I happened to go to Davanti's two evenings in a row. Once with my fellow colleagues and then on a date with the hubby. Both evenings I was impressed by the food and the service. I do have to admit the second night the service was better. The food is very good. Between the two nights this is what we tried: -corn salad - could eat three servings of it! -beet salad - could eat 10 servings of it! -prosciutto pizza - very solid -shrimp salad - shrimp was overdone and a tad rubbery. Will most likely not get again -plate of cheeses and salumi....amazing -toast with honeycomb ricotta....could not stop eating -Chef's whim which was halibut - best cooked piece of halibut I have ever had -deconstructed cannoli for desert The ambiance is very warm and cozy, a majority of the staff is incredibly friendly, and our glasses were never as much as low. I would say that the servers themselves are not as friendly as they could be. Will absolutely go back.
(4)
Liz F.
We went here post-Valentine's day and it was very good, although other reviewer's critiques were spot on. We had the focaccia which was delicious and made great leftovers. The octopus, which was cooked perfectly, but desperately needed a some acid. The pork belly was really good but not super innovative, we liked the mustard seed with the apple and cabbage. The stand out of the evening (besides the delicious, reasonably priced bottle of Spanish wine) was the polenta of the day. It was everything you want polenta to be and more. The atmosphere was great, even thought it was a very busy night and you sit very close to your neighbors, it didn't feel intrusive. Sadly we did not have room for dessert after all that, but I would love to go back and explore the menu.
(4)
Jenny L.
Good solid four stars! i really like this place. because i used go to school nearby, ive been here countless times for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Def check it out for lunch or dinner. So glad to have a place like this on Taylor!
(4)
Anisha A.
If I were still a professional kidney stealer, this is where I'd woo victims before I did the deed. Because Davanti Enoteca will romance you in the most unsuspecting ways, from one waiter in particular who likely moonlights as a Super Mario Bros in 8-bit, to the wine by the glass menu (which is literally attached to an oversized bottle of wine), to the cauldron of diners (a stew of Sopranos cast-offs, students and power gays). Get past the overly kitschy and misleading sign outside. Once you do, you enter a sleek yet rustic den full of personality. The back wall is a wine repository, hence the self-descriptive name: Davanti (in front of), Enoteca (wine shop). You buy bottles at their cheap retail price and pay a nominal corkage. Super Mario was right on with his recommendations. The truffle egg toast and the foraged mushroom-leek pizza may just make you wet your pants. The shaved hearts of palm, burrata and swordfish break the mold. For dessert, the torta bacio appears unassuming, but that crunchy bottom will get you. The cost is uber-reasonable and we exited to a barrage of warm send-offs. Yeah, pretty much everything about this place will make you smile. Just make sure you don't wake up in a tub, missing a critical organ
(5)
Bettina S.
In a word? Deliciousness. This is one restaurant that actually lives up to all the hype. This is not a fancy pants, white table linen restaurant, but is wonderful. I had the rigatoni in a cheesy tomato sauce with sausage, and it was wonderful. Sometimes sausage can overwhelm a dish, but it was perfectly balanced. I went for lunch with my mom, so of course I tried her chicken with chili paste, which was OUTSTANDING. It was not extremely spicy, and wass perfectly seasoned. I was almost jealous but mine was so good i couldn't even be upset. They also have a nice wine list, and cocktails made from prosecco and fruit juice. Yes this place is down to earth and is not even faking the funk pretending to be serving champagne cocktails. They keep it real. The only thing that was a bit strange was the music; it was a mix of '80s music, including Michael Jackson, Genesis, and all kinds of other stuff that I love dearly, but were kind of out of place in this cute little Italian restaurant. Definitely worth a visit.
(4)
Sarah S.
The food here is REALLY good. They don't take reservations and we got there at 8:50pm this past Saturday night and they said there was a 3-hour wait. LUCKILY 2 people were leaving from the bar seats so we jumped right in. Don't take a large party here unless you want to wait. But we were in the restaurant until almost midnight and it was pretty cleared out... meaning that it was more like a 1 hour wait, not 3 :) The pasta dishes are small. We ordered the one with Italian sausage in it as an appetizer to share. My boyfriend also ordered the truffle oil egg toast thing off the appetizer menu... I'm allergic to eggs so I couldn't taste it but he said it was AMAZING! The pasta was down right good too. It's all about the sauce with pasta and their sauce was real good. We both ordered the steak and arugula salad as our main dishes. The steak is seared in butter and the salad is very simple with olive oil, fresh grated parmesan cheese salt and pepper. Seriously DELICIOUS! We ordered a bottle of their dolchetto de alba to share. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Then for dessert we ordered some gelato and sorbetti. Can never go wrong with gelato or sorbetti at an Italian restaurant. This place is worth the trip, especially if you love Italian food. The place isn't traditonal in any means so don't expect white table clothes, candles and Frank Sinatra singing in the background.
(5)
Mike G.
Enjoy the food and atmosphere. Looking forward to trying the new Davanti in River North
(4)
Linda K.
At first, I thought this place was going to be fancy just by the sound of the name haha but its very casual.For appetizers, me and my friend ordered the polenta+ragu of the day which were meatballs(pretty good). We also had the, Pizza con Prosciutti e ruocla - which was a little salty but still loved and I ordered the Pollo sole Mio -chicken that had a nice spicy kick to it. I also ordered two glasses of Pinot Grigio--perfecto.
(4)
James J P.
If you want to get off the beaten path, away from the tourist slop houses on Michigan Avenue, this is the place to go. Take your time and have the pizza de la terra, focaccia, and the burratta salad. We will be going back!
(5)
Bianca F.
This was our last stop for the Chicago trip. Of course we were in the area to get some Italian ice and this was nearby and we wanted some good food. We had no trouble being seated for our party of six. We ordered tons of food to share. We started with a bottle of their white wine followed by bread, honey and ricotta cheese, pork belly, cauliflower, pizza with prosciutto and arugula, Margherita pizza, large ravioli filled with spinach and scallops. The bread, fresh honey and ricotta along with the scallops, pizza with prosciutto and arugula, and the Margherita pizza were my favorites. I really liked the decor, even the bathrooms were cool looking. The wine selection was vast in my opinion and the fresh honey really made me love this place. I'm surely going here when I'm back in town.
(5)
Selena L.
Came here to celebrate a friend's visit and am thoroughly impressed! The decor, the ambience, our server were all great! I ordered the Riccio di Mare e Granchio (linguine + sea urchin + crab) and was immensely satisfied! We shared the mascarpone polenta + ragù of the day which was also amazing. The dessert however, knocked our socks off! We ordered the biondo torta del burro bruno at the recommendation of our server and now know what heaven tastes like! We also shared the torta di arachidi banane and the torta bacio, but the biondo was by far the best! Plenty of street parking although you may have to circle around more than once.
(5)
Elisa G.
Went to this place once with a group of friends. It is ok... I would not say more than ok ! Ambience is quite nice. It really looks like you are eating in an enoteca. Staff is very friendly. However, the food was ok... Italian style Pizza: there are so many better in Chicago. Pasta was ok. But, again, nothing special. Desserts were good. Overall, given the amount of really good Italian food that you can find in Chicago. I wouldn't go back there.
(3)
Stafford M.
My partner and I love this restaurant. The polenta is a gift from God. The chicken dish falls off the bone. The wait staff are all nice and non pretentious. My only pet peeve is that they don't offer bread. When I asked the waiter about it, he said "we try to keep it as authentically Italian as possible. If you want bread we can bring you garlic toast for a charge." Honestly, I have traveled extensively throughout Italy and never remember restaurant that didn't offer bread. That's just my pet peeve about the place. We've been a couple times before and will be back many more.
Came for a friends bday - the food is super good and sharing small plates is always fun. We started with the squash salad which was my fav small plate. We also got the truffle egg toast which was yummy and the mascarpone of the day which was pretty good. Then we moved on to the mushroom pizza, seafood linguine and sausage pasta. We also got two bottles of wine. Also got the bacio pie for the bday girl. Pretty reasonable - $40 for three people. Only reason this place gets 4 starts - we waiting about 2.5 hours for a table. Came in at 7, seated at 9:30. Food came out super fast. We passed the time at Three Aces which was down the street.
(4)
Boris A.
Very cozy place in Little Italy. We were there for brunch and the food and service were great. The place has a great wine selection and an interesting menu, so I cannot wait to come back for dinner. Great date place.
(4)
Jules D.
Live in the area part-time...been here THREE times in the last two weeks. Go early, it gets busy and LOUD. Grub = We have tried a lot of the menu in these three visits. Enjoyed everything with the exception of the Pizza della Frattoria. Personal taste, I guess, and the egg was completely raw...yolk AND white. Service = We have only had one mediocre server out of three visits. Pet Peeve = You only get four small pieces of delish, oven-grilled bread (tuscan toast) with your crock of choice (vasi). Ask for extra bread upon ordering it. You will want anything you can to spread this goodness on. Favorites: ricotta & honey vasi, cacio e pepe (they are not kidding with the pepper, very spicey), pizza D.O.C. Try it soon...it just made the Chicago Magazine top ten restaurants to watch in November. It is bound to get even busier!!!
(5)
Keith D.
Unbelievable. Every bite was a unique experience. No reservations, but you can leave your cell phone and they'll call you when your table is ready. The wine selection was great. Try everything.
(5)
Elizabeth S.
They is a great spot in Little Italy! They have unique dishes beyond your traditional Italian fare at Rosebud and Francesca's with quality ingredients. I would say all the small plates can add up to be a pricey evening though! We have always had good service, the atmosphere is nice but the front tables are not ideal due to the bar being so small. I'd would recommend this place for a date night and small group dinners especially if you are in the mood for a different take on Italian!
(4)
Stan P.
I have to admit, we were surprised. We had read the reviews on line and wanted to try Davanti. When we arrived, we were a little shaken to see that the restaurant is nestled into the lobby of the Marriott. We are staunchly opposed to hotel restaurant food so we balked. Happily, however, we went in. While I don't love the decor -- I would have given 5 stars but for the decor which is a bit phony -- the food was outstanding. Everything we ordered tasted real and delicious. We began with the tuna carpaccio, a summer squash salad and an arugula salad. It was all fabulous all real tasting, like from some great cook's home. We followed with the rigatoni with sausage and tomato which was just perfect. We were so delighted, and our server was so solicitous and wonderful. It was the right beginning to a lovely Chicago summer evening. So so so glad that we went here - we will be back and we recommend highly to everyone. Ignore the Marriott sign!
(4)
A B.
Here is my review. Don't bother going. Good was cold. Service was arrogant for no reason. And dessert was not nearly as good as Francesco's.
(1)
Afton M.
Amazing! We went to dinner here last night and was completely blown away. We started with the ricotta and honey comb appetizer, it was fantastic. The two of us shared 3 dishes since they are small plates. We got the sea urchin and crab pasta, the gnocchi and pork cheek, and the octopus. The service was great and I loved the atmosphere. Will make it a point to go next time in in Chicago.
(5)
Donna K.
Love this place. Uni pasta is always a must have (we always order at least two) and the pork shoulder with polenta is fantastic. This is always our go to place whenever we are in a rut choosing a place to dine out. Great for girls night out as well. Service has been great so far and we have yet to try a dish we do not like.
(5)
Nathan R.
My quick rating is immediately below. Scroll down for my full review: Food: 4/5 Atmosphere: 3/5 Service: 2/5 Overall: 3/5 My dining experience at Davanti Enoteca: I dined at Davanti with three friends on December 12th. We had a reservation for 9PM through OpenTable and were seated immediately. This is where service started to slide downhill. After being seated, we waited 15-20 minutes before our waiter even stopped by for the first time. The wait staff provided water, but we noticed all other tables being serviced multiple times before our waiter came to introduce himself. His attitude was arrogant, and he had no excuse for making us wait. We were also placed in a dark corner, which would have fine with decent service, but contributed to our sub-par experience. After the waiter came (Andrew), we waited another 20 minutes before he came back to take our order. In between waiting to order, as well as waiting for our food, we ran out of water several times and relied on the wait staff to keep our glasses filled. We noticed that other tables were regularly being check up on, but for some reason, our waiter was not interested in us enough. We ordered dessert, which was tasty, but the sour taste of poor service ruined the overall experience for me. Dishes ordered: Davanti Burger: 3/5 -The burger was tasty and well made, but could have been more complex. Prosciutto e Rucola Pizza: 4/5 -This was delicious, generous slices of prosciutto on a warm, crispy base Bruschette: 4/5 -Very good
(3)
Cheryl L.
DaVanti is a very nice tapas style Italian restaurant. The menu selections are unusual but interesting and tasty. The wine selections are impressive and perhaps a little pricey for my budget. Nevertheless I recommend you try this restaurant.
(4)
Will M.
Wow. Had brunch upstairs on the deck. We ordered a bunch of dishes and shared. Here were my favorites. Pork Belly Linguine with sea urchin and crab ricotta with honey Truffle toast polenta Very special restaurant
(5)
A N.
came here with several people and we ordered enough to feed a small army. overall I thought the food was OK, nothing spectacular. the portions were also on the smaller side. I did enjoy my visit here but I don't think I would ever crave the food here or would want to come back if I were in Chicago again.
(3)
Gary C.
This is my third visit and this time we took my parents, to avoid a wait we went late afternoon on a Sunday well after the lunch/brunch crowd had left. Three times and still not disappointed in the quality of the food and the service. This time we ordered and all really enjoyed the Riccio di Mare e Granchio, pasta with large chunks of sweet crab meat. Another pasta dish that was outstanding was the Cacio e Pepe, pasta with the creaminess of the pecorino cheese followed with a kick from the black pepper. I like the casual decor, walls of wine storage, lots of brick, stone and wood and with a little imagination it resembles dining in a wine cellar in Umbria. I'm sure we'll be back again; it's just getting the timing down so we don't have to wait for 30/60 minutes.
(4)
Mary Ann C.
So...dined here with my sister for her bday lunch. She decided many of the things we ordered. I expected a lot more, as far as creativity. I have been dying to dine here since it opened, and I was left......with an unremarkable lunch. Service-Good Speed of food preparation and presentation at lunch-Very, very, very slow Price- Good Atmosphere/Crowd-Nice spot (bigger than I expected) and full for lunch by noon on a Friday. Truffled toast with asparagus-Yumm. Quite delicious. Corn salad-Very good. Spaghetti with black pepper-Good but not great Beet salad-Not very exciting I am going to visit again to see if other menu items will excite me more....
(3)
Mendy P.
This place is great! The bill for the 2 of us ended up at just over $100 pre-tip and it was well worth it. The portions are small but not too small and, with our large appetites, we ended up going with 6 appetizers, 2 mains & dessert. Our waiter was professional but friendly and had great input and recommendations on what we would like based on our taste. The ambiance was authentic Italian and lively. The decor resembled a wooded countryside restaurant located on a vineyard. Highly recommended!
(5)
Greg G.
Nice restaurant that is usually pretty easy to get in without a reservation for the Chicago River North area. I usually get the prosciutto pizza which is amazing. So much flavor! Can't really go wrong with any of the pastas, they are all fine, I usually go with the gnocchi or ravioli. If you're in a jam and need a good spot to eat dinner and don't want to go to a fast food place, check out Enoteca, you can't go wrong.
(4)
Kevin C.
Truffle egg toast and mascarpone polenta are good. Sea urchin pasta was alright
(4)
Adoley J.
I had the pleasure of dining at Davanti Enoteca early this fall and I was not disappointed. My friend and I shared the Prosciutto e Rucola pizze, Rigatoni con Salsiccia e Pomodori al forno, Capesante e Fregola (scallops with hen of the woods + fregola sarda + guanciale). The pizza was probably my favorite. The flavors of the prosciutto with the mozzerella and arugula was perfect. The crust perfectly cooked as well. I really liked the rigatoni as well. Great service and a cute date spot. I definitely recommend trying it out.
(4)
Kurt G.
Time to find a new place...so glad we took a chance here. From the moment we walked in, it just felt comfortable, very welcoming. Did we want a high table or a low table? A question that I've never heard before, a sure sign of courtesies to come. The server asked if we had been there before - nope, first time - so she patiently explained the small plate service to share amongst the table. We started with the grilled calamari antipasto, the goat cheese croquette and the polenta with tonight's ragu. These we perfect. The polenta, creamy. The croquette crispy, steamy and savory. Next, we finished with the lamb sausage pizza and the faro salad. The roasted spring veggies and balsamic blended so well. The lamb sausage was earthy, tender and not over seasoned. Refreshing in its simpleness, yet the lamb spoke through... No room for dessert. This was a great dining experience, the service staff was great, attentive and professional. Yes, we will return. You should try this one!
(5)
B R.
Great wine and cheese pairings flight was a pleasant surprise. Main menu items of the farro 'salad' suggested by my server Toni were an excellent start. I hadn't had farro and this super grain that they combine with hazelnut, honey, among others was extremely tasteful. The seared octopus was very very good. Large meaty arms served on to of a bed of fingrling potatoes and charcuterie sausage! Great meal overall.
(4)
Jaime M.
Such delicious unique Italian food. The place was always full the whole night and when we walked in to wait for a table we were told there weren't going to be any tables available until 930pm. I'm assuming they just had a lot of reservations. We waiting for a few and grabbed a seat at the bar. The ricotta and honey with toast was so delicious and unique. We got the warm kale salad. So good. One of the best things of the night was the polenta dish. You need to try this. The service was great. Overall a great experience with service and food. It was a little crowded but that just means it's the place to visit.
(5)
Nancy Y.
Very warm atmosphere! The wild mushroom pizza with leeks was amazing! Also the blonde brownie with maple gelato topped with carmel and almonds was the best dessert I have tasted in the longest time!
(5)
Tatiana T.
My review may be biased since I know people who work here, but I love their food every time I come and the staff are really sweet. They do get busy a lot and try their best to accommodate everyone and sometimes it's difficult, It's a great restaurant and that happens. I give them two thumbs up for the work they do and to the chefs that create some amazing food. Every time it comes out perfect. I'll always keep showing up. My favorites are the Ricotta and honey comb vasi, the cacio e pepe and the polpo con rafano. Also, always make a reservation. It gets packed.
(5)
Dana C.
I love this place both Taylor street and WESTERN SPRINGS location. We have been going to this establishment for a few years now. All the food is great, as well as the wine list and infused vodka made in house. Brought both my side of the family and my boyfriend's side just to share the wealth ;)
(5)
Janet E.
We came here for dinner on a weekday night and surprisingly the restaurant was super busy. It got especially busier after 630pm. The restaurant is not large but it is cozy. The food made our experience even better. We ordered: pizza--it was good--nice thin crust and dough was a little sweet sea urchin and crab---crab meat seemed canned and was cold while noodles were warm roccotta cheese with honey comb--very little honey comb. eat with the bread--if you eat the honey comb by itself, the wax will stick to your teeth We also ordered a salad which I can't remember the name, but it was good. Service here was attentive. However, we felt rushed towards the end of our meal because the restaurant started getting busy.
(4)
Kathleen C.
My husband read about this place so took me there as a surprise. I hadn't read any reviews and didn't know what I was getting into but was thrilled. We had a 90 minute dinner that seemed so quick and relaxing. I can't wait to go back to this fabulous restaurant. They didn't take reservations but when we arrived just after 6pm on a Tuesday, the restaurant was only half full (and 30 minutes later--it was more than full). I was not pleased at all when we were sat at a high top right next to the kitchen. Turns out at Davanti, this is THE BEST seat in the house. We were able to see all of the different plates and figure out what we wanted to eat based on watching it being prepped or served. Lucky us! We ordered some wine and then started ordering a few plates at a time. The entire order consisted of: toasted hearts of palm; crispy pork belly with peach mostarda; roasted cherry tomato, burrata cheese & basil oil; giant rigatoni, sausage, oven roasted tomato & parmigiano; and pizza with italian mild sausage, broccoli rabe, garlic & chili oil, fresh mozzarella, tomato. Everything was SO GOOD! And there was no problem (and no fuss!) to have the pasta with sausage on the side and pizza with sausage on one side. So different from any restaurant we visited in Italy. My husband didn't like the pork belly but was glad he tried it. Our waitress felt so bad that she took the charge for the pork belly off of our receipt. Little touches like this go a long way.
(5)
Sue K.
omgaaaz, this had to be one of the best meals ever! We came in, and they said the wait would be 45 minutes to an hour. It was much much less. suhweeet. Our waiter was super helpful and nice - made sure we were enjoying our meal. Everything came out at a nice pace. The food was sooo good. We had beets, linguine with sea urchins, octopus, and mushroom/leek/truffle oil pizza. Everything was SO good, in my opinion. I never knew beets could taste so delicious. The linguine/octopus - delicious. The pizza - earthy, mushroom-y, truffle-y goodness. I had leftovers, and I was so excited to eat them the next morning but sadly, someone from my family beat me to it. Waaah :[ Definitely would love to go again to try more more moreeee :]
(5)
Rachel H.
Perseverance, friends. Our first attempt resulted in being told of a two hour wait and my giant tantrum as I had no backup plan. I at least had the dignity to have the tantrum in the car and not at the host stand. That should count for something. Fast forward to last night's celebration of my one year anniversary with my companion. I was determined to make this thing with Davanti Enoteca work just as well. Well, 5:15 on a Sunday is a great time to eat dinner, if you're old or desperate. I'm a little bit of both. Onto the food... I knew in my heart, soul and bones that I wanted that burrata salad, and it was brought out, devoured, and dreamed of, just like I knew it would be. Also, doubters take note, it was served with bread. Perfect. The appetizer surprise of the evening was the squash and farro dish, recommended by our friendly and knowledgeable server, Andy. It was delicious. Thank you, Andy. We didn't share our "entrees" because I wanted meat, but this was fine. A dish of giant (and I mean giant) rigatoni with sausage was the perfect size for me, and boyfriend enjoyed the giant raviolo. Next time I might try the steak, which I spied on someone's table, or the polenta and ragout. Oh did that look good. I wish I was speedy like that creature, Teek, from Ewoks Battle for Endor, because I would have dashed around snatching tidbits... I am shameless. Dessert was the chocolate hazelnut mousse, which was rich and delicious. I will order mousse anywhere, but this was really great. We also shared a bottle of wine (no corkage fee on Sunday). I will absolutely return. I just hope to score an immediate table next time instead of a tantrum, but I think I have a game plan now.
(5)
Abby T.
man oh man, my mouth was watering at the thought of the torta bacio dessert from Davanti last night. No, I wasn't there....it just popped into my head and wouldn't leave! It would be a crime to come to Davanti and not order the torta bacio. DO IT!
(5)
Rachel G.
Finally the words I hear on Top Chef, I was actually able to try at Davanti! Polenta - Check Pork belly - Check Truffle sauce - Check Some mushroom sauteed in some animal part - Check Why I don't consider myself an adventurous eater, I loved Davanti and everything....repeat....everything is exceptional here! Came here for my office hoilday party and while they don't take reservations, get here early and seating isn't too bad. We sat at a high table in the center of the restaurant and it was perfect! The decor is rustic-ish with candles in those 'Ball' jars, candelabras, brick, soft lighting and wood everywhere. Since we had a large group, we had one person do the ordering, so I can't tell you exactly what we got. But if you read my note above...it doesn't matter because everything was delcious. My favs were the grilled bread with ricotta and honey, olive oil polenta, one of their pizzas, foccacia, pasta with black pepper and the chocolate mouse for dessert. The wine was also delicious and the staff brought the food out in a timely matter and the wine kept on coming. We had a wonderful time and for a party of 15, the place worked out great. I was really impressed and I already have plans to go back and take the parents this time!
(5)
Anch D.
Probably my favorite restaurant of any kind in the city. Period. This place always impresses and exceeds expectations. The menu is always evolving. The ambiance is unbeatable. The drinks and food are always prepared to perfection. If you have not been yet, drop whatever you are doing and go. NOW!!!
(5)
Joel W.
Always one of my favorite spots to go to when wanting to enjoy an evening out. The small plates allow for fantastic sharing and conversation. The polenta is always legit and is a must get for anyone. We were back on Saturday with a party of 4 and had 5 courses to split along with some wines. The bruschetta and polenta were great. The meat and cheese plate allowed us to sample a few different types of meat as well. Fantastic place and good service. Should be on everyone's list to go to.
(4)
Viktor B.
Really loud . Really tight inside . Plates are extremely small . Pretty long wait for the waitress. Food came out fast tho . Food tastes good. I liked music playing at the background .
(3)
Taylor A.
My party and I came here for dinner on a tuesday. We were promptly seated and offered water right away. The waitress was a sweetheart, and was so attentive. My party ordered some wine and some type of strong 100 proof whisky (cray cray I know) We ended up sharing the arugula pizza, meatballs, peppered and cheese spaghetti and crab spaghetti (not sure the official names) IT WAS KICK ASS. this place is delicious! I work for a competitor down the street and I have to say THIS WAS IMPRESSIVE! I will be back!
(5)
Kristen L.
Went here on a whim one cold Sunday morning for brunch after Stax (right across the street) was way too long of a wait. Now, I love me my hearty breakfast/brunch portions and was a little wary of how hungry I might be afterward, knowing full well that this was an Italian tapas restaurant. BUT, everything was superb and I was pretty full after my meal. Here's what was ordered: Uovo con Salsiccia: two eggs, sausage, braised onions, and roasted potatoes. Sure, the portions are a tad bit smaller, but everything was very hearty. The eggs (over-easy) were awesome when the yolks were popped and then paired with the sausage. The braised onions added a whole new level of flavor when combined with everything else. The potatoes also came with roasted red peppers, so that was also a plus. Uovo Barzotto: pork belly with hollandaise sauce, avocados, roasted potatoes, and eggs. Perfectly fatty, perfectly savory, and perfectly filling. A little heavy to eat first thing in the morning, but it's totally worth it. Bellini: $5 bellinis! Woot. Everything was great, other than the fact that the wait for the food is a little long since everything is cooked to order and they were pretty busy. The bf and I wanted to get more but didn't want to wait around for it. Overall, good service, good food, and we are looking forward to the next time we go back.
(4)
Rachel W.
A perfect place to share small plates, so you can get a few bites of several great dishes. We ordered about 6 different plates, and we absolutely loved everything, especially the raviolo with egg. The food is served hot and quickly, and the wine list is excellent as well. Wonderful and friendly service. The dining room is loud, but the atmosphere is fun and has great energy.
(5)
Jimmy J.
Cool rustic wood build out. Salads, cauliflower brushchetta, warm olives, were solid. Flash fried pork belly was a little fatty and lackluster. Rigatoni Bolognese featured a amazing marinara that appeared to have parm in it. Rigatoni was huge, very al dente. Sauce was super..sausage was ok..but portion for price was lacking. I'm not a fan of wood fire pizza. Soggy middle. I requested extra well done. It was even close. That said, crust texture, flavor, and sauce were very good. Service was friendly but not sharp. No bread was brought or offered. Busboy was a stoner space cadet who poured more water on table than our glasses. Quality of ingredients was very good. Salt is modestly applied here which is good IMO. Better to be able to add than to be overpowered. Would i return? Not per se vut I'd have no problem recommending if someone wanted a place to eat near the Village.
(4)
Gabe H.
Overpriced and below average quality. Stay away from the polpo, mine was cooked to resemble a resistance band.
(2)
Elsa S.
Super friendly staff. Solid food. I would day not to go with anything run of the mill. We went by server recommendations and ordered some things not normally on other menus and were very pleased. We tried a regular sounding pasta and felt it was average. In other words, go outside your normal ordering.
(4)
Julia C.
Delicious. Try the mascarpone polenta and the truffle egg toast
(4)
Bahi K.
This place lived up to the hype, and then some! It might just be my new favorite place in all of Chicago. The hostess greeted us with a warm smile and took my cell phone number, telling me that it would about a half hour wait. And in almost exactly 30 minutes, I got a call from her informing me that our table was ready. While we didn't get seated at the very back, which would have been ideal, we still were conveniently perched on some high chairs across from the wood oven pizza section. We were able to observe the people seated immediately adjacent to us and get a sense as to what we might or might not order. Upon our waitress' recommendation, we tried the Greco white wine (which was delicious) and very affordable. Our plates consisted of the tomato and mozzarella salad (she was right -- the mozza might just be the best I've tasted outside of Italy), the pork belly (simply divine), the rigatoni (mouth watering), and the grilled chicken (which took awhile but was well worth the wait -- tender and spiced *just* right). We topped this off with an amazing chocolate hazelnut dessert. The evening lasted about three hours (but felt more like an hour and a half) and cost less than $80 for everything above. I've eaten in Rome, and believe it or not, this meal actually bested anything I ate there. I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Eric H.
I went here for my girlfriends birthday. This place is a wine bar and has an extensive menu of small plates. We picked out a nice bottle of wine, sat inside by the window. It was nice but not too fancy, kind of a moderately noisy place. (Not the most romantic venue). We started off with the honeycomb ricotta vasi with their bread. The ricotta was delish, and we basically licked the jar clean. Then we had the warm kale salad, and the squash and goat cheese salad. Then we ordered a pizza, which was topped with sausage and peppers. The pizza was good, it was somewhat traditional Italian oven-fired pizza. At the end of the meal there was a tasty piece of cake, and no tacky birthday song. Our server was very attentive and knew his way around the menu and wine list. It was great, and there are plenty of options to order next time.
(4)
Millie T.
I really loved this cozy restaurant and its delicious "Italian comfort food," as I kept calling it. Davanti is really perfect for date night. The warm, gentle lighting and light wood finishes were so relaxing and romantic. The dining room in the back of the restaurant got a bit loud (especially thanks to a tipsy birthday girl and her entourage), but it looked like the tables up towards the front were much quieter. We showed up at 9pm on a Saturday night with no reservation (I don't think they take them) and were told it would be a 45 minute wait, but were seated in maybe 10, with large pours of tasty wine in hand. We had the Foccacia di Recco, which was a soft salty thin pizza stuffed with a cow cheese that tasted much like cream cheese -- not incredibly adventurous, but a really nice combination of salt, cream and dough. This sounds really weird, but I think this would be a great thing to eat if you're feeling under the weather. The burrata salad was delicious and massive. Who doesn't love a huge piece of burrata for $8? The egg ravioli and the warm farro salad, which was a special, were also very good. The wines by the bottle were a little confusing to me - they look extremely cheap, but they are listed at retail price so you have to add the $7 corkage to drink them in the restaurant.
(5)
Kyle P.
Place is great. The truffle toast for an app with a pizza and the burger is really good. Love the wine prices and the deck upstairs
(5)
K. J.
I headed to Davanti Enoteca with my co-workers for our annual holiday luncheon and was charmed by the rustic interior and warmth of this fun restaurant in Little Italy. This is a tapas-style Italian place, and the first time I have encountered small plates in Italian restaurant. We ordered lots of different dishes and shared them amongst ourselves. Our server was very helpful and made great suggestions. There is lots to choose from on the menu, and I was surprised to see that the menu had a glossary, but I have to admit that is came in quite handy when trying to decide on dishes. Out of all the things we ordered, the focaccia di Recco was by far my favorite, and a must try for anyone eating at Davanti. Many of the shared plates are small...maybe enough for a few people to sample, so order two of a dish if you have a larger group like we did. The only thing I found a little off about this restaurant was the music playing in the background. Perhaps I am just not cool enough to embrace Snoop Dogg with my pasta, but it just didn't seem to fit with the overall vibe of this place. Now, I am sure that hearing the same rat pack tunes over and over again must really start to grate on the nerves of folks working in Italian restaurants, but surly there is a happy medium that offers variety but still meshes with the vibe of your restaurant. But all in all, I had a great meal, and the service was lovely. I'd go pack in a heartbeat.
(4)
Phil F.
Really like this addition to the neighborhood, it is Italian but pulls away from the expected and ubiquitous fare one can easily find at any Italian resto. Theyre cocktail specials are nice too, they would get me to come back. The food was overall really nice. Nothing too mind blowing, just simple, rustic food. Although they did use aerosol whipped cream on the desserts, kinda scary. Is it that hard to whip cream?? Totally will go back though, the menu is large and diverse...much more to explore!!!
(4)
Mara M.
Food is really delicious The service was very odd. Came as a party of 4, our waitress was really pushing the idea of us ordering lots of small dishes to share. We decided to get two smaller plates for the table, but then everyone ordered their own thing to eat as a main course. Got the farro salad (delicious) and the broccolini (very good). Instead of bringing out the main dishes at the same time, they brought each thing out individually as it was done, which was totally awkward. My pasta came first and I didn't want to start before everyone else got their meal, but it was obvious that it would get cold before anyone else's food arrived. It seemed like the wait staff was trying to make a point about "sharing" and "tapas style" portions. Annoying, but the food was good enough to let it slide. Other issue was that the bussers would take away anything from the table the moment you put your fork down. They took away my wine before I was done, most of our plates before we were finished, and even took away the little pizza stand before the pizza even arrived. It was almost comedic how fast they were. Might be better as a one on one date spot.
(3)
M D.
Delicious. I'll be back. Everything from the ambiance to the wine to the appetizer (ricotta with honeycomb...lots of other items I want to try!) to the pizze (prosciutto et rucola) to the paste (raviolo, risotto) was absolutely delicious. So looking forward to a return visit!
(5)
Aimee M.
My group of friends and I shared a couple dishes: DOC brischette Roasted beets Rocco de mare e granchio They were gourmet and affordable.
(5)
Mary D.
So yum!! This place encourages sharing so the 6 of us had the mozz & basil pizza, spaghetti, ravioli, steak, some amazing wine (cade cab 2011), the kids had some root beer, some delicious desserts - the donut, the "ground up" candy bar, and the gelato. I'm not using the official names but if you go with any of those you can't go wrong. It was so so good. We are from SC so was a great place to come for visiting Chicago. And our waiter (Ron) was fantastic and so helpful in choosing menu items, especially with the wine. This place rocks!!!!
(5)
Sahil G.
We went here for filling Italian food and got just the exact opposite. The food portions are really tiny, REALLY TINY. If you are looking for a filling meal, look elsewhere. I got the a pizza for myself and for 15 dollars I have had much, much better pizzas. I recommend going to maggianos or bacci for filling and authentic Italian food.
(2)
Nisa D.
Food was delicious!! My husband took me here for my birthday. We ordered the foccacia with cheese and honey comb,thin crust prosciutto arugula pizza, riganoni n sausage,octopus and some other plates i cant remember :( but they were good. Everything was great including the atmosphere and service.
(4)
Sami J.
In love!!! I was so impressed by this place. I had a completely different vision before I walked in so I was blown away. My boyfriend and I went for dinner. Atmosphere: The space is beautiful. We sat at a table in the bar. The decor was gorgeous with brick archways, walls made of old wine cases, rustic lighting.... I could go on for hours about it. Service: Our waiter (who I believe to also be the bartender) could not have been more hospitable. He promptly brought us waters and menus (one of my biggest pet peeves is sitting and waiting to be greeted upon being seated). He guided us through the menu, wine lists and daily specials and made a couple recommendations. He was quick to change plates, fill water and wine, bring entrees and remove items no longer needed. He was also social and funny. Felt like we were being served by a friend (and this goes for everyone that helped during service and seating). Food: I had been craving good pasta and this hit the spot. We tried the bruchetta special ($5 on Sunday) which included squash. I hadn't had anything like it and it was a refreshing spin on standard bruchetta. It was served atop 4 pieces of bread. Next we tried the warm kale salad (Kale, Guanciale, Orange, Pecans, Pecorino). This was my least favorite dish as it was a little salty from the Guanciale and I didn't care for the temperature of it but it was still very enjoyable. We ordered 3 pasta dishes (the raviolo, rigatoni and cacio e pepe). We asked that all the dishes be served "al dente" which our server was a little confused by (surprising) but they still hit it on the head. The Raviolo is stuffed with spinach and covered in parm and olive oil. This is only one piece but large enough to split between two people (although you won't want to). This was my favorite dish of the night. Next, the cacio e pepe was a little over cooked to our liking but the pecorino was perfectly melted and creamy. If the pasta was cooked a little less this would have been my favorite dish. The Rigatoni was a last minute addition since I was craving some red sauce and I'm so glad we did! The pasta was cooked to perfection and the sausage was very flavorful. We added parm to the top and I ate it in minutes. The sauce was simple and was just enough. Wine: They offer 5 and 8 oz pours and bottles. Their wine list is expansive and everything is reasonably priced. We enjoyed a bottle of the Asti. We intended to enjoy a little and take the rest home, but it was so good we finished it all at dinner. Unfortunately we were too stuffed for dessert but we were given free limoncello which was some of the best I've had. Usually I leave this behind because it's too tart or strong but this, to me, was the perfect amount of tart, sweet and liqueur.
(5)
Fred S.
I'm a little ashamed that it's taken me this long to write a review because I've dined at Davanti Enoteca so many times. Running a restaurant has to be one of the most challenging undertakings out there, especially in a city that has so many offerings as Chicago. I love introducing friends to Davanti because they are blown away by the food. The dishes are simple, elegant and well executed consistently. The favors are balanced and the dishes are arranged in a thoughtful manner. Sometimes when I go with friends, we wind up doing a number of small plates but I always insist on the polenta + ragu, ricotta and honey comb. The pork chop is perfectly cooked, flavorful and beautiful. The risotto is al dente, and flavorful with a gorgeous presentation. You can't go wrong with any of the pizzas, or pastas. Just yesterday, I discovered their (Saturday/Sunday) Bloody Mary bar which is " DIY" and genius. Davanti is always one of my top pics.
(4)
Mike M.
I originally had reservations at the Davanti Enoteca in River North, but my friend who I was meeting up for dinner insisted that the Taylor street location had better consistency when it came to the food. When we got there, parking seemed to be way easier and generally the area wasn't as busy, which was good. Atmosphere: This place had a real rustic feel to it. It seemed cozier than some of the trendier Italian spots in the city and had kind of a wooden decor theme going on. I liked it. Food: I've never been to any of their locations before, so I just let her take the lead on the ordering. Polenta / ragu of the day - This dish was pretty cool because they assemble it in front of you at the table. Our server brought out a wooden board and then spread the polenta on it. Then he layered the ragu on top of it. The ragu of the day when we went was veal meatball. I thought it was pretty good. The polenta added a nice creamy texture and served as good base for each bite. The ragu had plenty of meat but I couldn't really taste a huge difference with veal meatballs over regular beef ones. I heard the pork shoulder ragu was even better. Crispy pork belly - Basically massive strips of gourmet bacon. These were thick cut and had an awesome crispy outside. Every bite started with a nice crunch and then you just hit a layer of melt in your mouth fattiness. I just wished it was a bigger serving. I could've eaten plates and plates of that stuff. Uni pasta - Apparently this is main reason she even chose this place for dinner...it's pretty much her go to dish. I was a little skeptical since I'm honestly not even a huge fan of seafood to begin with but damn it was pretty delicious. It's actually a really simple dish. It just looked like a plate of noodles at first, but once I took a bite I was surprised at the flavors that jumped out at me. The noodles were very al dente and from a texture standpoint it wasn't very saucy at all. But that sea urchin sauce that cooked into the noodles was both rich and bold, without having an overwhelming fishy taste. I'd definitely order this again. Overall, I enjoyed the dinner at Davanti. The food was really good and the atmosphere is the perfect setting for a date. The menu is pretty big so there's a lot more stuff I still wanna try.
(4)
Jason J.
My dad and I visited Davanti Enoteca over Labor Day Weekend. The food was astonishingly delicious, boarder-line orgasmic. I had plenty of choices as a vegetarian. We both had the famous truffle egg toast (delicious!), the arugula salad with a 5-yr balsamic vinegar dressing (very sophisticated taste), and the Pizza of Earth which is basically a decked out mushroom pizza full of flavor. I also got the raviolo with brown butter sauce- the only fault I find is that it's a singular, and not a plurality/plethora of ravioli...this dish literally blew my mind. And since the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines "literally" to mean "actually" as well as "virtually", you will have no idea if my mind is actually or figuratively blown and if I'm just a mindless reviewer.
(5)
Jon P.
Man it has been a great week, a 5 Star on Friday at Orland Mall at Seasons 52, and now a 5 Star on Tuesday night at Davanti Enoteca!! I was in the city on Tuesday with my business partner and our wives for a seminar (barf) that ended at four. Now as much as I looooooooooove rush hour coming out of Chi-Town, we decided to find a local place to have some "thank god the seminar is over" beverages and tender vittles. Well, trusty YELP! led us to Davanti on Taylor street in little Italy. Killer reviews so we gave it a go, GOOD CALL! This place is so perfect, the ambiance, the smells, the brickwork, the open kitchen concept are an absolute home run! Service was spot on and we all really had a very good time. We were the first to sit and it was a bit hot. The hostess/manager allowed us to open a door right next to our table to cool things off, it worked! We ordered from the very adequate wine and beer menu. I had a nice Cabernet and my associates partook in a Peroni. Davanti is a "tapas" style Italian restaurant, meaning everyone shares smaller portions. So we started with the meat and cheese plate. They have a great ala carte charcuterie (sp) portion of their menu. We ordered two dairy cheeses, the prosciutto, and the chorizo. A+ Fresh and beautifully plated. Great way to start the meal! From there we ordered a few hot "tapas". We ordered: Riccio di Mare e Granchio aka; linguine + sea urchin + crab A+++++ The sea urchin created such a briny and savory flavor to the pasta. Really perfect. Maiale e Ricotta Gnudi ...pork cheek + ricotta gnudi + green garlic A Whis was deceptively spicy, but the flavor was a knock out as far as I was concerned. Some of my fellow diners were a little off about the texture, but I enjoyed. Polpo con Rafano ...seared octopus + warm fingerling potato salad + marcona almonds + finnochiona + fresh horseradish aioli A+++++ Really my second favorite of the evening. This is a foot or so long single octopus arm grilled in a really flavorful sauce. This plate was licked clean FYI! Capesante e Fregola...seared day boat scallops + hen of the woods + fregola sarda + guanciale A++++++++ This was the winner in my book. The scallops were perfectly seared. That's not terribly difficult to do. However, the fresh Hen of the Woods mushroom "risotto" they were served on was legendary. I love places that incorporate seasonal shrooms into their dishes. We ordered a few desserts but I can only remember one...... because I still dream about it. The biondo torta del burro bruno aka: brown butter blondie + maple gelato +caramel sauce + almonds A+++++++ Makes all other desserts forgetable. Thanks again YELP for directing me to this phenomenal restaurant. I would recommend this place to anyone, even the fussiest of diners. Thank you Davonti for a perfect outing! We'll be back ASAP!
(5)
Steve S.
We were here In Chicago and wanted Italian food. Found this place on Yelp and were not disappointed. The food was old style Italion and the service was fantastic! I can't wait to come back to Chicago to eat here again!
(5)
Niki I.
The veal and prosciutto meatballs appetizer is delicious! The octopus excellent and unique! The zucchini salad very refreshing!
(4)
A R.
Came here tonight for dinner with a reservation for 8:30. The place was packed and very loud. I loved the exposed brick bar and the old timey decoration but I wasn't impressed that all the seating in the front was high tops. It brought down the classiness and made it more of a bar feel which wasn't what I was hoping for. The wait staff and hostess were very friendly and attentive which was great. Our water glasses were never empty and our dishes continuously cleared. I should also note that I was impressed at how the food was brought out, 1 dish at a time, so we could really appreciate each dish without feeling rushed to get to the next one. Here's a breakdown on the food: 1. Ricotta & Honey - holy cow. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of honey or anything sickeningly sweet. However, this was by far one of the best appetizers I think I've ever had. The honey comb was so fresh, the ricotta was nicely seasoned with salt and pepper and the bread was fantastically crunchy. I'd give 10 stars just for this appetizer - you have to try it. 2. Burrata - generally, I'm a fan of all things caprese related. Especially when there is Burrata. This came with roasted tomatoes and a basil pesto. It was pretty good but unfortunately it came out after the ricotta & honey and we were so blown away by that dish that this one paled in comparison. But it was still good and worth a try. 3. Rigatoni Pomodori - this was good but as a warning, it comes with enormous chunks of onion in it. I absolutely hate onions and wish I had know before I ordered. Also, the waiter got a little happy with the cheese and I ended up with a mound of Parmesan on top. Still, worth ordering again but next time I'll specify no onions. 4. Gnocchi with Lamb Ragu - most interesting gnocchi we ever tried. Typically I'd expect almost dumplingesque potato pillows but instead we got little cakes of potato more similar to a mashed potato cake. It was topped with lamb meat that was very tender but needed more tomato sauce in my opinion. 5. Strawberry Rhubarb Sorbetti - after such rich courses we opted for a lighter Sorbetti. I'm not sure where the rhubarb came in - this just tasted like fresh strawberry sorbet to us. A bit sweet for my liking but clearly fresh and delectably creamy. All in all, the food was good, waiters were helpful, atmosphere was a bit loud and confused, valet parking was available, and everything was reasonably priced. I will definitely go back for that ricotta & honey!
(4)
Erica L.
I don't know why I gave Davanti only 4 fours in my original review. The food is consistently amazing. We always order the Focaccia di Recco with the Honeycomb, the Cacio e Pepe, and Hubby's new discovery, the Rigatoni. Davanti is one of the few restaurants in Chicago that is on our regular restaurant rotation, which says a lot since I'm all about trying new places. Every guest we take here has been blown away. We took a couple from Italy (one who was born and raised in Parma) here for dinner when they were visiting from San Francisco. Hubby told me they were pretty critical about Italian food in the US. They liked it so much they came back for lunch the next day! My latest discovery has been the dessert since we are always too full to try it. During our recent visit, we tried the Biondo Torta Del Burro Bruno which is the brown butter blondie with maple gelato, caramel sauce, and almonds and the Torta Bacio, which is the chocolate mousse, chocolate hazelnut crunch, and cocoa nibs. Molto Delizioso!
(5)
UE C.
Environment: cozy, clean, and bright for lunch - 3.5/5 Service: The sever was not very friendly although he did recommend some of the more pricier dishes when we ordered food. He was pretty ignorant and named the dishes quickly and without care. Even at the end as we were walking out the restaurant we made eye contact with him & we said "THANK YOU!' but he ignored us, turned his head immediately after and pretended like nothing happened - 1/5 Food: Cucumber soda - i ordered it only because the sever highly recommended it and it's made with cane sugar instead of corn syrup - 3/5 ginger peach iced tea & pomegranate iced tea - 3/5 chicken liver pate comes w/ 5 garlic bread - it's not one of the best chicken liver pate i've had but the portion is huge and its only $8 - 3/5 Warm Tuscan Kale, Guanciale, Orange, Pecans, Pecorino Crotenese $10 - it's more on the sour side but it's pretty refreshing as an appetizer - 3.5/5 Prosciutto E Rucola $ 16 - probably one of the WORST prosciutto pizzas i've ever had, it was very dry and extremely salty!!! it didn't taste like freshly made oven pizza :( - 0 out of 5 Rigatoni Con Salsiccia e Pomodori al Forno - This was my favorite out of all the dishes, it's creamy and rich but not too heavy, the pasta is chewy (the texture is really good) - 4.5/5 Sea Urchin Linguini - I am really really disappointed with this pasta. I picked this restaurant mainly because of this particular dish but there's nothing special about it! I live in California and sea urchin is one of my favorite seafoods in any kind of cuisine. I've had plenty of sea urchin pasta/noodle/udon/fried rice dishes at many other places, but compared to all those, this is not worth trying! - 2/5 Davanti Burger w/ skinny fries - 2.5/5 Overall: The environment is okay but I don't think i will come back here due to the service. The food is sub par and the server just had a really bad attitude. Dishes are bit overrated in my opinion.
(2)
Michelle E.
In a nutshell: Our service was mediocre at best. The hostess brought half of our party menus for brunch and half menus for dinner and the server didn't know what they were serving. He also forgot to place one of our orders. The food was wildly overpriced. I can definitely appreciate a restaurant that offers small plates, but to bring out one ravioli and charge me $16 for it is absolutely absurd. The pizza was average. We will never go back. Knowing how many great restaurants there are in the area, I am disappointed we did not read the bad reviews for this restaurant earlier as they are definitely more accurate than those who have given it a 5. Someone mentioned that saying this restaurant is a $$ is completely inaccurate and I absolutely agree.
(2)
Seb H.
We went on a Monday night. No wait. Super nice wait staff, everyone is relaxed and you don't feel any rush. Food was just outstanding, atmosphere is great. Definitely have to go back, we loved it.
(5)
Ziggy K.
Absolutely love the food at this place. I'm so tired of being limited to a handful of pasta dishes at Italian restaurants. This place is refreshingly unique with lots of different options. It's a really fun place to go with a large group as the plates are designed to share. Wine selection is also wonderful. Only negative is the fact that they don't take reservations. Really do not like that part.
One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago! You absolutely have to try the ricotta and honeycomb- it is my favorite thing on the menu. The risoto carbonara is consistently good (and very rich), the pizzas are huge and delicious, and we like to order the polpo con rafano (if you like octopus). For dessert, you must try the torta bacio. Nice wine list and the servers are very helpful with suggestions. A nice change from the typical restaurants on Taylor St.
(5)
Aaron L.
4.5* Paccheri con Salsiccia e Ponodori al forno 4* Cacio e Pepe 2* Riccio di Mare e Granchio
(4)
Joseph K.
Most of their foods rely on the contrast between sweet honeycomb and creamy cheeses. It's really good! But it gets old after a few dishes. This place may be the best Italian restaurant in Chicago, but I wouldn't say it is much better than Petterino's in terms of satisfaction. It's extremely pricey too and the portions are tiny. The pork belly is literally a thin slice. We had the honeycomb and cheese spread, egg truffle toast (best by far), pork belly, sea urchin pasta, and a pizza.
(3)
Jeffrey C.
When the wife and I agree that a restaurant is absolutely fantastic, but for completely different dishes, that's five-star worthy. Italian happens to be my favorite cuisine, and I often abhor paying substantial coin for food I believe I can make at home. Luckily for me, Davanti offers dishes not readily cookable in my kitchen, and provides a worthy experience for my dollars. The restaurant set-up is homey, bustling, and charming. I immediately compared it to an Italian version of Austin's excellent Barley Swine. Both bar and staff service is fantastic and friendly. The only complaint I've had is that both times we came with reservations, and both times we endured a short wait at the bar. That's not unreasonable for a restaurant as small and popular as Davanti, but it's still grating. But you don't care about that. You care about the food. Fair enough. Her dish is the impeccably simple yet impeccably perfect ricotta and local honey comb. It is what it is: toasted, delicious bread smearable with smooth and subtle ricotta, accented with a speck of honey to add additional sweetness and stickiness to your tongue. The dish came very approved by our visiting friends, who declared it the winner of the weekend. My pick is the riccio de mare e granchio: also simple, also perfect. It's linguine in a tomato-butter sauce, only the butter is melted down sea urchin. If that doesn't make you drool, we can't be friends. Frankly, I'm not sure why I'm friends with the friends I brought, since they turned their noses when I offered up a sea urchin pasta. We weren't that close, anyway. Small bits of crab are but accoutrement to the dish. Everything else on the menu is, frankly, fantastic. And worth mentioning. The truffled egg toast is amazing, as is the focaccia special. And if your eyes bug about paying $16 for focaccia bread, I'll alleviate your fears now: it's worth it. Pizza is good. Pasta is good. A surprisingly spicy and wickedly sauced half-chicken is dang good. Everything is good. And if you're craving Italian, you should go to Davanti.
(5)
J.C. J.
I ordered some pasta, it was pretty good but the portion size is a bit small for $17. Pasta is cheap, no need to be skimpy on it. I could almost count the rigatoni on both hands. Just sayin~
(3)
Ramona C.
It's very easy to get in without a reservation, it's a cute little place. However, If you're looking to have a conversation with the person sitting across from you, just quit while your ahead. It is very loud in there, it's seems to be that everyone is shouting in order to have their companions hear themselves speak. Appetizers were great, pizza and salads were okay but the entrees were nothing special. It wasn't the authentic Italian place that I was looking for and I honestly would not go back.
(3)
Choncho R.
Again, Davanti was terrific. Dina, our hostess, was great as was our server Fabian. The food is great. We had the burrata, polenta, and as usual the anchovies . And a "few" Peronis.
(5)
Cristina P.
Its been a little over two years since moving to Chicago and this is still my favorite restaurant. The quality of food is always phenomenal and decently priced. The wine choices are excellent and there is plenty of staff making sure all your needs are met. The pizza is in my opinion the best; its hard not to eat the whole thing by myself.
(5)
Lauren F.
Ummm, hello new favorite Italian restaurant! As soon as I walked into Davanti Enoteca I immediately fell in love. I was greeted by the lovely bar that is home to Italian and local beers as well as infused vodka and Limoncello...I didn't sample any on this visit but definitely next time! As we were led back to our table the unique lighting caught my eye, as well as the small kitchen out front, complete with wood-burning oven. In the back, exposed brick walls with shelves lined with wine surround the dining area. The rustic decor here at Davanti definitely sets mood for the perfect intimate Italian dinner! Now on to the food because that's really the most important part, right?! The plates at Davanti are perfect for sharing so that is exactly what we did! Our first 2 dishes were the Ricotta with Local Honey Comb and the Truffle Egg Toast with Fontina and Asparagus. Both were delicious dishes that I would definitely order again. The ricotta was creamy perfection when mixed with the honey comb and spread on top of a warm slice of Tuscan toast and the truffle toast-well, it's truffle, cheese, toast so thick you need a steak knife, and perfectly runny egg yolks...need I say more? Next up were our pasta dishes and they definitely did not disappoint. Their Cacio e Pepe is officially one of my top Italian dishes off all-time...no joke. It is a simple dish but perfect in every way. We also had a pappardelle pasta with ham and a tomato sauce that was full of flavor, surprisingly light, and just straight up good pasta. There were definitely more dishes that we would have loved to try but we decided to save those for another visit because we needed just a little room for dessert. We opted for the seasonal Pumpkin Cake with Mascarpone Caramel Cream and Green Apples and it was a great way to round out a fantastic meal. Obviously I really, really loved our meal at Davanti Enoteca. I loved it so much, in fact, that I went back the next day for lunch! It was just so good that I needed a little more! If you have yet to venture over to Little Italy I strongly suggest you do and plan for a stop at Davanti Enoteca. They now accept reservations through OpenTable which makes it much easier than their previous no reservation policy. Enjoy!
(5)
Customer X.
The mushroom pizza with truffle oil is incredible. They have a great wine selection. My husband and I truly enjoyed coming regularly here for their lunch specials or for dinners. The French fries are delicious. I discovered the Italian cheese buffala here. The service is great and the atmosphere is charming.
(5)
swetal p.
We are vegetarian, so everything we tried was vegetarian. We had an amazing time and our server was great! The food was excellent. We went with a group of 5 and our bill was around $140 with non alcoholic beverages.. We tried the following: focaccia di Recco: Excellent! roasted cherry tomato +burrata + basil pesto: Excellent! roasted beets + walnut butter + crème fraiche + candied walnuts- Excellent! tomato + fresh mozzarella + basil: Good! wild mushrooms + braised leeks + taleggio + truffle oil: Good! Rigatoni con Salsiccia e Pomodori al Forno W/O sausage : Good! Desserts: cioccolato e fichi vasi: Okay biondo torta del burro bruno: Good! Pretty much everything we tried we were very happy with. The server was great at giving advise on vegetarian options and was open to modify meat plates as well. The only reason I gave it 4 is because I thought there could have been more dessert options including chocolate.
(4)
Mrunil C.
An excellent experience. We had a birthday celebration for my father in law at davanti enoteca. The waitress did an excellent job of coursing out our the 9 items we ordered (the dishes are meant to be enjoyed family style) The pizza was excellent, the pasta dishes were familiar but interesting and yet scallops were wonderful.
(4)
tony f.
This place gets 5 stars because the manager, Karissa, was super accommodating to a special request I had and went out of the way to make sure the seating arrangement I needed was there. The food alone earns this place 4 stars anyway. Try the ragus, they're awesome and something different than whats at your standard italian place. great experience, i'll be back!
(5)
First L.
This five star rating is SOLELY for Paige, the bartender. She did her best to make an arcane, off-menu drink (a French 75, since you've politely asked). When she noticed that we weren't thrilled with her version, she remade it without asking. Thanks for her excellent and concise customer service (and a good Campari drink).
(5)
Rachel W.
Wonderful experience, yummy food, great service!
(5)
Charlie J.
Love this place. Expect a very long wait - they don't take reservations. But that's ok. Get there early, find a place at the bar order some apps, and enjoy their fantastic wine list or cocktails. The atmosphere is lively, intimate, and just plain 'ole fun. The service is great - very knowledgeable and attentive. The small plates are fun for groups - we tried a bunch of stuff and it was all great. The wine is priced at retail - not outrageous restaurant markup - so a couple of bottles don't put you in the poor house. If you have guests in from out of town and want to show them the way good Chicagoans get down on a weekend, go here. Love it!
(4)
Pat F.
Be ready for a slow meal. However, it is good food worth the wait. The pizza with pork belly was really good. Any home made pasta was fantastic too.
(4)
john w.
I started out liking this place due to food, but on third trip there, I doubt I will go back. The hostesses tend to ignore you when you arrive, continue on personal conversations, and then will not seat you even if your companions are two minutes away. Wait staff is generally ok, but some are not so great.
(2)
christopher k.
I absolutely love it here. Great food for sharing, good prices, fun atmosphere. Their focaccia is to die for. Obviously the wait can be extreme, but the food lives up to the hype.
(5)
M R.
Went here last week with a friend and the food was amazing. Definitely worth the trip to Taylor Street for this. Will be going again.
(5)
Laura K.
What a fun place! It's small plates Italian food, perfect for date night or a dinner with people who like food. My only regret was that we didn't go with more people so that we could try more of the menu! Beware, DO make a reservation. We had one, so we were fine, however we watched people leave angrily when the hostess told them they would have to wait over an hour for a table (sorry, but that's not unusual for Friday night). Highlights: -Truffle Egg toast + Fontina Asparagus - we both LOVED it -Cacio e pepe pasta (server's suggestion that we both loved as well) Oh, and they have some really fun cocktails too! We will definitely be back, and I would highly recommend to others!
(5)
Michael A.
My favorite restaurant thus far in Chicago. This place is so delicious that I came back at the end of my trip and pretty much ordered the whole menu. If I wanted to go into specifics I'd run out of characters so I'll just say that you DEFINITELY need to work this restaurant into your itinerary. So amazing. 5 stars.
(5)
Alex S.
Absolutely delicious menu. Cute restaurant on Taylor St. I enjoyed the pea and rock shrimp salad and had the solo mio chicken for lunch. Excellent dishes. The chicken was very impressive. This was my second time here. Honestly, I can't wait to come back the next time I'm visiting clients around UIC.
(5)
Richard H.
Wow, what a surprise. The atmosphere, service, and quality is beyond reproach. A bit more expensive for a complete meal than the $$ would lead you to expect, but it was worth it.
(5)
Char Y.
I have heard too much of this place from various sources. Finally we came on a week night to no wait but still busy restaurant. We ordered Honey comb + ricctta - really amazing combination. Opens up brand new possibilities to spread on toast. Truffle egg toast- another yummy combo with toast Crispy pork belly - ok tasted porky Roasted beet - who knew beets goes well with walnut? Linguine + sea urchin + crab - never thought sea urchin is good on pasta. Absolutely wonderful experience with new food combinations that stimulates the tongue. This is food experiment done right.
(4)
Matt S.
Ducked in for dinner w coworkers last night. I've always loved this place, and last night delivered again. If you don't know, it's basically Italian style tapas. We had the ricotta and honey comb spread for an appetizer, which was really tasty; crushing the honeycomb into the cheese added a delicious sweet kick. We had the prosciutto and arugula pizza, and that was a major highlight; the others really enjoyed the Polpo con rafano (octopus), but I'm not super into that stuff so I can't rate it fairly. I insisted we get the polenta and ragu (it was pork shoulder) and all 3 of us eagerly scraped it off the board they bring it on. Dessert we had some sort of donut w ice cream that was good, but the sauce was literally a glass of espresso, which was a bit much for me. Wednesdays was 25% off bottles of wine which would have been nice, but with only 2 wine drinkers we opted for by-the-glass instead. With one app and three courses, we had enough for 3 people. Note: it can get kind of loud here. Bring friends with loud voices.
(5)
Eric G.
Went here for lunch today with the wife. Here's what we had: * (chicken) Pate Vasi; way good, ate more than I should have * pork belly; I should come here for lunch @ least once a week * farro salad; wife's pick, not bad goat cheese really kicked it up * Uvo in Raviolo; egg/spinach in big ravioli, busting that yolk, mmm Comparing it to other similar joints in town, we'd stil rank Girl & the Goat 1st, but this may beat out Purple Pig. Wife commented on how PP seemed saltier and pricier. It's a tie for me based on location (since they're cross-town)
(4)
Brian H.
For 4 stars with 900+ reviews, I expected a lot more. Service was subpar. After I ordered, waiter asks "do you want this dish." After I said no he again asks "do you want this other dish." When I say no, please do not ask me if I want more!! That's my order and do not make me feel guilty for not ordering more. To go along with service, there is no bread served right off the bat. Further, water was not continually poured for us. For a $$ establishment, I expect water to be poured. Additionally, there were 3 tables of customers when we ate, and waiter did not stop by to see how our dishes were doing after they were served. No excuses. Calamari - tasty, artichokes cooked well with only the soft parts in the dish Linguine w crab - SUCH a small serving! With 3 bite size pieces of crab/sea urchin or whatever they claim they put in there. Further, linguine was way too salty. Do not recommend. Half chicken - actually decent serving size. Grilled well with tasty marinated sauce. Nice touch w Caesar salad on the side. If I was in Italy town again, I would probably not return.
(3)
Tnon A.
Love the food and the service here! Will absolutely tell my friends about this place :D
(5)
Andrea B.
I was walking around Taylor streets and stumbled upon this gem. Our waitress Mary was so nice and helpful in or indecisiveness. We ordered the peach Bellini, salumi plate ( salami, prosciutto and mortadella and it came with mustard, candied nuts and thinly sliced apples), we had the roasted tomato buratta salad and we finished with the truffled egg toast. Absolutely amazing!!!!!
(4)
Jeanette S.
Hate to rain on everyone's parade, but I don't see how this place is so fantastic. The food was just barely average and the service really sucked. The server kept ignoring my request for a drink because he didn't believe I was over 21. I'm 27. The logical thing to do would be to CHECK the person's ID first, which I had to stop him from walking past AGAIN so he could check it. Then when my drink came, it tasted like garbage. As if they don't know how to make a cocktail! The dessert took extremely long to come out, even though the dinner came out quickly. And when I politely asked the server to split my check, the asshole gave me attitude and said he'd have to ask someone first! Finally he asks me what I had so he could put it on the bill. The entire night he had a shitty attitude and his tip reflected it. Lousy service and bland pasta. No thank you.
(2)
Saahithi G.
Great food. Good service. Nice ambience. Do eat the goat cheese pizza and egg truffle. Awesome veggie options. Do reserve before you go during weekends.
(5)
Radhika K.
My fav place to go for Italian Small plates. Everything is fresh and quite tasty !my fav place to go in winters :):)
(5)
Amanda G.
My first visit to Davanti Enoteca two nights ago definitely won't be my last! With a lot of Italian restaurants in Chicago, you gotta do something to stand out and Davanti does just that. Plates are served as shareable small plates. I love this because it gives you the option to try a lot of things. Service was pretty good. I like that they have daily specials like a daily polenta and daily bruschette. What we had: Ricotta/honey and bread- Get it! It won't dissapoint. Polenta of the day - Pork shoulder ragu- This I would compare to crack. I've thought about it every day since! It was really amazingly delicious Truffle Egg Appetizer- The smell of truffle was wafting at us right as this dish came to the table. We ate it up quickly Pizza - Our pizza had different types of soppresata. A great crust too! Cacio e Pepe- Delicious pasta - very fresh Dessert - Gelato and Sorbet I want to go back right now just thinking about this place.
(5)
Katherine C.
Things I'd recommend: squash salad, honey and ricotta toast, filet mignon Thing's I'd skip: ravioli
(4)
Jeff N.
Food 4 to 5 stars depending on the dish. Waiter 5 stars. Forgot his name. The buzz 5 stars. The bar area, hoppin and cool. Celeb sighting, too. Risotto was great. So were beet salad and quail special.
(5)
Tim D.
My Girlfriend and I went here during the Italiana Festival this past weekend. We had ordered food and were disappointed with the serving size, price for what you actually get, and the way the food was prepped. She ordered Uovoin Raviolo, don't ever order that item, it is 1 single ravioli and was in a bowl filled with butter underneath it. Ok $ 11.00 for 1 ravioli and it was ok at best, the egg in it and spinach was ok but nothing worth that amount. I had the Paccheri con Salsiccia, it was decent, the pasta was pretty hard and once again very pricy. After our lunch, we went to the fest outside and had to visit a street vendor to grab another bite to eat cause the food that we spent over $ 40.00 on was not very filling. And I have been to many Italian restaurants, even in Italy and never have had such poor food and high prices
(2)
Edward W.
Just great. What a concept. Italian tapas. Really. We ordered a bunch of small dishes and a few appetizers and everything was great. Another great idea is that the wine list is actually affordable. It's really a wine shoppe on one end and no corkage fee for restaurant patrons. Ok let's start from the beginning. Parking is not terrible in the area. Great Taylor street location. Restaurant is beautiful. Nice seating. Not too loud. Service was prompt and made us feel very comfortable. No drinks tonight so I can't comment but the wine list looked great. No dessert either but the table next to us raved about theirs. I think we're gonna be regulars here.
(5)
Libby D.
One of my favorite italian restaurants in Chicago, hands down. TO ALL NON-FOODIES: When you eat here, you have to understand that you are going for the experience, not just the food. Make the dinner an event and you will have a blast. They don't take reservations so you either need to get there early, try to get a place at the bar (which I am a huge fan of) or put your name in and go across the street while you wait for a couple glasses of wine from a less than stellar selection. The last couple times I have eaten here, we were lucky enough to grab seats at the bar and the bartenders were great. They had some wonderful wine and food suggestions; I highly recommend chatting them up to see what they like. Wherever you sit and whatever you do, you MUST...and i mean MUST...get the Focaccia de Recco. It's just so good!!!! Everytime I've been there we've just shared everything that comes out because it's designed to work best that way. Nothing is a huge portion and the more you can try the better.
(5)
Annie R.
I would visit again, just for the atmosphere! It was lively, and although it's close to the UIC campus, it wasn't full of college kids. The crowd was nicely mixed between college students, young adults, possibly their parents, along with professionals from the UIC hospital. I really liked the casual, warm aura of the restaurant! We ordered 5-6 dishes to share, and each dish was a bit on the oily side but very tasty! Our waitress was wonderful and had great knowledge of wine. This is a great neighborhood place to meet up with friends for a slightly nicer dinner occasion.
(4)
Kathryn G.
Went for a night with the hubby. We had a great bottle of wine, 3 small plates, dessert and coffee for $120. Not bad. The food was great - ragu over polenta, farro salad and seafood pasta. Had the chocolate cake for dessert. Very lively atmosphere. At first I struggled to make selections as nothing jumped out at me as being a must try. Our server was helpful in making suggestions and seeing what others has ordered helped. Menu was not as large as I expected but everything we tried was excellent.
(4)
Sara O.
What a charming little place! I usually have a difficult time committing to one dish on the menu, but with Italian small plates I don't have to! Gotta love a place that allows you to indulge in multiple plates during one dining experience. Our party ordered... Truffle Egg Toast -- Holy YUM. Nothing like a little truffle oil to fancy up some toast. However, it was the farm egg that really made this dish sexy. Roasted Beets with Walnut Butter and Creme Fraiche -- My tastebuds found the sweet walnut butter with the tanginess of the beets very exciting. If it were socially acceptable, I would have licked the plate clean. Roasted squash and farro with goat cheese -- Hearty and satisfying Raviolo with ricotta, spinach, and egg -- Rich, creamy, delicious. Might I have seen this on Top Chef? That would explain the heavy salivating as the plate landed on the table. Polenta and Pork Ragu -- Tender and flavorful, saucy pork over the creamiest polenta. One of the heavier, meatier plates and a favorite amongst the dudes. Seared Octopus with fingerling potatoes and horseradish aioli -- I LOVED it. Others may have been turned off by tentacles, but that only worked out in my favor! Tender, meaty, fresh. Pizza D.O.C. -- Not as exciting as some of the other dishes we ordered but simple doesn't always mean it's lacking flavor. It was a light and cheesy treat! We ordered the Syrah from Spain (can't recall the name of the vineyard) that was freaking amazing. Davanti does not mark up their wines 50% like most other restaurants, but rather charges retail prices for bottles purchased tacking on only a $7 corkage fee. BONUS. Overall: A social and tasty experience.
(4)
Nicole C.
Woohoo! 5 big red stars. Hands down. You must be crazy not to love this place. A friend and fellow Yelper Aurore L. and I went for lunch, sat in the cozy wine cellar, and dined on the following AMAZING Italian delicacies: - Il Pizzino Robiola (aged, soft, aromatic cheese) - Roasted cherry tomato + burrata + basil pesto - Roasted beets + walnut butter + creme fraiche + candied walnuts - Risotto Carbonara (Italian rice, pancetta, sweet peas, parmigiano, and farm egg yolk) - Pizza dalla Terra (foraged mushrooms, braised leeks, taleggio, and truffle oil) *see photos* The roasted beet salad and the risotto carbonara were my favorites. The prices are totally reasonable for the high quality ingredients -- much of what I'm sure is imported directly from Europe. The wine selection is outstanding and many bottles are priced in the $10-$15 range. Davanti has just been added to my list of all-time favorite Chicago restaurants. :) Mangia! Mangia! Mangia!
(5)
Angie B.
Shockingly good. What can I say that no other reviewer has? The fluffy, air-light, smooth polenta! The truffle egg bread is going to dance in my dreams. The pizza was one of the least impressive items we got, but that hardly mattered, considering how good everything else was. I'll disagree with everyone else on one thing - the sea urchin and crab linguine was lacking in both sea urchin and crab. I tasted crab, and found peices of it in the pasta, but didn't even taste a hint of sea urchin, a real disappointment. Still, everything else was so good that I can only complain so much. Get the bruschette, the truffle egg bread, and the polenta and ragu of the day special. To die for. Only complaint as to atmosphere is that the place is, by nature of it being narrow and small, very loud, but it was worth it.
(5)
petunia t.
Amazing food! The sea urchin/crab pasta that yelpers rave about is worth the hype. So is ricotta cheese, Tuscan bread and honey board and the overall menu. Try it when in chi fellow out of towners!!'
(5)
Chanita S.
Dope place. Dope food. Dope staff. Plenty of fine Italian places to choose from on Taylor, but this one is the best!
(5)
K C.
Had the Paccheri con Salsiccia e Pomodori al forno and the Riccio di Mare e Granchio...very awesome. The portions are unlike many Italian places which aim to satisfy the appetite of gluttonous animals....they serve a decent amount: Flavorful and filling. The wine selection was impressive, and the atmosphere was business-casual-after-a-long-day-at-work. This place has a really great vibe. The prices are very reasonable, and the food was great. The service has room for improvement, a little slow, but i am confident they will be above an beyond as time allows. Highly recommend
(4)
Karen N.
I like this pace for late night eats. The pizzas and the small plates are all quality. I like the wine selection there and it's just refreshing to be able to enjoy a new place on Taylor Street. I have been three times and have liked everything. And a special 5 stars for the uni and crab with linquine--such an unusual combination and yet super tasty!
(4)
Varsha L.
We went here last Monday, a weekday, so we get there, they said 15 min or we can sit at a communal table, so we sat at the communal table, we were the only ones at the table so that worked out not that I minded if anyone sat next to us...so the waitress comes over tells us they are out of the one salad, which actually sounded good, so we order the hanger steak, the truffle pizza and the sea urchin linginue, all were good, then they give us the dessert menu, and of course the dessert we want is also not available...so 2 menu items not available, waitress service was very slow, however the guy pouring my water was very good, my glass was never empty. The food was really good but I had to knock of a star bec of the service and not having menu items and very small amounts of food for the price...
(3)
David O.
I live in the neighborhood and always find my way back to Davanti. Always great service and excellent food
(5)
Ellen H.
Well worth the wait! We were expecting a wait on a Saturday night with a larger group of 5 - didn't quite expect to hear 2-2.5 hours - but I live near Longman and Eagle, so we weren't scared away. The wine bar across the street was perfect for some pre-dinner drinks and we were seated within 1.5 hours or so. My friend and I were first time visitors (from Chicago), with some out of town guests. We studied the menu intently over drinks, went in with a firm game plan to share and sample many dishes. We had one vegetarian (eats fish), so we skewed towards veg/fish, but supplemented with a few meat dishes. We had a nice tray of meats and cheeses, great presentation and nice flavors all around. Also tried antipasti and salads (white anchovies with celery, truffle egg toast, and two orders of the roasted corn salad). Only complaint via this round - almost impossible to split the egg toast 5 ways, but we all managed to snag a bite! Split a few orders of paste: Cacio e Pepe (yum!), two orders Riccio di Mare e Granchio (a table fave), and a special that had smoked salmon - we put the last plate on hold and were happy to sample that special. We also ordered the beautiful Pollo 'Sole Mio' - quite a lovely presentation and all the meat eaters were digging into this platter, even the romaine side salad was a star - just a perfect plate of food. Finally, as a dessert, we had to order the Ricotta + honey comb Vasi - my friend was NOT leaving without trying this dish. We were fairly stuffed, but what a treat. We all had a few bites to round out the great meal and sent our friend home with a little serving of the ricotta which she promptly used the next morning. Can't wait to return and sample more items, including brunch.
(4)
Dustin W.
Davanti Enoteca is Little Itlay's not so hidden gem, especially if you dine at the right time (ie exclude Wed-Sat 4PM-close unless you want the standard wait which usually isn't even that bad anymore). Stop in Sat and Sunday afternoons and head straight for the new upstairs outdoor patio dining that will leave you wondering why anyone would sit inside on a beautiful spring afternoon. The wine is generally a great deal as the "corkage fee" is cheap and pulled directly from their "store" which may just be a clever way to get around some strange liquor laws. Its a great way to make patrons happy and keep the bill reasonable. Go for something off the great Italian wine list. As for food, its always been great for me. Definitely start with several of the house bruschettas and try a few other small plates and woodfire pizzas. Some of my favorites: Salad: Escarole + gala apple + pecorino dolce + celery + hazelnuts Pizza della Fattoria: Farm egg + pork belly + potato + scallions + asiago + bechamel Pizza con Salsiccia e Rapini: Italian mild sausage + broccoli rabe + garlic + chili oil + fresh mozzarella + tomato Bistecca con Funghi e Ravenllo: Grilled hanger steak + saba marinated oyster mushrooms + roasted radish + salsa verde Davanti Burger: beef burger + bacon jam + roasted tomato + cheese curd + arugula + roasted garlic mayo + shoestring fries The biggest surprise at the end of the meal is usually the seemingly impossibly low bill that never makes sense how it is not any higher. I always feel a bit dirty thinking Im stealing from Davanti. Davanti is a great deal and a high quality choice in Little Italy.
(5)
Sophie B.
What's up with the giant wine bottle they bring at the beginning? The food is pretty good, but overpriced. Italian food is about heartiness, not a four inch squid tentacle that costs $14. Was it from a golden squid? If your food were incredible, it might be worth it. Originality and ambiance doesn't make up for great food.
(3)
Christina M.
Meh!!! My dining counterpart and I were highly disappointed with our meals/experience at Davanti Enoteca, and here's why: - Waitress was not friendly/attentive. She walked away before we even completed our order...weird! So we had to walk over to the her as she was inputting the order into the computer. - Waitress totally messed up my pasta order (wrong noodles, wrong veggies) and even charged us for 3 additional veggies when she only added one veggie (which I did not request) to my pasta. - The pasta that I received was flavorless and blah...oh, and I don't like asparagus which is the veggie I received (and was not requested). - Dining counterpart did not think his octopus dish was flavored or cooked well. - We don't mind paying higher prices for quality food, but this place was lacking! We won't be back.
(1)
Pamela K.
Owners of DE also own the famous and popular Francesca's around the city. But, DE is nothing like the well-loved italiano resto. It's tapas italiano style. Yum. Such a quaint space with a longish bar area and high cocktail tables set next to the almost floor to ceiling doors that open out to the sidewalk. Definitely nice during our beautiful, though short-lived weather we have in Chi-town. Like rooftops? They got one though the view isn't it's big selling point. Now, on to the good stuff. The plates at DE are oh-so-delish. I have to resist from getting one of everything! Their perfectly grilled octopus (polpo con rafano) is paired with this bed of marcona almonds, finnochiona, fingerling potato salad with horseradish aioli. Nice departure from the usual stand-alone octopus. The pizze is basically super thin crust pizza that can be a bit salty and a tad thin and saugy, but has a good balance of ingredients overall and is flavorful. You must get the pizza della terra - mushroom, braised leeks, taleggio, topped with truffle oil. The DE bruschette is tasty too - thick italian bread slices topped with pork, arugula, and burrata. The toppings change daily so you might be pleasantly surprised with some other tasty bruschette. Keeps things exciting. Specials are a plenty at DE that I really need to take advantage of more! And you too could get 3 formaggi/salumi for $12, burger and a Peroni, or pasta, salad, and bottle of wine for a super dealio $$! I usually dine at the grandpa hour here because it can get pretty busy here otherwise. That sometimes has its downsides because getting service started once you're seated could be slower. But, overall everyone is usually pretty friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable about the menu. In fact, you can tell they like DE as much as the regulars do! Always a plus. Valet is the way to go if you drive here because parking is limited to the metered kind on Taylor St.
(4)
Kathy K.
I have been in this restaurant multiple times. Friday nights tend to be very busy so if you dont want to wait, make sure to make a reservation! Great wine!
(5)
Emily B.
I came here on Friday night for a Ladies' Night and it was fabulous! Traffic was a breeze and I got easy valet parking, so I was already pretty excited walking in. There were seven of us so we ordered many things to share - my fave. For the first course, we got a meat and cheese board . I could seriously eat a meat and cheese board for every meal and this one did not disappoint. We also ordered the ricotta and honeycomb and the eggplant jar. All fabulous. For our main meals we indulged in two pizzas, the polenta with pork shoulder ragu and the sausage pasta. The pizzas were pretty good - but not anything show stopping. The polenta, on the other hand, was life altering. It was so good that after everyone had their share another friend and I scraped up all the little bits leaving nothing behind. We finished with a bevy of desserts: the creme brulee, a chocolate dessert, gelato, and the vanilla pudding and fruit. All very tasty. The drinks are pricey and the portions are small, but we left satiated. The servers were outstanding and made sure that the evening flowed seamlessly.
(4)
Colleen A.
I live in the area and have heard nothing but great things from people that don't even live nearby. Well those people obviously need to get out a bit more. I was not impressed by anything at Davanti. I went with my family at 4pm on a Saturday after a game at the United Center, and it was pretty empty. Our server was terrible - we had to wait 15 mins to even be greeted and place drink orders. She did not help us or explain the menu at all so we guessed how much to order and what to do. Meanwhile, we could barely talk because we had hip-hop music blasting throughout the restaurant (again at 4pm!). The decor is cute enough but nothing special. The food was meh. Nothing special - especially for an area full of historically great Italian places, I would not go here again. While it tasted fine, there was nothing remarkable about it and nothing stood out. Pizza was fine but nowhere near as good as Pizzeria Via Stato. We tried the raviolo with egg yolk and it wasn't nearly as good as The Bristol. And the giant rigatoni with sausage, which has been voted in the top 10 plates of 2010, was generic tasting, like cafeteria spaghetti and meatballs. We wanted to try dessert but realized after being ignored for 25 mins by our server, it was better just to get the check since our meter was going to run out at this rate. Overall, it's trying too hard to be trendy and I'd much rather go to one of the many other Italian restaurants in the neighborhood that treats you like family and wants you to leave happy and satisfied, instead of just wanting you to leave so they can go back to their smoke break. I will not go back.
(2)
Lauren G.
Formaggi + Salumi: Pantaleo, Gorgonzola, and Grana Padano with Calabrese -- delicious, served with toast and chutney Roasted beets + Walnut Butter + Creme Fraiche + Candied Walnuts -- very good, wish there would've been more candied walnuts but great appetizer Pizza della Terra: Foraged mushrooms + Braised leeks + Talleggio + Truffle Oil Pizza della Fattoria: Farmed egg + Pork Belly + Potato + Scallions + Asiago + Bechamel Both pizzas were amazing - one person could easily take down a whole pizza...I know I did. Overall the food and service was great. I'll definitely be back.
(5)
Katie C.
My boyfriend and I went here this last Monday night and we are both in the industry so may have a bit more of a critical eye but I would say its just okay. The ambiance is cozy and relaxed. We had the roasted beets which were tasty but I felt like I should be eating them for breakfast, just kind of had that feel. Also, the chix liver pate and the ricotta and honey comb which were both great and then the pork belly and potato pizza which was not very awesome. They have a great wood burning oven that they cook their pizza in but this one was just soggy and not crispy and to me, pork belly is a bigger less crispy version of a bacon lardon but this was more like rib meat. Our server was a larger gentleman who was very accommodating but could have sold us on the specials by slowing his spiel down. Also, had he taken the time to get to know us he would have realized that my boyfriend is the executive chef at a james beard award winning restaurant in the loop in which the owners of this restaurant enjoy very much. Myself as a restaurant manager can not stress the importance of getting to know your guests because you really do never know just who you are waiting on. It was also our three year anniversary which would have been the answer to the simple question, " Are you celebrating any special occasions tonight?" In general, this question will tell you so much about your guest. On one last note, the bartender was eating a burger at the bar and then making drinks in between with no hand washing. This kind of grossed me out. All in all, I'm happy we experienced this spot as it had been highly recommended to us by co-workers, we will just hit up the Pig next time as it is always a great time.
(3)
Janine K.
Every year for the holidays we get out of the office vicinity for a nice lunch...Chinatown, Greektown,etc. This year we went for Italian on Taylor Street. It's a little weird that I have never been to this area to eat (besides Mario's for Italian Ice) as my Great Grandparents settled in this area after coming over from Italy. What better place to get Italian food than this area, right?!?!? Right! We arrived via Uber on a Wednesday afternoon - around noon. I can't speak to the parking in this area, but I can speak to this place, and we didn't need a reservation, nor did we wait to get seated. We started out with some pretty good wine (the wine prices were decent). My co-workers went their own way with food, but I settled for pizza...one of my co-workers said it was good, and I just had a taste for it, since it was lunch, not dinner and all...so I got the Prosciutto and Arugla pizza. I couldn't tell you what they ate but I think they were going the "small plates" route and ended up getting a pizza to split anyway. Everything was delicious and everyone was happy with their meal. Of course we ended our lunch with splitting two of their desserts...also pretty amazing! This place has nice atmosphere...and great service, not to mention awesome food. I would suggest this place if you're looking for a place to eat in this area. Mangia! Mangia!
(4)
Lingyi P.
Came for dinner on a Sunday. Place was crowded but there were open seats and no wait. Ordered the mushroom pizza, crab/sea urchin linguine and caramel blondie. Linguine was good but portions were small with little sea urchin. Mushroom pizza was delicious! Highly recommend if you like truffle oil. Blondie was delicous and the most popular dessert according to our waitress who was very nice. Cute neighborhood in little italy. Would be good place for a birthday dinner.
(4)
Andrea K.
Terrible! Portions are unbelievably small and I felt like I had a kids meal for $16.00? 5 rigatoni on a plate. Seriously?! And no bread! Inexcusable and I'm still hungry....
(1)
Mark M.
Quite possibly my favorite restaurant in a city full of great choices! Service was superb, and ambiance is excellent with its 'wine cellar feel' located in an old house (?) in the heart of Chicago's little Italy neighborhood. Lastly, and most importantly, the food and wine were magnifico!
(5)
Allison J.
Walking in, the ambience is really nice. The service was great and extremely helpful. We ordered the Broccolini to start off with and it was so flavorful. Ordered two additional plates, including the Octopus and the Gnocchi. Both dishes were really unique and flavorful. They are all smaller plates meant to share, but we (two people) ordered two larger plates and an antipasto and were definitely full afterwards. Large wine selection. The restaurant seems to be centered around wine, with wine filling the walls all around you. It was a great meal and I will definitely be coming again.
(4)
Stephanie G.
Davanti Enoteca had some of the most delicious food I've ever had! Hands down, the ricotta and local honeycomb is a MUST TRY for anyone who goes here! The flavors together were amaze. We also had the formaggi and salami tray. Every meat and cheese not he plate was very tasty. Other favorites from our meal were the Polpo Octopus and the Brown Butter Blondie dessert. The dessert was simply amazing!!! The food is all small plates, so our table of four shared everything. The atmosphere in this restaurant is perfect. The only odd thing about our visit was the hostess. We got there at 7, and were told it would be an hour and a half wait. By 8:30, we had not been called yet for our table. We went up to the hostess, where she looked at us like we were morons, and said with a duhhhhhhh tone "I have to seat my reservations before I seat you. Maybe more like 9". So, we waited two hours for a table. We sat down at 9, and were finished by 11. Almost five starts, but 4 stars due to the gatekeeper of their restaurant that stands at the hostess desk.
(4)
Patrick F.
Dined at this location twice now. Consistency creates loyalty. For diner I had ricotta polenta with pork shoulder. The polenta was spread out over a butcher block and then the pork shoulder was served right over top of the polenta. The food was served hot, the seasoning was perfect. I couldn't help but savor every bite. The server was friendly and knowledgable. The drinks were well done. The ambiance is warm and calming. I can't say enough about this place. When you're in Little Italy you should stop by.
(5)
Daniel C.
I went here for brunch with friends and had a wonderful time. We got 5 entrees and shared them among us. We even had several mimosas each and I think it was really reasonably priced especially for how much food we got and also how delicious it all was. the bacon and pork belly were especially good highlights of brunch. service was great and it wasn't too busy for mid brunch day.
(5)
Talina H.
Went before the Bulls game and wanted to have my BDay dinner here. Food was good. Hostess and waitress, Not so much.
(3)
Michelle L.
I absolutely LOVED Davanti! I went with my husband on Friday night, there was about an hour and fifteen min wait but it went quick as we sat at the lounge right across the street (Bevamio). Atmosphere is lively and vibrant, although if you sit near the front expect people to be everywhere... I really wish more people went across the street to wait as it's super obnoxious when you're trying to eat and have a good time and people who are waiting are bumping your chair and crowding your table. But anyway... Food was fun. We started with the formaggi, the pecorino cheese with truffle was amazing, the other cheese and salami were also good but paled in comparison. The pork belly was tasty and interesting, the hubby loved it, and the ravoli was good, but not necessarily something I would order again. I loved the rigatoni with sausage and tomato, super flavorful and perfectly al dente, however the carbonara risotto that looked so wonderful on the menu didn't quite live up to my expectations (a bit bland). We were going to order dessert (even though we were seriously stuffed) however the table next to ours just got their stuffed sardines - whoa! Those babies smell and smell big time!!! They were so pungent that we decided to skip desert as who wants to smell sardines when they're eating sweets? Our waitress started off great, but halfway though our meal she was non-existent. Very, very flaky. Hosts and other workers were great though. Hopefully they're just working out the kinks. We had a wonderful time at Davanti, I want to give them 5 stars (and perhaps I soon will) but till they work out their kinks 4 it is!
(4)
Tiff W.
I wish Davanti Enoteca was closer to where I lived, but part of the charm of this place is that it's right on the Taylor Street strip of restaurants and bars by UIC. We came here for an early Sunday dinner and still had to wait...but it was completely worth it. While we waited for our table to be ready, we drank a bottle of wine from their WINE STORE, which is, by the way, GENIUS. You can get some nice bottles of wine without the traditional mark-up of a restaurant and the corkage fee is only $7. The inside of Davanti is homey and cute. Doorknobs and keys as coat hooks? Yes please. I'm also a sucker for brick walls and random posters with pig and lard humor. The food is GREAT - Italian small plates with enough time in between them for you to chat and actually enjoy your food. Even though Davanti was really busy, we never felt rushed. We loved the beet salad with walnut butter as well as the seared hearts of palm. My favorite was the marscapone polenta with the ragu of the day, which happened to be some tender pork shoulder. We got a prosciutto & cheese plate, which, to be honest, you can find at a lot of restaurants. The proscuitto e rucola pizza was also really delicious and I'm going to try to recreate it at home... This place kind of reminds me of Quartino but as I type this, I realize that I like Davanti wayyy more than Quartino in both food and atmosphere. Davanti is cozy, smaller, and unpretentious. I'm not saying Quartino is the complete opposite, but there is a rare breed of drunken yuppy that you can always count on being surrounded by when you go to Quartino. I can only handle it occasionally. Davanti, on the other hand, is a great place for a couple or a small group. You can even come alone and sit by the bar. So yes, I love this place and even though it's a little far for me, I definitely want to come again!
(5)
Anna P.
I had been waiting (sort of) patiently for a long time to try this place out and am so glad I finally did! We arrived at 5:45pm on a Sunday evening and were seated immediately. The atmosphere is cute - very rustic Italian, feels like a neighborhood-y laid-back place, which sort of surprised me (in a good way) given the hype about this place. The service was great - they kept the water coming, kept our table clean, and our waitress was really nice. She struck a good balance of nagging us about our order and leaving us alone and not rushing us. Great drink list - I had a delicious wine and they had my boyfriend's favorite italian beer (Moretti La Rosa) And, of course, the food - everything was delicious. We got: the truffle egg toast was so savory and warm and cheesy and eggy, it just screamed comfort food. we got the bruschetta of the day, which was tuna with canellini beans. perfect for summer, refreshing and delicious. we also got the roasted corn salad, which was awesome. it wasn't what i expected but liked it a lot. finally we got the grilled half chicken, which was excellent - very tender and well-spiced. came with a caesar salad, which made it even better. for dessert we got the panna cotta, which was awesome and totally different from anything i've tasted before (and i lived in italy!) overall i am really glad i tried davanti and would recommend it to everyone to try. would i go back and wait 2 hours for it? no. i'll go somewhere closer and more casual next time i am craving italian :)
(4)
Viper B.
This place had great food, a wide array of choices, and a lively atmosphere that would suit a range of desires. The noise and bustle of the dining area make it a ban candidate for a romantic date, but great for friends, family, or a chilled out night to get to know someone. Tried a range of dishes from pastas and pizzas to polenta and salads and everything was done well. I'd try to list them but we ordered way too many and it was all just so good. Make a rez if you can or be prepared for a short-medium length wait as Davanti is clearly on a lot of people's radars. Reasonably priced with friendly and decently knowledgeable/attentive wait staff.
(4)
Sarah J.
There are not enough amazing things that I could say about this restaurant. I went there with 3 girlfriends for my birthday dinner last night and had one of the best dining experiences I have ever had. Not only was the staff SUPER friendly and helpful (helping 4 girls decide what to eat is a feat in itself) but they treated us like we were one of the family! The chef was fantastic, and came to talk to our table multiple times. I felt as if it was an endless supply of the best Italian food I have ever had. We ordered a dish from every part of the menu, and couldn't stop eating the food. I swear, food coma even today. I loved every minute of our experience at DaVanti. I would HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this restaurant to both a group of people looking to share some delicious Italian food or even a couple looking for an intimate, cosy date spot. I am so happy I celebrated my birthday there. Recommendations: Vasi: Ricotta + honey comb Boards: Focaccia di Recco Antipasti: grilled asparagus+ black pepper+,ascarpong+ pickled rhubarb Truffle egg toast+fontina+asparagus- OMG if you love truffles like I do, this is something you want every day of your life Insalata: roasted corn+ walnuts+ aged goat cheese+arugula+wild mushrooms Paste: Uovo in Raviolo 'San Domenico'- (we had 2 and they were UNREAL) Raccheri con Saldiccia e Pomodori al forno (giant rigatoni with sausage- heaven) Pizze: Pizza con Prosciutto e Rulola- Prosciutto pizza- to die for We also had the most delicious deserts in the world. The pumpkin gelatto was unreal. Also, the chocolate mousse and vasi with gelatto were to die for. I can't pick a favorite because they were all so good. We ordered was too much food, but we ate it all. All in all- I am going to be making MANY more trips to little Italy and tell everyone I know about this place. SO GOOD
(5)
Donn A.
It's sad when my most memorable experience with a restaurant is the fact that they charge $7 corkage for wine that you actually bought off their wine list! This is a misleading, albeit clever, marketing ploy that allows them to price their wine bottles lower on the actual wine list. Then your check comes and voila, there is the $7 corkage fee per bottle! There was nothing wrong with the food. It was also nothing to write home about. Simply put, I find the place overrated. We had a variety of dishes - from the pork belly to the mason jars to pizzas and steak. The carbonara risotto also gets special mention here. The heat from the risotto does not fully cook the raw egg they put on it so unless you want to feel Hurricane Katrina inside your stomach, I say steer clear of this dish. Still, if you must eat here, stick to the mason jars and boards. Those I would recommend. Beyond that, I wouldn't recommend that you make this a destination.
(2)
Kimberlie T.
5-Star, 5-Star, 5-Star!! I don't know where to begin except if you haven't been you need to go! They do NOT take reservations for your knowledge, but if you call ahead you may get lucky and have them put your name on the list while you commute there. It's in Pilsen/University Village - fun underrated area in my opinion. High recommend their focaccia di recco - i often find myself thinking of this appetizer/board. The Ricotta & honey comb vasi is delicious and their proscuitto pizza's are amazing. Huge fan! D E L I C I O U S
(5)
J F.
Very rude service and bad, overpriced food. You can do a lot better in this neighborhood.
(1)
Jay P.
Great food, excellent service and intimate environment. Will definitely be back.
(4)
Nancy S.
LOVE this place. I always recommend this place when friends visit town. No reservations, but the wait is worth it (Friday night about 40 minutes for 2 people). It is best to come here with a group of 4 so you can taste everything. Must haves: 1. Truffle egg toast with asparagus - great combination. 2. Davanti burger - perfectly made patty, toasted buns....just get it! 3. Polenta + ragu of the day - someone from the kitchen brings out a warm pot of ragu and mixes it with the polenta in front of you. When they first opened, they had an artichoke ragu that was amazing, but I haven't seen it since. Now it seems they only serve pork cheese ragu. Still good, but not as good as the artichoke. 4. Ricotta + Honey comb 5. Chicken liver pate 6. Focaccia bread - pretty large portion, super cheesy :D 7. Octopus - small portion The cured meats and cheese are delicious. The prosciutto pizza is good, but not amazing. The other dishes were good, but not as memorable as the ones listed above. Great beer and WINE selection. Ask to see their wine selection...they bring out a ginormous wine bottle with the menu taped to it. Pretty neat. Good service. Really well priced ~ $20/person without wine. It's a bit loud, but not to the point where you have to scream to talk. It's just lively inside :D Love the ambiance. I have yet to try their brunch...can't wait!
(5)
Tia T.
Believe the hype! This place is THE Italian destination in the city of Chicago. No cutesy review this for this gem...this is serious business! On my first visit, I had the pleasure of having: - Fromaggi & Salumi Platter - The Capicolla is the winner! - Spagehetti & Black Pepper - Beautiful in its simplicity - Focaccia & Fresh Soft Cow Cheese - Heavenly, like eating a cloud of happiness. Nothing like it! - Ricotta & Honey Comb Jar - Fantastic - Chicken Liver Pate. - The best I've ever had! -Truffle Egg Toast, Fontina & Asparagus. - Still thinking about it. The wait for a table in this joint is off of the hook so I spent the hour plus putting back a couple of delicious Peroni's, the beer of choice at Davanti. I must have checked my watch a thousand times and during a moment of weakness, I almost gave in to my nagging hunger. Thankfully, I persevered. Once the first bite of bliss hit my lips, the wait was all forgotten. This joyous, overwhelmingly pleasurable experience renewed my interest in the Italian dining scene. I will strategically plan my next visit and until then I shall shower Davanti with praises of perfection!
(5)
Yara M.
This place was voted one of Chicago's 38 essential restaurants, and I completely understand why. Everything was amazing. I recommend: - Sitting at the bar so you don't have to wait for a table. - The egg toast (I seriously don't understand how they perfected this unique dish...the texture and taste were perfect). - Risotto (very delicious but was a bit too cold) - Hanger steak (cooked perfectly...it was fantastic). I am definitely going back on Monday for half-off burgers!
(5)
Amanda W.
Have been twice now and both times had a great experience. Fun place to go with friends to share different items; the giant focaccia is fantastic. Both times service was good, with helpful wine and entree suggestons made, which I appreciate.
(5)
Andrea F.
Perfetto piccolo luogo! First time diners and can't wait to back!! This place is pretty small so be prepared to wait unless you get there by 5:30, they get busy. The food was excellent, the service was great and the wine was very affordable (lots to choose from). Well done!
(5)
Bobby B.
Food is great, service is great and you have to love them for having a drink special every night. Every time I go I have to get the risotto carbonara and the grilled asparagus -both are to die for.
(5)
Sarah S.
Dear Davanti Enoteca, Nom Nom NOM! Please feed me every day. I went last night with a girlfriend and we got there plenty early on a Thursday and had no trouble securing a table. By the time we left, the place had filled up, but it's definitely worth your wait. The play by play: Wine was reasonable and delicious. I ordered the 2006 Chianti Colle Senesi. Yum. Tuscan toast with whipped ricotta and honey comb. Holy smokes, get in my belly. Roasted squash with farro, goat cheese and watercress. Mmmm, drool. Thin crust pizza with foraged mushrooms, braised leeks, taleggio and truffle oil. What ISN'T good when it includes truffle oil? I would have ordered 15 more things from the delicious looking rest of the menu had I not been incredibly full at this point. Stomach, fail. Guess I'll just have to go back... :) Oh, and did I mention it was only $46 for the two of us? Bargain.
(5)
Mary Y.
Whoa mamacita! Little Italy's gem. We wanted the whole menu. Started with a nice Valpolicella Ripasso, excellent complement to our cheese and meat board. We had proscuitto, salami, and 3 cheeses: the Robiola due Latte, the Fontina del Asta, and the Grana Padano. Delicioso! My friends ordered a special pork pasta dish which I had a bite of and it was delish. They also ordered a mozzarella tomato pizza which was a little too bland for me. The highlight was my butternut squash ravioli which was more like gnocchi stuffed with butternut squash. A wonderful butter sage sauce and just the right amount. We thought about ordering another plate but were afraid we wouldn't have room for dessert. Good thing! I believe my dessert may have been made by Jesus himself. Torta Baccio. Chocolate hazlenut mousse with a crispy bottom and chocolate nibs on the top. This actually caused my 6'4, 200# dinner companion to yelp like a girl, close his eyes and make sounds no man should make (at least in a crowded restaurant). His cannoli was actually more like a jar of marscapone that had too much cinnamon and was too thick. Not the greatest. Our 3rd companion had a white chocolate espresso creme brulee, which we both loved but my other friend hated, so he lifted my dessert. Bastard. I'll be back here in May when I visit, and try other things. It's one of those places you want the entire menu.
(5)
Justine W.
Happy Friday Everyone! I went to Davanti for lunch today, which was on Taylor Street. Another great Italian restaurant in Chicago. I ordered Truffle Egg Toast + Fontina + Asparagus. The presentation was amazing, which made people say " oH wow.. *drooling* , and "my mouth is watering". The combination of the runny egg yolk and the melted fontina cheese created a perfection. The toast was so thick that you had to use steak knife to eat it. With a bed of fresh asparagus, it was delicious. The service was attentive. If you are craving for Italian food, put this on your food list! Nom...
(5)
Matt H.
I need to get to Little Italy more often. We had a lovely time at Davanti this past Saturday evening. It was three of us and that night we made a reservation on open table at 8pm for 8:45pm. The restaurant is beautiful and I particularly liked the brick wall (gorgeous arches) in the back. We were seated promptly upon arrival and our female server was affable and offered helpful advice in choosing plates for us to share. The busboys and other staff that brought our different dishes to the table were sociable and kind. We decided to split a bottle of Prosecco which was very tasty. We all shared the roasted cherry tomatoes and burrata, roasted beets, mascarpone polenta with pork shoulder ragu, octopus, and the ravioli with spring pea and ricotta filling. The tomatoes and burrata came with basil pesto. The beets were served with walnuts and walnut butter. In both, the vegetables were fresh and enjoyable. The polenta with pork shoulder ragu was, in my opinion, the best dish of the night. Served on a wooden board, the flavors were spectacular. We were given a large tentacle of octopus that was properly seared and the almonds and fingerling potato salad were a nice accompaniment. The ravioli was probably my second favorite and in addition to the filling, the pancetta was so so delicious. For dessert, we ordered the Key Lime Tart and the Brown Butter Blondie. Both were very satisfying. The tart was served in a balsamic reduction with cucumber melon sorbet and watermelon. Yum. The Blondie came with maple gelato, caramel sauce and almonds. Double yum. I encourage everyone to visit Davanti at the Taylor Street location. Wonderful ambiance, friendly and speedy service and unique, savory dishes. An Italian gem of Chicago! xoxo
(5)
Winston G.
4.5 stars. This place has some really stellar dishes, but also a dish or two that was not the greatest. However, let me just suggest some of my favorite dishes of the evening, and plates that you should definitely get. Mascarpone polenta + ragu of the day (pork cheeks when I went) was absolutely phenomenal. You have to get this dish - the pork ragu was braised perfectly, as it was flavorful and rich, but balanced out very nicely with the light polenta. My favorite dish of the night. The linguini with sea urchin and crab is also a great play. Not the largest portions, but enough to split between 2-3 people. The linguini was al dente, and the dish was a bit creamy but not overwhelmingly so. I thought the pizza della fattoria (egg, pork belly) was not that great, and I did not care much for the seared octopus dish either (the octopus was great, but the warm potato salad with the horseradish aioli just didn't taste right with it). The great thing about this place is all of these dishes, plus dessert and a side of mushrooms cost about $70 w/ tip.
(5)
David G.
Let me start by saying this is where my girl choose for my birthday (as well as a friend who's birthday is the same day) and I couldn't have had a better experience!!! The decor was rustic Italian (which I love) and was very warm and inviting. This little wine bar is a great place for a large group to share many different plates (both small and large) for a very reasonable price (our food was less than $20 per person with tip!). I definitely will be going back!
(5)
carmen b.
Hello FOOD SNOB here, Came here during the Wonderful Festa Italiana along Taylor street. VERY VERY tasty food. I was wondering why the prices were on the low side. Then the waiter told us they were small plates so you might want to order more than one. I started with the CRISPY PORK BELLY. First time I ever had it. I LOVED IT. Very Good. My better half had the Cauliflower Steak. Was also good as it was accompanied with a pepper relish. She also had the Linguine with Crab and Sea Urchin. Was very good EXCEPT did not see any Sea Urchin and very little Crab. Finally the BEST of all. The Gnocchi or (nudi) with Pork Cheeks. One of the best things I ever tasted. Very soft dumplings with very tender meat. Was served kinda in a very tasty meat Gravy VERY VERY GOOD! We sat outside because the Fest was going on. But I do not think they have outdoor seating on a regular basis. Also they do not usually serve Bread but you can ask for it. ALL IN ALL a very good dinner.
(5)
Stephanie S.
Because I'm a horrible person, I love showing up to a busy restaurant with reservations immediately behind some less-than-classy-looking girls who are *aghast* that there is a two-hour wait for a table. This was one of those lovely moments. I had one of the best meals in recent memory here: truffle egg toast (truffle-y goodness, I mean, you can pour that stuff on a boot and it'll taste like heaven), linguine with sea urchin and crab (fishy in a delicious way that made me lust for a portion I didn't have to share with hubs), mushroom pizza (again with the truffle oil--plus mushrooms? I'll eat it all), and the polenta board of the day which featured pork shoulder (all the warmth of a home-cooked meal, but better--and without the dishes). After all that for the two of us, we were too full for dessert. If you Google around, you'll see the cork fee here is listed as $7, so we were shocked when $25 got added to our tab for the one bottle we brought with us. Had we known that, we probably would've done this differently (minus one star for that). The vibe skews older but has a cool, busy atmosphere (plus there's a rooftop for when it gets a tad warmer). We will definitely be back for a nice but laid back meal.
(4)
Ashley G.
A delightful Italian restaurant who knows good food & good wine! Great atmosphere & knowledgable servers. I'm an out of town-er but would most certainly go back!
(5)
Natalie E.
Honestly, this is my favorite place to go. The food is unusual and always tasty. 2 years ago when I first started coming here, I would have given it 4 stars because the service makes you wait awhile, but its gotten considerably better. They have a fabulous wine list and really cool vibes. Definitely the place to go if you want Italian but not traditional Italian. When you go you HAVE to get the polenta w/ the ragu of the day and the focaccia (spring for the additional honeycomb)
(5)
Abhi S.
I wish I could say I have tried their food but unfortunately I could not. My girlfriend and I were sat down outside and provided water. However besides that, no other service ever came. We waited awhile assuming they might have just been busy and they will eventually come to us. BUT we saw that 2 other groups were sat down AND attended to yet no one came to even take our drink orders at the very least. I wish I made it known to them that we were never approached but in order to not ruin our day and cause a big scene, we just walked out instead and went to another restaurant down the street. Their food might be good but I would not know since their service is clearly not.
(1)
Emily B.
Great experience. Our waitress was lovely, and the rest of the staff was equally as helpful running plates and such. Great menu, wine and cocktail selections and the Butter Blondie Brownie was out of this world! I will definitely be a returning customer.
(5)
Joulie S.
Very cozy Italian place. They serve family style portion. I loved their pizzas and their appetizers are amazing. The way they present them has a special touch of creativity and astonishing taste that will leave you wanting more! It is located in little Italy in Chicago, it has a different decorative lighting, which I find very exquisite and surreal, not too bright and not too dark. The prices were reasonable, I wouldn't say you get what you pay for as the plates are smaller in size, but it is worth trying if you like not so traditional 'Italian" restaurants.
(5)
B. D.
This place is waaay overpriced. The food is okay, it is just average. What I really did not like about this place is that they seemed very stingy. At every nice restaurant I go to, the bread is on the house, just the like the water is. For a restaurant to charge for the bread, they seem very stingy. 3 slices of bread with some ricotta cheese and honey is 9$, that is just ridiculous. Maybe the hostess had a reason that I was unaware of, but the two of us asked to be seated at a 4 seater table, the hostess did not let us. Ten minutes later, another couple walked in and she seated them at a different 4 seater table. This did not leave a good impression. I did enjoy the decor, though. It felt like we were in a wine cellar.
(2)
Dina E.
Awesome food, unique entrees, casual vibe, great service! We tried everything suggested by our server and loved it all! The warm kale salad was delicious as well as the spaghetti with pecorino. Their version of a caprese salad served with pomodoro tomatoes, smooth fresh mozzarella and fresh basil with warm grilled bread was heaven!!! You must try the "blondie" for dessert - the best I've ever had! Must go!!!
(5)
Nikki W.
The service was impeccable. Enjoyed almost everything on the menu. It really expanded my pallet and tried some things for the first time. I wouldn't recommend the steak. Keep to their traditional Italian dishes and.
(4)
Jason G.
One of the best burgers I've had in Chicago. Actually, one of the best meals I've had in my long career of eating in Chicago. I suggest going with a bigger group so you can try more things and make more friends! Order just about anything on this menu, it wont disappoint. I will be back.
(5)
Rachel H.
Their menu kind of misrepresents the actual food that is served. The risotto was full of mint and the menu didn't even mention that. The pizza said tomatoes and fresh mozzarella and there were no tomatoes (just cheap bad tasting tomato sauce) and one small piece of fresh mozzarella in the middle. Also, they put a lot of salt on top of the pizza for some weird reason. Then I ordered the very salad (menu states roasted beet salad with creme fraishe) and the beets that came in the salad were seriously canned beets and NOT roasted at all. I know I'm from the west loop and my standards are high, but it really seemed that everything I ate there was from a box, can or container. Not gonna go back.
(2)
Steven L.
This is definitely the best Italian restaurant in Chicago. Well at least for me. We made a reservation ns were all seated by 7 p.m. for our monthly family dinner. My folks had picked out the place and said that it was worth it. I had my reservations as I was not a fan of Italian food until that day. I made it a point of returning with by buds on a later date because of the good food, service and wine. They serve tapa style and meals are shared like in the typical traditional style. That said, we ordered Chicken liver pate that had a pleasantly tasting dried cherry topping followed by sea urchin and crab linguine and truffle egg toast that was utter bliss. The Ricotta and Honeycomb had fabulous toast and creamy cheese. Every item of food we were ordered was awesome and the waiters suggestions on the Italian wines topped up a wonderful experience.
(5)
Meera T.
I'm so glad to hear Karen T. enjoyed her meal here, because I was the fellow vegetarian she spoke of. I had felt bad that they had eaten completely vegetarian, and insisted they get some meat dishes, so I'm overjoyed to hear that she loved it! The meal was amazing, and basically everything Karen T. said. Everything was rich, decadent, and provided a great balance between sweet and savory. The honeycomb/ricotta vasi came highly recommended, and it did not disappoint. It was sweet, creamy and so delicious. I would have eaten the rest with a spoon if our server hadn't brought us more toast. We then split a truffle oil/taleggio/leek pizza, the truffled egg toast, and the farro. All of the dishes were excellent. The pizza was slightly heavy on the truffle oil for my tastes, but still delicious. The farro was my favorite. It had a great balance between savory, sweet, soft and chewy. We ended the meal with the cow cheese focaccia, which was so delicious that we could only eat a little bit of it. Overall, a great meal. The ambiance is great. It's cozy with dim lighting, and makes you feel like you're in rustic Italy. I'll definitely return!
(4)
Kristin S.
Gourmet Italian tapas? I'm a BIG fan. Came here with some wonderful friends after they'd picked us up from the airport and can't wait to go back. Broken down: The food is fantastic. The service is great. The wine is inventive. The atmosphere is modern but comfortable. The prices are, GASP, unbelievably reasonable for the caliber of food. You must get the ricotta and honey. Let me repeat that. You must get the fresh ricotta and honey. It will blow your mind. The pork belly melted in my mouth and contrasted well with the fruit preserves it was served with. The truffled egg toast on asparagus came with a soft egg yolk in the center that we beat before spreading the richness all over everything on the plate. Awesome. We tried a cheese plate and were fairly impressed with everything there, too. The winter squash and farro salad was one of my favorite dishes of the night, but mostly because it broke up the extreme richness of all the other dishes we ordered. The risotto carbonara was out of this world. My mouth is watering just thinking about it now. We had the cannoli sundae dessert (good, not great, but not reco'd by our server) and the hazelnut chocolate something (fantastic, and highly reco'd by our server). Service was friendly and good. The best part was that when we got the bill (after being absolutely stuffed), I was surprised at how little we'd spent for such an amazing meal. I love that feeling! I can't wait to get back here. If I lived closer, this might be my new favorite date night restaurant.
(5)
John T.
The foccacia was outstanding but the seafood pasta didn't have enough seafood and the carbonara risotto was boring. 3 stars.
(3)
Marilyn M.
One of my favorites on Taylor Street, though now there is one on Hubbard in River North (have not tried). The only thing missing were the fig menu options but according to the waiter, they are seasonal. My friend and I tried several items including the fresh pasta. All was great. The only negative is that it is a bit noisy and hard to hear one another. Also, the table for two seating was a bit closer than what I would have liked. Else, nice evening. Will definitely go again.
(4)
Alex A.
