique and they had a few micro-brew options which always makes me happy. We were seated promptly for our reservation and our server was attentive but did not rush us despite it being a busy Saturday night. This is not a large restaurant which makes a cozy and homey feeling. We started with the beet salad and the mozzarella and prosciutto salad - both were great. For the main course, my dad had the steak which for $20, he said was great! My mom had the Rigatoni with sun dried tomato sauce which was delicious and I had a Farfelle with cream sauce which was good, not outstanding though. There were many other items on the menu I would love to try next time and the Cannoli for dessert was amazing! This is a wonderful staple in the Logan Square neighborhood and I look forward to going back for any occasion.
(5)
Janet W.

This is currently my favorite Italian restaurant in Chicago, outside of Little Italy. The food blew me away. The wine that was paired with the food got me and my date very comfortably tipsy. Everything was reasonably priced and the waitstaff was very friendly and attentive. Though, I did come here a little late on a rainy Sunday night when the place wasn't very packed. This isn't really a place to go for a foodie adventure, but if you're looking for simple Italian food, astonishingly well put together, check this place out.
(5)
Patrick and Jes D.

An excellent ristorante. The Prosciutto wrapped around fresh mozzarella was very good. The fresh Italian sausage was well spiced and rock shrimp dish was divine. The first bottle of wine was bad so we chose another. Staff is friendly and patient. Very diverse crowd. One app, two entrees, bottle of red and desert with tip $120
(4)
Elisabeth C.

We had a lovely dinner at Buona Terra on a Thursday evening. I started with the prosciutto wrapped mozzarella; my boyfriend had the mussels. Both portions were very small. However, we also had bread on the table with a wonderful spread - not sure what was in it, but it was delicious. For entrees, he had the ravioli and I had the gnocchi. I would have preferred the sauce from the ravioli on the gnocchi, but both were delicious. We both preferred the ravioli, but not by much. For dessert, he had gelato and I had cheesecake. Again, both were delicious. No complaints. We have hesitated to go out much lately, preferring to order in, because when we're at a restaurant we often feel like we are being held hostage while we wait for the check. So we asked for the check when we ordered dessert and were able to avoid waiting around to pay. Service was also excellent. They have a small coatroom between the two dining rooms.
(5)
K W.

I can't get enough of Buona Terra. The staff are very friendly and the food is AMAZING.
(5)
A N.

My first reaction: underwhelmed. Parking was easy, we were seated immediately for our reservation. Service was a little on the slow side (our entire meal, sans dessert, took almost 2 hours). The food was just okay. Average. I've had much better. Maybe we ordered the wrong things, I don't know. Based on reviews and reputation, I was hoping for a more romantic setting and tastier food. Maybe it was the Nikki Minaj playing loudly in the background that didn't do it for me. I'm not sure about any of you, but when I think romance, fine Italian food and wine...the first thing that pops in my head is not Tonight I'm F**cking You. We had a crab cake appetizer which was very tasty. It was the best thing we ate all night. It was served with a side of greens. We shared the Mista salad which was fine and pretty much as expected. Had I known the crab cake came with a side of greens I might have just ordered another appetizer vs. a salad. My dinner also came with a salad (Palio chicken). It was kind of salad overkill. The chicken had a too-charred taste to it that I found unappealing. By the time our waiter came around with dessert menus I was ready to leave. Considering all the other options out there, I will probably not return.
(2)
Jona W.

Buona Terra can put their pasta baby in me any night of the week. Starting at about 1pm one day, my boyfriend began sending me texts and gchats about once every 10 minutes about how bad he wanted some pasta. I want pasta! I need some pasta! I might die without some pasta! WHERE DO WE GET THE PASTA?? So we settled on meeting at Buona Terra immediately after work because it was in the 'hood and we could get there quick. We didn't know anything about it other than that, and at that point, my only aim was to fill the pasta-shaped hole in his stomach so he'd be able to cool the fuck out. Little did I know how much I, too, was suffering from a carbohydrate deficiency. That green garlic stuff they put out with the bread is unbefuckinglievable. I mean, if you eat it, you can never talk to anyone again. It's like the Bog of Eternal Stench in the movie Labyrinth. Touch it, and you will be forever shunned. After that, we started with the beet salad...arugula atop a blooming spread of beets sliced so thin you could see through them. Beet art! It made me think of that one part in Goodfellas where Paulie's slicing up the garlic in jail with a razor blade, "Paulie used a razor and sliced it so thin it would liquefy in the pan"!!! I really hope they cut up the beets with a razor blade in jail because that would be BAD ASS. I ordered the title track, the Rigatoni Buona Terra. Okay, get this shit: it's in tomato cream sauce with walnuts and goat cheese. I KNOW RIGHT? I wasn't even hungry for all of it but I ate all of it. If my mom had been there to give me a speech about "knowing when to stop" or "problem areas" or something, I would have screamed LAY OFF ME I'M STARVING and heaved fiery tomato cream sauce all over the place. Unchecked by guilt trips, I waddled home with my pasta baby poking out in front and spent the rest of the evening drooling on the couch. We've visited again since then, and wouldn't you know it, I replicated our order from the first visit to the letter. I think this is going to be one of those places where I just keep doing that because it's SO GOOD. This time, however, I set a bit of Rigatoni Buona Terra aside because I wanted to see what it would be like around breakfast time. Ahhhh sweet sticky tomato cream and melty goat cheese. They need to start making omelets with that stuff inside. Anyway, you should go. It's soooo good. It's so good it could have been made in jail. And next time I go I'm definitely getting the fruit sorbet because I saw a lady eating the lemon sorbet and it came in a tiny lemon, I want to get the coconut because if it comes in a tiny coconut husk I will seriously shit a brick, you guys.
(5)
Esther K.

I came here with a girlfriend on a Friday night in May 2010 around 7p and we were seated right away. The crowd was fairly mixed-plenty of couples, as well as families with young children. The atmosphere was lively without being too loud, casual but not rambunctious. We were seated in the front dining area which is rather cozy and cutely decorated. The service throughout the evening was fantastic-my water glass was never more than 1/2 empty, and I drink a LOT of water! I had the Farfalle alla Dominic, which is farfalle pasta tossed with asparagus, spinach, ricotta and parmesan cheese. The ingredients were fresh and highly flavorful, and I loved the combination of asparagus and spinach with the sauce. My friend had the Angelotti Zuca, which is round ravioli pasta stuffed with butternut squash in a browned butter and sage sauce. She enjoyed it as well, but wasn't overly impressed-I found it tasty but a bit too rich. She also had the caprese as an appetizer, and found the ingredients to be extremely fresh. The servings were plentiful, the prices reasonable, and the food came out relatively quickly (not impressively fast, but certainly not too slow). Great italian overall! Would return.
(4)
Amelia S.

Consistently good Italian food right around the corner. love it.
(4)
bria s.

I've loved this restaurant for quite some time. I haven't tried a single thing on the menu that I wasn't absolutely blown away by. The waitstaff is incredibly professional and personable, the place feels comfortable and cozy, and the location is great. Don't be fooled by other "Italian" restaurants in the vicinity, Buona Terra is the one you want, forever.
(5)
Elissa M.

Jumping Jesus this place is good! It's been a very long time since I've had Italian of this caliber. The garlic paste that comes with the bread is amazing. My linguine with clams was amazing. My husband's eggplant parmesan (crusted in almonds, sigh) and my friend's rigatoni with vodka cream sauce, peas, and scallops was--you guessed it--amazing. Those accustomed to a heavier eggplant parm may be disappointed with the dish at Buona Terra-- it is light enough to be recommended to a dieter (there is no pasta involved in this dish, and the over all portion is small.) For $36, the Valpolicella is outstanding. Nice and light. Only complaint-- our custom is to leave the tip in cash, not on the credit card, mostly for the convenience of the waiter, having spent 8 years in the service industry myself. The waiter took the signed receipt before we left (a MAJOR no-no, very rude, and we had only just signed it a minute before and like any table of people who have just eaten their weight in pasta and spent quite a chunk of change on it, we were without haste but without lingering wrapping up our stay.) Seeing that there was nothing on the "tips" line, he made a big stink in the back of the room, pointing to our table and talking to another waiter about it. It made us feel very uncomfortable. It was not a very nice way to end a meal, considering we were tipping him 25 percent in cash for it.
(4)
Mahsa T.

A cute little hole in the wall place, but boy does Buona Terra deliver on great food and good service. The grilled baby octopus served with spicy herbs on a bed of tri-color salad with balsamic (a special that night) was fantastic! The mixed greens were also delicious. Tuna (special) was tasty and the Vitello Monte Carlo (sauteed veal medallions) was tender and flavorful. The cannoli was fresh, delicious, and a perfect way to end our fabulous meal. Service was outstanding. I felt like our waiter truly cared about making sure we were happy with everything. And they were quite accommodating considering we walked in as the kitchen was getting ready to close. I would highly recommend this place for dinner with friends or a romantic meal for two.
(4)
Zainab M.

So, I am not really sure why the reviews for this place are so stellar. Maybe I ordered the wrong things? Positives: the service was GREAT. Very attentive and friendly. The atmosphere was also great - very local and cozy "Eh"s - The food, at least the things we ordered, we not very good. This was especially surprising since 2/4 things we ordered were from the specials list! We (two girls) got (and shared) butternut squash soup, mussels in red sauce, chicken and mushroom ravioli, and profiteroles. The mussels were probably the best thing we got, and that was mainly because of the sauce. The ravioli was very salty. The dessert was just ok. I really do feel bad writing a 'meh' review of this place since they were so friendly. My advice to other yelp'ers would be to parse out what to order from the other reviews!!
(3)
Howard L.

This place is a neighborhood gem, and we found it really deserves its high ratings. I personally also found that Logan Square has changed for the much better (clean, modernized, and safe), from say, er , 30 years ago? We met the daughter and her BF here for dinner, and had a most excellent Italian meal at a very reasonable cost. Each couple had the veal stuffed ravioli ($13.95) and the veal medallions with mushrooms and pine nuts ($18.95) - both excellent, with tasty but not overbearing sauces. Bottled beer was very reasonable at $4.50, but they also have a pretty good wine list. It's a small little place with two small dining rooms with smallish tables, and can fill up quickly. It can also be a bit boisterous and a little warm. These are minor little offsets though for the excellent value and friendly atmosphere you get here, and we'll certainly be back. Free street parking was easy to find, and they take Open Table reservations. They've been at it for 10 years I'm told, and we hope they keep at it for a long time.
(5)
Maria G.

Buona Terra on Check Please Chicago! wttw.com/main.taf?erube_â€¦
(5)
Ruth G.

The 3 dishes that I tried there were great. I'd go back.
(4)
Hannah M.

My boyfriend's parents came in town and we went here with them. The prices are actually very reasonable though, so we could even go there on our own! I made a reservation, thank goodness, because it was packed. So if you go on a Friday or Saturday night, call ahead, even if there are just 2 in your party. The food is so good. First they bring fresh baked bread with this roasted garlic-jalapeno puree that was so delicious, I had to force myself to keep some room for dinner. We then had the beef carpaccio, which was wonderfully tender, very high quality meat, though I would say it needed a little drizzle of a sauce or something. The parmesan flavor was a bit overpowering. I got the caesar which was better than average and then for dinner I had the farfale with asparagus, spinach and ricotta (I added chicken though because not one of the pastas comes with chicken--which was an additional $6.95 *gasp*). It was really good though. The service was very friendly and I felt welcome. One problem was the noise level. It was SO loud in there, we were literally yelling across the table to hear each other. But the food made up for it. Especially that roasted garlic stuff in the beginning. I actually had them box some up with my leftover pasta for me to take home :-) I'd definitely go back; you should try it! Call ahead though!
(4)
Andrea R.

McDreamy who? Forget Grey's Anatomy...Buona Terra is the place to be on Thursday nights! A big thanks to the prix fixe king, Edward H, for arranging a fabulous meal for myself and 20 other yelpers at Buona Terra. Many of the other reviews say this already, but the Thursday night deal is so amazing that I'm going to say (write) it again...any appetizer,any entree, and any dessert from the menu for $19.99. Amazing! I'm a pasta lover, but in an attempt to be healthy (bathing suit season is coming up...ahhhh) I went the fish route tonight. I started with the grilled calamari (delish!), the tilapia special (it was so good that I couldn't help but eat the entire dish), and then for dessert the chocolate pecan tart. Ok, so maybe the pecan tart wasn't so healthy, but 2 out of 3 isn't bad! A group of 20 people is any waiter's nightmare, but Louis did an amazing job of moving the meal along. Sign me up for next Thursday night!
(4)
Frank R.

Rolled in from Boston for a yearly gathering of friends and Buona Terra was just the ticket. Had to change my reservation for eight to eleven at the last minute and they were gracious about expanding our tables. Found the Vitello Monte Carlo (veal medallions with prosciutto in a sherry wine sauce) excellent with the rest of the party working their way through the breaded eggplant, cobia fish with olives, and deliciously stuffed pork chops. Great calamari. Quick and efficient valet parking for seven bucks, although street parking is available, at least on a Wednesday night, and the acoustics are perfect for trying to hear what your friends have been up to for the last twelve months. Service was crisp, even for a table of eleven.
(4)
JoÃ£o M.

Great food and atmosphere. Took a date here on a Thursday night, it wasn't too crowded. I had the bruschetta, calamari, and veal; she had a pasta dish (can't remember), all delicious! You're paying for the whole package. It's a little bit expensive so unless you eat like this on the regular, it's a good spot for a nice date/special occasion.
(5)
MaryLu C.

Went after seeing restaurant on Check, Please . I would recommend, but my husband thought it was just average. Parking was easy. The services was great.. We started with the special Calamari appetizer. It was interesting and I could have just had a second order as my entree. My husband also loved it. For the entree we ordered the eggplant for me and the veal for my husband. I loved my eggplant, it was tasty and filling. Not greasy or oily. My husband ordered one of the veal entrees and thought it missed this mark with too many flavors. The restaurant was warm and had a nice feel to it. Not too loud but it had a great vibe about it. Nice big windows and pleasant atmosphere. I think his experience was more a matter of taste than quality. There definitely is a lot going on in these dishes. If you like your meals more simple and straightforward this is not for you. If you like a meal where they are taking standards and putting a different twist, this is a must do.
(4)
M L.

Very nice and cozy atmosphere The food is really good The lady at the front is very nice and decent It was dam hot inside and the food takes a long time to be prepared
(4)
Char Y.

After reading many good reviews about this place, we went as a large group. We ordered capaccio - ok, the meat really stuck to the plate prosciutto e mozzarella alla ferri - ok rotini di la nona - good ravioli con butternut squash - very dry filling vitello monte carlo - ok Melanzana alla Emilia Romana - interesting breading of eggplants tiramisu - very good cannoli - ok in general the food was ok, but not impressive.
(3)
Glory O.

my favorite italian restaurant of all time. what to get: zuppa di cozze black mussels in a spicy tomato sauce gnocchi verde al quattro formaggi (my favorite gnocchi!!!) potato spinach dumplings in a four cheese sauce ravioli con vittelo ravioli pasta stuffed with veal in a brandy cream sauce topped with fresh mozzarella i can only assume that they make their own pasta because it is none like i have had before... its seriously awesome. i have yet to actually dine in at buona terra for i only get to enjoy it when i am in town and have girls night. but seriously, their gnocci is amazing and you can never go wrong with any of their pasta dishes!
(4)
colin t.

UPDATE: A couple weeks after posting my review, I received a very nice email from the owner of the restaurant, apologizing for my less-than-great experience. She offered to treat my wife and I to another dinner at their restaurant (which I really should take her up on soon!). It was a very kind and classy gesture, which I appreciated very much. I look forward to a return trip to Buona Terra, and hopefully will have a much more positive review afterward. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I live around the corner from this place, and have heard a lot of great things about it. So for today, the day before Valentine's Day, my wife and I went to see how awesome Buona Terra was. Our night sucked. Well, I'm sad, honestly. Our waiter pretty much ignored us for the entire time we were there. After he took our order he didn't stop by the table, not once, to check in. I put my empty wine glass, empty water glass, and empty bread basket on the corner of the table (which was on an aisle, so he was almost brushing into our table every two minutes). The empty glasses and basket just sat there. He walked past us ten times, not making eye contact once, not asking us anything. Eventually I waved him down so I could have a second glass of wine. Then, again, nothing for the rest of the meal. The food was good, but when your service is non-existent that stops mattering. I can count the times I've tipped less than 20%, because I've honestly never done it until tonight. I'm cool with overworked wait staff, with hangover-ridden wait staff, with slightly rude wait staff. I'm not cool with being ignored. i wrote a note on the check explaining my small tip, so the waiter would know why he got a shitty tip. I didn't complain to the owner, because I didn't want to get him in trouble. But I don't know if she would've cared ---- she was bartending and not really watching the rest of the house. The regulars at the bar got plenty of bread and service, though. Anyhow, it's too bad. I would've been a repeat customer (seriously I eat out way too much and it was pretty tasty) but the service was completely shitty. Maybe it was just a bad night from our waiter, but the owner/manager should be on the lookout for that too. Out of the maybe 30 restaurants in the Logan Square area, I've never had bad service until Buona Terra.
(2)
Kendall C.

Great food and our server Ismail was amazing. Will return
(5)
Ramya P.

Buon pasto Cozy, warm n very inviting space. Buzzing with so much activity that its exciting, the kitchen is near the front entrance so you can get a quick peek of their use of fresh ingredients that they hold as their motto. Friendly and attentive staff that checked on us a couple of times. I don't like it when some places do it so often that it feels like an overkill. All this is good but most importantly you'll remember Buona Terra for its food. I particularly enjoyed the ravioli stuffed with butternut squash in a butter and sage sauce. I was a little disappointed with the profiteroles only because I expected the pastry to be warm n the stuffing to be cold.
(4)
Capt M.

Excellent find on Yelp! Had the Veal and Mahi dishes. Also ordered side of Pasta Ali-Oli. Pastry Puffs for dessert. Yummy! Attentive service. Will be back for certain!
(5)
Todd G.

I saw Buona Terra featured on Check Please and then my brother recommended it. Each time that I've been there, it did not disappoint. Quaint setting, knowledgeable servers, and terrific food!. Best roasted chicken in Chicago.
(5)
Elise T.

I went here with a friend last night, and I enjoyed it. It was, as Yelp says, "A-OK." The food was good and fresh, the environment was okay (except for the obnoxious patrons using their cell phones to take pictures of their baby...which would have been fine, except they had turned the flash on and their aim was right in my face), the drinks were tasty. I did notice three things though that could have used improvement: 1. The service was terribly slow. They didn't appear understaffed, and my water glass stayed empty for a while (despite the waiter walking by with a water pitcher, and taking care of everyone else's glasses). It took us neigh-on forever to get our check. 2. The food was tasty, as I said, but was pretty overpriced. Suffice it to say, it was okay, but nothing to write home about.
(3)
Emily B.

After studying abroad in Italy, this is the best Italian food I have found in all of Chicago. I have never even written a Yelp review (although I read them often) but I felt compelled to do so after two great meals at Buona Terra. So far I've tried the gnocchi, linguini alla vongole, rigatoni, balsamic grilled chicken, and the mussels. And ohhhh the tiramisu. I would order each and every one of those again if I didn't want to try the whole menu! My only complaint is that the space is a bit crowded and noisy. Only option while waiting for a table is standing at a cramped bar dodging servers every 15 seconds. They do take reservations, I would recommend that. Intimate atmosphere near the beautiful Logan boulevard. And lots of carbs. Makes the perfect date!
(5)
Nari H.

Came here for a large birthday celebration (nearly 20 of us) and had a really good time. The food was very good and so was the service. They were very accommodating for such a large party and even played a funny coffee joke on us (it was entertaining). Foodwise - It didn't dazzle, but it was good. I'd definitely recommend as a place for italian food. - Gnocchi will be green but tastes good. - Rotini di la Nona - a standard italian dish that was light but good. I would get it again. - My friend had the Rigatoni Buona Terra and that was a nice combo of sundried tomato sauce topped with goat cheese. Tips: - They get busy fast so make reservations ahead of time. - They are really good about accommodating large parties - Parking is on the street. We were there a little later on a Sat night but didn't have too many problems finding parking. - Quarters are a bit tight but not too much of a concern.
(4)
John G.

The chicken dish I ordered had the most magnificent smokey mozzarella, tomato and bacon sauce I've ever tasted. Well be back... Hopefully on a Thursday based on all that I have read!
(5)
Jenna S.

We went on a Thursday night for the prix fixe menu, which was great. The $21.95 menu includes ANYTHING on their regular menu (most restaurants have a special prix fixe menu). The food was absolutely delicious (I had the four cheese gnocci and my boyfriend had the butternut squash ravioli) and the wine was great. The wine prices were excellent ($6 for a glass or $20 for a bottle) and the selection was very nice. Also very great location, especially for those in Logan Square. Right near the California bus and California Blue Line.
(5)
Danny M.

I would sell my mother, my sister, my first born, my soul ...whatever anyone wanted for Buona Terra. I have seriously had drugs that didnt even compare to Buona Terra. It is that fricken delicious. So let me tell you why ... First, you are in trendy Logan Square, which that alone gets you some points. There is decent street parking. They make reservations which is awesome, because it is a smaller restaurant. As everyone has said, you have the Thursday price-fixed menu, which rocks. Now, on to the food ... Ok, when you sit down you get fresh bread with this garlic parmesean dipping sauce. The bread is always warm, with a crunchy exterior and soft middle, perfection! However, bring extra shorts, because you will mess the first pair when you try this dipping sauce. As I said, it is a combo of garlic, parm, olive oil and just plain goodness. I found myself dipping everything into it. I was hard pressed not to ruin my appetite on that bread. YUM. Ugh I want it now. Do they deliver dipping sauce? So next, we ordered the wrapped mozzarella with prosciutto grilled and served over mixed greens and balsamic vinegar. I mean, if you can find something wrong with this, you dont deserve to eat. It is salty, sweet, crunchy, smooth, WONDERFUL. Ugh, I need that dipping sauce. I have had the Rigatoni Buona Terra, which is rigatoni pasta tossed in a sundried tomato cream topped with roasted walnuts and goat cheese. If you will need a quadruple bypass surgery anyways, eat this and just enjoy it. It is seriously one of the best pasta dishes I have ever had. I have been back since and I want to try something new but I keep going back too it. It is very rich, as a heads up! I usually take half of it home. Warning: The sauce will congeal which is mildly revolting, but heat it up, and its oily, but still wonderful. I have also had the Pollo Afumicatto, which is sauteed chicken breast with smoked mozzarella in a tomato and smoked bacon sauce served with pesto mashed potatoes. The chicken was average, but the pesto mashed potatoes were divine. My partner kept grabbing them off my plate. I was willing to leave single for those potatoes. I am still dreaming about that dipping sauce, ps. Finally for dessert, the canoli is great, and a wonderful way to end the meal. It is your traditional canoli - no surprises here. I have also had the gelato and it was refreshing. Sometimes I just eat more bread for dessert, because I have no self control. This is a great spot for a date, a meal with mom, or just casual with some friends. I promise you will love it. Yelp's honor! Only drawback - No real room to wait for your table, and there is usually a wait. If the weather is inclement (SAT word?), you might find yourself in a tight spot.
(5)
Dana C.

The food was absolutely delicious! I got the rigatoni with walnuts and goat cheese. I never knew walnuts could taste so good in pasta! My other half got veal ravioli which was equally delicious. We will definitely be back to try more of their pasta dishes!
(4)
Kristen H.

My parents and a family friend were in town and I couldn't think of a better place to bring them for a Sunday dinner. The service and food were delightful as ever. The garlic spread for the fresh baked bread is addicting! The prices of wine are very reasonable. The calamari is fresh and wonderfully cooked! Everyone enjoyed their dish - butternut squash ravioli in sage butter tasted like thanksgiving. The veal medallions and veal ravioli received rave reviews from the table. The dessert and lemoncello (although could be a tad cooler) ended the night perfectly.
(5)
Angie M.

I don't eat at many Italian places in Chicago for one reason: Buona Terra. It's perfect if you want authentic Italian food. I've been here about ten times and my favorites dishes thus far are the butternut squash ravioli (it's a seasonal dish for autumn) and the Melanzana alla Emilia Romana (translate: almond breaded eggplant topped with caramelized onions and goat cheese served with tomato sauce and basil). Both are paramount menu items. The Thursday night prix-fixe is one of the best deals in the city. Appetizer, entree, and dessert for $21.95. I recommend watching the wine you order, that's when you walk out wondering how you spent so much money when you thought it was going to be a cheap(ish) authentic Italian meal. They hold wine dinners about four times a year and I was lucky enough to get in on one. The dinner included wine from a small family-owned winery in Italy. A woman from the family was there to explain the wine and the history of their winery (their winery was converted from a 1700's abbey!). The servers were heavy with the pours and the food was absolutely perfect. They raffled bottles from the winery at the end of the evening. Buona Terra is a treat. Go there. Tonight.
(5)
Dianne S.

Now here's a small space with huge character & a lively atmosphere. This tiny but quaint space gets pretty loud...in a good way. Came for the pri-fixe Thursday dinners that includes appetizer, entree, and dessert for only $22. Only con....we had to wait about 20 minutes even though we had reservations and the hostess didn't really update us until we hounded her about the wait. On to the food!!...I all but devoured my friend's starter (mozarella wrapped in procuitto & grilled over a bed of greens). My grilled baby octopus was also delicous...more tentacles please! No one left disappointed or hungry.
(3)
Jennifer I.

3.5 stars, really.... I was anxious to come on a Thursday and inhale as much food as possible as part of the $22 prix fixe. This is definitely a fabulous deal. I started with the fresh zucchini soup which was awesome..next I had the Veal Monte Carlo, which was very tasty, and for dessert I chose the pistachio gelato, which was the best part of the meal for me...omg, serious yumminess. Normally, my favorite part of a meal involves some sort of fat and/or salt....the fact that the dessert was the highlight says a lot for how great this gelato was. My only tiff was with the service...it was on the slow/disorganized side. I was in fabulous company (the lovely Melanie S. and the debonair David S.) so I didn't mind waiting..however, I was very conscious of the fact that we were, indeed, waiting longer than we should have. I am told that usually the service is better..so I am giving 3.5 on the side of 4 instead of 3. I am so going back again as soon as the opportunity presents itself...I will re-review then, but I feel confident that the service will be better and I will be giving it a solid 4. And, that I'll be getting the pistachio gelato, natch.
(4)
Ali H.

This is a cute restaurant, albeit deafeningly loud on a saturday night, in the logan square neighborhood that has reasonably priced authentic Italian food. First of all, the bread came out with some sort of tapenade in addition to the mini carafe of olive oil in the table. Wow, it was spectacular. I didn't even ask what was in it. I didn't care. I was too busy stuffing my face with it. The rest of the meal, honestly, was not too memorable. We got an eggplant main dish and some bruschetta. The little dishes of olive oil and parm on the table were cute and nice to have with the bread. It was all good, but I'm not waking up in the morning with it on the mind. I'd be back if I was in the area, but probably won't make it a destination. Well, unless for the cannoli.... it was great and probably my favorite part of the meal. YUM. An extra star just for that.
(4)
Moe f.

Been here many times and it's a pretty solid joint for Italian. Finally had a chance to do the Thursday night pre fixe. Started with an OK beef carpacio. The winning app was the proscuitto asparagus though. I had a nice pasta with rock shrimp. Wife had rigatoni with a goat cheese cream sauce. Both were great as was the veal ravioli. And ended the meal with some delicious tiramisu. And the garlic they serve with the bread is fantastic. We ordered the cheapest bottle of Chianti and let's just say I wouldn't order it again.
(3)
Ree M.

We love this place! We made reservations for a Saturday night and still had to wait a few minutes, but no big deal. The hostess (who I think is also the owner?) was great and our waiter was knowledgeable. My Dude always gets the linguine and clams, he loves it. I tried the white fish special, it was amazing. It's overall just a great place.
(4)
Awilda G.

Love love love this place. I went on a Thursday and will be going back!
(5)
Juliana R.

My boyfriend and I made a last min reservation here for vday and this place was slammed! We only waited for our table for about 10 min and the staff was super friendly and food was amazing! Instead of olive oil n cheese with our bread they gave us some kind of pesto sauce and it was delicious! We will definitely be back again!
(5)
betsy b.

SOOOO good.....whatever they serve with the bread at the beginning of the meal is garlic breath death but ridiculously good!!! We started off with the caprese and panzenella (sp) salads....they were both really good and I was a panzenella virgin...who knew this thing was so tasty!!! I of course preferred my dining companions entree over mine but thankfully she was willing to share. I went with the butternut squash ravioli and while it was good, the filling was a bit dry and all the sauce filtered to the bottom of the bowl. My friend got the rigatoni with goat cheese and walnuts.....it was perfect!!! I couldn't stop stealing bites. I want to come back here for the Thursday night pri fixe. This place is a cute little gem and even has sidewalk seating for summer.
(4)
Linsey R.

This is hands down 1 of our favorite Italian restaurants in Chicago! We eat here about once a month and I have yet to be disappointed by anything! Everything from the martinis and wine to the appetizers and entrees to the dessert is delish. The proscuttio wrapped mozzarella is soooo good. The specials always sound so delicious so that's usually what I get and I've been happy every time. The fish is always very fresh. My boyfriend always gets pasta and it is always great! I tried a bow tie pasta w/goat cheese and asparagus last weekend and it is now one of my favorite dishes! Excellent dessert and cappuccino /espresso also! I highly recommend Buona Terra! YUM.
(5)
Lauren S.

Love this place. It's our anniversary dinner spot every year and a fantastic local Italian restaurant. Prix Fixe on Tuesday which can't be beat. Friendly and attentive wait staff. Cozy atmosphere with a pretty full dining room at peak hours/days. Decent wine list and consistently delicious food. Mmm. Now I want some octopus and sausage.
(5)
Michelle S.

Seriously GREAT food. Maybe the best Italian in the city. We were sat at the worst table in the whole restaurant and I still enjoyed my meal- That's how awesome it was. The service overall was pretty good-prompt and courteous, but wine list could really use some sprucing up. Although budget friendly, none of the multiple wines we ordered were good. Minus one star for that. Would go back for a delish dinner with no more than 4 people in a party---if you go above that number, expect to be crammed!
(4)
Eric B.

All neighborhoods in Chicago aspire for that cozy Italian restaurant, and Buona Terra launches Logan Square into the "haves", as far as this category is concerned. With its two room, exposed brick, linen tablecloth decor, Buona Terra places itself firmly in bistro territory, and it wears that look well. The menu packs more flavor and satisfaction than you would expect for the price. I was particularly impressed with the extensive veal selection - last time I was here I agonized over three dishes before finally selecting the vitella monte carlo, and I was not disappointed - veal wrapped in prosciutto covered with frontera cheese. It was unbelievable, and complemented with crisp and flaky roast potatoes and crunchy broccoli. Kelly was equally impressed, both with a special consisting of grilled chicken breasts soaked in a mushroom sauce and asparagus, and the standard menu chicken - chicken breasts grilled in herbs with fresh tomato, mozz and arugula. In both cases the chicken breasts were pounded yet deliciously juicy and tender. Many others have detailed the prix fixe deal, and I concur with their accolades. In addition to that special, BT has daily dish specials, and this summer has been providing a delicious full bodied Italian Rose for a mere $26 a bottle, that more than stands up to the aforementioned hearty veal dish. But the deliciousness does not end at the main course. For dessert, you would be committing criminal self-deprivation by passing up the profiteroles. The gelato is richer than most ice cream in French restaurant versions, the chocolate balances between dark and milk varieties, and the raspberry coulis is rich and tangy. In short, Buona Terra provides a Northwest neighborhood Italian experience that competes with Rose Angeli's and Sabatino's on value and gastronomic delight.
(4)
Gary C.

Buona Terra apparently means "Good earth." I didn't know this until I Google Translated it afterwards. But anyways... Twas a fine winter evening that some good company and I dined at this fine establishment. We were cold. We were hungry. Buona Terra was more than accommodating. We heard that this place gets packed [even during the week], so my girlfriend and I arrived a bit earlier than our friends. To our surprise, there weren't many people in il ristorante [we dined in the middle of the week]. The host sat us at the bar then our table while we waited for our friends and staff was quite attentive even though we weren't dining just yet. At our table, our waiter brought out some freshly baked bread [or so he said...it was piping hot, to his defense]. Accompanying the bread was a delicious garlic spread that would change your mind about stinky breath. Our party ordered the Polla alla Provinciana, Gnocchi Verde al Quattro Formaggi, Pollo Afumicatto, and Linguine alla Vongole. The entrees were well portioned, but the pastas are a little underwhelming in size. With that said, everything was delizioso. And on a rare occasion, we saved room for dessert! We ordered the tiramisu and the Profiterole. Let's just say they lasted a whole three minutes =) The big winner here is the vino. Very good and well priced. Buon divertimento!
(4)
John H.

My friend and I have eaten at Buona Terra several times in the past year, but this past Thursday, we went there for the Prix Fixe meal. Essentially, for $22 you get an appetizer, entree, and desert. As an appetizer, I had the black mussels in a tomato sauce. I was skeptical about getting fresh mussels that this time of year in Chicago. However, they were fresh, tasted great, and the texture was wonderful. For the main course, I ordered the veal medallions in a citrusy sauce. The veal was perfectly cooked, and tasty, but I think that their other sauce might better accompany veal. For desert, I ordered profiteroles. THESE ARE THE BEST I'VE EVER EATEN. My friend got some kind of fruit tart, and asked me for a taste of my profiteroles. They were so good, I refused to give him a taste (hehehe). I highly, highly recommend Buona Terra! There are many less expensive Italian restaurants in the area, but - in my opinion - Buona Terra has the most unique offerings (no chicken parm here). Buona Terra truly is a boon to Logan Square's rapidly expanding list of restaurants.
(4)
Jeanne H.

I've dined at Buona Terra five or six times over the past several years and what I love about this place is how consistently good it is. Every single dish I've had has tasted amazing. On top of that, the cozy atmosphere will charm you to pieces with it's low lighting and rustic decor. The waitstaff is also amazing and will not leave your water glass emtpy at any point. Foodwise, I highly recommend the ravioli in sage brown butter and the breaded eggplant. My mouth is watering now just thinking about them. Go to Buona Terra! You won't be disappointed!
(5)
Jake L.

Great atmosphere great food. Great location. My only complaint is a lot of their dishes don't come with protean you have to add it to most of the pasta dishes. Their sausage is incredible.
(4)
Jackie B.

While it has maybe been a year since I have been to Buona Terra, I thought it could use a review! I used to have friends who lived in the area and had a tradition of Thursday night dinners at Buona Terra. Let me just say that I am a graduate student who loves to eat out, but definitely has a budget. Buona Terra has never disappointed! I have tried a number of their appetizers, main courses and desserts due to their prix fix menu, and have pretty much loved it all! Of note, it can get a little crowded, so if you do not want to wait (or get a drink by the bar) head in early!!
(5)
Cara T.

I had a friend come in for a visit, and I wanted to take her to a nicer restaurant for her last night. Buona Terra had been in my bookmarks for a while, so I thought it would be a good choice. Good food, almost good service, almost good atmosphere. I started with the Prosciutto e Mozzarella alla Ferri, which was basically bacon wrapped mozzarella. For the $9 I spent, I wish I had made another selection. It was just meh. For my entree, I had the chicken special for the night... Pollo Caprese I believe. It was served with veggies and mashed potatoes. It was just A-OK as well. My friend had the gnocchi verdi and I sampled a bite. I hate gnocchi and Buona Terra's was not good enough to change my mind. And now, for the main event.......DESSERT! We had the profiteroles and the cheesecake. Both were amazing. The chocolate and raspberry sauce on the profiteroles was perfect and gelato inside was smooth and creamy. Unfortunately, after dessert was when our service went down hill. Everything was perfect through our meal. Pretty quick service and our water glasses never reached the bottom. However, at the end of our meal, our waiter brought us the wrong check, which he took at least 30 mins to fix. It was another 15 to get us the right check, and yet another 15 to get him to pick up the payment (I don't like to just leave the bill on the table). I was ready to leave Buona Terra long before they were ready to let me go. Unfortunately, they kept me just long enough for me to enjoy walking back to my car in the rain. The atmosphere looks calm and relaxing from the outside, but it was pretty loud the night we were there (a Tuesday I believe). The place was packed out. I'm not going to say Buona Terra could not have wowed me, because there were so many things on their menu I could try....however, this was not the best experience. Maybe a more positive update in the future.
(3)
Marie M.

The second best Italian restaurant I have been to. Great date spot. I really enjoyed the calamari, and their pastas are cooked perfectly, not too tender. A perfect cozy, yet romantic, family owned restaurant. On date nights, always good to make a reservation. Their brandy sauce a must have, a recipe I recently perfected.
(4)
katie b.

I'm not an avid yelper, so when I write things it's because I feel the need to. Overall, a pretty disappointing dinner. Read why below. So here's the deal. Went for valentines day, yes I assumed it would be busy...but I also assumed they would honor a reservation made weeks in advance. Not the case. Got there early and then had to wait an extra half hour past our reservation, no big deal if we had a place to wait, except the only open space was a small bar in the corner, full of other couples waiting for their delayed reservation as well. Cramped and awkward. We got sick of waiting and agreed to settle on ordering a pizza and staying in, and I went to politely tell the waitress we would be leaving and to skip our name to the next annoyed waiting couple...and the owner overheard me and rudely asked why. He then insisted we don't leave and that our table would be ready. I appreciate the attention and the quick response, however his reaction was actually very rude. The entire place is so small and cramped. People sitting on top of each other, even our table for two was tiny. I felt like i was having dinner with about 5 other couples in elbows reach. I must say the waitress and hostess were very nice, but the owner was not a people person thats for sure. The food was good, but very small portions...Get a salad and/or antipasti or else you'll leave hungry. The service was fast as far as the check and drinks are concerned, even though they tried to double charge us for drinks we ordered at the bar. After it was said and done, I wouldn't go back there. Not what I was expecting for such a highly recommended restaurant.
(2)
Jesus D.

I love this place every time I go there the quality of the food is excellent, the pork chops is one of my favorite dishes, i also love the new York cheese cake with the chocolate on top it makes my experience even more pleasant.
(5)
Marnie R.

A great neighborhood find. Fresh ingredients, warm cozy atmosphere and lick the plate clean food. Things we would order again are the prosciutto wrapped mozzarella grilled and the grilled calamari.. Both are on mixed greens with that lick your plate flavors I was speaking of. Another stand out is the spaghetti pasta with rock shrimp, spinach, fresh tomatoes, olive oil and garlic. Best of all the prices were incredible. Already thinking of going back again next weekend.
(4)
Catherine B.

I feel like there's not much more raving that can be done about this place, than already has. The food is delicious - I recommend the veal ravioli - and the service and atmosphere are fantastic. Our table wasn't quite ready when we arrived, and we had to wait about 20 minutes. This was actually a little bit awkward, because our group was 9 people, and there isn't much of a "waiting / bar area" to speak of. But once we were seated, the evening was flawless.
(4)
Steven S.

This is our second time eating at BT. First time was Valentine's day and now for our 5th Anniversary. Both times we were seated in the back room, which is better than in the main room (where it can get crowded with peeps waiting for their table). Like our last visit, the food was great. Can't remember what we had last time but here's what we had on 5/8/10: Mista Salad (for 2) - more than enough salad for 2 people. They even served it to us on separate plates so we didn't have to scoop salad onto each other's plates like Neanderthals. Nice! Farfalle alla Dominic - Very good. Creamy but not too creamy according to Mrs. Citizen who had this dish. I didn't try it because I was too enthralled with my dish. Pollo Afumicatto - Chicken? Check. Mozzerella? Check. Bacon?!? Check. Pesto? Check. Potatoes? Check. This dish had it all. At first I was taken aback by how it tasted more like tomatoey-bacon than chicken. My lil' taste buds were all confused but then fell quickly in love with the sauce that covered the chicken. The more I had, the better it tasted. The pesto mashed potatoes were tasty too. Nice touch. My scavenger vegetarian wife nabbed some of the potatoes and really like them too. Lucky for her I'm in love with her, or there would've been a fork stuck in that hand that came across the table. Seriously, you guys, there would've been. I'm not even joking. Anyhoo, Dessert consisted of Cannoli and a piece of cheesecake slathered in chocolate-raspberry sauce. So good. Again, the wife's hand came across the table at the cheesecake and I held back my animal instinct to stab the intruding hand. "Hold back", I said to myself, "You love this one and that's why you're here today." After that, my heart rate returned to 60 and we sat back and finished off the meal with some coffee. Here's to 5 years of enjoying great food in Chicago with my wife. Thanks Buona Terra for another joyful dinner. All in all we got outta there for $63 including everything listed above, a glass of wine and a Limonada. Good value for your dollar. I'm taking off a star for the bad layout in the main room for those waiting for their table. I'd like to only take off a half star but I can't, can I Yelp?
(4)
Brook E.

I've eaten here for dinner once, and from what I remember, it was an awesome, buttery Italian meal. But really, I come here more often for dessert and drinks around 9 or 10 at night. The staff is always happy to seat us right away, and the desserts are VERY good. Maybe it's a good thing I don't come here for dinner too often, because I'd probably never make it to the dessert menu. They have a pretty good selection of wines by the glass, and a full bar. I usually order at least one gin martini, and it's always cold, cold, deliciousness.
(5)
Katie R.

always fresh. always amazing! and the garlicy sauce they serve with their just-baked bread must be laced with crack - so good. my favorites: pasta primavera for a lighter dish and rigatoni buona terra for something a little more creamy (and fattening - yum). the pecan-crusted eggplant is really good, as well!
(5)
Kathleen C.

Made reservations for the Thursday Night prix fixe. WoW! It was great! You can order any of the appetizers, entrees, dessert for $22 a person. Went with a group of 4 and all of the food was fantastic. We all had a bite from each other's plates. While everything was supurb, the spaghetti with rock shrimp was by far the best dish. The plates were hugh with leftovers for all. Ordered 2 bottles of wine, 4 different appetizers, 4 different entrees and desserts. It was about $50 each with tax/tip due to the wines but well worth it! Would have been much more money if we ordered it ala carte. Would definitely go back but probably only on a Thursday... don't forget to make a reservation because it was packed!
(4)
Allie J.

Decent but nothing to write home about.
(3)
victor k.

We met Chepe and Eileen (owners) at lunch on our first day in Chicago. They gave us all the local places to go and were so helpful. When we found out that they owned a classic italian restaurant we knew we had to try it. People that are that helpful are so because of their passion. And yes that translates to their business (or should i say an extension of home). Stepping into BT feels more like coming home rather than going out to a business establishment. A big hug from Momma (Eileen) as we are seated next to the neighborhood priest. The food was amazing and one conversation w/ Chepe and you know why. He loves food! He still shops for his ingredients one step at a time and still creates w/ his staff after lunch w/ the kids. Seriously, someone needs to make a movie here. True heartwarming story of how they live life and keeping business from getting in the way. What a romantic story! ok let's get to the food! first off the garlic / dash of heaven for the bread is worth a fed ex shipment - the look on my wife's face was like if you plan on living to the entree don't you dare touch my garlic/heaven tapenade! The prix fixe on Thursday is the way to go. we had Prosciutto e Mozzarella alla Ferri (creamy mozzarella wrapped in a slice of italian ham) Pollo Afumicatto (chicken w/ smoked mozz loved w/ tomato smoked bacon saucey goodness) Ravioli con Vittelo (ravioli stuffed w/ veal in a brandy cream sauce topped w/ fresh mozz) There was only one problem w/ the food ....it is 2,065 mi away from my home! Yes, I did share that w/ Eileen and wouldn't you know ... she took down our address and said she would sent us some BT goods! You can't write a story of a great neighborhood restaurant any better. YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELF & ME to go and mangia fatta grossa!
(5)
Craig F.

I can consider myself an expert on Buona Terra having dined here more than I might want to acknowledge. Always quality food and a warm friendly experience. Comfortable atmosphere. Standouts: Garlic spread with warm bread. I live nearby and just smelling the garlic roasting some afternoons insures I will be headed there for dinner. Capellini - A simple dish that I cannot get enough of. Veal Monte Carlo- just get it you know you want to. Rigatoni - the best winter dish.
(5)
Abby M.

We went here last night for dinner and had a fantastic time (my 2nd time at this restaurant). The hostess was very friendly, the bartender was very friendly (and funny), and our server - Miguel - was on top of his game, friendly, and had some nice recommendations. We all went with the pre-fixe and enjoyed every dish. I had the beet salad with goat cheese, my friend had the prosciutto wrapped mozzarella, and the husband had the Cesar salad. I've had the mussels before as an appetizer and they are delicious. I highly recommend them. For entrees 2 of us had the special of frutte de mare, and a chicken dish with pesto mashed potatoes. Everything was perfect, timed nicely, and again, service was great. He was there when we needed another glass of wine but forgot to ask, his suggestions were spot-on, and he was really friendly and not in a cheesy type of way. The desserts were great - I would definitely get the tiramisu and gelato any day. We left feeling full and happy. The tables are a bit close together - so people, if you're rude enough to have your phone sitting on the table the entire dinner, put it on vibrate. I don't need to hear that you're getting a text message every 2 minutes. And you don't, either. It's a phone, it lights up and vibrates. We don't need to hear it, too. I'll definitely be back. It's a cute restaurant, with solid food, nice atmosphere and great service. Prices are very reasonable and parking is fairly easy.
(4)
Angela H.

Last two times I've been here has been with large groups and they haven't been that accommodating. They want us all to be there before we got seated. We're a group of 22 people standing by the small bar area and obstructing exits. The food wasn't as good as I remember, I don't know if it's because our orders were so big that they couldn't get the timing right. The attention to detail was lacking. I would taste the food and think this good....but a little less watery and a little more kick and garlic it would be perfect....like it used to be....what's going on here? where's the buona terra I fell in love with?
(4)
Liang G.

A very nice place. We had a group of 5 people and a reservation so we did not have to wait but otherwise its not a big place by Chicago standards so one would probably have to wait a bit to get seated. There is a front room and a back room. Its a pretty crowded feel but not so much that you feel everyone is on top of you. Its a nice, classy place ( like one that Tony Soprano would go to). Good place for a date. Food was amazing. They brought us out bread with their signature garlic spread. I think all restaurants should have this with their bread. I had the Ravioli Con Vitelli ( veal ravioli with creamy brandy sauce). It was delicious and i'm not even a pasta guy usually. Portions were good and filling. We also ordered two bottles of wine and for all of us the tab came up to about $170. So all in all not that expensive. The service was friendly and quick. Overall a delightful dining experience. In summery, get the Ravioli Con Vitelli. I haven't been to lots of authentic Italian places but this one def ranks at the top of my list.
(4)
Shana M.

What a gem! Tiny little spot in Logan Square, felt like I was eating in a fancy apartment with it's brick walls and "quaint" murals. I got a taste of each of the 6 entrees my friends and I ordered, and each one seemed to top the next. We began with the caprese appetizer and a bottle of chianti. The bread served before meals was also delish, always hot out of the oven, and the roasted garlic tapenade AH-MAZING! I also ordered an appetizer of the artichoke soup which was so *delicate* we couldn't decide if bland was the more appropriate word (in the end, I don't think so). The tri-color salad, very good, very balanced, but paled in comparison to the more decadent meals on the table. The tissue paper thin beef tenderloin in the Carpaccio salad was melt in your mouth and topped with capers (my favorite!), shaved Parmesan, and portabella mushroom slices. My roommate said it was 1 of the 10 best meals she's ever had. The butternut squash stuffed ravioli with crispy bits of sage in a light cheese cream sauce was show stealer. The veal stuffed ravioli also a stand out in the crowd. Can't wait until I have a date to treat to this wonder.
(5)
Shradha A.

I went here last weekend with my bf to celebrate his birthday. Although the experience wasn't bad in any way, it wasn't special either. We had to wait for a table for 10-12 mnts even after we had a reservation and we requested them because we had a show to catch after! The food was okay, service was average and the place is cramped. I think it's one of those neighborhood places people swear by but nothing special enough that will draw people in all the way from the city!
(3)
Seth P.

I have never yelped this place because it's not like they need help, with their 215 4-star reveiws... But I gotta give credit where credit is due... This is hands-down the best restaurant in my neighborhood... The service is consistently friendly, concerned and unobtrusive... The food is delicious whether you want basic Italian or something a little different... The prices are great. The best thing I ever ate there was a classic American seasonal special -- pork chops with autumn vegetables (sweet potatoes, onions, carrots etc.). Nothing fancy, the vegetables blended perfectly with the meat which could not have been higher quality. For sixteen dollars, I got two huge, delicious chops. I had to take one home for lunch, so I got two incredible meals for eight dollars each. I felt like I'd robbed them.
(5)
Kara Z.

Great Italian in a quaint yet convenient Logan square location. I enjoyed the variety on the daily special menu. Also, the profiteroles were amazing - chocolate and raspberry sauce. Very reasonably prices - 1 app, 2 meat entrees, bottle of wine and dessert for $82. I can't wait to try some of the pasta dishes.
(4)
Bret C.

My wife and I went here with another couple for their three course dinner on Thursday, and we loved everything about the experience. They have a great atmosphere, outdoor seating, and the food is amazing.
(5)
Kristin K.

I. Heart. Buona. Terra. Sooooo, so so good. Delicious food - the pastas are so rich. My boyfriend wants to eat there time to time even though he works in an Italian restaurant and is sick to death of Italian food. That's how special Buona's food is! Rigatoni Buona Terra is my favorite, followed by the Gnocchi. I tried the Pollo Affumicatto once and that was good too, especially the pesto mashed potatoes. Grilled calamari - great. Soups - amazing. GARLICKY BREAD DIP SPREAD OF DELIGHT OH MY GOD! Pretty good wines could be better. Adorable decor and good service. Once they were playing JT over their speakers which was hilarious but I enjoyed it. What else -- limoncello shots! This place of course has all the Check Please and Zagat ratings under the sun. Just eat here you can't be disappointed!
(5)
george k.

Food - hit or miss, but when it hit it was terrific. **** Atmosphere - ** Service - * I went here last night and my lady friend and I each got the Prix Fixe and a bottle of wine. We tried a variety of things and I would say half were really good, and half were blah. Carpaccio was overdressed and so so. The salad we had was amazing The veal was blah Steak was terriffic Both desserts were pretty good. I would give it a 4 just on the food, we were both happy and were able to try many things... so that was good. Where it failed was service and atmosphere... We probably got the worst seat in the house. We sat there for 10 minutes or more before we even had bread. Near the end of the meal they quit filling water glasses. We did not even get asked if we wanted coffee or espresso with the dessert. In addition to this it was so loud in there that you could barely hear the person next to you. I would try this again, but hesitant due to the terrible service.
(2)
Justin H.

Buona Terra is like my second home ... and if I could rent a room there, it'd like be my first. Last spring I even proposed to my wife here. Any time my friends are in town, this is where we go to meetup. We were originally attracted here by the prix fixe menu, which became a weekly tradition that has lasted a number of years. But Buona Terra has so much more to offer ... Food: The fare isn't gluttonous (like Rose Angelis), nor is it your standard Italian-American offering. It's something else ... warm, comforting, delicious and original. Whenever I'm feeling down, I stop into the joint for a bite of the butter-sage ravioli. It helps me feel whole again. Drinks: The drinks are also great. When Chepe (the owner) is behind the bar, you can expect a great mix, ask for his homemade margaritas sometime. He also has a great eye for wine, nabbing some fantastic grapes for THE most reasonable price in town. Dessert: As to the dessert ... it often keeps me at the table longer than the meal. I could read you the entire dessert menu by memory (hint: I still think their cannolis are the best in town). Plus, the staff makes a mean espresso. Atmosphere: I'm also not sure how Eileen does it, but the entire place has a remarkable feel. It's always the right amount of crowded and closeness, making it feel more like a community and less like a restaurant. It helps that this is the place that locals go for dinner, too. Service: The wait staff here is impeccable, it's always at just the right level. I've never felt like we were too little or to well attended to. My only complaint is that we can't invite Jose to our table to eat with us.
(5)
Gaby T.

Love this place! I always get their veal. Always delicious! I like the complimentary bread and garlic spread they bring to the table. They also, if you ask, have a spicy spread that has a delicious smoky taste. Such a great neighborhood spot. Parking can be tricky but they do offer valet.
(5)
Erika C.

heaven is a place on earth. found out through this place on yelp and we feel like we are soon to become regulars. everyone there is so nice, and it feels like your part of a cozy family. unsure if the hostess is the owner but she is always so warm and welcoming to everyone. living in the gold coast, this place is worth the commute since everything is fresh and they make a mean lemon drop martini. Thursdays they have a pre-fix menu where you get a appetizer, entrÃ©e, and dessert for around 23 dollars. this will most definitely become our weekly date spot. :)
(5)
Kyle W.

Quality Italian food. It's not cheap but it's good for a special night out. I live a few blocks away and appreciate how it's tucked inside our logan square neighborhood. There's a great pasta selection with plenty of vegetarian options, and people who know more than me say the wine list is large and interesting. Try the almond crusted eggplant! My service has been hit or miss, but I never had a really bad experience. It's up there with Rose Angelis and Piccolo Sogno (though not as good) and other higher end Italian places in the city, and it's easier to get a table here.
(3)
John G.

Always a great experience at buona terra! Food is always consistently delicious. Chepe & Elene always treat us like we are family. Great neighborhood family gem!
(5)
David M.

Delicious! Celebrated our anniversary tonight at BT. My wife had the salmon special. I had the spinach gnocchi. We shared the carpaccio with portabello mushrooms and shaved parmesan along with the roasted garlic eggplant spread and some fresh bread. Everything was terrific. The wine list looked more than adequate, but we love Peroni beer, so we had a couple of those. The staff were very attentive - bread and water refilled regularly, and questions about the menu answered knowledgeably. The dining room was pretty full (surprising to me for a rainy Tuesday night) but not very loud at all. We could talk using our "inside voices". For dessert we enjoyed the tiramisu. Great place to eat in Logan Square. I think we'll go back some Thursday (soon) for the prix fixe - $22 you pick any appetizer, any entree and any dessert!
(5)
Jonathan W.

Don't be a moron and listen to any of the one star reviews. Buona Terra is one of most tasty, well run and clean neighborhood restaurants in the city. It is run by real people who truly give a shit. The food is consistently fresh, the service is very efficient and fast.
(5)
Syed R.

I've been going here for years and it is my favorite restaurant in the city. Excellent food, ambiance, staff, etc. It is the perfect romantic getaway for me and my wife for all our dates. Highly recommended!
(5)
Mark C.

Oh the gems we find in Chicago. The food is just excellent. The servers attentive and helpful. And yes, the garlic spread; it's delicious and I need it at home all the time. I'm always down for a deal and Thursdays they offer an amazing 3course special for less than $25. This just too good of a deal to pass on and the food just took me to wonderful place. From the veal I had to the plates on other patrons tables everything looks and smells delightful. Possible new favorite, yes indeed.
(4)
Patrick T.

They serve bread with this garlic spread which is really good. I had the ravioli con vitello and I was not super impressed -- I don't know why. Everyone else on yelp seems to love it, but man was it average. Also tried their pollo al afumicato and I think it was nothing to write home about. The mashed potatoes aren't all that special. I don't know if I'll come back.
(2)
Mollie O.

The first time I ate here, my dad brought me for my bday a couple years ago. It happened to be Thursday, so we pigged out on the Prix Fix menu and a bottle of wine. :) I've happily returned on several occasions with both family and friends. I wish I could try more than the one thing I always seem to get, but it's too good to risk getting anything else. The calamari app and the beets with baked goat cheese are phenomenal. My bf would kill for a bowl of their veal ravioli to land in front of him right now. I was surprised to continue to enjoy it so much, because I'm not usually a fan of ordering pasta at restaurants (and thus generally stay away from Italian), but I can never stay away for too long. Conveniently, they're a 2min walk from my house and alarmingly affordable. They even accommodate take out.
(5)
Caitlin O.

I can't say enough about how much I love Buona Terra. Eileen and Cheppe are amazing and have always been gracious hosts. I was hazed into the buona terra club years ago and I would be lying if I said I didn't eat there at least once a month, if not more. Every dish I have ever had has been delish, although I am a creature of habit and always go back to the Bolognese. My boyfriend lives across Logan Blvd and the walking distance to BT is one of his best qualities. I jest, he has some other ones that aren't bad. Go there, drink all the wine and eat yourself into a pasta coma.
(5)
Amanda H.

I was telling a couple of coworkers that my boyfriend wanted to take me on a date. They suggested a cute Italian restaurant with exposed brick in Logan Square. I brushed it off saying that he had plans. He DID have plans for a really expensive sushi place in River North that I later vetoed because of the price. He did some Yelping and found this place. Unbeknownst to me, it was the same place that was recommended by my coworkers! It was really crowded and the owner's wife offered us a table, but she warned us it was really small. We said it was fine, but once we sat down my boyfriend said he felt like we were at the kid's table during a holiday (LOL!) He asked if we could move once a table opened up and we were moved within 5 minutes. I ordered the Chianti Giancarlo which was really good for the price per glass. They have an extensive wine menu, but there are only a handful of wines that you can order by the glass. Both of our dishes, the tortellini special and the arrabiata penne were delicious. They check your coat for free too! It is a really romantic place, even when it's crowded. I was totally wooed by the decor, the food, and the steady rain falling outside. I can't guarantee the romantic rain, but I can guarantee you'll love this place.
(5)
Valerie Z.

Fresh, savory, full of flavor and all around amazing food. Will truly take care of your craving for Italian. Check them out next time you want Italian cuisine. Hats off to the chef :)
(5)
Avishay Y.

Been going there for 2 years now and the food is always awesome! Defiantly the BEST Italian restaurant in chicago!
(5)
Rhonda P.

Great little family owned restaurant and the perfect place for an evening out with friends. Everything we ordered was delicious, grilled calamari, soup, pork chops, veal, pasta and a sampler of desserts. They even decanted and served a selection of fine wine we brought in to share with friends. The overall service was warm and friendly. We will definitely be back.
(4)
Matt K.

Great Pasta with cream sauces - Rigatoni, Rotini, Gnocchi. Also try the butternut squash ravioli.
(5)
Thomas Z.

This place was amazing. Sort of pricy but worth it all the more. The service was outstanding the food tasted amazing. I will for sure be back whenever I'm in town. I recommend this place to anyone who likes Italian food. The garlic butter stuff they give you with bread it the best. Easy 5/5.
(5)
Hannah H.

A cute little Italian restaurant in which I thought had the best appetizer and dessert - I had their Olpi Alla Griglia (an octopus appetizer that I thought was so flavorful, the octopus being quite tender, and that it was better-tasting than Babbo's in NY!). Their cannoli was unbelievably devine! It had the right amount of pistachio and the filling was so creamy, and the cannoli's exterior was also crunchy and tasty. Their pastas/entrees weren't anything to my liking, but, I would definitely come back here for the octopus appetizer and for their cannoli! +Olpi Alla Griglia appetizer +cannoli!
(4)
Kevin D.

I am stuffed! So good. It's Thursday and the have a prix fixe is a wonderful deal at $22 bucks. Mussels, Veal Monte Carlo, and cheesecake. All spectacular, and for that price come on!!!! My girlfriend got the rotini di nono, and that was also really scrumptious. The wine left more to be desired but we ordered on the cheap end. We will be back
(4)
Lourdes A.

Like most people, I tried Buona Terra on a Thursday night to take advantage of the fantastic prix fixe menu where for $22.95, you can choose ANY appetizer, entree, and dessert from the regular menu. I don't know of any other place that makes such a generous offer so they should get a star just for that. My three choices were: mussels, penne arrabiatta, and the chocolate pecan tort. The mussels and pasta were delicious. If it's true that it's all about the sauce, then Buona Terra clinches it. The spicy tomato sauce that the mussels were nestled in had good kick and wonderful flavor, as did the arrabiatta sauce. But I think it's as much about the pasta and mine was perfectly al dente. As an aside, my dining partner had minestrone soup and was impressed that the veggies were crisp (even the zucchini!) and not overcooked as tends to happen with minestrone. The chocolate pecan tort was a little too milk chocolate sweet for my palate. It almost tasted like fudge with nuts in it. If you like fudge, you'll like this dessert. Next time, I'll pick something else. My only complaint would be our server didn't add to our experience. On the contrary, he seemed to be going through the motions (maybe a bad night?). He wasn't quick on his feet from a service perspective. To illustrate: my partner ordered an entree that was $23.95 while I ordered the penne that was $12.95. I asked if chicken could be added and he said no, that'd be extra. If I were him, I'd have quickly obliged and made my customer happy given that the base price of my entree was only $12.95, so even if they add chicken, they're still ahead. Unfortunately, that interaction set the tone. All in all, I'd definitely return because the food is good and the price is right.
(4)
Alyssa G.

My husband and I absolutely love Buona Terra! The restaurant is family owned and offers the best Italian food in the vicinity! The ambiance is warm and inviting; a perfect Chicago neighborhood restaurant. Pastas and seafood are amazing. You can't go wrong if you come here!
(5)
Jason M.

This place is awesome. Great food friendly staff reasonably priced. They also serve great roasted garlicky spread that is delicious. On Thursdays they have a pre fix menu that I want to try. We 'll be back
(5)
Lucas W.

The food is great, but the atmosphere is loud, cramped, and hectic. I've come on time with reservations many times and they never have our table ready when we get there. It's unprofessional.
(3)
Ghosoon A.

Let me start out by saying this place is more of 3.75 stars, not a solid 4. Let me tell you why... Ambiance: This place is perfect for a group of friends that want to eat and laugh and make some noise. I always end up going to Italian restaurants that are so quiet you can hear a pin drop. I have a loud voice, I need a restaurant that can handle that. Service: This was topnotch. Our waiter was attentive, knowledgeable, and seemed interested in what we had to say which is always good. He also recommended some delicious Italian fare, which wins him many points in my book. Food:It was nothing to write home about but it's solid food. I got spaghetti in a tomato sauce with rock shrimp. It was only okay. The rock shrimp was good but the sauce was runny and tasted a bit bland. My friend got some sort of pasta in a cream sauce....now that was delicious! The cream sauce was flavorful and thick and magically delicious. Overall, good Italian food at an okay price. For a group of three women we spent around $80 with dessert and a few drinks.
(4)
Jeffrey G.

One of Chicago's more underrated neighborhood gems, located in the bustling heart of Logan Square on California. The Italian food here is top notch (their gnocchi is my favorite dish and my favorite gnocchi in Chicago), and the line is never very long. The restaurant is cozy too, with delightfully intimate atmosphere. The food is also very reasonably priced for the quality and interior ambiance.
(5)
Aaron Jae M.

Honestly one of (if not THE) best italian restaurants I have been to. AND they have a prix fixe menu for $22 (used to be $20 a few years back) The prix fixe has let me try many different items on their menu and all of them have been truly amazing. I have never loved my taste buds so much. Service has always been extremely friendly and very professional. The owner has come to our table multiple times (not all in one visit) and gotten to know us a little and asked us about the food. The sign of a quality restaurant. If for some crazy reason you haven't been here already, put it on the top of your to do list. P.S. The prix-fixe is only on thursdays.
(5)
Leah W.

So wonderful. Lovely, intimate atmosphere. Delightful and very freshly prepared food. Attentive staff. All of that, and it's affordable! I've never had trouble getting a seat even though it's rather small, and it's easy to park in the neighborhood. Highly recommended for authentic delicious Italian and perfect for a lovely weeknight meal that won't kill your budget. I've been here a number of times and never been disappointed - the seafood pasta is divine and the carbonara is also good. Enjoy!
(5)
Travis W.

We dined here impromptu one night and were pleasantly surprised. The food is pretty good overall. Not sure if all the pasta is hand made (seemed like boxed Farfelle for example) but overall the food was great. Very friendly service.
(4)
Sony A.