The food is great, as well as environment and ambiance of the restaurant. The reason why I'm giving this place a 3 star rating is because the staff was incredibly rude. For it being my first time there I anticipated being walked through the menu and given tips as to go about ordering for the best experience. This waiter acted as though he was annoyed by the fact that I was even there and seemed inconvenienced when I had questions about the menu. Aside from the rude staff, the portions were incredibly small. For the amount I paid for my meal I should have had more than a thimble full of food, even if it did taste amazing, I'm gonna have to order a pizza in about an hour. I left unsatisfied, aggravated and hungry. I'm definitely crossing this place off my list to revisit.
(3)
Ashley C.
2.5 stars. I used to love Davanti and it was our go-to Italian spot. The food has still been very good (& that is the only reason I did not dock them more and rounded up). However, we have had some service issues on our more recent visits. This last time was enough for me to update the review and take some stars away. We were having dinner with friends and picked Davanti (after we talked it up). There was a delay in getting us seated but the rest of the meal was good. At the end of our meal, we were done with our food and bottle of wine. We however wanted to order after dinner drinks as our dessert. However, our waiter brought us our check immediately and didn't even ask if we wanted anything else. Before we could flag down our server and within a minute, the host and/or manager came to our table and told us we needed to leave. He said they have a 2 hour limit on tables. He walked away before we could even respond. I was and am still appalled at the way it was handled and it should have been done much better and not as rude. At that point, we certainly were not going to have a drink there. It left an awkward end to our dinner. Davanti - it is a shame, but we are on a break.
(2)
Brian M.
A few friends and I went here last night and, much to our surprise, were able to get a table within a half hour. The atmosphere was a little loud, but definitely had a great, hip vibe. The food was fantastic. We started with the cheese and meat plate, selecting a parmesan, mozzarella, goat cheese, salami and prosciutto. There was a very tasty raisin bread that accompanies the plate. For our main courses, we ordered grilled asparagus with pickled rhubarb, roasted beets, and risotto carbonara. The asparagus was surprisingly good. I have never really been exposed to rhubarb, but it served as an excellent complement to the asparagus. The roasted beets were out of this world! They came topped with candied walnuts and had walnut butter on the side. Definitely the best beets that I have ever had. The risotto was excellent and entertaining. It was perfectly creamy. And you get to mix the egg yolk in right at your table. I also had the opportunity to try a sip of my girlfriend's specialty cocktail, and man was it potent! Long story short...You should check out Davanti Enoteca. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Vineet S.
We had been waiting from quite a long time to visit Davanti after it reopens. Visited it over the weekend even though the offcial opening was on Tuesday.They have redone the entire place and have used unique ideas to decorate with Wine boxes and wood.We were greeted by Managers Patrick and Jeff as we entered the place.We ended up ordering Ceci Beans,Ravioli, Veg Pizza and Wine.Food was great specially the Ravioli and Beans.Service was excellent. Guess what when I asked for the cheque then they said that food was on Davanti for that day.Had an awesome dinner at Davanti.Will surely visit again to try some other things.
(5)
Eleni D.
I love the old-world feel of the space, watching the cute boy flipping pizza dough in the air, and starting on a bottle of wine at the bar while waiting for our table to be set. Now, onto the food: -The pork belly sounded interesting so we ordered it, but it was way too greasy and fatty, and stuck to my teeth (I know, I know, what did I expect?) -The burrata with tuscan toast was delicious - basically a mason jar full of bufallo mozzarella in cream; went perfectly with the crispy warm toast coated in olive oil. - roasted corn and goat cheese salad was a bit salty but an interesting mix of flavours overall -The priosciutto & arrugula thin crust, oven baked pizza was just enough for 3 to share (especially after all those apps, plus dessert to follow!) - Torta bacio was a delicious combination of hazlenut and chocolate and went perfectly with a bold espresso -The gelato trio was fresh and flavourful -The canolli sundae original and tasty, but very rich (order it if you are going to share with someone; it's a bit too much for one person). The staff was hit and miss: we observed the bartender tasting someone's drink before serving (ew!); the pizza dough spinner was a sweetie who kept us entertained while we waited for our table; our waiter was ok but brought us our bill WHILE asking us if we wanted anything else (perhaps we wanted another coffee!); the busboy and busgirl cleared our plates too quickly (almost before we were done!) but our water glasses will always filled promptly.
After waiting for two hours to be seated, I was really excited to dig into some authentic Italian. I'm new to the "small plate" version of Italian (they seem diabolically opposed to me?), and after a two-hour wait I was pretty hungry, so perhaps that created the perfect storm here. We ordered the ravioli and were brought ONE RAVIOLI on a large plate. Okay, it was a larger ravioli than normal (size of a fist), but seriously? Nine bucks for a single ravioli (no meat, no sauce)? It was not terribly tasty, nor was the rigatoni. Very average all around. I will recommend the butternut squash salad, and the ambience was pretty nice once we sat down, but I left hungry and disappointed! Not to mention cash-poor. The $$-rating is deceiving! Beware: VERY small plates!
(1)
NANCY H.
Really dig this place. Great wine selection, as a review noted, very reasonably priced. Food was good, also. Loved the atmosphere there. We ordered flank steak and risotto. Both were delicious. The beet salad was not good, but I think perhaps I'm not a beet person. Be prepared for a long wait. We waited 2 hours on a Friday night, but didn't mind. You can have drinks in the neighborhood and the hostess will call you when your table is ready. Our male waiter was a drama queen, for no reason. Other than that, excellent experience.
(4)
Lizzy B.
I was visiting my sister in Little Italy, and she's been anxiously waiting to see what was going in on the corner. It looked packed at 7pm on a Saturday, so we figured it was open and walked in. My sister was surprised to see Patrick, the manager of Francesca's - the excellent Italian restaurant across the street (her favorite). Apparently, this was their friends and family pre-opening party - and we were inadvertently crashing! But Patrick recognized my sister, greeted her with a hug and kiss, invited us in, and gave us a great table right in the front window. Lovely! The inside is beautiful - very rustic, with cool industrial touches. Seating is at the bar or high tables along the windows. The wine menu arrived tied to a giant wine bottle. As you can guess, the selection is all Italian. Our servers were wonderful too - just as friendly and welcoming as Patrick, and quick to bring water or clear an empty plate. The menu is an Italian version of tapas or small plates. We tried a fantastic salad with roasted tomatoes (still on the vine), with olive oil, pesto and burrata - a creamy mozzarella-like cheese. It was wonderful. We also shared the giant ravioli - a huge ravioli stuffed with creamed spinach and egg yolk, swimming in butter and dusted with parmesan. You have to share, b/c it's so rich. It was sinfully good. The only thing that could have made it better was maybe a little bread to soak up all that wonderful sauce and oil! We will definitely be back, when it officially opens!
(5)
Monica K.
I was a little reluctant to go to a place that doesn't take reservations (we had 9 in our party!), but we didn't run into too much trouble for a Sunday night. The interior is really well done, and everything is very well spaced so that you're not jammed up against the table next to you. The wine is cheap (they sell it at retail price) and although there's usually a corkage fee ($7), on Sunday nights you don't have to pay the fee! The food was all really good - although for a party of 9 it's tough to split the smaller portions, we each got to taste each of the dishes. All of the pizzas were really good (we tried the della terra (truffle oil!) and the della fattoria (potatoes!)). The risotto was a little salty for my taste, but otherwise the texture was perfect. The spaghetti with black pepper - was very very peppery. Some people liked it, it was a little much for my taste. The giant rigatoni was delicious! Perfectly cooked! The wait staff was really nice - some of them were dressed so casually I thought they were other diners at the restaurant. Some seemed to know more about the wines than others though. You'll have to ask around to make sure you get solid information/recommendations about some of the wines you've never heard of (other than, "it goes well with the food". That doesn't really help me...)
(4)
Senorita J.
excellent Italian food along with great service!
(5)
John O.
Great Italian spot with lots of tasty small plates to share. Killer setting and pretty good service. Plenty of great wines on the list.
(4)
Sara G.
I can't say enough good things about this place! Went here with a group of 8 and had a wonderful waitress who was extremely knowledgeable about the food and the wine. It's small plates kind of place so come ready to share. Can't Miss Dishes: Ricotta and Honey Comb Pizza della Fattoria Cacio e Pepe Make sure you come early because the wait time can be atrocious on the weekends. They do no accept reservations.
(5)
Cindy D.
I LOVE this place! Very very affordable, dinner for 4 came out to $65 (no drinks) Loved the Focaccia Di Recco, Truffle Egg Toast, Fontina & Asparagus, Pizza Con Salsiccia E Rapini (minus the brocolli), Pecorino Tartufato These dishes were good, but could have done without - Crispy Pork Belly, Peach Mostarda, Roasted Beets, Walnut Butter, Creme Fraiche & Candied Walnuts, Paccheri Con Salsiccia E Pomodori Al Forno Overall, I just loved that the wine list was affordable (on Sundays, no $7 corkage fee) and that you could choose from a variety of choices. Would check it out again!
(5)
Rajiv H.
I don't get what all the hoopla is about. Davanti Enoteca is okay. It's pretty cheap, and the food isn't bad, but it is pretty blah. The service was good and the interior of the place has a nice, old, wooden feeling. Their alcohol was confusing to us. We all thought it was BYOB, but instead you can buy alcohol from them and drink it there, as if there's a separate wine shop and restaurant (maybe it's some kind of liquor license work around). On to the food. We had the crisp pork belly to start, and, you know, it tasted like pork belly. Of course it's pretty good, it's pure fat. We also had the truffle egg toast which was strange. Again, not good or bad (the theme of the night I suppose), just strangely textured with any hint of truffle flavor absent from the dish. Our dishes encompassed the world of pizzas to pastas. The pastas were all lacking a decent amount of meat, especially the rigatoni with sausage. I don't regret stopping in at Davanti, but I also don't think I'll be coming back.
(3)
Daniel P.
Been here several times. I've almost worked through the entire menu. My stand outs have to be: Burger, now with bacon jam!, Corn salad, Swordfish, Carbonara pasta & Pizza's! Everything I've had here is fantastic. They have wine along the back wall for you to choose a bottle for there or to go. All very reasonably priced. They charge a $7 corkage fee, great idea. The La Quercia Montepulciano is my favorite!
(5)
Lala S.
It was just ok. Many of their dishes sounded good in concept but the execution was just wrong. There were so many things I would change about how the dishes were executed. I wish I could have just walked into the kitchen and revamped all the dishes we tried. They were having a wine-tasting with the staff while we were there which made for a less attentive waitstaff. The expedition of the dishes didn't make sense at all. We did a pretty good job of ordering our dishes in a manner that would let the server "course out" our meal but our plates came out in a weird order which distracted our palettes. The highlight of our meal was the Hearts of Palm salad. The Sea Urchin and Crab Linguini lacked the brininess of the sea urchin and needed some acidity to round out the flavors. It does however pair well with the Hearts of Palm Salad. Their Hanger Steak was forgettable and many of the elements didn't stand out, creating an overall "meh" dish. i can't even really remember what else we got because nothing was very memorable. I was a little disappointed in our $80 lunch. I think it could have been well spent somewhere else, which is a super let-down because I had such high hopes for this place. P.S. who ever is hiding the salt from the chef please return, most of our dishes lacked flavor.
(3)
Allison A.
Meh is how I feel about this restaurant. I live around the corner from here and it took about six months for me to be able to get in. (They don't take reservations.) Small annoyance, but whatever. I had been hearing so many good things about this place so I was super excited when I was finally able to get in. Sadly, I feel like it didn't really live up to all the hype. The food was good, but I've had better, and the server was kind of arrogant. Not what I was hoping for. Oh well.
(3)
Elena T.
The food was absolutely delicious. My whole group and I were eating off of each other's plates the whole time. Get the pizza della terra. It will blow your mind. One downside: im not sure if they were short staffed or not but the service was lacking. Other tables including ourselves had to wait to get noticed by the server. But the food is worth the wait.
(4)
Linda H.
Went here for a second time last night, and once again had a great experience. We are kind of early birds, so both times there was just a very short wait...last night we sat at the bar, which I like (kind of like sitting at the counter at a diner, which I love). Anyway, who knew that something as simple as bread and cheese could be so gosh darn good....Burrata, Sea Salt & Evoo, the cheese served in a mason jar, was a great way to start. That was followed by the squash and farro salad, which I had to order again after my last visit...sooo good. My main reason for wanting to go again was for the arugula and prosciutto pizza, which I enjoyed so much last time....but we decided to get the mascarpose polenta w/veal and prosciutto meatballs; another home run. After that, we just didn't have enough room for the pizza, and wanted to get dessert. The problem is, there are just too many good things on the menu at this place. For dessert, BF ordered the Torta Bacio, and I got the carrot cake parfait thingy (served in a mason jar). Uhhh, this is possibly one of the best desserts I have ever eaten...definitely the best carrot cake I've ever had. I don't even think I asked the BF how he liked his, I was so involved in the deliciousness of my own thing....I think he said it was really good though. The service is so friendly, helpful and efficient...they work as a team and there are lots of people serving you, but however they work it out, the timing was perfect on everything. The employees all seem very happy to be there...BF even commented on how the dishwasher made an appearance at one point, and even HE seemed damn glad to be there. This Scott Harris fellow seems to have this restauranteuring thing down (see previous review of Salatino's)....looking forward to ordering a pie from Doughboys very soon.
Omg, I loved this place! I love the food! It's all so yummy! I can't wait for my next visit! Yum, yum!
(5)
Justin W.
I liked this place the moment I walked in. Very welcoming place and the staff is extremely friendly and nice. Very helpful with menu and drink choices. Very open dining room setting with great lighting. Ok,now for the food. We tried several items and I cannot pick the best one, they were all amazing but I think the pork belly is ridiculously good. The pastries and deserts here may be the best I've ever had and I'm not much into sweats so that saying something! This is a must got to place. Even if you must drive to get there!!!
(5)
Lily Z.
Boy and I came here for date night last night. We ordered a charcuetrie/cheese platter, bruchetta, sea urchin pasta and seared scallops. I wasn't too crazy about the charcuetrie/cheese platter but that was only because I was already full. I wasn't too fond of the bread that came with it. I prefer baguette bread with any meat/cheese platter. When I heard the bruchetta had pine nuts and goat cheese, I was a bit uneasy because I like neither. We had already ordered it so it was too late to back out. To our amazement, it was still good! The sea urchin pasta was just as amazing as I remembered it. Perfectly al dente, smooth and flavorful. The scallops were superb. It was perfectly seared, soft as butter and the corn underneath provided great texture. Service was lovely. I highly recommend Shannon who works both locations but is in Little Italy on Thursdays. Lovely, helpful and offered to get me another glass of wine after I spilled on myself. Haha. Amazing meal as usual. Absolutely love this place.
(5)
Amanda V.
My husband and I went to this place based on reviews on the Internet. We were very impressed. It was our first time to Chicago and we wanted to eat at the best. I think we found it here. It's a little expensive but worth it. My tastebuds were going crazy with the amazing flavors. Highly recommended if you're looking for a delicious unique experience.
(5)
Amy W.
A great place with quirky decor that is accommodating of large parties. Relatively easy street parking. As for the food, I loved the ricotta (so rich and creamy!) and honeycomb, truffle egg toast with its perfect crumbly and rich bread, and the ragu of the day and polenta. Drink prices were also very reasonable.
(4)
Michael V.
Was told Davanti was the best Italian restaurant in Chicago so I had been waiting to try it for over a year before going last Friday. My girlfriend and I had reservations for 7. We were seated right away and it looks like there were still empty tables available at that time. The restaurant itself is really cute, exactly what I would expect from a highly acclaimed Italian restaurant in Little Italy. We had a server in-training, so service was a bit slow throughout the meal. We started with a glass of wine and a Peroni. The wine by the glass menu was a bit expensive for us (recent college grads) so we stuck with the cheapest options. Davanti does small plates, so keep that in mind when you order. My gf and I did the gnocchi, the tagliatelle and the Pizza D.O.C. (a margarita pizza). The pizza came first and it was the perfect dish to start with. Warm and fresh with a crisp, thin crust. When we finished that the gnocchi came out. It was SO good but the dish was SO small. It might have been the best gnocchi dish I've ever had but we probably paid $2/gnocchi. That's a bit much in my mind. The tagliatelle was a slightly bigger dish and was also very good. This is a great restaurant! I can't give it 5 stars this time around because the service was a bit slow and the dishes are really expensive for being so small. If you get an experienced server and price isn't an issue this will be one of the best Italian experiences you can get in Chicago!
(4)
Emily P.
Davanti Enoteca has quickly become one of my favorite restaurants! I only tried this place once, but I know I will be returning again soon. They have lots of small plates to share, half portion pastas, or larger entrees as well. I loved the cute, comical posters (Lard anyone?). DELICIOUS FOOD. Everything I tried was delicious. Even the menu items I was hesitant about. From the Cauliflower steak, cheese & prosciutto platter, drinks, pork belly, and especially the Riccio di Mare e Granchio (linguine with sea urchin and crab), Bread with ricotta cheese and honeycomb, and bruschetta of the day I could not complain about a single thing! I definitely want to try a homemade pizza and their foccacia with honey on my next visit. SERVICE. Our waiter was excellent. He was polite, knowledgeable about every time on the menu, had a great memory (he never had to write anything down), and kept the food coming at a comfortable pace. Our water cups were never left empty and we never had to wait around to ask for something.
(5)
Rene P.
We showed up at 6 on a Saturday without reservations, and there was a two hour wait. They were however, willing to accommodation us at the bar which was fine for us. Their drink menu looked lovely but as we were on our way to a beer event we decided to drink beer. The beer selection was poor, but it is not a beer place, so we settled for Peroni. We started with 5 selections from the formaggi and salami menu. It arrived on a board with the three chunks of cheese (about a square inch of each) the two types of meat (about 4 thin slices of each) and some toasts, marmalade, and apple slices with a spicy topping. It was really impressive and for around $20 a great way to start the meal. We then had the roasted cherry tomato burrata + basil pesto salad. I told the bartender that he should warn people when they order that. I will never enjoy a caprese salad as much as I did this. It was a large ball of burrata, 3 beautifully roasted tomatoes (larger than your average cherry) and the sauce was just delightful. We finished with the burger. Loved it. Loved the shoe string potatoes. The service was good. It happened to be the Saturday before Halloween and all of the staff was dressed up to some degree. The decor is nice, though the place is rather loud. It was fine for the two of us, sitting next to each other at the bar, but might be too much for a group. We spent around $75 + tip for the three plates, and two beers each.
(4)
Elizabeth H.
How are you still so incredibly good? I enjoyed my graduation dinner here on Thursday night and I loved every bit of it! This was a great spot to bring my parents to and we were lucky enough to get the best table in the house (my opinion - back corner by the wine racks) by arriving at 6:15pm. Highlights: Pizza D.O.C. - The sauce is the shit. Cheese flight - props to the waiter for surprising us with a mix of three cheeses Squash salad - I heart you too Spaghetti - You make it hard to put my fork down I have yet to make it to dessert. Davanti Enoteca - You are dangerously delicious.
(5)
Steven N.
3.75 stars, but I rounded up to give it a 4. Overall, it was a really nice dining experience. I don't normally like Italian food, but I was impressed by the their culinary skills. This place was really busy for a Tuesday night, but I think that's partly due to the Lady Gaga concert that was happening. I mention the crowd because their waiting area is quite small. They may be able to seat 12 people at the bar, but that's really about it. We ended up going to the wine bar across the street to wait for our table. Once we sat down, we really started to appreciate the cozy, close-to-home-but-classy atmosphere. Ordering was pleasant because our waiter was very pleasant. The food...the food is what makes this place. We started with three appetizers: stewed calamari, truffle egg toast with fontana and asparagus, and the crispy pork belly with apple mostarda. All were outstanding except for the calamari. It wasn't bad, but stewing it isn't my preference. The truffle egg toast is just simply out of this world. Then we ordered a bunch of entrees to get a taste of everything. The pizza della fattoria was a pleasant surprise. I didn't think pork belly and farmed eggs go on a pizza, but that goes to show how ignorant I've been. Then came the polenta board and bistecca alla griglia. Very interesting taste. After that were the pasta dishes - riccio di mare e granchio (linguine plus sea urchin and crab) and paccheri con salsiccia (rigatoni and sausage) - both were done very nicely. The only disappointment came at the end - the Kobe NY Strip - it was under-seasoned, over-cooked...just overall a mistake. If this is how Italians cook Kobe steaks, they should stop doing this right away. But like I said, this was an enjoyable experience, definitely worth checking out.
(4)
Chitown D.
This is truly the loudest restaurant I have ever been to. Absolutely the worst. So bad that the server joked that the noise makes her want to kill people. As for the food, the shaved fresh hearts of palm salad was one of the worst salads I have ever had. The pizza was very greasy and gross. The dessert was fine, but we had to take it to go to save our eardrums. The ambiance is pretty cool, but SO not worth it. Also, to make it all worse, they do not take reservations, so get ready for a wait. The only good thing about this place is that it gave us an opportunity to go across the street to Beviamo for a drink while we waited. Avoid this place like crazy.
(1)
Sonny S.
WOW...even though I'm stuffed to the gills as I'm writing this review, I'm tempted to dig into my leftovers - that's how good Davanti Enoteca was! I came here with a friend to catch up after a hectic week of finals. The interior of DE is really lovely with a great rustic feel with many elements of wood, brick and light fixtures. After entering, we were greeted warmly by the staff who were very personable and friendly. Our server - I think his name was Reed - started by explaining the concept of the restaurant, which is tapas-style with an rustic Italian twist along with the specials of the day. Everything about my experience at DE was perfect from beginning to end. Every single item on the menu seemed so delicious that it made deciding a problem, but we managed to narrow down our options and ended up going with: RICOTTA + LOCAL HONEY COMB VASI The dish comes with three components: toasted crusty slice of bread, a mason jar of ricotta cheese and a chunk of honey comb. At first, I was a bit confused, but our server mixed the honey comb and ricotta and told us to spread it on the bread. The dish is simple, but the flavors were delicious! The ricotta cheese is very light and fluffy with sweet notes from the honey comb, and it goes great on the toast...I could've just eaten the ricotta/honeycomb mixture to be honest...haha. MASCARPONE POLENTA WITH VEAL & PROSCIUTTO MEATBALLS The mascarpone polenta was hot, thick, and rich, which served as a great canvas for the flavorful veal and prosciutto meatballs and sauce...definitely should've a large for more leftovers! RICCIO DI MARE E GRANCHIO The linguine was cooked to a perfect al dente. The brininess of the sauce from the sea urchin went great with the tender chunks of jumbo lump crab meat and crispy texture of the scallions on top. Each course just kept getting better and better. PIZZA DELLA TERRA By this point, we were getting full, but the aroma from the truffle oil immediately wet my appetite. This is a white pizza with taleggio cheese, wild mushrooms, braised leeks and truffle oil...SO GOOD...definitely have to order this! Each element adds another complexity to the pizza: the taleggio is soft and tangy, the wild mushrooms are earthy, the leeks add a crispy texture and the truffle oil add a pungent taste. The service at Davanti Enoteca was just as ahhmazing as the food! Our server as well as the wait staff were incredibly attentive and took really great care of us. For the most part, our water glasses were always filled and they did a awesome job checking on us and pacing our courses for us. Also, as a souvenir, patrons get a postcard with their check which is a nice touch. Whether if you're trying to impress a date or just have a nice meal with a friend, Davanti Enoteca is great in any situation and is sure to impress whoever you bring so make sure to try it out!
(5)
Puleng L.
I came here for brunch and I was more than satisfied. This place is also family friendly, don't think twice abt coming in with your little kids.
(5)
Dhruv P.
I love this place, its my go to place when I want to meet up anyone who is visiting from outside of Chicago or haven't tried this place (Oh the horror!). This is probably my favorite Italian place in Chicago, with the other being La Gondola on Ashland. Enoteca has more special/interesting menu, while La Gondola is more of a daily food place. I used to go to school in UIC, right when the whole gentrification was starting to happen. Alas, Enoteca Davanti didn't exist back then, so we made do with Francesca's (which was and is really good); I believe both share a/some common owners. But back to the review. The atmosphere is relaxed - old-world - cozy, makes you feel like home during the long winters we have. And if the atmosphere doesn't get you, then the amazing cheeses will. And the honey on honey-comb. What you ask, you eat the honey-comb, and I reply, use your fingers and link the last vestige of honey off the wooden board, because its delicious and pairs perfectly with the cheese and bread. Oh the bread, when it comes fried on the pan, complimenting the burrata, oh the burrata, where were you all my life? And the fried bread, you remind me fondly of the fried bread my grandmother made me when I was a child visiting India over summers. And the cheeses... they change them up, but I highly recommend the ricotta (in a cute mason jar) with honey and the Burrata (see previous sentence), which is great, even if it doesn't compare to Green Zebra's version I can go on and on, but really, this place makes me feel at home. The service is exceptional, people are nice, food is beyond great (and I'm saying that as a vegetarian... I can only imagine that those who consume every type of food will enjoy this place too) Make a reservation and treat yourself. We went yesterday (my 4th time this year) and with 5 people, only waited 45 minutes. Luckily, the bar wasn't too crowded as it usually tends to be (thank you long holiday weekend) so we have a glass of wine while we waited. Otherwise, go across the street to Beviamo, which was another well frequented place during my college years (A small little wine bar, intimate enough).
(5)
Debbie T.
I read the reviews and I think I must not have been at the same place. Yes you definitely have to be very venturous to try this place. Most of what I tasted was tasty. But way over priced and very small. I get the concept of sharing but 6 rigatoni, we had a party of 8 no way we're we going to order two at 16 dollars. And everything on the menu you couldn't change the waitress said no you have to have it that way it's all prepared together. So no I won't be going there again. Sorry.
(3)
Cara L.
Hey, I'm not Italian, but to me great Italian food is simple. A few fresh ingredients that come together to enhance one another. There is a balance...a delicious, indulgent and satisfying balance that Davanti has nailed right on the head. Congrats! Strutting around Chicago (aka tripping on an uneven sidewalk in my heels) my coworkers and I headed over to the neighborhood's newest edition. We had high hopes and even saw past the semi-chotchy signage out front. How nice are we? Anyways, the sign was a thing of the past as soon as I laid eyes on the splendor inside. Warm, rustic lighting. People sitting, laughing and intimately sharing a wonderful dinning experience. An open kitchen, yes, in an Italian restaurant. Oh, and a wall full of wine bottles just calling my name. I doubt I could pronounce any of their names, but I know for a fact that the one we had was deliciouso! Our server was clad in a jersey baseball tee, which actually created the most perfect balance between the elegance and the friendliness of Davanti. She was warm, friendly and spot-on all night. She even helped this indecisive broad pick out her dinner, and thank god she did! To be completely honest, after tasting my meal I wanted to find her and hug her! That's how good it was. We started with a beet salad that knocked my non existent socks off. I'm not sure what was in it or how they made it, but damn, it was perfection. Then came my main course of Cacio e Pepe, which was simple spaghetti tossed with pecorino and coarse black pepper. Three simple ingredients that came together in glorious harmony. My taste buds seriously have a new BFF. Needless to say, my plate was empty and I was full of happiness. What about the whole money thing? For a brand-spankin' new restaurant in Chicago, this place was not too hard on the wallet. My entree was $7, and the wine was $18 with a $7 corkage fee. Why? Well, this little Italian gem doubles as a wine shop too. Yup, that's right! Grab a great dinner with some tasty vino, then grab some bottles to-go! Now...if I could just find a way to bring Davanti to Cleveland, my life would be complete!
(5)
Sandra T.
Went there for a dry run and they did a great job (they do have tons of experience). I prefer vegetarian dishes and Davanti has very good choices for me. I have to comment on the ceci beans. They were very tasty and presented in a unique style. The sweet red bell pepper and onion toppings really made this dish. The wine list was good. I love the wine cellar look to the place. What I respect about this place is the decor. The interior has been recycled. I feel this shows that the management is sensitive and educated in current events.
(5)
Marie B.
Scheduled and early dinner,630, knowing that they don't take reservations. Great idea considering that we were seated immediately. Almost didn't come here after a friend said it was "ok." It definitely is more than "ok." Everything and I mean everything we had on the menu was great. We shared our plates so we were able to try tons. Favs: Truffle french toast and Rissoto. Although it seemed out of place, the burger was yummy. We didn't order pizza though, but it seemed most tables did. Wine is sold at shelf price with an extra $7 fee. Add it to the list of must go places!!
(4)
Molly A.
This was one of the most decadent and delicious meals I have had in a long time. I came for the 'soft opening' with a large group of friends and although this is supposed to be the night where they are still working out the kinks, everything was perfect. We sat at the bar while we waited for our party drinking the most ridiculously refreshing watermelon infused vodka and eating the burrata, which is a jar of cream stuffed fresh mozzarella with olive oil and salt. It was maybe the best thing i've ever put in the mouth... until we sat down and ate even more. As we perused the large menu, slighlty overwhelmed, Lily who is one of the managers suggested we let her choose an assortment of appetizers and small plates for the table and we could always add more. By the end of the night she basically ended up bringing us the entire menu and there wasnt anything I didnt like. My absolute favorites included: My favorite appetizers were this board of cheese stuffed foccacia which was $15, but is probably has like 10 pieces in it and the polenta of the day which had a pork belly ragout on top. These were two of my favorite dishes - talk about comfort food. The roasted corn salad was incredible and really was more like a family style side dish and the beet salad was so good and I dont even like beets. The giant ravioli stuffed with spinach, egg and ricotta was like a burst of flavor in your mouth.... you wont want to share! The Pizza Della Fattoria has pork belly, potato, scallions, asiago & bechamel sauce with an egg on top and was melt in your mouth good. The pizza have 8 small slices and are only $8-11. Just when we thought we were going to die from being so full they brought out a roast chicken which I thought I was too full to eat until I took a nibble and it was AMAZING. I am not a roast chicken girl and this was one of the best things on the table. Everything on the menu is reasonably priced and everything I put in my mouth was incredible. I dont even consider myself an Italian food lover but I would describe this more like New Italian. Great place for groups or date night - I highly recommend it and cant wait to go back!!
(5)
Kate L.
I really loved this place. Great atmosphere, very aesthetically pleasing and excellent service. Our server was attentive and offered great recommendations. My favorites were the kale salad, mushroom pizza and the scallops, which were huge and delicious.
(5)
Angela S.
I've been here for dinner and brunch and it's already become one of my favorite restaurants. The service is impeccable, the vibe is fun and the food is incredible.
(4)
Triphena W.
I wasn't wowed by Davanti Enoteca. I like Francesca's on Tayler and would recommend that spot for dinner over Davanti Enoteca. While waiting for a table (Davanti doesn't take reservations), I started with a cocktail. The Acai Fizz ($9) tasted along the lines of cough syrup. Skip this. Friday around 7pm the wait for a two top was less than 40 minutes, which was nice. For food, I ordered the Linguine with Sea Urchin and Crab. This was good, but while I liked this dish, for $13 I can get an equally good pasta dish from Francesca's that's twice the size. I also ordered the Pizza with Foraged Mushrooms, Braised Leeks, Taleggio, and Truffle Oil ($11). This pizza involves components with bold flavors, but somehow it tasted bland. Finally, there was the Grilled Half Chicken with Chili Paste ($14). Nothing wrong with this dish, but the roast chicken at Francesca's with white wine sauce and roasted potatoes is tastier. The service was friendly. Food arrived quickly. Bussers worked rapidly. The room feels small and cramped. The noise level verges on loud. The prices are generous, but the flavor isn't there. Head across the street to Francesca's on Taylor instead. It's better.
(2)
Mara Y.
Excellent small plates. Great ambience. Will go back.
(4)
Jessica Y.
I went here last night with a few friends that should be (cross your fingers) moving back to town. I knew they loved Mia Francesca's when they were Chicago residents, so when I saw the same group behind that restaurant had a new place in Little Italy, I thought it would be a great place to try. Although there is no easy public transportation to Little Italy, we got a cab from the loop for about $12. I had previously called to ask about the alcohol policy, so I asked for Patrick at the door. FYI the alcohol policy is no outside liquor but the restaurant does what it calls "retail pricing.". Apparently that means that the bottles are supposed to be priced similarly to a Binny's then you add a $7 corkage fee. There is a wall of wine bottles, reflected on a long menu. There are also wines by the glass. The food is small plates/sharing style. Some of our favorites were their take on caprese salad, the ravioli, pasta with sea urchin and crab, the potato pork belly pizza, a red sauce pasta with sausage. The risotto and beet salad were good, but not as outstanding as the others. We ordered a bottle of one of the cheapest wines and no dessert. We were stuffed! With two predinner drinks, wine, and all that food, our bill came out to $65 for two. The restaurant is not currently taking reservations so it's worth calling ahead to check the wait. Since they were featured in the redeye and having upcoming features, the wait is sure to increase!
(4)
J J.
Love it here - been here several times and always have had an amazing culinary experience. One of the waiters - male who was at Purple Pig - is so great and honest. When we asked his opinion he was informative because he was inquisitive without pretension. No reservations so get there early.
(4)
Jennifer S.
Between the service and the food Davanti can't be beat. I LOVE THIS PLACE! It is perfect for sharing the mouth watering small plate dishes on the menu. Great for both dinner with friends and romantic dates. ONE WORD- RAVIOLO... get there early before it sells out. Don't miss the burrata and tomato salad. It will change your life. The pate is creamy and topped onto the grilled buttered toast makes my mouth water! The guys can't get enough of the rigatoni and I completely feel the same way. You'll also love that the wine is sold at retail (plus $7 corkage fee)- Talk about a bargain with the rediculous mark ups other restaurants charge these days. Venture down to Taylor Street and give it a try. You won't be disappointed (unless you are in a hurry- they don't take reservations and the wait is always long... but well worth it!)
(5)
Matt S.
Happy Birthday to me! That was the occasion for stopping at this Little Italy treasure. Even if you are up against a long wait for a table, you can belly up to the bar for a glass of vino (GREAT selection), or you can meander across the street to NAME OF BAR for a cocktail. Best part about that, is Davanti will call you when your table is ready, so no nerves about missing your opportunity. If you order wine by the bottle, try the Bramasole la Bracesca (Syrah Cortona) which was suggested to us by our server. We like a big, bold red and this was right up our alley. When it comes to the entrees, they do it small plates style, allowing for you to try a little of a lot. ... ... and sadly, your check will end up being a lot. BUT it's worth every penny, people. It's worth going for a cheese flight and I highly recommend the swordfish and the octopus. I was totally creeped out about the idea of octopus, but it ended up being my favorite part of the meal.
(5)
Sara L.
I am very fortunate to live so close to this restaurant. The portions are small, but you leave pretty satisfied. I got the pork belly + apple mostarda, as well as the Riccio di Mare e Granchio. I would highly recommend this pasta if you're a fan of uni and/or if you're wanting something that is not too saucy. It was delicious.
(4)
Danielle C.
Since this place doesn't accept reservations (not sure why, but that's a huge pet peeve of mine), we decided to risk it and go there for dinner on NYE. Surprisingly there was no wait at all! We sat at one of the high tables adjacent to the bar. The atmosphere was 'active/lively'...not super loud but not dead either. We ordered a cheese plate--we picked 2 cheeses (pictured) and a pizza for appetizers. The cheese was slightly disappointing--they were both 1oz/each and one of them had a little over 1/4 rind on it. They were tiny pieces for $5, but didn't expect 1/4 of it to be the rind. The pizza was good, although not as crispy as it should have been. My bf ordered the strip steak ($14) which he claimed to be average and a little fatty. I ordered the pasta(pictured) (Cacio e Pepe) which was tiny and a bit to over-peppered and over-creamed. Overall this place was decent. I definitely would come back here for wine/appetizers---but just not for ordering a main meal. Also, this place seems fun for groups. The service was friendly and helpful. I think I mainly disappointed with the portion size.
(2)
Meredith O.
Amongst some topnotch competition along Taylor Street, Davanti Enoteca still makes quite an impression in my mind from the warm, inviting atmosphere to the delicious small plates they serve. There is a wide selection of breads/cheeses, pizzas and other traditional Italian dishes. The roasted beets with the walnut butter were outstanding, as was the cannoli sundae we had for dessert. Definitely a go-to in my book - only downside is they don't take reservations and there isn't much waiting room.
(5)
Daniel B.
I took my father and brother to Davanti who were in from New York for Father's Day. Hearing the reviews and everyone telling me how long they'd had to wait, I planned to wait at least an hour. I walked in around 7.30pm...NO WAIT! Sweet! The ambience and feel of the place is relaxing. Heavy on the warm lighting and dark woods. Dig it. The waiter, I forget his name, unfortunately, was really helpful in explaining dishes and talking about the wine list. I don't eat dairy or meat, but I do eat fish...and everything else. So our waiter was especially helpful with me and the dishes I had were all fantastic. The bruschette, shaved hearts of palm salad, and the mushroom pizza were all delicious. There was a white bean and tuna board that was tasty as well, but may have been a special for that night. Authentic Italian small/medium shared plates, with a hint of Americana in there. Go here, you'll enjoy yourself.
(5)
Palita S.
It took us forever to get seated but the staff was so friend and offered to call us while we drank down the street. I of course brought my proud Italian friend who knows her italian food. She loved it of course, but we were overloaded. We came as a group of four and just shared our small plates. We had the truffle egg bread, we had the egg on top of our pizza, and i also had (my favorite of the night) another raw egg nested in my noodles with sea urchin sauce. Definitely a cholesterol overload. I later slipped into a food coma that night, but it was all worth it. I will be returning but maybe next time I'll ease up on the eggs.
(4)
Brian M.
I'm really a fan of Davanti, I have a couple of minor reservations, but my dinner there left me craving to go back as soon as possible. The fact that they charge retail prices on wine and then a corkage fee instead of marking up cheap wine by 200-300%. The decor is super cool, repurposed wine making items and door locks with keys in them, along with very vintagy furniture. We tried the burrata, which was really better then I expected, crostini's with cream stuffed mozzarella, it was such a great start to our dinner. We then tried two salads and some meat and cheeses. My complaint with the meats and cheeses is that they give you approximately 1 oz of each selection for $4-7, which means that they get about $64-102 per lb, when I'm sure they are not paying more then 15-20 per lb at the worst. I think that is just too much of a mark up for something like that. I'd be able to understand it a little better if they gave you 3oz per selection for the same price. The two salads we tried were perfect, one with Roasted corn and the other with escarole, both were dressed perfect and tasted fantastic. We'll definitely be back here and will try the polenta for sure, it looked great on the table next to us.
(4)
Erin C.
Fantastic! I haven't reviewed anything in a long time, but i just had to for this place. we had the "whim" which was pork brined for 2 days, then chopped up and confit in duck fat, with fried brussel sprout leaves and truffle frites. wow! we also had one of the wood-fired pizzas with foraged mushrooms, cheese and fried leeks. amazing! great service, great atmosphere, good weekly specials. go now!
(5)
Michelle S.
An amazing find on W. Taylor in Little Italy. Not only do they have a fabulous rooptop herb garden, they have a few prime tables under the Chicago stars. This polenta topped with pork shoulder is a must order. While you have the waiter at your service, be sure to throw in an order for your own mushroom truffle pizza. After long waits were common place at this gem, they finally added their name to Open Table. Reservations are now an option
(4)
May H.
It wasn't bad and our server was nice but a little slow although the bus people were very efficient. We were told that the plates are "small" plates so we ordered two extra dishes to compensate. However the when dishes arrived we realized that there was too much food. The plates were small for Italian dishes but they were the perfect size entree...not too much or too little. I thought they were regular sized entrees for anywhere else in the world except in America. They wine choices and chocolate mousse was excellent.
(3)
Cynthia A.
OK, Missy. It's time for your decision. Your last meal. Your last meal before lights out. It's time?? Ok, let me think. Lobster, Prime Rib, foie gras, white tuna sashimi. NO. Here it comes. Wait, wait. I want the foccacia with cheese from Davanti Enoteca. And get a lot of it. You want a lousy bread for your last meal? Come on I'll give you 3 minutes to rethink your decision. Not necessary. Fluffy, crispy, rich, creamy, hot and yummy. That's it. Now go get it!
(5)
Lisa H.
Last night was my second visit to Davanti Enoteca, and I have yet to be disappointed. Since the wait for a table was up to 45 minutes, my hubby and I decided to cozy up to the bar and order a bottle of wine and our meal. The bartender recommended the Wednesday night martini special, made up a small glass and let us taste it. Not my kind of drink (strawberry, basil, balsamic vinegar something - a liquefied salad in your mouth). We ended up ordering an Argentinian bottle of red. We ordered the mascarpone polenta with pork shoulder ragu (the ragu of the day), 3 cheese plate (Robiolina fior de Bosco (my favorite), Grana Padano, and Montasio Vino Rosso), and a pizza D.O.C. Everything was VERY good and just the right amount of food for two. I recommend Davanti for a romantic meal for two or bring a group and share your food selections! The restaurant seems to clear out a bit after 9pm (on a Wednesday night).
(4)
Kevin B.
Food was good what we actually received. Service was terrible , our server forgot the 3 appetizers we ordered and tried to put in the order after our main course came and we alerted her that appetizers were missing. We went on Monday May 30 and restaurant was only 20 -25 %^ full. What must it be like when it is full? Non apologetic stuck up staff. Much nicer Italian places every where else.
(1)
Benjamin U.
I split 4 dishes with some friends. While waiting for our food we searched for wifi and the strongest signal was from "therapistnextdoor". So that was at least interesting... Anyways we ordered: 2 Pizzas: Terra Prosciutto e Rucola 2 pastas: Tagliatelle con Fave Uovo in Raviolo 'San Domenico' Nothing was exceptionally special and stood out as amazing. Service was nice and they had a very nice collection of wine. I will have to give it a 2nd try sometime.
(3)
Dustin T.
Waiter gave me a wonderful suggestion of the focaccia di Recco. I have no idea how to spell it, much less pronounce it. I would say that I have eaten at a lot of Italian restaurants but I have never seen that dish before. So if you are seeking a place with focaccia di Recco, Davanti is the place to go!
(4)
stu y.
Always great service, romantic environment, and most importantly tasty food
(4)
Barri S.
I only had the mushroom pizza so I can't say too much about the food. It was good pizza but not the best. I was in Italy this summer and this was just too greasy in comparison.
(3)
Andrea R.
I was NERVOUS we would be waiting FOREVER on a Saturday night..so I ran a tight ship all day to ensure we were out the door at 5pm and on our way to Davanti, arriving by 530pm. We would have sat down right away if it weren't for my husband trying to find parking. So when he returned 10 minutes later the wait went from zero to a one hour wait. The patrons just poured in right at 530pm. We luckily found seating at the bar and in reality our wait time only ended up being about 25 minutes. We sat down and enjoyed every single item we ordered. The ricotta with honeycomb, truffle egg toast, grilled romaine salad, and halibut were my most favorite. My other favorite aspect of this hotspot is drinking delicious wine at wholesale prices! A MUST GO!
(5)
Kyle H.
First of all, lets talk about Taylor street. WOW, beautiful street. I hadn't been there in years and was really impressed with the area. Secondly, the food was excellent from the Truffle toast to the polenta board. But ABOVE ALL, the burger ! I love a good burger and this was up there with some of the best I have ever had. The cheese was excellent and the bacon jam rocked my world. The waiter told us they would be opening a large patio in the back this Summer and I look forward to checking it out again Al Fresco.
(4)
Cali S.
This place is such a neighborhood gem, especially for a date night or a group outlet. It's a chain restaurant but the quality is definitely there. Just as most of the reviews mention, TRUFFLE EGG TOAST. I'd walk through torrential rains and possibly even the polar vortex of 2013 to get this greatness. The rest of the food is pretty darn good too. The place is a little on the hotter temperature side, possibly due to the pizza oven (just a guess) The Burrata was not what I was expecting...I thought it would be similar to a Caprese but NO it's something completely different and somewhat lacking the flavor from the other dishes I consumed. The Kale salad was a table favorite. I know it's a salad but it's a great dish and if you don't try it...I feel bad for you. The Pork Belly appit I ate the Burger...I was hesitant about what the heck Bacon Jam was and I still have no idea what it is but that burger was SOOO GOOD. It comes with tiny little fries that are somewhat impossible to eat because they're so small but the Burger gets an A++.
(4)
Allan C.
Price to overall satisfaction just didn't do it for me. I probably won't be a I just think this place is more of an "on paper" sort of place where the idea is pretty awesome but in the end I just paid a lot for the name of the dish... or something. Truffle Risotto: meh Uni pasta meh: meh We had a slew of other things that were pretty unforgettable. I really liked the meatballs and polenta, though.
(2)
J T.
Disclaimer: This is not a review based on the food, this is a review based on the service. This place has a good ambiance and from the looks of it should have good food as well. Unfortunately, my wife and a I didn't get to try the food. As it turns out, it was very inappropriate of us -the customers- to ask a few questions about the menu. We are so SORRY to have bored and angered our waiter, but WE DIDN'T KNOW ! As he came to our table to take our orders, not only did this man randomly drift and hover away from us to pick up empty plates and glasses from the neighboring tables WHILE we were talking to him he also answered questions abruptly while walking behind me or my wife to clean out said tables. The worst came when after a few questions he just walked away and mumbled "Oh for Gods sake..." Of course I wasn't very nice to him after hearing those words and I let him have it. He could have simply said " I'm sorry, I'm having a bad day" or just dispatch someone else to talk to us. But no.....everyone in this city has a big personality including the homeless. If you are blessed with a such rosy and friendly demeanor like this man then food service isn't a fit for you. Even if he was having a bad day it is no excuse to treat customers like this. (This server covered the afternoon shift on a Sunday 7/12/15 and fell on the heavy side of the weight spectrum).
(1)
Ciera H.
This is just a place I won't come to again. My boyfriend and I had no plans for Halloween so decided dinner was the best option; decided to give this place a shot after awesome reviews. The vibe was cozy so perfect for a cold fall night so we decided start ordering: Calamari- salty, made with sausage and way to chewy. I have had grilled calamari that has nvr tasted like this. Egg truffle: big piece of French bread with 2 sunnyside up eggs. Over good but salty as well. Bruschetta: was decent I've had better Salmon: the mustard chili sauce was good salmon was about 2.75 on a scale of 5. Steak dish with mushrooms: that was actually good. Lastly, I don't appreciate still sitting at the table enjoying my glass of wine after dinner and then you clear out everything including the water that my boyfriend was drinking that just bad service. The host was friendly but the staff was just okay didn't really care for our waitress as she seemed annoyed when we asked her questions. Overall we left still hungry, the food was salty and resulted in us sending our plates back half full because we couldn't eat it or didn't like it and trust me my boyfriend always sends an empty plate back to the kitchen. For $100 there are many more places I could have gone to and had a filling in-salty meal!
(2)
Vinny S.
Enjoyed the food again. It's been a few year since we've been here and we were happy to see the food great and good wine variety as well.
(4)
Cassie S.
I was first here in 2011 and came back this past Monday night for dinner with a group of seven. My review has not really changed. It was, once again, a fantastic dining experience. With the size group we had, we asked our server to order for us and she did not disappoint. Every dish she brought out was delicious. We had foccacia, meatballs, pizza, steak, octopus, pastas... I don't even remember. But every single bite was incredible. We did have a reservation and, again, in was a Monday night. YMMV.
(5)
Phil A.
Our waiter George made our dining experience great! He helped us pick out some great wine to go with my grilled octopus. His menu suggestions. We're perfect. My daughter's grilled chicken which was moist seasoned and cooked perfectly--best chicken we've had! Great place with a great wine list.
(5)
Ann S.
One of the worst dining experiences I've had in awhile. First off it took almost 10 minutes for someone to come to our table. I had to get up and tell the host no one has been to us. At this point we were contemplating leaving. They said they were going to take care of us, to me that means some free food or drinks or something and really great service from then on. But we were basically ignored after that. We had to ask for silverware for our first course, and napkins. No one came and asked us if we needed anything else with our appetizer, and we had to flag someone down to get the silverware. Then when we had our entrees, first they didn't come at the same time. Then my ravioli was chewy. I had to flag the server down again. When I sent it back the server then came back and argued with me about it saying the chef says that's how it's supposed to be. Well then it's not very good. Also the portion sizes are tiny. At this point we were just annoyed, and when the bill came they had only taken care of one drink. With all those mistakes the manager never came over and talked to us. And just taking care of one drink for all the mistakes and crappy service. We won't be back! In addition they didn't tell us what they were putting on the table when they set it down nor was it explained that it was tapas style. (Even if, if two people order like they're doing entrees they should be brought together.) A few people mentioned the "crazy" corkage fee. In Chicago because of byob people think there shouldn't be one. But this is standard practice in restaurants. I've seen the fee as low as $7 and as high as $30 to byob. You're basically paying to not drink their wine. If a place doesn't have a liquor license is when you don't see that.
(1)
Sierra G.
This was my first time to Little Italy and I will be back. Davanti Enoteca is a true gem, with unique dishes, a lively atmosphere, and warm and inviting decor. First things first, order the ricotta and honey. It comes with grilled bread and the texture of the crusty bread with the creamy ricotta and the touch of sweetness is not the be missed. Just do it. I had heard great things about this particular dish and it was a non-negotiable when I sat down. The server was friendly and went over the shared plates style and made some recommendations. When we asked for a wine recommendation, I was surprised when she raved about the chianti that was served by the glass. I appreciate when a server can be real. The wine was one of the cheaper ones on the menu, and it ended up being the perfect compliment to the meal. We went through two bottles over the course of the evening. We ordered the burrata with cherry tomatoes and basil pesto, the foccacia di Recco with soft cheese and honey (every single table in the restaurant seemed to have ordered this), the truffle toast with egg and asparagus, the ragu of the day, and the sausage rigatoni. Every dish was better than the next, so the sharing portions were perfect. The ragu had a unique presentation, with the soft polenta being spread on a wooden board and the ragu being spread over the top. It was nice to get out of the standard neighborhoods we visit for restaurants and see a different part of Chicago. Prices automatically adjust once you leave the Loop/River North/Gold Coast area, so we thought this place was a great value. I cannot wait to come back. This would be a great place to come with a group so you can get bites of everything.
(5)
Sarah C.
Food was delicious!! Must get the truffle egg toast!!! Perfectly flaky with the yolk oozing in every bite. Asparagus were cooked well and added that nice crunch. We split the terra pizza with mushrooms and truffle oil- the only complaint I have about the pizza was they added flecks of salt onto it, which I think they could have done without. Also, ordered the crab linguine (can't remember the exact name of dish), but this was my favorite dish- Noodles cooked perfectly and sauce is not overpowering with little pieces of crab, which gave it the right amount of seafood taste.
(4)
J K.
Had a great dinner last night. Focaccia filled with cheese...mmmm. 25% off wine special was a bonus. All served up by Helen, our superb server!
(5)
Mike R.
Went here on a Friday in lent so sadly no meat for...from what I saw this would likely be a 5 if I coulda had meat. The ricotta cheese and honey rivaled one of my favorite starters ever...a similar dish at Laconda Verde in NYC. We did the cachio pepe and raviollo before tackling the mushroom pizza. All were very tasty. I try to keep these to food, but if I have any complaints it was the somewhat icy service. The guy wasn't rude, but he certainly wasn't welcoming either. It felt like we were bothering him whenever we ordered.
(4)
Christopher M.
Had the bruschetta and pizza doc. That was one of the best pizzas we've ever had!!!!!
(5)
Scott C.
Small plate dining is controlling our lives! Luckily for spots like Davanti Enoteca it gives an amazing opportunity to try each and every dish on the menu! I highly recommend the truffle egg toast. My only reason for not giving it 5 stars is because it is always packed and without a reservation, it is hard to eat and get to the Bulls games on time. Probably shouldn't dock them for being amazing at what they do, but I am trying to be objective here.
(4)
sarah l.
Have been wanting to come here for months...finally enjoyed this restaurant last night. Loved the immediate feel of the atmosphere as I walked through the door. Great lights, the exposed brick and just the general feeling of the place was perfect! We were seated right away (5:10) on a Tuesday... and actually wound up sitting at a corner table right next to Hosea Sanders, Judy Hsu and a few other channel 7 new people! Anyways, food was very tasty and different. Standouts were the foccacia and the squash salad...yum! Would definately come back as I really enjoyed the experience here.
(5)
L T.
Absolutely terrible. I've heard amazing things about this place and really wanted to throw a large bday dinner here (25 people). Unfortunately they do not take reservations but I was transferred to the general manager to see if maybe it could be done. She lets me know that it would be $90/ person because we would be taking up about 1/4 of the restaurant and it's very busy on Saturdays. She sounded very rude and made me feel like I was asking such an absurd thing to want a reservation for 25... And $90/ person, are you kidding me?!
(1)
Michael L.
Run don't walk, it's that good. Went for the first time on a rainy cold Wednesday evening and they were packed which was a really good sign.Fernando at the door kept everyone happy and informed about their table. Waitstaff equally adept and knowledgeable and easily took us through the menu.Food was terrific,great selection and very clever presentation,wine list was extensive with price points for everyone.
(5)
Agnes F.
i had a great time at Davanti enoteca last night everything we had tasted wonderful, we shared everything from ricotta and honey, truffled egg toast, corn and mushroom salad to risotto carbonara and the uni pasta the service was top notch (our server was very helpful) and the vibe was energetic we closed out the dinner with double espressos and gelato (chocolate/hazelnut) and sorbet (blood orange) i'll definitely come back again
(5)
Danielle F.
I have been to Davanti several times and have been impressed every time! The wine is great and all of the small plates have been AMAZING! The polenta and ragu was one of the best things that I've had in a long time and the truffle egg toast is to die for. I've never had any of the desserts cause we are always so full when we are done! It is my new must go for friends visiting Chicago!
(5)
Mia B.
We went to dinner on a Monday and it was busy. We took a communal table which worked out fine so we were seated immediately. I had been googleing all day looking for a restaurant in Chicago that served past and Sea Urchin. Found it and was sooooo pleased. I ate every bit of it. You have to love Sea Urchin and if you do this is an ultimate treat. We shared the pork belly, delicious and we shared the truffle egg. My daughter and i shared a bottle of chianti for $14.00 with a corking fee of $7. All and all I know i will be craving some more of the Linguini and Sea Urchin so we'll be back.
(4)
Sam C.
still great! went there six months later - and food is still amazing, service amazing. definitely my favorite italian place in the city
(5)
Grace H.
Possibly one of the best restaurants I have been to in Chicago ! I was blown away by the superb taste and the richness of all the little dishes. First of all, the dishes are small. And they are quite expensive but the taste is divine and the dishes are surprisingly filling. My brother and I ordered two cheeses and the prosciutto. They came in a lovely display accompanied by crackers, apple slices, and two adorable tiny jars of jam and mustard. I don't remember which cheeses we ordered but the waiter was extremely helpful in our decision. The cheeses were amazing and extremely filling. Next we ordered the linguine and spaghetti+ pecorino. They are very different from each other as the linguini was wrapped in a savory seafood fragrance and the spaghetti was creamy and smooth. Both were extraordinary. I highly recommend coming to this place. It's fancy and quaint and it will leave you full and satisfied. Definitely coming back!
(5)
Mike W.
I think we got the wrong stuff, because it was good but nothing really jumped out at us. Ricotta cheese, arugula salad, and white mushroom pizza were all just ok. Rigatoni and octopus were good. I'm willing to give this another try, but we will order different items.
(3)
Aarthi S.
Small portions... Good quality food.... Reasonable prices... There is a $7 corkage fee but wines are sold for retail price with no mark up. My only grievences are a very small bar/waiting area...they used a two person seating next to the bar as main seating. People were pretty upset to have that seat...really can ruin an intimate night out for a couple. Also very long wait on a Saturday night it was 1 1/2 hours... the small space made it quite uncomfortable. But overall a decent experience.
(4)
Kelly L.
I loved the food here. I worked in an Italian restaurant, and I have to say, this food blows away 95% of the Italian food I've had in this city. Based on other yelpers reviews, I stayed up front so I could have a conversation with my companion, and the noise level was fine. A week later, the one dish that stays on my mind is the mushroom pizza. It was all good, but that pizza makes me want to drive down there every day of my life to get it again. Service was very nice, but they are not shy about kicking you out after closing time.
(5)
Tina L.
I love me some uni pasta (check out my review for Cafe Hiro in California) and I was excited to see that they have something like that on the menu here! Try to come with a lot of people so that you can try different dishes. I would just get 3 servings of the uni pasta and eat it all by myself if I could...can't get enough of that stuff. I would have to say, though, I think I've had better Italian food before. It's a little pricy for what it's worth here.
(3)
Jenn C.
Dinner here is wonderful - but brunch is just as good too and the restaurant boasts a giant bloody mary bar complete with about 25 kinds of hot sauce, pickled items, meats and cheeses. The focaccia with cheese and honey is to die for - an absolute must-order. Other brunch faves include the pork belly hash, polenta cakes with goat cheese and eggs and the paccheri with sausage. Go with people who like to share their food. This location can get pretty crowded but I've never had a problem getting into the one in River North.
(4)
Junchen F.
great value for the buck. The warm kale is incredible, so is the crab pasta. The pizza is very different from everyone else. An interesting experience indeed.
(4)
Hsing P.
I remember coming here last year during a quick visit to Chicago, and ever since then, I have been dreaming of this place. When I finally made it back, it was as great as before. The polenta with the house marina sauce with meatballs was great. The sea urchin pasta was amazing. Pizza was a little disappointing, but that's okay. Wine selection was good. Despite having a reservation at 9:30, had to wait 20 minutes for our table, but let's just say it was well worth it. Definitely one of the best Italian restaurants in the States.
(5)
Emily Y.
You MUST ask for Katherine. She was FABULOUS. Completely as wonderful and cute a server as you'd ever dream of wanting. Filled with recommendations (tried and true), she made our experience even better than it would have been, given the DELICIOUSNESS of the food here! You must try: ricotta + local honey comb smoked cannellini beans + balsamic with cipolline onion roasted cauliflower steak + Sicilian olive tapenade + marinated lemon jam cacio e pepe (BEST EVER!!!!!) bread pudding. Yum, yum and more yum.
(5)
Glen W.
Best small plates Italian we've had in Chicago. One of our favorite restaurants in Chicago. Don't miss the Cacio e Pepe.
(4)
Kris R.
short and sweet (since it's been reviewed plenty of times) - probably one of my absolute favorite restaurants in the city. -go early, no matter what day -always get the egg/toast thing -eat all of that mustardy sweet stuff that comes w the pork belly -always order the polenta!!!!!
(5)
J Q.
This place is it! And it doesn't take reservations.
(5)
Alphonso M.
I really, really wanted to love this place. Mind you, (I have waited several months now before I reviewed our experiences, waiting on a proper response from this group, whom I message directly). To date I have yet to hear back from them with any response. My gf had previously eaten, and raved about this place. She went with some of our very trusted foodie girlfriends, who both have special dietary needs. So I trust these three ladies word as gold. This was another one of those occasions, where we built the night up as one of those special occasions, that we every-so-often NEED! We speculate that with all the buzz about the place, we thought we planned accordingly, arriving about 5 p.m., On this random springish Saturday. I let the lady out at the door, and before I'd parked, she was at the car expressing concern about getting seated. Stating that in addition to receiving snippy elitist attitude from the young hostess, she had been told we could either be sat immediately, on their rooftop patio. Which we totally don't mind dining alfresco - but it had already rained that day, and so, with an already crowded room. I just didn't want to risk it. Besides that, this was our special night. I wanted a proper sit-down meal with my special girl. So when we are told about the two-hour wait, We don't care, Beviamo, just across the street used to be a great place back in the day to grab A glass of wine. We were just happy to spend quality time together. We laughed, and caught up, and talked about our weeks. Before we knew it, they were calling my cell. A little more than an hour or so later. We promptly closed out, and happily skipped across the street. When we were sat at a near front door high-top, we didn't blink. Its cool, they are extremely busy, lets enjoy this fabulous meal you've been raving about, I said. 'Hun, you can recreate that magical night /meal you had with the girls. Or you can make new memories and order whatever you like.' So begins the experience, I tell her, please YOU order our meal, and she loves it. She ordered wine by the glass, and I tap-water. We go back-and forth about where to begin, ultimately starting our experience with grilled octopus. Which anyone who knows me, knows. This is the meal I want at my death bed. My dying wish would be a kiss from the girl, and grilled octopus fresh from the ocean. NOW here is where things get hairy for us. No, literally. We order one or two other dishes, I order a really nice Leffe blond, then we order the house specialty: polenta and short rib dish. (I am excited because grits are my favorite winter breakfast dish. I eat them everyday come wintertime.) Plus, I had never even heard of, or eaten such a dish. The dish came out, the server explained the process, smashed everything around and said Walla! The gf served me, then she served herself. I was about to dig in, when I notice a long, dark and course strand of black hair. My mate knows me, as I know her. I can see her happiness that an instant before shone in her eyes, now clearly sinks away. So for me, when the server ask how is everything, what I wanted to say was, everything was fine. But what I actually did, was point to the hair. The gf lowers her head in embarrassment, and pretends to be fine. I know her, so just then, a manager comes over and apologizes. Which is standard practice and whisked the dish away, then really DID nothing. I WAS SHOCKED? That's cool. I guess. My concern at this point is in seriously trying to get the luster back into our conversation while we wait. Not about proper management etiquette. So just when the tension was easing up, another glass of wine ordered. Our new plate comes out. This time, I am excited and after the waiter goes through his spiel, I decide to serve us. Of course I serve my date first, then myself. Unbelievable, another long dark, course thick and black hair, in my serving. Really? Can this really be happening? How is this possible! Out of all the diners in this place, and all of the positive reviews! So when that same gentleman manager approaches and ask how are things. I point, to the culprit. My gf's face is stricken with horror. She is very, extremely nonconfrontational. I do not cause a scene. I simply point it out, and let him know there is another hair in MY food. I look at her face again, pull the hair out of my food. I say, hey 'this isn't an issue, and I begin eating the dish.' In this crowded restaurant, I felt as though, I was being blamed for there being nasty ass hair in a dish that I ordered at this public restaurant. We could hear through the open kitchen, as the staff says, 'well she has long hair.' Her hair was in a ponytail. I give the manager my hospitality credentials and even point out a security camera, if he feels there was any hanky panky going on. I almost lost my guts because i ate hair food. They took that dish off our bill. We paid our tab, tipped 20%. I never felt more humiliated in front of my DATE!
(1)
Judy W.
Being a simple-food phobe, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Davanti. I ordered alot of food for my review, so here is my feature: thehungrylearner.com/sim… . I also interviewed the executive chef of the restaurant--super Southern and incredibly nice.
(4)
Adam M.
Good, not great. My girlfriend and I dined last night at Davanti for the first time, based a friend's recommendation and Yelp's. I'm pleased to say that the atmosphere / vibe of this place is wonderful, and our server was attentive and pleasant. I just thought the food didn't live up to the high expectations. My friend told me that I absolutely had to order the seared octopus... unfortunately upon taking our orders, the waitress informed me that they were all out, "because it is so delicious." Damn, it sucked that they were out of octopus, but don't twist the knife by immediately following the bad news with telling me how delicious it is!! The ricotta & honeycomb appetizer was great - no doubt order it if you're there. It's creamy, sweet, cheese-y, honey, delicious. Definitely the highlight of the meal. Unfortunately it was the first thing to come out! The olives were tasty and warm - perfectly fine for what they were. We also ordered the Focaccia di Recco based on the waitress's recommendation - and I was highly disappointed. My date really enjoyed it; I thought it was a glorified crab rangoon (minus the crab) and tasted just like a toasted plain bagel & cream cheese. The menu states it has "fresh soft cow cheese." What does that mean, exactly? Isn't 90+% of cheese cow cheese? It tasted like Philly cream cheese to me. This dish is worth $8. Not $15. The pizzas are between $9-$12, and this thing is $15?! Change the price please. Anyway, our final dishes were the crispy pork belly and the stewed calamari. The latter was fine, I just didn't love the flavors... however the pork belly was definitely more than crispy. I felt it was overcooked by a significant margin, leaving it dry and flavorless; they did give an 'apple mostarda' to spread on the pork, however it was too thick to spread evenly. Most of it stayed in the bowl. (Interjection: hat's up with the wine prices? They say they're "retail wine pricing," but as a previous reviewer stated, who is going into Davanti and paying $88 for a bottle of Veuve? Something's definitely off about that ... and then an additional corkage fee of $7 per bottle??) So there you have it - great atmosphere, great service, prices were decent, but not as cheap as some may imply (our bill was $106 for 2 after tip & tax, we each had 2 drinks). And the food is kind of hit or miss. There are probably some stars on the menu, however with many items, it's hard to guess which will be good and which won't. I probably wouldn't dine here again.
(3)
Shaun S.
I can only say I'm so jealous of my dining partners. We dropped into Davanti Enoteca before the U2 Concert this week. However, my dining choices were limited as I've been on an exclusion diet that doesn't allow alcohol, I'm pretty much limited to fresh fruits and veggies as well as beef, chicken, fish and turkey...no pork, no pasta, no dairy, and no vinegar, so that limits my choices. The upside, I'm down 6lbs in 7 days! Oh, wait the review. Most of the dishes are served small plate style from the pizzas, the steak, olives, asparagus, roasted tomatoes, brisket ragu, yet alone the stuff we didn't order from the cured meat and cheese dishes, I was in a depressed state until my steak and the asparagus came and I think I ate all of the olives that are served in a warmed olive oil, everything was great. Good service, if you're into the Wine, they have a great selection of wine too and even sell it by the bottle to go. So if you like small plates, cozy atmosphere, good service and great food, drop on by!
(5)
Michael P.
Perhaps the best restaurant experience I've had so far. Came across this place on Yelp (thanks!), and we went there on Sunday. We arrived around 8:15, and had a 45 minute wait. Immediately after being seated, the chef brought us a plate of the roasted palm hearts on the house. It was a trial by fire for me as a picky eater, but my first experience with this particular vegetable left me impressed. The bite-sized pieces were very tender and the lemon and chervil shone through without taking anything away from the natural flavor of the palm. It was a great start to the evening. We next had the truffle egg toast, which I expected to be a little breakfast-y, but was amazing. The thick, just-chewy-enough toast was texturally perfect against the creaminess of the egg. We followed that with the cheese and meat platter, and chose the grana padano first. At the recommendation of the waiter, we paired that with the robiola, and added the soppressata calabrese. I don't normally eat cheese and skipped the padano, but the robiola was mild and creamy, and worked well on the raisin bread that came with. The soppressata was delicious, but unexceptional as far as cured meats go. You absolutely MUST order the crispy pork belly. I'm a dedicated carnivore, but I confess I've never had pork belly. What have I been missing!? The large strip of belly was nearly an inch thick, and deliciously crispy on the edges. I expected the softer inside of the cut to fall apart in my mouth, but it was just firm enough for a satisfying chew. The peach mostarda was an ideal compliment, sweet with just a touch of tang, but that sweetness can overwhelm the pork if you go too heavy. Next came the vasi, and we went with ricotta and honeycomb. The presentation was adorable, with the ricotta in a small mason jar and the honeycomb served separately on a piece of thick paper. This could nearly have been a dessert, but fit nicely between the salty pork and the pasta. There was quite a bit of ricotta, and we had only eaten about half before the grilled toast that came with was gone. I'm sure we could have asked for more, but it was already after 10, and we wanted to try pasta before we left. I should say that there was no pressure on us by the wait staff or anyone else to wrap it up after the place closed. Our waiter was courteous and quick, and everything we ordered was correct. As he was leaving, the chef actually told the kitchen to send us a dessert after our pasta, so the service was as good as I've ever had. We started or pasta experience with the uovo in raviolo 'San Domenico,' a single, large raviolo topped with browned butter. It was perfectly cooked, tender, creamy, wonderful. The cacio e pepe was buttery and had just enough pecorino. Honestly, it was the least exciting thing we'd eaten all evening, but considering the other options, that's certainly not a weakness. Unfortunately, by that point, we didn't have room to take advantage of the chef's generosity with dessert. Nor did we sample any of the numerous wines on offer. I'll definitely go back to correct both of those things. I may have found a new favorite place; here's hoping that the wait times don't skyrocket.
(5)
T T.
This is my new lunchtime restaurant! I work near Davanti Enoteca and gave it a shot today. Overall, the food and service were excellent. The restaurant has some quirks, which seem to work to their advantage. I was greeted by a warm, attentive host who seated me at a window with a view of Taylor St. I was dining alone and appreciated being apart from the power-lunch types, free to gaze out the window and read my New Yorker in peace. The host immediately presented me with menus and took my drink order. THIS IS SO IMPORTANT WHEN YOU ARE OUT TO LUNCH ON A WEEKDAY. One star for DV. I reviewed the meu and was impressed by the range of small plates of cheeses, sausages, and all things bready. As well, they have a good variety of salads, meat, fish, and pasta dishes. Two stars for DV. I opted for the romaine salad (with ricotta and Parmesan cheeses and anchovies), the stuffed sardine (with fennel and pine nuts), and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc (Sarbolo). The salad presentation was suspicious: one spear of romaine slightly charred with a mystery creamy dressing & Parmesan, two slender croutons, one roasted tomato with a dollop of ricotta, topped with two fresh anchovies. Could this be good? It was delicious, and true to a salad: you can pick out the ingredients and enjoy them individually--the antithesis of a mixed salad where everything is combined and usually rendered banal. Three stars for DV. Next, I was served the stuffed sardine, which was also curious: a single stack of breaded sardine, filled with fennel and pine nuts. It was exquisite. Not too breaded, full-flavored, and moist (with a hint of lemon flavor), making this my kind of comfort food. Four stars for DV. As soon as I finished my fish, the host whisked it away (impeccable timing), and I ordered a macchiato. They serve Essse espresso, which was yummy and rich (expensive at $4 but so worth it). Best way to end the meal. Five stars for DV. Yes, this place is pricey, but it's quality food, which makes the meal so satisfying. You'll be dreaming of what you ate the rest of the afternoon. A few quirks: The wine is a bit of a paradox. For example, the Sauvignon Blanc had the look and aroma of a Chardonnay--but, it wasn't! Had that Sauvy Blanc bite. Also, the music was a strange mix of lounge/dance/post-rock. Not the type of music for dining, but oddly enough it made me feel like it wasn't a weekday, maybe the best thing that could happen to a working drone. I'll definitely be back soon (and next time order dessert). wOOt!
(5)
massimo f.
Disappointed from the food expirience in chicago after testing the famous dip dish pizza ( uno) and some other places, my last day i took an hour and 1/2 walk form down town to little Italy. I was hoping to find somenthing you know ,kind of special there, while building a good appetite after a late breakfast. Well! davanti made my entire trip! i would have walked another 10 miles to get there....problem is! Los angeles is over a thousand miles away now that i am back here....but i will think about it! Best Italian food since i left my country...Italy ( florence). I will be back !!! either walking or flying in :) Buon appetito!
(5)
Andrew B.
Outstanding. Expect to wait. Expect the wait to be worth it. Really hard to go wrong but we love the foccacia with soft cheese, the spaghetti with black pepper and pecorino (sounds boring, but by god, it ain't), the giant rigatoni with sausage, and the single massive ravioli you cut open to reveal a deliciously gooey egg, ricotta and spinach mess.
(5)
Marcia M.
If Old World Italian + Modern Italian Flair were to procreate and have a gurgling little baby 9 months later.....you would name the little rascal Davanti Enoteca. Chicago's "Little Italy" has a plucky new kid in town. I adore the laid back environment that has a " La Familia" aesthetic but still rebels with an open kitchen that is not the "norm" for a good ol' Italian neighborhood restaurant. The layout reminds you of a family member's kitchen with beautiful decorative accent pieces throughout. Although this brand new dining establishment is in it's infant stages, you can already sense a bright future. I don't even think the paint has dried from the walls! The staff dotes with frequent affirmations and service. I personally love the little touch with the staff's uniform that includes a classic (yet relaxed) baseball tee. It just adds to the ambiance of effortless style and execution. You sincerely get the impression that everything is very thoughtful and chosen with a love for the Chicago community. Our table started off with flavorful Roasted Beets ($6). This appetizer included the flavors of walnut butter and candied walnuts. I am already craving another portion or two of these as we speak.... This is a MUST HAVE! I followed up with the Shaved Fresh Hearts Of Palm Salad ($8) that included chili aioli, spinach, and lemon. It was a satisfying salad that boasted and unexpected burst of flavor. Lastly, the Cacio e Pepe ($7) was an inspiring entree because it elegantly executed a simple recipe of linguine noodles, pecorino, and black pepper. The serving size was also perfect while the flavor was robust and comforting at the same time. We all guzzled a bottle of wine between our trio and were shocked and pleased by the $18 price tag for a delicious bottle of Pinot Noir. Due to the "bottles on the go" concept here...all you pay is a $7 corkage fee along with the rock bottom prices for your favorite vinos here. Does it get any better? Possibly. I suppose that I will just have to order dessert next time.
(5)
Maital S.
Been here twice now. Once this week and once last year. Great food. Great ambiance. Great wine. The riccotta honey spread was amazing! You must get this. The bruchetta with tuna was surprisingly yummy. The butternut squash farro salad was delicious. The truffled egg toast was good but did not meet the hype. The cauliflour steak was good. I did not like the artichoke salad- too bitter. My husband and friend seemed to enjoy the burger. And they take reservations too! I will be back :)
(5)
Jeanne F.
Fab place to go with a group to try a variety of the tapas. Warm inviting enviroment and our server was fantastic. We had reservations for 5:30 on a Sunday and the place was packed by the time we left. There were 6 in our group and we tried 8 tapas and 3 deserts, ALL were fantastic. If I had to pick the standouts, they would be the ricotta & honeycomb, seared octopus, mushroom risotto, pasta with pork cheeks and the special ragu for the day. Yum!!
(5)
Olive G.
Orvieto + Polpo con rafano = I am in Italy again. Very good food! One of my favorite places in Chicago for Italian food.
(5)
Deborah E.
My mother once said to me, "you never 'like' anything. You either love something or hate it." And I dare say I have not loved a restaurant to this extent in quite some time. I fully admit - I was skeptical at all the raving reviews especially when my lovely fellow Yelper Aurore said she once went to Davanti Enoteca thrice in one week. No way. WAY. I don't even know where to begin - it's that good. Ricotta and Honey comb served in mini mason jars with Tuscan toast. Whoever thought of this is pure genius. Oos and ahs. Crispy pork belly + apple mostarda. To die for. Small 2 piece portion, I could have had 10. I must say - I had no idea what "mostarda" was but god, I love a new unexpected taste sensation. (Note: an Italian condiment made of candied fruit and a mustard flavored syrup.) Cavoletti: brussel sprouts + pancetta. Just mouth-watering! More, pls. Pasta: Riccio di Mare e Granchio = linguine w/sea urchin & crab. Glorious. Don't be put off by the prospect of the sea urchin. It emulsifies and you can barely see it let alone taste it. Interesting. Pizza della Fattoria: farmed egg + pork belly + potato + scallions + asiago + bechamel. Okay - full disclosure. My dining companion, Space Cupcake, and I did not even touch this gorgeous thing. It went straight from oven to take-out box to my home, to my beloved who loved it. Why? Because our fabulous server brought us THIS delectable number (for free - kitchen mistake): the Davanti Burger - their "special blend" beef burger + bacon jam + roasted tomato +cheese curd + arugula + roasted garlic mayo + shoestring fries. A.MA.ZING. My passion is baked goods and for Deborah E to leave a restaurant so full, so happy, so sated w/o even thinking about looking at a Dessert Menu is simply unheard of. Our server Eric had a great personality was highly knowledgeable about all the dishes (hey, didn't you wait on us at the Purple Pig?). From the hosts to the backup help who constantly filled our water glasses to the managers, everyone was so warm and friendly. Yep, it was one big Love Fest. Group Hug, Davanti Enoteca, you have me hook, line and sinker. For-evs.
(5)
Barb N.
Delicious food and great atmosphere. Reasonable prices and knowledgeable, friendly service. Had a Saturday night dinner. Enjoyed: Truffle Egg Toast Roasted Beets Special (24 hour risotto with veal stock) Cacio e Pepe Pizza with Sausage and Broccolini Pumpkin Gelato Torta Bacio 2007SantaLuciaCasteldelMonte(UvadiTroia),Puglia
(5)
Melany K.
No line on Friday night - good start with friendly hostess and server. Food was just ok - there were 15-20 minutes between each "course" even though it's tapas. The ragu was 15 minutes too overcooked - worst dish of the night. Service dwindled quite a bit - I was looking at my watch and she asked "do you guys have somewhere to be or something?" well no I just dont know why it takes 20 minutes between 2 appetizers. She didn't even offer us a dessert menu. We also ordered drinks - we were never offered a refill. 2 stars for ok food and prompt water refills. I would never eat here again and have no idea why it has such high ratings. The service was a disgrace.
(2)
Sarah Z.
A place that offers good wine and even better pizza.... what more can a girl ask for? I came here on a Saturday night, and it was the perfect setting. The ambiance was lively and rich, the service was stellar, and I was impressed by the food offerings. I especially loved the cheese and salumi pairings. I would come back here with friends, family or on a date.
(4)
Ashley K.
Went here last night with my husband and his family for his birthday. We somehow lucked out and were able to be seated without a wait. The charming host told us we could pick wherever we wanted to sit and we opted for the upstairs "patio." How cute is it up there?! They have heat lamps (it's enclosed) and twinkling lights - I loved the ambiance and it was much easier to talk to each other than it would have been in the noisy dining room downstairs. If the patio is available, I highly suggested sitting up there. I thought the food was outstanding. We started with the foccacia and the tomato, burrata and pesto "salad." The foccacia was amazing and tasted very similar to that at Avec, though I must say I missed the truffle oil on this one (but then again, when do you not miss truffle oil). Even sans truffle oil, it was a knockout dish. The "salad" wasn't really a salad as much as it was deliciousness to put on buttery, crispy bread. Regardless of what they want to call it, it was probably the best iteration of a caprese salad that I've ever had. The cherry tomatoes were lightly roasted, giving them a slightly smoky flavor. The burrata was creamy and delicious. The pesto drizzled on top was also outstanding. I had the mushroom, leek, taleggio, and truffle oil pizza. What a winner. Our server said that if the ingredients of a particular dish were speaking to you, to go with it because there's pretty much nothing else in the dish other than what's listed. I'm so glad I chose this pizza because all of the components were screaming my name. The mushrooms were hearty and earthy, the leeks were caramelized to a slight sweetness and the mild taleggio rounded it all out. The drizzle of truffle oil over the top was just the piece de resistance. I didn't try any of the other dishes but the swordfish, risotto, and ravioli all got high marks. We ended with two desserts: the butterscotch pudding and the torta bacio. Again, both were outstanding. If you think you don't like butterscotch, try this one before you make up your mind. The torta bacio was equally as good. Whoever thought to combine chocolate and hazelnuts is alright in my book. All in all, a great night at a great place. Looking forward to returning!
(5)
Matt M.
Raved about by my friend's boss (the dining editor of Chicago Magazine), our most recent adventure had to be here. The experience at Davanti started with our garrulous waiter and continued with the great decor. Tasteful amounts of wood paneling, an open yet comfortable dining room, and their wines by the glass and beer menu on a gigantic bottle from table to table all added to the character of the establishment. The aforementioned boss raved about the Cow's Milk Foccaccia, and we were glad we did. Our second course was the Pizza Della Terra, a masterpiece of mushrooms, leeks, and truffle oil on a perfected crisped crust lightly coated in taleggio. I had pegged it as my had-to-have dish before showing up, and our waiter recommending it sealed the deal. We finished with the crispy pork belly with peach mostarda, and the sweet mostarda set off the cured and quickly fried pork belly perfectly. Each was a symphony of flavors and textures, in sync for an impeccable experience. For dessert we had a few scoops of rather average gelato (Italian vanilla and raspberry) and a torta bacio - a chocolate-hazelnut mousse atop a crunchy base. The torta bacio was worthy of my previous praise, and one of the best desserts I have had for a long time. Undoubtedly a place I will return to soon, and one I shall not soon forget.
(5)
Shelly A.
I want to be really careful in writing this review, as I kind of have mixed feelings about this place. A group of us came here to celebrate a birthday, and I was the one who actually picked the restaurant...so naturally, I was hoping it'd be really great. Overall, we had a great time with little to no complaints. Great food, great atmosphere, with great friends....sounds...well, GREAT, right? So let me get to some of the details: The food is fairly priced for both the quantity and quality. So of course, that's appreciated. The only thing we ordered that was kind of a "miss" was the bruschetta - we weren't expecting it to be made with seafood. The pizzas were especially great. The ambiance is fantastic. A really unique dining experience. Our group sat on a high wooden table and it was definitely something totally different. The place was lit up for the holidays and the atmosphere overall is just a great balance of fun, yet...mature. Now my main gripe about this place is the service. Days in advance, I called to make reservations, and was told that they didn't accept them. So I told them that I was planning a birthday and asked what I could do to assure a smooth-sailing evening. They told me to call a few hours in advance so that they could set up our table and arrange for our arrival. So I did. I talked to them several hours in advance, with the expectation that everything would run relatively smoothly once we got there. Instead, the reality of it was that our dinner was delayed by TWO hours once we arrived. Once we put our name down, we spent about 1.5 hours at the wine bar across the street. Then when we got a call saying our table was ready, we waited about another 30-45 minutes. Is it just me, or when someone tells you your table is ready...do you actually expect it to be ready?! Why would you call us when we'd still have to stand around in the crowded restaurant for over half an hour? So all in all, we ended up getting seated about 2 hours later than we wanted. While we did not let that ruin our evening in the least bit, it is ridiculous for a restaurant to think that's acceptable. I understand if you do not want to be a reservations type of restaurant, but having groups of 10 people waiting around near the hostess stand is not pleasant for anyone. If I come back, it'll definitely be on a weekday when it'll be much more of a low-key evening.
(3)
Abby W.
Amazing food. Dont leave without getting the honeycomb ricotta jar and the buratta cheese and tomato salad. Great food. Reasonably priced wine list. Cozy date spot. Love it.
(5)
Nina A.
I threw a party for 10 for my boyfriends birthday, it was a fixed dinner for 10 including alcohol. A gift certificate we purchased at an charity. The food was amazing and just kept coming. It gave us the opportunity to try a lot on the menu. Some unusual flavors, not typical and delicious. Service was also just as wonderful. Low key too! Not often you find such quality in a low key place. I highly recommend this gem.
(5)
Matt T.
I swear I wrote a review of this place a while but a I can't find it. It was much wittier than this one will be since I don't want to take much time to write this. So, this place is cool. Nice space, it's hip and crowded all the time. But, I'm not sure why cuz the food is mediocre to good. First off, the whole "retail wine shop" thing they have were you pay the wholesale price and then a $7 corkage fee so you supposedly pay less for a bottle and the restaurant only makes a small profit seems a bit confusing a maybe a bit misleading but have them explain it and do some price comparison. I guess you can come in and just buy a bottle too, or when you dine, go to the back room that has table and try and not bother anyone and pick out a bottle from the ornate wall rack. After a bit of a wait we finally sat down and ordered things we heard about. We had to get the truffle egg toast cuz we had it in New York and it was redonkulous. Here? Not so much. A bit bland and the toast a bit bready and not eggy and truffly like we expected. Not worth the price. The honey ricotta dish was amazing, I'll give them that. Honeycomb on the side with a really really good homemade ricotta that comes in a mason jar with nice toasted bread. Yum, this was the best part of the meal. We had some prosciutto as well as a side and it was fine but not enough for $8 and I've had better. We then ordered the spaghetti which was pretty nice and a decent enough small-plate version (I'm so sick of everything being small plates now, you end up paying more for food and getting less, but I guess you get to try more, I digress). The sgetti was creamy with peppercorns and some cheese. I liked but did not love. We skipped the pizza and went for the burger as our last dish. Bad choice. My fiancee really liked it and it didn't lack for flavor but the burger was beyond greasy. The bottom bun was soaked beyond soaked in grease. There was plenty of nice taste but it was almost overpowering. The bun was slathered in some greasy tart chesse and bacon fig jam. I'm not sure if it was the combo of all this or what but I felt like I had a film of grease on me after finishing the burger. Oh, and it was accompanied by some ok-whatever fries. We were stuffed so we skipped desert (desert menu was seen there done that). The wine we had was good (big selection from moderately-priced to expensive) and I had a standard moretti beer. and we bounced with a somewhat pricey bill for what we got but not terrible. Oh, and the service was good. That does count.
(3)
julie w.
AMAZING food & wonderful, attentive service at Davanti Enoteca tonight. We followed the reviews on Yelp and we ordered : 1) Honey & Ricotta (very good!) 2) Pork Belly toast (good but not something we would order again since we're not meat lovers) 3) Ragu of the day (polenta and pork stew meat) 4) Truffle Egg Toast (amazing) 5) Carrot cake for dessert (very sweet) My top two favorites were the honey & ricotta and the truffle egg toast since they were very original combinations. We will definitely be going back to Davanti Enoteca to try more dishes. The plates were advertised as small portions but I thought that the serving sizes were larger than a tapas portion. The only drawback to the experience was a misunderstanding of corkage fee listed on the restaurant website. We thought the restaurant was a BYOB that charges a $7 dollar corkage fee during the week, and no fee on Sunday. Not true. Corkage fee applies to opening up a bottle that you pay for at the restaurant's wine store.
(4)
Rick C.
This is probably closer to a 4.5 star review. I'm sitting here having the risotto carbonara leftovers for breakfast right now and just turned to my wife and told her, "I really enjoyed our dinner last night." I couldn't discuss it last night on the way home because I was in food coma bliss. We had about a half hour wait, but we were able to cozy up to the bar and have a quartino of wine and a stella. No complaints there. We started off with the Crispy pork belly and apple mostarda. Great way to start the meal, crisp yet fatty and tender. Not sure if you even needed to add the mostarda. At this point I realized I was in for some good eating and started looking forward to our other four plates...yeah, I know, we ordered too much, but it's winter, we were drinking and I was hungry.. Next came the marscapone polenta with pork shoulder ragu. Not bad. I enjoyed the ragu, but felt the polenta was a tad bland. Probably wouldn't order it again, but not unhappy that we tried it. Linguine with crab and sea urchin. Let me start by saying, I'm not a big uni fan at sushi restaurants. That's the only time I've had sea urchin, so I was skeptical. It was freaking awesome. Linguine was cooked al dente, the crab was plentiful and cooked just right. The crab wasn't overcooked and actually tasted like crab, which is often not the case in pasta dishes. The sea urchin was intermixed with the pasta and added some really nice flavor. My favorite dish of the night, probably of the month. At this point, I'm stuffed and regretting ordering so much, but the waiters paced out the dishes so we had time to digest and relax as they came out one by one. Next up was the risotto. It looked awesome as it came out with that lovely egg yolk sitting in the middle. It was good, not great. That being said, I'm having it again right now and digging it. I think it's better the next day. Last up was the octopus. Two large tentacles seared nicely over a potato salad. The octopus was good. Tasty. The potato salad was interesting. It had potato, almonds, something I couldn't place, daikon? apple? and then some pieces of salami maybe. I liked it. All in all, a great experience. The service was great from the hosts to the servers. Definitely coming back to try some pizza and for the linguine.
(4)
Erin O.
This place is great! The idea is to order a number of small plates/dishes to be shared throughout the meal. We ordered the ricotta and honeycomb dish, focaccia with soft cheese, egg truffle toast and risotto carbonara (which we asked for over linguine instead and they delivered!). Everything we tried, we loved. This place is great and definitely worth a try!
(4)
Oscar W.
Was a 1.5 hour wait for the four of us, at 630 on a Saturday nite, so definitely expect the wait. There is a wine bar across the street, so can always wait there before. The restaurant will call your cell once you can be seated. Definitely an inviting space, good for 4-5 friends. Energy in the room was awesome and non pretentious. Food was decent, but not beyond ordinary. Loved the prosciutto & arugula pizza, the melted mozzarella cheese. No seared octopus, bummer. Could have used warmer service as well. The waitress was really just okay. Worth the first time wait, but not sure if I'll go back.
(3)
Suzy C.
Let me start by saying, I do not normally go out to Italian restaurants. I can bowl pasta and pour some sauce on it without paying 50 bucks. Davanti is not your typical americanized italian restaurant. It's not only the ONE Italian restaurant I have gone back to multiple times, it's one of the few restaurants I think about on almost a weekly basis.. it is that good. Not everything is a hit so order wisely and skip the brussel sprouts. Other than that: 1. Risotto - is it the best risotto in the world? I don't know cause I've never had risotto that even bordered on good.. this one, it bordered on, pretty good, and that's saying a lot. 2. The seafood pasta - what?? Can we order one plate per person cause it is damn good and I don't want to share!! So freakin' good.. who knew pasta could be so worth eating out for! 3. The burger.. oh the burger.. okay, i don't eat a lot of meat these days due to health but if there's ever a meal I would make an exception for and stuff myself with red meat, it's their house burger. I forget what it's called, but it's a burger topped with bacon jam (yes, bacon jam. read it, weep, and weep some more, it's as good as it sounds) and deep fried cheese curds. What? Come again? This burger has people fighting at the table.. it's tapas styled food but this place makes you want to eat it all by yourself. 4. Egg toast... oh jeez.. can't even describe the deliciousness... do not skip out on this one, order it!! Okay, each time we go, at least 10 dishes are ordered, so I have no idea why I am blanking, but at the end of the day, all I really want to say is, Davanti rocks. Try it!!! They do not take reservations and the wait is long, so go early if possible!
(5)
Jennifer C.
My hubby and I went in on Saturday night to celebrate a late Valentine's Day. We actually got a pretty great table for the 2 of us and our baby daughter in the back corner (we were out of the way). I do think this restaurant's food is more authentic than most of the Chicago Italian scene but it was still just ok. The best thing by far was the vase with honey and ricotta, this really was delicious. We also had the mushroom pizza which was not great, the mushrooms were rather overwhelming and the other flavors didn't really hold up to that. We had the giant rigatoni with sausage which was not at all what I expected and it only had like 1.5 Tbsp of Sausage. Lastly, we had the carrot cake for dessert which again was ok, but not memorable. Our server was ok, she should have perhaps checked in on us a little more but she was adequate. Overall, I don't know if I'll be back, there are so many great places in Chicago to eat.
(3)
c d.
Food...Great! Atmosphere..Great! Service..Needs to be more attentive unless you do not mind bus boys doing everything. Music...80's prom music needs to go..felt like cougars trying to relive happier times.
(4)
Ka T.
Where do i start.....The atmosphere of this bar was one to remember, from the long bar to the cozy dining area surrounded by a gigantic wine selection for your choosing and can be purchase like any other wine store and only costs 7 dollars for a corking fee. The staff was very accommodating including the owner and management staff. Got along so well with them, they sent over some free deserts. The food itself was awesome, myself and a friend order a number of different Italian dishes and we were more and more impressed with every bite. I saw a number of daily specials so you may want to call again. I would recommend this place to anyone in Chicago.
(5)
Mike L.
I've been hearing about this place for months and decided to go ahead and have dinner here at 8pm on a Wednesday night. Upon arrival we were told to wait 30 minutes for a party of 2. Half an hour on a late Wednesday night?? I'm glad I waited. Time flew by as we killed time at the Starbucks just down the street and before we knew it, I was looking at the extensive, almost overwhelming menu and drink list. Since I had to be at work at 6am, we opted to stick with the unique looking pitcher of water on the table and focused on the solids. First up was the pork belly. I don't know how soft and juicy pork belly usually is, but this was a hot-off-the-oven-melt-in-your-mouth nrvana-inducing experience! I wish it had come last because it was the best thing I had that night. Next came the truffle egg toast, which we felt obliged to try from the previous reviews. Also a W, although I was expecting a richer taste and the yolk seemed to win against the truffle oil. We ended with the sea urchin linguine and grilled half chicken. The linguine was very good, a strong texture to the pasta and fresh taste from the seafood. From what I could taste, it was tossed with a light oil, which was great b/c a thick sauce would not have meshed with everything else I was having. The chicken was well-cooked, but forgettable compared to the other dishes. Decided to opt for the yogurt dessert, which brought the meal to a nice, light but tasty evening. Overall a great experience, really recommend for a nice dinner for two or small group of friends. Wouldn't really recommened for a 1st date or important convo, as the ambiance was dark and the small size of the restaurant made everyone's conversation carry. But the food, come for the food. Even if it is always a 30 minute wait.
(4)
Lindsay T.
Simply delightful. The food was delicious, the wine was affordable, the service was attentive, and overall, the value cannot be beat. Went with a party of 4 on a Saturday night at 6:30. You have to be willing to wait if you go for dinner (we were quoted a wait of 90 minutes to 2 hours and were seated in an 2 hours and 15 minutes), but the long wait is well worth it. Our server was friendly and attentive, as well the 2-3 other servers/bussers who helped our table. The honeycomb and ricotta with toast was perfect - creamy but surprisingly light and sweet. The mascarpone polenta with ragu of the day was my favorite dish - the smoothest, richest polenta I've ever had and the sauce and veal meatballs were hearty and tasty. We also had the truffle egg toast, risotto carbonara, pizza de la fattoria, beets and pork belly and all were wonderful. We also had two bottles of wine. All of the above, including corkage fee surprisingly totaled $122. We were all stunned. I thought with the typical long waits at Davanti would make it the kind of place I'd go once and never return, regardless of the food quality. But now, I'm dying to go back. I'll brave lines, I'll go in at 10pm. I'll do whatever it takes to get there on a regular basis and taste the rest of the big, delicious menu!
(5)
Kerry G.
Went here based on a google search of top "new" restaurants. Turns out it's really not that new, but glad we went anyway. Our server was very sweet and helpful. We started with a couple cheeses and a meat - all were ok. A bit bland, but it probably has to do with the fact that I don't know how to pick out cheeses. Anyway, comparable at best to any other places with cheese and meat offerings. Next we had the ricotta and honeycomb with toast, which was surely yummy. The homemade bread was delicious and I haven't eaten honey since I was a kid at McD's with my chicken mcnuggets, so it was a welcomed change of pace and flavor. Finally, we had a pizza, which was my biggest regret. I thought based on all the tables around us that the pizza would be a highlight, but it was kind of boring. We asked for a side of marinara to dip it in given there wasn't much on it and that was what saved it. Their marinara is fantastic. As for the atmosphere, it was loud. Annoyingly loud at times, even though it didn't seem that crowded. And I get the attempt at making the place look rustic to go along with the food, but it just seemed forced. But still, it was warm and comfortable. I'd recommend it if you're in the area, but not sure we will treck back out here for seconds (despite it being only a $10 cab ride).
(3)
Alla M.
Davanti was an absolute delicious restaurant. 4 of my friends and I went to Davanti because we wanted to try somewhere new. The only downfall of this place is that there are no reservation and they make you wait until the entire party arrives (which means we missed out on being able to sit down right away). instead we ended up having to wait and hour and a half. The manager could tell we were getting restless, so he brought us over a comped appetizer to try. The Foccacia di Recco was phenomenal. When we sat finally sat down, we thought the atmosphere was soooo cute. The rest of our meal was absolutely delicious. We had the grilled asparagus, Bruschette, Riccio di Marie e Granchio, Pizza con Salsiccia e Rapini, Riccota & honeycomb, and the heirloom tomatos. Everything was delciious , and i would recommend all dishes.
(5)
Brian O.
Davanti is fantastic! Wonderful wine list, great variety, and the food is consistently excellent. However, one of the best kept secrets is their burger and a Peroni special on Monday night for 10 bucks. It's a pretty lofty statement because Chi-town has lots of great burger joints, but their burger easily ranks among the city's best!
(5)
Laura K.
Headed here a few weeks back for our ritual week-night ladies night. Started off at the bar with their infused vodka - order it, it's awesome. One of the barbacks was great, made all our cocktails for us...even once we got seated. Leon, the host, was personable and made the effort to check in on our party during the meal. Those two made our night! Oh yeah we ate too :) Every time we dine here we can't get enough of the cow's milk foccaccia - amazing (yes, it's better than the version at avec).
(5)
Scott H.
Had to finally get down to Davanti Enoteca to see what all the buzz was about. Grabbed a couple neighbors and headed down late on a Sunday afternoon to catch them before they got busy. We were welcomed warmly and seated promptly. What a great rustic space with warm lighting and cozy vibe! Sunday had a wine special (retail wine prices and NO corkage fee!) so we enjoyed a wonderful and very inexpensive bottle together to start. We took our time going over the menu and each of the four of us chose something to share. The Mascarpone Polenta with Ragu was excellent (cool and unique presentation!) and we could've gobbled up several orders of that with crusty bread and called it a meal. We had a selection of cheeses and meats that were all wonderful (pretty hard to get that wrong!). We throughly enjoyed one of the Pizza Con Salsiccia E Rapini flatbreads as well. All in all a very enjoyable experience. We spent a decent chunk of change there for what seemed more like a large lunch with a $25-ish bottle of wine, but the experience was unique and memorable enough to merit the price. I should also mention that the waitstaff helping us were cheery and eager to offer recommendations. Will certainly return...probably soon!
(4)
Joyce C.
We came here on a random weeknight around 7-ish. Who would've known it would've been a 45 min wait?? Nuts! Anyway we waited by the bar, where my husband got a beer and I got wine. Glad to see there were quartinos offered here at a reasonable price, most falling around the $10-$13 range. You can also eat at the bar, but the bar is pretty cramped as it is right by the door and that's the waiting area. When we finally got seated, we mass ordered. We got the pork belly app, the pork ragu and polenta, the linguine with sea urchin and crab, the carbonara risotto and the seared octopus entree. Highlights: Pork belly - crispy outside, well seasoned, tender on the inside... It's bacon people, what's not to love?!!? Seriously though, a must order, it's tasty!! And they give you 3 good sized chunks for $6!! Linguine with sea urchin and crab - Oh my... creamy, rich, perfect!! Loads of well-cooked crab, al dente pasta, and the sea urchin cooked down to make a decadent sauce with a hint of sweetness... MMMMMMMM!!! "Meh": Pork Ragu and Polenta - the whole dish was a little bland. The texture was a bit mushy on top of mushy. Not my favorite dish. This dish was begging for salt and for something crunchy. Risotto Carbonara - This sounded better on the menu than it actually was. There is raw egg that comes with the dish. It came out and the risotto was a bit toothy and gummy. Like the risotto didn't cook enough and sauce wasn't binding well. Breaking the egg surprisingly made the dish blander, and it only added to the gummy texture. We took it home and my husband was raving about it the next day, maybe it's one of those dishes that needed to meld overnight? Seared Octopus - While this was a tasty dish, it was a tad salty and greasy. The octopus was cooked well, and the salad underneath had good texture and good mix of stuff, including apples, potatoes, salami and almonds. We will return, but I think 3-4 dishes max would be enough for 2 people. Also, I'd probably make a reservation next time as well.
(4)
Mary B.
Absolutely outstanding and can't wait to go back! Rustic and comfortable surroundings; informed and friendly service, and some of the best and most reasonably priced Italian food I've ever had. Incredibly reasonable and wide ranging wine list (retail price + $7 corkage fee!). Since they don't take reservations, assume it will get overrun as soon as folks find out about it. Once full, very noisy, but who cares, you're eating great food.
(5)
Boon K.
I went here after work and there was no wait but try to get a sit in the back since the kitchen is in the middle and you don't want to end up smelling like your dinner after you leave. My friend really wanted to try the pizza so we had the mushroom with leeks and it was good but I feel like I can get this anywhere. I prefer a chewy dry crust and this was on the oily and dry side. I really like the burger with the bacon jam and the bun was light. The raviolo was yummy and the rigatoni was made perfect. The desert was another story, the cannoli sundae was so lumpy, we were not sure if the lumps were fat but it taste like it. It was so hard to enjoy it that we left with a horrible after taste of bitter orange. Bummer
(2)
Madhvi S.
Really really awesome atmosphere. If you are an ambiance kinda person, you will LOVE this place and will make up for their lack of good vegetarian options. It's a pretty classy place and deserves a nice blouse and jeans. I know its right near UIC, so college students, leave your sweats at home. Definitely a great date place, but I saw a large group of people also sharing a long table in the back. Seating is in these high-seat tables or normal tables. Now, the food! I was a BIT disappointed with what was so deliciously written in the menu, and what actually came out. roasted cauliflower steak + Sicilian olive tapenade + crispy ceci + preserved lemon vinaigrette : not bad, but tasted mostly like burnt cauliflower and lemon roasted squash+ farro+ whipped goat cheese+ hazelnuts+ watercress: I really liked this. I think it was the best out of all the dishes. Had a good fresh texture and the squash and hazelnuts really went together well. Cacio e Pepe = spaghetti + pecorino + black pepper: pretty much tasted what it sounds like, spaghetti and black pepper. Tasted pretty decent, but not something I would pay 8 dollars for if I can make it at home for 2. (and it was a pretty small dish) Pizza della Terra = foraged mushrooms + braised leeks + taleggio + truffle oil = this was not good at all. I am not a fan of stinky things. maybe my palate is not that refined? All in all, I was in Chicago for a week and tried out a series of restaurants, and I was not impressed with this one. Too expensive for what was served.
(3)
Ehrin S.
Absolutely fantastic. I was treated to a birthday dinner here a bit ago. We started the Mascarpone Polenta with ragu of the day (pork cheek). It was so delicious! Perfectly tender, juicy pork braised in a tasty "gravy" served atop creamy polenta. YUM. We also ordered the focaccia stuffed with soft, creamy cow cheese. The focaccia wasn't at all what I expected--it was more like an authentic thin-crust pizza that was halved horizontally and then stuffed with delicious cheese. Excellent. Finally we had the swordfish which was served with braised brussels sprouts with bits of pancetta. Another standout. We also enjoyed salad and a nice Montepulciano to round out the meal. With wonderful food, solid wine, good service, and a cozy ambiance, Davanti Enoteca should definitely be on your list.
(5)
Marty B.
Good...not amazing. We felt like they were trying to hard on the menu. The special was great. It was a mixed meat meatball with a great sauce and a creamy cheese spread on a wood cutting board. Other than that we had a sampling of meats and cheeses, rigatoni, and the Kobe beef dish. All of them were prepared well, and they were all presented well. The staff was friendly, and the atmosphere was comfortable and clean. The only troubling thing for us was the size of the portions for the price, and the fact that we may have had our expectations set too high. The menu titles imply really creative dishes that should wow, but they just didn't wow us. Perhaps we are a bit too in love with Italian food, and maybe we were just expecting something more hardy. It's worth a try, and you would not be wasting a night here. If you like the more creative style, then this place may be a 4 or 5 star for you. P.S. You can valet at Francesca's across the street if you go around lunch time.
(3)
Flo J.
I forgot to update this sooner. About a year ago, I returned and had a nice meal. However, the server added a tip on my signed credit card copy when I paid him cash. I emailed the manager but received no response. THIS IS BAD BUSINESS!
(1)
Jeanus T.
Yes! I'm an absolute fan!! The food is amazing! Also love the ambiance, it's cozy and has the Italian cottage feel to it. Intimate and warm. Must try the sea urchin and crab linguine and truffle egg toast! I'd say this is the most original and best tasting Italian restaurant in Chi-town. Hands down! The only thing I don't like is that they don't take reservations.
(5)
diane c.
Updated after going a few times: their pasta, pizza, wine and service are excellent. their pasta dishes are perfectly al dente. pizza was delish. salad was yummy. im married to a man whose pasta dishes are better than most italian restaurants so we are both glad to have an italian restaurant that we look forward to going to. everything else is good, but does not blow you out of the water - still a fan though.
(4)
Sue B.
This place is my favorite place is the city. Hands down. The dishes are as authentic as it gets - just like you are in Rome.
(5)
Kim H.
Love this place! Lots of great non-meat options, amazing staff with terrific knowledge of the menu and wines in the store. The bill is ALWAYS less than I anticipate and it's just a great spot. Doesn't take reservations, I've always come "early" -after meetings in the area and always had great luck w/immediate seating.
(5)
shivi d.
It's really perfection. Order the big ravioli and order the spaghetti with pecorino and black pepper. I could eat it every day. Great wine list, brick walls full of character to look at. And relatively inexpensive for the quality of food and service.
(5)
Shirley A.
it's worth ALL the hype...the sea urchin pasta, honey and baked pita thingy, and this pork fat belly were DELICIOUS. Will definitely go again. Sometime soon :) Sorry about not using the proper names of the dishes...I went about 3 weeks ago...
(5)
Jessica S.
Davanti is as good as it gets and will definitely be my new go-to place to take out of towners and give as a suggestion when friends quiz me on where to dine. Our dinner for three started out at the bar with wine, appetizers, and $5 martinis. Patrick (manager? GM? owner?) gave us some fabulous suggestions for starters and was incredibly accommodating. He seated us promptly, carried over our drinks/appetizers from the bar to the table, and even brought us little samples of their house infused martini (current selection is cantaloupe - TDF). We later learned that Davanti is associated with Mia Franceca and Francesca's and that he helps to the run the sister restaurants. I consider all of those places super lucky to have Patrick, he is truly an asset to the industry. Among our small plates was the ricotta and honeycomb spread, chicken liver pate, cheese selection/prosciutto, olives, and pizza. My favorite was the ricotta/honey spread which is served in a mason jar with chewy toasted bread (we ordered extra bread per Patrick's suggestion, you definitely need more than three slices). It was such a unique flavor combo and was very light and sweet (but not as sweet as a dessert). The olives were served warm which is a new thing for me but I have to say I liked it. The next best thing we had was the Pizza del Terre with leeks and mushrooms - very earth and packed with flavor. The decor and ambiance of this place is incredible. It's a new twist on rustic Italian - festive, comfortable, warm, and yet it's perfect for a date night or a girls' night out. I can't say enough good things about our night here and I'm looking forward to my next return as soon as possible. Hopefully they'll have a new house infused martini for me to try (pineapple?! please?!). My only suggestion would be to hire a valet parking service. We had a hard time finding parking even at 8:30 on a Wednesday night and valet would have been great for the cold weather.
(5)
Mark V.
Expectations high, reality mediocre. Lucky for me, my dining company more than compensated for the desire for something more unwillingly bestowed upon me by the faux Italian chefs...so bring some good friends if you venture here! Unlike previous Yelpers, I don't judge the quality of the establishment by the attraction of the "dough boy"... Speaking of which, perhaps the biggest disappointment was the sausage pizza...now I know Chicago has several other establishments to seek out a great piece of pizza, but I was hoping the brick oven at Davanti could live up to its appearance...while missing many elements, I would pinpoint the most critical to be flavor...my first flavorless sausage pizza! The cheese selection, sardines and pork belly were all decent starters, but nothing to rave about. Note that the pork belly is literally a thick slab of pork belly, very Italian "homeland" preparation and certainly surprising for guests who are used to the recently popular preparation of the dish at most establishments (i.e. grilled/pan fried and chopped generally with some type of sauce). This is a slab in case that is unappetizing to you. As for the entrees, we had a pretty decent piece of grilled white fish which was cooked and prepared very wonderfully and an unmemorable salad, which was nothing more and nothing less than...a salad. Decent wine list which was in fact nice, though I don't think my waiter doubling as a sommelier actually knew what he was talking about. Perhaps worth a visit (for locals with time)...perhaps not (for guests looking for something better than average night in the city).
(3)
Gina G.
I had the opportunity to try this place out with some friends recently. Upon arrival, we were told that there was a 2 hour and 45 minute wait. We ended up waiting about 50 minutes to get a table which wasn't all to bad considering the wait time that we were quoted. I had high hopes for this place after seeing all the good press it was receiving. I would rate the entire experience a 6 out of a 10. The pizza was a little dissapointing.. it was kind of bland. The best dish that we tried was the giant spinach Ravioli it was so good I could of eaten 5 more orders by myself. The pork belly with the apple mostarda was killer also. Overall, I would go back here again but I still prefer their sister restaurant the Purple Pig over this one.
(3)
Sagar N.
This place is awesome! Came with a group of 10, told they didn't take reservations so I put my name down at 1930 and we hung out at the bar. Bar was nice, good beer selection, and of course plenty of wine options. Bartender was also pretty efficient so we never had to wait. Time flew by but we were getting hungry. At 2030, asked again and was told maybe 15 minutes. Hung out for a bit longer, and a 2100 asked again - this time the manager was really apologetic and said it'll be ready very soon. We get seated about 2115 and then out comes 2 orders of bruschetta and 2 pizzas - gratis for having to wait so long! Food was awesome, and the 'small plates' concept works well. Unlike most other tapas/small plates restaurants - I think you actually get a decent amount of food for the cost. Wine selection was massive and it was great to be able to just pick a bottle off the wall and know what it looks like and costs (which is a steal compared to any other italian restaurant I've been to range $12-35 per bottle). We all ordered a bunch of entrees and shared them and I didn't taste anything I didn't like. The rigatoni with sausage was excellent, and every kind of pizza was solid. I would especially recommend the pizza with the fried egg on top - incredible. Skipped dessert because were were full but even will all the bottles of wine and entrees, the bill came to $23 a person including tip! Not a bad deal at all! Service was really top-notch and the staff seems to take some pride in working there and actually enjoy their job. Davanti Enoteca is different Italian place for Taylor St. It's not the intimate atmosphere you get at Francescas, and the food and restaurant design really cater to a group dining experience. I think this is a welcome, and excellent addition to the neighborhood - I hope they stick around for a while.
(5)
Katherine P.
Great food!!! Another winner from the creatives behind Mia Francesca's. So great to come home to Chicago, and all it's great food. Also went to the Purple Pig this weekend. Man - Chicago is the home of the food Gods. New York doesn't have anything on us! note: less salt in the risotto, please.
(5)
Agila R.
I visited Davanti for the first time on a Friday night, and although we got there around 8:30 pm, we had to wait 1 1/2 hours to be seated (party of 4). On the bright side, there's a cute little wine bar across the street (with a substantial martini menu as well), where we happily passed the time. The food was very impressive! Definitely worth the wait. Our group tried the shaved hearts of palm salad, 2 pizzas, the burger, and the pasta with sea urchin. Each dish was fabulous. Will definitely be going back! Very cozy atmosphere as well.
(5)
Hailey M.
I'm giving this 4 stars, but would probably give it 3.5 stars if I could. The place is super cute, first of all! I really liked the look and ambience. I went with my future sister-in-law, who had been wanting to try the place for a while. The first couple minutes we were there were a little off-putting, but it got better. First, we sat down and the table was incredible sticky. Like my glass of wine that I had ordered from the bar made a noise when I picked it up off the table because it was so stuck. Gross! I told the waiter though and he had it cleaned it off. Second, a waiter brought us someone else's food. My fiance has a pet peeve about "auctioning off food" as he calls it, so I give them a little ding for that. As for the food, we started off with the hearts of palm salad. I have never had shaved hearts of palm like that, which I liked, but there was almost no dressing and the peppercorns were a turn off. This was not a successful dish for me. By now you're probably wondering why I'm giving them 3.5-4 stars, but it's because of the next 2 dishes. The mascarpone polenta with the house ragu was awesome!!! I have never had anything served that way before and it was so rich, creamy, and tasty. I just loved it! The last thing we had was the octopus. I was hesitant about it because it didn't get great reviews, but I really liked it and was happy we ordered it. I wanted to try the truffle toast, but my future sister-in-law is pregnant and they receommended not doing that because the egg is essentially raw. If I ever go back, I will try that though becuase it looked and smelled amazing.
(4)
Ajay K.
Update: Lost a star. Went a second time and were less impressed. They took the cauliflower steak off the menu. The pasta we ordered (Riccio di Mare e Granchio) also failed to impress as much. ----------------------------------- What a find. Amazing food and at a reasonable price. Loved everything we ordered. The Octopus is a must-have. The Cauliflower steak is amazing. The Truffle egg toast... I could go on. Good wine list and competitive prices. The restaurant has a wonderful ambiance, service staff is extremely welcoming and we will definitely be back.
(4)
Dennis J.
We went on a Sunday afternoon and so avoided the madness that happens during the evenings - the last time we'd tried was a Friday night and there was a two hour wait. :-O We got: truffle egg toast - this was just okay, the bread was really good but the cheese overpowered the other flavors crispy pork belly - tasty and a good combination with the apple crostada but overcooked rissotto carbonara - great, though it did remind me a little of Rice-a-Roni Davanti burger - nothing amazing despite it's many toppings ricotta + honeycomb - my favorite dish! great combination. Just don't take their advice and drop the honeycomb in the ricotta, mix it on your piece of bread. =) All in all, it was a decent meal but none of the dishes wowed us and nothing else looked so appetizing that we had to come back. And my manhattan didn't have enough vermouth (that also brings up an annoyance, they have their cocktails and wine by the bottle on a giant wine bottle ... comes across as something that Chili's would do). :-|
(3)
Bettina Y.
I have been in a cooking and eating slump for a long time. You know, when nothing seems to excite you? Maybe it is winter? Maybe it is being on a budget? But that all changed when I dined here! This place is amazing! Suddenly I was inspired to cook. Perhaps because it's simplicity reminded me of Italy? Instead of saying "I can make that", I was saying "I WANT to make that". I hate to even write this, because the quality and taste of the dishes do not even compare, but the menu reminds me of Frasca on Paulina. But I must stress that the food is SO much better! I read about the Homemade Ricotta served with Honey and Toast and I didn't remember it was from this restaurant. When it arrived, I immediately remembered, as how could one mistake the mason jar. This Toast course was so deliciously satisfying that I could eat this for every meal. The other standout for me was the Giant Rigatoni. It was perfect with it's Roasted Tomatoes and Bits of Sausage. I was just blown away . I can't wait to go back and try more dishes. I actually think I might venture in bringing my Italian Father here.... (He complained for weeks about the last Italian restaurant I brought him to).
(5)
Isis G.
When I see a bartender freshly peeling a rind for a drink, I get excited. I just wanted to sit and drink at the bar all night. Great wine list with good prices. Cold beer in iced mugs. The hibiscus martini was off the charts. I am glad I did move to a table. We ordered 6 or 7 items to share and had a great time. I would not suggest any one with a hearing issue to visit in the evening. There are many social people having drinks and eating, so the volume gets loud. This is a must for a visit to Chicago. The vibe in this place was great!
(5)
Katherine M.
on the expensive side, but I have been here 3 times and have yet to have something disappointing. The dishes are flavourful and include a number of unsual ingredients and dishes found in few other restaurants. The appetizers can nearly be filling enough for a a lunch. The patio is nice, and the servers helpful. I love getting taken out here : )
(5)
Joon K.
Great food at an unbeatable price. - Ricotta and honey comb: a must order. Comes with tuscan toast. the honey makes this dish - Truffle egg toast: love the earthiness of the dish, though I would have loved the egg to be a bit more runny - Mascarpone polenta with pork cheek ragu: must order. Served tableside which is a nice touch. - Paccheri: nicely al dente. Fennel seeds in the sausage a nice touch. All this great food, perfectly portioned for 2 people, with 2 glasses of wine came in at $30 a person!! If I lived in Chicago, I'd be here all the time.
(5)
Rai A.
This place is good
(5)
Elizabeth K.
Davanti Enoteca was great! Going in a party of 6 was a smart move because we were able to try more of the menu items. Our server was friendly and informative. All of our wine and our favorite food orders were her recommendations. We outstanding dishes included the ricotta and honey comb appetizer, the foccasia, the prosciutto and arugala pizza, and the egg toast. We ordered two pastas which were both good. The grilled octopus and the pork belly appetizer were both good, but not as good as the other things that we tried. All in all, we had a great experience and would recommend to anyone wanting a good experience in Little Italy.
(4)
John P.
My wife and I "discovered" this place for our anniversary, back in October 2011. We were so taken we asked "management" if DE would be open Christmas Eve. We traditionally go to different restaurants every year. We have a sizable group of kids and sons-in-law to accommodate. Sure, "management" said, but we don't take reservations. We were a little surprised, but since "management" assured us that our projected 5PM to 5:30PM arrival time would "be no problem", we planned on it. My wife called DE twice during the week preceding Christmas Eve to make sure we were OK. Imagine our surprise when we were told at the door that we couldn't be immediately seated because two of our members were missing, and then that we didn't have a reservation. When my wife and I protested, I was brusquely informed by "management" that they only started taking reservations this week, and that there was nothing he could do about it since "management" makes the rules and he ("management?") only "works here". When I protested over seating at a "high top" because my wife had just had hip surgery and had difficulty getting into the "high chairs", I was told by "management" that since we had no reservation the high top table was the best they could do - essentially take it or leave it. When I said, "but YOU were the "management" that told us there would be no reservations for Christmas Eve and that our arrival time would be no problem", "management" got hostile, denied ever saying it, adding, "are you calling me a liar"? We give the food a solid 4 Stars; Customer Service 4 Stars; "Management" -4 Stars. Neither the food nor the wait staff deserve a poor rating. Unfortunately, "Management" set the tone for the evening at the door. We will look elsewhere next Christmas Eve.
(2)
Bryan L.
Great food, great atmosphere, great service. Went on a Sunday night and the place was full of folks enjoying dinner. The bar has a row of vintage, warm bulbs running the length of a very long wood counter top. Our party of five was seated comfortably in a corner next to a wall chock full of wine bottles. The food was really, really tasty -- some hits and some misses too, but mostly hits. The truffle toast and the sea urchin pasta were definitely the highlights. Unbelievably yummy! Was originally considering either this place and one across the street -- based on some other reviews. Had some trouble at the other place and am so thankful we came here for the evening. The difference was night and day.
(5)
Brooke R.
The food was delicious, some of the best I have had lately. We had a big group of 12 on a Sunday night and they were very gracious hosts and the service was wonderful. All the food was delicious, I did not taste one thing I did not like! I will be going back again and again. Great food, great service, gorgeous atmosphere.
(5)
Chris F.
this place is much different than the average chicago italian spot, in the sense that it seems more tapas than italian to me. regardless, i like the focus on small plates (enables you to try more things). the desserts are also awesome. cool spot, good ambience, friendly staff, great meats, stellar chefs.
(4)
Joseph G.
Honestly a 4.5 After all the talking among the cooks I know that have been fortunate enough to dine here, I couldn't take it any longer. Friday night, 10:00 P.M., I find myself in front of this brightly colored mecca (if you will) of great Italian food. Not the "Let's smother pasta in an absurd amount of bland mozzarella and metallic red sauce," but actual simple, honest food. I have always had plenty of reservations about going out to eat at such restaurants for that reason, something I'll have to work on. The interior is wonderful, open kitchen with a wood-fired oven, one single room that isn't that spacious, but you won't feel cramped either. The bar is perfect for one in a restaurant, I'm a sucker for anyplace the takes the time to consider a foot rest and hooks for your belongings. The hostess informed us that we would not be seated for 45 minutes, but after less than two we found our way to said bar. After ordering wine (none in bottle form over $45.00). The chicken liver mousse was spot on fantastic! We also ordered the truffled egg toasts with asparagus... amazing! The seared octopus rounded out dinner and like the two dishes before, there was absolutely nothing bad to say! When our meal was up, our bartender offered a taste of different digestifes on the house! This is one place I'll be visiting again and again !!!! I can't wait!
(5)
Lori V.
Just ate here last night with a work colleague and was very impressed. Parking is easy and we had a 6:30pm reservation. The place was already starting to get full. My only disappointment of the night was the roof top patio was closed so we couldn't eat outside. But the food and menu variety was amazing. They have an extensive wine selection and the average price was $35-45 dollars. They specialize in small plate dining and we ordered 3 different plates. The salad was scrumptious light and filling. The halibut special of the evening was simply divine. I am not even a big fan of halibut so was a little bit leery of ordering it, but it was simply delish. Just the right balance of accoutrement that brought out the flavor of the fish marvelously. The spinach ravioli with spinach and a soft cooked egg was a party for your taste-buds. It was a touch salty because of the porcino cheese on top, but I loved the blend of flavors. All in all a wonderful dining experience off the beaten path in a local neighborhood. I would highly recommend if for all those that want to travel to Taylor Street.
(4)
Brittany M.
My Canadian cousin visited me in Chicago for her birthday, so I decided to take her to Davanti after reading the rave reviews. It could not have been a better experience! We had a glass each of wine on the house, and they still brought us an amazing chocolate mousse dessert after! They treated us amazingly, and really, who doesn't love being spoiled?? Food was eyes closed, mouth wateringly good. I can't stop talking about this place, and if it wasn't out of the way for me, I would go allllllll the time. Dying to go back just for the Foccia di Recco (cannot stop thinking about it omg soooo good), but everything else we had was equally delicious. Hope to make it out to Little Italy again soon, I need my friends to come with so they can obsess too!
On a random weekday, we all decided to have Italian food at this place. There were good reviews so why not. I tried their octopus which was a small portion but seasoned and cooked very well. I wish there was a bit more food, but if it tastes good, I'm ok with that. We ordered lots of antipasto to share and it was good. We also shared some pizza so that good too. I have to go back to try more dishes.
(4)
Shawn C.
I like this place. It reminds me of Quartino except a little more upscale. I think I would become an even bigger fan if I lived near hear, but this to me is a destination type place as well, so it will draw me back in. They don't take reservations - you've been warned. We showed up at 4:30 and got a seat, probably one of the last 4 tables. Within 1/2 hour the place was jammed. It was a Saturday. The wine prices I feel can be a bit deceiving. Ok, they say the bottle prices were close to retail prices, but they charge a $7 corkage fee which, well puts it very close to what restaurants would normally charge for some bottles, so we just did glasses of wine, which worked out better for use (maybe not for others) We ordered some meat/cheeses to start and I was a little disappointed. Maybe I was used to Quartino in that you get a more bread and some other yummy type garnishes that you can eat it with...oh no, not here. We got like 5 pieces of bread and the meat and cheese, that's it. it was good, but we wanted more bread and crackers or heck just something else to eat it with. We ordered a bunch of small plates and I have to say they were damn good. The crisp pork belly was very tasty, but not so crisp though. The Cacio E Pepe was delicious as was the risotto carbonara. The rigatoni with sausage was perfect. We loved it. We also got two pizzas and to be honest they were just fine. I think I like Quartino's better. Our service was fine but started to get lax as the place filled up. Again, reminder, there isn't much of a waiting area besides the bar and outside...you've been warned.
(4)
John G.
Its well executed and it has a nice ambiance, but as I look back the restaurant just wasn't memorable.
(3)
Minoli P.
I have to say I was really disappointed with this place. we had been wanting to go for a while given all the buzz. Perhaps that plays into the rating it is getting 1. we ordered the special on a sat. night (scallop dish) and we received scallops that had already gone bad! I mean they tasted and smelled fishy. Very bad first impression. I sent them back and they were apologetic, but not as much as I think a restaurant should be that was about to potential sicken their clientele. 2. I really liked the risotto carbonara. very tasty. 3. The giant ravioli was okay, but drenched in clarified butter. I feel like they could have done something a bit less bland (perhaps some sage). 3. the pizza was good. Not excellent, but tasty. overall for the wait and the price, I doubt this place is worth it. and if a chef can't tell that his scallops have gone bad, I'm not sure he is paying enough attention. the service was not great...but I would have forgiven that for good food.
(2)
Becky B.
AWESOME! Went here for a late lunch/early dinner and it was great. It's a wine bar concept, but they have lots of tables. The food is in small plate format...almost like Italian tapas. Great decor, nice casual atmosphere. Cheese/salami....great selection Polenta with daily ragu...I too wanted to lick the board clean Grilled squash with farro, goat cheese, & watercress...great balance Wine...retail price with small corkage fee, so you can try much higher end wines than in a full dining place Cacio e pepe spaghetti....simple and put together perfectly Espresso....perfect Service....perfect I will DEFINITELY go back!
(5)
Christopher D.
Davanti has a great atmosphere, but I don't know that I would call it romantic or intimate; the volume is a little too high for either. The ambiance really is a great fusion of popular music with a classic, earthy Italian interior. The wait staff here was really sweet and attentive, and the whole place gave off a cool, casual and fun vibe. The food here really is delicious. The truffle egg toast lived up to the hype. It takes 10 minutes to prepare, but it's worth it. The richness of the eggs and truffle oil was perfectly offset by the sour bitterness of the asparagus. The risotto carbonara surprised me with an earthy and almost oaky flavor, but it was rich and delicious. The pizza della terra was good, though I think the braised leeks were a little too dominant. Hopefully I'll get to go back soon and get to try the dessert I was too full to sample. The wait can be a bit daunting -- my date and I went there on a Thursday night and had to wait about an hour -- but it was well worth it.
(4)
Bella J.
I am not crazy about Italian food, but this place is great. Despite the long wait, I always enjoy coming here. The interior is absolutely fantastic. It creates intimate, cozy and fun atmosphere perfect for couples or friends to chat. The ceilings, floors, decor elements and functional exposition of their goods is amazing. The wine is sold by glass, bottle or quartino. The prices are really cheap, so you can try different wines without fully emptying your wallet. The service was also great. This is the place to go.
(5)
Coco P.
Sea urchin pasta!!!!!! That is all.
(4)
Natasha M.
I must say the atmosphere is amazing. Classy but can be casual. I loved the bar area and lighting. They recommend ordering food in tapas style, which is interesting for an Italian restaurant. So my boyfriend and I decided we'd be a little adventurous in our menu items. However, the food was kind of disappointing. I've heard so many good things about it but maybe my boyfriend and I just ordered all the wrong things. Here's what we got: 1. Truffle egg toast + fontina + asparagus- Simply an egg yoke on top of a really buttery texas toast with asparagus chunks on the side. It almost tasted sour to me.I took two bites and tapped out. Nothing special. 2. Pizza con Salsiccia e Rapini- This was a sausage pizza. It was real good but nothing special to rave at home to mom. Served with a side dish of red crushed pepper, salt, and basil (or maybe it was oregano- not sure). 3.. Risotto Carbonara- A simple dish of rice, peas, pancetta, and again an egg yolk. The egg yolk made the dish actually have some flavor. It sort of tasted like a bland soup. My boyfriend and i actually used the red crushed pepper to add some kick to it. I was extremely disappointed about this dish. 4. Bistecca alla Griglia- This is the strip steak with arugula. This was good but once again nothing special. We ordered it medium, and good thing because it gets served on a hot skillet so it cooks quickly. 5. Honestly the dessert is where they truly shined: We ordered the cheesecake/fruit of the day-(which was raspberry)/ crumbled graham cracker served in a jar. This my friend was amazing, we practically licked the jar clean. I have a friend that said the burgers there are really good. Because I love the atmosphere so much, I will give this place another try. Maybe a casual weeknight to grab a burger and drink at the bar.
(3)
Tiffany A.
Since there were so many great reviews of this place on Yelp! and it's been on the Chicago Magazine Hot List for a couple of months now, we decided to try it out last weekend. As other reviewers mentioned, they don't take reservations, so we were prepared to wait a while for a table. It was pretty crowded up front - and I'm not sure I would love the table in the front window for that reason - but we eventually grabbed seats at the bar and from then on the wait flew. While we waited, we tried a couple of very reasonably priced bottles of wine and they even brought out some complimentary pizza from the kitchen for us to munch on, which was quite good! Once seated the experience was great - our server was helpful but not intrusive or pretentious. We tried the polenta and ragu of the day (which was pork), the bruschette (which has a tuna and white bean topping), crispy pork belly, calamari, olives and the burrata to share to start. All were very good but the polenta and ragu stood head and shoulders above the rest. It was awesome! I've been thinking about it for days. Our main courses (I shared the giant rigatoni and the strip steak with someone) were just ok. For desert I would definitely recommend the chocolate hazelnut mousse - it was chocolate heaven. Overall I would definitely recommend this place for a fun dinner with friends - just be prepared to wait a bit for a table. The wine menu is incredibly affordable (I heard they sell all the bottles of wine at retail + $7) and the tapas style portions are great for sharing and trying a lot of different dishes. Last but not least, the atmosphere is less pretentious than most "hot list" places which makes for a fun night out!
(4)
Jenny A.
Went to davanti last Friday night with my boyfriend...hadn't been there in 3 years. Why did I wait so long?! It was super yummy! We had a cheese plate, toast w egg and asparugus (must have!) and two pastas. The wine was awesome, too. Bf says good wine selection to choose from. Also, after chatting w waitress and manager about the good time we were having they sent over limoncello and two desserts - how nice was that? The chocolate mousse thing was freaking amazing. Thanks davanti we'll be back to try the pizza!!
(5)
Brandon C.
Great place to eat. They tell you its like Italian tapas but slightly bigger and that's mostly true. But, unlike tapas, an appetizer and entree will likely fill you up. Also, I highly recommend the burger. Good value as well. Two people costs around $40, if you don't drink, and I had a little bit to take home, as well. One piece of advice, they bring every dish out separately. The S/O and I each ordered a different entree for our main course. However, they brought hers first, waited for us to eat it, then brought mine. So we ended up sharing a little bit more than we intended.
(5)
Erika O.
Awesome food, nice staff, cool and young place
(5)
Tracey W.
Quoted 30 to 45 for the wait. Ended up waiting an hour. 5 minutes before we got seated, a lady walked in and apparently was super important and got service before us. Kind of bummed us out. I almost feel like it's trying to be too many things at once. It feels like it wants to be classic italian, but it wants to be casual, but then you get this feeling of trying to be hip. Maybe it works for some people? The food wanted to be super amazing, but ended up just being average. Asked for the burger medium, ended up being charred on the outside. But the Bacon Jam is quite awesome. The chocolate mousse dessert saved the whole thing. Sorry I failed on the name, but it's definitely one of those italian cool kid names. I'll probably go back just for this. The service was average. I almost forgot to mention it *shrugs*
(3)
Ray O.
Truly a magnificent experience. The food, the service, the wine, the prices... oh and I can I forget the chocolate martinis!!!! Definitively will be coming back for more!
(5)
Stephen S.
There were four in our party and all of us were impressed. For starters the truffled egg toast was outstanding. The anchovies were good, which made them second best. Not a bad start to the lunch time meal. The entrees were all four very good. We had the Riccio, the risotto, the giant ravioli, and the spaghetti with pepper. We also had an order of the Focaccia and it was amazing. None of us have ever seen bread dough rolled that thin and it was delicious. There were very good wine selections (and we had several quartinos) and the pricing was fair for a restaurant. I'm not sure the bottle pricing earns the $7 dollar mandatory corkage fee and this probably deserves some research. I think I will go open a bottle now!
(4)
D C.
good food, small portions, nice place, nasty ass bathroom. parking across the street is FREE even though there's someone trying to charge you $5 or maybe $10 depending on how stupid you look. BEWARE!
(3)
Shawn H.
Visited: 4/2/2011 I came here for a double-date at my friend's suggestion and left quite pleased. We arrived for an early dinner around 5:00 p.m. and were seated promptly, right before the place started to get busy. It's a tapas-esque restaurant, so the meals are naturally long and the patron throughput slow. This is admittedly a little fancier of a restaurant than I usually frequent - I'm very much a steak and potatoes man - but our server was extremely helpful with all the questions we had. The four of us split a bottle of red wine and shared orders of ricotta with honey comb, bruschetta, seared hearts of palm in lemon and pork belly with apple mostarda. For the main course I had a rigatoni and sausage plate and my girlfriend had a basil and mozzarella pizza. Everything was delicious and fresh and aside from the cost - close to $160 with tax and tip for the four of us - I have no complaints. The portions are small, but the taste is big.
(5)
Eric K.
This place fills up fast and doesn't take reservations so make suer y ou allow for that. My friends and I had a great evening. The staff is friendly and listen to your waiter on what to order. We ordered things we wouldn't have and loved them. Their Roastes Squash/Ferro/Goat cheese salad sounds awful but it's AMAZING. I loved every bite. The Focaccia di Recco was like no Focaccia I have ever had. So good. We had the pizza with mushrooms and truffle oil - which was great and their ravioli with spinach which was also yummy. We also had an egg casserole type thing that some of us liked some didn't. They have a great wine list and a daily infused vodka. Mine was melon and it was Incredible. If you get a dirty martini they stuff their own blue cheese olives too. Their chocolate dessert was AMAZING! I could have eaten 5 of them. The place is bigger than you think from the outside but not too many tables. Be patient. Also they were filming us for 190 North - so check it out Jan 30th! we are the happy wine drinking folks. I definately would go back, Good food, Nice atmosphere, not too pricey! A great night out.
(4)
Jalan R.
We had a great time at Davanti Enoteca. Great variety of dishes served tapas style. Went there for lunch on a Saturday. Highly recommend.
(5)
Adam H.
My wife and I love this place to death! IMO this is the best spot in Little Italy, hands down. Everything is on point. The ragu of the day never disappoints, the salads are unique and always surprisingly good, and the beer and wine selection is top notch. I would say that the crocks are my favorite though...ricotta w/ honeycomb, and the chicken liver are a must have as apps. One thing that bugs me about this place is the inability to make a reservation, but I heard that they changed that (?) recently. But I can't rightfully take a star away for that, mainly because you can get the full menu at the bar, which is not a problem for us. Anyway, there are so many awesome dishes on the menu that I could go on and on about, but I won't. You can be sure that the ingredients in everything they make are of high quality and used in perfect balance in every dish. I've never been disappointed in anything because it's a little off or not as good as the last time. Davanti is surprisingly inexpensive as well, and that's a big plus!
(5)
K H.
Worth the wait! Only complaint was our server was very short with us but it was really busy - Friday night. The additional support waitstaff made up for his attitude because they were super attentive and brought new plates, forks, etc. for each new dish. Food is great. So many options and everything comes out fresh with great timing for tapas style. My boyfriend and I ordered a salad, a chicken dish, a pasta dish and a pizza flat bread. We were able to try everything and didn't leave totally stuffed and uncomfortable :)
(4)
Jasmine S.
It's worth wait!! We love their small plates and pasta. Not a big fan of the pizza, a little underdone. The wine selection is great and pricing is reasonable. A great Italian gem on Taylor Street.
(4)
J B.
Amazing! Have literally eaten here THREE times since it's opening and can't get enough! 1.) Must get the Cow's Milk Foccacia 2.) Monday night Burger & Beer for 9$ is a MUST! (Burger to die 4! And Sophie, need I say more) 3.) great wine selection, at totally affordable prices. This will be an instant favorite! JB
(5)
Rich W.
Davanti Enoteca is the new buzz in Little Italy. Like other Scott Harris restaurants, this place doesn't take reservations. But I can assure you that the food is worth the wait. The vasi of ricotta and honey comb was genius. The honey comb added a delightful sweetness that enhanced the already-smooth ricotta. This was very satisfying. Polenta with pig shoulder ragu was served table-side. The polenta was a bit finer than my liking (I prefer my polenta to be more coarsely ground), but the pig shoulder ragu was superb - perfectly tender with rich flavors. The pizza della terra had great flavors from the leek and mushroom. The truffle taste was too subtle for me, and the dough of the pizza was a tad too dense (more like a New York style pizza than Italian pizza) - still good thoguh. Better was the linguine with sea urchin and crab. The pasta was cooked perfectly al dente (best I've had in the US!). The crab was executed nicely, and the sea urchin sauce that coated the linguine had a delectable well-balanced umami. What a great dish! I will come back for this dish alone. We got a quartino of 2009 Terredora di Paolo Falanghina. It was fruit-forward, but also had a subtle sweetness. It went perfectly with both the rich polenta and the seafood-based pasta. Very short, affordable, yet balanced wine list. Perfect for a neighborhood enoteca. Service was friendly and efficient. Decor was rustic yet dramatic - the dining room was surrounded by exposed brick wall, which also acted as wine cellars. Transcending. Spot on. I was afraid that I wasn't going to like this place because I wasn't a huge fan of Purple Pig. But Davanti Enoteca was just perfect. It's an excellent addition to the neighborhood - rustic, flavorful, and affordable. Bravo!
(5)
Carolyn R.
Holy Toledo is this place great. Just went for dinner with friends last night after a movie and was here once before in the summer with girlfriends - different seasons, different offerings, different experiences, both awesome. If you come in summer you must sit upstairs on the deck, so charming and relaxed. Last night was cozy and warm. This place is perfect if you like to try a lot of different stuff and are understand that Italian is more than just red sauce and that anchovies don't always come in a tin. Stand out dish of last night's meal was the salami and kale pizza. Highly recommended.
(5)
Magnum J.
To be honest, I'm a tough grader. To get five stars, a place really has to earn it and this place deserves all five stars. I would definitely come back in a heart beat. Came here with family (five of us) and we all enjoy our dinner. We allowed the waiter (Ron?) to pick our dishes which were meant to be shared at the table. All were very good except the cauliflower steak which was only mediocre. The waiter did a very nice job picking a variety of plates. The octopus was fantastic! Look forward to returning.
(5)
Paul T.
Dinner for four last night at Davanti was enjoyed immensely by one and all in our party. My third time here but first time for the rest of the group. Even though it was a Friday in Lent we had to order the mascarpone polent ragu, which featured pork shoulder. Absolutely delicious. Will definitely return.
(5)
JM C.
Greatly over-priced in general. But, the best burger I've ever had. What a surprise!
(3)
Doe L.
can't help but update... i keep coming back to this place! (helps that we live close by and can just walk here) i'm currently on a mission to find out all the ragu's of the day. So far I've tried pork shoulder (love), pork cheek (love) and prosciutto meatball (wasn't a fan of this one), one with artichoke (thought was a little too bland). The last time i was there, the waiter scooped the leftover polenta on our plates. THANK YOU! please keep doing this... otherwise i'll have to start asking you to leave the pot with me and that just makes me look like a huge fatty... i actually thought the cheese platter was a bit pricey and the slabs of cheese were pretty small in my opinion. My sisters were very disappointed that our bread was a raisin bread. They thought it destroyed the flavor of the cheeses. i don't normally eat just cheese so i'm no expert. the cheese tasted great but i'm just not sure it's worth it. (unless some of these cheeses are rare or hard to find?) there is a day where it's cheaper so go on that day! i'm trying not to RAVE about this place because some people have come here and thought it was overrated. I always like to go in a place and have no expectations despite the reviews. So please go in and form your own decision about davanti! =)
(5)
Carol G.
Small portions, difficult to share, food was ok, over rated, pricey, reviews said wonderful things so we decided to check it out. We will not return. We eat out often, but this was not the experience we were looking for. The 3 of us ate for $75 and did not have wine.
(3)
Kyle H.
I have been here twice, and the food was excellent both times. However, while my first experience was 5 stars all the way around, my second visit was definitely 3 stars, which makes an average of 4. The first time we went, everything was phenomenal. The service was excellent, as well as the food. I really like that you can buy a bottle of wine for retail price and it will still be corked and served to you. The second time, there were a few issues. I think part of this could have been because we were seated right near the open kitchen, whereas the time before we were further into the restaurant. As someone who has spent a lot of time working in restaurants, I like sitting where I can see service happening. However, some of the things we saw made us a little less tolerant of the service we were given. Little things were that I saw some servers with their hair down past their shoulders or wearing sleeveless shirts or open toed shoes, which I were always told were against health code and would have gotten sent home from my past jobs if I showed up to work like that. One server was wearing shorts so short that her apron was longer than them. Additionally, it seemed that only the food runners and busboys were wearing uniform t-shirts, maybe a couple servers too, but the majority of the servers seemed to be in aprons and street clothes. Please don't think I'm a snob, I really couldn't care less about restaurants having uniforms, but if they're GOING to have uniforms, it looks unprofessional and inconsistent to have only half of the staff wearing them. Uniforms are not enough for me to take a star off of a review for a restaurant that has truly delicious food and such a casual, fun atmosphere. Our issues were this: at one point, a burrata salad was set down in front of us, which we didn't order but didn't realize until the food runner had walked away and immediately realized what he had done. The expediter told us "that was our mistake, please enjoy the salad." Great! However, our server then walked over, before we had dug into the salad, and said "wait, that's not yours!" and before we could even explain to him what had happened, he took the salad away. This part is not so bad, as the fact of the matter is that we hadn't ordered the salad, so we didn't care. What was awful was that when he picked up the salad, he set it down on the table RIGHT NEXT TO US. Mind you, we were sitting at the high tops toward the front, so the table next to us was no more than two feet away from us. Literally. Now, I'm not one to judge a server or runner for bringing the wrong food to a table, nor would I judge a server for taking away the wrong dish that was brought to a table. However, you have to AT LEAST take it back to the kitchen before you bring it to the right table. It is an EXTREME restaurant faux pas to transfer food from one table of strangers to a different one, let alone the very next table. We of course weren't going to say anything, but they're lucky the table next to us didn't. I realized later that the food runner had ground pepper onto the salad before the server picked it up and gave it to the next table. Then I noticed later that when a different dish was put in front of them, the woman at the table declined having ground pepper. Finally, what ended up being upsetting later was that we realized that the expediter had TOLD US that the salad then belonged to us, due to their mistake, but yet our server was not informed of this and he took something that had been given to us away! Like I said, we weren't angry, and believe me, more food was the last thing we needed, but it's still very bad form. Bottom line, I will definitely be back here. The food is delicious (you have GOT to get the polenta with the different daily ragout) and the prices are very affordable. They just need to work out some of those unprofessional kinks and work more on communication between staff.
(4)
Michelle J.
Had dinner here yesterday with a friend for a belated birthday dinner. Everything we had was good! We had the pork belly with apple mostardo -- the apple mostardo was the perfect sweet/sour accompaniment to the salty, crunch pork belly. Then we tried the giant ragu in a tomato sauce with sausages -- the sausage were so tasty, though the pasta was a too al dente for my preference. Dish was good overall. Came the linguine with sea urchin and crabmeat. It tasted like the sea... it was different but delicious. (Interestingly, my friend thought it was too salty. I have an aversion to salt but didn't think it was salty at all... it had just a very strong sea-salt taste to it.) Lastly, we tried the mushroom pizza with the leeks and truffle oil. We thought we wouldn't be able to finish the pizza between the both of us but it was too easy 'cause it was sooooo good. Crust was warm, chewy and soft -- just the way I like it! For dessert, we opted for chocolate mousse and glad we did it. They sprinkled bits of coffee beans around the mousse and the crust was a wafer/hazelnut bottom, a la Ferrero Rocher. The only downside was the service we got. I think we got a new server. He took forever to come to our table when we got there. It must have been more than 5 minutes before he finally approached us and asked us if we wanted anything to drink. He didn't try to explain how best to order since the servings were small/small plates. He was also dropping utensils on the floor -- must have been nervous or something. The place was packed. Nice ambience. You can go there for a casual bit to eat or a nice dinner. Overall it was a great experience despite the inexperienced server. We're definitely going back!
(4)
Joe D.
Pretty good Italian. They don't take reservations, but you can go to the wine bar across the street and the hostess will call you when your table is ready. Once your group is called, sit down and enjoy the feast. I recommend going with a group of at least 4, but no more than 8 based on the table sizes. The dishes are meant to be shared, almost in a Spanish tapas style. So order a round of appetizers, share and enjoy - my favorite was the focaccia - really light and creamy. Order some main dishes - make sure to get at least one of the giant raviolis. We also enjoyed a couple of the pizzas - I particularly enjoyed the mushroom and leek pizza. Overall, this was an excellent experience. The only negatives: no reservations and the wait staff was a little - for lack of a better word - out there. Enjoy it!
(4)
Lauren P.
little italy was on the list of places i hadn't ventured to yet in my 4+ years of chicago (for shame!) so i was delighted when davanti enoteca was chosen as the next location for me & my girlfriend's monthly dinner club. i was a little nervous about our large group of 8 since the restaurant doesn't take reservations, so i showed up a little early to put our name in in case there was a wait. there wasn't a wait (whew) and the hostess was nice enough to hold our table until almost the entire party arrived. our waiter took us through the menu - almost everything is meant to be shared (perfect for large groups!) we ended up ordering: - focaccia di recco - ricotta and honeycomb - roasted cherry tomato + burrata + basil pesto insalate (complements of the chef, thankyouverymuch) - pork belly + peach mostrada - risotta carbonara - sausage pizza - prosciutto pizza the focaccia di recco was like CRACK. we ordered two for the table and i'm glad that we did. i know this seems impossible... but it's like a very classy crab rangoon. the bread is so thin and crispy, it's almost like a wonton, and a cream cheese like substance is baked into it. order it, you won't regret it! the ricotta & honeycomb was also very good - in fact i wish we had more. the combination of the cheese with the fresh honey was really tasty. the pork belly scared a few of the girls, but most seemed to like it. i thought the peach sauce was the perfect complement to the crispy pork pieces. i wasn't wowed by the roasted cherry tomato + burrata - it's basically a deconstructed caprese salad. sorry to say, but easily something you can make at home. the pizzas were pretty good too, but nothing truly out of this world. meal came to $30/person -- not bad for all of that and three bottles of wine! not gonna lie, the $7 "in-house" corkage fee did erk me a little, especially since many of the bottles were under $20... but, i'll take it since most of the bottles on their house list are on the cheap end. all in all, i would definitely recommend this place, and i'll be back! the atmosphere is really romantic too, if that's what you're looking for. lots of dim lighting. look for daily specials too!
(4)
Kristina D.
We really like their little vasi. The waiter was friendly. Everything was tasty, and we didn't have a wait for a table. However, we came at an odd time and everytime we've tried to go back it's been too busy to get a table.
(4)
Christene M.
Best Italian food I've ever eaten and I lived in Italy for a year!
(5)
Jen C.
I live near Little Italy, so I am so happy that there is an awesome new restaurant right down the street from me and in this area! Unfortunately no reservations! The bartender was attentive, and our server was also very sweet. I love that they have to bring their wine list out on a gigantic wine bottle, although I'm sure it bugs the servers every now and then to have to do that. At first look, I thought their menu was confusing because it's very concise -- but I think I was also brain-dead because I was starving by the time we got there. Love the decor here - lots of different types of tables and light fixtures - I think they designed the space very nicely. We were seated all the way in the back where the tables are sorta squished back there so you are pretty close to the patrons next to you and could probably eavesdrop if you wanted! There were some other tables in the middle geared towards slightly bigger groups that don't seem to have this proximity. Not a big deal though either way! I loved: **the Focaccia Di Recco (I think this is good to serve 4 people, so you can each have 2 pieces) **Truffle Egg Toast **Paccheri con Salsiccia e Pomodori (aka rigatoni with sausage and tomato) Less remarkable: crispy pork belly (you can definitely find more tender and savory pork belly elsewhere -- but this dish is good for 2) Need to try: the burger!!! I keep hearing about how delicious it is. Mondays in particular would be a good day to go - they currently have a $9 Burger & Beer deal going on that I really want to take advantage of. Loved it - I am going back.
(5)
Irene H.
My husband and I stopped in on a Saturday slightly before 5 w/o a reservation and were told if we were out in an hour it would be OK. We also had the option of sitting in the bar area which I wish we did so that we wouldn't be rushed out of the place. The menu was somewhat confusing and when we asked the waiter to explain he seemed annoyed. I have to say the food was delicious--very flavorful, but not worth the lack of attention on the waiter's part and the ridiculously loud noise.
(2)
Alice T.
- Amazing quality paired with excellent value! - Ricotta and honeycomb - enough to spread onto probably 8 pieces of large buttery pieces of toast - Truffle Toast - simple yet delicious and rich. The truffle oil and egg yolk compliment the asparagus below
(5)
Betsy P.
Davanti was absolutely fabulous. Although we had to wait a bit for our table, the food was well worth the wait. The truffle egg toast and the pizza were amazing. My boyfriend said the burger melted right into your mouth. Davanti is a great place to go as a couple or with a group of friends. You will not be disappointed, because their knowledgeable staff will guide you along the way.
(4)
Chris K.
I've dined here several times now and after trying nearly every item of their winter 2010 menu, I'm still impressed with the quality of the food and the level of service from this excellent restaurant. I tend to be picky about italian food and prefer the authentic flavors of real Italian vs. Italian/American and this place does a good job of preserving the flavors of the old country.
(5)
Jess S.
Second time here last Thursday and it was better than the first! We had a group of 8 people and were still seated within 30 minutes at a round table. We ordered 3 pizzas, a large polenta + ragu of the day, cripsy pork belly with apple mostarda, a cheese, prosciutto and another sausage, davanti burger, the linguine with crab and sea urchin and I think some more dishes although I can't remember...Definitely enough food for us to feel full. Pizzas were delish! Highly recommend to get at least one. Crispy pork belly was amazing, the combination with the apple mostarda adds exactly the right amount of sweet to complement the saltiness of the pork. Everyone loved the polenta + ragu, definitely a hit with the table. I got it the first time I went as well and loved it. This will be a staple of my future visits I'm sure. The decor is cute and cozy and works equally well for larger groups of friends as for dates with a special someone. Their wine is pretty great as well. We all split a bottle while waiting at the bar for our table and got another during dinner. Both were fantastic. The corking fee did throw me off a bit, but I suppose their wines are not that expensive to begin with so the higher corking fee makes some sense. This is a great addition to the Italian food on Taylor!
(4)
Lois A.
I love it here and all the hype has been deserved. It's just a really lovely restaurant. The staff are awesome and super friendly. There are tons of wines to pick from. The olives are great. I could eat the beet plate every day of my life and be happy. The sausage pizza is very filling with perfect crust. Good risotto. I have the burger and the polenta on my list of things to try next. There are just too many good things to pick from here. Fantastic experience. Oh, and the bathroom was a fun surprise. Very nice! Can't go wrong with Clint Eastwood on the wall!
(4)
kb j.
We met some folks here on a recent weekend evening and waited and waited and waited and waited for a table. All in all it was a 2 hour wait for a table (the hostess misjudged the waiting time by about 30 minutes). We had been warned that this was likely going to be the case and, luckily,we spent most of the time waiting at a nice wine bar across the street, Beviamo. Yet, the restaurant's no-reservation policy, combined with its popularity, leads to a 4 star rating instead of a 5 star rating and would be an impediment to a return visit from us on a weekend. The restaurant is very small and includes a longish bar area at the front. It was very crowded (and we avoided the crowd by, as indicated above, taking refuge in Beviamo across the street). The restaurant itself was crowded and it seemed that a number of the tables consisted of large groups of diners. The Italian-centric food is intended for sharing (think Italian-inspired tapas) and was excellent. Highly recommended are the grilled romaine salad (their take on a caesar salad), truffle egg toast and the pizza della terre (mushroom, leeks and truffle oil). Surprisingly good was the cheeseburger! Service is efficient and not rushed. The wine list appears to be mostly Italian (though we chose a Priorat, which we don't seem to find on many restaurant menus in Chicago). We were told that the wines sold by the glass are priced at retail with a $7 corkage fee (as of February 2011). The pricing was reasonable given the excellent quality of the food.
(4)
The Big O.
I don't understand any of the enthusiasm for this place. I don't think it's even as good as the Francesca restaurants, which, at a time, for a while, were quite good, though now, at a different time, with tons more competition, they're just pretty good. First, the waitstaff seems to know little about the wines. I don't believe that directing me to three or four reds and giving me very, very generic info is very meaningful or helpful. I think that if I provide a price range and a flavor profile, and can even say these are Italians I like vs. these are ones I don't like, then a waiter at an allegedly wine-focused restaurant should be able to tell me a few tidbits about the bottles he recommends--who makes it and how, where it's from, the grapes, what food it might be best with, any of that sort of stuff. Second, the food just isn't that great. Even the pizza we had--the best of what we ate--was pretty bad compared to the better pizza at other, similar restaurants. the worst of what we ate--the grilled octopus--was really skimpy at $17 and, well, just didnlt taste good. The roasted corn and walnut salad was awful, though recommended by the waiter; the corn had no fresh, roasted flavor and was so soggy ot could have come from a can. I tend to think that the Eater 38 Chicago list is highly reliable and sort of genius-y, the way it "gets" great that's high and low, but putting Davanti on that list mystifies me. Thetre are only two places on the current list that, so far, strike me as way, way wrong, this place and Piccolo Sogno. There are lots of tastier alternatives: For my money, you'd be much better-served to go to another restaurant on the list, anteprima, or its sister, smal-plates restaurant, just a couple doors south of anteprima.
(2)
leslie m.
I have dined at Davanti a few times now and after last night finally have to give it the yelp it deserves. We arrived around 8pm and the restaurant was busy but not crowded. We were seated right away after the host and hostess so kindly closed some of the beautiful windows that look onto the sidewalk just for me because I was a little chilly after being unprepared for the drop in temperature. After being seated we were greeted right away by our server who asked what we had a taste for and gave a few of his favorites. We had the ricotta and honeycomb toast, which quite honestly I could eat a bucket of. The Rigatoni with sausage, a delicious warm salad of hazelnuts, Arugula and peppercorn and a mushroom pizza to finish. The food came out at perfect intervals, multiple people not just our servers checked on us and refilled our beverages. I always leave Davanti with a full stomach, feeling like a VIP.
(5)
Melissa S.
I Thought this place was great! The food was fantastic, the server was very helpful and it has a great atmosphere. I especially enjoyed the rooftop seating area, it is romantic and takes you away from feeling like you are in the city. The only complaint I have is our table was extremely small and on top of that the wood was warped so you could only use half of the already crowded small table.
(4)
Yumi Y.
Seeing the great reviews this place has received from various sites, I've really wanted to try this place out. My friend and I decided to stop in before we have class. Love that this place is rather small, but lively and almost like an Italian villa ;) Once again, ambiance caught my attention. Next was their wine list. Everything there is at retail price...as if shopping at Binny's (was how my server explained it ) so you don't have to worry about a Beringer being $20 ;) Next the food. Loved the whole small tapas style dishes ;) We tried the ragu which was absolutely amazing ;) great presentation and every bite had a different surprise. We also had a salad....with I believe goat cheese and grains? Nice harmony of a slightly sweet flavor and the pungy goat cheese taste. Then we had a pizza with mushrooms, onions and truffle oil. OMG orgasmic ;) Couldn't finish the entire thing but if we had the time, Im sure the both of us have devoured the entire meal. Our server was great, very informative, always checking how we're doing and most of all friendly. Must go back to try out their other dishes ;)
(4)
Ellen D.
I don't even know what else to say about Davanti. I love it. We went here on a whim a few months ago, and the first meal we had cost us about $40 before tip. Not bad for two appetizers, two main entrees, and two desserts. We had steamed asparagus in this ridiculously good mascarpone and pepper sauce, the brioche egg toast, the carbonara risotto (I can't leave without ordering this...we've been here 3x and I've ordered it each time), the linguini with sea urchin, and the chocolate hazlenut mousse and the cannoli sundae. Ridiculously good. The other standouts have been the pork belly pizza and the pork belly. Oh, and the ricotta and honeycomb mason jar. Aaaand the burrata mason jar. Want to try the ragu the next time we go. The service is also great and I love how the place looks.
(5)
Alexis R.
I have been back several times since my first visit - the food remains excellent but the wait still sucks. Oh well, that is the price you pay sometimes for great food, prices and service!
(4)
Daniel D.
Great food and delightful service! Expensive, but worth it. The serving sizes seem small when they come out but the food is incredibly flavorful and filling. Everyone seemed to be ordering the polenta with ragout, gotta have that next time. I had the pork belly and it was pretty good.
(4)
T Mir S.
this has become one of my favorite places in the city, everything on the menu is amazing. Although they do not take reservations and the wait can be very very very long... the food is def worth it and the service while waiting is great. I would recomend going there on a weekday
(5)
Seth C.
This place was pretty good. I'm a fan of Enoteca style food, and this place was decent although not the best. I'm usually a bigger fan of creative vegetable sides, pasta dishes, etc., but there was one Pizza here that was completely amazing. Great sauce, great sausage, all around a win.
(3)
A K.
best Italian food I've had just yet, and I don't even like Pasta! Great food, fair price, and beautiful restaurant
(5)
A K.
Party in my mouth. After reading the reviews, I couldn't leave Chicago without checking this place out. We were graciously met by the hostess who offered us seats at the bar while we waited for our table. We ordered a glass of wine from the awesome wine list. After peeking at the menu, we couldn't wait any longer and decided to eat the bar. The servers were great and quickly answered all of our questions. I was surprised to see extensive number of vegetarian options offered on the menu. We first started off with the bruschetta. It was a unique dish topped with butternut squash, seasoned with capers olives and onions. Delicious. The second dish was the cauliflower steak with garbanzo beans on bed of olive tapenade. Amazing. The dish was perfectly seasoned, light yet bursting with flavors. I didn't think it could get better than this. Oh, but it did. The third dish was the Pizza della Terra mushrooms, leeks, taleggio, and truffle oil. Amazing. I couldn't ask for a better meal. And I was pleasantly surprised by the total on the bill. If I could, I would eat here every day. WOULD RETURN IN A HEART BEAT.
(5)
Pecorino P.
The food here is excellent, no doubt. But after a 2.5 hour wait on a Saturday night (we arrived at 5:45pm!!!), anything would have tasted good. That said, amazing value with a menu top to bottom with very well priced choices, as well as an seemingly endless list of (again, well priced) wines. Would we come again? For the food, yes -- absolutely. If we had to wait 2.5 hours before our table for four is available .... I'd have to say no :(
(4)
Marie D.
The food here was very good, but the music was horrible!! We arrived at 9:30 on a Friday night and listened for the next hour to Eminem, Shakira and other shitty club music. It made the beautiful atmosphere feel like we were at one of the clubs on Taylor Street in the late '90s. Mutiny on the D.J.
(2)
Kate S.
Atmosphere and service is great! Food was fantastic (try the pizzas), but options are limited if you don't eat red meat/pork. I've heard the brunch here is terrific so I'll be back to try it. Excellent wine list with a lot of reasonable bottles.
(4)
morten k.
Yeah so just a couple of pointers on how you could improve: - Don't charge me more on the bill than the item is listed for on the menu, I don't care if it's $3, that's not cool! And what's even less cool is giving a snotty attitude when it's pointed out. - Waiter Mark, don't tap me on the back and ask "any dessert" as you are walking by w/o looking at me. That's rude anyway you cut it, and very reflective of the general service we received from you this evening. - Don't list your brushette as "with the evenings special topping," and then serve me toasted bread with runny tuna-salad and beans. I expected a little more for a $11 starter, if I want tuna on toast I have cans in my pantry at home. Overall food as such was lovely, the above incident just brought what could have been a nice evening down to a half-bad experience.
(2)
Erica A.
First, I want to say that food here is AMAZING!!! I love the pasta, the squash and goat cheese salad, pasta and the burger (best burger I've had in my life). This review is mostly about the waitstaff and hostess. The waitress was very rude and came to our table only 3 times. As she processed our bill she stopped to text. This wouldn't be an issue if she was consistent and attentive. We had to keep her at our table while we made decisions so we could eat! She wasn't helpful when picking out a wine which is odd because they advertise a huge list and make it seem as if it was one of their specialties...then help when we have questions! Our service was so poor and because of it we missed a friend's final performance and graduation. So disappointed. When we told the hostess she gave us a nasty face and was extremely rude. It's a shame that the waitstaff and hostess are so rude and unaccommodating, the rest of the staff and food was great. I don't think I'll ever go back though. This has been the case both times I've gone and don't think any food is worth awful service and being made to feel like a jerk for voicing my opinion.
(3)
RG M.
Talk about Italian tapas at their finest! Davanti Enoteca is a cozy wine bar with rustic decor and friendly service. The spot is only two months old, but a wild fire of buzz is spreading about the restaurant. The wait on a Saturday night is one hour before 6:30 p.m. After that time, expect a 2 hour wait but worth the cause. First, the wine list varies. There is an array of flavors and prices. The wine list is presented on a ginormous wine bottle. An order of cheese & meats is recommended to start off due to this strawberry with basil jam that accompanies the platter. As a salad, we recommend the roasted plum tomato with /ricotta + anchovy salad. It tastes like a roasted, warm capri salad. The giant ravioli with ricotta and spinach was good but is made to eat solo. The strip steak tapa with sea salt and arugula was tender and full of flavor. The best was saved for last which consisted of a cannoli sundae. Dessert heaven! Pieces of cannoli shells with chocolate mousse in an ice cream cup. The reason for not scoring a 5 is due to the portion of the pasta tapas relative to the price. Might I add that the music selection was perfect. It's pleasant hits from the late 80's and 90's with songs that vary from Erasure to Journey.
(4)
Brit T.
A portion of the seating is community style which is what we did to reduce our wait time. Overall the food was delicious and very elegantly prepared. We also enjoyed some great champagne (celebrating a promotion). I didn't mind sitting next to strangers, but we did find it to be a bit cramped. The plates are designed for sharing and we ordered several different things from pasta to pizza. All of which were excellent.
(4)
Esther Y.
Davanti was delicious! We got the toast with honey and ricotta in a mason jar, the burger (mm bacon jam) and a pizza with prosciutto and arugula. The pizza was really nothing special--a little overly greasy and salty. But everything else was heaven on a plate! The space is cool and intimate. My only note is that our waitress was a little standoffish and it was hard to tell who worked there and who didn't--nobody wore anything to indicate that they did so.
(4)
Neecy T.
So, I had really high expectations for davanti...damn you, yelp. I have been continually let down by Italian food in the city. Gioco was mediocre, Mia Francesca was inconsistent, socca's high point was their anti pasta board, and sabatino's, well my review pretty much sums up their failure to impress me. Now, I know I've had great Italian food...so it's not a stylistic or regional disparity. We entered the restaurant at 5 pm, going early to avoid a wait. We were the first table of the evening. It was after a two day close for the blizzard and apparently, their blowers had been broken. So their heat was not quite working. Like my feet were freezing the entire time, which makes it hard to enjoy my experience. Our server was honest that I entirely wanted to order too much food. I thought it was a small plates affair, but he confessed that was a misconception and that between two people, I should delete of my items. I appreciated the guidance. So the food: 1.) The burrata, cherry tomato, and basil pesto insalate: delicious, simple, creamy cheese, flavor enhancing but clean olive oil, crispy toasty baguette and tomatoes bursting with flavor. My man's favorite. 2.) toast w/ egg, fontina, truffle & asparagus: my favorite dish. I loved the garlicy, crisp toast. The egg was creamy and delicious. The truffly, melty cheese was sinful perfection. And the asparagus added dramatic color and was cooked perfectly, maybe lightly blanched or steamed with some cracked pepper and sea salt, Mmm. 3.) marscapone polenta with Ragu (some sort of meatballs): disappointing, perhaps a bit too creamy, not enough bite, it ended up being a great ragu that just would have been paired better with a tasty al dente pasta. It seemed wasted on the polenta, too rich. 4.) Pollo 'Sole Mio' grilled half chicken with a chili pepper paste. Least favorite part of the meal. The skin should have crispier, the rub should have permeated through the skin, infusing the chicken with flavor and color (think italian flavors with tandoori color), instead it seemed like an after thought. I've had better rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. 4.) For dessert I was gonna order the deconstructed cannoli sundae. The server suggested another dessert. He cited the prominent flavors as the two I found least appealing, the chocolate and whipped cream. When it comes to cannoli I want sweet cream filling with bursts of bright pistachios, so I abandoned it for the Torta Bacio chocolate-hazelnut mousse. It had this irresistible crunchy bottom & cocoa nibs. Delicious, super rich but great with my cappuccino. Note: does anyone know where I can get a dry cappuccino, no Italian place (cafe bionda: fail and on the coffee side, intelligensia: fail) can quite get it right. Perhaps, I'll just start ordering macchiatos. The prices weren't bad for the quality of the produce. I didn't hate anything but I wasn't blown away either. A solid 3.5.
(3)
Michelle G.
Amazing!!! Everything we had was delicious it's all meant to be shared. We had the butternut squash salad which was more rice & butternut squash & they flat bread with cheese inside it & honey drizzled on top it was like an Italian style naan bread with cheese amazing! And we had a giant ravioli we were so stuffed we couldn't even get desert will defiantly be going back
(5)
Ning A.
Really nice dinner. The wine prices are fantastic and no corkage on Sundays even better. Small plates were quite big in fact. Everything from pate to corn salad, steak and linguini were all excellent. Crispy pork belly was a bit stiff. Star of the night besides the Nebbiolo was the linguini with sea urchin an crab. Would have been happy to pay double for that. Excellent expeience!
(5)
Brian C.
This was an awesome experience. I enjoy the small plate concept, and it's really fun with Italian food, especially with such creative Italian dishes. We started with the roasted corn salad and the truffle egg toast. After those two plates we had the Pizza della Fattoria (egg, pork belly, potatio, scallion, asiago, and bechamel) and the risotto carbonara. With all that, we drank a bottle of the Aglianico, and we finished it all off with the chocolate-hazelnut creation. All this, before tip, set us back $78, and it was certainly plenty of food. I can't say that I've had an Italian meal quite like this one, and I've eaten a lot of Italian food in my lifetime. We went on Wednesday night at around 6 PM, and we had no wait at all.
(5)
Jayne D.
My expectations were high, and they were met. Yes, the wait is long. But it's worth it. Give the hostess your cell phone number and go enjoy some pre-dinner cocktails at the cool wine bar across the street. You'll get a call when your table is ready. The small plate concept really works, allowing two people to sample and share a wide variety of dishes. Plus the prices are very reasonable. Dinner for two with drinks/wine for well under $100? Yes, you can do it here. We started with the roasted corn and mushroom salad. It was unique and outstanding. Next, the prosciutto pizza. It was Italia-authentic and delicious. I loved the little wooden container filled with spices to season the pizza--salt, red pepper flakes and oregano mixed with black pepper. Extra seasonings weren't necessary but they certainly enhanced the already wonderful flavor. Then we had the rigatoni with sausage. Good Lord, it was divine. Lastly, we split the strip steak. Perfectly cooked to medium and so flavorful. We ordered a side of brussel sprouts to accompany the steak; they were nicely done and a good accompaniment. We capped off the meal with the chocolate hazelnut mousse and a scoop of the homemade vanilla gelato. The gelato was better than any I've had in Italy, and the chocolate creation was spectacular -- you'll fight over bites of the crunchy toffee-like bottom. Our server, a somewhat portly guy, was very efficient, friendly and helpful with recommendations and always there when we needed him, despite the fact that the place was at capacity. I will make this one of my regular spots when dining in the city. It's right up there with Coco Pazzo, my favorite restaurant, as one of the best Italian dining experiences in Chicago.
(5)
Michael H.
Lots of hype over this place. The small plates were pretty good. The place doesn't take reservations as others noted. The wines are reasonable, which helps a lot.
(4)
Ginger D.
Great value for great food. You can share everything and it's fun to try all their selections of cheeses and pizzas. Recommend the mushroom truffle pizza and the meat and cheese plates. Their wine list is a great value!!! Definitely recommended for an indulgent meal, at great prices.
(5)
Amy S.
This place is fantastic, and it's reasonably priced. I went w 2 friends and I think we ordered half of the menu (pre-diet dinner... don't judge me). Everything came out in a timely manner. Our server was friendly and knowledgeable. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Janice L.
I finally made it there!! I wanted to organize my friend's bday celebration there but it didn't seem very accomodating for larger groups. Two things to be aware of: you cannot make a reservation so don't be surprised when the hostess tells you your wait will be 45 minutes (this is a friday night but since it was raining, I assume regular nights are just as packed). most of the tables are for double seating so it may not be a place to host a larger group of ppl. The bar area is first come first serve so be ready to pounce on any seats that open up. But don't let that discourage you from trying it out! Enoteca is a great alternative to spanish tapas (minus the sangria). You could go for larger main dishes or stick with a cheese/deli plate and appetizers. We started the meal with a cheese plate (one pecorino - forgot the other - with proscuitto served with toasted raisin bread). They have specials every night of the week - $3 for 10 on fridays for cheese and deli picks. We had the linguine tossed in unni and crab meat, grilled octopus over a beet salad and scallops soup for our main course. At first i was wary of the unni over linguine. Unni - sea urchin which typically is served raw at your neighborhood sushi spot. doesn't have the best aesthetic appeal - looks something along the lines of an orange mashed tongue of some sort. I never had it cooked and it turned out really good. Definitely innovative and very fresh. Everything we had was delish! Can't wait to try other stuff on the menu. Portions are small but it also allows you do a tasting of the menu. Prices are expected, similar to other tapas style rests. Our tab came out to be $80 which included two glasses of wine
(4)
lauren k.
The service- friendly and accommodating. Food- flavorful and bright. Overall- GREAT EATING EXPERIENCE!!
(4)
R K.
This place got too popular! Price hike + drop in food quality :(
(3)
Milan P.
Awesome... I've been here multiple times (it doesn't help that I live down the street). I love this place. The food is great, the prices are better! I once placed an order for carryout and arrived a little late. They actually made my order again and gave me an order of their truffle egg toast (which is amazing!!!), while I waited for my food to come out, and comped a beer. This place has lots of small dishes which are perfect for sharing also!
(5)
Adrienne B.
I love this place. I've only lived in Chicago for 3 months but have been here twice already and am dying to go back! The food is terrific, not your usual Italian restaurant. Every thing was amazing but my favorite items were the focaccia, the egg and spinach ravioli, and the avocado, tomato, and watermelon salad. The polenta was also great and the ragu sauce that goes on top changes daily. There are several vegetarian items but also many with meat or fish as well. You can't make reservations but the wait is worth it. For less wait, I'd try weekdays either early or later. I went on a Tuesday at 7 and had to wait for an hour.
(5)
Sandy R.
Damn to my niece for turning me on to Davanti. It's all I've been thinking about. I'm dreaming about the giant ravioli and the foccacia. My mind keeps wandering to the marscapone polenta with ragu. Everything was so darn good and probably just filled with tons of calories. They may have healthier options but we didn't have any. You better believe I'll be back.
(5)
smacksmackgulp K.
As I was thoroughly enjoying all the delicious food here, the thought crept into my mind: "Why is it so hard to find good, affordable, unfussy authentic Italian food in Atlanta?" And I realized it's because there just wasn't--and probably never will be--a large Italian immigrant population there. And, as I was stuffing a mouthful of ooey gooey burrata cheese and molten roasted tomato, laced with perfectly seasoned basil pesto into my maw, I lamented this fact. I hadn't had soulful, seemingly effortless Italian food like this since Sicily. But was it damn welcome. Got the aforementioned burrata salad, risotto (very good - you can tell they toast the arborio first), and the pizza with pork belly, also quite tasty. Their pizza definitely isn't their forte, but still quite competent. They were out of the sea urchin linguine...yes, I pouted a little. Wish I had room for dessert, but glad I left a "happy" full, rather than a stuffed full.
(4)
Bonnie B.
I have a feeling it won't be long until it's very difficult to get a table at this place. I was very lucky to be invited to attend the soft opening this Saturday, and am already thinking about all the people I want to invite here and celebratory dinners I want to have here. The service, atmosphere, and food were outstanding. I love Mia Francesca and the Purple Pig, so it is no surprise to me that this place is amazing. What is surprising is that it's not just another Francesca's or Purple Pig. This is something altogether different. FIrst of all, the wine. You can buy the wine at the restaurant, but for the same price you'd pay in a store, plus a $7 corkage fee, which they waive on Sundays. This alone guaranteed my return before I had even tasted the food. Now, the food. Italian, yes, but incredibly sophisticated. For example, the giant ravioli stuffed with spinach and egg yolk. When you cut open the ravioli, the perfectly maintained egg yolk inside cascades out into the waiting brown butter sauce, forming a glorious marriage of egg yolk, butter, and Parmesan cheese. Very impressive. My favorite dish was the pork ragu over polenta, although I was told the ragu will change daily. The polenta is brought to your table fresh off the stove and spread out onto a wooden board. The ragu is then spooned out on top. Lovely presentation. The pork was incredibly tender and perfectly seasoned. You'd think we would have been full by now, but since the plates are relatively small, we had room to try the pizza with pork belly, potatoes, and egg yolk. The crust was perfect. The potatoes were sliced very thinly, surrounded by little mounds of tender pork belly. The egg was in the middle, and was broken at the table and spread around the pizza so it cooked quickly and blended into the sauce. Again, outstanding. The service was also fantastic. I never wanted for a drop of water or wine or anything else. Our waiter and the rest of the staff were friendly and seemed genuinely excited about the food and wine. No hint of pretension, despite the level of sophistication of the cooking. I highly recommend this restaurant and can't wait to return with friends and family.
(5)
Leemar S.
Awesome.
(4)
Gregory L.
Hit up Davanti Enoteca with friends, family, coworkers and people who can toss back bottles of vino until their Italian fluency surpasses even that of the natives. With the average bottle price in the mid to upper $20s, this makes wining and dining a very attractive option. Va bene. Like it's sibling, DiSotto Enoteca, Davanti's cicchetti style menu has some options which you wouldn't particularily find at most Italian Eateries. Look deeper than just their index of Salumi & Cheeses and move on to the Antipasti. White Anchovies paired with marinated celery, pecorino sardo and leccini olives completes a perfectly light and salty bite of the mediterranean. Wash it down with a refreshing glass of Muller-Thurgau, sit back, smile and nod. Davanti also offer's Italian style pizzas similar to those found at the Francesca's establishments. The pastas, like the Uovo in Ravioli, are thoughtfully portioned to allow your gut to handle the 9 other appealing sections of the menu. For those who are not into sharing, first of all shame on you, but yes, there is a section of plated entrees consisting of seafood, chicken, steak and a burger. To see the photos of this lunch, please visit my blog at thediningchef.wordpress.…
(4)
Swati B.
OMG, LOVE their wine list...LOVE! I must say this is a GREAT date place..perfect ambiance...great crowd...and you get to share plates..and the wine list is amazing! Service is good, the servers are pretty helpful. They have a variety of appetizers. The foccacia bread is the best i've ever had..and the corn salad was so flavorful! We ordered the Ravioli dish (with spinach and egg) AMAZING! I wish it was bigger or came with 2! We split the chocolate hazelnut dessert..OH MY GOD...seriously borderline orgasmic (ok im exaggerating...but it was THAT good), I wanted to lick the plate, but realized that wouldn't be appropriate with my company haha! The portions are a bit small, and they are meant to be shared (Which is why I dont know why they are small) but I guess thats why you order more! Great place I want to go back to try the polenta.....and more wine what an amazing list. Seriously, take note, great date place!
(5)
anthony t.
First. I am not a huge fan of polenta but here it is amazing. I love how they serve it on the board with the meat over it. Burrata is awesome. The octopus is one of the best I have ever had and the pasta with the egg in the middle was delicious. I wasnt a huge fan of the pizza but it was all good stuff.
(5)
Mary I.
Been here twice and it has been soo yummy each time! Truffle toast, octopus, beets are my favorites!! Come hungry in the afternoon when there's no wait! About $25pp with tax/tip. Have fun!!
(4)
MaryLu C.
Everyone loves this place. I do not know why. We went on a Sunday afternoon after attending the Bears game. It was crowded and noisy. We got seated at a bar stool table that was not comfortable setting up a bad experience. We ordered the mushroom pizza, it was lukewarm and mushy. My date ordered soup and after a few bits, left it. We did not order wine since had enough to drink already, but we would not go back or recommend it
(1)
Erik S.
I almost hate to give this place another stellar review because the place is so busy as it is, but alas it does not disappoint. We had five people and did family style. The cost of the entrees to the portion size is deceiving (in a good way). You expect much less and get a lot more. The lamb and polenta special was excellent along with the carbonara risotto and the tuscan white bean bruschetta was really exceptional. Wine was very reasonably priced except they have a corkage charge for each bottle even when you purchase it there. Our server Erik was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Except for when he changed my drink after I ordered, it the only problem being that I worked for a liquor distributer and know my drink and was not thrilled when he questioned my taste and knowledge of the liquors. That said it was a very minor blip on an extraordinary meal. Can't wait to come back.
(5)
Christopher M.
Another fantastic restaurant in Chicago. I am an NY kind of guy, but Chicago has really impressed via the likes of Girl and Goat and Davanti Enoteca. This place was really good. The mascarpone polenta and ragu was to die for. The oven fired pizzas were up there with New York and New Haven's (my favorite, check Modern Pizza) best. Service was great and the atmosphere even better. Tapas style plates where my friends and I sampled 4-6 different styles and all left feeling nourished yet not too full. Wine list was admirable and the ambiance and style really lent themselves to a pleasurable overall dining experience.
(5)
Ryan B.
Great place. Went for brunch, they open at 11 even though their website says 10 AM so remember that. But the food and ambiance were fantastic. We had the grilled romaine salad, the pizza, and a baked egg dish. All delicious. I will definitely be back, especially since there is no wait if you get there early. Edit - I have since gone back a few times. It is good but not great. I will eat there again, it just wouldn't be my first choice for anything other than drinks and appetizers. The cheese with honey comb appetizer is amazing though.
(3)
Becky K.
you jus felt good when you walked in... slightly open kitchen so you can see and hear mostly everything... so my friend and i started with an appetizer.. **truffle toast with fontina cheese and asparagus--yum. main course.. **risotto carbonara with pancetta and peas--double yum. dessert.. **blood orange sorbet with vanilla and hazelnut gelato--omg yum. nothing negative so far except the prices..it was a bit on the expensive side, but i loved the food and the atmosphere so much...it doesnt matter :) i mos def recommend this place to enjoy good wine, food, and company..after all, "one cannot sleep well, love well, or live well unless one has eaten well"
(4)
Guadalupe G.
I really like this place for their Pizza's. My favorite is the Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza. They have a good wine selection that you can buy at retail and pay a $7 corkage fee. If you are having dessert try their pear bread pudding with a side of gelato. Make sure to make a reservation or be ready to wait hours. Parking is available on the street but they also have Valet available. Service was good and fast and the food is just perfect.
(5)
Melissa D.
Favorite restaurant in the area and best Italian tapas in the city! I love the way it's decorated as well as the service! Great wine and phenomenal food!!! The only possible downfall is that it's a bit small and doesn't take reservations, so be prepared to wait. All of the food is great and don't be afraid to go out on a limb and try something new here. But if you'd like suggestions, my personal faves would have to be the the polenta and ragu as well as any of their cheese platters. (I'd skip on the bruschette although it's good and a comfortable go-to. There are just too many other great things to try on the menu; many of which also include bread.) If you're stumped, the servers are always great here with providing suggestions for food and wine!
(5)
Patrick B.
Ground breaking small plates Italian food with amazing prices! Must, must must!
(5)
Angel S.
Unfortunately not thrilled. Everything we tried was overly salty and overly fried and greasy. So sad when restaurants think that extra oil compensates for extra flavor. Other than that, the service and the wine was great, but I would still avoid a waste of time and check out the Purple Pig instead.
(1)
A. D.
Great food, great atmosphere! Servers could be a little bit more helpful with the menu (recommendations, descriptions). I'm not giving it 5 stars because the 2 drinks I ordered were not tasty: house infusion martini and something called rumba something or other. Stick to the wine- good selection!
(4)
Donna ..
Try the pollenta board of the day.
(5)
Kevin S.
Unbelievable. Went for our anniversary and had a great time, awesome meal (leak pizza, linguine with sea urchin, the most creamy mozzarella ever with roasted tomatoes and basil and other dishes too). The fire oven really adds a touch to many plates and you can't beat the retail wine pricing and small corking fee. Bottle of wine and a full dinner for $110, at a top notch place that's tough to beat. Great experience.
(5)
jeff c.
Loved the small plates all of which were very creative and tasty. Service was friendly and surprisingly prompt given how packed the place was. This place is very popular and for good reason. Go early to avoid the rush and try the roof for a special occasion.
(4)
Digital M.
Five stars because it's darn tasty and easy on the wallet. Probably part of the reason for being so busy. Went last Sunday before the Hawks game at 5pm and was seated immediately (last table), and even a few tables eventually opened. Not sure what they put in the cheese pizza but holy cow it literally was the tastiest thing I've eaten in a long time. I will be going back soon.
(5)
Jennifer W.
My boyfriend and I were in the mood for italian ...so where's the best place for italian ...Taylor street. Ate at divanti on Friday, the food, hostess, and waitress were fantastic. Definitely recommend this restaurant.
(5)
Melissa S.
went for brunch, no wait, liked the room server was bad, didnt bring spoon for my friends coffee when it was served or when she asked for one ordered a bottle of pellegrino and my glass was never refilled even though she put the big bottle furthest away from me on the table my daughter had the Uovo in Raviolo 'San Domenico', it was served room temperature and it was very hard to cut even with a knife i had the Pizza con Prosciutto e Rucola and it was ok my friend had an egg dish and asked the server what what one of the ingredients was and she didnt know one one person bathroom for the whole place, the other one was broken finally she asked if we wanted a dessert even though she never brought us a dessert menu, so no thanks, we went to marios for an italian lemonade
(2)
Kim T.
I love the shared plates concept. Gives me an excuse to order lots of food. Like the salumi, prosciutto pizza, ricotta+honeycomb, raviolo, rigatoni, burger with bacon jam, pork belly, polenta+ragu....well, you get the picture. All delicious, by the way. I only wish the desserts were better. Maybe next time.
(4)
Yuna L.
I can never get enough of this plate. I have gone four times and have walked out full and happy all four times. My favorite is the Truffle egg toast + fontina + asparagus! What might seem simple is the most delectable toast, egg, asparagus combination I have ever tasted. I love, love the Paccheri con Salsiccia e Pomodori al forno. It has just enough for two to share, to savor each bite. But honestly, you can't go wrong with the menu. It's a long wait but worth it because you can go across the street, grab a glass of wine, and they'll call you when your table is ready. If you've got some time and craving for some delicious food, it's a food experience that is well worth it!
(5)
Meredith H.
after a shaky start (we were completely overwhelmed by our servers menu/wine/etc/etc/etc explanation that lasted several confusing minutes), davanti enoteca lived up to the hype. lovely warm & welcoming atmosphere, interesting wine menu displayed on a giant bottle, great vino prices, good menu variety, delicious food, friendly manager, and dessert on the house...what more could you ask for? we shared a communal table, enjoyed the farm-y (aka home for me) decor, and marvelled at all the adorable mini mason jars on our table and displayed around the place. all the dishes were delicious and easy enough to share. i would definitely go with people you know, who aren't afraid of your germs and won't smack your hand away from "their" plate! do not skip dessert - we were lucky enough to be presented with 3 options to try. all were amazingly delicious and all were amazingly different! i can't wait to enjoy the grape sorbet on a hot day on taylor...summer 2011 - here's to you!
(5)
andrea l.
Yum! Everything we had was excellent. The space looks great and all the employees were helpful and enthusiastic. The one questionable thing to me is the pricing - we were confused by how some small dishes were as expensive as the pizzas when all are of such high quality. In the end it doesn't matter at all though b/c for a decent price you can get some of everything, great value in my opinion. Everything was very well presented and just fantastic. They really thought about the menu and the finishing touches put it over the top. For the wine lovers its an even better bargain as you can pay retail plus 7 bucks for corkage. You should definitely try this restaurant!
(5)
Mark C.
I want to jump on the bandwagon for this great Italian place on Taylor. My girfriend and I came about 6:15pm on a Saturday night. Knowing that they do not take reservations, we were prepared to hunker down at another bar (the one in D.E. is way too small and it was packed). We were told 1-1.5 hours waiting time and they took my cell phone number and said they would call. Across the street is a wine bar (with average wines and less than average cocktails, but that's another review!) that is cozy and warm. By the way, you can valet your car at Francesca's across the street. Only 45 minutes later, we got the call and I had to bring along my half glass of wine with me. Our waitress took my glass after I finished and said they would return as it happens all the time! The ambiance was great with the back brick walls resembling a wine cellar. With our wine, we ordered the olives mediterranea which came out warm and for only $4, a great deal to munch on as we looked through the menu. We shared the roasted squash+farro+whipped goat cheese+hazelnuts+watercress salad and it was to die for. We wished we were not sharing! We both said we are coming back just for this salad. We also ordered from the cheese and salami menu as we were not sure we wanted to go with big entres. This was ok, but I soon forgot about it as the macarpone polenta and ragu of the day came. This was so good!! Absolutely amazing! We both loved this place and will be coming back again. Well worth the wait. I would recommend coming with a larger party so you can taste more of the menu.
(4)
Blanca R.
I haven't been this impressed with a restaurant in long time. I celebrated a friend's birthday dinner here with 8 friends. We ordered and passed around several dishes including the Linguini with Sea Urchin and Crab, The risotto, rigatoni, and the halibut. We even ordered a pizza, and that was fantastic. One of my favorites was our appetizer....the "Focaccid di Recco", which was basically a semi-sweet cheese sandwiched between a crispy crust. I would go back, just for that! The reds wines we had were delicious too. And all in all, the value was good and our waitress was great. I just simply loved it.
(5)
Reed H.
Wow! One of the finest culinary experiences I have ever had. My girlfriend and I were visiting a friend in Chicago when we were turned on to this place by rave reviews from our friend. The actual dining experience surpassed our already high expectations. The food, the drink, and the service were each phenomenal and worth of high praise! A few suggestions from the menu include: The whipped ricotta vasi with honey, the corn walnut salad, the Cacio e Pepe, the Italian Pago, and my personal favorite, the Polenta Board. This was a few months back, so I'm not sure if these items are still on the meno, but I hope for your sake they are :) Much Love to Lilly, the manager, who took great care of us and made us feel so special. Our server, Andrew, was also phenomenal. We ordered his recommendations, which were obviously impeccably chosen, Go and Enjoy!
(5)
Jimmy D.
Took my woman on a long overdue date here last month and it was f-in good. I've read a lot of reviews about crowds and having to wait so my game plan was to go in and put my name and number down, then go across the street to grab a drink. They told us it'd be an hour to and hour and a half. The host ends up calling me 35 min later, which was awesome and led us to the table. The special that day was 5 dollar martinis so we got a couple of those and started with an arugula butternut squash salad. It also had some type of grain, nuts and a soft cheese. Really delicious for 2 bites, then it kind of got filling and old, but we killed it anyways We then had the Ragu of the day which was a trio of braised meats, I believe house made sausage, veal, and beef on polenta, which they served up table side, it was phenomenal. Next course was the crab and sea urchin linguini. Pasta was al dente, the sauce and seafood were so good. At this point we were pretty stuffed. But, we also ordered a pizza, not thinking it was going to be that big. But nope, it was a normal sized big pizza. We opted for the pork belly, yukon potato, and egg pizza. It was so good. Seriously. It was good. No room for desert, but I got a beer. It was beer. Service was totally on point, she gave us great suggestions and was very knowledgeable. Price for 4 courses and 3 drinks - 60 bucks. What a steal. This place is awesome.
(5)
Lisa G.
Fabulous night here, great wine and great food! We walked right in as a table of 2 and got a great table in the back. The arugula and roasted corn salad and ricotta and honey jar were amazing. Great ambiance and wine list. I will definitely be back the next time I'm in Chicago.
(4)
Tim J.
Food and service was great. Cost, including wine, dinner, dessert and tip, was $54 per person. We all left feeling we had plenty to eat. However room was loud.
(4)
C S.
One upped the amazing food in Little Italy and then some- what an addition! Between the whole sale wine prices, amazing salads/pizzas/entrees/deserts, and then completing it with the more than reasonable prices- it really is a no brainer. Actually no, don't go; lines aren't for this guy.
(5)
Maria R.
1) It was cold, and 2) it was raining and 3) we were hungry! A sad trio. We drove to Taylor Street anxious for a yummy meal at Mia Francesca. OH NO! Closed until 4pm!!! What to do? Ah ha! There, waiting like a knight in shining armor, was our savior - Davanti Enoteca. We scurried across the street to find it rather busy and settled in to a table in the Wine Store section. Italian Tapas? We were game. We ordered the Pizza with Tomato and Basil - Excellent! We then tried the roasted squash + farro + whipped goat cheese + hazelnuts + watercress ... another score. We ordered the Paccheri con Salsiccia e Pomodori al forno- giant rigatoni + sausage + oven roasted tomato + parmigiano and the Ravioli (a large round one). I give big points to the Rigatoni but not for the Ravioli. All in all, a pleasant experience and certainly an excellent substitute when Mia is not open or too busy. Our tummies full, we were happy with our find and left happy with the remaining pizza. $40+ for 2 without wine.
(4)
Juliette F.
I had high expectations and was let down by this place. What's the hype all about? You can get flatbread and salads with funky greens and bland dressings anywhere. Half of the menu has flatbread pizzas, the one we ordered was boring and bland. The heart of palm salad was tasteless. The olives were good, but how hard is it to warm up some olives? The rigatoni was hard and the sauce was nothing for me to write home about. MUCH better Italian places in this neighborhood. I feel like they are running with the small, shared plate trend and charging way too much money for ordinary food. Oh and by the way, the waiter was rude and snobby. Made my husband and I feel like it was a pain for him that he got our table (we came at about 4:30 on a Sunday with my 1 1/2 year old son). Disappointment.
(1)
Mike L.
Well I certainly will not be able to add anything that hasnt been said. Couple of recommendations... Bread w/ ricotta and honey, polenta w/ pork, and pasta with sea urchin and crab. I also recommend that you do NOT order everything at one time. We ordered 5 or so plates and they all started to come within a few minutes of each other. Also take a look at the drink list. I was drinking peroni, then I saw them serve a Leffe at the end of my dinner. Damn. I spent 90 bucks for two people with drinks and we left uncomfortably stuffed, well worth it.
(4)
Emmanuel E.
Wow, this was on my third visit to the neighborhood and it was so good! Me and my cute, short-haired friend had the Pollo 'Sole Mio', perfectly grilled with an *amazing* side salad (I kind of feel bad my friend didn't try it... I haven't had such a good salad in a long while, so good...), The Divanti Burger which really hit the spot and an order of Bruschette (...so good...). I wanted to order more but I (we) had to behave... They also have a mouth-watering selection of wines (Which, I'm sad to say, we didn't get a chance to try. But DEFINITELY next month) and they have an excellent cheese selection (which, again, we will try next time. With the wine!) If you're ever in the area, I highly recommend this place!!
(5)
Dina I.
Would've given it 5 stars but my second visit was not as amazing and perfect as my first...whoever was working the pizza oven my 2nd visit was pulling the pizzas and breads out of the oven a couple minutes too early. My first visit was spot-on and all the food we ordered was executed perfectly. Not so much the 2nd visit.
(4)
R B.
We arrived at about 5:15 or 5:30 pm on a Thursday night. A bit early for dinner, but we were eating before going to a play. Good timing, because by the time we were finished and were heading out, the place was packed and plenty of people were waiting. This place gets busy, be warned, but never fear! I had never heard of this place so it was a complete surprise to me. The staff was wearing street clothes, not uniforms, Totally not pretentious at all, I dig it! We ordered the ricotta with honey appetizer (yum!), the grilled asparagus, the ragu of the day poured over some creamy mascarpone polenta (so delicious!), we also had the leek and mushroom pizza with truffle oil(more please!) we had the rigatoni with sausage(great) and a chicken dish which was just okay. Regretfully we were too stuffed for dessert. The food was really great and the small plates were great as there are so many things to try. I will definitely come back some time. It was a great surprise, having never heard of the place before! Worth checking out.
(4)
Andrea P.
I was so excited to try this place after seeing it praised in Chicago magazine and reading the endless good reviews online. It definitely lived up to the hype, although I didn't quite think it deserved 5 stars, but I'd like to give it 4 and a half if Yelp allowed half stars! My party consisted of 5 ladies on a Friday night. I knew they didn't take reservations, so I wanted to get there as early as possible to get my name in. We were able to get our name in at about 6:30pm and to my surprise the hostess said it would be a 60-90 wait (I expected much longer). It ended up being just over an hour wait and during that time we had a small area at the bar to hang out and have some drinks. They will also let you go to Beviamo across the street to wait and then call you when your table is ready. Atmosphere: Lively, yet casual and very approachable. The patrons were a mix of young and old, couples and groups. The decor is very welcoming and warm. I loved some of the humorous signs on the wall! Service: Our server was knowledgeable and patient with us in our questions and requests. For the most part he made excellent recommendations when asked! Price: Not bad! You can get a decent bottle of wine for around $30 and most of the sharable plates are less than $15. Food: I love sharable plate menus because you are able to try a large variety of stuff. Everything on Davanti's menu is meant to be shared, but some things you won't want to share! For instance, the mascarpone polenta with ragu of the day was simply amazing. We ended up ordering 2 boards of it because we just couldn't get enough! The night we were there it was a pork shoulder ragu, but I want to go back every night to try all the different ones! Another crowd pleaser in our group was the truffle egg toast, which was rich and savory and so unique and different. We also really enjoyed the perfectly cooked halibut dish and the risotto carbonara! The couple items that we weren't impressed with was the truffle mushroom pizza...it was good, just didn't wow us, nothing special. Also, I wouldn't order the giant ravioli again. It was just one not very giant ravioli, so each of us got one tiny bite of it. For $9 I would have expected more, and with the other menu items we got it was definitely worth the price, so not sure what happened with the ravioli! For dessert we got the cannoli sundae, which was so-so and the torta bacio which was awesome...very decadent and not just your average chocolate mousse! I really enjoyed this place a lot and would love to come back again. There are a lot more things on the menu that I'd like to try. If you're craving Italian, but want to switch it up a bit, go try Davanti Enoteca for a modern, rustic take on your Italian favorites!
(4)
Vishal S.
Really enjoy eating here! I have lived in little italy for over three years and think this is the best place little italy has to offer outside the norm. I have tried a lot of things on the menu and enjoy it all. From the burger and pizzas, to the octopus and steak, to the amazing ricotta honeycomb and truffle egg toast, its all good. I dont enjoy pasta so I can't give any word on that. The wine menu was good, but they do have a corking fee which I find ridiculous. Expect to wait a while, a long while, especially on weekends. They dont take reservations, but just come prepared and have a glass of wine or two across the street at Beviamo wine bar, or have some awesome craft beers at three aces down the street.
(4)
Allyson C.
I had really high hopes knowing this place was a relative of possibly my favorite Chicago restaurant, The Purple Pig. I love it when I'm not disappointed! Everything here was wonderful. We tried 5 dishes between the two of us which was probably overkill but worth it for all the flavors we got to check out. The highlight for me was a salad that's not listed on their website but was on the menu -- arugula, roasted squash, hazelnuts, whipped goat cheese, and farro. Amazing. I did feel like I was having flashbacks to the wonderful service I always get at The PP. Bonus points to the restaurant for understanding that tapas should be brought out one or at most two at a time and eaten at a leisurely pace. It made for a wonderful experience. I've already made plans to bring my friends back here for a girls' night. Ooh, and I'm also planning to go back one Monday soon for their burger & beer special because Italian restaurant or not their burger sounds incredible!
(5)
David P.
Been battling the long wait times since opening day. Nothing they've ever served up has ever disappointed. Delicious and satisfied every time. Truffle egg toast, get it. Oh and wine is @retail $$. My favorite Italian restaurant ever.
(5)
T M.
After the Accanto debacle, I informed my three friends to meet me here. It was as if the hospitality heavens open up and rain upon our heads. Complimentary appetizers, desserts, and digestifs ( ok , I'm using French to describe an Italian restaurant) Anywho, I felt like Oprah for a day. My friends and I will never forget that night. Thanks for the experience.
(5)
Jeff S.
Came here for lunch with gf, everything we had was very tasty. Portions are smaller as it is a 'tapas' style service. We had: - bruschetta of the day... It was a tuna salad with lots of dill and very fresh and good, bread was great and chewy - burrata and roasted tomato salad... Had a nice pesto on it - rigatoni... This was my favorite, it all came together so f'ing good - grilled half chicken... This was really good too, it tasted like a what a gourmet buffalo chicken was meant to taste like from a good chef
Everything was great from beginning to end! Be prepared for a wait for dinner since they don't take reservations. The 6 of us waited about 30 minutes but it was well worth the wait! Warm, intimate setting great for family and friends. I love the rustic feel of this place. Our table was right by the kitchen so we were able to see all the delicious food. It's Italian 'tapas' so everything is meant to be shared. Chicken liver pate (served in a mason jar) that comes with absolutely fresh delicious bread. Don't be afraid to ask for more bread because there's a lot of pate! Pizza Della Terra (mushroom) & Pizza con Salsiccia e Rapini were delicious and fresh. Linguine with crab and unni (sea urchin) - YUM! Never knew that unni would be so good with pasta! They also had big chunks of REAL crab. Strip steak with arugala salad - tender and cooked to perfection. The arugula salad had some lemon based dressing that was real light. Suckling pig (special) - awesome delicious sauce and tender meat and crispy skin! Dessert is a must -- heavenly! Each order of gelato/sorbet had 3 huge scoops - we tried concord grape, vanilla, and chocolate hazelnut - all very creamy and delicious. The carrot cake was surprisingly delicious with a cream cheese frosting - not overly sweet. The chocolate mousse was amazing! The owner actually came by our table to thank us for coming which was nice of him. Another plus is that they comped our dessert :) One of my favorite restaurants ever - will definitely be back soon!
(5)
Heather L.
A couple of friends and I went for dinner at DaVanti. I should say that my boss, who is a foodie, said that this was the best restaurant he's been to in the past year, since he moved to Chicago. So, I was expecting really exceptional food. And, I did enjoy my meal, but I didn't think it was anything so phenomonal or that I would want to immediately return. We had raviolo, rigatoni, proscuitto de parma pizza and a salad. All were very tasty. We ordered a good bottle of wine. Personally, I find the corkage fee a bit annoying b/c it's not really BYOB, you can only purchase wine from them. Therefore, I feel that they should just build the corkage fee into the price so I don't have to think I am paying extra. Service was fairly good - a little slow at times. Good ambience. I would defintely go back to DaVanti, but first I want to check out some other local Italian spots.
(4)
Marie F.
I have to say this is a great location, young, energetic patrons and staff. For being an Italian Restaurant on Taylor street, I had high expectations. We were there on a Saturday night, when you have all the best staff on hand. Food was not at all flavorful. Pizza was doughy, and not a thin/crisp, sauce tasted like it was right out of a can, and even with fresh basil, still had no flavor. Next was the salad, which was ok, nothing to get excited over, very oily which defeats the purpose of a salad. Chefs choice was a hot sausage with peppers, which again had no flavor, especially "hot". Pasta was mediocre, marinara sauce which is what was requested, was delivered with a red, cream sauce instead, not what we asked for. Wine was awesome and had a great selection. In all honestly, Pompeii, down the street, which I consider Italian Fast Food, blows this away and has tons of flavor. We opted for no dessert as we were sure it would not have flavor either. Doubt that we will be back.
(3)
Matthew M.
its tasty especially the veggies. decor is cool. Nice atmosphere. Need a littlemore seasoning in things like the pasta and polenta. I will go back.
(4)
Gina T.
This charming italian restaurant is a MUST try! My husband and I sat at the bar and enjoyed flavorful food and delicious wine on a weekday evening. We had the Cacio E Pepe (spaghetti with pecorino and black pepper) and the Riccio di Mare e Granchio (linguine with sea urchin and crab). Both pastas were delicious. We also tried the pizza dalla terra which had mushrooms, leeks, tallegio, and truffle oil. This was delicious as well especially for garlic lovers (which we are). We met the owner, Scott, and his wife, Dana. They were so hospitable and made us feel right at home. We enjoyed bottles of the Sangiovese (they also sell bottles to take home) and also fantastic desserts! We are definitely coming back!
(5)
Gretchen V.
Delicious food, quality ingredients, reasonably-priced and interesting wines, and attentive but not over the top service. I am impressed. First, the most important element - the food - was amazing. We started with their version of a caprese salad, which was like a caprese salad on roids. It consisted of creamy burrata cheese, fresh basil and roasted tomatoes on the vine. It was beautifully presented (tomatoes still on the vine) and tasted even better. It left me wondering why I hadn't thought of roasting tomatoes for this classic salad before. FYI, you'll want to order a size of bread to sop up the juices left in the bowl. We next had the giant raviolo, which was stuffed with ricotta cheese, spinach and an egg yolk. It also had a rich parmeseany-buttery coating. I personally love runny egg yolks and think they make almost any savory dish better. This was no exception. Oh My God was it good! But a warning - it's rich. Splitting the raviolo with your dining companion is probably a good choice. We moved on to the ragu of the day, which was made with Berkshire roasted pork and was served over mascarpone polenta. Now anytime there is creamy polenta mixed with cheese, I am on board. Add slow-roasted pork? Yes, please. This was the perfect hearty dish. My husband and I split a small order, which was around $12, and it was just the right amount. We also tried the fruit & cheesecake dessert (can't remember the name of it right now), which to me tasted like a suped up pop tart (in a good way). It was served in a mason jar, which I thought was a fun touch. For wines, we had a quartino of Falanghina and another of Dolcetto. Both were extremely reasonably priced and went well with the food. The wine list is inclusive of many regions in Italy (which is awesome - I hate Tuscany-centric wine lists - enough with the Chianti already!). The retail pricing of the wine with the $7 corkage fee is a genius idea. And speaking of prices - you can tell that this place opened during a recession. You will be hard-pressed to find anything on the menu over $15. We had all of the food I mentioned above, plus the two quartinos of wine and our total bill was about $68 (so $82 with tip). That is a steal! The ambience of the restaurant is cozy, unpretentious and warm. Our server was genuine and attentive without being annoying. These guys have it figured out.
(5)
Courtney N.
First, the ambiance is great, it's like eating dinner in a wine cellar. Second, the food is really good. My server, who was very helpful, steered me toward linguine with sea urchin and crab. It was good, but I think I should have tried the octopus dish instead. The crispy pork belly that we had for an appetizer was also good. I have to say, though, for all the talk, I didn't find anything particularly stellar about this restaurant. Except the wait staff, they were exceptional.
(4)
ProjectChitown I.
Amazing food and at a reasonable price. Loved everything we ordered and the 'small plates' concept works well. Here's the menu rundown: Ricotta and honeycomb - Yummy. Make sure you really stir in the honeycomb otherwise you will think it's ok flavors until the very end. Roasted beet - great flavors, large portions of beets. Disclosure - you really have to love beets to enjoy this dish. Davanti Burger - cooked to perfection and the best part is we ordered it "medium well" and it was just that not overcooked at all. Torta Bacio - a fluffy chocolate-hazelnut mousse with a crunchy, candy bottom nestled up in a vanilla and hazelnut housemade gelato. Taste very much like a Ferrero Rocher candy. Winner!
(4)
M P.
This place was awesome. Great atmosphere - fun but cozy. The tables are a little close, so maybe better for a group of friends than a first date. But the food was fantastic. Creative dishes and everything had a lot of flavor. Plus who doesn't like sharing lots of small plates? We enjoyed everything we ordered, but the truffle egg toast is something I'll be coming back for. Friendly service and a reasonable tab - definitely will be eating here again.
(5)
Wayne R.
We are "foodies" and have been all around the world (including Italy twice) and this was one of the best meals we've ever eaten. The tuna and beans bruschetta was amazing. Anchovies and celery: molto buon! The chocolate mousse dessert: outstanding. Excellent service (Anna) and great atmosphere. And the price was very reasonable.
(5)
Barbara A.
We went there this weekend and loved it. Great food, reasonable prices on food and wine, and friendly service. Get there early if you don't want to wait for a table.
(5)
Tom M.
Excellent lunch. The service is fantastic as well. These people know how to cook and they know how to make you comfortable in their space. What a pleasure. Great pizza,great cheese and bread, great pasta, great Caesar salad. The decor is new-old but that is a minor distraction. This crew has it right.
(5)
Robert W.
Food was passable, service and ambiance were good
(3)
Sam S.
Great food, great service. Fun atmosphere, and reasonably priced. Will be back for sure and give it word of mouth props.
(5)
Joseph L.
Visited for the fifth or sixth time tonight and I have yet to be disappointed. My wife got an undercooked burger tonight, and they handled it great; they replaced it with a perfectly done burger and covered our bill. That definitely wasn't expected and was completely without prompting on our end.
(5)
Chrissy H.
Soooo good. And so affordable! Highlights: Ricotta & Honey Comb Roasted Squash Salad Rigatoni with Sausage For three people we ordered/shared 2 glasses of wine, 3 appetizers, 2 entrees, and 2 desserts and it was under $70. Considering the atmosphere, service, and food were all spectacular--that's an incredible value.
(5)
Joseph S.
Food here is wonderfully flavorful, fresh, and innovative. BUT the myth of "retail wine pricing" or even more recklessly foolish "at cost" needs to be explored, exposed, and debunked. The listed prices are consistently MUCH higher than any self-respecting retailer could charge And then the restaurant cleverly perpetuates the myth by adding a "corkage" fee. The net price for most bottles of wine is not that different from the pricing you might see at many a trattoria. Granted, the wines are diverse, well selected and mostly high-quality regional Italians from non-corporatized/branded importers. Outside of the odd selection of Veuve Cliquot (sic--the most misspelled name on wine lists everywhere!) at $88 PLUS "corkage" there are many gems. The excellent food is the draw.
(4)
Frank F.
Great food and atmosphere for a reasonable price, but their no reservation policy and lack of valet parking is slightly annoying.
(4)
Jennifer G.
I was so impressed with Davanti Enoteca! We loved everything we had from the truffle toast to the sea urchin linguini to the chocolate mousse--omg, the chocolate mousse! The food is really different from traditional Italian, which made it a fun experience. The atmosphere is comfortable and the service is friendly and casual. Wine is great too!
(4)
Mo O.
davanti enoteca let me count the ways i love you! 1.) affordable wine selection 2.) truffle egg toast 3.) roasted corn & arugula salad 4.) risotto with egg yolks 5.) gelato went here in mid November and had a great dining experience! ended up eating at the bar as there was a 1.5 hr wait & snagged some seats. eating at the bar ended up being a blast. chatted with strangers waiting for tables and got to take in the hustle and bustle of the restaurant. our service was very pleasant and the food...WOW! as mentioned above. i cannot wait to go back!!
(4)
Sophisticated T.
Amazing food and great atmosphere! Half price wine on Sunday made this experience even better!
(5)
Nadine L.
Finally a GREAT restaurant on Taylor street! Ate here 2 nights ago and I am already planning when I can go back again. First of all the entire staff is fun, gracious and inviting. As soon as we walked in the door it felt as if the whole staff turned to welcome us. Our server was soo much fun and the sous chef Matt was AMAZING with helping us figure out what to order to get the best taste of this restaurant. Can't beat the unique wine concept they have going where you order a bottle at cost and then if you want to drink it in house you pay a $7 corkage fee otherwise you walk out the door with it. Makes this place VERY affordable and absolutely worth every penny you spend here! Also, their spreads are very similar to those of Purple Pig (as would be expected) however they are more then eager to bring you out more bread making the $4 price-tag almost too low! Overall this is a great place to go on date-night, with a big group of friends or even by yourself and sit at the bar (they infuse vodka to make WONDERFUL seasonal cocktails).
(5)
Taylor S.
Really great!! Went around 9 on a Monday night and didn't have to wait, but the place was still pretty full. The service was excellent!! One of the better service experiences I've had in the city - very friendly, efficient, knowledgeable, and not pushy. I loved the atmosphere there - very rustic yet chic, and relaxed enough that I felt fine in casual attire. However, the real star of the place is the food - a-mazing. Absolutely everything we had was exceptional! Someone had recommended the Pizza della Frattoria as a must there... I was a little wary about it, as its a bit extraneous for my usual tastes, however I ended up loving it! The egg is runny (including the white), but it really does make the dish. You can also get a big bang for your buck with the wine there, making the place even better!
(5)
Stuart W.
I have only been here once, but we really enjoyed our experience here. The host(s) were tremendously friendly. Actually the entire staff was very sincerely and polite. The food was extraordinary. The decor is very modern and they have a great selection of wine at a very reasonable price. It's definitely worth a try.
(4)
Hi D.
I was really excited to come here since I'm a big lover of Italian food and sharing is even better. I had also heard only great things and so I went with family. Each of us already had something in mind that we wanted to try before going in since people had raved about the place. The restaurant itself is great, perfect atmosphere with an extensive wine list. I really can't complain about anything except for the service. Our server was more than a little opionated and when we went to order she flat us told us not to get things. For example, my friend really wanted to try the risotto and the waitress said absolutley not, it's gummy and the worse thing on the menu. We thought it was strange since many people had suggested it so we said, OK, how about the raviolo. She said the same thing, that she wouldn't recommend it because it wasn't done well there were better things such as the octopus. I don't even like Octopus and that was what we felt like we had to order so we did. The whole experience was a bit tainted because what we really wanted to try we didn't get to and what we got we didn't love not because of the quality but because it wasn't our particular taste. I've worked in many restaurants and know that making recommendations is a great way to be a good server but flat out saying you think something in the restaurant in "bad" and "not done well" is not the way to bring people back. I'll go again because the food that we liked, we loved but warning to anyone who gets this server, still get what you want even if she tells you not to!
(4)
Henry M.
And the second best thing about this place, besides the great food, is that you talk - NO TV'S!!!
(5)
Rasmus N.
This is a GREAT restaurant! Went there last night with 3 other couples. The concept is an Italian restaurant serving small plates (tapas style), and the wine is sold at retail price plus a $7 corkage fee .... can highly recommend the $18 Chianti - excellent wine. The only thing i wish they would change is their "no reservations" policy .... it did take us 1 hour to get a table - but then again we were also 8 people on a Saturday night. For my wife and i this seems like the perfect date spot and we will definitely be back very soon!!!!
(5)
Geo R.
I made my first visit with a friend to this new spot in the days between the holidays. We were looking for a place to chill and catch up a bit before NYE, and I had read about Davanti in Time Out. We managed to sneak in without any fuss and decided to sit at the bar for a light bite. The place was buzzing and still felt comfortable - not over the top loud and crazy by any means. Perfect for the occasion. The decor is good - well lit and upbeat, modern Euro trattoria style that kind of reminds me of a modern version of so many awesome old world trattorias that I've been to in Italy. I was floored to learn that they carry Menabrea beer! My favorite beer from Italy is such an elusive one to find for some strange reason. I also liked their straight forward "quartino" style wine list that allows two people to sample about a glass and a half each of a variety of wines for a minimal cost. We decided on a few cheese and salumi selections, burrata and polpo (super fresh octopus that was delicious) and then had a Pizza della Fattoria which has farmed egg, pork belly, potato, scallions, asiago and bechamel. A deliciously rich version of my favorite food group - PIZZA! I recognized a couple of the staff from Purple Pig and was treated very well. I look forward to going back sometime soon for the full dinner experience. Definitely worth a trip down Taylor Street! I'm glad to see this part of town come back to life.
(4)
Anna S.
Don't show up starving! The place was packed on Saturday night and there was a 2 hour wait for dinner. Though we were quoted 45 minutes to an hour and fifteen minutes, we got seated after waiting about 2 hours. I attribute this partially to it being a new restaurant since it's only been open about a month. We hung out at the bar, so we didn't mind. If you want, you can eat at the bar if you don't have the patience to wait for a table. They even threw in a round of free drinks to make up for the extra long wait. I don't say this often, but it was worth it! The food was spot on. Once we got seated, the service was great. A dirty dish barely stayed on the table and the staff was extremely friendly. The orders came out prompt and perfect. This was the best meal I have eaten in Chicago. There just aren't enough adjectives to describe the food. It was outstanding. I CANNOT wait to go back! YUM!
(5)
Kasey P.
This place is awesome!!!! The brick oven chili chicken is by far one of the best chicken dishes I have ever tasted. The small plates are really tasty and relatively large in portion size. This is a great date place or "girls night out" spot.
(4)
Mark C.
What can I say here that others probably have not covered.. Food we had was The Kale Salad with Oranges (wasn't sure about this but the way it was sauteed and seasoned turned out outstanding!) Mushroom and Peppers Pizza... the crust was great.. it wasn't my selection, but it was delicious.. Finally, I had the Rigatoni with Sausage.. now that was perfecto... I also have to add that even the cappuccino's were outstandingly foamy and delicious. If I was to deduct a 1/2 star, which I can't do, it's that they haven't figured a way to capitalize on the lunch crowd very well with some type of lunch menu that would draw more people in. Friday at noon and we were almost the only ones in the restaurant.. ( a few more showed up at 12:30, but still...) but this quality of food deserves a larger crowd and I think a more appropriately priced lunch menu would do the trick.
(5)
Michelle K.
I have to agree with all the other Yelpers about Davanti. The food, service and ambiance was excellent! Since this restaurant is also a wine store, I was able to choose my bottle of wine from the back room. All bottles are reasonably retail priced ($7 corkage fee). After I chose my wine, my BF and I could not wait to sink our teeths into all the food passing by us, as it looked absolutely delectable. We first ordered the charcuterie plate with two cheeses and 3 meats. I have to say the spread was above the average meat and cheese plate, since it also included a fruit jam/chutney of some sort, candied walnuts, sliced gala apples and thin raisin bread crostini. Then we ordered the shaved hearts of palm salad with sweet pepercorns. This was definitely the oddest salad I've ordered, but interestingly very delicious. Being an appetizer lover we decided to order one more and was told by our amazing server Andrew to get the corn salad (shitake mushrooms, walnuts, arugula and Parmesan). I loved that the salad was warm and felt almost like a side dish. By this time I was already full, but we had a pizza and grilled skirt steak still coming. Although I was no longer hungry at this point, the pizza was just too good to pass up. Not greasy, just enough cheese and thin but chewy. The steak was perfectly seasoned with an arugula and tomato salad on the side. Afterward, we received a free desert, had a great conversation with our server and walked away very very full at a reasonable price. All in all, I have to say this is my new favorite restaurant in Chicago. This is a new Italian restaurant, but I feel it falls on the cusp with the New American restaurant waves, due to its rustic yet sophisticated flavors. I walked away from dinner feeling like I went to one of the new hip restaurants that's been given reviews in Food and Wine, yet paid only a fraction of the price.
(5)
alex D.
Great portion size, I'm not a heavy eater, and the small sizes mean its easier on the pocket. Awesome place will probably come back soon.
(5)
Jackie L.
I really enjoyed this place. The atmosphere was beautiful, the staff was very friendly, and the food was great! I was a little confused about Italian small plates, but it's basically tapas. The food was good and so was the wine! Definitely a place to try out.
(4)
Amanda H.
I don't feel very unique since I am giving this ANOTHER five stars but this restaurant is certainly worth writing about and definately deserves all the stars we can give. I am quite convinced this place is heaven on earth and if heaven had a taste then it would definately taste like their ricotta with honeycomb spread. (kinda sounds like a cheesy pick up line but what the heck). For the wine lovers out there this place is perfect. The back of the restaurant feels like a wine cellar and you can even pick out a bottle and drink it at the restaurant for a $7 corkage fee(We got the $17 Montepulciano which was yummy!) The service was AWESOME--and the manager even stopped to talk to us a bunch and even got us not ONE but THREE free desserts---I'm going back again tommorow night.:)
(5)
Jeff K.
I will preface this by saying the food is perfect AND the server was great. These two things, however, were not enough to carry the overall dining experience. I'm referring to the fat (presumably Italian) chef running the show in the back. We dined there Friday night at a small table next to the chef station. All we heard all night was this guy shouting at his staff treating them like sub-human species. You would think the servers and kitchen staff walked on 4 legs not 2. When I asked one of the servers about it, you could tell they were uncomfortable. This provided us with an intolerable dining experience that we never want to realize again. I have worked in the retail service industry for years and have had to lead and manage people and don't understand how for some reason this is acceptable. It actually made for a miserable and sad experience. I'll not go back, but if you go, ask for a table far away from the chef station. Not good Davanti. Not good at all. In all of my years of dining out, I have never experienced something like this, not only in this country but abroad.
(2)
Larry K.
Love this Place!!
(5)
Erika B.
My husband and I ate lunch here for the second time today. We were out and about and decided to just stop in. The food, IMO, is very hit or miss...by that I.mean some dishes are very very good but others just ok. Although we didn't partake in it, there was an impressive bloody Mary bar set up for the brunch crowd with all kinds of fixings. The main draw for us is the "focaccia di Recco" which is a thin cheese filled pizza type creation originating from the Italian province of Liguria. Davanti comes the closest to recreating this specialty in Chicago but it's still a bit behind the real deal. (no hard crusts or the strangely paired honey over there....) Today we also ordered an egg white frittata with cecci beans and arugula. It was good but didn't come with any sides. We augmented with a side of "hashbrowns" which are really potato slices with onions and some seasonings or herbs. I would have thought the frittata would come with some sort of bread or potato but it didn't. The kids ordered rigatoni with pesto which was in the ok category. All in all, the food was very good but both times we've been here, I've left with nagging feeling of it being a bit overpriced. My daughter ordered juice which at $5 seemed a little steep to me. I think we learned that Davanti is not a just stop in place for our budget.
(3)
hyo l.
Sea urchin pasta was really good but such a small portion!
(3)
Teeks L.
Simply fabulous Italian food. My friend and I met here for an early dinner, and stayed a little past the dinner rush, and the waiters could not have been nicer, not pushy but very attentive. We were swooning over the food: rich, but not heavy. I had the Caco e pepe, and it was perfection, good level of spice and fresh pasta. My friend had two antipasti, both delicious, but I loved the truffled egg. The ambiance is warm and not too loud for conversation. I didn't much care for the music (top 40s esque) but everything else was perfect. Oh, and well priced. Two people with appetizers and entrees for under 40 bucks.
(5)
Kevin C.
This was a great place to try the prositto appetizers and the cheeseburger, which was one of the best I have ever had! Atmosphere was great seeming like a great neighborhood place to have dinner.
(5)
L N.
Went to Davanti on a Tuesday evening. The place was packed and lively. We started at the bar with a bottle of wine and three cheeses. Grana Padano, Pecorino Tartufato and Burricata. The Burricata was creamy and rich, almost gooey. The Tartufato is an earthy, musky truffle infused harder cheese which is great with red wine. The wine list is very reasonably priced and well chosen. Keep in mind you must add the $7 corkage charge to the listed bottle prices. We had the 2008 Montepulciano to start. Very drinkable, fruit forward with some raisin-yness. The second bottle was the 2008 Gaglioppo which was a bit more complex and needed a little time in the glass to be at its best, but delicious and the better of the two bottles. Next we shared the ragu of the day which was a pork ragu served with marscapone polenta. Very tender, chewy chunks of pork in a rich tomato based sauce complimented the creamy toothsome polenta perfectly. It's served on a board; it would be easier to serve out of a flat bowl, but it's an insignificant complaint given how yummy it was. Last but not least we shared a Proscuitto e Rucola pizza. The pizza has a delicate, buttery, crispy crust and was layered abundantly with proscuitto, cheeses and arugula. While not the most exotic thing on the menu, the pizza is definitely worth ordering! So good. Service was just a bit slow but not enough to be annoying, and the dining room in the back is noisy, although it could have been the placement of our particular table. In any case, I hope to be back here sometime soon to try other things and to drink more bottles of wine!
(4)
Jim S.
The food was decent at best, their portions relative to price are all over the place. Some cheaper items have a nicer portion and are better tasting than some items that are very expensive and small portions for tapas style food. Food was extremly slow coming out and we went during lunch on a weekday when it wasn't that busy so I can only imagine what the service is like when it gets busy. The place was avergage at best.
(2)
Tim H.
Went for the first time last night. Its nice to see another great Italian establishment in Little Italy, where you would think it would be nothing but. And guess what, we didn't order any pasta! The Pizza DOC came first which you would think would be typical, but it was the best brick oven I have ever had! Our second course was the Pollo 'Sole Mio' which was amazing and cooked to perfection. Tender and juicy, bursting with flavor. The service was great too. The owner stopped by our table multiple times to check in and bought us a delicious mozzarella dish to try. At the end of the meal he comped us three deserts which were amazing. Bread pudding, peach parfait and a grape sorbet. We will definitely be back to this well dressed and comfortable atmosphere with exposed brick, wood floors and ceilings and calm lighting. It was great to see this place packed on a Monday night and not by UIC students.
(4)
Eric L.
What I love about this place is the creativity. While I didnt love all the dishes (pork belly was just a slab of meat and not tender) I appreciate the thoughts that went into most of the dishes. Its been a long time since I've been here and I want to go back to try out some more dishes. But overall, I really like this place. The decor and environment are also very charming.
(4)
Constance B.
First time eating here and we had an incredible time! The Bad News: we were told the wait was 1-1/2 hours when we checked in at 6:30 which was okay with us, but then it turned out to be 2 and 1/2 hours! The Good News: we sat at the bar while we waited and had the most incredible bartender (Brooke) - she was smart, funny, mixed a mean drink and comped us drinks and food because we had to wait so long - the restaurant needs to pay her more whatever they pay her b/c we left happy b/c of her and we would have left really angry had she not been there! Also, Joe the wine steward kept us laughing and was the only other person to tell us the truth about how long we'd be waiting. When we finally did get to sit down, it was worth the wait. The food was incredible. Between the 4 of us we tried about 10 dishes, and didn't have one disappointment. The real standouts: any of the pizzas, Focaccia di Recco was the best (crispy filo dough, cheese and honey), the vasi (mini mason jars), hearts of palm salad and the crispy pork antipasti! Not much room for dessert, but we shared one butterscotch pudding, which was great, not too sweet. We will definitely be back, but maybe on a week night unless we are assured of a spot at the bar with Brooke bartending!
(5)
Klar Z.
I asked a foodie friend of mine for a restaurant that was fun and featured great people watching but wouldn't break the bank, so he recommended Davanti Enoteca, which I probably would have never checked out on account of the fact that I live a million El stops away from it. I'm so glad we tried it! We went at 8 PM on a Saturday night and were told that there was an hourlong wait, but were helpfully told to try the wine bar across the street, so we killed some time there and enjoyed the $5 sparkling wine special. The interior of Davanti is lively and cool but I didn't feel like it was too trendy or sceney. I had already scoped out the menu before we went so based on everyone else's recommendation we tried the ricotta and honeycomb. Wow. I wish I could eat that every day of my life--the creamy/sweet combination was fantastic, and the bread itself was so nicely broiled and chewy. We also tried the truffle toast which was nice and the wheatberry salad, which I loved. In addition (yes, we pigged out), we had the prosciutto and arugula pizza (which was good but I don't think it was necessarily much different from a decent pizza of the same style somewhere else) and the meat plate, which was an orgy of pig. Also, we had a nice bottle of wine. We weren't really interested in dessert after this but the waiter told us the desserts that were available and actually told us he didn't particularly recommend any of them, which I really appreciated. He wasn't just trying to sell us on some leftover desserts that wouldn't be as tasty as the rest of the food. I highly recommend this place! Definitely worth the trip if you're not in the area. I keep *almost* regretting how much I ate last night, and then I remember how good it was --it was totally worth the calories.
(5)
J. C.
Loved it. Great food, Excellent Service. Easy to get into on a Saturday afternoon.
(4)
Lily S.
Uno ravioli and linguine are amazing. Long wait for a table, but so worth it.
(5)
Kara H.
go immediately! get the truffle egg toast.
(5)
d b.