I love this place! One of our faves for date night. Great, fresh, homemade food. Reasonably priced but be on alert for parking. We had some pasta and an Octopus salad which was all amazing. Our server was attentive and friendly. I would absolutely recommend this place to friends and will definitely be going back.
(5)
Zimin M.

Food is good and the place is cozy with great atmosphere.
(4)
Kelsey K.

We've been to Buona Terra several times and our experiences have ranged from great to so-so. I do have to say that in terms of a consistent experience, I find Letizia's to be better and it has a more creative menu. I still love Buona Terra, don't get me wrong, but I think that I am more likely to consider Letizia's my go-to italian joint in the neighborhood.
(4)
Ivanka B.

This is our family's go-to spot - everyone loves it, loves going on Thursdays for the excellent value and food and even had grandma's birthday here along with numerous other family events. My uncle is a dear that hands out gift certificates here like candy at Christmastime. There are items that don't always appear on the menu - my favorite being the Vitello Serafino? - with mushrooms and pine nuts - deliciousness. Perfect carpaccio - pounded out the way it should be, with fresh parm curls and capers and I think a bit of truffle oil. Calamari is always fresh and divine as well as the ravioli - both veal and squash. Their chocolate dessert in a hazelnut crust is my favorite but their panna cotta is pretty bangin' also. Aaaaand - the most perfect Grey Goose cosmo in all of Chicago - yes people it is possible to screw it up. I have had way too many crappy ones, but never ever has it been here.
(5)
Nicholaus H.

Best calimari ever. Awesome staff. The vitello cerifino is flawless. Great panzanella salad. I must have been here 20 times. Awesome every time.
(5)
Gal D.

This is a repeat place for my friends and I. We usually go there every other Friday for dinner and are never disappointed. The food is fresh and to be honest, it reminds me of my mom's cooking back home! The atmosphere is great for groups or a perfect place to take a date. We love that it is family owned and operated and the service is fantastic! Thank you Buona Terra for giving us a second home!
(5)
Rebecca O.

Buona Terra is ridiculously good. If it were cheaper, Lucas and I would come all the time... but the food is totally worth paying a little more for. For example, can we talk about that garlic spread they bring out for the bread?? It's insane. The last time we went, I got the rotini di la nona. Normally I am nervous about ordering dishes with alfredo sauce because often they make the sauce way too rich, or use so much sauce that it's like an alfredo soup with pasta on top... gross. But I decided to give this dish a shot, and I am so glad I did. The rotini di la nona had the perfect amount of sauce, and it easily could have been the best alfredo sauce I've ever had (which is saying a lot because I eat a ton of pasta). As for the atmosphere, it is good but not excellent. It's a bit dark for my liking. Also the last time we were there, they sat us between the bar and a huge party. The huge party was drunk and loud, and we were so close to the bar that we could hear every word of this woman's conversation to a stranger about her drug habits... so that was uncomfortable. But another time we sat in the back room, which was much quieter and warmer. So I guess the moral of the story is, try to sit in the back room.
(5)
James L.

My favorite Italian restaurant. Dishes here are excellent and not just pasta. Right from the beginning when you sit down you feel at home. The bread and garlic spread starts you off immediately in the right direction of culinary delight! Place is great with small groups. You will not be disappointed. I never am!
(5)
Jenn S.

One of my favorite Italian places. I came here on Saturday night for dinner and tried something new on their menu. I typically order the pasta, Beef Carpaccio or grilled octopus which you can never go wrong. I thought I would venture out and try the Skate fish, which was very good. We also had the grilled octopus to start, along with the warm bread and garlic dipping sauce. Great spot whether you are with family or on a date. Would recommend a reservation unless you are going early, they fill up pretty quickly later in the evening. This is a long standing family run restaurant in Logan Square, definitely try for dinner.
(5)
Terri B.

Another stellar dinner at Buona Terra! Everything was fresh, delicious, and service was again spot on. Friendly staff made us very comfortable, and good music.. Cubs game was on to make the guys happy, but no volume (to make the girls happy). We took advantage of the $22 prix fixe Thursday night offering, which is really a nice way to try several menu items without breaking the bank. The appetizer portions with the prix fixe are slightly smaller than the regular sized portions, but they are perfect for one person (and sharing a bite or two across the table)- definitely not a stingy portion by any means. The mozzarella wrapped in prosciutto is one of the most yummy things I've even eaten. Love that this place is consistently a delicious and pleasant option for Italian food in Logan Square.
(5)
Nancy H.

Good pre-fixe value of $22 for 3 courses from the entire menu (Thursdays). But I'm not sure if it's worth the a la carte prices if you're not going there on a Thursday. I had the grilled calamari over mixed greens (too salty); chicken with smoked bacon infused tomato sauce, steamed broccoli, and pesto mashed potatoes (chicken was tiny!); and the profiteroles filled with vanilla gelato for dessert, which were good. The best part of the meal, though, was the garlic and oil spread that comes with the free bread! I had like 5 slices of bread because I didn't just want to spoon the spread directly into my mouth. The restaurant is small, and our party of 6 occupied the largest table in the middle of the room. The service was great - our waiter joked around with us, and another lady checked up on us at the end of the night to ask how everything was because she "heard a lot of laughter."
(3)
Jazmin C.

It's sooooo sooooo good. I've been a handful of times, and everything my friends and I have tried is delicious. It's a fairly small space, so don't go on a busy night...or try to make reservations. The manager and wait staff are all very kind. This is a great date spot.
(5)
Andrew B.

Win
(5)
Jeeves H.

well done. but to be more precise, i would probably give this place 4.25 stars, but i rounded up... been here a few times. the bread and garlic is as good as they say. we usually ask for a second basket/serving and the accommodate. the service is always good to excellent in my opinion/experiences there. we have tried a number of pasta dishes, always good. the veal ravioli, i wouldn't order that again, but i'm not a veal fan - just gave it a shot. if you're a veal fan, you'll probably love it. i usually stick with the creamy tomato gravy and can't get enough. i might try the lasagna tonight. can get a bit pricey, but it's close and high quality.
(5)
Luke H.

I am seven. I really, really, really, really, really like your food. And they payed a lot of attention to us. I liked the ambiance because it was really nice. I noticed that the bathrooms were clean. The bar looks really nice and the tables look really nice. The food tasted really good. I had the salad. I liked the dressing because it was Italian--my favorite kind of dressing.
(5)
Eddie M.

I don't know if I came a bad time or something (Around 9:30pm), but the food was very bland. My friend and I barely touched our food. The service was good, though.
(2)
Ronald Noah K.

When my best friend wanted us all to come out to Buona Terra, his favorite Italian restaurant, I was excited. The reviews looked amazing. We went on a Thursday night (prie fix night) and there was a group of 7 of us. The food was good. Not stellar. But good. Bottles of wine were priced good. Good service. Now here's my issue. They bring the bill and then tell us only 2 credit cards per table. 2 CREDIT CARDS for 7 people?!?!? It's 2013. Wake up and smell the espresso. No one has cash anymore. Everything is done my credit card. Our bill is over $400! So our one friend goes and talks to the owner. She starts crying. Apparently, the processing fees are too expensive for her. So, she allows us to do 3 credit cards since we are a large party. Luckily, the others had enough cash to cover. Hopefully, the owner will see the light and get a new processing service. This isn't an issue for tables of 2 or 3. But any party over 3 people will definitely have major issues!!
(3)
Kate G.

very good italian! Thursdays has a prix fixe menu and half price bottles of wine. good service, and the chocolate pecan tarte is to die for!
(5)
Rebekah S.

Good neighborhood Italian place with nice ambience but the main dishes left us wanting. The mushroom soup on special was amazing along with the bread and garlic spread. However, the butternut squash ravioli wasn't all we'd hoped-lacked sweetness and flavor with too much parmesan cheese. The pennine with spicy tomato sauce was okay, although I wished I'd ordered something a little more interesting.
(3)
Amy W.

Great neighborhood restaurant. Friendly staff and great place to go if your in the mood for pasta and a nice glass of wine. Definitely will be back.
(3)
Chelsea Laine H.

Where do I start? Love this place so much we came here the night we got engaged! I ordered the farfalle ala dominck (sp?) the first time and never tried anything else it was so good. The bread and spread (ha!) is always the perfect start to a meal. The serving staff are like food ninjas with great service.
(5)
Michael G.

Great option in the Logan Square area for quality, well priced, and well served Italian. The service is attentive, nice atmosphere, and the portions are good size for sharing. We all had a pasta dish; each was as advertised on the menu and very tasty. We sat by the window, and it was a nice slice of NY in Chicago. They have a great patio, but it was hot on our day. We'll be back for sure.
(4)
Suzy W.

We've dined at Buona Terra several times and the food and service is terrific. We recently celebrated a special event with 15 family members and the owners graciously opened the restaurant to accommodate our party. We had a wonderful meal and a very memorable time. Love this place!
(5)
Xamyma O.

Tremendous value, no wonder it's been reviewed to death. Everything you would want in a small intimate Italian restaurant.
(4)
Christoph B.

An oldie but goodie, (or goldie?) Finally went back to BT and had another fantastic dinner. I was craving pasta and they did not disappoint. I have no idea which dish I ordered because I went with the recommendation of the staff, but it was delicioso. Maybe it was off menu? All I remember is that it tasted like a vodka sauce. The calamari was also very good. And the bread they serve before the meal is, without a doubt, the best I've ever had. I want to know the recipe of that mustard that comes with the bread! My girlfriend ordered the salmon, and that too was a revelation. The fish was perfectly cooked and seasoned. The only complaint I have is that there were a lot of very young children in the restaurant during dinner service. Not exactly the mood I was hoping for on a romantic date, but oh well... nothing they can do about that, I guess. The food, service, and company more than made up for it though. I plan on coming back a lot sooner than my last visit.
(4)
Alex L.

Friday early evening - not busy We will have to be back for the Prix fixe menu Service was good and very attentive- Experienced waitstaff Food quality was excellent- Pasta and steak done well, seafood cooked perfectly, Bread and pÃ¢tÃ© were very good Only con: Parking is Tough, although valet was easy enough
(4)
Dhruv P.

The food was delicious but the atmosphere felt a little disjointed. I highly recommend trying the Melanzana alla Emilia Romana - almond breaded eggplant topped with caramelized onions and goat cheese served with tomato sauce and basil We got a few apps and while they were tasty, I don't feel they were astonishing to give merit. As for the atmosphere, the room you enter initially feels odd. Its trying to be cozy but because of the light or height of ceiling, it just doesn't make that feeling come alive. Better lighting on the exposed bricks and artwork would work wonders getting close to this feeling. They definitely have to work on the website. The stock photos are a bit cheesy in the late 80s way.
(4)
Emily S.

If I had to choose my favorite genre of restaurant, "neighborhood Italian" would probably be at the top of that list. Buona Terra falls squarely within that genre, and they do it well. I really like the corkscrews with proscuitto, peas and mushrooms and the grilled chicken with fresh mozz, tomatoes and basil. I've indulged in the four-cheese gnocchi and while it is very good (the spinach-potato gnocchi are really nicely done) it is WAY rich and needs something to cut the richness - the little tomato-onion garnish is not quite enough to do it. On a recent visit, my mother-in-law had a special of fresh housemade linguine with seared scallops in a light tomato-roasted garlic cream sauce that was so good. Maybe that can become a regular offering?
(5)
April H.

Delicious food and decent prices. Always a good meal here and a cozy, neighborhood vibe with friendly service. Our go-to Italian restaurant in Chicago!
(5)
Bri B.

DELICIOUS!! I thought the food was great and the service is spectacular! We've been twice already and both times I've been very impressed. The $21 dollar Thursdays are a bargain too because you still get the same dishes, same portions, but you can try more for cheaper. We've had the Calamari al Tre Modo Caprese Carpaccio Prosciutto e Mozzarella alla Ferri --- All very good. We also had some of the main menu items Pollo Al Afumicatto Ravioli con Vittelo --both were very good...and also their specials can be very tasty as well. Any recommendation they give for that night, just go with it! My only complaint is that the chicken breast can be very dry in the dishes, but other than that, I've been very pleased. And DO NOT forget dessert! Just about every dessert that I've tried has been really good.
(5)
Dennis S.

I was looking for a comfortable place my wife could get pasta on the day after her tooth extraction. When I saw 22 of my 26 Yelp Friends who have reviewed Buona Terra gave it either 4 or 5 stars, it was settled. Great decision. This is the freshest, tastiest pasta we've had since returning to Chicago five years ago. She had angle hair and I had ravioli. Both were mouth wateringly tasty. There's no reason to write an extensive review - plenty are already on Yelp. I'll just add we loved the food choices, the wine list, the terrific service, and the decor. We came early at 7pm and it was half full. When we left at 9pm it was completely full. Thank you 22 Yelp Friends for your reviews.
(5)
Alfonso M.

Looking forward to returning. Met friends on a Thursday night and the 5 of us each had the Prix Fixe special and a few bottles of wine. Everything on the regular menu is in play for the Prix Fixe special ($22) and their normal portions. Service was GREAT. Professional, Friendly and Fun server.
(4)
Renee C.

I love this place. It has a wonderful easy-going atmosphere, delicious homemade pastas, a charming wait staff, reasonably priced wines, and it's easy to get a reservation even on the weekends. Great for friends, dates, parents - everyone with a healthy palate will be full and happy here. It may not be trendy, but it's sublimely tasty.
(5)
Jay H.

Wonderful food -- some of the best veal I have ever had. Everyone liked their entrees, and Thursday night prix fixe is a steal.
(5)
Winston G.

3 stars for the food, 4 stars for the prices and portions, overall 3.5 stars. You can get very traditional Italian food here, so if you have a craving for some fresh, homemade pasta or some veal marsala, this is the place to go. The prices are very reasonable, as most of the pasta entrees come in at $10-15 a plate (enough to split), and their meat/seafood entrees come in around $15-25. You can also get an appetizer and walk out of here spending about $50-60 on food alone. Burrata special was very good, but I've had better pasta and veal elsewhere. Service was fine, as everything was brought out in timely fashion. Probably wouldn't come back here, but could see the appeal to people who live in the neighborhood!
(4)
Amit K.

Really amazing Italian food. Very friendly and knowledgeable wait staff and they also have an extensive wine selection. Reasonably priced for the quality dinner you have
(5)
Ritu R.

WE just love this place! I have even taken some friends/family here when they are at O'hare for a 3-4 hour layover. Its not far off the highway in logan square. It brings them into the city but not too far in. Okay, that's all on the location. Parking is easy to find on the street. Began going here 6 years ago on accident for their prix-fix deal on Thursdays. They open the entire menu to you for 19.99 you get ANY APP + ENTREE + DESSERT off the regular menu including specials! Everything from the bread dip they start you off with to the fabulous soups and other appetizers to their delicious entrees! I always get the Farfalle alla Dominic. My husband experiments with all of the items on the menu. Everything he has had has been SO GOOD! I am a vegetarian (the no beef or pork kind) and love the menu. One of the best Italian places in the city!!!! Highest recommendation for this place!
(5)
Mike S.

Thursday price fix menu -- AWESOME I love this place, their carpaccio is one of the best in the city, it usually packed on Thursdays, but worth the wait. the mussels are very delicious with the perfect sauce to go with their warm bread. always a go to spot for nice dinner.
(4)
Bernice R.

If I could give Buona Terra SIX stars I would! My brother and I went on a Saturday evening without a reservation. Luckily, we came right before the start of the dinner rush and got seated promptly. The service was absolutely wonderful. From the hostess, to server, to runner... they are most happiest and kindest people I've encountered in the restaurant industry. The restaurant is very cozy and charming. I liked the painting on the walls and their little corner bar. Overall, the place felt very warm and welcoming. As for the food... I LOVED IT. The complimentary bread and oil/cheese spread were very delicious. For an antipasti, we had the mussels (Zuppa di Cozze). The portion size was perfect and just the right size for two people. The mussels were cooked wonderfully and sauce that they were in was to die for! I couldn't help but soak my bread in it and literally spoon a couple slurps before they took it away. Classy, right? You might have better self control than me, but believe me, it's hard! :) After the mussels, we had our entrees that came out, once again, perfectly - timing, presentation, and taste. I had the Pennine al'Arabiata. It had the same sauce as the mussels, so I was a happy camper. The pasta was a nice al dente and I was just blown away. My brother had the Ravioli con Vittelo. It was so good, it just melted in your mouth! The fresh mozzarella was the perfect touch on that dish too! I think, NO, I KNOW, this is my new favorite Italian restaurant! Great service, outstanding food, acceptable prices (including drinks) and nice ambiance. :)
(5)
Rachael C.

This is by far the best Italian you can get in Logan Square. Great food and wine and excellent service.
(5)
Kelly H.

My favorite Italian food in Chicago!! Its a small, family owned restaurant with classic servers. All of them are very friendly and prompt. The calamari here is THE best. Panzanella and Cesar salad....amazing. The Ravioli con Vittelo (ravioli pasta stuffed with veal in a brandy cream sauce topped with fresh mozzarella) is to die for and the Vittelo Cerafino is my boyfriends favorite. You wont find a better canoli and the "garlic goo" they serve with bread is incredible. I can't say enough positive comments about this place. LOVE, LOVE LOVE
(5)
Zach J.

I try not to make claims like "best Italian restaurant in the city" because Chicago is loaded with great Italian restaurants (like Caro Mio for example). Practically every neighborhood in Chicago is going to have it's own little Italian gem, and Logan Square is no exception. Yes, Logan Square's little Italian gem of a restaurant is Buona Terra, which also just might be my favorite Italian restaurant in the city (again Caro Mio is no slouch either). This is a nice, intimate, classy little restaurant that features very little of the eclectic vibe most Logan Square restaurants are known for. Which is perfectly fine by me, being that this is an Italian restaurant through and through, and it doesn't try to be anything else. They do one thing and they do it well, as the food they serve up is absolutely fantastic. I am a particular fan of their 4-cheese spinach gnocchi, which always hits the spot. They've got all the standard Italian staples, and they do them all very well (great veal btw). They also had a fantastic chicken/mushroom/Gorgonzola ravioli special the other night that was quite phenomenal to my taste buds as well as my belly. And, kind of going in reverse order here, but did I mention that their appetizers are also awesome? Because they are, especially their grilled octopus, which is another highlight. Octopus can be iffy or underwhelming, but the grilled octopus at Buona Terra is bursting with flavor and is cooked to perfection. And as an added bonus, they serve their bread with an incredibly tasty garlic relish which is a must have for garlic lovers. It's really fantastic. Great wine selection too, and service has always been top notch. So this is easily the best Italian restaurant in Logan Square, and for my money, it's also one of the best Italian restaurants our fair city has to offer overall.
(5)
daniel c.

What a nice little place! Started off with the Insalata Caprese, and everything about it was fresh and delicious! There's not much more to say about 4 uncooked ingredients except that it was fresh, well portioned, and well put together. This was a delicious pair along with the fresh (warm) bread and tapenade that is brought complimentary. I ordered the California Zinfandel and my date had the Washington Merlot. Both were exceptionally dark, deep, and fruity. The capellini looked like it was fresh, cooked well, and came served with a basic tomato and basil gravy. My date seemed to love it. My Ravioli with veal in a cream sauce was incredible, if a bit heavy. I was actually very shocked to see how large the portions were, I was expecting a smaller dish, but as I finish up my leftovers now, I'm glad it was sizable! I'm actually inclined to say it was even better the next day (just warmed up in a dry pan for a few minutes. definitely do this). Dessert was the main reason we came here, as my date was craving cheesecake. It was homemade, very creamy, a little more sour than your typical "Eli's" cheesecake, had an amazing raspberry sauce (chocolate is also available) drizzled over it, and I want more of it right now. It was delicious. I opted for the tiramisu, and that was unfortunately the only part of the meal I was disappointed with. The portion was huge, but the flavor just wasn't there, it was rather bland. I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5 because service was pretty slow (10-15 minutes before we even saw a waiter when we first sat down, restaurant was more than half empty), and because any good Italian restaurant should NAIL the tiramisu, in my opinion. I will definitely go back, and would recommend this place to anyone for a nice comfortable yet slightly classy Sunday dinner with a date. I've also heard the Thursday Prix Fixe is a pretty damn good value, and I wouldn't mind giving a few more things on the menu a taste.
(4)
Sylvia C.

I went on Thursday when they have their prix fixe menu for $22. I commend them for allowing their full menu for this. This place would've gotten 4 stars had it not been for the service. Sure, they were full, but they weren't overflowing. We waited 25 minutes just for bread. I asked 3 times to 2 different people. Each food item took a while to get. Another table who came after us got their entrees before us. We were there for a good 3 hours. While we were waiting, the waiter never checked on us to see if we wanted more bread or another beverage, nothing. We were left with empty plates and glasses. Let's talk about the food. The garlic tampenade was delicious on the bread! The carpaccio appetizer was excellent and delicious. the meat, parmesan, and mushrooms melt in your mouth. I also tried the beet carpaccio and that was also delicious. Entree, i wanted to order the chicken with pesto mashed potatoes. The waiter recommended the veal, though, and i remember a yelper saying it was too salty but thought, what the heck, maybe it's a fluke or I won't think it is. Plus, an italian waiter was recommending this. Big mistake. It was salty that I lost the flavor of the meat. I had to stuff my bites with potatoes and broccoli to dilute it. Now i must go back to try the chicken. I apologize, chicken with pesto mashed potatoes! I will be back for you! Chocolate genache was good. Berries on it was fresh.
(3)
Elizabeth A.

Pros: DELICIOUS grub, well, at least what I had which was the almonded crusted eggplant. Nice ambiance. Cons: Insanely slow service, possibly only if you get the crappy waiter we had. I came here this past weekend for a friend's birthday; ten people total. After ordering some wine, we ordered our entrees -- which arrived an hour later. AN HOUR! We were all so hungry that by the time the food came our stomachs had gone into hibernation mode and the hunger had disappeared. Not only did the food take forever, it also came person-by-person so we had to wait an extra 10 minutes for EVERYONE to get their food. The place wasn't all that packed so I'm not quite sure why the food took so long and why they couldn't get a couple of waiters to help deliver it all at the same time. When it came time to pay up, our waiter reminded us that the money we had given him did not include tip (thanks, man!). We had every intention of tipping and did, far too much considering the service. He got a solid 20% from every person at the table and had the NERVE to count it before we were even out of our chairs!!! I would return for the food but if I got that guy again, I'd request a replacement.
(4)
K B.

Simply the best gnocchi. I've been several times, always on Thursdays. It's crowded and easy to see why. The Thursday deal is superb and so is the pasta. I'm not a fan of Italian beer or desserts, but I can't take a star from them for being too Italian.
(5)
Lauren B.

if I could give more stars I would! My boyfriend and I went there one evening, for no special reason, we just wanted to go somewhere different. After clicking around on yelp and a couple of other dining websites I randomly chose Buona Terra as our restaurant for the evening. Might I say WE LOVED IT! Typically when my boyfriend and I go into a restaurant we play a game of sorts, we are in no financial position to do this, but we say, 'if we were to open a restaurant is there anything we would replicate?' My boyfriend said it perfectly, 'they do it so well, I'd just lease the space and tell them to run the restaurant'... The staff could not have been more attentive, perhaps because they weren't too busy? I don't know. We sat in the front room right next to the bar with a view into the kitchen but never felt like we were being crowded out. There is a second room, but I never got that far. Now for the food, I was immediately won over by the warm bread and garlic/ olive oil spread, I will say, we finished the basket in minutes. Then came our appetizer, and it came out REALLY fast. We tried the prosciutto wrapped around mozzarella, it was really frickin' good. At this point I was already won over. Then our pasta dishes came out... HOLY SMOKES was it good! My boyfriend had the veal stuffed ravioli served in a brandy sauce. I stole a couple, they were amazing. I had the rigatoni, not as good as his, but still REALLY good. Our desserts (Tiramisu and the special Panna cotta) were both really good. The tiramisu was clearly home made, or at least incredibly fresh, the lady fingers didn't seem doused in espresso to hide the flavor, rather they seemed fresh and flavorful. My boyfriend ordered the Panna Cotta (he only let me have a small spoonful so I can't comment much on his :-) ), but the speed at which he devoured it, it must have been amazing. Our bill ended up being $62 for an appetizer, two pasta dishes, two desserts, and two beers... And we tacked on $15 for tip because our server was amazing A little background about us- I will say that we are two people who eat out almost every meal, we have both traveled extensively. I have spent time in Italy ever since I was 2 mos old, most recently 3 weeks in Oct 2011, and planning to go back shortly. We know what good food should be. This food is fabulous. I cannot wait to go back!
(5)
Brian S.

First time I came here was on Valentine's Day 2 years ago with my girlfriend. I have fallen in love with this place ever since then. The Rigatoni and Spinach Gnocchi are where it's at. The ambiance is really nice and the family that operates are very wonderful people. This is one of my favorite Italian restaurants in Chicago. Love this place.
(5)
Jon T.

Went to Chicago for a very special occasion, and decided to treat ourselves to a nice meal at a highly-rated eatery. I'm regretful it was this one. Food was OK. Got the bill and it was $55 (pre-tip) for two people. I saw they had charged me twice for my Coke. I asked the waiter why that was, and he said I'd asked for a refill, and they don't give free refills. So first off-- what? No free refills? On a $2.50 soda that cost you mere pennies on the dollar? Where are we, North Korea? Secondly, couldn't you have stated that on the menu? Like, put the fountain drinks under a "For Suckas Only" section. OR... if that's too much trouble, perhaps you could just clarify that policy of insanity when I'd asked for a refill? You know, just a quick "we don't give complimentary refills, though I would gladly bring you another if you'd like!" So, no big deal... I should be able to clarify the situation with the manager and have this little misunderstanding addressed. Our waiter wasn't clear-- the menu didn't communicate this ridiculousness, so seeing as we spent a decent amount on dinner they should be able to accommodate the prompt removal of said charge, right? Wrong. I was greeted with a terse, disinterested and ultimately insulting explanation by the owner/manager that she'd NEVER had anyone have any issues with the policy, and this is the first complaint EVER. She then proceeded to attempt a dig on my apparently slum-ridden dining experiences, in pointing out that this isn't "THAT KIND OF PLACE" as to give free refills on fountain drinks. As if every restaurant in the western world from McDonald's to Morton's doesn't do this given the obvious crazy-high margins enjoyed on such a product. Perhaps it is just me though and this was just some very, very special soda thus resulting in their policy, though m'thinks that it should have been appropriately labeled on the menu just the same. I suggest you save yourself from the faux-quaint air of superiority that will choke you as you try to enjoy your $2.50 soda. Just be sure not to ask for a refill. ---- EDIT & NOTE TO OWNER: I've removed the section of my review regarding the owner/manager saying she'd "take it out of the tips" to refund my money. The business owner responded to this review and claimed she didn't say it--she has clarified she said "take it out of the till", which apparently means "cash register". So that was my mistake as I mis-heard her. I want to be fair, so I've redacted that portion of the review. Unfortunately, there was no further misunderstanding here; just an unpleasant experience centered around soft drinks. Also, note to Eileen (owner): Perceived value is not something you define for your customers; it's the other way around. This review focused on the lack of clarity of your policy and the lengths I had to go through to right the wrong. If you have the opportunity to turn a bad customer experience into a good one and all it takes is a few cents worth of sugar water, I believe it's an inexpensive win for you and your business and you should jump on that opportunity. Finally, a little upfront clarity about your policy could have completely preempted this negative review.
(1)
Vern H.

This was a random pic for Italian, the staff seated us right away, and service was good until we receive our meal, after that we never saw our waiter until we asked for the check. Food was good but not so special that I would make a return trip back
(3)
Mike P.

I've eaten here a couple of times and really need to get back soon. I went through quite a dry spell for good Italian food until I found Buona Terra. The server was a wonderful older gentleman who attended to us well. The decor gives it a classy feel without making you feel under dressed if you strolled in with a t shirt and shorts as I did on that hot day. The food was fabulous. The Rotini di la Nona has this wonderful creamy parmesan sauce that melts in your mouth. My fiancee had your basic Angel Hair Marinara that she quite enjoyed. The bread they serve you is also delicious. I did not get to sample dessert but they looked tasty. Buona Terra is definitely a great find in Logan Square.
(5)
Alfredo P.

I've been a here a number of times since the place first opened and it has never disappointed. The staff is typically attentive, friendly and helpful with the menu when needed. The bar has a decent selection of wine, although not the best of beer. The food is great, particularly the veal ravioli. Even the starter bread and cheese/oil dip is phenomenal. I always have to make sure I don't over due it on the bread so I can eat my meal. The dishes are of ample size and could easily be split into leftovers for later. Easily one of the better eating places for dates, special occasions, and just a night out with friends in Logan Square.
(4)
thomas g.

Was here last night on a very overdue night out. Everything was spot on! The food was excellent and the service was extremely attentive (although our waiter hardly seemed old enough to be pouring our wine). If you are looking for a neighborhood Italian place that gets it right, you've got to check this place out. My one complaint- make your pasta in the restaurant!!! The sauces are always SO good, its a shame to have them on dried pasta!!!
(4)
Earlie C.

We were seated at a table in a "high traffic" area and were told we weren't allowed to move (even though there were multiple tables open). Not a good start Buona Terra... Buona Terra as described by another customer is a high end Italian restaurant run by Hispanics. Now don't get me wrong, I am Hispanic. However, when it comes to my food I want it made as close to how the Italians do it (especially if hundreds of dollars are being spent). We started with the calamari and carpaccio as an appetizer. The calamari was okay, but the carpaccio meat seemed as if it was processed/had a strange consistency. Not very Italian-like at all. My girlfriend had the Pollo Al Afumicatto. Pasta in a tomao-bacon sauce that was very good. The pesto mashed potatoes were delicious as well. A very good dish that I would consider getting again. And the rest of us had the Vitello Monte Carlo. I hadn't had veal in quite some time and was stoked. I was let down however. My plate was on fire, which meant that my food must've been under a heat lamp for quite some time. The sauce that the veal was in congealed a bit and was thicker on top (indicative of sitting under a heat lamp for a decent amount of time). The veal wasn't anything all that special either. I thought it would be a lot more flavorful. What a let down. After we finished our meal we got desert, a tart that was good. Can't complain about that. The thing that really pissed me off more than anything was being asked to LEAVE OUR TABLE after we finished eating because guests with reservations had been "waiting for 30 minutes". This was my first and last time trying this place. There's food available that's on par with Buona Terra for a fraction of the price. That and I can enjoy myself after I've consumed my meal without being asked to leave.
(3)
Jessica V.

Bottle of Malbec? Check Bowl of Spicy Penne for me? Check Bowl of Buona Terra Rigatoni for Roy? Check Two drunk & full people? Check Two horny, drunk & full people? Check ... Yeap then we hurried home. This is what good food and service should do for you.
(5)
Melanie S.

Love, love, love Buona Terra! The always-glowing Beth R. and I had a friend date last night. My friend dates naturally always seem to revolve around food. We had tossed around a few places but it was the ever-resourceful Beth who came up with Buona Terra after doing a Yelp search for Thursday Night Specials (I just wasn't down with the vegan Korean buffet. Another time, Beth. I promise.). I had heard of Buona Terra but didn't know much about it and since I'm a loyal gal, I always seem to stick with my tried-and-true faves for Italian: La Gondola and A Tavola. That will teach me to not be so close-minded. Anyway, when she mentioned the $21.95 prix-fixe, I went to BT's website to look at the menu before I committed to going there. Usually prix-fixe menus are quite limited, so I wanted to be sure there'd be something I liked. I hate being limited to a choice of three appetizers and three entrees, but come to find out that Buona Terra has no such restrictions on their prix-fixe deal. And bonus points to them for using the word 'truncated' on the website. Suffice it to say that I had the opposite problem at BT. There were, in fact, too many options to choose from. Luckily, we made a reservation as this place was happenin'. We got seated immediately and started looking over the menu. Such lofty decisions to make. Asparagus soup, caprese salad, or carpaccio to start? Since it was too hot for soup and I just had carpaccio the day before, I went with the caprese and Beth went with the mixed greens salad. We were brought fresh, warm bread and the yummiest garlic spread I've ever tasted. I'm fairly certain I ate half a loaf and would have eaten more if given a chance. How Beth only ate one piece still confounds me. The salads were great and generously sized. My caprese was first rate and nothing makes me happier in summer than a well-executed caprese salad. With only minimal ingredients, a caprese salad should use the best tomatoes, mozzarella, fruity olive oil and fresh basil, and this one certainly did. For entrees, Beth chose the Fettuccini Primavera but I went all out and ordered the NY strip, which, priced at $21 a la carte, made the prix-fixe deal even sweeter. We were both very happy with our choices. My steak was huge and covered in crusty parmesan and served with roasted potatoes and vegetables. It had great flavor and was cooked as I ordered. Beth's pasta was full of vegetables and it was such a big portion that it seemed as if she was eating it for hours and barely made a dent in it. Again, I appreciate their portions sizes, especially on a prix-fixe menu. We kept watching desserts go by us and knew that it would be a difficult task to pick which one to enjoy. I spied a few orange and peach ices served in hollowed-out frozen fruit shells and while I am a sucker for those, I ended up with the profiteroles. I love profiteroles: tiny pastry shells filled with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce. Beth got the chocolate pecan tarte (more of a flourless chocolate cake) and it was covered with fresh berries. That would have been my choice, but sadly, I cannot have pecans. Don't feel too bad for me - the profiteroles were scrumptious. And the best part was the price. We didn't drink, so with tax and tip, our bill was only $32/pp; that is a fantastic deal any way you slice it. And I love that they offer this not on a Monday or Tuesday, but on a hot and happening Thursday. I'm much more inclined to go out on a Thursday than almost any other night of the week, so they get extra points for that. 4.5 stars.
(5)
Gina F.

I used to eat here quite a bit when I lived in Logan Square. My husband & I were big fans of the Thursday Prix Fix menu. The food was always very nice, and it has a great, cozy neighborhood atmosphere--a low roar of conversation & enjoyment. We've brought lots of friends here as well, and we've all enjoyed everything we've tried. While the food isn't mind-blowing, it's genuinely good, there's plenty of it, and you leave feeling satisfied. The farfalle & rigatoni are both very, very good, as is the tri-colore salad. My one complaint is that after a hiatus of a year or so (I moved to a new neighborhood), I thought this would be a great place to hhost a birthday dinner for a friend. There would be 10-12 of us, so I called to make a reservation for a Thursday. They said that 7 or 8 (the time I requested) was their busy time, but they could seat us at 9. They didn't want a big group taking up their dining room during the prix fixe rush! Why have a gauranteed group when you can have the potential for higher turnover?! They had the possibility of turning 9-11 people that I KNOW have not been there into returning customers, but they turned it down & another restaurant got that oppourtunity (as well as the opportunity for an astronomical bill for drinks). I didn't find that attitude very appreciative of their customers, although it didn't turn me off enough to keep me from returning as a customer. Probably a 3.5, but rounding to 4.
(4)
L L.

Everything from the bread to the entree were delishus. I went with my wife and in-laws. They had been many times before. The bread and the garlic spread were amazing. The Caesar salad was very good as was the fried calamari. My entree was a daily special of the Tagliatelle with scallops. It was obviously very good. The only downside was the seating was a little cramped as we were in a corner behind a larger table of diners. Overall a great experience and we'll be back.
(5)
Keith J.

Being Italian, I tend to think my palette for Italian cuisine is quite particular. I have always had my favorites, Rosebud, Spaiggia, Francesca's, and of course...Tuscany. I was so pleased to find an amazing Italian restaurant within walking distance to my house. Buona Terra is charming, cozy, and reasonably priced. The head chef was a chef at Tuscany so you know the quality is going to be top notch. I have ordered just about everything on the menu. My favorites include: Antipasti - Calamari al Tre Modo, Caprese, & Prosciutto e Mozzarella alla Ferri Pasta - Rigatoni Buona Terra, Gnocchi Verde al Quattro Formaggi, & Ravioli con Vittelo (my personal favorite). Secondi Piatt i- Bistecca alla Crosta di Parmigiano. Dessert - They are all really good, but I recommend the Chocolate Pecan Tart. With the recession, any deal helps. Buona Terra has the perfect solution to a tight wallet. On Thursdays, they have a 3 course prix fixe for $21.95. That includes an appetizer, entree, and dessert, and there are no restrictions. You can even order the $20.95 steak. Now that is a deal considering you are getting an appetizer and dessert for free. This place is diffidently worth a trip. Bon Appetite!
(5)
Adam E.

Great food and great location. I was really satisfied with my meal and the price. The reason I gave it 3 stars, rather than 5, is because I felt rushed. I do understand they have limited seating but the waiter came by A LOT wanting us to order. We were casually taking our time and he made it seem like we were there much longer. I didn't feel wanted and seemed like he was pushing us out. There were 4 of us, dressed nicely, all eating and drinking-so he was going to make good money. Chill out! The valet was cheaper than most places ($6) but for a good reason. We were a little weary of the guy parking the car. It ended up okay but VERY unprofessional for what is considered to be a "classy" restaurant. I will go back, and again - great food, but maybe I will review the menu at home and find street parking.
(3)
steve l.

Wonderful! The food is excellent---perfectl combination of fresh ingredients, perfectly seasoned, and an attention to detail that makes each dish delicious. Everything we ordered was excellent---especially the grilled octopus special. Great wines for the price! Friendly staff, fun atmosphere.
(5)
Trey S.

A true gem in LogSqua! Been here many, many times and every time is exceptional. Great service to boot! Cute, romantic, neighborhoody, nice but not too fancy and very reasonable. Couldn't be happier to have it in the 'hood.
(5)
Tamira K.

Buona Terra was a great authentic Italian restaurant with great customer service! The owners were so polite and friendly! Delicious spread served with bread! YUM!
(5)
Megg S.

I'll start out by saying that I'm usually not a huge fan of Italian food. I usually find it to get old fast.. I can only eat so much pasta/meat with sauce. So, despite living a block away from the place for two years now, I never felt particularly compelled to go in. But I'd seen the prix-fixe sign, and one day I headed over with my boyfriend on a Thursday night. The service was great; it was packed and there was a wait but they were very friendly and invited us to wait at the bar. They have a nice wine selection that's decently priced. Everything we ordered from the menu was absolutely delicious. I had a bruschetta type appetizer which was far better than expected, and wonderfully savory pesto gnocchi as my entree. For dessert I had the tiramisu, and let me tell you, it's to die for. My date had the pistachio gelato, which is equally divine. We've been back a few times since and everything is always delicious. Like I said, it takes a lot of Italian food to keep me coming back, but especially with the deal of the full menu prix-fixe for just $21.95, this place has become a standard for me. Check it out for sure!
(5)
Melissa B.

Great food, speedy service. Cozy atmosphere.
(5)
Kate R.

This place is wonderful! My boyfriend and I are new to the area and went there last weekend because we'd heard such good things. It was like walking into Cheers--everyone knew everyone and yet were still friendly to us newbies. We had a drink at the bar and chatted with one of their regulars, who gave us an excellent food recommendation (the scallops fettucini w/lobster sauce). Our food was probably some of the best Italian I've ever had--right up there with La Scarola. Definitely going back, again and again.
(5)
Rachel L.

Dined here with a group of 7 on Saturday night. We had reservations for 7:30, but had to wait half an hour to be seated. Minor annoyance, but I've been on the other side of a hostess station and I know sometimes it's out of your control. meh... Service was nothing to write home about, but the food sure was. I had the butternut squash ravioli in brown butter sauce with fried sage, it was flawlessly prepared and the flavors were amazing! Just the right amount of sweet and savory and the fried sage was crisp and light and the perfect compliment to the butternut squash. Loved it! I was able to sample some of the other dishes at the table, and everything was very good. Desserts were tasty, but not nearly as exceptional as the food. We tried the tiramisu, pistacio gelato, and cheesecake with raspberry coulis. Overall, a great restaurant for a nice dinner out that won't break the bank.
(4)
Dave D.

Awesome service and the food was amazing, plus they let us stay in late and watch the end of game 7 of the NBA finals. Would definitely eat there again!
(5)
Jaime S.

My family has been coming here since they opened and needless to say we love it. We are always treated like family and everyone is so nice and attentive. I don't think I have ever had anything I disliked. A few of my favorites are: Rigatoni Buona Terra, calamari (one of the best I have ever had), Tiramisu, and any of the fish specials. They also host parties where you can rent out the restaurant for bridal showers/baby showers etc. We had my bridal shower there and they went above and beyond my expectations. The thursday special is a great price and a great bang for your buck but I much prefer to go when it isn't so busy and hot.
(5)
Lukin W.

YUM! I've been here twice - once when nearly vacant and another time when packed. Both experiences have been nothing but wonderful. The food is delicious, the servers are helpful and the atmosphere is pleasant. The Thursday night deal of $21.95 for three courses is a steal! Don't miss out on this tasty Logan Square spot.
(5)
Amy D.

Yummy!!! I went for my boyfriend's b-day party and had a party of 12. I originally made the reservation at Terragusto but changed it to Buona Terra. I'm SOOO happy I did!! I made the reservation the day before b/c of the last minute change and they were happy to accomodate! I went during their Thursday pre-fixe special. We had such a big group so we were able to try everything pretty much. Very yummy and good portions too!! The entrees were all delicious, the veal, steaks, steak special were all delicious. The dessert lacked, that's why I had to knock a star off. Nothing special. The tiramisu was not good. blah. The ices were a very cool presentation but rock hard, very hard to eat. The cheesecake was solid, but nothing to write home about. Good thing I brought my birthday cake for Howard :). Even the staff tried and loved it :) The service was great, the food came out in great time, especially with such a big group. Really affordable wine list. Great choice.
(4)
Kelly L.

Like I need to echo everyone else's sentiments...but I'm going to anyway. Delish, fresh, great service...the veal, panzanella salad, and prosciutto/mozzarella appetizers were really yummy. Only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is the dry, "eh" bottle of red we ordered (which kind of got stuck on the front half of our tongues, not making its way through our mouths...). Other than that I'd absolutely go back, and recommend to others.
(4)
Mike H.

I really wish Yelp would allow for half stars. The food is great, prices are reasonable, service friendly, and decor is nice. So there is no reason not to give it five stars, but to me five stars suggests that this would the very best Italian food I've had in the city - and that's not quite true, although this is very close. So if I had my way, I would give Buona Terra 4.5 stars. We have actually only had carry out (about 3-4 times), but the place is really nice and the brief service we've had has been great. The food is wonderful. Everything we've ordered has been very rich and flavorful and plenty of food for a reasonable price. I've had several dishes featuring varying red sauces, and I must say that Buona Terra has some of the best tomato-based sauced I've ever had. I don't know if they use a specific type of tomato or what, but it's wonderful. Very highly recommended.
(4)
Matt R.

Buona Terra is always a treat and every time I go I feel spoiled for having such a gem tucked away in Logan Square. The food is delicious and plentiful, the wine choices are terrific, and the service is friendly and attentive. I have been here on dates as well as with friends and always leave impressed. (The only negative is that street parking can be a challenge so consider valeting if the weather's not great.)
(4)
Becky S.

Such a trade off: Come here on a Thursday night, wait a long time, get your dinner, and rejoice more in the $19.95 prix fixe than the food, or come here any other night, get better service and better food, and pay a bit more. Either way, they give you the bread and garlic crack, so it's all good. This is the perfect place to come for a satisfying meal, and to take your parents, or other less-adventurous family or friends. Italian isn't too intimidating, but this place is a bit more playful, so you might just get your reluctant guest to try something a little more exciting than fettuccine alfredo (who knew my mom would love a pasta involving goat cheese and walnuts? She didn't). I think they've slipped in quality a bit over the past few years with their growing popularity, but I still enjoy going there.
(4)
Jocelyn P.

Very tasty, great service, good for groups, impressive menu, classy interior, warm vibe. Go for the taste but don't forget the big bills!
(5)
Josh R.

In one word.....AMAZING! Went for the first time with my wife and another couple. The food was simply outstanding. Not a plate was put in front of us that wasn't absolutely loved. The menu is extremely diverse and clearly well thought out on all aspects. This includes a very nice wine list too. Not extremely long but still many good choices to choose from including many by the glass. Being my first time I can't exactly say what a normal night will be like but I urge you to go for the Thursday prix fixe menu. Now this is where it gets crazy. Most prix fixe menus are 3 or 4 courses with 3 options per a course. Not so here. 3 courses ( app, entree, desert) ALL MENU ITEMS AS OPTIONS!!!!!! Amazingly enough this included the night's specials too. All for $21.95. Grant it by the time the wife and I had a couple glasses of wine and a night cap on the way out we dropped an even 100 but it was weeeeeeeeel worth every cent. The 3 out of 4 of us orderd the steak special (out of this world) and all were cooked perfectly. Service was top notch as well. Our server was very helpful on helping our friends on there choice of wines, giving us plenty of time to order and making sure we had all we needed. A big thing to me as well now, our water glasses never got under half full and finished dishes were gone no more then 2 min after they were done. Everything was great. Can't wait to go back again and try some of the pastas.
(5)
Keith F.

It has been exactly one year since we last dined at Buona Terra and went back to enjoy the experience. The unfortunate part, it wasn't the same experience we had a year earlier. We dined on February 17th at 7:00pm and were escorted immediately to an available table for two. The restaurant was not busy and had several open tables. We were seated at a table for two in the second room next two other two-top tables. I was staring directly at a brick wall so there was nothing to look at the entire meal including the waiter who had to stand behind me. Then the restaurant started to fill-up and two people were seated on both sides of us which made it extremely cramped. The other tables mentioned the lack of space and that we knew we could all over hear each others conversations (uncomfortable). First we ordered two cocktails while we looked at the menu. Then we ordered two appetisers which arrived to the table in under 10 minutes which was really fast. We then ordered our meals which arrived in less than 10 minutes....as we were eating we are starting to notice other people who arrived after us already done with their meals and leaving. One of us ordered the Gnocchi Verde al Quattro Formaggi with Chicken (potato spinach dumplings in a four cheese sauce). The chicken arrived separately two minutes after the meal was delivered on a separate plate that the waiter just placed on top of the dish with no explanation which was very odd. I had ordered the Veal in a citrus white wine sauce with mushrooms and fontina cheese added which was prettty good and a decent portion. We were in and out of the restaurant in under 50 minutes from cocktail to appetiser to meal and felt VERY rushed and crowded at our table. A year earlier, we were seated at a 4-top with a view of the window and were able to savor our meal and have great conversation which this time we were not. It was though they were getting ready for the 8PM rush and wanted us out which was unwelcoming. Overall, I am not sure I would run back. We wanted to enjoy our Valentines Day that we moved to celebrate on Friday instead of Tuesday. We may come back for the Thursday pre-fix to see if the experience is different, but overall -- 3 stars with a warning that you might get rushed.
(3)
Brianna N.

I MUST give this place 5 stars because it was just so darn good! The bf was able to make reservations on a Friday rather last minute and we still got an adorable table-for-two right by the window over-looking cute Logan Square. Our waiter was very attentive and his suggestion of the sauteed calamari was on point. We're big fried calamari connoisseurs, but this alternate version was surprisingly equally as tasty. Plus, we liked sopping up the extra marinara and calamari juices with the toasty bread. The complimentary garlic spread was good, too. I enjoyed my bowtie pasta with asparagus, but I must say my boyfriend's veal ravioli in the brandy cream sauce was soooooooo good! (Clearly, I wouldn't last one day on the Atkins diet.) We can't wait to try the $19.95 prix fixe menu on a Thursday and neither should you! Too good to be true...
(5)
julie s.

Best neighborhood, real Italian food around. If you haven't eaten here, you are missing out. The specials are incredible and the rigatoni buona terra is to die for!!! The owners are lovely and friendly and I enjoy patronizing such a great restaurant. I have eaten there at least 30 times over the years.
(5)
Kyung P.

We went on Thursday for the pre-fixe deal just before they raised the prices. The restaurant is a small space with lots of tables crammed in. It was really hot and humid in the restaurant the night that we went. Service was a little slow, but our food was good. The appetizers were much better in comparison to the entrees. The one entree that really stood out was the home-made sausages though. That garlic oil that is served with the bread is to die for! The desserts were below average - all of the ice cream had melted before it made its way to our table. Overall, Thursdays are a good deal, but it is excessively a lot of food.
(4)
Miss K.

My boyfriend and I went here on a Thursday nite for the 19.99 prix fixe dinner. I was very pleased for two reasons: SERVICE: I'm really big on service when I go out to eat. I feel that you pay for the food and the experience. The folks over at Buona Terra were very attentive. My water glass was NEVER empty. Plus, the waiter checked on us often without being annoying. FOOD: Now, some restaurants that do prix fixe only allow you to choose some stuff on the menu. This place lets you choose anything on the menu. LOVED IT! I had the chicken with some kind of tomato sauce with bacon flavor and pesto mashed potatoes. Deelish. My bf had the steak with broasted potatoes. He was pleased too, bc it was a decent portion. Oh and the dessert was great too! So I highly recommend this place. The only reason I didnt give it 5 stars is bc my bf didnt like his appetizer. But he LOVED mine.
(4)
Lindley E.

One extra star for a very reasonable prix fixe menu and the willingness to seat a huge crowd...at $19.99 you can't go wrong, really. Set your expectations low and you will be surprised and delighted...come with expectations and surely you will be disappointed. One star for huge portions; one star for edibility. If you want to fill up on carbs, some protein, and a florette or two of veg, this may be your place. The pasta was passable; most pleasantly, they included whole leaves of basil in the dish I ordered; although not seasonal for chicago, expected in a restaurant of this type.
(3)
John W.

The neighborhood really needed this place. The restaurant itself sort of reminds me of one of those Italian restaurants on the North End of Boston as there isn't a lot of room and its usually crowded. Let me start off by saying that "very garlicy" is a good thing. I would never say that anything here is too garlicy. One of the best things about this place is the bread and oil you get before you even start eating. It's your typical olive oil and parmesean but with it's own Logan Square flavor; I think they chop up little bits of jalapeno peppers and basil and so with the delicious bread and some wine, it can me a meal on its own. I only get two dishes here because they are both great. Typically I get the Rigatoni with goat cheese, creamy tomato sauce and walnuts. It also travels well and is good as a take out assuming you don't live in Aurora and have to sit in rush hour traffic. The other thing I like is the parmesean crusted steak. I think its a T-Bone or something like that. I don't generally care for plain steak but the parmesean sets it off. Since it's really one of the only nice Italian places in the area it can get crowded on the weekends. Oh, parking sucks whale cock.
(4)
D S.

I went here at the recommendation of a friend and it was great. Make sure you go on Thursdays, they have special that includes and app, entree and something sweet for $20 per person. I had the parmesan crusted steak and my girlfriend had veal. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for great authentic Italian food. T
(5)
Dan B.

You can't do much better for neighborhood spots in Chicago. This place makes you feel like you're part of an Italian family (minus the shady uncle). The owners will chat you up at the bar, the wait staff seems genuinely pleased to be there, and the room feels like a cozy farmhouse curiously filled with the tattooed denizens of Logan Square. The first two times I went were solid 5 star affairs with great pasta and fish dishes. I went again last week and it was still very good but a step down in quality. The pasta was a bit greasy and the halibut special (normally fantastic) went a bit heavy on the breadcrumbs and was overcooked to the point where they were practically entering fish sticks territory. That said, the potatoes they came with were crisp and heavenly and the atmosphere was enjoyable as always. Let's hope it was the head chef's day off.
(4)
June P.

I came upon this place somewhat randomly while searching for a place to go for my bachelor party dinner. The reviews were very high (about 4.5 stars) so I made reservations; I wanted to try something new. The night before the dinner, I mentioned Buona Terra to a couple of friends and they commented that they eat there regularly and love it. As a result, I expected a lot. . .perhaps too much. I ordered the spaghettini w/ spicy sauce and seafood. It was good but not great. My 5 other friends had similar impressions (ie. Rigatoni, Gnocchi, etc.) My personal favorite Italian in Chicago is Mia Francesca, and they're still supreme in my book. The one high note of the evening however was the prosciutto appetizer. It was fantasic. For dessert, the tiramisu was above average. In conclusion, if you're in the area it's a decent place for Italian. The service was as good as the food. However, I don't think I"ll be going back soon otherwise. Prices were reasonable at $12-$16 per plate. A lot of other people love the place so it's definitely a place to try once.
(3)
Christopher G.

I've eaten here a good number of times over the last couple years, and have always been delighted. This visit was no exception except for one big problem, which I'll get to in a minute. My companion ordered the carpaccio, which was okay, but so overdressed with toppings (piles of capers, raw mushrooms and and parmagiano) that the meltingly tender raw beef was all but lost. I refrained from starters, but enjoyed the Melanzana alla Emilia Romana (eggplant) immensely. My companion said the Farfalle alla Dominic was okay--mild, not very inspiring, but at least satisfying. Over all, the food was fine, and the service was great. We were not unhappy up to this point. Thenl the fellow who brought out the after-dinner espresso spilled the hot beverage all over my companion. And I mean quite literally, all over him. On his shirt, on his pants--it was a mess, and his clothes were stained rather visibly. The fellow who spilled the coffee was extremely apologetic and helped to clean things up. But our main server showed no interest whatsoever in what had happened--never even stopping to see if we were okay. Management never appeared to apologize for the gaffe either. When the check came, we were sure that at the very least, the espresso wouldn't be on the bill--but yep, they charged us for it. Because we felt compassionate towards the young man who'd spilled the coffee on my friend, we didn't voice a complaint. But where the hell was our server, and why didn't he offer SOMETHING to ameliorate what is pretty much the worst thing that can happen to you in a restaurant--to have food or beverages dumped all over your clothes? Unbelievable. All of this makes me suspicious that management is vindictive and harsh here and the staff are afraid to let them know when something goes wrong, for fear of being fired. If that's true, it's a shame--management should understand, like we did, that mistakes happen (we still paid the full bill and tipped properly), and learn how to make things right with customers AND have compassion for their staff. I'll might go back, because I've had great food here, and it's close to home. But I might think twice before I do.
(1)
Michael Y.

LOVE is the word. This place is almost always busy from what I can tell, and deservedly so. This is a hidden gem in Logan Square. The food is simple and authentic with fresh ingredients. Italian done right. When you order carryout it is usually ready in a matter of minutes and is always piping HOT when you get it home. The prices are totally reasonable for this delicious food. Go for the Capellini d Angelo or their homemade gnocchi. The atmosphere is really nice too, the bar is a great place to grab a glass of wine on a Friday night. Intimate without being too cramped. Service is speedy but never overly intrusive, and the courses are always timed well. The owners of this place are really doing something right. Go get your pasta on.
(5)
Gamaliel E.

Buona Terra is a great place to go for very good Italian food. I normally go with the linguine w clams. You'll want to use the fresh baked bread at the table to soak up the great sauce. My first visit i ordered a pasta dish with goat cheese. I found it to be a bit too greasy/heavy for my liking. I was surprised to see Dick Durbin eating here with a large party one night. The service was good, and the decor nice.
(4)
John F.

This is our favorite Italian restaurant. Reason 1 is that it is a warm and welcoming place. We are recognized and appreciated as regulars. It's like going over to a friend's home for dinner (but a little noisier.) But, they treat everyone warmly, including newcomers. Reason 2 is that it is always crowded. There is a healthy buzz to the place. Reason 3 is that the service is great. The wait staff is attentive. You don't wait long for anything. Everyone is friendly. Reason 4 is great food. It's not the high end pretentiously expensive food; it's just the Italian food you expect, well prepared and well presented. Reason 5 is we are proud to take our friends there. We have taken some friends there for their first time and then run into them there another time. The place is a magnet because of Jose and Eileen. Great people, great place.
(5)
Jeff H.

Good ambience. For me? Forgettable food. This is another one of those places that everyone raves about, I just don't get it. Get ready to laugh your ass off at me in 3...2...1 I'd rather have Maggianos. Seriously. My opinion.
(2)
Carrie S.

I've been to this restaurant twice when I lived in Logan Square. One occasion was for the Meet the Parents night and the other was my birthday. Both times I had reservations (necessary on weekends). It's one of my favorite, true Italian restaurants in Chicago. All of their food is excellent. I loved their minestrone soup and bruschetta as appetizers. Their pasta is amazing. I had their butternut squash ravioli and it was so good. They have one of the best tiramsu's I've ever had. Every time we went there, the food was great and the service was good too. The only downside to this great restaurant is the size and noise for such a small storefront restaurant. Otherwise, it's worth a trip to the Northwest Side for a good Italian meal.
(5)
Stan W.

Wow. My expectations were extremely low coming into this place so I was shocked at how solid the food was. I think I wanted them to fail in my mind but they just couldn't. Didn't care for that garlic spread others seem to like, but I got this filet + risotto special that was absolutely perfect. I think I ordered this dish expecting them to screw it up, but my steak couldn't have been cooked a more perfect medium rare.
(4)
Rhonda V.

I truly enjoyed my experience at Buona Terra. The entire meal was awesome!!!! I will definitely go back.
(4)
Jeffrey H.

I love Italian Food and I love Logan Square. I like Buona Terra. The space is a fantastic cozy space with brick walls and wood floors. The food is good and consistant. I like it the most because it is within walking distance of my house. However, its doubtful that I would visit here again if I didn't live in the neighborhood. WIth that said, this is a hidden gem in Logan Square and I'm pleased that its open.
(3)
jim h.

Five of us decided to try a restaurant none of us have been to before, for a birthday party. SOME of the food was pretty good, but the service was confused and rude. They couldn't remember who ordered what dinner and didn't wait for directions, they just set plates down and moved along. The sauteed kalamari and the grilled kalamari were both rubbery, but the ravioli was good. Thumbs down on the bruschetta, I like the bread to be served toasted and not soggy. The waiter persistently hovered, waiting for one of us to take that last bite so he can snatch your plate. Why they needed that plate so desperately is beyond me. My friend Neal told the waiter to hang on a second so he could finish his dinner peacefully. The waiter actually had his hand on the plate while he was eating. Neal's a pretty nice guy though, and did not stab the waiter with a fork. After dinner the hostess wanted to bargain for our table. They weren't rude enough to tell us to leave, but they did offer each of us a free drink at the bar if we vacated the table. It was busy, we understand that restaurants make money by turning over tables quickly. We left the table to get our drinks, but the bartender ignored us. If you find yourself in similar circumstances, tell them to bring the drinks first, THEN get up from the table. There are a LOT of restaurants in Chicago. I won't go back to this one.
(1)
CJ J.

Delicious rustic Italian food. This place is an Intimate neighborhood gem. Go on thursday for the $21.95 prix fixe including ANY appetizer, entree and dessert. The parmesan/oil topping is unreal.
(4)
Lori M.

*Update: Eileen, the owner contacted me & corrected my assumption that the sauce was BÃ©chamel, when in fact, it was "Four Cheese Sauce". Doesn't change my experience, however, and I reminded her, as a business owner that she needs to register as such, and not a ghost individual... Anyway, this doesn't change my opinion, and quite honestly everything was so mediocre that I didn't think complaining in the restaurant was a good use of my time, I just wanted to leave. After dropping $$ in a place where you feel disappointed with everything, it's hardly worth it to talk to the owners, particularly when they aren't apologetic or understanding/concerned about diners experiences, they just want to correct you/give you their side. Nah, thanx. * Eh, Cumpari-------This is sad for me to write, because I would love it if this place would get back to fresh, homemade ingredients. I was very disappointed by the gnocchi that came out of their cucina that was the pre-packaged, food-colored (green) kind with no flavor you can buy at the grocery. The BÃ©chamel was equally disconnected from it's Tuscan mother and tasted like a watered-down, these-stupid-Americans-won't know better sauce. Sad. Even the escarole was a heap of slimey overcooked mush. The house chianti should have been on the menu as trichloroanisole (cork taint). All very sad... you know folks in this neighborhood would love to have a genuine Italian restaurant, but this place has dropped significantly in quality...instead, take your $$ & drive over to Piazza Bella in Roscoe Village - worth the drive - prices are similar and the quality of the food is primo! ....tipiti tipiti tam!
(1)
Jason V.

My wife and I have been going here for years. We live in the neighborhood. We've always gone on Thursdays for their "famous" prix fixe menu deal - and I always assumed THAT was the reason they could never get their sh1t together. Because they were offering a good deal and were too busy to properly handle things. Nope. It turns out that they pretty much NEVER have their sh1t together. The hosts are rude. They give tons of attitude when you show up for your reservation and you're waiting for your last person to arrive. They shove you out the door and basically tell you to beat it until you're a complete party. Tonight is my 6th anniversary so my wife and I made 730pm reservations. We show up at 7:32pm according to my phone, and we're told it's going to be a 30 minute wait because they're "a bit backed up" and because "there's a large wedding party" there this evening. All of which has nothing to do with me or my wife. They took the 730pm reso for two, and failed to honor it. We stood around outside for 20 minutes sweating in the 90+ degree heat/humidity because the "bar" was packed. By the way, the bar area is tiny and only seats 3 people comfortably. We took our business elsewhere - luckily the night was salvaged. The drink selection here is poor, the food is mediocre, the staff is rude, and the atmosphere is bland. It's overpriced, and underwhelming. They treat their customers poorly and don't know how to take/honor reservations. Do yourself a favor and go someplace else. I will never dine here again. Ever. There are so many better options, even within a 1 mile radius. Don't waste your time or your money here.
(1)
Vivian Y.

This is my second visit for the super duper deal on Thursdays $22.00 for a three course meal and you can choose ANYTHING on the menu as long as you do an appetizer, entree and dessert. What a DEAL it is that you're not limited to choose from a special menu! We were 7 hungry volleyball ladies celebrating the end of a season and sending off one of our teammates to nuptial bliss and her move to Wisconsin. We knew that despite a reservation for 7:30 that there would still be a wait to get seated. Unfortunately they will only seat you if your whole crew is there and one of my girls was 30mins late. So, we didn't get seated until 8:30 but the food was well worth it! There are so many lovely items to choose from on the menu and since we had a large group - I was able to see all the variety and taste different things. I ordered the beef carpaccio and in my opinion, this is one of the only restaurants that pound their beef paper thin. I love it! My only complaint about this dish was that the parmesean cheese, though plentiful, was rubbery. They also serve this straight out of the fridge which in my opinion, is not the right way to do it. Meat and cheese should always be served just a little above room temperature so that the flavors are more robust. Anywho - still 5 stars because my the mussels were awesome. Entrees - I couldn't have been happier with my selection - I ordered their seafood linguine and it was superb! Fantastically large chunks of white fish, scallops, shrimp! Served PIPING hot and the sauce was light and seafood-y. Soooo good. I almost ate the whole thing and it was huge! I don't recommend that you order the chicken. My friend ordered it and it was no bigger than the palm of her hand. Everyone else's dish though, was generous in size. The veal medallions were tasty and the steaks were good too. Desserts...oh my - get the tiramisu. Yum, light, fluffy, espresso-doused yumm-iness all in one bite. Just simply fantastic and a perfect way to end the night. Prix-fixe doesn't get any better than this boys and girls. But expect to wait in a very very crowded and small space. But once you sit down, you won't regret it.
(5)
Dee W.

I lean towards 3.5 stars for this review. Somewhere in between 3 and 3.5 - maybe 3.3? I understand that we did have 20 people and it is a large group for this smaller restaurant - crowded but cosy ambiance. First of all, parking was doable around the area - looped around a couple of times, but it was okay. We did have to wait a while to get seated but it was also more or less waiting for everyone to arrive. The bread was warm and really yummy - the best part was definitely that garlicky spread/dip. I ordered the Carpacio: sliced tenderloin of beef drizzled with truffle oil and topped with portabello mushrooms, capers and shaved parmesan as my appetizer and it was good, decent good. I tried a little of Mr.Slapnuts' fried calamari and it was decent good, too. (When I say decent good, I mean that it was good, nothing to complain about, basic, but it wasn't like mouth-watering good) and I tried a little of Rachel G's Prosciutto e Mozzarella alla Ferri which was also pretty decent. For my entree - I got the Bistecca alla Crosta di Parmigiano: grilled 14oz. N.Y. strip steak with a parmesan crust and served with roasted potatoes and natural jus, when I was debating with the porkchops and the other ribeye that was on special. I kinda regret it and wish that I had gone with the porkchops or the ribeye. My meat was a bit tough and when I ordered a medium, I felt like I had received a medium well. Rachel G pointed out that maybe Leang has received my medium instead. For dessert - I got mine to go for Mr.Slapnuts to enjoy at a latter time but everyone looked like they were enjoying their dessert - Mr.Slapnuts said that his pecan tart with fruit on top was the best part of the meal and Rachel G & Leang said that their cheesecake with raspberries was amazing. Overall, service was pretty friendly and accommodating for our big group. Their Thursday prix fixe dinner (only $19.99) was definitely a good deal and I was in GREAT yelp company =) And the best part of yelp company? Everyone paid what they should paid and we weren't struggling at the end to toss in more money - great thanks to BoA (Bank of Andrea W) and her helper Vanessa in collecting!
(3)
Erik M.