The food was some of the most flavorful and creative I've had in a while and nothing I'd expect from an italian restaurant. I came expecting the usual flavors of pastas and veals and chicken dishes but was presently surprised with the creative menu. Most of the menu dishes are small and probably a little over priced for the portions. The ambiance was rich and felt cozy and chic at the same time. We sat in the back where all the bottles are stacked so it feels like you're in the cellar. The service was excellent with attentive and personable waiters and busboy, which you need since the dishes come out at a good pace and the tables are only barely big enough to accomodate your wine bottle, glassware, dishes and a shared entree. However, you never feel cramped. And after asking the waiter to turn down the base on the speakers, this was a comfortable date place. As for the food, I recommend everything we ordered except for the better than average, but nothing special, pizza with procuito di parma. The beet salad had great flavors which popped in your mouth. The Large riggatoni with sausage was cooked perfectly. The octopus was delicous and tender however had a bit too much mayonaise sauce on top which detracted from the seafood (I'd still recommend the dish). The pork belly with apple chutney was cooked well and had the right amount of salt and sweet for me but might be a little too rich for others since it's essentially thick bacon. We had the pear bread pudding with gelato for dessert which was also great. The wine we chose was great and reasonably priced too. Overall, the restaurant is really good and would have gotten 5 stars if the prices were lower...or the portions were bigger!
(4)
Daniel S.
amazing!
(5)
Roberta S.
Went here for lunch last Fri. with hubby and grown son. We all loved everything about this place. The decor is warm and welcoming the noise level low and the staff friendly and eager to please. Oh, did I forget to mention the food? Well, it is all top notch: quality ingredients and masterful preparation. We shared a cannoli sundae and it was the perfect end to a wonderful meal.I love the fact that they have a great selection of wines at retail price plus a $7.00 corkage fee. We will definitely be back to try the pizza and everything else on the menu. Bravo!!!
(5)
Eddie H.
great food, awesome service and great atmosphere!
(4)
mike s.
This place is unreal. Love everything there, surprisingly good brunch too. Fairly priced wine.... Every time I go I get the Ragu of the day with the polenta and it never disappoints. Ricotta and honeycomb combo is awesome.... cant really go wrong with anything on the menu here. Small plates, good for a group of 4 so you can try several different things. Expect to wait... good service at bar though.
(5)
Christopher H.
This place is REALLY good. Cool atmosphere, fun but classy without being stuffy. Excellent for any occasion. Not exactly cheap, but not too pricey either, considering the quality of food. They've got a lot of shared plates which is nice too. Unbelievable wine selection with very knowledgeable waiters. I love this place; it's usually pretty packed though, so head across the street to the Wine Dive (or something like that) to wait out the wait.
(4)
allison k.
I had a nice time at Davanti's. I wish they took reservations but we managed to get a table fairly quickly so overall I was pleased. The wine list here is extensive so I needed some help picking what I wanted and the waitress was very helpful in pointing me towards wines I may like. The food was all good but the stand out was the cheese and honeycomb jar and the focaccia di recco (very thin, flakey thing w/ creamy cheese on the inside, I've never had anything quite like it - YUM!). I love truffle, i love eggs and I love toast so I ordered the truffle egg toast but unilke a lot of other yelpers for me it was only ok. I've had the same dish elsewhere done better. While I loved the decor and overall feel of the place it was extremely loud as others have noted. Perfect if you're going to have a few drinks and are ok shouting... not so good if you want to have a cozy romantic night with your partner. Overall I enjoyed it and would go back on a night where I know I'm not going to be waiting forever for a table.
(4)
alexandra k.
yum yum yum. came here with a group of 4 to hang out and the food was delicious. one of the girls' friends is quite the foodie and recommended these two appetizers and four entrees, so we went ahead and ordered everything she suggested. all were DELISH! my favorite was the ricotta + honeycomb that was served with some toasted rustic bread. The ricotta was whipped, super smooth and creamy, and the honey added a perfect balance of sweetness. We also ordered the pizza con prosciutto e rucola which was in true italian style of thin crust, minimal sauce, and fresh ingredients. And I enjoyed slathering the extra ricotta and honey on the crust since we ran out of bread (although I'm sure you could've asked for more). the truffle egg toast + fontina + asparagus we ordered was a very close second to the ricotta. the fontina was melted perfectly over the warm bread, and the egg yolk gave a creaminess and was in wonderful contrast to the crunchy asparagus. i'm just sad i had to split it four ways. honestly, although they weren't my favorites, we also ordered the risotto carbonara riccio di mare + granchio, and the paccheri con salsiccia e pomadori al forni which were still all very good. i left feeling satisfied, but not over stuffed. the prices were a little high given the relatively small portion sizes, so i not a place i will be visiting regularly, but definitely a place i would take friends visiting from out of town.
(5)
David L.
we had dinner last friday night with no reservations and waited about 30 minutes. the decor is very rustic with brick walls and dim lighting. very intimate setting however the place gets really loud. pizza DOC - simple thin brick oven pizza. pork shoulder ragu - highlight of the night, creamy polenta that is poured table side onto a wooden slab and than pork shoulder on top. lots of meat and good size portion for the small linquine with sea urchin and crab - very creamy and flavorful but the size is tiny! rigatoni and sausage - tastey and a lot bigger portion than the linquine that we ordered great wine selection, prices start to creep up as they recommend about 4 plates for two people since portions are much smaller than what you would expect at a typical italian joint. ran about $90 with one glass of wine, but we also had some drinks a the bar while waiting so spent about $120 for the night.
(3)
Samantha K.
This place was so good the first time I went I thought it was a fluke. So I went back 2 weeks later and realized it wasn't a fluke...it was just that good. After spending 2 solid weeks in Italy this fall I came back somewhat tarnished from the American version of Italian food. This put me back in my place. The food here is delicious and the atmosphere is great. It's a cozy little house like place that has a kick ass wine cellar/selection in the back. As others have mentioned, it's a wine boutique so you buy off the shelf and they charge you a 7 dollar corkage fee. You can get great bottles of wine for great prices..like at cost, not restaurant wine prices. If you want to get some of the higher end stuff, they even have a secret wine list (shh...you didn't hear it from me). I think the key is going with people who are willing to share anything and everything. Four seemed to be the perfect number. They don't take resos and the wait can be long so make sure to go with people you want to spend time with. Some highlights for me: Truffle Toast: You MUST order this and each take a bite...AMAZING! Pizza: Loved the Prosciutto Arugula, not the biggest fan of the mushroom/truffle/leek pizza. Pasta: Rigatoni with Sausage was great, Ragu of the day, didn't love. Can't go wrong with any of the meats or cheeses or small mason jars. So grab some good friends and head to this place to enjoy some awesome wine and awesome food at really reasonable prices.
(5)
City G.
I called to make a reservation. They don't take reservations, fine, but why be such a bitach about it when answering the phone... Glad I called first; I'll skip this one.
(1)
C.A. O.
This cozy little places oozes with customer service. They treat you like family - and I'm not being cheesy. Little Italy is a hike from my house, but I'd go back weekly - this is the real deal.
(5)
Ann M.
A welcome addition to Taylor Street. Great ambiance, attentive service, reasonable wine prices and an inventive menu. I love the "small plate" concept.
(4)
Kevin L.
I was astounded at the affordability of such a wonderfully complex and attentively shaped meal. The servings are generous for tapas, but not the formulaic over-serving traditional, southern Italian that most have come accustomed. Maybe it's just me, but I have not known of many Italian places to cater to broad, modern palates, but this one hits a home run. I would suggest to 26-50 year old diners who take their food and wine seriously.
(4)
Nick G.
Shortly after my first review, I received a message from the owner apologizing for the issues we had. I really appreciate the customer service, so I will be adding Davanti back to the list of places I'd like to dine at.
(2)
Suz S.
This place rocks. Best meal I've had in the past 15months.
(5)
Joanna K.
absolutely wonderful--went last night with a few people. wine list is, expectedly, fabulous for an enoteca. they are pretty good at helping you select a wine if you are wanting to get a little more adventurous. then, the food! delicious--had the ricotta/honeycomb (as good as everyone says, addictive--couldn't stop eating, but there was so much to follow!), the truffled egg toast with asparagus (yum, but anything with truffles wins in my book), the pork ragu with creamy polenta (so delicious), the pizza with truffles (again--amazing), risotto carbonara (delicious, but sadly at this point i was running out of steam) and the linguine with crab and sea urchin (i really liked it a lot, but other table members felt that it was the least impressive.) it's a small plates set up, so come ready to order a few and share. it's actually quite affordable and the bill came to about $20 pp + tip (for all that including some alcohol) and you leave stuffed. i found the food to be filling but not fatty or greasy--more like very light and fresh, even with the dishes that would be heavier (like the polenta/pork ragu). regarding the service, i found it to be attentive, fun and informative--our waiter did a great job helping us sort through the different choices. we were checked on regularly, but in an unobtrusive way--the way it should be! and to make an already amazing experience just that much better, the lovely waitstaff brought over a selection of liqueurs for us to try...on the house. and then left the bottles for us on the table to sample further. :) totally unexpected and tons of fun. apparently one of the owners thought we were having a lot of fun and wanted to make sure we had an even better time? who knows...but i know i definitely plan to return! :)
(5)
Peggy A.
The first time I went to Davanti, I was there for a party a month after they opened, the service was amazing, as was the food, the wine & the dessert to die for. I ate so much I had the worst stomach ache an hour after I got home. I knew I wanted to go back, and finally had a chance to last night. The menu was different; a winter menu. We started off with the Buschetta, we failed to do so, but ask what the topping of the day is as it is not your typical Buchetta topping. Loved the salad, Escarole, the apples & hazelnuts were a lovely touch. I had the Uovo in Raviolo, really good, but NOT a good value. All you get is 1 big ravioli sitting on sauce. Good thing we had the salad & buchetta to fill me. For dessert, we had the Torta Bacio (Chocolate Hazelnut mousse) with a side of vanilla gelati. That was perfect! I left there thinking I would go back to try their pizza because they looked good, BUT about an hour after I got home I had the worst stomach ache again. I think it's good food, but it just does not agree with me.
(3)
Janet J.
We live in the area and really liked this restaurant so we went back with a total of 6 people. We knew that it booked early and that they didn't take reservations so we had our friends meet us at 6:00 p.m. this past Saturday. Long story short it was a 90 minute wait. No food is worth that so we got in at La Luce and had a fabulous dinner. We are not going back to Davanti Enoteca until they take reservations.....
(3)
natalie b.
I L O V E love this place. The wine selection is amazing and the price range is amazing. Food was excellent... you need to get the polenta! The staff was very friendly and interactive! I will be back.
(5)
dana c.
We have dined here at least 3 times already and each time I try something new and get blown away. The truffle egg toast, the ravioli are delicious. The cacio e pepe pasta and the rigatoni are a must, order a few things and share. I love the daily specials, we were there last monday and got a burger and beer for $9 . Also Im an "oldie but goody," and remember sole mio very well. They have dedicated a chicken dish to that restaurant and its perfect. Best chicken ever. Last night the chef brought over a 24 hour risotto, UNBELIEVABLE DELICIOUS!!! Never had anything like this in Chicago. The room itself is really warm and friendly. Nice crowd all evening and great action/people watching. Every one is super friendly. By the time you walk in the door, from the hostess to wait staff. I had a rough day at work and they made it all go away! You can go check out the wines on the shelf, grab one off the wall,and get it for retail plus $7 corkage. Best deal around. I will keep on going back and will recommend it to all my friends. A most to try and so good you will try again!
(5)
Debbie H.
Unbelievable evening that our "Ladies Dinner Group" will NEVER forget! We have been dining together once a month for over 25 years, and this is by far, one of the best, and definitely most memorable, of any restaurant we have ever been! We were treated like royalty throughout the night. Scott, Paige, and Joe made sure we had the best selections they served, from start to finish. Hard to pick a favorite because everything was first rate. We started with Focaccia Di Recco (baked focaccia with soft cow cheese), Roasted Heart of Palm, Roasted Beets,Roasted Cherry Tomato and Burrata Cheese, and a Roasted Corn, walnuts, mushroom and goat cheese salad. We then moved onto spaghetti and black pepper, ravioli wit spinach, and a polenta dish. We ended with every dessert on the menu! Truly every menu item we tried (and we certainly tried most of them...) was flavorful and very delicious. My personal standouts were the raviioli with spinach, baked focaccia, and the parfait, cheesecake dessert. This is such a fun and enjoyable way to spend an evening -- tasting small plates of a broad range of amazing tastes and flavors. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the 9 very satisfied female diners who visited you tonight.
(5)
Curt L.
Fun lively spot with excellent food and friendly service. Desserts are an especially good value. I'm not normally a fan of "small plate" places because they almost always mean a bigger tab for less food when all is said and done, but this place makes it work pretty well. Creative ingredients and nice twists on some standard dishes. My only complaint was spending $9 for a single ravioli. It was absolutely delicious, and a little larger than a normal ravioli, but it was a silly portion size for the cost.
(4)
Joe C.
OUTSTANDING!!!!!! Friendly atmosphere, knowledgeable waiters, great food at a very reasonable prices. Don't miss it.
(5)
Jill B.
I wanted to give 4.5 stars but I guess thats a no-can-do on Yelp. And the only reason that I'm not giving a full 5 stars is because apparently the kitchen messed up one of our pizzas and we had to wait a bit...thought they could've offered to comp it or give us something for the wait. With that being said, everything we tried was AMAZING. The food was sooooo soo good and I'm not a big Italian fan. In fact, I really wasn't looking forward to going but the food was just so delicious...can't say enough about it. I was with a group of 8 and our waitress (who was excellent) suggested we get 12-14 dishes to pass around and share. I didn't try the pork belly or hearts of palms b/c I'm not a big fan but everything else I tried was perfection. The truffle egg toast was unreal! My favorite thing there. I also loved the giant ravioli with spinach and ricotta. Tuscan toast with ricotta and honey comb was also really memorable. It was overall just a really really great experience and I would suggest it to anyone in that area, whether they like Italian or not. I would definitely go back!
(4)
Windy R.
The food was good although a bit pricey for what you got. The waiters need more training which is understandable for a new restaurant. Our waiter couldn't comment on the various salami choices (he said he hadn't tried many of them). He brought us the salt/pepper/chili dispenser with no spoon so we would have to use our fingers if we wanted to use them-not too sanitary. The iced tea comes in a bottle and is flavored but the waiter didn't tell me that until he had already opened it and brought it to the table - I would have ordered something else had I known. Very nice interior - they did a nice job re-doing it.
(3)
Brandon B.
We like this place alot, always good service and its Tapas style which means you can try everything you want! Any formaggi and salumi will do, foccaccia di Recco is so plain but SO good (definitely want to have at least 2 people because it is large), Grilled Romaine Insalata was exceptional. We tried a pizza on one trip, the Pizza con Salsiccia e Rapini which is Italian mild sausage, broccoli rabe, garlic, chili oil, fresh mozzarella, tomato. This was tasty, but the broccoli rabe kind of overtakes the dish (even the sausage), we would probably get it again just without or with easy broccoli. A must is the Bistecca alla Griglia which is oven roasted strip steak with a arugula salad topped with evoo and sea salt, both times we have had this dish it was fantastic. If you like rich desserts, try the deconstructed cannoli, it could be very good to some but it was a little too rich for me. You can go all out here and have a bill for 2 for about $80. Both times we came here we only had a drink or too and our bill was around $50, which is a pretty good deal for the amount/quality of food you get
(4)
Diana J.
My friends took me here for my birthday- the ambiance and service was very good! beet salad- loved it! great combo with the creme fraiche and crunchy nuts. truffle egg toast- OMG this was by far our favorite dish and we really wanted to order two more orders of it! DEFINITELY ORDER THIS!! wild mushroom pizza- good but also nothing out of the ordinary sea urchin pasta- very tasty, albeit a little too much salt. Overall, it was a great experience and yummy food. The portion amt was kind of small for the price you pay though.
(4)
Charlie C.
I am struggling to give this place a 5-star review... because that would mean that it literally shut my mind down and left me aching for more. Not quite there, but it was very good... especially for the price. We had a 7:30 reservation, we were not seated until 8. The place was packed, but I didnt mind waiting with a drink in my hand... we sat to immediately receive their most sincere apologies and a free app for the difficulties. Nice touch! We went on to try some of my fellow yelpers must haves... and enjoyed the meal, atmosphere, and service. We had their ragu of the day- get it... don't even think about it. Truffle egg toast. 2 pizzas (super good hand tosses brick oven taste) and some pork cheek and ricotta concoction. It was all terrific... I have no real qualms or issues. I didn't mind the wait. Good place for dates, a slighly upscale dinner out, to take your parents while they are in town for a little charm.
(4)
Katie C.
Worth the wait! Went here with my dinner club a couple months ago and I wasn't sure it would live up to the hype, but it did! Get there early... have a glass of wine at the bar while you wait. The place smells amazing. Don't forget the truffle egg toast - as everyone says - it's absolutely rich and delicious. Pizza, pasta, everything we tried was amazing. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Stephanie C.
Love the food here and the atmosphere can't be beat.
(5)
Isabel V.
We went here for dinner and it was great! Dishes are meant to be shared, we ordered three different things and they all were great. The Gnocchi with pork was particularly delicious. Plates look small but they are very filling, so is you don't go crazy ordering many different ones you'll find it very reasonably priced. Wine list is not very large, but they do have a good selection and variety. Also, service was really great, really wish I could remember our servers name because he was fantastic.
(4)
E M.
Rate as just a little above average. Crowd and management are a little pretentious for Taylor Street. Ok concept ok execution.
(3)
Jennifer G.
Started with a cheese and meat tray. Very small portion for the price although the boar, salami and cheeses were very good. Second had the cheese and honey foccacia. OMG!! The best foccacia I have ever had; crispy, cheesy, gooey, delciousness. Two people at our table had the spicy pizza with kale which was excellent. The crust rivals any of the best in the city. The grilled chicken with spicy rub was another stand out. It was served with a great salad and the chicken was perfect and juicy and smoky spicy. The last dish we had was the lingiuine de mar which was also very good. It did not have the bulk of seafood I would have expected but the flavor was jam packed. The room was great and was not too loud, just enough hustle. The service was very good.
(4)
Jessica R.
The squash and octopus were outstanding!!! What a delicious dinner! Small plates of delightful flavors! I've been here twice and though I thoroughly enjoyed it my first time, the second time was a bit of a let down. I'll have to try it again to get an ample read on the place. However with the average of a 4.5 the first time and a 3.5 the second, it has an average of a 4 star right now. :)
(4)
Katie S.
Food was very good, but service was only decent. BF had the eggs, sausage and potatoes. I had the linguine seaurchine crab pasta. For appietizer, we had the tuna bauchette. Food is definitely unique. We probably had a personality conflict with the waiter. He was alittle too fake and salesman like for our taste. We would definitely come back for the food and the old style atmosphere. If i were to rate on food alone, it would get 5 stars. Minus 1 star for the service. If you are looking for a unique italian flare, definitely check this place out. You wont be disappointed.
(4)
Carolyn L.
I love this University Village Italian spot! The rooftop seating was so perfect. I went here for my birthday in October with a friend and it was a great choice. I ordered the Pollo 'Sole Mio': Grilled half chicken + chili pepper paste. It was just the right amount of spicy and it was beautiful. The color was so deep and red. My friend ordered one of the items off of the brunch menu which looked delicious as well. I would so go back here for a nice glass of wine and some dinner. Now to find a date to take me!
(4)
Pamela C.
One of the best Italian restaurants in the city. Friendly staff, full of excellent recommendations. Good for groups. They specIalize in small plate Italian dishes to share. A+. Try the Il Pizzino Robiola cheese, some of the best I've had.
(5)
Chirag P.
It was good. It was Italian. Not so different from the rest of the good italian restaurants. .. like quartinos, RPM, etc. Decently priced as well for a hotel restaurant.
(4)
Daniel S.
While what I had was good, it's real overpriced for a small amount of food, especially since were supposed to share these dishes, we got the polpi, riganoni n sausage, rissoto, noodles n lamb, salad, bruschetta, cheese n meat, wine, carrot cake, crème brulee, and a martini, it all tasted fine, but i spent a whole bunch of money and didnt leave full
(3)
Amy A.
Came here for brunch on the weekend. Brunch is not served tapas style, so cannot comment on that feature. However, the food was FABULOUS. They have gluten-free pasta options. My son loved their gluten-free mac and cheese. It's not typical kid's mac and cheese (i.e. orange processed cheese-like substance), and you can definitely tell they used real ingredients, yet made it tasty enough that a 6-year old practically licked the plate. The waygu steak and eggs were also amazing. I would recommend getting the salsa on the side because it did overpower the steak a tiny bit...but good portion for the price. And their foccocia bread (which doesn't really taste like foccocia bread...more like a pastry) was soooooo good!
(5)
Melanie B.
I've been wanting to go here for a long time but the Taylor Street location made it hard to just pop by. We made it a destination on a recent Monday though and it was absolutely worth the trek. There were four girls, and we split three of the biggest non-entree dishes and a bottle of realmy reasonably priced wine. The Ligurian-style focaccia is unlike anything I've ever had: creamy cheese sandwiched between two phyllo-like layers and topped with honeycomb (if you choose). Unreal. You have to try it. We also got a pizza that was really light considering it was topped with potato and a whole egg. We finished with the polenta of the day. They come out and pour the polenta and the ragu from the pans they were cooked in, which was neat. The whole meal felt very decadent without being heavy. I'll definitely be making the effort again soon!
(4)
Aurore L.
3 visits in one week......... That's what you call love or else I don't know! Chef Scott is incredible. I left last night giving him a big hug, and I am already planning my next visit!! AMORE!
(5)
Clare M.
I have been there 4 times in the last 2 months...sooooo I like it! The server are always really nice. The wine prices are amazing! The food! The pizza - mushroom pizza has a beautiful truffle flavor that melts in your mouth.!! I dream of it--as well as the parma ham pizza. gooooooo
(5)
Katie E.
Davanti Enoteca rocks - a great, casual spot for fresh and creative Italian food. It is a loud happy place, no surprise given the good eats. Loved the pizzas and pasta. They also have a great wine selection. The chef, in addition to being a great talent, is super friendly. A must.
(4)
Aisha C.
Great food, great price and the option to buy vino at retail with a nominal corkage fee is a real treat! We really enjoyed the cauliflower steak, warm olives and the sea urchin pasta was incredible! It's a good date spot!
(4)
Hamster P.
I would come back here again and again just for the polenta w/ ragu!!
(4)
Lisa M.
Davanti Enoteca was awesome! It was out of the area that we normally go out in-Gold Coast/Lincoln Park/West Loop etc...so we were a little hesitant because we weren't sure how difficult it would be to get a cab back. We were able to get a cab right I'm so glad we went! The wine was great and fairly priced when compared to similar restaurants. The waiter we had, a very bug guy,was great with wine & food suggestions! The wine list is brought out on this huge bottle---it was so cute! The food was excellent! The fresh palm salad is a MUST have!!! It was amazing!
(5)
Christina B.
I really was impressed with Davanti Enoteca! I went here for my birthday and I am very glad that I did. The food was all VERY good, except for the Octopus which was chewy and tough. Great service and had about 10 dishes...all of which were very tasty (except for the Octopus). Highly recommended
(5)
Amy S.
Great food, great service and great ambiance! Perfect for date night!
(5)
Ekow M.
Excellent ambiance, great food and his was our first time to Italian village so the meal set us up in a great romantic mood for a stroll....until we realized it was like 30 degrees. Definitely recommend it!
(4)
Eric X.
[ Visited in July, 2013 ] Great food, service, and location just west of Little Italy. You won't go wrong if you share a number of the small plates with your dining companion(s). The wine selection is amazing, and desserts will cap off a delightful culinary evening.
(4)
Gabriella T.
This place is amazing. My fiance and I go as often and as early as we can to beat the rush which usually starts by 5 pm. We love the pizza. It's great the next day. The farro salad is soooo yummy. The boards with ragu of the day is to die for. The davanti burger was so different and so fantastic. The ambiance is great, friendly wait staff. I can't rave enough about it. So good!!!!
(5)
Kevin T.
Went here the other night. Great place! Small plates style. Pate was great, more like a mousseline. Truffle toast is a must as is the crab linguini. Wine supposedly is regular store price with a $7 corkage fee. Would definitely return. Only thing is they don't take reservations...so you may have to wait. Great place for the area.
(5)
Laurence K.
I don't mind waiting when given a correct wait time. But quoted 20 minutes and then turns out to be almost an hour?. we started with the the shaved hearts of palm. what a disappointment. it tasted like canned hearts of palm that were unrolled. had no flavor whats so ever. next by suggestion of our server an egg toast with a truffle oil. blah it didn't work. next a pizza with broccoli rabe sausage and motz. it was ok not done enough soggy, and sausage was flavorless. next 2 different pastas first crab meat in pasta with an uni sauce. it was marginal and a black pepper and Parmesan which was pretty good. Portions could been a bit bigger though. We were really disappointed. Phil Vettel just gave it 2 stars? maybe we didn't order the right things?
(2)
Sean R.
5 stars based on quality and value. An awesome tapas style Italian restaurant. Pork belly and octopus were superb. Impressive wine selection and very affordable. Sweet addition to Taylor St. in Ukranian Village.
(5)
Bridget L.
Went for lunch. Lovely meal. The service was attentive and the food was very fresh. Sampled the Truffle Egg Toast, the Grilled Romaine, the Sea Urchin pasta and the Burger. Everything was delicious! Only downside is that the place is very small and crowded, so go early or for lunch. If not, expect a wait.
(4)
Cathy K.
Davanti Enoteca had smaller portions, but all delish! I didn't feel overly stuffed and gross after eating. Burrata vasi: fresh mozzarella with cream and evoo.... great! Risotto carbonara...... very tasty (little on the salty side, but i like salty) Sausage rigatoni: My boyfriend loved the quality marinara used in this dish Dessert: Salted caramel panna cotta: Very sweet, but amazing. I am definitely going back and want to try all the other dishes. Yum-o!!!
(5)
Lisa G.
This restaurant is so great! I love that you can get lots of small plates to share. The bread with ricotta cheese is delicious! I will definitely be going back! So excited that they just opened one in River North!
(5)
Lisa F.
It has been a year and a half since we last ate here but nothing has changed...it is still outstanding.
(5)
GEORGE S.
Recently, I dined at this restaurant with 3 friends. While waiting for a table, we ordered a bottle of wine at the bar, to share. When presented with the bar tab, we were charged a $7.00 corkage fee, for the wine which we bought there! Perhaps this is a new practice at some restaurants, but I will not be dining at any place that pulls this kind of scam, nor will my friends. It ruined a nice evening, and made no sense, when the hapless bartender and waiter tried to justify it.
(2)
Amanda S.
PROs - amazingly delicious and succulent food. seriously, nothing was a miss and it came out in great time. - going in a group maximizes the dishes you get to try..and believe me, you'll want to try it all. - the establishment is welcoming and vibrant, and the plating is minimal and perfect. - excellent for people-watching. CONs - wait time. it's almost inevitable. the good news is, they have a bar and there's a bar across the street that makes for a good time while you wait. - the tables are beyond sticky. we saw them wipe it down, but we literally had to apply force to get our glasses or plates a-movin'. eek. - noise level. i was practically screaming if you can get past the cons (and trust me, you can and you will!), stuff your little heart with italian goodness* and sign that ridiculously cheap bill with a huge grin on your face! --- *ricotta + honey comb vasi. aka greatest appetite-whetter of all time. marscapone polenta + ragu of the day (i don't care what it is, you MUST get it). roasted beets + walnuts + crème fraiche + candied walnuts antipasti. cacio e pepe paste (how could this be so simple yet SO rich and delicious?). pizze della terra (foraged mushrooms + braised leeks + taleggio + truffle oil). and, of course, the cannoli sundae (sweet ricotta + crushed cannoli + pistachios + candied oranges + chocolate sauce + whipped cream). with tip, i paid $24. un-freaking-real.
(4)
Michelle R.
Polenta polenta polenta!!! I get it every time I go. Their pizza are delish and their rigatoni pasta is my go to dish there. I've gotten their burger twice, and the first time I swore that was the best burger I had in Chicago, but the second time, it just wasn't the same. Still good nonetheless. I'll stick to their pasta next time.
(5)
Tara G.
The restaurant has the pricing of fine-Italian dining but you're suppose to order 3-5 meals per two people for your hunger to be adequately satisfied. This is because the portions are so small! They said it's because the meals meant to be shared but theres not enough food for more than two people to split. Left the restaurant and went to another. Definitely will not be returning!
(2)
Sara B.
I've been to this restaurant a few times and it never disappoints. After this visit I felt compelled to write a review, I haven't had that good of time in awhile! We were pleasantly surprised with our server's knowledge of the menu. After giving him a general idea of our meat and cheese preferences he picked the perfect plate for us, that paired perfectly with our wine. We were torn about the last dish to get and he recommended the prosciutto pizza, which had generous amount of prosciutto and was fantastic. Overall it was an enjoyable experience. The food was phenomenal, mostly because of Andrew's recommendations, and my party and I will for sure be back!
(5)
Don M.
This was a good choice to stop at while wandering Festa Italiana. We sat outside enjoying the weather and people watching. It was crowded like every other place as people were everywhere. I went for a starter of Dirty Martini and that hit the spot. For dinner I had the Rigatoni and sausage with oven roasted tomato. When it came out I was a bit underwhelmed the serving seemed small. But as I started chowing there was plenty and it was good. Being out for most of the day this hit the spot. This is a place I need to visit again. Good choice.
(4)
Evey I.
Super small portion. I needed just some food before the flight and stopped by here. Paid a decent amount after all is said and done for a plate of carbonara risotto. It tasted ok, nothin fancy but it was literally only 4-5 spoonfulls of rice. To me, that is just being cheap. I think nobody should feel hungry after having a pasta or rice entree at a restaurant.
(3)
Sam M.
Review for Sunday Brunch Menu: Brunch was not good!!! Ricotta pancakes had an egg after taste and the eggy smell was nauseating. The pancakes did not work well with the lemon because of their eggy smell overpowering a lighter lemon flavor and the pancakes were very dense too. Honestly, Aunt Jemima pancakes are better than these. Frittata was bland, not even seasoned and the consistency was really gross and slimey. The concept of putting a whole bag of arugula over the frittata added nothing to the dish except some color. There were pine nuts in the frittata but they also added nothing to the overall taste of the dish. It was just a bunch of ingredients thrown together in a pan. Hash browns were just roasted potatoes in olive oil. Why are they called hash browns? Country potatoes or home fries would be more appropriate. I don't understand how you can mess up these simple dishes so badly? I'm not sure what was going on today, but I can easily put this on one of my top worst meals ever. Did the usual chef take a vacation? I mean I don't get it because everyone else is reviewing brunch so well but it was just awful. It was embarrassing. Next time definitely be waiting 40 minutes for Meli Cafe instead of saving time and coming here. Very disappointed, since their dinner dishes are much better or at least were when I went. Also very disappointed because this was the first time in ages that I had taken my mom out for brunch in the city and she did not enjoy her food.
(1)
Shaina K.
Wonderful! I've wanted to visit this place since I saw it on "Check Please!" Well, it was my birthday and I wanted to celebrate! :) We arrived here on a Friday night at about 6:30ish. We had a reservation, and were seated immediately. The place was not very crowded, but it slowly filled up as we were there. Their wine list is impressive and is very reasonable. I think the bottle I picked out was around $30 (with a coking fee). The walls are covered with bottles of wine and the waiter knew his stuff. The wine was very good, and complimented the dishes we ordered well. The food was fantastic. Everything came out quickly. We ordered the vasi of ricotta and honeycomb and I scraped the jar clean. It was wonderful! We also ordered the warm kale salad and also the butternut squash and goat cheese salad. They were so good! Because we were going all out, we also ordered a pizza. It was good, but not the best pizza I've ever had. The meal was finished with a lovely chocolate cake with a nice little candle (and no happy birthday song from the staff...thank goodness!) This place gets five stars for the vasi alone. Next time I go back that may be my whole meal.
(5)
J H.
I have been back a few more times since my last review. Thankfully that terrible waiter hasn't had my table, and I always make sure not to sit in his area. They have one great (and yes, friendly!!) waitress now, foreign :). I'll see that I sit with her. Still loving the great food!!
(4)
Nellie G.
Unbelievably wonderful food. Have not been disappointed by anything that we've ordered in two visits now. Worth the wait. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Kavi P.
I've only come here for some wine and appetizers a few times, but I love it! I always order the goat cheese and honey starter. Really good! I wouldn't mind coming here over and over again. Romantic setting. Lovely place.
(5)
Lu H.
Thanks to Zipcar, my husband and I got back again. We arrived a little after 6pm on a Thursday, and this place was BUSY! We were afraid we had to wait, but fortunately the 2-seater tables were open, so we were happily seated. We both started with the Vodka infusion of the day, which was cucumber and mint. It was really yummy, but I couldn't taste any vodka in there. I guess Davanti isn't really known for the cocktails, so we switched to wine after that. We opted out for any spread, because I wanted to try other yummy dishes. We ordered the truffle egg toast, the black pepper spaghetti, risotto, and the hanger steak middle rare. The black pepper spaghetti was good, but my husband didn't think it was as impressive as the first time we had it. The dish was a little watery, and pepper taste was not as profound. I mean it's good, but I think the standard might have slipped. The truffle egg toast was really amazing. I love truffle oil, so anything with truffle oil on, I'm all over it. It's a pretty big toast, topped with two eggs, and all rested on bed of asparagus. My only complaint is, it's still not wowing me. The truffle egg toast at DiSotto Enoteca (downstairs from Francesca's on Chestnut) was just as good. (Side note, I cannot believe Francesca's on Chestnut has the same owner as Davanti. I had the worst Italian food at Francesca's on Chestnut. BUT DiSotto Enoteca has really yummy small dishes too... Sorry, I get distracted easily) The risotto was one of the best risottos I've had. It's perfectly cooked, topped with a farm egg, with English pea and some bacon or ham or some sort of meat bites in there. The flavor profile is unique, and again, I always appreciate a perfectly cooked risottos. Hanger Steak was my lease favorite of the night. Maybe I'm used to more tender filets at normal steakhouses, this steak just too chewy for me. And it's more like medium, not medium rare. BUT, Davanti is an Italian place, not a steakhouse, so I will cut it some slack. Finally, I got to get some dessert! We got the butterscotch pudding and the gelato flight. The butterscotch pudding was yummy, but after the Miso Butterscotch at Allium, I don't think I should even attempt to get anything butterscotch-y anywhere else. The gelato flight has banana, strawberry, and blood orange. Blood orange sorbet is by far my favorite. It's sweet and sour, and topped with candied oranges, very unique. Ok, i will be back again!
(5)
Pete B.
Dear Danvanti's, Your monday Burger + Beer specials is awesome, BUT 1. Does your burger come with a pretzel bun? Because the first time I swear it did, but the second time it didn't. 2. Does your beer come in one of those tall Peroni glasses or does it come in a standard pint? Because the first time, it came in a tall Peroni glasses (and when they ran out of those glasses, they gave us a pint and a half) but the second them, they came in a standard pint. Our first and second experience were very inconsistent. I would've given a 5 for our first experience and a 3 for our second. I guess that averages to a 4.
(4)
Sarah S.
Davanti Enoteca's food is flippin' amazing. I went last week with friends for dinner (fifth wheeled it) and was so pleasantly surprised by the great food! All the servers wear plaid shirts and some seemed a bit better than ours. Either way, our server was fine although a bit lackadaisical but I didn't mind at all because I was focused on the great food. Although at the end of our meal we asked him to take a pic for us and after he did, he checked it out and made an ugh face! I jokingly was like, you made an icky face! is it bad?! Should we retake it!? And he silently handed the camera back. Poor us and our scary faces. Anywayyyys, my friends had been there quite a few times so they felt comfortable doing the ordering and made some great choices. Nothing I had wasn't good although some things were definitely better than others. ***Risotto al Barolo - aquerello rice + wild mushrooms + parmesan + bread crumb $14 - I love all of the ingredients in this risotto but was my least favorite dish of the night. It was okay but something in this (maybe strong onion flavoring) was making it not work well for me. ***ricotta + local honey comb served in mini mason jars with tuscan toast $8 + $2 for extra honey - My personal favorite of the night! Cheese + Honey is usually all I need to make me beyond happy. Their honeycombs are amazing, cheese is creamy served in a cute jar and the toast was fab as well. Loved this combo! ***crispy pork belly + savoy cabbage $10 - Loved it! I've never had a bad pork belly, but this particular dish with a bit of cabbage in each bite was phenomenal. ***truffle egg toast + fontina $10 - Awesome fish, perfectly cooked egg that oozed over the bread when we broke it. Carbs overload, Mmmm! ***focaccia di Recco - Ligurian style baked focaccia + fresh soft cow cheese $16 + $2 for local honeycomb - My friends' personal favorite of the night. It's different than a flatbread we may be used to, filled with creamy, ooey gooey cheese and baked to perfection ***Riccio di Mare e Granchio - linguine + sea urchin + crab pasta $15 - My buds said this was awesome but shellfish is my very unfortunate allergy ***Uovo in Raviolo $11 - one giant ravioi! This big ol' pasta was filled with spinach and I liked it quite a bit. I would skip getting this again because $11 for one ravioli seems cray cray to me. The food at Davanti Enoteca was amazing and I will absolutely be back for it. For 5 people our bill was $125 sans tip.
(5)
E M B.
This is my favorite place in the city. Bold statement I know. It's cozy and inviting, it's a gorgeous space and the good is innovative and delicious. Make a reservation. It's small and it's hopping. We used to come before they accepted reservations and would wait 2+ hours at the bar at Three Aces - that's how much we love Davanti! If it's your first time, you should order: Ricotta w honeycomb Burrata pesto tomato salad (my girlfriend who writes a cooking blog called Sarcastic Cooking figured out the recipe for this so we can make it at home as well!) Kale salad Foccaica (need a group of people, too big for two) Sausage rigatoni Sea urchin/crab pasta ....don't forget a big glass of wine!
(5)
Maria E.
Lovely little restaurant. Cute, cozy, charming. Really great date place. Had a fabulous dinner here. Came very close to not enjoying it as I had an upset tummy from something I ate during the day but luckily managed to pull myself out of the funk and really loved this meal. The honeycomb/ricotta is super awesome (and I don't even like ricotta) - make sure you order it.
(4)
Rick H.
We decided to get dinner here before going to a Bulls game, which turned out to be one of the highlights of the whole night. The menu is pretty unique as far as Italian food goes, as there were several items on the menu that I had never heard of before. The ambiance is casual and lively, creating a fun and warm atmosphere to dine in. For appetizers we ordered the foccacia with cheese and honey comb, and the polenta with meatball ragu, both of which were amazing. The foccacia was very crispy with warm cheese in the middle, and the honey added just the right amount of sweetness. The polenta had wonderful texture, and the meatball ragu added the perfect amount of flavor to the dish. For my meal I ordered the linguine with sea urchin and crab, and the truffle egg toast appetizer. At first I was hesitant having never tried sea urchin, but after taking a bite of the linguine, I couldn't stop eating it. With complex flavors and a generous amount of crab meat, I can honestly say it is one of the best seafood pastas I have ever eaten. The highlight of the meal however, was the truffle egg toast. The presentation alone makes it worth ordering. The combination of egg yolk and the truffle flavor created a very rich and delicious dish which I would highly recommend. If you are ever in the area and are looking for a unique and delicious Italian dining experience, Davanti Enoteca can't be beat.
(5)
Laura L.
Great place. Second time going, this time just for cocktails and apps. OMG Egg Toast. I kind of just want to leave it there. Amazing. Cocktails and bruschetta were all good. My dad was crazy for the infused vodka. Its definitely a pricier place, but not insane. Gets a knock bc the drinks took an absolute eternity, when we were the only people at the bar. The bartender was nice, but he like clearly didn't know the bar well. He looked at every single bottle looking for something and the drinks came like one every 4-5 minutes. I don't even knock him for that, but he acted as if nothing was weird when it was a truly weird amount of time and, being very empty, we could clearly see something was wrong for all that time. I would've appreciated a friendly, "Sorry, had trouble finding this" or "It's going to be a little longer, my manager has to find the X".
(4)
Vicki L.
Fun place for to try multiple dishes with your table. Try a little from each category. Good vibe at each location. Cozier feel at original spot.
(5)
Lola K P.
I really enjoy this more upscale and more updated Italian place. It is simply a most charming Tuscan-flavored villa interior, we love the roof dining space, and the wine bar area is beautiful. I made sure to drop by again on off hours so I could get some good pics, that's how much I liked it. We've come by a few times, and the service has been consistently friendly and laid back, letting us enjoy our meal without hurrying us along. The menu is more contemporary Italian with some American thrown in, and everything I've had here is just delicious, including that burger - yes, burger, awesome. Egg sunny side up snuggled inside a toast cutout? Yes, please! Chicken liver pate, yum. Tagliatelle? Heck, yes! More pasta, waiter! While Francesca's located kitty-corner has its place on my dining list, I prefer this restaurant. The two chains are more complementary to each other, another well-done offspring from the Francesca's empire.
(5)
Alex M.
I have passed by this place so many times. It's on my way to my friends' places, my dog's daycare, the best bars in town, etc. It's in Little Italy but that means little to me. Americans often have a pretty dismal idea of what good Italian food is like. Granted, when I lived in Italy I was poor and consequently made a lot of my food in my apartment but the few times I dined out I was blown away. Everything you've ever heard about Italian cooking is just about entirely true. So I have a high bar. Well BAM! Davanti totally jumped over that bar. This place can be insane on a weekend night so I suggest going on a weeknight, like a Monday. I tried the Terra pizza, the polenta board and their version of the Caprese salad. To say it was all rich and delicious is an understatement. Take a date here. That's the best advice I can offer. You will spend a pretty penny but it's so worth it.
(5)
Leanna B.
Let's see here. What stood out to me the most was their focaccia bread with ricotta and honey comb! I've never tasted anything quite like it, the concept is simple enough, but wow, they really blew my tastebuds away. Also, I ordered the uovo in raivioli di zucca 'san domenica' - basically a large single ravioli with butternut squash and ricotta filling.. and wait for it ---- egg yolk!!!! Ugh, it was heaven!!! It tasted soooo good that my table had to order a second one just so everyone could get a decent taste. Also, we ordered their Cream Limoncello... that was awesome too! My family makes our own limoncello, so it is few and far in between I try a limoncello I actually like. I was shocked at how smooth it was, honestly, I dare say it tasted better than our cream limoncello. As far as dessert, nothing really to write home about.. But then again, I was stuck on the limoncello, so I had a hard time focusing on wanting to try anything else at that point. Also, if I recall correctly, the cream limoncello wasn't actually on the menu - they make their own in house, and you have to ask for it specifically. Overall outstanding food!
(5)
Jill D.
Best burger in town. Seriously. Terra pizza and truffle egg toast is delicious. You have to start w the burata caprese salad. It's amazing.
(5)
Paul W.
An excellent experience. We visited during Fiesta Italiana and the neighborhood was crowded. Despite that, everything was running smoothly at this place. Service was polite and friendly. The antipasta and meals were delicious. We'll be back.
(5)
Michael N.
Atmosphere: B+ Food: A- Service: B
(4)
Liz O.
I'm always looking for a nice place to have dinner and this is going on my list! A colleague of mine invited me to lunch and recommended this restaurant. Upon entering I immediately liked the set-up. I felt like I entered a wine tasting room in Sonoma. We had the bruschette and it was pretty amazing. I ordered the warm tuscan kale salad with orange pecans and it was delightful. I look forward to dining and enjoying a glass of wine here in the near future.
(4)
Jv M.
Just finished up. Great food. Friendly. Only complaint, slow it down. Need to have time to enjoy it all! Worth it!
(4)
Linda H.
It's been 4 years since my last visit? No way! But guess what? It is still my fave Italian in Chicago. The best thing that has changed is that they now take reservations. The other best thing is that the food hasn't changed a bit - it is still very very good and fresh and original. George, the bartender/waiter was super patient with me and even poured a little limoncello to go with my lovely lemon dessert! It is still a place where you can walk up to the line chefs and watch them make magical food and ask questions to them just to learn. The single ravioli - Uovo in Raviolo 'San Domenico' - giant raviolo +ricotta + spinach + egg was by far the best thing I have ever eaten in an Italian eatery. The little slightly toasted pumpkin seed sprinkled on top were like little diamonds sprinkled on a pure gold dish. The ONLY reason I did not give a 5th star (if you even care by now) was that they were promoting their meatballs as some of the best due to some food network stating that they were the best. They are not the best. Not even close. If there was prosciutto in them I did not taste that at all and I say this because I'm thinking they relied on the prosciutto for all the meatball's seasoning. They were under salted and non flavorful. Yes, the texture was very good, but they were not savory at all. Sorry, just my opinion right? You just can't go wrong here. With nice people educating you about every dish, it makes it such a pleasant and fun field trip of food!
(4)
Min Min S.
Everthing was fantastic from the food, atmosphere, and the wait staff. Couldn't have been happier. A little loud inside, but to be expected with everyone enjoying themselves. The portions are smaller, but expected and waitress did let us know ahead of time and had great recommendations. The dessert - Blonde something...it was to die for! Loved every moment! Will have to visit the one in San Diego now as well...
(4)
Pedro B.
Didn't get to try the food, the 1 star is for the staff experience. Here's how it played out: After entering the restaurant, the host asked whether we had reservations- no. Host: "Well, can you be done with dinner within an hour. [because] most of our reservations are for 6:30pm" (near verbatim) *look at watch, time is 5:25* Look at my wife, stating- "yeah, I guess" (confused) We were seated but quickly realized how rude (whether intentional or not, can't accuse him of that) and unprofessional that experience felt; we excused ourselves with the wait staff and left. Seems like my experience is in the minority, so enjoy your visit, if you patronize this business. My money went across the street to Francesca's where we confirmed there was no time limit
(1)
angela h.
Great food, mediocre service. They waited waaay too long to take our dessert order that we finished our drinks and didn't want to order anymore. This was after we were sitting with empty plates and empty glasses for a while waiting to order another small plate. I'd go back for the food, but maybe sit at the bar so I can get more attentive service.
(3)
Tiffany L.
My first mistake was eating at Balena first. Davanti's been on my list to try since it opened and the lines out the door formed as quickly as rave reviews were written. Long waits are not my thing, and whenever I tried going I was always quoted an hour plus wait. So it slowly moved down my list. One night, HB was perusing my food spreadsheet (yes, I keep a food spreadsheet) and saw that Davanti was not checked off. Then he discovered that Davanti takes reservations on OpenTable now! Finally! A hop, skip and a short struggle with parking later, we were seated and ready to order. We decided on the 3 charcuterie,Truffle toast, the Polenta of the day (pork shoulder), the Pumpkin agnolotti (only housemade pasta on menu), and the Octopus. The meats we picked for the charcuterie was good. The Truffle toast was really good. The Polenta was really, really good (It's SO FLUFFY!). The last two dishes were just meh. The pasta at Davanti did not measure up other housemade pastas I've had. It was slightly overcooked, and too oily, my least favorite dish of the night. The octopus, although well cooked, was not pleasant to me as far as flavors and the mayonnaise-y sauce. But I do favor octopus more simply prepared, so it's just a personal preference. In conclusion, I probably waited too long to finally try Davanti, and other, better restaurants have opened since. Also I was expecting more homemade pastas so that was pretty disappointing. This is probably a weird comment, but something about having their logo on every utensil and plate in the place was a huge turn-off for me. It makes it feel too chain, and less mom-and-pop. THIS JUST IN: Apparently they have multiple locations, which I totally just discovered by googling (San Diego, Scottsdale, and one more in the local burbs of Western Springs, opening up in March). So I guess that makes sense.
(3)
Galina M.
I've been to Davanti Enoteca many times and it never failed to satisfy and even more! The food here is delicious and I guess they have great Italian wine too! The burger there is amazing - my personal favorite. Also the Barrata with honey dish is very good, the beet salad, also we had a pizza there, forgot which kind - but oh so delicious!!! They also change the topping of their brushcetta every week or day, i don't remember, but it's always been delish. Too bad they don't make reservations, so you have to wait for at least an hour on any given day. But it's so super worth it! It is also very decently priced!!! In the summer time they have outdoor seating - which is so quaint and adorable!!! One of my favorite Italian places in the city! thumbs up...
(5)
Liz J.
Love it! Food is outstanding, def has the unique, rich small plate dishes down. My friend talked me into the chicken liver pate and I have to admit I couldn't get enough! Sat by the bar and service was excellent Will be back again and again for great food and drinks!!
(5)
christine p.
Yesssss eat here I promise you won't regret it!! Honeycomb and ricotta is a must, sometimes they mix it for you at the table, sometimes they don't, personally I prefer it mixed it's much less messy that way. Our fav is the polenta/ragu of the day. Sooo delicious, we ordered a large and it was HUUUUUUGE don't be intimidated if you're with a group or a big eater, otherwise stick with the small order so you can try other things. Chicken liver pate-meh but I'm a snob about pates so maybe that's why I was unimpressed Asparagus and egg, I LOVED this, but I also love anything drenched in egg yolk We've gone 3 times now and they are constantly selling out of the octopus dish, so I presume that means it's delish. I will get there early enough to order it one of these days! Tuna carpaccio, sooo yummy however soooooo tiny. You'd need about 24 order for this to suffice as an appetizer. So just buyer beware! Dessert, lemoncello obviously amazing. And the hazelnut chocolate mousse. Can't wait to go back! The staff is always so nice and the food is great especially for the price.
(5)
Beth T.
I love this place. Everything is delicious. A reliable go-to spot. Beware, though, it is kind of loud.
(5)
G R.
Going to add another review to the many that they have because they deserve it. Great comfortable setting, even when it's packed you don't notice it. Perhaps because of the excellent personal service, you don't feel like a number nor are you rushed out. Our server was friendly, efficient and informative, when I ordered a negroni he warned me that theirs is on the bitter side, well imo any drink with bitters in is supposed to be. I found the drink to be perfectly executed and enjoyed it very much. I'm not a fan of the small plate concept, I have this OCD thing about sharing food with anyone other than my husband. And don't even think of trying my drink, however the dishes where served up in a way that you can take your portion without (trying to find the right word) contaminating the rest. In any event, I had the beet salad and the hanger steak. Again our very informative server suggested getting the steak more rare than the medium rare I requested and inquired if I'd be fine with that. I was and his recommendation was just right. I do have an appreciation for a great server that knows the menu and what questions to ask to make it a memorable meal, a place can have the best of everything, but no one like everything. When you pair the right combination of food and server with a comfortable setting, you have a winner. Davanti Enoteca is a winner!
(5)
Raquel D.
I can't get enough of this place! The first time I tried it, I was so stuffed and satisfied. And then I went into labor a couple of hours later. Coincidence??! Probably. But, I'll always remember this place so thank goodness it was good on its' own!! The pork belly appy is delicious - almost too good to share!! The pastas and flat breads are great too. But, we keep coming back for their burger!! So delish with shoe string fries! You just can't find those type of fries these days - they remind me of the shoestring fries chips from baaaack in the day! Ahhh, memories. Anyway, the burger is bomb. And, on Mondays, they have a burger special for $10 - huge burger cooked they way you like, shoe string fries and this huge glass of beer. It's the best cure for the Monday Blues!
(5)
Frances H.
I was terribly disappointed when i went to Davanti for brunch last weekend. It had been ages since I had gone to Davanti, and before this meal I was a die hard devotee (having gone to both locations and recommended this place to everyone). I ordered my usual favorite - Focaccia di Recco with honey. I loved this so much before that I've gone out of my way to pick up just this order from the restaurant. This time i was horribly disappointed. I don't know what happened, but this was by no means a bread. It was a strange crispy cracker with some blobs of cheese. We had also ordered the Uovo Barzotto. Not worth it at all. There were no visible chunks of porkbelly, the overall dish was served a bit cold. And the hollandaise sauce was runny. I don't even like hollandaise sauce that much, but I have made better hollandaise sauce at home. It was funny, but the table next to us actually commented to the waiter that they wanted to check if there was actually any porkbelly in their dish. To top it off, we were seated in a place where either due to the acoustics or just natural volume, it felt as if the table from across the room were yelling their conversation into our ears. Davanti - I really loved you so...i may give you a second chance...but never for brunch again, and it may be awhile until I return....
(2)
Angie K.
Davanti is my celebratory spot in the city. When I got engaged, my girlfriends took me here. When my best friend scored her dream job, I treated her here. On both occasions, Davanti has always hit it out of the ball park. The decor of the place is just great. I feel like I'm walking into a tasting room of one of the Napa Valley wineries. The back of the dining room is lined with wooden rows of wines from floor to ceiling and the intimate lighting makes everybody look a little better. I've only gone here during the day, but I'm sure it's even more romantic and intimate in the evening. Both times I've been, I've had reservations and was seated immediately. The servers were really knowledgeable and definitely helped accomodate everyone's dietary needs. The first time I went, I had the truffle egg toast, the mushroom pizza and tried my friend's kale salad. We popped a bottle of Prosecco and I was in bubbly heaven. The second time, we shared a bottle of pinot from washington state, the honey comb ricotta, the octopus, pumpkin and hazelnut pasta (chicken liver on the side, since that's not my thing) and the DOC pizza. Everything was amazing. I would rate the octopus a 4 but the impeccable service and cute decor definitely bumps it to a 5. I might start making up things to celebrate because this place is so damn good, I need to go again.
(5)
Kelsie S.
Oh man. Had such a great dinner here tonight!! The focaccia was simply amazing; I only wish it had come out as an appetizer as we had asked because than I would have been able to eat much more of it. Everything we tried was delicious, especially the risotto. I'm not a fan of peas, but this was so good. I stole my boyfriend's portion because I couldn't get enough! My only complaint is that they advertised the plates as being meant to be shared. To me, that means much smaller portions than they served. Yes, we have plenty of leftovers now, but we wish we had known how giant the plates were going to be so we didn't order so much.
(4)
Michael A.
I am a food snob and hands down best burger of my entire life...everything else on the menu rocks...so many flavors so little time
(5)
Christy L.
I have a new favorite Italian restaurant in the City! Davanti Enoteca is a solid 4.5 star restaurant, rounded up to 5! Headed here with my friend and shared several dishes: 1. Ricotta and Honeycomb Vasi - a generous portion of smooth, delicious ricotta and one of the highlights of our meal. 2. Truffle Egg Toast and Fontina Asparagus - very tasty, but 'inoteca in Manhattan does this slightly better. The Fontina flavor could be stronger. 3. Roasted Squash Salad - we ordered this at the recommendation of our waitress and it was a very unique combination of flavors - fruity and nutty with vegetables. Recommended! 4. Polenta with Pork Shoulder Ragu - very tasty and the pork was so tender, it melted in your mouth. No chewing necessary!! A pretty big portion. For dessert, we shared the chocolate hazelnut torta which was the perfect ending to a fantastic dinner. It wasn't too sweet and was a healthy portion for $6. I love small plates restaurants in general as they afford the opportunity to try lots of dishes and flavors. Davanti Enoteca was no different - if only we had room for a few more of the dishes. Oh well, there's next time... For $50 each, we enjoyed the above dishes and three glasses of wine. This was a great value! Service was attentive and friendly with our waitress making helpful suggestions to round out our meal! The restaurant was packed. It's loud and lively in a good way. I can't wait to head back!!
(5)
Alexander J.
So we went as a group of students to try some well rated italian food in Chicago. We were informed that portions are pretty small so we should order a lot of things and share, well, being on a budget and everyone wanting different things we just mainly ordered things for ourselves. Big mistake. We understood that the antipasti and such were small things but we thought at least a pasta should be pretty filling as they were expensive and are often not really made to share. I ordered the pork cheek pasta and was extremely disappointed. It's incredibly tiny, think half-sized appetizer, not even a dish to order to share because no one would get to taste it before it's gone. There were four pieces of pasta and three small pieces of pork cheek. When the waitress came with it everyone just looked at each other and laughed "is that the pasta?". So I thought to myself, if it's this small for $15 it has to be incredibly good. It was not. The sauce was just spicy, sure I like spicy but last time I was in Italy it was the incredible flavor and seasoning that struck me, not that they make good spicy food. Anyone can make a spicy sauce. The pasta was not salted propely, and sure, the pieces of pork cheek were good, but hey, you can't really fail cooking such a tender piece of meat. The dish wasn't filling at all and just got me hungrier but I didn't want to spend $45 more for three more dishes which would have been needed to fill one if they were in that size. So I left the restaurant starving hungry. The others in my party seemed to be a little more content with the amounts of food they got (apart from the other girl who ordered the same dish as me who doesn't even like spicy food who was even more disappointed than me). Some people were having desserts but I didn't want to spend more money at this restaurant and was already dreaming about El Burrito Mexicano I would have to swing by on my way home. A girl in our party got a big piece of sharp plastic in her dessert, sure she got the dessert free of charge as she noticed it and was served another one, but that wouldn't really have mattered if that piece of plastic instead was stuck in her throat. Would have given this restaurant one star but can't deny that I at least had some good wine so that puts it at a final of 2 stars. The ambiance and service was OK as well.
(2)
Maria P.
This place is a rip-off. Period. End of story. Anyone who doesn't want to part with large quantities of money should walk over to any other restaurant on Taylor street and get themselves a decent meal. When my boyfriend and I made reservations for this place (following the good reviews on Yelp), our expectations were high for a solidly good Italian meal. When we entered the place, the atmosphere is more like a French bistro than a traditional Italian restaurant. Wood tables in bistro style. The menu was confusing. As a person who doesn't eat red meat, I couldn't distinguish which dishes had meat or not. And there seemed to be a dearth of options. No traditional spaghetti and meatballs at this place. The waiter asked if we had been there before and when we told him we hadn't, he explained that the dishes were tapas style. There were small plates that were meant to be shared. There were some large plates but we were told if we ordered the large plates there were no guarantees we would receive our food at the same time. OK. Italian tapas. Hmmm. So we ordered a large board of cheese and meat and then one small plate and one large plate. While we were waiting for the food, I kept looking for the bread. Italian places are known for their warm, crusty bread. But no dice. They didn't serve bread - unless you ordered it off the menu as a special item. Face palm. Are you kidding me? This must be the only Italian place in the city that doesn't serve bread with your meal. What's wrong with you people? So as my hunger was growing, the cheese and meat plate came. My boyfriend had all the meat, and I was left with a tiny square of cheese that would have made a tiny mouse sad. They had exactly 6 almond crackers to go with it, plus a small smear of mustard that could be used on exactly one bite of food. Needless to say, once the board was gone, I was now past the point of hunger and into the uncomfortable stomach-hurting stage. Next, the spaghetti small plate appeared and it was a portion for a child. I understand it's a small plate, but at an entree-level price of $12 it seems like they could have done better. We shared the pasta and I got maybe 4 solid spoonfuls before it was gone. It was strange because we were both clearly still hungry and reduced to rationing the food like we were in a prison camp. "You take the last bite." "No, no, you do, I'm OK." "No, you're still hungry, it's OK." So now everything rested on the large plate. I had ordered the fish of a day at a whopping $23. I was excited that this plate would really blow me away and finally fill me up. Instead, I got 4 ounces of an undercooked, under-seasoned fish on exactly 7 brussel sprouts. Are you kidding me? I'm 115 lbs and I really don't need a lot for dinner, but c'mon!! And they didn't even make the fish right. It was rubbery and bland. The type of dinner I would apologize about if I had made it myself and served it to someone else. But with my hunger, I choked it down rapidly and practically licked the plate clean. My boyfriend, still hungry, ordered yet another pasta small plate of underwhelming pasta in a ridiculously small portion. By that time, I was still hungry and I had had enough. We skipped dessert and with three glasses of wine, our bill was $135. Even when we subtracted out the wine, the cost of the food was outrageous given how little we were served. We both left the restaurant underwhelmed and hungry. Boooo! Worst waste of money I have ever had at a restaurant in Chicago. I went home and made myself a sandwich -- which was actually the best food I had had all night. The waiter was nice and the atmosphere was OK. The one star is for the value. A. Total. Rip-off.
(1)
Liz T.
Fresh farm to table brunch in Little Italy?? Since when!? I recently came here for a reunion brunch when in town for a wedding, and I was completely blown away. I lived in Chicago about 6 years ago, and figured Little Italy never changes. This was a place I had never heard of before, but thought it'd be traditional Italian like Francesca's down the street. Heck no, and heck yes. Not traditional. Yes so yummy. We got the Pizza della Fattoria to split. This is a hot pork belly, potato, scallion, and double-cheese pizza. They bring it to the table, and BAM. They crack an egg over it that continues to cook over the pizza as it is set on the table. The thin crispy crust, breakfast ingredients, and fresh farm-to-table egg made this seriously one of the BEST pizzas I've ever had. And I have had lots of pizza. Who knew breakfast pizza is like... the best thing ever?! For brunch, I got the Uovo Barzotto, a primarily potato dish w/ mix'ins of pork belly, poached egg, and hollandaise, plus thinly sliced avocado on the side. Can anyone say, best ingredients ever mixed together equals best dish ever?? Some friends at the table got the polenta, cheese plate, truffled items... we were all so happy and full at the end. This is definitely an amazing brunch spot. So surprisingly good.
(4)
Kathleen C.
Davanti Enoteca had 5 stars until we got to our last course...the burger. It was so sad as the food was amazing until then!! Anyway, it was still quite delicious. This was my first visit and I was glad it was a bit early because the place got pretty packed, pretty quickly. The room is really really warm and inviting (and pretty!). It was rather difficult to determine what wine to have...especially when our waitress told us that a quartino is a 1/4 bottle = 1.5 glasses...for future reference, a quartino is in fact, 1/4 of a LITER...but I figured I'd let it go because I wasn't sure if their quartino size was just smaller.... We settled on an Italian wine of which I know very little. However, I will say that the host/owner/wine guy (not sure, really), was SUPER knowledgeable about wine - too bad we had to wing it with our either less knowledgeable or less chatty waitress. We lucked out - it was a good call - delicious. We tried the following: - ricotta and honeycomb - WOW. I've had something simliar at another spot, and this was way more delicious and I loved the honeycomb and that there was plenty of bread to use with it. However, I think they can increase the honeycomb portion (the table next to us asked for more...). - pork belly - wow - really good and flavorful, not too fatty and the cabbage slaw was amazing. Really really great execution on this one. - squash salad (with faro) - again - wonderful. The goat cheese on the bottom was amazing and really tied the dish together. I wouldn't typically order squash, but I was inspired - really really good. - and to the burger....I enjoyed my half, good use of mozzarella, nice bun, but unfortunately, my dining companion got stuck with a huge (like 2" by 3/4") piece of gristle in the other half of the burger. That put us off, though I have to say they took it off of our bill, and were very apologetic about it. I was stuffed, so I didn't try any dessert, but it looked wonderful. Maybe next time. And yes, there will be a next time. This was wonderful!
(4)
Ganga H.
For some reason, the Medical District version of Davanti is better. As always, they do have the best wine selection this side of Europe. Would still recommend, but set expectations to average.
(3)
Patty C.
After hearing about this place so much, my hubby and I decided to check it out. We came on a weekday to avoid the long wait we've been warned. We were lucky to not have to wait at all when we got there, but once we sat down we saw the crowd come in. The food is very good indeed, and price is very reasonable. We ordered the following: Honey comb ricotta - this was delicious. However, I think it's more suitable for brunch instead of dinner. Truffle egg toast - good, but on the dry and gooey side. I think I chugged a whole glass of water to wash it down. Davanti burger - yummy and juicy. Mascarpone polenta - this was the highlight of our meal. Very good. Will come back again, someday. There's just so many restaurants I still have to try first.
(4)
Taylor O.
Decent Italian food, but I don't think we will be back. We waited over 45 minutes WITH a reservation while packed in with many others waiting as well. If you do go, be sure to order the truffle toast!
(3)
Kuanie J.
Dinner date with the boo here and it was fantastic. I was afraid that this would just be another trendy, Italian restaurant (I wanted to go to Orso's really bad), however, I'm really happy my boyfriend talked us into going here. Plus, it's always nice going to a different part of town (Little Italy). I love love love the decor inside. It's cozy and rustic, mixed with modern charm. Our server was nice and didn't bother us a lot too. Everything here is family style. We had the pork cheeks, which were extremely rich, and delicious - I could eat it for days! We also had the marscapone polenta with pork meatballs (it was one of the specials of the night). The polenta tasted like instant grits without a lot of flavor. We also had the sea urchin and crab linguini. That was pretty tasty and rich, I expected a little more, however, I still was not disappointed. We had the hazelnut chocolate dessert with a croustillant on the bottom and it was so rich! We couldn't finish it after our dinner. I would like to come back here and try the other things they offer. I knocked this down to 4 stars because of the bland polenta and Davanti's is a chain - didn't realize that until looking it up on the net. Good job, though because the food didn't suck :)
(4)
Jay I.
5 stars. I think their menu is authentic, but creative at the same time. Other than the fact that the overall menu is on the salty side to me, this restaurant surely is the best on Taylor. By the way, isn't that about time they change the menu? It's been a while since I saw the same stuff in the menu.
(5)
Yana D.
This is the second time I've been to Davanti Enoteca on Taylor Street. Both times I have been wildly impressed by the quality of food and service. My favorite item I had that night was most definitely the polenta and ragu. Unfortunately their delicious butternut squash ravioli was not in season. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone in the mood for delicious Italian food.
(5)
Karen W.
Ordered a carry out. Hostess seemed bothered when I asked for utensils. I got the bill it was $11 so I gave her $21. She gives me a $5 and 4 $1. I asked her if she had a $10 bill. Wth??? Needless to say awful experience!
(1)
Juliet A.
On a recent trip to Chicago, my foodie friend recommended we grab brunch at DaVanti Enoteca, one of her favorite neighborhood digs. Since I am never one to turn down her always amazing suggestions, my husband and I met her here a few Saturdays ago for a truly amazing brunch experience. With some fresh squeezed grapefruit juice by our sides and warm sunshine pouring onto us as we lounged on the upstairs deck, we dug into our breakfast goodies. To start with, we had the ricotta and honeycomb Tuscan toast. Perhaps one of the greatest combinations ever invented for breakfast. And I'm not talking honey - I mean real, just-taken-out-of-the-hive chunk o' honeycomb. Incredible. I just ordered a side of patates - crisp potato bits served with caramelized onions and sprinkled with cheese and sassy seasonings. At only $4, it was a steal, especially considering I couldn't even finish half of the more than generous portion. My husband had poached eggs served with pork belly, avocado, potato hash, and Hollandaise sauce. You know, just a normal breakfast dish. My friend Courtney ordered the frittata blanca with veggies and arugula salad. Let's just say for her high brow tastes, it did not disappoint. While DaVanti is more known for excellent dinners, Chicagoans NEED to run, not walk, here for brunch. Absolutely amazing.
(5)
Jen D.
LOVED Davanti Enoteca this week - my first time there, and I will definitely be back, even though it's far outside my north side stomping grounds. I was with a group of 8 and it was nothing but smooth sailing. The small plate pacing was nicely done and service was excellent. We tried a LOT of the dishes, but a few of the favorites - - Pizza (we tried 3 different ones, all were great) - Pork belly dish... hmmm. - Ricotta & honey with bread - polenta with ragout (my favorite) Everything was excellent. I just wish I wasn't trying to avoid carbs, the meal comes with a small amount of guilt if you are looking to avoid carbs :)
(5)
Jackie F.
Came here for the first time last night for my husbands birthday. We loved everything about Dananti Enoteca! Great service, loved the ambiance. We had a wonderful bruchetta, loved the meat and cheese and the focaccia with ricotta and honeycomb is unbelievable! All 4 of us loved our dinner. One of the best coal fire pizzas i've ever had. Delicious desserts!! Absolutely one of our new favorite restaurants :)
(5)
Heather L.
This is a great place to bring friends - order a spread of antipasti, the obligatory vase of ricotta and honey-from-the-comb, and then your selection of pasta and meats - you won't be disappointed if you're into good Italian. Generally speaking, the food here is very savory... this almost borders on a warning. Many of the pastas, pizzas and even the Davanti burger are very dense dishes. I'd dilute my meal with some salads and wine.
(4)
Aaron Jae M.
This place could easily get five stars but they don't because I think they are incredibly greedy. Their food is absolutely, completely, 100% delicious. The HUGE downside is that the dishes are expensive and small. It was like eat tapas that was pasta. The rigatoni I ordered literally had 10 noodles on the place and was $14. In order to get full here you would have to order 3-5 dishes and spend 50 or so dollars. If their prices ever drop or if their portion sizes increase you can expect me to be here at least once a week and changing my review to five stars.
(4)
Pauline D.
Wow. If this is what authentic Italian cuisine is, I want to have its babies. Who knew there was more to it than red sauce, white sauce, lasagna, or chicken parmesan? It's like the whole concept of Italian food in America has been a joke until Davanti Enoteca came along. Start with the focaccia di Recco; the tangy cow cheese pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the Michican honeycomb. I honestly can't seem to get the light yet creamy marscapone polenta with lamb/beef ragu out of my head. But the star of the whole show was the RICCIO DI MARE E GRANCHIO. Translation: perfectly cooked linguine tossed in the most luscious (but not heavy!) sea urchin sauce and huge chunks of sweet crab. The seaweed-looking green stuff on top is just scallions, but man oh man, that added just the right touch. End with the torta bacio and the dreamiest chocolate cake will never live up to your memory of this rich chocolate mousse ever again.
(5)
Liliana G.
Went for an early dinner the other night and my group and I ordered most of the menu. Everything was delicious and we are already planning out next visit! First timers, you have to try the kale salad and the ricotta + honey comb vasi!
(5)
Melissa N.
This place is fantastic!!! I cannot get over this place! So great!! Italian fusion was amazing! We had the uni pasta, the squid, the ricotta and honeycomb and so much more! These were fantastic and everything we ordered was great! I came to Chicago with a couple of girls and we stayed for 3 nights. We came here twice to get the most we could! Service was great, food was ok priced - i say this because it's supposed to be tapas, but they have entree prices. Either way though, the food was spectacular both times we had it - dinner and lunch! We even came back to NYC and tried another place with uni pasta but it couldn't compare AT ALL to Davanti! We're already talking about another trip back to get our fill of the awesomeness that is Davanti Enoteca!
(5)
Xixi Z.
I suppose it's about time I write Davanti a review after visiting here 5+ times. And everytime I'm here, I always find something new to rave about. First time was the polenta (kind of like mashed potatoes but creamier) + ragu of the day. But do watch out for what the ragu of the day is. The beef/pot roast one is everything you ever want meat to taste like. The meatballs were so-so. Second time was the truffle egg toast - odd but surprisingly really good combination of toast/egg and asparagus. If you have 4+ guests sharing the plate, reconsider two of these. It's quite difficult to ration the pieces into more than 4. Third time was the this wine called Verdicchio (not sure if I spelled it right). Crisp, light, very dry. Fourth was the sea urchin linguine. Not the biggest fan of the choice of pasta but sauce was good. Light yet flavorful. This previous time was the pork belly and the buffalo cheese. Pork belly had a nice contrast of the crispiness of the skin against the juicy fatty portion of the meat. Taking the two together creates a nice balance of tender meat and crispy saltiness. The buffalo cheese was the best of the 5 we had. I honestly don't remember the taste but if I were to pick one of the many cheese on the menu to try again, it would be buffalo, hands down.
(4)
Evelina L.
Maybe key to happiness is low expectations... If so, I plan on having low expectations at 1359 W. Taylor street everyday of the week. I sort of thought that Italian tapas is a thing of the past and I wouldn't be impressed. I will be the first person to admit that I was wrong and will have to make it there many times in the near future to keep proving it to myself... We started out with their cheese selections, let the chef choose some great cheeses for us to eat with the fig jam - perfect. Then moved up to the ricotta with honey (to die for) and their grilled pear salad (so simple, yet SO delicious). Ended the dinner with the ragu over mascarpone polenta ( I think we licked the board), sea urchin linguine (this was the only thing that was not 5 stars, even though I LOVE urchin) and the burger (crazy good). At all the points throughout dinner, I was disappointed that I had to share with my 2 girlfriends, wanted to eat it all! And, don't forget about the wine... I love their wine concept, because who really wants to pay 3 times the price of what you can find in the store??? We shared 2 bottles of fantastic chianti's between the 3 of us and left as happy as could be :) Worth the wait, since there are no reservations.
(5)
Kathy S.
My husband and I tried this place on Saturday and we loved it so much that we came back on Sunday as well. It's been a long time since a new restaurant has impressed us this much and since we are die-hard foodies, that is saying something. Our top two faves were the truffle egg toast and the ricotta and honeycomb. To die for. Seriously. Other hits were the polenta with the ragu of the day (we had pork shoulder) and the sea urchin linguine with crab. The big ravioli dish was good as well but yeah, a bit hard to justify $9 for that. The one "miss" for us surprisingly was the seared octopus. After so many glowing reviews, I was surprised we weren't a fan of this. I'm thinking it must have been an off day because the octopus was chewy and not tender like so many others have exclaimed. I'm already excited for my next visit there...gotta try the risotto and pizzas! Oh, and all of the staff is very friendly there but Erik really stood out! He was super friendly and funny but you can tell he also had a real passion for the food.
(5)
Jeremy C.
I was with a small group that had a reservation and we waited..and waited..and waited.. and waited and a few bottles of wine at the bar later we were finally seated. Probably the longest I've EVER had to wait with a res. The food was good. The ricotta and honey thing was most memorable. The food quality was up there but then again that was several glasses of wine later and after a LONG wait. I'm not excited to go back because of the wait but I may try it again in the future.
(3)
J L.
Absolutely Divine! This place does not disappoint! They don't take reservations but we always go across the street to Beviamo for a drink and they call us when it's our time.
(5)
Jennie T.
I heard so much about this place that I thought I just had to try it out for my birthday dinner (plus, it's in my old neighborhood which I love so much!). I wish they'd take reservations though. My friends and I ordered: - some kind of salad... I forgot which. I thought it was delicious though. Sorry. I'm trying to be as accurate as possible. - Stewed calamari + pine nuts + raisins + green olives. I especially enjoyed this dish. I remembered it to be somewhat creamy, and that piqued my interest. - Polpo con Rafano. This was my entree dish. It was good, and I guess I sort of expected it to be as good as Cafe Iberico's octopus dish, but um, not quite. - Riccio di Mare e Granchio. Two of my friends ordered this, and they gave me some. OMG. I never knew sea urchins could taste so good! ...See, I've always had Chinese sea cucumbers (which are essentially the same thing, right?? I thought so, but maybe I'm wrong), and I've always hated it so even though everything else about this dish sounded pleasing, I was a little skeptical of the sea urchins, but I ended up wishing this was my entree dish instead. - Gelati and sorbetti. I think it was chocolate gelato and raspberry sorbet. Yum. On my more recent second visit, my friends and I ordered: - Bruschette. The night's toppings included tuna and Cannellini beans. Those two ingredients stuck out to me, and who knew that it could be so delicious! I enjoyed it a lot. - Mini mason jar of Ricotta + honey comb with tuscan toast. Yum! I LOVED this!! There's no word to describe. It was simply delicious. YOU HAVE TO TRY IT. Mix the honey comb into the Ricotta jar and mix well before you spread. ;) - Roasted cherry tomato + burrata + basil pesto. God, this is the best salad in the world! It tasted a little like an insalata Caprese but better. I loved it. - Truffle egg toast + fontina + asparagus. Our server recommended this dish. I thought it was interesting, but it happened to be one of my least favorite of the items we ordered on this visit. I loved that you can taste the truffle oil, and the runny egg yolks were delicious. But the bread wasn't as good as I would have preferred-- It was plain white bread. I think I would have preferred wheat or something else with a little more flavor. - Pizza della Terra. Yum! I love this too, but by the time we got the pizza, I was already full so I only had one slice. - Cannoli sundae. OMG, delicious! Too bad I was trying not to eat too much of this because I was worried about having too much dairy. All this for around $50 for four people (tip not included). Nice! We came at a much later time on the second visit. The first visit was on a Friday, and the second was on a Monday. During the second visit, we practically walked in 30 minutes before the kitchen closes so we got seated right away. No wait. I was glad for that. Then, after dinner we took pictures in the back (looks like a wine cellar) and at the bar. I had a great time during both of my visits. I will definitely want to come back here again. And, I'm going to bring my girlfriend next time. ;)
(5)
Kat H.
Delicious food n booze! Had breakfast lunch and late nite drinks here- every experience was good. It was also a short two foot walk from the hotel. Had a good bruschetta, chicken liver pate and gnuddi in broth. Breakfast came with a huge slab of bacon for my bf- he couldn't finish it and he loves meat.
(4)
Bethany H.
The food is served in the way of italian tapas and the wait staff was very good about explaining what types of portions we could expect from different areas of the menu and helping estimate how much our party would want to order. One thing to note - this should definitely show up as a $$$ choice on yelp - if you plan to have several courses and even one drink per person, plan on spending $30 or more per person. That's probably why there are complaints about price on a lot of other reviews. Don't expect a giant bowl of pasta for $11.95 and free bread, this isn't that kind of place. We had the honeycomb and ricotta with toast - like other reviews said, this was amazing and I will absolutely order it again. We had more ricotta than honeycomb on our tray, but it still worked out and the taste was out of this world. We also had a pasta dish that was excellent, a 3 cheese plate (delicious but should really come with a few more extras on the plate to compliment the cheese flavors), and the fish of the day. No complaints about any of these dishes, we were impressed with everything we ordered. I only have two issues that prevented 5 stars here - first, the tables for two make you fee like you are kind of being punished for not coming with a bigger group. They are all crammed very close to each other down the middle of the rear of the restaurant, so a couple may find themselves not only uncomfortably close to the table next to them, but also surrounded on all other sides by large noisy groups that get nice-sized round tables with plenty of room near the walls and windows. Second, our food came out too fast and because our table was so small, at times we could not fit our own plates for eating, wine glasses, menus, and our dishes from the kitchen.
(4)
Lia V.
LOVE this place. Delicious wine. Great food. Awesome service. Nice people. Beautiful decor. Adorable upstairs patio. Love it all. Lunch, happy hour, dinner... it's a good spot for it all. MMMMMMMM I wanna go now. Tip: get the ricotta and honey jar
(5)
Vina O.
Best Italian restaurant in Little Italy! You must order the mascarpone polenta + ragù of the day. It's perfect for sharing and sooooo delicious! We also ordered the Prosciutto e Rucola pizze (prosciutto di parma + fresh mozzarella + fontina + arugula) and Riccio di Mare e Granchio (linguine + sea urchin + crab) which were also both absolutely fantastic. I highly recommend this place and I cannot wait to come back!
(5)
CJ J.
This is some of the best Italian in the city. No fancy foams or reductions. No pretentious waitstaff. Just great food. Cracked egg on ravioli? Can't go wrong with that. Wine at cost? Yes, please. The joint is quaint and alwasy packed, but stand by the kitchen while you wait, as they bring fresh pizza around to the hungry guests.
(5)
Andy L.
Delicious dishes that are great for sharing. Great wine list.
(4)
Danielle S.
Davanti impressed me the first time and the second I was a little disappointed. My first visit we had the following: Vasi - Ricotta + Honey comb - Outstanding, I loved this! Served with toasts and if you ask they will bring you more to finish the Ricotta spread. Paste - Cacio e Pepe - Spaghetti + pecorino + black pepper - Loved this as well, the pecorino cheese and black pepper combined is a wonderful combo. Pizze - Pizza D.O.C. - Tomato + fresh mozzarella + basil - Classic, a must, very good! You cannot go wrong with this! So, over all our choices were very easy and classic I thought. Everything was great and perfect for two. Second trip, since I loved it so much the first time I returned.... Boards - Bruchette - 4 toasts with tonight's toppings - The night we were there it was a corn topping....super bland, not a fan at all! Paste - I had the Cacio e Pepe again (love) then we ordered the Paccheri con Salsiccia e Pomodori al forno - Rigatoni, tomato, sausage and parmigiano. This was excellent, I would recommend this dish to anyone. Pizze - Pizza con Prosciutto e Rucola - Prosciutto, mozzarella, fontina and arugula. This was just okay, not outstanding. I would not order this again either. So, I overall I would return but be choosy about what I ordered. Although I like to go to Italian restaurants where I can order anything and love it regardless.
(3)
Stephanie L.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in the city! The first time I went here, I was a bit skeptical because the menu had a lot of items that looked unfamiliar to me, but I was with my sister who had been there before, and she knew just what to order. We started out with the tuscan bread that comes with ricotta and local honey comb to put on top. It was the perfect blend of sweet and savory to get our meal started off. Then, we had the mascarpone polenta and ragú, which did not look very appetizing but tasted amazing. The polenta tasted like mashed potatoes, and it was topped with very tender and flavorful pork meat. I have also had the salad with escarole, gala apple, pecorino dolce, celery, and hazelnuts which was delicious. I would also recommend the steak and the rigatoni pasta. Their desserts are to die for! I have had the cannoli dip, the butterscotch brownie, and some kind of blueberry pie dessert, and all were absolutely perfect. Since it was my mom's birthday one time we went, the waitress brought us limoncello shots, and if you're in the mood, order a round because you won't be disappointed! Besides the amazing food and the excellent service, I enjoy that the plates are meant to be shared with the table. Also, they have a very nice wine list and reasonable priced bottles of wine. Definitely come here for a unique and delightful dining experience!
(5)
R A.
Great food, great service. The ricotta and honeycomb is amazing! Pastas are great, as was the risotto. Loved the pizza as well!
(5)
E H.
Here right now smashing pastas. Waiter is nice. Sweet t-shirt. Food is love love. Wine list solid. Will come back, fa sho. Waiter's name is Ron. Ron deserves a fat raise.
(5)
Colleen C.
Why is the food here so good and so reasonably priced!? It's surprising, honestly. When's the last time an Italian joint made such waves on the culinary scene...? Hmmm. There's a reason. Don't settle for mediocre Italian cuisine. Eat here. It's worth the wait. Head to Three Aces or Beviamo for a drink if there's a wait. You'll want to eat here though. I don't even like calamari, and their calamari was so buttery and beautiful I'd have sacrificed something sweet to eat another serving of it. Everything was impeccable. No missteps. Excellent service. Wonderful wine. Decent check. FABULOUS food. Well done, this is not a fluke. psssst. Parking around here is tough, but if you go just east on Taylor in front of the abandoned projects (sounds scarier than it is) there are no meters. Otherwise meters can typically be found somewhere on Taylor. Do not park on sidestreets, all permit and they ticket quick. Ok, now eat!
(5)
A. M.
We live in the neighborhood and always seem to forget about this place when we want to go somewhere close by. Forgetfulness aside, it is a great spot. Come here with a group of 2 or 8 and share a variety a dishes, from breads & spreads to pasta & fish. Food: Try the mini vasi - roasted eggplant, tomato, and mozzarella. The flavors meld perfectly together and the grilled bread that comes along with it is AMAZING. Egg truffle toast is also delicious. Focaccia de recco is great for a large group - bread and cheese. How can you go wrong? Pizza is good - rather large and plenty for 2-3 people. As for the pasta, I've only tried the cacio e pepe. Not the best (best was in Rome of course) but still pretty tasty! As for "don'ts," I don't recommend the cheese and meat plate. The variety of cheese is not that great and the meat was rather blah. Wine: Great selection by the glass and by the bottle. They also offer a small glass, a quartino, and a bottle option. Even though we typically go for the bottle, the variety is nice in case I'm looking for just a little taste. Dessert: Try the bacio (hazelnut & chocolate) tort. I can't remember exactly what it is called but it is life changing. Service: The first time we went the server did forget to put our pizza order in and we ended up waiting a long time. He was apologetic and offered us a free dessert. Despite this experience, service has always been friendly and attentive. Bartenders too. Water is also always filled. A plus in my book. Ambience: Cozy but trendy. Can get really loud. Like really loud. Dress: Causal but some people get dressed up a la fancy blouse, nice jeans, and heels. This is totally acceptable here. A suit on the other hand? Not so much. Other: This place gets busy quick. Make a reservation, come early, or be prepared to wait.
(4)
Linda F.
The food is excellent! Don't leave without having the focaccia!! However, the layout of the restaurant is uncomfortably crowded. Feels like you are eating with the strangers next to you. Still, we've been many times and if you go during off-peak hours, it's a very pleasant dining experience.
(3)
Sharon V.
Molto bene! First off, we were all really impressed with the ambience inside the restaurant. It had a energetic vibe without feeling too rushed or overwhelming. The dishes are meant to be shared (tapas style), so don't judge at the amount of food I'm about to write about. We ordered the Wild Boar Cacciatorini, truffle egg toast + fontina asparagus, ricotta/spinach/egg ravioli, sea urchin linguine, spaghetti, seared octopus, and wild mushroom with truffle oil pizza. It actually might have been shorter if I had just listed what we DIDN'T order. Out of that extensive list, the dishes that stuck out the most to me were the ravioli, the truffle egg toast, and the seared octopus. Be prepared to spend quite a bit of money (or just don't eat as much as us fatties) because these dishes come in very tiny portions.
(4)
J L.
Their thin crust prosciutto arugula pizza is very delicious - and I am usually not a big pizza eater, you gotta try it out. Warm kale salad also quite yummy.
(4)
Vivian H.
Food was kinda hit-or-miss. Bruschette of the day was grape/almond which was tasty and different. Sea urchin/crab linguini was fantastic, just so flavorful and tasted like OCEAN. Sausage rigatoni was alright, and perfectly al dente. The breakfast calzone was really blah/kinda gross.. and exactly what it sounds, eggs and potato in pizza crust. Chicken was really salty and nothing special. Burger was tasty but also WHOA salty.. perhaps it's the bacon jam.. mmmm bacon jam :) Really wonderful service, doesn't take reservations but we were seated right away.
(3)
Niti B.
After a looong anticipated wait to eat at this great italian restaurant I made it. I had love the concept of paying retail for a bottle of wine with just a corkage fee. I didn't explore and try anything new but thought the concept is great and wonderful way to safe a pennies! We ordered the Polpo Con Rafano seared octopus, warm fingerling potato salad, marcona almonds, fresh horseradish aioli minus the finocchiona and Pizza Della Terra foraged mushrooms, braised leeks, taleggio, truffle oil...AMAZING!!!! The pizza was light and the right amount and the octopus was seared just right. I was afraid it might be too tough but the sear was just right and the potatos were a great pairing with the almonds and aioli. For dessert we had the Torta Bacio chocolate-hazelnut mousse, crunchy bottom, cocoa nibs and I was very impressed. It was the perfect bite of sweet and didn't leave you with too rich of a taste in your mouth. The crunch at the bottom was great textural change up and I the mousse was perfect. I will definitely come back to try more since I am always in the neighborhood!
(4)
Sherry F.
This is a great tapas style Italian restaurant. Good for small groups, great for romantic dinners. It's very cozy and quaint, I'm a fan and would go back. I've tried the following: Truffle egg toast and fontina asparagus - yum, how can you go wrong? Roasted cherry tomato and burrata - burrata is by far one of the best things you can have on this planet, it wasn't exceptional, but definitely didn't disappoint. Pollo sole mio - or grilled chicken - delicious but nothing exciting or out of the ordinary Bistecca con patate e cipolla - this steak was well seasoned, delicious! The potatoes that came with it were surprisingly one of my favorites for the evening. Highly recommended!
(4)
Suzy D.
This review is more like a 3.5 My husband and I came here for dinner on Friday around 6. Food (3.5): We made reservations and they seemed pretty busy so I am glad we called ahead. After reading all the reviews we decided we had to get the ricotta with honey, the truffle egg toast, and the linguini with uni and crab. We also ordered the mushroom/truffle/leek pizza, warm kale salad, and the polenta board with meatballs. The ricotta with honey was okay, but I wasn't blown away. Perhaps it's because we had such a large amount of cheese but so little honey to drizzle on top. I think there needs to be a bit more honey served otherwise there isn't really enough to have it balance out the cheese. The toasted bread was delicious though. The truffle egg toast was great. We both really enjoyed this and it was probably one of my favorite things we ate that night. My husband loves uni so we knew we had to get the pasta with uni and crab. However, he was a bit underwhelmed. The noodles were almost too al dente and there were very few pieces of crap. The flavor was good overall, but the pasta left a little something to be desired. We really enjoyed the mushroom/truffle/leek pizza and we actually had some leftover pizza that we baked with an egg for breakfast the next day (delicious!). The kale salad was nice with orange and guanciale. It was also nice to eat something green because the rest of our meal was so carb heavy. We really enjoyed the polenta with the meatballs. The polenta with mascarpone was nice and creamy and very rich. We were so full by this point that we did not order dessert...shocking I know. The food we good, but at this price point I would expect the food to be at this level or higher. Service (4): Our server was very efficient and friendly. Our food also came at a nice pace and was spaced out well so we didn't feel too overwhelmed by everything we ordered. The bus boys were also good and our water glasses were constantly full. They also changed our plates a lot. Ambiance (4): The restaurant is cozy and rustic. It's cute and is nice for a date or even a girls night Price (3): The prices are kind of high for some of the courses considering how small the portions are. For example the linguine portion was pretty small. However, the polenta with ragu was a bit more generous. It kind of varied how the pricing went. However, even though we ordered 6 dishes, we had way less leftovers than we thought we'd have. We had 3 drinks and our bill before tip came to about 125, which is kind of pricey for two people. However, we ordered more than 2 people probably need to order.
(4)
Rob S.
Ate here a couple nights back and I was very impressed. First off, atmosphere was incredible. If your like me, than there's much more to a restaurant than just good food. The place is small and cozy (get's packed so have a reservation for dinner) and the decor is terrific ... wine bottles on the wall, glass demijohn lights, really cool. Nevertheless, the food is amazing too! They make everything tapas style so if you're hungry plan to order a bit more than you would at a traditional restaurant. Tried the hazelnut feta salad, the parmesan risotto and the sausage rigatoni. ALL delish. Wine selection was terrific too!
(5)
Richie L.
So great! The pork belly was fabulous to start. Best moment of the night: my mother, a self-described "pizza loather," basically ate the whole pizza. Never seen anything like it. The deserts were just as good. Will be back immediately if not sooner.
(5)
Kat F.
Had a lovely dinner at Davanti Enoteca last weekend. Having heard so many good things about their handmade pizzas and pastas, I was super excited to try it myself. The Pros: Atmosphere is an A+ in my book. Walking in, I was enamored by the charming, rustic decor and the cozy ambiance. The wine list was phenomenal with a diverse selection of quality and reasonably prices bottles. While it was rather crowded, my boyfriend and I walked right in on a Friday night at 7 PM and had little difficulty being seated. By the time we left there was a waiting list, so reservations on the weekend are probably the safe bet. The staff -- friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about both the drink and dinner menu. The So-So's:: The food was good, but after hearing some of the reviews, I was expecting a knock your socks off kind of dinner. The four small plates we selected (Cauliflower Steak, Market Fish of the Day (Striped Bass), Chili Oil Pizza, and Gelato Sampler), were all good but nothing super memorable that we would go back for. All in all, a nice evening. We loved the atmosphere so much that we'll be back to try out some other dishes on the menu and give the food another shot. Would give this place 3.5 stars if I could as I think it's better than 3 but the food was not quite good enough to go all the way to 4.
(3)
S R.
I went to Davanti Enoteca as a treat from a colleague back in Chicago in 2012. It is located in little Italy. I don't remember much but I will relay what I do remember, Arched brick displayed wine bottles along the walls. It was beautiful. The wine display and warm lighting evoked a romantic atmosphere. The syrah was divine and the mascarpone polenta + ragù of the day (basically meatballs on top of a board drizzled with mascarpone cheese) was to die for! I cannot wait to go back!
(5)
Karla S.
I like the concept of the restaurant, but the food just didn't do it for me. I am not a big fan of Italian food to begin with, but sometimes an amazing restaurant can convert me. Not this one. The polenta just didn't cut it for me.. the tomatoes and mozzarella were extremely soupy. My grilled steak was over done..blah The only reason I give it 3 stars -- the pasta with crab and sea urchin was very good along with the wine (which is retail price btw) other than that, not much to write home about..
(3)
Richie D.
Great ambience and decor. Fabulous food. HORRIBLE service! (Except for the bartender and busboy who we wished were working the host stand and waiting tables) If this review proves anything, it is that service can truly ruin a dining experience. My party came in at 6:15 pm and put our name for a party of 3 to one of the three hosts. We sat down at the bar, ordered drinks off their lengthy wine list and three cheeses off the charcuterie options (I highly recommend the Robiola Rochetta smooth cheese). And we ate and waited, waited, waited, while every other party was sat first. We went up to the host stand twice to inquire and they continued to say that we were "next." Finally 1 hour and 15 minutes later, NOT 35 minutes later as quoted, we were at a table. It just happened that we had the slowest waitress ever who couldn't have been a waitress to make a living. While she was quiet-spoken, she paid more attention to the neighboring table where her friends sat and she shared wine. The bartender had to tell the waitress we were waiting to place our order. The busboy stopped by our table 5 times without the waitress coming and secretly felt bad. She didn't even ask us how our entrees were after their arrival! The dishes were all tasty and recommended. All three pastas, the Cacio e Pepe, Paccheri con Salsiccia e Pomodori al forno and marrow ravioli special were cooked perfectly "al dente" like Rachel Ray says. Small sizes that are somehow suppose to be shared. We were not out until 9:30 pm! Three hours of mainly waiting, not dining. Sadly enough, I think Davanti Enoteca is worthy of 4 or 5 stars... It may be owned by the same folks as one of my favorite places in the city, DiSotto Enoteca off Chestnut ( yelp.com/biz/disotto-eno… ). The decor, wine and menu items like the Truffle Toast with Egg and a mason jar of Ricotta cheese with fresh honey comb are all the same. BIG disappointment! If only the staff could pick up a few tips. If you're willing to take on the service, they have nice weekly specials: Mondays: burger + peroni ... 10 Take-Out Tuesday: pasta + salad + wine ... 30 Wednesday: house infusion martini ... 5 Thirsty Thursday: all beers ... 3 Formaggi Friday: 3 for 12 / 4 for 14 / 5 for 17 Sinful Sunday: bloody mary ... 5
(2)
Zolba B.
Wow wow wow! I haven't been to that many restaurants in Chicago, yet. The food here is unbelievably good. All the pizzas I tried, the beef stew, everything tasted amazing. Inarguably the best Italian food I've ever had in any city I've ever been to. The only thing that displeased me was how the manager kicked us out of the restaurant bluntly and aggressively. It was kinda our fault though, because we were 45 minutes late for our reservation on a Saturday night and we wanted to keep eating and eating. :-) Anyway, I can't wait to go back and devour the rest of the food that I haven't tried!
(5)
Emily Z.
Love, love, love the rustic European design and feel of Davani Enoteca. Very open dining room that is great for groups, unfortunately this also means that it can get pretty loud. Went with a group of 7, we started with a sampling of 5 cheeses for $15, great presentation and the staff is able to describe each option and give recommendations if desired. This was a fun way to sample different cheeses, served with a raisin toast and strawberry preserves. Everything sounded great and had great presentation, unfortunately nothing really stood out to me. I ordered the roasted cherry tomato + burrata + basil pesto for $8, the dish was a gorgeous take on a Caresse salad, warm roasted tomatoes sill on the vine atop a hockey puck sized round of Burrata cheese which is mozzarella filled with cream. It was good but nothing I am rushing back to get again. I also got the Risotto Carbonara for $8, consisting of Italian rice + pancetta + sweet peas + parmigiano + farm egg yolk. I was super excited for this dish and extremely disappointed, it was not as creamy of a risotto as I like and the Italian rice was a bit aldente, ick. Though our server Hila was fabulous and handled it very well offering to have the chef prepare me something different. The atmosphere of Davanti Enoteca is so great that I would definitely come back, but probably just for wine, appetizers, and great conversation in a gorgeous setting.
(3)
Kevin C.
If I could give this place 3.5 stars I would. The food ranges from average to great, but the price is simply not commensurate with the quality of the food. First the good, the bruschetta is very good, I like that each day has a different special dish and Sunday was bruschetta day. The thin crusted bread dish was soft cheese inside and honey (the name escapes me) was definitely the best dish. The pasta dishes as well as the pizza were mediocre. Lastly the decor was exceptional. When you walk in you feel like you're in an old Italian restaurant with brick walls and wine barrels around. Overall, the food and ambience was above average, just not worth the cost.
(3)
Casey F.
YUM. This place was awesome. Went last weekend while the rents were in town. We got seated right away - I think we got the last table because the line was out the door 5 min after we sat down. We got there a little before 6 - a little early for my liking but so worth it. Service was great, wine was awesome and cheap- $22 a bottle for great vino. We got: Polenta with braised lamb Truffle egg toast Pork belly Pizza Della terra Cacio e pepe Linguine with sea urchin Rigatoni with sausage Carrot cake for dessert SO amazing. Polenta was the best I've ever had. Pizza was bomb. The cacio e pepe was the tables favorite dish. The only thing stopping me from giving it 5 stars was the pork belly. I LOVE pork belly. I'm a snot about it and order it everywhere I go. Theirs was too big and improperly cooked- it was not crispy and you actually felt like you were eating lard, instead of crispy fatty deliciousness. Other than that I have zero complaints. Definitely one of the best meals I've had- and that is a bold statement. Total for 4 people with all of the food I mentioned above and 2 bottles of wine was $150- totally reasonable and we all left super stuffed.
(4)
juston m.
good italian pies, good atmosphere. we had a nice starter and cocktail evening here. all the food was delicious. the cocktails were even better.
(4)
Stella W.
If you are in the area, and don't want to drive, It's a good place to stop by to eat. With all the hype, i had a high expectation of the place. For the university village area, i guess it's a better restaurant, but i think there are better offerings in the entire chicagoland area.... we all like the ambiance and decoration of the restaurant. the service was good... Quite frankly, i was a bit tick off by the wine price...I had to tell myself to shut off my analytical side to enjoy the wine and food.... So they claimed they sell their bottles at the retail price (but is it really? I wonder if they would price match? :P ), so they charged $7 for corkage fee on top of the "bottle price", even though you are buying the whole bottle there. So I also wonder what the corkage fee is if I bring in my own bottle?! I know at a lot of wine bar/stores, if you do buy the whole bottles at their stores, and drink them there, they don't charge extra. So is it better knowing, or not knowing, what's packed on to the "retail price" of the bottles you get at a store/restaurant/wine bar? So in the end, I looked at that $7 as part of the cost of having wine there. Stop being so analytical, I said to myself! :P On to the food....nothing out of this world. We shared the roasted eggplants with toast, the truffle toast with egg. Both of them are good...nothing too out of extraordinary though. The pasta with sea urchin and crab --- it's different, and as an sea urchin lover, i could taste a hint of sea urchin, but i would rather just eat the whole sea urchin sashimi :P the pasta was cooked about right...not too soggy monkfish osso bucco --- something different. I never had anything monkfish other than monkfish liver which i love. the steak with basil --- we had it at medium rare, so it was pretty flavourful. the risotto with egg and pancetta -- i can see how it could be a starch dish to share all in all, if you are in the area and are hungry and the wait isn't too long, it's worth checking it out.
(3)
Janie C.
The Davanti Burger is literally one of the best burgers I've ever had. And I'm from the south so I don't say that lightly. We know our meat. The Italian atmosphere and the down-to-earth staff make for an experience that is enjoyable from start to finish. Definitely recommend this place. Good prices as well as daily specials.
(5)
Stephanie S.
Wow! As good as it gets! Came here with two friends, Jia and Jo Ellen and we had out little girls night out dinner on the patio as part of the FestaItalianaChicago Italian Festival. Yay! What an amazing treat and experience. First off, we were off to a late start and cruising the Festa quickly became slim pickings. We want to dine at its sister restaurant, Francescas but were too late by 8 minutes (! 10:08). What to do? Well easy thing is to walk across the street and Voila! Davanti Enoteca ready to serve with a smile. Even loads of them. The host and server were amazingly all smiles, almost eerily smiling. But for good reason! They probably understood they served some of the best Italian cuisine in the neighborhood and that soon we'd all be smiling! Jia, Jo Ellen and I shared the Tile fish (never had before), lightly breaded and perfectly prepared and also had the meat balls with marinara right on some very creamy and tasty polenta. Wow. Oh and I can't forget the homemade gelato, the flavor, pistachio nut! OMG more heaven! My tasted buds were in heaven. Wine, espresso rounded out the evening for me. And our bill was reasonable ($54 including tax, tip each). What a gem! Don't miss it if you have the chance. You won't regret coming here.
(5)
Jeannie A.
My new favortie place! Went yesterday with a party of 5. They do not take reservations, so we went early (5:30) and was seated right away. I guessing by 6:30, you'd be waiting at the bar (which would be fine)! They have rooftop seating also, but we ate inside. We each picked 2 different items off the menu - think Italian tapas - and shared everything. Everything was so good! My favorites: special ragu/polenta, mushroom pizza, risotto, ricotta w/honey. I could have passed on the pork belly, but others at the table liked it. Wine selection was great - service was awesome. Can't wait to go back. There is a little wine bar right across the street that plays jazz. We stopped there after.
(5)
Rose B.
Joe at the hostess station was the best. Great introduction to this area/restaurant. Atmosphere was really great - Service great - Food - great. Yelp reviewers prices - again - not in line with what they really are. A little pricey but food was worth it.
(4)
Kira S.
I had a great experience at Davanti Enoteca last Friday. We arrived around 6pm for drinks and apps and found a spot at the bar immediately before the rush began. The decor is charming and comfortable. The bartender was friendly and made some great recommendations for us. We started with a nice meat and cheese platter and then moved onto their signature mascarpone polenta. The ragù of the day was prosciutto meatballs and was absolutely delicious. A fantastic place for a for dinner before a movie in the South Loop and would also be a great date spot.
(4)
Paul C.
Great place! You just can't get pastries like that in Ohio.
(5)
Rebecca R.
This place is amazing! I went there for a date and I can honestly say this was the best place my date could have picked for dinner. The place is simply decorated but elegant. The food delicious, and there is lots of it on the plate (I had Risotto Carbonara and we had a bottle of Prosecco). It is also affordable with a great service. I really recommend it for Italian food lovers, and people who enjoy a good time by a bottle of wine. I love Davanti Enoteca !!!
(5)
Rishi S.
Really fantastic place!! We came here for a friends birthday with a prefixed menu! This was a 9 course meal! Each course was great! The presentation of each course is splendid! A must is the linguine + sea urchin + crab- it is creamy and the pasta is cooked to perfection! For dessert, we tasted the carrot cake with mascarpone caramal cream---ridiculously good! If u in Chicago, this place is a must!
(5)
Rachel F.
It was my roommate birthday so me her and her friend all decided to italian tapas it out over at Davanti. I'm relatively new to Chicago and hadn't made it over to University Village yet. After going to Davanti... I think I'll be making it over that way a little more often. The food was great, major stars were the baby octopus, and the mushroom pizza. Now I've had a lot of truffle oil before, but that mushroom pizza was soo good it made me go out and spend $40 dollars on my own little bottle of truffle oil. Now I try to "Davanti" at home by drizzling truffle oil on my own crap pizza's. I haven't made it back over to Davanti yet, but if you do... MUSHROOM PIZZA!
(4)
Karen T.
Anyone who's eaten with me any other time can attest to my usual carnivorous vice. The less common the fowl/fish/seafood/meat, the more my ears perk up and my mouth waters. So for me to say I ate a vegetarian meal at a non-vegetarian restaurant and enjoyed every bite of it without missing meat once is a pretty big statement. One of our fellow diners was a vegetarian, but we took one look at the menu and realized there were so many veggie options we wouldn't be at a loss if we skipped out on meat. Sure enough, Davanti Enoteca served up delicious, decadent dish after dish to us in a jovial, warm setting and I couldn't have been more satisfied upon leaving. We had some glasses of Riesling (the quartino, a glass and a half portion, is a great way to try a wine among friends) and started off with the famous honeycomb / ricotta vasi with tuscan toast. It was just as nosh-worthy as I could have imagined. Our jar was pretty big - so big our server brought a second helping of bread when we ran out! The "tapas-style" meal involved splitting a couple of dishes: a truffle oil pizza with mushrooms, leeks and taleggio, which blew La Madia's pizza out of the water. We devoured the truffled egg toast with asparagus and fontina, which looked like eggs in a hole and tasted even better than eggs in a hole. The farro, squash and goat cheese salad was earthy, light and had just a hint of sweetness to it, which was a nice, bright contrast to the rest of the heavier items. When we said we had room for one last dish, our server recommended the focaccia with cow cheese, which did us all in. Each bite was ridiculously crispy and fatty...each slice, a wall for each of us to surmount. We ended up boxing up the last two pieces. For dessert, we tried the butterscotch pudding - the caramel sauce was at the bottom, and worth every bite to get to. Overall, I really enjoyed the meal, and was pleasantly surprised by how uncrowded it was (I've heard some horror stories about lines here). Perhaps the winter has begun to weed some of the patrons out...but it shouldn't. The warmth in the wine, food and service should be more than enough to warrant a visit. Go now!
(4)
Elizabeth H.
Couldn't have been happier with my birthday dinner choice! We heard a lot of great things about this place and finally had a reason to go. We didn't know it was small plate style but didn't mind that much since we were able to try a variety of things. Also, this wasn't the traditional italian that you would expect at an Italian restaurant. The only little qualm I had was when I asked for the waiter's help on selecting cheeses to compliment the salami we ordered, he really didn't help. All he did was read the types of cheese off the menu which wasn't what I asked for or needed. Overall we will definitely be going back again!
(5)
Dimple M.
Nice place with friendly staff. We had a reservation, therefore got a spot immediately (strongly recommend reserving ahead of time). Food was good. Deserts were great. Risotto was the highlight.
(4)
Elina S.
Freaking amayyyzingg! Like let me just say, I'm not the biggest fan of Italian food in general, too heavy for me, but this was such a unique, fun and best of all tasty experience. The only, and I mean only negative to this place is that they don't take reservations, otherwise I'd be here every week. 6 of my friends and I went here on Saturday night and it was packed and although we had to wait a little, we managed to get a seat at the bar and drink so that made the wait so much better. They have a great selection of beers and wines, so alchey makes all happy. The atmosphere is so unique, like an Italian cave with really cool communal tables and funky chandeliers, definitely a trendy place. Now it does get loud and super packed, but with the booze flowin and the delish food, we didn't mind. I went with some picky foodies and they all gave this place a 5+. The mushroom pizza outstanding, the ricotta and honey comb with tuscan toast-pure heaven. The hanger steak was cooked to perfection with a delish sauce. My friend got the burger and it looked to die for. Everything, was amazing. The only issue was one of the 7 of us got our food later than everyone but the manager apologized like 3 times, which was super nice of him and he compt our dessert. Now that is service. And speaking of dessert, we had a bunch to try, but the torta bacio OH EM GEE, perfection perfection! The whole place was just an awesome experience, you MUST come here! Or don't so I don't have that much of a wait next time :)
(5)
Yun P.
I never check in while eating. I don't cook much so I've around enough restaurants to know... when I say this is one of the best I've had....really one of the best in the city. Why did i not visit earlier!!! Ambiance is great, service is great, food is amazing!!!!
(5)
Kathryn D.
This place is wonderful. I am a Chicago native and am always looking for delicious Italian when I go home. I am thus far convinced that California Italian just doesn't cut it in comparison, and places like this cement my hypothesis. I wouldn't say this is 100% traditional Italian, but more of a twist on classic cuisine. Their octopus, one of my favorites if done right, was out of this world. Everything I nibbled on here was delicious. I love the rustic atmosphere and the knowledgeable staff. Looking forward to returning!
(5)
Holly O.
I've been here twice - once for brunch, once for dinner. Have loved both! Two favorite things? Truffle Egg Toast. Yelpers recommended it and did NOT fail me. Super yum. Also? Get the ricotta & honey comb toast (vasi). AMAZING. What else? At brunch, the bartender let me talk him into making me a grapefruit version of a mimosa (he did it with half moscato, half prosecco) - it was delicious. I told him he should put it on the menu and name it after me... So if there's a "Holly" on their brunch drink menu ever, I shall feel victorious! For dinner, get wine - since they sell it there and sell it at retail, rather than mark-up. Many other yummy food items, too!
(4)
Rocky S.
Tapas style italian food. Went for lunch with the wife and my newborn. Was very impressed with the food (get the octopus and the cauliflower steak, highly recommend). No parking garage/lot that we saw, but they offer valet. Waitress told us it was "family dining", which is why we went in the first place, because we enjoy family-style eating. But keeping the family idea in mind, we found it wasn't easy to get our kid's stroller in and out of the entrance, as there are stairs to enter, no ramp, and given that the baby needed to be changed, there was no changing station in the place. Waitress was kind enough to put two bar stools together in the bathroom to let us change the baby, and overall was very accommodating to our needs. The place has amazing wood ceilings and flooring, and looks to be more conducive for a romantic/intimate setting. We originally sat in the back, but moved near the windows, as the place had a bit of a moldy odor according to my wife, which the staff obliged. Very helpful wait-staff once again, and the food may be the best italian food in all of Chicago as far as my wife was concerned, but the place in my opinion is not meant as much for families with children after our experience there. I would go back definitely with the wife for an intimate evening.
(3)
Gina S.
Dim the lights baby. Romantic date spot check. I would say the combination of dark wood, exposed brick, and unique lighting were elevating my expectations that this would be a great dinner spot. We arrived and were not greeted (for what seemed like an eternity) by the hostess who was busy talking to the bartender (I even had time to suggest we go some place else). When we were finally seated the noise level started to sink in, the obnoxiously loud background music playing was terrible as all the hubby and I could do was stare longingly at one another trying to lip read. I guess if you have nothing to say to your dinner companion, this is the place to bring em. We started with the squash salad. It turned out to be more of a grain "salad". I wasn't a huge fan. When there is more grain than squash...it really should be called a grain salad because that's what you get. For dinner we split a pizza D.O.C. It was okay. We didn't have any libations, perhaps it would have made the experience better.
(2)
Kate L.
My friend and I tried Davanti Enoteca for the first time last evening. It is a cozy little restaurant with very tasty food, and I look forward to returning again soon. Many of the menu items sounded delicious so we asked our waiter for recommendations. One of his suggestions was the Ricotta and Honeycomb Vasi. I also remembered that many Yelpers had suggested this appetizer so we went for it. So great! You spread the cheese and honeycomb on toasted bread. It's so simple yet so tasty. It is a nice balance of sweet and savory. There was so much cheese left after our first order of bread that the wait staff offered to bring us more. My only complaint is that the cheese to honeycomb ratio was not balanced. You don't need as much honeycomb as cheese, but a little more would have been nice. We shared the Agnolotti di Zucca with pumpkin, ricotta, hazelnuts, sage, brown butter, and chicken livers. Our waiter recommended this dish and told us not to be scared off by the chicken livers. They were cooked and shaved on top like cheese so you'd never even know what it was if someone didn't tell you. And it was delicious! Very rich and perfect for fall/winter. We also ordered the Pizza della Terra, which has wild mushrooms, leeks, taleggio, and truffle oil. Yum! We didn't finish the pizza because we were so stuffed from our other offerings. I enjoyed everything thoroughly. My only wish was that we had ordered a salad because what we ordered was so rich. We needed some veggies!
(4)
E K.
DELICIOUS. Much better and more authentic than Quartinos. Loved it all.
(5)
Cristina T.
Seeing as Davanti is about 10 steps away from my place, it was about time to try it out. The perfect occasion for my best friend and I to celebrate the holidays. Around 6:30 on a Wednesday night, Davanti was packed. As soon as I got there we were seated in the wine cellar like back of the restaurant. The atmosphere was warm and friendly and tables were packed in tight. We started our meal off with a bottle of wine. I think the cheapest bottle on the menu was $40 so be prepared for a pricey meal. Per other Yelpers recommendations we started with the ricotta and honeycomb. The perfect combination of salty and sweet, we fell in love with this dish. So much to the point that we were eating the ricotta out of the jar with a spoon. We continued with the beet salad that was topped with walnuts and a creamy cheese. Yummy. We also ordered the burrata, which was a mozarella cheese filled with creamy mozarella-y goodness. Topped with the most delicious pesto this was a standout dish. We continued our meal with the ricotta gnudi, which were pasta that were soft and pillowy. We also ordered the sorpressata spicy pizza that had the most delicious crust. For dessert we split the carrot cake that was served in a jar. It wasn't too heavy and was just perfectly sweet. Overall I enjoyed my meal at Davanti and because it is so close to my place I can definitely see myself coming back again. Although you may end up spending more money than originally anticipated, you will have one of the most extraordinary dining experiences of your life.
(5)
Bill M.
There is literally nowhere to eat around Midway airport, so I drove up to Davanti to give it a go. I sat down at the bar and instead of having a glass of wine from the vast wine list (it is an enoteca) I chose a Whistle Pig Rye Manhattan. When the bartender put it in front of me I couldn't believe how much Rye there was in the glass. And it was tasty too. The food is served small plates style for the most part. They also do brick oven pizzas. One has egg on it that looked interesting. I ordered the warm kale salad and gnudi with braised pork shoulder. The kale was served in a guanciale viniagrette and walnuts. I thought this was an incredible salad. The kale soaked up all of the taste of the guanciale. The gnudi were light and pillowy and served with three of the most tender pieces of pork I have ever had. The broth was a cream sauce of some sort, but was lighter than the fat held in the pork shoulder, so it played well together. I will definitely give this a second visit my next time to chicago.
(4)
Hassan B.
Went there with a group of 8 people so we got to try a variety of food. Portion sizes aren't Americanized so we ordered somewhere around 12-14 total items. The least impressive of the offerings were the pizza and the risotto which was a bit disappointing but rest of the food more than made up for it. Among my favorites were Truffle Egg Toast, Crispy Pork Belly, Riccio di Mare (sea urchin and crab linguini), and Cacio e Pepe. SAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT! Both Torta Bacio and Affogato are AMAZING if you're a chocolate fan!
(4)
Eric B.
Beautiful interior. The ricotta with honeycomb was one of the best things I've had in Chicago. The bread was perfect and the ricotta/honey was great. Pizza del terra was good - mushrooms, truffle oil, etc. Buratta mozzarella was good. Nice waiters. Pretty good prices. Good wine. Highly recommend it.
(5)
Rebecca N.
THIS PLACE ROCKS! The only reason I am giving it 4 stars is because we ate in an unconventional way due to the wait--but it was still AMAZING!! (probably will get 5 when I try it next!) I went on a saturday night with 4 other people to a place that doesn't take reservations--because of all the hype around this restaurant we should have expected it to be longer than the hour and a half anticipated. two and a half hours! we went to go wait at the wine bar next door (Beviamo) to get a drink. We found out there that you can order the food at Davanti to go and they pick it up for you! We were lucky enough to snag a table and decided to get some appetizers. We went with the eggplant spread and ricotta spread and the brushetta which is changed daily. When we went it was asparagus. All of them were unreal. The ricotta was perfect with the honey and the eggplant had great texture. The bread was fresh and the perfect amount. We liked this idea so much that we decided to ditch waiting and order the rest of our meal. We went with the truffle and mushroom pizza (I LOVEED--but some friends said it is too rich), ceasar salad (nothing special) and the pepper pasta (good but im not a pepper lover. I love sharing and I love itallian, so this was a great spot. I can't wait to come back during the week so there won't be as long of a wait. Not to mention to food cost 12 DOLLARS EACH! Mind you we didn't eat a ton of food, but absolutely enough for 5 girls going out afterward.
(4)
Adam M.
I love going to tapas restaurants and Davanti is like Tapas meets Italian. Very nice atmosphere and really good food. You cannot make reservations, but the wait actually wasn't bad. (but I also went on a Tuesday) On of my favorite dishes was the Crispy Poker Belly with Apple Mostarda. This is a must order dish! Some other dishes that I Really liked were: - Riccio di Mare e Granchio - Paccheri con Salsiccia e Pomodori al forno Some dishes that were pretty good were: - Risotto Carbonara - Pizza con Prosciutto e Rucola I would recommend staying away from the swordfish. It was decent, but it had a very fishy taste which I'm not used to for a white fish like swordfish. All-in-all, I really liked Davanti Enoteca and their take on small dish Italian food.
(4)
Yvonne B.
This event turned from a belated birthday celebration for my sister, to include a future celebration for my brother, and then a surprise welcome home from the Army celebration for my other sister (she surprised me AT the restaurant)! It was intense and we were all very happy to be at Davanti Enoteca. The food came and the alcohol flowed. Some things I would have liked to know: they DO take reservations. I don't know why I thought they didn't, but they do. And a reservation for a large party like ours would have been helpful. We sat on the roof where they had protective walls and heaters, but we were still a little chilly. Next, I would have liked to know that our server was going to be an asshole so we could request another section. I told him right away about the birthdays and the Army coming home (she was actually wearing her uniform) and he said (in a not so nice tone), "You trying to get free stuff?!" I quickly said, "No, I am just excited!" And that was that. Geesh dude. It's customary to tell servers about celebrations. If they want to throw in a free dessert or appetizer, that's great (and I'll tip even better because of it); if they don't give us anything, oh well then. If they pull an asshole move and actually SAY that, and not give us anything, then poo poo on you. And besides, we had to ask him THREE times throughout our ENTIRE dinner for more bread. And our bill was messed up (not split properly between two cards per my instructions written on the receipt). So yeah. That server soured my evening (and this review). The food and drinks were good. We ate a lot: Ricotta & Local Honey Comb - $7 Truffle Egg Toast - $9 Crispy Pork Belly - $9 Davanti Burger - $12 ... And about five other things that I don't remember. The food was all delicious. We all raved about every single dish and passed them around to share. It was lovely and we ate and ate to our hearts' content. We were very happy from the food and drinks; however, because of the server, I wouldn't want to go back. I mean, there are places I can go where the service has already been vetted for me. I know it's top notch and I know the food is delicious. I might as well go there instead.
(2)
Linda M.
2/20/2014: I originally gave them 5 stars but because of my recent visit I think 4 is more accurate. I truly love this place but I went this past Sunday for brunch and was a bit disappointed with my dish. I ordered the dish with pork belly, potatos, and poached eggs. This dish was just WAY too salty. I could not enjoy it at all. I hope they were just having an off day since I truly love visiting this place. Original Post: I live close by and have visited Davanti Enoteca a couple of times and the food is always incredible and the staff is very friendly and attentive. it's a great spot for a date or to come by with some friends. The music is definitely not traditional but that's fine by me since i love the fun, friday night vibe. If you have not been, definitely a place to check out in Chicago. Order the Ricotta & honey with bread - I love it!!
(4)
Diego A.
Enjoyed my first meal here and looking forward to coming back. I liked the decor and comfortable feeling here. The food was delicious and the portions were just right. I'll be back to try more.
(4)
Kristen W.
This place is Amazing! From being promptly welcomed at the door, greeted by our sever, to the delicious food. Harriet made our experience wonderful. She made honest recommendations and made our experience unforgettable. I did notice that she had a very time consuming table of 6 gentleman who thought they were wine enthusiast. (I hope she got a 30% percent tip from those jerks). She never showed frustration or let it affect the service of her other tables. Thank you so much Harriet for making our anniversary special and for even going out of your way to have the bartender whip me up a mock tail. We will definitely be back.
(5)
Young r.
Good ambience, great service. We went in around 6 pm. on Sunday, and the place was completely packed by 6:30. Not many main servers, but I would say that both main and assisting servers were attentive. We were not pushed to make a choice or order more or certain dishes, and our server was very honest and great in explaining flavors. We had two small dishes and two pastas. I like my pasta al dente, but it was more than that. Maybe the pasta chef counted the time for pasta to be delivered to tables...still too hard. Small dishes were good, and many others talked about the ricotta cheese spread and the black port belly... so I'll skip this part. Pastas were disappointing, especially my sea urchin and crab pasta. It was buttery and had some chunks of crabs, but NO SEA URCHIN. Sea urchin was melted with butter and lobster to make the base of the pasta, but I couldn't taste it at all. They can take sea urchin out of the sauce, and no one will notice. Meh. Hubby's rigatoni - he thought it was ok, I thought it was a little too salty, both sauce and sausages. We both agreed the vanilla pudding dessert was good (me)/Very good(hubby). Pity that there is no outside sitting for lack of space. Overall, I would say, antipasto - 4 STAR, pasta - 1.5 STAR, and dessert - 3.5 STAR.
(3)
Meredith K.
I was here back in 2011 with a group. We loved it!! Coming back I see the have the same stuff on the menu but how its prepared has changed. I wasn't as in love this time but it still is really great food and service. To start they didn't take reservations back then but they do now. A great improvement! Although I don't like sitting at a high top but it was Sat night and crazy busy so I got over it. It is also very loud in here. I don't mind but my parents do. They have a terrific wine by the glass list and of course by the bottle. We got the olives which are served warm and that is a good thing. Also the cheesy egg focaccia which was not as good as the first time. Also the roasted squash salad which is very good. We also tried some pastas. One had chicken liver so I didn't eat it but the spaghetti was yummy! And a mushroom pizza which I recommend. And the fresh ricotta with honey. That I could pass on. The cheese is just ok and you get a small amount of honey. We also got the chocolate mouse dish which is amazing. I love the crunch on the bottom. And the carrot cake in a jar which is super good. I think I'd come back again. Just this time not with mom and dad.
(4)
Alex And Desirae P.
My boyfriend and I went here for dinner and we loved it! First off, this place is beautiful, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.The staff was friendly and provided great service throughout our meal. The food was great, although the portions were a bit smaller than what you would expect from an Italian restaurant. If you plan on dining here on a weekend, making a reservation will definitely save you from standing around while you wait for a table!
(4)
Patricia P.
The sea urchin was amazing.
(4)
Igor Z.
I go here as often as possible. No matter what I order its always very very tasty. The staff is always nice and they have great specials. Get the focaccia di Recco with honey and call me in the morning. See ya!
(5)
Jenny F.
Not bad - the reason I didn't give it 4 stars is because the food was a little bit salty. The truffle egg toast was my favorite but not a large portion. The interior and atmosphere is really nice though - cozy and rustic.
(3)
Debbie S.
Went back here for brunch / lunch with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law when they were in town (and even brought our little guy)...Davanti didn't disappoint. We had several of the same dishes that I had eaten previously but we also tried the focaccia with ricotta cheese...out of this world. It sounds simple but it is scrumptious. I sort of wish I didn't have to share it :) We also had the kale pizza which was fantastic (my little guy loves kale) and an egg dish with delicious potatoes. To top it off...three words...bloody mary bar. I was in heaven -- and while my bloody was so spicy that I was sweating while I was drinking it, it was well worth it. Terrific waitstaff, wonderful atmosphere during the day and it certainly wasn't a problem to have our little guy with us....I love this place!
(5)
Leang E.
My cousin seems to have a thing for Italian food and so when he came to visit I thought we'd give this place a try. We had to circle around to search for parking since Italian Fest was also going on. We had to put our names on a waiting list despite all the vendors paraded on the streets competing for customers. I think we got called a little earlier and were seated outside, which was perfect. It was a gorgeous day, and we got to eating. Our waiter was friendly and helpful with recommendations especially figuring out how much food we should order in terms of portion and quantity. We started out with the bruschette, fish dish, linguine, and one of the meat and cheese boards. We got the Prosciutto, Mozzarella, & Arugula Pizza after we decided we could eat a little more and the pizzas ordered around us looking good. We were quite full, but a little disappointed that there was no tiramisu. The prices were reasonable and the food was delicious. I definitely wouldn't say no to coming back here.
(4)
Charlie F.
Very nice, but also a bit noisy.
(4)
Nirav G.
great date spot. cute atmosphere. was hoping for more options on the menu, but the food was still great. would visit again.
(4)
Stephanie S.
I have never really been to Taylor Street, I know...I am so sheltered. It is so cute! Anyway, usually when people suggest going out for Italian, I am like, meh...but that is because it is usually like boring and store bought pasta. Not Davanti! It was straight out of Italy awesome. The resturant itself is super cute. We actually sat on the rooftop, a great spot in the summer. It was a chilly night, but they had the heaters going so it was comfortable. The wine list was pretty extensive with affordable options, which is always nice. Now to the food. Love love loved the Focaccia di Recco! Definite must get if you go! The Vasi Burrata, Sea Salt, and EVOO was amazing as well! I thought I would love the Truffle Egg Toast the best, but it was just good. I mean it was good, but nothing out of this world. The other 2 apps showed this one up! For dinner I had the giant ravioli. After having this in Napa at Bottega, I had to try it here. First off, I love when Italian restaurants actually make their own pasta. Hello! That is why I am coming! This was delish! Super light and totally differerent, but delicious as well from the last one I had. My hubby got the risotto, which I was eyeing, and it was awesome. I would probably get it next time. Everything was great, the prices are so reasonable and it is a nice change from the typical places that serve the generic Italian dishes. They put a lot of thought into this place. I will definitely be back! Wish they took reservations...
(5)
Violet C.
This was my first time and it did not disappoint! I was a bit skeptical at first, but when the food came out I was pleasantly surprised. All of the courses we ordered were unique and delicious in it's own way. Our party was a group of seven and by the end of dinner, we were all filled up! The service was nice and polite. I would recommend the eggplant, tomato, mozzarella, pesto spread! My only little problem was that the place was very loud. We had to talk very loudly to hear each other. Other than that, I definitely recommend for family get togethers!
(4)
Tykon D.
I found Davanti Enoteca to be inconsistent. We ordered the focaccia, the truffle toast, and the polenta (ragu of the day was pork shoulder). The polenta with ragu came out first and it was excellent. Then the focaccia came (15 minutes after we finished the polenta) and it was really good, though we found the portion to be much bigger than needed. Wish there was a half order option for couples. Then, a good fifteen minutes after we had finished that, the toast came out. It was cold. And unappetizing. Then we found a hair in it and sent it back. For the record, we wouldn't have liked it even without the hair. Maybe if it had come out when it was still hot (like most toast would). We got dessert and by the time we finished that, we'd spent about 2 hours in the restaurant. Upon leaving, our buzzes had worn off, and we were still hungry. Though our waitress was friendly enough, the tempo of the meal was way off and the order that the dishes came out in seemed thoughtless. The pork shoulder ragu was phenomenal (thus the a-ok 3 star rating), but I can't help but feeling like this was a waste of time and money. Very disappointing. Whether you want tapas or italian, there are much better options nearby.
(3)
S S.
my favorite Italian place in Chicago. amazing food with fresh ingredients and great service. they don't take reservations but they aren't insanely busy on week nights. on the weekends, there will be a little bit of a wait.
(5)
Nina V.
I didn't realize that there were two Davanti's - the original one in Chicago's Little Italy section, and one in San Diego (also in Little Italy). And I have been to both! The ambiance is charming and rustic. The food, wine selection and service is always consistent and wonderful. A lot of the items are meant to be shared, so do try a few things on the menu when dining with a group. Top of my list: the 'Ragu of the day' - braised pork on a slab of polenta - nice and hearty! Although I like the original Chicago location, the spot in San Diego is still my favorite due to the location (probably because it's close to the ocean, and has a bustling vibe with local Italian merchants, restaurants, stores. The outdoor patio seating is also the differentiator between Chicago. You can't go wrong with either.
(4)
Daisy D.
Brah*vo Davanti. Bravo. Pizza Soppressata e Cavolo is extraordinary; spicy red pepper salami + kale + garlic + chili oil + fresh mozzarella + tomato Davanti Burger Out of this world. The most flavorful burger I've ever had; special beef blend + bacon jam + roasted tomato + cheese curd + arugula + roasted garlic mayo Don't delay! Try today!
(5)
Brittany W.
Went for wine & tapas with a few friends... wait staff was very helpful and our food was great!
(4)
John K.
I found myself the UIC medical district, a place that I had never been before. The first thought to me that came to my mind was this: What can this neighborhood offer in terms of food? One of my optimistic thoughts about restaurants is that no matter where I go there will be at least one good restaurant out there...Wherever I go! I was not disappointed. I found Davanti Enoteca. The inside was just beautiful....rustic, european, and classic. As I was waiting for my friend to show up, I ordered some bread with a foe gras/onion spread. It was delicious. After sipping on some prosecco, my friend came and we got to our table. We ordered the Pollo sole mio, and the pesce da vanti. They were, to use Gordon Ramsay's words, "Absolutely Delicious!" I really liked how they were playing good top 40 tracks as background music too. The classical or jazz music that they play that places like Davanti usually bore me to death, but yeah hahahaha. I think the next time I take someone who is special to me on a date here. Hopefully, I'll meet here soon
(5)
Aaron K.
One of my favorite places in Chicago. Be sure to try the ragu of the day. It has been different every time but delicious nonetheless. Also, the burger is excellent ($10 Burger + Peroni deal on Mondays). All items on the menu that include an egg are generally a must. Depending on the crowd, it's not the quietest ambiance you'll find but the noise level never reaches a point where you need to shout. The food will more than make up for it. Service has always been excellent and waitstaff is very helpful.
Before my friends crucify me, I must state that Davanti Enoteca was GOOD. As in, A-OK... you know? 3 star rating! I would return if in the area, but probably not drive all the way from Evanston in order to wait for a table. We ended up here completely unintentionally after what was perhaps the biggest brain fart in my history (1pm lunch = leaving at 11:45am... NOT 12:45pm). Easy street parking, no wait, serving brunch... done. The menu was exciting! There were things in jars, brunch items, pastas, salads, pizzas, and a sinful sounding burger (hellurrrrr bacon jam). We ended up ordering a few items: the ricotta with honeycomb (of course), the white anchovies with pecorino and celery salad (my favorite tiny fish), the raviolo, the linguine with sea urchin and crab, and the della terra pizza. Of all these items, only one made me close my eyelids a little longer than usual (good sign): the linguine with sea urchin and crab. I was with J, who does not favor creatures of the sea, but decided today that I WAS WORTH IT. A most excellent decision because this pasta dish was so intensely seafood-y and heavenly. The sea urchin melts into the sauce, making it taste like the sea, and the dish is studded with lumps of sweet crab. Still, I wasn't flailing my arms around in ecstasy. The pizza was pretty good: foraged mushrooms + tallegio cheese + braised leeks + truffle oil = a pretty earthy pizza, very "umami", yes. Did I mention that my middle name is "umami"? The crust was great. The pizza wasn't soggy. I'd eat this again. You simply cannot go wrong with ricotta & honeycomb, or white anchovies, or a giant ravioli with spinach and egg.... OR SO I THOUGHT! What would have otherwise been a 4-star review, had to be graciously docked a star because of the raviolo. It was atrocious. This was THE most overcooked piece of pasta I have ever eaten in my life. When it came out, I was so excited. J let me cut the pasta open because oozing egg yolks make me happy. Not getting any ooze when you MOST expect it is very disappointing. I speak from first hand experience. The yolk was solid. I love cooked egg yolks when mixed with mayo and mustard, but this was not a deviled egg raviolo. The parts of the pasta that didn't have bites of filling were SO tough, like rubber or leather. So disappointing. I actually made a face when I had to finish my portion. How did this come out of the kitchen?! The service was great. The space is nice to look at, though seating a little limited. They had bottles of Republic of Tea iced tea (loooooove) and I had a pretty good lunch. So, that was my outing to Davanti Enoteca. I hope you'll still be my friend Aurore and Deb. ;)
(3)
Jessica S.
Solid Italian at a great value. We went late last night with some friends and had a great time. The ricotta and honey comb toast is a must try!
(4)
N S.
My husband and I used to love this place but we went recently on a Friday afternoon and it was not up to normal standards. It must have been a different chef since it was the middle of the day vs. night when we normally go--when my risotto came out it was way undercooked. I sent it back (which I never do) and the waiter let me know that this was how the chef intended to cook it, implying that I was wrong about it being undercooked. However, I always order the risotto, so I know that this is not how the chef intends for it to be and that little remark of self-righteousness was unnecessary and in poor taste. They ended up not charging me for the item, which was good customer service. it's usually delicious, but this, along with long wait times in an empty restaurant makes me want to go elsewhere next time we're craving Italian food.
(3)
Alex B.
This one was worth the wait - it's been on our list for the last 6 months and we are finally kid-free (while they are at camp). Yay camp! So no worries about not being able to make a reservation. Our experience here was superior on all fronts - the staff was awesome, the room energetic, the food delicious (and very interesting) - all things considered a Superior experience. The bar tender entertained our annoying wine questions (I'm not good with Italian wines) by serving us taste after taste until we found a bottle we could agree on. Our waiter made absolutely spot on suggestions and did a great job of pacing the meal and monitoring progress (all the while being entertaining). The food was really spectacular too. While the menu is grounded in familiar classic Italian technique, many of the specific dishes we quite unique and new. We stated with the Ricotta and honey jar - how good was this? It bordered on the sublime - delicious creamy savory ricotta with the sweetness of the honey on this amazing oiled and grilled bread. I know every review says to order this - do as you are told! Next up - Escarole salad with Hazelnuts - light, bitter, crunchy, delicious. no gloppy dressing here, this was classic Italy letting the ingredients speak for themselves. Pizza of sausage and broccoli rabe - this was the only good, not great dish. The broccoli and sausage worked well together but the sauce was a bit flat (especially since it was listed as having chili oil) and the crust too chewy. But still, a good dish. Risotto Carbonara - super yummy and soooo rich. Just enough Pancetta to balance the unctuous egg rich both. This is a subtle dish which is all about the sensuous experience. Finally we had (against my better judgment) the Seared Octopus. I am normally not an Octopus kind of guy, but our waiter assured us this was a great dish. Remember when I said he was good? This dish was tremendous - the most tender Octopus I've ever had with a mind-blowing horseradish sauce. Like I said - classic Italian style with many unique plates. Great service, exciting room. I'll be back - this is lovingly crafted, well conceived, well executed modern Italian food.
(4)
Dorothy W.
When they use to serve the chicken pate it tasted great on bread!
(4)
Erika C.
474 Reviews. Davanti you are lovely. It was a great experience for a Friday holiday lunch with our informative, efficient server Sara. Great job all around. Loved the fresh hearts of palm salad. It was delicious and so uncommon. We enjoyed the fresh farmers cheese foccacia too. Okay, I would appreciate if not everything was served in a mason jar, carrot cake? Come on. Thanks Davanti you lived up to the hype!
(4)
Ania H.
My boyfriend and I dine at Davanti quite often. Every time we leave there even more impressed. It was my first time at the Taylor Street location and it's as good as the one in the city and even the suburbs. The service is absolutely impeccable. The servers are very educated and they know exactly what to recommend. Since we dine here often we've tried a lot off the menu. We decided to order new things we've never tried before. We ordered the cheese/meat board with Grana Padano, Robiola Tre Latte and Coppa. The cheeses were both fantastic, two different textures but both so delicious. The meat was fantastic and paired perfect with the spicy mustard and peppers that came with the board. Next we ordered the grilled asparagus + pickled rhubarb + black pepper mascarpone, this was a little too oily/pickley for me but still fantastic. The grilled asparagus was amazing. We finished off with the Polpo con Rafano, which is a must have if you like octopus! The combination of the almonds, potato salad, and octopus was absolutely amazing. Definitely recommend this as well as any other Davanti location in the chicagoland area.
(5)
Anne C.
Just ate here last night and I am already planning an excuse to go back. Everything about our meal at Davanti was great-- First off, I love the rustic casual atmosphere. Anytime I can have really amazing food and not feel like I'm not cool enough for the restaurant is a win-win. We shared a few plates and the highlight of the night for both my husband and me was the toast with fresh ricotta and honeycomb. If they had kept bringing the bread, I would have been scraping the bottom of the ricotta jar all night. It was SO GOOD. I also really enjoyed the pork cheek and ricotta gnudi-- it was rich (pork and ricotta) and light (in a broth) all at the same time. And the pizza-- we tried the arugula and prosciutto and it was delicious. The service here was also spectacular-- from the server to the runners everyone was friendly and helpful. The icing on the cake though was when we were finishing up dessert and I reminded the waiter that we didn't receive our boxed up pizza leftovers. He went to check on it and came back to let us know that they had thrown our leftover slices away and were baking us an entire fresh pizza to take home. That was totally above and beyond good customer service and a great way to end our dinner there. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Emily L.
I'm still thinking about this meal. It was THAT good. I came here with my cousin and my friend on a Saturday night. The host and hostess told us it would be 35-60 minutes and took down a cell phone number, so we went to a nearby bar to nurse a drink. (Sample conversation: Friend: "I'm so hungry; maybe I should order something small!" Me: "NO!") 45-50 minutes later, my cousin's phone rang... the sweetest sound ever! Our server was really nice, helpful, and patient. He explained that everything was small/medium plates that we could order everything at once or one at a time; it didn't matter as the dishes came out rather quickly. We had heard "meh" things about the ricotta/honeycomb vaso and the truffle egg toast, so we passed on those. We opted to share the pizza of the day, a salumi platter, a salad, and the linguini with sea urchin and crab (I keep wanting to call it linguini with uni, haha). My friend and I also decided to share a quartino of wine (8.5 ounces, I think the server said?). I asked the server a million stupid questions about the wine list, and he was so nice about it. He recommended a red and a white, and we ended up with his choice of white - a Viognier that was refreshing and paired well with everything we ordered. The pizza arrived first. Thin crust, sweet fresh figs, amazingly flavorful homemade sausage, burrata, balsamic glaze, and fresh basil. AHHH! This pizza was so amazing. The only slight disappointment was that the burrata was melted. I had thought that little spoonfuls of burrata would have been dropped onto the pizza after it came out of the oven, so that one could fully enjoy its rich creaminess. Next came our salumi platter. We had selected soppressata (spicy red pepper salami), coppa (cured pork shoulder), and another type of salami with fennel seeds in it (forgot the name). All were very tasty. We'd hoped the soppressata would be spicier though. My friend and I liked the fennel seed salami the most; the fennel seed really perked up the flavor. My cousin preferred the coppa, which was also tasty and had a bit of funk to it, in a good way. The salad came next: escarole, thinly sliced gala apple, pecorino dolce, celery, and hazelnuts. This was very good and had the right amount of vinegar; too many vinaigrettes are too overpowering for my taste. The apple added a touch of sweetness, and the little cubes of pecorino provided the right amount of saltiness. None of us like celery in general, but this celery was thinly sliced and gave the salad a good crunch. And then the hazelnuts just made the salad that much more special. I am usually indifferent about salads, but this one was memorable. And then the linguini with sea urchin and crab arrived. The sea urchin was dissolved into the sauce, and some flakes of crab and bits of green onion sat on top. This dish was like eating the ocean... pure briny goodness. I liked the sea urchin sauce much better than eating straight up sea urchin. The linguini was cooked al dente. We then decided to press on and order one more dish. We had the giant rigatoni with sausage, oven-roasted tomato, and parmesan. This was simple but delicious. The sauce was just fantastic. Because we had already ordered way too much, we decided to share two desserts as well, the peach bread pudding with blueberries and vanilla ice cream on top, as well as the cantaloupe sorbetto. Both were very tasty, although just a tad too sweet. The peach bread pudding came in a tiny, hot cast iron pan, and the vanilla ice cream melted almost instantaneously (sadness). It reminded everyone of peach cobbler. The cantaloupe sorbetto was like eating a fresh cantaloupe (although with a lot of sugar added) and was the perfect end to a very indulgent meal. I can't wait to go back. NOTE: The bathroom on the right has a defective door/lock. Make sure you close the door very tightly before you lock it. A server/busser and I might have accidentally opened the door on a lady. Our faces looked like :O :O
(5)
Jami S.
If you love good italian food you need to try Davanti Enoteca!! My boyfriend and I, along with another couple had dinner here last Friday night. The whole no reservation thing kind of threw us but I still wanted to try it. The hostess told us 45 minutes so we went across the street to the wine bar. Very convenient! It wasn't even 20 minutes later and we had a table, on the patio to make it even better. Great ambience all lit up with white lights. Couldn't have been more cozy. The waitress was super friendly and helpful. The prices were decent too. I don't remember everything we tried...lol due to the 2 bottles of wine we ordered. But my favorite had to be the flatbread type pizza with honey, to die for! It wasn't on the menu but the waitress recommended it so def ask your server for suggestions! We'll be back!
(4)
Christine N.
In my last several trips to Chicago, the popular and most delicious places I've been are proving to follow a trend: shared dishes. Unfortunately, I don't think Davanti did this too well. Maybe because of our specific service that we received, but it didn't feel so sharable. It's extremely cute in here. The ambience is perfect and the lighting is not too dark and not too bright. It was very busy on a Tuesday night so our waiter wasn't as available, but I think this was only a problem because the company I was with was very hungry. And antsy. Boys... Sigh. Extensive wine menu. Mind you, they consider their restaurant to be a wine STORE as well so they do charge a corkage fee. I think it's fair if they consider themselves an actual wine store and the wine bottles are priced as they would be in a decent wine store. But yet again, their concept is a bit too mixed. Are you a store or a restaurant? The foccacia is as good as everyone else says. It's crisp, flat, and has a really mild and creamy cheese that doesn't overpower it. Is got a nice chewy texture that reminds me of slightly under baked bread. Worth $15? Not sure. But I loved it anyway. Haha I ordered the squash salad with hazelnuts and other goodies. Can I tell you? Best warm salad ever. Not sure if there were enough greens to be considered a salad. But I don't care. Warm, rich, and wonderful textures from the hazelnuts. Squash was yummy. Boyfriend had the risotto which actually reminded me of Korean jook or Chinese congee. But it was nice and clean and soft and he absolutely loved it. Service was ok. Our waiter was really busy. Oh! I had the infused vodka. It's infused with cantaloupe and oregano and they serve it wit a little lime and moscato. It slightly tasted like a vodka tonic, but better. It's really well made and you should definitely try it. Yum. Davanti, you have changed my mind about Italian food :) thank you.
(4)
Paola C.
Omg focaccia di Recco with honey was just ahmahzing! Fair prosciutto portion sizes, cacio e pepe was perfect. Pretty serious choice of wines. The waiter was talking about tapas, didn't get that in an Italian restaurant tho.
(4)
Johnny T.
I didn't see God. I sort of expected to, given the hype and come to Oprah moments everyone else experienced. But, I didn't. Some things were pretty cool. Of note, my favorite part of the meal was the seared octopus with potatoes and nuts -- even though I feel badly for eating octopus. Did you know that they are as smart as cats? Would you eat a cat? I should probably stop eating octopus. Plus, I am always sort of concerned that the tentacle is going to rush back to life and choke me. You know when I go into a digression about getting choked by octopus parts, I am reaching for content. The wine was fine. Mushroom pizza was okay. Cheese & meat? Alright. Cauliflower steak seemed like a good idea. I liked the concept more than the execution. For me the taste was forgettable. I liken it to eating beige. The decor is cool... if not a little over done. Wood everywhere. Re-purposed tables and chairs. I get it. But, eh. Nothing was bad about my meal but, for the entirety of the experience, I kept thinking, "Things are about to get crazy... NOW!... Now!... now!... now.... now?" I never got there. And, no matter what, *I* should always get there. I left unsatisfied.
(3)
Pete V.
Davanti Enoteca is truly a gem in University Village. We had such a good time on our first visit we went back four days later! Both times, the food was outstanding. Our favorite was the buratta and cherry tomatos in pesto olive oil. The buratta was super fresh and creamy. It was such a refreshing dish and one that truly reminded me of our wonderful, yet simple meals in Italy. Our second favorite was the uni pasta. Long linguini with a very light tomato cream sauce donned with a touch of uni and healthy pieces of crab. I was a bit put off by the thought of pasta and sea urchin, but after our server said this was one of his favorite dishes, we had to try it. However, he said the quality of the dish varies by which chef was making it (I can definitely see this as uni is a very delicate ingredient). We also loved the ragu and polenta. I thought the dish needed to be salted a bit more, especially the ragu. However, the presentation really made the dish. They served both over a wood cutting board and poured the steaming polenta first followed by the ragu. The delivery was more entertaining than functional, but it did look really good. We thought the pizza was great too. It's made thin crust much like traditional Italian style. The crust was a bit thinner than what you would find at coal fire, and the sauce was light, but we loved every bit of our margherita pizza. We also really enjoyed the truffled egg toast with fontina and asparagus. Use of truffle oil was very subtle and the egg was cooked perfectly and as you cut into the yolk it oozed over the toast and asparagus covering it in a flavorful blanket. The dish reminded us of a similar buschetta style egg on toast dish that Mado used to serve, and one we loved. The asparagus was a very creative addition to the toast and one I thought really balanced the richness of the egg, buttery toast and fontina. I must also mention that they have a very, very reasonable wine list with pricing by the glass, carafe (1.5 glasses) and bottle. I think the bottle pricing is the best and they actually only charge $7 corkage over the retail wine list price. Overall we absolutely loved both our meals at Davanti Enoteca. Great service (although we enjoyed our service more the first time). We were also told that they were opening their rooftop patio within the week, so I can wait to try that out next!
(5)
Nuda B.
The food here is excellent. I had their polenta appetizer and it was very good. I normally don't even like polenta. I had a couple of their pizzas, but don't remember the name anymore. They were pretty unique and interesting. The wines were also great. And I like how you can order a normal glass or up the size, which was the perfect amount for me.
(5)
Betsy T.
Wow. Let me get straight to the good stuff: You must try the ricotta with honeycomb. A very generous amount of sweet house-made ricotta cheese in a small mason jar and a piece of honeycomb on the side, for smearing on crusty bread. I don't even like ricotta, and I loved it. It was such a generous amount we had to ask several more times for bread to finish it off. You also must try the polenta. I've never had polenta served like grits on a wooden board before. It was creamy, cheesy, smoky ... if my tongue could have cried from happiness, it would have! We were there for lunch, so I also got a panini. I can't remember what was on it but it was fantastic. Only thing I would skip is the meat and cheese plate - a bit pricey for the quantity (or lack thereof). In any case, this is exactly the kind of place you want to be eating Italian food in: romantic in a corny way, striving to be rustic, a wall o'wine ... all that was missing was the old man playing an accordion in the corner and two dogs eating spaghetti.
(5)
Jeff S.
Went to dinner on July 4th. The portions were tiny the prices were high. Asked for bread was told there was no bread service. For $240 you should get bread. Went with 2 children they got buttered plain noodles made for them. They charged $12 each for the noodles. Are you kidding
(1)
Adam G.
Very tasty but very small portions and way overpriced. I left starving with no money.
(2)
Chelsea V.
What a GREAT date spot. So cute and quaint and the food is fantastic. You cannot go here without ordering the honeycomb and ricotta, but beware...its extremely filling. One tip - don't let them talk you into the small plates style of ordering. The portions are huge and after splitting one appetizer, I could barely start on my entre.
(5)
Rebecca T.
So very disappointed. They have trimmed down their menu. Lots of favorites are gone. No more fresh bread, or psychedelic salad. Food is so so. Smaller portions and higher prices. This place was always our favorite. Time to find something different. So sad
(2)
Amy Z.
Having eaten here many times before, I was excited to take our babysitter (who is more like family at this point) here to celebrate her 50th birthday, along with my 7 year-old son. 6 o'clock reservation - place was not very busy. Waited almost 15 minutes for a waiter to acknowledge us. I finally hopped off my high-boy chair and flagged down a waitress and asked her if we had a server. She took our drink and appetizer order and went away. 8 minutes later, the person I now suppose is our waiter, shows up with our wine and a sprite in a tall skinny glass for my son. If you don't have kids, I don't expect that you would think that a tall skinny glass for a kid may be more work for your bus boy and his mop, not to mention cost you about $10 in napkins to mop up, so I'll forgive the waitress for not thinking of this, as she was about 22. BUT, when the waiter plunked down our drinks - still with no acknowledgement of the fact that he had not yet said "hello," and we had to flag someone down to take our drink order, and then placed the tall skinny Sprite glass in front of my little son, then ran away...I started to get pissed. The food was good, pasta portion was definitely smaller, however. Waiter ultimately gave us a free dessert and muttered the reason for doing so under his breath...inaudible - but must have been because he still had never spoken to us and because I had to literally YELL "EXCUSE ME" to get him to come over to the table after he ran away after plunking down the drinks, to ask for a smaller glass. Great dessert! Love the cauliflower, super lame server made the meal much less special and festive than it should have been. It takes a long time to earn $100, it should feel really good to spend it, and every customer should be treated with appreciation. Maybe that's why it wasn't so busy...Perhaps they never had to be nice because the line has always been out the door. Maybe it's time to remember that the only person in the place with the money, is the customer...
(2)
Martha Z.
Typically, when Italian cuisine comes to mind, I think of heaping plates of noodles, a side of meatballs, maybe that bottle of Chianti in the jug with the raffia wrapped around it. Well let Davanti take things to the next level. This food will knock your socks off. Small plate, big taste, lots of tasty wine. So many options on their very well thought out menu. I have yet to be disappointed by an experience here. A few of my favorites so far have been the Uovo in Raviolo and Polpo con Rafano. The wine selection features many unique and unusual wine that I don't see on my regular (often) trips to the liquor store. I'm guaranteed a great food coma and wine buzz by the time we leave.
(5)
Adriana F.
Excellent Italian tapas. One of the best Polenta I had away from my family cooking.
(4)
James L.
This place was excellent. Waitress treated us right and even gave some free food. The small plates that we ate were all tasty and the place was comfortable. I shall come back for some more!
(4)
Noor B.
Great Italian place with a nice semi-casual vibe, especially if you eat at the bar. Highly recommend the Ricotta cheese with honey comb appetizer for a starter and a couple pizzas and salad for dinner. Best Pizza's: Salami and Kale Pork Belly, Egg and Potato Pizza makes for great left overs.
(4)
Warrior W.
This is a very solid place to eat and drink with friends. Good food, cozy atmosphere and our service was very good. I have been here a few times now and I have never had bad service. When it gets busy, its busy ...deal with it. Its a little cramped in there when busy and even walking through the front to get to the back can be a challenge but nothing crazy. They have nice wines and some new things to try in the food department. Not a beer stop i would say but they do have some options there. The reason for the 4/5 is the value. All these tapas style places that popped up everywhere still bother me with pricing. You know, either the tiny portions and pay the same or same portion worth of tapas and pay way more. Its a business model and a smart one but I just don't like it. I know, I know like me saying "when it gets busy, its busy ...deal with it". Well I am trying so lay off me you bog Irish pricks!
(4)
Efrain M.
Innovative menu, fun wine list, solid service.
(5)
Dex Y.
The sea urchin linguine was indeed a hit. Creamy, rich and flavorful. Yet the serving size was simply too small. Sea urchin may be expensive, but couldn't they add more linguine in it? Sigh I also tried the truffle egg toast. Not bad, but the choice of asparagus seemed a little random. Plus the way it was done didn't go quite well with the toast. Again, tiny portion. Before I realized, it was all gone. Our waiter was patient and courteous, and I need to add points for that. I like their food; I just wish they were a little more liberal on the quantity.
(3)
Tim H.
I have been here a couple times. Even if it is completely full or just 75% full, it is very noisy. You need to go here at odd hours if you don't want to wait. The great food and affordable prices for food and wine make it a very busy place. All the pizzas I have tried are pretty good. Risotto Carbonara - great dish, I order it every time. Riccio di Mare e Granchio - great dish, I should order this every time. Uovo in Raviolo 'San Domenico' - Pretty good, but only one giant raviolo and not as good as I was expecting. I wouldn't order it again.
(4)
Emily D.
Went to Davanti again on Saturday (been here numerous times) and had another plesant experience. Arrived around 9pm and only waited about 10 minutes for a seat on the rooftop patio, which was really nice. They don't take reservations, which is frustrating and the wait is typically MUCH longer. I've waited up to 2.5 hours on the weekend. :( Maybe going later (around 9 helped). I have to admit, I once again ordered the burger, which I normally do and really enjoyed it. For the app, the marscapone/polenta with the braised pork was awesome. The corn bruschette was ok, wouldn't get it again. The service was as expected, but not outstanding. Def. recommend trying this place!
(4)
David Joseph H.
Honestly the best meal I've had in Chicago. The food was amazing and the service matched. An overall great experience with a group of fellow food snobs who are not easy to please.
(5)
Matthew S.
I am glad to say that I can now brag about having eaten at Davanti. There were several things I loved and a couple of things that I thought were...eh just ok. The Good/Great: OMG TTYL LOLLERSKATZ The ricotta and honey comb would make Yogi Bear sh*t his picnic basket! It was amazing! I also tried my buddies burger and it was like god was rubbing my tummy. The Bad: The chicken was like the diet coke of chicken. I was expecting a lot more flavor here. It seemed like the chicken just didn't take on the flavors that it was cooking it. The Ugly: The polenta with pork cheek ragu was butt fugly but I enjoyed it still. I still gave Davanti 4 stars because the things I loved, I would probably pay a strange man on the street to hand me a bag full of. Lucky for me I can just go back on a Monday and get a burger and a Peroni for $10. Who's coming with me?
(4)
Jason M.
Oh my, pork belly. How sweet/savory you are. I've had pork belly at Takashi and at Chilam Bilam, among many other spots. Nothing compares to the pork belly at Davanti Enoteca. A crisp pork belly with a peach mostarda is one of a few wonderful dishes I sampled at a recent lunch visit. I'd definitely recommend going for dinner, or whatever meal you'd like to eat the most as the menu is filled with great small plates choices. Davanti is the only restaurant in Chicago with fresh hearts of palm from Hawaii. They're definitely a lot more interesting than your canned or bottled palm. For my pseudo-entree, I tried the linguini with sea urchin and crab. I hadn't ever had sea urchin and I'm rarely impressed by a pasta dish, but this was fresh, had wonderful subtle tastes and couldn't have been better. As I've probably mentioned before, I'm a sucker for small plates, but Davanti Enoteca is more than just a tapas-style Italian restaurant, it's tremendous food 4 blocks from my office. If I have any complaint, it's that the staff didn't really match the level of the food. Our server was slow (especially for lunch) and didn't explain the dishes quite as well as I would've liked. I'm being overly picky about that, though...it was a terrific experience.
(5)
GLORIA M.
Had a wonderful brunch there yesterday with my adult kids. Seated immediately-started with make your own bloody Mary's how bad can that be. Delish choices with heavy emphasis on sausage. Can't go wrong with anything you order!
(4)
Gary C.
We were like thirteen deep and really wanted to try Davanti Enoteca, so we waited. Ya know, they take no reservations [not to be confused with Anthony Bourdain's show]. It was my girlfriend's birhday, and her heart was set on DE, so we waited for like an hour and a half...at the wine bar across the street...because it was crazy packed inside the restaurant...on a Monday night. Go figure. Lots of hype. [In Yoda voice] But lived it up to the hype, it did. When we got the phone call, yes they'll call when your table is ready, we walked back to DE and sat at this long table. The place was still bumpin', and it was pretty loud. The music, the converstaion. Loud. I couldn't hold a conversation with the people down the table, granted there were thirteen. We took a while to order, but we actually wound up order more as the night went on. If I recall correctly, we ordered five cheeses [selected by our server], bruschette, the burger (x2), risotto carbonara (x2, 1 w/ pancetta & 1 w/out), riccio di mare e granchio (x3 at least!, this was the most popular dish), paccheri con salsiccia e pomodori al forno (x2), pizza d.o.c., pizza della fattoria, pizza con prosciutto e rucola, a a couple bottles of the moscato d'asti (DE rotates two or three types). Lot's of food? I guess it sounds like it, but keep in mind these are small plates that are meant to be shared. Overall, the food was awesome. There wasn't anything that anyone said was not good. I'm definitely interested in the rest of the menu, and I'll be back to try it. The wine was great! Sweet, bubbly. The service was great, though the kitchen did forget a couple items. Our server was on top of everything and made sure we got what we ordered. I kinda felt bad because we were so needy, asking him for lots of different things and ordering more and more food. A few tips? Go with a bunch of people. I mean, there's going to be a wait, so you may as well wait and dine with good company. It also allows for you to try as much as possible on this extensive menu. I got lucky with street parking off of Taylor...but BEWARE OF PERMIT PARKING SIGNS!! Come back for a followup visit. It'll [probably] be worth it.
(4)
Buddhi G.
Chef comped dessert because they ran out of an entree special Pumpkin ice cream Served in a little pumpkin with cinnamon, brown sugar. Fantastic. Everything I had was superb. The place does get very crowded, so go early or make a reservation. Unfortunately, I lingered over finishing the review and 10 months later, the details are hazy. I just have a warm, fulfilled, delicious memory.
(5)
Jelena Z.
I'm usually not big on Italian food, but Davanti, you won my heart. Right away, I was drawn to the rustic interior with its wood ceilings (floors, too), touches of exposed brick and soft neutral hues. Fantastic use of space against the back wall - loved how the bottles of wine (for sale to drink on the premises!) are so cleanly stacked! It's a known fact that the more organized a shelf/rack is, the more inclined one will be to make a purchase. Especially when one is drinking vino :) Speaking of wine, you can purchase it by the glass, quartino and bottle. And, the prices are quite reasonable! Davanti also offers a fine selection of beer and martinis. The food is also reasonably priced... I was surprised at how much food our party of six consumed for the price! Seriously, I think we attacked the entire menu. Since Davanti primarily does small plates, order a bunch and you'll get to try a few bites of just about everything. We tried the following: + Several cheeses + Prosciutto + Capicolla (loved) + Roasted cauliflower steak + Stewed calamari with pine nuts and raisins (magnificent) + Truffle egg toast with fontina and asparagus (a must!) + Giant raviolo with ricotta, egg and spinach (straight sinful) + Pizza della Terra (mushrooms, leeks, taleggio, truffle oil) = WOW + Bistecca alla Griglia (a gorgeous, flavorful hunk of beef) This is as good as it gets, Chicago. REALLY. The service was flawless, the food to-die-for and the wine selection is dizzying. I've got a real romance on my hands. Now who's taking me back for an encore performance?
(5)
Angela P.
Wow! That is really how I had to start out this review... DE was everything I hoped it would be and MUCH more! =] From the moment we walked up and saw the open air area by the bar on a beautiful Friday night...we were in love with this place! We were greeted and took a seat at the bar while we waited for our table. We each ordered a drink, my cab was the BOMBBBB!! Seriously, probably the best I've ever had! We were then seated upstairs on the patio which was gorgeous! So natural looking and again, it was just a perfect night which added to the amazingness. Our waiter promptly came over and told us the specials and let us decide which items we were going to order. We went with the honeycomb vasi, beet salad, egg toast with fontina, raviolo and the pork belly and ended the meal with the butterscotch pudding. I don't normally do this but I HAVE to break down each item separately so you can really get the feel of the deliciousness of these plates. Honeycomb vasi - ricotta whipped into a cloud-like consistency with a little olive oil and served with olive oil floating on top and a little salt and pepper. Served with a small cube of honeycomb which is meant to be smashed around into the ricotta before you spread it onto warm olive oil brushed toasted Italian bread. Genius. Beet salad - roasted beets, walnut butter, candied walnut pieces and creme freische. Fantastic sweet and savory combo. Egg toast - egg yolks resting atop thick cut toast covered in fontina cheese and surrounded by grilled asparagus pieces. Great. Raviolo - giant spinach and egg yolk stuffed ravioli drenched with brown butter sauce. Mmmmm that butter sauce...I legit wanted to take a bath in it right there. Mmmm. Butterscotch pudding - creamy, cool and delicious. Fabulous. Pork belly - mmm...that pork belly. Crispy, greasy, tender and salty. Honestly one of the best things that has ever touched my lips...it was perfect. Period. Pork Perfection. And all that for around $70...yeah...that's it. I can't stress enough how amazing this place is. I can't wait to go back and order some more of DE's amazing dishes!!
(5)
Hannah N.
Review based on price to taste ratio. I must be missing something. The interior is cute, nice atmosphere even though I'm not a big fan of the whole communal dining scene. Good for a date if you don't mind loud. However, the food was total mediocre to not that great, especially for the pricetag. Worst cooked pork-belly I have ever had - grisly fat, completely separating from the meat, not tender at all, utterly overcooked. Believe me, I know pork belly. I practically grew up on the stuff. The veggie dishes were meh, had cauliflower that was too salty, and not really roasted. Just pan-seared so the outside had a crust but the insides were still cold and raw inside. Ew. The only dish that was actually bordering on good was the Ragu with the polenta; but the polenta was super salty and grease was just separating from it. Overbuttered? Felt kinda gross after. My favorite dish, was the charcuterie plate. Now that's just sad because although charcuterie does involve significant discretion on the chef's part regarding the selection of cheeses and meat, it shouldn't be anyone's favorite dish on the menu. The pros, nice drinks. Wish I hadn't paid as much as I would at Girl and the Goat for this meal though. Therefore, price to taste ratio, meh. Will probably not be going back unless for drinks.
So I just had the best New Years Eve of my life, and this restaurant had a lot to do with it. This is one of Chicago's hidden gems. The wine selection is fantastic, the food gave me shivers down my spine more than once (the good kind), the service was surprisingly quick though the place was packed, the staff was friendly but not overbearing, and the ambiance was perfect. Try the salad with the hazelnuts, whatever it's called. And do the toast with local honeycomb. Come to think of it, that was my only complaint... the honeycomb was somewhat small, especially for a dish the server said would be good to share. Ended up letting my date have most of the honeycomb because, well, that's just the kind of guy I am. But, yeah. Definitely give this place a try.
(5)
Kate A.
Cheese and meat plates are to die for! Order the tagliatelle with ham hock. So fresh and delicious! Great atmosphere and service - can't wait to go back next time I'm in Chicago.
(4)
Amanda F.
One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. I would eat here every week if I could. The roof deck patio is the icing on the cake. The food is so so so fresh and everything melts in your mouth. We order the same stuff every time we go: Burrata or the Ricotta cheese w/ bread Pizza DOC Squash salad (out of season in summer) Burger (its freakin' amazing and on Monday it's a burger & beer for $10!) They have Sophie on tap and so many delicious wines. I've always had the greatest service, with warm people greeting me, and all very knowledgeable. My only issue with the place is its location--I only go to Taylor St. for this restaurant, which is sort of in the middle of nowhere unless you go to UIC. Pay parking is avail on the streets nearby. Seriously, go now, bring a date, or your mom, and you will feel so good afterwards.
(5)
Chris G.
Truffle Egg Toast, Fontina and Asparagus. I could damn near end the review right there. One of these was being carried past our table and we immediately ordered one after the busser explained the ingredients. And it was indeed delicate, flavorful and unlike any toast we'd had. How many times have you seen truffled toast offered? The egg inside is a bit runny but has a slightly roasted flavor, which pairs very well with the crisp Asparagus spears that flank it. While the very minimal portions of the cheese board we'd asked the chef to pick were pungent and packed with intense flavor, we thought the Pizza Della Terra which has foraged mushrooms, braised leeks, taleggio and truffle oil was potent enough to launch a mass mating ritual. :) The super thin crust is almost like a soft cracker and the taleggio smelled and tasted like it had been stored under an elderly monk's armpits for a few years... but in a good way. Don't be confused, this pizza deserved it's gourmet designation and then some. It paired well with the bottles of pinot grigio and '09 Tenuta white blend we sipped from. We finished up with a decadent chocolate mousse with some sort of crunchy bottom shell. Very rich and a great way to end a tasty meal. But how did this come to be? After attempting to dine here previously, we decided to walk in this past Friday at about 6pm to see if the wait would be less ridiculous than the 2-3 hour waits that have been had. Since they don't take phone reservations, it's quite a gamble, but paid off this time. We went almost two weeks ago, was put on the list but never received a phone call back. This time we told the friendly young lady that we'd be across the street at Bevi Amo having drinks until they had a table ready. She quoted 90 minutes to 2 hours, but to our suprise we'd just ordered bubbly and received a call about 15-20 minutes after we left. One of Bevi's bartenders was in the middle of explaining how good the food was, but wasn't worth 3 hours waiting when Davanti Enoteca rang me. We gulped down our bubbly, said goodbye and nearly ran into oncoming traffic to get over there before hell'd decided to thaw. This place'd better be damn good, I thought. The dining room is kinda like if a Pier One Imports store decided to dim their lights, set up a few tables and then display nice bottles of wine. It's nice. Our server seemed a bit subdued and distracted but we were able to get some additional help from the bussers who were so gentle and willing to explain about any dish they walked by with. This encouraged us to order a few more things than we'd originally planned.
(3)
John H.
Had the privilege to visit Davanti over the weekend while I was visiting Chicago. You can tell the place had the right stuff going for it when there was a long wait to be seated and the bar was totally packed with people eagerly awaiting their tables. Once we sat down, we had already perused the menu at the bar (we had a bottle of wine at the bar) so we were ready to order. I entrusted the ordering to my sis and brother in law who were Davanti veterans. The focaccia di Recco was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. And the Cacio e pepe spaghetti was amazing. Both dishes seemed very simple, but done very well. We also ordered a salami to try... I forgot which ones since I my mouth was stuffed and I was in food heaven. This place is definitely on my radar as a "must go" whenever I make it back to Chicago. My mouth is starting to water just thinking about the food.
(5)
Melanie S.
After a scheduling snafu (the Redhead's) and car trouble (the Blonde's), the second dinner outing of Yelpettes finally took place. Even gale force winds and torrential rainstorms couldn't damper our enthusiasm at finally making it to Davanti Enoteca. Thankfully we chose to go here on a Monday night of a holiday week, wishfully thinking we'd avoid the throngs of people that have descended upon this place, but despite the weather, the holiday, and the fact that it was a traditionally slow night in the restaurant world, this place was packed. First off, I wasn't aware that DE didn't offer valet parking and shame on me for not checking into that before. I did know that most of this area was permit parking only, so I just assumed that they'd have valet, as a result, I lost a few precious minutes driving around looking for a spot, regretfully keeping my two lovely dinner companions waiting, which always makes me antsy and anxious. I arrived to find both of them sitting at the bar, already enjoying some wine, and then I was duly informed that we were still in for quite a wait for a table - I believe we were quoted 45 minutes. Since we were already committed to eating there, we decided to suck it up and wait, which gave us time to enjoy some more wine and catch up. The heavens apparently parted and our table was ready in about 10 minutes, which was a welcome relief than the original length of time we were told. The hostess led us to the back of the restaurant and we were seated by all the bottles of wine artfully stacked under the brick archways. I absolutely loved the rustic, but charming layout of this space. Our server came over and brought menus and explained to us that their concept is small plates meant for sharing. He also made some recommendations of his favorite items and then left us to our decision making. We immediately zeroed in on an insalate of burratta, roasted tomatoes, and pesto to start and then began tossing around suggestions for the rest of our shared feast. The salad was brought out quickly and it was a big hit with us, but really, when is burratta not good? Every bite was creamy from the cheese, smoky from the tomato, and salty from the pesto. Winner! After much back and forth, we knew we wanted to try as many components of the menu as possible and settled on an antipasti of truffle egg toast / fontina / asparagus, a giant raviolo of ricotta, egg and spinach. a sausage and rapini pizza, and an oven roasted strip steak with arugula and sea salt. All of our selections began arriving and we began to dig in. We loved the truffle egg toast, which had just the amount of truffle oil and a perfectly cooked egg yolk nestled in a thick piece of eggy toast. That was probably my favorite dish. The strip steak was flavorful and juicy, and made even more delicious served alongside the peppery arugula. The raviolo was a Flintstone-sized square of pasta with a light filling of spinach and ricotta in a pool of creamy egg yolk. It was rich, but not overpowering. My only "meh" was the pizza, but by the time I got around to eating it I was plenty full. I love rapini in all its bitter glory, but I think they were perhaps a bit heavy-handed with it because that's all I tasted. I was too stuffed to really savor dessert but my two dining companions shared scoops of vanilla and hazelnut gelato as well as a torta bacio (chocolate-hazelnut mousse) and encouraged me to try some. Judging by their oohs and ahhs, I'd say they were enjoying it, but as I looked around, I noticed that I wasn't brought a spoon, so my pleasure was momentarily delayed while a spoon was sought out. I only sampled the vanilla gelato and while it was good, it sounded like I should have tried the other dessert they ordered, but it's just as well; I didn't want to start any fights over the last spoonful. All in all, Davanti Enoteca is definitely worth trying, especially with a group so you can sample as many of their offerings as possible. Wine prices are reasonable - they sell bottles at retail + $7.00 corkage. I will be back for sure. Highly recommend!
(4)
Marjorie F.
It's official... I am in love. Twas the night of a birthday celebration and I, yours truly, was the first of a nine person celebration. The hostess, ever so sweet, greeted me, took my name, and I sat at the bar. I took in my surroundings and a glass of a wonderful malbec. The restaurant was different that I remembered. However, I was here when it was under another name. This particular evening I was charmed by the rustic feel, parts of wine crates layering the walls, wine bottles stacked along the walls in the brick arches, interesting light fixtures, and the laid back vibe of the crowd. At 7:30pm on a Monday there were a decent amount of patrons, but by 8:00pm you would have thought that we fast forwarded to the weekend! Where did everyone come from? My friend Bahi K showed up shortly after I did, followed by another friend. Bahi, who had been here before, took the bull by the horns and ordered some starters for us. Focaccia di Recco was offered compliments of the bar staff. It appeared to be your usual flatbread, somewhat benign. I took a bite and then it was all over... To sum it up in one word: LOVE. The buttery goodness melted into my tongue and I gasped. I was captured unexpectedly. My friend ordered several delights: crispy pork belly + apple mostarda, tomato on the vine with fresh mozzarella, and pizza with foraged mushrooms, braised leeks, taleggio, and truffle oil. First of the all, the crispy pork belly reminded me of a traditional Filipino delicacy 'cept fancier. Yummy. The tomato with fresh mozzarella was mouthwatering good. And the pizza!?! I normally hate mushrooms, but this was enough to convince me otherwise. All this was just while we were waiting for our table. More of our friends joined us, alcohol started flowing faster, and we were eventually seated in the back at a large table. Bahi ordered more of the same and added: Cacio e pepe (basically spaghetti), Uovo in raviolo 'san domenico' (ravioli), truffle egg toast + fontina + asparagus, and finally, roasted beets + walnut butter + creme fraiche + candied walnuts, and don't forget the unforgettable, roasted squash + farro + whipped goat chees + hazelnuts + watercress. For the record, I LOVED LOVED LOVED every single morsel that entered my mouth. It was like that impossible true love we all seek to find, except in a restaurant. :) The service is awesome, the food an even higher superlative. It was the perfect place to spend a night of indulgence with friends. And unlike more recent love affairs, I know I won'tregret this in the morning.
(5)
Sarah D.
I love this place! My best friend brought me here for the first time about a year ago. After that evening, I went back 2 more times within a month, sharing the experience with my husband then my mother and sister, whom all loved it as well. The food is always delicious and the service is consistent and enjoyable. The rooftop is nice when it is open. When ever someone ask for a recommendation I always recommend Davanti. It is truly food heaven.
(5)
Aimy R.
One of the worst Italian restaurants I've been to. Why? One small ravioli for $11? Literally a 3 inch square. This was our first and last visit to this over-rated, over priced enoteca. The waitress was less than thrilled to serve us and did not even ask how our food was. We ordered plenty of food but nothing was a plateful except for the pizza and the focaccia. I've lived in Italy, and was really looking forward to some authentic cibi and did not want the chain foods that are invading the area. Next time (next week), I'll know better. I hope you will too.
(1)
Shradha A.
Sometimes, when you expect a lot from a place over a long period of time, the expectations grow that much larger. But even walking in with that, this place did an excellent job to impress! We were a table of 14, a little bit of a challenge for the server, but he was patient and none of our orders came out wrong (you sort of brace yourself for that with a loud large group). The bruschetta had different toppings on each slice, and each of them was delicious! The cheese-stuffed focaccia was unique and rich (heavy), but delicious too! I had the risotto for my entree, but tried my friends' ravioli and pizza too. I was probably the least a fan of the pizza but all the other dishes were great! Now, if you're looking for an authentic Italian meal, this isn't your destination. But for something fun and creative, yet filling and good, I'd highly recommend Davanti Enoteca. I liked it so much that almost went back 3 days later with another friend, but alas, the 1 hour long wait even on a Tuesday night was a huge deterrent!
(5)
Kelly M.
Tried this place for the first time on a rainy Sunday evening. They just started taking reservations but it was easy to snag a table at 7pm when I called. Parking on Taylor St. was easy. The atmosphere is stunning. Wine bottles and crates, brick walls, wood tables, rustic chandeliers, antique hooks and sconces on the walls, Edison-style light bulbs -- it all sets the mood. I felt like I was in a wine cellar. For a wine bar, the cocktails were surprisingly inventive and delicious. The food was terrific. We started with a cheese and salumi plate which was a perfect appetizer. The Pizza della Terra was great -- foraged mushrooms + braised leeks + taleggio + truffle oil. I'm a sucker for anything with truffle oil. For dessert we had the Torta Bacio -- chocolate-hazelnut mousse + crunchy bottom + cocoa nibs. Mmm. You can't go wrong with the chocolate-hazelnut combo. The service was quick and friendly. The prices are moderate. You can easily come here for a bowl of pasta and glass of wine inexpensively. But, you can also rack up the bill pretty fast too...especially because everything looks so good! I enjoyed my experience so much that I've already booked my next dinner here. Check the website for specials, they have some great deals during the week (i.e. Take Out Tuesday -- pasta + salad + wine = $30).
(5)
Janet W.
Davanti Ecoteca, Why must you be so far away? And your no reservation policy, Left me quite a feeling of ache, From hunger I mean, After waiting so long. * Ricotta + honey comb You came to the table. With excitement in my eyes, I looked at you with yearning. Then it struck me, I did not know how to eat you. Such frustration! Luckily enough, The guest of honor, Was quite the food enthusiast. Mix the honey comb into the jar she said! We did as we were told, and The delicacy was spread. Honey from the comb, So sweet to the taste! * Riccio di Mare e Granchio (linguine + sea urchin + crab) Dear sea urchin, I though of you, Only as a spiky shellfish. As it turns out, You look like pure cholesterol, You smell like the briny deep, You taste rather like a crayfish, You feel like foie gras of the sea, and You sound like you want to be eaten.
(5)
Vidur G.
The polenta and rotating-daily ragu is ethereal. I can't believe what I was missing by not ordering it before...
(5)
Stephanie H.
Love love LOVE this place! I had the wonderful opportunity to eat dinner here for the first time last night with a few friends. We had 4 in our group at around 8pm on a Tuesday and were quoted 30-45 minutes. The wait wasn't too bad as we could just chill by the bar and drink a bottle of wine together. I really like how the dishes come on small plates so you can try a bit of everything. Here's what we got: Pecorino Tartufato (aged sweet+ truffle flavor) - DELICIOUS, I am completely in love with this cheese. Capicolla Piccante (cured spicy pork shoulder) - addicting as well...and I'm usually not a fan of spicy foods but this was pretty mild We chose two from the Vasi section: chicken liver pate & ricotta + honey comb. Both great choices and I couldn't stop eating the pate even after all our bread was gone! Pizza della Fattoria (farmed egg + pork belly + potato + scallions + asiago + bechamel) - different from any pizza I've ever had but it was pretty good Riccio di Mare e Granchio (linguine + sea urchin + crab) - I love sea urchin, I love crab....I completely devoured this dish Our server was very attentive and was always asking if we needed anything. They took away our empty plates promptly but there were times where I had to grab the mini mason jar of pate before they tried to take it away =P I will definitely be going back again. It's nice that they have different specials for beer/martinis/no corkage fee on different days.
(5)
Stephanie L.
HUZZAH! Made the trek to Davanti. WTF....2.5hr wait?! YIKES. Wasnt going to wait but then we ended up walking around and coming back....BEST decision ever! We sat at the bar for a little and they came around with complementary pizza to try while you wait...BONUS...because I was starving because it was 10PM on a Sat night. We finally got sat and it was SOOOO worth the wait. I cant believe I am saying that....its craziness. They have a pretty reasonable wine list, which is always nice....wide range for sure. Per server's recommendations, we got the corn salad and the truffle toast with egg or something....both were FREAKING DELICIOUS!!! I think I might have dreamt of the truffle toast last night. Then we had the swordfish and the ravioli....also, both were amazing!!! We were stuffed at the end so no room for dessert, but I will definitely be back. The price point was perfect....our whole dinner was like $80....so cheap!!! The vibe was super cool too....bustling, italian scene....PERFECT!
(5)
Al M.
Stopped here for dessert after a less than ideal experience at Urban Union down the street and our experience at Davanti Enoteca salvaged our night. The ambiance is great -- everyone was having a great time over a great meal and drinks. The staff was very friendly, whether it was the host or the bartender. We had the carrot cake and the chocolate mousse desserts with some moscato. Everything was delicious and the service superb. We'll definitely be back for dinner next time!
(5)
Carol K.
I only wish our experience at Davanti Enoteca had lived up to all the rave reviews here on Yelp. For on the night we visited, something was surely off. When we got there we were told it would be a 20 minute wait (no problem as the place was packed and they don't take reservations) but within just minutes of sitting at the bar, they had a high top in the bar area for us to eat at. While it was a little close to the couple next to us, we sat and began to look at the menu. There was a large group standing at the bar with the "pathway" for people to get out the door between them and our table. We were jostled, bumped into, the table moved, etc so many times by people just trying to move through the place, that when a table by the wall opened up we asked to be re seated there. They were very accommodating and moved us so at least the seating got better and I could keep my water glass on the table without having to grab for it every two seconds. We went with our server's suggestions, the trio of bruschetta (good but not great) the burrata with olive oil and tomatoes (sort of a deconstructed caprese salad) also not my favorite as the tomatoes were warm and drowning in the oil. A little bread would have been good with this as well, which we asked for, but it came so much later that we were already onto the next course. The next three courses got better. The ragu over polenta was delicious (this changes daily) and had an interesting presentation. The pasta dish with sausage was also quite tasty. And then the special of the day which was a braised beef cheek with grilled artichokes and mushrooms was also "fall apart" tender and wonderful. And for dessert, a deconstructed cannoli sundae served in a sundae class with a long spoon was also pretty good. The biggest challenge this place had was with the service. On three different occasions, the wrong dish was sent to our table and we had to say "not here". At one point, the server who brought it said it was a compliment from the kitchen and before we could even fathom that- he came back and said "no- this is for another table". Also, there were timing issues with the whole evening. Our drinks took over 15 minutes to get to the table (odd since we were sitting right by the bar). The food took forever to come up- so long in some cases that we wanted to eat some of the "mystery dishes" that came to our table first before they were whisked away. They do a good job of always giving you a new plate and flatware- but on two occasions, the knives and forks were dropped (in one case on our laps) so that we got food on us. I get that it was busy and that they are in a hurry- but a little precision would have gone a long way. I love the ambiance of this place. I used to go here in an earlier rendition as I love the way the large windows open to the street in the Summer months. I like that you can buy a bottle of wine here and that they will serve it to you for a $7 corkage fee and that they have a full bar if that is more to your liking. I like the sharable plates. I just think they need to work on their service to make sure the right food is going to the right tables. And know before you go that if it is busy- ask to be seated in the back- it just gets too crowded up front by the bar to have an enjoyable evening. As we were walking out- the chef (owner?) thanked us for coming. Nice touch. I just wish he had been around earlier to wave his magic spatula and to make our evening as perfect as the rest of the reviews say it is.
(3)
Andrea R.
I have a list of places to try before Baby R arrives within the next few weeks and Davanti Entoeca has been on top of that list! I originally tried to score reservations for this coming Saturday night, but when I called they informed me they don't take reservations. I feared based on all the uh-mazing Yelp reviews that we'd be waiting forever on a Saturday (& I'm not a very patient gal these days) so I dragged 2 friends here this evening. While we weren't able to get one of the comfy tables on a Thursday at 6:30pm, we sat right down at one of their high tables. I was comfortable enough even at 9 1/2 months pregno. I'm running out of room in my tummy these days, but the baby made room for the delish food at Davanti Enoteca! My friends and I went a bit crazy ordering lots of small plates for the table: * focaccia di Recco (compliments of the chef) * ricotta and honeycomb * bruchette * roasted cherry tomato + burrata + basil pesto insalate * risotta carbonra (sans the pancetta) * pizza dalla terra I'd order it all again in a heartbeat, although I may skip the bruchetta next time. It was good, but everything else was absolutely fantastic. And the meal only came to about $25/person, which included wine for the non pregnant peeps at the table. My stomach was aching from fullness, but dessert looked too good to pass up. At the waitress's suggestion we ordered the chocolate mousse. My goodness this was tasty! In a few weeks I'll most likely have to give up desserts to lose the baby weight (sad) so I'm glad I had a chance to try this first. Actually I'm glad I got the chance to try everything at Davanti Entoeca! It was so good that I may try to make yet another trip there before Baby R's arrival...even if i have to wait for a table.
(5)
Linda T.
nice atmosphere to dine in. very lively and welcoming. plates are small here. got the linguine with crab and sea urchin..delicious! pasta al dente...sea urchin creamy yet subtle. crab meat luscious and plumb....however, too little!! next time...pizza, cured meats/cheeses+wine, and desserts!
(4)
Tera D.
YUM. This place rocks. Unique concept, great food, plentiful wine, and very reasonable prices. I would recommend it for a date, for a group, pretty much any time. I went on a Thursday night with the boyfriend, and we were shocked to see how crowded it was. There was a wait, but they will take your number and you can go to any of the nearby bars. They have a bar, too, but it was super crowded. Once seated, we decided to just let the waiter bring whatever he wanted. We always find that this is a great method with tapas style dining, and it did not fail. Our waiter was great, and he had us rolling out of there, we were so full. The thing that stands out the most was the pate, which I would normally never order, but was delicious. My next favorite was definitely the roasted squash and faro salad, which I am desperately trying to recreate at home so I can eat it every day! The bf was a big fan of the seared octopus, which was super unique and had a perfect horseradish sauce. The only thing I wouldn't get again was the pecorino spaghetti because it was a bit peppery for our taste. Also, the polenta ragu was good, but didn't stand out amongst the others. Next time I'll definitely save space for some pizza. Mmmmm, I'm hungry thinking about it...
(4)
Lori M.
Okay, so I went. My birthday dinner was had here, last night. I was excited. I thought, good, --Italian food. Former La Vita space (always loved that place...) and I was starving. Sadly, the menu didn't boast much in the way of vegetarian options, so I was already screwed. The other thing: our waiter said: "we're like a tapas place, you know, small plates, for sharing..." Okay, so when do Italians do SMALL plates? NEVER. Especially for sharing. Anyhow, that was fine, and we all found something to eat. The sham on the 'wholesale' bottles of wine, however, is sort of washed out by the $7 corkage fee. Again, fine. But, I wouldn't say that you get to dine in a "wine cellar" as some reviewers have indicated. It's a room. With wine. Not a cellar. The food was good. Not spectacular. Loved the honeycomb and ricotta ~ and the sauteed rapini was well-prepared as a side (needed) with the Cacio e Pepe ~ one of the only vegetarian dishes available... i should have tried the roasted squash+ farro+ whipped goat cheese+ hazelnuts+ watercress. The place has potential for sure, but they should start taking reservations. And what's a giant 'burger' doing on an Italian menu ? Hmmmph! Jonathan and Lily, please study up on your Italian farm-style hospitality! (if you're not going to take reservations, you should probably have some seating for those 45-minute wait-for-table situations. Italians would never approve of that scenario) Che n'possa ina !!
(4)
Karen G.
I keep coming back to this great restaurant on Taylor Street. I like the Italian feel with an updated flair. I have always enjoyed the small plates, excellent choice of cheeses and meats along with a glass of wine is a great way to start an evening. I have also had the opportunity to hang out up on the deck which is very nice when it's warm, although I don't think the service is as good because they have to climb way up there to take care of you.
(4)
Erin M.
HELLO! NEW CHICAGO FAVORITE! The illustrious Ashley B., Annie T., and Jessica S. picked up roomie and me on a blustery, c-c-c-cold night outside of Midway after our flight from KC. Wine and food, stat! Luckily, a small 5 top had been tucked away in the corner for us at Davanti Enoteca and upon looking at the menu, I almost passed out from happiness. Dark and cozy, the dining room was overflowing with people waiting to sample VERY fair prices on wine bottles and TASTY small plates. My ladies and I split the following: * ricotta + honey comb spread + toast = orgasmic to everyone at our table...but me. I just couldn't do it. DO NOT put this off because of my review...I have really weird texture issues. Everyone else loved the mild flavor/creamy texture * Uovo in Raviolo: HUGE ravioli stuffed with egg, ricotta and spinach. I can't wait to attempt to replicate this at home. Since were splitting it 5 ways, I only got a little wedge but it was so simply delicious. Perhaps one of my favorites. * Pizza D.O.C.: HELLO, BASIL! * Pizza della Terra: I thought I hated taleggio. Then I tried it on this pizza with mushrooms, leeks and truffle oil. Then I passed out from the deliciousness. * Truffle egg toast + fontina + asparagus: a fancy, tasty version of comfort food I like to make at home We also split a meat and cheese board (lay off me, we're 5 hot ladies who had been awaiting this reunion all day!) which was delectable. We split 2 bottles of red (not sure which one...at the moment I could have downed Carlo Rossi and been happy) and our server was super nice and catered to everything we needed. It took ::slightly:: longer than I expected for us to get our tab settled...but if I lived in the area, I'd be verrrrrrry obsessed with this place. What an awesome way to be welcomed back to the Windy!
(4)
Kimi O.
We arrived at 6:30 on a Friday night. Easily found seats at a small table in the bar to wait for a dinner table. They sell wine by the bottle at retail prices and are available to take home, but you can pay a small corkage fee to enjoy a bottle at the restaurant- we paid a reasonable $32 (inc the fee) for a bottle of malbec. 45 minutes later we were seated. I loved everything we ordered: Truffle egg toast (even the accompanying asparagus was delicious) Polenta with ragu of the day (ours was a pork and beef bolognese, we ordered a large for just the 2 of us and finished it) Salmon (this was a special of the day, pan seared filet perfectly cooked and seasoned, served with the most delicious broth and mix of spring vegetables) Wish we had room for dessert but we were stuffed after just the three plates. The service was also 4 stars. The food could have come out faster but everyone was so friendly and attentive that the wait didn't bother me too much. And the ambience was perfect for date night!
(4)
Del M.
We were a group of five. After we placed our order, our items were brought out one at a time. These were not appetizers -- they were our meals. When we told the waitress our concern, she told us that she was bringing them out as they were ready. We told her we wanted them all at the same time so that we may eat TOGETHER. She said that is the way they do it. Unfortunately, one of us was finishing their meal while the rest waited. And, the food was mediocre at best.
(1)
Ermelinda C.
I loved the food here - creative, tasty and affordable. There were four of us and we had an amazing time here. The front staff does not know what they are doing, which contributes to the super long wait times... Also, plan ahead, since you can't make reservations to eat here.
(4)
Dan G.
Molto Bene. Apparently I'm late to the party with this place. Finally got here over the weekend and treated my sister to an Italian feast before she left town. I knew that DE does not take reservations, so we were fortunate to arrive early for dinner after an afternoon of shopping and sightseeing. We were seated immediately and I took a look around at the cute restaurant we had been so excited to visit. Racks of wine bottles lined the main dining room where we were seated and the walls had a cute decor of keyholes and doorknobs. There also appeared to be some communal tables by the bar up front for those nights they get swamped. We took our time going over the menu and trying to piece together an order that would be ideal for sharing and accommodating everyone's preferences. We went with three smaller app sized dishes and three mains. We got the truffled egg toast with fontina and asparagus, and a few salads. The toast was ridiculously good and it went quickly. I mopped up all the runny egg goodness. The salads were a hit with the ladies, particularly the one with the farro. For our mains, the ladies got a few pizzas the DOC and the arugula/proscuitto. I went with the giant rigatoni with sausage, oven roasted tomatoes and parm. These were all hits with our table. The arugula combo is always a winner and my sister loved it. The DOC was conveniently light on the cheese, so that made my little lady happy. I always love pasta dishes and the rigatoni did not disappoint. For dessert we had the torta bacio-chocolate-hazelnut mousse, crunchy bottom and chocolate nibs. It was a good ending to our meal. So why just four stars? A few things they could improve on. It seemed like we had to chase people down to get fresh pepper, cheese and hot peppers for our dishes. Had our server checked with us, we could have covered this. I always need this with pizza/pasta, picky me. It wasn't at all crowded, so it wouldn't have taken much to check in with us. They also drizzle the pizzas with EVOO, which I never think is needed and usually ruins a pie for my finicky redhead. That said, we had a great meal here and we are sure to return. There are quite a few small plate Italian restaurants around town, DE is the best of the bunch. Mangia!
(4)
W C.
Wow, I definitely was impressed. A tad pricey for some of the items we got but everything was good. Ricotta with honey? OMG GET! I was scared to ignore this as I hate honey and I don't like ricotta but I thought this was the most delicious thing ever. Egged on by yelp and my dining companion of course to order as this many people can't be wrong. Mascropone with Ragu Delicious, like creamy potatoes with meat. It doesn't taste that good cold though so gobble it up right away. Cace peco? (the pasta dish) This was delicious, and I can see why it comes in such a small portion(it's really very rich and simple) but I thought it was overpriced at $10. If it was $8 or something that would be more worth it. I guess percino cheese is expensive. Pizza della Really yummy even the day after (made my kitchen smelled great) but my taste buds didn't tell me wrong. This was slightly overdone, somewhat burnt on some pieces. I was stuffed when it first came out so I thought it was maybe me since my dining companion didn't say anything. The parts that were not overdone were good. Can't wait to try the others!
(4)
Gina V.
I'm really sad to be reading some of these bad reviews because I am in LOVE with this place and I cannot stop thinking about returning. I was a little annoyed when I walked in and asked to be seated for 6, but there were only 4 of us. I notified the hostess that the other 2 were walking down the street because they parked the car. She said that we had to wait until the entire party was here which would have been fine if it was busy, but it was Monday night and there were about 20 patrons total in the place....come on.... But I wasn't about to let her ruin the experience. I was captivated by the food.... We started off with prosciutto and some cheeses which were excellent and made me feel like I was in Italy at a local bar. Next, we had the bread with honey and ricotta...delicious My favorite dish was the toast with melted Fontina cheese, egg yolk, and asparagus....I have been dreaming about it. I was a little hesitant to try some of the dishes because a lot of them contain runny egg yolks which I hate. But I tried everything and it was still amazing. Then we had polenta with braised beef and it was delicious Lastly, we had spaghetti with sea urchin which was interesting, I think I would order it again...the raviola which I don't recommend because it is small and the flavor wasn't that amazing that I would recommend it....and the risotto carbonara. They charge a $7 corkage fee which is annoying.... Our hostess was super nice and honest about what she liked on the menu and recommendations. As someone else mentioned in another review, servers wear street clothes and it is quite weird. The atmosphere is really cute in there with candles in the mason jars, but the server in jeans, gym shoes, and a t shirt looked like she belonged at Applebee's. Anyhow, I will be returning VERY soon because I cannot stop thinking about the food and raving to everyone I know
(5)
Katherine T.
Loved the feel of the restaurant on a Friday night: lively but still able to hold a conversation. The style of shared plates was fun (although the recommendation of 2-3 plates a person was a bit much). I loved the ricotta flatbread with honey. The sea urchin pasta and fish were low lights. The rest was solidly good. make sure you book a reservation. Solid carrot cake and delicious chocolate hazelnut desserts.
(4)
Pascal M.
Small plate dining has taken over. And I like it! Davanti is a fun and reasonably priced restaurant with a lot of good food offerings, with a great wine selection to pair. They dont take reservations, so the wait can be long. But you'll have fun sitting at their wine bar or just go grab a coctail around the corner. They have a great selection of anti pasti, like fresh cheeses and nice meats to go with. IIt would be fun to just sit at the bar with a bottle of wine and munch away on a large selecion of these. The Marscapone polenta with ragu of the day is pretty good. It didnt blow me away with flavor and it's pretty filling. So you may want to reconsider so you can try some other good stuff. Great way to start is the chicken liver pate and the ricotta with honey. We gobbled these down instantly.The white anchovies are awesome. Really good texture and flavor going on with this dish. Dont let anchovie scare you. They're not as salty and much more meaty than the ones you may be use to. Truffle Egg Toast, wow is this good. We ordered 2...Pork belly was good. Not the best I've ever had, but the apple was a smart pairing. The linguine with the sea urchin and crab was a show stealer. Rich, creamy, and perfect balance of flavor. The Roasted cherry tomatoes with burrata and basil is a nice refreshing balance of flavor. Goes great with red wine. Seared octopus and seared halibut are awesome protien dishes. Davanti is new, lively, and has menu full of good items worth coming back and back for.
(5)
Justin W.
I had the chance to eat at this restaurant with a group of friends and I have to say I was pretty impressed with the food and price. First off let me say they do a nice job creating their own unique dishes. From the focaccia bread with a honey comb(which added a nice sweetness to the mild cow cheese on it) to the davanti burger(a must have) everything had its own flavorful taste. This little gem in the city is a must if you have a group a of people and are looking for a fun dining experience. The price isn't all that bad either.
(4)
Nhu N.
Pretty good food, I couldn't help but feel like I was in a chain restaurant. Much like a higher end Olive Garden. I know..I know.. it sounds bad but like I said, I couldn't help it. Service was decent. The honey comb ricotta was standout. Wish there was more bread or less ricotta.
(4)
Tara L.
Went for brunch on a Sunday around 11:30. I've heard great things about this place for brunch, and had only been for dinner one time, so was excited to try the brunch. Unfortunately this one was a miss for me. There was nothing horribly wrong, it was just simply unforgettable and I think there are better spots. The food was boring, the service was slow, and there was nothing really stand out about our experience. I will go back for dinner, but will try elsewhere for brunch.
(2)
C C.
As some of the others have said, I expected more. I wanted more. Have been here before for cocktails and starters at the bar, but last week was there for dinner for the first time. Had to write a review. Hostess was friendly and accommodating enough, I wanted to pay for dinner for my Italian mom's birthday (who is sorta picky about Italian restaurants) so she took my card and set it up with the server. Nice. Sat at the bar waiting, was not greeted by a bartender for oh about 10 minutes - everyone was too busy staring at and fawning over a family at the bar (even though I got there first). No idea who they were (maybe owner/management related??) but my death stare finally got me some service. Supremely annoying. I also saw what seemed to be most of the kitchen staff standing at the end of the bar - bad sign. Dinner service was good, but the food was pretty disappointing. Started with the eggplant/sun dried tomato spread - tasty, but cold. Should have been served warm or room temp. Cauliflower steak - undercooked/borderline raw, vinegary, the best thing I can say about it is that it was healthy. And we LOVE cauliflower. Ugh. Polenta and Pork Ragu - polenta was delicious and creamy. The highlight of the meal for me. The ragu was tasty, but cold. I mean come on! Get those chefs back in the kitchen! Rigatoni and Sausage - wow, terrible. Pasta was undercooked, sticky, gummy - and no, not al dente. Sausage was rock hard - I mean this dish was inedible. At this point I was kind of embarrassed that I brought my mom here. She tried to be nice about it because we both wanted to try this place - and I was paying - but yikes, just bad. Ended with a tasty gelato and some other thing that was mediocre that I can't even remember now because I'm unfortunately re-living that rigatoni atrocity in my mind.
(2)
Marty M.
Have been here a few times, fantastic atmosphere, very friendly staff. The food is all good, they have a great variety and the pizza is fantastic.
(4)
Francesco F.
We have been looking for an Italian place that would make "focaccia al formaggio di Recco" and it has been a struggle to find one that would come even close... until we discovered Davanti Enoteca. Their focaccia al formaggio is as close as we could have hoped for (except the presentation with honey, which would not happen in Italy - instead, it would come even with a bit more salt). In addition, the wine selection and interior design and ambiance were superb as well. We will be going back
Tonight my boyfriend and I went for a late dinner and got there around 9:15. I had called ahead and the host who answered the phone told me they didn't take reservations but said that by that time of night, we shouldn't have to wait more than half an hour. We got there at 9:30 and were quoted a 1 - 1 1/2 hour wait. We figured that since we were there (from the North side) we would stick it out and have a drink at a bar across the street while we waited - no problem. The restaurant called us after 45 minutes that our table was ready so we headed back - and frankly, it was downhill from there. While the food and wine were all great, that was unfortunately overshadowed by the worst service I've experienced in a restaurant. The hostess who sat us walked about thirty feet ahead of us and we could barely see her when she dropped menus at a table and practically sprinted in another direction. Keep in mind it's now almost 10:30 and the restaurant is no longer very busy. Water glasses were filled promptly but it was a good 5-10 minutes before anyone acknowledged that we were there. Someone finally came to take our order, we ordered a bottle of wine, bruschetta and then a cheese/charcuterie plate. The appetizers arrived before our wine did and we had to flag down another server to actually get the wine. Then our entrees (we both had the same pasta, the rigatoni with sausage, tomatoes and parm) arrived about 3 seconds after the bruschetta et al. So after waiting maybe 15 minutes for our drinks, we felt very rushed with our food. We probably only saw our actual waiter twice - the first time he took our order and at the end when he presented the check. The food was good, but I wouldn't go back. There are better Italian restaurants in the city that won't make you jump through hoops.
(2)
Anthony Z.
This is a great neighborhood place. The food is very satisfying, and the service is friendly and professional. It can get a bit loud, though. It is a very relaxed scene for lunch, which is when I prefer to go. Highly recommended, but I would suggest that you don't expect this to be a fine dining experience.
(5)
Arielle M.
Got a low-key sunday brunch here with family. The Bloody Mary bar was extensive with standard mixings and delicious garnishes. I ordered their take on steak and eggs. The skirt steak was divine, cooked perfectly and served with chimmichuri and a scrumptious mix of onions and peppers. Service was spot on. Food arrives as it is finished, spending no time under a heat lamp. I generally like this concept, but it doesnt work as well for breakfast. I suggest going for small plates. I would suggest more user-friendly menus, easier to handle. I would definitely return for dinner next time.
(4)
Michael F.
We hardly ever repeat dine at a nice restaurant in the Chicago, but this is probably my favorite place in the city. We have been 3 times, and have another set of reservation to return in the next couple weeks. My all time favorite dish I have had in the city is the Ricotta and Honeycomb. We have taken our friends out for a group couple date and ordered 3 for the table. Everyone feel in love with it. The Pizza della Fattoria is my girlfriends favorite item. We have tried a number of the menu items normally asking the waiters what they prefer, with great results. Additionally the have a great wine selection. We eat like royalty and do not break the bank doing it. A must try for any Italian tapas lover.
(5)
Kelly A.
When my good friend announced we needed to go to Davanti because it was the best food he had ever had in Chicago, I was skeptical. Don't get me wrong, I love Italian food as much as the next girl, but in my experience it rarely blows other eating experiences and cuisines out of the water. I stand corrected. I have been to Davanti twice in a month and this coming from a girl who lives on the Northside and tries to check out new restaurants rather than doubling back. This place is that good. One, the decor is lovely. The back of the dining room is adorned with shelves and shelves of wine bottles and the bar area is lovely with nice blown glass-looking lights and walls decorated with wood from wine boxes. It has a rustic Italian feel to it without being cheesy or over the top. The service is also good. It's attentive and efficient, but without rushing you or being pushy. But the best, of course, is the food. Both times we had the toasts with ricotta + honeycomb and roasted corn + walnuts + aged goat cheese + arugula + wild mushrooms salad, and both times, both were the highlights. I love good cheese and I've eaten a lot of it, but this ricotta is fantastic. It's so smooth, rich, and creamy. I'm also not sure if it's the honey or if they add something to it, but it has a light flavor of fennel seed that is oh so delicious. The corn salad is also spectacular. It's a warm salad, which was perfect for the cool night we had it on, and so flavorful. I love that the corn mixture and arugula were both separately dressed with different dressings so the mixture was layered with flavor. On one occasion we had the pizza della terra and the other the pizza della fattoria. Both are fantastic, though the pizza della fattoria is quite rich thanks to the cheese, bechamel, egg, and pork belly so if you order it you may want some lighter items to offset the richness. The hanger steak and risotto are also fantastic, though the risotto again is a little on the rich side, though not excessively so. Both times we ended the night with the torta bacio which is ABSOLUTELY fantastic. The chocolate-hazelnut mousse is incredibly light and chocolately. I love that it managed to be decadent without being too rich or too sweet. It was also perfectly contrasted against the crunchy bottom and the earthy cocoa nibs. All an all, this was a fantastic meal. My only gripe is the $7 corkage fee for wines off their list. I guess they include this because you can buy their wines to take home (and avoid the fee) but this is a little frustrating to me because since it's a flat fee and not a percentage it means that the price for the more affordable bottles goes way up, while it is pretty minimal on spendier bottles. Yes, it's noted on the top of the menu, but I didn't see it and would guess most don't see it either. I say just roll it into the price of your wine and give those who buy the wine to go a discount. This policy sucks, but the restaurant itself is great. Really hoping this practice/policy changes because everything else is spot on. If you're going to charge $7/bottle corking fee no matter what it makes me want to bring my own.
(5)
Neil G.
Food: 5 Service: 4 Atmosphere: 5 Value: 4 I remember a time when Davanti Enoteca had a 4.5 star average on this amazingly informative web site. Then some neanderthals had to ruin this impressive distinction with some childish 1 and 2-star reviews. Hopefully this 5-star blockbuster will do its part to tip the scales back in this deserving restaurant's favor. I took my wife here for her birthday and managed to convince her that it would be worth the long trip down to Little Italy and the even longer wait. How, you ask? I told her the restaurant is reminiscent of our honeymoon to Italy last spring. So after a 20 minute drive, 5 minutes to find parking, and a surprisingly short 30 minute wait time, we were seated around 6:45 on a Saturday night. We decided on the bruschette du jour (eggplant with olive oil and marscapone cheese), Farro Salad, Cacio e Pepe (Spaghetti, pecorino romano cheese, and black pepper), and Pizza della Terra (Foraged mushrooms, braised leeks, taleggio cheese, and truffle oil). The bruschette instantly transported me back to Italy. Calling this dish authentic would be like calling Menachem Schneerson religious (for those of you not familiar with your Lubovitch Jewish history, this is a severe understatement). The bread was nicely charred, but not burnt, the cheese was smooth, creamy, and slightly sweet, and the eggplant was grilled to a tender medium well. A drizzle of some high quality EVOO tied everything together. A great way to start. The farro salad came next and I have to be honest with you, I don't really remember what else was in it. However, I do know that it was like nothing I've ever tasted before. The farro was earthy and dense, and it was complimented by some sort of honey-balsamic drizzle (I think), arugula (again, I think), and some type of nut and cheese (not even going to guess on those). It was small, but powerful and memorable. Yes, that's what she said. As for the Cacio e Pepe, I can't say I would have tried this if it weren't already recommended by two of our friends. I mean, it's spaghetti, cheese, and pepper--how interesting could it be? Boy was I wrong on this one. This dish was a perfect example of why food in Italy is so spectacular. They took a simple dish, used the freshest ingredients possible, and cooked and prepared it flawlessly. It had the right amount of texture, body, and flavor. It wasn't too rich but it didn't leave me very hungry either. Simply genius. Now for my most anticipated moment of the evening: the pizza. I'm not sure if I've chronicled my lukewarm feelings about white pizzas before, but I'll give you a little refresher: I try really hard to like them, but I can't help but always think how much better they would be with sauce. With that in mind, I was a little hesitant to order it, but leeks and taleggio are two of my favorite pizza toppings so I couldn't resist. The taste was spot-on. Salty leeks, sharp cheese, rich mushrooms and truffle oil all on a perfectly crusted palette of Italian style dough. My ONLY critique (of the whole meal, not just the pizza) is that the middle could have been a little crispier. I know it's hard to do with numerous toppings, but I feel like I have to at least say one negative thing about this otherwise Mana Food Bar-like, (see my review) out-of-body, culinary experience. I'm guessing that if you're a vegan, you haven't even made it this far down the review so I'll go ahead and recommend this place to anyone who's still with me at this point. Don't worry carnivores--there's plenty of charteuccerie crap for you so you'll love this place too. This is hands-down the closest you'll get to Italy while dining in Chicago. Now If they could somehow offer house wine for $5/carafe, I would go so far as to say you don't even need to go to Italy after dining here. Unfortunately they don't, so don't cancel that trip just yet. Until then, check out this 5-star masterpiece to get yourself warmed up. [Thanks for reading my review and be sure to check out my other reviews on Yelp. My mission is to find restaurants that have great vegetarian, kosher, and vegan fare. On every review, I rate food, service, atmosphere, and value on a 1-5 scale to give you quick and easy overview of the restaurant. I love cooking, eating, and doing both with my friends and family. I always welcome your questions, comments, and suggestions so contact me on Yelp or Facebook if you want to share ideas.]
(5)
Meredith F.
We LOVE this place and have been back 2 times now. We've had brunch and dinner and everything is fantastic. I LOVE the gelato flights - pistachio....salted carmel marshmellow. We've tried everything the pizza, pasta, egg dishes, cheese plates. Everything is so good. I think our favorite is the Agnolotti di Zucca with pumpkin + ricotta + hazelnuts + sage + brown butter + chicken liver. Best dish hands down. The decor is comfortable and rustic. We will be back many more times!
(5)
Joe E.
Davanti is a great neighborhood Italian eatery attracting people from all over Chicago. They focus on sharing plates... some are to die for and others are good, but not too memorable. Honestly, they have two of my all time favorite dishes, ones that make me return to their restaurant. The atmosphere is classy, but at the same time fun... there are tons of people hanging out at the bar and the dress attire ranges from shorts and a t-shirt to jet black suits. I find it a great place to come with large groups mainly because the sharing aspect is always better with more mouths to feed. Unfortunately, Davanti doesn't take reservations, making it difficult to dine on some days, especially if you are on a time constraint. So make sure you allow plenty of time if you plan on eating here... and I suggest you plan soon!
(5)
Tracey H.
All of the rave reviews of this place must be from Schaumberg-dwellers who come in for an "exciting" dinner in the big city, capped off by high douche baggery at Tavern on Rush. Could I sound more elitist? Probably not, and I own that, but I've seen this all before. The food is so unbelievably "meh," and those branded plates are ridiculous--there's no other explanation. Cheesy, tacky, food that's whatever. No thanks.
(2)
Mariana M.
What a great place on Taylor. I go here for lunch often and I've never been disappointed with the food or service or ambiance. The lunch deals are nice, they have a different one everyday, so you can try something like a pizza or a nice sandwich for cheap, like $10-13 but paired with a cold peroni or glass of wine. I have not been here for dinner but as far as lunch, it's one of my favorites.
(5)
Chris H.
Interesting small plates that give a breathe of fresh air to all the 'same old' Taylor Street establishments. Good charcuterie, great cheeses, decent pizzas and good wine selections. I thought that the grilled octopus I had was fantastic, some hits and misses but overall our group aside from my parent in-laws were pleased. I will definitely return.
(3)
Laura L.
Apparently, the city of Chicago is on crazy pills when it comes to their Italian food. Yes, I've said it before and I'm going to say it again. This place reeks of cheesiness. Why does every Italian place I go to on suggestion of friends just end up terribly? I hate when people use superlatives to describe every single restaurant with absolutely no basis for comparison and Davanti falls into that category. "OMG It's amazing, the best, the absolute top.." - Uh, really homie? You've obviously never been to Italy.. I'll even take Sbarros over this. They were out of 4 or 5 things we wanted to order. Regarding what we did order: they didn't tell my girlfriend that her pizza was going to have an egg plopped in the middle of it. Moreover, it wasn't even properly cooked and it was runny. What?? How is that Italian?? I'm okay with some really over easy eggs, but why did you have to crack an egg on my perfectly good pizza and then not even cook it a tiny bit??? My boyfriend could essentially order only one type of pasta - bolognese - since they were out of everything else. Uh, gag me - it was super boring. If I order an Italian staple, I expect the fact that it's simple to make it shine. It should be amazing. It wasn't. Our appetizers - we had the asparagus and the salumi platter. The asparagus: it was a bit cruchier than I think "al dente" should be. The chef obviously phoned it in when it came to sauteeing the vegetables.. Wow, I'm getting angry even as I write this.
(1)
Brittany Q.
This review is based on there lunch Menu. I only dined on pizza and have not tried anything else. The restaurant is in a great location in the University Village/ Little Italy area. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. We asked our waitress what her favorite pizza was and ordered a few based of her suggestions. The first pizza we tried, was a Margareta pizza and it by far was a 5 star pizza. The crust was cracker thin and the ingredients were spectacularly fresh. The second pizza was less than stellar. It has an arugula on top of it and it just tasted really bitter. That was more of a three star pizza. For lunch, i felt it was a bit pricey, and basing that on city prices. I would definitely order for a group and split to keep the prices down.
(3)
Anne C.
By far the hottest staff I have ever seen in a restaurant. I haven't tried their food yet but there are so many good looking guys that work there, that's treason enough to stop in.
(4)
Jeana C.
They recommend that the table shares the dishes bc they are small... for 2 people, about 2 to 4 dishes. The recommendation was right on point. We got the bruschetta, polpo, linguini with crab and sea urchin, and polenta with ragu. Highly recommend the polenta with Ragu and the sea urchin and crab linguini. The polpo was unique as it had all types of ingredients on it but it was just a little salty for me. This place would be great for date nights and birthdays!
(4)
Joanna T.
This is the original Davanti and the only 2 drawbacks I found on this visit is no outdoor seating, and both the weather and location was begging for that on a gorgeous summer day. The other was service. Although our server tried to be there in a timely manner, he could not simply because he was the only server on a Thursday afternoon lunch. He was knowledgable and had suggestions but certainly harried. On to the food that we shared: Fontina and egg toast with asparagus was delectable. Beet salad which I always go with was average, the burger was huge and flavorful, also split 3 ways with shoestring potatoes, the chop grilled with peaches was rather fatty, with no more than 3 thin slices of clean meat. A shared order of pasta with sausage that was also flavorful. Also a side of corn with mushrooms, which I thought the corn on its own would be better, and I like mushrooms. We shared the strawberry tart along with chocolate pistachio cake, which was more like a hard fudge. I wouldn't recommend either and just go with gelato next time. It was a mixed bag this time, and usually they're better. Great place for sharing and not your typical Italian. I have been here before and had better luck with other items, and more prompt service. It wasn't for lack of trying, more for lack of help in regards to the service. Even the hostess helped the one server.
(3)
Daniel H.
The name of this restaurant is davanti enoteca which translates to "in front of the wine bar" in Italian but their name should be "best Italian restaurant in Little Italy". The food is amazing but you'll need to know a few things before you go. They have a $7 corkage fee which in Chicago terms means "BYOB" BUT they aren't BYOB (I was really confused) until I learned what they do is sell you their wine at retail prices and then add $7 corkage, at first I thought "rip off" but after seeing the wine list and looking at the prices I completely retract that thought. As far as the food is concerned, it is top notch on all levels. However, don't expect your normal over-sized Italian pasta dish. These are very small portions and you'll need to pick 2-4 dishes to complete your meal. The giant ravioli and giant rigatoni with sausage are amazing but the nutmeg soup and hazelnut gelato are a must have as well. All in all, this place is my new favorite Italian restaurant and a must try for anyone looking for interesting chef creations and a perfectly crazy atmosphere.
(5)
Nicole R.
I've been here numerous times for dinner and always fantastic. Sunday we popped in for brunch and omgoodness from the host, to the chef and our fantastic server we had the best time. They had us laughing, made fantastic recommendations.... Can you say green eggs and prosuito... i.e. breaded fried soft eggs, prosciutto with pesto... yummie! Scrambled eggs, sea urchin linguine, bacon and tomatoes, fresh mozzarella not to mention the self serve bloody mary bar it was a Happy Easter! No reservations no wait (yet) on Sundays!
(5)
Meredith W.
Love love love! My husband and I were just in town for the Chicago Marathon and were celebrating our anniversary. A friend recommended Davanti and what a great place. Everything we had was fabulous! The kind of place you want to keep going back to so you can keep trying more things on the menu. Really nice surprise!
(5)
Yien L.
Just came back again. I had the pizza with potato, scallions, bechamel, egg yolk, and pork. It was ridiculously good for the price. They also have a new monkfish entree that takes the place of the swordfish entree they use to have.
(5)
ABC D.
This place is phenomenal. Start with the ricotta and honey mason jar, next the prosciutto and lastly the giant ravioli (although the pecorino noodles are delightful). This restaurant is quite out of the way - but definitely worth the trip. Have only been there for work lunches. Would be interested to check it out on the weekend. The atmosphere is... For lack of a better word...hip! Check it out!
(5)
S C.
We realized this restaurant is a popular spot when we strolled in quite early on a Saturday night and were asked..."Do you have a reservation?" Why, no. The restaurant was already busy. Luckily, they have a heated upstairs outdoor space, and it was fine for us to dine up there. (Beware, wear boots or at least socks, because while the space is warmed, heat rises and your feet will be cold!) I liked the space...it was quiet and cozy. The waiter and wait staff very friendly and helpful We started with drinks. I have to be honest, I had a basic, not frou frouy vodka based drink. I should have been able to taste the vodka, because it was not a drink like a huge lemonade with 95% lemonade and 5% vodka. Honestly, I did not taste any alcohol. The vodka they used, by the way, is the one I drink at home, so I'm familiar with how it tastes in that drink. I'm not going to nitpick here, though. I will give them the benefit of the doubt...perhaps the bartender didn't know the proportions of the drink, or the ice watered it down. The wine was good. We tried the ricotta honeycomb appetizer. Very delicious...whipped ricotta, delicious honey, toasted(tasty!)bread. I believe you can ask for more bread and also a bit more honeycomb if want. Really good. Next up, a house made ravioli. Delicious! Thin crust pizza - admirable. The dessert menu didn't really sing...but because we needed to kill some time, we had gelato. Surprisingly, wonderful - as we have had really awful gelato elsewhere. This is a solid choice for Italian food. Applause for every one of the staff we interacted with, who made our experience top notch. Make a reservation on weekends, and enjoy.
(4)
Ghoncheh G.
For the first time so far, Yelp let me down. I came here for a lunch with my family and was expecting all the divine things that the reviews stated but I got ALL the opposites. Food: Was very bland, stale tasting. We got the ravioli, corn salad along with the ricotta cheese spread and the steak. The only decently tasting thing was the steak. Everything else was very mediocre and let down in taste, flavor and presentation. The service was sub par. Our waitress didn't explain anything to us, hardly wanted to wait the table and just came to get our order and bring one of the dishes. Never checked up on us and we had to flag down another staff member to bring us the check (our meter was expiring so we had to jet). I want to believer it was an off day and maybe lunch time is a bad time but really no excuse for EVERYTHING to go down hill. Will not be back and will not recommend.
(2)
Jen B.
My mom was in town one weekend to visit me and I decided to ask my Chicago native friend if she had any recommendations for places to go dinner. Needless to say she is now my go to restaurant advisor due to her recommendation of Davanti! I can not stop telling everyone how amazing this place is and my mouth is literally watering thinking about the food here. Although you have to wait a while to be seated, it is totally worth the wait! Make sure you ask for the tuscan toast with the mini mason jars to start. Great atmosphere, relatively reasonable and the best food I have had in Chicago!
(5)
Milly P.
I love Davanti! Everytime I go, they do not disappoint. First of all, they are always very busy, so if you intend to go at "peak hours" make sure you are ready to wait a while for a table! I love the decor of this restaurant. It is so cozy and quaint. I adore the fireplaces and wood and brick feel of the restaurant. The food is fantastic! I've had the urchin pasta, which is to die for! The pizzas are rustic and so satisfying. The meat and cheese plate is always a good choice. The chicken liver pate is also a good choice. The hands down best dish I've had is the pork belly, it is so stick to your ribs delicious! Finally, I wanted to add that all the servers I've had there were very friendly and attentive.
(5)
Michael E.
I came here on a recommendation from my supervisor. I couldn't have been more pleased. The staff was very friendly and everyone from the bus boy to the manager asked me how everything was going. I had the foccacia flat bread with the local honeycomb. This combination is delicious. The salty cheese, sweet honey, and flat bread crunch only made me eager for more. I got the cacio e pepe as my entree and it was delightful. Spaghetti tossed lightly on olive oil topped with pecorino and cracked pepper. simplicity at its finest. The decor was cute and the place very clean and professional.
(5)
Jessica G.
We had a casual lunch this afternoon and were blown away. The ambiance is charming, the food was on point. The focaccia was like none we have ever come across, and it was delicious. Our server, Emanuel, was extremely knowledgeable about every aspect of the menu, as well as the wine list. He made our experience comfortable and enjoyable. Check out this spot for sure!
(5)
Bridget M.
Went here with my parents and brother before game 7 against the redwings. Great choice. We had never been - everything was delicious. It's Italian tapas and small plates. Pricey, but worth it. I highly recommend the eggplant vasi - its an eggplant spread that comes in a mason jar and it was fantastic. The Paccheri con Salsiccia e Pomodori al forno was amazing - a sausage and rigatoni dish with tomato sauce. Our favorite dish by far was this pork dish over polenta (I don't see it on the menu looking at it online right now so I forgot what it was called but it was so good that you should ASK about it when you go) very nice very attentive waitress - no reason this place shouldn't get 4 stars. It's only not getting 5 because its not my absolute favorite Italian tapas.
(4)
Ricky N.
Yes, yes, yes; 5 stars. Had Davanti only been a wine bar/charcuterie, I would still have to give 5-stars. Davanti has a really phenomenal wine list. Many selections that are easy on the wallet and selections available for the more selective palate. And each and every server I have encountered (on the many times I've been) have been very knowledgeable as to the wine. Not being very versed in Italian wines, but French and American, I often talk wine selection through with the server. And often a server will feed rehearsed speeches per varietal. But I have not found that at Davanti. And- you have the option for by the glass and quartino, of many wines (including some great bubbly- the glass pour of prosecco is really nice). I have only a handful of times been unimpressed by service. But you can't have the crem de la crem each visit. The charcuterie is really great. There is nothing better than sipping on a nice wine, pair with some cheese, proscuitto, and fruit on raisin toast. Onto the food. Davanti does shared plates, something that's been hot lately. But some places don't do it as well as others. Davanti does small plates really well. I've had each and every pizze- and each and every pizze is really great. The crust is that true-to-italian crust. Though pizza isn't technically "italian,' in Italy you'll find dishes reminiscent of pizza, with a very thin, crispy crust. And that's just what Davanti serves. They also have a Polenta + Ragu of the day, and a number of really tasty vegetarian and meat dishes. The steak and crispy pork belly are by far my two favorites. All in all, Davanti can and will provide something for every occasion. Whether you want a 3pm break of solitude, a business lunch, or dinner with friends, Davanti has what it takes to satisfy a range of taste buds. Parking in Little Italy can be a slight challenge. They do valet for both lunch and dinner, and there is meter parking along Taylor. But if you're like me, of that Chicagoan population that refuses to pay for parking, park two blocks south on roosevelt or on loomis just north of roosevelt, there is always hidden strips of street that isn't permit parking.
(5)
Jessica W.
Just went here last night and WOW WOW WOW. I will start with my only complaint: this place does not take reservations. It was fine because we were going to a concert on a Tuesday and showed up at 5:30...there were plenty of seats, however the no reservation thing will keep us from going here most nights. Now on to the good stuff: Wine list--fantastic. Drinks, martinis, etc...fantastic. We were with a group of 4 and got several things, ALL of which were amazing and served with perfect timing. Ricotta cheese with honey--holy cow. Cheese plate--wow, ravioli, pasta, pork shoulder with polenta, filet and octopus--ALL AMAZING. I wish we could have had dessert, but we needed to get going. OH! And the decor is spectacular. Wine everywhere, open windows--super neat. CAN'T WAIT TO RETURN! This place is a rare find.
(5)
Jessica S.
This restaurant has never disappointed. The food is absolutely amazing and the atmosphere is cozy and rustic. People need to understand this is a place that serves shared plates so don't expect big portions. Their pizzas are to die for along with their vases of spreads. My favorite spread is the ricotta with honey. They are a little pricey but you won't leave disappointed. Every Monday they have 25% industry discounts! So bring a pay stub and check it out on Monday's!
(5)
Tina T.
Davanti Enoteca lived up to its high expectations. The hype has been big - Yelp reviews, Check Please, and the recent top restaurant award given by Chicago magazine set the expectations bar pretty high. But the food was great, prices were phenomenal, and the environment is very cool rustic Italian. The only problem, of course, is the wait and lack of reservations. We got there at 9:30 on a Saturday night, figuring that the wait would have died down somewhat - wrong! They announced an hour and a half wait. No worries - I assured my friends that we were great bar hawkers. My husband and I have the uncanny ability to hawk seats at the bar, which means we've never had to wait at Kuma's for more than 15 minutes. Got a seat at the bar, which, for starters, is not very big. If you're not taking reservations and you're that popular, it might be helpful to have a bigger waiting area - just saying. Hopefully the new rooftop patio that is supposed to be opening up will help alleviate some of the crowds. Ordered a pizza, which came up quickly and was absolutely delicious - light crust, great herbs and flavor. We got seated much quicker than initially told. We ordered a number of appetizers, all which were great. The truffle toast and polenta were delicious. The grilled asparagus and the seared hearts of palm were my favorite, though - just bursting with complex flavors. Wines are inexpensive, so it's almost like you are at a BYOB. The decor is rustic and comfortably chic. I would totally go back, as the price is right, the food is great, portions are perfectly sized, and great ambience. And Taylor Street is fabulous - the night would have been perfect if only Mario's was open when we left!
(4)
Dunping Y.
I have been multiple times over the last year, and Davanti never fails to disappoint. Definitely recommend the sea urchin pasta, the burger, polenta, any of the mason jar spreads, and pork belly pizza. The wine is affordable and to my understanding you can always bring your own bottle and pay a small corkage fee. The reason I'm giving four stars instead of five is the restaurant uses a liberal amount of oil on all their food, its especially noticeable on items like the burger and the focaccia. These taste great but they're both soaked in grease.
(4)
Lochin S.
went for business lunch. You walk in and have to pass the bar, the bar area looked so inviting, I am making mental notes to myself to come back and sit a spell... so onward. We did not drink but the walls are outlined in coves of bottles, all very nicely done. Loved the decor! Food-started with beet salad, loved. mushroom, truffle pizza was to die for. I could just eat that and a bottle of wine and been in heaven! we also had carbonara risotto which was good too. but at this point, I am pretty full. Note about the plates, they come out when they come out. You share. Love this place, unique menu and great "hang out" feel of the decor.
(5)
Lucie T.
A friend I was visiting loves this place and I can see why. The reason for my three (which is really meant to be 3.5 - I wish there was a way to do this!) stars is because of some of the feelings I had about food, it goes without saying that choices and wine menu and the decor of the place made me a very happy person to start with and to end with as well. we had: Crispy pork belly + apple mostarda - this was a good start though I felt a bit on the dry end , the apple mostarda made up for a little bit of the dryness Ligurian style baked focaccia + fresh soft cow cheese + honey comb - this was great , I would say too much bread, and not enough honey to lift the cheese flavor, otherwise well crafted and presented And seasonal farro salad with roasted squash, warm goat cheese, and greens. I would dare say this was my favorite tapa of the evening. - the flavors meshed well, the farro's texture was very pleasant and the whole dish just worked. Riccio di Mare e Granchio ... Linguine + sea urchin + crab - I was excited to see this dish on the menu, as I had something similar in the past. The pasta was a bit tough in my opinion, and you could not distinguish any sea urchin. But it felt homey and simple and did do the trick of filling us in the end of the meal.