Good ambiance, good food.
(4)
Jasi A.

I absolutely fell in love again at Buona Terra! I went here on a Sunday night for dinner with my boyfriend (we were celebrating our 3 year anniversary) and I admit I was scared when we drove by because all I saw was a bar and a few tables, and it looked small. WRONG! When we walked in we were walked over to an additional dining room where we were able to sit with semi-privacy. Phew! I thought I was gonna be bumping shoulders with strangers for a second. The atmosphere was very relaxing. The lighting was perfect, the service we were given was extraordinary, and the food....absolutely delectable. I had the Linguine with scallops and mushrooms. It was delicious and it was a daily special! My boyfriend had the 14oz steak with potatoes and because of his sensitive stomach he's not much of an eater, but it was so good he scarfed the entire thing down! OH! AND THE GARLIC TOPPING THEY GIVE YOU FOR THE BREAD IS AMAZING! 5 stars! 5 stars! 5 stars!
(5)
Reiahnna J.

I went there last night and had the Pollo Alla Proviciana. That's Half-Chicken in a white wine sauce and potatoes. It was very delicious. There was a few other people there. It was very clean. Go there and try it out for yourself.
(5)
Michael J.

I tell you, Buona Terra was a wonderful experience. I went on a nice August Thursday afternoon with my special someone for our weekly date night. I was interested in trying the acclaimed Prix Fixe Menu which includes the standard three courses (appetizer, EntrÃ©e, desert) for a meager $21.95. What differentiates this Prix fixe special from others is you can order anything off of the menu - there is no special restrictive menu. The food, mind you, is wonderful - for appetizers I had a calamari salad and my date had Bruschetta, for our entrÃ©e's we had the asparagus pasta along with prime rib which was accompanied by a wonderful pepper and potatoes combination and cooked to perfection. For desert there was Tiramisu and Cheesecake with raspberry topping (mix the two together for the most delectable indulgence of the taste buds you can fathom). All of this along with two glasses of wine (I did not finish my glass of wine; since I am a whiskey man and do not particularly like the taste of vinegar passing my glass after one sip to my date) totalled the bill with tip right around $70, which is a steal for the quality of food you are receiving. This is a great restaurant for family, first date, or old lovers (there was an old lady behind me talking about how she did not need a pillow to sleep next her husband of substantiated years). I thought the food was extraordinarily well prepared and the service was adequate but a little lax, which is fine and fits in well with the Italian tradition of not rushing through a meal. If you take a date, be sure to pair up your two orders so as to share - after all it is an Italian restaurant - it would be rude to not eat one another's entrÃ©es.
(5)
Dmitri G.

Wow, very impressed with this little place. Ambience, food, service -- all great! For starters they brought warm bread (almost hot!) with garlic, which is unusual; most other places just give you regular bread, so... good start. This place has lots of vegetarian options. We had the spinach gnochi, which looked and tasted surprisingly good. They came in a very delicate sauce... yum. We also had the eggplant. Not the best I've ever had, but it was unique - crusted with crushed almonds, which gave it a nice texture. Did not have wine with dinner, but it looked reasonably priced. Definitely would go again. Parking situation not the best, but valet for $6 is available.
(5)
A H.

What a great place! I've found my new favorite in Chicago. It has a cozy neighborhood feel, with friendly, funny service. The food was fantastic! Starting with an appetizer of mozzarella wrapped with prosciutto, and enjoying both a fettucini salmon dish, and a rigatoni dish. All delicious! Unfortunately, there was no room for dessert. However, the next time we visit, I will be trying the cannolli! It looked amazing.
(5)
Juliet L.

Soooo yummy! We've only gone on Thursdays for the pre fixe. Make sure to make a reservation because the last time we were there, the place was MOBBED. We had a reservation and still had to wait for 15 minutes, but because the food was so phenomenal, it was well worth the wait. The drinks are also excellent, nice and strong. The dessert was to die for. I really loved the peach gellato and the profiletores. A wonderful thursday night date place.
(5)
Max M.

I have found my first wonderful Italian neigborhood restaurant. Buona Terra is a fabulous budget-oriented place. I came here last Sunday for dinner and spent under $40. Don't expect the most polished service. Just bring your appetite. I recommend the grilled calamari salad and the Spaghetti al Gamberetti--spaghetti pasta with rock shrimp, spinach, fresh tomatoes, olive oil and garlic. The portions are generous and the flavors are loaded with garlic so beware. The bread comes with an amazing vinaigrette of grated parmesan, roasted sweet garlic, and olive oil. You'll eat so much bread! I was looking for other ways to utilize this sauce. The tiramisu is one creamy alcohol soaked sponge of heavenly goodness. House vino by the glass is $5. I wish Buona Terra was across the street from me. Bucktown just earned one very good reason for me to move there.
(4)
chris c.

Great price point and well above average food make this place a neighborhood gem. This is a pretty classic italian restaurant. This is not cutting edge or revolutionary, it is just classic dishes prepared extremely well.
(4)
Kendrah R.

Ate here last night and it is officially my new go to Italian place. It's no haute cuisine and it isn't trying to be. It is just good Italian food at a reasonable price and a place that is not all young hipsters. Bread was incredibly fresh and comes with an out of this world pesto that was really nutty and good. Tricolore salad was super fresh and the dressing was fantastic - balsamic laced through raddichio, arugula, and endive. I had the sage butternut ravioli. The sage was almost too strong but the ravioli was good. Not sure that it tasted exactly homemade but it was still delicious. My husband had pasta with shrimp, which were tiny rock shrimp but surprisingly fresh and good. I just asked his opinion of his plate "It was DAMN GOOD! Fresh great flavor." Our friends had fantastic profiteroles and I had a good pecan torte. Hard to find good desserts at an italian restaurant but they do it well. Only negative is that it was pretty loud.
(5)
Beth O.

On my fiance's last night in Chicago before moving to California, we got take out from Buona Terra and ate it in the back of a moving truck. That's how good it is... it tastes like home. In case you're wondering what we ate for the last supper, it was the tricolore salad (with balsamic vinegrette dark as oil), the angelotti zuca (butternut squash ravioli in brown butter sage sauce) and the pennine al'Arabiata (penne with spicy tomato sauce). The food coma dulled the pain of our coming separation temporarily, and after he moved back we went back, ordered the same things and found that again it tasted like home.
(5)
Mike H.

This is an above average Italian joint with very reasonable prices. I'd definitely go back, but I'm still searching for a great Italian place in Chicago to call my favorite. The ambiance and decor were nice and the service was very good. Ordered calamari as an appetizer and wasn't all that impressed. For the entree, I ordered the ravioli with vitelllo (veal). It was good (I especially liked the fresh mozzarella) and the portion was quite large. I also sampled the food of others in my group including the gnocchi, linguine with clams, and a steak dish with risotto. They were all good, but I thought the steak and risotto entree was best (I think that was a special that's not on their regular menu).
(4)
Chris M.

I didn't come here for the Thursday night Prix-Fixe, so I am going to mostly rate this place on quality rather than price (as most people referenced the $19.95 prix-fixe and gave it 5 stars). I went on a Sunday night instead. Service was very slow, as there were 4 other tables w/ one server and one bus boy. I never saw our waiter really move around with any sort of sense of urgency. The bread was just how I like Italian bread, with a crunchy hard outside and soft inside. The sauce everyone has raved about with the garlic/Parmesan was just okay. I think I could conjure up something like that at home relatively easily, as it seemed to be garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, and perhaps a little cracked pepper or peppercorn. Very easy, very simple to make, and I do think it's a nice touch to have rather than just the standard bottle of oil sitting out. I had the whitefish w/ green beans and sauteed potatoes. The dish was very good, the fish being extremely fresh and tasty and the veggies being spot on. My issue was with my date's ravioli. She had a veal ravioli topped with chunks of mozzarella cheese. The biggest issue I noticed with her dish was the sauce. It was as thin as water!!!! NOOOOOOOOO!!!! As a guy with an Italian background and a mother who can cook excellent Italian food, watery sauces are big no no's. The words I hear most often associated with Italian cuisine are thick, bold, and robust. This sauce wasn't even close to any of those descriptions. It was disappointing too b/c I saw other people's dishes (look out for me, as I am always peeking at what other people order) and the sauce looked just right on other dishes. Needless to say, the food was still good here. I would go again, but it'd have to be for the Thurs. night deal or someone else highly suggesting it.
(3)
Spencer K.

Came here on a Friday 7pm for a birthday dinner. Had a reservation but had to wait, as the backroom was reserved for a party. On a note, the hostess that night wasn't the brightest. When I called to make the reservation, she didn't mention this and when we got there, there were other people waiting too. Don't think she knew what she was doing. Anyway, once seated, it got much better. Had caprese for appetizer, yum. We ended up ordering 4 different glasses of red wine, and none of them were very impressive (I'm a wine snob). Even their seasonal special wine was unremarkable. My friend had the butternut squash ravioli in a cream sauce which was fantastic. I had the beef medallion with risotto, also delicious. Was hard to make a decision from the menu, because everything sounded delicious. Will definitely come back to try some other items. Overall was pretty impressed with the place. Would love to try the prix fixe option sometime too, bet that's great. Also, please don't bring your kids here, ruins the atmosphere, especially with the place being as small as it is.
(4)
Kate W.

Yum! Who knew such great Italian dining was located in the heart of Logan Square? When the opportunity arose to find a place to eat in Logan Square for a dinner with friends we naturally turned to Yelp. The reviews are right, this friendly neighborhood Italian joint features great food, a nice atmosphere at a reasonable price. It maybe gets a half star off because the squash raviolis were overpowered by the basil in the dish. But the gnocchi was wonderful, a great combo of spinach and cheese sauce. Even our gluten-free friend found a wonderful meal in the risotto. I can't wait to try this prix-fixe menu everyone keeps Yelping about. We'll be back.
(4)
Helena B.

Great food at great prices! I was especially pleased with the wine list that featured many reasonably-priced bottles of both red and white. Our entire party was kept sated without worrying that we were drinking away our budget. I had the butternut squash ravioli - delicious. I love squash in general, and have had this dish many places, but Buona Terra's stick out in my mind as being especially plump (meaning that there was a lot of squash in each ravioli piece - exactly as I would have designed the dish if I ran the world). As with many Italian places, the dishes were large enough to share, so I got to try the spinach gnocchi as well (and will order that next time!) We were there celebrating a birthday, so after the main course was done the servers brought out a slice of Tiramisu bedecked with a candle for the birthday girl. OK, confession time. I don't like Tiramisu. I know, I know, you are shocked. "EVERYONE likes Tiramisu!" you think. Alas, you are incorrect, my friend. HOWEVER, I will concede a point to your side of the Tiramisu wars as this particular piece was unbelievably delicious. Wow.
(4)
Brittany C.

BONUS: Great food at economically-sound prices--a recession must. Thursdays Prix-Fixe is the best Ive even been to. You get an appetizer (soup, salad, calamari, etc) a main course (pick from a huge menu along with great specials; even filet and a salmon that makes me shiver) and dessert (cannolis that assualt me with visions of the Italian countryside, as I remember... from House Hunters International) ALL of this for under 22 bucks. While the prix-fixe makes me choose Thursdays, the atmosphere pulls me in anytime I want a huge Italian meal. Its very homey, great wine selection, accommodating staff, not pretentious at all... just a piece of Italy right next to Starbucks. Make reservations is you plan to go later on Thursday or with a large group, its kind of a tiny place. But worth it, even if you're kept waiting at the tiny bar.
(5)
Sally C.

I went here for dinner with two friends on Saturday (12/19/2009) for the first time. I was impressed and will most likely be back. The wait staff gave us plenty of time to order and did not make us feel rushed. I asked for a wine suggestion and was delighted when the waiter suggested one of the cheapest wines (I usually am told to order one of the most expensive things on the menu when I ask for a suggestion from the waitstaff at restaurants). We ordered appetizers which were delicious and then the waiter took our dinner order once we were already served our appetizers. Overall, good food, good wine, friendly staff, couldn't ask for more.
(5)
Shayna N.

The food here is amazing but the portions are small and pricey for what you get. We got here at 6:30p on a Saturday night an were seated immediately with no reservations. The hostess was friendly and welcoming. The decor and atmosphere are down homey and really nothing special. The service was efficient but not overly friendly or helpful. No complaints there. The excellent quality of the food is definitely a reason to return. ~Mushroom soup ~Beet Salad ~Beef loin ~Canole and Pecan Chocolate Pie All consistently delicious. Like i said, portions are small and your paying a lot. (luckily my date covered me, but still....) Next time I'll go back for the Thursday night fixed price special.
(4)
Mesum N.

Whenever I want to have some good Tilapia, I hit to this place. On top of that, prix fixe makes everything even better. I believe I have been there at least 10 times and not once I was disappointed by the food. Service, on the other had can be very slow at times and you may have to wait for a while to get seated but there is no waiting area other than a tiny bar on the side. Now I always order my regular but my guests always try different stuff from menu and love everything about it. Bathrooms are always clean. Parking can be tricky at times. If you're planning a date, do something before the dinner because it take eat up good couple of hours. Unless after the dinner you are planning to nudge nudge wink wink.
(4)
Kelly R.

Good lord, how is that I have not reviewed Buona Terra?!? It is quite possibly one of the best restaurants in the entire city of Chicago and I wouldn't throw a title like that around lightly. First of all, the bread is fantastic and that's always a good sign. Along with olive oil they serve it with a garlicky pesto sauce that may cause you to fill up before you even look at the menu - it is that good. Secondly, the appetizers. The grilled prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella is so insanely incredible that I nearly devoured the entire plate and then attempted to steal what was left on my dining companions' plates. I mean, I didn't but I wanted to. The calamari was also good as were a few other items that I can't remember, but if I had to choose, it would be the prosciutto hands down. You really can't go wrong with the pastas. I've tried a few, and all of them were nothing short of delicious. Portions aren't completely oversized but you definitely get enough. In a race between my top 3 Chicago Italian spots - La Scarola, Rose Angelis and Buona Terra, I'd have to give this one a tie with Rose Angelis. Sorry La Scarola, I love you and all of your old school, gangster charm, but Buona Terra has grilled prosciutto wrapped mozzarella!!
(5)
Brian C.

Great food. Great atmosphere. I'd love to go back next time I'm in the area.
(4)
Jacob M.

Buona Terra is an amazing Logan Square option for Italian dining. Comfy inside, outdoor seating, owners always behind the bar and walking around, great staff, and excellent food. I really enjoy the wine specials they have which rotate and gives me an option for a new wine to try. The grilled calamari is great as so are all the dishes we've tried and the prix fixe is a great deal on Thursdays. One annoying con... being charged for two sodas for a diet coke refill, come on.
(4)
David K.

Great food. Had no trouble parking but they do offer Valet, I'm sure on a busy Friday or Saturday night it might be difficult to park. The bread was warm and they served it with a nice olive oil, garlic, and parmesan blend. The Calamari was really good. Seems like they offer a couple special wines and beers to add to their menu. So there was a nice variety of choices. I had the Whitefish special that was served on top of mashed potatoes, leeks, crab, tomatoes, and a white wine sauce. It was fantastic. My wife had the Eggplant. She gets eggplant at a lot of Italian restaurants and she said this was one of the best she's had. The restaurant was warm and had a nice feel to it. Not too loud but it had a great vibe about it. Nice big windows and pleasant atmosphere. I'd go back for sure. One of many great spots in Logan Square.
(4)
Cristina V.

The only reason the review is this low is beacuse of the service I just received. I have been here to dine inside twice. I have oredered carry out food 3 times. I will no longer be giving them my business. I was a huge HUGE fan of their garlic spread with bread that they serve in the beginning of your meal. It is so yummy! So everytime I ordered carry out I ordered 2 garlic spreads with 2 loafs of bread. Today of all wonderful days (being sarcastic) the guy who answered the phone said I could have garlic spread but no bread to go with it. That they never give bread to carry out with the spread!! YEAH!? Well what am I supposed to spread it on? So disappointed. I had a craving for this all effing day long! Ugh!!! Horrible customer service.
(2)
Jon S.

Authentic food, great service, very friendly.
(5)
Diana R.

Wow! Come on Thursday night and you get a prix fixe menu for $22, you get an appetizer, entree, and desert. and let me tell you, its so good! Everytime I go Italian, I have to order the caprese salad, there's nothing like fresh mozarella and tomato with olive oil and basil, :). After that I had the butternut squash pasta! My absolute favorite. I didn't think the meal could get any better until I saw profiteroles on the menu for dessert. I was in heaven! I want to go back every night, the food and service was incredible.
(5)
Consumer N.

I have never had a bad experience here. The food is always excellent. I've been a customer since they opened. Its a must for Italian food fans. Its a cozy atmosphere but best if you sit in the other room and make reservations because it gets packed!
(5)
Paul R.

My wife and I were pleasantly surprised with this Logan Square gem. The ambiance was warm and bustling. Even though it was our first visit, the owners talked with us as if we were regulars. The food was delicious with elegant simplicity. I had the pork chop special for the evening; my wife had the capellini pomodoro. The staff was courteous and very attentive. Even though the restaurant was busy after recently being featured on Check Please, we were not rushed in the least. We took our time savoring our cheesecake and coffee. We will certainly be back. This was a great neighborhood spot offering solid food with a cozy, familiar atmosphere.
(4)
Dennis M.

Cramped dining room, and often you have to wait, but the food is excellent. Slightly more eccentric then your typical Italian menu...but only slightly. This is our go-to restaurant when we have guests in town. No one we've brought has ever been disappointed. I recommend the Rigatoni Buona Terra and the Cannoli.
(4)
Katrina S.

I live in the neighborhood and have been going since it opened. The food has for the most part been consistently good except for my last visit there. I ordered the daily fish special and had a bad piece of fish. The appearance, texture and flavor were just off. The bread & garlic spread brought to the tables to start are excellent. I have also enjoyed a few different pastas that satisfied with fresh ingredients and are cooked perfectly. If you do order pasta the portions are generous so you may have some for tomorrow's lunch. The bad fish wouldn't be enough to stop me from going back because I understand even the best restaurant can err. Read on.... My main gripe with this place is that I have introduced many friends and clients to Buona Terra. The last TWO times I have been on weekends we were practically kicked out! Well that's a fine thank you? .. We had a 7:30 reservation and they ASKED us to "give up" our table at 8:30. This was very disappointing because one of my friends was in from overseas and I hadn't seen her in a year. We were looking forward to a relaxed evening of catching up over cocktails, appetizer, dinner, coffee. The appetizer arrived before we had two sips & the entree came after two bites of the appetizer. There wasn't room on the table. The waiter constantly interrupted our conversation - it was just unpleasant. We were looking at each other with (WTF?) faces.. The last insult came at the end when the owner asked us to give up our table because they were so busy & overbooked. She offered to buy us a drink at the bar but there were no bar stools or even a space to stand comfortably & enjoy a drink without getting really personal w/ somebody you didn't come with. We went next door to Hachi's Kitchen for our cocktail where the staff were accommodating & we didn't feel unwanted/rushed. Another thing that's changed for the worse is the value aspect. For example; the price fix menu on Thursday not long ago was $16.95 and now it's $21.95 for appetizer, entree and dessert. I did the math and if you order the lowest price of each you don't even save $1.00 assuming the dessert isn't more than $6. This used be be such a treasure before it became popular. A quaint neighborhood spot that didn't try to rape your wallet. If there IS a next time and the next time is a strike I will probably have to find somewhere else for Italian. Seems the focus is on turning tables and raising prices instead of good food, community and service. I really like(d) this place in the beginning so I hope they see this and do something about it.
(3)
Tanya N.

Best octopus I have ever had. Period. I dream about that damn octopus appetizer and wonder why no one else has figured it out?? Not even Todd English?? I had the eggplant entree and my friend had some heavy pasta- both portions were very large and excellent. Small place with two small seating areas, so I recommend having a reservation, especially on the weekend. I really liked the artwork on the walls, exposed brick, and the intimate feel of the place. Wait staff was attentive. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Carmelita T.

Sometimes I get sad because little gems like this place get "discovered". No more walking in, knowing you won't have to wait. More shuffling past crowded tables and eyeing other people's meals hungrily while you wait. Waah. Then I realize I'm being selfish and I probably exacerbate the problem b/c I myself can't help but spill about great food! And the owner and staff are always efficient and friendly...they deserve all the success they get. My fog of self-pity dissolves and I resolve to yelp away. We go at least once a month -- the Thursday prix fixe menu is the best deal ever!!! Our favorite starters are the caprese (the olives add a nice contrasting saltiness), the beef carpaccio (if you like your sliced meats), and the tricolore salad (some good greens make a body happy). Pastas -- the linguine with clam sauce (red or white) is delicious, rigatoni with goat cheese is awesome, and my sister loves the ravioli with veal and brandy cream sauce. The hands down go-to dish on our roster is the Pollo Afumicatto -- tender chicken breast with a tomato based sauce with smoked bacon and pesto mashed potatoes. Mmmmm! Can't forget to mention the great bread and magical dip/spread they have -- it's some garlic parmesan olive oil combo that's my kryptonite...no matter how hard I try to ration my carb intake, this will always weaken my will. Five pieces of bread and an empty dip bowl later, I say, South Beach Diet be damned. If you love intimate neighborhood spots with great Italian fare at a reasonable price, Buona Terra is for you. See you there!
(5)
Karyna Z.

Buona Terra is by far my favorite neighborhood restaurant. My husband and I have been there at least 50 times and every time the food is amazing, very fresh and presentable. Since we have been there so many times we know every item on the menu, but what I like the most is that the variety is always there, every day they have specials, so every time you go you can try something different. The atmosphere is very friendly, family-like and service is excellent. my favorite dish is Pasta Buona Terra, rigatoni in a sun-dried tomato sauce with walnuts and goat cheese, I usually ask to add a grilled chicken breast since I am a big meat eater. I see the place has already a lot of fans writing great reviews and I can see why, it is the best restaurant in Logan Square!!!!
(5)
Caro M.

I'm usually a harsh critic, so for me to give this place 5 stars definitely tells ya somethin... My friend and I were looking for a place in Chi-City to wine and dine and this seemed like the perfect match [thanks to yelp!]. The food is AMAZING! Probably the best italian food I've had..maybe. I got this sundried tomato rigatoni and my friend got the butternutsquash ravioli... both were delicious. I also ordered a glass of Saracco Moscato. It's a super sweet champagne that I could probably chug an entire bottle of because it's THAT YUMMY! Only thing that sucked was getting a fuckin taxi around that joint. My friend and I were dressed for a night out at Rodan, and by dressed- I mean we was lookin like some street walkers....kinda. Over all, our experience was great! I'd go here again if I ever decide to visit the windy city again!
(5)
Vaidehi T.

Just came back from dinner at buono terra. My rating is actually 4 and a half. The food is fabulous. We sat outside, as the weather was great. We ordered the beet carpaccio, sautÃ©ed escarole in garlic. For starters, they serve warm bread with some kind of tapenade which is wonderfully garlicky. The bread is yum, and I couldn't stop eating the stuff. The beet carpaccio was delicious, and I am not even a fan of beets. It was just great. The escarole was my fav. It paired so well after the sweet beets. They were flavorful and perfectly bitter. Then we ordered the rigatoni buona terra. This is where they lose half a star. I like my pasta a little more cooked than al dente, and this was cooked a little shy of al dente. But that did not stop me from eating it as it was delicious. Perfect amount of sauce and the cheese on top was creamy and cool. The we ordered the pistachio gelato to end the meal and it was sooo good. I am so glad we ordered it inspite of being full, 'cos boy it was great! A perfect end to the perfect meal. The gelato is creamy, nutty and full of the good stuff. The service was impeccable too. I would recommend this place to anybody in a heartbeat!
(4)
amanda g.

yum. this place is good. i hadn't been here in a long time. we went this saturday and were reminded how delicious it is. the servers are all incredibly friendly. and the food is great. highlights this visit were: - pennine arabiata - grilled octopus appetizer - carpacio overall it's a great, cozy, simple italian spot that most anyone could be happy with. thumbs up.
(4)
Chris C.

Amazing. We had the carpaccio and beet carpaccio appetizers, both amazing. I had the veal ravioli, amazing. I tried the two other dishes that my two guests had, amazing. This place absolutely deserves it's high rating. My only gripe is that we called ahead to see if they were busy and if we should make reservations and they said they were not busy and don't worry about it. We ended up waiting an hour. The place is very small (kinda nice and cozy), but when it's this packed it gets a little awkward.
(5)
Andrea S.

This place already has a great review history going, but I thought I'd give everyone some advice. Make reservations. I wish I would have! I walked in spur of the moment on a Thursday night and it was packed out. Even though they were packed, they got us a seat in front at a small table near the bar. The hostess' were very nice and actually checked on us after we were already eating. Our food came VERY quickly and it was delicious. Our waiter wasn't very nice or attentive, it WAS a busy night, I'm not sure if that should excuse him or not but it is what it is. Our table really sucked because it was right by the aisle and people were crowded around the bar so all the wait staff had to push passed our table constantly. I would have preferred a thicker penne noodle in my arrabiata dish but the sauce was very yummy, I LOVED the basil taste in the sauce. Can't wait to go back with reservations and actually get a nice seat :)
(4)
Apple L.

Buona Terra has become my guilty pleasure since I moved to Logan Square 9 months ago. My boyfriend and I probably frequent this place at least once a month. Our favorites- the Ravioli con Vittelo(veal ravioli with a delicious brandy cream sauce), the Spaghetti ai Gamberetti (spaghetti with rock shrimp, spinach, tomatoes and fresh garlic), and of course the incredible complimentary bread and garlic spread they give you at the start of your meal. The mussels, Proscuitto e Mozzerella, and Calamari are fantastic appetizers. However, we were disappointed in Carpaccio. We have had many of the desserts here as well- and trust me whatever you choose, you will not be disappointed. The ambiance is great and so is the service. I can't say enough about Buona Terra- I simply LOVE it!
(5)
Jennifer A.

Thursday nights can I get a Whoot Whoot! The pre-fixe menu that is not pre-fixed is absolutely a steal. The food is delicious. The wait, there isn't one. I have been there twice with groups of 7 and have been seated right away. The waiter, I have had the same one both times, is very knowledgeable about the menu. He always helps me make the best choices. Now let's talk about the food: Appetizers: the calamari plate is divine, as is the prosciutto wrapped mozzarella. Entrees: the two Thursdays I have been there; there has been a filet of beef for the special of the evening. Once it was served with Marsala sauce, once crusted with Parmesan cheese. Both times was heaven. I also tasted the Tilapia, which was great too. Desert: I have sampled everything off the menu and everything is so yummy. My favorites would have to be the profiteroles, the tiramisu, and the pistachio gelato. The cheesecake is very yummy too. I am definitely hooked on this place. I will be a fixture there Thursday nights.
(5)
Maria D.

Went here last night for a friend's birthday dinner and had an amazing time! Dining room is a little cramped but we had a reservation and they were very accomodating. I wasn't hugely hungry so didn't do the prix fixe option but definitely would under other circumstances; it's a great deal. I enjoyed the hell out of the bread and the garlic tapanade and drank copious amounts of an extremely reasonably-priced sauvignon blanc. Seriously, they have several bottle options under $30; if you're a wine-lover and a frugal sort it's worth coming just for that. Service is friendly and competent, there's even free coat check! Ordered the Rigatoni Buona Terra and absolutely loved it; I'm furious that my leftovers are at home in the fridge instead of here with me at work. Had a bite of my friend's pesto mashed potatoes and thought they were fantastic, also tried the caprese salad and the profiteroles. Everything was top-notch. I eat a lot of Italian and this is a place I will definitely go back to ASAP.
(5)
Adam M.

Holy sh1t - I loved this place. Dined here twice in 2 weeks a few months ago. This was definitely some of the best Italian food I've had in this G-d-forsaken city. I remember getting some sort of vegetable linguine in a marinara sauce that was sublime. I also remember getting the profiteroles for dessert - which sufficiently made me weak in the knees. I cannot recommend this spot enough.
(5)
Sydney F.

MMMMMM Buona Terra.... The first positive point to this place is that I called Saturday early evening to get a reservation for that night & they were full for 8 o'clock spots, but the hostess still took my name down. When we arrived, we only had a 5 minute wait before we were sat. BONUS. There is a bar to wait at but not a lot of standing room so this was much appreciated. Second, GREAT wait staff. Knowledgeable, came around enough to be attentive but not an obnoxious lurker. Drinks came very quickly and food timing was staged perfectly. Third, AMAZING food. We started with the grilled prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella appetizer (not my fave, the grilling gave it a different flavor), and a caprese salad. I tried everyone's food and it was all incredible! Veal medallions, Potato Gnochhi, Veal Ravioli & Pork Chops. Sweet Lord, it was all delicious!! Meats cooked just to the right temperature, lots of raviolis & gnochhis. The bread and garlic spread they give you is awesome as well. Cocktails mixed just right. Lastly, the bill. For a great dinner with nice ambiance, $100 (with tip) a couple is well worth it. Long story short, I've found my new fave Italian restaurant!
(5)
Igor Z.

Went here a few weeks ago and had a great experience. We showed up 15 minutes early with half our party and sat at the bar. We were served by a very nice guy who kept us entertained. When we asked what dishes he recomends he said. "all of them, I make them all." Great response! How often do you come to a restaurant and get served at the bar by the chef/owner? Once we were seated the other owner, a very nice attractive lady, came to ask us if everything was ok and to let her know if we needed anything. Our waiter was also very helpful, effecient, knowledgeable, and energetic. The food speaks for itself, classic Italian dishes done right with good fresh ingredients. I would give it 6 stars if I could and i'm definitely coming back again.
(5)
Michael H.

Decent italian food. Not specatcular.
(3)
Jerry B.

Went for Mother's Day. Not crowded at all. Food and service was all top notch. Veal stuffed ravioli was terrific. Reasonable wine list. Nice, intimate, friendly neighborhood place.
(5)
Jen P.

Spaghetti al Gamberetti was perfectly al dente, balanced flavors, hot and fresh. :) LOVED it! plus, we were initially seated outside bc we came by without reservations but bc our seat was so close to the alley full of garbage, our hostess graciously seated us inside after noticing the smell from the garbage in the alley. i like that she didnt wait for us to ask her to switch our table...she took the initiative to make our dining experience as wonderful as possible. five stars for the service and amazing food.
(5)
Fred S.

All I can say is WOW! My wife and I have been waiting to dine here for a few months and it never worked out, until last night. The garlic-parm spread that they give with the bread is fabulous. We had a bottle of Barolo that was out of this world and ordered the carpaccio and grilled calamari to begin our journey. Both were amazing. We never felt rushed and the service was really great, especially considering how busy they were. Our entrees were also amazing. I had the veal medallions with the prosciutto and fontina cheese melted on top and I could have eaten two more pieces they were so tender and flavorful. My wife had the eggplant stack which she loved as well. It is rare that we order dessert, but everything was so good that we had to try, so we ordered the profiteroles and a canoli, and of course, they too were great. This is a Logan Square gem not to be missed. We plan on making this our regular spot for Italian.....
(5)
Beebe G.

my husband and another couple/ friends had dinner here last thursday on prix fixe night and it was better than the last time i was here. i ordered the carpaccio again and the veal monte carlo was so tender and full of flavor! we ordered a couple bottles of wine, first a pinot noir then the malbec. the wines went very well with the meal and the malbec especially paired excellently with my husband's steak. we were so full we ordered our dessert to go. service was exceptional. the entire wait staff even the bus service was spot on through the entire time we dined. i cannot wait to return!
(5)
Candace C.

Ate here last week. After some debate on which neighborhood place to go to for dinner, my boyfriend and i read a Yelp review about the prix-fix deal for Thursday nights and, being Thursday, we decided to check it out. This wasn't our first visit to Buona Terra, but it had been about two years since we last ate there, and for roughly $22, the prix fix price sounded perfect. We called at 5:30 and were able to make a reservation for 7:30 that evening. When we arrived, the host took our names and was able to seat us within about 15 minutes. That might sound like a long wait to some people since we had reservations, but I generally expect to wait up to 15 minutes with a reservation if it's on a busy night (fridays, saturdays or promo nights) and with the obvious popularity of the prix fix arrangement and at prime dinner time hours, it seemed fair enough. The prix fix meal give you an option of soup, salad or appetizer as a first course, then your entree, followed by dessert...all for $22. Really one of the best deals in the city. My bf and I each ordered a glass of wine and I chose the grilled calamari, while he ordered the baby octopus. Both were nice app-size portions for 1-2 servings and both were grilled to perfection. I had a grilled salmon entree, served with capers and white wine sauce, potatoes and broccoli (this was one of the daily specials). The salmon was the perfect temperature, and while the potatoes could have used a little extra seasoning, this dish tasted great. The best part? Dessert. I ordered a chocolate pecan tart topped with fresh berries and my boyfriend had the pistachio ice cream. So, so good. The service was prompt, the food was great, the value was worth it and we'll definitely be back sometime soon.
(5)
Julia R.

found this place on a whim when craving a stop somewhere for italian before a movie. so happy i did. I had the gnocchi which was creamy, tender, and delicious. hubby had Pollo Afumicatto which is in a smoked bacon sauce - how can anyone dislike something like that - amazing flavor! Tried the pesto mashed potatoes - i really don't care for pesto much but could tell that pesto lovers would probably die for them. also, as everyone else stated, the garlic spread for their freshed baked bread is addictive. The service was excellent - our water glasses were always full and it had a great ambiance of a classic italian joint - a good amount of hustle and bustle and lots of large family parties were there - a little lound but strangely cozy nonetheless. I can't wait to come back and try some more dishes!
(5)
Jonathan A.

I can't believe I didn't write a review for this already. Wow, this meal was even better than the first time, and we got it to go even. The first time was excellent as well. Though I wasn't crazy about the carpaccio appetizer, but the rest was great. The food is on the rich side, and I really don't think it's overpriced, because the quality of ingredients seem to me to be very good. The only star I am taking off is for the ambiance, which is a little bland, though clean and casual. But for me it felt like I was eating in the living room of someone's new house. I do like the food about as much or better than any other Italian I've had in the city. And though Italian isn't my favorite cuisine by any means, I'm starting to appreciate it more and more.
(4)
Steve M.

Finally had the chance to try out the price fix menu on Thursday nights. The restaurant was not too crowded. For appetizer I had prosciutto wrapped mozzarella which was good. For main course I had the penne arabiatta which was just OK. The cannoli was good but overall I would say it is just average compared to other Italian restaurants. The service was good and so was the $21 price per person. Parking is street or valet.
(3)
Cherry A.

not to exaggerate, but the fried calamari here may be the best you've ever tasted. perfectly fried, the wide strips are exquisitely battered. the veal ravioli is delectable. lunch for 2 came to $51: 2 limonatas, 2 appetizers, 2 entrees. great deal, nice ambiance, terrific price. try them out!
(4)
Andrea F.

Still getting takeout (it's just so much easier than eating out with a toddler)- we've also tried the caprese (good but not the best- I'd pass and get the panzanella toscano any day of the week), prosciutto & mozarella app (good but don't get take-out), eggplant (good, even my toddler ate it, but again don't let it sit too long before you pick it up), 4 cheese gnocchi (too rich for my taste and I love nothing more than lots of cheese- it was too one-note) and cappellini (this is a definite must-order, very light and flavorful). They also have really good cannoli!
(4)
Anne Marie J.

Great place for the prix-fixed 3 course meal on Thursday! It's anything from the menu...I love great deals! The pasta I had was exactly what it said it was - nothing fancy, but still a good tomato cream sauce. My fiance's pork chop was delish: often times you'll find pork chops overcooked and therefore dry - this was not the case. Cute ambiance, too!
(5)
Jerith B.

My mother always told me that every woman needs 3 things: 1. Enough money to secure her own apartment in an emergency. 2. A perfect dress to slip on when your future husband comes knocking. 3. A consistent restaurant that you can get seated at with no notice. Buona Terra is my go-to restaurant for number 3. My husband and I have been eating there for 5 years now, and it was the first restaurant we ate at in Chicago. We've watched the place grow from having a few tables full on Fridays and Saturdays to a restaurant with a loyal local following that is always packed. Since we do a lot of business with them, they are always gracious about seating us. There are nights that we arrive with 10 people in tow, and are only able to call 20 minutes in advance. They accommodate my food allergies, and when my favorite meal was taken off the menu, they made it for me anyway every time I came in. Their stellar service and friendly owners keep me returning. If you need a little nibble while you wait for the main course, the mussels and calamari are my husband's favorite, but I always get the prosciutto wrapped around mozzarella and pan fried until the cheese is gooey. It is served with vinaigrette on a bed of mixed greens. They also provide a complimentary bread basket with warm crusty Italian bread and garlic puree. The food at Buona Terra is American-inspired Italian. For dinner, I adore the Veal Monte-Carol, thin pounded veal fillets topped with prosciutto and cheese, simmered in white wine. It comes with broccoli and roasted potatoes. Heaven! My husband gets the steak topped with a browned parmesan crust almost every time we go. For an idea of their price point, the veal is around $18 and the steak is around $20. They also do pasta dishes, and the favorite among our friends is the butternut squash ravioli in a brown butter and sage sauce. Once in awhile they have pear stuffed ravioli in mascarpone cream as the special, and it nice and tangy, not too sweet. The Capellini de Angelo is my comfort food - thin angel hair pasta served with a warm hearty tomato sauce.
(5)
Rita W.

We went here for my friend's b-day. She is Italian and her parents make the best italian food so I knew if she liked Buona Terra, it was going to be pretty good. We met here on a Sunday night and it seemed like a very warm and cozy place, and it was quite packed already when we were there. My boyfriend and I shared the grilled octopus appetizer and we usually get the grilled octopus at any restaurant that offers it. We both agreed that this was the best grilled octopus we ever had! It was delicious, perfectly grilled and mixed with tiny diced tomatoes, it also had this great spicy afterkick. I had the skate wing for my entree and it was also very good. The tiramisu was delicious, I could have just eaten that for my entree! I just wish Buona Terra was closer to my apartment so I could go more often!
(4)
Beth P.

My boyfriend and I were looking for a reasonable Italian restaurant with good food. This place completely beat any of our expectations. The wait staff was very friendly, helpful, and attentive. The pesto dip that is served with the bread and olive oil was amazing! My boyfriend ordered chicken with mozzarella cheese in a sun dried tomato and bacon sauce served with delicious pesto mashed potatoes. I had a wonderful bowl of butternut squash ravioli. We topped it off with cannoli that was hands down the best cannoli we have had in a restaurant in years. All of the food and wine was very affordable. Overall, it was a truly great dining experience from start to finish. Definitely coming back!
(5)
Mari K.

You had me at... prix fixe. For under $22 you get to choose ANY appetizer, entree, and dessert! (Thursdays only!) Yippy! Everything on the menu sounded delicious it was so hard to choose! My mind did a little panic dance while my eyes skipped from dish to dish. I finally made up my mind and ordered the grilled baby octopus salad, spaghetti with rock shrimp, and cream puff/gelato dessert. PERFECT! I can barely breathe right now as I'm typing this review... completely stuffed, completely satisfied. Others ordered the swordfish (daily special), ravioli, artichoke soup, proscuitto wrapped mozzarella, calamari, fettucini w/ shitake and chicken.. everything rocked! Top picks of the night: baby octopus and spaghetti w/ shrimp (yes, those were my dishes.) =P Service is fine, but we had to flag down our waiter to get our glasses filled a couple times. Nothing spectacular, but not bad. Atmosphere is cozy, but the tables are a bit too close together. It's definitely a great date spot.. yep, I think evvveryone in there was on a date except for my table of 5 fabulous girlies. =D I'm DEFINITELY going back! ... on a Thursday. =)
(5)
Amanda D.

AMAAAAAZING! They should expand this restaurant to allow for more diners. They should also open another restaurant closer to me :) I went with a group of friends. Note: DO NOT miss your reservation time. We missed ours by 15 minutes, and since we were a group of eight ended up waiting an hour for a table. However, I do think it was worth it. We all ordered the Prix Fixe which is a fabulously deal. It is $20 for an appetizer, meal, and desert. My soup was good and my meal was fabulous. I can't wait until I can go back. Only downside... I didn't realize there is a lack of cabs in Logan Square and I ended up having to jump on a random bus to get home.
(5)
Kitty L.

Holy wow! This is a great place to bring a date. The atmosphere is comfortably intimate and the food is fantastic. I've had several items on the menu and they were all amazing. I am obsessed with the complimentary olive oil/garlic/cheese spread that is served with warm bread, and I have to fight back the urge to plant my face in it. My favorite entree is the butternut squash ravioli. The toasted sage adds a wonderful depth of savory flavor and the dish is incredibly rich. The rigatoni with goat cheese and walnuts is awesome as well. I don't think you can go wrong with anything on the menu.
(5)
Jackie C.

This is one of my favorite neighborhood restaurants. The atmosphere is warm and cosy and in the summer, you can sit outside. As others have mentioned, the spread that comes with the bread is delicious, it's hard not to eat too much to leave room for dinner. I'm definitely a new tastes, new experiences kinda girl, but I have to admit, every single time I go, I get the same thing because it's that good. The Pennine al'Arabiata is pennine pasta tossed with fresh herbs, garlic and a touch of spicy tomato sauce and is definitely my favorite here.
(5)
Erin H.

Can I give negative stars? Maybe it was a total fluke, but this is the only time in my life I have been served food that was bad enough to send back to the kitchen. I tried to eat it, because I didn't want to be a bitch, but I gagged every time I tried another bite. I got the fettucine primavera, and it tasted as if the "light tomato" sauce was half fermented, or the pan it was cooked in was first soaking in dirty sweat sock juice. Even worse was the way this place reacted to the dry heave situation. They pretty much pretended that nothing was wrong at all, and I left feeling as if I had been treated very badly. The waiter asked why I didn't eat the pasta, I told him, then he said he would talk to the owner (who didn't bother him/herself with me at all) and then he came back to quickly slip a check on the table with not another word. Not even thank you. Their reaction showed absolutely no pride in their food or establishment. I am not a person who enjoys being involved in (or observing) dramatic scenes, and because of this Buona Terra took my money and let me leave hungry with a bad taste in my mouth. I wouldn't go back even if someone paid me a thousand dollars, maybe for a million, but food poisoning isn't THAT bad.....right? Beware, don't even try it!
(1)
Erin D.

Yum! I'm always happy with the food here! I don't always eat-in because they are very quick to prepare a pick-up order. I highly recommend the Gnocchi Verde al Quattro Formaggi it is delicious!
(4)
Allison C.

This is a yummy, fresh Italian restaurant. I went once, for their Prix Fixe menu. You get a lot for your money, and the food is good. I prefer Rose Angelis, but it's an excellent neighborhood joint.
(4)
Angelique Z.

Buona Terra is the kind of excellent, intimate Italian restuarant showcased in our favorite dream sequence of our lives. Seriously. Every meal I've had has been sublime, no matter the season or the time I go, the carpaccio, the asparagus, the veal, gnocci, the gelatos--oh my! The decor is warm and relaxing. The open rooms give you the opportunity to ogle the next diners food without being obvious. In the summer, they make the most of the outdoor areas they have and also open up in the front window so diners inside get a great breeze. This place gets packed so i'd always call for reservations if you're too hungry to wait. But even then, the hostess has always tried to get me and friends seated as quickly as possible. I love them like I love dream sequences.
(4)
Tom H.

Basically, this is one of the best restaurants in the entire city. I just moved to the 'hood and stopped in on the recommendation of a friend who has lived in Logan Square for a few years. The menu is excellent, with a concentration on vegetarian pasta, chicken and steaks. Basically, whatever you enjoy, Buona Terra will offer a variation of. The prices are reasonable, there is a full bar, and the service is very good. (Ignore the prima donna 1-star review below - everything was great but the waiter accidentally spilled some coffee so the place deserves a single star? Please.) Most importantly, the food is absolutely fantastic - great tastes, smart combinations, right-sized portions. Absolutely a terrific find for a newbie to the area. Just make sure to save me a seat in case word gets out!
(4)
Cortney C.

Oh Ma Godt! I've heard great things about this place recently from several friends and co-workers. I was fortunate enough to have my friends take me out to dinner here last Friday and let me tell you...the food was beyond outstanding! I'm struggling now with my own internal anger - why didn't I visit this place sooner! I literally can not stop thinking about the muscles we had for an appetizer! It was loaded with slices of garlic and a delicious tomato sauce. I may or may not have sopped up all the extra sauce with bread! I had the Salmon special, it was topped with fresh guac. and served on a bed of roasted red pepper, zucchini, and thick slices of roasted potato. Our waiter was great. He recognized my friends (because they eat here often)...we got a great table by the window (it was still a little chilly to sit outside). He suggested a wine to compliment our dinners, he checked on us frequently and made sure we had everything we needed. Did I mention the dessert? I had a DEEELICIOUS cream puff dessert. The puffs were stuffed with creamy vanilla gelato, drizzled with chocolate sauce. YUM! Upon finishing the dessert I was stuffed and happy! I've talked other friends into going back with me tonight! They haven't had the pleasure of eating here yet! Boy are they in for a treat!!!!
(5)
Angela M.

The $21.95 prix fixe is a great deal! Especially because you get to pick ANY app, entree and dessert! The food is really tasty too. I met my friends, who are regulars for Thursday nights, and found the ambience nice (cozy) and service friendly. It is easily accessible from the expressway and has valet parking.
(4)
Becca S.

Delicious! Great atmosphere. It was pretty crowded on a Friday night, but the food still came out crazy fast. But it was really fresh and delicious.
(4)
Mel K.

It was good, but it did not blow me away. The appetizer was the best part of the meal - fresh mozzarella wrapped in prociutto grilled. I had the spinach gnocchi with four cheese sauce, which was good, but I think had too much sauce over it. The chicken with bacon tomato sauce was oddly presented with plain steamed broccoli on the side. The pesto mashed potatoes could have been creamier. I would not say this is the most authentic Italian food, but it is tasty and I would go back for their Thursday fixed priced meals of $21.
(3)
Angie S.

This is probably my fave Italian place to go so far for two reasons: (1) the spread that they serve with their bread and (2) the Rigatoni Buona Terra. They are both amazing. I still need to try the other vegetarian dishes that they have. The Angelotti Zuca is the only other dish that I've tried and it was good, but the Rigatoni Buona Terra is the way to go.
(5)
Amy S.

Great place and great service. The waiter was so helpful and gave us some great suggestions. On Thursdays they have a special for an appetizer, entree and desert for $21.95. I really like their variety and have been there on a few occasions. Will definitely go back. A neighborhood favorite.
(5)
Esther Y.

I have a love hate relationship with going out for Italian. Every time I go out for Italian food, it's sooo good to me, but then I think I can make this at home....I'm just too lazy. (Oh, and by me I mean my boyfriend). Every now and then, I end up going out for Italian, usually b/c I have a taste for it and am too lazy to get the ingredients I need to make it at home. So, that is how I ended up at Buona Terra. A friend suggested it and said that it was solid Italian food. We made reservations, got there a little early and got seated after a little wait. After I ate a loaf of bread with that amazing garlic/cheese/oil dip, we started with the bruschetta (very ok, nothing spectacular) and a Caesar salad. The dressing was a little odd, and the croutons tasted like they were from a box. Next, we split the veal medallions with mozzarella and roasted red pepper. That was GOOD. Very, very tasty. If you don't like the super thin meat, then you won't like this, but it was great to me! For our pasta, we had the pasta Buona Terra. It had walnuts and goat cheese in a tomato cream sauce. Then, we ended the meal with the profiteroles. Yum! Everything was really good and moderately priced. It is great to go with someone and split everything, that way you get a great amount of food and you get to sample a lot of everything. With a glass of wine and a bottle of San Pelligrino, it ended up being about 62 without tip. Given the amount of food we had, it wasn't that bad. One thing though, I wouldn't really suggest taking the pasta home with you if you don't finish it. It was really rich when I was eating it, and I remember thinking....hmmmmm there must be a TON of butter, oil, cream in this thing. Fast forward the next day when I take it out, and there is a nice thick layer of fat.....yuck. Save yourself from the guilt...leave it there, better yet, finish it!
(4)
Colleen B.

I dream about the gnocchi... not that I condone veal, but my boyfriend ordered the veal ravioli, and it was so light and lovely, it was a little beyond me. Obviously the Prix Fixe is a fabulous deal, but it's really not so poorly priced anyway... especially their wine list (I would say about $2 less per glass than I've seen at some other Italian places around here). Oh, and yes, the garlic spread they put out is amazing... so amazing it sticks with you long after you've left... mmmm garlic. This is the kind of place you can take guests from out of town... in fact, that's what I'm doing next week.
(5)
KT P.

Fantastic food, polite and knowledgeable service and an amazing bartender! A must in Logan Square.
(5)
Kim V.

I love this place - everything is amazing, I've never had a bad meal. And the garlic on the table, I swear I could just have that for dinner. (And sometimes I have and had my meal boxed up for leftovers!) Also this is a great place for groups. I've had a couple b-day gatherings there and everyone has walked away saying what a great place it was!
(5)
Madelyn H.

nothing to write home about. i had high hopes after hearing several people recommend it. i went for the thursday night prix fixe deal and the atmosphere is nice and warm. the service was good too. i had the caprese salad with not so great tomatoes and the rotini. overall, the pasta tasted pretty good but the sauce was runny. the cannoli tasted really good as well but the shell seemed like it had been frozen. i guess i would go back but with so many other restaurants to try, it would take some persuading.
(3)
Max M.

Amanda and I were in the mood for some traditional italian food so we went out to dinner here on Saturday night. And it was exactly what we wanted. The setting is nice exposed brick big windows. The art is a little odd but not that big of a deal. There were some people dressed up and some in t-shirts and both seemed fine in the atmosphere. The staff was very italian. The gentlemen at the door didn't seem to speak a ton of english. The bus boy was wearing a white t-shirt and apron and reminded me of Adam Sandler in the "Fresh a da pepper" skit from old school SNL. (I think of all of this as a good sign for an Italian place) Our waiter was very attentive and courteous. He had some good suggestions etc. All of the food arrived as I wanted it to arrive and the glass of Italian red i had was smooth and delicious. We started with the black muscles in a spicy tomato sauce. It was fantastic. The sauce was spicy bit not overly so. I definitely soaked up the sauce with the crisp pieces of bread that came in the dish. The muscles were large and plump. There were a good amount for a perfect appateizer. I then had the special soup. Gorgonzolla Cheese and Cauliflower soup with Walnuts. It was mildly flavored but incredibly delicious and creamy. Amanda had the Minestrone Soup which had uge chunks of soft vegetables and a tasty broth. Maybe a little short on salt but I don't mind adding a dab. I then had the Chicken with Bacon and Cheese in a tomato sauce(sorry can't remember the dishes name but its on the regular menu not the special) It came with Pesto mashed potatoes and broccoli. It was fantastic. The mashed potatos were great. Creamy and just enough pesto. The chicken was perfectly prepared and the bacon flavor was just right. Amanda got Farfalle pasta with Spinach, Asparagus and tomatos in a cream sauce. And wow, it was even better than mine. Really a great combination of flavors. The thinly sliced asparagus was perfect with the farfalle pasta (sorry if I butchered the spelling twice). It was a big serving and she took some home. Probably eating it tonight. For dessert we had the Tiramisu which as good but not great. We probably could have done with out it. The interesting thing was there were meat dishes and there were pasta dishes and for the most part the pasta dishes didn't have meat in them. Perhaps this is normal and I'm just ignorant to italian culture. But over all a great experience. I would definitely go back and I want to try a ton of the things on the menu. Most dishes are pretty traditoinal but some of the specials seemed a little experimental and probably make it worth going back just to see what specials they have. I would definitely reccomend it when you're in the mood for good classic Italian.
(4)
Julee W.

Buona Terra Keeps getting better and better! I loved the eggplant, It was a inventive take on the traditional with almonds? in the crust, perfect. I tried to copy the recipe but I guess you will have to cook it for me!
(5)
Dan M.

DELICIOUS! Great ambiance and service. Will definitely go back!
(4)
Robert W.

I recently moved in a few blocks away from this place. I had never heard of it and decided to eat there one night when I had visitors in town. I'm glad I did,. The paste dishes are great! I was able to try three different ones that first time in there. The garlic spread they serve with their bread is very addicting as well. Great place that will see many return visits from myself.
(5)
Carissa M.

Two words- FREAKING AWESOME! The food here was amazing!! I could not believe the value that we got for he price. They wine was great and the dessert was also great! The place is really cute and while the waiter was just so so, everything else made up for it. I highly recommend, it is worth the trip over if you don't live in the area.
(5)
Bess R.

In my neighborhood, and SO good. Italian is one of my major craving foods, and Buona Terra satisfies every time. Love the Thursday night prix fixe menu for $20 - such a good deal! A cute, intimate little place with excellent pasta and meat entrees. Must get back soon.
(5)
Theresa R.

Three letters explain it all - OMG. This place is soooooo good. Had dinner here and from start to finish it was fantastic. No wait for seating (well, it was Tuesday night) and the server was attentive. Amazing garlic/jalepeno/whatever spread that was served with the bread - we couldn't get enough of it. For dinner I had the Rigatoni Buena Terra. Which is rigatoni tossed in a sun dried tomato cream with walnuts and goat cheese. It was heaven. Great Italian food option in Logan Square and probably one of the better Italian restaurants I've been to in quite some time.
(5)
Cindy D.

Went here last night for a b-day party which consisted of 12 people. Since it was Thurs. night, they had the pre-fixed price of $22 for three-courses. Here's what I got. 1. App - Salmon Carpaccio - Really really yummy, when you take off the peppercorns. I wish they put capers on there but hte salmon and the sauce were delicious. Also, they were great portions, about 5-6 largely cut slices. Everyone else at the table throughly enjoyed thier apps as well, some got the octopus salad, calamari, bruschetta, and beef carpaccio. They were quite plentiful protions. Another thing, the bread is normal, but the olive-garlic dip was DELISH!!!! 2. Entree - Veal Monte Carlo - Got three thinly sliced pieces. The first piece was delectable, the fontina cheese and cream sauce made it deliciously rich and savory. As you continued to eat, it's diminishing returns, the other two pieces seemed salty. They were still good and I ate the entire plate full of food, but the salt seemed overpowering. It also includes broccoli (that was yummy with the sauce) and roasted potatoes. 3. Dessert - Tiramisu - not good at all. The presentation was messy and didn't taste authentic. The raspberry cheesecake was the best dessert there. Finally, the wine is the cheapest I've seen in a long time. $20 for bottles, that's great recipe for big parties. Overall a great time and great food!!! Looking forward to coming here again.
(5)
Van M.

Went here last weekend for Father's Day on the recommendation of a friend and thought it was great! Prices are very reasonable, the service was exceptional, and the food was great. Nice neighborhood as well!
(5)
Sam S.

I absolutely love this little place. It's so cute and quaint - reminds me of restaurants overseas. Please please try the Angelotti Zuca! It's a brown butter sauce and I think about it everyday. I ordered the prosciutto appetizer twice because it sounds so good, but really not too exciting - go with the bruschetta.
(5)
Ella R.

Enjoyed a nice and quiet dinner here the other Sunday. The place occupies two small cozy rooms, with seating outside on warmer days. The wine list has some nice selections and I really liked my friends choice of nebbiolo. Overall the meal was good, but I wish I had chosen something else for my main dish. The garlic, oil, and parmesan(?) spread accompanying the bread was addictive. My favorite dish was their beef carpaccio appetizer, served with capers, parmesan, and truffle oil(!!!). I liked my friend's Pollo Afumicatto -- chicken stuffed with smoked mozzarella. However, my choice Farfalle alla Dominik left a lot to be desired, especially for a lot less ricotta.
(4)
Alexandra S.

One of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago with great food for a good value. The Thursday prix fixe is legendary and well worth the $22 for full size appetizer, entree and dessert. Pasta is delicious and the atmosphere is very warm. The owners treat everyone like family and are always ready with a wine recommendation that is off the beaten path and delicious. I hate to write this so positively because it just means the place will get busier, but it is one of my favorite places.
(4)
Robin C.

Reasonable prices, delicious, HOT and fresh food, prompt service. Need I say more? Well, yes... I brought my parents here recently and we all left extremely happy - a rarity considering my parents can be pretty critical when it comes to Italian food, their favorite. We were greeted to some HEAVENLY bread - I made the mistake of eating too much of it. It was so delicous but I got full way too fast - beware! I don't even want to try and think about how many baskets were brought to our small table... We had mussels and calamari for apps and they were great. Traditional and super fresh - exactly how you want your seafood! I got seafood linguini and it was amazing. I don't like heavy sauces and this was in a white wine, garlic sauce and all of the flavors tasted amazing. I came here with my parents but I think this would be a GREAT date place!
(4)
e e.

this little italian restaurant is one of my favorite places to eat in the city! its cozy, always buzzing, and DELICIOUS! reservations are highly recommended. good for a group of friends or an intimate date.
(5)
T C.

Buona Terra is a hidden gem, I loved everything about this restaurant. The friendly and gracious owner greets you at the door, and escorts you to the table. The wine list is well thought out and very affordable. We began our meal with several appetizers, true talent in this kitchen, the calamari was cooked perfectly, and the carpacio was highlighted with just the right amount of truffle oil. For our entree we enjoyed the daily special of lobster risotto, it was fantastic, I wish it was on the daily menu. The veal ravioli was mouth watering as well. We had profiteroles for desert with gelato with a raspberry coulis, fantastic. I highly recommend Buona Terra, authentic Italian with a warm atmosphere. The service was 5 stars as well.
(5)
Garland B.

This is an excellent restaurant. I have never had a bad meal, and eat here at least once every two weeks.
(5)
Steve R.

I am very glad to have a place like Buona Terra close to my home. The place has great food, friendly staff (owners are super nice), and is laid back enough to be comfy but upscale enough for a date or business dinner or something like that. It's also got a noise level where you can have a conversation, but it is still lively. The outdoor seating area is very nice as well.
(5)
Becky M.

YUM!!!! The best in the area. We love the prix-fixe thursdays! Great regular menu and specials. It's our go-to place.
(5)
Stephanie H.

I was here last night, first time. What a great little place. The food was really good. I had the Rigatoni and my friend the veal ravioli. Both dishes were excellent. So fresh tasting, real homemade, great flavors. Gelato for dessert (Pistachio and Vanilla, I liked the vanilla better, both delicious). The prices are extremely reasonable. The atmosphere is very casual, it's just a little place. I will visit again soon, I look forward to discovering other great Logan Square gems.
(4)
JESS G.

I went here on a Saturday night around 6:00 and there wasn't even a wait...always a plus in my book. My boyfriend and I both got chicken entrees, both were excellent. The bread served with garlic sauce was so amazing we ordered some to go. My only gripe, the mashed potatoes were a bit thin and watery, almost as though they had come from a box. I'm hoping we just got a bad batch. I can't wait to return. This is a great Italian restaurant!
(4)
Dave S.

This place was pretty darn good. I was amazed that they were able to accommodate us and our party of 20 some peeps. I thought they were going to have a bigger back room but the dining area is rather small. It was not very cramped for having such a big group. The food was very good. I got my money's worth for the $20 Prixe Fixe Thursday deal. The bruchetta appetizer was good and fresh. For my meal I had the Ravioli con Vittelo which I have never had before but will now be one of my favorites going forward! The staff was very quick but the only complaint was that the waiter got a pissy look on his face when he got to me and I still had not decided. I got over the urge to slap the pissy look off his face rather quickly and everything was good after that! He took care of us just fine after that.
(4)
Tallis F.

This has become our regular "date night" outing although it's family friendly enough that we brought the kids one time when we went early. The prix- fixe Thursday is amazing both because of the price and because you can order off of the whole menu. This is the kind of place you quickly feel like a "regular" even if you're not the chatty type. This is where we're going to take the whole family when they're in for Christmas this year and i think it will be both great and comfortable for all 4 generations!
(4)
Leang E.

I have to give this place credit for accomodating our group of 20. The place is relatively small when you enter so most of us were crowded near the bar. We got the back room where a long table awaited us. The pre-fixe is definitely the way to go. Michelle was so on the money with the bread and the garlic spread. I am not that big of a bread person myself. I like it, but I try not to fill up on it so that I can make room for my meal. I probably had 3 slices. It's so warm and chewy. I love this garlic spread. I need to get the recipe. I think I could have had a meal of it on its own. As an appetizer, I had the carpaccio and it was good. The portabella mushrooms seemed pretty fresh, and I loved how capers topped it off. I was originally interested in ordering the Rigatoni Buona Terra, which I heard was there specialty only after I had ordered the Parmesan encrusted steak (Bisteca something Parmigiana). I will be going back to try this pasta though. The steak was medium, a little undercooked for me, but I think Donna and I had each other's order. It was still very good. I liked how the potatoes were crispy on the outside and soft in the inside. To end the meal, I had the NY style cheesecake with the raspberry coulis. I believe I said it was so good probably 3 times or so. It was one of the best group meals that didn't result in us being short on the bill. I like it when it all works out.
(4)
Kara H.

went to buona terra this weekend with some friends. wow! super cute place - warm and inviting. excellent service. and the food was delicious! do not miss the carpaccio appetizer.
(4)
Tony L.

prix-fix, ftw! I like being able to choose an appetizer, dinner and dessert for $20.00. This my friends is how dining should be. I've been hooked on the veal ravioli's and the sauce for it is awesome. I've had other stuff too like the Parmesan encrusted steak. The service is pretty good and Thursdays can get pretty busy because of the prix-fix, so be prepared to wait if you want to sit inside. Outside seating was pretty good and we got to sit down fairly quickly. Also try to get there before 7P. If you can take public transportation there you're better off as street parking around there can be pretty tight. As far as Italian places, I still love La Scarola, but Buona Terra is not far behind.
(4)
Mia F.

Good solid itallian food. Havent been there for a few years but remember it fondly.
(4)
Lauren S.

Came here with my foodies club for the pri-fixe Thursday dinners that includes appetizer, entree, and dessert for only $22; what a deal! I had the mussel apps, perfectly cooked and delish, and a special for my entree which was a pasta and seafood dish; this was divine, I literally felt like I was in heaven. Unfortunately, I've been back since and they don't always have this on special but the pasta and rock shrimp dish is a strong second. The inside of the restaurant is small but cozy and in the summer they have a few tables outside which is nice. Overall, an excellent restaurant.
(4)
mike l.

buona terra is a wonderful neighborhoo italian joint that I don't want anyone to know about. so, quit reading & go straight to Olive Garden or something. It was nothing outrageous, no outlandish dishes or ingredients or even prices for that matter. but, everything was just terrific overall. They start you out a loaf of toasted bread & this incredible garlic spread. Everyone better have some or else there won't be any kissin later on. We had the grilled octopus appetizer which had a great texture and nice spicy, slightly-citrus flavor. I had the Pollo Afumicatto - which is a grilled chicken breast covered with smoked mozzarella in a tomato smoked bacon sauce & a side of pesto mashed potatoes. The chicken breast itself had incredible amounts of flavor. there was the fresh tomatoes & the smokey from the bacon & the mozzarella on top of a tender chicken breast. The potatoes were a little too thin for my taste, but they were full of pesto. The wife had grilled pork chops with roasted potatoes. The pork chops were nice, but a little dry & underwhelming. The potatoes were really nice - baked, then chopped in half & grilled. Nice texture, kinda like the firm crust plantains get when they're grilled up. Overall, a nice dinner out & we'd defintely go back.
(4)
k s.