(3)
Emily S.
We hit up Davanti on Friday night with another couple. We were told the wait would be 1-1.5 hours at about 7:45 on Friday night, which was to be expected. Our wait ended up being just under an hour, and there are plenty of bars to grab a cocktail nearby. I was really irritated by the wine list pricing. On first glance, everything appears to be dirt cheap ($21 bottles!) Then the waitress explained that those prices are retail, and there is a "$7 corkage fee" per bottle (i.e. the "$21 wine" is really $28). WTF is that? How much take away wine are they selling vs. what is being consumed on-site? It seems like the better way to do it would be to list the wine as $28 and offer a $7 discount if you would like to buy a bottle to take home. But that's just me. Given all the hype, I was somewhat underwhelmed by some the food. The truffle egg toast was delicious, as was the roasted tomato and burrata cheese salad. Our salumi platter had some of the best proscuitto I've had outside of Italy. The carbonara risotto was awesome. However, the octupus was only OK. It was extremely chewy and overly charred. The giant rigatoni with sausage was about 2 minutes shy of al dente. And the pizza was just bad. The crust was floppy and soggy and couldn't support the toppings. The cheese wasn't melted all the way. All in all, it was pretty good. I think I would steer clear of the pizzas and stick with the small plate stuff.
(3)
Andrew B.
I have been here twice and Melissa D. is correct , "all of the food is great." My favorite so far has been the octopus. The sausage rigatoni is a close second. The only problem is they don't take reservations so be careful if you trek over there at peak hours.
(4)
Nick S.
I'm going to have to break from the trend and give Davanti Enoteca a much deserved 3 stars. Why you may ask? Let's extrapolate... Atmosphere: + Spacious + Cool set up - Small Table (for 2) - Music Choice was *very* distracting... more appropriate for a BBQ spot. Note: I understand that smaller tables are great for space efficiency; I work in food service. BUT there should be ample space for more than 2 dishes if your menu is based around shared plates... Service: + Knowledgeable Staff - Terrible timing of expediting food - Lack of fresh plates - Awkward rhythm in service (unusual waits) Note: For Davanti Enoteca to come from a lineage of great restaurants (I happen to love Francescas) they failed when it came to appropriately expedite food in a logical order. We ordered the charcuterie platter (which I was pleased with), the crispy pork belly w/ apple mostarda (underwhelming), hearts of palm salad (the savior of the meal), linguini with sea urchin and crab (underwhelming), and grilled hangar steak (so/so). The order it came in was flopped a bit... I'm sorry but I would've liked my salad served before or with my pasta - not when I'm half way through the pasta. Then hangar steak then came a lot later after the other dishes were completed. Also, I would've liked a fresh plate after the first 2 dishes .. everything becomes muddled after a while, no? Food: + Great concepts + Great selection - Poor execution Note: I'm actually really surprised by the food we got today based on everyone else's reviews?? Maybe we came on an off day.. but a lot of the food seemed to be lacking seasoning.. Let me break down some dishes - Crispy Pork Belly w/ Apple Mostarda Classic pairing. The pork was cooked technically correct, but it was lacking flavor and if you're familiar with cooking pork belly, you'll know that if it is lacking seasoning there's that all too familiar taste that is borderline foul. The apple mostarda was disappointing. With the amount of mustard seeds, I was really looking for that bright spiciness.. instead, it just tasted like caramelly apple sauce. It needed a more dynamic flavor profile. - Assorted Formaggi/Salumi Good selection. I was very happy with the salami and the prosciutto. The soft cheese was very good and tangy - just the way I like it. Strawberry preserves were a nice addition. - Linguini w/ Sea Urchin + Crab Nice portion size, but again the flavor was lacking. I love sea urchin, I've eaten it straight out of the shell so I'm very familiar with its flavor. I don't know, I just expected this particular dish to me more luscious and umptuous. Linguini was cooked fine (al dente) but it was just very monotone in flavor, I was left uninspired. I was really missing that briney taste you get with sea urchin. They were generous with the crab meat which was nice. - Shaved Hearts of Palm Salad Probably the highlight of the meal. I actually really like hearts of palm and I appreciate what they did with the salad. IN FACT, the flavor of the salad was so bright and citrusy, that it totally helped elevate the linguini dish if you ate them together. I would recommend that they make the salad a pairing suggestion for that dish. - Grilled Hangar Steak w/ roasted oyster mushrooms, salsa verde. This is a pretty standard dish, and I actually really liked the garnishes (mushrooms and radish). The salsa verde however was forgettable. I actually forgot that it was on the plate because it wasn't very pronounced. Now, I'm not asking for a mouthful of their herb garden, but I would like a nice herbacious element to the dish to give the steak some dimension. The steak itself was cooked to a pretty good medium rare.. just how I like it. So all in all, if they can tweak the ambiance and improve the execution of plates this place can be really good. But these missteps prevented me from giving them anything more than an A-OK. Let's put it this way.. for the tab that was dropped at lunch, a simple (but delicious) salad shouldn't be the star of the meal.
(3)
Emily T.
So, My friend Chris and I really enjoy scouring the city for new culinary finds, and Davanti Enoteca has been on our "to try" list for quite some time. Last night, we finally got around to making the trek to Taylor Street, (which, by the way, looks like it's hoppin! Next stop- Three Aces...) and we timed it right- at 6:45 on a Thursday night, we took the last 2-top- no wait. Lucky us! Unfortunely, we got table 13, (denoted by the big red "13" on our table top) which is kind of smack dab in the middle of the action. Davanti gets 4 stars overall- we started with 2 cheeses and 2 meats- all excellent. We were then greeted by Leon, who seemed to be a manager (?) and Leon brought over another truffle cheese that we had to try... awesome. Next we have the truffle egg toast w/ asparagus tips which was delightful, and next came the pizza D.O.C with sausage. The crust seemed a bit undercooked in the middle, but still delicious. Finally, we got the rigatoni with Sausage, which was also just....good. Not exceptional, and I was sadded to think that this small bowl of pasta with sausage was $10. I should have ordered the risotto, (the couple next to us did, and it looked amazing) but I will next time, because we definitely will be back. Service was excellent and Leon really made us feel very welcome.
(4)
Rebecca H.
Had the pizza and a pasta dish. Atmosphere and food were great.
(4)
Tida M.
I am obsessed with this place. Since it opened, I have been here maybe 20 times. I have never had a complaint. Everything I have ever ordered has been soooo delicious! The focaccia with cheese and honeycomb are so worth the $18 you will pay. They also had a booth open during the Taylor street fest and I went there every single day of the fest. This is definitely one place to try!
(5)
Bruce E.
.Found this spot from other Yelp highly recommend reviews and it caused me to break one of my travel rules--do not repeat a restaurant on the same trip... I did and it was better the second time. Everyone who has been there with me has rated it as a top pick. Unique with the small plates but more so the food is stunning and original. Spaghetti with pecorino and black pepper sounds so dull--until you try it. The last trip was the first time I made it to the entree section as I previously had been too full from all the great selections on the top of the list. We shared grilled octopus and it was amazing, tender, and flavorful with nice grill marks and char. If they have the bruschetta with cannellini beans and caramelized onions it is highly recommend. Please do not miss the polenta of the day... Whatever it is, get it!!! Crust on pizza is normally just a method of handling the toppings--not here. There is a smoky char to the crust and it crackles when you bite. Try it with the arugula topping
(5)
Ang R.
May as well chime in. Two trips here, two deliciously wonderful meals. Order the ricotta/honeycomb vaso. It's insanely tasty. And if you use up all the bread, and have more ricotta, don't hesitate to ask for more bread. They'll bring it. Order the polenta of the day. I've had two different versions now, and they've both been excellent--though the real star of the show there is the polenta, which I've never liked before. Davanti's is rich and creamy and right. Most everything else I've ordered has been seasonal. It's all been absolutely delicious, however, from the cauliflower steak to the burrata and roasted tomato salad. And all the pastas I've tried have been great....only thing I didn't care for was the risotto carbonara. (Carbonara is such a pasta-dependent thing. Good carbonara sauce clings to the pasta just so, with a sheen of egg. Doesn't quite get there with rice.) Go early to get a table, as they don't take rezzies.
(5)
Jenny T.
Last night was a night of self indulgence and gluttony at Davanti Enoteca. I suggest everyone do the same. The sea urchin and crab linguine was the best thing I have ever tasted and probably will ever taste. It is all downhill from here, folks, but at least now I can die a happy woman. This delicious seafood dish has a hint of hot-and-spicy quality that I totally dug, and you will too. I promise. One of the best things about Davanti Enoteca? They price their bottles of wine at retail price, meaning that bottle of wine you'd buy at the liquor store next door is the same price as you're paying for it at the restaurant. As for our experience? We ordered everything we could possibly maybe want to eat and filled ourselves to the brim with 2 bottles of wine and 6 shared plates (for two of us). Our bill was only $120... the wine probably made up for about half of the bill... I am already planning my return trip.
Wow, we finally made it to a new(ish) place in Chicago. Reading the new Chicago Magazine 2011 best new restaurants finally made me get on my horse to check out Davanti. Erica somehow had never ventured down Taylor street before so we were killing many birds with a single stone. I also had not been down Taylor in a while and I am thoroughly impressed with some of the recent additions. Davanti is a great addition with a great atmosphere and popular scene. The bar is right in front, next to the wood fire oven but still at the entry of a narrow but deep restaurant. They don't take reservations so when we arrived at a popular time on Wednesday night the wait for two was over an hour. We choose to sit at the bar and eat our meal immediately (I'm not a huge fan of waiting long for tables). You get the full menu, great service and quick drinks. I also enjoy the people watching experience by the front door and other bar patrons. Finally, something I loved and noticed right away was the amazing soundtrack playing in the restaurant. For all I knew they stole my iPod and hit shuffle because I owned 95% of the songs played and could sing the rest (Erica prevented my from singing anything though I did tell her the name of each song). While I loved everything about the restaurant, the some of the food did lag behind.It's designed as small sharable plates (shocker!), which is fine by us so we could try different dishes. The menu is well organized and well priced into starters, salads, pastas, main dishes, etc. We ordered asparagus, burrata on toast, polenta with pork shoulder (a special recommended), rigatoni and sausage and a cheese pizza. If it sounds like a lot of food for two people, it kind of was. The pizza is large so we only ate half. So, what happened with the food. Our grilled asparagus was good, and one of the better dishes of the night, but still kind of simple. They were cooked well and I loved the sauce. The burrata in a jar was cool, and the toast was delicious. But I was kind of dissapointed in the flavor of the silky cheese. There was plenty of olive oil but not enough seasoning. The best dish by far was from the "board" section: Mascarpone polenta + ragu of the day (pork shoulder). The polenta was delicious and the pork melted in our mouths. A wonderful dish. At the same time we ate the rigatoni and sausage. It was rather disappointing because the pasta was clearly "al dente" (not my preferred) and the sausage was kind of tough. The pizza came out last and was not needed. We tried it and finished half but it was uninspiring. We've had better thin crust, wood fired pizza in the city but this wasn't bad just a little boring.We opted to skip dessert. I enjoyed many aspects of the restaurant such as the ambiance, music and service. The polenta and pork shoulder was a fantastic dish and if they all tasted that good it would have been an amazing meal. Unfortunately the rest of our food was rather ho-hum and a little boring (especially for Italian). I think Davanti is a great addition to Taylor St and would be a fun place to grab drinks and snack.
(3)
Kim G.
This place was fine. Nothing really outstanding or memorable. The drinks and the service were good. The pizza was nothing special.
(3)
Jasi A.
I feel bad rating this place 2-stars but I really don't see what others find so great about this place. The servers and staff are in regular street clothes, so it's hard to tell who's taking care of you. It made it even more weird to see random people walking up to your table taking your plates, asking you if you want wine, and bringing your food, and you'd never even know they worked there! The food was okay, but we left so hungry we hit up another joint after. The portions are small and I felt bad for my friend who ordered the raviola, because it was literally one raviola that laid flat on the plate and was the size of the palm of her hand. Overpaid. Lastly, of all the empty tables around we were seated next to a populated table, and the waitress kept wiping her ass on my back trying to get through. We also couldn't converse unless we were shouting across the table because we were in between two speakers and the music was blaring. I wouldn't come back, but kudos to those who find this place excellent!
(2)
Darlene L.
This place truly shines. It is a wine shop, a wine bar, and a terrific small plates Italian restaurant. Service is swift but a little stressed as tables fill quickly. Wines are reasonably priced but listed uniquely with a price and a corkage fee on top of the price. Reason? This is a wine shop that sells wine and then charges an additional $6.00 to serve each bottle. At any rate, the Italian wines are wonderful. We enjoyed a sparkler, white, and red. All went beautifully with olives,beet salad, pizza, pastas, and dessert. Every food item was delicious. Place is a bit noisy but keep your eyes out for Chicago celebs among the bustle.
(5)
Lauren D.
Taylor Street is another reason why Chicago is the coolest city in the U.S. I probably haven't been over here in at least 10 years, and the area has become such a neat find. Lots of restaurants, coffee shops and specialty stores - you feel like you're in the city but in a stand-alone neighborhood with a hint of the college town vibe. Walking into Davanti on a Sunday night, I knew this was going to be a fantastic experience. The ambiance is cool and casual while simultaneously warm and inviting. I love all the wood accents, and every light fixture is a work of art in itself. It was really busy for a Sunday, so we waited about half an hour at the bar, which is where I discovered Davanti also sells wine. So, their wine pricing can't get any better. They charge $7 above retail value. (This is unheard of in the city.) The wine list was extensive and had some unexpected additions. Unfortunately I gave up alcohol for lent so I was unable to enjoy this aspect. But my Diet Coke was delicious. Highlights: *pizzas from a wood-burning oven. The tomato/basil: devoured in about a minute. Comes with individual canisters of spices too. * bread. toasted with olive oil. * every pasta on the menu, especially the Paccheri con Salsiccia e Pomodori al forno and the Cacio e Pepe spaghetti * knowledgeable, friendly service There's a nice bar area to hang around at for pizza/appetizers. One of my new favorite spots.
(4)
Rebecca O.
Great ambience. Brunch is moderately creative, delicious, but somewhat pretentiously priced. Good location for a lunch date or when looking for a cozy yet elegant setting.
(3)
Mimi W.
This place was delicious, even for someone who was flu-stricken. My dinner companions luckily knew beforehand that there would be a wait, so we were, at the very least, forewarned (as you are now, dear Yelp reader). Even on a random Thursday night at about 9pm, we had an hour-long wait. The waiting area is not huge, but Bevi Amos is conveniently across the street and an ideal area to wait. We opted to wait in the front of the restaurant and "feasted on eyes," to be lame, on the lovely rustic decor. For dinner, we ordered in groups of 2 or 3 since the plates are "small." Between my dinner partner and myself, we ordered 3 small plates, shared a great deal of it with the rest of the group, and still ended up arguing about who had to finish the dishes. I have to say, Davanti is NOT stingy with the good stuff. Someone at my table ordered the pate and it came with a really generous amount of it. The sea urchin and crab pasta that we ordered had big CHUNKS of crab -- not fake crab, not shredded crab, but great big chunks of crab that looked like it was removed straight from the crab and placed into our pasta. There were also various dishes involving pork belly, which is always a huge plus in my book. We got the appetizer of crispy pork belly which made me want to wriggle around in delight like a happy piglet (ignore how disturbing this sentence actually is, please) and our dinner companions got the pizza topped with pork belly which appeared to vanish fairly quickly.
(4)
Natalie L.
This is our favorite neighborhood spot. Service is always outstanding. The raviolo is a must try. Also recommend the burger, the riccotta and honeycomb, the polenta boards, and the escarole salad. For dessert we usually stick with the sottobosco (a mix of cheesecake, graham crackers and seasonal fruit compote in a mason jar) but tried the little pudding last night for the first time and it was really good. Love the portion sizes and the atmosphere.
(5)
Phyllis S.
This place is seriously over priced for the quality of food. It was really expensive. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't have minded paying so much if the food would have been good....but it wasn't! The risotto was hard and it took 20 minutes between one plate and the next. (We were there on a Tuesday) When the last plate finally got to us the half of chicken wasn't even edible. It tasted like they had put a burnt mole sauce on it. We told the waitress about our displeasure and we got charged full price for chicken and risotto that we didn't eat anyway. $70 for food that we didn't eat!!! We will never return to this place again. The waitress said that the place served their food like a "tapas style." I think this is their excuse for making people wait so long for their food.
(1)
Laura V.
Amazing! The focaccia was so good...I think I made inappropriate noises when I tried it. Also, the polenta was very well done. We had two pastas, both were good but serving sizes are smaller. Com with a group of four so you can try several things. I will visit again soon.
(4)
George C.
This truly deserves 5 stars, cause it's as GOOD AS IT GETS! Went there with some colleagues while in Chicago for a conference and one of my colleagues summed it up perfectly- "I simply don't know what to do with all these amazing flavors!" We started with the ricotta honeycomb and all I can say is- WOW!! How is that not a staple at EVERY Italian restaurant!? Simply perfect! And make sure you don't go light on the ricotta on your toast- because you MUST use the toast as a vehicle for that amazingness!! We then got the truffled egg and cheese toast and yep- another amazing dish! It comes with aspargus on the side and surely that was the best asparagus I've ever had. We ordered some corn salad, which we all thought would be served cold, but nope- surprised us again with the best warm corn salad I've ever had. We continued to order pizzas and other appetizers, which I now don't remember, but all I can say is that everything from start to finish was HEAVENLY! If you go to Chicago, you MUST try out this amazing gem.
(5)
Jenny D.
WOW, I just came back from dinner at Davanti and I can't say enough good things about both the food and the service my friend and I received here tonight. Our server, Catherine, I think her name was, made our experience so wonderful and helped us make some really great choices with the food (even though everything here looks AMAZING). First, we got seated on the roof top, and although it was a cool fall night, the roof top at Davanti is heated and has lanterns everywhere and is very cozy. Our server helped us pick out a great bottle of wine and suggested her favorite appetizers. We had the egg toast with truffles and Oh My God, I can't even come close to describing how good it was. The truffle taste is very distinct and tastes amazing with creaminess of the eff and fontina. We then had a mushroom truffle pizza and the Davanti burger which were both fantastic. You will be long dreaming about them after you leave. Overall, Davanti is now one of my favorite restaurants and such a great versatile place where you can go on a re all romantic date night, a group dinner or just a fun night out with a friend. This place is such a gem and worth going to MANY times.
(5)
Heather E.
I went with a little trepidation considering the no-reservation policy, but being a Wednesday night our wait was short. We sat down at the bar for a cocktail, and were seated a short 15 minutes later. I tried their house-infused vodka, the day's flavor was watermelon mint- a steal at $5 (wednesday special), but I didn't love the flavor. The watermelon was barely distinguishable, and it slightly reminded me of sweet and sour mix. Thankfully, I am a sucker for a cheap drink so was able to somehow finish the drink. We were seated at a nice little two-top near the back of the restaurant, near the loudest women in the entire restaurant, possibly the entire city. I was initially disappointed about my inability to hear myself think, but eventually the din of the restaurant took over the cat-like screeches, and I was able to relax and take everything in. Overall, the set-up works. The tables are close, but not on top of each other. You can comfortably move throughout the restaurant without knocking a glass of wine off of someone's table with your derriere. I also like the light fixtures. Our waiter was great with recommendations, and allowed us to order at our own pace, which is great. He was a little slow to come back and check in, and we waited about 10 minutes with empty drinks, but when he came around he was chatty and helpful. Our food: 1) ricotta w/ honeycomb- perfect, cheap, and they will box it up to go if it's unfinished 2) truffle toast- I loved the asparagus with this dish- a slightly bitter, texturally snappy contrast to the cheesy toast 3) foccacia di recco- I was expecting fluffy doughy Roman style foccacia, but this was thinner, almost like a cornmeal pizza crust encasing some really delicious cheese. This is a large dish, which the price reflects 4) paccheri- small pasta dish (the waiter said about 5 oz.), tasty but not particularly memorable 5) pizza della fattoria- they love eggs in this place- an egg is cracked on top of the pizza when it comes out of the oven, so not for the faint hearted. The pizza has an array of other toppings, and the only thing that seemed a little out of place was the potatoes. Due to the egg, don't expect to take this one home. 6) We ordered the cheapest wine on the list, the Montepulciano D'Abruzzo-- it was good for me Walking out of here we were stuffed, and our pockets were a little lighter, although not much. We spent well below $100 for for 5 dishes and a bottle of wine- I thought it was a great value and a fun overall experience.
(4)
Brigitte C.
Yes, I know - what can I possibly add to the already glowing reviews? YOU MUST GO! I absolutely love this place! From the food, to the decor, to the servers, everything is fabulous. We went yesterday with a group of 6 ladies for my daughter's high school graduation/18th birthday celebration and ordered a ton of food and nothing disappointed. All the Vasi are delicious and decadent. The focaccia is a must try (and not like any traditional focaccia). The giant raviolo - amazing. The risotto, also amazing. I also beg of you, even if you feel you can't eat another bite, order the mascarpone polenta with the ragu of the day (my one aunt called it evil - evil goodness on a wood slab)! I can't wait to go back. Now if they could only open a little boutique hotel above the restaurant...hmmm.
(5)
Gabrielle S.
Hmmm. I am feeling like 3 stars was just to much to give here. Some dishes are so on the mark...yet some just still are not there yet at all!!! And the service is so spotty. Fish special: delicious octopus: awesome arugala and roasted corn salad(great but I needed to order an extra side of arugala...which I was charged for- only comes with like 5 pieces) raviola.....MMMMMmmmmmmmmmm Pasta with Sea Urchin and Crab.....wait WAS there any seafood here?? Oh yeah, maybe 4 ITTY BITTY pieces, And they were good. Wish the dish had a LOT more....VERY under what should have been there.... Great prices on wine. Service....ok. NOT HAPPY we were charged for Aunts 60th birthday desert. Spent over $140 here on food and drink. I am in the industry and I know it is easy as hell to comp a birthday desert. A little would have gone a long way. Honestly, the failure to comp the desert really annoyed me- considering I convinced 2 suburban women to make the trek into the city for this place. And encouraged them to over order since I was paying and wanted them to have the full experience. Davanti: You all do a good job with many things on the menu. But even a scoop of ice cream with a candle would have gone a long way here. P.s. "the panna cotta just didn't turn out tonight" was a HUGE dissapointment as well. It was kind of a selling point for me. Sad. Not sure I will be back.
(3)
Vaidehi T.
Wow - I am still dazed by our experience at Davanti last night. It really is as good as it gets. The decor is really cool, and seems very cosy and quaint. It is always crowded for obvious reasons. I am glad we went on a weekday as we got to the table right away. The service is impeccable. Not once did we have an empty glass of water. And our server was very helpful, attentive and charming. She made some good recommendations too. The food - is simply great. This is the kind of Italian food I love. Light, fresh and simple. I am not a very big fan of platefuls of greasy pasta swimming in uber creamy sauce. For me Italian cooking is about letting the fresh produce and ingredients to shine through. We started with their summer special - heirloom tomatoes, avocado and watermelon with balsamic reduction - it was super. Then we had the corn, walnut, arugula, aged goat cheese and wild mushroom. When I tasted a forkful of this, I was in heaven. It was the perfect bite!! Then we ordered the mushroom pizza with the truffle oil - omg delicious!! Washed all the chow down with delicious Chianti. Finished the dinner with Torta Bacci, which is chocolate hazelnut mousse and my husband also had the capuccino. I cannot find a single negative thing to say about the food. This is a great restaurant with great food and at very reasonable prices. It is a rare find!!
(5)
Rhea V.
Went with a big group (7). The waiter was so helpful and came back often to answer our questions. I didn't realize it was an Italian tapas style restaurant. We ordered 12 dishes. Everything was amazing.
(4)
Benji T.
Yeah, this place really needs to be addressed because of the never ending orgy of blindly positive reviews for Davanti on Yelp. As I write this, another 5-star review has posted. Perplexing. Let's start with the positives. The space is unique - the interior is worn wooden planks and really looks like a wine cellar. The service was good - we were there on a friday night and everything still came out very promptly. Our server was polite, helpful and the general staff was professional (I waited tables for 7 years in fine dining so I'm not just saying that). All things considered, for a special occasion, it's also not that expensive. The girl and I had a martini each, a bottle of champagne, a bottle of red wine, and about 12 dishes, and everything came out to $175 + tip. That said, assuming you want Italian and a place that is on the nicer side of casual, $175 is way better spent somewhere else (Spacca Napoli immediately comes to mind). Let's move now to the negatives. Find me something on this menu that I couldn't cook at home better than they did it, and I'll take this review down. Honestly. Let me break it down by the dishes we had - Started with a meat and cheese plate. The slices were skimpy, and it was served with no bread. Why? I can appreciate that if the meat is so quality that bread actually detracts from it. This was not the case. It was served with fruit biscotti. Fuck fruit biscotti. That's the Italian equivalent of fruitcake, and fuck fruitcake. Let's see, don't get the farro salad unless you like cardboard. Don't get the mascarpone polenta & ragu unless you like flavorless baby food. Polenta I understand being flavorless - it never had a chance. Beef ragu, however, should not be. Moreover, the meat should not be tough. Here's a tip - slow cook the ragu on low so that it retains its flavor and tenderness. If I know that, how do you not? The rigatoni, truffle egg toast, and anchovies weren't bad, they were just unimpressive (and the rigatoni undercooked, even for al dente). The chicken liver pate was solid, but shit, it's pate. In the same vein, the crispy bork belly was good, but shit, it's bacon. It wasn't even as good as bacon should should have been. This brings us, unpleasantly, to the lowpoint of the evening. The swordfish. Why, dear god why, would you take an amazing piece of swordfish, and then bread it? And if you are going to do that (I'm well aware that breading fish is classic Italian cooking - that doesn't mean it isn't gross), do it with some garbage fish, like catfish or (very Italian) flounder, and serve it HOT. Not room temperature, HOT. The damn thing about fried food, it's only good when it's hot. Breaded swordfish is gross, but moreover, I'm confused about why you took that extra step to make something (that was once good) terrible. Congrats, you worked extra hard to fail. Last, but certainly not least. Part of the buzz on this place is that their wines are retail prices. It says it on the menu, it says it on the reviews, and your server will make the same claim. Bullshit. The last time I bought a bottle of Veuve Clicquot it was $45 at Binny's (gotta love Binny's). At Davanti, $88 + a $7 in-house corkage fee (really, you're going to charge me a corkage fee for wine I just bought from you?) gets you 1 bottle of Veuve. The Aia Vecchia Lagone (great inexpensive Italian wine by the way) is $17 retail. It's not $30 + your absurd corkage fee. You explain to me how a 200% markup is retail pricing, and I'll buy you a bottle of $95 Veuve Clicquot and spoon feed you their shitty food. Oh, my sidecar was excellent. Nice job bartender.
(2)
Brett F.
Does "Davanti" mean delicious? It not, it should. Plan to take a lovely rustic Italian journey at this new University Village Enoteca with exposed brick, artsy lighting and a contemporary flare leading a modern, though charming, culinary charge. Though the menu is certainly family dining centric, the spot itself is very dateworthy. Loved the vibe of this bustling wine shop/bar/restaurant and found its lively crowd, personable staff and delightful bites absolutely appealing. Granted, the no reservations policy here isn't my favorite and causes a bit of a hitch... with a more intimate seating area, wait times can be long and I get awfully unruly when left unfed for more than a modicum of time. Fortunately, Davanti has ample bar space and snacks can be ordered while you uncomplainingly (or not) await to be seated. A compromise if ever I've heard one! Most dining seating is found in an open back area beside the exposed brick archways that house the walls upon walls of retail wine selection that is, yes, available for your purchase! What seemed like such a perfect concept to marry the wine you fall in love with drinking, with what you can actually take home on the spot was quickly soured for me, however, when I spotted one of my favorite wines and - get this - its price tag labeled at over 50% above what I normally purchase it for at Binny's or specialty wine boutiques. For shame! My perception now, sadly, is that they drastically and unreasonably overcharge in the retail wine arena. Now whether that is true for all bottles remains to be seen, but the vino writing was on the wall for me: I'll take my formaggi without a fleecing, thanks. Luckily, the cuisine consumables were far more in line with economies of scale and - huzzah! - totally tasty to boot. Fell madly in love with several of the starters, especially the ultra fresh roasted cherry tomato, burrata and basil pesto salad and the rich and decadent truffle egg toast with velvety egg yolk, melty fontina and grilled asparagus. Mama Mia, Mangia! Even our entree of roasted strip steak with peppery arugula, sea salt and a hit of extra virgin olive oil was light, bright and as with all other dishes, had its own distinguishing trademark that made it unique and special. Now, every once in awhile a clunker exists on a menu... my trio was unfortunate enough, I think, to have unearthed Davanti's. The Pizza con Salsiccia e Rapini (with Italian mild sausage, broccoli rabe, garlic, chili oil, fresh mozzarella and tomato) was an overloaded, muddled and really bitter disaster. From one who subscribes to the "pizza is like sex; even when it's bad it's still pretty good" philosophy, this pizza was seriously like the worst sex ever. A book and warm blankie would have been better. A gorgeous dessert called Torta Bacio, a fluffy chocolate-hazelnut mousse with a crunchy, candy bottom nestled up to vanilla and hazelnut housemade gelato, quickly redeemed any bitterness I was holding on to from that ill-fated pizza pie. Hey-O! This is the sweet life I was looking for. Overall a nice experience and one unquestionably worth returning for. Ciao, Baby, Ciao!
(4)
Alison M.
While I haven't been to Italy, I've been told that the food there is very simple, but mind blowing. That pretty much sums up the food at Davanti Enoteca. We started out with a $14 dollar bottle of wine, which the waitress recommended over the more expensive choice (thanks for your honesty!) Then we ordered a mason jar of ricotta and honey, which was served with giant pieces of toast. I could have made a meal out of this alone, but we had other dishes coming.... We had a very refreshing hearts of palm salad and an outstanding beet salad. Both were good, but the beet salad is a must-order again in the future. We also ordered the cacio e pepe, a simple pasta dish that only contains about 5 ingredients (salt, pepper, cheese, pasta) but is seriously life changing. And for dessert, we had a light as air hazelnut chocolate torte. It was so delicious, I can't stop thinking about it. You'll have to wait to go here-- we arrived at 6 and weren't seated until 7:15. But, you probably won't mind waiting because there's a wine bar across the street and also the food is totally worth it.
(5)
Andrea G.
I don't think I will ever go back here. The space is great and the menu looked amazing. But the servers were a hot mess. And by mess, I mean they actually looked messy. I can appreciate a casual atmosphere, but they all looked sloppy, like they had rolled out of bed. Hard to know who worked there because they didn't have any defining mark, an apron, a t-shirt, nothing. And, I'm sorry, but I don't want to see your hot pink bra. There is such a thing as respect for your patrons. Plus, they were gathered in groups chit chatting quite loudly. Your guests DO NOT want to hear about your personal life. AND one server walked in the front door with slurpees from 7-eleven, and then a few minutes later another employee walked in with bags from McDonalds.... REALLLLLLY???? I worked in the restaurant industry for 12 years... from casual to high end. This was just TOTALLY off-putting and distracting. So if you want to hear more... the red wine was warm... wayyyyyy to warm and we had to ask for it to be chilled a bit. The waiter was very helpful and nice. We came in late afternoon for some wine and a small bite to eat. We ordered a cheese board. It seemed that one of the cheeses had not been stored properly. We also had the Pizza con salsiccia e rapini. It got delivered to us not cut. The food runner took it back and cut it. But I found the pizza to be dripping with oil. Literally... dripping down my chin after taking a bite. There was so much oil that you couldn't pick a slice of pizza up because the crust was drenched in oil. Needless to say I was SUPER disappointed. I have a million thoughts on why this experience was so bad... but ultimately I think it comes down to lack of attention to detail during a smaller volume time. But that is simply not an excuse. I don't even think this deserves on star... but c'est la vie.
(1)
Kaitlyn R.
I could go on and on explaining how much I love this restaurant. Seriously, its great from all the different small plates to dessert! Do not pass up the ricotta and honey or the torta bacio (yes this is the dessert for you chocolate hazelnut nutella fanatics such as myself!). However, everything you need to know about this place can be summed up in one bite of the Davanti Burger aka the most blissful bite of burger you will ever experience. Go get one now. Or better on Monday when it's $10 for the burger + a tall glass of ice cold Peroni.
WOW. I had been hearing about Davanti for a little bit now, and I rarely get over to Little Italy anymore since college days are long gone. If you're looking for inexpensive Italian food that will blow your mind then get your little butts over here now! Seriously...do it now! In fact, I will go so far as to say I haven't had such great Italian cuisine in a great while. These guys are taking fresh and fulfilling to the next level. The space itself is very warm and inviting. The hardwood floors have a very rustic feel to them and the lighting fixtures are something I'd like to have for myself. In exterior does not reflect the lovely atmosphere on the inside. They've always told me you can't judge a book by its cover. It's cozy and perfect for any type of gathering. Date worthy? I would certainly say so! I dined on a Sunday night and it was pretty low-key. On Sundays, they have what is called "Sinful Sundays" where they offer no corkage fee when you bring your own wine. This is very good to know. On Wednesdays I noticed they also have $5 House Martinis. This is also a bonus! Service was friendly and just plain awesome. Let's talk about the food, because that is what's so amazing about this establishment in the first place! We started with the Calamari which in my opinion is pretty standard everywhere. I must say, I've never had a better order of Calamari in my life. They must sprinkle love potion all over their food because I've got stars in my eyes. My dining buddy for the evening tried Riccio di Mare e Granchio (linguine + sea urchin + crab). This is something I would have never ordered on my own, but it came highly recommended. BONUS! Since I was in the mood for fish, I ordered Spada Davanti, which was purely delightful and hit the spot. (grilled swordfish + brussel sprouts + pancetta + Calabrian chili) For desert, we had to try the torta bacio (chocolatehazelnut mousse + crunchy bottom + cocoa nibs) mmmmmmm. I can still taste it now!
(5)
Chaz A.
I know lots of Italians. Real ones. I mean, i know the fake ones too. But i know lots of REAL italians. They always ask me, because well you know, they always askin' me, "Hey, Chaz. Hey, Hey. What's the best Italian restaurant here in Chi-City?" And before a few days ago, I would have to ask them a followup question "How Much do you wanna spend?" Because it used to be a very complicated question. If you want the grand poobah, Spiaggia is your best bet, but if you don't wanna break the bank, go to Topo Gigio. Well... now the answer to that question has got a hell of a lot simpler. 2 words: Davanti Enoteca. In fact, it may be the best casual restaurant in this very city, there I said it. I recommended the Chicken Liver Pate, among everything else. And the only thing i was minorly disappointed with was the polenta and ragu o' the day, but it changes, so I must've had bad luck. But i've been back, and I love this place with all of my heart, the cauliflower puree with scallops is also angel's tears. Overall, Davanti Rocks.
(5)
Elton C.
Decent food, but overhyped.
(3)
C W.
If you can get a table, this place is amazing. We had 3 kinds of pizza, all were great. Cheese and meat platter is a must. Lobster bisque is rich, but really good. Go on a nice day, get a table on the roof.
(5)
Alan M.
This is now one of our favorites. We tried the warm kale salad, very tasty, and bruschetta with eggplant and marscapone cheese. We loved it. Then the rigatoni with sausage and finished with the carrot cake in a jar. The next evening, we just wanted Pizza and decided to try it again. This time we had the escarole salad which was fantastic and the manager said we had to try their signature focaccia and described how unique it is. With 3 kinds of cheese and local honey. It was fantastic, and the sopressota pizza was excellent. Highly recommended!
(5)
Jeannine T.
I follow the hype - all about it! Sis: "Did you hear about the latest dining hot spot in Chicago?" Me: "No, OMG where?!?! " Sis: "It's called Davanti Enoteca- across the street from Francesca's." Me: "Say no more, I'm there." Sis: "They don't take reservations though." Me: "Hmm..." **Brainstorming on how to maximize my eating time @ Davanti.** I do the restaurant picking in the relationship, because I'm the real foodie. So 4 days before Valentine's Day, and still without a venue for dining, I decided to to check if Davanti was taking reservations for this holiday of love. Thank you food God! 6:15pm seating. Portions are small - tapas like dishes. I feel like that's been the recent trend for most new restaurants in Chicago. Every dish I ordered was pure deliciousness. I think the only words that came out of my mouth after tasting a new plate was "Omg you need to try this, it is SO good." Favorite of the evening: Mascarpone Polenta + Ragu. Davanti, you have impressed me. You've even managed to impress the bf and that's not easy! Service, FOOD, great cozy and simple decor, amazing wine list, and the ambiance made the 3 weeks wait worthwhile. We will meet again very soon.
(5)
Matt P.
Good upscale Italian Food without the upscale prices.
(4)
Matt L.
Have you seen I Shouldn't Be Alive on Animal Planet or Discovery? You know, the show where people set out on various outdoor adventures and then BAM! Some guy gets his foot mauled off by a rogue bunny rabbit and then some girl dies of acute hair failure after she runs out of product and whoever is left standing after they get rescued gets to narrate the tale to a high end cable network while people better looking than him/herself reenact the story for the camera. Well, fortunately, none of that happened to us, but a Tri Taylor tale (get it? Tale? Taylor? Never mind) of adventure did turn to one of disappointment. We rolled up 2 deep at 8-something on a Friday night and were seated immediately, which ruled, but after being seated, we sat... and sat... and sat. Our waiter eventually approached the starving us. He was perfectly nice and helpful, but seemed to be besties with someone at every table except ours, engaging in long conversations with various diners while we sat waiting. This happened over and over throughout the meal, and got old pretty quick. The food was hit and miss. The big hit was the warm squash, farro, hazelnut, goat cheese salad. The big miss was the pizza, whose crust was sad and droopy and which wasn't kicking much brand new flavor in anyone's ear. The rest of the food fell somewhere in between, but imo, few dishes were as good as the food at Purple Pig, which I never reviewed btw, so here is my review: 5 stars. Purple Pig is the best restaurant I've ever been to whose name combines a color with an animal. That includes Browntrout, Green Zebra, and Green Dolphin, the latter of which does serve up a mean braised dorsal fin. Fin. Anyway, when the bill came, we realized we'd been fully Munsoned. A corkage fee? Yes, a corkage fee for wine we ordered off the menu. *Hampster begins running on wheel* Great Scott!!! I've got it. Not a plan to go back to the future, but for a bar that serves $2 mixed drinks... with a nominal $5 mixing fee. In fairness, the corkage fee is listed somewhere on the wine menu if you look for it and the wines do seem reasonably priced, but it caught us off guard since we weren't looking for a corkage fee. (I say corkage a lot.) I feel bad dropping a deuce on Davanti, because I like the concept and I like all the other restaurants I've dined at in the Francesca family, but this was not a good experience, nor an inexpensive one.
(2)
Kori E.
My boyfriend and I came here for a date night this past Saturday night and we had the BEST time. We arrived around 6 knowing there would be a bit of wait and wanting to have a drink at the bar. We ended up scoring two seats at the bar and enjoying some wine before our table was ready! We were starving and ordered right away the pork belly polenta and the Truffle egg toast. The polenta came first and was served table side, but we noticed it wasnt all that hot when we ate it? It was still delicious, just not as temperature hot as we would have liked. The truffle egg toast came next and that was BY far my favorite bite of the night. The eggs were perfectly runny and the truffle oil added such a kick of flavor. I could have ordered another one! We then had a pasta, which was pretty good and the leek, mushroom and truffle oil pizza. The pizza was definitely better than the pasta, and we actually ended up eating the whole thing! The flavors just worked so well together. For our dessert, we ordered the chocolate mousse and that was just as excellent as everything else we ate. We will definitely be back to try many other items they offer on their menu. Its such a cute date night spot, and we actually saw two people getting engaged that night! Super cute!
(4)
Minna A.
Wow, everyone below is pretty much going to hate me. Davanti Enoteca, not impressed. Maybe it's my fault. So much hype had been given that my expectations were too high? The night started out ok, with a shared bottle of wine that was, as listed many times, priced fairly well. There was a good selection and cute presentation of the wine list. We ordered our bottle at the bar while we waited for our table.. the stranger part was when the hostess curtly told us our table was ready and didn't even offer to help us carry our glasses and wine to the table. Now the food. Truffle Toast... what a disappointment. I had heard such high acclaim only to be vastly disappointed. I was impressed when it came to the table, with such pretty presentation and fragrant smells of truffle, I was so excited! But the truffle was so deceptive, with wafts of truffle scent not making up for the utter lack of truffle flavor. The polenta was pretty amazing, but everything else was relatively forgettable. Maybe I'll give Davanti Enoteca another try, but it'll be with very low expectations.
(3)
Tim Y.
Mother's Day is usually pretty hectic just about everywhere, so I'll give them a break on the false alarm delivery of other people's food to our table and lack of numerous items on the menu. It happens, and the food definitely made up for what was missing. Everything is designed to share, though the burger doesn't come in a sharing format. The risotto was excellent (inside joke: elmo agrees!) though having the egg swirled in table side turned at least one person off from trying it. More for me! The pizza (D.O.C.) was pretty good, though it wasn't anything super special. I really, really liked the focaccia and bruschetta. Meat and cheese plates are decently portioned, and quite tasty, but I'd opt for the mozzarella and tomatoes instead if I had to double up. One thing I didn't like was the pasta dish with meatballs. The meatballs were pretty small and reminded me of Chef Boyardee. The flavor wasn't offensive, but the meatballs were far too salty. Service was pleasant, seating was efficient and prompt, and the bill wasn't outrageous despite the crazy amount of food ordered and consumed.
(4)
Adrian J.
I heard much about Davanti Enoteca but just never set out to be in that neighborhood at the right time. Finally the stars aligned and I went there for dinner around 6pm on a Friday. We were originally told the wait would be 1.5 to 2 hours but it ended up being around 30-40 minutes which is very nice. If you get there later, expect to wait much longer. I did order a gin cocktail at the bar which was nothing to rave about so stick to the wine. On Fridays they have discounted cheese plates so we ordered one of those. I decided the rest of the menu should consist of the following (thanks to yelp!): grilled asparagus, truffle egg toast, linguine with sea urchin and crab, and the grilled hanger steak. The linguine is amazing. You can definitely see why it's the most mentioned item in the reviews. Just the right amount of flavor. The truffle egg toast was also very delicious. The portions are not huge by any means but what we ordered was just the right amount for two people. The service was fantastic and attentive. There are only a few very minor things I can complain about (and i do mean minor). The food cooled very quickly after it was brought. Perhaps they can serve it on very hot plates so the food stays warm longer. This could also be due to the fact that we were sitting right by the window underneath an AC vent (that was closed) but nevertheless there was cold air seeping from above. The only other issue I had was in the washroom with the soap dispenser. I had to pump it about 20 times or so to get a decent amount of soap on my hands. Overall this is a great restaurant/wine bar. I can't comment on the wine since I did not try it but I can say that their wine list by the bottle has retail pricing. So you don't have to break the bank to come here. Just make sure you get there kind of early.
(5)
Ramya P.
I go to school nearby and I came to know through a friend that the food here is supposed to be really good. So I already had high expectations. The first time I went there was actually a terrible experience. Obviously, 'cuz I went here on a Friday night with a bunch of friends. If I had written a review based on my experience that night, I'd have given it 1 star. But I knew yelp doesn't lie and decided to give it another try. This time for lunch on a weekday. I really enjoyed the ambience and the wine selections. I had the burrata (the mozzarella was to die for!!), beet salad with candied walnuts and the pizza with mushrooms and truffle oil. I liked both the taste and the presentation of these dishes. I loved Davanti the second time around and now I'll go there only at times I know for sure that its not going to be crowded.
okay, I have to update my review, as I went back to Davanti like 5 hours after I wrote it. Most of the menu had changed for the winter, and I was disappointed...then I ate, and I was not even close to disappointed. The butternut squash salad with farro and goat cheese cream was one of the best things I've ever put in my mouth, and I put lots of things in my mouth. Also, we got the ragu, which was milk braised pork shoulder. Always get the ragu...just for the marscapone polenta alone, but the ragu is always amazing. Next, we had the octopus with horseradish aioli and fingerling potatoes. The octopus must have been cooked for forever, because it was so tender it was like cream. Always get the cheese plate, and whatever has the word truffle in it will clearly send a taste-bud freak out to your synapses. Also...always get the Cacio e pepe as your pasta dish...it's delightfully simple and just a great mid-meal course. Two great bottles of wine, 5 dishes, cheese plate, 3 friends, 40 bucks each. I don't think you can ask for much better, honestly.
(5)
Mari K.
Yes, I've been dragged out of Yelp hibernation by this fantastic restaurant. Davanti Enoteca has that "I'm dining in the wine cellar of my best friend's castle" feel to it. Ok, maybe not castle. But wine cellar? Yes. It's both a restaurant and wine shop. The walls are lined with bottles to take home and enjoy at your table. There's a $7 corkage fee, which actually isn't too bad considering their wines are pretty reasonably priced (or so I was told.) The brick walls, rustic lighting (you know, the trendy filament bulbs), and lots of wood work give this place a nice warm feel to it. Onto the food. We ordered a lot, so here's the run down of our favorites. focaccia di Recco- Amazing. The focaccia came out warm and perfectly crispy, while the cheese inside was soft and fluffy. This is a MUST, especially if you have a decent sized party (6 or more). Davanti Burger- everyone was raving about this at our table. We had a party of 9, so we ordered 2 burgers and split them. Sorry, I don't know how to explain this one... order it, or at least sit next to a friend who's willing to share with you. It comes with shoestring fries! Polpo con Rafano- seared octopus with potatoes, almonds, and horseradish. You can't really go wrong with seared octopus. Got octophobia? Then this is a great starter dish. Paccheri con Salsiccia e Pomodori al forno- rigatoni pasta with sausage. Wow, the pasta was thicker than usual and had a pleasant chewiness to it. The pasta portions are small, so make sure you order enough! truffle egg toast + fontina + asparagus- I didn't try this dish, but I heard it was heavenly. If there's anything that fell below expectations, it was the pizza. Other than that, everything was wonderful. I'd come back in a heartbeat.
(5)
Megan B.
I went here for a very special evening with my significant other. It only added more wonderful feelings to that night. Expect a wait. We waited for probably two hours on a Saturday night in the middle of winter. Luckily there was a wine bar across the street - all of whose inhabitants were waiting as well. The restaurant calls when seats open and the atmosphere and wait staff are so friendly and inviting, that even after the wait I was immediately happy to be there. I am of Italian descent and generally don't find Italian restaurants all that exciting. However, the dishes here are not your typical Italian-American fare, and I have rarely tasted anything so great. The mascarpone polenta with ragu is perfect. I can imagine its richness and creamy texture now. The foccacia with soft cow cheese is also excellent. We also had farro and swordfish dishes that were quite enjoyable. We had no room for dessert. I wish I hadn't filled up on a crappy cheese plate at the wine bar while waiting. I would definitely reserve this place for special occasions though I would love to have the opportunity and funds to return here often. They do have take out deals during the week that I may have to try sometime...
(5)
Stephanie S.
This restaurant is the definition of an enoteca. Great place for drinks and small dishes that are classic Italian with a modern twist. My husband is from Italy and some of his favorite dishes are on the menu and have gained his approval. Definitely will be going back!
(4)
Dutch B.
This is the only place I've been to in Chicago that has a "REAL" wine by the glass list. most places have garbage by the glass. Not here, they put some thought into it, and are very fair with the prices... Food outstanding, again prices are amazing for quality. Sarah was our sever and was splendid.. Rocking brunch too.. good job folks.
(5)
Roxy A.
What they say about this place is true...in this case believe the hype b/c davanti enoteca is MOLTO BENE (very good in Italiano)!!!!! The bf took me here for dinner last night since we saw so many rave reviews on yelp & were glad that it was so closeby to us located on Taylor St. There is a wide selection of wine @ davanti b/c after all it is a wine bar, but I opted for one of the specialty martinis since Wednesday's special is $5 martinis. I went for the "Acai Fizz" (acai vodka & lemoncello) it was really tasty & pretty strong, but then again I'm a major lightweight so one of these was enough for me. We started off with the toast served with fresh ricotta & honey comb...the warm bread with the ricotta & honeycomb mixed together was SO good i almost had a "jizz in my pants" moment. For antipasti I wanted to order something a bit lighter so I would still have room for our pasta so we opted for the roasted hearts of palm. I really liked the small plates because the bf & I ordered 2 different pastas that were nicely sized portions to share. The bf ordered the giant rigatoni-loved the sauce & the sausage was really good too. Once I saw the "Riccio di Mare e Granchio" (Linguine with sea urchin & crab) I knew right away that's what I wanted to order because I LOVE LOVE LOVE sea urchin!!! If you've never tried it before this would be a great dish to try because ordering it by itself at a Japanese restaurant (sea urchin aka uni) might be too overwhelming for some. In this dish the flavors of the sea urchin balance really nicely with the linguine and the pieces of crab..never thought sea urchin would be so good with pasta!!!!! Nice ambience. Great service. Good drinks. Awesome food for a decent price...definitely will be back soon!!!!
(5)
Jeanie P.
4.5 stars Asking why you must come to Davanti Enoteca is like asking why you have to play that next level of Angry Birds....you just have to. Anyway the star of the night really was the marscapone polenta which had the best creamy texture and depth in flavor with the ragu of the night. (happened to be a mix of veal, beef, and sausage--slightly salty but forgiveable). The pizza with mushrooms/leeks/truffle oil was stellar and had real depth of flavor in the multiple cheeses! Yes of course I swoon at any mention of truffle oil.. but the combination of the braised leeks and mushrooms really was creative and well executed. The toast with egg/truffle oil/asparagus was a wonderful combination of texture crunchy toast, melty cheese, and runny egg.. but I'm not sure if I would order it again just b/c there are so many other things on the menu. Also the eggs come slightly undercooked/runny for those who are wary of such things. Also tried the cannoli sundae which was basically like a full sundae cup of the cannoli ricotta filling and chocolate chips with pieces of crushed fried cannoli shells. To be fair, I'm more of a marscapone cannoli type of girl. That said, I wasn't really very impressed with this dish at all and wouldn't order it again. Overall, the service was great.. Waiter was helpful and friendly. Although I hate when the service clears food before you are done and you are wistfully watching it gone gone gone away before you can stop them. I find their wine list on that humongous wine bottle rather obnoxious...and heavy! Very reasonable priced paid about ~$25 per person without drinks. I think the pricing really adds to the rating of this place. Hate that they don't take reservations.. get there early! Haven't seen a creative menu like this in a long time!! love it!
(5)
Hoang L.
Best Italian restaurant in town. -Chicken Liver Pate. Good. Bring the rest home because you won't finish it. -Truffle Egg Toast, Fontina & Asparagus. Amazing. -Davanti Burger. Very good burger. Fries were unique but not my cup of tea. -Pollo Solo Mio. Even the white meat was so tender and juicy. Service. Perfect. Extremely helpful and so friendly without making it look fake. Coke refills without even asking. Our waitress didn't even interrupt us when doing so. That's pro. Decor. Love the subtle Christmas decorations. Love the wall full of wine. Love the brick. The hooks to hang your coats are so creative. They use old school keys and they're all different. Add so much character. Come on a Sunday and there's no corkage fee. Sweet. Other specials every day of the week! Will definitely be back to try the rest of the menu.
(5)
Kristin R.
Oh Davanti...I had high hopes for you and I so want to give you more than three stars. But you haven't earned them. First off, this place is in university village, which I have never been to but actually quite adored. It is quite the charming little neighborhood. But anyway...on to my experience at Davanti. First off, I was accompanied by a handsome gentleman, always a good way to start dinner. Secondly, we were seated right away. We called ahead of time, and seeing as this was the Friday after Thanksgiving, there weren't massive crowds so the wait was non existent. The service here was laughable, unfortunately. Our waiter was nice and genuine, but he was more concerned with chatting it up with his friends at the other table. We seemed to be sitting for days before we were approached about ordering a bottle of wine and maybe some appetizers. And this happened more than once, which was a damn shame. The food was a hit and miss but I think we also may have ordered wrong. The star of the evening was the squash, fennel and goat cheese salad. This was by far the most delicious dish of the night. I could have eaten the entire thing on my own, and didn't really want to share, but I thought that was the nice thing to do (all dishes are meant to be shared). We also ordered the pizza, which was a sad sad story. Not good, at all. How can one really screw up pizza? I didn't think it was possible, but Davanti did manage to screw it up. It was just the margherita pizza but patrons: STEER CLEAR. We also ordered a beet salad, which I thought was just OK but DISCLAIMER: I don't like beets. Lastly, we ordered some pork stew thing which I did quite enjoy and I am not a big meat eater, but this was pretty darn good. The tipper of the evening, and I can ONLY imagine that this pisses customers off more than anything, is that we were charged a corkage fee. Yes yelpers, we were charged to de-cork (de-cork? un-cork?) a bottle of wine that we bought at the restaurant. I'll have to admit, their wine prices are quite low so I'm not totally shocked that they pulled a fast one on us. If this is some kind of marketing ploy to sell wine at cheaper prices but then hit their customers with the corkage fee, I'll have to say it kind of really sucks. And it only aggravated us. I tend to scrutinize the bill to make sure everything is right so of course I caught this. But I can imagine many parties just pay without even really looking...which is also a damn shame. Davanti, please change this policy. it is lame and makes me like you less. I would like to try Davanti again, but just switch up the ordering a bit. That awesome fennel, goat cheese, squash salad makes me believe that there are other equally amazing dishes on the menu that we just didn't have the opportunity to try. Also, make sure your waiters are doing their job and SERVING their customers.
(3)
Jane T.
My date and I came here early to avoid the long wait, but still had to wait a good 40 minutes. And now that I've seen the crowd that gathers, 40 minutes seems like almost nothing. It went from a slightly full restaurant to jam packed within 30 minutes. As we sat at the bar enjoying our beer and each other's company, the bartender came around with a mushroom pizza for everyone to try. First bite you could really taste the truffle oil. I love truffle oil (try it on fries!). It was amazing, I would seriously go back just to order 5 of those to-go, then store them in my fridge and munch on them throughout the week. When you first visit Davanti, keep in mind that the portions are small. As our waitress stated, "it's like tapas" so order a couple to share. For 2 of us, we ordered the Risotto Carbonara, the Swordfish and Linguine w/ Sea Urchin + Crab. The risotto, although very tasty, felt like it need a little bit more cook time. The swordfish was amazing and its bed of vegetables were the best complement. And (saving the best for last) the linguine was top notch. I love sea urchin and this is the first time I've had it served other than raw at a sushi restaurant. You could taste that it was fresh and brought a creaminess to the pasta that no other ingredient could do. If you're new to sea urchin, this is the dish to try. It was my favorite of the night. I just wish we had more time to stick around and actually try some appetizers and desserts but we were in a rush. I'll be back though!
(5)
Natalie G.
My favorite Italian restaurant in the city for sure - simple and fresh ingredients, warm atmosphere. The focaccio di recco is ridiculous. Other favorites include: squash/farro salad, kale, burrata, burger night, arugula pizza, soppressata pizza, etc. I would come back here every week for the rest of my life!
(5)
Phaic N.
Good food. Atmosphere leaves a little to be desired. It's very casual. The music selection is pretty abhorrent too... expect the Beach Boys. So, it's weird to be able to get some really tasty food. I don't like the pretentious dining generally. But, this is a bit too kitchy. But if you want decent food and don't care about reading the wine by the glass list off of a comically large wine bottle that the waiters and waitresses pass around, then go for it.
(4)
Ken E.
I had the margarita pizza. it was almost the best thing that I have ever eaten in my life. I cannot wait to go back. Great !!!!!
(5)
Isabella D.
I love love this place. Me and a girlfriend were craving risotto and pizza. After a quick google search for "Chicago pizza and risotto," it led us here. And I'm so glad it did. We showed up late on a Monday night, and they still had a pretty good dinner crowd. We debated with the host over a table or a seat at the bar, and she set us up at a great table in the back since it was our first visit. Table 27 to be exact. The table numbers are on each table; which I loved, because 27 is my favorite number. Already off to a great start. Everyone here is so friendly. The busboys and other servers greeted us on our way to our table. Water was promptly brought, and our waitress Brittney shortly followed. We started off with the roasted corn salad. The combination of corn, walnuts, aged goat cheese, argulga and mushrooms was amazing. After reading over the menu, I was about to forgo my original plan for pizza, and turned to Brittney for some advice. She explained everything very well to me, and I settled on the Raviolo 'San Domenico.' One large raviolo, ricotta, egg and spinach. Definitely not your grandmothers rav, but to die for. My friend enjoyed the beet salad and risotto; and I know she enjoyed it because, neither of us spoke to each other for a good 10 minutes! I was pleasantly full, but still could not help but wonder how great the pizza was. So as my friend was ordering dessert, I quickly blurted out "Cheese pizza!" The waitress must have thought this was our last meal on earth. The pizza came out; and of course, amazeballs (as Giuliana Rancic would say). The chocolate mouse dessert shortly followed, and now it was official. Everything was great from start to finish. We were unable to finish the pizza or dessert, but that had nothing to do with lack of flavor. Only lack of room in our stomachs. We will hopefully be moving to the neighborhood shortly, and I'm looking forward to being a regular here. I already told my father (who grew up just a couple miles from Davanti) that I have to take him there. Like I said earlier; its not your grandmother's pasta, but this contemporary flare on traditional Italian dishes is the pasta every grand daughter should introduce to her family!
(5)
Alex P.
Maybe it was a bad first experience. First off, if I'm going to a fine Italian joint, I want bread and oil on the table. There was none. Secondly,we ordered a shaved artichoke salad, which was precisely what it sounds like. A pile of soggy shaved artichoke with no flavor. It was a very sad $10 salad. The pizza was a huge winner. Prosciutto with a nice blend of cheese. And our last course, a baked sausage and rotini was good but nothing very spectacular. Maybe the soggy shaving salad and lack of bread and oil was a bad start to my first impression. All in all, I'd much rather go to Francesca's.
(2)
Annie W.
Wow! This place is so unexpected on Taylor St! Came here on a Sunday night, was promptly seated. This space is so cute and cozy yet hip in its own way. I'm excited to return back for more. First, I HIGHLY recommend the polenta + ragu. Creamy and satisfying...unlike any other polenta you've had! Crispy pork belly with apple mustard sauce (sweet with a kick) is also a steal--two huge pieces of fat, skin super crispy and savory as promised. The corn salad is also a must because the wild mushrooms really make it a winner. We almost didn't get this because I didn't want any salad but so glad my friend insisted...otherwise I would've totally missed out! We weren't as crazy about the pastas. The lobster/sea urchin linguini dish was quite good. You can tell the linguini was very fresh but they were a little skimp on the urchin. We just weren't blown away. The risotta felt undercooked and bland. The pizzas all around us looked pretty fabulous. Like i said, can't wait to try more!
(4)
Jayde L.
Nothing was really too memorable. I was disappointed in the Ricotta & Local Honey Comb. I mean it's good, but not outstanding. I also thought the toast was too oily for my taste- very reminiscent of The Purple Pig. Actually, the whole restaurant's ambience and setting does king of remind me of the Purple Pig. Continuing on with the food, as for the sea urchin linguini that have been a rave per the reviews, I had better at a japanese pub. Seriously! Too bad it's closed now. The most unique dish was the octopus entree. Good but again, not great. I can't even recall its name. Too mediocre to come by again since there's definitely more options in all of Chicagoland. Ok now Yelp, take this You Next Review Awaits screen away now that I posted my two cents.
(3)
Colleen D.
This is a very cute place. They have a nice outdoor upstairs - not a ton of tables but last time I was here there was space for myself and my two guests. It isn't a traditional Italian restaurant - more like a tapas type of Italian.....I asked our server Andrew to help us pick some things - so he brought out a couple of appetizers - pork something on cheese and really good ceaser salad. He even recommeneded a really good bottle of wine. We will definately be back.
(5)
Brian P.
Love this place, although the wait can be hit or miss. Definitely go for the sea urchin pasta.
(4)
Matthew K.
I have nothing but good things to say about Davanti Enoteca. This place is casual, comfortable, pretty tasty, and seems to have the market on excellent employees. Everyone was incredibly nice. I stopped in to Davanti Enoteca on a Friday night. I decided to stop in for a slightly later dinner (9:00) because they don't take reservations and I turn into a 6-year old when I have to wait in lines. I did have to wait--they said it would be 45 minutes--but I think we were seated in 10. There isn't a lot of room at the front of the restaurant to stand around, so I'm glad it didn't take too long. We had already polished off a bottle of wine at the last place, so we were pretty hungry and ready to go. Everything looked good and I just kept ordering, so we had some cheeses (bland and definitely the low point of the meal), the beet salad (very good), pizza (good), octopus (excellent), and the steak (good). True to the other reviews, the wine selection was affordable. Service, from the hostess to the bar to the waiter, was consistently great. And the atmosphere was definitely upbeat and fun. This place is worth the visit.
(4)
Calvin L.
WOW! What a great dinner! I grew up in the city of Chicago, Have worked in the industry (restaurant) for nearly a decade, ....(so I know what I'm talking about)......and Davanti is exceptional. This is my first yelp review , so go easy on me........ To be honest, I let our peerless Waiter (Erik) choose our culinary adventure. So Im not sure what we had........but Ill try and recap the first courses, which involved luscious corn, mushrooms, goat cheese and bitter greens that were beyond amazing. Next up was an amazing taste of flavors of (beef or pork?....im ashamed I cant remember) But it matters not, it was a "special", served with "fries" like potatoes, braised meat (i think) and super tender...........So yummy! Finally, a pizza that was like a culinary orgasm! And desserts that were sweet but weren't excessive or cloying..... The Decor?, ....Sleek, sexy and hip..... The staff? LOVELY to look at. Really, the place deserves four and a half stars.......its close to perfect.....on my next visit ill talk about the wine list! All in all, a killer experience! Great food! Great service! Great ambiance! What else does a true Chicago boy go out for?
(5)
Rebecca N.
My sister and I stopped here for lunch last week, based on the rave reviews from Yelp! My Quick Dish: Ambiance: Cute, warm, comfortable Area: high tops or reg. table seating, great bathrooms! wine shop in the back (and they have the license needed to sell un-opened bottles yay! or $7 corking fee for in-house enjoyment, full bar w/stools Main Eats: +reasonably priced,+The giant rigatoni w/ spicy tomato sauce was amazing! -BUT, the seasonal bruschetta left much to be desired. It was cold and OUT of season, cold butternut squash and and pine nuts in February? I think not. Also, they topped her risotto with a raw egg? Weird. Sweets: +The Chocolate Mousse was perfection! Service: Gavin or something..He was awesome and very helpful with the very Italian menu items. +I would definitely go for dinner, perhaps they could impress me a bit more & to buy some wine from their extensive wine list + Would be great atmosphere for a date/groups
(3)
Ashley H.
This is one of my favorite places to go for an affordable wine selection and perfect tapas. I say perfect because I think their serving size is on point, the taste is great and the price is right!
(5)
Janice W.
I'm sold. We were looking for something open on New Years day while heading back from the south side and found this on Yelp - so glad we did. Everyone is right about the Bread with Ricotta and Honey - to die for. Everything we had was fantastic and the place is cozy and warm. We can't wait to go back - Saturday night dinner, Sunday brunch, Wednesday - who cares. I'd be there all the time if I lived closer.
(5)
Jasper N.
SPOT. ON. Everything about the experience was sublime...from the atmosphere, to the service and especially the food! What a great concept...thanks for bringing originality to Little Italy!!
(5)
Jen B.
Davanti is one of the best restaurant experiences of my life. Warm atmosphere, amazing Italian cuisine, on point service, good prices. This place has it all. I dare you to have a bad time. Start with drinks in the bar, pop open a bottle of wine at your table, and then go crazy. The dishes are perfect size for ordering a bunch and sharing. I tried the cheese course, the canellini bean bruschetta, honey comb and ricotta, ravioli and margherita pizza... among others I can't recall. Honestly, the pizza was just standard but everything else was effing delicious. Esp the bruschetta and the honeycomb. Inventive but not over the top. I would recommend everything I tried in a heartbeat. Perfect for family dinner, date night, drinks for gurrrrls night. This is one of those places you won't be able to stop raving about to your friends.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Valet, Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
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.
Christina S.
I happened to go to Davanti's two evenings in a row. Once with my fellow colleagues and then on a date with the hubby. Both evenings I was impressed by the food and the service. I do have to admit the second night the service was better. The food is very good. Between the two nights this is what we tried: -corn salad - could eat three servings of it! -beet salad - could eat 10 servings of it! -prosciutto pizza - very solid -shrimp salad - shrimp was overdone and a tad rubbery. Will most likely not get again -plate of cheeses and salumi....amazing -toast with honeycomb ricotta....could not stop eating -Chef's whim which was halibut - best cooked piece of halibut I have ever had -deconstructed cannoli for desert The ambiance is very warm and cozy, a majority of the staff is incredibly friendly, and our glasses were never as much as low. I would say that the servers themselves are not as friendly as they could be. Will absolutely go back.
(4)Liz F.
We went here post-Valentine's day and it was very good, although other reviewer's critiques were spot on. We had the focaccia which was delicious and made great leftovers. The octopus, which was cooked perfectly, but desperately needed a some acid. The pork belly was really good but not super innovative, we liked the mustard seed with the apple and cabbage. The stand out of the evening (besides the delicious, reasonably priced bottle of Spanish wine) was the polenta of the day. It was everything you want polenta to be and more. The atmosphere was great, even thought it was a very busy night and you sit very close to your neighbors, it didn't feel intrusive. Sadly we did not have room for dessert after all that, but I would love to go back and explore the menu.
(4)Jenny L.
Good solid four stars! i really like this place. because i used go to school nearby, ive been here countless times for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Def check it out for lunch or dinner. So glad to have a place like this on Taylor!
(4)Anisha A.
If I were still a professional kidney stealer, this is where I'd woo victims before I did the deed. Because Davanti Enoteca will romance you in the most unsuspecting ways, from one waiter in particular who likely moonlights as a Super Mario Bros in 8-bit, to the wine by the glass menu (which is literally attached to an oversized bottle of wine), to the cauldron of diners (a stew of Sopranos cast-offs, students and power gays). Get past the overly kitschy and misleading sign outside. Once you do, you enter a sleek yet rustic den full of personality. The back wall is a wine repository, hence the self-descriptive name: Davanti (in front of), Enoteca (wine shop). You buy bottles at their cheap retail price and pay a nominal corkage. Super Mario was right on with his recommendations. The truffle egg toast and the foraged mushroom-leek pizza may just make you wet your pants. The shaved hearts of palm, burrata and swordfish break the mold. For dessert, the torta bacio appears unassuming, but that crunchy bottom will get you. The cost is uber-reasonable and we exited to a barrage of warm send-offs. Yeah, pretty much everything about this place will make you smile. Just make sure you don't wake up in a tub, missing a critical organ
(5)Bettina S.
In a word? Deliciousness. This is one restaurant that actually lives up to all the hype. This is not a fancy pants, white table linen restaurant, but is wonderful. I had the rigatoni in a cheesy tomato sauce with sausage, and it was wonderful. Sometimes sausage can overwhelm a dish, but it was perfectly balanced. I went for lunch with my mom, so of course I tried her chicken with chili paste, which was OUTSTANDING. It was not extremely spicy, and wass perfectly seasoned. I was almost jealous but mine was so good i couldn't even be upset. They also have a nice wine list, and cocktails made from prosecco and fruit juice. Yes this place is down to earth and is not even faking the funk pretending to be serving champagne cocktails. They keep it real. The only thing that was a bit strange was the music; it was a mix of '80s music, including Michael Jackson, Genesis, and all kinds of other stuff that I love dearly, but were kind of out of place in this cute little Italian restaurant. Definitely worth a visit.
(4)Sarah S.
The food here is REALLY good. They don't take reservations and we got there at 8:50pm this past Saturday night and they said there was a 3-hour wait. LUCKILY 2 people were leaving from the bar seats so we jumped right in. Don't take a large party here unless you want to wait. But we were in the restaurant until almost midnight and it was pretty cleared out... meaning that it was more like a 1 hour wait, not 3 :) The pasta dishes are small. We ordered the one with Italian sausage in it as an appetizer to share. My boyfriend also ordered the truffle oil egg toast thing off the appetizer menu... I'm allergic to eggs so I couldn't taste it but he said it was AMAZING! The pasta was down right good too. It's all about the sauce with pasta and their sauce was real good. We both ordered the steak and arugula salad as our main dishes. The steak is seared in butter and the salad is very simple with olive oil, fresh grated parmesan cheese salt and pepper. Seriously DELICIOUS! We ordered a bottle of their dolchetto de alba to share. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Then for dessert we ordered some gelato and sorbetti. Can never go wrong with gelato or sorbetti at an Italian restaurant. This place is worth the trip, especially if you love Italian food. The place isn't traditonal in any means so don't expect white table clothes, candles and Frank Sinatra singing in the background.
(5)Mike G.
Enjoy the food and atmosphere. Looking forward to trying the new Davanti in River North
(4)Linda K.
At first, I thought this place was going to be fancy just by the sound of the name haha but its very casual.For appetizers, me and my friend ordered the polenta+ragu of the day which were meatballs(pretty good). We also had the, Pizza con Prosciutti e ruocla - which was a little salty but still loved and I ordered the Pollo sole Mio -chicken that had a nice spicy kick to it. I also ordered two glasses of Pinot Grigio--perfecto.
(4)James J P.
If you want to get off the beaten path, away from the tourist slop houses on Michigan Avenue, this is the place to go. Take your time and have the pizza de la terra, focaccia, and the burratta salad. We will be going back!
(5)Bianca F.
This was our last stop for the Chicago trip. Of course we were in the area to get some Italian ice and this was nearby and we wanted some good food. We had no trouble being seated for our party of six. We ordered tons of food to share. We started with a bottle of their white wine followed by bread, honey and ricotta cheese, pork belly, cauliflower, pizza with prosciutto and arugula, Margherita pizza, large ravioli filled with spinach and scallops. The bread, fresh honey and ricotta along with the scallops, pizza with prosciutto and arugula, and the Margherita pizza were my favorites. I really liked the decor, even the bathrooms were cool looking. The wine selection was vast in my opinion and the fresh honey really made me love this place. I'm surely going here when I'm back in town.
(5)Selena L.
Came here to celebrate a friend's visit and am thoroughly impressed! The decor, the ambience, our server were all great! I ordered the Riccio di Mare e Granchio (linguine + sea urchin + crab) and was immensely satisfied! We shared the mascarpone polenta + ragù of the day which was also amazing. The dessert however, knocked our socks off! We ordered the biondo torta del burro bruno at the recommendation of our server and now know what heaven tastes like! We also shared the torta di arachidi banane and the torta bacio, but the biondo was by far the best! Plenty of street parking although you may have to circle around more than once.
(5)Elisa G.
Went to this place once with a group of friends. It is ok... I would not say more than ok ! Ambience is quite nice. It really looks like you are eating in an enoteca. Staff is very friendly. However, the food was ok... Italian style Pizza: there are so many better in Chicago. Pasta was ok. But, again, nothing special. Desserts were good. Overall, given the amount of really good Italian food that you can find in Chicago. I wouldn't go back there.
(3)Stafford M.
My partner and I love this restaurant. The polenta is a gift from God. The chicken dish falls off the bone. The wait staff are all nice and non pretentious. My only pet peeve is that they don't offer bread. When I asked the waiter about it, he said "we try to keep it as authentically Italian as possible. If you want bread we can bring you garlic toast for a charge." Honestly, I have traveled extensively throughout Italy and never remember restaurant that didn't offer bread. That's just my pet peeve about the place. We've been a couple times before and will be back many more.
(5)Allyson S.
Great Italian food! Went here on a date with my fiancé and couldn't be more pleased with the food. We had a cheese plate, flatbread, salad and gnocchi. The service was a little slow, but overall we were very happy.
(4)elissa w.
Came for a friends bday - the food is super good and sharing small plates is always fun. We started with the squash salad which was my fav small plate. We also got the truffle egg toast which was yummy and the mascarpone of the day which was pretty good. Then we moved on to the mushroom pizza, seafood linguine and sausage pasta. We also got two bottles of wine. Also got the bacio pie for the bday girl. Pretty reasonable - $40 for three people. Only reason this place gets 4 starts - we waiting about 2.5 hours for a table. Came in at 7, seated at 9:30. Food came out super fast. We passed the time at Three Aces which was down the street.
(4)Boris A.
Very cozy place in Little Italy. We were there for brunch and the food and service were great. The place has a great wine selection and an interesting menu, so I cannot wait to come back for dinner. Great date place.
(4)Jules D.
Live in the area part-time...been here THREE times in the last two weeks. Go early, it gets busy and LOUD. Grub = We have tried a lot of the menu in these three visits. Enjoyed everything with the exception of the Pizza della Frattoria. Personal taste, I guess, and the egg was completely raw...yolk AND white. Service = We have only had one mediocre server out of three visits. Pet Peeve = You only get four small pieces of delish, oven-grilled bread (tuscan toast) with your crock of choice (vasi). Ask for extra bread upon ordering it. You will want anything you can to spread this goodness on. Favorites: ricotta & honey vasi, cacio e pepe (they are not kidding with the pepper, very spicey), pizza D.O.C. Try it soon...it just made the Chicago Magazine top ten restaurants to watch in November. It is bound to get even busier!!!
(5)Keith D.
Unbelievable. Every bite was a unique experience. No reservations, but you can leave your cell phone and they'll call you when your table is ready. The wine selection was great. Try everything.
(5)Elizabeth S.
They is a great spot in Little Italy! They have unique dishes beyond your traditional Italian fare at Rosebud and Francesca's with quality ingredients. I would say all the small plates can add up to be a pricey evening though! We have always had good service, the atmosphere is nice but the front tables are not ideal due to the bar being so small. I'd would recommend this place for a date night and small group dinners especially if you are in the mood for a different take on Italian!
(4)Stan P.
I have to admit, we were surprised. We had read the reviews on line and wanted to try Davanti. When we arrived, we were a little shaken to see that the restaurant is nestled into the lobby of the Marriott. We are staunchly opposed to hotel restaurant food so we balked. Happily, however, we went in. While I don't love the decor -- I would have given 5 stars but for the decor which is a bit phony -- the food was outstanding. Everything we ordered tasted real and delicious. We began with the tuna carpaccio, a summer squash salad and an arugula salad. It was all fabulous all real tasting, like from some great cook's home. We followed with the rigatoni with sausage and tomato which was just perfect. We were so delighted, and our server was so solicitous and wonderful. It was the right beginning to a lovely Chicago summer evening. So so so glad that we went here - we will be back and we recommend highly to everyone. Ignore the Marriott sign!
(4)A B.
Here is my review. Don't bother going. Good was cold. Service was arrogant for no reason. And dessert was not nearly as good as Francesco's.
(1)Afton M.
Amazing! We went to dinner here last night and was completely blown away. We started with the ricotta and honey comb appetizer, it was fantastic. The two of us shared 3 dishes since they are small plates. We got the sea urchin and crab pasta, the gnocchi and pork cheek, and the octopus. The service was great and I loved the atmosphere. Will make it a point to go next time in in Chicago.
(5)Donna K.
Love this place. Uni pasta is always a must have (we always order at least two) and the pork shoulder with polenta is fantastic. This is always our go to place whenever we are in a rut choosing a place to dine out. Great for girls night out as well. Service has been great so far and we have yet to try a dish we do not like.
(5)Nathan R.
My quick rating is immediately below. Scroll down for my full review: Food: 4/5 Atmosphere: 3/5 Service: 2/5 Overall: 3/5 My dining experience at Davanti Enoteca: I dined at Davanti with three friends on December 12th. We had a reservation for 9PM through OpenTable and were seated immediately. This is where service started to slide downhill. After being seated, we waited 15-20 minutes before our waiter even stopped by for the first time. The wait staff provided water, but we noticed all other tables being serviced multiple times before our waiter came to introduce himself. His attitude was arrogant, and he had no excuse for making us wait. We were also placed in a dark corner, which would have fine with decent service, but contributed to our sub-par experience. After the waiter came (Andrew), we waited another 20 minutes before he came back to take our order. In between waiting to order, as well as waiting for our food, we ran out of water several times and relied on the wait staff to keep our glasses filled. We noticed that other tables were regularly being check up on, but for some reason, our waiter was not interested in us enough. We ordered dessert, which was tasty, but the sour taste of poor service ruined the overall experience for me. Dishes ordered: Davanti Burger: 3/5 -The burger was tasty and well made, but could have been more complex. Prosciutto e Rucola Pizza: 4/5 -This was delicious, generous slices of prosciutto on a warm, crispy base Bruschette: 4/5 -Very good
(3)Cheryl L.
DaVanti is a very nice tapas style Italian restaurant. The menu selections are unusual but interesting and tasty. The wine selections are impressive and perhaps a little pricey for my budget. Nevertheless I recommend you try this restaurant.
(4)Will M.
Wow. Had brunch upstairs on the deck. We ordered a bunch of dishes and shared. Here were my favorites. Pork Belly Linguine with sea urchin and crab ricotta with honey Truffle toast polenta Very special restaurant
(5)A N.
came here with several people and we ordered enough to feed a small army. overall I thought the food was OK, nothing spectacular. the portions were also on the smaller side. I did enjoy my visit here but I don't think I would ever crave the food here or would want to come back if I were in Chicago again.
(3)Gary C.
This is my third visit and this time we took my parents, to avoid a wait we went late afternoon on a Sunday well after the lunch/brunch crowd had left. Three times and still not disappointed in the quality of the food and the service. This time we ordered and all really enjoyed the Riccio di Mare e Granchio, pasta with large chunks of sweet crab meat. Another pasta dish that was outstanding was the Cacio e Pepe, pasta with the creaminess of the pecorino cheese followed with a kick from the black pepper. I like the casual decor, walls of wine storage, lots of brick, stone and wood and with a little imagination it resembles dining in a wine cellar in Umbria. I'm sure we'll be back again; it's just getting the timing down so we don't have to wait for 30/60 minutes.
(4)Mary Ann C.
So...dined here with my sister for her bday lunch. She decided many of the things we ordered. I expected a lot more, as far as creativity. I have been dying to dine here since it opened, and I was left......with an unremarkable lunch. Service-Good Speed of food preparation and presentation at lunch-Very, very, very slow Price- Good Atmosphere/Crowd-Nice spot (bigger than I expected) and full for lunch by noon on a Friday. Truffled toast with asparagus-Yumm. Quite delicious. Corn salad-Very good. Spaghetti with black pepper-Good but not great Beet salad-Not very exciting I am going to visit again to see if other menu items will excite me more....
(3)Mendy P.
This place is great! The bill for the 2 of us ended up at just over $100 pre-tip and it was well worth it. The portions are small but not too small and, with our large appetites, we ended up going with 6 appetizers, 2 mains & dessert. Our waiter was professional but friendly and had great input and recommendations on what we would like based on our taste. The ambiance was authentic Italian and lively. The decor resembled a wooded countryside restaurant located on a vineyard. Highly recommended!
(5)Greg G.
Nice restaurant that is usually pretty easy to get in without a reservation for the Chicago River North area. I usually get the prosciutto pizza which is amazing. So much flavor! Can't really go wrong with any of the pastas, they are all fine, I usually go with the gnocchi or ravioli. If you're in a jam and need a good spot to eat dinner and don't want to go to a fast food place, check out Enoteca, you can't go wrong.
(4)Kevin C.
Truffle egg toast and mascarpone polenta are good. Sea urchin pasta was alright
(4)Adoley J.
I had the pleasure of dining at Davanti Enoteca early this fall and I was not disappointed. My friend and I shared the Prosciutto e Rucola pizze, Rigatoni con Salsiccia e Pomodori al forno, Capesante e Fregola (scallops with hen of the woods + fregola sarda + guanciale). The pizza was probably my favorite. The flavors of the prosciutto with the mozzerella and arugula was perfect. The crust perfectly cooked as well. I really liked the rigatoni as well. Great service and a cute date spot. I definitely recommend trying it out.
(4)Kurt G.
Time to find a new place...so glad we took a chance here. From the moment we walked in, it just felt comfortable, very welcoming. Did we want a high table or a low table? A question that I've never heard before, a sure sign of courtesies to come. The server asked if we had been there before - nope, first time - so she patiently explained the small plate service to share amongst the table. We started with the grilled calamari antipasto, the goat cheese croquette and the polenta with tonight's ragu. These we perfect. The polenta, creamy. The croquette crispy, steamy and savory. Next, we finished with the lamb sausage pizza and the faro salad. The roasted spring veggies and balsamic blended so well. The lamb sausage was earthy, tender and not over seasoned. Refreshing in its simpleness, yet the lamb spoke through... No room for dessert. This was a great dining experience, the service staff was great, attentive and professional. Yes, we will return. You should try this one!
(5)B R.
Great wine and cheese pairings flight was a pleasant surprise. Main menu items of the farro 'salad' suggested by my server Toni were an excellent start. I hadn't had farro and this super grain that they combine with hazelnut, honey, among others was extremely tasteful. The seared octopus was very very good. Large meaty arms served on to of a bed of fingrling potatoes and charcuterie sausage! Great meal overall.
(4)Jaime M.
Such delicious unique Italian food. The place was always full the whole night and when we walked in to wait for a table we were told there weren't going to be any tables available until 930pm. I'm assuming they just had a lot of reservations. We waiting for a few and grabbed a seat at the bar. The ricotta and honey with toast was so delicious and unique. We got the warm kale salad. So good. One of the best things of the night was the polenta dish. You need to try this. The service was great. Overall a great experience with service and food. It was a little crowded but that just means it's the place to visit.
(5)Nancy Y.
Very warm atmosphere! The wild mushroom pizza with leeks was amazing! Also the blonde brownie with maple gelato topped with carmel and almonds was the best dessert I have tasted in the longest time!
(5)Tatiana T.
My review may be biased since I know people who work here, but I love their food every time I come and the staff are really sweet. They do get busy a lot and try their best to accommodate everyone and sometimes it's difficult, It's a great restaurant and that happens. I give them two thumbs up for the work they do and to the chefs that create some amazing food. Every time it comes out perfect. I'll always keep showing up. My favorites are the Ricotta and honey comb vasi, the cacio e pepe and the polpo con rafano. Also, always make a reservation. It gets packed.
(5)Dana C.
I love this place both Taylor street and WESTERN SPRINGS location. We have been going to this establishment for a few years now. All the food is great, as well as the wine list and infused vodka made in house. Brought both my side of the family and my boyfriend's side just to share the wealth ;)
(5)Janet E.
We came here for dinner on a weekday night and surprisingly the restaurant was super busy. It got especially busier after 630pm. The restaurant is not large but it is cozy. The food made our experience even better. We ordered: pizza--it was good--nice thin crust and dough was a little sweet sea urchin and crab---crab meat seemed canned and was cold while noodles were warm roccotta cheese with honey comb--very little honey comb. eat with the bread--if you eat the honey comb by itself, the wax will stick to your teeth We also ordered a salad which I can't remember the name, but it was good. Service here was attentive. However, we felt rushed towards the end of our meal because the restaurant started getting busy.
(4)Kathleen C.
My husband read about this place so took me there as a surprise. I hadn't read any reviews and didn't know what I was getting into but was thrilled. We had a 90 minute dinner that seemed so quick and relaxing. I can't wait to go back to this fabulous restaurant. They didn't take reservations but when we arrived just after 6pm on a Tuesday, the restaurant was only half full (and 30 minutes later--it was more than full). I was not pleased at all when we were sat at a high top right next to the kitchen. Turns out at Davanti, this is THE BEST seat in the house. We were able to see all of the different plates and figure out what we wanted to eat based on watching it being prepped or served. Lucky us! We ordered some wine and then started ordering a few plates at a time. The entire order consisted of: toasted hearts of palm; crispy pork belly with peach mostarda; roasted cherry tomato, burrata cheese & basil oil; giant rigatoni, sausage, oven roasted tomato & parmigiano; and pizza with italian mild sausage, broccoli rabe, garlic & chili oil, fresh mozzarella, tomato. Everything was SO GOOD! And there was no problem (and no fuss!) to have the pasta with sausage on the side and pizza with sausage on one side. So different from any restaurant we visited in Italy. My husband didn't like the pork belly but was glad he tried it. Our waitress felt so bad that she took the charge for the pork belly off of our receipt. Little touches like this go a long way.
(5)Sue K.
omgaaaz, this had to be one of the best meals ever! We came in, and they said the wait would be 45 minutes to an hour. It was much much less. suhweeet. Our waiter was super helpful and nice - made sure we were enjoying our meal. Everything came out at a nice pace. The food was sooo good. We had beets, linguine with sea urchins, octopus, and mushroom/leek/truffle oil pizza. Everything was SO good, in my opinion. I never knew beets could taste so delicious. The linguine/octopus - delicious. The pizza - earthy, mushroom-y, truffle-y goodness. I had leftovers, and I was so excited to eat them the next morning but sadly, someone from my family beat me to it. Waaah :[ Definitely would love to go again to try more more moreeee :]
(5)Rachel H.
Perseverance, friends. Our first attempt resulted in being told of a two hour wait and my giant tantrum as I had no backup plan. I at least had the dignity to have the tantrum in the car and not at the host stand. That should count for something. Fast forward to last night's celebration of my one year anniversary with my companion. I was determined to make this thing with Davanti Enoteca work just as well. Well, 5:15 on a Sunday is a great time to eat dinner, if you're old or desperate. I'm a little bit of both. Onto the food... I knew in my heart, soul and bones that I wanted that burrata salad, and it was brought out, devoured, and dreamed of, just like I knew it would be. Also, doubters take note, it was served with bread. Perfect. The appetizer surprise of the evening was the squash and farro dish, recommended by our friendly and knowledgeable server, Andy. It was delicious. Thank you, Andy. We didn't share our "entrees" because I wanted meat, but this was fine. A dish of giant (and I mean giant) rigatoni with sausage was the perfect size for me, and boyfriend enjoyed the giant raviolo. Next time I might try the steak, which I spied on someone's table, or the polenta and ragout. Oh did that look good. I wish I was speedy like that creature, Teek, from Ewoks Battle for Endor, because I would have dashed around snatching tidbits... I am shameless. Dessert was the chocolate hazelnut mousse, which was rich and delicious. I will order mousse anywhere, but this was really great. We also shared a bottle of wine (no corkage fee on Sunday). I will absolutely return. I just hope to score an immediate table next time instead of a tantrum, but I think I have a game plan now.
(5)Abby T.
man oh man, my mouth was watering at the thought of the torta bacio dessert from Davanti last night. No, I wasn't there....it just popped into my head and wouldn't leave! It would be a crime to come to Davanti and not order the torta bacio. DO IT!
(5)Rachel G.
Finally the words I hear on Top Chef, I was actually able to try at Davanti! Polenta - Check Pork belly - Check Truffle sauce - Check Some mushroom sauteed in some animal part - Check Why I don't consider myself an adventurous eater, I loved Davanti and everything....repeat....everything is exceptional here! Came here for my office hoilday party and while they don't take reservations, get here early and seating isn't too bad. We sat at a high table in the center of the restaurant and it was perfect! The decor is rustic-ish with candles in those 'Ball' jars, candelabras, brick, soft lighting and wood everywhere. Since we had a large group, we had one person do the ordering, so I can't tell you exactly what we got. But if you read my note above...it doesn't matter because everything was delcious. My favs were the grilled bread with ricotta and honey, olive oil polenta, one of their pizzas, foccacia, pasta with black pepper and the chocolate mouse for dessert. The wine was also delicious and the staff brought the food out in a timely matter and the wine kept on coming. We had a wonderful time and for a party of 15, the place worked out great. I was really impressed and I already have plans to go back and take the parents this time!
(5)Anch D.
Probably my favorite restaurant of any kind in the city. Period. This place always impresses and exceeds expectations. The menu is always evolving. The ambiance is unbeatable. The drinks and food are always prepared to perfection. If you have not been yet, drop whatever you are doing and go. NOW!!!
(5)Joel W.
Always one of my favorite spots to go to when wanting to enjoy an evening out. The small plates allow for fantastic sharing and conversation. The polenta is always legit and is a must get for anyone. We were back on Saturday with a party of 4 and had 5 courses to split along with some wines. The bruschetta and polenta were great. The meat and cheese plate allowed us to sample a few different types of meat as well. Fantastic place and good service. Should be on everyone's list to go to.
(4)Viktor B.
Really loud . Really tight inside . Plates are extremely small . Pretty long wait for the waitress. Food came out fast tho . Food tastes good. I liked music playing at the background .
(3)Taylor A.
My party and I came here for dinner on a tuesday. We were promptly seated and offered water right away. The waitress was a sweetheart, and was so attentive. My party ordered some wine and some type of strong 100 proof whisky (cray cray I know) We ended up sharing the arugula pizza, meatballs, peppered and cheese spaghetti and crab spaghetti (not sure the official names) IT WAS KICK ASS. this place is delicious! I work for a competitor down the street and I have to say THIS WAS IMPRESSIVE! I will be back!
(5)Kristen L.
Went here on a whim one cold Sunday morning for brunch after Stax (right across the street) was way too long of a wait. Now, I love me my hearty breakfast/brunch portions and was a little wary of how hungry I might be afterward, knowing full well that this was an Italian tapas restaurant. BUT, everything was superb and I was pretty full after my meal. Here's what was ordered: Uovo con Salsiccia: two eggs, sausage, braised onions, and roasted potatoes. Sure, the portions are a tad bit smaller, but everything was very hearty. The eggs (over-easy) were awesome when the yolks were popped and then paired with the sausage. The braised onions added a whole new level of flavor when combined with everything else. The potatoes also came with roasted red peppers, so that was also a plus. Uovo Barzotto: pork belly with hollandaise sauce, avocados, roasted potatoes, and eggs. Perfectly fatty, perfectly savory, and perfectly filling. A little heavy to eat first thing in the morning, but it's totally worth it. Bellini: $5 bellinis! Woot. Everything was great, other than the fact that the wait for the food is a little long since everything is cooked to order and they were pretty busy. The bf and I wanted to get more but didn't want to wait around for it. Overall, good service, good food, and we are looking forward to the next time we go back.
(4)Rachel W.
A perfect place to share small plates, so you can get a few bites of several great dishes. We ordered about 6 different plates, and we absolutely loved everything, especially the raviolo with egg. The food is served hot and quickly, and the wine list is excellent as well. Wonderful and friendly service. The dining room is loud, but the atmosphere is fun and has great energy.
(5)Jimmy J.
Cool rustic wood build out. Salads, cauliflower brushchetta, warm olives, were solid. Flash fried pork belly was a little fatty and lackluster. Rigatoni Bolognese featured a amazing marinara that appeared to have parm in it. Rigatoni was huge, very al dente. Sauce was super..sausage was ok..but portion for price was lacking. I'm not a fan of wood fire pizza. Soggy middle. I requested extra well done. It was even close. That said, crust texture, flavor, and sauce were very good. Service was friendly but not sharp. No bread was brought or offered. Busboy was a stoner space cadet who poured more water on table than our glasses. Quality of ingredients was very good. Salt is modestly applied here which is good IMO. Better to be able to add than to be overpowered. Would i return? Not per se vut I'd have no problem recommending if someone wanted a place to eat near the Village.
(4)Gabe H.
Overpriced and below average quality. Stay away from the polpo, mine was cooked to resemble a resistance band.
(2)Elsa S.
Super friendly staff. Solid food. I would day not to go with anything run of the mill. We went by server recommendations and ordered some things not normally on other menus and were very pleased. We tried a regular sounding pasta and felt it was average. In other words, go outside your normal ordering.
(4)Julia C.
Delicious. Try the mascarpone polenta and the truffle egg toast
(4)Bahi K.
This place lived up to the hype, and then some! It might just be my new favorite place in all of Chicago. The hostess greeted us with a warm smile and took my cell phone number, telling me that it would about a half hour wait. And in almost exactly 30 minutes, I got a call from her informing me that our table was ready. While we didn't get seated at the very back, which would have been ideal, we still were conveniently perched on some high chairs across from the wood oven pizza section. We were able to observe the people seated immediately adjacent to us and get a sense as to what we might or might not order. Upon our waitress' recommendation, we tried the Greco white wine (which was delicious) and very affordable. Our plates consisted of the tomato and mozzarella salad (she was right -- the mozza might just be the best I've tasted outside of Italy), the pork belly (simply divine), the rigatoni (mouth watering), and the grilled chicken (which took awhile but was well worth the wait -- tender and spiced *just* right). We topped this off with an amazing chocolate hazelnut dessert. The evening lasted about three hours (but felt more like an hour and a half) and cost less than $80 for everything above. I've eaten in Rome, and believe it or not, this meal actually bested anything I ate there. I can't wait to go back.
(5)Eric H.
I went here for my girlfriends birthday. This place is a wine bar and has an extensive menu of small plates. We picked out a nice bottle of wine, sat inside by the window. It was nice but not too fancy, kind of a moderately noisy place. (Not the most romantic venue). We started off with the honeycomb ricotta vasi with their bread. The ricotta was delish, and we basically licked the jar clean. Then we had the warm kale salad, and the squash and goat cheese salad. Then we ordered a pizza, which was topped with sausage and peppers. The pizza was good, it was somewhat traditional Italian oven-fired pizza. At the end of the meal there was a tasty piece of cake, and no tacky birthday song. Our server was very attentive and knew his way around the menu and wine list. It was great, and there are plenty of options to order next time.
(4)Millie T.
I really loved this cozy restaurant and its delicious "Italian comfort food," as I kept calling it. Davanti is really perfect for date night. The warm, gentle lighting and light wood finishes were so relaxing and romantic. The dining room in the back of the restaurant got a bit loud (especially thanks to a tipsy birthday girl and her entourage), but it looked like the tables up towards the front were much quieter. We showed up at 9pm on a Saturday night with no reservation (I don't think they take them) and were told it would be a 45 minute wait, but were seated in maybe 10, with large pours of tasty wine in hand. We had the Foccacia di Recco, which was a soft salty thin pizza stuffed with a cow cheese that tasted much like cream cheese -- not incredibly adventurous, but a really nice combination of salt, cream and dough. This sounds really weird, but I think this would be a great thing to eat if you're feeling under the weather. The burrata salad was delicious and massive. Who doesn't love a huge piece of burrata for $8? The egg ravioli and the warm farro salad, which was a special, were also very good. The wines by the bottle were a little confusing to me - they look extremely cheap, but they are listed at retail price so you have to add the $7 corkage to drink them in the restaurant.
(5)Kyle P.
Place is great. The truffle toast for an app with a pizza and the burger is really good. Love the wine prices and the deck upstairs
(5)K. J.
I headed to Davanti Enoteca with my co-workers for our annual holiday luncheon and was charmed by the rustic interior and warmth of this fun restaurant in Little Italy. This is a tapas-style Italian place, and the first time I have encountered small plates in Italian restaurant. We ordered lots of different dishes and shared them amongst ourselves. Our server was very helpful and made great suggestions. There is lots to choose from on the menu, and I was surprised to see that the menu had a glossary, but I have to admit that is came in quite handy when trying to decide on dishes. Out of all the things we ordered, the focaccia di Recco was by far my favorite, and a must try for anyone eating at Davanti. Many of the shared plates are small...maybe enough for a few people to sample, so order two of a dish if you have a larger group like we did. The only thing I found a little off about this restaurant was the music playing in the background. Perhaps I am just not cool enough to embrace Snoop Dogg with my pasta, but it just didn't seem to fit with the overall vibe of this place. Now, I am sure that hearing the same rat pack tunes over and over again must really start to grate on the nerves of folks working in Italian restaurants, but surly there is a happy medium that offers variety but still meshes with the vibe of your restaurant. But all in all, I had a great meal, and the service was lovely. I'd go pack in a heartbeat.
(4)Phil F.
Really like this addition to the neighborhood, it is Italian but pulls away from the expected and ubiquitous fare one can easily find at any Italian resto. Theyre cocktail specials are nice too, they would get me to come back. The food was overall really nice. Nothing too mind blowing, just simple, rustic food. Although they did use aerosol whipped cream on the desserts, kinda scary. Is it that hard to whip cream?? Totally will go back though, the menu is large and diverse...much more to explore!!!
(4)Mara M.
Food is really delicious The service was very odd. Came as a party of 4, our waitress was really pushing the idea of us ordering lots of small dishes to share. We decided to get two smaller plates for the table, but then everyone ordered their own thing to eat as a main course. Got the farro salad (delicious) and the broccolini (very good). Instead of bringing out the main dishes at the same time, they brought each thing out individually as it was done, which was totally awkward. My pasta came first and I didn't want to start before everyone else got their meal, but it was obvious that it would get cold before anyone else's food arrived. It seemed like the wait staff was trying to make a point about "sharing" and "tapas style" portions. Annoying, but the food was good enough to let it slide. Other issue was that the bussers would take away anything from the table the moment you put your fork down. They took away my wine before I was done, most of our plates before we were finished, and even took away the little pizza stand before the pizza even arrived. It was almost comedic how fast they were. Might be better as a one on one date spot.
(3)M D.
Delicious. I'll be back. Everything from the ambiance to the wine to the appetizer (ricotta with honeycomb...lots of other items I want to try!) to the pizze (prosciutto et rucola) to the paste (raviolo, risotto) was absolutely delicious. So looking forward to a return visit!
(5)Aimee M.
My group of friends and I shared a couple dishes: DOC brischette Roasted beets Rocco de mare e granchio They were gourmet and affordable.
(5)Mary D.
So yum!! This place encourages sharing so the 6 of us had the mozz & basil pizza, spaghetti, ravioli, steak, some amazing wine (cade cab 2011), the kids had some root beer, some delicious desserts - the donut, the "ground up" candy bar, and the gelato. I'm not using the official names but if you go with any of those you can't go wrong. It was so so good. We are from SC so was a great place to come for visiting Chicago. And our waiter (Ron) was fantastic and so helpful in choosing menu items, especially with the wine. This place rocks!!!!
(5)Sahil G.
We went here for filling Italian food and got just the exact opposite. The food portions are really tiny, REALLY TINY. If you are looking for a filling meal, look elsewhere. I got the a pizza for myself and for 15 dollars I have had much, much better pizzas. I recommend going to maggianos or bacci for filling and authentic Italian food.
(2)Nisa D.
Food was delicious!! My husband took me here for my birthday. We ordered the foccacia with cheese and honey comb,thin crust prosciutto arugula pizza, riganoni n sausage,octopus and some other plates i cant remember :( but they were good. Everything was great including the atmosphere and service.
(4)Sami J.
In love!!! I was so impressed by this place. I had a completely different vision before I walked in so I was blown away. My boyfriend and I went for dinner. Atmosphere: The space is beautiful. We sat at a table in the bar. The decor was gorgeous with brick archways, walls made of old wine cases, rustic lighting.... I could go on for hours about it. Service: Our waiter (who I believe to also be the bartender) could not have been more hospitable. He promptly brought us waters and menus (one of my biggest pet peeves is sitting and waiting to be greeted upon being seated). He guided us through the menu, wine lists and daily specials and made a couple recommendations. He was quick to change plates, fill water and wine, bring entrees and remove items no longer needed. He was also social and funny. Felt like we were being served by a friend (and this goes for everyone that helped during service and seating). Food: I had been craving good pasta and this hit the spot. We tried the bruchetta special ($5 on Sunday) which included squash. I hadn't had anything like it and it was a refreshing spin on standard bruchetta. It was served atop 4 pieces of bread. Next we tried the warm kale salad (Kale, Guanciale, Orange, Pecans, Pecorino). This was my least favorite dish as it was a little salty from the Guanciale and I didn't care for the temperature of it but it was still very enjoyable. We ordered 3 pasta dishes (the raviolo, rigatoni and cacio e pepe). We asked that all the dishes be served "al dente" which our server was a little confused by (surprising) but they still hit it on the head. The Raviolo is stuffed with spinach and covered in parm and olive oil. This is only one piece but large enough to split between two people (although you won't want to). This was my favorite dish of the night. Next, the cacio e pepe was a little over cooked to our liking but the pecorino was perfectly melted and creamy. If the pasta was cooked a little less this would have been my favorite dish. The Rigatoni was a last minute addition since I was craving some red sauce and I'm so glad we did! The pasta was cooked to perfection and the sausage was very flavorful. We added parm to the top and I ate it in minutes. The sauce was simple and was just enough. Wine: They offer 5 and 8 oz pours and bottles. Their wine list is expansive and everything is reasonably priced. We enjoyed a bottle of the Asti. We intended to enjoy a little and take the rest home, but it was so good we finished it all at dinner. Unfortunately we were too stuffed for dessert but we were given free limoncello which was some of the best I've had. Usually I leave this behind because it's too tart or strong but this, to me, was the perfect amount of tart, sweet and liqueur.
(5)Fred S.
I'm a little ashamed that it's taken me this long to write a review because I've dined at Davanti Enoteca so many times. Running a restaurant has to be one of the most challenging undertakings out there, especially in a city that has so many offerings as Chicago. I love introducing friends to Davanti because they are blown away by the food. The dishes are simple, elegant and well executed consistently. The favors are balanced and the dishes are arranged in a thoughtful manner. Sometimes when I go with friends, we wind up doing a number of small plates but I always insist on the polenta + ragu, ricotta and honey comb. The pork chop is perfectly cooked, flavorful and beautiful. The risotto is al dente, and flavorful with a gorgeous presentation. You can't go wrong with any of the pizzas, or pastas. Just yesterday, I discovered their (Saturday/Sunday) Bloody Mary bar which is " DIY" and genius. Davanti is always one of my top pics.
(4)Mike M.
I originally had reservations at the Davanti Enoteca in River North, but my friend who I was meeting up for dinner insisted that the Taylor street location had better consistency when it came to the food. When we got there, parking seemed to be way easier and generally the area wasn't as busy, which was good. Atmosphere: This place had a real rustic feel to it. It seemed cozier than some of the trendier Italian spots in the city and had kind of a wooden decor theme going on. I liked it. Food: I've never been to any of their locations before, so I just let her take the lead on the ordering. Polenta / ragu of the day - This dish was pretty cool because they assemble it in front of you at the table. Our server brought out a wooden board and then spread the polenta on it. Then he layered the ragu on top of it. The ragu of the day when we went was veal meatball. I thought it was pretty good. The polenta added a nice creamy texture and served as good base for each bite. The ragu had plenty of meat but I couldn't really taste a huge difference with veal meatballs over regular beef ones. I heard the pork shoulder ragu was even better. Crispy pork belly - Basically massive strips of gourmet bacon. These were thick cut and had an awesome crispy outside. Every bite started with a nice crunch and then you just hit a layer of melt in your mouth fattiness. I just wished it was a bigger serving. I could've eaten plates and plates of that stuff. Uni pasta - Apparently this is main reason she even chose this place for dinner...it's pretty much her go to dish. I was a little skeptical since I'm honestly not even a huge fan of seafood to begin with but damn it was pretty delicious. It's actually a really simple dish. It just looked like a plate of noodles at first, but once I took a bite I was surprised at the flavors that jumped out at me. The noodles were very al dente and from a texture standpoint it wasn't very saucy at all. But that sea urchin sauce that cooked into the noodles was both rich and bold, without having an overwhelming fishy taste. I'd definitely order this again. Overall, I enjoyed the dinner at Davanti. The food was really good and the atmosphere is the perfect setting for a date. The menu is pretty big so there's a lot more stuff I still wanna try.
(4)Jason J.
My dad and I visited Davanti Enoteca over Labor Day Weekend. The food was astonishingly delicious, boarder-line orgasmic. I had plenty of choices as a vegetarian. We both had the famous truffle egg toast (delicious!), the arugula salad with a 5-yr balsamic vinegar dressing (very sophisticated taste), and the Pizza of Earth which is basically a decked out mushroom pizza full of flavor. I also got the raviolo with brown butter sauce- the only fault I find is that it's a singular, and not a plurality/plethora of ravioli...this dish literally blew my mind. And since the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines "literally" to mean "actually" as well as "virtually", you will have no idea if my mind is actually or figuratively blown and if I'm just a mindless reviewer.
(5)Jon P.
Man it has been a great week, a 5 Star on Friday at Orland Mall at Seasons 52, and now a 5 Star on Tuesday night at Davanti Enoteca!! I was in the city on Tuesday with my business partner and our wives for a seminar (barf) that ended at four. Now as much as I looooooooooove rush hour coming out of Chi-Town, we decided to find a local place to have some "thank god the seminar is over" beverages and tender vittles. Well, trusty YELP! led us to Davanti on Taylor street in little Italy. Killer reviews so we gave it a go, GOOD CALL! This place is so perfect, the ambiance, the smells, the brickwork, the open kitchen concept are an absolute home run! Service was spot on and we all really had a very good time. We were the first to sit and it was a bit hot. The hostess/manager allowed us to open a door right next to our table to cool things off, it worked! We ordered from the very adequate wine and beer menu. I had a nice Cabernet and my associates partook in a Peroni. Davanti is a "tapas" style Italian restaurant, meaning everyone shares smaller portions. So we started with the meat and cheese plate. They have a great ala carte charcuterie (sp) portion of their menu. We ordered two dairy cheeses, the prosciutto, and the chorizo. A+ Fresh and beautifully plated. Great way to start the meal! From there we ordered a few hot "tapas". We ordered: Riccio di Mare e Granchio aka; linguine + sea urchin + crab A+++++ The sea urchin created such a briny and savory flavor to the pasta. Really perfect. Maiale e Ricotta Gnudi ...pork cheek + ricotta gnudi + green garlic A Whis was deceptively spicy, but the flavor was a knock out as far as I was concerned. Some of my fellow diners were a little off about the texture, but I enjoyed. Polpo con Rafano ...seared octopus + warm fingerling potato salad + marcona almonds + finnochiona + fresh horseradish aioli A+++++ Really my second favorite of the evening. This is a foot or so long single octopus arm grilled in a really flavorful sauce. This plate was licked clean FYI! Capesante e Fregola...seared day boat scallops + hen of the woods + fregola sarda + guanciale A++++++++ This was the winner in my book. The scallops were perfectly seared. That's not terribly difficult to do. However, the fresh Hen of the Woods mushroom "risotto" they were served on was legendary. I love places that incorporate seasonal shrooms into their dishes. We ordered a few desserts but I can only remember one...... because I still dream about it. The biondo torta del burro bruno aka: brown butter blondie + maple gelato +caramel sauce + almonds A+++++++ Makes all other desserts forgetable. Thanks again YELP for directing me to this phenomenal restaurant. I would recommend this place to anyone, even the fussiest of diners. Thank you Davonti for a perfect outing! We'll be back ASAP!
(5)Steve S.
We were here In Chicago and wanted Italian food. Found this place on Yelp and were not disappointed. The food was old style Italion and the service was fantastic! I can't wait to come back to Chicago to eat here again!
(5)Niki I.
The veal and prosciutto meatballs appetizer is delicious! The octopus excellent and unique! The zucchini salad very refreshing!
(4)A R.
Came here tonight for dinner with a reservation for 8:30. The place was packed and very loud. I loved the exposed brick bar and the old timey decoration but I wasn't impressed that all the seating in the front was high tops. It brought down the classiness and made it more of a bar feel which wasn't what I was hoping for. The wait staff and hostess were very friendly and attentive which was great. Our water glasses were never empty and our dishes continuously cleared. I should also note that I was impressed at how the food was brought out, 1 dish at a time, so we could really appreciate each dish without feeling rushed to get to the next one. Here's a breakdown on the food: 1. Ricotta & Honey - holy cow. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of honey or anything sickeningly sweet. However, this was by far one of the best appetizers I think I've ever had. The honey comb was so fresh, the ricotta was nicely seasoned with salt and pepper and the bread was fantastically crunchy. I'd give 10 stars just for this appetizer - you have to try it. 2. Burrata - generally, I'm a fan of all things caprese related. Especially when there is Burrata. This came with roasted tomatoes and a basil pesto. It was pretty good but unfortunately it came out after the ricotta & honey and we were so blown away by that dish that this one paled in comparison. But it was still good and worth a try. 3. Rigatoni Pomodori - this was good but as a warning, it comes with enormous chunks of onion in it. I absolutely hate onions and wish I had know before I ordered. Also, the waiter got a little happy with the cheese and I ended up with a mound of Parmesan on top. Still, worth ordering again but next time I'll specify no onions. 4. Gnocchi with Lamb Ragu - most interesting gnocchi we ever tried. Typically I'd expect almost dumplingesque potato pillows but instead we got little cakes of potato more similar to a mashed potato cake. It was topped with lamb meat that was very tender but needed more tomato sauce in my opinion. 5. Strawberry Rhubarb Sorbetti - after such rich courses we opted for a lighter Sorbetti. I'm not sure where the rhubarb came in - this just tasted like fresh strawberry sorbet to us. A bit sweet for my liking but clearly fresh and delectably creamy. All in all, the food was good, waiters were helpful, atmosphere was a bit loud and confused, valet parking was available, and everything was reasonably priced. I will definitely go back for that ricotta & honey!
(4)Erica L.
I don't know why I gave Davanti only 4 fours in my original review. The food is consistently amazing. We always order the Focaccia di Recco with the Honeycomb, the Cacio e Pepe, and Hubby's new discovery, the Rigatoni. Davanti is one of the few restaurants in Chicago that is on our regular restaurant rotation, which says a lot since I'm all about trying new places. Every guest we take here has been blown away. We took a couple from Italy (one who was born and raised in Parma) here for dinner when they were visiting from San Francisco. Hubby told me they were pretty critical about Italian food in the US. They liked it so much they came back for lunch the next day! My latest discovery has been the dessert since we are always too full to try it. During our recent visit, we tried the Biondo Torta Del Burro Bruno which is the brown butter blondie with maple gelato, caramel sauce, and almonds and the Torta Bacio, which is the chocolate mousse, chocolate hazelnut crunch, and cocoa nibs. Molto Delizioso!
(5)UE C.
Environment: cozy, clean, and bright for lunch - 3.5/5 Service: The sever was not very friendly although he did recommend some of the more pricier dishes when we ordered food. He was pretty ignorant and named the dishes quickly and without care. Even at the end as we were walking out the restaurant we made eye contact with him & we said "THANK YOU!' but he ignored us, turned his head immediately after and pretended like nothing happened - 1/5 Food: Cucumber soda - i ordered it only because the sever highly recommended it and it's made with cane sugar instead of corn syrup - 3/5 ginger peach iced tea & pomegranate iced tea - 3/5 chicken liver pate comes w/ 5 garlic bread - it's not one of the best chicken liver pate i've had but the portion is huge and its only $8 - 3/5 Warm Tuscan Kale, Guanciale, Orange, Pecans, Pecorino Crotenese $10 - it's more on the sour side but it's pretty refreshing as an appetizer - 3.5/5 Prosciutto E Rucola $ 16 - probably one of the WORST prosciutto pizzas i've ever had, it was very dry and extremely salty!!! it didn't taste like freshly made oven pizza :( - 0 out of 5 Rigatoni Con Salsiccia e Pomodori al Forno - This was my favorite out of all the dishes, it's creamy and rich but not too heavy, the pasta is chewy (the texture is really good) - 4.5/5 Sea Urchin Linguini - I am really really disappointed with this pasta. I picked this restaurant mainly because of this particular dish but there's nothing special about it! I live in California and sea urchin is one of my favorite seafoods in any kind of cuisine. I've had plenty of sea urchin pasta/noodle/udon/fried rice dishes at many other places, but compared to all those, this is not worth trying! - 2/5 Davanti Burger w/ skinny fries - 2.5/5 Overall: The environment is okay but I don't think i will come back here due to the service. The food is sub par and the server just had a really bad attitude. Dishes are bit overrated in my opinion.
(2)Michelle E.
In a nutshell: Our service was mediocre at best. The hostess brought half of our party menus for brunch and half menus for dinner and the server didn't know what they were serving. He also forgot to place one of our orders. The food was wildly overpriced. I can definitely appreciate a restaurant that offers small plates, but to bring out one ravioli and charge me $16 for it is absolutely absurd. The pizza was average. We will never go back. Knowing how many great restaurants there are in the area, I am disappointed we did not read the bad reviews for this restaurant earlier as they are definitely more accurate than those who have given it a 5. Someone mentioned that saying this restaurant is a $$ is completely inaccurate and I absolutely agree.
(2)Seb H.
We went on a Monday night. No wait. Super nice wait staff, everyone is relaxed and you don't feel any rush. Food was just outstanding, atmosphere is great. Definitely have to go back, we loved it.
(5)Ziggy K.
Absolutely love the food at this place. I'm so tired of being limited to a handful of pasta dishes at Italian restaurants. This place is refreshingly unique with lots of different options. It's a really fun place to go with a large group as the plates are designed to share. Wine selection is also wonderful. Only negative is the fact that they don't take reservations. Really do not like that part.
(5)Melissa A.
My sister has been raving about Davanti and I finally had the opportunity last night to try it, and it lived up to the hype! Service was great and the food was outstanding! We had reservations and were seated immediately when we arrived. My family brought our own bottle of wine and Davanti does charge a $25 corkage fee, so please take note of that if you plan to bring your own. Davanti is tapas style where most dishes are smaller and meant to be shared. Our waiter was very nice and knowledgeable about the menu and suggested we order 5-6 dishes for the 4 of us. Since we are gluttons, we definitely ordered way too much but my family prefers to have leftovers than be hungry! We tried the truffle egg toast, D.O.C. pizza, crispy pork belly + mostarda, maiale e ricotta gnudi, paccheri con salsiccia e pomodori al forno, and the mascarpone polenta + ragu of the day. Everything was delicious but my favorites of the night were the pork belly and the polenta + ragu dishes. The pork belly was crisp on top and melt in your mouth fatty on the bottom. MMMMMMMM. The polenta resembled mashed potatoes in consistency and lacked flavor but that's what the ragu was for. The meatballs in the ragu were delish and tender. I could pass on the gnudi (pronounced nudie and yes, we all were immature and kept repeating it throughout the night hahahah) the next time since it didn't stand out to me. The pizza was yummy and actual Italian pizza, not what Americans think of when we say pizza. It was thin and not greasy with a nice crisp crust but still chewy at the same time. The D.O.C pizza was topped with fresh mozzarella and basil and wasn't too saucy which was refreshing. I enjoyed the truffle egg toast and was very pleased that it had a strong truffle flavor. The décor of Davanti is very welcoming with lots of dark wood and their large variety of wine on display on the back shelves. I highly recommend Davanti for some authentic Italian food! (I can't attest to it but my parents have been to Italy so I'm basing it off of their experience haha).
(5)Carrie M.
One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago! You absolutely have to try the ricotta and honeycomb- it is my favorite thing on the menu. The risoto carbonara is consistently good (and very rich), the pizzas are huge and delicious, and we like to order the polpo con rafano (if you like octopus). For dessert, you must try the torta bacio. Nice wine list and the servers are very helpful with suggestions. A nice change from the typical restaurants on Taylor St.
(5)Aaron L.
4.5* Paccheri con Salsiccia e Ponodori al forno 4* Cacio e Pepe 2* Riccio di Mare e Granchio
(4)Joseph K.
Most of their foods rely on the contrast between sweet honeycomb and creamy cheeses. It's really good! But it gets old after a few dishes. This place may be the best Italian restaurant in Chicago, but I wouldn't say it is much better than Petterino's in terms of satisfaction. It's extremely pricey too and the portions are tiny. The pork belly is literally a thin slice. We had the honeycomb and cheese spread, egg truffle toast (best by far), pork belly, sea urchin pasta, and a pizza.
(3)Jeffrey C.
When the wife and I agree that a restaurant is absolutely fantastic, but for completely different dishes, that's five-star worthy. Italian happens to be my favorite cuisine, and I often abhor paying substantial coin for food I believe I can make at home. Luckily for me, Davanti offers dishes not readily cookable in my kitchen, and provides a worthy experience for my dollars. The restaurant set-up is homey, bustling, and charming. I immediately compared it to an Italian version of Austin's excellent Barley Swine. Both bar and staff service is fantastic and friendly. The only complaint I've had is that both times we came with reservations, and both times we endured a short wait at the bar. That's not unreasonable for a restaurant as small and popular as Davanti, but it's still grating. But you don't care about that. You care about the food. Fair enough. Her dish is the impeccably simple yet impeccably perfect ricotta and local honey comb. It is what it is: toasted, delicious bread smearable with smooth and subtle ricotta, accented with a speck of honey to add additional sweetness and stickiness to your tongue. The dish came very approved by our visiting friends, who declared it the winner of the weekend. My pick is the riccio de mare e granchio: also simple, also perfect. It's linguine in a tomato-butter sauce, only the butter is melted down sea urchin. If that doesn't make you drool, we can't be friends. Frankly, I'm not sure why I'm friends with the friends I brought, since they turned their noses when I offered up a sea urchin pasta. We weren't that close, anyway. Small bits of crab are but accoutrement to the dish. Everything else on the menu is, frankly, fantastic. And worth mentioning. The truffled egg toast is amazing, as is the focaccia special. And if your eyes bug about paying $16 for focaccia bread, I'll alleviate your fears now: it's worth it. Pizza is good. Pasta is good. A surprisingly spicy and wickedly sauced half-chicken is dang good. Everything is good. And if you're craving Italian, you should go to Davanti.
(5)J.C. J.
I ordered some pasta, it was pretty good but the portion size is a bit small for $17. Pasta is cheap, no need to be skimpy on it. I could almost count the rigatoni on both hands. Just sayin~
(3)Ramona C.
It's very easy to get in without a reservation, it's a cute little place. However, If you're looking to have a conversation with the person sitting across from you, just quit while your ahead. It is very loud in there, it's seems to be that everyone is shouting in order to have their companions hear themselves speak. Appetizers were great, pizza and salads were okay but the entrees were nothing special. It wasn't the authentic Italian place that I was looking for and I honestly would not go back.
(3)Choncho R.
Again, Davanti was terrific. Dina, our hostess, was great as was our server Fabian. The food is great. We had the burrata, polenta, and as usual the anchovies . And a "few" Peronis.
(5)Cristina P.
Its been a little over two years since moving to Chicago and this is still my favorite restaurant. The quality of food is always phenomenal and decently priced. The wine choices are excellent and there is plenty of staff making sure all your needs are met. The pizza is in my opinion the best; its hard not to eat the whole thing by myself.
(5)Lauren F.
Ummm, hello new favorite Italian restaurant! As soon as I walked into Davanti Enoteca I immediately fell in love. I was greeted by the lovely bar that is home to Italian and local beers as well as infused vodka and Limoncello...I didn't sample any on this visit but definitely next time! As we were led back to our table the unique lighting caught my eye, as well as the small kitchen out front, complete with wood-burning oven. In the back, exposed brick walls with shelves lined with wine surround the dining area. The rustic decor here at Davanti definitely sets mood for the perfect intimate Italian dinner! Now on to the food because that's really the most important part, right?! The plates at Davanti are perfect for sharing so that is exactly what we did! Our first 2 dishes were the Ricotta with Local Honey Comb and the Truffle Egg Toast with Fontina and Asparagus. Both were delicious dishes that I would definitely order again. The ricotta was creamy perfection when mixed with the honey comb and spread on top of a warm slice of Tuscan toast and the truffle toast-well, it's truffle, cheese, toast so thick you need a steak knife, and perfectly runny egg yolks...need I say more? Next up were our pasta dishes and they definitely did not disappoint. Their Cacio e Pepe is officially one of my top Italian dishes off all-time...no joke. It is a simple dish but perfect in every way. We also had a pappardelle pasta with ham and a tomato sauce that was full of flavor, surprisingly light, and just straight up good pasta. There were definitely more dishes that we would have loved to try but we decided to save those for another visit because we needed just a little room for dessert. We opted for the seasonal Pumpkin Cake with Mascarpone Caramel Cream and Green Apples and it was a great way to round out a fantastic meal. Obviously I really, really loved our meal at Davanti Enoteca. I loved it so much, in fact, that I went back the next day for lunch! It was just so good that I needed a little more! If you have yet to venture over to Little Italy I strongly suggest you do and plan for a stop at Davanti Enoteca. They now accept reservations through OpenTable which makes it much easier than their previous no reservation policy. Enjoy!
(5)Customer X.
The mushroom pizza with truffle oil is incredible. They have a great wine selection. My husband and I truly enjoyed coming regularly here for their lunch specials or for dinners. The French fries are delicious. I discovered the Italian cheese buffala here. The service is great and the atmosphere is charming.
(5)swetal p.
We are vegetarian, so everything we tried was vegetarian. We had an amazing time and our server was great! The food was excellent. We went with a group of 5 and our bill was around $140 with non alcoholic beverages.. We tried the following: focaccia di Recco: Excellent! roasted cherry tomato +burrata + basil pesto: Excellent! roasted beets + walnut butter + crème fraiche + candied walnuts- Excellent! tomato + fresh mozzarella + basil: Good! wild mushrooms + braised leeks + taleggio + truffle oil: Good! Rigatoni con Salsiccia e Pomodori al Forno W/O sausage : Good! Desserts: cioccolato e fichi vasi: Okay biondo torta del burro bruno: Good! Pretty much everything we tried we were very happy with. The server was great at giving advise on vegetarian options and was open to modify meat plates as well. The only reason I gave it 4 is because I thought there could have been more dessert options including chocolate.
(4)Mrunil C.
An excellent experience. We had a birthday celebration for my father in law at davanti enoteca. The waitress did an excellent job of coursing out our the 9 items we ordered (the dishes are meant to be enjoyed family style) The pizza was excellent, the pasta dishes were familiar but interesting and yet scallops were wonderful.
(4)tony f.
This place gets 5 stars because the manager, Karissa, was super accommodating to a special request I had and went out of the way to make sure the seating arrangement I needed was there. The food alone earns this place 4 stars anyway. Try the ragus, they're awesome and something different than whats at your standard italian place. great experience, i'll be back!
(5)First L.
This five star rating is SOLELY for Paige, the bartender. She did her best to make an arcane, off-menu drink (a French 75, since you've politely asked). When she noticed that we weren't thrilled with her version, she remade it without asking. Thanks for her excellent and concise customer service (and a good Campari drink).
(5)Rachel W.
Wonderful experience, yummy food, great service!
(5)Charlie J.
Love this place. Expect a very long wait - they don't take reservations. But that's ok. Get there early, find a place at the bar order some apps, and enjoy their fantastic wine list or cocktails. The atmosphere is lively, intimate, and just plain 'ole fun. The service is great - very knowledgeable and attentive. The small plates are fun for groups - we tried a bunch of stuff and it was all great. The wine is priced at retail - not outrageous restaurant markup - so a couple of bottles don't put you in the poor house. If you have guests in from out of town and want to show them the way good Chicagoans get down on a weekend, go here. Love it!
(4)Pat F.
Be ready for a slow meal. However, it is good food worth the wait. The pizza with pork belly was really good. Any home made pasta was fantastic too.
(4)john w.
I started out liking this place due to food, but on third trip there, I doubt I will go back. The hostesses tend to ignore you when you arrive, continue on personal conversations, and then will not seat you even if your companions are two minutes away. Wait staff is generally ok, but some are not so great.
(2)christopher k.
I absolutely love it here. Great food for sharing, good prices, fun atmosphere. Their focaccia is to die for. Obviously the wait can be extreme, but the food lives up to the hype.
(5)M R.
Went here last week with a friend and the food was amazing. Definitely worth the trip to Taylor Street for this. Will be going again.
(5)Laura K.
What a fun place! It's small plates Italian food, perfect for date night or a dinner with people who like food. My only regret was that we didn't go with more people so that we could try more of the menu! Beware, DO make a reservation. We had one, so we were fine, however we watched people leave angrily when the hostess told them they would have to wait over an hour for a table (sorry, but that's not unusual for Friday night). Highlights: -Truffle Egg toast + Fontina Asparagus - we both LOVED it -Cacio e pepe pasta (server's suggestion that we both loved as well) Oh, and they have some really fun cocktails too! We will definitely be back, and I would highly recommend to others!
(5)Michael A.
My favorite restaurant thus far in Chicago. This place is so delicious that I came back at the end of my trip and pretty much ordered the whole menu. If I wanted to go into specifics I'd run out of characters so I'll just say that you DEFINITELY need to work this restaurant into your itinerary. So amazing. 5 stars.
(5)Alex S.
Absolutely delicious menu. Cute restaurant on Taylor St. I enjoyed the pea and rock shrimp salad and had the solo mio chicken for lunch. Excellent dishes. The chicken was very impressive. This was my second time here. Honestly, I can't wait to come back the next time I'm visiting clients around UIC.
(5)Richard H.
Wow, what a surprise. The atmosphere, service, and quality is beyond reproach. A bit more expensive for a complete meal than the $$ would lead you to expect, but it was worth it.
(5)Char Y.
I have heard too much of this place from various sources. Finally we came on a week night to no wait but still busy restaurant. We ordered Honey comb + ricctta - really amazing combination. Opens up brand new possibilities to spread on toast. Truffle egg toast- another yummy combo with toast Crispy pork belly - ok tasted porky Roasted beet - who knew beets goes well with walnut? Linguine + sea urchin + crab - never thought sea urchin is good on pasta. Absolutely wonderful experience with new food combinations that stimulates the tongue. This is food experiment done right.
(4)Matt S.
Ducked in for dinner w coworkers last night. I've always loved this place, and last night delivered again. If you don't know, it's basically Italian style tapas. We had the ricotta and honey comb spread for an appetizer, which was really tasty; crushing the honeycomb into the cheese added a delicious sweet kick. We had the prosciutto and arugula pizza, and that was a major highlight; the others really enjoyed the Polpo con rafano (octopus), but I'm not super into that stuff so I can't rate it fairly. I insisted we get the polenta and ragu (it was pork shoulder) and all 3 of us eagerly scraped it off the board they bring it on. Dessert we had some sort of donut w ice cream that was good, but the sauce was literally a glass of espresso, which was a bit much for me. Wednesdays was 25% off bottles of wine which would have been nice, but with only 2 wine drinkers we opted for by-the-glass instead. With one app and three courses, we had enough for 3 people. Note: it can get kind of loud here. Bring friends with loud voices.
(5)Eric G.
Went here for lunch today with the wife. Here's what we had: * (chicken) Pate Vasi; way good, ate more than I should have * pork belly; I should come here for lunch @ least once a week * farro salad; wife's pick, not bad goat cheese really kicked it up * Uvo in Raviolo; egg/spinach in big ravioli, busting that yolk, mmm Comparing it to other similar joints in town, we'd stil rank Girl & the Goat 1st, but this may beat out Purple Pig. Wife commented on how PP seemed saltier and pricier. It's a tie for me based on location (since they're cross-town)
(4)Brian H.
For 4 stars with 900+ reviews, I expected a lot more. Service was subpar. After I ordered, waiter asks "do you want this dish." After I said no he again asks "do you want this other dish." When I say no, please do not ask me if I want more!! That's my order and do not make me feel guilty for not ordering more. To go along with service, there is no bread served right off the bat. Further, water was not continually poured for us. For a $$ establishment, I expect water to be poured. Additionally, there were 3 tables of customers when we ate, and waiter did not stop by to see how our dishes were doing after they were served. No excuses. Calamari - tasty, artichokes cooked well with only the soft parts in the dish Linguine w crab - SUCH a small serving! With 3 bite size pieces of crab/sea urchin or whatever they claim they put in there. Further, linguine was way too salty. Do not recommend. Half chicken - actually decent serving size. Grilled well with tasty marinated sauce. Nice touch w Caesar salad on the side. If I was in Italy town again, I would probably not return.
(3)Tnon A.
Love the food and the service here! Will absolutely tell my friends about this place :D
(5)Andrea B.
I was walking around Taylor streets and stumbled upon this gem. Our waitress Mary was so nice and helpful in or indecisiveness. We ordered the peach Bellini, salumi plate ( salami, prosciutto and mortadella and it came with mustard, candied nuts and thinly sliced apples), we had the roasted tomato buratta salad and we finished with the truffled egg toast. Absolutely amazing!!!!!
(4)Jeanette S.
Hate to rain on everyone's parade, but I don't see how this place is so fantastic. The food was just barely average and the service really sucked. The server kept ignoring my request for a drink because he didn't believe I was over 21. I'm 27. The logical thing to do would be to CHECK the person's ID first, which I had to stop him from walking past AGAIN so he could check it. Then when my drink came, it tasted like garbage. As if they don't know how to make a cocktail! The dessert took extremely long to come out, even though the dinner came out quickly. And when I politely asked the server to split my check, the asshole gave me attitude and said he'd have to ask someone first! Finally he asks me what I had so he could put it on the bill. The entire night he had a shitty attitude and his tip reflected it. Lousy service and bland pasta. No thank you.
(2)Saahithi G.
Great food. Good service. Nice ambience. Do eat the goat cheese pizza and egg truffle. Awesome veggie options. Do reserve before you go during weekends.
(5)Radhika K.
My fav place to go for Italian Small plates. Everything is fresh and quite tasty !my fav place to go in winters :):)
(5)Amanda G.
My first visit to Davanti Enoteca two nights ago definitely won't be my last! With a lot of Italian restaurants in Chicago, you gotta do something to stand out and Davanti does just that. Plates are served as shareable small plates. I love this because it gives you the option to try a lot of things. Service was pretty good. I like that they have daily specials like a daily polenta and daily bruschette. What we had: Ricotta/honey and bread- Get it! It won't dissapoint. Polenta of the day - Pork shoulder ragu- This I would compare to crack. I've thought about it every day since! It was really amazingly delicious Truffle Egg Appetizer- The smell of truffle was wafting at us right as this dish came to the table. We ate it up quickly Pizza - Our pizza had different types of soppresata. A great crust too! Cacio e Pepe- Delicious pasta - very fresh Dessert - Gelato and Sorbet I want to go back right now just thinking about this place.
(5)Katherine C.
Things I'd recommend: squash salad, honey and ricotta toast, filet mignon Thing's I'd skip: ravioli
(4)Jeff N.
Food 4 to 5 stars depending on the dish. Waiter 5 stars. Forgot his name. The buzz 5 stars. The bar area, hoppin and cool. Celeb sighting, too. Risotto was great. So were beet salad and quail special.
(5)Tim D.
My Girlfriend and I went here during the Italiana Festival this past weekend. We had ordered food and were disappointed with the serving size, price for what you actually get, and the way the food was prepped. She ordered Uovoin Raviolo, don't ever order that item, it is 1 single ravioli and was in a bowl filled with butter underneath it. Ok $ 11.00 for 1 ravioli and it was ok at best, the egg in it and spinach was ok but nothing worth that amount. I had the Paccheri con Salsiccia, it was decent, the pasta was pretty hard and once again very pricy. After our lunch, we went to the fest outside and had to visit a street vendor to grab another bite to eat cause the food that we spent over $ 40.00 on was not very filling. And I have been to many Italian restaurants, even in Italy and never have had such poor food and high prices
(2)Edward W.
Just great. What a concept. Italian tapas. Really. We ordered a bunch of small dishes and a few appetizers and everything was great. Another great idea is that the wine list is actually affordable. It's really a wine shoppe on one end and no corkage fee for restaurant patrons. Ok let's start from the beginning. Parking is not terrible in the area. Great Taylor street location. Restaurant is beautiful. Nice seating. Not too loud. Service was prompt and made us feel very comfortable. No drinks tonight so I can't comment but the wine list looked great. No dessert either but the table next to us raved about theirs. I think we're gonna be regulars here.
(5)Libby D.
One of my favorite italian restaurants in Chicago, hands down. TO ALL NON-FOODIES: When you eat here, you have to understand that you are going for the experience, not just the food. Make the dinner an event and you will have a blast. They don't take reservations so you either need to get there early, try to get a place at the bar (which I am a huge fan of) or put your name in and go across the street while you wait for a couple glasses of wine from a less than stellar selection. The last couple times I have eaten here, we were lucky enough to grab seats at the bar and the bartenders were great. They had some wonderful wine and food suggestions; I highly recommend chatting them up to see what they like. Wherever you sit and whatever you do, you MUST...and i mean MUST...get the Focaccia de Recco. It's just so good!!!! Everytime I've been there we've just shared everything that comes out because it's designed to work best that way. Nothing is a huge portion and the more you can try the better.
(5)Annie R.
I would visit again, just for the atmosphere! It was lively, and although it's close to the UIC campus, it wasn't full of college kids. The crowd was nicely mixed between college students, young adults, possibly their parents, along with professionals from the UIC hospital. I really liked the casual, warm aura of the restaurant! We ordered 5-6 dishes to share, and each dish was a bit on the oily side but very tasty! Our waitress was wonderful and had great knowledge of wine. This is a great neighborhood place to meet up with friends for a slightly nicer dinner occasion.
(4)Kathryn G.
Went for a night with the hubby. We had a great bottle of wine, 3 small plates, dessert and coffee for $120. Not bad. The food was great - ragu over polenta, farro salad and seafood pasta. Had the chocolate cake for dessert. Very lively atmosphere. At first I struggled to make selections as nothing jumped out at me as being a must try. Our server was helpful in making suggestions and seeing what others has ordered helped. Menu was not as large as I expected but everything we tried was excellent.
(4)Sara O.
What a charming little place! I usually have a difficult time committing to one dish on the menu, but with Italian small plates I don't have to! Gotta love a place that allows you to indulge in multiple plates during one dining experience. Our party ordered... Truffle Egg Toast -- Holy YUM. Nothing like a little truffle oil to fancy up some toast. However, it was the farm egg that really made this dish sexy. Roasted Beets with Walnut Butter and Creme Fraiche -- My tastebuds found the sweet walnut butter with the tanginess of the beets very exciting. If it were socially acceptable, I would have licked the plate clean. Roasted squash and farro with goat cheese -- Hearty and satisfying Raviolo with ricotta, spinach, and egg -- Rich, creamy, delicious. Might I have seen this on Top Chef? That would explain the heavy salivating as the plate landed on the table. Polenta and Pork Ragu -- Tender and flavorful, saucy pork over the creamiest polenta. One of the heavier, meatier plates and a favorite amongst the dudes. Seared Octopus with fingerling potatoes and horseradish aioli -- I LOVED it. Others may have been turned off by tentacles, but that only worked out in my favor! Tender, meaty, fresh. Pizza D.O.C. -- Not as exciting as some of the other dishes we ordered but simple doesn't always mean it's lacking flavor. It was a light and cheesy treat! We ordered the Syrah from Spain (can't recall the name of the vineyard) that was freaking amazing. Davanti does not mark up their wines 50% like most other restaurants, but rather charges retail prices for bottles purchased tacking on only a $7 corkage fee. BONUS. Overall: A social and tasty experience.
(4)Nicole C.
Woohoo! 5 big red stars. Hands down. You must be crazy not to love this place. A friend and fellow Yelper Aurore L. and I went for lunch, sat in the cozy wine cellar, and dined on the following AMAZING Italian delicacies: - Il Pizzino Robiola (aged, soft, aromatic cheese) - Roasted cherry tomato + burrata + basil pesto - Roasted beets + walnut butter + creme fraiche + candied walnuts - Risotto Carbonara (Italian rice, pancetta, sweet peas, parmigiano, and farm egg yolk) - Pizza dalla Terra (foraged mushrooms, braised leeks, taleggio, and truffle oil) *see photos* The roasted beet salad and the risotto carbonara were my favorites. The prices are totally reasonable for the high quality ingredients -- much of what I'm sure is imported directly from Europe. The wine selection is outstanding and many bottles are priced in the $10-$15 range. Davanti has just been added to my list of all-time favorite Chicago restaurants. :) Mangia! Mangia! Mangia!
(5)Angie B.
Shockingly good. What can I say that no other reviewer has? The fluffy, air-light, smooth polenta! The truffle egg bread is going to dance in my dreams. The pizza was one of the least impressive items we got, but that hardly mattered, considering how good everything else was. I'll disagree with everyone else on one thing - the sea urchin and crab linguine was lacking in both sea urchin and crab. I tasted crab, and found peices of it in the pasta, but didn't even taste a hint of sea urchin, a real disappointment. Still, everything else was so good that I can only complain so much. Get the bruschette, the truffle egg bread, and the polenta and ragu of the day special. To die for. Only complaint as to atmosphere is that the place is, by nature of it being narrow and small, very loud, but it was worth it.
(5)petunia t.
Amazing food! The sea urchin/crab pasta that yelpers rave about is worth the hype. So is ricotta cheese, Tuscan bread and honey board and the overall menu. Try it when in chi fellow out of towners!!'
(5)Chanita S.
Dope place. Dope food. Dope staff. Plenty of fine Italian places to choose from on Taylor, but this one is the best!
(5)K C.
Had the Paccheri con Salsiccia e Pomodori al forno and the Riccio di Mare e Granchio...very awesome. The portions are unlike many Italian places which aim to satisfy the appetite of gluttonous animals....they serve a decent amount: Flavorful and filling. The wine selection was impressive, and the atmosphere was business-casual-after-a-long-day-at-work. This place has a really great vibe. The prices are very reasonable, and the food was great. The service has room for improvement, a little slow, but i am confident they will be above an beyond as time allows. Highly recommend
(4)Karen N.
I like this pace for late night eats. The pizzas and the small plates are all quality. I like the wine selection there and it's just refreshing to be able to enjoy a new place on Taylor Street. I have been three times and have liked everything. And a special 5 stars for the uni and crab with linquine--such an unusual combination and yet super tasty!
(4)Varsha L.
We went here last Monday, a weekday, so we get there, they said 15 min or we can sit at a communal table, so we sat at the communal table, we were the only ones at the table so that worked out not that I minded if anyone sat next to us...so the waitress comes over tells us they are out of the one salad, which actually sounded good, so we order the hanger steak, the truffle pizza and the sea urchin linginue, all were good, then they give us the dessert menu, and of course the dessert we want is also not available...so 2 menu items not available, waitress service was very slow, however the guy pouring my water was very good, my glass was never empty. The food was really good but I had to knock of a star bec of the service and not having menu items and very small amounts of food for the price...
(3)David O.
I live in the neighborhood and always find my way back to Davanti. Always great service and excellent food
(5)Ellen H.
Well worth the wait! We were expecting a wait on a Saturday night with a larger group of 5 - didn't quite expect to hear 2-2.5 hours - but I live near Longman and Eagle, so we weren't scared away. The wine bar across the street was perfect for some pre-dinner drinks and we were seated within 1.5 hours or so. My friend and I were first time visitors (from Chicago), with some out of town guests. We studied the menu intently over drinks, went in with a firm game plan to share and sample many dishes. We had one vegetarian (eats fish), so we skewed towards veg/fish, but supplemented with a few meat dishes. We had a nice tray of meats and cheeses, great presentation and nice flavors all around. Also tried antipasti and salads (white anchovies with celery, truffle egg toast, and two orders of the roasted corn salad). Only complaint via this round - almost impossible to split the egg toast 5 ways, but we all managed to snag a bite! Split a few orders of paste: Cacio e Pepe (yum!), two orders Riccio di Mare e Granchio (a table fave), and a special that had smoked salmon - we put the last plate on hold and were happy to sample that special. We also ordered the beautiful Pollo 'Sole Mio' - quite a lovely presentation and all the meat eaters were digging into this platter, even the romaine side salad was a star - just a perfect plate of food. Finally, as a dessert, we had to order the Ricotta + honey comb Vasi - my friend was NOT leaving without trying this dish. We were fairly stuffed, but what a treat. We all had a few bites to round out the great meal and sent our friend home with a little serving of the ricotta which she promptly used the next morning. Can't wait to return and sample more items, including brunch.
(4)Dustin W.
Davanti Enoteca is Little Itlay's not so hidden gem, especially if you dine at the right time (ie exclude Wed-Sat 4PM-close unless you want the standard wait which usually isn't even that bad anymore). Stop in Sat and Sunday afternoons and head straight for the new upstairs outdoor patio dining that will leave you wondering why anyone would sit inside on a beautiful spring afternoon. The wine is generally a great deal as the "corkage fee" is cheap and pulled directly from their "store" which may just be a clever way to get around some strange liquor laws. Its a great way to make patrons happy and keep the bill reasonable. Go for something off the great Italian wine list. As for food, its always been great for me. Definitely start with several of the house bruschettas and try a few other small plates and woodfire pizzas. Some of my favorites: Salad: Escarole + gala apple + pecorino dolce + celery + hazelnuts Pizza della Fattoria: Farm egg + pork belly + potato + scallions + asiago + bechamel Pizza con Salsiccia e Rapini: Italian mild sausage + broccoli rabe + garlic + chili oil + fresh mozzarella + tomato Bistecca con Funghi e Ravenllo: Grilled hanger steak + saba marinated oyster mushrooms + roasted radish + salsa verde Davanti Burger: beef burger + bacon jam + roasted tomato + cheese curd + arugula + roasted garlic mayo + shoestring fries The biggest surprise at the end of the meal is usually the seemingly impossibly low bill that never makes sense how it is not any higher. I always feel a bit dirty thinking Im stealing from Davanti. Davanti is a great deal and a high quality choice in Little Italy.
(5)Sophie B.
What's up with the giant wine bottle they bring at the beginning? The food is pretty good, but overpriced. Italian food is about heartiness, not a four inch squid tentacle that costs $14. Was it from a golden squid? If your food were incredible, it might be worth it. Originality and ambiance doesn't make up for great food.
(3)Christina M.
Meh!!! My dining counterpart and I were highly disappointed with our meals/experience at Davanti Enoteca, and here's why: - Waitress was not friendly/attentive. She walked away before we even completed our order...weird! So we had to walk over to the her as she was inputting the order into the computer. - Waitress totally messed up my pasta order (wrong noodles, wrong veggies) and even charged us for 3 additional veggies when she only added one veggie (which I did not request) to my pasta. - The pasta that I received was flavorless and blah...oh, and I don't like asparagus which is the veggie I received (and was not requested). - Dining counterpart did not think his octopus dish was flavored or cooked well. - We don't mind paying higher prices for quality food, but this place was lacking! We won't be back.
(1)Pamela K.
Owners of DE also own the famous and popular Francesca's around the city. But, DE is nothing like the well-loved italiano resto. It's tapas italiano style. Yum. Such a quaint space with a longish bar area and high cocktail tables set next to the almost floor to ceiling doors that open out to the sidewalk. Definitely nice during our beautiful, though short-lived weather we have in Chi-town. Like rooftops? They got one though the view isn't it's big selling point. Now, on to the good stuff. The plates at DE are oh-so-delish. I have to resist from getting one of everything! Their perfectly grilled octopus (polpo con rafano) is paired with this bed of marcona almonds, finnochiona, fingerling potato salad with horseradish aioli. Nice departure from the usual stand-alone octopus. The pizze is basically super thin crust pizza that can be a bit salty and a tad thin and saugy, but has a good balance of ingredients overall and is flavorful. You must get the pizza della terra - mushroom, braised leeks, taleggio, topped with truffle oil. The DE bruschette is tasty too - thick italian bread slices topped with pork, arugula, and burrata. The toppings change daily so you might be pleasantly surprised with some other tasty bruschette. Keeps things exciting. Specials are a plenty at DE that I really need to take advantage of more! And you too could get 3 formaggi/salumi for $12, burger and a Peroni, or pasta, salad, and bottle of wine for a super dealio $$! I usually dine at the grandpa hour here because it can get pretty busy here otherwise. That sometimes has its downsides because getting service started once you're seated could be slower. But, overall everyone is usually pretty friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable about the menu. In fact, you can tell they like DE as much as the regulars do! Always a plus. Valet is the way to go if you drive here because parking is limited to the metered kind on Taylor St.
(4)Kathy K.
I have been in this restaurant multiple times. Friday nights tend to be very busy so if you dont want to wait, make sure to make a reservation! Great wine!
(5)Emily B.
I came here on Friday night for a Ladies' Night and it was fabulous! Traffic was a breeze and I got easy valet parking, so I was already pretty excited walking in. There were seven of us so we ordered many things to share - my fave. For the first course, we got a meat and cheese board . I could seriously eat a meat and cheese board for every meal and this one did not disappoint. We also ordered the ricotta and honeycomb and the eggplant jar. All fabulous. For our main meals we indulged in two pizzas, the polenta with pork shoulder ragu and the sausage pasta. The pizzas were pretty good - but not anything show stopping. The polenta, on the other hand, was life altering. It was so good that after everyone had their share another friend and I scraped up all the little bits leaving nothing behind. We finished with a bevy of desserts: the creme brulee, a chocolate dessert, gelato, and the vanilla pudding and fruit. All very tasty. The drinks are pricey and the portions are small, but we left satiated. The servers were outstanding and made sure that the evening flowed seamlessly.
(4)Colleen A.
I live in the area and have heard nothing but great things from people that don't even live nearby. Well those people obviously need to get out a bit more. I was not impressed by anything at Davanti. I went with my family at 4pm on a Saturday after a game at the United Center, and it was pretty empty. Our server was terrible - we had to wait 15 mins to even be greeted and place drink orders. She did not help us or explain the menu at all so we guessed how much to order and what to do. Meanwhile, we could barely talk because we had hip-hop music blasting throughout the restaurant (again at 4pm!). The decor is cute enough but nothing special. The food was meh. Nothing special - especially for an area full of historically great Italian places, I would not go here again. While it tasted fine, there was nothing remarkable about it and nothing stood out. Pizza was fine but nowhere near as good as Pizzeria Via Stato. We tried the raviolo with egg yolk and it wasn't nearly as good as The Bristol. And the giant rigatoni with sausage, which has been voted in the top 10 plates of 2010, was generic tasting, like cafeteria spaghetti and meatballs. We wanted to try dessert but realized after being ignored for 25 mins by our server, it was better just to get the check since our meter was going to run out at this rate. Overall, it's trying too hard to be trendy and I'd much rather go to one of the many other Italian restaurants in the neighborhood that treats you like family and wants you to leave happy and satisfied, instead of just wanting you to leave so they can go back to their smoke break. I will not go back.
(2)Lauren G.
Formaggi + Salumi: Pantaleo, Gorgonzola, and Grana Padano with Calabrese -- delicious, served with toast and chutney Roasted beets + Walnut Butter + Creme Fraiche + Candied Walnuts -- very good, wish there would've been more candied walnuts but great appetizer Pizza della Terra: Foraged mushrooms + Braised leeks + Talleggio + Truffle Oil Pizza della Fattoria: Farmed egg + Pork Belly + Potato + Scallions + Asiago + Bechamel Both pizzas were amazing - one person could easily take down a whole pizza...I know I did. Overall the food and service was great. I'll definitely be back.
(5)Katie C.
My boyfriend and I went here this last Monday night and we are both in the industry so may have a bit more of a critical eye but I would say its just okay. The ambiance is cozy and relaxed. We had the roasted beets which were tasty but I felt like I should be eating them for breakfast, just kind of had that feel. Also, the chix liver pate and the ricotta and honey comb which were both great and then the pork belly and potato pizza which was not very awesome. They have a great wood burning oven that they cook their pizza in but this one was just soggy and not crispy and to me, pork belly is a bigger less crispy version of a bacon lardon but this was more like rib meat. Our server was a larger gentleman who was very accommodating but could have sold us on the specials by slowing his spiel down. Also, had he taken the time to get to know us he would have realized that my boyfriend is the executive chef at a james beard award winning restaurant in the loop in which the owners of this restaurant enjoy very much. Myself as a restaurant manager can not stress the importance of getting to know your guests because you really do never know just who you are waiting on. It was also our three year anniversary which would have been the answer to the simple question, " Are you celebrating any special occasions tonight?" In general, this question will tell you so much about your guest. On one last note, the bartender was eating a burger at the bar and then making drinks in between with no hand washing. This kind of grossed me out. All in all, I'm happy we experienced this spot as it had been highly recommended to us by co-workers, we will just hit up the Pig next time as it is always a great time.
(3)Janine K.
Every year for the holidays we get out of the office vicinity for a nice lunch...Chinatown, Greektown,etc. This year we went for Italian on Taylor Street. It's a little weird that I have never been to this area to eat (besides Mario's for Italian Ice) as my Great Grandparents settled in this area after coming over from Italy. What better place to get Italian food than this area, right?!?!? Right! We arrived via Uber on a Wednesday afternoon - around noon. I can't speak to the parking in this area, but I can speak to this place, and we didn't need a reservation, nor did we wait to get seated. We started out with some pretty good wine (the wine prices were decent). My co-workers went their own way with food, but I settled for pizza...one of my co-workers said it was good, and I just had a taste for it, since it was lunch, not dinner and all...so I got the Prosciutto and Arugla pizza. I couldn't tell you what they ate but I think they were going the "small plates" route and ended up getting a pizza to split anyway. Everything was delicious and everyone was happy with their meal. Of course we ended our lunch with splitting two of their desserts...also pretty amazing! This place has nice atmosphere...and great service, not to mention awesome food. I would suggest this place if you're looking for a place to eat in this area. Mangia! Mangia!
(4)Lingyi P.
Came for dinner on a Sunday. Place was crowded but there were open seats and no wait. Ordered the mushroom pizza, crab/sea urchin linguine and caramel blondie. Linguine was good but portions were small with little sea urchin. Mushroom pizza was delicious! Highly recommend if you like truffle oil. Blondie was delicous and the most popular dessert according to our waitress who was very nice. Cute neighborhood in little italy. Would be good place for a birthday dinner.
(4)Andrea K.
Terrible! Portions are unbelievably small and I felt like I had a kids meal for $16.00? 5 rigatoni on a plate. Seriously?! And no bread! Inexcusable and I'm still hungry....
(1)Mark M.
Quite possibly my favorite restaurant in a city full of great choices! Service was superb, and ambiance is excellent with its 'wine cellar feel' located in an old house (?) in the heart of Chicago's little Italy neighborhood. Lastly, and most importantly, the food and wine were magnifico!
(5)Allison J.
Walking in, the ambience is really nice. The service was great and extremely helpful. We ordered the Broccolini to start off with and it was so flavorful. Ordered two additional plates, including the Octopus and the Gnocchi. Both dishes were really unique and flavorful. They are all smaller plates meant to share, but we (two people) ordered two larger plates and an antipasto and were definitely full afterwards. Large wine selection. The restaurant seems to be centered around wine, with wine filling the walls all around you. It was a great meal and I will definitely be coming again.
(4)Stephanie G.
Davanti Enoteca had some of the most delicious food I've ever had! Hands down, the ricotta and local honeycomb is a MUST TRY for anyone who goes here! The flavors together were amaze. We also had the formaggi and salami tray. Every meat and cheese not he plate was very tasty. Other favorites from our meal were the Polpo Octopus and the Brown Butter Blondie dessert. The dessert was simply amazing!!! The food is all small plates, so our table of four shared everything. The atmosphere in this restaurant is perfect. The only odd thing about our visit was the hostess. We got there at 7, and were told it would be an hour and a half wait. By 8:30, we had not been called yet for our table. We went up to the hostess, where she looked at us like we were morons, and said with a duhhhhhhh tone "I have to seat my reservations before I seat you. Maybe more like 9". So, we waited two hours for a table. We sat down at 9, and were finished by 11. Almost five starts, but 4 stars due to the gatekeeper of their restaurant that stands at the hostess desk.
(4)Patrick F.
Dined at this location twice now. Consistency creates loyalty. For diner I had ricotta polenta with pork shoulder. The polenta was spread out over a butcher block and then the pork shoulder was served right over top of the polenta. The food was served hot, the seasoning was perfect. I couldn't help but savor every bite. The server was friendly and knowledgable. The drinks were well done. The ambiance is warm and calming. I can't say enough about this place. When you're in Little Italy you should stop by.
(5)Daniel C.
I went here for brunch with friends and had a wonderful time. We got 5 entrees and shared them among us. We even had several mimosas each and I think it was really reasonably priced especially for how much food we got and also how delicious it all was. the bacon and pork belly were especially good highlights of brunch. service was great and it wasn't too busy for mid brunch day.
(5)Talina H.
Went before the Bulls game and wanted to have my BDay dinner here. Food was good. Hostess and waitress, Not so much.
(3)Michelle L.
I absolutely LOVED Davanti! I went with my husband on Friday night, there was about an hour and fifteen min wait but it went quick as we sat at the lounge right across the street (Bevamio). Atmosphere is lively and vibrant, although if you sit near the front expect people to be everywhere... I really wish more people went across the street to wait as it's super obnoxious when you're trying to eat and have a good time and people who are waiting are bumping your chair and crowding your table. But anyway... Food was fun. We started with the formaggi, the pecorino cheese with truffle was amazing, the other cheese and salami were also good but paled in comparison. The pork belly was tasty and interesting, the hubby loved it, and the ravoli was good, but not necessarily something I would order again. I loved the rigatoni with sausage and tomato, super flavorful and perfectly al dente, however the carbonara risotto that looked so wonderful on the menu didn't quite live up to my expectations (a bit bland). We were going to order dessert (even though we were seriously stuffed) however the table next to ours just got their stuffed sardines - whoa! Those babies smell and smell big time!!! They were so pungent that we decided to skip desert as who wants to smell sardines when they're eating sweets? Our waitress started off great, but halfway though our meal she was non-existent. Very, very flaky. Hosts and other workers were great though. Hopefully they're just working out the kinks. We had a wonderful time at Davanti, I want to give them 5 stars (and perhaps I soon will) but till they work out their kinks 4 it is!
(4)Tiff W.
I wish Davanti Enoteca was closer to where I lived, but part of the charm of this place is that it's right on the Taylor Street strip of restaurants and bars by UIC. We came here for an early Sunday dinner and still had to wait...but it was completely worth it. While we waited for our table to be ready, we drank a bottle of wine from their WINE STORE, which is, by the way, GENIUS. You can get some nice bottles of wine without the traditional mark-up of a restaurant and the corkage fee is only $7. The inside of Davanti is homey and cute. Doorknobs and keys as coat hooks? Yes please. I'm also a sucker for brick walls and random posters with pig and lard humor. The food is GREAT - Italian small plates with enough time in between them for you to chat and actually enjoy your food. Even though Davanti was really busy, we never felt rushed. We loved the beet salad with walnut butter as well as the seared hearts of palm. My favorite was the marscapone polenta with the ragu of the day, which happened to be some tender pork shoulder. We got a prosciutto & cheese plate, which, to be honest, you can find at a lot of restaurants. The proscuitto e rucola pizza was also really delicious and I'm going to try to recreate it at home... This place kind of reminds me of Quartino but as I type this, I realize that I like Davanti wayyy more than Quartino in both food and atmosphere. Davanti is cozy, smaller, and unpretentious. I'm not saying Quartino is the complete opposite, but there is a rare breed of drunken yuppy that you can always count on being surrounded by when you go to Quartino. I can only handle it occasionally. Davanti, on the other hand, is a great place for a couple or a small group. You can even come alone and sit by the bar. So yes, I love this place and even though it's a little far for me, I definitely want to come again!
(5)Anna P.
I had been waiting (sort of) patiently for a long time to try this place out and am so glad I finally did! We arrived at 5:45pm on a Sunday evening and were seated immediately. The atmosphere is cute - very rustic Italian, feels like a neighborhood-y laid-back place, which sort of surprised me (in a good way) given the hype about this place. The service was great - they kept the water coming, kept our table clean, and our waitress was really nice. She struck a good balance of nagging us about our order and leaving us alone and not rushing us. Great drink list - I had a delicious wine and they had my boyfriend's favorite italian beer (Moretti La Rosa) And, of course, the food - everything was delicious. We got: the truffle egg toast was so savory and warm and cheesy and eggy, it just screamed comfort food. we got the bruschetta of the day, which was tuna with canellini beans. perfect for summer, refreshing and delicious. we also got the roasted corn salad, which was awesome. it wasn't what i expected but liked it a lot. finally we got the grilled half chicken, which was excellent - very tender and well-spiced. came with a caesar salad, which made it even better. for dessert we got the panna cotta, which was awesome and totally different from anything i've tasted before (and i lived in italy!) overall i am really glad i tried davanti and would recommend it to everyone to try. would i go back and wait 2 hours for it? no. i'll go somewhere closer and more casual next time i am craving italian :)
(4)Viper B.
This place had great food, a wide array of choices, and a lively atmosphere that would suit a range of desires. The noise and bustle of the dining area make it a ban candidate for a romantic date, but great for friends, family, or a chilled out night to get to know someone. Tried a range of dishes from pastas and pizzas to polenta and salads and everything was done well. I'd try to list them but we ordered way too many and it was all just so good. Make a rez if you can or be prepared for a short-medium length wait as Davanti is clearly on a lot of people's radars. Reasonably priced with friendly and decently knowledgeable/attentive wait staff.
(4)Sarah J.
There are not enough amazing things that I could say about this restaurant. I went there with 3 girlfriends for my birthday dinner last night and had one of the best dining experiences I have ever had. Not only was the staff SUPER friendly and helpful (helping 4 girls decide what to eat is a feat in itself) but they treated us like we were one of the family! The chef was fantastic, and came to talk to our table multiple times. I felt as if it was an endless supply of the best Italian food I have ever had. We ordered a dish from every part of the menu, and couldn't stop eating the food. I swear, food coma even today. I loved every minute of our experience at DaVanti. I would HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this restaurant to both a group of people looking to share some delicious Italian food or even a couple looking for an intimate, cosy date spot. I am so happy I celebrated my birthday there. Recommendations: Vasi: Ricotta + honey comb Boards: Focaccia di Recco Antipasti: grilled asparagus+ black pepper+,ascarpong+ pickled rhubarb Truffle egg toast+fontina+asparagus- OMG if you love truffles like I do, this is something you want every day of your life Insalata: roasted corn+ walnuts+ aged goat cheese+arugula+wild mushrooms Paste: Uovo in Raviolo 'San Domenico'- (we had 2 and they were UNREAL) Raccheri con Saldiccia e Pomodori al forno (giant rigatoni with sausage- heaven) Pizze: Pizza con Prosciutto e Rulola- Prosciutto pizza- to die for We also had the most delicious deserts in the world. The pumpkin gelatto was unreal. Also, the chocolate mousse and vasi with gelatto were to die for. I can't pick a favorite because they were all so good. We ordered was too much food, but we ate it all. All in all- I am going to be making MANY more trips to little Italy and tell everyone I know about this place. SO GOOD
(5)Donn A.
It's sad when my most memorable experience with a restaurant is the fact that they charge $7 corkage for wine that you actually bought off their wine list! This is a misleading, albeit clever, marketing ploy that allows them to price their wine bottles lower on the actual wine list. Then your check comes and voila, there is the $7 corkage fee per bottle! There was nothing wrong with the food. It was also nothing to write home about. Simply put, I find the place overrated. We had a variety of dishes - from the pork belly to the mason jars to pizzas and steak. The carbonara risotto also gets special mention here. The heat from the risotto does not fully cook the raw egg they put on it so unless you want to feel Hurricane Katrina inside your stomach, I say steer clear of this dish. Still, if you must eat here, stick to the mason jars and boards. Those I would recommend. Beyond that, I wouldn't recommend that you make this a destination.
(2)Kimberlie T.
5-Star, 5-Star, 5-Star!! I don't know where to begin except if you haven't been you need to go! They do NOT take reservations for your knowledge, but if you call ahead you may get lucky and have them put your name on the list while you commute there. It's in Pilsen/University Village - fun underrated area in my opinion. High recommend their focaccia di recco - i often find myself thinking of this appetizer/board. The Ricotta & honey comb vasi is delicious and their proscuitto pizza's are amazing. Huge fan! D E L I C I O U S
(5)J F.
Very rude service and bad, overpriced food. You can do a lot better in this neighborhood.
(1)Jay P.
Great food, excellent service and intimate environment. Will definitely be back.
(4)Nancy S.
LOVE this place. I always recommend this place when friends visit town. No reservations, but the wait is worth it (Friday night about 40 minutes for 2 people). It is best to come here with a group of 4 so you can taste everything. Must haves: 1. Truffle egg toast with asparagus - great combination. 2. Davanti burger - perfectly made patty, toasted buns....just get it! 3. Polenta + ragu of the day - someone from the kitchen brings out a warm pot of ragu and mixes it with the polenta in front of you. When they first opened, they had an artichoke ragu that was amazing, but I haven't seen it since. Now it seems they only serve pork cheese ragu. Still good, but not as good as the artichoke. 4. Ricotta + Honey comb 5. Chicken liver pate 6. Focaccia bread - pretty large portion, super cheesy :D 7. Octopus - small portion The cured meats and cheese are delicious. The prosciutto pizza is good, but not amazing. The other dishes were good, but not as memorable as the ones listed above. Great beer and WINE selection. Ask to see their wine selection...they bring out a ginormous wine bottle with the menu taped to it. Pretty neat. Good service. Really well priced ~ $20/person without wine. It's a bit loud, but not to the point where you have to scream to talk. It's just lively inside :D Love the ambiance. I have yet to try their brunch...can't wait!
(5)Tia T.
Believe the hype! This place is THE Italian destination in the city of Chicago. No cutesy review this for this gem...this is serious business! On my first visit, I had the pleasure of having: - Fromaggi & Salumi Platter - The Capicolla is the winner! - Spagehetti & Black Pepper - Beautiful in its simplicity - Focaccia & Fresh Soft Cow Cheese - Heavenly, like eating a cloud of happiness. Nothing like it! - Ricotta & Honey Comb Jar - Fantastic - Chicken Liver Pate. - The best I've ever had! -Truffle Egg Toast, Fontina & Asparagus. - Still thinking about it. The wait for a table in this joint is off of the hook so I spent the hour plus putting back a couple of delicious Peroni's, the beer of choice at Davanti. I must have checked my watch a thousand times and during a moment of weakness, I almost gave in to my nagging hunger. Thankfully, I persevered. Once the first bite of bliss hit my lips, the wait was all forgotten. This joyous, overwhelmingly pleasurable experience renewed my interest in the Italian dining scene. I will strategically plan my next visit and until then I shall shower Davanti with praises of perfection!
(5)Yara M.
This place was voted one of Chicago's 38 essential restaurants, and I completely understand why. Everything was amazing. I recommend: - Sitting at the bar so you don't have to wait for a table. - The egg toast (I seriously don't understand how they perfected this unique dish...the texture and taste were perfect). - Risotto (very delicious but was a bit too cold) - Hanger steak (cooked perfectly...it was fantastic). I am definitely going back on Monday for half-off burgers!
(5)Amanda W.
Have been twice now and both times had a great experience. Fun place to go with friends to share different items; the giant focaccia is fantastic. Both times service was good, with helpful wine and entree suggestons made, which I appreciate.
(5)Andrea F.
Perfetto piccolo luogo! First time diners and can't wait to back!! This place is pretty small so be prepared to wait unless you get there by 5:30, they get busy. The food was excellent, the service was great and the wine was very affordable (lots to choose from). Well done!
(5)Bobby B.
Food is great, service is great and you have to love them for having a drink special every night. Every time I go I have to get the risotto carbonara and the grilled asparagus -both are to die for.
(5)Sarah S.
Dear Davanti Enoteca, Nom Nom NOM! Please feed me every day. I went last night with a girlfriend and we got there plenty early on a Thursday and had no trouble securing a table. By the time we left, the place had filled up, but it's definitely worth your wait. The play by play: Wine was reasonable and delicious. I ordered the 2006 Chianti Colle Senesi. Yum. Tuscan toast with whipped ricotta and honey comb. Holy smokes, get in my belly. Roasted squash with farro, goat cheese and watercress. Mmmm, drool. Thin crust pizza with foraged mushrooms, braised leeks, taleggio and truffle oil. What ISN'T good when it includes truffle oil? I would have ordered 15 more things from the delicious looking rest of the menu had I not been incredibly full at this point. Stomach, fail. Guess I'll just have to go back... :) Oh, and did I mention it was only $46 for the two of us? Bargain.
(5)Mary Y.
Whoa mamacita! Little Italy's gem. We wanted the whole menu. Started with a nice Valpolicella Ripasso, excellent complement to our cheese and meat board. We had proscuitto, salami, and 3 cheeses: the Robiola due Latte, the Fontina del Asta, and the Grana Padano. Delicioso! My friends ordered a special pork pasta dish which I had a bite of and it was delish. They also ordered a mozzarella tomato pizza which was a little too bland for me. The highlight was my butternut squash ravioli which was more like gnocchi stuffed with butternut squash. A wonderful butter sage sauce and just the right amount. We thought about ordering another plate but were afraid we wouldn't have room for dessert. Good thing! I believe my dessert may have been made by Jesus himself. Torta Baccio. Chocolate hazlenut mousse with a crispy bottom and chocolate nibs on the top. This actually caused my 6'4, 200# dinner companion to yelp like a girl, close his eyes and make sounds no man should make (at least in a crowded restaurant). His cannoli was actually more like a jar of marscapone that had too much cinnamon and was too thick. Not the greatest. Our 3rd companion had a white chocolate espresso creme brulee, which we both loved but my other friend hated, so he lifted my dessert. Bastard. I'll be back here in May when I visit, and try other things. It's one of those places you want the entire menu.
(5)Justine W.
Happy Friday Everyone! I went to Davanti for lunch today, which was on Taylor Street. Another great Italian restaurant in Chicago. I ordered Truffle Egg Toast + Fontina + Asparagus. The presentation was amazing, which made people say " oH wow.. *drooling* , and "my mouth is watering". The combination of the runny egg yolk and the melted fontina cheese created a perfection. The toast was so thick that you had to use steak knife to eat it. With a bed of fresh asparagus, it was delicious. The service was attentive. If you are craving for Italian food, put this on your food list! Nom...
(5)Matt H.
I need to get to Little Italy more often. We had a lovely time at Davanti this past Saturday evening. It was three of us and that night we made a reservation on open table at 8pm for 8:45pm. The restaurant is beautiful and I particularly liked the brick wall (gorgeous arches) in the back. We were seated promptly upon arrival and our female server was affable and offered helpful advice in choosing plates for us to share. The busboys and other staff that brought our different dishes to the table were sociable and kind. We decided to split a bottle of Prosecco which was very tasty. We all shared the roasted cherry tomatoes and burrata, roasted beets, mascarpone polenta with pork shoulder ragu, octopus, and the ravioli with spring pea and ricotta filling. The tomatoes and burrata came with basil pesto. The beets were served with walnuts and walnut butter. In both, the vegetables were fresh and enjoyable. The polenta with pork shoulder ragu was, in my opinion, the best dish of the night. Served on a wooden board, the flavors were spectacular. We were given a large tentacle of octopus that was properly seared and the almonds and fingerling potato salad were a nice accompaniment. The ravioli was probably my second favorite and in addition to the filling, the pancetta was so so delicious. For dessert, we ordered the Key Lime Tart and the Brown Butter Blondie. Both were very satisfying. The tart was served in a balsamic reduction with cucumber melon sorbet and watermelon. Yum. The Blondie came with maple gelato, caramel sauce and almonds. Double yum. I encourage everyone to visit Davanti at the Taylor Street location. Wonderful ambiance, friendly and speedy service and unique, savory dishes. An Italian gem of Chicago! xoxo
(5)Winston G.
4.5 stars. This place has some really stellar dishes, but also a dish or two that was not the greatest. However, let me just suggest some of my favorite dishes of the evening, and plates that you should definitely get. Mascarpone polenta + ragu of the day (pork cheeks when I went) was absolutely phenomenal. You have to get this dish - the pork ragu was braised perfectly, as it was flavorful and rich, but balanced out very nicely with the light polenta. My favorite dish of the night. The linguini with sea urchin and crab is also a great play. Not the largest portions, but enough to split between 2-3 people. The linguini was al dente, and the dish was a bit creamy but not overwhelmingly so. I thought the pizza della fattoria (egg, pork belly) was not that great, and I did not care much for the seared octopus dish either (the octopus was great, but the warm potato salad with the horseradish aioli just didn't taste right with it). The great thing about this place is all of these dishes, plus dessert and a side of mushrooms cost about $70 w/ tip.
(5)David G.
Let me start by saying this is where my girl choose for my birthday (as well as a friend who's birthday is the same day) and I couldn't have had a better experience!!! The decor was rustic Italian (which I love) and was very warm and inviting. This little wine bar is a great place for a large group to share many different plates (both small and large) for a very reasonable price (our food was less than $20 per person with tip!). I definitely will be going back!
(5)carmen b.
Hello FOOD SNOB here, Came here during the Wonderful Festa Italiana along Taylor street. VERY VERY tasty food. I was wondering why the prices were on the low side. Then the waiter told us they were small plates so you might want to order more than one. I started with the CRISPY PORK BELLY. First time I ever had it. I LOVED IT. Very Good. My better half had the Cauliflower Steak. Was also good as it was accompanied with a pepper relish. She also had the Linguine with Crab and Sea Urchin. Was very good EXCEPT did not see any Sea Urchin and very little Crab. Finally the BEST of all. The Gnocchi or (nudi) with Pork Cheeks. One of the best things I ever tasted. Very soft dumplings with very tender meat. Was served kinda in a very tasty meat Gravy VERY VERY GOOD! We sat outside because the Fest was going on. But I do not think they have outdoor seating on a regular basis. Also they do not usually serve Bread but you can ask for it. ALL IN ALL a very good dinner.
(5)Stephanie S.
Because I'm a horrible person, I love showing up to a busy restaurant with reservations immediately behind some less-than-classy-looking girls who are *aghast* that there is a two-hour wait for a table. This was one of those lovely moments. I had one of the best meals in recent memory here: truffle egg toast (truffle-y goodness, I mean, you can pour that stuff on a boot and it'll taste like heaven), linguine with sea urchin and crab (fishy in a delicious way that made me lust for a portion I didn't have to share with hubs), mushroom pizza (again with the truffle oil--plus mushrooms? I'll eat it all), and the polenta board of the day which featured pork shoulder (all the warmth of a home-cooked meal, but better--and without the dishes). After all that for the two of us, we were too full for dessert. If you Google around, you'll see the cork fee here is listed as $7, so we were shocked when $25 got added to our tab for the one bottle we brought with us. Had we known that, we probably would've done this differently (minus one star for that). The vibe skews older but has a cool, busy atmosphere (plus there's a rooftop for when it gets a tad warmer). We will definitely be back for a nice but laid back meal.
(4)Ashley G.
A delightful Italian restaurant who knows good food & good wine! Great atmosphere & knowledgable servers. I'm an out of town-er but would most certainly go back!
(5)Natalie E.
Honestly, this is my favorite place to go. The food is unusual and always tasty. 2 years ago when I first started coming here, I would have given it 4 stars because the service makes you wait awhile, but its gotten considerably better. They have a fabulous wine list and really cool vibes. Definitely the place to go if you want Italian but not traditional Italian. When you go you HAVE to get the polenta w/ the ragu of the day and the focaccia (spring for the additional honeycomb)
(5)Abhi S.
I wish I could say I have tried their food but unfortunately I could not. My girlfriend and I were sat down outside and provided water. However besides that, no other service ever came. We waited awhile assuming they might have just been busy and they will eventually come to us. BUT we saw that 2 other groups were sat down AND attended to yet no one came to even take our drink orders at the very least. I wish I made it known to them that we were never approached but in order to not ruin our day and cause a big scene, we just walked out instead and went to another restaurant down the street. Their food might be good but I would not know since their service is clearly not.
(1)Emily B.
Great experience. Our waitress was lovely, and the rest of the staff was equally as helpful running plates and such. Great menu, wine and cocktail selections and the Butter Blondie Brownie was out of this world! I will definitely be a returning customer.
(5)Joulie S.
Very cozy Italian place. They serve family style portion. I loved their pizzas and their appetizers are amazing. The way they present them has a special touch of creativity and astonishing taste that will leave you wanting more! It is located in little Italy in Chicago, it has a different decorative lighting, which I find very exquisite and surreal, not too bright and not too dark. The prices were reasonable, I wouldn't say you get what you pay for as the plates are smaller in size, but it is worth trying if you like not so traditional 'Italian" restaurants.
(5)B. D.
This place is waaay overpriced. The food is okay, it is just average. What I really did not like about this place is that they seemed very stingy. At every nice restaurant I go to, the bread is on the house, just the like the water is. For a restaurant to charge for the bread, they seem very stingy. 3 slices of bread with some ricotta cheese and honey is 9$, that is just ridiculous. Maybe the hostess had a reason that I was unaware of, but the two of us asked to be seated at a 4 seater table, the hostess did not let us. Ten minutes later, another couple walked in and she seated them at a different 4 seater table. This did not leave a good impression. I did enjoy the decor, though. It felt like we were in a wine cellar.
(2)Dina E.
Awesome food, unique entrees, casual vibe, great service! We tried everything suggested by our server and loved it all! The warm kale salad was delicious as well as the spaghetti with pecorino. Their version of a caprese salad served with pomodoro tomatoes, smooth fresh mozzarella and fresh basil with warm grilled bread was heaven!!! You must try the "blondie" for dessert - the best I've ever had! Must go!!!
(5)Nikki W.
The service was impeccable. Enjoyed almost everything on the menu. It really expanded my pallet and tried some things for the first time. I wouldn't recommend the steak. Keep to their traditional Italian dishes and.
(4)Jason G.
One of the best burgers I've had in Chicago. Actually, one of the best meals I've had in my long career of eating in Chicago. I suggest going with a bigger group so you can try more things and make more friends! Order just about anything on this menu, it wont disappoint. I will be back.
(5)Rachel H.
Their menu kind of misrepresents the actual food that is served. The risotto was full of mint and the menu didn't even mention that. The pizza said tomatoes and fresh mozzarella and there were no tomatoes (just cheap bad tasting tomato sauce) and one small piece of fresh mozzarella in the middle. Also, they put a lot of salt on top of the pizza for some weird reason. Then I ordered the very salad (menu states roasted beet salad with creme fraishe) and the beets that came in the salad were seriously canned beets and NOT roasted at all. I know I'm from the west loop and my standards are high, but it really seemed that everything I ate there was from a box, can or container. Not gonna go back.
(2)Steven L.
This is definitely the best Italian restaurant in Chicago. Well at least for me. We made a reservation ns were all seated by 7 p.m. for our monthly family dinner. My folks had picked out the place and said that it was worth it. I had my reservations as I was not a fan of Italian food until that day. I made it a point of returning with by buds on a later date because of the good food, service and wine. They serve tapa style and meals are shared like in the typical traditional style. That said, we ordered Chicken liver pate that had a pleasantly tasting dried cherry topping followed by sea urchin and crab linguine and truffle egg toast that was utter bliss. The Ricotta and Honeycomb had fabulous toast and creamy cheese. Every item of food we were ordered was awesome and the waiters suggestions on the Italian wines topped up a wonderful experience.
(5)Meera T.
I'm so glad to hear Karen T. enjoyed her meal here, because I was the fellow vegetarian she spoke of. I had felt bad that they had eaten completely vegetarian, and insisted they get some meat dishes, so I'm overjoyed to hear that she loved it! The meal was amazing, and basically everything Karen T. said. Everything was rich, decadent, and provided a great balance between sweet and savory. The honeycomb/ricotta vasi came highly recommended, and it did not disappoint. It was sweet, creamy and so delicious. I would have eaten the rest with a spoon if our server hadn't brought us more toast. We then split a truffle oil/taleggio/leek pizza, the truffled egg toast, and the farro. All of the dishes were excellent. The pizza was slightly heavy on the truffle oil for my tastes, but still delicious. The farro was my favorite. It had a great balance between savory, sweet, soft and chewy. We ended the meal with the cow cheese focaccia, which was so delicious that we could only eat a little bit of it. Overall, a great meal. The ambiance is great. It's cozy with dim lighting, and makes you feel like you're in rustic Italy. I'll definitely return!
(4)Kristin S.
Gourmet Italian tapas? I'm a BIG fan. Came here with some wonderful friends after they'd picked us up from the airport and can't wait to go back. Broken down: The food is fantastic. The service is great. The wine is inventive. The atmosphere is modern but comfortable. The prices are, GASP, unbelievably reasonable for the caliber of food. You must get the ricotta and honey. Let me repeat that. You must get the fresh ricotta and honey. It will blow your mind. The pork belly melted in my mouth and contrasted well with the fruit preserves it was served with. The truffled egg toast on asparagus came with a soft egg yolk in the center that we beat before spreading the richness all over everything on the plate. Awesome. We tried a cheese plate and were fairly impressed with everything there, too. The winter squash and farro salad was one of my favorite dishes of the night, but mostly because it broke up the extreme richness of all the other dishes we ordered. The risotto carbonara was out of this world. My mouth is watering just thinking about it now. We had the cannoli sundae dessert (good, not great, but not reco'd by our server) and the hazelnut chocolate something (fantastic, and highly reco'd by our server). Service was friendly and good. The best part was that when we got the bill (after being absolutely stuffed), I was surprised at how little we'd spent for such an amazing meal. I love that feeling! I can't wait to get back here. If I lived closer, this might be my new favorite date night restaurant.
(5)John T.
The foccacia was outstanding but the seafood pasta didn't have enough seafood and the carbonara risotto was boring. 3 stars.
(3)Marilyn M.
One of my favorites on Taylor Street, though now there is one on Hubbard in River North (have not tried). The only thing missing were the fig menu options but according to the waiter, they are seasonal. My friend and I tried several items including the fresh pasta. All was great. The only negative is that it is a bit noisy and hard to hear one another. Also, the table for two seating was a bit closer than what I would have liked. Else, nice evening. Will definitely go again.
(4)Alex A.
The food is great, as well as environment and ambiance of the restaurant. The reason why I'm giving this place a 3 star rating is because the staff was incredibly rude. For it being my first time there I anticipated being walked through the menu and given tips as to go about ordering for the best experience. This waiter acted as though he was annoyed by the fact that I was even there and seemed inconvenienced when I had questions about the menu. Aside from the rude staff, the portions were incredibly small. For the amount I paid for my meal I should have had more than a thimble full of food, even if it did taste amazing, I'm gonna have to order a pizza in about an hour. I left unsatisfied, aggravated and hungry. I'm definitely crossing this place off my list to revisit.
(3)Ashley C.
2.5 stars. I used to love Davanti and it was our go-to Italian spot. The food has still been very good (& that is the only reason I did not dock them more and rounded up). However, we have had some service issues on our more recent visits. This last time was enough for me to update the review and take some stars away. We were having dinner with friends and picked Davanti (after we talked it up). There was a delay in getting us seated but the rest of the meal was good. At the end of our meal, we were done with our food and bottle of wine. We however wanted to order after dinner drinks as our dessert. However, our waiter brought us our check immediately and didn't even ask if we wanted anything else. Before we could flag down our server and within a minute, the host and/or manager came to our table and told us we needed to leave. He said they have a 2 hour limit on tables. He walked away before we could even respond. I was and am still appalled at the way it was handled and it should have been done much better and not as rude. At that point, we certainly were not going to have a drink there. It left an awkward end to our dinner. Davanti - it is a shame, but we are on a break.
(2)Brian M.
A few friends and I went here last night and, much to our surprise, were able to get a table within a half hour. The atmosphere was a little loud, but definitely had a great, hip vibe. The food was fantastic. We started with the cheese and meat plate, selecting a parmesan, mozzarella, goat cheese, salami and prosciutto. There was a very tasty raisin bread that accompanies the plate. For our main courses, we ordered grilled asparagus with pickled rhubarb, roasted beets, and risotto carbonara. The asparagus was surprisingly good. I have never really been exposed to rhubarb, but it served as an excellent complement to the asparagus. The roasted beets were out of this world! They came topped with candied walnuts and had walnut butter on the side. Definitely the best beets that I have ever had. The risotto was excellent and entertaining. It was perfectly creamy. And you get to mix the egg yolk in right at your table. I also had the opportunity to try a sip of my girlfriend's specialty cocktail, and man was it potent! Long story short...You should check out Davanti Enoteca. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Vineet S.
We had been waiting from quite a long time to visit Davanti after it reopens. Visited it over the weekend even though the offcial opening was on Tuesday.They have redone the entire place and have used unique ideas to decorate with Wine boxes and wood.We were greeted by Managers Patrick and Jeff as we entered the place.We ended up ordering Ceci Beans,Ravioli, Veg Pizza and Wine.Food was great specially the Ravioli and Beans.Service was excellent. Guess what when I asked for the cheque then they said that food was on Davanti for that day.Had an awesome dinner at Davanti.Will surely visit again to try some other things.
(5)Eleni D.
I love the old-world feel of the space, watching the cute boy flipping pizza dough in the air, and starting on a bottle of wine at the bar while waiting for our table to be set. Now, onto the food: -The pork belly sounded interesting so we ordered it, but it was way too greasy and fatty, and stuck to my teeth (I know, I know, what did I expect?) -The burrata with tuscan toast was delicious - basically a mason jar full of bufallo mozzarella in cream; went perfectly with the crispy warm toast coated in olive oil. - roasted corn and goat cheese salad was a bit salty but an interesting mix of flavours overall -The priosciutto & arrugula thin crust, oven baked pizza was just enough for 3 to share (especially after all those apps, plus dessert to follow!) - Torta bacio was a delicious combination of hazlenut and chocolate and went perfectly with a bold espresso -The gelato trio was fresh and flavourful -The canolli sundae original and tasty, but very rich (order it if you are going to share with someone; it's a bit too much for one person). The staff was hit and miss: we observed the bartender tasting someone's drink before serving (ew!); the pizza dough spinner was a sweetie who kept us entertained while we waited for our table; our waiter was ok but brought us our bill WHILE asking us if we wanted anything else (perhaps we wanted another coffee!); the busboy and busgirl cleared our plates too quickly (almost before we were done!) but our water glasses will always filled promptly.
(4)Michelle S.
I've been to Davanti twice and will definitely going back again. The first time our waitress was absolutely wonderful- knowledgeable, patient as a group of 6 ladies figured out what to order, and friendly. The second visit our waiter was rude, inattentive, and no help at all- we had to ask *him* what the specials were, for refills, for suggestions, to take our order, etc (this time only a group of 3). One thing that *is* consistent...the food & atmosphere. Even on a weeknight you are guaranteed a great vibe- our hour wait at the bar, flew by (not to mention the $3 beers on Thursdays!). A few of my favorite things: Burrata vasi (soft cream filled mozzarella with evoo, sea salt & warm toast), the mascarpone polenta & ragu of the day (the table presentation is a nice touch and both times the ragu was fantastic), Pizza DOC & pizza with arugula- both very good, the rigatoni with sausage, risotto with peas. The small portions allow room to try a lot of menu items without filling up to quickly. It's great to be able to share & taste a bit of everything. Pros: atmosphere (large open air windows), décor, and food Cons: no valet, street parking difficult, inconsistent service
(4)Emily H.
After waiting for two hours to be seated, I was really excited to dig into some authentic Italian. I'm new to the "small plate" version of Italian (they seem diabolically opposed to me?), and after a two-hour wait I was pretty hungry, so perhaps that created the perfect storm here. We ordered the ravioli and were brought ONE RAVIOLI on a large plate. Okay, it was a larger ravioli than normal (size of a fist), but seriously? Nine bucks for a single ravioli (no meat, no sauce)? It was not terribly tasty, nor was the rigatoni. Very average all around. I will recommend the butternut squash salad, and the ambience was pretty nice once we sat down, but I left hungry and disappointed! Not to mention cash-poor. The $$-rating is deceiving! Beware: VERY small plates!
(1)NANCY H.
Really dig this place. Great wine selection, as a review noted, very reasonably priced. Food was good, also. Loved the atmosphere there. We ordered flank steak and risotto. Both were delicious. The beet salad was not good, but I think perhaps I'm not a beet person. Be prepared for a long wait. We waited 2 hours on a Friday night, but didn't mind. You can have drinks in the neighborhood and the hostess will call you when your table is ready. Our male waiter was a drama queen, for no reason. Other than that, excellent experience.
(4)Lizzy B.
I was visiting my sister in Little Italy, and she's been anxiously waiting to see what was going in on the corner. It looked packed at 7pm on a Saturday, so we figured it was open and walked in. My sister was surprised to see Patrick, the manager of Francesca's - the excellent Italian restaurant across the street (her favorite). Apparently, this was their friends and family pre-opening party - and we were inadvertently crashing! But Patrick recognized my sister, greeted her with a hug and kiss, invited us in, and gave us a great table right in the front window. Lovely! The inside is beautiful - very rustic, with cool industrial touches. Seating is at the bar or high tables along the windows. The wine menu arrived tied to a giant wine bottle. As you can guess, the selection is all Italian. Our servers were wonderful too - just as friendly and welcoming as Patrick, and quick to bring water or clear an empty plate. The menu is an Italian version of tapas or small plates. We tried a fantastic salad with roasted tomatoes (still on the vine), with olive oil, pesto and burrata - a creamy mozzarella-like cheese. It was wonderful. We also shared the giant ravioli - a huge ravioli stuffed with creamed spinach and egg yolk, swimming in butter and dusted with parmesan. You have to share, b/c it's so rich. It was sinfully good. The only thing that could have made it better was maybe a little bread to soak up all that wonderful sauce and oil! We will definitely be back, when it officially opens!
(5)Monica K.
I was a little reluctant to go to a place that doesn't take reservations (we had 9 in our party!), but we didn't run into too much trouble for a Sunday night. The interior is really well done, and everything is very well spaced so that you're not jammed up against the table next to you. The wine is cheap (they sell it at retail price) and although there's usually a corkage fee ($7), on Sunday nights you don't have to pay the fee! The food was all really good - although for a party of 9 it's tough to split the smaller portions, we each got to taste each of the dishes. All of the pizzas were really good (we tried the della terra (truffle oil!) and the della fattoria (potatoes!)). The risotto was a little salty for my taste, but otherwise the texture was perfect. The spaghetti with black pepper - was very very peppery. Some people liked it, it was a little much for my taste. The giant rigatoni was delicious! Perfectly cooked! The wait staff was really nice - some of them were dressed so casually I thought they were other diners at the restaurant. Some seemed to know more about the wines than others though. You'll have to ask around to make sure you get solid information/recommendations about some of the wines you've never heard of (other than, "it goes well with the food". That doesn't really help me...)
(4)Senorita J.
excellent Italian food along with great service!
(5)John O.
Great Italian spot with lots of tasty small plates to share. Killer setting and pretty good service. Plenty of great wines on the list.
(4)Sara G.
I can't say enough good things about this place! Went here with a group of 8 and had a wonderful waitress who was extremely knowledgeable about the food and the wine. It's small plates kind of place so come ready to share. Can't Miss Dishes: Ricotta and Honey Comb Pizza della Fattoria Cacio e Pepe Make sure you come early because the wait time can be atrocious on the weekends. They do no accept reservations.
(5)Cindy D.
I LOVE this place! Very very affordable, dinner for 4 came out to $65 (no drinks) Loved the Focaccia Di Recco, Truffle Egg Toast, Fontina & Asparagus, Pizza Con Salsiccia E Rapini (minus the brocolli), Pecorino Tartufato These dishes were good, but could have done without - Crispy Pork Belly, Peach Mostarda, Roasted Beets, Walnut Butter, Creme Fraiche & Candied Walnuts, Paccheri Con Salsiccia E Pomodori Al Forno Overall, I just loved that the wine list was affordable (on Sundays, no $7 corkage fee) and that you could choose from a variety of choices. Would check it out again!
(5)Rajiv H.
I don't get what all the hoopla is about. Davanti Enoteca is okay. It's pretty cheap, and the food isn't bad, but it is pretty blah. The service was good and the interior of the place has a nice, old, wooden feeling. Their alcohol was confusing to us. We all thought it was BYOB, but instead you can buy alcohol from them and drink it there, as if there's a separate wine shop and restaurant (maybe it's some kind of liquor license work around). On to the food. We had the crisp pork belly to start, and, you know, it tasted like pork belly. Of course it's pretty good, it's pure fat. We also had the truffle egg toast which was strange. Again, not good or bad (the theme of the night I suppose), just strangely textured with any hint of truffle flavor absent from the dish. Our dishes encompassed the world of pizzas to pastas. The pastas were all lacking a decent amount of meat, especially the rigatoni with sausage. I don't regret stopping in at Davanti, but I also don't think I'll be coming back.
(3)Daniel P.
Been here several times. I've almost worked through the entire menu. My stand outs have to be: Burger, now with bacon jam!, Corn salad, Swordfish, Carbonara pasta & Pizza's! Everything I've had here is fantastic. They have wine along the back wall for you to choose a bottle for there or to go. All very reasonably priced. They charge a $7 corkage fee, great idea. The La Quercia Montepulciano is my favorite!
(5)Lala S.
It was just ok. Many of their dishes sounded good in concept but the execution was just wrong. There were so many things I would change about how the dishes were executed. I wish I could have just walked into the kitchen and revamped all the dishes we tried. They were having a wine-tasting with the staff while we were there which made for a less attentive waitstaff. The expedition of the dishes didn't make sense at all. We did a pretty good job of ordering our dishes in a manner that would let the server "course out" our meal but our plates came out in a weird order which distracted our palettes. The highlight of our meal was the Hearts of Palm salad. The Sea Urchin and Crab Linguini lacked the brininess of the sea urchin and needed some acidity to round out the flavors. It does however pair well with the Hearts of Palm Salad. Their Hanger Steak was forgettable and many of the elements didn't stand out, creating an overall "meh" dish. i can't even really remember what else we got because nothing was very memorable. I was a little disappointed in our $80 lunch. I think it could have been well spent somewhere else, which is a super let-down because I had such high hopes for this place. P.S. who ever is hiding the salt from the chef please return, most of our dishes lacked flavor.
(3)Allison A.
Meh is how I feel about this restaurant. I live around the corner from here and it took about six months for me to be able to get in. (They don't take reservations.) Small annoyance, but whatever. I had been hearing so many good things about this place so I was super excited when I was finally able to get in. Sadly, I feel like it didn't really live up to all the hype. The food was good, but I've had better, and the server was kind of arrogant. Not what I was hoping for. Oh well.
(3)Elena T.
The food was absolutely delicious. My whole group and I were eating off of each other's plates the whole time. Get the pizza della terra. It will blow your mind. One downside: im not sure if they were short staffed or not but the service was lacking. Other tables including ourselves had to wait to get noticed by the server. But the food is worth the wait.
(4)Linda H.
Went here for a second time last night, and once again had a great experience. We are kind of early birds, so both times there was just a very short wait...last night we sat at the bar, which I like (kind of like sitting at the counter at a diner, which I love). Anyway, who knew that something as simple as bread and cheese could be so gosh darn good....Burrata, Sea Salt & Evoo, the cheese served in a mason jar, was a great way to start. That was followed by the squash and farro salad, which I had to order again after my last visit...sooo good. My main reason for wanting to go again was for the arugula and prosciutto pizza, which I enjoyed so much last time....but we decided to get the mascarpose polenta w/veal and prosciutto meatballs; another home run. After that, we just didn't have enough room for the pizza, and wanted to get dessert. The problem is, there are just too many good things on the menu at this place. For dessert, BF ordered the Torta Bacio, and I got the carrot cake parfait thingy (served in a mason jar). Uhhh, this is possibly one of the best desserts I have ever eaten...definitely the best carrot cake I've ever had. I don't even think I asked the BF how he liked his, I was so involved in the deliciousness of my own thing....I think he said it was really good though. The service is so friendly, helpful and efficient...they work as a team and there are lots of people serving you, but however they work it out, the timing was perfect on everything. The employees all seem very happy to be there...BF even commented on how the dishwasher made an appearance at one point, and even HE seemed damn glad to be there. This Scott Harris fellow seems to have this restauranteuring thing down (see previous review of Salatino's)....looking forward to ordering a pie from Doughboys very soon.
(5)Annie D.
Everything, and I mean everything about this place is great. My 3 friends and I went for dinner and drinks on a Thursday evening and had wonderful food and superb service. The bartender was our waiter and he was incredibly attentive and made excellent suggestions. The truffle egg toast, the polenta, the honey and ricotta, etc were amazing! I will be back for more food although the cocktails are a bit steep. You pay for what you get and the coup d'état cocktail was delicious and light, not boozy at all.
(5)Rocio S.
Omg, I loved this place! I love the food! It's all so yummy! I can't wait for my next visit! Yum, yum!
(5)Justin W.
I liked this place the moment I walked in. Very welcoming place and the staff is extremely friendly and nice. Very helpful with menu and drink choices. Very open dining room setting with great lighting. Ok,now for the food. We tried several items and I cannot pick the best one, they were all amazing but I think the pork belly is ridiculously good. The pastries and deserts here may be the best I've ever had and I'm not much into sweats so that saying something! This is a must got to place. Even if you must drive to get there!!!
(5)Lily Z.
Boy and I came here for date night last night. We ordered a charcuetrie/cheese platter, bruchetta, sea urchin pasta and seared scallops. I wasn't too crazy about the charcuetrie/cheese platter but that was only because I was already full. I wasn't too fond of the bread that came with it. I prefer baguette bread with any meat/cheese platter. When I heard the bruchetta had pine nuts and goat cheese, I was a bit uneasy because I like neither. We had already ordered it so it was too late to back out. To our amazement, it was still good! The sea urchin pasta was just as amazing as I remembered it. Perfectly al dente, smooth and flavorful. The scallops were superb. It was perfectly seared, soft as butter and the corn underneath provided great texture. Service was lovely. I highly recommend Shannon who works both locations but is in Little Italy on Thursdays. Lovely, helpful and offered to get me another glass of wine after I spilled on myself. Haha. Amazing meal as usual. Absolutely love this place.
(5)Amanda V.
My husband and I went to this place based on reviews on the Internet. We were very impressed. It was our first time to Chicago and we wanted to eat at the best. I think we found it here. It's a little expensive but worth it. My tastebuds were going crazy with the amazing flavors. Highly recommended if you're looking for a delicious unique experience.
(5)Amy W.
A great place with quirky decor that is accommodating of large parties. Relatively easy street parking. As for the food, I loved the ricotta (so rich and creamy!) and honeycomb, truffle egg toast with its perfect crumbly and rich bread, and the ragu of the day and polenta. Drink prices were also very reasonable.
(4)Michael V.
Was told Davanti was the best Italian restaurant in Chicago so I had been waiting to try it for over a year before going last Friday. My girlfriend and I had reservations for 7. We were seated right away and it looks like there were still empty tables available at that time. The restaurant itself is really cute, exactly what I would expect from a highly acclaimed Italian restaurant in Little Italy. We had a server in-training, so service was a bit slow throughout the meal. We started with a glass of wine and a Peroni. The wine by the glass menu was a bit expensive for us (recent college grads) so we stuck with the cheapest options. Davanti does small plates, so keep that in mind when you order. My gf and I did the gnocchi, the tagliatelle and the Pizza D.O.C. (a margarita pizza). The pizza came first and it was the perfect dish to start with. Warm and fresh with a crisp, thin crust. When we finished that the gnocchi came out. It was SO good but the dish was SO small. It might have been the best gnocchi dish I've ever had but we probably paid $2/gnocchi. That's a bit much in my mind. The tagliatelle was a slightly bigger dish and was also very good. This is a great restaurant! I can't give it 5 stars this time around because the service was a bit slow and the dishes are really expensive for being so small. If you get an experienced server and price isn't an issue this will be one of the best Italian experiences you can get in Chicago!
(4)Emily P.
Davanti Enoteca has quickly become one of my favorite restaurants! I only tried this place once, but I know I will be returning again soon. They have lots of small plates to share, half portion pastas, or larger entrees as well. I loved the cute, comical posters (Lard anyone?). DELICIOUS FOOD. Everything I tried was delicious. Even the menu items I was hesitant about. From the Cauliflower steak, cheese & prosciutto platter, drinks, pork belly, and especially the Riccio di Mare e Granchio (linguine with sea urchin and crab), Bread with ricotta cheese and honeycomb, and bruschetta of the day I could not complain about a single thing! I definitely want to try a homemade pizza and their foccacia with honey on my next visit. SERVICE. Our waiter was excellent. He was polite, knowledgeable about every time on the menu, had a great memory (he never had to write anything down), and kept the food coming at a comfortable pace. Our water cups were never left empty and we never had to wait around to ask for something.
(5)Rene P.
We showed up at 6 on a Saturday without reservations, and there was a two hour wait. They were however, willing to accommodation us at the bar which was fine for us. Their drink menu looked lovely but as we were on our way to a beer event we decided to drink beer. The beer selection was poor, but it is not a beer place, so we settled for Peroni. We started with 5 selections from the formaggi and salami menu. It arrived on a board with the three chunks of cheese (about a square inch of each) the two types of meat (about 4 thin slices of each) and some toasts, marmalade, and apple slices with a spicy topping. It was really impressive and for around $20 a great way to start the meal. We then had the roasted cherry tomato burrata + basil pesto salad. I told the bartender that he should warn people when they order that. I will never enjoy a caprese salad as much as I did this. It was a large ball of burrata, 3 beautifully roasted tomatoes (larger than your average cherry) and the sauce was just delightful. We finished with the burger. Loved it. Loved the shoe string potatoes. The service was good. It happened to be the Saturday before Halloween and all of the staff was dressed up to some degree. The decor is nice, though the place is rather loud. It was fine for the two of us, sitting next to each other at the bar, but might be too much for a group. We spent around $75 + tip for the three plates, and two beers each.
(4)Elizabeth H.
How are you still so incredibly good? I enjoyed my graduation dinner here on Thursday night and I loved every bit of it! This was a great spot to bring my parents to and we were lucky enough to get the best table in the house (my opinion - back corner by the wine racks) by arriving at 6:15pm. Highlights: Pizza D.O.C. - The sauce is the shit. Cheese flight - props to the waiter for surprising us with a mix of three cheeses Squash salad - I heart you too Spaghetti - You make it hard to put my fork down I have yet to make it to dessert. Davanti Enoteca - You are dangerously delicious.
(5)Steven N.
3.75 stars, but I rounded up to give it a 4. Overall, it was a really nice dining experience. I don't normally like Italian food, but I was impressed by the their culinary skills. This place was really busy for a Tuesday night, but I think that's partly due to the Lady Gaga concert that was happening. I mention the crowd because their waiting area is quite small. They may be able to seat 12 people at the bar, but that's really about it. We ended up going to the wine bar across the street to wait for our table. Once we sat down, we really started to appreciate the cozy, close-to-home-but-classy atmosphere. Ordering was pleasant because our waiter was very pleasant. The food...the food is what makes this place. We started with three appetizers: stewed calamari, truffle egg toast with fontana and asparagus, and the crispy pork belly with apple mostarda. All were outstanding except for the calamari. It wasn't bad, but stewing it isn't my preference. The truffle egg toast is just simply out of this world. Then we ordered a bunch of entrees to get a taste of everything. The pizza della fattoria was a pleasant surprise. I didn't think pork belly and farmed eggs go on a pizza, but that goes to show how ignorant I've been. Then came the polenta board and bistecca alla griglia. Very interesting taste. After that were the pasta dishes - riccio di mare e granchio (linguine plus sea urchin and crab) and paccheri con salsiccia (rigatoni and sausage) - both were done very nicely. The only disappointment came at the end - the Kobe NY Strip - it was under-seasoned, over-cooked...just overall a mistake. If this is how Italians cook Kobe steaks, they should stop doing this right away. But like I said, this was an enjoyable experience, definitely worth checking out.
(4)Chitown D.
This is truly the loudest restaurant I have ever been to. Absolutely the worst. So bad that the server joked that the noise makes her want to kill people. As for the food, the shaved fresh hearts of palm salad was one of the worst salads I have ever had. The pizza was very greasy and gross. The dessert was fine, but we had to take it to go to save our eardrums. The ambiance is pretty cool, but SO not worth it. Also, to make it all worse, they do not take reservations, so get ready for a wait. The only good thing about this place is that it gave us an opportunity to go across the street to Beviamo for a drink while we waited. Avoid this place like crazy.
(1)Sonny S.
WOW...even though I'm stuffed to the gills as I'm writing this review, I'm tempted to dig into my leftovers - that's how good Davanti Enoteca was! I came here with a friend to catch up after a hectic week of finals. The interior of DE is really lovely with a great rustic feel with many elements of wood, brick and light fixtures. After entering, we were greeted warmly by the staff who were very personable and friendly. Our server - I think his name was Reed - started by explaining the concept of the restaurant, which is tapas-style with an rustic Italian twist along with the specials of the day. Everything about my experience at DE was perfect from beginning to end. Every single item on the menu seemed so delicious that it made deciding a problem, but we managed to narrow down our options and ended up going with: RICOTTA + LOCAL HONEY COMB VASI The dish comes with three components: toasted crusty slice of bread, a mason jar of ricotta cheese and a chunk of honey comb. At first, I was a bit confused, but our server mixed the honey comb and ricotta and told us to spread it on the bread. The dish is simple, but the flavors were delicious! The ricotta cheese is very light and fluffy with sweet notes from the honey comb, and it goes great on the toast...I could've just eaten the ricotta/honeycomb mixture to be honest...haha. MASCARPONE POLENTA WITH VEAL & PROSCIUTTO MEATBALLS The mascarpone polenta was hot, thick, and rich, which served as a great canvas for the flavorful veal and prosciutto meatballs and sauce...definitely should've a large for more leftovers! RICCIO DI MARE E GRANCHIO The linguine was cooked to a perfect al dente. The brininess of the sauce from the sea urchin went great with the tender chunks of jumbo lump crab meat and crispy texture of the scallions on top. Each course just kept getting better and better. PIZZA DELLA TERRA By this point, we were getting full, but the aroma from the truffle oil immediately wet my appetite. This is a white pizza with taleggio cheese, wild mushrooms, braised leeks and truffle oil...SO GOOD...definitely have to order this! Each element adds another complexity to the pizza: the taleggio is soft and tangy, the wild mushrooms are earthy, the leeks add a crispy texture and the truffle oil add a pungent taste. The service at Davanti Enoteca was just as ahhmazing as the food! Our server as well as the wait staff were incredibly attentive and took really great care of us. For the most part, our water glasses were always filled and they did a awesome job checking on us and pacing our courses for us. Also, as a souvenir, patrons get a postcard with their check which is a nice touch. Whether if you're trying to impress a date or just have a nice meal with a friend, Davanti Enoteca is great in any situation and is sure to impress whoever you bring so make sure to try it out!
(5)Puleng L.
I came here for brunch and I was more than satisfied. This place is also family friendly, don't think twice abt coming in with your little kids.
(5)Dhruv P.
I love this place, its my go to place when I want to meet up anyone who is visiting from outside of Chicago or haven't tried this place (Oh the horror!). This is probably my favorite Italian place in Chicago, with the other being La Gondola on Ashland. Enoteca has more special/interesting menu, while La Gondola is more of a daily food place. I used to go to school in UIC, right when the whole gentrification was starting to happen. Alas, Enoteca Davanti didn't exist back then, so we made do with Francesca's (which was and is really good); I believe both share a/some common owners. But back to the review. The atmosphere is relaxed - old-world - cozy, makes you feel like home during the long winters we have. And if the atmosphere doesn't get you, then the amazing cheeses will. And the honey on honey-comb. What you ask, you eat the honey-comb, and I reply, use your fingers and link the last vestige of honey off the wooden board, because its delicious and pairs perfectly with the cheese and bread. Oh the bread, when it comes fried on the pan, complimenting the burrata, oh the burrata, where were you all my life? And the fried bread, you remind me fondly of the fried bread my grandmother made me when I was a child visiting India over summers. And the cheeses... they change them up, but I highly recommend the ricotta (in a cute mason jar) with honey and the Burrata (see previous sentence), which is great, even if it doesn't compare to Green Zebra's version I can go on and on, but really, this place makes me feel at home. The service is exceptional, people are nice, food is beyond great (and I'm saying that as a vegetarian... I can only imagine that those who consume every type of food will enjoy this place too) Make a reservation and treat yourself. We went yesterday (my 4th time this year) and with 5 people, only waited 45 minutes. Luckily, the bar wasn't too crowded as it usually tends to be (thank you long holiday weekend) so we have a glass of wine while we waited. Otherwise, go across the street to Beviamo, which was another well frequented place during my college years (A small little wine bar, intimate enough).
(5)Debbie T.
I read the reviews and I think I must not have been at the same place. Yes you definitely have to be very venturous to try this place. Most of what I tasted was tasty. But way over priced and very small. I get the concept of sharing but 6 rigatoni, we had a party of 8 no way we're we going to order two at 16 dollars. And everything on the menu you couldn't change the waitress said no you have to have it that way it's all prepared together. So no I won't be going there again. Sorry.
(3)Cara L.
Hey, I'm not Italian, but to me great Italian food is simple. A few fresh ingredients that come together to enhance one another. There is a balance...a delicious, indulgent and satisfying balance that Davanti has nailed right on the head. Congrats! Strutting around Chicago (aka tripping on an uneven sidewalk in my heels) my coworkers and I headed over to the neighborhood's newest edition. We had high hopes and even saw past the semi-chotchy signage out front. How nice are we? Anyways, the sign was a thing of the past as soon as I laid eyes on the splendor inside. Warm, rustic lighting. People sitting, laughing and intimately sharing a wonderful dinning experience. An open kitchen, yes, in an Italian restaurant. Oh, and a wall full of wine bottles just calling my name. I doubt I could pronounce any of their names, but I know for a fact that the one we had was deliciouso! Our server was clad in a jersey baseball tee, which actually created the most perfect balance between the elegance and the friendliness of Davanti. She was warm, friendly and spot-on all night. She even helped this indecisive broad pick out her dinner, and thank god she did! To be completely honest, after tasting my meal I wanted to find her and hug her! That's how good it was. We started with a beet salad that knocked my non existent socks off. I'm not sure what was in it or how they made it, but damn, it was perfection. Then came my main course of Cacio e Pepe, which was simple spaghetti tossed with pecorino and coarse black pepper. Three simple ingredients that came together in glorious harmony. My taste buds seriously have a new BFF. Needless to say, my plate was empty and I was full of happiness. What about the whole money thing? For a brand-spankin' new restaurant in Chicago, this place was not too hard on the wallet. My entree was $7, and the wine was $18 with a $7 corkage fee. Why? Well, this little Italian gem doubles as a wine shop too. Yup, that's right! Grab a great dinner with some tasty vino, then grab some bottles to-go! Now...if I could just find a way to bring Davanti to Cleveland, my life would be complete!
(5)Sandra T.
Went there for a dry run and they did a great job (they do have tons of experience). I prefer vegetarian dishes and Davanti has very good choices for me. I have to comment on the ceci beans. They were very tasty and presented in a unique style. The sweet red bell pepper and onion toppings really made this dish. The wine list was good. I love the wine cellar look to the place. What I respect about this place is the decor. The interior has been recycled. I feel this shows that the management is sensitive and educated in current events.
(5)Marie B.
Scheduled and early dinner,630, knowing that they don't take reservations. Great idea considering that we were seated immediately. Almost didn't come here after a friend said it was "ok." It definitely is more than "ok." Everything and I mean everything we had on the menu was great. We shared our plates so we were able to try tons. Favs: Truffle french toast and Rissoto. Although it seemed out of place, the burger was yummy. We didn't order pizza though, but it seemed most tables did. Wine is sold at shelf price with an extra $7 fee. Add it to the list of must go places!!
(4)Molly A.
This was one of the most decadent and delicious meals I have had in a long time. I came for the 'soft opening' with a large group of friends and although this is supposed to be the night where they are still working out the kinks, everything was perfect. We sat at the bar while we waited for our party drinking the most ridiculously refreshing watermelon infused vodka and eating the burrata, which is a jar of cream stuffed fresh mozzarella with olive oil and salt. It was maybe the best thing i've ever put in the mouth... until we sat down and ate even more. As we perused the large menu, slighlty overwhelmed, Lily who is one of the managers suggested we let her choose an assortment of appetizers and small plates for the table and we could always add more. By the end of the night she basically ended up bringing us the entire menu and there wasnt anything I didnt like. My absolute favorites included: My favorite appetizers were this board of cheese stuffed foccacia which was $15, but is probably has like 10 pieces in it and the polenta of the day which had a pork belly ragout on top. These were two of my favorite dishes - talk about comfort food. The roasted corn salad was incredible and really was more like a family style side dish and the beet salad was so good and I dont even like beets. The giant ravioli stuffed with spinach, egg and ricotta was like a burst of flavor in your mouth.... you wont want to share! The Pizza Della Fattoria has pork belly, potato, scallions, asiago & bechamel sauce with an egg on top and was melt in your mouth good. The pizza have 8 small slices and are only $8-11. Just when we thought we were going to die from being so full they brought out a roast chicken which I thought I was too full to eat until I took a nibble and it was AMAZING. I am not a roast chicken girl and this was one of the best things on the table. Everything on the menu is reasonably priced and everything I put in my mouth was incredible. I dont even consider myself an Italian food lover but I would describe this more like New Italian. Great place for groups or date night - I highly recommend it and cant wait to go back!!
(5)Kate L.
I really loved this place. Great atmosphere, very aesthetically pleasing and excellent service. Our server was attentive and offered great recommendations. My favorites were the kale salad, mushroom pizza and the scallops, which were huge and delicious.
(5)Angela S.
I've been here for dinner and brunch and it's already become one of my favorite restaurants. The service is impeccable, the vibe is fun and the food is incredible.
(4)Triphena W.
I wasn't wowed by Davanti Enoteca. I like Francesca's on Tayler and would recommend that spot for dinner over Davanti Enoteca. While waiting for a table (Davanti doesn't take reservations), I started with a cocktail. The Acai Fizz ($9) tasted along the lines of cough syrup. Skip this. Friday around 7pm the wait for a two top was less than 40 minutes, which was nice. For food, I ordered the Linguine with Sea Urchin and Crab. This was good, but while I liked this dish, for $13 I can get an equally good pasta dish from Francesca's that's twice the size. I also ordered the Pizza with Foraged Mushrooms, Braised Leeks, Taleggio, and Truffle Oil ($11). This pizza involves components with bold flavors, but somehow it tasted bland. Finally, there was the Grilled Half Chicken with Chili Paste ($14). Nothing wrong with this dish, but the roast chicken at Francesca's with white wine sauce and roasted potatoes is tastier. The service was friendly. Food arrived quickly. Bussers worked rapidly. The room feels small and cramped. The noise level verges on loud. The prices are generous, but the flavor isn't there. Head across the street to Francesca's on Taylor instead. It's better.
(2)Mara Y.
Excellent small plates. Great ambience. Will go back.
(4)Jessica Y.
I went here last night with a few friends that should be (cross your fingers) moving back to town. I knew they loved Mia Francesca's when they were Chicago residents, so when I saw the same group behind that restaurant had a new place in Little Italy, I thought it would be a great place to try. Although there is no easy public transportation to Little Italy, we got a cab from the loop for about $12. I had previously called to ask about the alcohol policy, so I asked for Patrick at the door. FYI the alcohol policy is no outside liquor but the restaurant does what it calls "retail pricing.". Apparently that means that the bottles are supposed to be priced similarly to a Binny's then you add a $7 corkage fee. There is a wall of wine bottles, reflected on a long menu. There are also wines by the glass. The food is small plates/sharing style. Some of our favorites were their take on caprese salad, the ravioli, pasta with sea urchin and crab, the potato pork belly pizza, a red sauce pasta with sausage. The risotto and beet salad were good, but not as outstanding as the others. We ordered a bottle of one of the cheapest wines and no dessert. We were stuffed! With two predinner drinks, wine, and all that food, our bill came out to $65 for two. The restaurant is not currently taking reservations so it's worth calling ahead to check the wait. Since they were featured in the redeye and having upcoming features, the wait is sure to increase!
(4)J J.
Love it here - been here several times and always have had an amazing culinary experience. One of the waiters - male who was at Purple Pig - is so great and honest. When we asked his opinion he was informative because he was inquisitive without pretension. No reservations so get there early.
(4)Jennifer S.
Between the service and the food Davanti can't be beat. I LOVE THIS PLACE! It is perfect for sharing the mouth watering small plate dishes on the menu. Great for both dinner with friends and romantic dates. ONE WORD- RAVIOLO... get there early before it sells out. Don't miss the burrata and tomato salad. It will change your life. The pate is creamy and topped onto the grilled buttered toast makes my mouth water! The guys can't get enough of the rigatoni and I completely feel the same way. You'll also love that the wine is sold at retail (plus $7 corkage fee)- Talk about a bargain with the rediculous mark ups other restaurants charge these days. Venture down to Taylor Street and give it a try. You won't be disappointed (unless you are in a hurry- they don't take reservations and the wait is always long... but well worth it!)
(5)Matt S.
Happy Birthday to me! That was the occasion for stopping at this Little Italy treasure. Even if you are up against a long wait for a table, you can belly up to the bar for a glass of vino (GREAT selection), or you can meander across the street to NAME OF BAR for a cocktail. Best part about that, is Davanti will call you when your table is ready, so no nerves about missing your opportunity. If you order wine by the bottle, try the Bramasole la Bracesca (Syrah Cortona) which was suggested to us by our server. We like a big, bold red and this was right up our alley. When it comes to the entrees, they do it small plates style, allowing for you to try a little of a lot. ... ... and sadly, your check will end up being a lot. BUT it's worth every penny, people. It's worth going for a cheese flight and I highly recommend the swordfish and the octopus. I was totally creeped out about the idea of octopus, but it ended up being my favorite part of the meal.
(5)Sara L.
I am very fortunate to live so close to this restaurant. The portions are small, but you leave pretty satisfied. I got the pork belly + apple mostarda, as well as the Riccio di Mare e Granchio. I would highly recommend this pasta if you're a fan of uni and/or if you're wanting something that is not too saucy. It was delicious.
(4)Danielle C.
Since this place doesn't accept reservations (not sure why, but that's a huge pet peeve of mine), we decided to risk it and go there for dinner on NYE. Surprisingly there was no wait at all! We sat at one of the high tables adjacent to the bar. The atmosphere was 'active/lively'...not super loud but not dead either. We ordered a cheese plate--we picked 2 cheeses (pictured) and a pizza for appetizers. The cheese was slightly disappointing--they were both 1oz/each and one of them had a little over 1/4 rind on it. They were tiny pieces for $5, but didn't expect 1/4 of it to be the rind. The pizza was good, although not as crispy as it should have been. My bf ordered the strip steak ($14) which he claimed to be average and a little fatty. I ordered the pasta(pictured) (Cacio e Pepe) which was tiny and a bit to over-peppered and over-creamed. Overall this place was decent. I definitely would come back here for wine/appetizers---but just not for ordering a main meal. Also, this place seems fun for groups. The service was friendly and helpful. I think I mainly disappointed with the portion size.
(2)Meredith O.
Amongst some topnotch competition along Taylor Street, Davanti Enoteca still makes quite an impression in my mind from the warm, inviting atmosphere to the delicious small plates they serve. There is a wide selection of breads/cheeses, pizzas and other traditional Italian dishes. The roasted beets with the walnut butter were outstanding, as was the cannoli sundae we had for dessert. Definitely a go-to in my book - only downside is they don't take reservations and there isn't much waiting room.
(5)Daniel B.
I took my father and brother to Davanti who were in from New York for Father's Day. Hearing the reviews and everyone telling me how long they'd had to wait, I planned to wait at least an hour. I walked in around 7.30pm...NO WAIT! Sweet! The ambience and feel of the place is relaxing. Heavy on the warm lighting and dark woods. Dig it. The waiter, I forget his name, unfortunately, was really helpful in explaining dishes and talking about the wine list. I don't eat dairy or meat, but I do eat fish...and everything else. So our waiter was especially helpful with me and the dishes I had were all fantastic. The bruschette, shaved hearts of palm salad, and the mushroom pizza were all delicious. There was a white bean and tuna board that was tasty as well, but may have been a special for that night. Authentic Italian small/medium shared plates, with a hint of Americana in there. Go here, you'll enjoy yourself.
(5)Palita S.
It took us forever to get seated but the staff was so friend and offered to call us while we drank down the street. I of course brought my proud Italian friend who knows her italian food. She loved it of course, but we were overloaded. We came as a group of four and just shared our small plates. We had the truffle egg bread, we had the egg on top of our pizza, and i also had (my favorite of the night) another raw egg nested in my noodles with sea urchin sauce. Definitely a cholesterol overload. I later slipped into a food coma that night, but it was all worth it. I will be returning but maybe next time I'll ease up on the eggs.
(4)Brian M.
I'm really a fan of Davanti, I have a couple of minor reservations, but my dinner there left me craving to go back as soon as possible. The fact that they charge retail prices on wine and then a corkage fee instead of marking up cheap wine by 200-300%. The decor is super cool, repurposed wine making items and door locks with keys in them, along with very vintagy furniture. We tried the burrata, which was really better then I expected, crostini's with cream stuffed mozzarella, it was such a great start to our dinner. We then tried two salads and some meat and cheeses. My complaint with the meats and cheeses is that they give you approximately 1 oz of each selection for $4-7, which means that they get about $64-102 per lb, when I'm sure they are not paying more then 15-20 per lb at the worst. I think that is just too much of a mark up for something like that. I'd be able to understand it a little better if they gave you 3oz per selection for the same price. The two salads we tried were perfect, one with Roasted corn and the other with escarole, both were dressed perfect and tasted fantastic. We'll definitely be back here and will try the polenta for sure, it looked great on the table next to us.
(4)Erin C.
Fantastic! I haven't reviewed anything in a long time, but i just had to for this place. we had the "whim" which was pork brined for 2 days, then chopped up and confit in duck fat, with fried brussel sprout leaves and truffle frites. wow! we also had one of the wood-fired pizzas with foraged mushrooms, cheese and fried leeks. amazing! great service, great atmosphere, good weekly specials. go now!
(5)Michelle S.
An amazing find on W. Taylor in Little Italy. Not only do they have a fabulous rooptop herb garden, they have a few prime tables under the Chicago stars. This polenta topped with pork shoulder is a must order. While you have the waiter at your service, be sure to throw in an order for your own mushroom truffle pizza. After long waits were common place at this gem, they finally added their name to Open Table. Reservations are now an option
(4)May H.
It wasn't bad and our server was nice but a little slow although the bus people were very efficient. We were told that the plates are "small" plates so we ordered two extra dishes to compensate. However the when dishes arrived we realized that there was too much food. The plates were small for Italian dishes but they were the perfect size entree...not too much or too little. I thought they were regular sized entrees for anywhere else in the world except in America. They wine choices and chocolate mousse was excellent.
(3)Cynthia A.
OK, Missy. It's time for your decision. Your last meal. Your last meal before lights out. It's time?? Ok, let me think. Lobster, Prime Rib, foie gras, white tuna sashimi. NO. Here it comes. Wait, wait. I want the foccacia with cheese from Davanti Enoteca. And get a lot of it. You want a lousy bread for your last meal? Come on I'll give you 3 minutes to rethink your decision. Not necessary. Fluffy, crispy, rich, creamy, hot and yummy. That's it. Now go get it!
(5)Lisa H.
Last night was my second visit to Davanti Enoteca, and I have yet to be disappointed. Since the wait for a table was up to 45 minutes, my hubby and I decided to cozy up to the bar and order a bottle of wine and our meal. The bartender recommended the Wednesday night martini special, made up a small glass and let us taste it. Not my kind of drink (strawberry, basil, balsamic vinegar something - a liquefied salad in your mouth). We ended up ordering an Argentinian bottle of red. We ordered the mascarpone polenta with pork shoulder ragu (the ragu of the day), 3 cheese plate (Robiolina fior de Bosco (my favorite), Grana Padano, and Montasio Vino Rosso), and a pizza D.O.C. Everything was VERY good and just the right amount of food for two. I recommend Davanti for a romantic meal for two or bring a group and share your food selections! The restaurant seems to clear out a bit after 9pm (on a Wednesday night).
(4)Kevin B.
Food was good what we actually received. Service was terrible , our server forgot the 3 appetizers we ordered and tried to put in the order after our main course came and we alerted her that appetizers were missing. We went on Monday May 30 and restaurant was only 20 -25 %^ full. What must it be like when it is full? Non apologetic stuck up staff. Much nicer Italian places every where else.
(1)Benjamin U.
I split 4 dishes with some friends. While waiting for our food we searched for wifi and the strongest signal was from "therapistnextdoor". So that was at least interesting... Anyways we ordered: 2 Pizzas: Terra Prosciutto e Rucola 2 pastas: Tagliatelle con Fave Uovo in Raviolo 'San Domenico' Nothing was exceptionally special and stood out as amazing. Service was nice and they had a very nice collection of wine. I will have to give it a 2nd try sometime.
(3)Dustin T.
Waiter gave me a wonderful suggestion of the focaccia di Recco. I have no idea how to spell it, much less pronounce it. I would say that I have eaten at a lot of Italian restaurants but I have never seen that dish before. So if you are seeking a place with focaccia di Recco, Davanti is the place to go!
(4)stu y.
Always great service, romantic environment, and most importantly tasty food
(4)Barri S.
I only had the mushroom pizza so I can't say too much about the food. It was good pizza but not the best. I was in Italy this summer and this was just too greasy in comparison.
(3)Andrea R.
I was NERVOUS we would be waiting FOREVER on a Saturday night..so I ran a tight ship all day to ensure we were out the door at 5pm and on our way to Davanti, arriving by 530pm. We would have sat down right away if it weren't for my husband trying to find parking. So when he returned 10 minutes later the wait went from zero to a one hour wait. The patrons just poured in right at 530pm. We luckily found seating at the bar and in reality our wait time only ended up being about 25 minutes. We sat down and enjoyed every single item we ordered. The ricotta with honeycomb, truffle egg toast, grilled romaine salad, and halibut were my most favorite. My other favorite aspect of this hotspot is drinking delicious wine at wholesale prices! A MUST GO!
(5)Kyle H.
First of all, lets talk about Taylor street. WOW, beautiful street. I hadn't been there in years and was really impressed with the area. Secondly, the food was excellent from the Truffle toast to the polenta board. But ABOVE ALL, the burger ! I love a good burger and this was up there with some of the best I have ever had. The cheese was excellent and the bacon jam rocked my world. The waiter told us they would be opening a large patio in the back this Summer and I look forward to checking it out again Al Fresco.
(4)Cali S.
This place is such a neighborhood gem, especially for a date night or a group outlet. It's a chain restaurant but the quality is definitely there. Just as most of the reviews mention, TRUFFLE EGG TOAST. I'd walk through torrential rains and possibly even the polar vortex of 2013 to get this greatness. The rest of the food is pretty darn good too. The place is a little on the hotter temperature side, possibly due to the pizza oven (just a guess) The Burrata was not what I was expecting...I thought it would be similar to a Caprese but NO it's something completely different and somewhat lacking the flavor from the other dishes I consumed. The Kale salad was a table favorite. I know it's a salad but it's a great dish and if you don't try it...I feel bad for you. The Pork Belly appit I ate the Burger...I was hesitant about what the heck Bacon Jam was and I still have no idea what it is but that burger was SOOO GOOD. It comes with tiny little fries that are somewhat impossible to eat because they're so small but the Burger gets an A++.