I think this is a nice neighborhood spot. Thursday is an amazing deal: $20 for an appetizer, entree and dessert. Cozy, friendly, lively.
(5)
Tina B.

Tasty Italian eats at the cozy spot. The service was a little scattered....so I'm giving it 4 stars. Can't wait to eat my leftovers at work! Will definitely go back again.
(4)
molly c.

outstanding. great service, great food. i'll defiantly be back soon.
(5)
cassie s.

I LOVE this place! The bread and dip that they give you at the beginning is devine. I went with a friend from out of town for her birthday and they heard me toast her during the dinner, at the end of the meal they wouldn't let us leave until they were able to give us a complimentary dessert and a happy birthday song. The staff is very attentive and the space is really cozy.
(5)
Nora W.

this place is probably my favorite real restaurant in Logan Square. the service is always great, the specials are almost always what I am looking for- spicy squid salad is to DIE for- i wish they would make it a permanent item on the menu. the regular menu is also amazing (try the gnocchi) if i had to complain about one thing, i would say the deserts are a little predictable and unimpressive. Don't get me wrong, they taste fantastic, but they aren't very creative. Great atmosphere. GREAT service, fabulous wine for under $30 a bottle.
(5)
Magglio M.

So, I'm not a big yelper. I will only write a review when I'm blown away, in a good way or bad way. This place suprised the hell out of us. We've been there twice now and each time it's been wonderful. They have excellent dishes, good desserts, and great bread. It's small and frankly fairly unimpressive aesthetically, but it's great.
(5)
Marie T.

This place is truly amazing! My boyfriend and I have been there twice in the past month and everything about the place is perfect - from the $20 bottles of wine (can't find those prices anywhere in the city), to their chicken pillard, to the that dip they bring you when you first sit down. The staff is very friendly and hospitable. I'm also not big on Italian food, but something about this place really makes me love it! Enjoy!
(5)
jennifer b.

ended up here last october for a birthday dinner after lula skirted answers about reservations/wait times... delicious, and inexpensive (for the kind of place it is). why i don't go here more often?... i have no excuse.
(5)
Daniel K.

deliciousnessest italian food i have had in a long while. there were six of us and i tasted all six entrees and that is six times delicious. therefore the 'est' after the 'ness'. the people were great, i think i met the owner, i told her i would be back, with my mom. that is how special it is, i am going to bring my mom.
(5)
Mariella C.

Loved the food here. First of all they brought out bread, typical right? no, because of the sauce they give with it. Its yellow and spicy and garlic-ley and delicious. My friend and I were like wow we could leave satisfied just after that. We then had a sort of cheese appetizer set on a crouton, which to me tasted like the grilled cheese minus the bread, not a repeat choice. I ordered the rigatoni buona terra, delicious. even my friend was biting off my plate, it had goat cheese, walnuts and chicken and it was just overall very tasty without being filling. My friend had a chicken platter, the side salad had a very delicious sauce on it, it made the tomatoes taste slightly sweet, but the salad was better than the chicken, not that the chicken was bad, it was just chicken. my friend had the chocolate galate? galante? it was sort of a chocolate quiche, i had my fave cheesecake, can't go wrong with cheesecake. the waiter was especially attentive. really great restaurant.
(4)
Anthony P.

I must give 5 stars. This place was the best thing about living in logan Square. The food was awesome and the price was perfect. You can also bring in your own bottle of wine and the server wiill still come by and pour it for you. This place is always clean and top notch.
(5)
kiki m.

yes, yes, yes! (insert meg ryan & billy crystal deli scene from "when harry met sally")
(5)
Oscar the Death Cat B.

I finally got the opportunity recently to try Buona Terra, and it was every bit as good as I had expected, appetizers, entrees, desserts, and even the coffee were great, and nothing on the menu was terribly pricey. Service was friendly overall, and the dining area has a very pleasant atmosphere, more old-fashioned rather than slick & trendy. The two dining rooms are rather small so make reservations if you can. Logan Square should have more restaurants like this!
(5)
daniel r.

friendly staff and decent italian food. The front room with the bar is a nice place to sit. The other room is pretty bland. Prices are a bit high but all in all its a reliable neighborhood place.
(3)
Betsy C.

This place is both consistent and delicious! The atmosphere is warm and great for family, friends or a date. We absolutely love this place and eat here at least twice a month. Def. recommend!! The bread is soooo good! All the pasta dishes are A +!
(5)
Lala S.

You know you're in a great Italian spot when the first thing you smell is the great aroma of garlic and rich olive oil. Upon arrive you are served hot, crusty bread and a wonderful, garlicky, parmasean olive oil spread sent from the Roman gods! We went for their 20 dollar prix-fixe menu. The portions were huge! I tried the Beef Carpacio, which was delectable and their very tasty veal medallions. I had a bite of steak which was nice and juicy...just like I like it. And if you could buy an orgasm in a bowl, their mussels were IT! The mussels came in a light aromatic tomato broth. They were plump and juicy which is rare to find in Chicago. The dish is also accompanied by thin slices of toasted bread, that although I'm not a huge fan of bread (and it has nothing to do with carb-free/Akins BS) I couldn't stop dipping it into the broth (did I mention the lovely chunks of garlic....mmmmmm GARLIC) The wine selection was spectacular and I was lucky enough to be accompanied by my friend who had made a recent trip to Sonoma and found her new favorite wine on the list! Oh, Buona Terra...can I marry you?
(5)
Sally B.

Rich, innovative Italian served up in a warm, cozy space.
(5)
Janeen A.

I love this restaurant. I had forgotten about it for awhile, but returned for New Year's Eve with my fiance and another couple. It was very nice to have a regular menu on NYE, rather than a trumped up NYE menu. Anyway, the food is excellent. The 4 of us shared a bottle of wine. My fiance and I shared the mussels and a side salad, both of which were large enough to share. I had the spinach gnocchi with cream sauce entree and my fiance had linguini with clams. Our friends shared bruschetta and minestrone soup. They had pasta primavera and a second pasta dish that I cannot remember, but I remember that they liked their food very much. The restaurant provided fresh bread and a parmesan dipping spread, as well. Delicious food and a quaint setting. All that and with very reasonable prices. We will not forget about Buona Terra again and when we are craving Italian food, we will return.
(5)
Iris F.

I love this restaurant in Logan Square, the food is delicous and fresh. It's our place to go for Italian Food and the staff knows us even we only visit every other month. A true italian restaurant in Chicago.
(5)
Cheryl G.

Although we had a reservation, my boyfriend and I decided to eat at the bar instead of waiting for our table to be ready. It turned out to be a great decision, as we got to talk with the owner/bartender/etc., as she made her drinks She had great recommendations and was really friendly. The food was unbelievable, and cheap! The only thing I would do without was the TV over the hallway, it seemed a little out of place in a restaurant like this.
(5)
Rebekah K.

May have been an off night, as I seem to REALLY be in the minority.. Hmm, it is hard for me to give this three stars but two is probably too low. 2.5. Had reservations, but I was still at the bar for a while, where I was told a beer was similar to Bass then i got a big mouth full of wheaty beer. Ok. The bread was good, the olive oil was fantastic when it was on the bread. Less good when it is on the floor on the way to the restroom. I slipped (but did not fall in it) twice, both times the staff saw me. This was not taken care of; that has nothing to do with the food, though. I love, love, love Gnocci; this is one of my favorite foods. When I saw they had Spinach Gnocci in quatrofromaggi (my spell check really wants to change this to electromagnets. Haha) sauce I was excited! I got my food; I was disappointed. The Gnocci was horribly undercooked. I should have sent it back, but I was REALLY hungry; I did not want to do so after I consumed half the portion. It was not only undercooked, but did not have much... well, flavor. I know it is pasta, but the reason I love Gnocci is because it HAS flavor when compared to other pastas. The Sauce was horrible: no body at all. Extremely thin sauce, with no distinctive cheese flavor! I could not taste any gorgonzola! That's a strong cheese! It tasted like salty cream, and did not thicken at all through the meal. Overall just dissapointing. I was sooo looking forward to this place. Nice atmosphere. REally dissapointing food after reading all the glowing reviews. May give it another chance and revise... OH! The waiter asked if he could take my plate about five times. I was starting to feel rushed out of there.
(3)
Gina G.

After trying to find someplace to eat in the Loop on a Sunday night after a day at the Planetarium, my husband I gave up on that fool's errand (plenty of great places to eat, but most of them closed), and returned home to Logan Square. I had noticed a small Italian restaurant on California the week before, so we decided to try it out. Buona Terra turned out to be great! It's very cute, the bread with dipping sauce is amazing, and our entrees were very good. I had Paillard di Polli al Palio, and my husband had the Fettucine Primavera. Both had a very good, but delicate flavor. We ordered the New York Cheesecake with chocolate sauce for dessert, and it was delicious. The chocolate was sweet, but not overpoweringly so. I would definitely recommend trying this restaurant out. I give it four stars because it didn't knock my socks off or make me dream about their food. But it was a great meal with great atmosphere at a good price, so I'll definitely be returning. I'm excited to head over for the Thursday night prix fixe!
(4)
Keith L.

buona terre is a little restaraunt owned by a couple one of which is actually italian and actually is an amazing chef. The food is PERFECT %100 of the time. The recipies are a little like gourmet italian than the italian we know as dave's italian kitchen or leona's. Also might i add shouldn't even be talked about with in the same breath as those restaraunts...it is a five star joint. After saying all that you might think its stuffy and doesn't have any character, that is far from the case. Its classy but homey and the waiters have been there since the place opened. They have new specials all the time and i go for those these days because they are always amazing. The desserts...too amazing to pass up. Price not nearly as expensive as it would seem from this raving review. Dinner and drinks, including dessert would not exceed $100 if you went all out on the most expensive entrees and had an appetizer. The secret is to catch the prix fix on thursdays...$20 a person! I can't believe im giving that away....
(5)
lauren p.

I'm sort of conflicted about what kind of review to give Buona Terra. I went here on Saturday night with 2 girlfriends for a birthday celebration (not mine). We had a 7:30 reservation, and due to the fact that I was waiting on the birthday girl before heading out, we were a bit late-though one member of our party was already there. Parking was pretty easy though, which I certainly appreciate. Anyway we got there at around 7:45, and like everyone else has noted, we still had to wait. This place is tiny! And cramped! But I guess that's part of the charm. . . We were under the impression that it was BYOB (as per the Yelp listing), so we brought a bottle of wine- a rather sizeable bottle at that. Upon presenting it to the waiter, he told us he would have to talk to the owner to find out how much to charge us for corkage. Apparently a bigger bottle = a bigger fee? He came back to tell us that the fee would be $20. Whaaaa???? Despite our best efforts to convince him that even though it may have the volume of 2 bottles he would still only have to cork it once, he wouldn't budge. Rather than pay twice the value of the wine (yeah, it was $11. That's how we roll) we just ordered off of the pretty substantial wine list. This was off-putting to say the least, but looking back now I'm not sure it's the fault of the restaurant. When I came home I looked at the website to find where it said it was BYOB and couldn't find it anywhere. I guess we were lead astray by Yelp! Once we got over this snafu, we ate. The food was really quite good. We started with a Caesar salad and a grilled prosciutto app. The salad was very fresh and crisp, but the prosciutto was reeeaaallly salty. No one else seemed to mind though. For entrees, I had the grilled chicken with arugula and mozzarella- delicious! Very light and flavorful, great for those of us who may be watching our girlish figures. My friends had the butternut squash ravioli and the rigatoni with goat cheese- both seemed very pleased with their choices. Dessert was pretty blah- we shared a cannoli which I'm pretty sure was not made in-house. I could be wrong, but the sorbets are served in fruit cups which always reeks of 'store-bought.' All in all, it's a nice diamond-in-the-rough kind of place. Word to the wise- don't bring your own wine.
(4)
Lawrence W.

My wife, son and I spent a week in Rome a couple years ago, staying in the old city near Piazza Navona, and loved it. Buona Terra reminds us of some of the great small restaurants off of the beaten tourist paths down ancient streets. We have eaten at Buona Terra at least a dozen times, once with a party of about 16. We have always had excellent service, and the food is generally great, never less than good. The garlic dip is addictive, the bread is great, the atmosphere authentic. We live a block away, and can call in an order and have it home to eat inside of 15 minutes. Buona Terra is the perfect neighborhood Italian joint.
(5)
Donielle M.

If you could marry an Italian dish. You know, to have and to hold for the rest of your life, that dish would probably be made at Buona Terra. Great place any day of the week. Highly recommended.
(5)
Heidi P.

Lovely, lovely, lovely. Went here with a fellow Yelper and the food was truly divine. The bread and garlic/Parmesan spread--the stuff dreams are made of. My chicken alla Costello was spectacular--my friend ordered the gnocchi with a tomato basil sauce. The food was flat-out yummy and although the service was a touch slow due to the place being packed on a Sunday night, it was still a wonderful experience. Highly recommended.
(5)
Gwen D.

Just recently I ate here, and it was fabulous. I ate a chicken dish with feta, olives and broccoli and grilled calamari. My husband had salmon and the tiramisu. Everything was delicious. The wine was really reasonably priced, and the service was just fine...no complaints at all, really! Oh, and we shared the sauteed spinach, which was also very good. I'm looking forward to going back, it's Italian, quite simply done. it seems like a real family kind of place, totally simple and just good. Quite a pleasant surprise. OH! And they give you this amazing cheesey garlic stuff when you sit down, with great bread. It's heavonly, and I don't care if I smell like garlic the next morning! I want to go for their pre-fix, but it sounds so busy, I might be a wanker and go on a Sunday instead (hate crowds).
(5)
sarah s.

LOOOVE the butternut squash stuffed ravioli. Just wish it came with chicken. And that garlic spread is addictive.
(4)
Mary R.

This is a great neighborhood restaurant. The roasted garlic on the table is so yummy. I have a couple of favs here. The rigatoni with the goat cheese I order all the time. I also get the veal ravioli. I like the waiters. Service never feels rushed. It's also has nice decor. Most of the time we order to go and the food is ready really fast. FYI if you want calamari, don't order it on the phone. Have them make it when you get to the restaurant so it travels home better. The calamari is awesome.
(5)
Ben E.

While the Chicago Reader gives Buona Terra mediocre marks at best, they're simply wrong. This is a great place for fresh, extremely well-prepared Italian food. I'm sure it's not an eye-opening experience, but after having eaten at more than a few highly rated Italian places in Chicago this is probably the only one I'd go back to. And yes, the prix-fixe deal on Thursday nights is exceptional -- even the specials for the evening were included. I definitely plan on returning
(5)
Aileen T.

I highly recommend Buona Terra's $19.95 prix-fixe deal on Thursdays. I still can't believe how much food you get for the price! Your meal starts with bread and a garlic/olive spread that is so delicious you will find yourself asking for seconds. You must try, however, to save your appetite for the rest of the meal AND the desserts. The tiramisu and cheesecake are my favorites. I'm salivating just thinking about it all; I may have to come in tomorrow.
(5)
Mike P.

I think the correct neighborhood might be Logan Square for this place. Anyway, outside of the loop or near north side, if Mia Francesca is my number 1 Italian recommendation Buona Terra would be 1a. It's what I look for in an Italian place. It's simple, prices are under control, and they know how to feed people. Sonia and I wen with my folk over the weekend, so we kind of pulled out the stops. No wine or desert, since nobody is really big on either, but we did get appetizers. Sauteed calamari for Sonia, prosciutto ham, grilled and wrapped around mozzarella, on a bed of greens. The calamari was sauteed an a very flavorful homemade tomato sauce that was balanced with a decent amount of sage. The prosciutto was char-grilled, but not burnt, the cheese soft but not overly melted and the greens were fresh. My dinner was veal Monte Cantini, which is veal covered with mozzarella and peppers. A very good roasted potato on the side. Sonia had a chicken dish, similar to Saltambuca, with excellent whipped potatoes, again accented with sage. Mom had the prosciutto and a bowl of the roast red pepper soup. Dad had a pan-fried chicken dinner, with white wine sauce. If you want to know the actual names of the dishes, you'll have to check out the place. It's a great spot. You could do casual or romantic. It would be good for a group of 6 to 8, but don't push it past that. The facilities aren't that great. Waitstaff and table service where also very good.
(5)
Ingrid G.

Went there last night for dinner. Service was decent. I had the pasta with shrimp, garlic and spinach. It was really awesome. Date had the angel hair with marinara. Skip it. Total tab with a bottle of chianti and appetizers came to 65. Not bad!
(3)
Kara M.

went here this past thurs to take advantage of the prix fixe dinner and i'm soo glad i did. we started out sitting outside but then the storm rolled in so they quickly moved inside and we were seated. though it was really busy they did a really good job with moving people in and getting people seated though the place is a little small. . the hostess was so nice and our waiter was really helpful with making suggestions about food and wine. you get to pick from the whole menu, an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert for 21.95...oh my! i had the chicken with potatoes, bruschetta, and the profiteroles...my friends chose other things so we all shared and everything was completely delish...the housemade sausage was great and i loved the tiramisu....if you're looking for some good food and want to go to a cute little place and not a chain then make sure to add this one to your bookmarks!
(4)
Duyen D.

Good place to go on Thursday night for an affordable dinner option due to their 3-course meal special. Portions and quality of the food were good especially for a prix-fixe meal. However, be prepared to wait if you come during the peak hours since they get very busy on Thursday nights due to the deal. I had the mussels for appetizer which was pretty good, the veal dish for dinner which I felt was a little salty, and the coconut sorbet dessert which was delicious. Overall, it was a good dining experience considering the value. However, I probably would not go there on any other night though.
(4)
Leigh K.

I feel like I may have just picked the wrong things, but I did enjoy the company when we went here last week for the Prixe Fixe. $20 for an appetizer, entree, and dessert at a fine dining establishment is a fantastic deal and I am not complaining. I would definitely go back, but I'll choose different items from the menu. The one thing that was shining was the asparagus salad special I started with. The asparagus were tender but retained that little crunch that is so great about them. The butternut squash in a sage butter sauce was pretty good, but it was just too heavy. There was nothing there to lighten it up, no spark that really punched it up. Butternut squash is just really heavy and I could only eat so much. This dish did wake me up to the fact that I like sage as a spice and I should seek out recipes to make at home that use sage. I couldn't make up my mind for dessert and I went with the chocolate pecan tart, which did not rock my world. It was a tad dry and very heavy. There were no pecans to be seen and I think they were only in the crust. How is that possible? Anyways, as I said, I think I just made mistakes with what I picked, but I will certainly give this place a second chance...on a Thursday.
(3)
Brandan J.

Pleasant atmosphere Everything looked amazing Get dessert cream puffs
(5)
Tricia D.

It's been a couple years since my last visit, and on that one, there was plastic in my friend's ravioli. I won't be back after last night's dinner either. For starters, the service was slow. It took over 5 minutes for the waiter to come by and greet us and take our drink orders. It was also only until we asked for bread that it was served. You receive a dish of garlic puree to enjoy with your bread, but here's an insider tip: ask for the jalapeno olive oil. The combo is so tasty! The kitchen must have been behind, but it took a good while before our prosciutto wrapped cheese and beef carpaccio arrived, both of which don't seem to take that long to prep. When my veal cerafino (with wine sauce and CANNED mushrooms, roasted potatoes, and bland broccoli) arrived, there was a folded light colored hair on my plate. My bald waiter's joke about it probably not being his did not make the situation better. My entree was taken away and a new plate prepared, but overall, this capped off a disappointing experience and meal.
(1)
Debra L.

Buona Terra is a gracious little neighborhood restaurant. I've been here a couple of times and have enjoyed it each time. The menu is traditional Italian. The service is alway super attentive. A must try is the garlic spread that comes with the warm bread. The minestrone soup has a tomato-based broth and lots of chunky vegetables. Chicagoans love there al fresco dining and Buona Terra has a nice little outdoor area. Never mind that its on crazy busy California Ave. Have a glass of wine from the extensive wine list and enjoy.
(4)
D M.

Love this place! Love the buona terra pasta and the spread that is given with the bread!
(5)
Gaby T.

Love this place! I always get their veal. Always delicious! I like the complimentary bread and garlic spread they bring to the table. They also, if you ask, have a spicy spread that has a delicious smoky taste. Such a great neighborhood spot. Parking can be tricky but they do offer valet.
(5)
Erika C.

heaven is a place on earth. found out through this place on yelp and we feel like we are soon to become regulars. everyone there is so nice, and it feels like your part of a cozy family. unsure if the hostess is the owner but she is always so warm and welcoming to everyone. living in the gold coast, this place is worth the commute since everything is fresh and they make a mean lemon drop martini. Thursdays they have a pre-fix menu where you get a appetizer, entrÃ©e, and dessert for around 23 dollars. this will most definitely become our weekly date spot. :)
(5)
Kyle W.

Quality Italian food. It's not cheap but it's good for a special night out. I live a few blocks away and appreciate how it's tucked inside our logan square neighborhood. There's a great pasta selection with plenty of vegetarian options, and people who know more than me say the wine list is large and interesting. Try the almond crusted eggplant! My service has been hit or miss, but I never had a really bad experience. It's up there with Rose Angelis and Piccolo Sogno (though not as good) and other higher end Italian places in the city, and it's easier to get a table here.
(3)
John G.

Always a great experience at buona terra! Food is always consistently delicious. Chepe & Elene always treat us like we are family. Great neighborhood family gem!
(5)
David M.

Delicious! Celebrated our anniversary tonight at BT. My wife had the salmon special. I had the spinach gnocchi. We shared the carpaccio with portabello mushrooms and shaved parmesan along with the roasted garlic eggplant spread and some fresh bread. Everything was terrific. The wine list looked more than adequate, but we love Peroni beer, so we had a couple of those. The staff were very attentive - bread and water refilled regularly, and questions about the menu answered knowledgeably. The dining room was pretty full (surprising to me for a rainy Tuesday night) but not very loud at all. We could talk using our "inside voices". For dessert we enjoyed the tiramisu. Great place to eat in Logan Square. I think we'll go back some Thursday (soon) for the prix fixe - $22 you pick any appetizer, any entree and any dessert!
(5)
Jonathan W.

Don't be a moron and listen to any of the one star reviews. Buona Terra is one of most tasty, well run and clean neighborhood restaurants in the city. It is run by real people who truly give a shit. The food is consistently fresh, the service is very efficient and fast.
(5)
Syed R.

I've been going here for years and it is my favorite restaurant in the city. Excellent food, ambiance, staff, etc. It is the perfect romantic getaway for me and my wife for all our dates. Highly recommended!
(5)
Mark C.

Oh the gems we find in Chicago. The food is just excellent. The servers attentive and helpful. And yes, the garlic spread; it's delicious and I need it at home all the time. I'm always down for a deal and Thursdays they offer an amazing 3course special for less than $25. This just too good of a deal to pass on and the food just took me to wonderful place. From the veal I had to the plates on other patrons tables everything looks and smells delightful. Possible new favorite, yes indeed.
(4)
Patrick T.

They serve bread with this garlic spread which is really good. I had the ravioli con vitello and I was not super impressed -- I don't know why. Everyone else on yelp seems to love it, but man was it average. Also tried their pollo al afumicato and I think it was nothing to write home about. The mashed potatoes aren't all that special. I don't know if I'll come back.
(2)
Mollie O.

The first time I ate here, my dad brought me for my bday a couple years ago. It happened to be Thursday, so we pigged out on the Prix Fix menu and a bottle of wine. :) I've happily returned on several occasions with both family and friends. I wish I could try more than the one thing I always seem to get, but it's too good to risk getting anything else. The calamari app and the beets with baked goat cheese are phenomenal. My bf would kill for a bowl of their veal ravioli to land in front of him right now. I was surprised to continue to enjoy it so much, because I'm not usually a fan of ordering pasta at restaurants (and thus generally stay away from Italian), but I can never stay away for too long. Conveniently, they're a 2min walk from my house and alarmingly affordable. They even accommodate take out.
(5)
Caitlin O.

I can't say enough about how much I love Buona Terra. Eileen and Cheppe are amazing and have always been gracious hosts. I was hazed into the buona terra club years ago and I would be lying if I said I didn't eat there at least once a month, if not more. Every dish I have ever had has been delish, although I am a creature of habit and always go back to the Bolognese. My boyfriend lives across Logan Blvd and the walking distance to BT is one of his best qualities. I jest, he has some other ones that aren't bad. Go there, drink all the wine and eat yourself into a pasta coma.
(5)
Amanda H.

I was telling a couple of coworkers that my boyfriend wanted to take me on a date. They suggested a cute Italian restaurant with exposed brick in Logan Square. I brushed it off saying that he had plans. He DID have plans for a really expensive sushi place in River North that I later vetoed because of the price. He did some Yelping and found this place. Unbeknownst to me, it was the same place that was recommended by my coworkers! It was really crowded and the owner's wife offered us a table, but she warned us it was really small. We said it was fine, but once we sat down my boyfriend said he felt like we were at the kid's table during a holiday (LOL!) He asked if we could move once a table opened up and we were moved within 5 minutes. I ordered the Chianti Giancarlo which was really good for the price per glass. They have an extensive wine menu, but there are only a handful of wines that you can order by the glass. Both of our dishes, the tortellini special and the arrabiata penne were delicious. They check your coat for free too! It is a really romantic place, even when it's crowded. I was totally wooed by the decor, the food, and the steady rain falling outside. I can't guarantee the romantic rain, but I can guarantee you'll love this place.
(5)
Valerie Z.

Fresh, savory, full of flavor and all around amazing food. Will truly take care of your craving for Italian. Check them out next time you want Italian cuisine. Hats off to the chef :)
(5)
Avishay Y.

Been going there for 2 years now and the food is always awesome! Defiantly the BEST Italian restaurant in chicago!
(5)
Rhonda P.

Great little family owned restaurant and the perfect place for an evening out with friends. Everything we ordered was delicious, grilled calamari, soup, pork chops, veal, pasta and a sampler of desserts. They even decanted and served a selection of fine wine we brought in to share with friends. The overall service was warm and friendly. We will definitely be back.
(4)
Matt K.

Great Pasta with cream sauces - Rigatoni, Rotini, Gnocchi. Also try the butternut squash ravioli.
(5)
Thomas Z.

This place was amazing. Sort of pricy but worth it all the more. The service was outstanding the food tasted amazing. I will for sure be back whenever I'm in town. I recommend this place to anyone who likes Italian food. The garlic butter stuff they give you with bread it the best. Easy 5/5.
(5)
Hannah H.

A cute little Italian restaurant in which I thought had the best appetizer and dessert - I had their Olpi Alla Griglia (an octopus appetizer that I thought was so flavorful, the octopus being quite tender, and that it was better-tasting than Babbo's in NY!). Their cannoli was unbelievably devine! It had the right amount of pistachio and the filling was so creamy, and the cannoli's exterior was also crunchy and tasty. Their pastas/entrees weren't anything to my liking, but, I would definitely come back here for the octopus appetizer and for their cannoli! +Olpi Alla Griglia appetizer +cannoli!
(4)
Kevin D.

I am stuffed! So good. It's Thursday and the have a prix fixe is a wonderful deal at $22 bucks. Mussels, Veal Monte Carlo, and cheesecake. All spectacular, and for that price come on!!!! My girlfriend got the rotini di nono, and that was also really scrumptious. The wine left more to be desired but we ordered on the cheap end. We will be back
(4)
Lourdes A.

Like most people, I tried Buona Terra on a Thursday night to take advantage of the fantastic prix fixe menu where for $22.95, you can choose ANY appetizer, entree, and dessert from the regular menu. I don't know of any other place that makes such a generous offer so they should get a star just for that. My three choices were: mussels, penne arrabiatta, and the chocolate pecan tort. The mussels and pasta were delicious. If it's true that it's all about the sauce, then Buona Terra clinches it. The spicy tomato sauce that the mussels were nestled in had good kick and wonderful flavor, as did the arrabiatta sauce. But I think it's as much about the pasta and mine was perfectly al dente. As an aside, my dining partner had minestrone soup and was impressed that the veggies were crisp (even the zucchini!) and not overcooked as tends to happen with minestrone. The chocolate pecan tort was a little too milk chocolate sweet for my palate. It almost tasted like fudge with nuts in it. If you like fudge, you'll like this dessert. Next time, I'll pick something else. My only complaint would be our server didn't add to our experience. On the contrary, he seemed to be going through the motions (maybe a bad night?). He wasn't quick on his feet from a service perspective. To illustrate: my partner ordered an entree that was $23.95 while I ordered the penne that was $12.95. I asked if chicken could be added and he said no, that'd be extra. If I were him, I'd have quickly obliged and made my customer happy given that the base price of my entree was only $12.95, so even if they add chicken, they're still ahead. Unfortunately, that interaction set the tone. All in all, I'd definitely return because the food is good and the price is right.
(4)
Alyssa G.

My husband and I absolutely love Buona Terra! The restaurant is family owned and offers the best Italian food in the vicinity! The ambiance is warm and inviting; a perfect Chicago neighborhood restaurant. Pastas and seafood are amazing. You can't go wrong if you come here!
(5)
Jason M.

This place is awesome. Great food friendly staff reasonably priced. They also serve great roasted garlicky spread that is delicious. On Thursdays they have a pre fix menu that I want to try. We 'll be back
(5)
Lucas W.

The food is great, but the atmosphere is loud, cramped, and hectic. I've come on time with reservations many times and they never have our table ready when we get there. It's unprofessional.
(3)
Ghosoon A.

Let me start out by saying this place is more of 3.75 stars, not a solid 4. Let me tell you why... Ambiance: This place is perfect for a group of friends that want to eat and laugh and make some noise. I always end up going to Italian restaurants that are so quiet you can hear a pin drop. I have a loud voice, I need a restaurant that can handle that. Service: This was topnotch. Our waiter was attentive, knowledgeable, and seemed interested in what we had to say which is always good. He also recommended some delicious Italian fare, which wins him many points in my book. Food:It was nothing to write home about but it's solid food. I got spaghetti in a tomato sauce with rock shrimp. It was only okay. The rock shrimp was good but the sauce was runny and tasted a bit bland. My friend got some sort of pasta in a cream sauce....now that was delicious! The cream sauce was flavorful and thick and magically delicious. Overall, good Italian food at an okay price. For a group of three women we spent around $80 with dessert and a few drinks.
(4)
Jeffrey G.

One of Chicago's more underrated neighborhood gems, located in the bustling heart of Logan Square on California. The Italian food here is top notch (their gnocchi is my favorite dish and my favorite gnocchi in Chicago), and the line is never very long. The restaurant is cozy too, with delightfully intimate atmosphere. The food is also very reasonably priced for the quality and interior ambiance.
(5)
Aaron Jae M.

Honestly one of (if not THE) best italian restaurants I have been to. AND they have a prix fixe menu for $22 (used to be $20 a few years back) The prix fixe has let me try many different items on their menu and all of them have been truly amazing. I have never loved my taste buds so much. Service has always been extremely friendly and very professional. The owner has come to our table multiple times (not all in one visit) and gotten to know us a little and asked us about the food. The sign of a quality restaurant. If for some crazy reason you haven't been here already, put it on the top of your to do list. P.S. The prix-fixe is only on thursdays.
(5)
Leah W.

So wonderful. Lovely, intimate atmosphere. Delightful and very freshly prepared food. Attentive staff. All of that, and it's affordable! I've never had trouble getting a seat even though it's rather small, and it's easy to park in the neighborhood. Highly recommended for authentic delicious Italian and perfect for a lovely weeknight meal that won't kill your budget. I've been here a number of times and never been disappointed - the seafood pasta is divine and the carbonara is also good. Enjoy!
(5)
Travis W.

We dined here impromptu one night and were pleasantly surprised. The food is pretty good overall. Not sure if all the pasta is hand made (seemed like boxed Farfelle for example) but overall the food was great. Very friendly service.
(4)
Sony A.

I love this place! One of our faves for date night. Great, fresh, homemade food. Reasonably priced but be on alert for parking. We had some pasta and an Octopus salad which was all amazing. Our server was attentive and friendly. I would absolutely recommend this place to friends and will definitely be going back.
(5)
Zimin M.

Food is good and the place is cozy with great atmosphere.
(4)
Caitlyn M.

Chose this spot on a whim for a 10 person friends and family dinner. Amazing food and awesome staff. Very welcoming and cozy atmosphere.
(5)
C F.

My wife and I have been enjoying this place, their food, their service for 10 years! It has never disappointed. I love the garlic spread with the fresh bread. No other restaurant delivers anything similar that I know of. A healthy and simple meal for two that we order often is the tricolor salad and veal marsala. They don't mind splitting the salad and dinner plate to serve two. Plenty of food when you add the bread and beer/glass of wine. We've also enjoyed sitting at the bar meeting people from the neighborhood. Some of the pasta meals can be a little too much of the same thing, so we always plan to share to provide a variety for everyone with us. Keep that in mind.
(5)
Christa Lei S.

For all the time spent in Chicago, I'm surprised I never visited. Buona Terra, despite winning a couple of "new restaurant" awards (which is how I stumbled upon it in the first place...) isn't actually new, and is located right on the outskirts of Logan Square. It feels like a family-run, family-oriented, very cozy Italian restaurant. It has a pretty traditionally Italian menu, but has a focus on fresh ingredients and cooking with love. My boyfriend came and I came here with my Yelp wife, Alessandra S., and we tried the food. The atmosphere is more family-friendly, but I would come here on a date. The tables are very close to one another, but there weren't a lot of people when we went (perhaps because it was very late?) I remember getting two specials, one being an appetiser that had burrata and proscuitto (though I'm not sure what the dish was called,) and gnocchi. All of it was great. Burrata wasn't as good as the type I can get at Eataly or Pazzia in SF, but it was still delicious. My boyfriend got the breaded eggplant dish and really liked it, and my friend also got the gnocchi. When it came out, we both thought it wouldn't be enough, but it definitely was. And it was delicious. The servings, otherwise, are MORE than enough and you can definitely take it all home in a doggy bag. :) The other thing is the DELICIOUS garlic spread that they serve with the bread. YUM! Ask for extras. :) All in all, we really liked Buona Terra. While not the best Italian restaurant, it is still solid and a place to come when you want to feel like family.
(4)
Ken O.

Three friends took me to this Logan Square's gem for a birthday dinner on a Thursday night. I wasn't familiar with this restaurant at all but they just raved about. Cool - let's check it out. We had arrived early on Thursday and we were seated right away in the dining room. The restaurant is like two conjoined stores - the first part is the bar area with open seating and then the dining room is in the second store. The dining room has the original wooden floors, exposed brick walls, wall of windows facing the street. The atmosphere is formal but relaxed with the linen table clothes and napkins. We were seated next to the window, which can be a little breezy but nothing to complain about. On Thursday nights, you can opt to have the prix fixe menu for $22.00 which is a great deal. I had ordered the Caesar Salad, Parmesan Crusted New York Strip and the Cream Puffs. Sorry, that I don't remember what my companions ordered, but the mussels were a huge hit. From the time we sat down to the time we departed, the service was impeccable. One of my friends dropped her fork and by the time she picked it up, the waiter had a new fork for her. The food put all of us in a food coma. The food was presented to us in the appropriate amount of time. Well seasoned. Just right. Kudos to the kitchen staff!! My friends have been here several times, and stated, the food is always consistent. On our departure, we met one of the owners, who was very gracious. I would highly recommend the restaurant to everyone.
(5)
Monica B.

Loved the warm, cozy atmosphere during the blizzard on Saturday night. Met a few girlfriends here and started with a couple bottles of a Barolo. Loved the light, smooth finish. We shared the grilled calamari and buratta, both were delicious. For the entrees, we shared the Mahi Mahi special, Rigatoni Buona Terra and Spaghetti al Gamberetti. My favorite was the rigatoni! The sauce complimented the cheese and walnuts so well. For dessert, we shared a scoop of pistachio and peach gelato. Nothing out of the ordinary. A highlight of our meal was the garlic spread that accompanied the bread. I could eat an entire jar of this stuff! I'd love to come back and try more of the pasta dishes!
(4)
RJ G.

This is a cozy little italian place right off the highway. Good prices, good food. I had the rigatoni and man was it delicious. Its a rigatoni drenched in vodka sauce and goat cheese and nuts sprikled on top. Just the right amouny of cheese and nuts. They give you bread at the start with this mustard sauce thats pretty tasty. I slso had a tricolor salad, which was nothing special just a simple salad. Lastly, for dessert they have canoli. And it definitely didnt dissapoint. Some italian restaurants are hit snd miss. But this was spot on italian. Definitely recommend the canoli as a finisher. All in all it was a good experience and i would come back.
(4)
Ana B.

We went at 515 on a Saturday they where not busy yet. They where very friendly and welcoming. They don't have a wide menu but where nice enough to make something that was not in the menu. My picky brother wanted chicken Alfredo and they cooked it for him it was delicious! By 545 the restaurant got super busy. I was smart enough to have a reservation made even though it would've not been a problem to be seated but if you decide to go after six call and do a reservation :) I liked how there was a wide variety of clientele. Definitely will be back!
(4)
Becca A.

Atmosphere was great for our medium sized group while we were celebrating a birthday. Service was wonderful! Ravioli Con Vitello was amazing and our tables favorite out of all our dishes ordered! Fried calamari was also great! Wonderful place that I can't wait to come back to many times again!
(5)
Carol K.

Buona Terra continues to deliver great Italian food at reasonable prices! This is my favorite restaurant in Logan Square and it continues to delight me each time I go. I don't know if it's just luck or the fact that my friend who lives in the area is probably their best customer but we always get a great table, right in the front windows. There is a patio out front which is nice (can't decide if I have only gone in the Winter months or if that is new as I don't remember seeing it before!) and a great place to enjoy a glass of wine as you watch the world go by! Our service was great, the food quite good and the ambiance charming! And the best news? They still have their great prix fixe on Thursdays so the pricing gets even better! Check it out!
(4)
Chelsey F.

Wonderful! Sweetest owners! Me and my friends stopped in 20 minutes before they closed, we didn't want to be a bother and they insisted we eat. We had excellent food and service. I look forward to me next visit.
(5)
Andrew B.

Win
(5)
Jeeves H.

well done. but to be more precise, i would probably give this place 4.25 stars, but i rounded up... been here a few times. the bread and garlic is as good as they say. we usually ask for a second basket/serving and the accommodate. the service is always good to excellent in my opinion/experiences there. we have tried a number of pasta dishes, always good. the veal ravioli, i wouldn't order that again, but i'm not a veal fan - just gave it a shot. if you're a veal fan, you'll probably love it. i usually stick with the creamy tomato gravy and can't get enough. i might try the lasagna tonight. can get a bit pricey, but it's close and high quality.
(5)
M M.

This is my favorite neighborhood place! My favs are the penne pasta and the chicken with vegetables. I've eaten nearly everything on the menu and nothing is bad. If you like beets you should try the beet carpaccio. The restaurant is small and weekends at 8:00 can be crowded. Make a reservation if you want to eat anytime before 8:30. Also, be prepared to wait a few minutes for your 8:00 reservation (unfortunately). But the wait is worth it!
(5)
Eddie M.

I don't know if I came a bad time or something (Around 9:30pm), but the food was very bland. My friend and I barely touched our food. The service was good, though.
(2)
Ronald Noah K.

When my best friend wanted us all to come out to Buona Terra, his favorite Italian restaurant, I was excited. The reviews looked amazing. We went on a Thursday night (prie fix night) and there was a group of 7 of us. The food was good. Not stellar. But good. Bottles of wine were priced good. Good service. Now here's my issue. They bring the bill and then tell us only 2 credit cards per table. 2 CREDIT CARDS for 7 people?!?!? It's 2013. Wake up and smell the espresso. No one has cash anymore. Everything is done my credit card. Our bill is over $400! So our one friend goes and talks to the owner. She starts crying. Apparently, the processing fees are too expensive for her. So, she allows us to do 3 credit cards since we are a large party. Luckily, the others had enough cash to cover. Hopefully, the owner will see the light and get a new processing service. This isn't an issue for tables of 2 or 3. But any party over 3 people will definitely have major issues!!
(3)
Kate G.

very good italian! Thursdays has a prix fixe menu and half price bottles of wine. good service, and the chocolate pecan tarte is to die for!
(5)
Rebekah S.

Good neighborhood Italian place with nice ambience but the main dishes left us wanting. The mushroom soup on special was amazing along with the bread and garlic spread. However, the butternut squash ravioli wasn't all we'd hoped-lacked sweetness and flavor with too much parmesan cheese. The pennine with spicy tomato sauce was okay, although I wished I'd ordered something a little more interesting.
(3)
Amy W.

Great neighborhood restaurant. Friendly staff and great place to go if your in the mood for pasta and a nice glass of wine. Definitely will be back.
(3)
Chelsea Laine H.

Where do I start? Love this place so much we came here the night we got engaged! I ordered the farfalle ala dominck (sp?) the first time and never tried anything else it was so good. The bread and spread (ha!) is always the perfect start to a meal. The serving staff are like food ninjas with great service.
(5)
Michael G.

Great option in the Logan Square area for quality, well priced, and well served Italian. The service is attentive, nice atmosphere, and the portions are good size for sharing. We all had a pasta dish; each was as advertised on the menu and very tasty. We sat by the window, and it was a nice slice of NY in Chicago. They have a great patio, but it was hot on our day. We'll be back for sure.
(4)
Suzy W.

We've dined at Buona Terra several times and the food and service is terrific. We recently celebrated a special event with 15 family members and the owners graciously opened the restaurant to accommodate our party. We had a wonderful meal and a very memorable time. Love this place!
(5)
Xamyma O.

Tremendous value, no wonder it's been reviewed to death. Everything you would want in a small intimate Italian restaurant.
(4)
Christoph B.

An oldie but goodie, (or goldie?) Finally went back to BT and had another fantastic dinner. I was craving pasta and they did not disappoint. I have no idea which dish I ordered because I went with the recommendation of the staff, but it was delicioso. Maybe it was off menu? All I remember is that it tasted like a vodka sauce. The calamari was also very good. And the bread they serve before the meal is, without a doubt, the best I've ever had. I want to know the recipe of that mustard that comes with the bread! My girlfriend ordered the salmon, and that too was a revelation. The fish was perfectly cooked and seasoned. The only complaint I have is that there were a lot of very young children in the restaurant during dinner service. Not exactly the mood I was hoping for on a romantic date, but oh well... nothing they can do about that, I guess. The food, service, and company more than made up for it though. I plan on coming back a lot sooner than my last visit.
(4)
Alex L.

Friday early evening - not busy We will have to be back for the Prix fixe menu Service was good and very attentive- Experienced waitstaff Food quality was excellent- Pasta and steak done well, seafood cooked perfectly, Bread and pÃ¢tÃ© were very good Only con: Parking is Tough, although valet was easy enough
(4)
Dhruv P.

The food was delicious but the atmosphere felt a little disjointed. I highly recommend trying the Melanzana alla Emilia Romana - almond breaded eggplant topped with caramelized onions and goat cheese served with tomato sauce and basil We got a few apps and while they were tasty, I don't feel they were astonishing to give merit. As for the atmosphere, the room you enter initially feels odd. Its trying to be cozy but because of the light or height of ceiling, it just doesn't make that feeling come alive. Better lighting on the exposed bricks and artwork would work wonders getting close to this feeling. They definitely have to work on the website. The stock photos are a bit cheesy in the late 80s way.
(4)
Emily S.

If I had to choose my favorite genre of restaurant, "neighborhood Italian" would probably be at the top of that list. Buona Terra falls squarely within that genre, and they do it well. I really like the corkscrews with proscuitto, peas and mushrooms and the grilled chicken with fresh mozz, tomatoes and basil. I've indulged in the four-cheese gnocchi and while it is very good (the spinach-potato gnocchi are really nicely done) it is WAY rich and needs something to cut the richness - the little tomato-onion garnish is not quite enough to do it. On a recent visit, my mother-in-law had a special of fresh housemade linguine with seared scallops in a light tomato-roasted garlic cream sauce that was so good. Maybe that can become a regular offering?
(5)
April H.

Delicious food and decent prices. Always a good meal here and a cozy, neighborhood vibe with friendly service. Our go-to Italian restaurant in Chicago!
(5)
Bri B.

DELICIOUS!! I thought the food was great and the service is spectacular! We've been twice already and both times I've been very impressed. The $21 dollar Thursdays are a bargain too because you still get the same dishes, same portions, but you can try more for cheaper. We've had the Calamari al Tre Modo Caprese Carpaccio Prosciutto e Mozzarella alla Ferri --- All very good. We also had some of the main menu items Pollo Al Afumicatto Ravioli con Vittelo --both were very good...and also their specials can be very tasty as well. Any recommendation they give for that night, just go with it! My only complaint is that the chicken breast can be very dry in the dishes, but other than that, I've been very pleased. And DO NOT forget dessert! Just about every dessert that I've tried has been really good.
(5)
Dennis S.

I was looking for a comfortable place my wife could get pasta on the day after her tooth extraction. When I saw 22 of my 26 Yelp Friends who have reviewed Buona Terra gave it either 4 or 5 stars, it was settled. Great decision. This is the freshest, tastiest pasta we've had since returning to Chicago five years ago. She had angle hair and I had ravioli. Both were mouth wateringly tasty. There's no reason to write an extensive review - plenty are already on Yelp. I'll just add we loved the food choices, the wine list, the terrific service, and the decor. We came early at 7pm and it was half full. When we left at 9pm it was completely full. Thank you 22 Yelp Friends for your reviews.
(5)
Alfonso M.

Looking forward to returning. Met friends on a Thursday night and the 5 of us each had the Prix Fixe special and a few bottles of wine. Everything on the regular menu is in play for the Prix Fixe special ($22) and their normal portions. Service was GREAT. Professional, Friendly and Fun server.
(4)
Renee C.

I love this place. It has a wonderful easy-going atmosphere, delicious homemade pastas, a charming wait staff, reasonably priced wines, and it's easy to get a reservation even on the weekends. Great for friends, dates, parents - everyone with a healthy palate will be full and happy here. It may not be trendy, but it's sublimely tasty.
(5)
Jay H.

Wonderful food -- some of the best veal I have ever had. Everyone liked their entrees, and Thursday night prix fixe is a steal.
(5)
Winston G.

3 stars for the food, 4 stars for the prices and portions, overall 3.5 stars. You can get very traditional Italian food here, so if you have a craving for some fresh, homemade pasta or some veal marsala, this is the place to go. The prices are very reasonable, as most of the pasta entrees come in at $10-15 a plate (enough to split), and their meat/seafood entrees come in around $15-25. You can also get an appetizer and walk out of here spending about $50-60 on food alone. Burrata special was very good, but I've had better pasta and veal elsewhere. Service was fine, as everything was brought out in timely fashion. Probably wouldn't come back here, but could see the appeal to people who live in the neighborhood!
(4)
Amit K.

Really amazing Italian food. Very friendly and knowledgeable wait staff and they also have an extensive wine selection. Reasonably priced for the quality dinner you have
(5)
Ritu R.

WE just love this place! I have even taken some friends/family here when they are at O'hare for a 3-4 hour layover. Its not far off the highway in logan square. It brings them into the city but not too far in. Okay, that's all on the location. Parking is easy to find on the street. Began going here 6 years ago on accident for their prix-fix deal on Thursdays. They open the entire menu to you for 19.99 you get ANY APP + ENTREE + DESSERT off the regular menu including specials! Everything from the bread dip they start you off with to the fabulous soups and other appetizers to their delicious entrees! I always get the Farfalle alla Dominic. My husband experiments with all of the items on the menu. Everything he has had has been SO GOOD! I am a vegetarian (the no beef or pork kind) and love the menu. One of the best Italian places in the city!!!! Highest recommendation for this place!
(5)
Mike S.

Thursday price fix menu -- AWESOME I love this place, their carpaccio is one of the best in the city, it usually packed on Thursdays, but worth the wait. the mussels are very delicious with the perfect sauce to go with their warm bread. always a go to spot for nice dinner.
(4)
Bernice R.

If I could give Buona Terra SIX stars I would! My brother and I went on a Saturday evening without a reservation. Luckily, we came right before the start of the dinner rush and got seated promptly. The service was absolutely wonderful. From the hostess, to server, to runner... they are most happiest and kindest people I've encountered in the restaurant industry. The restaurant is very cozy and charming. I liked the painting on the walls and their little corner bar. Overall, the place felt very warm and welcoming. As for the food... I LOVED IT. The complimentary bread and oil/cheese spread were very delicious. For an antipasti, we had the mussels (Zuppa di Cozze). The portion size was perfect and just the right size for two people. The mussels were cooked wonderfully and sauce that they were in was to die for! I couldn't help but soak my bread in it and literally spoon a couple slurps before they took it away. Classy, right? You might have better self control than me, but believe me, it's hard! :) After the mussels, we had our entrees that came out, once again, perfectly - timing, presentation, and taste. I had the Pennine al'Arabiata. It had the same sauce as the mussels, so I was a happy camper. The pasta was a nice al dente and I was just blown away. My brother had the Ravioli con Vittelo. It was so good, it just melted in your mouth! The fresh mozzarella was the perfect touch on that dish too! I think, NO, I KNOW, this is my new favorite Italian restaurant! Great service, outstanding food, acceptable prices (including drinks) and nice ambiance. :)
(5)
Rachael C.

This is by far the best Italian you can get in Logan Square. Great food and wine and excellent service.
(5)
Kelly H.

My favorite Italian food in Chicago!! Its a small, family owned restaurant with classic servers. All of them are very friendly and prompt. The calamari here is THE best. Panzanella and Cesar salad....amazing. The Ravioli con Vittelo (ravioli pasta stuffed with veal in a brandy cream sauce topped with fresh mozzarella) is to die for and the Vittelo Cerafino is my boyfriends favorite. You wont find a better canoli and the "garlic goo" they serve with bread is incredible. I can't say enough positive comments about this place. LOVE, LOVE LOVE
(5)
Zach J.

I try not to make claims like "best Italian restaurant in the city" because Chicago is loaded with great Italian restaurants (like Caro Mio for example). Practically every neighborhood in Chicago is going to have it's own little Italian gem, and Logan Square is no exception. Yes, Logan Square's little Italian gem of a restaurant is Buona Terra, which also just might be my favorite Italian restaurant in the city (again Caro Mio is no slouch either). This is a nice, intimate, classy little restaurant that features very little of the eclectic vibe most Logan Square restaurants are known for. Which is perfectly fine by me, being that this is an Italian restaurant through and through, and it doesn't try to be anything else. They do one thing and they do it well, as the food they serve up is absolutely fantastic. I am a particular fan of their 4-cheese spinach gnocchi, which always hits the spot. They've got all the standard Italian staples, and they do them all very well (great veal btw). They also had a fantastic chicken/mushroom/Gorgonzola ravioli special the other night that was quite phenomenal to my taste buds as well as my belly. And, kind of going in reverse order here, but did I mention that their appetizers are also awesome? Because they are, especially their grilled octopus, which is another highlight. Octopus can be iffy or underwhelming, but the grilled octopus at Buona Terra is bursting with flavor and is cooked to perfection. And as an added bonus, they serve their bread with an incredibly tasty garlic relish which is a must have for garlic lovers. It's really fantastic. Great wine selection too, and service has always been top notch. So this is easily the best Italian restaurant in Logan Square, and for my money, it's also one of the best Italian restaurants our fair city has to offer overall.
(5)
daniel c.

What a nice little place! Started off with the Insalata Caprese, and everything about it was fresh and delicious! There's not much more to say about 4 uncooked ingredients except that it was fresh, well portioned, and well put together. This was a delicious pair along with the fresh (warm) bread and tapenade that is brought complimentary. I ordered the California Zinfandel and my date had the Washington Merlot. Both were exceptionally dark, deep, and fruity. The capellini looked like it was fresh, cooked well, and came served with a basic tomato and basil gravy. My date seemed to love it. My Ravioli with veal in a cream sauce was incredible, if a bit heavy. I was actually very shocked to see how large the portions were, I was expecting a smaller dish, but as I finish up my leftovers now, I'm glad it was sizable! I'm actually inclined to say it was even better the next day (just warmed up in a dry pan for a few minutes. definitely do this). Dessert was the main reason we came here, as my date was craving cheesecake. It was homemade, very creamy, a little more sour than your typical "Eli's" cheesecake, had an amazing raspberry sauce (chocolate is also available) drizzled over it, and I want more of it right now. It was delicious. I opted for the tiramisu, and that was unfortunately the only part of the meal I was disappointed with. The portion was huge, but the flavor just wasn't there, it was rather bland. I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5 because service was pretty slow (10-15 minutes before we even saw a waiter when we first sat down, restaurant was more than half empty), and because any good Italian restaurant should NAIL the tiramisu, in my opinion. I will definitely go back, and would recommend this place to anyone for a nice comfortable yet slightly classy Sunday dinner with a date. I've also heard the Thursday Prix Fixe is a pretty damn good value, and I wouldn't mind giving a few more things on the menu a taste.
(4)
Sylvia C.

I went on Thursday when they have their prix fixe menu for $22. I commend them for allowing their full menu for this. This place would've gotten 4 stars had it not been for the service. Sure, they were full, but they weren't overflowing. We waited 25 minutes just for bread. I asked 3 times to 2 different people. Each food item took a while to get. Another table who came after us got their entrees before us. We were there for a good 3 hours. While we were waiting, the waiter never checked on us to see if we wanted more bread or another beverage, nothing. We were left with empty plates and glasses. Let's talk about the food. The garlic tampenade was delicious on the bread! The carpaccio appetizer was excellent and delicious. the meat, parmesan, and mushrooms melt in your mouth. I also tried the beet carpaccio and that was also delicious. Entree, i wanted to order the chicken with pesto mashed potatoes. The waiter recommended the veal, though, and i remember a yelper saying it was too salty but thought, what the heck, maybe it's a fluke or I won't think it is. Plus, an italian waiter was recommending this. Big mistake. It was salty that I lost the flavor of the meat. I had to stuff my bites with potatoes and broccoli to dilute it. Now i must go back to try the chicken. I apologize, chicken with pesto mashed potatoes! I will be back for you! Chocolate genache was good. Berries on it was fresh.
(3)
Elizabeth A.

Pros: DELICIOUS grub, well, at least what I had which was the almonded crusted eggplant. Nice ambiance. Cons: Insanely slow service, possibly only if you get the crappy waiter we had. I came here this past weekend for a friend's birthday; ten people total. After ordering some wine, we ordered our entrees -- which arrived an hour later. AN HOUR! We were all so hungry that by the time the food came our stomachs had gone into hibernation mode and the hunger had disappeared. Not only did the food take forever, it also came person-by-person so we had to wait an extra 10 minutes for EVERYONE to get their food. The place wasn't all that packed so I'm not quite sure why the food took so long and why they couldn't get a couple of waiters to help deliver it all at the same time. When it came time to pay up, our waiter reminded us that the money we had given him did not include tip (thanks, man!). We had every intention of tipping and did, far too much considering the service. He got a solid 20% from every person at the table and had the NERVE to count it before we were even out of our chairs!!! I would return for the food but if I got that guy again, I'd request a replacement.
(4)
K B.

Simply the best gnocchi. I've been several times, always on Thursdays. It's crowded and easy to see why. The Thursday deal is superb and so is the pasta. I'm not a fan of Italian beer or desserts, but I can't take a star from them for being too Italian.
(5)
Lauren B.

if I could give more stars I would! My boyfriend and I went there one evening, for no special reason, we just wanted to go somewhere different. After clicking around on yelp and a couple of other dining websites I randomly chose Buona Terra as our restaurant for the evening. Might I say WE LOVED IT! Typically when my boyfriend and I go into a restaurant we play a game of sorts, we are in no financial position to do this, but we say, 'if we were to open a restaurant is there anything we would replicate?' My boyfriend said it perfectly, 'they do it so well, I'd just lease the space and tell them to run the restaurant'... The staff could not have been more attentive, perhaps because they weren't too busy? I don't know. We sat in the front room right next to the bar with a view into the kitchen but never felt like we were being crowded out. There is a second room, but I never got that far. Now for the food, I was immediately won over by the warm bread and garlic/ olive oil spread, I will say, we finished the basket in minutes. Then came our appetizer, and it came out REALLY fast. We tried the prosciutto wrapped around mozzarella, it was really frickin' good. At this point I was already won over. Then our pasta dishes came out... HOLY SMOKES was it good! My boyfriend had the veal stuffed ravioli served in a brandy sauce. I stole a couple, they were amazing. I had the rigatoni, not as good as his, but still REALLY good. Our desserts (Tiramisu and the special Panna cotta) were both really good. The tiramisu was clearly home made, or at least incredibly fresh, the lady fingers didn't seem doused in espresso to hide the flavor, rather they seemed fresh and flavorful. My boyfriend ordered the Panna Cotta (he only let me have a small spoonful so I can't comment much on his :-) ), but the speed at which he devoured it, it must have been amazing. Our bill ended up being $62 for an appetizer, two pasta dishes, two desserts, and two beers... And we tacked on $15 for tip because our server was amazing A little background about us- I will say that we are two people who eat out almost every meal, we have both traveled extensively. I have spent time in Italy ever since I was 2 mos old, most recently 3 weeks in Oct 2011, and planning to go back shortly. We know what good food should be. This food is fabulous. I cannot wait to go back!
(5)
Brian S.

First time I came here was on Valentine's Day 2 years ago with my girlfriend. I have fallen in love with this place ever since then. The Rigatoni and Spinach Gnocchi are where it's at. The ambiance is really nice and the family that operates are very wonderful people. This is one of my favorite Italian restaurants in Chicago. Love this place.
(5)
Jon T.

Went to Chicago for a very special occasion, and decided to treat ourselves to a nice meal at a highly-rated eatery. I'm regretful it was this one. Food was OK. Got the bill and it was $55 (pre-tip) for two people. I saw they had charged me twice for my Coke. I asked the waiter why that was, and he said I'd asked for a refill, and they don't give free refills. So first off-- what? No free refills? On a $2.50 soda that cost you mere pennies on the dollar? Where are we, North Korea? Secondly, couldn't you have stated that on the menu? Like, put the fountain drinks under a "For Suckas Only" section. OR... if that's too much trouble, perhaps you could just clarify that policy of insanity when I'd asked for a refill? You know, just a quick "we don't give complimentary refills, though I would gladly bring you another if you'd like!" So, no big deal... I should be able to clarify the situation with the manager and have this little misunderstanding addressed. Our waiter wasn't clear-- the menu didn't communicate this ridiculousness, so seeing as we spent a decent amount on dinner they should be able to accommodate the prompt removal of said charge, right? Wrong. I was greeted with a terse, disinterested and ultimately insulting explanation by the owner/manager that she'd NEVER had anyone have any issues with the policy, and this is the first complaint EVER. She then proceeded to attempt a dig on my apparently slum-ridden dining experiences, in pointing out that this isn't "THAT KIND OF PLACE" as to give free refills on fountain drinks. As if every restaurant in the western world from McDonald's to Morton's doesn't do this given the obvious crazy-high margins enjoyed on such a product. Perhaps it is just me though and this was just some very, very special soda thus resulting in their policy, though m'thinks that it should have been appropriately labeled on the menu just the same. I suggest you save yourself from the faux-quaint air of superiority that will choke you as you try to enjoy your $2.50 soda. Just be sure not to ask for a refill. ---- EDIT & NOTE TO OWNER: I've removed the section of my review regarding the owner/manager saying she'd "take it out of the tips" to refund my money. The business owner responded to this review and claimed she didn't say it--she has clarified she said "take it out of the till", which apparently means "cash register". So that was my mistake as I mis-heard her. I want to be fair, so I've redacted that portion of the review. Unfortunately, there was no further misunderstanding here; just an unpleasant experience centered around soft drinks. Also, note to Eileen (owner): Perceived value is not something you define for your customers; it's the other way around. This review focused on the lack of clarity of your policy and the lengths I had to go through to right the wrong. If you have the opportunity to turn a bad customer experience into a good one and all it takes is a few cents worth of sugar water, I believe it's an inexpensive win for you and your business and you should jump on that opportunity. Finally, a little upfront clarity about your policy could have completely preempted this negative review.
(1)
Vern H.

This was a random pic for Italian, the staff seated us right away, and service was good until we receive our meal, after that we never saw our waiter until we asked for the check. Food was good but not so special that I would make a return trip back
(3)
Mike P.

I've eaten here a couple of times and really need to get back soon. I went through quite a dry spell for good Italian food until I found Buona Terra. The server was a wonderful older gentleman who attended to us well. The decor gives it a classy feel without making you feel under dressed if you strolled in with a t shirt and shorts as I did on that hot day. The food was fabulous. The Rotini di la Nona has this wonderful creamy parmesan sauce that melts in your mouth. My fiancee had your basic Angel Hair Marinara that she quite enjoyed. The bread they serve you is also delicious. I did not get to sample dessert but they looked tasty. Buona Terra is definitely a great find in Logan Square.
(5)
Alfredo P.

I've been a here a number of times since the place first opened and it has never disappointed. The staff is typically attentive, friendly and helpful with the menu when needed. The bar has a decent selection of wine, although not the best of beer. The food is great, particularly the veal ravioli. Even the starter bread and cheese/oil dip is phenomenal. I always have to make sure I don't over due it on the bread so I can eat my meal. The dishes are of ample size and could easily be split into leftovers for later. Easily one of the better eating places for dates, special occasions, and just a night out with friends in Logan Square.
(4)
thomas g.

Was here last night on a very overdue night out. Everything was spot on! The food was excellent and the service was extremely attentive (although our waiter hardly seemed old enough to be pouring our wine). If you are looking for a neighborhood Italian place that gets it right, you've got to check this place out. My one complaint- make your pasta in the restaurant!!! The sauces are always SO good, its a shame to have them on dried pasta!!!
(4)
Jenn S.

One of my favorite Italian places. I came here on Saturday night for dinner and tried something new on their menu. I typically order the pasta, Beef Carpaccio or grilled octopus which you can never go wrong. I thought I would venture out and try the Skate fish, which was very good. We also had the grilled octopus to start, along with the warm bread and garlic dipping sauce. Great spot whether you are with family or on a date. Would recommend a reservation unless you are going early, they fill up pretty quickly later in the evening. This is a long standing family run restaurant in Logan Square, definitely try for dinner.
(5)
Terri B.

Another stellar dinner at Buona Terra! Everything was fresh, delicious, and service was again spot on. Friendly staff made us very comfortable, and good music.. Cubs game was on to make the guys happy, but no volume (to make the girls happy). We took advantage of the $22 prix fixe Thursday night offering, which is really a nice way to try several menu items without breaking the bank. The appetizer portions with the prix fixe are slightly smaller than the regular sized portions, but they are perfect for one person (and sharing a bite or two across the table)- definitely not a stingy portion by any means. The mozzarella wrapped in prosciutto is one of the most yummy things I've even eaten. Love that this place is consistently a delicious and pleasant option for Italian food in Logan Square.
(5)
Earlie C.

We were seated at a table in a "high traffic" area and were told we weren't allowed to move (even though there were multiple tables open). Not a good start Buona Terra... Buona Terra as described by another customer is a high end Italian restaurant run by Hispanics. Now don't get me wrong, I am Hispanic. However, when it comes to my food I want it made as close to how the Italians do it (especially if hundreds of dollars are being spent). We started with the calamari and carpaccio as an appetizer. The calamari was okay, but the carpaccio meat seemed as if it was processed/had a strange consistency. Not very Italian-like at all. My girlfriend had the Pollo Al Afumicatto. Pasta in a tomao-bacon sauce that was very good. The pesto mashed potatoes were delicious as well. A very good dish that I would consider getting again. And the rest of us had the Vitello Monte Carlo. I hadn't had veal in quite some time and was stoked. I was let down however. My plate was on fire, which meant that my food must've been under a heat lamp for quite some time. The sauce that the veal was in congealed a bit and was thicker on top (indicative of sitting under a heat lamp for a decent amount of time). The veal wasn't anything all that special either. I thought it would be a lot more flavorful. What a let down. After we finished our meal we got desert, a tart that was good. Can't complain about that. The thing that really pissed me off more than anything was being asked to LEAVE OUR TABLE after we finished eating because guests with reservations had been "waiting for 30 minutes". This was my first and last time trying this place. There's food available that's on par with Buona Terra for a fraction of the price. That and I can enjoy myself after I've consumed my meal without being asked to leave.
(3)
Kelsey K.

We've been to Buona Terra several times and our experiences have ranged from great to so-so. I do have to say that in terms of a consistent experience, I find Letizia's to be better and it has a more creative menu. I still love Buona Terra, don't get me wrong, but I think that I am more likely to consider Letizia's my go-to italian joint in the neighborhood.
(4)
Ivanka B.

This is our family's go-to spot - everyone loves it, loves going on Thursdays for the excellent value and food and even had grandma's birthday here along with numerous other family events. My uncle is a dear that hands out gift certificates here like candy at Christmastime. There are items that don't always appear on the menu - my favorite being the Vitello Serafino? - with mushrooms and pine nuts - deliciousness. Perfect carpaccio - pounded out the way it should be, with fresh parm curls and capers and I think a bit of truffle oil. Calamari is always fresh and divine as well as the ravioli - both veal and squash. Their chocolate dessert in a hazelnut crust is my favorite but their panna cotta is pretty bangin' also. Aaaaand - the most perfect Grey Goose cosmo in all of Chicago - yes people it is possible to screw it up. I have had way too many crappy ones, but never ever has it been here.
(5)
Nicholaus H.

Best calimari ever. Awesome staff. The vitello cerifino is flawless. Great panzanella salad. I must have been here 20 times. Awesome every time.
(5)
Gal D.

This is a repeat place for my friends and I. We usually go there every other Friday for dinner and are never disappointed. The food is fresh and to be honest, it reminds me of my mom's cooking back home! The atmosphere is great for groups or a perfect place to take a date. We love that it is family owned and operated and the service is fantastic! Thank you Buona Terra for giving us a second home!
(5)
Rebecca O.

Buona Terra is ridiculously good. If it were cheaper, Lucas and I would come all the time... but the food is totally worth paying a little more for. For example, can we talk about that garlic spread they bring out for the bread?? It's insane. The last time we went, I got the rotini di la nona. Normally I am nervous about ordering dishes with alfredo sauce because often they make the sauce way too rich, or use so much sauce that it's like an alfredo soup with pasta on top... gross. But I decided to give this dish a shot, and I am so glad I did. The rotini di la nona had the perfect amount of sauce, and it easily could have been the best alfredo sauce I've ever had (which is saying a lot because I eat a ton of pasta). As for the atmosphere, it is good but not excellent. It's a bit dark for my liking. Also the last time we were there, they sat us between the bar and a huge party. The huge party was drunk and loud, and we were so close to the bar that we could hear every word of this woman's conversation to a stranger about her drug habits... so that was uncomfortable. But another time we sat in the back room, which was much quieter and warmer. So I guess the moral of the story is, try to sit in the back room.
(5)
James L.

My favorite Italian restaurant. Dishes here are excellent and not just pasta. Right from the beginning when you sit down you feel at home. The bread and garlic spread starts you off immediately in the right direction of culinary delight! Place is great with small groups. You will not be disappointed. I never am!
(5)
Nancy H.

Good pre-fixe value of $22 for 3 courses from the entire menu (Thursdays). But I'm not sure if it's worth the a la carte prices if you're not going there on a Thursday. I had the grilled calamari over mixed greens (too salty); chicken with smoked bacon infused tomato sauce, steamed broccoli, and pesto mashed potatoes (chicken was tiny!); and the profiteroles filled with vanilla gelato for dessert, which were good. The best part of the meal, though, was the garlic and oil spread that comes with the free bread! I had like 5 slices of bread because I didn't just want to spoon the spread directly into my mouth. The restaurant is small, and our party of 6 occupied the largest table in the middle of the room. The service was great - our waiter joked around with us, and another lady checked up on us at the end of the night to ask how everything was because she "heard a lot of laughter."
(3)
Jazmin C.

It's sooooo sooooo good. I've been a handful of times, and everything my friends and I have tried is delicious. It's a fairly small space, so don't go on a busy night...or try to make reservations. The manager and wait staff are all very kind. This is a great date spot.
(5)
Howard L.

This place is a neighborhood gem, and we found it really deserves its high ratings. I personally also found that Logan Square has changed for the much better (clean, modernized, and safe), from say, er , 30 years ago? We met the daughter and her BF here for dinner, and had a most excellent Italian meal at a very reasonable cost. Each couple had the veal stuffed ravioli ($13.95) and the veal medallions with mushrooms and pine nuts ($18.95) - both excellent, with tasty but not overbearing sauces. Bottled beer was very reasonable at $4.50, but they also have a pretty good wine list. It's a small little place with two small dining rooms with smallish tables, and can fill up quickly. It can also be a bit boisterous and a little warm. These are minor little offsets though for the excellent value and friendly atmosphere you get here, and we'll certainly be back. Free street parking was easy to find, and they take Open Table reservations. They've been at it for 10 years I'm told, and we hope they keep at it for a long time.
(5)
Maria G.

Buona Terra on Check Please Chicago! wttw.com/main.taf?erube_â€¦
(5)
Jessica V.

Bottle of Malbec? Check Bowl of Spicy Penne for me? Check Bowl of Buona Terra Rigatoni for Roy? Check Two drunk & full people? Check Two horny, drunk & full people? Check ... Yeap then we hurried home. This is what good food and service should do for you.
(5)
Ruth G.

The 3 dishes that I tried there were great. I'd go back.
(4)
Melanie S.

Love, love, love Buona Terra! The always-glowing Beth R. and I had a friend date last night. My friend dates naturally always seem to revolve around food. We had tossed around a few places but it was the ever-resourceful Beth who came up with Buona Terra after doing a Yelp search for Thursday Night Specials (I just wasn't down with the vegan Korean buffet. Another time, Beth. I promise.). I had heard of Buona Terra but didn't know much about it and since I'm a loyal gal, I always seem to stick with my tried-and-true faves for Italian: La Gondola and A Tavola. That will teach me to not be so close-minded. Anyway, when she mentioned the $21.95 prix-fixe, I went to BT's website to look at the menu before I committed to going there. Usually prix-fixe menus are quite limited, so I wanted to be sure there'd be something I liked. I hate being limited to a choice of three appetizers and three entrees, but come to find out that Buona Terra has no such restrictions on their prix-fixe deal. And bonus points to them for using the word 'truncated' on the website. Suffice it to say that I had the opposite problem at BT. There were, in fact, too many options to choose from. Luckily, we made a reservation as this place was happenin'. We got seated immediately and started looking over the menu. Such lofty decisions to make. Asparagus soup, caprese salad, or carpaccio to start? Since it was too hot for soup and I just had carpaccio the day before, I went with the caprese and Beth went with the mixed greens salad. We were brought fresh, warm bread and the yummiest garlic spread I've ever tasted. I'm fairly certain I ate half a loaf and would have eaten more if given a chance. How Beth only ate one piece still confounds me. The salads were great and generously sized. My caprese was first rate and nothing makes me happier in summer than a well-executed caprese salad. With only minimal ingredients, a caprese salad should use the best tomatoes, mozzarella, fruity olive oil and fresh basil, and this one certainly did. For entrees, Beth chose the Fettuccini Primavera but I went all out and ordered the NY strip, which, priced at $21 a la carte, made the prix-fixe deal even sweeter. We were both very happy with our choices. My steak was huge and covered in crusty parmesan and served with roasted potatoes and vegetables. It had great flavor and was cooked as I ordered. Beth's pasta was full of vegetables and it was such a big portion that it seemed as if she was eating it for hours and barely made a dent in it. Again, I appreciate their portions sizes, especially on a prix-fixe menu. We kept watching desserts go by us and knew that it would be a difficult task to pick which one to enjoy. I spied a few orange and peach ices served in hollowed-out frozen fruit shells and while I am a sucker for those, I ended up with the profiteroles. I love profiteroles: tiny pastry shells filled with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce. Beth got the chocolate pecan tarte (more of a flourless chocolate cake) and it was covered with fresh berries. That would have been my choice, but sadly, I cannot have pecans. Don't feel too bad for me - the profiteroles were scrumptious. And the best part was the price. We didn't drink, so with tax and tip, our bill was only $32/pp; that is a fantastic deal any way you slice it. And I love that they offer this not on a Monday or Tuesday, but on a hot and happening Thursday. I'm much more inclined to go out on a Thursday than almost any other night of the week, so they get extra points for that. 4.5 stars.
(5)
Hannah M.

My boyfriend's parents came in town and we went here with them. The prices are actually very reasonable though, so we could even go there on our own! I made a reservation, thank goodness, because it was packed. So if you go on a Friday or Saturday night, call ahead, even if there are just 2 in your party. The food is so good. First they bring fresh baked bread with this roasted garlic-jalapeno puree that was so delicious, I had to force myself to keep some room for dinner. We then had the beef carpaccio, which was wonderfully tender, very high quality meat, though I would say it needed a little drizzle of a sauce or something. The parmesan flavor was a bit overpowering. I got the caesar which was better than average and then for dinner I had the farfale with asparagus, spinach and ricotta (I added chicken though because not one of the pastas comes with chicken--which was an additional $6.95 *gasp*). It was really good though. The service was very friendly and I felt welcome. One problem was the noise level. It was SO loud in there, we were literally yelling across the table to hear each other. But the food made up for it. Especially that roasted garlic stuff in the beginning. I actually had them box some up with my leftover pasta for me to take home :-) I'd definitely go back; you should try it! Call ahead though!
(4)
Andrea R.

McDreamy who? Forget Grey's Anatomy...Buona Terra is the place to be on Thursday nights! A big thanks to the prix fixe king, Edward H, for arranging a fabulous meal for myself and 20 other yelpers at Buona Terra. Many of the other reviews say this already, but the Thursday night deal is so amazing that I'm going to say (write) it again...any appetizer,any entree, and any dessert from the menu for $19.99. Amazing! I'm a pasta lover, but in an attempt to be healthy (bathing suit season is coming up...ahhhh) I went the fish route tonight. I started with the grilled calamari (delish!), the tilapia special (it was so good that I couldn't help but eat the entire dish), and then for dessert the chocolate pecan tart. Ok, so maybe the pecan tart wasn't so healthy, but 2 out of 3 isn't bad! A group of 20 people is any waiter's nightmare, but Louis did an amazing job of moving the meal along. Sign me up for next Thursday night!
(4)
Gina F.

I used to eat here quite a bit when I lived in Logan Square. My husband & I were big fans of the Thursday Prix Fix menu. The food was always very nice, and it has a great, cozy neighborhood atmosphere--a low roar of conversation & enjoyment. We've brought lots of friends here as well, and we've all enjoyed everything we've tried. While the food isn't mind-blowing, it's genuinely good, there's plenty of it, and you leave feeling satisfied. The farfalle & rigatoni are both very, very good, as is the tri-colore salad. My one complaint is that after a hiatus of a year or so (I moved to a new neighborhood), I thought this would be a great place to hhost a birthday dinner for a friend. There would be 10-12 of us, so I called to make a reservation for a Thursday. They said that 7 or 8 (the time I requested) was their busy time, but they could seat us at 9. They didn't want a big group taking up their dining room during the prix fixe rush! Why have a gauranteed group when you can have the potential for higher turnover?! They had the possibility of turning 9-11 people that I KNOW have not been there into returning customers, but they turned it down & another restaurant got that oppourtunity (as well as the opportunity for an astronomical bill for drinks). I didn't find that attitude very appreciative of their customers, although it didn't turn me off enough to keep me from returning as a customer. Probably a 3.5, but rounding to 4.
(4)
Frank R.

Rolled in from Boston for a yearly gathering of friends and Buona Terra was just the ticket. Had to change my reservation for eight to eleven at the last minute and they were gracious about expanding our tables. Found the Vitello Monte Carlo (veal medallions with prosciutto in a sherry wine sauce) excellent with the rest of the party working their way through the breaded eggplant, cobia fish with olives, and deliciously stuffed pork chops. Great calamari. Quick and efficient valet parking for seven bucks, although street parking is available, at least on a Wednesday night, and the acoustics are perfect for trying to hear what your friends have been up to for the last twelve months. Service was crisp, even for a table of eleven.
(4)
L L.

Everything from the bread to the entree were delishus. I went with my wife and in-laws. They had been many times before. The bread and the garlic spread were amazing. The Caesar salad was very good as was the fried calamari. My entree was a daily special of the Tagliatelle with scallops. It was obviously very good. The only downside was the seating was a little cramped as we were in a corner behind a larger table of diners. Overall a great experience and we'll be back.
(5)
JoÃ£o M.

Great food and atmosphere. Took a date here on a Thursday night, it wasn't too crowded. I had the bruschetta, calamari, and veal; she had a pasta dish (can't remember), all delicious! You're paying for the whole package. It's a little bit expensive so unless you eat like this on the regular, it's a good spot for a nice date/special occasion.
(5)
Amanda G.

Great service, good atmosphere, friendly staff. Overall it was a pleasurable experience. I ordered the special pappardelle pasta with duck. The pasta and sauce were very tasty and hot, but my duck was gamey and overcooked. This was really my only complaint; it didn't ruin my food, but I would have given it 5 stars if it weren't for that. My husband got the veal ravioli if I remember correctly, and he was quite satisfied. The portions are generous, which I prefer when I go out for Italian. Our bill was about $100 for 2 pastas, a salad, a soup, and a bottle of wine - not bad for date night.
(4)
MaryLu C.

Went after seeing restaurant on Check, Please . I would recommend, but my husband thought it was just average. Parking was easy. The services was great.. We started with the special Calamari appetizer. It was interesting and I could have just had a second order as my entree. My husband also loved it. For the entree we ordered the eggplant for me and the veal for my husband. I loved my eggplant, it was tasty and filling. Not greasy or oily. My husband ordered one of the veal entrees and thought it missed this mark with too many flavors. The restaurant was warm and had a nice feel to it. Not too loud but it had a great vibe about it. Nice big windows and pleasant atmosphere. I think his experience was more a matter of taste than quality. There definitely is a lot going on in these dishes. If you like your meals more simple and straightforward this is not for you. If you like a meal where they are taking standards and putting a different twist, this is a must do.
(4)
M L.

Very nice and cozy atmosphere The food is really good The lady at the front is very nice and decent It was dam hot inside and the food takes a long time to be prepared
(4)
Tim H.

I notice the many terrific reviews here and I hope that means that Buona Terra has its good nights and its bad nights. Guess I just got there on a bad one. But as for me, I'll not be back. Restaurants are selling three things: food, service, and atmosphere. FOOD: Buona does OK with this, although I've certainly had better (and lots worse!!!). They currently are serving a pre fixe dinner offering for $22 which is quite a good bargain. For that price, customers get an appetizer, entree, and dessert. The menu is great, with lots of pasta and an abundant selection of vegetarian entrees. How was my food? More about this below--see SERVICE. SERVICE: It's service that really ruined my meal last night. I was with a big group: there were nine of us, and I know serving a group that size isn't easy. (But servers do make sure they get compensated for their efforts with a group that size, right? You know, the almost universal practice of automatically including a service charge?) Order taking went great, and there was no problem with busboy service at any time during our meal. The thing is, when I go to a restaurant, I think that waiters, who talk with customers and take their orders in writing on a little pad, should, when the meals are served, have at least the tiniest clue who ordered what. They shouldn't stand at the side of the table and yell over the din asking who had what. When waiters do that, some people (say, in a group of nine, with me) might forget what they ordered and say "me!" when the waiter is standing there tossing out plates. And they might say "me!" even if they had ordered something else. And then they might really tuck into the thing, and even give portions to some of their dinning companions, while the rest of us wait several minutes for our meals. And then, say, if I were the last one being served, I might get an entree put down in front of me that was NOT what I ordered. By the time we realize what has happened and I speak up, our waiter pretends like he's lost his hearing (and maybe he has) and skedaddles away. Being of somewhat a good nature, I don't want to make a big deal out of this and I eat what I've been given and am reminded why I didn't order it to begin with. Of course, this problem could have been prevented if my dining companions could remember what the hell they ordered in the first place, but it would have also been prevented if the waiter knew who ordered what--and HE is being paid to do that, right? Add to this, that when waiters add up the check at the end of the night, they shouldn't inflate their tips by including the sales tax as the base for their mandatory 20% (yes, that's 20%, not 18% which is what one more often sees). Because, see, that makes the mandatory tip in the range of 22% instead. Please understand: I am delighted to pay even more for great service. I often pay 25% when I eat out, because I know service people work hard and they are sometimes stiffed by cheap customers. But I don't like mandatory 22% service charges for lousy service. Check this out too: the mandatory tip was hidden in the middle of the check, among the food items, and labeled as a "Gft Certf." How about telling customers that you've included a service charge? Is it supposed to be a secret? Maybe so the customer doesn't notice it and adds even more?!? ATMOSPHERE: The place is pleasantly decorated, with some nice art work and exposed brick walls. But tables are way too close together and the noise level borders on the insane. (Go to ORD. Stand as close to the runway as you can. The noise level from the 747 on takeoff roll is similar to what you will experience at Buona.) The restaurant is located on a very difficult to park section of California Avenue, but they have valet service, of course. So here's my recommendation for Buona Terra. Give it a try, maybe you will like it more than I did. But if you go with a group, don't let them get away with the mandatory 22% service charge.
(2)
Char Y.

After reading many good reviews about this place, we went as a large group. We ordered capaccio - ok, the meat really stuck to the plate prosciutto e mozzarella alla ferri - ok rotini di la nona - good ravioli con butternut squash - very dry filling vitello monte carlo - ok Melanzana alla Emilia Romana - interesting breading of eggplants tiramisu - very good cannoli - ok in general the food was ok, but not impressive.
(3)
Allison M.

Food was good, but service was terrible. We had a large group for a friend's birthday and our reservations were for 630. It was past 630, but they wouldn't seat us because 2 out of our 15 were not there. We were definitely in everyones way of the waiters/hostesses and I asked if we could get seated because we felt that we were in the way of their service and our 2 missing people were only 5 minutes away, BUT the manager (I believe he was the manager) talked down to me in a very disrespecting and condescending manner saying the full party needs to be there (this was understandable but he did not have to be disrespectful). The waiters also were very forgetful of the things we ordered/requested and would shrug it off. It is unfortunate that the dining experience was tainted by the poor service. I would not recommend coming here for a good dining experience until service ups its game.
(2)
Glory O.

my favorite italian restaurant of all time. what to get: zuppa di cozze black mussels in a spicy tomato sauce gnocchi verde al quattro formaggi (my favorite gnocchi!!!) potato spinach dumplings in a four cheese sauce ravioli con vittelo ravioli pasta stuffed with veal in a brandy cream sauce topped with fresh mozzarella i can only assume that they make their own pasta because it is none like i have had before... its seriously awesome. i have yet to actually dine in at buona terra for i only get to enjoy it when i am in town and have girls night. but seriously, their gnocci is amazing and you can never go wrong with any of their pasta dishes!
(4)
mark b.

I recently went here again, with my girlfriend and some friends. We came on a Thursday night, and discovered that you get any appetizer, entree, and dessert for $22. What a deal! I realize this sounds like a TGIFridays or Applebee's type of deal, but the quality that you get in return is not indicative of the promotion. I totally agree that the food is good (simple Italian food done well), but the price and portions make it outstanding. We made reservations that day for 7:00, no problem. The staff was very friendly, prompt, and not pushy or too chatty. The restaurant was definitely packed, but I can see why. I would recommend a Thursday date night for here, for sure. 4 Stars on a Thursday!
(4)
colin t.

UPDATE: A couple weeks after posting my review, I received a very nice email from the owner of the restaurant, apologizing for my less-than-great experience. She offered to treat my wife and I to another dinner at their restaurant (which I really should take her up on soon!). It was a very kind and classy gesture, which I appreciated very much. I look forward to a return trip to Buona Terra, and hopefully will have a much more positive review afterward. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I live around the corner from this place, and have heard a lot of great things about it. So for today, the day before Valentine's Day, my wife and I went to see how awesome Buona Terra was. Our night sucked. Well, I'm sad, honestly. Our waiter pretty much ignored us for the entire time we were there. After he took our order he didn't stop by the table, not once, to check in. I put my empty wine glass, empty water glass, and empty bread basket on the corner of the table (which was on an aisle, so he was almost brushing into our table every two minutes). The empty glasses and basket just sat there. He walked past us ten times, not making eye contact once, not asking us anything. Eventually I waved him down so I could have a second glass of wine. Then, again, nothing for the rest of the meal. The food was good, but when your service is non-existent that stops mattering. I can count the times I've tipped less than 20%, because I've honestly never done it until tonight. I'm cool with overworked wait staff, with hangover-ridden wait staff, with slightly rude wait staff. I'm not cool with being ignored. i wrote a note on the check explaining my small tip, so the waiter would know why he got a shitty tip. I didn't complain to the owner, because I didn't want to get him in trouble. But I don't know if she would've cared ---- she was bartending and not really watching the rest of the house. The regulars at the bar got plenty of bread and service, though. Anyhow, it's too bad. I would've been a repeat customer (seriously I eat out way too much and it was pretty tasty) but the service was completely shitty. Maybe it was just a bad night from our waiter, but the owner/manager should be on the lookout for that too. Out of the maybe 30 restaurants in the Logan Square area, I've never had bad service until Buona Terra.
(2)
Rachel H.

I once lived in Logan Square. For two years. Yet, I never came to Buona Terra until last night. Yes, I knew it was there and yes, I knew about the prix fixe. I'd just always been of the mindset, "It's right there, I can come to it anytime..." and never did. Finally, I did. I'm a prix fixe lady, as many people know. I love a good deal... ok I'm cheap. I said it. Luckily most of my pals are as well. Thursday is the night for that, here. After devouring an entire basket of warm bread, I started with the calamari and my gal pal had the caprese. I'd already had a caprese sandwich for lunch. The little squidlets were light and crisp and flavorful. This app is perfect for one person for the deal, but I think if I were sharing, I'd be left a little unsatisfied. The caprese looked good and didn't skimp on the mozzarella. For the entrees we had the NY strip and the eggplant dish. I hate eggplant, but my date cleaned her plate (ba dump bump..I'll be here all night). My steak was a little overdone. I'd ordered medium rare and it came out more like a slightly overdone medium. I ate it anyway b/c I was dying of starvation, and it was still juicy, and the parmesan crust added a lot of flavor. Next time I'd order rare. We both finished the meal with a very nice tiramisu. Our server was friendly, not overbearing, and the service was quick but not rushed. I am definitely all about bringing my boyfriend back to try one of their many veggie options and some of the specials. Also, I am a piglet and ate my whole dinner. Yikes.
(4)
Kendall C.

Great food and our server Ismail was amazing. Will return
(5)
Gabe M.

Food wise this place will stand up to any Italian restaurant in the US. Food tastes very handmade and fresh. Service was attentive, the decor is nice with brick walls, and the ravioli was great. I like the street also, parking isn't too bad.
(4)
Pickiest Eater A.

Great bread. Okay clams in white sauce. Friendly service. Lots of extra 'stuff' in the clam sauce....i prefer lots of shelled clams versus extra white fish/garlic. Overall would return.
(3)
Nancy C.

HOLY. SCHMOKES. The prix fixe menu is such a good deal, it is insane. And not only do they blow us away with an unbelievable deal, but the food is, honestly, the best Italian food I have ever had. The butternut squash ravioli bursts with a sweet yet savory flavor and is topped with an intriguingly crispy and slightly-salted fried sage. The calamari appetizer, grilled or fried, is delectable as well. Though my favorite might be the ravioli con vittelo--a veal ravioli served with a delicious cream sauce and topped with perfectly melted mozzarella cheese. Gracious, just thinking about it makes me salivate. You will not regret trying Buona Terra. It is truly a well-hidden gem.
(5)
Ramya P.

Buon pasto Cozy, warm n very inviting space. Buzzing with so much activity that its exciting, the kitchen is near the front entrance so you can get a quick peek of their use of fresh ingredients that they hold as their motto. Friendly and attentive staff that checked on us a couple of times. I don't like it when some places do it so often that it feels like an overkill. All this is good but most importantly you'll remember Buona Terra for its food. I particularly enjoyed the ravioli stuffed with butternut squash in a butter and sage sauce. I was a little disappointed with the profiteroles only because I expected the pastry to be warm n the stuffing to be cold.
(4)
Lai-Nin W.

I honestly didn't know what to expect at this place, but after I read all the other fantastic reviews I had to stop by since I was working local this past week! Seriously, I went on Thursday, and this place is AWESOME. It's a $20 pre fixe, and it includes a full appetizer, an entree and a dessert. I got the beef carpaccio, the linguine with mussels and calamari, and the profiteroles for dessert. Beef carpaccio was HUGE, but I ate it all because.. well, it's beef carpaccio. The pasta was cooked perfectly and by the time dessert came around, I was stuffed. The service was absolutely great- they were a bit busy on Thursdays, but our waiter was very attentive even though he was handling 6 other tables. I'm definitely going to be heading back there as SOON AS POSSIBLE!
(5)
Capt M.

Excellent find on Yelp! Had the Veal and Mahi dishes. Also ordered side of Pasta Ali-Oli. Pastry Puffs for dessert. Yummy! Attentive service. Will be back for certain!
(5)
Sadat A.

I'm so lucky to live near this Logan Square gem. This is one of my favorite Italian spots in the city. Friends have been talking about this place for year and I've never made it inside for dinner. My experience from last night has me already planning my next trip back. Let start off with excellent 5 star service. Out waiter had an awesome personality that always made me and my party smile and laugh. He also helped us pick out the best wine on the menu which was really tasty. I ordered the Octopus and Carpaccio to start off with. Both were mind- blowing tasty! I will order the same two appetizers on my next trip back. The steak and pasta that we ordered were perfectly made. The greens and mashed potatoes just melted in my mouth. We also ordered cheesecake and tiramisu slice, both were the perfect end to a perfect dinner. Can't wait to go back sometime soon. The Thursday special is were it's at.
(4)
Todd G.

I saw Buona Terra featured on Check Please and then my brother recommended it. Each time that I've been there, it did not disappoint. Quaint setting, knowledgeable servers, and terrific food!. Best roasted chicken in Chicago.
(5)
Adam R.

This is a great italian gem for the Logan Square neighborhood. The food is consistently good and the service friendly. The seating indoors can be a bit tight and their patio is a bit high traffic because it's on a decently busy sidewalk. I haven't tried their prix fixe menu yet, but I seriously hope they'll consider updating their sign advertising it. It's a fixed price menu, and they are advertising prefixes (the sign says "Pre Fix Menu"). I appreciate the effort, but don't know whether I'm about to order a meal or pay for headers to words.
(4)
Stephanie M.

Dear Buona Terra, I must have caught you on a few of your off days... The last few times I've been here, the food as been fantastic! I LOVE the Rigatoni Buona Terra - AMAZING! That's all!
(5)
Phoebe W.

Yay! I love that Buona is only a few blocks from my place, if only I could convince my boss to let me have Thursdays off so I can gorge on Buona's prix fixe menu. Well, once you go prix fixe you never go back. I was a fan of their bruschetta and their prosciutto wrapped mozzarella. Thankfully, they're really good about refilling your water because that prosciutto is SUPER salty. Oh! And that spread they give you for the bread, its a nice change of pace from regular butter or olive oil. Their steak has a parmesan crust on it, which really adds a great flavor to it although, I wasn't a fan of the veggies that came with it. Their veal medallions were a little bit too salty for my taste and I also wasn't a fan of my friend's pesto mashed potatoes. HOWEVER, my sister ordered their gnocchi and it was awesome, very creamy and rich. I also really liked their cheesecake with raspberry sauce and their chocolate pecan tart with berries. I'd definitely recommend making reservations for this place on Thursdays since their prix fixe deal is so popular and tends to get crowded.
(4)
Rachelle B.

My friend and I decided to go out for dinner on Friday night. I'd never been to Buona Terra, our neighborhood Italian spot, even though I've lived only a few blocks away for over a year. The space is small so I called ahead to make a reservation. When I arrived at 6:30, the restaurant was empty and I wondered if I'd even needed to call ahead. Within a half hour the place was packed. For an appetizer we split the bruschetta. Tasty, but pretty much your standard bruschetta. My friend and I both decided to get pasta for our entrees. I got the gnocchi and she got the rotini. We skipped dessert and got coffee instead. I liked everything we ordered at Buona Terra. The interior is cute and the service was good. I mean, it wasn't like this place was the best meal I ate in my life, but I think it's a solid bet. Kind of like Piazza Bella in our old Roscoe Village neighborhood, but, like Logan Square, Buona Terra was a bit less expensive.
(4)
Eric Q.

Great food. Intimate atmosphere. Average to small sized restaurant with a lot of tables packed in tight. Good place for a date but you may feel crowded.
(4)
Y M.

i went with two friends to this place and we had a perfect meal. with the bread they brought out a garlic-parmesan spread which was delicious and very addictive. we also had a special wine, a red spumante which none of us had ever seen before-it was refreshing and not too sweet, very nice. we split the bruschetta as an appetizer, the ingredients tasted very fresh and flavorful. for entrees, i had the veal ravioli which was rich and delectable, friends had pork t-bone and almond crusted eggplant which were both also delicious. portions were generous, we left feeling full but not stuffed. ambience is nice and is a sort of family style italian vibe, very charming. service was also good. all in all, a great experience!
(5)
Nikita W.

I've been to BT before and absolutely loved it! The pasta was fresh, homemade...the waiters friendly, the ambiance romantic and cozy. It was an amazing experience. So when it came time for our 3 year wedding anniversary I told my husband the ONE place I simply HAD to go for dinner was here! However on my second visit to BT, almost a year later, things have drastically declined. The ambiance is no longer cozy but instead very very loud. I could barely hear my husband over the noise and the place was not that crowded to where this kind of thing would be expected. Our waiter was nice, but very quick with us and seemed in a hurry to get to other customers. The food was very marginal. The pasta seemed straight out of a box, not the handmade fresh pasta I remember craving from a year ago. The sauce seemed poorly put together and just slopped on the plate. Our desert was also of the same caliber. I don't know what happened...but this place is no longer the gem it used to be. I was greatly disappointed and to say the least. It seems from the other reviews that BT regularly has 'off-nights.' Maybe this was one of those nights...but either way I'd say only come here for a regular meal, not a special occasion as to not chance having a bum night like I did.
(2)
April M.

Went here the night before the shamrock shuffle with my friend before his frist ever race. We were needing some good carbs before our race yet we didn't want to cook. It was a Saturday night so the place was packed, although the wait was only said to be 30 minutes long we waited 45-60 mins (thanks to a couple staying to chat forever when 10 people were sitting/standing by the bar... While sitting at the bar I noticed the place was bigger than expected, just by walking in. It's a cute little place and makes you feel at ease while having one tv for those interested in watching the game. Staff was friendly and service was quick/good. The food was really good and it was a fair price. I'd go there again when in the neighborhood. Good for a date or getting together with friends or family. Reservations may be needed for weekends to avoid the waits.
(4)
Aaron G.

A wonderful spot for Italian food that isn't too pricey. A generous listing of specials accompanies a menu that follows traditional Italian eating practices, yet covers both traditional and more modern interpretations of the cuisine. We tried an appetizer of prosciutto and mozzarella, which was very good. We had a more traditional rigatoni dish that was very good, but was overshadowed by the steak special we ordered and also better when I reheated it as leftovers. The restaurant was very busy on a Saturday night, and as a result we waited for 20 minutes before being seated, despite having a reservation. I do not reflect variable service issues in my reviews, and the staff was very nice about the inconvenience. It would have been nice to get a free drink or dessert for it, but only if it happens again will I let it affect my opinion of this very delicious restaurant.
(5)
Jorge A.

Portions are a bit small, mussels a are great but very small portion
(4)
Caroline A.

So I'm not much of an Italian food person. But Buona Terra rocked my socks off. My girlfriend had her rehearsal dinner there on a cold Friday night, and it was warm, cozy and very friendly. Our dinner was family style, and there was enough food to feed a small army. First of all, lets comment on the bread. Hell to the YES. Not only is the bread thick and crusty with a soft center, but the garlic spread might be the best thing I've ever put in my mouth. If I didn't have to wear a bridesmaid dress the next day, I could have polished off a whole loaf of bread for dinner. Can I buy it in bulk or have the recipe?? Moving on, we had the Panzanella Toscana - vine ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, olives and basil in a gorgonzola vinegrette. It was good, not great. Next was the fried calamari. That was polished off pretty quickly. Next was the Pennine al'Arabiata - It was perfectly cooked with just enough spice. I don't like pasta too much, and I thought it was delicious. For the main course, we had Paillard di Pollo al Palio - a pounded chicken breast in an herb sauce. It was very good and perfectly portioned. For dessert, we had a platter of pastries and cakes. Definitely try the tiramisu and cheesecake. I hear the cannolis are also very good too. Service was stellar! I will be back for sure... even if it's just for the garlic spread.
(5)
Elizabeth S.

A wonderful recommendation from the TV show "Check, Please!" My parents and I had a fantastic meal at Buona Terra. We grabbed a seat at the bar and were taken care of by Eileen, the owner of the bar. Her enthusiasm and friendliness is reason alone to come and have a meal at her restaurant. The selection of wines were unique and they had a few micro-brew options which always makes me happy. We were seated promptly for our reservation and our server was attentive but did not rush us despite it being a busy Saturday night. This is not a large restaurant which makes a cozy and homey feeling. We started with the beet salad and the mozzarella and prosciutto salad - both were great. For the main course, my dad had the steak which for $20, he said was great! My mom had the Rigatoni with sun dried tomato sauce which was delicious and I had a Farfelle with cream sauce which was good, not outstanding though. There were many other items on the menu I would love to try next time and the Cannoli for dessert was amazing! This is a wonderful staple in the Logan Square neighborhood and I look forward to going back for any occasion.
(5)
Janet W.

This is currently my favorite Italian restaurant in Chicago, outside of Little Italy. The food blew me away. The wine that was paired with the food got me and my date very comfortably tipsy. Everything was reasonably priced and the waitstaff was very friendly and attentive. Though, I did come here a little late on a rainy Sunday night when the place wasn't very packed. This isn't really a place to go for a foodie adventure, but if you're looking for simple Italian food, astonishingly well put together, check this place out.
(5)
Patrick and Jes D.

An excellent ristorante. The Prosciutto wrapped around fresh mozzarella was very good. The fresh Italian sausage was well spiced and rock shrimp dish was divine. The first bottle of wine was bad so we chose another. Staff is friendly and patient. Very diverse crowd. One app, two entrees, bottle of red and desert with tip $120
(4)
Elisabeth C.

We had a lovely dinner at Buona Terra on a Thursday evening. I started with the prosciutto wrapped mozzarella; my boyfriend had the mussels. Both portions were very small. However, we also had bread on the table with a wonderful spread - not sure what was in it, but it was delicious. For entrees, he had the ravioli and I had the gnocchi. I would have preferred the sauce from the ravioli on the gnocchi, but both were delicious. We both preferred the ravioli, but not by much. For dessert, he had gelato and I had cheesecake. Again, both were delicious. No complaints. We have hesitated to go out much lately, preferring to order in, because when we're at a restaurant we often feel like we are being held hostage while we wait for the check. So we asked for the check when we ordered dessert and were able to avoid waiting around to pay. Service was also excellent. They have a small coatroom between the two dining rooms.
(5)
K W.

I can't get enough of Buona Terra. The staff are very friendly and the food is AMAZING.
(5)
A N.

My first reaction: underwhelmed. Parking was easy, we were seated immediately for our reservation. Service was a little on the slow side (our entire meal, sans dessert, took almost 2 hours). The food was just okay. Average. I've had much better. Maybe we ordered the wrong things, I don't know. Based on reviews and reputation, I was hoping for a more romantic setting and tastier food. Maybe it was the Nikki Minaj playing loudly in the background that didn't do it for me. I'm not sure about any of you, but when I think romance, fine Italian food and wine...the first thing that pops in my head is not Tonight I'm F**cking You. We had a crab cake appetizer which was very tasty. It was the best thing we ate all night. It was served with a side of greens. We shared the Mista salad which was fine and pretty much as expected. Had I known the crab cake came with a side of greens I might have just ordered another appetizer vs. a salad. My dinner also came with a salad (Palio chicken). It was kind of salad overkill. The chicken had a too-charred taste to it that I found unappealing. By the time our waiter came around with dessert menus I was ready to leave. Considering all the other options out there, I will probably not return.
(2)
Jona W.

Buona Terra can put their pasta baby in me any night of the week. Starting at about 1pm one day, my boyfriend began sending me texts and gchats about once every 10 minutes about how bad he wanted some pasta. I want pasta! I need some pasta! I might die without some pasta! WHERE DO WE GET THE PASTA?? So we settled on meeting at Buona Terra immediately after work because it was in the 'hood and we could get there quick. We didn't know anything about it other than that, and at that point, my only aim was to fill the pasta-shaped hole in his stomach so he'd be able to cool the fuck out. Little did I know how much I, too, was suffering from a carbohydrate deficiency. That green garlic stuff they put out with the bread is unbefuckinglievable. I mean, if you eat it, you can never talk to anyone again. It's like the Bog of Eternal Stench in the movie Labyrinth. Touch it, and you will be forever shunned. After that, we started with the beet salad...arugula atop a blooming spread of beets sliced so thin you could see through them. Beet art! It made me think of that one part in Goodfellas where Paulie's slicing up the garlic in jail with a razor blade, "Paulie used a razor and sliced it so thin it would liquefy in the pan"!!! I really hope they cut up the beets with a razor blade in jail because that would be BAD ASS. I ordered the title track, the Rigatoni Buona Terra. Okay, get this shit: it's in tomato cream sauce with walnuts and goat cheese. I KNOW RIGHT? I wasn't even hungry for all of it but I ate all of it. If my mom had been there to give me a speech about "knowing when to stop" or "problem areas" or something, I would have screamed LAY OFF ME I'M STARVING and heaved fiery tomato cream sauce all over the place. Unchecked by guilt trips, I waddled home with my pasta baby poking out in front and spent the rest of the evening drooling on the couch. We've visited again since then, and wouldn't you know it, I replicated our order from the first visit to the letter. I think this is going to be one of those places where I just keep doing that because it's SO GOOD. This time, however, I set a bit of Rigatoni Buona Terra aside because I wanted to see what it would be like around breakfast time. Ahhhh sweet sticky tomato cream and melty goat cheese. They need to start making omelets with that stuff inside. Anyway, you should go. It's soooo good. It's so good it could have been made in jail. And next time I go I'm definitely getting the fruit sorbet because I saw a lady eating the lemon sorbet and it came in a tiny lemon, I want to get the coconut because if it comes in a tiny coconut husk I will seriously shit a brick, you guys.
(5)
Esther K.

I came here with a girlfriend on a Friday night in May 2010 around 7p and we were seated right away. The crowd was fairly mixed-plenty of couples, as well as families with young children. The atmosphere was lively without being too loud, casual but not rambunctious. We were seated in the front dining area which is rather cozy and cutely decorated. The service throughout the evening was fantastic-my water glass was never more than 1/2 empty, and I drink a LOT of water! I had the Farfalle alla Dominic, which is farfalle pasta tossed with asparagus, spinach, ricotta and parmesan cheese. The ingredients were fresh and highly flavorful, and I loved the combination of asparagus and spinach with the sauce. My friend had the Angelotti Zuca, which is round ravioli pasta stuffed with butternut squash in a browned butter and sage sauce. She enjoyed it as well, but wasn't overly impressed-I found it tasty but a bit too rich. She also had the caprese as an appetizer, and found the ingredients to be extremely fresh. The servings were plentiful, the prices reasonable, and the food came out relatively quickly (not impressively fast, but certainly not too slow). Great italian overall! Would return.
(4)
Amelia S.

Consistently good Italian food right around the corner. love it.
(4)
bria s.

I've loved this restaurant for quite some time. I haven't tried a single thing on the menu that I wasn't absolutely blown away by. The waitstaff is incredibly professional and personable, the place feels comfortable and cozy, and the location is great. Don't be fooled by other "Italian" restaurants in the vicinity, Buona Terra is the one you want, forever.
(5)
Elissa M.

Jumping Jesus this place is good! It's been a very long time since I've had Italian of this caliber. The garlic paste that comes with the bread is amazing. My linguine with clams was amazing. My husband's eggplant parmesan (crusted in almonds, sigh) and my friend's rigatoni with vodka cream sauce, peas, and scallops was--you guessed it--amazing. Those accustomed to a heavier eggplant parm may be disappointed with the dish at Buona Terra-- it is light enough to be recommended to a dieter (there is no pasta involved in this dish, and the over all portion is small.) For $36, the Valpolicella is outstanding. Nice and light. Only complaint-- our custom is to leave the tip in cash, not on the credit card, mostly for the convenience of the waiter, having spent 8 years in the service industry myself. The waiter took the signed receipt before we left (a MAJOR no-no, very rude, and we had only just signed it a minute before and like any table of people who have just eaten their weight in pasta and spent quite a chunk of change on it, we were without haste but without lingering wrapping up our stay.) Seeing that there was nothing on the "tips" line, he made a big stink in the back of the room, pointing to our table and talking to another waiter about it. It made us feel very uncomfortable. It was not a very nice way to end a meal, considering we were tipping him 25 percent in cash for it.
(4)
Mahsa T.

A cute little hole in the wall place, but boy does Buona Terra deliver on great food and good service. The grilled baby octopus served with spicy herbs on a bed of tri-color salad with balsamic (a special that night) was fantastic! The mixed greens were also delicious. Tuna (special) was tasty and the Vitello Monte Carlo (sauteed veal medallions) was tender and flavorful. The cannoli was fresh, delicious, and a perfect way to end our fabulous meal. Service was outstanding. I felt like our waiter truly cared about making sure we were happy with everything. And they were quite accommodating considering we walked in as the kitchen was getting ready to close. I would highly recommend this place for dinner with friends or a romantic meal for two.
(4)
Zainab M.

So, I am not really sure why the reviews for this place are so stellar. Maybe I ordered the wrong things? Positives: the service was GREAT. Very attentive and friendly. The atmosphere was also great - very local and cozy "Eh"s - The food, at least the things we ordered, we not very good. This was especially surprising since 2/4 things we ordered were from the specials list! We (two girls) got (and shared) butternut squash soup, mussels in red sauce, chicken and mushroom ravioli, and profiteroles. The mussels were probably the best thing we got, and that was mainly because of the sauce. The ravioli was very salty. The dessert was just ok. I really do feel bad writing a 'meh' review of this place since they were so friendly. My advice to other yelp'ers would be to parse out what to order from the other reviews!!
(3)
May K.

This place is amazing and tasty! The best Italian I've had in Chicago. They have this great garlic spread they give with bread. Their octopus salad and gnocchi are some absolute favorites.
(5)
Liz Z.

Honestly, you don't need me to add to the impeccable reviews of this place. My brother comes here all the time and decided to take our family there for dinner. The back room is lovely - the decor feels rustic Italian. I'm pretty picky about Italian food because of my food experiences in Italy, but BT did 'er right. The pastas were clearly homemade, nice refreshing seasonal salads, tender & juicy chicken, thinly sliced/flavorful veal medallions, really great gelato made with love. The beauty is in the simultaneous simplicity and elegance of each dish. Love!!!
(5)
Kristin E.

WOW is all I can say after a dining experience here! Everything was top notch and so unique. I came here after recommendation from a friend and was definitely not disappointed. It's one of my favorite places in the city now! Such a cute little place that's intimate and it has great quality food at a great value. To start we ordered the prosciutto e mozzarella (mozz wrapped in prosciutto with mixed greens). There were four of those in the mixed greens and we could've probably in them all day. Delicious and never saw anywhere else. Wish all salads were like this one! As the main course we had the gnocchi verde al Quattro Formaggio (green gnocchi with four cheese sauce). the flavors were amazing and worked so well together. Gnocchi melted in our mouths. Almost Mac n cheese like.. But better. We also ordered the Pollo Afumicatto, chicken with mozzarella in a bacon sauce (also flavored with something else). That also was delicious and the chicken melted in our mouths too. At the end we combined the gnocchi and the sauce for the chicken and it was also a great winning combination. My boyfriend also liked his glass of wine. I wish we could save room for dessert because the pastry stuffed with vanilla gelato with warm chocolate sauce on top looked very good. We have to save room for next time! DEFINITELY GO! We took the blue line train at California and walked, though valet is available for $8.
(5)
Lena Z.

Great Italian food. Made the reservation the day before, no problem. Was seated immediately. My waiter was actually very attentive, despite previous reviews written about this place. He recommended a great red wine. The food was delicious. All of it. I ordered the rigatoni, you won't be disappointed and the leftovers are just as delicious! My only issue is the seats are so close together that you're basically in everyone's conversations
(4)
Claudine K.

Must go! Please go! I am in love with this little Italian place. EVERYTHING IS JUST SOO DELISH. GREAT Salomon, Chicken and the PASTTTTAAAAA!! It's so fresh and has just the right amount of zest. (MY mouth just watered)! I love the service and the actual restaurant. It's clean, cozy and very family like feeling. Perfect for dates, perfect for group gatherings and perfect for just because! SOOOO happy I was introduced to this place! (Do not order for take out- you have to dine in for the best quality) xoxo, Koko
(5)
Jeff B.

Thank you for another fantastic meal! My friends and I have been to this restaurant on numerous occasions and have never had anything but the highest praise for both the quality and taste of the food and the excellent service. There Thursday prix fixe deal is without a doubt the best deal in the city! The variety of dishes offered and the taste of virtually everything is off the charts. I cannot recommend them highly enough.
(5)
Kyle P.

One of the better dinner experiences in awhile. It starts with the best roasted garlic and oil and chili oil spread with fresh bread. Then couldn't decide so we ordered three entrees. Gnocchi.....get it......branzino...on special with a great sauce... Flattened chicken......good The service and family owned feel is in full effect. Everyone was great and try this place for sure
(5)
Elise T.

I went here with a friend last night, and I enjoyed it. It was, as Yelp says, "A-OK." The food was good and fresh, the environment was okay (except for the obnoxious patrons using their cell phones to take pictures of their baby...which would have been fine, except they had turned the flash on and their aim was right in my face), the drinks were tasty. I did notice three things though that could have used improvement: 1. The service was terribly slow. They didn't appear understaffed, and my water glass stayed empty for a while (despite the waiter walking by with a water pitcher, and taking care of everyone else's glasses). It took us neigh-on forever to get our check. 2. The food was tasty, as I said, but was pretty overpriced. Suffice it to say, it was okay, but nothing to write home about.
(3)
Emily B.

After studying abroad in Italy, this is the best Italian food I have found in all of Chicago. I have never even written a Yelp review (although I read them often) but I felt compelled to do so after two great meals at Buona Terra. So far I've tried the gnocchi, linguini alla vongole, rigatoni, balsamic grilled chicken, and the mussels. And ohhhh the tiramisu. I would order each and every one of those again if I didn't want to try the whole menu! My only complaint is that the space is a bit crowded and noisy. Only option while waiting for a table is standing at a cramped bar dodging servers every 15 seconds. They do take reservations, I would recommend that. Intimate atmosphere near the beautiful Logan boulevard. And lots of carbs. Makes the perfect date!
(5)
Nari H.

Came here for a large birthday celebration (nearly 20 of us) and had a really good time. The food was very good and so was the service. They were very accommodating for such a large party and even played a funny coffee joke on us (it was entertaining). Foodwise - It didn't dazzle, but it was good. I'd definitely recommend as a place for italian food. - Gnocchi will be green but tastes good. - Rotini di la Nona - a standard italian dish that was light but good. I would get it again. - My friend had the Rigatoni Buona Terra and that was a nice combo of sundried tomato sauce topped with goat cheese. Tips: - They get busy fast so make reservations ahead of time. - They are really good about accommodating large parties - Parking is on the street. We were there a little later on a Sat night but didn't have too many problems finding parking. - Quarters are a bit tight but not too much of a concern.
(4)
John G.

The chicken dish I ordered had the most magnificent smokey mozzarella, tomato and bacon sauce I've ever tasted. Well be back... Hopefully on a Thursday based on all that I have read!
(5)
Jenna S.

We went on a Thursday night for the prix fixe menu, which was great. The $21.95 menu includes ANYTHING on their regular menu (most restaurants have a special prix fixe menu). The food was absolutely delicious (I had the four cheese gnocci and my boyfriend had the butternut squash ravioli) and the wine was great. The wine prices were excellent ($6 for a glass or $20 for a bottle) and the selection was very nice. Also very great location, especially for those in Logan Square. Right near the California bus and California Blue Line.
(5)
Danny M.

I would sell my mother, my sister, my first born, my soul ...whatever anyone wanted for Buona Terra. I have seriously had drugs that didnt even compare to Buona Terra. It is that fricken delicious. So let me tell you why ... First, you are in trendy Logan Square, which that alone gets you some points. There is decent street parking. They make reservations which is awesome, because it is a smaller restaurant. As everyone has said, you have the Thursday price-fixed menu, which rocks. Now, on to the food ... Ok, when you sit down you get fresh bread with this garlic parmesean dipping sauce. The bread is always warm, with a crunchy exterior and soft middle, perfection! However, bring extra shorts, because you will mess the first pair when you try this dipping sauce. As I said, it is a combo of garlic, parm, olive oil and just plain goodness. I found myself dipping everything into it. I was hard pressed not to ruin my appetite on that bread. YUM. Ugh I want it now. Do they deliver dipping sauce? So next, we ordered the wrapped mozzarella with prosciutto grilled and served over mixed greens and balsamic vinegar. I mean, if you can find something wrong with this, you dont deserve to eat. It is salty, sweet, crunchy, smooth, WONDERFUL. Ugh, I need that dipping sauce. I have had the Rigatoni Buona Terra, which is rigatoni pasta tossed in a sundried tomato cream topped with roasted walnuts and goat cheese. If you will need a quadruple bypass surgery anyways, eat this and just enjoy it. It is seriously one of the best pasta dishes I have ever had. I have been back since and I want to try something new but I keep going back too it. It is very rich, as a heads up! I usually take half of it home. Warning: The sauce will congeal which is mildly revolting, but heat it up, and its oily, but still wonderful. I have also had the Pollo Afumicatto, which is sauteed chicken breast with smoked mozzarella in a tomato and smoked bacon sauce served with pesto mashed potatoes. The chicken was average, but the pesto mashed potatoes were divine. My partner kept grabbing them off my plate. I was willing to leave single for those potatoes. I am still dreaming about that dipping sauce, ps. Finally for dessert, the canoli is great, and a wonderful way to end the meal. It is your traditional canoli - no surprises here. I have also had the gelato and it was refreshing. Sometimes I just eat more bread for dessert, because I have no self control. This is a great spot for a date, a meal with mom, or just casual with some friends. I promise you will love it. Yelp's honor! Only drawback - No real room to wait for your table, and there is usually a wait. If the weather is inclement (SAT word?), you might find yourself in a tight spot.
(5)
Dana C.

The food was absolutely delicious! I got the rigatoni with walnuts and goat cheese. I never knew walnuts could taste so good in pasta! My other half got veal ravioli which was equally delicious. We will definitely be back to try more of their pasta dishes!
(4)
Kristen H.

My parents and a family friend were in town and I couldn't think of a better place to bring them for a Sunday dinner. The service and food were delightful as ever. The garlic spread for the fresh baked bread is addicting! The prices of wine are very reasonable. The calamari is fresh and wonderfully cooked! Everyone enjoyed their dish - butternut squash ravioli in sage butter tasted like thanksgiving. The veal medallions and veal ravioli received rave reviews from the table. The dessert and lemoncello (although could be a tad cooler) ended the night perfectly.
(5)
Angie M.

I don't eat at many Italian places in Chicago for one reason: Buona Terra. It's perfect if you want authentic Italian food. I've been here about ten times and my favorites dishes thus far are the butternut squash ravioli (it's a seasonal dish for autumn) and the Melanzana alla Emilia Romana (translate: almond breaded eggplant topped with caramelized onions and goat cheese served with tomato sauce and basil). Both are paramount menu items. The Thursday night prix-fixe is one of the best deals in the city. Appetizer, entree, and dessert for $21.95. I recommend watching the wine you order, that's when you walk out wondering how you spent so much money when you thought it was going to be a cheap(ish) authentic Italian meal. They hold wine dinners about four times a year and I was lucky enough to get in on one. The dinner included wine from a small family-owned winery in Italy. A woman from the family was there to explain the wine and the history of their winery (their winery was converted from a 1700's abbey!). The servers were heavy with the pours and the food was absolutely perfect. They raffled bottles from the winery at the end of the evening. Buona Terra is a treat. Go there. Tonight.
(5)
Dianne S.

Now here's a small space with huge character & a lively atmosphere. This tiny but quaint space gets pretty loud...in a good way. Came for the pri-fixe Thursday dinners that includes appetizer, entree, and dessert for only $22. Only con....we had to wait about 20 minutes even though we had reservations and the hostess didn't really update us until we hounded her about the wait. On to the food!!...I all but devoured my friend's starter (mozarella wrapped in procuitto & grilled over a bed of greens). My grilled baby octopus was also delicous...more tentacles please! No one left disappointed or hungry.
(3)
Jennifer I.

3.5 stars, really.... I was anxious to come on a Thursday and inhale as much food as possible as part of the $22 prix fixe. This is definitely a fabulous deal. I started with the fresh zucchini soup which was awesome..next I had the Veal Monte Carlo, which was very tasty, and for dessert I chose the pistachio gelato, which was the best part of the meal for me...omg, serious yumminess. Normally, my favorite part of a meal involves some sort of fat and/or salt....the fact that the dessert was the highlight says a lot for how great this gelato was. My only tiff was with the service...it was on the slow/disorganized side. I was in fabulous company (the lovely Melanie S. and the debonair David S.) so I didn't mind waiting..however, I was very conscious of the fact that we were, indeed, waiting longer than we should have. I am told that usually the service is better..so I am giving 3.5 on the side of 4 instead of 3. I am so going back again as soon as the opportunity presents itself...I will re-review then, but I feel confident that the service will be better and I will be giving it a solid 4. And, that I'll be getting the pistachio gelato, natch.
(4)
Ali H.

This is a cute restaurant, albeit deafeningly loud on a saturday night, in the logan square neighborhood that has reasonably priced authentic Italian food. First of all, the bread came out with some sort of tapenade in addition to the mini carafe of olive oil in the table. Wow, it was spectacular. I didn't even ask what was in it. I didn't care. I was too busy stuffing my face with it. The rest of the meal, honestly, was not too memorable. We got an eggplant main dish and some bruschetta. The little dishes of olive oil and parm on the table were cute and nice to have with the bread. It was all good, but I'm not waking up in the morning with it on the mind. I'd be back if I was in the area, but probably won't make it a destination. Well, unless for the cannoli.... it was great and probably my favorite part of the meal. YUM. An extra star just for that.
(4)
Moe f.

Been here many times and it's a pretty solid joint for Italian. Finally had a chance to do the Thursday night pre fixe. Started with an OK beef carpacio. The winning app was the proscuitto asparagus though. I had a nice pasta with rock shrimp. Wife had rigatoni with a goat cheese cream sauce. Both were great as was the veal ravioli. And ended the meal with some delicious tiramisu. And the garlic they serve with the bread is fantastic. We ordered the cheapest bottle of Chianti and let's just say I wouldn't order it again.
(3)
Ree M.

We love this place! We made reservations for a Saturday night and still had to wait a few minutes, but no big deal. The hostess (who I think is also the owner?) was great and our waiter was knowledgeable. My Dude always gets the linguine and clams, he loves it. I tried the white fish special, it was amazing. It's overall just a great place.
(4)
Awilda G.

Love love love this place. I went on a Thursday and will be going back!
(5)
Juliana R.

My boyfriend and I made a last min reservation here for vday and this place was slammed! We only waited for our table for about 10 min and the staff was super friendly and food was amazing! Instead of olive oil n cheese with our bread they gave us some kind of pesto sauce and it was delicious! We will definitely be back again!
(5)
betsy b.

SOOOO good.....whatever they serve with the bread at the beginning of the meal is garlic breath death but ridiculously good!!! We started off with the caprese and panzenella (sp) salads....they were both really good and I was a panzenella virgin...who knew this thing was so tasty!!! I of course preferred my dining companions entree over mine but thankfully she was willing to share. I went with the butternut squash ravioli and while it was good, the filling was a bit dry and all the sauce filtered to the bottom of the bowl. My friend got the rigatoni with goat cheese and walnuts.....it was perfect!!! I couldn't stop stealing bites. I want to come back here for the Thursday night pri fixe. This place is a cute little gem and even has sidewalk seating for summer.
(4)
Linsey R.

This is hands down 1 of our favorite Italian restaurants in Chicago! We eat here about once a month and I have yet to be disappointed by anything! Everything from the martinis and wine to the appetizers and entrees to the dessert is delish. The proscuttio wrapped mozzarella is soooo good. The specials always sound so delicious so that's usually what I get and I've been happy every time. The fish is always very fresh. My boyfriend always gets pasta and it is always great! I tried a bow tie pasta w/goat cheese and asparagus last weekend and it is now one of my favorite dishes! Excellent dessert and cappuccino /espresso also! I highly recommend Buona Terra! YUM.
(5)
Lauren S.

Love this place. It's our anniversary dinner spot every year and a fantastic local Italian restaurant. Prix Fixe on Tuesday which can't be beat. Friendly and attentive wait staff. Cozy atmosphere with a pretty full dining room at peak hours/days. Decent wine list and consistently delicious food. Mmm. Now I want some octopus and sausage.
(5)
Michelle S.

Seriously GREAT food. Maybe the best Italian in the city. We were sat at the worst table in the whole restaurant and I still enjoyed my meal- That's how awesome it was. The service overall was pretty good-prompt and courteous, but wine list could really use some sprucing up. Although budget friendly, none of the multiple wines we ordered were good. Minus one star for that. Would go back for a delish dinner with no more than 4 people in a party---if you go above that number, expect to be crammed!
(4)
Eric B.

All neighborhoods in Chicago aspire for that cozy Italian restaurant, and Buona Terra launches Logan Square into the "haves", as far as this category is concerned. With its two room, exposed brick, linen tablecloth decor, Buona Terra places itself firmly in bistro territory, and it wears that look well. The menu packs more flavor and satisfaction than you would expect for the price. I was particularly impressed with the extensive veal selection - last time I was here I agonized over three dishes before finally selecting the vitella monte carlo, and I was not disappointed - veal wrapped in prosciutto covered with frontera cheese. It was unbelievable, and complemented with crisp and flaky roast potatoes and crunchy broccoli. Kelly was equally impressed, both with a special consisting of grilled chicken breasts soaked in a mushroom sauce and asparagus, and the standard menu chicken - chicken breasts grilled in herbs with fresh tomato, mozz and arugula. In both cases the chicken breasts were pounded yet deliciously juicy and tender. Many others have detailed the prix fixe deal, and I concur with their accolades. In addition to that special, BT has daily dish specials, and this summer has been providing a delicious full bodied Italian Rose for a mere $26 a bottle, that more than stands up to the aforementioned hearty veal dish. But the deliciousness does not end at the main course. For dessert, you would be committing criminal self-deprivation by passing up the profiteroles. The gelato is richer than most ice cream in French restaurant versions, the chocolate balances between dark and milk varieties, and the raspberry coulis is rich and tangy. In short, Buona Terra provides a Northwest neighborhood Italian experience that competes with Rose Angeli's and Sabatino's on value and gastronomic delight.
(4)
Gary C.

Buona Terra apparently means "Good earth." I didn't know this until I Google Translated it afterwards. But anyways... Twas a fine winter evening that some good company and I dined at this fine establishment. We were cold. We were hungry. Buona Terra was more than accommodating. We heard that this place gets packed [even during the week], so my girlfriend and I arrived a bit earlier than our friends. To our surprise, there weren't many people in il ristorante [we dined in the middle of the week]. The host sat us at the bar then our table while we waited for our friends and staff was quite attentive even though we weren't dining just yet. At our table, our waiter brought out some freshly baked bread [or so he said...it was piping hot, to his defense]. Accompanying the bread was a delicious garlic spread that would change your mind about stinky breath. Our party ordered the Polla alla Provinciana, Gnocchi Verde al Quattro Formaggi, Pollo Afumicatto, and Linguine alla Vongole. The entrees were well portioned, but the pastas are a little underwhelming in size. With that said, everything was delizioso. And on a rare occasion, we saved room for dessert! We ordered the tiramisu and the Profiterole. Let's just say they lasted a whole three minutes =) The big winner here is the vino. Very good and well priced. Buon divertimento!
(4)
John H.

My friend and I have eaten at Buona Terra several times in the past year, but this past Thursday, we went there for the Prix Fixe meal. Essentially, for $22 you get an appetizer, entree, and desert. As an appetizer, I had the black mussels in a tomato sauce. I was skeptical about getting fresh mussels that this time of year in Chicago. However, they were fresh, tasted great, and the texture was wonderful. For the main course, I ordered the veal medallions in a citrusy sauce. The veal was perfectly cooked, and tasty, but I think that their other sauce might better accompany veal. For desert, I ordered profiteroles. THESE ARE THE BEST I'VE EVER EATEN. My friend got some kind of fruit tart, and asked me for a taste of my profiteroles. They were so good, I refused to give him a taste (hehehe). I highly, highly recommend Buona Terra! There are many less expensive Italian restaurants in the area, but - in my opinion - Buona Terra has the most unique offerings (no chicken parm here). Buona Terra truly is a boon to Logan Square's rapidly expanding list of restaurants.
(4)
Jeanne H.

I've dined at Buona Terra five or six times over the past several years and what I love about this place is how consistently good it is. Every single dish I've had has tasted amazing. On top of that, the cozy atmosphere will charm you to pieces with it's low lighting and rustic decor. The waitstaff is also amazing and will not leave your water glass emtpy at any point. Foodwise, I highly recommend the ravioli in sage brown butter and the breaded eggplant. My mouth is watering now just thinking about them. Go to Buona Terra! You won't be disappointed!
(5)
Jake L.

Great atmosphere great food. Great location. My only complaint is a lot of their dishes don't come with protean you have to add it to most of the pasta dishes. Their sausage is incredible.
(4)
Jackie B.

While it has maybe been a year since I have been to Buona Terra, I thought it could use a review! I used to have friends who lived in the area and had a tradition of Thursday night dinners at Buona Terra. Let me just say that I am a graduate student who loves to eat out, but definitely has a budget. Buona Terra has never disappointed! I have tried a number of their appetizers, main courses and desserts due to their prix fix menu, and have pretty much loved it all! Of note, it can get a little crowded, so if you do not want to wait (or get a drink by the bar) head in early!!
(5)
Cara T.

I had a friend come in for a visit, and I wanted to take her to a nicer restaurant for her last night. Buona Terra had been in my bookmarks for a while, so I thought it would be a good choice. Good food, almost good service, almost good atmosphere. I started with the Prosciutto e Mozzarella alla Ferri, which was basically bacon wrapped mozzarella. For the $9 I spent, I wish I had made another selection. It was just meh. For my entree, I had the chicken special for the night... Pollo Caprese I believe. It was served with veggies and mashed potatoes. It was just A-OK as well. My friend had the gnocchi verdi and I sampled a bite. I hate gnocchi and Buona Terra's was not good enough to change my mind. And now, for the main event.......DESSERT! We had the profiteroles and the cheesecake. Both were amazing. The chocolate and raspberry sauce on the profiteroles was perfect and gelato inside was smooth and creamy. Unfortunately, after dessert was when our service went down hill. Everything was perfect through our meal. Pretty quick service and our water glasses never reached the bottom. However, at the end of our meal, our waiter brought us the wrong check, which he took at least 30 mins to fix. It was another 15 to get us the right check, and yet another 15 to get him to pick up the payment (I don't like to just leave the bill on the table). I was ready to leave Buona Terra long before they were ready to let me go. Unfortunately, they kept me just long enough for me to enjoy walking back to my car in the rain. The atmosphere looks calm and relaxing from the outside, but it was pretty loud the night we were there (a Tuesday I believe). The place was packed out. I'm not going to say Buona Terra could not have wowed me, because there were so many things on their menu I could try....however, this was not the best experience. Maybe a more positive update in the future.
(3)
Marie M.

The second best Italian restaurant I have been to. Great date spot. I really enjoyed the calamari, and their pastas are cooked perfectly, not too tender. A perfect cozy, yet romantic, family owned restaurant. On date nights, always good to make a reservation. Their brandy sauce a must have, a recipe I recently perfected.
(4)
katie b.

I'm not an avid yelper, so when I write things it's because I feel the need to. Overall, a pretty disappointing dinner. Read why below. So here's the deal. Went for valentines day, yes I assumed it would be busy...but I also assumed they would honor a reservation made weeks in advance. Not the case. Got there early and then had to wait an extra half hour past our reservation, no big deal if we had a place to wait, except the only open space was a small bar in the corner, full of other couples waiting for their delayed reservation as well. Cramped and awkward. We got sick of waiting and agreed to settle on ordering a pizza and staying in, and I went to politely tell the waitress we would be leaving and to skip our name to the next annoyed waiting couple...and the owner overheard me and rudely asked why. He then insisted we don't leave and that our table would be ready. I appreciate the attention and the quick response, however his reaction was actually very rude. The entire place is so small and cramped. People sitting on top of each other, even our table for two was tiny. I felt like i was having dinner with about 5 other couples in elbows reach. I must say the waitress and hostess were very nice, but the owner was not a people person thats for sure. The food was good, but very small portions...Get a salad and/or antipasti or else you'll leave hungry. The service was fast as far as the check and drinks are concerned, even though they tried to double charge us for drinks we ordered at the bar. After it was said and done, I wouldn't go back there. Not what I was expecting for such a highly recommended restaurant.
(2)
Jesus D.

I love this place every time I go there the quality of the food is excellent, the pork chops is one of my favorite dishes, i also love the new York cheese cake with the chocolate on top it makes my experience even more pleasant.
(5)
Marnie R.

A great neighborhood find. Fresh ingredients, warm cozy atmosphere and lick the plate clean food. Things we would order again are the prosciutto wrapped mozzarella grilled and the grilled calamari.. Both are on mixed greens with that lick your plate flavors I was speaking of. Another stand out is the spaghetti pasta with rock shrimp, spinach, fresh tomatoes, olive oil and garlic. Best of all the prices were incredible. Already thinking of going back again next weekend.
(4)
Steven S.

This is our second time eating at BT. First time was Valentine's day and now for our 5th Anniversary. Both times we were seated in the back room, which is better than in the main room (where it can get crowded with peeps waiting for their table). Like our last visit, the food was great. Can't remember what we had last time but here's what we had on 5/8/10: Mista Salad (for 2) - more than enough salad for 2 people. They even served it to us on separate plates so we didn't have to scoop salad onto each other's plates like Neanderthals. Nice! Farfalle alla Dominic - Very good. Creamy but not too creamy according to Mrs. Citizen who had this dish. I didn't try it because I was too enthralled with my dish. Pollo Afumicatto - Chicken? Check. Mozzerella? Check. Bacon?!? Check. Pesto? Check. Potatoes? Check. This dish had it all. At first I was taken aback by how it tasted more like tomatoey-bacon than chicken. My lil' taste buds were all confused but then fell quickly in love with the sauce that covered the chicken. The more I had, the better it tasted. The pesto mashed potatoes were tasty too. Nice touch. My scavenger vegetarian wife nabbed some of the potatoes and really like them too. Lucky for her I'm in love with her, or there would've been a fork stuck in that hand that came across the table. Seriously, you guys, there would've been. I'm not even joking. Anyhoo, Dessert consisted of Cannoli and a piece of cheesecake slathered in chocolate-raspberry sauce. So good. Again, the wife's hand came across the table at the cheesecake and I held back my animal instinct to stab the intruding hand. "Hold back", I said to myself, "You love this one and that's why you're here today." After that, my heart rate returned to 60 and we sat back and finished off the meal with some coffee. Here's to 5 years of enjoying great food in Chicago with my wife. Thanks Buona Terra for another joyful dinner. All in all we got outta there for $63 including everything listed above, a glass of wine and a Limonada. Good value for your dollar. I'm taking off a star for the bad layout in the main room for those waiting for their table. I'd like to only take off a half star but I can't, can I Yelp?
(4)
Brook E.

I've eaten here for dinner once, and from what I remember, it was an awesome, buttery Italian meal. But really, I come here more often for dessert and drinks around 9 or 10 at night. The staff is always happy to seat us right away, and the desserts are VERY good. Maybe it's a good thing I don't come here for dinner too often, because I'd probably never make it to the dessert menu. They have a pretty good selection of wines by the glass, and a full bar. I usually order at least one gin martini, and it's always cold, cold, deliciousness.
(5)
Katie R.

always fresh. always amazing! and the garlicy sauce they serve with their just-baked bread must be laced with crack - so good. my favorites: pasta primavera for a lighter dish and rigatoni buona terra for something a little more creamy (and fattening - yum). the pecan-crusted eggplant is really good, as well!
(5)
Kathleen C.

Made reservations for the Thursday Night prix fixe. WoW! It was great! You can order any of the appetizers, entrees, dessert for $22 a person. Went with a group of 4 and all of the food was fantastic. We all had a bite from each other's plates. While everything was supurb, the spaghetti with rock shrimp was by far the best dish. The plates were hugh with leftovers for all. Ordered 2 bottles of wine, 4 different appetizers, 4 different entrees and desserts. It was about $50 each with tax/tip due to the wines but well worth it! Would have been much more money if we ordered it ala carte. Would definitely go back but probably only on a Thursday... don't forget to make a reservation because it was packed!
(4)
Allie J.

Decent but nothing to write home about.
(3)
victor k.

We met Chepe and Eileen (owners) at lunch on our first day in Chicago. They gave us all the local places to go and were so helpful. When we found out that they owned a classic italian restaurant we knew we had to try it. People that are that helpful are so because of their passion. And yes that translates to their business (or should i say an extension of home). Stepping into BT feels more like coming home rather than going out to a business establishment. A big hug from Momma (Eileen) as we are seated next to the neighborhood priest. The food was amazing and one conversation w/ Chepe and you know why. He loves food! He still shops for his ingredients one step at a time and still creates w/ his staff after lunch w/ the kids. Seriously, someone needs to make a movie here. True heartwarming story of how they live life and keeping business from getting in the way. What a romantic story! ok let's get to the food! first off the garlic / dash of heaven for the bread is worth a fed ex shipment - the look on my wife's face was like if you plan on living to the entree don't you dare touch my garlic/heaven tapenade! The prix fixe on Thursday is the way to go. we had Prosciutto e Mozzarella alla Ferri (creamy mozzarella wrapped in a slice of italian ham) Pollo Afumicatto (chicken w/ smoked mozz loved w/ tomato smoked bacon saucey goodness) Ravioli con Vittelo (ravioli stuffed w/ veal in a brandy cream sauce topped w/ fresh mozz) There was only one problem w/ the food ....it is 2,065 mi away from my home! Yes, I did share that w/ Eileen and wouldn't you know ... she took down our address and said she would sent us some BT goods! You can't write a story of a great neighborhood restaurant any better. YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELF & ME to go and mangia fatta grossa!
(5)
Craig F.

I can consider myself an expert on Buona Terra having dined here more than I might want to acknowledge. Always quality food and a warm friendly experience. Comfortable atmosphere. Standouts: Garlic spread with warm bread. I live nearby and just smelling the garlic roasting some afternoons insures I will be headed there for dinner. Capellini - A simple dish that I cannot get enough of. Veal Monte Carlo- just get it you know you want to. Rigatoni - the best winter dish.
(5)
Abby M.

We went here last night for dinner and had a fantastic time (my 2nd time at this restaurant). The hostess was very friendly, the bartender was very friendly (and funny), and our server - Miguel - was on top of his game, friendly, and had some nice recommendations. We all went with the pre-fixe and enjoyed every dish. I had the beet salad with goat cheese, my friend had the prosciutto wrapped mozzarella, and the husband had the Cesar salad. I've had the mussels before as an appetizer and they are delicious. I highly recommend them. For entrees 2 of us had the special of frutte de mare, and a chicken dish with pesto mashed potatoes. Everything was perfect, timed nicely, and again, service was great. He was there when we needed another glass of wine but forgot to ask, his suggestions were spot-on, and he was really friendly and not in a cheesy type of way. The desserts were great - I would definitely get the tiramisu and gelato any day. We left feeling full and happy. The tables are a bit close together - so people, if you're rude enough to have your phone sitting on the table the entire dinner, put it on vibrate. I don't need to hear that you're getting a text message every 2 minutes. And you don't, either. It's a phone, it lights up and vibrates. We don't need to hear it, too. I'll definitely be back. It's a cute restaurant, with solid food, nice atmosphere and great service. Prices are very reasonable and parking is fairly easy.
(4)
Angela H.

Last two times I've been here has been with large groups and they haven't been that accommodating. They want us all to be there before we got seated. We're a group of 22 people standing by the small bar area and obstructing exits. The food wasn't as good as I remember, I don't know if it's because our orders were so big that they couldn't get the timing right. The attention to detail was lacking. I would taste the food and think this good....but a little less watery and a little more kick and garlic it would be perfect....like it used to be....what's going on here? where's the buona terra I fell in love with?
(4)
Liang G.

A very nice place. We had a group of 5 people and a reservation so we did not have to wait but otherwise its not a big place by Chicago standards so one would probably have to wait a bit to get seated. There is a front room and a back room. Its a pretty crowded feel but not so much that you feel everyone is on top of you. Its a nice, classy place ( like one that Tony Soprano would go to). Good place for a date. Food was amazing. They brought us out bread with their signature garlic spread. I think all restaurants should have this with their bread. I had the Ravioli Con Vitelli ( veal ravioli with creamy brandy sauce). It was delicious and i'm not even a pasta guy usually. Portions were good and filling. We also ordered two bottles of wine and for all of us the tab came up to about $170. So all in all not that expensive. The service was friendly and quick. Overall a delightful dining experience. In summery, get the Ravioli Con Vitelli. I haven't been to lots of authentic Italian places but this one def ranks at the top of my list.
(4)
Shana M.

What a gem! Tiny little spot in Logan Square, felt like I was eating in a fancy apartment with it's brick walls and "quaint" murals. I got a taste of each of the 6 entrees my friends and I ordered, and each one seemed to top the next. We began with the caprese appetizer and a bottle of chianti. The bread served before meals was also delish, always hot out of the oven, and the roasted garlic tapenade AH-MAZING! I also ordered an appetizer of the artichoke soup which was so *delicate* we couldn't decide if bland was the more appropriate word (in the end, I don't think so). The tri-color salad, very good, very balanced, but paled in comparison to the more decadent meals on the table. The tissue paper thin beef tenderloin in the Carpaccio salad was melt in your mouth and topped with capers (my favorite!), shaved Parmesan, and portabella mushroom slices. My roommate said it was 1 of the 10 best meals she's ever had. The butternut squash stuffed ravioli with crispy bits of sage in a light cheese cream sauce was show stealer. The veal stuffed ravioli also a stand out in the crowd. Can't wait until I have a date to treat to this wonder.
(5)
Shradha A.

I went here last weekend with my bf to celebrate his birthday. Although the experience wasn't bad in any way, it wasn't special either. We had to wait for a table for 10-12 mnts even after we had a reservation and we requested them because we had a show to catch after! The food was okay, service was average and the place is cramped. I think it's one of those neighborhood places people swear by but nothing special enough that will draw people in all the way from the city!
(3)
Seth P.

I have never yelped this place because it's not like they need help, with their 215 4-star reveiws... But I gotta give credit where credit is due... This is hands-down the best restaurant in my neighborhood... The service is consistently friendly, concerned and unobtrusive... The food is delicious whether you want basic Italian or something a little different... The prices are great. The best thing I ever ate there was a classic American seasonal special -- pork chops with autumn vegetables (sweet potatoes, onions, carrots etc.). Nothing fancy, the vegetables blended perfectly with the meat which could not have been higher quality. For sixteen dollars, I got two huge, delicious chops. I had to take one home for lunch, so I got two incredible meals for eight dollars each. I felt like I'd robbed them.
(5)
Stan W.

Wow. My expectations were extremely low coming into this place so I was shocked at how solid the food was. I think I wanted them to fail in my mind but they just couldn't. Didn't care for that garlic spread others seem to like, but I got this filet + risotto special that was absolutely perfect. I think I ordered this dish expecting them to screw it up, but my steak couldn't have been cooked a more perfect medium rare.
(4)
jim h.

Five of us decided to try a restaurant none of us have been to before, for a birthday party. SOME of the food was pretty good, but the service was confused and rude. They couldn't remember who ordered what dinner and didn't wait for directions, they just set plates down and moved along. The sauteed kalamari and the grilled kalamari were both rubbery, but the ravioli was good. Thumbs down on the bruschetta, I like the bread to be served toasted and not soggy. The waiter persistently hovered, waiting for one of us to take that last bite so he can snatch your plate. Why they needed that plate so desperately is beyond me. My friend Neal told the waiter to hang on a second so he could finish his dinner peacefully. The waiter actually had his hand on the plate while he was eating. Neal's a pretty nice guy though, and did not stab the waiter with a fork. After dinner the hostess wanted to bargain for our table. They weren't rude enough to tell us to leave, but they did offer each of us a free drink at the bar if we vacated the table. It was busy, we understand that restaurants make money by turning over tables quickly. We left the table to get our drinks, but the bartender ignored us. If you find yourself in similar circumstances, tell them to bring the drinks first, THEN get up from the table. There are a LOT of restaurants in Chicago. I won't go back to this one.
(1)
CJ J.

Delicious rustic Italian food. This place is an Intimate neighborhood gem. Go on thursday for the $21.95 prix fixe including ANY appetizer, entree and dessert. The parmesan/oil topping is unreal.
(4)
Kate W.

Yum! Who knew such great Italian dining was located in the heart of Logan Square? When the opportunity arose to find a place to eat in Logan Square for a dinner with friends we naturally turned to Yelp. The reviews are right, this friendly neighborhood Italian joint features great food, a nice atmosphere at a reasonable price. It maybe gets a half star off because the squash raviolis were overpowered by the basil in the dish. But the gnocchi was wonderful, a great combo of spinach and cheese sauce. Even our gluten-free friend found a wonderful meal in the risotto. I can't wait to try this prix-fixe menu everyone keeps Yelping about. We'll be back.
(4)
Lori M.

*Update: Eileen, the owner contacted me & corrected my assumption that the sauce was BÃ©chamel, when in fact, it was "Four Cheese Sauce". Doesn't change my experience, however, and I reminded her, as a business owner that she needs to register as such, and not a ghost individual... Anyway, this doesn't change my opinion, and quite honestly everything was so mediocre that I didn't think complaining in the restaurant was a good use of my time, I just wanted to leave. After dropping $$ in a place where you feel disappointed with everything, it's hardly worth it to talk to the owners, particularly when they aren't apologetic or understanding/concerned about diners experiences, they just want to correct you/give you their side. Nah, thanx. * Eh, Cumpari-------This is sad for me to write, because I would love it if this place would get back to fresh, homemade ingredients. I was very disappointed by the gnocchi that came out of their cucina that was the pre-packaged, food-colored (green) kind with no flavor you can buy at the grocery. The BÃ©chamel was equally disconnected from it's Tuscan mother and tasted like a watered-down, these-stupid-Americans-won't know better sauce. Sad. Even the escarole was a heap of slimey overcooked mush. The house chianti should have been on the menu as trichloroanisole (cork taint). All very sad... you know folks in this neighborhood would love to have a genuine Italian restaurant, but this place has dropped significantly in quality...instead, take your $$ & drive over to Piazza Bella in Roscoe Village - worth the drive - prices are similar and the quality of the food is primo! ....tipiti tipiti tam!
(1)
Jason V.

My wife and I have been going here for years. We live in the neighborhood. We've always gone on Thursdays for their "famous" prix fixe menu deal - and I always assumed THAT was the reason they could never get their sh1t together. Because they were offering a good deal and were too busy to properly handle things. Nope. It turns out that they pretty much NEVER have their sh1t together. The hosts are rude. They give tons of attitude when you show up for your reservation and you're waiting for your last person to arrive. They shove you out the door and basically tell you to beat it until you're a complete party. Tonight is my 6th anniversary so my wife and I made 730pm reservations. We show up at 7:32pm according to my phone, and we're told it's going to be a 30 minute wait because they're "a bit backed up" and because "there's a large wedding party" there this evening. All of which has nothing to do with me or my wife. They took the 730pm reso for two, and failed to honor it. We stood around outside for 20 minutes sweating in the 90+ degree heat/humidity because the "bar" was packed. By the way, the bar area is tiny and only seats 3 people comfortably. We took our business elsewhere - luckily the night was salvaged. The drink selection here is poor, the food is mediocre, the staff is rude, and the atmosphere is bland. It's overpriced, and underwhelming. They treat their customers poorly and don't know how to take/honor reservations. Do yourself a favor and go someplace else. I will never dine here again. Ever. There are so many better options, even within a 1 mile radius. Don't waste your time or your money here.
(1)
Vivian Y.

This is my second visit for the super duper deal on Thursdays $22.00 for a three course meal and you can choose ANYTHING on the menu as long as you do an appetizer, entree and dessert. What a DEAL it is that you're not limited to choose from a special menu! We were 7 hungry volleyball ladies celebrating the end of a season and sending off one of our teammates to nuptial bliss and her move to Wisconsin. We knew that despite a reservation for 7:30 that there would still be a wait to get seated. Unfortunately they will only seat you if your whole crew is there and one of my girls was 30mins late. So, we didn't get seated until 8:30 but the food was well worth it! There are so many lovely items to choose from on the menu and since we had a large group - I was able to see all the variety and taste different things. I ordered the beef carpaccio and in my opinion, this is one of the only restaurants that pound their beef paper thin. I love it! My only complaint about this dish was that the parmesean cheese, though plentiful, was rubbery. They also serve this straight out of the fridge which in my opinion, is not the right way to do it. Meat and cheese should always be served just a little above room temperature so that the flavors are more robust. Anywho - still 5 stars because my the mussels were awesome. Entrees - I couldn't have been happier with my selection - I ordered their seafood linguine and it was superb! Fantastically large chunks of white fish, scallops, shrimp! Served PIPING hot and the sauce was light and seafood-y. Soooo good. I almost ate the whole thing and it was huge! I don't recommend that you order the chicken. My friend ordered it and it was no bigger than the palm of her hand. Everyone else's dish though, was generous in size. The veal medallions were tasty and the steaks were good too. Desserts...oh my - get the tiramisu. Yum, light, fluffy, espresso-doused yumm-iness all in one bite. Just simply fantastic and a perfect way to end the night. Prix-fixe doesn't get any better than this boys and girls. But expect to wait in a very very crowded and small space. But once you sit down, you won't regret it.
(5)
Rhonda V.

I truly enjoyed my experience at Buona Terra. The entire meal was awesome!!!! I will definitely go back.
(4)
Anne Marie J.

Great place for the prix-fixed 3 course meal on Thursday! It's anything from the menu...I love great deals! The pasta I had was exactly what it said it was - nothing fancy, but still a good tomato cream sauce. My fiance's pork chop was delish: often times you'll find pork chops overcooked and therefore dry - this was not the case. Cute ambiance, too!
(5)
Juliet L.

Soooo yummy! We've only gone on Thursdays for the pre fixe. Make sure to make a reservation because the last time we were there, the place was MOBBED. We had a reservation and still had to wait for 15 minutes, but because the food was so phenomenal, it was well worth the wait. The drinks are also excellent, nice and strong. The dessert was to die for. I really loved the peach gellato and the profiletores. A wonderful thursday night date place.
(5)
Dee W.

I lean towards 3.5 stars for this review. Somewhere in between 3 and 3.5 - maybe 3.3? I understand that we did have 20 people and it is a large group for this smaller restaurant - crowded but cosy ambiance. First of all, parking was doable around the area - looped around a couple of times, but it was okay. We did have to wait a while to get seated but it was also more or less waiting for everyone to arrive. The bread was warm and really yummy - the best part was definitely that garlicky spread/dip. I ordered the Carpacio: sliced tenderloin of beef drizzled with truffle oil and topped with portabello mushrooms, capers and shaved parmesan as my appetizer and it was good, decent good. I tried a little of Mr.Slapnuts' fried calamari and it was decent good, too. (When I say decent good, I mean that it was good, nothing to complain about, basic, but it wasn't like mouth-watering good) and I tried a little of Rachel G's Prosciutto e Mozzarella alla Ferri which was also pretty decent. For my entree - I got the Bistecca alla Crosta di Parmigiano: grilled 14oz. N.Y. strip steak with a parmesan crust and served with roasted potatoes and natural jus, when I was debating with the porkchops and the other ribeye that was on special. I kinda regret it and wish that I had gone with the porkchops or the ribeye. My meat was a bit tough and when I ordered a medium, I felt like I had received a medium well. Rachel G pointed out that maybe Leang has received my medium instead. For dessert - I got mine to go for Mr.Slapnuts to enjoy at a latter time but everyone looked like they were enjoying their dessert - Mr.Slapnuts said that his pecan tart with fruit on top was the best part of the meal and Rachel G & Leang said that their cheesecake with raspberries was amazing. Overall, service was pretty friendly and accommodating for our big group. Their Thursday prix fixe dinner (only $19.99) was definitely a good deal and I was in GREAT yelp company =) And the best part of yelp company? Everyone paid what they should paid and we weren't struggling at the end to toss in more money - great thanks to BoA (Bank of Andrea W) and her helper Vanessa in collecting!
(3)
Erik M.

Good ambiance, good food.
(4)
Jasi A.

I absolutely fell in love again at Buona Terra! I went here on a Sunday night for dinner with my boyfriend (we were celebrating our 3 year anniversary) and I admit I was scared when we drove by because all I saw was a bar and a few tables, and it looked small. WRONG! When we walked in we were walked over to an additional dining room where we were able to sit with semi-privacy. Phew! I thought I was gonna be bumping shoulders with strangers for a second. The atmosphere was very relaxing. The lighting was perfect, the service we were given was extraordinary, and the food....absolutely delectable. I had the Linguine with scallops and mushrooms. It was delicious and it was a daily special! My boyfriend had the 14oz steak with potatoes and because of his sensitive stomach he's not much of an eater, but it was so good he scarfed the entire thing down! OH! AND THE GARLIC TOPPING THEY GIVE YOU FOR THE BREAD IS AMAZING! 5 stars! 5 stars! 5 stars!
(5)
Reiahnna J.

I went there last night and had the Pollo Alla Proviciana. That's Half-Chicken in a white wine sauce and potatoes. It was very delicious. There was a few other people there. It was very clean. Go there and try it out for yourself.
(5)
Michael J.

I tell you, Buona Terra was a wonderful experience. I went on a nice August Thursday afternoon with my special someone for our weekly date night. I was interested in trying the acclaimed Prix Fixe Menu which includes the standard three courses (appetizer, EntrÃ©e, desert) for a meager $21.95. What differentiates this Prix fixe special from others is you can order anything off of the menu - there is no special restrictive menu. The food, mind you, is wonderful - for appetizers I had a calamari salad and my date had Bruschetta, for our entrÃ©e's we had the asparagus pasta along with prime rib which was accompanied by a wonderful pepper and potatoes combination and cooked to perfection. For desert there was Tiramisu and Cheesecake with raspberry topping (mix the two together for the most delectable indulgence of the taste buds you can fathom). All of this along with two glasses of wine (I did not finish my glass of wine; since I am a whiskey man and do not particularly like the taste of vinegar passing my glass after one sip to my date) totalled the bill with tip right around $70, which is a steal for the quality of food you are receiving. This is a great restaurant for family, first date, or old lovers (there was an old lady behind me talking about how she did not need a pillow to sleep next her husband of substantiated years). I thought the food was extraordinarily well prepared and the service was adequate but a little lax, which is fine and fits in well with the Italian tradition of not rushing through a meal. If you take a date, be sure to pair up your two orders so as to share - after all it is an Italian restaurant - it would be rude to not eat one another's entrÃ©es.
(5)
Dmitri G.

Wow, very impressed with this little place. Ambience, food, service -- all great! For starters they brought warm bread (almost hot!) with garlic, which is unusual; most other places just give you regular bread, so... good start. This place has lots of vegetarian options. We had the spinach gnochi, which looked and tasted surprisingly good. They came in a very delicate sauce... yum. We also had the eggplant. Not the best I've ever had, but it was unique - crusted with crushed almonds, which gave it a nice texture. Did not have wine with dinner, but it looked reasonably priced. Definitely would go again. Parking situation not the best, but valet for $6 is available.
(5)
A H.

What a great place! I've found my new favorite in Chicago. It has a cozy neighborhood feel, with friendly, funny service. The food was fantastic! Starting with an appetizer of mozzarella wrapped with prosciutto, and enjoying both a fettucini salmon dish, and a rigatoni dish. All delicious! Unfortunately, there was no room for dessert. However, the next time we visit, I will be trying the cannolli! It looked amazing.
(5)
Dennis M.

Cramped dining room, and often you have to wait, but the food is excellent. Slightly more eccentric then your typical Italian menu...but only slightly. This is our go-to restaurant when we have guests in town. No one we've brought has ever been disappointed. I recommend the Rigatoni Buona Terra and the Cannoli.
(4)
Max M.

I have found my first wonderful Italian neigborhood restaurant. Buona Terra is a fabulous budget-oriented place. I came here last Sunday for dinner and spent under $40. Don't expect the most polished service. Just bring your appetite. I recommend the grilled calamari salad and the Spaghetti al Gamberetti--spaghetti pasta with rock shrimp, spinach, fresh tomatoes, olive oil and garlic. The portions are generous and the flavors are loaded with garlic so beware. The bread comes with an amazing vinaigrette of grated parmesan, roasted sweet garlic, and olive oil. You'll eat so much bread! I was looking for other ways to utilize this sauce. The tiramisu is one creamy alcohol soaked sponge of heavenly goodness. House vino by the glass is $5. I wish Buona Terra was across the street from me. Bucktown just earned one very good reason for me to move there.
(4)
chris c.

Great price point and well above average food make this place a neighborhood gem. This is a pretty classic italian restaurant. This is not cutting edge or revolutionary, it is just classic dishes prepared extremely well.
(4)
Kendrah R.

Ate here last night and it is officially my new go to Italian place. It's no haute cuisine and it isn't trying to be. It is just good Italian food at a reasonable price and a place that is not all young hipsters. Bread was incredibly fresh and comes with an out of this world pesto that was really nutty and good. Tricolore salad was super fresh and the dressing was fantastic - balsamic laced through raddichio, arugula, and endive. I had the sage butternut ravioli. The sage was almost too strong but the ravioli was good. Not sure that it tasted exactly homemade but it was still delicious. My husband had pasta with shrimp, which were tiny rock shrimp but surprisingly fresh and good. I just asked his opinion of his plate "It was DAMN GOOD! Fresh great flavor." Our friends had fantastic profiteroles and I had a good pecan torte. Hard to find good desserts at an italian restaurant but they do it well. Only negative is that it was pretty loud.
(5)
Beebe G.

my husband and another couple/ friends had dinner here last thursday on prix fixe night and it was better than the last time i was here. i ordered the carpaccio again and the veal monte carlo was so tender and full of flavor! we ordered a couple bottles of wine, first a pinot noir then the malbec. the wines went very well with the meal and the malbec especially paired excellently with my husband's steak. we were so full we ordered our dessert to go. service was exceptional. the entire wait staff even the bus service was spot on through the entire time we dined. i cannot wait to return!
(5)
Steve M.

Finally had the chance to try out the price fix menu on Thursday nights. The restaurant was not too crowded. For appetizer I had prosciutto wrapped mozzarella which was good. For main course I had the penne arabiatta which was just OK. The cannoli was good but overall I would say it is just average compared to other Italian restaurants. The service was good and so was the $21 price per person. Parking is street or valet.
(3)
Chris M.

I didn't come here for the Thursday night Prix-Fixe, so I am going to mostly rate this place on quality rather than price (as most people referenced the $19.95 prix-fixe and gave it 5 stars). I went on a Sunday night instead. Service was very slow, as there were 4 other tables w/ one server and one bus boy. I never saw our waiter really move around with any sort of sense of urgency. The bread was just how I like Italian bread, with a crunchy hard outside and soft inside. The sauce everyone has raved about with the garlic/Parmesan was just okay. I think I could conjure up something like that at home relatively easily, as it seemed to be garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, and perhaps a little cracked pepper or peppercorn. Very easy, very simple to make, and I do think it's a nice touch to have rather than just the standard bottle of oil sitting out. I had the whitefish w/ green beans and sauteed potatoes. The dish was very good, the fish being extremely fresh and tasty and the veggies being spot on. My issue was with my date's ravioli. She had a veal ravioli topped with chunks of mozzarella cheese. The biggest issue I noticed with her dish was the sauce. It was as thin as water!!!! NOOOOOOOOO!!!! As a guy with an Italian background and a mother who can cook excellent Italian food, watery sauces are big no no's. The words I hear most often associated with Italian cuisine are thick, bold, and robust. This sauce wasn't even close to any of those descriptions. It was disappointing too b/c I saw other people's dishes (look out for me, as I am always peeking at what other people order) and the sauce looked just right on other dishes. Needless to say, the food was still good here. I would go again, but it'd have to be for the Thurs. night deal or someone else highly suggesting it.
(3)
Spencer K.

Came here on a Friday 7pm for a birthday dinner. Had a reservation but had to wait, as the backroom was reserved for a party. On a note, the hostess that night wasn't the brightest. When I called to make the reservation, she didn't mention this and when we got there, there were other people waiting too. Don't think she knew what she was doing. Anyway, once seated, it got much better. Had caprese for appetizer, yum. We ended up ordering 4 different glasses of red wine, and none of them were very impressive (I'm a wine snob). Even their seasonal special wine was unremarkable. My friend had the butternut squash ravioli in a cream sauce which was fantastic. I had the beef medallion with risotto, also delicious. Was hard to make a decision from the menu, because everything sounded delicious. Will definitely come back to try some other items. Overall was pretty impressed with the place. Would love to try the prix fixe option sometime too, bet that's great. Also, please don't bring your kids here, ruins the atmosphere, especially with the place being as small as it is.
(4)
Jeffrey H.

I love Italian Food and I love Logan Square. I like Buona Terra. The space is a fantastic cozy space with brick walls and wood floors. The food is good and consistant. I like it the most because it is within walking distance of my house. However, its doubtful that I would visit here again if I didn't live in the neighborhood. WIth that said, this is a hidden gem in Logan Square and I'm pleased that its open.
(3)
Helena B.

Great food at great prices! I was especially pleased with the wine list that featured many reasonably-priced bottles of both red and white. Our entire party was kept sated without worrying that we were drinking away our budget. I had the butternut squash ravioli - delicious. I love squash in general, and have had this dish many places, but Buona Terra's stick out in my mind as being especially plump (meaning that there was a lot of squash in each ravioli piece - exactly as I would have designed the dish if I ran the world). As with many Italian places, the dishes were large enough to share, so I got to try the spinach gnocchi as well (and will order that next time!) We were there celebrating a birthday, so after the main course was done the servers brought out a slice of Tiramisu bedecked with a candle for the birthday girl. OK, confession time. I don't like Tiramisu. I know, I know, you are shocked. "EVERYONE likes Tiramisu!" you think. Alas, you are incorrect, my friend. HOWEVER, I will concede a point to your side of the Tiramisu wars as this particular piece was unbelievably delicious. Wow.
(4)
Brittany C.

BONUS: Great food at economically-sound prices--a recession must. Thursdays Prix-Fixe is the best Ive even been to. You get an appetizer (soup, salad, calamari, etc) a main course (pick from a huge menu along with great specials; even filet and a salmon that makes me shiver) and dessert (cannolis that assualt me with visions of the Italian countryside, as I remember... from House Hunters International) ALL of this for under 22 bucks. While the prix-fixe makes me choose Thursdays, the atmosphere pulls me in anytime I want a huge Italian meal. Its very homey, great wine selection, accommodating staff, not pretentious at all... just a piece of Italy right next to Starbucks. Make reservations is you plan to go later on Thursday or with a large group, its kind of a tiny place. But worth it, even if you're kept waiting at the tiny bar.
(5)
Sally C.

I went here for dinner with two friends on Saturday (12/19/2009) for the first time. I was impressed and will most likely be back. The wait staff gave us plenty of time to order and did not make us feel rushed. I asked for a wine suggestion and was delighted when the waiter suggested one of the cheapest wines (I usually am told to order one of the most expensive things on the menu when I ask for a suggestion from the waitstaff at restaurants). We ordered appetizers which were delicious and then the waiter took our dinner order once we were already served our appetizers. Overall, good food, good wine, friendly staff, couldn't ask for more.
(5)
Shayna N.

The food here is amazing but the portions are small and pricey for what you get. We got here at 6:30p on a Saturday night an were seated immediately with no reservations. The hostess was friendly and welcoming. The decor and atmosphere are down homey and really nothing special. The service was efficient but not overly friendly or helpful. No complaints there. The excellent quality of the food is definitely a reason to return. ~Mushroom soup ~Beet Salad ~Beef loin ~Canole and Pecan Chocolate Pie All consistently delicious. Like i said, portions are small and your paying a lot. (luckily my date covered me, but still....) Next time I'll go back for the Thursday night fixed price special.
(4)
Mesum N.

Whenever I want to have some good Tilapia, I hit to this place. On top of that, prix fixe makes everything even better. I believe I have been there at least 10 times and not once I was disappointed by the food. Service, on the other had can be very slow at times and you may have to wait for a while to get seated but there is no waiting area other than a tiny bar on the side. Now I always order my regular but my guests always try different stuff from menu and love everything about it. Bathrooms are always clean. Parking can be tricky at times. If you're planning a date, do something before the dinner because it take eat up good couple of hours. Unless after the dinner you are planning to nudge nudge wink wink.
(4)
Kelly R.

Good lord, how is that I have not reviewed Buona Terra?!? It is quite possibly one of the best restaurants in the entire city of Chicago and I wouldn't throw a title like that around lightly. First of all, the bread is fantastic and that's always a good sign. Along with olive oil they serve it with a garlicky pesto sauce that may cause you to fill up before you even look at the menu - it is that good. Secondly, the appetizers. The grilled prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella is so insanely incredible that I nearly devoured the entire plate and then attempted to steal what was left on my dining companions' plates. I mean, I didn't but I wanted to. The calamari was also good as were a few other items that I can't remember, but if I had to choose, it would be the prosciutto hands down. You really can't go wrong with the pastas. I've tried a few, and all of them were nothing short of delicious. Portions aren't completely oversized but you definitely get enough. In a race between my top 3 Chicago Italian spots - La Scarola, Rose Angelis and Buona Terra, I'd have to give this one a tie with Rose Angelis. Sorry La Scarola, I love you and all of your old school, gangster charm, but Buona Terra has grilled prosciutto wrapped mozzarella!!
(5)
Brian C.

Great food. Great atmosphere. I'd love to go back next time I'm in the area.
(4)
Jacob M.

Buona Terra is an amazing Logan Square option for Italian dining. Comfy inside, outdoor seating, owners always behind the bar and walking around, great staff, and excellent food. I really enjoy the wine specials they have which rotate and gives me an option for a new wine to try. The grilled calamari is great as so are all the dishes we've tried and the prix fixe is a great deal on Thursdays. One annoying con... being charged for two sodas for a diet coke refill, come on.
(4)
David K.

Great food. Had no trouble parking but they do offer Valet, I'm sure on a busy Friday or Saturday night it might be difficult to park. The bread was warm and they served it with a nice olive oil, garlic, and parmesan blend. The Calamari was really good. Seems like they offer a couple special wines and beers to add to their menu. So there was a nice variety of choices. I had the Whitefish special that was served on top of mashed potatoes, leeks, crab, tomatoes, and a white wine sauce. It was fantastic. My wife had the Eggplant. She gets eggplant at a lot of Italian restaurants and she said this was one of the best she's had. The restaurant was warm and had a nice feel to it. Not too loud but it had a great vibe about it. Nice big windows and pleasant atmosphere. I'd go back for sure. One of many great spots in Logan Square.
(4)
Cristina V.

The only reason the review is this low is beacuse of the service I just received. I have been here to dine inside twice. I have oredered carry out food 3 times. I will no longer be giving them my business. I was a huge HUGE fan of their garlic spread with bread that they serve in the beginning of your meal. It is so yummy! So everytime I ordered carry out I ordered 2 garlic spreads with 2 loafs of bread. Today of all wonderful days (being sarcastic) the guy who answered the phone said I could have garlic spread but no bread to go with it. That they never give bread to carry out with the spread!! YEAH!? Well what am I supposed to spread it on? So disappointed. I had a craving for this all effing day long! Ugh!!! Horrible customer service.
(2)
Jon S.

Authentic food, great service, very friendly.
(5)
Diana R.

Wow! Come on Thursday night and you get a prix fixe menu for $22, you get an appetizer, entree, and desert. and let me tell you, its so good! Everytime I go Italian, I have to order the caprese salad, there's nothing like fresh mozarella and tomato with olive oil and basil, :). After that I had the butternut squash pasta! My absolute favorite. I didn't think the meal could get any better until I saw profiteroles on the menu for dessert. I was in heaven! I want to go back every night, the food and service was incredible.
(5)
Consumer N.

I have never had a bad experience here. The food is always excellent. I've been a customer since they opened. Its a must for Italian food fans. Its a cozy atmosphere but best if you sit in the other room and make reservations because it gets packed!
(5)
Paul R.

My wife and I were pleasantly surprised with this Logan Square gem. The ambiance was warm and bustling. Even though it was our first visit, the owners talked with us as if we were regulars. The food was delicious with elegant simplicity. I had the pork chop special for the evening; my wife had the capellini pomodoro. The staff was courteous and very attentive. Even though the restaurant was busy after recently being featured on Check Please, we were not rushed in the least. We took our time savoring our cheesecake and coffee. We will certainly be back. This was a great neighborhood spot offering solid food with a cozy, familiar atmosphere.
(4)
Cherry A.

not to exaggerate, but the fried calamari here may be the best you've ever tasted. perfectly fried, the wide strips are exquisitely battered. the veal ravioli is delectable. lunch for 2 came to $51: 2 limonatas, 2 appetizers, 2 entrees. great deal, nice ambiance, terrific price. try them out!
(4)
Andrea F.

Still getting takeout (it's just so much easier than eating out with a toddler)- we've also tried the caprese (good but not the best- I'd pass and get the panzanella toscano any day of the week), prosciutto & mozarella app (good but don't get take-out), eggplant (good, even my toddler ate it, but again don't let it sit too long before you pick it up), 4 cheese gnocchi (too rich for my taste and I love nothing more than lots of cheese- it was too one-note) and cappellini (this is a definite must-order, very light and flavorful). They also have really good cannoli!
(4)
Katrina S.

I live in the neighborhood and have been going since it opened. The food has for the most part been consistently good except for my last visit there. I ordered the daily fish special and had a bad piece of fish. The appearance, texture and flavor were just off. The bread & garlic spread brought to the tables to start are excellent. I have also enjoyed a few different pastas that satisfied with fresh ingredients and are cooked perfectly. If you do order pasta the portions are generous so you may have some for tomorrow's lunch. The bad fish wouldn't be enough to stop me from going back because I understand even the best restaurant can err. Read on.... My main gripe with this place is that I have introduced many friends and clients to Buona Terra. The last TWO times I have been on weekends we were practically kicked out! Well that's a fine thank you? .. We had a 7:30 reservation and they ASKED us to "give up" our table at 8:30. This was very disappointing because one of my friends was in from overseas and I hadn't seen her in a year. We were looking forward to a relaxed evening of catching up over cocktails, appetizer, dinner, coffee. The appetizer arrived before we had two sips & the entree came after two bites of the appetizer. There wasn't room on the table. The waiter constantly interrupted our conversation - it was just unpleasant. We were looking at each other with (WTF?) faces.. The last insult came at the end when the owner asked us to give up our table because they were so busy & overbooked. She offered to buy us a drink at the bar but there were no bar stools or even a space to stand comfortably & enjoy a drink without getting really personal w/ somebody you didn't come with. We went next door to Hachi's Kitchen for our cocktail where the staff were accommodating & we didn't feel unwanted/rushed. Another thing that's changed for the worse is the value aspect. For example; the price fix menu on Thursday not long ago was $16.95 and now it's $21.95 for appetizer, entree and dessert. I did the math and if you order the lowest price of each you don't even save $1.00 assuming the dessert isn't more than $6. This used be be such a treasure before it became popular. A quaint neighborhood spot that didn't try to rape your wallet. If there IS a next time and the next time is a strike I will probably have to find somewhere else for Italian. Seems the focus is on turning tables and raising prices instead of good food, community and service. I really like(d) this place in the beginning so I hope they see this and do something about it.
(3)
Tanya N.

Best octopus I have ever had. Period. I dream about that damn octopus appetizer and wonder why no one else has figured it out?? Not even Todd English?? I had the eggplant entree and my friend had some heavy pasta- both portions were very large and excellent. Small place with two small seating areas, so I recommend having a reservation, especially on the weekend. I really liked the artwork on the walls, exposed brick, and the intimate feel of the place. Wait staff was attentive. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Carmelita T.

Sometimes I get sad because little gems like this place get "discovered". No more walking in, knowing you won't have to wait. More shuffling past crowded tables and eyeing other people's meals hungrily while you wait. Waah. Then I realize I'm being selfish and I probably exacerbate the problem b/c I myself can't help but spill about great food! And the owner and staff are always efficient and friendly...they deserve all the success they get. My fog of self-pity dissolves and I resolve to yelp away. We go at least once a month -- the Thursday prix fixe menu is the best deal ever!!! Our favorite starters are the caprese (the olives add a nice contrasting saltiness), the beef carpaccio (if you like your sliced meats), and the tricolore salad (some good greens make a body happy). Pastas -- the linguine with clam sauce (red or white) is delicious, rigatoni with goat cheese is awesome, and my sister loves the ravioli with veal and brandy cream sauce. The hands down go-to dish on our roster is the Pollo Afumicatto -- tender chicken breast with a tomato based sauce with smoked bacon and pesto mashed potatoes. Mmmmm! Can't forget to mention the great bread and magical dip/spread they have -- it's some garlic parmesan olive oil combo that's my kryptonite...no matter how hard I try to ration my carb intake, this will always weaken my will. Five pieces of bread and an empty dip bowl later, I say, South Beach Diet be damned. If you love intimate neighborhood spots with great Italian fare at a reasonable price, Buona Terra is for you. See you there!
(5)
Karyna Z.

Buona Terra is by far my favorite neighborhood restaurant. My husband and I have been there at least 50 times and every time the food is amazing, very fresh and presentable. Since we have been there so many times we know every item on the menu, but what I like the most is that the variety is always there, every day they have specials, so every time you go you can try something different. The atmosphere is very friendly, family-like and service is excellent. my favorite dish is Pasta Buona Terra, rigatoni in a sun-dried tomato sauce with walnuts and goat cheese, I usually ask to add a grilled chicken breast since I am a big meat eater. I see the place has already a lot of fans writing great reviews and I can see why, it is the best restaurant in Logan Square!!!!
(5)
Caro M.

I'm usually a harsh critic, so for me to give this place 5 stars definitely tells ya somethin... My friend and I were looking for a place in Chi-City to wine and dine and this seemed like the perfect match [thanks to yelp!]. The food is AMAZING! Probably the best italian food I've had..maybe. I got this sundried tomato rigatoni and my friend got the butternutsquash ravioli... both were delicious. I also ordered a glass of Saracco Moscato. It's a super sweet champagne that I could probably chug an entire bottle of because it's THAT YUMMY! Only thing that sucked was getting a fuckin taxi around that joint. My friend and I were dressed for a night out at Rodan, and by dressed- I mean we was lookin like some street walkers....kinda. Over all, our experience was great! I'd go here again if I ever decide to visit the windy city again!
(5)
Vaidehi T.

Just came back from dinner at buono terra. My rating is actually 4 and a half. The food is fabulous. We sat outside, as the weather was great. We ordered the beet carpaccio, sautÃ©ed escarole in garlic. For starters, they serve warm bread with some kind of tapenade which is wonderfully garlicky. The bread is yum, and I couldn't stop eating the stuff. The beet carpaccio was delicious, and I am not even a fan of beets. It was just great. The escarole was my fav. It paired so well after the sweet beets. They were flavorful and perfectly bitter. Then we ordered the rigatoni buona terra. This is where they lose half a star. I like my pasta a little more cooked than al dente, and this was cooked a little shy of al dente. But that did not stop me from eating it as it was delicious. Perfect amount of sauce and the cheese on top was creamy and cool. The we ordered the pistachio gelato to end the meal and it was sooo good. I am so glad we ordered it inspite of being full, 'cos boy it was great! A perfect end to the perfect meal. The gelato is creamy, nutty and full of the good stuff. The service was impeccable too. I would recommend this place to anybody in a heartbeat!
(4)
amanda g.

yum. this place is good. i hadn't been here in a long time. we went this saturday and were reminded how delicious it is. the servers are all incredibly friendly. and the food is great. highlights this visit were: - pennine arabiata - grilled octopus appetizer - carpacio overall it's a great, cozy, simple italian spot that most anyone could be happy with. thumbs up.
(4)
Chris C.

Amazing. We had the carpaccio and beet carpaccio appetizers, both amazing. I had the veal ravioli, amazing. I tried the two other dishes that my two guests had, amazing. This place absolutely deserves it's high rating. My only gripe is that we called ahead to see if they were busy and if we should make reservations and they said they were not busy and don't worry about it. We ended up waiting an hour. The place is very small (kinda nice and cozy), but when it's this packed it gets a little awkward.
(5)
Andrea S.

This place already has a great review history going, but I thought I'd give everyone some advice. Make reservations. I wish I would have! I walked in spur of the moment on a Thursday night and it was packed out. Even though they were packed, they got us a seat in front at a small table near the bar. The hostess' were very nice and actually checked on us after we were already eating. Our food came VERY quickly and it was delicious. Our waiter wasn't very nice or attentive, it WAS a busy night, I'm not sure if that should excuse him or not but it is what it is. Our table really sucked because it was right by the aisle and people were crowded around the bar so all the wait staff had to push passed our table constantly. I would have preferred a thicker penne noodle in my arrabiata dish but the sauce was very yummy, I LOVED the basil taste in the sauce. Can't wait to go back with reservations and actually get a nice seat :)
(4)
Apple L.

Buona Terra has become my guilty pleasure since I moved to Logan Square 9 months ago. My boyfriend and I probably frequent this place at least once a month. Our favorites- the Ravioli con Vittelo(veal ravioli with a delicious brandy cream sauce), the Spaghetti ai Gamberetti (spaghetti with rock shrimp, spinach, tomatoes and fresh garlic), and of course the incredible complimentary bread and garlic spread they give you at the start of your meal. The mussels, Proscuitto e Mozzerella, and Calamari are fantastic appetizers. However, we were disappointed in Carpaccio. We have had many of the desserts here as well- and trust me whatever you choose, you will not be disappointed. The ambiance is great and so is the service. I can't say enough about Buona Terra- I simply LOVE it!
(5)
Jennifer A.

Thursday nights can I get a Whoot Whoot! The pre-fixe menu that is not pre-fixed is absolutely a steal. The food is delicious. The wait, there isn't one. I have been there twice with groups of 7 and have been seated right away. The waiter, I have had the same one both times, is very knowledgeable about the menu. He always helps me make the best choices. Now let's talk about the food: Appetizers: the calamari plate is divine, as is the prosciutto wrapped mozzarella. Entrees: the two Thursdays I have been there; there has been a filet of beef for the special of the evening. Once it was served with Marsala sauce, once crusted with Parmesan cheese. Both times was heaven. I also tasted the Tilapia, which was great too. Desert: I have sampled everything off the menu and everything is so yummy. My favorites would have to be the profiteroles, the tiramisu, and the pistachio gelato. The cheesecake is very yummy too. I am definitely hooked on this place. I will be a fixture there Thursday nights.
(5)
Maria D.

Went here last night for a friend's birthday dinner and had an amazing time! Dining room is a little cramped but we had a reservation and they were very accomodating. I wasn't hugely hungry so didn't do the prix fixe option but definitely would under other circumstances; it's a great deal. I enjoyed the hell out of the bread and the garlic tapanade and drank copious amounts of an extremely reasonably-priced sauvignon blanc. Seriously, they have several bottle options under $30; if you're a wine-lover and a frugal sort it's worth coming just for that. Service is friendly and competent, there's even free coat check! Ordered the Rigatoni Buona Terra and absolutely loved it; I'm furious that my leftovers are at home in the fridge instead of here with me at work. Had a bite of my friend's pesto mashed potatoes and thought they were fantastic, also tried the caprese salad and the profiteroles. Everything was top-notch. I eat a lot of Italian and this is a place I will definitely go back to ASAP.
(5)
David C.

Me lady and I went for the prix fixe last thursday and the only person who left satisfied was my friend Mr. Credit Card. He liked that it was $50 for two three course meals and 2 glasses of vino. That said, the service was abhorrent. We literally waited 30 minutes between finishing one course and the next. After the main course, I went across the street and had time to pick out a bottle of wine, chat with the owner, and when I came back there was still no dessert. This may be an exception as it was a VERY busy thursday night. The food was decent, especially for the price, but not worthy of the leisurely (more like infinite) pace of the meal. Edit: My gf and I ate here two weeks ago and everything was spot on, including the service. Great grilled calamari salad, pasta, and desert for $20. Man, Logan Square has the best midweek deals in town.
(4)
kim w.

I've been through Buona Terra three times now. The first couple times, just to meet friends in time for sweets, and I must say, it was this most recent full-dining visit that has me SOLD and craving more. Outside of the unbelievable draw of Thursday's $19.95 -fix special: 3 courses- ANYTHING from the menu-SPECIALS included, our server was outstanding! He was so attentive without being verbally intrusive, quite adorable and generous. (His backwaiter was also completely on top of it. Kudos. What a team!) I'm not a big bread service freak at all, but the garlic-pesto(?) spread presented alongside a sliced loaf, upon being seated, is FREAKING addictive! The wine list here is short and kind of sweet, but I do wish they'd have a broader Italian wine selection. My guest and I opted for white wines by the glass in best order to try a few. My roommate and I started with the grilled octopus salad and their sauteed calamari. I was so ridiculously impressed by my calamari that I barely forked the octopus. Roomy ordered the filet mignon MR, and I banked on our server's favorite pasta recommendation: veal-stuffed ravioli in a brandy-cream sauce. I swear I saw this dish on every table in the house, and rightfully so! (It has honestly been -vividly- three years since I've had an Italian feast so delectable! Then: LaDonna in Andersonville, Feb.2004.) We capped off the early evening with the signature tiramisu- give it a gold star * and also shared my favorite dessert choice: the decadent and dangerous chocolate ganache pecan tart. Rich. We checked out at about $60 and hit the door with huge wine-induced smiles, happy stomachs and hefty left-overs only to hurriedly gobble them mere hours later at 2 a.m. I'd go back any day of the week and especially on Thursdays but next time with more friends! More. More. More! I'd also advice making a reservation. Buona Terra fills up quickly, and I'd really hate to get stuck at one the those [high-traffic-area] high-top bar tables! WEAK LINK: One hostess is stupid-shy on hospitality and etiquette. Bad attitudes at the door tend to soil my 'moment' and make me HELLA cranky. It's just too bad that an unassuming server may be the next to absorb my evil-eye deathrays after being passed off to "Enjoy" what could have been an incredible OVERALL experience. (A server should NEVER have to compensate for a unnecessary hardly-two-minute awkward frontdoor exchange.) Easily influenced, YES, but I'm sensitive to feeling welcome and/or properly acknowledged. It is what it is, and lame for one OFF personality to taint the making of a smooth evening. No?
(4)
Alyssa S.

Quite amazing little restaurant. The veal ravioli is ridiculously good. It's also a nice place to stop by for a glass of wine before going out, since they have a tiny little bar and a respectable wine selection offered by the glass. Since Logan Square only has about 3 restaurants, I'm really glad this is one of them.
(5)
K G.

When you order a seafood pasta special that is supposed to include shrimp scampi and scallops, how many scallops and shrimp do you think should be included? Maybe more than 1 scallop and 2 shrimps? Yes. I am generally a fan of small portions for health reasons, but skimp on the PASTA dude, not the seafoods! Maybe that was the wrong thing to order, who knows. My poor husband was very sad, in any case when he got his entree. Having said that, though, the flavor was great. Although the pasta was a little over cooked, it was nice to get food that was so hot and freshly prepared. I ordered a boring prociutto pasta with peas and mushrooms. It was very nice. My fault, it's a boring entree not the restaurant's fault. The atmosphere here was really nice, very romantic. We had great service and I love Prossecco for 22 bucks. We will probably try it again and avoid the seafood special next time.
(3)
James D.

Great food passionate owner. Eileen the owner stopped at our table several times to see if we were enjoying our meal. A bit crowded on a Saturday night but well worth it. Veal dish passed the cut with your fork test.
(4)
Madge S.

Great local spot! Large portions and reasonable prices, in fact, the appetizer salad was enough for two AND they split it onto two plates for us without an extra charge. Bruschetta wasn't soggy or heavy. The bread was thin and crispy- nice. The Yelp site says there isn't a corkage fee, but we were told it's $15. Their wine prices are reasonable, so we didn't see a need to bring our own wine. I accidentally left my purse (I know) and didn't realize it until they called the next morning from my cell phone (I know, I know) to inform me. When I went to pick it up, everything was in it and they were really nice. I highly recommend Buena Terra.
(4)
Robin W.

It's decent Italian food, which is hard to find in Logan Square. Nothing terribly exciting. The calamari was okay. The bread was pretty fresh. My gnocchi was tasty, but nothing spectacular. The wine selection could be better. I'll probably go again because it's close, but you can get better Italian if you leave Logan Square. It's a cute restaurant though.
(3)
D R.

Family style Italian, warm friendly atmosphere, and delicious food make this humble Logan square spot a no-brainer. It completes the trifecta that also includes hachis kitchen and rustico (now closed), all on the same block. California ave is like a mini randolf street just south of Logan blvd. The wine is ok, but the bread and roasted garlic paste is off-the-charts delicious. Good for all walks of life.
(4)
Sarah-jayne M.

Went here for dinner the other night on a whim, we wanted a nice dinner and had nowhere particular in mind. I've seen this place when I am out running so thought we'd give it a try. I'm so glad we did! The restaurant itself is pretty small (read cozy) but has a good vibe and was busy when we got there. We sat at the bar while we waited for our table and had a glass of wine. The bartender (maybe the owner?) was very friendly and the place just had a welcoming ambiance. We were then seated in the back dining room which is a little less crazy. The wait staff immediately brought us warm crusty bread with a roasted garlic paste that was delicious. We ordered the prosciutto wrapped mozzarella which was so good! The smokiness and saltiness of the meat with the creamy blandness of the cheese on top on a tart vinaigrette dressed salad was wonderful! I ordered a chicken dish that was a pounded chicken breast served with a caprese like salad. It was melt in your mouth soft, well seasoned and nicely complimented by the lightness of the salad. The man ordered a spaghetti dish with rock shrimp that was also very tasty. A good tomato base with plenty of flavor. I have to say I wanted dessert but just didn't have room even though they looked yummy. Everyone there was polite, friendly and attentive. The prices are very reasonable and parking is not bad. This is a real gem in Logan Square and I will definitely go back.
(5)
Nicholas G.

In a town full of Italian restaurants, I'm tempted to say that this one is close to being the one I'd call my favorite. Between my gf and myself we have had so many good meals here I can't remember them all. The tiramisu is outstanding as well for dessert. I also appreciate the wait staff and owners too. The very first time we went here the owner made her rounds saying hello to everyone. When she learned it was our first time there, and that we were new to the neighborhood, out came the coffee and dessert and she spent a good 15 minutes talking with us (it was welcome, i do not want to give the impression she imposed. my gf and i loved the conversation).
(5)
Karthik N.

It was an awesome restaurant, had a fun waiter too. They however did not have freshly ground pepper. The pastas and entrees had a good amount of food to fill our stomach! The wine was great too!
(4)
Anthony S.

Ordered a salad and soup to go and to say the least, the portions and quality were unfortunate. Being new to the area I really wanted to give this place a chance. Too many other options out there to give them another chance after my salad looked like scraps were thrown in a container with a dressing and sent out the door. Disappointed.
(1)
Ann K.

My friend and I were the first ones in on a Thursday evening after searching for Italian cuisine around Logan Square. We were seated right away, and the ambience was great! I ordered the butternut ravioli (Angelotti Zuca) and my friend ordered Spaghetti al Gamberetti - both tasted pretty good. We were also there for almost two hours and never felt rushed! Would recommend this place!
(4)
Nicki S.

The prix fixe menu on Thursday is spectacular. You really can't beat that deal. My favorite options are the Carpaccio or Prosciutto e Mozzarella alla Ferri as an Antipasti and then the Pollo Al Afumicatto for the Secondi Piatti. So delicious!
(5)
Nina P.

Had dinner here because it was a convenient location but the dinner turned out to be pretty good. Nothing too unique but the food was good and service was quick. Would not recommend the carpaccio but all the main dishes we got were good!
(3)
Gabriele P.

Food was good, especially the rigatoni were nicely cooked and the sauce tasted great. Definitely overpriced, though. 40 bucks (pre-tip) for a glass of wine and a plate of pasta is just too much. Also, not very relevant to the food itself, but most Italian words on the menu were misspelled. Get someone native to fix it, because it's awkward.
(3)
Laura L.

Started off with a basket (actually 2) homemade bread with garlic onion purÃ©e, amazing. Homemade minestrone soup was so flavorful, and warmed ya all the way through. It felt like mom made it from scratch. Special of the day was a sausage rigatoni with red peppers and smoked mozzarella. I'm from WI and this cheese was .....delicious (thick, stringy, just slightly crispy for a nice smoked flavor). I couldn't decide for dessert on the cannoli or special (vanilla custard with fresh berries) so I got them both. Best decision ever. Very good energy, the food had that love in it. I'm leaving with food to go and a full happy belly.
(4)
Amy X.

2.5 stars to be exact. I decided to come after reading the reviews, but no, just no. So, I DIDN'T come on a Thursday for their prix fixe menu, like many others here. We ordered from the regular menu. I came on a weekend, well after 8pm. There wasn't a wait, which is good. Table for 4, we were seated by the windows. It took us a while to order because it was our first time here. But our waiter, oh our waiter, it seemed as though he was trying to avoid us or something. He barely ever came by to our table. But yes, we finally ordered. I don't remember what the others ordered, but my bf and i got: Sauteed Calamari Salsiccia Con Escarole E Fagioli Rotini Di La Nona Really, the hero of the dinner was the sauteed calamari. It was cooked nicely, great texture. And even then, it was a bit too salty for my own liking. On the menu, they described Salsiccia Con Escarole E Fagioli as this Italian "homemade" sausage served with some lettuce and beans. No, I didnt think it was "homemade." It was overcooked, and a bit rock solid hard. The lettuce and beans side was a joke. It looked like it has been sitting out for the whole day and microwaved hot. I could eat that at all. Rotini Di La Nona, it's this screw pasta with mushroom and green pea. Um, is it suppose to have this plastic looking gloss on the pasta? Are you sure you didn't microwaved this? Unless I am being invited/dragged by someone, I am not planning to come here again. Sorry.
(2)
jojo j.

I absolutely love Buona Terra, for its: - Hostess / owner, she is so friendly, I've always felt great meeting her with various dates + alone. - I know for certain she will take care of my friend and her son living in the area anew; she is an absolute professional and delightful as such. I think she noted she is a Four Seasons transplant? Regardless, she seems so. - The garlic dip they serve as appetizer w bread, is so delicious, it's worth going just for that. I want to know how to make it for my own parties! - Most other dishes and the atmosphere is charming. Homey, a charm of a hostess, delicious and city-fied food -- it is really a gem. In a charming and gorgeous neighborhood. Thank you for opening and continuing to operate your Gem!~ :)
(5)
Ceara W.

Great food and service! Bartender made a special cucumber mint martini which was amazing!
(5)
M A.

Good ravioli vitelo.Always in menu fish.Tried couple times lemon caper is good as mustard one ,had minestrone soup really tasty.Hot bread with two spreads you got me I coming back.
(5)
Antaash U.

Thank you "Check, Please" for the recommendation!! My friends and I thank you! Buona Terra is a smaaaaaaaaal, cozy and feels like your in an Italian grandmothers home. Every dish that we ordered was perfection. We started with the fried calamari. The batter was crisp without being heavy and the calamari, tender and not chewy. Friend one ordered Rigatoni Buona Terra: rigatoni pasta tossed in a sundried tomato cream topped with roasted walnuts and goat cheese. YUM! Friend two ordered Gnocchi Verde al Quattro Formaggi: potato spinach dumplings in a four cheese sauce. Also earns a big YUM! Friend three ordered Rigatoni with Bolognese sauce. Classic and perfect. I ordered the Farafell Dominic: farfalle pasta tossed with asparagus, spinach, ricotta and parmesan cheese. WOWZA! The portions are quite hearty so bring your appetite. Unfortunately, we were stuff and had no room for dessert, which was a shame since a few things did catch my eye. For the quality, and portions, the price is more than fair. Apparently they have a Thursday night pre-fixe special, so I will be back to take advantage of that! Until we meet again Buona Terra!
(5)
Drake R.

What a lovely place this is! I've been eating here since it opened and am still going back quite regularly. This is a family run establishment and they are the sweetest people. The prix fixe on Thursdays is the best deal. App, entree, dessert... all great. Ambiance is cozy, clean and inviting. Service is excellent and very friendly. Also a great place to get carry out. Overall this place is a must. Certainly on par with any other italian restaurant in the city.
(4)
J B.

This is our go-to-place for quality Italian food, great service, and a good time. We've tried many dishes, and all have been delicious. The bread with house made garlic sauce is a nice compliment! We also order the caprese salad (with buratta cheese if they have it in stock, so good!)
(5)
Brittany A.

Love this place. The atmosphere is quaint, the staff is accommodating, and the food is delicious. I have been here several times and can always rely on everything being on point time and time again.
(5)
Maggie M.

It was just an ok experience. The food was good, but it wasn't great. It's kinda an awkward set up and the place is super loud and Echo-y.. I could barely hear the people I was with. The service was terrible... Our server paid no attention to us and never checked up on us. I wouldn't go back.
(2)
Jeff J.

One of my favorite italian spots. One dish in particular is my FAVORITE and if they ever get rid of it, I'll stop going. So....Just an fyi, keep your veil stuffed ravioli in brandy cream sauce and you'll be ok.on my book. They also are one of the few that give you AMAZING garlic cheese olive oil bread dip already mixed the moment you sit down. Good stuff.
(5)
Deena H.

I love this place. YOU MUST TRY the angelotti zuca. Even just saying it is sexy and yummy at the same time! We come here for the prix-fixe special: an appetizer, an entrÃ©e and dessert, all for $21.95. Everything tastes home made and fresh. Thursday s are the prix-fixe days and can get super packed. The service is always excellent and the atmosphere is a mix of romantic with casual yet sophisticated. You will never regret a visit to this treasure. I am pretty sure they take reservations which is helpful. If you are doing the prix-fixe menu, fast all day before dinner because it is a ton of food!!! Ciao!
(5)
Csaby C.

We went there on a Saturday night, the place was packed and thus the service was slow, the atmosphere was very loud for my taste people were shouting. Finally the food was good but nothing to die for maybe the long waiting time killed my appetite.
(3)
shimon m.

everything on the menu is perfect !!! been going to this amazing restaurant for over three years now must try the fish and the half chicken !!!
(5)
Shayna Y.

I am not a huge fan of Italian restaurants, mostly because I can't eat the majority of the menu (pasta!). But I thought Buona Terra was pretty solid. The ambiance was relatively plain and the food was solid, but nothing special. We got a bottle of the La Querciola Barolo. It was a really nice, light and fruity red wine. We got the Burrata appetizer special which had prosciutto, tomato, and burrata. It wasn't anything special. The tomatoes were not very ripe and did not have a ton of flavor. We also got the grilled Calamari al Tre Modo. The calamari had a nice charred flavor and was very fresh. For my meal, I got the mahi mahi special (subbed the gnocchi for broccoli) - the dish was very simple. The fish was fresh, but the sauce wasn't anything special. For dessert we shared 2 scoops of peach and pistachio gelato. Again, the gelato was not anything unique.
(3)
Rachel L.

Dined here with a group of 7 on Saturday night. We had reservations for 7:30, but had to wait half an hour to be seated. Minor annoyance, but I've been on the other side of a hostess station and I know sometimes it's out of your control. meh... Service was nothing to write home about, but the food sure was. I had the butternut squash ravioli in brown butter sauce with fried sage, it was flawlessly prepared and the flavors were amazing! Just the right amount of sweet and savory and the fried sage was crisp and light and the perfect compliment to the butternut squash. Loved it! I was able to sample some of the other dishes at the table, and everything was very good. Desserts were tasty, but not nearly as exceptional as the food. We tried the tiramisu, pistacio gelato, and cheesecake with raspberry coulis. Overall, a great restaurant for a nice dinner out that won't break the bank.
(4)
Dave D.

Awesome service and the food was amazing, plus they let us stay in late and watch the end of game 7 of the NBA finals. Would definitely eat there again!
(5)
Jaime S.

My family has been coming here since they opened and needless to say we love it. We are always treated like family and everyone is so nice and attentive. I don't think I have ever had anything I disliked. A few of my favorites are: Rigatoni Buona Terra, calamari (one of the best I have ever had), Tiramisu, and any of the fish specials. They also host parties where you can rent out the restaurant for bridal showers/baby showers etc. We had my bridal shower there and they went above and beyond my expectations. The thursday special is a great price and a great bang for your buck but I much prefer to go when it isn't so busy and hot.
(5)
Lukin W.

YUM! I've been here twice - once when nearly vacant and another time when packed. Both experiences have been nothing but wonderful. The food is delicious, the servers are helpful and the atmosphere is pleasant. The Thursday night deal of $21.95 for three courses is a steal! Don't miss out on this tasty Logan Square spot.
(5)
Amy D.

Yummy!!! I went for my boyfriend's b-day party and had a party of 12. I originally made the reservation at Terragusto but changed it to Buona Terra. I'm SOOO happy I did!! I made the reservation the day before b/c of the last minute change and they were happy to accomodate! I went during their Thursday pre-fixe special. We had such a big group so we were able to try everything pretty much. Very yummy and good portions too!! The entrees were all delicious, the veal, steaks, steak special were all delicious. The dessert lacked, that's why I had to knock a star off. Nothing special. The tiramisu was not good. blah. The ices were a very cool presentation but rock hard, very hard to eat. The cheesecake was solid, but nothing to write home about. Good thing I brought my birthday cake for Howard :). Even the staff tried and loved it :) The service was great, the food came out in great time, especially with such a big group. Really affordable wine list. Great choice.
(4)
Josh R.

In one word.....AMAZING! Went for the first time with my wife and another couple. The food was simply outstanding. Not a plate was put in front of us that wasn't absolutely loved. The menu is extremely diverse and clearly well thought out on all aspects. This includes a very nice wine list too. Not extremely long but still many good choices to choose from including many by the glass. Being my first time I can't exactly say what a normal night will be like but I urge you to go for the Thursday prix fixe menu. Now this is where it gets crazy. Most prix fixe menus are 3 or 4 courses with 3 options per a course. Not so here. 3 courses ( app, entree, desert) ALL MENU ITEMS AS OPTIONS!!!!!! Amazingly enough this included the night's specials too. All for $21.95. Grant it by the time the wife and I had a couple glasses of wine and a night cap on the way out we dropped an even 100 but it was weeeeeeeeel worth every cent. The 3 out of 4 of us orderd the steak special (out of this world) and all were cooked perfectly. Service was top notch as well. Our server was very helpful on helping our friends on there choice of wines, giving us plenty of time to order and making sure we had all we needed. A big thing to me as well now, our water glasses never got under half full and finished dishes were gone no more then 2 min after they were done. Everything was great. Can't wait to go back again and try some of the pastas.
(5)
Keith F.

It has been exactly one year since we last dined at Buona Terra and went back to enjoy the experience. The unfortunate part, it wasn't the same experience we had a year earlier. We dined on February 17th at 7:00pm and were escorted immediately to an available table for two. The restaurant was not busy and had several open tables. We were seated at a table for two in the second room next two other two-top tables. I was staring directly at a brick wall so there was nothing to look at the entire meal including the waiter who had to stand behind me. Then the restaurant started to fill-up and two people were seated on both sides of us which made it extremely cramped. The other tables mentioned the lack of space and that we knew we could all over hear each others conversations (uncomfortable). First we ordered two cocktails while we looked at the menu. Then we ordered two appetisers which arrived to the table in under 10 minutes which was really fast. We then ordered our meals which arrived in less than 10 minutes....as we were eating we are starting to notice other people who arrived after us already done with their meals and leaving. One of us ordered the Gnocchi Verde al Quattro Formaggi with Chicken (potato spinach dumplings in a four cheese sauce). The chicken arrived separately two minutes after the meal was delivered on a separate plate that the waiter just placed on top of the dish with no explanation which was very odd. I had ordered the Veal in a citrus white wine sauce with mushrooms and fontina cheese added which was prettty good and a decent portion. We were in and out of the restaurant in under 50 minutes from cocktail to appetiser to meal and felt VERY rushed and crowded at our table. A year earlier, we were seated at a 4-top with a view of the window and were able to savor our meal and have great conversation which this time we were not. It was though they were getting ready for the 8PM rush and wanted us out which was unwelcoming. Overall, I am not sure I would run back. We wanted to enjoy our Valentines Day that we moved to celebrate on Friday instead of Tuesday. We may come back for the Thursday pre-fix to see if the experience is different, but overall -- 3 stars with a warning that you might get rushed.
(3)
Brianna N.

I MUST give this place 5 stars because it was just so darn good! The bf was able to make reservations on a Friday rather last minute and we still got an adorable table-for-two right by the window over-looking cute Logan Square. Our waiter was very attentive and his suggestion of the sauteed calamari was on point. We're big fried calamari connoisseurs, but this alternate version was surprisingly equally as tasty. Plus, we liked sopping up the extra marinara and calamari juices with the toasty bread. The complimentary garlic spread was good, too. I enjoyed my bowtie pasta with asparagus, but I must say my boyfriend's veal ravioli in the brandy cream sauce was soooooooo good! (Clearly, I wouldn't last one day on the Atkins diet.) We can't wait to try the $19.95 prix fixe menu on a Thursday and neither should you! Too good to be true...
(5)
julie s.

Best neighborhood, real Italian food around. If you haven't eaten here, you are missing out. The specials are incredible and the rigatoni buona terra is to die for!!! The owners are lovely and friendly and I enjoy patronizing such a great restaurant. I have eaten there at least 30 times over the years.
(5)
Kyung P.

We went on Thursday for the pre-fixe deal just before they raised the prices. The restaurant is a small space with lots of tables crammed in. It was really hot and humid in the restaurant the night that we went. Service was a little slow, but our food was good. The appetizers were much better in comparison to the entrees. The one entree that really stood out was the home-made sausages though. That garlic oil that is served with the bread is to die for! The desserts were below average - all of the ice cream had melted before it made its way to our table. Overall, Thursdays are a good deal, but it is excessively a lot of food.
(4)
Miss K.

My boyfriend and I went here on a Thursday nite for the 19.99 prix fixe dinner. I was very pleased for two reasons: SERVICE: I'm really big on service when I go out to eat. I feel that you pay for the food and the experience. The folks over at Buona Terra were very attentive. My water glass was NEVER empty. Plus, the waiter checked on us often without being annoying. FOOD: Now, some restaurants that do prix fixe only allow you to choose some stuff on the menu. This place lets you choose anything on the menu. LOVED IT! I had the chicken with some kind of tomato sauce with bacon flavor and pesto mashed potatoes. Deelish. My bf had the steak with broasted potatoes. He was pleased too, bc it was a decent portion. Oh and the dessert was great too! So I highly recommend this place. The only reason I didnt give it 5 stars is bc my bf didnt like his appetizer. But he LOVED mine.
(4)
Becca M.

This place is an amazing find in the Logan Park neighborhood! Great outdoor seating out front, good service and spectacular food! I had the Rotini Buona Terra, great sun dried tomato cream sause, topped with goat cheese and walnuts. great table bread and garlic/herb spread too.
(4)
kelly c.

This place is amazing!!! We have been here multiple times and the service is consistently good. The staff is friendly and the food is amazing!
(5)
John W.

The neighborhood really needed this place. The restaurant itself sort of reminds me of one of those Italian restaurants on the North End of Boston as there isn't a lot of room and its usually crowded. Let me start off by saying that "very garlicy" is a good thing. I would never say that anything here is too garlicy. One of the best things about this place is the bread and oil you get before you even start eating. It's your typical olive oil and parmesean but with it's own Logan Square flavor; I think they chop up little bits of jalapeno peppers and basil and so with the delicious bread and some wine, it can me a meal on its own. I only get two dishes here because they are both great. Typically I get the Rigatoni with goat cheese, creamy tomato sauce and walnuts. It also travels well and is good as a take out assuming you don't live in Aurora and have to sit in rush hour traffic. The other thing I like is the parmesean crusted steak. I think its a T-Bone or something like that. I don't generally care for plain steak but the parmesean sets it off. Since it's really one of the only nice Italian places in the area it can get crowded on the weekends. Oh, parking sucks whale cock.
(4)
D S.

I went here at the recommendation of a friend and it was great. Make sure you go on Thursdays, they have special that includes and app, entree and something sweet for $20 per person. I had the parmesan crusted steak and my girlfriend had veal. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for great authentic Italian food. T
(5)
Dan B.

You can't do much better for neighborhood spots in Chicago. This place makes you feel like you're part of an Italian family (minus the shady uncle). The owners will chat you up at the bar, the wait staff seems genuinely pleased to be there, and the room feels like a cozy farmhouse curiously filled with the tattooed denizens of Logan Square. The first two times I went were solid 5 star affairs with great pasta and fish dishes. I went again last week and it was still very good but a step down in quality. The pasta was a bit greasy and the halibut special (normally fantastic) went a bit heavy on the breadcrumbs and was overcooked to the point where they were practically entering fish sticks territory. That said, the potatoes they came with were crisp and heavenly and the atmosphere was enjoyable as always. Let's hope it was the head chef's day off.
(4)
June P.

I came upon this place somewhat randomly while searching for a place to go for my bachelor party dinner. The reviews were very high (about 4.5 stars) so I made reservations; I wanted to try something new. The night before the dinner, I mentioned Buona Terra to a couple of friends and they commented that they eat there regularly and love it. As a result, I expected a lot. . .perhaps too much. I ordered the spaghettini w/ spicy sauce and seafood. It was good but not great. My 5 other friends had similar impressions (ie. Rigatoni, Gnocchi, etc.) My personal favorite Italian in Chicago is Mia Francesca, and they're still supreme in my book. The one high note of the evening however was the prosciutto appetizer. It was fantasic. For dessert, the tiramisu was above average. In conclusion, if you're in the area it's a decent place for Italian. The service was as good as the food. However, I don't think I"ll be going back soon otherwise. Prices were reasonable at $12-$16 per plate. A lot of other people love the place so it's definitely a place to try once.
(3)
Chris W.

This isn't like the most incredible Italian place I've ever been to, it's cramped, and loud, but it's got tasty food for a pretty decent price on a Thursday night. They don't mention the Prefix deal to you so you need to make sure when you order that you specify. Otherwise they just might sell you a special or something. What's Tasty: A lot of people have been raving about the bread, so when I tried it I expected it to sparkle and pop into my belly but unless you put the spread on it, it's just bread. However! That spread is also good on... Appetizers: Caprese: (Sliced tomato with fresh mozzarella and basil). It's ultra basic but really good. And as I was saying, put a little bit of the crazy spread on your tomato with cheese and basil and enjoy. Makes the dish even better if you want a more complicated flavor. Carpaccio: (Sliced tenderloin of beef drizzled with truffle oil and topped with portabello mushrooms, capers and shaved parmesan.) This is also really good. I'm pretty sure that the crazy meat is raw, but its so thinly sliced that it didn't matter. Entrees: Ravioli con Vittelo: (Ravioli pasta stuffed with veal in a brandy cream sauce topped with fresh mozzarella). This wasn't what I ordered but I totally should have. It was ULTRA awesome, and the sauce was great for dipping bread in as well, as it was plentiful. Pollo Afumicatto: (Sauteed chicken breast with smoked mozzarella in a tomato and smoked bacon sauce served with pesto mashed potatoes). I ordered this, and it was actually just about as good as the Ravioli, however I just wasn't entirely in the mood for it. The portions especially for this meal were absolutely awesome. The mashed potatoes were probably my favorite part of the meal, they're not too loaded with pesto but you can definitely taste it in there. We wanted to get the Profiteroles, because our friend had told us that they were like her favorite thing in the entire universe but YOU HAVE TO GO EARLY, we found out :( They sell out quick apparently. We ended up having gelato, which never fails to be delicious, but still, as much as I love gelato I haven't had a puff pastry in quite some time. Service is decent, tables inside and out, defiantly make reservations.
(4)
Katherine K.

We went here Friday night for a late dinner and I'm upset I haven't been here before... Just moved to Logan Square/Bucktown and I'm so happy to have this gem in my hood and a place of this caliber... I have had dreams of my pannine all arabiatta! This was possibly one of the best pastas I've ever had. EVER. (And I've been to Italy). The textures in the pasta made for a little party in my mouth with every bite. Not as spicy as other arabiattas, but VERY garlicky - so watch out if that is not your thing... Hubby had some veal dish (I'm not impressed with his selection, but that could be due to my vegetarian beliefs). Totally appreciate the wine prices. $5 for a glass! That is unheard of and entrees started at $9.50, if I'm remembering correctly... Such a welcoming and "accessible" place. People were dressed in shorts, dresses, jeans, heels, and sandals. The man behind the bar (the owner?) and his group he was entertaining gave us a cheery and thankful goodnight. Did I mention the service? Attentive, but not pushy and we had a few people helping us. Go, go go! To Buona Terra!
(5)
Emily W.

This is where my infamous worst date ever took place, those of you on the Talk threads know what I'm talking about. I am now 2/2 with terrible dates happening at this restaurant. I think I will stick to coming here with my girlfriends from now on!
(3)
Nick K.

Went here for dinner on saturday night and it was a great dining experience. The place is very small and has a nice cozy authentic atmosphere. I started my meal with the Caprese salad which was very good. It wasn't the best I've had in Chicago, but for the price it was probably the best value. Also, the garlic dip that they bring with the bread was so good! I then had the Rigatoni Buona Terra which was excellent. The mixture of the creamy sundried tomato sauce with the walnuts and goat cheese was great. We then split the profiteroles for dessert. Each portion of our meal was delicious. The only downside of the experience is it is a bit of a hike away from us and theres hardly any cabs in the area so you have to call if you want to be picked up.
(5)
Laura M.

I really wanted to love this place especially since it was a "date night" for me and my husband, but I should have just brought my one-year old with us! We went on a Saturday night at 6:30pm and seriously every table around us had at least one child with them. So, forget romantic. I also think that I didn't order the right thing, and I should have ordered pasta because my food was just okay. My husband ordered a fish special and his was just okay too. As I said, based on the reviews I was really looking forward to this place and I have no problem with "little hole-in-the-wall" places but even the bread that someone described with the garlic spread was... just okay.
(3)
Neha S.

I've tried Buona Terra several times, and the food here is always wonderful. Never a miss! This is a great restaurant in the Logan Square neighborhood. The last time I was here the bartender suggested and created excellent martinis for the girls and myself. The quality of food for the price is outstanding. I love all of the pasta dishes I've tried, notably the primavera (a simple dish, but the make it taste so good!) and the Rigatoni Buona Terra are delicious. All of the ones I've had are good, though. I don't think you can go wrong here!
(5)
Lindley E.

One extra star for a very reasonable prix fixe menu and the willingness to seat a huge crowd...at $19.99 you can't go wrong, really. Set your expectations low and you will be surprised and delighted...come with expectations and surely you will be disappointed. One star for huge portions; one star for edibility. If you want to fill up on carbs, some protein, and a florette or two of veg, this may be your place. The pasta was passable; most pleasantly, they included whole leaves of basil in the dish I ordered; although not seasonal for chicago, expected in a restaurant of this type.
(3)
Phil F.

If you're in the mood for a cozy, neighborhood Italian restaurant, Buona Terra is worth a look. And not just for this Thurs night deal that everyone raves about (although talk about the ultimate recession night out that doesn't come with a side of fries). I ordered the spaghetti al gamberetti (pasta with rock shrimp/garlic/spinach/tomatoes) and it was fantastic! The dish itself probably could've served 2-3 people, and I managed to take care of business all by myself. Only a 5-10 minute walk from the California stop on the Blue Line, Buona Terra is right up there with the other top local Italian joints -- Rose Angelis, La Scarola, etc.
(4)
John B.

If not for a prix fixe outing with a group of Yelpers, I would never have found Buona Terra. It's on a little stretch of California just south of Logan Boulevard. It's not really hidden away, if you know the neighborhood. There are a couple of other restaurants within spitting distance (one Japanese, one Thai), and the beloved Two Way Lounge is just a few blocks away. But getting off the bus at Fullerton and California, I didn't see much more than a gas station and a repair shop. Not auspicious. That said, I'm glad I did find it. The restaurant is very cozy and homey. The first room is very small, with a bar, some seating and some cafe tables. I didn't know how they were going to fit us in, until I realized the main dining room was off to the left. It's larger, but still fairly intimate. Our group of 20 filled nearly half the room. The prix fixe special on Thursdays is a great deal. 20 bucks for an appetizer, entree and dessert, all off the regular menu. Yum. I started with the carpaccio, which was a little fussy: shaved beef, parmesan, portabellas and capers. It was very fresh, well prepared and presented. But a little goes a long way. Next time, I'll probably go with someone else and split the carpaccio and a salad. For my entree, I had the veal Monte Carlo, which is veal medallions with prosciutto and fontina cheese. Excellent. The veal was tender, and the prosciutto and cheese accented the meat without overpowering it. If you've had a veal scallopine or piccata drenched in sauce, you know what I mean. Dessert was the chocolate pecan tart, which is actually chocolate tart in a pecan crust. Very tasty, without being too sweet. Although this is what I had, there were a number of other dishes I coveted. Grilled calamari. Mozzarella wrapped in prosciutto and then grilled. Panzanella salad. Gnocchi in a four cheese sauce. Butternut squash ravioli. Grilled pork chops or parmesan crusted NY strip. And many more possibilities. Service was a little brusque, but professional. Bus service was excellent. our busser was really on top of a fairly difficult table, and kept our water full and our empty plates moving. Since I had a nasty cough, I was grateful for the plentiful water. I probably won't be back to Buona Terra on a "regular" (non prix fixe) night. But only because it is inconvenient for me, and I don't have a car. While it is certainly better than average, there are plenty of good Italian restaurants in the city. But if I lived in this neighborhood, I would be a regular.
(4)
Andrew K.

Was recommended by a friend and decided it would be a great place to try for its thursday deal. Got there around 8:30 (maybe?) And only waited a minute for a table. Remember this is only my experience, but I didn't feel that the meal was that great. Apps: prosciutto wrapped mozz that was warm....was good, but could have been so much better, but alas very salty. Partner in crime had the carpaccio...terrible, dish had no taste. Entrees, we should have planned better but she got a shrimp and spaghetti with red sauce type dish and I got the special seafood fra diavolo (or something of that sort.) Neither were anything special (actually I will say mine tasted much better the next day.) Our desserts were good. Wine wasn't. Atmosphere was very good though. With the bottle of wine it really wasn't a deal ($40ish/pp)... Final decision: Will I give it another try on Thursday? Yes, I wanted to like it, but just couldn't. So for that reason and the reviews I would go back for the deal. BUT, I wouldn't go another night as I would have been pissed if I went here on a normal night and paid more for that meal.
(3)
Leelah P.

For me, Buona Terra's initial lure was its proximity to my home. l've eaten here a couple of times, but the meal I had last night was the best. I'm generally happy with fresh bread and olive oil, but Buona Terra has some thick, gorgeous garlic, olive oil and parmesean spread, and it's incredible. My friend and I shared a beautiful appetizer: thinly sliced beets with arugula (balsamic vinaigrette) and goat cheese. My main course was the farfalle alla Dominick, and holy crap, it was good. Farfalle with ricotta, asparagus and spinach... it was surprisingly light and perfect. I kept thinking to myself, "Why haven't I thought of this?" It's simple, but the balance of flavors was somehow revelatory. In the past, I've had the spinach gnocchi in a four cheese sauce and the butternut squash sauteed with butter and sage, but I kind of doubt I'll ever have anything ever again besides the farfalle alla Dominick.
(4)
Karl S.

The best! We've been to Italy every year since 1999 and when we can't go to Italy we come here. The food is excellent, the wine list is perfect and the service is A+. This is a true gem and worth checking out!
(5)
Jenny z.

Eh. The prix fixe menu pulled me in, but I wasn't overly impressed with the food - not in a town with so many great Italian restaurants. We were able to get seating quickly outside, and the hostess was very nice. Very good menu, and the prix fixe is a great deal. Limited wines by the glass. Pretty good bread and garlic spread come out right away. For starters, we had grilled baby octopus, minestrone soup, mozzarella wrapped in prosciutto and grilled, and bruschetta. The soup was pleasant, the octopus was a bit overdone and rubbery, but the mozzarella was rather nice. For entrees we had veal in a white wine sauce, gnocchi in a 4 cheese sauce, parmesan encrusted steak, and the veal ravioli. Again, everything was good, but not great. I was very disappointed with the gnocchi - it was heavy and dense, and the sauce was bland. Dessert was decent as well, the pistachio gelato was a nice finish, the profiteroles were finished off quickly, and my friend greatly enjoyed her chocolate walnut tart. All in all, a decent meal, but with great restaurants like La Gondola and La Scarola in the same town, not a place I'd go out of my way to eat at again, even for the great value on prix fixe night.
(3)
Sarah B.

I ate very well at Buona Terra, for a mere $20--octopus, veal and tiramisu (one of the best tiramisus in the city!). Good wine selection--the list is just long enough to give you plenty of choice, but not too long that you get a headache from trying to make a decision. The hostess and the bartender were a little bit vacant--attentive but not too friendly. Our server and the owner (who took our coats) were great! Buona Terra would have received 5 stars from me were it not for the fact that the 4 of us were seated at a table that jutted out into 2 areas of heavy foot traffic. I woul have liked the hostess to have been more conscientious of the seating arrangements.
(4)
Amy J.

OVER RATED. Food is okay, and service is poor. There are many other Italian joints in Chicago to attend to, which give you both great food and service.
(2)
Cate R.

I had a great meal here. Very good grilled calimari app, excellent rock shrimp and tomato pasta dish, very good pecan chocolate dessert. The atmosphere was homey, and my only complaint is that the service was a little slower than I would have liked. I will be back!
(4)
Alli L.

3.5 stars. Decided to go here based on all the good reviews. I went on a Friday night and the restaurant was pretty crowded. I had made reservations, just in case. It was a pretty decent experience, but I wish I had gone on a Thursday night for their prix fixe dinner instead. I would have saved myself a good twenty bucks! First off, the tiffs: it was a dimly lit restaurant but there were no candles on the tables. I didn't expect such a small detail to bother me, but it did. The way our tables were situated, I kept playing chair war with the woman sitting behind me - so that was kind of uncomfortable. I also wish they had a slightly more extensive wine list - but at the prices (we got a chianti for $20/bottle) it was pretty solid. And now about the food. The bread comes to you warm and fresh out of the oven (a major plus) and the garlic sauce was exactly as good as previous yelpers raved. I ordered a mussel appetizer to start, and I kid you not, the mussels were absolutely phenomenal. They were huge, plump, tender, and incredibly fresh. The sauce that they came in was a tomato broth. It was a little spicy, very rich, and garlicky. I ordered their spaghetti al gamberretti for the main course, and it was decent. There was fresh spinach, tomato, and rock shrimp, but the mound of pasta was too much. They were generous with their shrimp, though. I was too full for dessert, so sadly cannot comment on that part of it.
(4)
Nikki M.

One word: Profiteroles. This place has the best profiteroles (my boyfriend and I call them profit roles) I have ever tasted and I've been around. Seriously. If you don't know what they are, go there and order them now! Obviously, it's a must to be here on a Thursday night to take advantage of the prix fixe special. A friend of a friend's mother recommended the baby octopus salad. I've always seen it on the menu but was too scared to try it. (sometimes I'm a wuss) The last time I was there, I ordered it and was pleasantly surprised; it's delicious! The octopus wasn't too chewy or rubbery, which is what I was afraid of. It was perfect. I wish this place was a tad bit bigger or there was at least a "waiting area" when it gets crowded. I hate sitting near the door when 30 people are standing around watching me eat. It's also best to get there before 7-7:30pm, too. The owner guy is cute and I love his accent. I love this place.
(5)
JJ S.

One of the hidden gems of the Chicago area, an area that has plenty of Italian choices around. A bit out of the way for some, on the corner of Logan Blvd. and California, but that means there is actually street parking! A few years ago, when I spent the summer living in Logan Square, I had at least 3 meals an evening sitting at the bar. (Eating at a bar is ALWAYS more fun that drinking in a restaraunt). The owners are pleasant and will remember you forever, and the staff is always ready with good recommendations. The butternut squash ravioli is by far my favorite dish, although the daily specials can be worth your time too. Portions are good sized, without being huge. Try this place, it is worth the hype.
(5)
Daniel W.

I'm not really sure why there are so many good reviews for this place. I not saying the food was bad. The portions were very large, and I guess the prices arent bad, but really it was nothing special. A step above Olive Garden, but several large steps below Cafe Spaiggia. Whoever says its the best in the city probably hasnt been out of Logan Square.
(2)
Rachelle G.

Small and quaint Italian restaurant that has a great prix fixe special on Thursdays, three courses (appetizer, entree, dessert) for $19.95. They did a great job of accommodating our party, but I wouldn't really recommend the restaurant for a group outing as is small and there really is no room to stand. As we waited for our table and waited by the bar, I felt like I was constantly in the way of the waitstaff as they hustled to and from to get things. They have a decent sized menu and everyone should be able to find something to suit their palate. The garlic spread that is given with the bread basket is fantastic. However, they failed to give it to us w/ our bread and by the time it reached our table, we had already devoured most of the bread and it took quite a while to get another basket. The food was good, but nothing was outstanding that I am yearning to return immediately. I was also a little disappointed that two of what seemed to be highly desired dessert options were no longer available. Overall, Buona Terra seems like a great addition to the neighborhood but unless I'm in the area, I don't think I'll be returning anytime soon.
(3)
Linsey B.

Service is always perfect. Garlic spread never seizes to blow my mind. This place is my default Italian restaurant. The cuisine descends from the northern region of Italy making the dishes a little more contemporary and sophisticated. It's a Logan Square gem. Go there before the wait becomes as bad as Lula on a weekday.
(5)
Edward H.

My date and I made it for their Thursday prix-fixe and made complete pigs of ourselves (well... at least I did). Three course dinner for a mere $19.95? How can you lose! We started the night right off with a nice bottle of wine. That went quite well with the nice and crusty bread (with a chewy center) served with some heroin laced garlic spread. I don't know what was in that spread but they kept that coming and I kept on eating! The calamari was by far some of the tastiest and most tender that I've ever had. The prosciutto was savory and delicious. The main events were plates of perfectly prepared fork-tender pig chops (HUGE portion) and scrumptious filet of moo cow. By the time dessert was coming up, we were already rubbing our ever expanding (and very happy) bellies. Dessert's somewhat of a blur as the bottle of wine finally started to set in - suffice it to say it was damn good. Buona Terra is... how can I describe it... FREAKING AWESOME. We had such great service and the recommended grub never disappointed. I was pleasantly entertained by a couple near us - the woman was wolfing ... no inhaling her meal while the man was nibbling like a little girly-mahn. Oh yeah... being the pigs we are, we happened to visit the wine/grocery shop across the street and they happened to be passing out free wine tastings (full glass here!) and made to order crepes - SCORE!
(5)
martini g.

If you've read my other reviews, you'll know how picky I am. I'm giving this place 4 stars because of its attentive service. We went on Thursday, the prix fixe menu day, and it was absolutely refreshing to be able to pick the courses off the regular menu instead of having a different set menu. We had reservations but when we got there, the place was slammed (and there's not a whole lot of waiting room available near the front door - it was cold outside). We ended up waiting for about 30 minutes (bad when you have a reservation) but the hostess was extremely apologetic and bought my whole group drinks on the house to compensate...Classy! I like it! The food was ok, I would stay away from the steak, it was quite fatty. I had pasta (which was the best) and the chicken was ok. For the price, it was a good deal, especially with their great service.
(4)
Kathleen O.

Very cute! Great food! We had the calmari and bruchetta (both great) and 3 different pastas. The tomatoe cream sauce pasta dish was excellent and had gobs of fresh cheese. Excellent!
(4)
Andy P.

Definitely try it. I liked all of the stuff. And I listened to Yelpers here. We had the Prosciutto e Mozzarella alla Ferri, Carpaccio, the Pollo Afumicatto, the Ravioli con Vittelo, and Angelotti Zuca (see buona-terra.com/menu.php ). My favorite was the butternut squash ravioli. Very simple brown butter sauce with fried sage leaves was the perfect complement. Another example of less is more. I think the chicken was good, but I kinda think the cream sauce on the other ravioli dish was so good I wish I had got the rigatoni with prosciutto, peas, and cream sauce. Overall very good.
(4)
Tiffany S.

Good food. Great service. Sorry- I wanna write more but all I remember is I had a good time.
(4)
Tiff B.

Ok, so my review is pretty much going to echo the sentiments expressed in the other reviews. But I just wanted to throw my few opinions and observations in the mix because I'm self-important like that. Went here with a few friends on a Friday night and we had to wait about 20 minutes even though we had a reservation. The place was super crowded and it's not very big and we were relegated to hovering by the bar with about 25 other people to wait for our table. Normally, this would be kind of annoying, but it really wasn't. Everyone was so friendly and we grabbed some wine and made the best of it. It really does feel like you're dining in someone's home. Very intimate quarters. The service was pretty good, even though there seemed to be some confusion with who our actual server was, as we had two guys asking us the same questions. They got it figured out and it was fine eventually. First thing to know, the garlic spread they serve with the bread is soooo delicious! Seriously, if you go for no other reason, go for this. I think it has crack in it. You can down a whole bread basket yourself if you're not careful. It would make old shoe leather taste like mana from heaven, I'm sure of it. On to the food. We had the bruschetta. It was excellent and all things bruschetta should be. I had some pasta dish that I don't recall, but it was also delicious and a generous serving. Most importantly, it wasn't super greasy and drenched in the sauce like a lot of Italian restaurants seem to be fond of doing. Then, the piece de resistance...the tiramisu for dessert. Let me tell you, this was hands down the best tiramisu I've ever had. I've had tiramisu in Italy and it was better than that! I'm going back to this place again and again. It's crowded for a reason. After you eat the crack laden garlic spread, you don't even care that you're in close dining quarters and everyone's celebrating a birthday. You laugh, raise your drink and toast to the random birthday dude and eat some more!
(5)
Tanya R.

Cute, cozy place, but our food was kinda meh. I had the ravoli stuffed with butternut squash in the browned butter sage sauce. The squash was flavorless, and my sage was burnt, which caused the dish to tasted like you were munching on a cooked pine tree (sage does this when burned or overcooked). My date had the ravioli stuffed with veal in brandy/cream sauce. It was just okay, but compared to mine it was delicious. The price was good, and my date was nice and switched meals with me. So, dinner was not a total loss.
(2)
Angela C.

AWESOME!!!! Laid back atmosphere and food was out of this world. Will be back.
(5)
Bryan X.

Party of 6 on a Friday night. 4 of us arrived on time at 7pm, but surly female maitre d' said she would not seat us until all 6 arrived even though table was reserved for us. Table was empty. Reason given: must wait to see if remaining 2 actually show up. They did at 7:10. It took over 55 minutes for dinner to be served (one course). Asked waiter twice about when we'd be served, & he rolled his eyes & smiled. Female Maitre d' finally comes over & asks if we have any where else to go that evening. Said pork chops & chicken take very long time to prepare. Totally un-sympathetic. 2 of us ordered pasta with rock shrimp. Shrinp were of the frozen variety. Pasta, however, was perfect. Pork Chop very good. Chicken heavily flavored with smoked cheese--inedible. At no time did anyone in management offer an apology for our long waits. My suggestion is to fire the Maitre d' or else return her to charm school for post graduate work. Definitely avoid on weekends.
(2)
Pam S.

We came here for the Thursday pre-fixe dinner...and it was pretty damn awesome! Totally worth the $22 bucks a person... with awesome and tasty full-sized appetizers, above average mains, and pretty good desserts. Great deal, good family vibe and good food. Can't ask for much more for a large group dinner.
(4)
Victor G.

Great portion size and simple yet colorful combinations of fresh ingredients make for an outstanding meal. Seating was quick on a Wednesday evening and the food took less than 15 minutes to arrive. Veal ravioli ($12.95) and the baked butternut squash special ($14.95??) come highly recommended.
(5)
Tommy M.

Yummy! I was there on a date about a year ago. We sat outside on the sidewalk. It isn't a very busy area so there weren't tons of people walking by. The menu is pretty short, but certainly not simple. The potato gnocchi is great. Be careful with the bread, you'll want to eat that for your whole meal!! The next time I have my eye on the rigatoni with walnuts and goat cheese.
(4)
Vaishali P.

Delicious! I loved the food. I just went tonight on a date. It is a great place to take someone and catch up with each other over a wonderful meal. The staff is friendly. Make sure to get some dessert. There is also a cute wine shop across the street if you want to grab some vino to take home.
(5)
Catherine B.

I feel like there's not much more raving that can be done about this place, than already has. The food is delicious - I recommend the veal ravioli - and the service and atmosphere are fantastic. Our table wasn't quite ready when we arrived, and we had to wait about 20 minutes. This was actually a little bit awkward, because our group was 9 people, and there isn't much of a "waiting / bar area" to speak of. But once we were seated, the evening was flawless.
(4)
Mel K.

It was good, but it did not blow me away. The appetizer was the best part of the meal - fresh mozzarella wrapped in prociutto grilled. I had the spinach gnocchi with four cheese sauce, which was good, but I think had too much sauce over it. The chicken with bacon tomato sauce was oddly presented with plain steamed broccoli on the side. The pesto mashed potatoes could have been creamier. I would not say this is the most authentic Italian food, but it is tasty and I would go back for their Thursday fixed priced meals of $21.
(3)
Angie S.

This is probably my fave Italian place to go so far for two reasons: (1) the spread that they serve with their bread and (2) the Rigatoni Buona Terra. They are both amazing. I still need to try the other vegetarian dishes that they have. The Angelotti Zuca is the only other dish that I've tried and it was good, but the Rigatoni Buona Terra is the way to go.
(5)
Amy S.

Great place and great service. The waiter was so helpful and gave us some great suggestions. On Thursdays they have a special for an appetizer, entree and desert for $21.95. I really like their variety and have been there on a few occasions. Will definitely go back. A neighborhood favorite.
(5)
Beth O.

On my fiance's last night in Chicago before moving to California, we got take out from Buona Terra and ate it in the back of a moving truck. That's how good it is... it tastes like home. In case you're wondering what we ate for the last supper, it was the tricolore salad (with balsamic vinegrette dark as oil), the angelotti zuca (butternut squash ravioli in brown butter sage sauce) and the pennine al'Arabiata (penne with spicy tomato sauce). The food coma dulled the pain of our coming separation temporarily, and after he moved back we went back, ordered the same things and found that again it tasted like home.
(5)
Mike H.

This is an above average Italian joint with very reasonable prices. I'd definitely go back, but I'm still searching for a great Italian place in Chicago to call my favorite. The ambiance and decor were nice and the service was very good. Ordered calamari as an appetizer and wasn't all that impressed. For the entree, I ordered the ravioli with vitelllo (veal). It was good (I especially liked the fresh mozzarella) and the portion was quite large. I also sampled the food of others in my group including the gnocchi, linguine with clams, and a steak dish with risotto. They were all good, but I thought the steak and risotto entree was best (I think that was a special that's not on their regular menu).
(4)
Carissa M.

Two words- FREAKING AWESOME! The food here was amazing!! I could not believe the value that we got for he price. They wine was great and the dessert was also great! The place is really cute and while the waiter was just so so, everything else made up for it. I highly recommend, it is worth the trip over if you don't live in the area.
(5)
Bess R.

In my neighborhood, and SO good. Italian is one of my major craving foods, and Buona Terra satisfies every time. Love the Thursday night prix fixe menu for $20 - such a good deal! A cute, intimate little place with excellent pasta and meat entrees. Must get back soon.
(5)
Theresa R.

Three letters explain it all - OMG. This place is soooooo good. Had dinner here and from start to finish it was fantastic. No wait for seating (well, it was Tuesday night) and the server was attentive. Amazing garlic/jalepeno/whatever spread that was served with the bread - we couldn't get enough of it. For dinner I had the Rigatoni Buena Terra. Which is rigatoni tossed in a sun dried tomato cream with walnuts and goat cheese. It was heaven. Great Italian food option in Logan Square and probably one of the better Italian restaurants I've been to in quite some time.
(5)
JESS G.

I went here on a Saturday night around 6:00 and there wasn't even a wait...always a plus in my book. My boyfriend and I both got chicken entrees, both were excellent. The bread served with garlic sauce was so amazing we ordered some to go. My only gripe, the mashed potatoes were a bit thin and watery, almost as though they had come from a box. I'm hoping we just got a bad batch. I can't wait to return. This is a great Italian restaurant!
(4)
Cindy D.

Went here last night for a b-day party which consisted of 12 people. Since it was Thurs. night, they had the pre-fixed price of $22 for three-courses. Here's what I got. 1. App - Salmon Carpaccio - Really really yummy, when you take off the peppercorns. I wish they put capers on there but hte salmon and the sauce were delicious. Also, they were great portions, about 5-6 largely cut slices. Everyone else at the table throughly enjoyed thier apps as well, some got the octopus salad, calamari, bruschetta, and beef carpaccio. They were quite plentiful protions. Another thing, the bread is normal, but the olive-garlic dip was DELISH!!!! 2. Entree - Veal Monte Carlo - Got three thinly sliced pieces. The first piece was delectable, the fontina cheese and cream sauce made it deliciously rich and savory. As you continued to eat, it's diminishing returns, the other two pieces seemed salty. They were still good and I ate the entire plate full of food, but the salt seemed overpowering. It also includes broccoli (that was yummy with the sauce) and roasted potatoes. 3. Dessert - Tiramisu - not good at all. The presentation was messy and didn't taste authentic. The raspberry cheesecake was the best dessert there. Finally, the wine is the cheapest I've seen in a long time. $20 for bottles, that's great recipe for big parties. Overall a great time and great food!!! Looking forward to coming here again.
(5)
Van M.

Went here last weekend for Father's Day on the recommendation of a friend and thought it was great! Prices are very reasonable, the service was exceptional, and the food was great. Nice neighborhood as well!
(5)
Sam S.

I absolutely love this little place. It's so cute and quaint - reminds me of restaurants overseas. Please please try the Angelotti Zuca! It's a brown butter sauce and I think about it everyday. I ordered the prosciutto appetizer twice because it sounds so good, but really not too exciting - go with the bruschetta.
(5)
Ella R.

Enjoyed a nice and quiet dinner here the other Sunday. The place occupies two small cozy rooms, with seating outside on warmer days. The wine list has some nice selections and I really liked my friends choice of nebbiolo. Overall the meal was good, but I wish I had chosen something else for my main dish. The garlic, oil, and parmesan(?) spread accompanying the bread was addictive. My favorite dish was their beef carpaccio appetizer, served with capers, parmesan, and truffle oil(!!!). I liked my friend's Pollo Afumicatto -- chicken stuffed with smoked mozzarella. However, my choice Farfalle alla Dominik left a lot to be desired, especially for a lot less ricotta.
(4)
Alexandra S.

One of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago with great food for a good value. The Thursday prix fixe is legendary and well worth the $22 for full size appetizer, entree and dessert. Pasta is delicious and the atmosphere is very warm. The owners treat everyone like family and are always ready with a wine recommendation that is off the beaten path and delicious. I hate to write this so positively because it just means the place will get busier, but it is one of my favorite places.
(4)
Robin C.

Reasonable prices, delicious, HOT and fresh food, prompt service. Need I say more? Well, yes... I brought my parents here recently and we all left extremely happy - a rarity considering my parents can be pretty critical when it comes to Italian food, their favorite. We were greeted to some HEAVENLY bread - I made the mistake of eating too much of it. It was so delicous but I got full way too fast - beware! I don't even want to try and think about how many baskets were brought to our small table... We had mussels and calamari for apps and they were great. Traditional and super fresh - exactly how you want your seafood! I got seafood linguini and it was amazing. I don't like heavy sauces and this was in a white wine, garlic sauce and all of the flavors tasted amazing. I came here with my parents but I think this would be a GREAT date place!
(4)
e e.

this little italian restaurant is one of my favorite places to eat in the city! its cozy, always buzzing, and DELICIOUS! reservations are highly recommended. good for a group of friends or an intimate date.
(5)
T C.

Buona Terra is a hidden gem, I loved everything about this restaurant. The friendly and gracious owner greets you at the door, and escorts you to the table. The wine list is well thought out and very affordable. We began our meal with several appetizers, true talent in this kitchen, the calamari was cooked perfectly, and the carpacio was highlighted with just the right amount of truffle oil. For our entree we enjoyed the daily special of lobster risotto, it was fantastic, I wish it was on the daily menu. The veal ravioli was mouth watering as well. We had profiteroles for desert with gelato with a raspberry coulis, fantastic. I highly recommend Buona Terra, authentic Italian with a warm atmosphere. The service was 5 stars as well.
(5)
Garland B.

This is an excellent restaurant. I have never had a bad meal, and eat here at least once every two weeks.
(5)
Steve R.

I am very glad to have a place like Buona Terra close to my home. The place has great food, friendly staff (owners are super nice), and is laid back enough to be comfy but upscale enough for a date or business dinner or something like that. It's also got a noise level where you can have a conversation, but it is still lively. The outdoor seating area is very nice as well.
(5)
Becky M.

YUM!!!! The best in the area. We love the prix-fixe thursdays! Great regular menu and specials. It's our go-to place.
(5)
Stephanie H.

I was here last night, first time. What a great little place. The food was really good. I had the Rigatoni and my friend the veal ravioli. Both dishes were excellent. So fresh tasting, real homemade, great flavors. Gelato for dessert (Pistachio and Vanilla, I liked the vanilla better, both delicious). The prices are extremely reasonable. The atmosphere is very casual, it's just a little place. I will visit again soon, I look forward to discovering other great Logan Square gems.
(4)
Dave S.

This place was pretty darn good. I was amazed that they were able to accommodate us and our party of 20 some peeps. I thought they were going to have a bigger back room but the dining area is rather small. It was not very cramped for having such a big group. The food was very good. I got my money's worth for the $20 Prixe Fixe Thursday deal. The bruchetta appetizer was good and fresh. For my meal I had the Ravioli con Vittelo which I have never had before but will now be one of my favorites going forward! The staff was very quick but the only complaint was that the waiter got a pissy look on his face when he got to me and I still had not decided. I got over the urge to slap the pissy look off his face rather quickly and everything was good after that! He took care of us just fine after that.
(4)
Tallis F.

This has become our regular "date night" outing although it's family friendly enough that we brought the kids one time when we went early. The prix- fixe Thursday is amazing both because of the price and because you can order off of the whole menu. This is the kind of place you quickly feel like a "regular" even if you're not the chatty type. This is where we're going to take the whole family when they're in for Christmas this year and i think it will be both great and comfortable for all 4 generations!
(4)
Leang E.

I have to give this place credit for accomodating our group of 20. The place is relatively small when you enter so most of us were crowded near the bar. We got the back room where a long table awaited us. The pre-fixe is definitely the way to go. Michelle was so on the money with the bread and the garlic spread. I am not that big of a bread person myself. I like it, but I try not to fill up on it so that I can make room for my meal. I probably had 3 slices. It's so warm and chewy. I love this garlic spread. I need to get the recipe. I think I could have had a meal of it on its own. As an appetizer, I had the carpaccio and it was good. The portabella mushrooms seemed pretty fresh, and I loved how capers topped it off. I was originally interested in ordering the Rigatoni Buona Terra, which I heard was there specialty only after I had ordered the Parmesan encrusted steak (Bisteca something Parmigiana). I will be going back to try this pasta though. The steak was medium, a little undercooked for me, but I think Donna and I had each other's order. It was still very good. I liked how the potatoes were crispy on the outside and soft in the inside. To end the meal, I had the NY style cheesecake with the raspberry coulis. I believe I said it was so good probably 3 times or so. It was one of the best group meals that didn't result in us being short on the bill. I like it when it all works out.
(4)
Kara H.

went to buona terra this weekend with some friends. wow! super cute place - warm and inviting. excellent service. and the food was delicious! do not miss the carpaccio appetizer.
(4)
lauren p.

I'm sort of conflicted about what kind of review to give Buona Terra. I went here on Saturday night with 2 girlfriends for a birthday celebration (not mine). We had a 7:30 reservation, and due to the fact that I was waiting on the birthday girl before heading out, we were a bit late-though one member of our party was already there. Parking was pretty easy though, which I certainly appreciate. Anyway we got there at around 7:45, and like everyone else has noted, we still had to wait. This place is tiny! And cramped! But I guess that's part of the charm. . . We were under the impression that it was BYOB (as per the Yelp listing), so we brought a bottle of wine- a rather sizeable bottle at that. Upon presenting it to the waiter, he told us he would have to talk to the owner to find out how much to charge us for corkage. Apparently a bigger bottle = a bigger fee? He came back to tell us that the fee would be $20. Whaaaa???? Despite our best efforts to convince him that even though it may have the volume of 2 bottles he would still only have to cork it once, he wouldn't budge. Rather than pay twice the value of the wine (yeah, it was $11. That's how we roll) we just ordered off of the pretty substantial wine list. This was off-putting to say the least, but looking back now I'm not sure it's the fault of the restaurant. When I came home I looked at the website to find where it said it was BYOB and couldn't find it anywhere. I guess we were lead astray by Yelp! Once we got over this snafu, we ate. The food was really quite good. We started with a Caesar salad and a grilled prosciutto app. The salad was very fresh and crisp, but the prosciutto was reeeaaallly salty. No one else seemed to mind though. For entrees, I had the grilled chicken with arugula and mozzarella- delicious! Very light and flavorful, great for those of us who may be watching our girlish figures. My friends had the butternut squash ravioli and the rigatoni with goat cheese- both seemed very pleased with their choices. Dessert was pretty blah- we shared a cannoli which I'm pretty sure was not made in-house. I could be wrong, but the sorbets are served in fruit cups which always reeks of 'store-bought.' All in all, it's a nice diamond-in-the-rough kind of place. Word to the wise- don't bring your own wine.
(4)
Lawrence W.

My wife, son and I spent a week in Rome a couple years ago, staying in the old city near Piazza Navona, and loved it. Buona Terra reminds us of some of the great small restaurants off of the beaten tourist paths down ancient streets. We have eaten at Buona Terra at least a dozen times, once with a party of about 16. We have always had excellent service, and the food is generally great, never less than good. The garlic dip is addictive, the bread is great, the atmosphere authentic. We live a block away, and can call in an order and have it home to eat inside of 15 minutes. Buona Terra is the perfect neighborhood Italian joint.
(5)
Donielle M.

If you could marry an Italian dish. You know, to have and to hold for the rest of your life, that dish would probably be made at Buona Terra. Great place any day of the week. Highly recommended.
(5)
Tony L.

prix-fix, ftw! I like being able to choose an appetizer, dinner and dessert for $20.00. This my friends is how dining should be. I've been hooked on the veal ravioli's and the sauce for it is awesome. I've had other stuff too like the Parmesan encrusted steak. The service is pretty good and Thursdays can get pretty busy because of the prix-fix, so be prepared to wait if you want to sit inside. Outside seating was pretty good and we got to sit down fairly quickly. Also try to get there before 7P. If you can take public transportation there you're better off as street parking around there can be pretty tight. As far as Italian places, I still love La Scarola, but Buona Terra is not far behind.
(4)
Mia F.

Good solid itallian food. Havent been there for a few years but remember it fondly.
(4)
Lauren S.

Came here with my foodies club for the pri-fixe Thursday dinners that includes appetizer, entree, and dessert for only $22; what a deal! I had the mussel apps, perfectly cooked and delish, and a special for my entree which was a pasta and seafood dish; this was divine, I literally felt like I was in heaven. Unfortunately, I've been back since and they don't always have this on special but the pasta and rock shrimp dish is a strong second. The inside of the restaurant is small but cozy and in the summer they have a few tables outside which is nice. Overall, an excellent restaurant.
(4)
Heidi P.

Lovely, lovely, lovely. Went here with a fellow Yelper and the food was truly divine. The bread and garlic/Parmesan spread--the stuff dreams are made of. My chicken alla Costello was spectacular--my friend ordered the gnocchi with a tomato basil sauce. The food was flat-out yummy and although the service was a touch slow due to the place being packed on a Sunday night, it was still a wonderful experience. Highly recommended.
(5)
Gwen D.

Just recently I ate here, and it was fabulous. I ate a chicken dish with feta, olives and broccoli and grilled calamari. My husband had salmon and the tiramisu. Everything was delicious. The wine was really reasonably priced, and the service was just fine...no complaints at all, really! Oh, and we shared the sauteed spinach, which was also very good. I'm looking forward to going back, it's Italian, quite simply done. it seems like a real family kind of place, totally simple and just good. Quite a pleasant surprise. OH! And they give you this amazing cheesey garlic stuff when you sit down, with great bread. It's heavonly, and I don't care if I smell like garlic the next morning! I want to go for their pre-fix, but it sounds so busy, I might be a wanker and go on a Sunday instead (hate crowds).
(5)
sarah s.

LOOOVE the butternut squash stuffed ravioli. Just wish it came with chicken. And that garlic spread is addictive.
(4)
Mary R.

This is a great neighborhood restaurant. The roasted garlic on the table is so yummy. I have a couple of favs here. The rigatoni with the goat cheese I order all the time. I also get the veal ravioli. I like the waiters. Service never feels rushed. It's also has nice decor. Most of the time we order to go and the food is ready really fast. FYI if you want calamari, don't order it on the phone. Have them make it when you get to the restaurant so it travels home better. The calamari is awesome.
(5)
Ben E.

While the Chicago Reader gives Buona Terra mediocre marks at best, they're simply wrong. This is a great place for fresh, extremely well-prepared Italian food. I'm sure it's not an eye-opening experience, but after having eaten at more than a few highly rated Italian places in Chicago this is probably the only one I'd go back to. And yes, the prix-fixe deal on Thursday nights is exceptional -- even the specials for the evening were included. I definitely plan on returning
(5)
Aileen T.

I highly recommend Buona Terra's $19.95 prix-fixe deal on Thursdays. I still can't believe how much food you get for the price! Your meal starts with bread and a garlic/olive spread that is so delicious you will find yourself asking for seconds. You must try, however, to save your appetite for the rest of the meal AND the desserts. The tiramisu and cheesecake are my favorites. I'm salivating just thinking about it all; I may have to come in tomorrow.
(5)
tracy j.

Muy good and great prices! All of their pasta dishes are fabulous. Actually, so is this crazy condiment that they serve with the bread - it has a nice spicy kick. Hey-o.
(4)
Sarah K.

I want to like this restaurant so much and I just don't. I live nearby and everyone else seems to like it, but I've eaten here 3-4 times and the food is never that good. It's not bad, but it's certainly not worth going considering how many other great restaurants there are in Chicago.
(2)
chad n.

This is a great little italian spot in logan square - cozy feel with excellent food. We went saturday night at 6:30 without a reservation - just early enough to beat the rush and got seated right away. We started with cream of mushroom soup and fresh italian bread with an awesome garlic/parmesan tapenade (did i mention awesome?). Expecting large portions, me and my girl split the red beet salad and a special entree consisting of filet of beef tenderloin, mash potatoes, and green beans. Both were insanely good, but super small portions. I prolly got 2-3 oz of meat, 8 green beans, and a couple spoonfulls of mashed potatoes. I easily could have eaten 2 orders of that, maybe 3 if i did not have bread or anything else. But yeah, insanely good - meat was high quality with a mushroom marsala sauce cooked to perfection, potatoes and beans rounded it out nicely. The beet salad came with beets, arugal, and lightly-fried goat cheese - a combination giving you a mouth full of bliss. Normally we don't get dessert but since i was still hungry - we had the chocolate pecan tart and the cannoli. Both were great, but that cannoli was fabulous (most cannoli's I have disappoint). Our hostess was extremely personable, wait service was not bad but not good, atmosphere was nice but nothing to write home about, and our meal was not super expensive but no value - it came out to $80 with 3 glasses of wine, tax and tip. But yeah, the food quality is definitely the reason to go and I'll be back.
(4)
Tyler B.

Yeah I went here a couple times when I used to live near the square. Descent food- the bread and the garlic sauce is heavenly. And the pesto mashed potatoes- hot damn! Very friendly staff, it seemed to get pretty busy in the evening and especially summer time. Cute little joint, cozy atmosphere, take a date. I miss it already.
(4)
Bev h.

veal ravioli in a brandy cream sauce. sooooo good. almost orgasm good. the thursday pre fixe for $22 is a sweet deal, though i was unimpressed with the appetizer and desert (not bad at all, just not orgasmic like my entree). 8 of us sat outside, and even though the service was a bit on the slow side, i thought it was a great meal. i almost went with the almond crusted tilapia, and after hearing good things from the people that did order it, i will be going back for sure.
(4)
Jen K.

5 stars for the garlic/olive oil/cheese dip that comes with the bread alone. I thought it was fantastic. Service was very quick and attentive. They had a small bar which was packed earlier in the night but we used it to wait while waiting for a cab. (Definitely call a cab if you need one, there are no cabs in the area.) I had mozzarella wrapped in prosciutto for an appetizer. The prosciutto was a little too strongly flavored for the cheese though. For dinner I had a gorgonzola gnocchi which was absolutely amazing. Very light sauce considering how fattening I'm sure it was. Finished off dinner with profiteroles which we enjoyed as well.
(5)
Natalie G.

This place was great. We went on a night where there was a special (appetizer, entree and dessert for $20/person) and it was a great deal, not sure if they still do it on Tuesdays. The food was great and service was awesome.
(5)
Anne M.

Just barely 3 stars. Maybe it was an off night (judging for many other glowing reviews...that's why I went). On the upside; had no problem sliding in on a busy Friday night, staff was friendly, seated in the 2nd room (not as noisy as the bar room). Cauliflower/roasted walnut soup was great - make sure you let it cool (hot!). Baby Octopus, Panini Salad was OK. Seafood linguini special had nice smokey flavor, but afraid one of the mussels was bad (didn't eat the other - slight fear of shellfish for this reason). Tuna Sashimi special wasn't the awesome dish I expected - sliced paperthin (good), but with only a few slices of avocado to accompany, it was a very unsubstantial dish (not good and overpriced). Profiteroles were quite good. A $100 meal for 2 people should be a bit better than this IMHO.
(3)
Amanda L.

Great Italian, Service and room. Buona is "Good" they live up to there name. Only downside is the parking is bad.
(4)
Natalie J.

i love this place. i always get the same thing, the veal ravioli. it is so delicious. the service is excellent and it's a great place to go for a special occasion.
(5)
Nora W.

this place is probably my favorite real restaurant in Logan Square. the service is always great, the specials are almost always what I am looking for- spicy squid salad is to DIE for- i wish they would make it a permanent item on the menu. the regular menu is also amazing (try the gnocchi) if i had to complain about one thing, i would say the deserts are a little predictable and unimpressive. Don't get me wrong, they taste fantastic, but they aren't very creative. Great atmosphere. GREAT service, fabulous wine for under $30 a bottle.
(5)
Mike P.

I think the correct neighborhood might be Logan Square for this place. Anyway, outside of the loop or near north side, if Mia Francesca is my number 1 Italian recommendation Buona Terra would be 1a. It's what I look for in an Italian place. It's simple, prices are under control, and they know how to feed people. Sonia and I wen with my folk over the weekend, so we kind of pulled out the stops. No wine or desert, since nobody is really big on either, but we did get appetizers. Sauteed calamari for Sonia, prosciutto ham, grilled and wrapped around mozzarella, on a bed of greens. The calamari was sauteed an a very flavorful homemade tomato sauce that was balanced with a decent amount of sage. The prosciutto was char-grilled, but not burnt, the cheese soft but not overly melted and the greens were fresh. My dinner was veal Monte Cantini, which is veal covered with mozzarella and peppers. A very good roasted potato on the side. Sonia had a chicken dish, similar to Saltambuca, with excellent whipped potatoes, again accented with sage. Mom had the prosciutto and a bowl of the roast red pepper soup. Dad had a pan-fried chicken dinner, with white wine sauce. If you want to know the actual names of the dishes, you'll have to check out the place. It's a great spot. You could do casual or romantic. It would be good for a group of 6 to 8, but don't push it past that. The facilities aren't that great. Waitstaff and table service where also very good.
(5)
Ingrid G.

Went there last night for dinner. Service was decent. I had the pasta with shrimp, garlic and spinach. It was really awesome. Date had the angel hair with marinara. Skip it. Total tab with a bottle of chianti and appetizers came to 65. Not bad!
(3)
Kara M.

went here this past thurs to take advantage of the prix fixe dinner and i'm soo glad i did. we started out sitting outside but then the storm rolled in so they quickly moved inside and we were seated. though it was really busy they did a really good job with moving people in and getting people seated though the place is a little small. . the hostess was so nice and our waiter was really helpful with making suggestions about food and wine. you get to pick from the whole menu, an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert for 21.95...oh my! i had the chicken with potatoes, bruschetta, and the profiteroles...my friends chose other things so we all shared and everything was completely delish...the housemade sausage was great and i loved the tiramisu....if you're looking for some good food and want to go to a cute little place and not a chain then make sure to add this one to your bookmarks!
(4)
Duyen D.

Good place to go on Thursday night for an affordable dinner option due to their 3-course meal special. Portions and quality of the food were good especially for a prix-fixe meal. However, be prepared to wait if you come during the peak hours since they get very busy on Thursday nights due to the deal. I had the mussels for appetizer which was pretty good, the veal dish for dinner which I felt was a little salty, and the coconut sorbet dessert which was delicious. Overall, it was a good dining experience considering the value. However, I probably would not go there on any other night though.
(4)
Leigh K.

I feel like I may have just picked the wrong things, but I did enjoy the company when we went here last week for the Prixe Fixe. $20 for an appetizer, entree, and dessert at a fine dining establishment is a fantastic deal and I am not complaining. I would definitely go back, but I'll choose different items from the menu. The one thing that was shining was the asparagus salad special I started with. The asparagus were tender but retained that little crunch that is so great about them. The butternut squash in a sage butter sauce was pretty good, but it was just too heavy. There was nothing there to lighten it up, no spark that really punched it up. Butternut squash is just really heavy and I could only eat so much. This dish did wake me up to the fact that I like sage as a spice and I should seek out recipes to make at home that use sage. I couldn't make up my mind for dessert and I went with the chocolate pecan tart, which did not rock my world. It was a tad dry and very heavy. There were no pecans to be seen and I think they were only in the crust. How is that possible? Anyways, as I said, I think I just made mistakes with what I picked, but I will certainly give this place a second chance...on a Thursday.
(3)
mike l.

buona terra is a wonderful neighborhoo italian joint that I don't want anyone to know about. so, quit reading & go straight to Olive Garden or something. It was nothing outrageous, no outlandish dishes or ingredients or even prices for that matter. but, everything was just terrific overall. They start you out a loaf of toasted bread & this incredible garlic spread. Everyone better have some or else there won't be any kissin later on. We had the grilled octopus appetizer which had a great texture and nice spicy, slightly-citrus flavor. I had the Pollo Afumicatto - which is a grilled chicken breast covered with smoked mozzarella in a tomato smoked bacon sauce & a side of pesto mashed potatoes. The chicken breast itself had incredible amounts of flavor. there was the fresh tomatoes & the smokey from the bacon & the mozzarella on top of a tender chicken breast. The potatoes were a little too thin for my taste, but they were full of pesto. The wife had grilled pork chops with roasted potatoes. The pork chops were nice, but a little dry & underwhelming. The potatoes were really nice - baked, then chopped in half & grilled. Nice texture, kinda like the firm crust plantains get when they're grilled up. Overall, a nice dinner out & we'd defintely go back.
(4)
k s.

I think this is a nice neighborhood spot. Thursday is an amazing deal: $20 for an appetizer, entree and dessert. Cozy, friendly, lively.
(5)
Tina B.

Tasty Italian eats at the cozy spot. The service was a little scattered....so I'm giving it 4 stars. Can't wait to eat my leftovers at work! Will definitely go back again.
(4)
molly c.

outstanding. great service, great food. i'll defiantly be back soon.
(5)
cassie s.

I LOVE this place! The bread and dip that they give you at the beginning is devine. I went with a friend from out of town for her birthday and they heard me toast her during the dinner, at the end of the meal they wouldn't let us leave until they were able to give us a complimentary dessert and a happy birthday song. The staff is very attentive and the space is really cozy.
(5)
Magglio M.

So, I'm not a big yelper. I will only write a review when I'm blown away, in a good way or bad way. This place suprised the hell out of us. We've been there twice now and each time it's been wonderful. They have excellent dishes, good desserts, and great bread. It's small and frankly fairly unimpressive aesthetically, but it's great.
(5)
Marie T.

This place is truly amazing! My boyfriend and I have been there twice in the past month and everything about the place is perfect - from the $20 bottles of wine (can't find those prices anywhere in the city), to their chicken pillard, to the that dip they bring you when you first sit down. The staff is very friendly and hospitable. I'm also not big on Italian food, but something about this place really makes me love it! Enjoy!
(5)
jennifer b.

ended up here last october for a birthday dinner after lula skirted answers about reservations/wait times... delicious, and inexpensive (for the kind of place it is). why i don't go here more often?... i have no excuse.
(5)
Daniel K.

deliciousnessest italian food i have had in a long while. there were six of us and i tasted all six entrees and that is six times delicious. therefore the 'est' after the 'ness'. the people were great, i think i met the owner, i told her i would be back, with my mom. that is how special it is, i am going to bring my mom.
(5)
Mariella C.

Loved the food here. First of all they brought out bread, typical right? no, because of the sauce they give with it. Its yellow and spicy and garlic-ley and delicious. My friend and I were like wow we could leave satisfied just after that. We then had a sort of cheese appetizer set on a crouton, which to me tasted like the grilled cheese minus the bread, not a repeat choice. I ordered the rigatoni buona terra, delicious. even my friend was biting off my plate, it had goat cheese, walnuts and chicken and it was just overall very tasty without being filling. My friend had a chicken platter, the side salad had a very delicious sauce on it, it made the tomatoes taste slightly sweet, but the salad was better than the chicken, not that the chicken was bad, it was just chicken. my friend had the chocolate galate? galante? it was sort of a chocolate quiche, i had my fave cheesecake, can't go wrong with cheesecake. the waiter was especially attentive. really great restaurant.
(4)
Anthony P.

I must give 5 stars. This place was the best thing about living in logan Square. The food was awesome and the price was perfect. You can also bring in your own bottle of wine and the server wiill still come by and pour it for you. This place is always clean and top notch.
(5)
kiki m.

yes, yes, yes! (insert meg ryan & billy crystal deli scene from "when harry met sally")
(5)
Oscar the Death Cat B.

I finally got the opportunity recently to try Buona Terra, and it was every bit as good as I had expected, appetizers, entrees, desserts, and even the coffee were great, and nothing on the menu was terribly pricey. Service was friendly overall, and the dining area has a very pleasant atmosphere, more old-fashioned rather than slick & trendy. The two dining rooms are rather small so make reservations if you can. Logan Square should have more restaurants like this!
(5)
daniel r.

friendly staff and decent italian food. The front room with the bar is a nice place to sit. The other room is pretty bland. Prices are a bit high but all in all its a reliable neighborhood place.
(3)
Betsy C.

This place is both consistent and delicious! The atmosphere is warm and great for family, friends or a date. We absolutely love this place and eat here at least twice a month. Def. recommend!! The bread is soooo good! All the pasta dishes are A +!
(5)
Lala S.

You know you're in a great Italian spot when the first thing you smell is the great aroma of garlic and rich olive oil. Upon arrive you are served hot, crusty bread and a wonderful, garlicky, parmasean olive oil spread sent from the Roman gods! We went for their 20 dollar prix-fixe menu. The portions were huge! I tried the Beef Carpacio, which was delectable and their very tasty veal medallions. I had a bite of steak which was nice and juicy...just like I like it. And if you could buy an orgasm in a bowl, their mussels were IT! The mussels came in a light aromatic tomato broth. They were plump and juicy which is rare to find in Chicago. The dish is also accompanied by thin slices of toasted bread, that although I'm not a huge fan of bread (and it has nothing to do with carb-free/Akins BS) I couldn't stop dipping it into the broth (did I mention the lovely chunks of garlic....mmmmmm GARLIC) The wine selection was spectacular and I was lucky enough to be accompanied by my friend who had made a recent trip to Sonoma and found her new favorite wine on the list! Oh, Buona Terra...can I marry you?
(5)
Sally B.

Rich, innovative Italian served up in a warm, cozy space.
(5)
Janeen A.

I love this restaurant. I had forgotten about it for awhile, but returned for New Year's Eve with my fiance and another couple. It was very nice to have a regular menu on NYE, rather than a trumped up NYE menu. Anyway, the food is excellent. The 4 of us shared a bottle of wine. My fiance and I shared the mussels and a side salad, both of which were large enough to share. I had the spinach gnocchi with cream sauce entree and my fiance had linguini with clams. Our friends shared bruschetta and minestrone soup. They had pasta primavera and a second pasta dish that I cannot remember, but I remember that they liked their food very much. The restaurant provided fresh bread and a parmesan dipping spread, as well. Delicious food and a quaint setting. All that and with very reasonable prices. We will not forget about Buona Terra again and when we are craving Italian food, we will return.
(5)
Iris F.

I love this restaurant in Logan Square, the food is delicous and fresh. It's our place to go for Italian Food and the staff knows us even we only visit every other month. A true italian restaurant in Chicago.
(5)
Cheryl G.

Although we had a reservation, my boyfriend and I decided to eat at the bar instead of waiting for our table to be ready. It turned out to be a great decision, as we got to talk with the owner/bartender/etc., as she made her drinks She had great recommendations and was really friendly. The food was unbelievable, and cheap! The only thing I would do without was the TV over the hallway, it seemed a little out of place in a restaurant like this.
(5)
Rebekah K.

May have been an off night, as I seem to REALLY be in the minority.. Hmm, it is hard for me to give this three stars but two is probably too low. 2.5. Had reservations, but I was still at the bar for a while, where I was told a beer was similar to Bass then i got a big mouth full of wheaty beer. Ok. The bread was good, the olive oil was fantastic when it was on the bread. Less good when it is on the floor on the way to the restroom. I slipped (but did not fall in it) twice, both times the staff saw me. This was not taken care of; that has nothing to do with the food, though. I love, love, love Gnocci; this is one of my favorite foods. When I saw they had Spinach Gnocci in quatrofromaggi (my spell check really wants to change this to electromagnets. Haha) sauce I was excited! I got my food; I was disappointed. The Gnocci was horribly undercooked. I should have sent it back, but I was REALLY hungry; I did not want to do so after I consumed half the portion. It was not only undercooked, but did not have much... well, flavor. I know it is pasta, but the reason I love Gnocci is because it HAS flavor when compared to other pastas. The Sauce was horrible: no body at all. Extremely thin sauce, with no distinctive cheese flavor! I could not taste any gorgonzola! That's a strong cheese! It tasted like salty cream, and did not thicken at all through the meal. Overall just dissapointing. I was sooo looking forward to this place. Nice atmosphere. REally dissapointing food after reading all the glowing reviews. May give it another chance and revise... OH! The waiter asked if he could take my plate about five times. I was starting to feel rushed out of there.
(3)
Gina G.

After trying to find someplace to eat in the Loop on a Sunday night after a day at the Planetarium, my husband I gave up on that fool's errand (plenty of great places to eat, but most of them closed), and returned home to Logan Square. I had noticed a small Italian restaurant on California the week before, so we decided to try it out. Buona Terra turned out to be great! It's very cute, the bread with dipping sauce is amazing, and our entrees were very good. I had Paillard di Polli al Palio, and my husband had the Fettucine Primavera. Both had a very good, but delicate flavor. We ordered the New York Cheesecake with chocolate sauce for dessert, and it was delicious. The chocolate was sweet, but not overpoweringly so. I would definitely recommend trying this restaurant out. I give it four stars because it didn't knock my socks off or make me dream about their food. But it was a great meal with great atmosphere at a good price, so I'll definitely be returning. I'm excited to head over for the Thursday night prix fixe!
(4)
Keith L.

buona terre is a little restaraunt owned by a couple one of which is actually italian and actually is an amazing chef. The food is PERFECT %100 of the time. The recipies are a little like gourmet italian than the italian we know as dave's italian kitchen or leona's. Also might i add shouldn't even be talked about with in the same breath as those restaraunts...it is a five star joint. After saying all that you might think its stuffy and doesn't have any character, that is far from the case. Its classy but homey and the waiters have been there since the place opened. They have new specials all the time and i go for those these days because they are always amazing. The desserts...too amazing to pass up. Price not nearly as expensive as it would seem from this raving review. Dinner and drinks, including dessert would not exceed $100 if you went all out on the most expensive entrees and had an appetizer. The secret is to catch the prix fix on thursdays...$20 a person! I can't believe im giving that away....
(5)
Nels W.

Prix Fixe Thursdays are awesome. I got a Cajun Steak that normally goes for $19.95, plus the fried calamari and gelato dessert, basically for free. I'm only going 4 stars, though, because the first time I went, it wasn't prix fixe and the food was only okay. That was a while ago, though, so I'm thinking maybe things are getting better, or else that was just an off night.
(4)
Kim J.

I went here for the first time last night and really enjoyed my visit. There were 4 of us. We were sat at a table in the front and started out with a basket of sliced bread that was accompanied by a garlic/olive oil spread that was fantastic! We then tried the calamari. We had it fried, which I usually don't usually prefer but they did it very nicely here. It wasn't greasy at all. We all tried different things for dinner. My boyfriend had the pasta with tomato-cream sauce and goat cheese. He was quite enamored with it - and he usually isn't a big fan of goat cheese dishes! My best friend had that night's special, seafood linguini. She was surprised that it had a nice, spicy kick to it, but she really enjoyed it. My friend's husband had the ravioli filled with veal, which he finished in about three seconds. I had the gnocchi, which I liked, but I agree with the reviewer below who said that it lacked flavor. I did like the sauce though. For dessert we had the cream pastry sandwiches filled with vanilla gelato and the cheesecake. Both were excellent. And at $120 for all four of us for an appetizer, 4 entrees, 3 desserts, and a bottle of wine, it was a great deal. They lose a little appeal for telling us the wait would be half an hour and not seating us for an hour, but other than that, i was pleased and will definitely return!
(4)
Daniel E.

I don't understand the popularity of this place. Its amazing to walk by at 10pm and see a packed house every night. The food and atmosphere are pretty decent...about on par with a Macaronni Grill maybe... Buona's not that special really, just its right in the neighborhood. I guess I think its overpriced and that makes me cranky...sorry to rain on your parade...
(3)
R P.

Fantastic place. The food was amazing. I had a salmon carpaccio with a creamy truffle sauce and pink peppercorn, followed by a wonderful chicken breast with melty cheese and a really amazing smoky bacon-tomato sauce. I don't even like tomatoes but I do love bacon, and this was a winner! We went for the $21.95 pre-fixe, and the service was terrific, and the owner even came around to see how everything was, I love that! It's great to have so many good places to walk to now.
(5)
Jean C.

I live in Logan Square and love that there are good places to dine. Buona Terra is such a good comfort food place. The first time I came here was years ago with my then-boyfriend-now-husband and his cousin. When I go to Italian restaurants, I always get pasta. And Buona Terra pasta does not disappoint. I love their veal ravioli with the fresh mozzarella. Normally, I don't eat veal but I always make an exception when I am here. I am such a creature of habit that I continually order the same thing when I come here but isn't that why I keep coming back?
(4)
Dom G.

I'm not easily impressed by most Italian restaurants. I've never had a bad meal here. Always a warm feeling at this place. Pollo Afumicatto.
(4)
A S.

Food was great and service fantastic. My girlfriends and I enjoyed the grilled calamari special, tri salads and pasta dishes--rock shrimp being the best of the three. I was impressed that they have very affordable options on the wine list too. My ONLY complaint...why the TV? I couldn't believe there was a television staring at me as soon as I walked in.
(4)
M L.

I typically don't rave about my favorite finds much, as it sucks to see a hidden treasure get discovered, and then get so crowded you can't get seated anymore. Well, it looks like that's happened already, so here goes: The owners of Buona Terra (Eileen at the bar, Chef Chepe in the kitchen) are true pioneers, setting up shop on what was then a pretty rough patch on California Ave., just south of Logan Blvd. And that was exactly why I was curious to check 'em out when I first heard about them via some Internet listing I stumbled across. Chef Chepe is Mexican (not Italian), and while he's one of my fave culinary artists in Chicago, let's just say that - at that time, at least - he had a much better command of cooking skills than the English language. So when he picked up my first phone call there, it wasn't the easiest conversation I've ever had getting info on a new place; regardless, there was something about what he said & how he said it that got us in the door that first time. And here's one thing that helps make them probably my favorite restaurant in the city: Incredible consistency, beginning with that first visit a few years back until now. Don't you hate a restaurant that's so loud & bouncy you have to yell? Not here. Don't you hate a restaurant that can't figure out how to light a room so everyone can REALLY loosen up? Not here. Makes things easier to focus on the real star - the food. I'm admittedly not a normal diner; It's fairly easy to flash out with the entrees or desserts; I look for the smaller touches that reveal a true kitchen master. In the case of Buona Terra, it's three things: 1. Their steamed broccoli is perfect EVERY time; 2. Their pesto mashed potatoes are wickedly ingenious (I've never seen or heard of them anywhere else, Chepe claims they're his creation); 3. Their heavy pureed garlic/oil bread dipping sauce is just too damn good to describe. ONE LAST THING. The bar, baby. I always try sitting/eating there, which holds a grand total of six people. It feels like you're on some sort of TV show, with the bar curving around where everyone can see & talk with everyone else sitting there. Killer killer vibe, great way to meet folks. CHEPE'S FANS. Turns out Chef Chepe instills rabid loyalty in some very heavy-duty fans. There's one customer I met named Barry who apparently owns food flavoring factories all over the world. He has a HUGE glass saying "Barry" on it, which stays at the restaurant, and from which he drinks HUGE amounts of hugely expensive vodka -on the rocks. But Barry told me that he wouldn't consider eating there until Chepe gave him a tour of the kitchen; apparently, it was clean enough to pass Barry's particular bill of health, allowing him to subsequently eat there. Did I say he was rich as hell? If you're still reading this, YOU MUST BE BORED OUT OF YOUR MIND! But do save me a seat at Buona Terra's bar - and make sure it's Chepe pouring drinks (Eileen is great, but when a great chef is pouring, it's something special in my book). Chow, baby!
(5)
Eliot J.

buona terra is like meeting someone who's totally hot. you check them out on the street or a bar or something ( yelp.com ), walk up to them and strike up a conversation (drive to the restaurant and go inside) and listen to what they have to say (read the menu and enjoy the atmosphere) so to "soak it all in" and get a better idea of who this hot person is. it's going really well and you like what they have to say (the appetizers and service), so you continue to engage them (continue the conversation with whomever you are having dinner with) but all the while you are maybe, just ever so briefly, simultaneously imagining what kind of mad sex you're going to be having later that night (the entree). then s/he turns out to be a dead lay and you get food poisoning.
(2)
Jenn C.

When I am craving italian...its normally thursday. Thank god my tasty buds are in check with my wallet and my calendar- cuz, man...this place has got the thursday prix fixe thing down! At first I couldnt believe that you could choose anything off their regular menu. ANYTHING!! I have a day chock full of decisions- so typically, I am welcome to the idea of a restaurant acting like my mom saying- "you will eat this, then you will eat this, and to finish, this...and you will like it" -Side note: Mom is not that demanding but during her weight watcher days in the 80s she got pretty food nazi. Back to Buona- After the shock of free range menu picking, I have now found that a trip to the BT is quite lovely. I am a fan of gluttony (probably back lash from mom's calorie counting/ point system binge) so I enjoy a plethora of food, BT doesnt disappoint, even on prix fixe nights when most restaurants serve smaller portions to cut corners on food costs. Nope, the BT stays true to form. Large pieces of fish (try the salmon and lick your lips the entire way home), mounds of pasta (the linguine del mar is so full with seafood even my fella was amazed- and he is a fish king!), and super duper salads-the grilled octopus was nice but I am president of the arugula carpaccio with goat cheese fan club. Last week I strayed from the tiramisu (sorry nonna) and tried the peach gelato...not sorbet, gelato...and god bless you bouna! Come Friday morning, I normally need to wiggle a little more to get into my pants...
(4)
Sarah M.

Italian doesn't get better than this. The food here is absolutely outstanding. It you are looking for old style Italian drowning in red sauce and mozzerella, this is NOT your place. All of the dishes here are light and made with only the freshest of ingredients. But don't let that fool you from thinking you won't walk out of here completely satisfied. The Rigatoni Buonta Terra has to be their signature dish - a tomato cream sauce with goat cheese and walnuts. Unbeleivable. Their fresh fish is always a great choice, as Cheppe (the owner/chef/your new best friend) comes up with delicious sauces for each masterpiece. After you try the garlic sauce that comes complimentary with the bread you are going to want to take a tub home with you so you can bathe in it in private. Be creative - order the side of sauteed spinach to dip in the spicy red sauce that comes with the black mussel appetizer. You'll get your iron kick the delicious way. One last added bonus - if you're lucky enough to fight a barstool from one of the regulars, you may have just found your newest neighborhood spot. Enjoy!
(5)
Natalie R.

One star for ambiance, two stars for good food, one star for watching the waitress fall on her ass and not drop anything on her tray. ***Ok, thank you smartiepants Rocky B for noticing my terrible math.
(4)
Meghan A.

I love this restaurant. The atmosphere is comfortable and inviting - good for meeting up with friends, but also suitable for a date. I had the pollo afumicatto and it was absolutely wonderful. The pesto mashed potatoes are amazing! They have a nice menu and what I consider to be perfectly reasonable prices for dinner in the city. Parking was a bit of a challenge, although their website says they now have valet, which is a huge plus. I will definitely be back to try more of their great food.
(5)
Nikki L.

I don't know what the big hype is about this restaurant. I came here on a Wednesday night for an early dinner. As the first customer of the night, I set my expectations higher since there was no excuse for them being too busy to go above and beyond. For starters, I ordered the fried calamari, it was a small portion with a simple presentation. The cocktail sauce had tabasco sauce which I didn't like. For my entree, I had the veal ravioli with a tomato cream sauce and fresh mozzarella, this was pretty delicious and a hearty portion. I was disappointed to see that there were NO other pasta dishes with meat, except for one with shrimp. Other then that, it seemed to be all vegetables!? I don't think I'll be coming back anytime soon I would rather go to pasta bowl for better pasta selections and better service.
(3)
Jenny S.

Pretty damn good Italian food! I wouldn't say that it's the best I've ever had but it was a very good dinner. The staff was extremely nice and helpful. Although the interior of the restaurant is small, you won't feel cramped by sitting indoors.
(4)
Barb P.

I've been here several times and each time the food and service were great. The value is terrific and the portions generous. The sauce they serve with their bread will appeal to anyone who is a garlic fan. My friend ordered the Rotini di la Nona, which was great, but didn't have enough sauce so it was dry. The waiter returned with a bowl of extra sauce and served it with a smile. I went again a year later with another friend who also that the same dish and it had plenty of sauce and was terrific. The Ravioli con Vittelo had a delicious rich sauce. We all enjoyed the Carpaccio. I wish I had room for the cannoli everyone raves about. If they have the Butternut Squash Ravioli with the sage, you should try it. It was outstanding. Reservations are recommended because it has gotten very popular.
(4)
Mike G.

I love this place. The PERFECT neighborhood spot to grab a delish meal. Love in winter, summer, fall, spring. The grilled Ocotpus is great! The owners are so nice. The staff is always ready to deliver. GO
(5)
Mary F.

I've definitely had better Italian. But I've been to Buona Terra 3-4 times and the food is always good, portions are large, service has been pretty good, and prices are reasonable. I go for their Prix Fixe more often than not. I think it's a good deal - $22 for 3 courses - you can order anything off their menu.
(4)
Diana B.

We went here night before last and we were very happy we went. Great food, excellent specials and awesome garlic spread for the crusty French bread. We will certainly be back soon.
(5)
David A.

My dad's side of the family is Italian, which has instilled in me a critical cautiousness toward Italian restaurants. Buona Terra is a good Italian restaurant. It is reasonably priced and accepts reservations. If you can make it on Thursday, the prix fix deal is great. In my opinion, this is one of the best and most generally recommendable restaurants in Logan Square.
(5)
Jelly C.

I've been to Buona Terra twice. After hearing so much about the restaurant from my cousin, we finally made a last minute reservation for 7... My mom loved it so we went back again a few weeks later. They have a very awkward waiting area (the area between the bar and the kitchen). The restaurant is what you would expect from your neighborhood restaurants, warm colors and cozy atmosphere. We ordered the carpaccio, proscuitto wrapped mozzarella, mussels, and calamari. Everything was yummy. For my entree, I had the butternut squash ravioli and the second time I went, I tried the gnocchi. I liked it but the gnocchi and the sauce it camed it was muchomucho creamy and filling. Allin all a good place to eat but a little out of the way for me (I'm on the South side).
(4)
Jen C.

Wow - this is apparently the place to be on a Thursday night! I went with a big party for a birthday celebration for the prix fixe deal - $21.95 for a three course meal - appetizer, entree, and dessert. And these are big portioned meals! If you can eat a lot - it'll still probably make you stuffed if you finish it all (just maybe you won't have enough for leftovers for another entire meal). But for such a big party - they were very accommodating, attentive, and friendly considering gratuity was already included. In Summary: -LOVED IT! -Great for groups -Great, friendly service -Big portions of very yummy food! -Thursday is a fabulous deal! That means...you should definitely go and try it! I'm definitely going back to try more!
(5)
Andrea K.

Prix fix menu on Thursday is worth the visit. It's awesome you can select from the entire menu vs. a few offerings, all for $22. Try the peach gelatto while you're there, very refreshing on a warm summer night.
(4)
Andrea W.

I went to serve as wing woman for my friend who for some reason elected to bring her current boyfriend and her weird out-of-town ex to this restaurant. The prices were great. I had one of the specials, linguine with fruitti del mare, which was fun to say all night, but the fruitti was a little fishy. What was fantastic was the stuff they give you to dip your bread in. The asparagus soup was good. We sat outside, which was very nice, and the service was good but nothing special.
(3)
Stephanie C.

This is a terrific little local Italian joint. My husband and I have been here at least a 1/2 of dozen times and have never had a bad meal. I'd keep coming back just for the little dish of awesomeness that you get to dip your bread in! The Thursday night prix fixe menu is a great deal too, no exclusions from the menu! We will keep coming back for more.
(5)
jill a.

This is a nice little neighborhood Italian restaurant close by. I was pretty impressed with the menu overall and it is definitely one of the more authentic Italian restaurants that I've been to here in Chicago. The atmosphere is very quaint and there is a little patio area that is nice during the summer. The wine list is a little bit lack luster but the pasta is very good. Last time I had fettuccine with scallops which was excellent. I was also pleasantly surprised that they had grapa.. yum.
(4)
erika s.

i've been meaning to update this for a week now. i'd heard too many good things about the place after our first encounter so it was decided we should give it another go. second round we decided to do the thursday prix fixe so we could taste a few things rather than just one. i've been there 3 times since--be it for drinks or dinner. it's that good. they have a roasted garlic and parmesan spread that comes with warm bread that starts things out right. they don't make the bread, but it doesn't matter. their grilled octopus salad is good--a bit spicy so watch out if you don't like that. grilled calamari over their fried for sure. again a little spicy. they master simple pasta--on the not so simple side the gnocci is delicious. their chicken with smoked mozzarella is delicious. the pesto mashed potatoes are a little too pesto-y, but the broccoli makes up for it--simple but incredible. get dessert. homemade tiramisu. get wine. they have the prisoner. best wine ever. what this place lacks in summer seating thoughtfulness (read previous review ie garbage smell outside) they make up for for winter seating. they have not two but three doors you must enter before the dining room meaning dining room and diners are both warm and fuzzy. delicious wine helps too. their special tempranillo is reasonable and very good.
(5)
Tanya M.

awesome $20 prix fixe menu! for course 1 i had mozzarella wrapped with grilled prosciutto on top of greens drizzled with vinaigrette = delicious My friend had grilled octopus on top of greens = amazingly delicious for the second course i had chicken in a tomato and bacon sauce with pesto mashed potatoes, really good but i kinda liked the appetizers more. my friend had salmon but i did not try it. they have a lot of wonderful looking pasta dishes, meat dishes and daily specials to choose from. and dessert was a delicious cream puff with vanilla ice cream inside with chocolate sauce drizzled on top. i had to hold myself back from licking the sauce off the plate. its small so we made reservations to make sure we had a table which i'm glad we did because the place was packed the whole time but they have a second dinning room that is bigger and can accommodate large groups of people. our waiter was very nice and the tables are not too close together like some other places which i enjoyed but we were seated right next to the bar so it kinda felt like this one couple at the bar was over hearing our conversation but whatever. there is only street parking so it can be a bit difficult late in the evening but i only had to park 1 or 2 blocks away so it wasn't bad. so far its the cheapest and most varied prix fixe i've found. update: oops sorry, the prix fixe is on thursdays.
(5)
Aurore L.

A little correction to the website: the prix-fixe menu on Thursdays is now $21.95. It's still a very good deal given that fact that you can choose any appetizer, any entree and any dessert from the menu. I had the mozzarella wrapped in cooked prosciutto served with greens and a balsamic dressing, the spaghetti al Gamberetti (fresh shimp, fresh spinash, fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil) and a pecan-crusted chocolate tart. It was not amazingly good but all the ingredients were fresh and high quality. Reuben had the carpaccio served with shaved parmesan, capers and sliced mushrooms - very nice - and a veal dish that was amazing. His tiramisu was very light and creamy. It was packed and a little loud and the service was not the most attentive one but it's definitely a good destination for a good meal. And yes, this spread is darn good!!!
(4)
dan l.

Hands down, I'm a big fan. I've been there 4-5 times and each visit was very solid. The thursday prix fixe is as good of a deal as you'll find (rare to find a deal like this without limitations on the menu). Even without it, the restaurant is still a great value, fresh pasta and ingredients, decent seafood, and yes...the dipping sauce is delicious. Just don't go overboard or you'll be missing out! On top of it all, the restaurant is very homey and I always feel good about supporting a quality, local business who makes it clear from top to bottom that they appreciate my business as well.
(4)
Vanessa P.

I went here with the mob of 21 Yelpers. Overall, everything was very good. I had the caprese salad for the app, the tilapia special for the entree and the chocolate gelato for dessert. While I enjoyed both the app and the gelato (with a touch of hazelnut, yum!), the tilapia actually tasted a bit earthy (like it had a bit of dirt in it). It was still good, just not rave-worthy. -1 star for the simple fact that I felt like we were in the servers' and customers' way while waiting for our table.
(3)
Josh M.

Awesome Italian food....and a great Thurs. night special. $22 for any appetizer or salad, any main dish, and any dessert. Phenomenal. A little loud...but definitely worth a trip.
(5)
Sophie D.

One of my favorite places to take people who visit from out of town. When I lived in Logan Square I went much more often, but I'll be back. I've tried about 10 of their dishes and was impressed by every single one of them. One of my favorites is the spaghetti with white clam sauce. So. Good. Makes me hungry just thinking about it. They also give you this amazing parmesan dip with bread to start. Careful, though, it's so good it's very hard to stop. I've been known to make myself full before dinner even arrives. The fixed price is too much food for me, but one night they let my friend and I split it. For $20 or so, total, we split an app, entree and dessert. Which was PLENTY. I don't know if they commonly let people do that, but we were appreciative, and it made me love this place all the more. Obviously it's Italian, but it actually reminds me quite a bit of restaurants in southern France. Cozy but not too tight a squeeze, nice art on the walls (I'd actually like to buy one if I could afford it and/or if they were for sale), and the staff is friendly. Ok, that's not particularly French, but... The owner's also always very friendly, so it's nice to see her business doing well. The waitstaff in general does a good job. Professional, not too in your face, but attentive. They also have some really affordable wines by the glass. Overall, it's totally affordable without skimping on flavors. An absolute favorite...
(5)
Alex N.

Friends recommended this place to my girlfriend so we decided to check it out. It turned out to be an excellent restaurant. Made reservations the day of (a Friday) and was seated right in the front of the restaurant near a window (loved it). It was pretty busy on that Friday and the place isnt huge so I would recommend reservations on the weekends. Food was exceptional as far as taste and value are concerned. Hostess was very friendly, same goes for the waiter. Whole experience was tops. Atmosphere was also enjoyable (nice painted lanscape of a countryside, possibly Italy?, on the top of the walls in the room with the bar. Overall exceptional place for an Italian dinner!
(5)
Alexis H.

I had a wonderful experience dining at Buona Terra. The laid-back atmosphere with both intimate indoor and outdoor seating is a great addition to Logan Square. We shared 2 salads for our appetizers: The caprese, which had thickly cut tomatoes and fresh mozzarella with just the right amount of basil and olive oil, and a squid dish that was served pan seared with herbs over a bed of greens. Both dishes were perfect and there was plenty to go around for 3 diners. For dinner we stuck to pasta dishes: The gnocchi verde (spinach gnocchi) served with a creamy four-cheese sauce, the veal ravioli in a red cream sauce topped with fresh mozzarella, and the rotini di la nona, which had mushrooms, peas and proscuitto in a parmesan cream sauce. We all shared and still went home with plenty of leftovers. Finally, we also had dessert (cannolis and tiramisu) and the entire experience led me to believe you couldn't go wrong with the food at Buona Terra. Blindly put your finger down anywhere on the menu and you are likely to be satisfied. The service was great, the prices were more than appropriate for the quality of food, and there was plenty of street parking available. I highly recommend Buona Terra if you are looking for quality Italian food.
(5)
Adam M.

Holy sh1t - I loved this place. Dined here twice in 2 weeks a few months ago. This was definitely some of the best Italian food I've had in this G-d-forsaken city. I remember getting some sort of vegetable linguine in a marinara sauce that was sublime. I also remember getting the profiteroles for dessert - which sufficiently made me weak in the knees. I cannot recommend this spot enough.
(5)
Sydney F.

MMMMMM Buona Terra.... The first positive point to this place is that I called Saturday early evening to get a reservation for that night & they were full for 8 o'clock spots, but the hostess still took my name down. When we arrived, we only had a 5 minute wait before we were sat. BONUS. There is a bar to wait at but not a lot of standing room so this was much appreciated. Second, GREAT wait staff. Knowledgeable, came around enough to be attentive but not an obnoxious lurker. Drinks came very quickly and food timing was staged perfectly. Third, AMAZING food. We started with the grilled prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella appetizer (not my fave, the grilling gave it a different flavor), and a caprese salad. I tried everyone's food and it was all incredible! Veal medallions, Potato Gnochhi, Veal Ravioli & Pork Chops. Sweet Lord, it was all delicious!! Meats cooked just to the right temperature, lots of raviolis & gnochhis. The bread and garlic spread they give you is awesome as well. Cocktails mixed just right. Lastly, the bill. For a great dinner with nice ambiance, $100 (with tip) a couple is well worth it. Long story short, I've found my new fave Italian restaurant!
(5)
Kara Z.

Great Italian in a quaint yet convenient Logan square location. I enjoyed the variety on the daily special menu. Also, the profiteroles were amazing - chocolate and raspberry sauce. Very reasonably prices - 1 app, 2 meat entrees, bottle of wine and dessert for $82. I can't wait to try some of the pasta dishes.
(4)
Bret C.

My wife and I went here with another couple for their three course dinner on Thursday, and we loved everything about the experience. They have a great atmosphere, outdoor seating, and the food is amazing.
(5)
Kristin K.

I. Heart. Buona. Terra. Sooooo, so so good. Delicious food - the pastas are so rich. My boyfriend wants to eat there time to time even though he works in an Italian restaurant and is sick to death of Italian food. That's how special Buona's food is! Rigatoni Buona Terra is my favorite, followed by the Gnocchi. I tried the Pollo Affumicatto once and that was good too, especially the pesto mashed potatoes. Grilled calamari - great. Soups - amazing. GARLICKY BREAD DIP SPREAD OF DELIGHT OH MY GOD! Pretty good wines could be better. Adorable decor and good service. Once they were playing JT over their speakers which was hilarious but I enjoyed it. What else -- limoncello shots! This place of course has all the Check Please and Zagat ratings under the sun. Just eat here you can't be disappointed!
(5)
Gamaliel E.

Buona Terra is a great place to go for very good Italian food. I normally go with the linguine w clams. You'll want to use the fresh baked bread at the table to soak up the great sauce. My first visit i ordered a pasta dish with goat cheese. I found it to be a bit too greasy/heavy for my liking. I was surprised to see Dick Durbin eating here with a large party one night. The service was good, and the decor nice.
(4)
george k.

Food - hit or miss, but when it hit it was terrific. **** Atmosphere - ** Service - * I went here last night and my lady friend and I each got the Prix Fixe and a bottle of wine. We tried a variety of things and I would say half were really good, and half were blah. Carpaccio was overdressed and so so. The salad we had was amazing The veal was blah Steak was terriffic Both desserts were pretty good. I would give it a 4 just on the food, we were both happy and were able to try many things... so that was good. Where it failed was service and atmosphere... We probably got the worst seat in the house. We sat there for 10 minutes or more before we even had bread. Near the end of the meal they quit filling water glasses. We did not even get asked if we wanted coffee or espresso with the dessert. In addition to this it was so loud in there that you could barely hear the person next to you. I would try this again, but hesitant due to the terrible service.
(2)
Christopher G.

I've eaten here a good number of times over the last couple years, and have always been delighted. This visit was no exception except for one big problem, which I'll get to in a minute. My companion ordered the carpaccio, which was okay, but so overdressed with toppings (piles of capers, raw mushrooms and and parmagiano) that the meltingly tender raw beef was all but lost. I refrained from starters, but enjoyed the Melanzana alla Emilia Romana (eggplant) immensely. My companion said the Farfalle alla Dominic was okay--mild, not very inspiring, but at least satisfying. Over all, the food was fine, and the service was great. We were not unhappy up to this point. Thenl the fellow who brought out the after-dinner espresso spilled the hot beverage all over my companion. And I mean quite literally, all over him. On his shirt, on his pants--it was a mess, and his clothes were stained rather visibly. The fellow who spilled the coffee was extremely apologetic and helped to clean things up. But our main server showed no interest whatsoever in what had happened--never even stopping to see if we were okay. Management never appeared to apologize for the gaffe either. When the check came, we were sure that at the very least, the espresso wouldn't be on the bill--but yep, they charged us for it. Because we felt compassionate towards the young man who'd spilled the coffee on my friend, we didn't voice a complaint. But where the hell was our server, and why didn't he offer SOMETHING to ameliorate what is pretty much the worst thing that can happen to you in a restaurant--to have food or beverages dumped all over your clothes? Unbelievable. All of this makes me suspicious that management is vindictive and harsh here and the staff are afraid to let them know when something goes wrong, for fear of being fired. If that's true, it's a shame--management should understand, like we did, that mistakes happen (we still paid the full bill and tipped properly), and learn how to make things right with customers AND have compassion for their staff. I'll might go back, because I've had great food here, and it's close to home. But I might think twice before I do.
(1)
Michael Y.

LOVE is the word. This place is almost always busy from what I can tell, and deservedly so. This is a hidden gem in Logan Square. The food is simple and authentic with fresh ingredients. Italian done right. When you order carryout it is usually ready in a matter of minutes and is always piping HOT when you get it home. The prices are totally reasonable for this delicious food. Go for the Capellini d Angelo or their homemade gnocchi. The atmosphere is really nice too, the bar is a great place to grab a glass of wine on a Friday night. Intimate without being too cramped. Service is speedy but never overly intrusive, and the courses are always timed well. The owners of this place are really doing something right. Go get your pasta on.
(5)
Justin H.

Buona Terra is like my second home ... and if I could rent a room there, it'd like be my first. Last spring I even proposed to my wife here. Any time my friends are in town, this is where we go to meetup. We were originally attracted here by the prix fixe menu, which became a weekly tradition that has lasted a number of years. But Buona Terra has so much more to offer ... Food: The fare isn't gluttonous (like Rose Angelis), nor is it your standard Italian-American offering. It's something else ... warm, comforting, delicious and original. Whenever I'm feeling down, I stop into the joint for a bite of the butter-sage ravioli. It helps me feel whole again. Drinks: The drinks are also great. When Chepe (the owner) is behind the bar, you can expect a great mix, ask for his homemade margaritas sometime. He also has a great eye for wine, nabbing some fantastic grapes for THE most reasonable price in town. Dessert: As to the dessert ... it often keeps me at the table longer than the meal. I could read you the entire dessert menu by memory (hint: I still think their cannolis are the best in town). Plus, the staff makes a mean espresso. Atmosphere: I'm also not sure how Eileen does it, but the entire place has a remarkable feel. It's always the right amount of crowded and closeness, making it feel more like a community and less like a restaurant. It helps that this is the place that locals go for dinner, too. Service: The wait staff here is impeccable, it's always at just the right level. I've never felt like we were too little or to well attended to. My only complaint is that we can't invite Jose to our table to eat with us.
(5)
John F.

This is our favorite Italian restaurant. Reason 1 is that it is a warm and welcoming place. We are recognized and appreciated as regulars. It's like going over to a friend's home for dinner (but a little noisier.) But, they treat everyone warmly, including newcomers. Reason 2 is that it is always crowded. There is a healthy buzz to the place. Reason 3 is that the service is great. The wait staff is attentive. You don't wait long for anything. Everyone is friendly. Reason 4 is great food. It's not the high end pretentiously expensive food; it's just the Italian food you expect, well prepared and well presented. Reason 5 is we are proud to take our friends there. We have taken some friends there for their first time and then run into them there another time. The place is a magnet because of Jose and Eileen. Great people, great place.
(5)
Jeff H.

Good ambience. For me? Forgettable food. This is another one of those places that everyone raves about, I just don't get it. Get ready to laugh your ass off at me in 3...2...1 I'd rather have Maggianos. Seriously. My opinion.
(2)
Carrie S.

I've been to this restaurant twice when I lived in Logan Square. One occasion was for the Meet the Parents night and the other was my birthday. Both times I had reservations (necessary on weekends). It's one of my favorite, true Italian restaurants in Chicago. All of their food is excellent. I loved their minestrone soup and bruschetta as appetizers. Their pasta is amazing. I had their butternut squash ravioli and it was so good. They have one of the best tiramsu's I've ever had. Every time we went there, the food was great and the service was good too. The only downside to this great restaurant is the size and noise for such a small storefront restaurant. Otherwise, it's worth a trip to the Northwest Side for a good Italian meal.
(5)
Igor Z.

Went here a few weeks ago and had a great experience. We showed up 15 minutes early with half our party and sat at the bar. We were served by a very nice guy who kept us entertained. When we asked what dishes he recomends he said. "all of them, I make them all." Great response! How often do you come to a restaurant and get served at the bar by the chef/owner? Once we were seated the other owner, a very nice attractive lady, came to ask us if everything was ok and to let her know if we needed anything. Our waiter was also very helpful, effecient, knowledgeable, and energetic. The food speaks for itself, classic Italian dishes done right with good fresh ingredients. I would give it 6 stars if I could and i'm definitely coming back again.
(5)
Michael H.

Decent italian food. Not specatcular.
(3)
Jerry B.

Went for Mother's Day. Not crowded at all. Food and service was all top notch. Veal stuffed ravioli was terrific. Reasonable wine list. Nice, intimate, friendly neighborhood place.
(5)
Jen P.

Spaghetti al Gamberetti was perfectly al dente, balanced flavors, hot and fresh. :) LOVED it! plus, we were initially seated outside bc we came by without reservations but bc our seat was so close to the alley full of garbage, our hostess graciously seated us inside after noticing the smell from the garbage in the alley. i like that she didnt wait for us to ask her to switch our table...she took the initiative to make our dining experience as wonderful as possible. five stars for the service and amazing food.
(5)
Fred S.

All I can say is WOW! My wife and I have been waiting to dine here for a few months and it never worked out, until last night. The garlic-parm spread that they give with the bread is fabulous. We had a bottle of Barolo that was out of this world and ordered the carpaccio and grilled calamari to begin our journey. Both were amazing. We never felt rushed and the service was really great, especially considering how busy they were. Our entrees were also amazing. I had the veal medallions with the prosciutto and fontina cheese melted on top and I could have eaten two more pieces they were so tender and flavorful. My wife had the eggplant stack which she loved as well. It is rare that we order dessert, but everything was so good that we had to try, so we ordered the profiteroles and a canoli, and of course, they too were great. This is a Logan Square gem not to be missed. We plan on making this our regular spot for Italian.....
(5)
Candace C.

Ate here last week. After some debate on which neighborhood place to go to for dinner, my boyfriend and i read a Yelp review about the prix-fix deal for Thursday nights and, being Thursday, we decided to check it out. This wasn't our first visit to Buona Terra, but it had been about two years since we last ate there, and for roughly $22, the prix fix price sounded perfect. We called at 5:30 and were able to make a reservation for 7:30 that evening. When we arrived, the host took our names and was able to seat us within about 15 minutes. That might sound like a long wait to some people since we had reservations, but I generally expect to wait up to 15 minutes with a reservation if it's on a busy night (fridays, saturdays or promo nights) and with the obvious popularity of the prix fix arrangement and at prime dinner time hours, it seemed fair enough. The prix fix meal give you an option of soup, salad or appetizer as a first course, then your entree, followed by dessert...all for $22. Really one of the best deals in the city. My bf and I each ordered a glass of wine and I chose the grilled calamari, while he ordered the baby octopus. Both were nice app-size portions for 1-2 servings and both were grilled to perfection. I had a grilled salmon entree, served with capers and white wine sauce, potatoes and broccoli (this was one of the daily specials). The salmon was the perfect temperature, and while the potatoes could have used a little extra seasoning, this dish tasted great. The best part? Dessert. I ordered a chocolate pecan tart topped with fresh berries and my boyfriend had the pistachio ice cream. So, so good. The service was prompt, the food was great, the value was worth it and we'll definitely be back sometime soon.
(5)
Julia R.

found this place on a whim when craving a stop somewhere for italian before a movie. so happy i did. I had the gnocchi which was creamy, tender, and delicious. hubby had Pollo Afumicatto which is in a smoked bacon sauce - how can anyone dislike something like that - amazing flavor! Tried the pesto mashed potatoes - i really don't care for pesto much but could tell that pesto lovers would probably die for them. also, as everyone else stated, the garlic spread for their freshed baked bread is addictive. The service was excellent - our water glasses were always full and it had a great ambiance of a classic italian joint - a good amount of hustle and bustle and lots of large family parties were there - a little lound but strangely cozy nonetheless. I can't wait to come back and try some more dishes!
(5)
Jonathan A.

I can't believe I didn't write a review for this already. Wow, this meal was even better than the first time, and we got it to go even. The first time was excellent as well. Though I wasn't crazy about the carpaccio appetizer, but the rest was great. The food is on the rich side, and I really don't think it's overpriced, because the quality of ingredients seem to me to be very good. The only star I am taking off is for the ambiance, which is a little bland, though clean and casual. But for me it felt like I was eating in the living room of someone's new house. I do like the food about as much or better than any other Italian I've had in the city. And though Italian isn't my favorite cuisine by any means, I'm starting to appreciate it more and more.
(4)
Jerith B.

My mother always told me that every woman needs 3 things: 1. Enough money to secure her own apartment in an emergency. 2. A perfect dress to slip on when your future husband comes knocking. 3. A consistent restaurant that you can get seated at with no notice. Buona Terra is my go-to restaurant for number 3. My husband and I have been eating there for 5 years now, and it was the first restaurant we ate at in Chicago. We've watched the place grow from having a few tables full on Fridays and Saturdays to a restaurant with a loyal local following that is always packed. Since we do a lot of business with them, they are always gracious about seating us. There are nights that we arrive with 10 people in tow, and are only able to call 20 minutes in advance. They accommodate my food allergies, and when my favorite meal was taken off the menu, they made it for me anyway every time I came in. Their stellar service and friendly owners keep me returning. If you need a little nibble while you wait for the main course, the mussels and calamari are my husband's favorite, but I always get the prosciutto wrapped around mozzarella and pan fried until the cheese is gooey. It is served with vinaigrette on a bed of mixed greens. They also provide a complimentary bread basket with warm crusty Italian bread and garlic puree. The food at Buona Terra is American-inspired Italian. For dinner, I adore the Veal Monte-Carol, thin pounded veal fillets topped with prosciutto and cheese, simmered in white wine. It comes with broccoli and roasted potatoes. Heaven! My husband gets the steak topped with a browned parmesan crust almost every time we go. For an idea of their price point, the veal is around $18 and the steak is around $20. They also do pasta dishes, and the favorite among our friends is the butternut squash ravioli in a brown butter and sage sauce. Once in awhile they have pear stuffed ravioli in mascarpone cream as the special, and it nice and tangy, not too sweet. The Capellini de Angelo is my comfort food - thin angel hair pasta served with a warm hearty tomato sauce.
(5)
Rita W.

We went here for my friend's b-day. She is Italian and her parents make the best italian food so I knew if she liked Buona Terra, it was going to be pretty good. We met here on a Sunday night and it seemed like a very warm and cozy place, and it was quite packed already when we were there. My boyfriend and I shared the grilled octopus appetizer and we usually get the grilled octopus at any restaurant that offers it. We both agreed that this was the best grilled octopus we ever had! It was delicious, perfectly grilled and mixed with tiny diced tomatoes, it also had this great spicy afterkick. I had the skate wing for my entree and it was also very good. The tiramisu was delicious, I could have just eaten that for my entree! I just wish Buona Terra was closer to my apartment so I could go more often!
(4)
Beth P.

My boyfriend and I were looking for a reasonable Italian restaurant with good food. This place completely beat any of our expectations. The wait staff was very friendly, helpful, and attentive. The pesto dip that is served with the bread and olive oil was amazing! My boyfriend ordered chicken with mozzarella cheese in a sun dried tomato and bacon sauce served with delicious pesto mashed potatoes. I had a wonderful bowl of butternut squash ravioli. We topped it off with cannoli that was hands down the best cannoli we have had in a restaurant in years. All of the food and wine was very affordable. Overall, it was a truly great dining experience from start to finish. Definitely coming back!
(5)
Mari K.

You had me at... prix fixe. For under $22 you get to choose ANY appetizer, entree, and dessert! (Thursdays only!) Yippy! Everything on the menu sounded delicious it was so hard to choose! My mind did a little panic dance while my eyes skipped from dish to dish. I finally made up my mind and ordered the grilled baby octopus salad, spaghetti with rock shrimp, and cream puff/gelato dessert. PERFECT! I can barely breathe right now as I'm typing this review... completely stuffed, completely satisfied. Others ordered the swordfish (daily special), ravioli, artichoke soup, proscuitto wrapped mozzarella, calamari, fettucini w/ shitake and chicken.. everything rocked! Top picks of the night: baby octopus and spaghetti w/ shrimp (yes, those were my dishes.) =P Service is fine, but we had to flag down our waiter to get our glasses filled a couple times. Nothing spectacular, but not bad. Atmosphere is cozy, but the tables are a bit too close together. It's definitely a great date spot.. yep, I think evvveryone in there was on a date except for my table of 5 fabulous girlies. =D I'm DEFINITELY going back! ... on a Thursday. =)
(5)
Amanda D.

AMAAAAAZING! They should expand this restaurant to allow for more diners. They should also open another restaurant closer to me :) I went with a group of friends. Note: DO NOT miss your reservation time. We missed ours by 15 minutes, and since we were a group of eight ended up waiting an hour for a table. However, I do think it was worth it. We all ordered the Prix Fixe which is a fabulously deal. It is $20 for an appetizer, meal, and desert. My soup was good and my meal was fabulous. I can't wait until I can go back. Only downside... I didn't realize there is a lack of cabs in Logan Square and I ended up having to jump on a random bus to get home.
(5)
Kitty L.

Holy wow! This is a great place to bring a date. The atmosphere is comfortably intimate and the food is fantastic. I've had several items on the menu and they were all amazing. I am obsessed with the complimentary olive oil/garlic/cheese spread that is served with warm bread, and I have to fight back the urge to plant my face in it. My favorite entree is the butternut squash ravioli. The toasted sage adds a wonderful depth of savory flavor and the dish is incredibly rich. The rigatoni with goat cheese and walnuts is awesome as well. I don't think you can go wrong with anything on the menu.
(5)
Jackie C.

This is one of my favorite neighborhood restaurants. The atmosphere is warm and cosy and in the summer, you can sit outside. As others have mentioned, the spread that comes with the bread is delicious, it's hard not to eat too much to leave room for dinner. I'm definitely a new tastes, new experiences kinda girl, but I have to admit, every single time I go, I get the same thing because it's that good. The Pennine al'Arabiata is pennine pasta tossed with fresh herbs, garlic and a touch of spicy tomato sauce and is definitely my favorite here.
(5)
Erin H.

Can I give negative stars? Maybe it was a total fluke, but this is the only time in my life I have been served food that was bad enough to send back to the kitchen. I tried to eat it, because I didn't want to be a bitch, but I gagged every time I tried another bite. I got the fettucine primavera, and it tasted as if the "light tomato" sauce was half fermented, or the pan it was cooked in was first soaking in dirty sweat sock juice. Even worse was the way this place reacted to the dry heave situation. They pretty much pretended that nothing was wrong at all, and I left feeling as if I had been treated very badly. The waiter asked why I didn't eat the pasta, I told him, then he said he would talk to the owner (who didn't bother him/herself with me at all) and then he came back to quickly slip a check on the table with not another word. Not even thank you. Their reaction showed absolutely no pride in their food or establishment. I am not a person who enjoys being involved in (or observing) dramatic scenes, and because of this Buona Terra took my money and let me leave hungry with a bad taste in my mouth. I wouldn't go back even if someone paid me a thousand dollars, maybe for a million, but food poisoning isn't THAT bad.....right? Beware, don't even try it!
(1)
Erin D.

Yum! I'm always happy with the food here! I don't always eat-in because they are very quick to prepare a pick-up order. I highly recommend the Gnocchi Verde al Quattro Formaggi it is delicious!
(4)
Allison C.

This is a yummy, fresh Italian restaurant. I went once, for their Prix Fixe menu. You get a lot for your money, and the food is good. I prefer Rose Angelis, but it's an excellent neighborhood joint.
(4)
Angelique Z.

Buona Terra is the kind of excellent, intimate Italian restuarant showcased in our favorite dream sequence of our lives. Seriously. Every meal I've had has been sublime, no matter the season or the time I go, the carpaccio, the asparagus, the veal, gnocci, the gelatos--oh my! The decor is warm and relaxing. The open rooms give you the opportunity to ogle the next diners food without being obvious. In the summer, they make the most of the outdoor areas they have and also open up in the front window so diners inside get a great breeze. This place gets packed so i'd always call for reservations if you're too hungry to wait. But even then, the hostess has always tried to get me and friends seated as quickly as possible. I love them like I love dream sequences.
(4)
Tom H.

Basically, this is one of the best restaurants in the entire city. I just moved to the 'hood and stopped in on the recommendation of a friend who has lived in Logan Square for a few years. The menu is excellent, with a concentration on vegetarian pasta, chicken and steaks. Basically, whatever you enjoy, Buona Terra will offer a variation of. The prices are reasonable, there is a full bar, and the service is very good. (Ignore the prima donna 1-star review below - everything was great but the waiter accidentally spilled some coffee so the place deserves a single star? Please.) Most importantly, the food is absolutely fantastic - great tastes, smart combinations, right-sized portions. Absolutely a terrific find for a newbie to the area. Just make sure to save me a seat in case word gets out!
(4)
Cortney C.

Oh Ma Godt! I've heard great things about this place recently from several friends and co-workers. I was fortunate enough to have my friends take me out to dinner here last Friday and let me tell you...the food was beyond outstanding! I'm struggling now with my own internal anger - why didn't I visit this place sooner! I literally can not stop thinking about the muscles we had for an appetizer! It was loaded with slices of garlic and a delicious tomato sauce. I may or may not have sopped up all the extra sauce with bread! I had the Salmon special, it was topped with fresh guac. and served on a bed of roasted red pepper, zucchini, and thick slices of roasted potato. Our waiter was great. He recognized my friends (because they eat here often)...we got a great table by the window (it was still a little chilly to sit outside). He suggested a wine to compliment our dinners, he checked on us frequently and made sure we had everything we needed. Did I mention the dessert? I had a DEEELICIOUS cream puff dessert. The puffs were stuffed with creamy vanilla gelato, drizzled with chocolate sauce. YUM! Upon finishing the dessert I was stuffed and happy! I've talked other friends into going back with me tonight! They haven't had the pleasure of eating here yet! Boy are they in for a treat!!!!
(5)
Angela M.

The $21.95 prix fixe is a great deal! Especially because you get to pick ANY app, entree and dessert! The food is really tasty too. I met my friends, who are regulars for Thursday nights, and found the ambience nice (cozy) and service friendly. It is easily accessible from the expressway and has valet parking.
(4)
Becca S.

Delicious! Great atmosphere. It was pretty crowded on a Friday night, but the food still came out crazy fast. But it was really fresh and delicious.
(4)
Matt R.

Buona Terra is always a treat and every time I go I feel spoiled for having such a gem tucked away in Logan Square. The food is delicious and plentiful, the wine choices are terrific, and the service is friendly and attentive. I have been here on dates as well as with friends and always leave impressed. (The only negative is that street parking can be a challenge so consider valeting if the weather's not great.)
(4)
Becky S.

Such a trade off: Come here on a Thursday night, wait a long time, get your dinner, and rejoice more in the $19.95 prix fixe than the food, or come here any other night, get better service and better food, and pay a bit more. Either way, they give you the bread and garlic crack, so it's all good. This is the perfect place to come for a satisfying meal, and to take your parents, or other less-adventurous family or friends. Italian isn't too intimidating, but this place is a bit more playful, so you might just get your reluctant guest to try something a little more exciting than fettuccine alfredo (who knew my mom would love a pasta involving goat cheese and walnuts? She didn't). I think they've slipped in quality a bit over the past few years with their growing popularity, but I still enjoy going there.
(4)
Jocelyn P.

Very tasty, great service, good for groups, impressive menu, classy interior, warm vibe. Go for the taste but don't forget the big bills!
(5)
Esther Y.

I have a love hate relationship with going out for Italian. Every time I go out for Italian food, it's sooo good to me, but then I think I can make this at home....I'm just too lazy. (Oh, and by me I mean my boyfriend). Every now and then, I end up going out for Italian, usually b/c I have a taste for it and am too lazy to get the ingredients I need to make it at home. So, that is how I ended up at Buona Terra. A friend suggested it and said that it was solid Italian food. We made reservations, got there a little early and got seated after a little wait. After I ate a loaf of bread with that amazing garlic/cheese/oil dip, we started with the bruschetta (very ok, nothing spectacular) and a Caesar salad. The dressing was a little odd, and the croutons tasted like they were from a box. Next, we split the veal medallions with mozzarella and roasted red pepper. That was GOOD. Very, very tasty. If you don't like the super thin meat, then you won't like this, but it was great to me! For our pasta, we had the pasta Buona Terra. It had walnuts and goat cheese in a tomato cream sauce. Then, we ended the meal with the profiteroles. Yum! Everything was really good and moderately priced. It is great to go with someone and split everything, that way you get a great amount of food and you get to sample a lot of everything. With a glass of wine and a bottle of San Pelligrino, it ended up being about 62 without tip. Given the amount of food we had, it wasn't that bad. One thing though, I wouldn't really suggest taking the pasta home with you if you don't finish it. It was really rich when I was eating it, and I remember thinking....hmmmmm there must be a TON of butter, oil, cream in this thing. Fast forward the next day when I take it out, and there is a nice thick layer of fat.....yuck. Save yourself from the guilt...leave it there, better yet, finish it!
(4)
Colleen B.

I dream about the gnocchi... not that I condone veal, but my boyfriend ordered the veal ravioli, and it was so light and lovely, it was a little beyond me. Obviously the Prix Fixe is a fabulous deal, but it's really not so poorly priced anyway... especially their wine list (I would say about $2 less per glass than I've seen at some other Italian places around here). Oh, and yes, the garlic spread they put out is amazing... so amazing it sticks with you long after you've left... mmmm garlic. This is the kind of place you can take guests from out of town... in fact, that's what I'm doing next week.
(5)
KT P.

Fantastic food, polite and knowledgeable service and an amazing bartender! A must in Logan Square.
(5)
Kim V.

I love this place - everything is amazing, I've never had a bad meal. And the garlic on the table, I swear I could just have that for dinner. (And sometimes I have and had my meal boxed up for leftovers!) Also this is a great place for groups. I've had a couple b-day gatherings there and everyone has walked away saying what a great place it was!
(5)
Madelyn H.

nothing to write home about. i had high hopes after hearing several people recommend it. i went for the thursday night prix fixe deal and the atmosphere is nice and warm. the service was good too. i had the caprese salad with not so great tomatoes and the rotini. overall, the pasta tasted pretty good but the sauce was runny. the cannoli tasted really good as well but the shell seemed like it had been frozen. i guess i would go back but with so many other restaurants to try, it would take some persuading.
(3)
Max M.

Amanda and I were in the mood for some traditional italian food so we went out to dinner here on Saturday night. And it was exactly what we wanted. The setting is nice exposed brick big windows. The art is a little odd but not that big of a deal. There were some people dressed up and some in t-shirts and both seemed fine in the atmosphere. The staff was very italian. The gentlemen at the door didn't seem to speak a ton of english. The bus boy was wearing a white t-shirt and apron and reminded me of Adam Sandler in the "Fresh a da pepper" skit from old school SNL. (I think of all of this as a good sign for an Italian place) Our waiter was very attentive and courteous. He had some good suggestions etc. All of the food arrived as I wanted it to arrive and the glass of Italian red i had was smooth and delicious. We started with the black muscles in a spicy tomato sauce. It was fantastic. The sauce was spicy bit not overly so. I definitely soaked up the sauce with the crisp pieces of bread that came in the dish. The muscles were large and plump. There were a good amount for a perfect appateizer. I then had the special soup. Gorgonzolla Cheese and Cauliflower soup with Walnuts. It was mildly flavored but incredibly delicious and creamy. Amanda had the Minestrone Soup which had uge chunks of soft vegetables and a tasty broth. Maybe a little short on salt but I don't mind adding a dab. I then had the Chicken with Bacon and Cheese in a tomato sauce(sorry can't remember the dishes name but its on the regular menu not the special) It came with Pesto mashed potatoes and broccoli. It was fantastic. The mashed potatos were great. Creamy and just enough pesto. The chicken was perfectly prepared and the bacon flavor was just right. Amanda got Farfalle pasta with Spinach, Asparagus and tomatos in a cream sauce. And wow, it was even better than mine. Really a great combination of flavors. The thinly sliced asparagus was perfect with the farfalle pasta (sorry if I butchered the spelling twice). It was a big serving and she took some home. Probably eating it tonight. For dessert we had the Tiramisu which as good but not great. We probably could have done with out it. The interesting thing was there were meat dishes and there were pasta dishes and for the most part the pasta dishes didn't have meat in them. Perhaps this is normal and I'm just ignorant to italian culture. But over all a great experience. I would definitely go back and I want to try a ton of the things on the menu. Most dishes are pretty traditoinal but some of the specials seemed a little experimental and probably make it worth going back just to see what specials they have. I would definitely reccomend it when you're in the mood for good classic Italian.
(4)
Julee W.

Buona Terra Keeps getting better and better! I loved the eggplant, It was a inventive take on the traditional with almonds? in the crust, perfect. I tried to copy the recipe but I guess you will have to cook it for me!
(5)
Dan M.

DELICIOUS! Great ambiance and service. Will definitely go back!
(4)
Robert W.

I recently moved in a few blocks away from this place. I had never heard of it and decided to eat there one night when I had visitors in town. I'm glad I did,. The paste dishes are great! I was able to try three different ones that first time in there. The garlic spread they serve with their bread is very addicting as well. Great place that will see many return visits from myself.
(5)
Luke H.

I am seven. I really, really, really, really, really like your food. And they payed a lot of attention to us. I liked the ambiance because it was really nice. I noticed that the bathrooms were clean. The bar looks really nice and the tables look really nice. The food tasted really good. I had the salad. I liked the dressing because it was Italian--my favorite kind of dressing.
(5)
Kelly L.

Like I need to echo everyone else's sentiments...but I'm going to anyway. Delish, fresh, great service...the veal, panzanella salad, and prosciutto/mozzarella appetizers were really yummy. Only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is the dry, "eh" bottle of red we ordered (which kind of got stuck on the front half of our tongues, not making its way through our mouths...). Other than that I'd absolutely go back, and recommend to others.
(4)
Mike H.

I really wish Yelp would allow for half stars. The food is great, prices are reasonable, service friendly, and decor is nice. So there is no reason not to give it five stars, but to me five stars suggests that this would the very best Italian food I've had in the city - and that's not quite true, although this is very close. So if I had my way, I would give Buona Terra 4.5 stars. We have actually only had carry out (about 3-4 times), but the place is really nice and the brief service we've had has been great. The food is wonderful. Everything we've ordered has been very rich and flavorful and plenty of food for a reasonable price. I've had several dishes featuring varying red sauces, and I must say that Buona Terra has some of the best tomato-based sauced I've ever had. I don't know if they use a specific type of tomato or what, but it's wonderful. Very highly recommended.
(4)
Keith J.

Being Italian, I tend to think my palette for Italian cuisine is quite particular. I have always had my favorites, Rosebud, Spaiggia, Francesca's, and of course...Tuscany. I was so pleased to find an amazing Italian restaurant within walking distance to my house. Buona Terra is charming, cozy, and reasonably priced. The head chef was a chef at Tuscany so you know the quality is going to be top notch. I have ordered just about everything on the menu. My favorites include: Antipasti - Calamari al Tre Modo, Caprese, & Prosciutto e Mozzarella alla Ferri Pasta - Rigatoni Buona Terra, Gnocchi Verde al Quattro Formaggi, & Ravioli con Vittelo (my personal favorite). Secondi Piatt i- Bistecca alla Crosta di Parmigiano. Dessert - They are all really good, but I recommend the Chocolate Pecan Tart. With the recession, any deal helps. Buona Terra has the perfect solution to a tight wallet. On Thursdays, they have a 3 course prix fixe for $21.95. That includes an appetizer, entree, and dessert, and there are no restrictions. You can even order the $20.95 steak. Now that is a deal considering you are getting an appetizer and dessert for free. This place is diffidently worth a trip. Bon Appetite!
(5)
Adam E.

Great food and great location. I was really satisfied with my meal and the price. The reason I gave it 3 stars, rather than 5, is because I felt rushed. I do understand they have limited seating but the waiter came by A LOT wanting us to order. We were casually taking our time and he made it seem like we were there much longer. I didn't feel wanted and seemed like he was pushing us out. There were 4 of us, dressed nicely, all eating and drinking-so he was going to make good money. Chill out! The valet was cheaper than most places ($6) but for a good reason. We were a little weary of the guy parking the car. It ended up okay but VERY unprofessional for what is considered to be a "classy" restaurant. I will go back, and again - great food, but maybe I will review the menu at home and find street parking.
(3)
steve l.

Wonderful! The food is excellent---perfectl combination of fresh ingredients, perfectly seasoned, and an attention to detail that makes each dish delicious. Everything we ordered was excellent---especially the grilled octopus special. Great wines for the price! Friendly staff, fun atmosphere.
(5)
Trey S.

A true gem in LogSqua! Been here many, many times and every time is exceptional. Great service to boot! Cute, romantic, neighborhoody, nice but not too fancy and very reasonable. Couldn't be happier to have it in the 'hood.
(5)
Tamira K.

Buona Terra was a great authentic Italian restaurant with great customer service! The owners were so polite and friendly! Delicious spread served with bread! YUM!
(5)
Megg S.

I'll start out by saying that I'm usually not a huge fan of Italian food. I usually find it to get old fast.. I can only eat so much pasta/meat with sauce. So, despite living a block away from the place for two years now, I never felt particularly compelled to go in. But I'd seen the prix-fixe sign, and one day I headed over with my boyfriend on a Thursday night. The service was great; it was packed and there was a wait but they were very friendly and invited us to wait at the bar. They have a nice wine selection that's decently priced. Everything we ordered from the menu was absolutely delicious. I had a bruschetta type appetizer which was far better than expected, and wonderfully savory pesto gnocchi as my entree. For dessert I had the tiramisu, and let me tell you, it's to die for. My date had the pistachio gelato, which is equally divine. We've been back a few times since and everything is always delicious. Like I said, it takes a lot of Italian food to keep me coming back, but especially with the deal of the full menu prix-fixe for just $21.95, this place has become a standard for me. Check it out for sure!
(5)
Melissa B.

Great food, speedy service. Cozy atmosphere.
(5)
Kate R.

This place is wonderful! My boyfriend and I are new to the area and went there last weekend because we'd heard such good things. It was like walking into Cheers--everyone knew everyone and yet were still friendly to us newbies. We had a drink at the bar and chatted with one of their regulars, who gave us an excellent food recommendation (the scallops fettucini w/lobster sauce). Our food was probably some of the best Italian I've ever had--right up there with La Scarola. Definitely going back, again and again.
(5)

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Address : 2535 N California Ave
Chicago, IL, 60647
Phone (773) 289-3800
Website https://www.buona-terra.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

Claim Restaurant

Italian Cuisine

The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.

Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.

If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.

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Buona Terra Ristorante

2535 N California Ave, Chicago, IL, 60647

Buona Terra Ristorante Menu

Antipasti

Zuppa

Insalate

Pasta

Secondi Piatti

Bevande

Healthy Meal suggestions for Buona Terra Ristorante

Antipasti

Zuppa

Insalate

Pasta

Secondi Piatti

Bevande

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