(4)Allan C.
Price to overall satisfaction just didn't do it for me. I probably won't be a I just think this place is more of an "on paper" sort of place where the idea is pretty awesome but in the end I just paid a lot for the name of the dish... or something. Truffle Risotto: meh Uni pasta meh: meh We had a slew of other things that were pretty unforgettable. I really liked the meatballs and polenta, though.
(2)J T.
Disclaimer: This is not a review based on the food, this is a review based on the service. This place has a good ambiance and from the looks of it should have good food as well. Unfortunately, my wife and a I didn't get to try the food. As it turns out, it was very inappropriate of us -the customers- to ask a few questions about the menu. We are so SORRY to have bored and angered our waiter, but WE DIDN'T KNOW ! As he came to our table to take our orders, not only did this man randomly drift and hover away from us to pick up empty plates and glasses from the neighboring tables WHILE we were talking to him he also answered questions abruptly while walking behind me or my wife to clean out said tables. The worst came when after a few questions he just walked away and mumbled "Oh for Gods sake..." Of course I wasn't very nice to him after hearing those words and I let him have it. He could have simply said " I'm sorry, I'm having a bad day" or just dispatch someone else to talk to us. But no.....everyone in this city has a big personality including the homeless. If you are blessed with a such rosy and friendly demeanor like this man then food service isn't a fit for you. Even if he was having a bad day it is no excuse to treat customers like this. (This server covered the afternoon shift on a Sunday 7/12/15 and fell on the heavy side of the weight spectrum).
(1)Ciera H.
This is just a place I won't come to again. My boyfriend and I had no plans for Halloween so decided dinner was the best option; decided to give this place a shot after awesome reviews. The vibe was cozy so perfect for a cold fall night so we decided start ordering: Calamari- salty, made with sausage and way to chewy. I have had grilled calamari that has nvr tasted like this. Egg truffle: big piece of French bread with 2 sunnyside up eggs. Over good but salty as well. Bruschetta: was decent I've had better Salmon: the mustard chili sauce was good salmon was about 2.75 on a scale of 5. Steak dish with mushrooms: that was actually good. Lastly, I don't appreciate still sitting at the table enjoying my glass of wine after dinner and then you clear out everything including the water that my boyfriend was drinking that just bad service. The host was friendly but the staff was just okay didn't really care for our waitress as she seemed annoyed when we asked her questions. Overall we left still hungry, the food was salty and resulted in us sending our plates back half full because we couldn't eat it or didn't like it and trust me my boyfriend always sends an empty plate back to the kitchen. For $100 there are many more places I could have gone to and had a filling in-salty meal!
(2)Vinny S.
Enjoyed the food again. It's been a few year since we've been here and we were happy to see the food great and good wine variety as well.
(4)Cassie S.
I was first here in 2011 and came back this past Monday night for dinner with a group of seven. My review has not really changed. It was, once again, a fantastic dining experience. With the size group we had, we asked our server to order for us and she did not disappoint. Every dish she brought out was delicious. We had foccacia, meatballs, pizza, steak, octopus, pastas... I don't even remember. But every single bite was incredible. We did have a reservation and, again, in was a Monday night. YMMV.
(5)Phil A.
Our waiter George made our dining experience great! He helped us pick out some great wine to go with my grilled octopus. His menu suggestions. We're perfect. My daughter's grilled chicken which was moist seasoned and cooked perfectly--best chicken we've had! Great place with a great wine list.
(5)Ann S.
One of the worst dining experiences I've had in awhile. First off it took almost 10 minutes for someone to come to our table. I had to get up and tell the host no one has been to us. At this point we were contemplating leaving. They said they were going to take care of us, to me that means some free food or drinks or something and really great service from then on. But we were basically ignored after that. We had to ask for silverware for our first course, and napkins. No one came and asked us if we needed anything else with our appetizer, and we had to flag someone down to get the silverware. Then when we had our entrees, first they didn't come at the same time. Then my ravioli was chewy. I had to flag the server down again. When I sent it back the server then came back and argued with me about it saying the chef says that's how it's supposed to be. Well then it's not very good. Also the portion sizes are tiny. At this point we were just annoyed, and when the bill came they had only taken care of one drink. With all those mistakes the manager never came over and talked to us. And just taking care of one drink for all the mistakes and crappy service. We won't be back! In addition they didn't tell us what they were putting on the table when they set it down nor was it explained that it was tapas style. (Even if, if two people order like they're doing entrees they should be brought together.) A few people mentioned the "crazy" corkage fee. In Chicago because of byob people think there shouldn't be one. But this is standard practice in restaurants. I've seen the fee as low as $7 and as high as $30 to byob. You're basically paying to not drink their wine. If a place doesn't have a liquor license is when you don't see that.
(1)Sierra G.
This was my first time to Little Italy and I will be back. Davanti Enoteca is a true gem, with unique dishes, a lively atmosphere, and warm and inviting decor. First things first, order the ricotta and honey. It comes with grilled bread and the texture of the crusty bread with the creamy ricotta and the touch of sweetness is not the be missed. Just do it. I had heard great things about this particular dish and it was a non-negotiable when I sat down. The server was friendly and went over the shared plates style and made some recommendations. When we asked for a wine recommendation, I was surprised when she raved about the chianti that was served by the glass. I appreciate when a server can be real. The wine was one of the cheaper ones on the menu, and it ended up being the perfect compliment to the meal. We went through two bottles over the course of the evening. We ordered the burrata with cherry tomatoes and basil pesto, the foccacia di Recco with soft cheese and honey (every single table in the restaurant seemed to have ordered this), the truffle toast with egg and asparagus, the ragu of the day, and the sausage rigatoni. Every dish was better than the next, so the sharing portions were perfect. The ragu had a unique presentation, with the soft polenta being spread on a wooden board and the ragu being spread over the top. It was nice to get out of the standard neighborhoods we visit for restaurants and see a different part of Chicago. Prices automatically adjust once you leave the Loop/River North/Gold Coast area, so we thought this place was a great value. I cannot wait to come back. This would be a great place to come with a group so you can get bites of everything.
(5)Sarah C.
Food was delicious!! Must get the truffle egg toast!!! Perfectly flaky with the yolk oozing in every bite. Asparagus were cooked well and added that nice crunch. We split the terra pizza with mushrooms and truffle oil- the only complaint I have about the pizza was they added flecks of salt onto it, which I think they could have done without. Also, ordered the crab linguine (can't remember the exact name of dish), but this was my favorite dish- Noodles cooked perfectly and sauce is not overpowering with little pieces of crab, which gave it the right amount of seafood taste.
(4)J K.
Had a great dinner last night. Focaccia filled with cheese...mmmm. 25% off wine special was a bonus. All served up by Helen, our superb server!
(5)Mike R.
Went here on a Friday in lent so sadly no meat for...from what I saw this would likely be a 5 if I coulda had meat. The ricotta cheese and honey rivaled one of my favorite starters ever...a similar dish at Laconda Verde in NYC. We did the cachio pepe and raviollo before tackling the mushroom pizza. All were very tasty. I try to keep these to food, but if I have any complaints it was the somewhat icy service. The guy wasn't rude, but he certainly wasn't welcoming either. It felt like we were bothering him whenever we ordered.
(4)Christopher M.
Had the bruschetta and pizza doc. That was one of the best pizzas we've ever had!!!!!
(5)Scott C.
Small plate dining is controlling our lives! Luckily for spots like Davanti Enoteca it gives an amazing opportunity to try each and every dish on the menu! I highly recommend the truffle egg toast. My only reason for not giving it 5 stars is because it is always packed and without a reservation, it is hard to eat and get to the Bulls games on time. Probably shouldn't dock them for being amazing at what they do, but I am trying to be objective here.
(4)sarah l.
Have been wanting to come here for months...finally enjoyed this restaurant last night. Loved the immediate feel of the atmosphere as I walked through the door. Great lights, the exposed brick and just the general feeling of the place was perfect! We were seated right away (5:10) on a Tuesday... and actually wound up sitting at a corner table right next to Hosea Sanders, Judy Hsu and a few other channel 7 new people! Anyways, food was very tasty and different. Standouts were the foccacia and the squash salad...yum! Would definately come back as I really enjoyed the experience here.
(5)L T.
Absolutely terrible. I've heard amazing things about this place and really wanted to throw a large bday dinner here (25 people). Unfortunately they do not take reservations but I was transferred to the general manager to see if maybe it could be done. She lets me know that it would be $90/ person because we would be taking up about 1/4 of the restaurant and it's very busy on Saturdays. She sounded very rude and made me feel like I was asking such an absurd thing to want a reservation for 25... And $90/ person, are you kidding me?!
(1)Michael L.
Run don't walk, it's that good. Went for the first time on a rainy cold Wednesday evening and they were packed which was a really good sign.Fernando at the door kept everyone happy and informed about their table. Waitstaff equally adept and knowledgeable and easily took us through the menu.Food was terrific,great selection and very clever presentation,wine list was extensive with price points for everyone.
(5)Agnes F.
i had a great time at Davanti enoteca last night everything we had tasted wonderful, we shared everything from ricotta and honey, truffled egg toast, corn and mushroom salad to risotto carbonara and the uni pasta the service was top notch (our server was very helpful) and the vibe was energetic we closed out the dinner with double espressos and gelato (chocolate/hazelnut) and sorbet (blood orange) i'll definitely come back again
(5)Danielle F.
I have been to Davanti several times and have been impressed every time! The wine is great and all of the small plates have been AMAZING! The polenta and ragu was one of the best things that I've had in a long time and the truffle egg toast is to die for. I've never had any of the desserts cause we are always so full when we are done! It is my new must go for friends visiting Chicago!
(5)Mia B.
We went to dinner on a Monday and it was busy. We took a communal table which worked out fine so we were seated immediately. I had been googleing all day looking for a restaurant in Chicago that served past and Sea Urchin. Found it and was sooooo pleased. I ate every bit of it. You have to love Sea Urchin and if you do this is an ultimate treat. We shared the pork belly, delicious and we shared the truffle egg. My daughter and i shared a bottle of chianti for $14.00 with a corking fee of $7. All and all I know i will be craving some more of the Linguini and Sea Urchin so we'll be back.
(4)Sam C.
still great! went there six months later - and food is still amazing, service amazing. definitely my favorite italian place in the city
(5)Grace H.
Possibly one of the best restaurants I have been to in Chicago ! I was blown away by the superb taste and the richness of all the little dishes. First of all, the dishes are small. And they are quite expensive but the taste is divine and the dishes are surprisingly filling. My brother and I ordered two cheeses and the prosciutto. They came in a lovely display accompanied by crackers, apple slices, and two adorable tiny jars of jam and mustard. I don't remember which cheeses we ordered but the waiter was extremely helpful in our decision. The cheeses were amazing and extremely filling. Next we ordered the linguine and spaghetti+ pecorino. They are very different from each other as the linguini was wrapped in a savory seafood fragrance and the spaghetti was creamy and smooth. Both were extraordinary. I highly recommend coming to this place. It's fancy and quaint and it will leave you full and satisfied. Definitely coming back!
(5)Mike W.
I think we got the wrong stuff, because it was good but nothing really jumped out at us. Ricotta cheese, arugula salad, and white mushroom pizza were all just ok. Rigatoni and octopus were good. I'm willing to give this another try, but we will order different items.
(3)Aarthi S.
Small portions... Good quality food.... Reasonable prices... There is a $7 corkage fee but wines are sold for retail price with no mark up. My only grievences are a very small bar/waiting area...they used a two person seating next to the bar as main seating. People were pretty upset to have that seat...really can ruin an intimate night out for a couple. Also very long wait on a Saturday night it was 1 1/2 hours... the small space made it quite uncomfortable. But overall a decent experience.
(4)Kelly L.
I loved the food here. I worked in an Italian restaurant, and I have to say, this food blows away 95% of the Italian food I've had in this city. Based on other yelpers reviews, I stayed up front so I could have a conversation with my companion, and the noise level was fine. A week later, the one dish that stays on my mind is the mushroom pizza. It was all good, but that pizza makes me want to drive down there every day of my life to get it again. Service was very nice, but they are not shy about kicking you out after closing time.
(5)Tina L.
I love me some uni pasta (check out my review for Cafe Hiro in California) and I was excited to see that they have something like that on the menu here! Try to come with a lot of people so that you can try different dishes. I would just get 3 servings of the uni pasta and eat it all by myself if I could...can't get enough of that stuff. I would have to say, though, I think I've had better Italian food before. It's a little pricy for what it's worth here.
(3)Jenn C.
Dinner here is wonderful - but brunch is just as good too and the restaurant boasts a giant bloody mary bar complete with about 25 kinds of hot sauce, pickled items, meats and cheeses. The focaccia with cheese and honey is to die for - an absolute must-order. Other brunch faves include the pork belly hash, polenta cakes with goat cheese and eggs and the paccheri with sausage. Go with people who like to share their food. This location can get pretty crowded but I've never had a problem getting into the one in River North.
(4)Junchen F.
great value for the buck. The warm kale is incredible, so is the crab pasta. The pizza is very different from everyone else. An interesting experience indeed.
(4)Hsing P.
I remember coming here last year during a quick visit to Chicago, and ever since then, I have been dreaming of this place. When I finally made it back, it was as great as before. The polenta with the house marina sauce with meatballs was great. The sea urchin pasta was amazing. Pizza was a little disappointing, but that's okay. Wine selection was good. Despite having a reservation at 9:30, had to wait 20 minutes for our table, but let's just say it was well worth it. Definitely one of the best Italian restaurants in the States.
(5)Emily Y.
You MUST ask for Katherine. She was FABULOUS. Completely as wonderful and cute a server as you'd ever dream of wanting. Filled with recommendations (tried and true), she made our experience even better than it would have been, given the DELICIOUSNESS of the food here! You must try: ricotta + local honey comb smoked cannellini beans + balsamic with cipolline onion roasted cauliflower steak + Sicilian olive tapenade + marinated lemon jam cacio e pepe (BEST EVER!!!!!) bread pudding. Yum, yum and more yum.
(5)Glen W.
Best small plates Italian we've had in Chicago. One of our favorite restaurants in Chicago. Don't miss the Cacio e Pepe.
(4)Kris R.
short and sweet (since it's been reviewed plenty of times) - probably one of my absolute favorite restaurants in the city. -go early, no matter what day -always get the egg/toast thing -eat all of that mustardy sweet stuff that comes w the pork belly -always order the polenta!!!!!
(5)J Q.
This place is it! And it doesn't take reservations.
(5)Alphonso M.
I really, really wanted to love this place. Mind you, (I have waited several months now before I reviewed our experiences, waiting on a proper response from this group, whom I message directly). To date I have yet to hear back from them with any response. My gf had previously eaten, and raved about this place. She went with some of our very trusted foodie girlfriends, who both have special dietary needs. So I trust these three ladies word as gold. This was another one of those occasions, where we built the night up as one of those special occasions, that we every-so-often NEED! We speculate that with all the buzz about the place, we thought we planned accordingly, arriving about 5 p.m., On this random springish Saturday. I let the lady out at the door, and before I'd parked, she was at the car expressing concern about getting seated. Stating that in addition to receiving snippy elitist attitude from the young hostess, she had been told we could either be sat immediately, on their rooftop patio. Which we totally don't mind dining alfresco - but it had already rained that day, and so, with an already crowded room. I just didn't want to risk it. Besides that, this was our special night. I wanted a proper sit-down meal with my special girl. So when we are told about the two-hour wait, We don't care, Beviamo, just across the street used to be a great place back in the day to grab A glass of wine. We were just happy to spend quality time together. We laughed, and caught up, and talked about our weeks. Before we knew it, they were calling my cell. A little more than an hour or so later. We promptly closed out, and happily skipped across the street. When we were sat at a near front door high-top, we didn't blink. Its cool, they are extremely busy, lets enjoy this fabulous meal you've been raving about, I said. 'Hun, you can recreate that magical night /meal you had with the girls. Or you can make new memories and order whatever you like.' So begins the experience, I tell her, please YOU order our meal, and she loves it. She ordered wine by the glass, and I tap-water. We go back-and forth about where to begin, ultimately starting our experience with grilled octopus. Which anyone who knows me, knows. This is the meal I want at my death bed. My dying wish would be a kiss from the girl, and grilled octopus fresh from the ocean. NOW here is where things get hairy for us. No, literally. We order one or two other dishes, I order a really nice Leffe blond, then we order the house specialty: polenta and short rib dish. (I am excited because grits are my favorite winter breakfast dish. I eat them everyday come wintertime.) Plus, I had never even heard of, or eaten such a dish. The dish came out, the server explained the process, smashed everything around and said Walla! The gf served me, then she served herself. I was about to dig in, when I notice a long, dark and course strand of black hair. My mate knows me, as I know her. I can see her happiness that an instant before shone in her eyes, now clearly sinks away. So for me, when the server ask how is everything, what I wanted to say was, everything was fine. But what I actually did, was point to the hair. The gf lowers her head in embarrassment, and pretends to be fine. I know her, so just then, a manager comes over and apologizes. Which is standard practice and whisked the dish away, then really DID nothing. I WAS SHOCKED? That's cool. I guess. My concern at this point is in seriously trying to get the luster back into our conversation while we wait. Not about proper management etiquette. So just when the tension was easing up, another glass of wine ordered. Our new plate comes out. This time, I am excited and after the waiter goes through his spiel, I decide to serve us. Of course I serve my date first, then myself. Unbelievable, another long dark, course thick and black hair, in my serving. Really? Can this really be happening? How is this possible! Out of all the diners in this place, and all of the positive reviews! So when that same gentleman manager approaches and ask how are things. I point, to the culprit. My gf's face is stricken with horror. She is very, extremely nonconfrontational. I do not cause a scene. I simply point it out, and let him know there is another hair in MY food. I look at her face again, pull the hair out of my food. I say, hey 'this isn't an issue, and I begin eating the dish.' In this crowded restaurant, I felt as though, I was being blamed for there being nasty ass hair in a dish that I ordered at this public restaurant. We could hear through the open kitchen, as the staff says, 'well she has long hair.' Her hair was in a ponytail. I give the manager my hospitality credentials and even point out a security camera, if he feels there was any hanky panky going on. I almost lost my guts because i ate hair food. They took that dish off our bill. We paid our tab, tipped 20%. I never felt more humiliated in front of my DATE!
(1)Judy W.
Being a simple-food phobe, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Davanti. I ordered alot of food for my review, so here is my feature: thehungrylearner.com/sim… . I also interviewed the executive chef of the restaurant--super Southern and incredibly nice.
(4)Adam M.
Good, not great. My girlfriend and I dined last night at Davanti for the first time, based a friend's recommendation and Yelp's. I'm pleased to say that the atmosphere / vibe of this place is wonderful, and our server was attentive and pleasant. I just thought the food didn't live up to the high expectations. My friend told me that I absolutely had to order the seared octopus... unfortunately upon taking our orders, the waitress informed me that they were all out, "because it is so delicious." Damn, it sucked that they were out of octopus, but don't twist the knife by immediately following the bad news with telling me how delicious it is!! The ricotta & honeycomb appetizer was great - no doubt order it if you're there. It's creamy, sweet, cheese-y, honey, delicious. Definitely the highlight of the meal. Unfortunately it was the first thing to come out! The olives were tasty and warm - perfectly fine for what they were. We also ordered the Focaccia di Recco based on the waitress's recommendation - and I was highly disappointed. My date really enjoyed it; I thought it was a glorified crab rangoon (minus the crab) and tasted just like a toasted plain bagel & cream cheese. The menu states it has "fresh soft cow cheese." What does that mean, exactly? Isn't 90+% of cheese cow cheese? It tasted like Philly cream cheese to me. This dish is worth $8. Not $15. The pizzas are between $9-$12, and this thing is $15?! Change the price please. Anyway, our final dishes were the crispy pork belly and the stewed calamari. The latter was fine, I just didn't love the flavors... however the pork belly was definitely more than crispy. I felt it was overcooked by a significant margin, leaving it dry and flavorless; they did give an 'apple mostarda' to spread on the pork, however it was too thick to spread evenly. Most of it stayed in the bowl. (Interjection: hat's up with the wine prices? They say they're "retail wine pricing," but as a previous reviewer stated, who is going into Davanti and paying $88 for a bottle of Veuve? Something's definitely off about that ... and then an additional corkage fee of $7 per bottle??) So there you have it - great atmosphere, great service, prices were decent, but not as cheap as some may imply (our bill was $106 for 2 after tip & tax, we each had 2 drinks). And the food is kind of hit or miss. There are probably some stars on the menu, however with many items, it's hard to guess which will be good and which won't. I probably wouldn't dine here again.
(3)Shaun S.
I can only say I'm so jealous of my dining partners. We dropped into Davanti Enoteca before the U2 Concert this week. However, my dining choices were limited as I've been on an exclusion diet that doesn't allow alcohol, I'm pretty much limited to fresh fruits and veggies as well as beef, chicken, fish and turkey...no pork, no pasta, no dairy, and no vinegar, so that limits my choices. The upside, I'm down 6lbs in 7 days! Oh, wait the review. Most of the dishes are served small plate style from the pizzas, the steak, olives, asparagus, roasted tomatoes, brisket ragu, yet alone the stuff we didn't order from the cured meat and cheese dishes, I was in a depressed state until my steak and the asparagus came and I think I ate all of the olives that are served in a warmed olive oil, everything was great. Good service, if you're into the Wine, they have a great selection of wine too and even sell it by the bottle to go. So if you like small plates, cozy atmosphere, good service and great food, drop on by!
(5)Michael P.
Perhaps the best restaurant experience I've had so far. Came across this place on Yelp (thanks!), and we went there on Sunday. We arrived around 8:15, and had a 45 minute wait. Immediately after being seated, the chef brought us a plate of the roasted palm hearts on the house. It was a trial by fire for me as a picky eater, but my first experience with this particular vegetable left me impressed. The bite-sized pieces were very tender and the lemon and chervil shone through without taking anything away from the natural flavor of the palm. It was a great start to the evening. We next had the truffle egg toast, which I expected to be a little breakfast-y, but was amazing. The thick, just-chewy-enough toast was texturally perfect against the creaminess of the egg. We followed that with the cheese and meat platter, and chose the grana padano first. At the recommendation of the waiter, we paired that with the robiola, and added the soppressata calabrese. I don't normally eat cheese and skipped the padano, but the robiola was mild and creamy, and worked well on the raisin bread that came with. The soppressata was delicious, but unexceptional as far as cured meats go. You absolutely MUST order the crispy pork belly. I'm a dedicated carnivore, but I confess I've never had pork belly. What have I been missing!? The large strip of belly was nearly an inch thick, and deliciously crispy on the edges. I expected the softer inside of the cut to fall apart in my mouth, but it was just firm enough for a satisfying chew. The peach mostarda was an ideal compliment, sweet with just a touch of tang, but that sweetness can overwhelm the pork if you go too heavy. Next came the vasi, and we went with ricotta and honeycomb. The presentation was adorable, with the ricotta in a small mason jar and the honeycomb served separately on a piece of thick paper. This could nearly have been a dessert, but fit nicely between the salty pork and the pasta. There was quite a bit of ricotta, and we had only eaten about half before the grilled toast that came with was gone. I'm sure we could have asked for more, but it was already after 10, and we wanted to try pasta before we left. I should say that there was no pressure on us by the wait staff or anyone else to wrap it up after the place closed. Our waiter was courteous and quick, and everything we ordered was correct. As he was leaving, the chef actually told the kitchen to send us a dessert after our pasta, so the service was as good as I've ever had. We started or pasta experience with the uovo in raviolo 'San Domenico,' a single, large raviolo topped with browned butter. It was perfectly cooked, tender, creamy, wonderful. The cacio e pepe was buttery and had just enough pecorino. Honestly, it was the least exciting thing we'd eaten all evening, but considering the other options, that's certainly not a weakness. Unfortunately, by that point, we didn't have room to take advantage of the chef's generosity with dessert. Nor did we sample any of the numerous wines on offer. I'll definitely go back to correct both of those things. I may have found a new favorite place; here's hoping that the wait times don't skyrocket.
(5)T T.
This is my new lunchtime restaurant! I work near Davanti Enoteca and gave it a shot today. Overall, the food and service were excellent. The restaurant has some quirks, which seem to work to their advantage. I was greeted by a warm, attentive host who seated me at a window with a view of Taylor St. I was dining alone and appreciated being apart from the power-lunch types, free to gaze out the window and read my New Yorker in peace. The host immediately presented me with menus and took my drink order. THIS IS SO IMPORTANT WHEN YOU ARE OUT TO LUNCH ON A WEEKDAY. One star for DV. I reviewed the meu and was impressed by the range of small plates of cheeses, sausages, and all things bready. As well, they have a good variety of salads, meat, fish, and pasta dishes. Two stars for DV. I opted for the romaine salad (with ricotta and Parmesan cheeses and anchovies), the stuffed sardine (with fennel and pine nuts), and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc (Sarbolo). The salad presentation was suspicious: one spear of romaine slightly charred with a mystery creamy dressing & Parmesan, two slender croutons, one roasted tomato with a dollop of ricotta, topped with two fresh anchovies. Could this be good? It was delicious, and true to a salad: you can pick out the ingredients and enjoy them individually--the antithesis of a mixed salad where everything is combined and usually rendered banal. Three stars for DV. Next, I was served the stuffed sardine, which was also curious: a single stack of breaded sardine, filled with fennel and pine nuts. It was exquisite. Not too breaded, full-flavored, and moist (with a hint of lemon flavor), making this my kind of comfort food. Four stars for DV. As soon as I finished my fish, the host whisked it away (impeccable timing), and I ordered a macchiato. They serve Essse espresso, which was yummy and rich (expensive at $4 but so worth it). Best way to end the meal. Five stars for DV. Yes, this place is pricey, but it's quality food, which makes the meal so satisfying. You'll be dreaming of what you ate the rest of the afternoon. A few quirks: The wine is a bit of a paradox. For example, the Sauvignon Blanc had the look and aroma of a Chardonnay--but, it wasn't! Had that Sauvy Blanc bite. Also, the music was a strange mix of lounge/dance/post-rock. Not the type of music for dining, but oddly enough it made me feel like it wasn't a weekday, maybe the best thing that could happen to a working drone. I'll definitely be back soon (and next time order dessert). wOOt!
(5)massimo f.
Disappointed from the food expirience in chicago after testing the famous dip dish pizza ( uno) and some other places, my last day i took an hour and 1/2 walk form down town to little Italy. I was hoping to find somenthing you know ,kind of special there, while building a good appetite after a late breakfast. Well! davanti made my entire trip! i would have walked another 10 miles to get there....problem is! Los angeles is over a thousand miles away now that i am back here....but i will think about it! Best Italian food since i left my country...Italy ( florence). I will be back !!! either walking or flying in :) Buon appetito!
(5)Andrew B.
Outstanding. Expect to wait. Expect the wait to be worth it. Really hard to go wrong but we love the foccacia with soft cheese, the spaghetti with black pepper and pecorino (sounds boring, but by god, it ain't), the giant rigatoni with sausage, and the single massive ravioli you cut open to reveal a deliciously gooey egg, ricotta and spinach mess.
(5)Marcia M.
If Old World Italian + Modern Italian Flair were to procreate and have a gurgling little baby 9 months later.....you would name the little rascal Davanti Enoteca. Chicago's "Little Italy" has a plucky new kid in town. I adore the laid back environment that has a " La Familia" aesthetic but still rebels with an open kitchen that is not the "norm" for a good ol' Italian neighborhood restaurant. The layout reminds you of a family member's kitchen with beautiful decorative accent pieces throughout. Although this brand new dining establishment is in it's infant stages, you can already sense a bright future. I don't even think the paint has dried from the walls! The staff dotes with frequent affirmations and service. I personally love the little touch with the staff's uniform that includes a classic (yet relaxed) baseball tee. It just adds to the ambiance of effortless style and execution. You sincerely get the impression that everything is very thoughtful and chosen with a love for the Chicago community. Our table started off with flavorful Roasted Beets ($6). This appetizer included the flavors of walnut butter and candied walnuts. I am already craving another portion or two of these as we speak.... This is a MUST HAVE! I followed up with the Shaved Fresh Hearts Of Palm Salad ($8) that included chili aioli, spinach, and lemon. It was a satisfying salad that boasted and unexpected burst of flavor. Lastly, the Cacio e Pepe ($7) was an inspiring entree because it elegantly executed a simple recipe of linguine noodles, pecorino, and black pepper. The serving size was also perfect while the flavor was robust and comforting at the same time. We all guzzled a bottle of wine between our trio and were shocked and pleased by the $18 price tag for a delicious bottle of Pinot Noir. Due to the "bottles on the go" concept here...all you pay is a $7 corkage fee along with the rock bottom prices for your favorite vinos here. Does it get any better? Possibly. I suppose that I will just have to order dessert next time.
(5)Maital S.
Been here twice now. Once this week and once last year. Great food. Great ambiance. Great wine. The riccotta honey spread was amazing! You must get this. The bruchetta with tuna was surprisingly yummy. The butternut squash farro salad was delicious. The truffled egg toast was good but did not meet the hype. The cauliflour steak was good. I did not like the artichoke salad- too bitter. My husband and friend seemed to enjoy the burger. And they take reservations too! I will be back :)
(5)Jeanne F.
Fab place to go with a group to try a variety of the tapas. Warm inviting enviroment and our server was fantastic. We had reservations for 5:30 on a Sunday and the place was packed by the time we left. There were 6 in our group and we tried 8 tapas and 3 deserts, ALL were fantastic. If I had to pick the standouts, they would be the ricotta & honeycomb, seared octopus, mushroom risotto, pasta with pork cheeks and the special ragu for the day. Yum!!
(5)Olive G.
Orvieto + Polpo con rafano = I am in Italy again. Very good food! One of my favorite places in Chicago for Italian food.
(5)Deborah E.
My mother once said to me, "you never 'like' anything. You either love something or hate it." And I dare say I have not loved a restaurant to this extent in quite some time. I fully admit - I was skeptical at all the raving reviews especially when my lovely fellow Yelper Aurore said she once went to Davanti Enoteca thrice in one week. No way. WAY. I don't even know where to begin - it's that good. Ricotta and Honey comb served in mini mason jars with Tuscan toast. Whoever thought of this is pure genius. Oos and ahs. Crispy pork belly + apple mostarda. To die for. Small 2 piece portion, I could have had 10. I must say - I had no idea what "mostarda" was but god, I love a new unexpected taste sensation. (Note: an Italian condiment made of candied fruit and a mustard flavored syrup.) Cavoletti: brussel sprouts + pancetta. Just mouth-watering! More, pls. Pasta: Riccio di Mare e Granchio = linguine w/sea urchin & crab. Glorious. Don't be put off by the prospect of the sea urchin. It emulsifies and you can barely see it let alone taste it. Interesting. Pizza della Fattoria: farmed egg + pork belly + potato + scallions + asiago + bechamel. Okay - full disclosure. My dining companion, Space Cupcake, and I did not even touch this gorgeous thing. It went straight from oven to take-out box to my home, to my beloved who loved it. Why? Because our fabulous server brought us THIS delectable number (for free - kitchen mistake): the Davanti Burger - their "special blend" beef burger + bacon jam + roasted tomato +cheese curd + arugula + roasted garlic mayo + shoestring fries. A.MA.ZING. My passion is baked goods and for Deborah E to leave a restaurant so full, so happy, so sated w/o even thinking about looking at a Dessert Menu is simply unheard of. Our server Eric had a great personality was highly knowledgeable about all the dishes (hey, didn't you wait on us at the Purple Pig?). From the hosts to the backup help who constantly filled our water glasses to the managers, everyone was so warm and friendly. Yep, it was one big Love Fest. Group Hug, Davanti Enoteca, you have me hook, line and sinker. For-evs.
(5)Barb N.
Delicious food and great atmosphere. Reasonable prices and knowledgeable, friendly service. Had a Saturday night dinner. Enjoyed: Truffle Egg Toast Roasted Beets Special (24 hour risotto with veal stock) Cacio e Pepe Pizza with Sausage and Broccolini Pumpkin Gelato Torta Bacio 2007SantaLuciaCasteldelMonte(UvadiTroia),Puglia
(5)Melany K.
No line on Friday night - good start with friendly hostess and server. Food was just ok - there were 15-20 minutes between each "course" even though it's tapas. The ragu was 15 minutes too overcooked - worst dish of the night. Service dwindled quite a bit - I was looking at my watch and she asked "do you guys have somewhere to be or something?" well no I just dont know why it takes 20 minutes between 2 appetizers. She didn't even offer us a dessert menu. We also ordered drinks - we were never offered a refill. 2 stars for ok food and prompt water refills. I would never eat here again and have no idea why it has such high ratings. The service was a disgrace.
(2)Sarah Z.
A place that offers good wine and even better pizza.... what more can a girl ask for? I came here on a Saturday night, and it was the perfect setting. The ambiance was lively and rich, the service was stellar, and I was impressed by the food offerings. I especially loved the cheese and salumi pairings. I would come back here with friends, family or on a date.
(4)Ashley K.
Went here last night with my husband and his family for his birthday. We somehow lucked out and were able to be seated without a wait. The charming host told us we could pick wherever we wanted to sit and we opted for the upstairs "patio." How cute is it up there?! They have heat lamps (it's enclosed) and twinkling lights - I loved the ambiance and it was much easier to talk to each other than it would have been in the noisy dining room downstairs. If the patio is available, I highly suggested sitting up there. I thought the food was outstanding. We started with the foccacia and the tomato, burrata and pesto "salad." The foccacia was amazing and tasted very similar to that at Avec, though I must say I missed the truffle oil on this one (but then again, when do you not miss truffle oil). Even sans truffle oil, it was a knockout dish. The "salad" wasn't really a salad as much as it was deliciousness to put on buttery, crispy bread. Regardless of what they want to call it, it was probably the best iteration of a caprese salad that I've ever had. The cherry tomatoes were lightly roasted, giving them a slightly smoky flavor. The burrata was creamy and delicious. The pesto drizzled on top was also outstanding. I had the mushroom, leek, taleggio, and truffle oil pizza. What a winner. Our server said that if the ingredients of a particular dish were speaking to you, to go with it because there's pretty much nothing else in the dish other than what's listed. I'm so glad I chose this pizza because all of the components were screaming my name. The mushrooms were hearty and earthy, the leeks were caramelized to a slight sweetness and the mild taleggio rounded it all out. The drizzle of truffle oil over the top was just the piece de resistance. I didn't try any of the other dishes but the swordfish, risotto, and ravioli all got high marks. We ended with two desserts: the butterscotch pudding and the torta bacio. Again, both were outstanding. If you think you don't like butterscotch, try this one before you make up your mind. The torta bacio was equally as good. Whoever thought to combine chocolate and hazelnuts is alright in my book. All in all, a great night at a great place. Looking forward to returning!
(5)Matt M.
Raved about by my friend's boss (the dining editor of Chicago Magazine), our most recent adventure had to be here. The experience at Davanti started with our garrulous waiter and continued with the great decor. Tasteful amounts of wood paneling, an open yet comfortable dining room, and their wines by the glass and beer menu on a gigantic bottle from table to table all added to the character of the establishment. The aforementioned boss raved about the Cow's Milk Foccaccia, and we were glad we did. Our second course was the Pizza Della Terra, a masterpiece of mushrooms, leeks, and truffle oil on a perfected crisped crust lightly coated in taleggio. I had pegged it as my had-to-have dish before showing up, and our waiter recommending it sealed the deal. We finished with the crispy pork belly with peach mostarda, and the sweet mostarda set off the cured and quickly fried pork belly perfectly. Each was a symphony of flavors and textures, in sync for an impeccable experience. For dessert we had a few scoops of rather average gelato (Italian vanilla and raspberry) and a torta bacio - a chocolate-hazelnut mousse atop a crunchy base. The torta bacio was worthy of my previous praise, and one of the best desserts I have had for a long time. Undoubtedly a place I will return to soon, and one I shall not soon forget.
(5)Shelly A.
I want to be really careful in writing this review, as I kind of have mixed feelings about this place. A group of us came here to celebrate a birthday, and I was the one who actually picked the restaurant...so naturally, I was hoping it'd be really great. Overall, we had a great time with little to no complaints. Great food, great atmosphere, with great friends....sounds...well, GREAT, right? So let me get to some of the details: The food is fairly priced for both the quantity and quality. So of course, that's appreciated. The only thing we ordered that was kind of a "miss" was the bruschetta - we weren't expecting it to be made with seafood. The pizzas were especially great. The ambiance is fantastic. A really unique dining experience. Our group sat on a high wooden table and it was definitely something totally different. The place was lit up for the holidays and the atmosphere overall is just a great balance of fun, yet...mature. Now my main gripe about this place is the service. Days in advance, I called to make reservations, and was told that they didn't accept them. So I told them that I was planning a birthday and asked what I could do to assure a smooth-sailing evening. They told me to call a few hours in advance so that they could set up our table and arrange for our arrival. So I did. I talked to them several hours in advance, with the expectation that everything would run relatively smoothly once we got there. Instead, the reality of it was that our dinner was delayed by TWO hours once we arrived. Once we put our name down, we spent about 1.5 hours at the wine bar across the street. Then when we got a call saying our table was ready, we waited about another 30-45 minutes. Is it just me, or when someone tells you your table is ready...do you actually expect it to be ready?! Why would you call us when we'd still have to stand around in the crowded restaurant for over half an hour? So all in all, we ended up getting seated about 2 hours later than we wanted. While we did not let that ruin our evening in the least bit, it is ridiculous for a restaurant to think that's acceptable. I understand if you do not want to be a reservations type of restaurant, but having groups of 10 people waiting around near the hostess stand is not pleasant for anyone. If I come back, it'll definitely be on a weekday when it'll be much more of a low-key evening.
(3)Abby W.
Amazing food. Dont leave without getting the honeycomb ricotta jar and the buratta cheese and tomato salad. Great food. Reasonably priced wine list. Cozy date spot. Love it.
(5)Nina A.
I threw a party for 10 for my boyfriends birthday, it was a fixed dinner for 10 including alcohol. A gift certificate we purchased at an charity. The food was amazing and just kept coming. It gave us the opportunity to try a lot on the menu. Some unusual flavors, not typical and delicious. Service was also just as wonderful. Low key too! Not often you find such quality in a low key place. I highly recommend this gem.
(5)Matt T.
I swear I wrote a review of this place a while but a I can't find it. It was much wittier than this one will be since I don't want to take much time to write this. So, this place is cool. Nice space, it's hip and crowded all the time. But, I'm not sure why cuz the food is mediocre to good. First off, the whole "retail wine shop" thing they have were you pay the wholesale price and then a $7 corkage fee so you supposedly pay less for a bottle and the restaurant only makes a small profit seems a bit confusing a maybe a bit misleading but have them explain it and do some price comparison. I guess you can come in and just buy a bottle too, or when you dine, go to the back room that has table and try and not bother anyone and pick out a bottle from the ornate wall rack. After a bit of a wait we finally sat down and ordered things we heard about. We had to get the truffle egg toast cuz we had it in New York and it was redonkulous. Here? Not so much. A bit bland and the toast a bit bready and not eggy and truffly like we expected. Not worth the price. The honey ricotta dish was amazing, I'll give them that. Honeycomb on the side with a really really good homemade ricotta that comes in a mason jar with nice toasted bread. Yum, this was the best part of the meal. We had some prosciutto as well as a side and it was fine but not enough for $8 and I've had better. We then ordered the spaghetti which was pretty nice and a decent enough small-plate version (I'm so sick of everything being small plates now, you end up paying more for food and getting less, but I guess you get to try more, I digress). The sgetti was creamy with peppercorns and some cheese. I liked but did not love. We skipped the pizza and went for the burger as our last dish. Bad choice. My fiancee really liked it and it didn't lack for flavor but the burger was beyond greasy. The bottom bun was soaked beyond soaked in grease. There was plenty of nice taste but it was almost overpowering. The bun was slathered in some greasy tart chesse and bacon fig jam. I'm not sure if it was the combo of all this or what but I felt like I had a film of grease on me after finishing the burger. Oh, and it was accompanied by some ok-whatever fries. We were stuffed so we skipped desert (desert menu was seen there done that). The wine we had was good (big selection from moderately-priced to expensive) and I had a standard moretti beer. and we bounced with a somewhat pricey bill for what we got but not terrible. Oh, and the service was good. That does count.
(3)julie w.
AMAZING food & wonderful, attentive service at Davanti Enoteca tonight. We followed the reviews on Yelp and we ordered : 1) Honey & Ricotta (very good!) 2) Pork Belly toast (good but not something we would order again since we're not meat lovers) 3) Ragu of the day (polenta and pork stew meat) 4) Truffle Egg Toast (amazing) 5) Carrot cake for dessert (very sweet) My top two favorites were the honey & ricotta and the truffle egg toast since they were very original combinations. We will definitely be going back to Davanti Enoteca to try more dishes. The plates were advertised as small portions but I thought that the serving sizes were larger than a tapas portion. The only drawback to the experience was a misunderstanding of corkage fee listed on the restaurant website. We thought the restaurant was a BYOB that charges a $7 dollar corkage fee during the week, and no fee on Sunday. Not true. Corkage fee applies to opening up a bottle that you pay for at the restaurant's wine store.
(4)Rick C.
This is probably closer to a 4.5 star review. I'm sitting here having the risotto carbonara leftovers for breakfast right now and just turned to my wife and told her, "I really enjoyed our dinner last night." I couldn't discuss it last night on the way home because I was in food coma bliss. We had about a half hour wait, but we were able to cozy up to the bar and have a quartino of wine and a stella. No complaints there. We started off with the Crispy pork belly and apple mostarda. Great way to start the meal, crisp yet fatty and tender. Not sure if you even needed to add the mostarda. At this point I realized I was in for some good eating and started looking forward to our other four plates...yeah, I know, we ordered too much, but it's winter, we were drinking and I was hungry.. Next came the marscapone polenta with pork shoulder ragu. Not bad. I enjoyed the ragu, but felt the polenta was a tad bland. Probably wouldn't order it again, but not unhappy that we tried it. Linguine with crab and sea urchin. Let me start by saying, I'm not a big uni fan at sushi restaurants. That's the only time I've had sea urchin, so I was skeptical. It was freaking awesome. Linguine was cooked al dente, the crab was plentiful and cooked just right. The crab wasn't overcooked and actually tasted like crab, which is often not the case in pasta dishes. The sea urchin was intermixed with the pasta and added some really nice flavor. My favorite dish of the night, probably of the month. At this point, I'm stuffed and regretting ordering so much, but the waiters paced out the dishes so we had time to digest and relax as they came out one by one. Next up was the risotto. It looked awesome as it came out with that lovely egg yolk sitting in the middle. It was good, not great. That being said, I'm having it again right now and digging it. I think it's better the next day. Last up was the octopus. Two large tentacles seared nicely over a potato salad. The octopus was good. Tasty. The potato salad was interesting. It had potato, almonds, something I couldn't place, daikon? apple? and then some pieces of salami maybe. I liked it. All in all, a great experience. The service was great from the hosts to the servers. Definitely coming back to try some pizza and for the linguine.
(4)Erin O.
This place is great! The idea is to order a number of small plates/dishes to be shared throughout the meal. We ordered the ricotta and honeycomb dish, focaccia with soft cheese, egg truffle toast and risotto carbonara (which we asked for over linguine instead and they delivered!). Everything we tried, we loved. This place is great and definitely worth a try!
(4)Oscar W.
Was a 1.5 hour wait for the four of us, at 630 on a Saturday nite, so definitely expect the wait. There is a wine bar across the street, so can always wait there before. The restaurant will call your cell once you can be seated. Definitely an inviting space, good for 4-5 friends. Energy in the room was awesome and non pretentious. Food was decent, but not beyond ordinary. Loved the prosciutto & arugula pizza, the melted mozzarella cheese. No seared octopus, bummer. Could have used warmer service as well. The waitress was really just okay. Worth the first time wait, but not sure if I'll go back.
(3)Suzy C.
Let me start by saying, I do not normally go out to Italian restaurants. I can bowl pasta and pour some sauce on it without paying 50 bucks. Davanti is not your typical americanized italian restaurant. It's not only the ONE Italian restaurant I have gone back to multiple times, it's one of the few restaurants I think about on almost a weekly basis.. it is that good. Not everything is a hit so order wisely and skip the brussel sprouts. Other than that: 1. Risotto - is it the best risotto in the world? I don't know cause I've never had risotto that even bordered on good.. this one, it bordered on, pretty good, and that's saying a lot. 2. The seafood pasta - what?? Can we order one plate per person cause it is damn good and I don't want to share!! So freakin' good.. who knew pasta could be so worth eating out for! 3. The burger.. oh the burger.. okay, i don't eat a lot of meat these days due to health but if there's ever a meal I would make an exception for and stuff myself with red meat, it's their house burger. I forget what it's called, but it's a burger topped with bacon jam (yes, bacon jam. read it, weep, and weep some more, it's as good as it sounds) and deep fried cheese curds. What? Come again? This burger has people fighting at the table.. it's tapas styled food but this place makes you want to eat it all by yourself. 4. Egg toast... oh jeez.. can't even describe the deliciousness... do not skip out on this one, order it!! Okay, each time we go, at least 10 dishes are ordered, so I have no idea why I am blanking, but at the end of the day, all I really want to say is, Davanti rocks. Try it!!! They do not take reservations and the wait is long, so go early if possible!
(5)Jennifer C.
My hubby and I went in on Saturday night to celebrate a late Valentine's Day. We actually got a pretty great table for the 2 of us and our baby daughter in the back corner (we were out of the way). I do think this restaurant's food is more authentic than most of the Chicago Italian scene but it was still just ok. The best thing by far was the vase with honey and ricotta, this really was delicious. We also had the mushroom pizza which was not great, the mushrooms were rather overwhelming and the other flavors didn't really hold up to that. We had the giant rigatoni with sausage which was not at all what I expected and it only had like 1.5 Tbsp of Sausage. Lastly, we had the carrot cake for dessert which again was ok, but not memorable. Our server was ok, she should have perhaps checked in on us a little more but she was adequate. Overall, I don't know if I'll be back, there are so many great places in Chicago to eat.
(3)c d.
Food...Great! Atmosphere..Great! Service..Needs to be more attentive unless you do not mind bus boys doing everything. Music...80's prom music needs to go..felt like cougars trying to relive happier times.
(4)Ka T.
Where do i start.....The atmosphere of this bar was one to remember, from the long bar to the cozy dining area surrounded by a gigantic wine selection for your choosing and can be purchase like any other wine store and only costs 7 dollars for a corking fee. The staff was very accommodating including the owner and management staff. Got along so well with them, they sent over some free deserts. The food itself was awesome, myself and a friend order a number of different Italian dishes and we were more and more impressed with every bite. I saw a number of daily specials so you may want to call again. I would recommend this place to anyone in Chicago.
(5)Mike L.
I've been hearing about this place for months and decided to go ahead and have dinner here at 8pm on a Wednesday night. Upon arrival we were told to wait 30 minutes for a party of 2. Half an hour on a late Wednesday night?? I'm glad I waited. Time flew by as we killed time at the Starbucks just down the street and before we knew it, I was looking at the extensive, almost overwhelming menu and drink list. Since I had to be at work at 6am, we opted to stick with the unique looking pitcher of water on the table and focused on the solids. First up was the pork belly. I don't know how soft and juicy pork belly usually is, but this was a hot-off-the-oven-melt-in-your-mouth nrvana-inducing experience! I wish it had come last because it was the best thing I had that night. Next came the truffle egg toast, which we felt obliged to try from the previous reviews. Also a W, although I was expecting a richer taste and the yolk seemed to win against the truffle oil. We ended with the sea urchin linguine and grilled half chicken. The linguine was very good, a strong texture to the pasta and fresh taste from the seafood. From what I could taste, it was tossed with a light oil, which was great b/c a thick sauce would not have meshed with everything else I was having. The chicken was well-cooked, but forgettable compared to the other dishes. Decided to opt for the yogurt dessert, which brought the meal to a nice, light but tasty evening. Overall a great experience, really recommend for a nice dinner for two or small group of friends. Wouldn't really recommened for a 1st date or important convo, as the ambiance was dark and the small size of the restaurant made everyone's conversation carry. But the food, come for the food. Even if it is always a 30 minute wait.
(4)Lindsay T.
Simply delightful. The food was delicious, the wine was affordable, the service was attentive, and overall, the value cannot be beat. Went with a party of 4 on a Saturday night at 6:30. You have to be willing to wait if you go for dinner (we were quoted a wait of 90 minutes to 2 hours and were seated in an 2 hours and 15 minutes), but the long wait is well worth it. Our server was friendly and attentive, as well the 2-3 other servers/bussers who helped our table. The honeycomb and ricotta with toast was perfect - creamy but surprisingly light and sweet. The mascarpone polenta with ragu of the day was my favorite dish - the smoothest, richest polenta I've ever had and the sauce and veal meatballs were hearty and tasty. We also had the truffle egg toast, risotto carbonara, pizza de la fattoria, beets and pork belly and all were wonderful. We also had two bottles of wine. All of the above, including corkage fee surprisingly totaled $122. We were all stunned. I thought with the typical long waits at Davanti would make it the kind of place I'd go once and never return, regardless of the food quality. But now, I'm dying to go back. I'll brave lines, I'll go in at 10pm. I'll do whatever it takes to get there on a regular basis and taste the rest of the big, delicious menu!
(5)Kerry G.
Went here based on a google search of top "new" restaurants. Turns out it's really not that new, but glad we went anyway. Our server was very sweet and helpful. We started with a couple cheeses and a meat - all were ok. A bit bland, but it probably has to do with the fact that I don't know how to pick out cheeses. Anyway, comparable at best to any other places with cheese and meat offerings. Next we had the ricotta and honeycomb with toast, which was surely yummy. The homemade bread was delicious and I haven't eaten honey since I was a kid at McD's with my chicken mcnuggets, so it was a welcomed change of pace and flavor. Finally, we had a pizza, which was my biggest regret. I thought based on all the tables around us that the pizza would be a highlight, but it was kind of boring. We asked for a side of marinara to dip it in given there wasn't much on it and that was what saved it. Their marinara is fantastic. As for the atmosphere, it was loud. Annoyingly loud at times, even though it didn't seem that crowded. And I get the attempt at making the place look rustic to go along with the food, but it just seemed forced. But still, it was warm and comfortable. I'd recommend it if you're in the area, but not sure we will treck back out here for seconds (despite it being only a $10 cab ride).
(3)Alla M.
Davanti was an absolute delicious restaurant. 4 of my friends and I went to Davanti because we wanted to try somewhere new. The only downfall of this place is that there are no reservation and they make you wait until the entire party arrives (which means we missed out on being able to sit down right away). instead we ended up having to wait and hour and a half. The manager could tell we were getting restless, so he brought us over a comped appetizer to try. The Foccacia di Recco was phenomenal. When we sat finally sat down, we thought the atmosphere was soooo cute. The rest of our meal was absolutely delicious. We had the grilled asparagus, Bruschette, Riccio di Marie e Granchio, Pizza con Salsiccia e Rapini, Riccota & honeycomb, and the heirloom tomatos. Everything was delciious , and i would recommend all dishes.
(5)Brian O.
Davanti is fantastic! Wonderful wine list, great variety, and the food is consistently excellent. However, one of the best kept secrets is their burger and a Peroni special on Monday night for 10 bucks. It's a pretty lofty statement because Chi-town has lots of great burger joints, but their burger easily ranks among the city's best!
(5)Laura K.
Headed here a few weeks back for our ritual week-night ladies night. Started off at the bar with their infused vodka - order it, it's awesome. One of the barbacks was great, made all our cocktails for us...even once we got seated. Leon, the host, was personable and made the effort to check in on our party during the meal. Those two made our night! Oh yeah we ate too :) Every time we dine here we can't get enough of the cow's milk foccaccia - amazing (yes, it's better than the version at avec).
(5)Scott H.
Had to finally get down to Davanti Enoteca to see what all the buzz was about. Grabbed a couple neighbors and headed down late on a Sunday afternoon to catch them before they got busy. We were welcomed warmly and seated promptly. What a great rustic space with warm lighting and cozy vibe! Sunday had a wine special (retail wine prices and NO corkage fee!) so we enjoyed a wonderful and very inexpensive bottle together to start. We took our time going over the menu and each of the four of us chose something to share. The Mascarpone Polenta with Ragu was excellent (cool and unique presentation!) and we could've gobbled up several orders of that with crusty bread and called it a meal. We had a selection of cheeses and meats that were all wonderful (pretty hard to get that wrong!). We throughly enjoyed one of the Pizza Con Salsiccia E Rapini flatbreads as well. All in all a very enjoyable experience. We spent a decent chunk of change there for what seemed more like a large lunch with a $25-ish bottle of wine, but the experience was unique and memorable enough to merit the price. I should also mention that the waitstaff helping us were cheery and eager to offer recommendations. Will certainly return...probably soon!
(4)Joyce C.
We came here on a random weeknight around 7-ish. Who would've known it would've been a 45 min wait?? Nuts! Anyway we waited by the bar, where my husband got a beer and I got wine. Glad to see there were quartinos offered here at a reasonable price, most falling around the $10-$13 range. You can also eat at the bar, but the bar is pretty cramped as it is right by the door and that's the waiting area. When we finally got seated, we mass ordered. We got the pork belly app, the pork ragu and polenta, the linguine with sea urchin and crab, the carbonara risotto and the seared octopus entree. Highlights: Pork belly - crispy outside, well seasoned, tender on the inside... It's bacon people, what's not to love?!!? Seriously though, a must order, it's tasty!! And they give you 3 good sized chunks for $6!! Linguine with sea urchin and crab - Oh my... creamy, rich, perfect!! Loads of well-cooked crab, al dente pasta, and the sea urchin cooked down to make a decadent sauce with a hint of sweetness... MMMMMMMM!!! "Meh": Pork Ragu and Polenta - the whole dish was a little bland. The texture was a bit mushy on top of mushy. Not my favorite dish. This dish was begging for salt and for something crunchy. Risotto Carbonara - This sounded better on the menu than it actually was. There is raw egg that comes with the dish. It came out and the risotto was a bit toothy and gummy. Like the risotto didn't cook enough and sauce wasn't binding well. Breaking the egg surprisingly made the dish blander, and it only added to the gummy texture. We took it home and my husband was raving about it the next day, maybe it's one of those dishes that needed to meld overnight? Seared Octopus - While this was a tasty dish, it was a tad salty and greasy. The octopus was cooked well, and the salad underneath had good texture and good mix of stuff, including apples, potatoes, salami and almonds. We will return, but I think 3-4 dishes max would be enough for 2 people. Also, I'd probably make a reservation next time as well.
(4)Mary B.
Absolutely outstanding and can't wait to go back! Rustic and comfortable surroundings; informed and friendly service, and some of the best and most reasonably priced Italian food I've ever had. Incredibly reasonable and wide ranging wine list (retail price + $7 corkage fee!). Since they don't take reservations, assume it will get overrun as soon as folks find out about it. Once full, very noisy, but who cares, you're eating great food.
(5)Boon K.
I went here after work and there was no wait but try to get a sit in the back since the kitchen is in the middle and you don't want to end up smelling like your dinner after you leave. My friend really wanted to try the pizza so we had the mushroom with leeks and it was good but I feel like I can get this anywhere. I prefer a chewy dry crust and this was on the oily and dry side. I really like the burger with the bacon jam and the bun was light. The raviolo was yummy and the rigatoni was made perfect. The desert was another story, the cannoli sundae was so lumpy, we were not sure if the lumps were fat but it taste like it. It was so hard to enjoy it that we left with a horrible after taste of bitter orange. Bummer
(2)Madhvi S.
Really really awesome atmosphere. If you are an ambiance kinda person, you will LOVE this place and will make up for their lack of good vegetarian options. It's a pretty classy place and deserves a nice blouse and jeans. I know its right near UIC, so college students, leave your sweats at home. Definitely a great date place, but I saw a large group of people also sharing a long table in the back. Seating is in these high-seat tables or normal tables. Now, the food! I was a BIT disappointed with what was so deliciously written in the menu, and what actually came out. roasted cauliflower steak + Sicilian olive tapenade + crispy ceci + preserved lemon vinaigrette : not bad, but tasted mostly like burnt cauliflower and lemon roasted squash+ farro+ whipped goat cheese+ hazelnuts+ watercress: I really liked this. I think it was the best out of all the dishes. Had a good fresh texture and the squash and hazelnuts really went together well. Cacio e Pepe = spaghetti + pecorino + black pepper: pretty much tasted what it sounds like, spaghetti and black pepper. Tasted pretty decent, but not something I would pay 8 dollars for if I can make it at home for 2. (and it was a pretty small dish) Pizza della Terra = foraged mushrooms + braised leeks + taleggio + truffle oil = this was not good at all. I am not a fan of stinky things. maybe my palate is not that refined? All in all, I was in Chicago for a week and tried out a series of restaurants, and I was not impressed with this one. Too expensive for what was served.
(3)Ehrin S.
Absolutely fantastic. I was treated to a birthday dinner here a bit ago. We started the Mascarpone Polenta with ragu of the day (pork cheek). It was so delicious! Perfectly tender, juicy pork braised in a tasty "gravy" served atop creamy polenta. YUM. We also ordered the focaccia stuffed with soft, creamy cow cheese. The focaccia wasn't at all what I expected--it was more like an authentic thin-crust pizza that was halved horizontally and then stuffed with delicious cheese. Excellent. Finally we had the swordfish which was served with braised brussels sprouts with bits of pancetta. Another standout. We also enjoyed salad and a nice Montepulciano to round out the meal. With wonderful food, solid wine, good service, and a cozy ambiance, Davanti Enoteca should definitely be on your list.
(5)Marty B.
Good...not amazing. We felt like they were trying to hard on the menu. The special was great. It was a mixed meat meatball with a great sauce and a creamy cheese spread on a wood cutting board. Other than that we had a sampling of meats and cheeses, rigatoni, and the Kobe beef dish. All of them were prepared well, and they were all presented well. The staff was friendly, and the atmosphere was comfortable and clean. The only troubling thing for us was the size of the portions for the price, and the fact that we may have had our expectations set too high. The menu titles imply really creative dishes that should wow, but they just didn't wow us. Perhaps we are a bit too in love with Italian food, and maybe we were just expecting something more hardy. It's worth a try, and you would not be wasting a night here. If you like the more creative style, then this place may be a 4 or 5 star for you. P.S. You can valet at Francesca's across the street if you go around lunch time.
(3)Flo J.
I forgot to update this sooner. About a year ago, I returned and had a nice meal. However, the server added a tip on my signed credit card copy when I paid him cash. I emailed the manager but received no response. THIS IS BAD BUSINESS!
(1)Jeanus T.
Yes! I'm an absolute fan!! The food is amazing! Also love the ambiance, it's cozy and has the Italian cottage feel to it. Intimate and warm. Must try the sea urchin and crab linguine and truffle egg toast! I'd say this is the most original and best tasting Italian restaurant in Chi-town. Hands down! The only thing I don't like is that they don't take reservations.
(5)diane c.
Updated after going a few times: their pasta, pizza, wine and service are excellent. their pasta dishes are perfectly al dente. pizza was delish. salad was yummy. im married to a man whose pasta dishes are better than most italian restaurants so we are both glad to have an italian restaurant that we look forward to going to. everything else is good, but does not blow you out of the water - still a fan though.
(4)Sue B.
This place is my favorite place is the city. Hands down. The dishes are as authentic as it gets - just like you are in Rome.
(5)Kim H.
Love this place! Lots of great non-meat options, amazing staff with terrific knowledge of the menu and wines in the store. The bill is ALWAYS less than I anticipate and it's just a great spot. Doesn't take reservations, I've always come "early" -after meetings in the area and always had great luck w/immediate seating.
(5)shivi d.
It's really perfection. Order the big ravioli and order the spaghetti with pecorino and black pepper. I could eat it every day. Great wine list, brick walls full of character to look at. And relatively inexpensive for the quality of food and service.
(5)Shirley A.
it's worth ALL the hype...the sea urchin pasta, honey and baked pita thingy, and this pork fat belly were DELICIOUS. Will definitely go again. Sometime soon :) Sorry about not using the proper names of the dishes...I went about 3 weeks ago...
(5)Jessica S.
Davanti is as good as it gets and will definitely be my new go-to place to take out of towners and give as a suggestion when friends quiz me on where to dine. Our dinner for three started out at the bar with wine, appetizers, and $5 martinis. Patrick (manager? GM? owner?) gave us some fabulous suggestions for starters and was incredibly accommodating. He seated us promptly, carried over our drinks/appetizers from the bar to the table, and even brought us little samples of their house infused martini (current selection is cantaloupe - TDF). We later learned that Davanti is associated with Mia Franceca and Francesca's and that he helps to the run the sister restaurants. I consider all of those places super lucky to have Patrick, he is truly an asset to the industry. Among our small plates was the ricotta and honeycomb spread, chicken liver pate, cheese selection/prosciutto, olives, and pizza. My favorite was the ricotta/honey spread which is served in a mason jar with chewy toasted bread (we ordered extra bread per Patrick's suggestion, you definitely need more than three slices). It was such a unique flavor combo and was very light and sweet (but not as sweet as a dessert). The olives were served warm which is a new thing for me but I have to say I liked it. The next best thing we had was the Pizza del Terre with leeks and mushrooms - very earth and packed with flavor. The decor and ambiance of this place is incredible. It's a new twist on rustic Italian - festive, comfortable, warm, and yet it's perfect for a date night or a girls' night out. I can't say enough good things about our night here and I'm looking forward to my next return as soon as possible. Hopefully they'll have a new house infused martini for me to try (pineapple?! please?!). My only suggestion would be to hire a valet parking service. We had a hard time finding parking even at 8:30 on a Wednesday night and valet would have been great for the cold weather.
(5)Mark V.
Expectations high, reality mediocre. Lucky for me, my dining company more than compensated for the desire for something more unwillingly bestowed upon me by the faux Italian chefs...so bring some good friends if you venture here! Unlike previous Yelpers, I don't judge the quality of the establishment by the attraction of the "dough boy"... Speaking of which, perhaps the biggest disappointment was the sausage pizza...now I know Chicago has several other establishments to seek out a great piece of pizza, but I was hoping the brick oven at Davanti could live up to its appearance...while missing many elements, I would pinpoint the most critical to be flavor...my first flavorless sausage pizza! The cheese selection, sardines and pork belly were all decent starters, but nothing to rave about. Note that the pork belly is literally a thick slab of pork belly, very Italian "homeland" preparation and certainly surprising for guests who are used to the recently popular preparation of the dish at most establishments (i.e. grilled/pan fried and chopped generally with some type of sauce). This is a slab in case that is unappetizing to you. As for the entrees, we had a pretty decent piece of grilled white fish which was cooked and prepared very wonderfully and an unmemorable salad, which was nothing more and nothing less than...a salad. Decent wine list which was in fact nice, though I don't think my waiter doubling as a sommelier actually knew what he was talking about. Perhaps worth a visit (for locals with time)...perhaps not (for guests looking for something better than average night in the city).
(3)Gina G.
I had the opportunity to try this place out with some friends recently. Upon arrival, we were told that there was a 2 hour and 45 minute wait. We ended up waiting about 50 minutes to get a table which wasn't all to bad considering the wait time that we were quoted. I had high hopes for this place after seeing all the good press it was receiving. I would rate the entire experience a 6 out of a 10. The pizza was a little dissapointing.. it was kind of bland. The best dish that we tried was the giant spinach Ravioli it was so good I could of eaten 5 more orders by myself. The pork belly with the apple mostarda was killer also. Overall, I would go back here again but I still prefer their sister restaurant the Purple Pig over this one.
(3)Sagar N.
This place is awesome! Came with a group of 10, told they didn't take reservations so I put my name down at 1930 and we hung out at the bar. Bar was nice, good beer selection, and of course plenty of wine options. Bartender was also pretty efficient so we never had to wait. Time flew by but we were getting hungry. At 2030, asked again and was told maybe 15 minutes. Hung out for a bit longer, and a 2100 asked again - this time the manager was really apologetic and said it'll be ready very soon. We get seated about 2115 and then out comes 2 orders of bruschetta and 2 pizzas - gratis for having to wait so long! Food was awesome, and the 'small plates' concept works well. Unlike most other tapas/small plates restaurants - I think you actually get a decent amount of food for the cost. Wine selection was massive and it was great to be able to just pick a bottle off the wall and know what it looks like and costs (which is a steal compared to any other italian restaurant I've been to range $12-35 per bottle). We all ordered a bunch of entrees and shared them and I didn't taste anything I didn't like. The rigatoni with sausage was excellent, and every kind of pizza was solid. I would especially recommend the pizza with the fried egg on top - incredible. Skipped dessert because were were full but even will all the bottles of wine and entrees, the bill came to $23 a person including tip! Not a bad deal at all! Service was really top-notch and the staff seems to take some pride in working there and actually enjoy their job. Davanti Enoteca is different Italian place for Taylor St. It's not the intimate atmosphere you get at Francescas, and the food and restaurant design really cater to a group dining experience. I think this is a welcome, and excellent addition to the neighborhood - I hope they stick around for a while.
(5)Katherine P.
Great food!!! Another winner from the creatives behind Mia Francesca's. So great to come home to Chicago, and all it's great food. Also went to the Purple Pig this weekend. Man - Chicago is the home of the food Gods. New York doesn't have anything on us! note: less salt in the risotto, please.
(5)Agila R.
I visited Davanti for the first time on a Friday night, and although we got there around 8:30 pm, we had to wait 1 1/2 hours to be seated (party of 4). On the bright side, there's a cute little wine bar across the street (with a substantial martini menu as well), where we happily passed the time. The food was very impressive! Definitely worth the wait. Our group tried the shaved hearts of palm salad, 2 pizzas, the burger, and the pasta with sea urchin. Each dish was fabulous. Will definitely be going back! Very cozy atmosphere as well.
(5)Hailey M.
I'm giving this 4 stars, but would probably give it 3.5 stars if I could. The place is super cute, first of all! I really liked the look and ambience. I went with my future sister-in-law, who had been wanting to try the place for a while. The first couple minutes we were there were a little off-putting, but it got better. First, we sat down and the table was incredible sticky. Like my glass of wine that I had ordered from the bar made a noise when I picked it up off the table because it was so stuck. Gross! I told the waiter though and he had it cleaned it off. Second, a waiter brought us someone else's food. My fiance has a pet peeve about "auctioning off food" as he calls it, so I give them a little ding for that. As for the food, we started off with the hearts of palm salad. I have never had shaved hearts of palm like that, which I liked, but there was almost no dressing and the peppercorns were a turn off. This was not a successful dish for me. By now you're probably wondering why I'm giving them 3.5-4 stars, but it's because of the next 2 dishes. The mascarpone polenta with the house ragu was awesome!!! I have never had anything served that way before and it was so rich, creamy, and tasty. I just loved it! The last thing we had was the octopus. I was hesitant about it because it didn't get great reviews, but I really liked it and was happy we ordered it. I wanted to try the truffle toast, but my future sister-in-law is pregnant and they receommended not doing that because the egg is essentially raw. If I ever go back, I will try that though becuase it looked and smelled amazing.
(4)Ajay K.
Update: Lost a star. Went a second time and were less impressed. They took the cauliflower steak off the menu. The pasta we ordered (Riccio di Mare e Granchio) also failed to impress as much. ----------------------------------- What a find. Amazing food and at a reasonable price. Loved everything we ordered. The Octopus is a must-have. The Cauliflower steak is amazing. The Truffle egg toast... I could go on. Good wine list and competitive prices. The restaurant has a wonderful ambiance, service staff is extremely welcoming and we will definitely be back.
(4)Dennis J.
We went on a Sunday afternoon and so avoided the madness that happens during the evenings - the last time we'd tried was a Friday night and there was a two hour wait. :-O We got: truffle egg toast - this was just okay, the bread was really good but the cheese overpowered the other flavors crispy pork belly - tasty and a good combination with the apple crostada but overcooked rissotto carbonara - great, though it did remind me a little of Rice-a-Roni Davanti burger - nothing amazing despite it's many toppings ricotta + honeycomb - my favorite dish! great combination. Just don't take their advice and drop the honeycomb in the ricotta, mix it on your piece of bread. =) All in all, it was a decent meal but none of the dishes wowed us and nothing else looked so appetizing that we had to come back. And my manhattan didn't have enough vermouth (that also brings up an annoyance, they have their cocktails and wine by the bottle on a giant wine bottle ... comes across as something that Chili's would do). :-|
(3)Bettina Y.
I have been in a cooking and eating slump for a long time. You know, when nothing seems to excite you? Maybe it is winter? Maybe it is being on a budget? But that all changed when I dined here! This place is amazing! Suddenly I was inspired to cook. Perhaps because it's simplicity reminded me of Italy? Instead of saying "I can make that", I was saying "I WANT to make that". I hate to even write this, because the quality and taste of the dishes do not even compare, but the menu reminds me of Frasca on Paulina. But I must stress that the food is SO much better! I read about the Homemade Ricotta served with Honey and Toast and I didn't remember it was from this restaurant. When it arrived, I immediately remembered, as how could one mistake the mason jar. This Toast course was so deliciously satisfying that I could eat this for every meal. The other standout for me was the Giant Rigatoni. It was perfect with it's Roasted Tomatoes and Bits of Sausage. I was just blown away . I can't wait to go back and try more dishes. I actually think I might venture in bringing my Italian Father here.... (He complained for weeks about the last Italian restaurant I brought him to).
(5)Isis G.
When I see a bartender freshly peeling a rind for a drink, I get excited. I just wanted to sit and drink at the bar all night. Great wine list with good prices. Cold beer in iced mugs. The hibiscus martini was off the charts. I am glad I did move to a table. We ordered 6 or 7 items to share and had a great time. I would not suggest any one with a hearing issue to visit in the evening. There are many social people having drinks and eating, so the volume gets loud. This is a must for a visit to Chicago. The vibe in this place was great!
(5)Katherine M.
on the expensive side, but I have been here 3 times and have yet to have something disappointing. The dishes are flavourful and include a number of unsual ingredients and dishes found in few other restaurants. The appetizers can nearly be filling enough for a a lunch. The patio is nice, and the servers helpful. I love getting taken out here : )
(5)Joon K.
Great food at an unbeatable price. - Ricotta and honey comb: a must order. Comes with tuscan toast. the honey makes this dish - Truffle egg toast: love the earthiness of the dish, though I would have loved the egg to be a bit more runny - Mascarpone polenta with pork cheek ragu: must order. Served tableside which is a nice touch. - Paccheri: nicely al dente. Fennel seeds in the sausage a nice touch. All this great food, perfectly portioned for 2 people, with 2 glasses of wine came in at $30 a person!! If I lived in Chicago, I'd be here all the time.
(5)Rai A.
This place is good
(5)Elizabeth K.
Davanti Enoteca was great! Going in a party of 6 was a smart move because we were able to try more of the menu items. Our server was friendly and informative. All of our wine and our favorite food orders were her recommendations. We outstanding dishes included the ricotta and honey comb appetizer, the foccasia, the prosciutto and arugala pizza, and the egg toast. We ordered two pastas which were both good. The grilled octopus and the pork belly appetizer were both good, but not as good as the other things that we tried. All in all, we had a great experience and would recommend to anyone wanting a good experience in Little Italy.
(4)John P.
My wife and I "discovered" this place for our anniversary, back in October 2011. We were so taken we asked "management" if DE would be open Christmas Eve. We traditionally go to different restaurants every year. We have a sizable group of kids and sons-in-law to accommodate. Sure, "management" said, but we don't take reservations. We were a little surprised, but since "management" assured us that our projected 5PM to 5:30PM arrival time would "be no problem", we planned on it. My wife called DE twice during the week preceding Christmas Eve to make sure we were OK. Imagine our surprise when we were told at the door that we couldn't be immediately seated because two of our members were missing, and then that we didn't have a reservation. When my wife and I protested, I was brusquely informed by "management" that they only started taking reservations this week, and that there was nothing he could do about it since "management" makes the rules and he ("management?") only "works here". When I protested over seating at a "high top" because my wife had just had hip surgery and had difficulty getting into the "high chairs", I was told by "management" that since we had no reservation the high top table was the best they could do - essentially take it or leave it. When I said, "but YOU were the "management" that told us there would be no reservations for Christmas Eve and that our arrival time would be no problem", "management" got hostile, denied ever saying it, adding, "are you calling me a liar"? We give the food a solid 4 Stars; Customer Service 4 Stars; "Management" -4 Stars. Neither the food nor the wait staff deserve a poor rating. Unfortunately, "Management" set the tone for the evening at the door. We will look elsewhere next Christmas Eve.
(2)Bryan L.
Great food, great atmosphere, great service. Went on a Sunday night and the place was full of folks enjoying dinner. The bar has a row of vintage, warm bulbs running the length of a very long wood counter top. Our party of five was seated comfortably in a corner next to a wall chock full of wine bottles. The food was really, really tasty -- some hits and some misses too, but mostly hits. The truffle toast and the sea urchin pasta were definitely the highlights. Unbelievably yummy! Was originally considering either this place and one across the street -- based on some other reviews. Had some trouble at the other place and am so thankful we came here for the evening. The difference was night and day.
(5)Brooke R.
The food was delicious, some of the best I have had lately. We had a big group of 12 on a Sunday night and they were very gracious hosts and the service was wonderful. All the food was delicious, I did not taste one thing I did not like! I will be going back again and again. Great food, great service, gorgeous atmosphere.
(5)Chris F.
this place is much different than the average chicago italian spot, in the sense that it seems more tapas than italian to me. regardless, i like the focus on small plates (enables you to try more things). the desserts are also awesome. cool spot, good ambience, friendly staff, great meats, stellar chefs.
(4)Joseph G.
Honestly a 4.5 After all the talking among the cooks I know that have been fortunate enough to dine here, I couldn't take it any longer. Friday night, 10:00 P.M., I find myself in front of this brightly colored mecca (if you will) of great Italian food. Not the "Let's smother pasta in an absurd amount of bland mozzarella and metallic red sauce," but actual simple, honest food. I have always had plenty of reservations about going out to eat at such restaurants for that reason, something I'll have to work on. The interior is wonderful, open kitchen with a wood-fired oven, one single room that isn't that spacious, but you won't feel cramped either. The bar is perfect for one in a restaurant, I'm a sucker for anyplace the takes the time to consider a foot rest and hooks for your belongings. The hostess informed us that we would not be seated for 45 minutes, but after less than two we found our way to said bar. After ordering wine (none in bottle form over $45.00). The chicken liver mousse was spot on fantastic! We also ordered the truffled egg toasts with asparagus... amazing! The seared octopus rounded out dinner and like the two dishes before, there was absolutely nothing bad to say! When our meal was up, our bartender offered a taste of different digestifes on the house! This is one place I'll be visiting again and again !!!! I can't wait!
(5)Lori V.
Just ate here last night with a work colleague and was very impressed. Parking is easy and we had a 6:30pm reservation. The place was already starting to get full. My only disappointment of the night was the roof top patio was closed so we couldn't eat outside. But the food and menu variety was amazing. They have an extensive wine selection and the average price was $35-45 dollars. They specialize in small plate dining and we ordered 3 different plates. The salad was scrumptious light and filling. The halibut special of the evening was simply divine. I am not even a big fan of halibut so was a little bit leery of ordering it, but it was simply delish. Just the right balance of accoutrement that brought out the flavor of the fish marvelously. The spinach ravioli with spinach and a soft cooked egg was a party for your taste-buds. It was a touch salty because of the porcino cheese on top, but I loved the blend of flavors. All in all a wonderful dining experience off the beaten path in a local neighborhood. I would highly recommend if for all those that want to travel to Taylor Street.
(4)Brittany M.
My Canadian cousin visited me in Chicago for her birthday, so I decided to take her to Davanti after reading the rave reviews. It could not have been a better experience! We had a glass each of wine on the house, and they still brought us an amazing chocolate mousse dessert after! They treated us amazingly, and really, who doesn't love being spoiled?? Food was eyes closed, mouth wateringly good. I can't stop talking about this place, and if it wasn't out of the way for me, I would go allllllll the time. Dying to go back just for the Foccia di Recco (cannot stop thinking about it omg soooo good), but everything else we had was equally delicious. Hope to make it out to Little Italy again soon, I need my friends to come with so they can obsess too!
(5)Caitlin B.
Davanti occupies a corner of little Italy, and from the outside, doesn't look too different from the surrounding restaurants. Once you step inside, however, you will immediately see the difference. From the glass lighting above the bar, to the brick accents, to the wooden floor imported from an Italian barn, the décor of Davanti creates a seamless atmosphere of casual elegance. While it could feel uptight, the energetic crowd, friendly staff, and casual music at Davanti made me feel very much at home. My friend and I sat at the bar, and ordered one of their $3 beers which they have on Thursdays. They had a good beer list and an amazing wine list, apparently they sell wine out of the restaurant and let you buy the wine at retail with dinner, I'll definitely have to do that next time. While the atmosphere and wine list at Davanti would be enough for a great evening, the food left it all behind. This is honestly the best meal I can recall having. We let the bartender choose our food, and started with the Bruchette, which included a raisin bread, goat cheese, and two types of salami. The goat cheese was amazing on the warm bread, and the thinly sliced salami filled your mouth with flavor. We then had a dish which may have been a special, which included farro, roasted walnuts, goat cheese, and a vinaigrette. I had never had farro before, and it was delicious. The vinaigrette was delicious, and the dish actually reminded me of a steak. We then had the Uovo in Raviolo 'San Domenico', a giant ravioli with ricotta, spinach, and egg. It was warm and rich, and well complimented by a butter sauce. We then shared the Pizza della Terra, part of which we had to take home. The pizza had a wonderful crisp bottom and a spectacular truffle aroma. The mushrooms were meaty and complemented the cheeses very well. The crust was chewy and flavorful, the fact that I was still eating crust at this point proves how good it was. We shared the torta bacio for dessert, a chocolate- hazelnut mousse. Normally I can only have one bite of a dessert because they are overly sweet, but this had a wonderful balance between the sweeter mousse and the crunchy bottom, which was a more bitter chocolate. The entire mousse was very light and smooth, not grainy like some other desserts. The fact that I finished my half, after all the other courses, is a testament to the quality of the food. The small plate style works well at Davanti, and allows you to try many of their amazing dishes. The staff is welcoming and the atmosphere casual but elegant. The food is spectacular, one of those places where you wish you could sit in the kitchen and watch how they do it. The attention to detail is evident through the entire experience, from the décor, to the garnish on the food, to the description of wines by the staff. I am making it my personal mission to return as often as possible.
(5)Mike T.
On a random weekday, we all decided to have Italian food at this place. There were good reviews so why not. I tried their octopus which was a small portion but seasoned and cooked very well. I wish there was a bit more food, but if it tastes good, I'm ok with that. We ordered lots of antipasto to share and it was good. We also shared some pizza so that good too. I have to go back to try more dishes.
(4)Shawn C.
I like this place. It reminds me of Quartino except a little more upscale. I think I would become an even bigger fan if I lived near hear, but this to me is a destination type place as well, so it will draw me back in. They don't take reservations - you've been warned. We showed up at 4:30 and got a seat, probably one of the last 4 tables. Within 1/2 hour the place was jammed. It was a Saturday. The wine prices I feel can be a bit deceiving. Ok, they say the bottle prices were close to retail prices, but they charge a $7 corkage fee which, well puts it very close to what restaurants would normally charge for some bottles, so we just did glasses of wine, which worked out better for use (maybe not for others) We ordered some meat/cheeses to start and I was a little disappointed. Maybe I was used to Quartino in that you get a more bread and some other yummy type garnishes that you can eat it with...oh no, not here. We got like 5 pieces of bread and the meat and cheese, that's it. it was good, but we wanted more bread and crackers or heck just something else to eat it with. We ordered a bunch of small plates and I have to say they were damn good. The crisp pork belly was very tasty, but not so crisp though. The Cacio E Pepe was delicious as was the risotto carbonara. The rigatoni with sausage was perfect. We loved it. We also got two pizzas and to be honest they were just fine. I think I like Quartino's better. Our service was fine but started to get lax as the place filled up. Again, reminder, there isn't much of a waiting area besides the bar and outside...you've been warned.
(4)John G.
Its well executed and it has a nice ambiance, but as I look back the restaurant just wasn't memorable.
(3)Minoli P.
I have to say I was really disappointed with this place. we had been wanting to go for a while given all the buzz. Perhaps that plays into the rating it is getting 1. we ordered the special on a sat. night (scallop dish) and we received scallops that had already gone bad! I mean they tasted and smelled fishy. Very bad first impression. I sent them back and they were apologetic, but not as much as I think a restaurant should be that was about to potential sicken their clientele. 2. I really liked the risotto carbonara. very tasty. 3. The giant ravioli was okay, but drenched in clarified butter. I feel like they could have done something a bit less bland (perhaps some sage). 3. the pizza was good. Not excellent, but tasty. overall for the wait and the price, I doubt this place is worth it. and if a chef can't tell that his scallops have gone bad, I'm not sure he is paying enough attention. the service was not great...but I would have forgiven that for good food.
(2)Becky B.
AWESOME! Went here for a late lunch/early dinner and it was great. It's a wine bar concept, but they have lots of tables. The food is in small plate format...almost like Italian tapas. Great decor, nice casual atmosphere. Cheese/salami....great selection Polenta with daily ragu...I too wanted to lick the board clean Grilled squash with farro, goat cheese, & watercress...great balance Wine...retail price with small corkage fee, so you can try much higher end wines than in a full dining place Cacio e pepe spaghetti....simple and put together perfectly Espresso....perfect Service....perfect I will DEFINITELY go back!
(5)Christopher D.
Davanti has a great atmosphere, but I don't know that I would call it romantic or intimate; the volume is a little too high for either. The ambiance really is a great fusion of popular music with a classic, earthy Italian interior. The wait staff here was really sweet and attentive, and the whole place gave off a cool, casual and fun vibe. The food here really is delicious. The truffle egg toast lived up to the hype. It takes 10 minutes to prepare, but it's worth it. The richness of the eggs and truffle oil was perfectly offset by the sour bitterness of the asparagus. The risotto carbonara surprised me with an earthy and almost oaky flavor, but it was rich and delicious. The pizza della terra was good, though I think the braised leeks were a little too dominant. Hopefully I'll get to go back soon and get to try the dessert I was too full to sample. The wait can be a bit daunting -- my date and I went there on a Thursday night and had to wait about an hour -- but it was well worth it.
(4)Bella J.
I am not crazy about Italian food, but this place is great. Despite the long wait, I always enjoy coming here. The interior is absolutely fantastic. It creates intimate, cozy and fun atmosphere perfect for couples or friends to chat. The ceilings, floors, decor elements and functional exposition of their goods is amazing. The wine is sold by glass, bottle or quartino. The prices are really cheap, so you can try different wines without fully emptying your wallet. The service was also great. This is the place to go.
(5)Coco P.
Sea urchin pasta!!!!!! That is all.
(4)Natasha M.
I must say the atmosphere is amazing. Classy but can be casual. I loved the bar area and lighting. They recommend ordering food in tapas style, which is interesting for an Italian restaurant. So my boyfriend and I decided we'd be a little adventurous in our menu items. However, the food was kind of disappointing. I've heard so many good things about it but maybe my boyfriend and I just ordered all the wrong things. Here's what we got: 1. Truffle egg toast + fontina + asparagus- Simply an egg yoke on top of a really buttery texas toast with asparagus chunks on the side. It almost tasted sour to me.I took two bites and tapped out. Nothing special. 2. Pizza con Salsiccia e Rapini- This was a sausage pizza. It was real good but nothing special to rave at home to mom. Served with a side dish of red crushed pepper, salt, and basil (or maybe it was oregano- not sure). 3.. Risotto Carbonara- A simple dish of rice, peas, pancetta, and again an egg yolk. The egg yolk made the dish actually have some flavor. It sort of tasted like a bland soup. My boyfriend and i actually used the red crushed pepper to add some kick to it. I was extremely disappointed about this dish. 4. Bistecca alla Griglia- This is the strip steak with arugula. This was good but once again nothing special. We ordered it medium, and good thing because it gets served on a hot skillet so it cooks quickly. 5. Honestly the dessert is where they truly shined: We ordered the cheesecake/fruit of the day-(which was raspberry)/ crumbled graham cracker served in a jar. This my friend was amazing, we practically licked the jar clean. I have a friend that said the burgers there are really good. Because I love the atmosphere so much, I will give this place another try. Maybe a casual weeknight to grab a burger and drink at the bar.
(3)Tiffany A.
Since there were so many great reviews of this place on Yelp! and it's been on the Chicago Magazine Hot List for a couple of months now, we decided to try it out last weekend. As other reviewers mentioned, they don't take reservations, so we were prepared to wait a while for a table. It was pretty crowded up front - and I'm not sure I would love the table in the front window for that reason - but we eventually grabbed seats at the bar and from then on the wait flew. While we waited, we tried a couple of very reasonably priced bottles of wine and they even brought out some complimentary pizza from the kitchen for us to munch on, which was quite good! Once seated the experience was great - our server was helpful but not intrusive or pretentious. We tried the polenta and ragu of the day (which was pork), the bruschette (which has a tuna and white bean topping), crispy pork belly, calamari, olives and the burrata to share to start. All were very good but the polenta and ragu stood head and shoulders above the rest. It was awesome! I've been thinking about it for days. Our main courses (I shared the giant rigatoni and the strip steak with someone) were just ok. For desert I would definitely recommend the chocolate hazelnut mousse - it was chocolate heaven. Overall I would definitely recommend this place for a fun dinner with friends - just be prepared to wait a bit for a table. The wine menu is incredibly affordable (I heard they sell all the bottles of wine at retail + $7) and the tapas style portions are great for sharing and trying a lot of different dishes. Last but not least, the atmosphere is less pretentious than most "hot list" places which makes for a fun night out!
(4)Jenny A.
Went to davanti last Friday night with my boyfriend...hadn't been there in 3 years. Why did I wait so long?! It was super yummy! We had a cheese plate, toast w egg and asparugus (must have!) and two pastas. The wine was awesome, too. Bf says good wine selection to choose from. Also, after chatting w waitress and manager about the good time we were having they sent over limoncello and two desserts - how nice was that? The chocolate mousse thing was freaking amazing. Thanks davanti we'll be back to try the pizza!!
(5)Brandon C.
Great place to eat. They tell you its like Italian tapas but slightly bigger and that's mostly true. But, unlike tapas, an appetizer and entree will likely fill you up. Also, I highly recommend the burger. Good value as well. Two people costs around $40, if you don't drink, and I had a little bit to take home, as well. One piece of advice, they bring every dish out separately. The S/O and I each ordered a different entree for our main course. However, they brought hers first, waited for us to eat it, then brought mine. So we ended up sharing a little bit more than we intended.
(5)Erika O.
Awesome food, nice staff, cool and young place
(5)Tracey W.
Quoted 30 to 45 for the wait. Ended up waiting an hour. 5 minutes before we got seated, a lady walked in and apparently was super important and got service before us. Kind of bummed us out. I almost feel like it's trying to be too many things at once. It feels like it wants to be classic italian, but it wants to be casual, but then you get this feeling of trying to be hip. Maybe it works for some people? The food wanted to be super amazing, but ended up just being average. Asked for the burger medium, ended up being charred on the outside. But the Bacon Jam is quite awesome. The chocolate mousse dessert saved the whole thing. Sorry I failed on the name, but it's definitely one of those italian cool kid names. I'll probably go back just for this. The service was average. I almost forgot to mention it *shrugs*
(3)Ray O.
Truly a magnificent experience. The food, the service, the wine, the prices... oh and I can I forget the chocolate martinis!!!! Definitively will be coming back for more!
(5)Stephen S.
There were four in our party and all of us were impressed. For starters the truffled egg toast was outstanding. The anchovies were good, which made them second best. Not a bad start to the lunch time meal. The entrees were all four very good. We had the Riccio, the risotto, the giant ravioli, and the spaghetti with pepper. We also had an order of the Focaccia and it was amazing. None of us have ever seen bread dough rolled that thin and it was delicious. There were very good wine selections (and we had several quartinos) and the pricing was fair for a restaurant. I'm not sure the bottle pricing earns the $7 dollar mandatory corkage fee and this probably deserves some research. I think I will go open a bottle now!
(4)D C.
good food, small portions, nice place, nasty ass bathroom. parking across the street is FREE even though there's someone trying to charge you $5 or maybe $10 depending on how stupid you look. BEWARE!
(3)Shawn H.
Visited: 4/2/2011 I came here for a double-date at my friend's suggestion and left quite pleased. We arrived for an early dinner around 5:00 p.m. and were seated promptly, right before the place started to get busy. It's a tapas-esque restaurant, so the meals are naturally long and the patron throughput slow. This is admittedly a little fancier of a restaurant than I usually frequent - I'm very much a steak and potatoes man - but our server was extremely helpful with all the questions we had. The four of us split a bottle of red wine and shared orders of ricotta with honey comb, bruschetta, seared hearts of palm in lemon and pork belly with apple mostarda. For the main course I had a rigatoni and sausage plate and my girlfriend had a basil and mozzarella pizza. Everything was delicious and fresh and aside from the cost - close to $160 with tax and tip for the four of us - I have no complaints. The portions are small, but the taste is big.
(5)Eric K.
This place fills up fast and doesn't take reservations so make suer y ou allow for that. My friends and I had a great evening. The staff is friendly and listen to your waiter on what to order. We ordered things we wouldn't have and loved them. Their Roastes Squash/Ferro/Goat cheese salad sounds awful but it's AMAZING. I loved every bite. The Focaccia di Recco was like no Focaccia I have ever had. So good. We had the pizza with mushrooms and truffle oil - which was great and their ravioli with spinach which was also yummy. We also had an egg casserole type thing that some of us liked some didn't. They have a great wine list and a daily infused vodka. Mine was melon and it was Incredible. If you get a dirty martini they stuff their own blue cheese olives too. Their chocolate dessert was AMAZING! I could have eaten 5 of them. The place is bigger than you think from the outside but not too many tables. Be patient. Also they were filming us for 190 North - so check it out Jan 30th! we are the happy wine drinking folks. I definately would go back, Good food, Nice atmosphere, not too pricey! A great night out.
(4)Jalan R.
We had a great time at Davanti Enoteca. Great variety of dishes served tapas style. Went there for lunch on a Saturday. Highly recommend.
(5)Adam H.
My wife and I love this place to death! IMO this is the best spot in Little Italy, hands down. Everything is on point. The ragu of the day never disappoints, the salads are unique and always surprisingly good, and the beer and wine selection is top notch. I would say that the crocks are my favorite though...ricotta w/ honeycomb, and the chicken liver are a must have as apps. One thing that bugs me about this place is the inability to make a reservation, but I heard that they changed that (?) recently. But I can't rightfully take a star away for that, mainly because you can get the full menu at the bar, which is not a problem for us. Anyway, there are so many awesome dishes on the menu that I could go on and on about, but I won't. You can be sure that the ingredients in everything they make are of high quality and used in perfect balance in every dish. I've never been disappointed in anything because it's a little off or not as good as the last time. Davanti is surprisingly inexpensive as well, and that's a big plus!
(5)K H.
Worth the wait! Only complaint was our server was very short with us but it was really busy - Friday night. The additional support waitstaff made up for his attitude because they were super attentive and brought new plates, forks, etc. for each new dish. Food is great. So many options and everything comes out fresh with great timing for tapas style. My boyfriend and I ordered a salad, a chicken dish, a pasta dish and a pizza flat bread. We were able to try everything and didn't leave totally stuffed and uncomfortable :)
(4)Jasmine S.
It's worth wait!! We love their small plates and pasta. Not a big fan of the pizza, a little underdone. The wine selection is great and pricing is reasonable. A great Italian gem on Taylor Street.
(4)J B.
Amazing! Have literally eaten here THREE times since it's opening and can't get enough! 1.) Must get the Cow's Milk Foccacia 2.) Monday night Burger & Beer for 9$ is a MUST! (Burger to die 4! And Sophie, need I say more) 3.) great wine selection, at totally affordable prices. This will be an instant favorite! JB
(5)Rich W.
Davanti Enoteca is the new buzz in Little Italy. Like other Scott Harris restaurants, this place doesn't take reservations. But I can assure you that the food is worth the wait. The vasi of ricotta and honey comb was genius. The honey comb added a delightful sweetness that enhanced the already-smooth ricotta. This was very satisfying. Polenta with pig shoulder ragu was served table-side. The polenta was a bit finer than my liking (I prefer my polenta to be more coarsely ground), but the pig shoulder ragu was superb - perfectly tender with rich flavors. The pizza della terra had great flavors from the leek and mushroom. The truffle taste was too subtle for me, and the dough of the pizza was a tad too dense (more like a New York style pizza than Italian pizza) - still good thoguh. Better was the linguine with sea urchin and crab. The pasta was cooked perfectly al dente (best I've had in the US!). The crab was executed nicely, and the sea urchin sauce that coated the linguine had a delectable well-balanced umami. What a great dish! I will come back for this dish alone. We got a quartino of 2009 Terredora di Paolo Falanghina. It was fruit-forward, but also had a subtle sweetness. It went perfectly with both the rich polenta and the seafood-based pasta. Very short, affordable, yet balanced wine list. Perfect for a neighborhood enoteca. Service was friendly and efficient. Decor was rustic yet dramatic - the dining room was surrounded by exposed brick wall, which also acted as wine cellars. Transcending. Spot on. I was afraid that I wasn't going to like this place because I wasn't a huge fan of Purple Pig. But Davanti Enoteca was just perfect. It's an excellent addition to the neighborhood - rustic, flavorful, and affordable. Bravo!
(5)Carolyn R.
Holy Toledo is this place great. Just went for dinner with friends last night after a movie and was here once before in the summer with girlfriends - different seasons, different offerings, different experiences, both awesome. If you come in summer you must sit upstairs on the deck, so charming and relaxed. Last night was cozy and warm. This place is perfect if you like to try a lot of different stuff and are understand that Italian is more than just red sauce and that anchovies don't always come in a tin. Stand out dish of last night's meal was the salami and kale pizza. Highly recommended.
(5)Magnum J.
To be honest, I'm a tough grader. To get five stars, a place really has to earn it and this place deserves all five stars. I would definitely come back in a heart beat. Came here with family (five of us) and we all enjoy our dinner. We allowed the waiter (Ron?) to pick our dishes which were meant to be shared at the table. All were very good except the cauliflower steak which was only mediocre. The waiter did a very nice job picking a variety of plates. The octopus was fantastic! Look forward to returning.
(5)Paul T.
Dinner for four last night at Davanti was enjoyed immensely by one and all in our party. My third time here but first time for the rest of the group. Even though it was a Friday in Lent we had to order the mascarpone polent ragu, which featured pork shoulder. Absolutely delicious. Will definitely return.
(5)JM C.
Greatly over-priced in general. But, the best burger I've ever had. What a surprise!
(3)Doe L.
can't help but update... i keep coming back to this place! (helps that we live close by and can just walk here) i'm currently on a mission to find out all the ragu's of the day. So far I've tried pork shoulder (love), pork cheek (love) and prosciutto meatball (wasn't a fan of this one), one with artichoke (thought was a little too bland). The last time i was there, the waiter scooped the leftover polenta on our plates. THANK YOU! please keep doing this... otherwise i'll have to start asking you to leave the pot with me and that just makes me look like a huge fatty... i actually thought the cheese platter was a bit pricey and the slabs of cheese were pretty small in my opinion. My sisters were very disappointed that our bread was a raisin bread. They thought it destroyed the flavor of the cheeses. i don't normally eat just cheese so i'm no expert. the cheese tasted great but i'm just not sure it's worth it. (unless some of these cheeses are rare or hard to find?) there is a day where it's cheaper so go on that day! i'm trying not to RAVE about this place because some people have come here and thought it was overrated. I always like to go in a place and have no expectations despite the reviews. So please go in and form your own decision about davanti! =)
(5)Carol G.
Small portions, difficult to share, food was ok, over rated, pricey, reviews said wonderful things so we decided to check it out. We will not return. We eat out often, but this was not the experience we were looking for. The 3 of us ate for $75 and did not have wine.
(3)Kyle H.
I have been here twice, and the food was excellent both times. However, while my first experience was 5 stars all the way around, my second visit was definitely 3 stars, which makes an average of 4. The first time we went, everything was phenomenal. The service was excellent, as well as the food. I really like that you can buy a bottle of wine for retail price and it will still be corked and served to you. The second time, there were a few issues. I think part of this could have been because we were seated right near the open kitchen, whereas the time before we were further into the restaurant. As someone who has spent a lot of time working in restaurants, I like sitting where I can see service happening. However, some of the things we saw made us a little less tolerant of the service we were given. Little things were that I saw some servers with their hair down past their shoulders or wearing sleeveless shirts or open toed shoes, which I were always told were against health code and would have gotten sent home from my past jobs if I showed up to work like that. One server was wearing shorts so short that her apron was longer than them. Additionally, it seemed that only the food runners and busboys were wearing uniform t-shirts, maybe a couple servers too, but the majority of the servers seemed to be in aprons and street clothes. Please don't think I'm a snob, I really couldn't care less about restaurants having uniforms, but if they're GOING to have uniforms, it looks unprofessional and inconsistent to have only half of the staff wearing them. Uniforms are not enough for me to take a star off of a review for a restaurant that has truly delicious food and such a casual, fun atmosphere. Our issues were this: at one point, a burrata salad was set down in front of us, which we didn't order but didn't realize until the food runner had walked away and immediately realized what he had done. The expediter told us "that was our mistake, please enjoy the salad." Great! However, our server then walked over, before we had dug into the salad, and said "wait, that's not yours!" and before we could even explain to him what had happened, he took the salad away. This part is not so bad, as the fact of the matter is that we hadn't ordered the salad, so we didn't care. What was awful was that when he picked up the salad, he set it down on the table RIGHT NEXT TO US. Mind you, we were sitting at the high tops toward the front, so the table next to us was no more than two feet away from us. Literally. Now, I'm not one to judge a server or runner for bringing the wrong food to a table, nor would I judge a server for taking away the wrong dish that was brought to a table. However, you have to AT LEAST take it back to the kitchen before you bring it to the right table. It is an EXTREME restaurant faux pas to transfer food from one table of strangers to a different one, let alone the very next table. We of course weren't going to say anything, but they're lucky the table next to us didn't. I realized later that the food runner had ground pepper onto the salad before the server picked it up and gave it to the next table. Then I noticed later that when a different dish was put in front of them, the woman at the table declined having ground pepper. Finally, what ended up being upsetting later was that we realized that the expediter had TOLD US that the salad then belonged to us, due to their mistake, but yet our server was not informed of this and he took something that had been given to us away! Like I said, we weren't angry, and believe me, more food was the last thing we needed, but it's still very bad form. Bottom line, I will definitely be back here. The food is delicious (you have GOT to get the polenta with the different daily ragout) and the prices are very affordable. They just need to work out some of those unprofessional kinks and work more on communication between staff.
(4)Michelle J.
Had dinner here yesterday with a friend for a belated birthday dinner. Everything we had was good! We had the pork belly with apple mostardo -- the apple mostardo was the perfect sweet/sour accompaniment to the salty, crunch pork belly. Then we tried the giant ragu in a tomato sauce with sausages -- the sausage were so tasty, though the pasta was a too al dente for my preference. Dish was good overall. Came the linguine with sea urchin and crabmeat. It tasted like the sea... it was different but delicious. (Interestingly, my friend thought it was too salty. I have an aversion to salt but didn't think it was salty at all... it had just a very strong sea-salt taste to it.) Lastly, we tried the mushroom pizza with the leeks and truffle oil. We thought we wouldn't be able to finish the pizza between the both of us but it was too easy 'cause it was sooooo good. Crust was warm, chewy and soft -- just the way I like it! For dessert, we opted for chocolate mousse and glad we did it. They sprinkled bits of coffee beans around the mousse and the crust was a wafer/hazelnut bottom, a la Ferrero Rocher. The only downside was the service we got. I think we got a new server. He took forever to come to our table when we got there. It must have been more than 5 minutes before he finally approached us and asked us if we wanted anything to drink. He didn't try to explain how best to order since the servings were small/small plates. He was also dropping utensils on the floor -- must have been nervous or something. The place was packed. Nice ambience. You can go there for a casual bit to eat or a nice dinner. Overall it was a great experience despite the inexperienced server. We're definitely going back!
(4)Joe D.
Pretty good Italian. They don't take reservations, but you can go to the wine bar across the street and the hostess will call you when your table is ready. Once your group is called, sit down and enjoy the feast. I recommend going with a group of at least 4, but no more than 8 based on the table sizes. The dishes are meant to be shared, almost in a Spanish tapas style. So order a round of appetizers, share and enjoy - my favorite was the focaccia - really light and creamy. Order some main dishes - make sure to get at least one of the giant raviolis. We also enjoyed a couple of the pizzas - I particularly enjoyed the mushroom and leek pizza. Overall, this was an excellent experience. The only negatives: no reservations and the wait staff was a little - for lack of a better word - out there. Enjoy it!
(4)Lauren P.
little italy was on the list of places i hadn't ventured to yet in my 4+ years of chicago (for shame!) so i was delighted when davanti enoteca was chosen as the next location for me & my girlfriend's monthly dinner club. i was a little nervous about our large group of 8 since the restaurant doesn't take reservations, so i showed up a little early to put our name in in case there was a wait. there wasn't a wait (whew) and the hostess was nice enough to hold our table until almost the entire party arrived. our waiter took us through the menu - almost everything is meant to be shared (perfect for large groups!) we ended up ordering: - focaccia di recco - ricotta and honeycomb - roasted cherry tomato + burrata + basil pesto insalate (complements of the chef, thankyouverymuch) - pork belly + peach mostrada - risotta carbonara - sausage pizza - prosciutto pizza the focaccia di recco was like CRACK. we ordered two for the table and i'm glad that we did. i know this seems impossible... but it's like a very classy crab rangoon. the bread is so thin and crispy, it's almost like a wonton, and a cream cheese like substance is baked into it. order it, you won't regret it! the ricotta & honeycomb was also very good - in fact i wish we had more. the combination of the cheese with the fresh honey was really tasty. the pork belly scared a few of the girls, but most seemed to like it. i thought the peach sauce was the perfect complement to the crispy pork pieces. i wasn't wowed by the roasted cherry tomato + burrata - it's basically a deconstructed caprese salad. sorry to say, but easily something you can make at home. the pizzas were pretty good too, but nothing truly out of this world. meal came to $30/person -- not bad for all of that and three bottles of wine! not gonna lie, the $7 "in-house" corkage fee did erk me a little, especially since many of the bottles were under $20... but, i'll take it since most of the bottles on their house list are on the cheap end. all in all, i would definitely recommend this place, and i'll be back! the atmosphere is really romantic too, if that's what you're looking for. lots of dim lighting. look for daily specials too!
(4)Kristina D.
We really like their little vasi. The waiter was friendly. Everything was tasty, and we didn't have a wait for a table. However, we came at an odd time and everytime we've tried to go back it's been too busy to get a table.
(4)Christene M.
Best Italian food I've ever eaten and I lived in Italy for a year!
(5)Jen C.
I live near Little Italy, so I am so happy that there is an awesome new restaurant right down the street from me and in this area! Unfortunately no reservations! The bartender was attentive, and our server was also very sweet. I love that they have to bring their wine list out on a gigantic wine bottle, although I'm sure it bugs the servers every now and then to have to do that. At first look, I thought their menu was confusing because it's very concise -- but I think I was also brain-dead because I was starving by the time we got there. Love the decor here - lots of different types of tables and light fixtures - I think they designed the space very nicely. We were seated all the way in the back where the tables are sorta squished back there so you are pretty close to the patrons next to you and could probably eavesdrop if you wanted! There were some other tables in the middle geared towards slightly bigger groups that don't seem to have this proximity. Not a big deal though either way! I loved: **the Focaccia Di Recco (I think this is good to serve 4 people, so you can each have 2 pieces) **Truffle Egg Toast **Paccheri con Salsiccia e Pomodori (aka rigatoni with sausage and tomato) Less remarkable: crispy pork belly (you can definitely find more tender and savory pork belly elsewhere -- but this dish is good for 2) Need to try: the burger!!! I keep hearing about how delicious it is. Mondays in particular would be a good day to go - they currently have a $9 Burger & Beer deal going on that I really want to take advantage of. Loved it - I am going back.
(5)Irene H.
My husband and I stopped in on a Saturday slightly before 5 w/o a reservation and were told if we were out in an hour it would be OK. We also had the option of sitting in the bar area which I wish we did so that we wouldn't be rushed out of the place. The menu was somewhat confusing and when we asked the waiter to explain he seemed annoyed. I have to say the food was delicious--very flavorful, but not worth the lack of attention on the waiter's part and the ridiculously loud noise.
(2)Alice T.
- Amazing quality paired with excellent value! - Ricotta and honeycomb - enough to spread onto probably 8 pieces of large buttery pieces of toast - Truffle Toast - simple yet delicious and rich. The truffle oil and egg yolk compliment the asparagus below
(5)Betsy P.
Davanti was absolutely fabulous. Although we had to wait a bit for our table, the food was well worth the wait. The truffle egg toast and the pizza were amazing. My boyfriend said the burger melted right into your mouth. Davanti is a great place to go as a couple or with a group of friends. You will not be disappointed, because their knowledgeable staff will guide you along the way.
(4)Chris K.
I've dined here several times now and after trying nearly every item of their winter 2010 menu, I'm still impressed with the quality of the food and the level of service from this excellent restaurant. I tend to be picky about italian food and prefer the authentic flavors of real Italian vs. Italian/American and this place does a good job of preserving the flavors of the old country.
(5)Jess S.
Second time here last Thursday and it was better than the first! We had a group of 8 people and were still seated within 30 minutes at a round table. We ordered 3 pizzas, a large polenta + ragu of the day, cripsy pork belly with apple mostarda, a cheese, prosciutto and another sausage, davanti burger, the linguine with crab and sea urchin and I think some more dishes although I can't remember...Definitely enough food for us to feel full. Pizzas were delish! Highly recommend to get at least one. Crispy pork belly was amazing, the combination with the apple mostarda adds exactly the right amount of sweet to complement the saltiness of the pork. Everyone loved the polenta + ragu, definitely a hit with the table. I got it the first time I went as well and loved it. This will be a staple of my future visits I'm sure. The decor is cute and cozy and works equally well for larger groups of friends as for dates with a special someone. Their wine is pretty great as well. We all split a bottle while waiting at the bar for our table and got another during dinner. Both were fantastic. The corking fee did throw me off a bit, but I suppose their wines are not that expensive to begin with so the higher corking fee makes some sense. This is a great addition to the Italian food on Taylor!
(4)Lois A.
I love it here and all the hype has been deserved. It's just a really lovely restaurant. The staff are awesome and super friendly. There are tons of wines to pick from. The olives are great. I could eat the beet plate every day of my life and be happy. The sausage pizza is very filling with perfect crust. Good risotto. I have the burger and the polenta on my list of things to try next. There are just too many good things to pick from here. Fantastic experience. Oh, and the bathroom was a fun surprise. Very nice! Can't go wrong with Clint Eastwood on the wall!
(4)kb j.
We met some folks here on a recent weekend evening and waited and waited and waited and waited for a table. All in all it was a 2 hour wait for a table (the hostess misjudged the waiting time by about 30 minutes). We had been warned that this was likely going to be the case and, luckily,we spent most of the time waiting at a nice wine bar across the street, Beviamo. Yet, the restaurant's no-reservation policy, combined with its popularity, leads to a 4 star rating instead of a 5 star rating and would be an impediment to a return visit from us on a weekend. The restaurant is very small and includes a longish bar area at the front. It was very crowded (and we avoided the crowd by, as indicated above, taking refuge in Beviamo across the street). The restaurant itself was crowded and it seemed that a number of the tables consisted of large groups of diners. The Italian-centric food is intended for sharing (think Italian-inspired tapas) and was excellent. Highly recommended are the grilled romaine salad (their take on a caesar salad), truffle egg toast and the pizza della terre (mushroom, leeks and truffle oil). Surprisingly good was the cheeseburger! Service is efficient and not rushed. The wine list appears to be mostly Italian (though we chose a Priorat, which we don't seem to find on many restaurant menus in Chicago). We were told that the wines sold by the glass are priced at retail with a $7 corkage fee (as of February 2011). The pricing was reasonable given the excellent quality of the food.
(4)The Big O.
I don't understand any of the enthusiasm for this place. I don't think it's even as good as the Francesca restaurants, which, at a time, for a while, were quite good, though now, at a different time, with tons more competition, they're just pretty good. First, the waitstaff seems to know little about the wines. I don't believe that directing me to three or four reds and giving me very, very generic info is very meaningful or helpful. I think that if I provide a price range and a flavor profile, and can even say these are Italians I like vs. these are ones I don't like, then a waiter at an allegedly wine-focused restaurant should be able to tell me a few tidbits about the bottles he recommends--who makes it and how, where it's from, the grapes, what food it might be best with, any of that sort of stuff. Second, the food just isn't that great. Even the pizza we had--the best of what we ate--was pretty bad compared to the better pizza at other, similar restaurants. the worst of what we ate--the grilled octopus--was really skimpy at $17 and, well, just didnlt taste good. The roasted corn and walnut salad was awful, though recommended by the waiter; the corn had no fresh, roasted flavor and was so soggy ot could have come from a can. I tend to think that the Eater 38 Chicago list is highly reliable and sort of genius-y, the way it "gets" great that's high and low, but putting Davanti on that list mystifies me. Thetre are only two places on the current list that, so far, strike me as way, way wrong, this place and Piccolo Sogno. There are lots of tastier alternatives: For my money, you'd be much better-served to go to another restaurant on the list, anteprima, or its sister, smal-plates restaurant, just a couple doors south of anteprima.
(2)leslie m.
I have dined at Davanti a few times now and after last night finally have to give it the yelp it deserves. We arrived around 8pm and the restaurant was busy but not crowded. We were seated right away after the host and hostess so kindly closed some of the beautiful windows that look onto the sidewalk just for me because I was a little chilly after being unprepared for the drop in temperature. After being seated we were greeted right away by our server who asked what we had a taste for and gave a few of his favorites. We had the ricotta and honeycomb toast, which quite honestly I could eat a bucket of. The Rigatoni with sausage, a delicious warm salad of hazelnuts, Arugula and peppercorn and a mushroom pizza to finish. The food came out at perfect intervals, multiple people not just our servers checked on us and refilled our beverages. I always leave Davanti with a full stomach, feeling like a VIP.
(5)Melissa S.
I Thought this place was great! The food was fantastic, the server was very helpful and it has a great atmosphere. I especially enjoyed the rooftop seating area, it is romantic and takes you away from feeling like you are in the city. The only complaint I have is our table was extremely small and on top of that the wood was warped so you could only use half of the already crowded small table.
(4)Yumi Y.
Seeing the great reviews this place has received from various sites, I've really wanted to try this place out. My friend and I decided to stop in before we have class. Love that this place is rather small, but lively and almost like an Italian villa ;) Once again, ambiance caught my attention. Next was their wine list. Everything there is at retail price...as if shopping at Binny's (was how my server explained it ) so you don't have to worry about a Beringer being $20 ;) Next the food. Loved the whole small tapas style dishes ;) We tried the ragu which was absolutely amazing ;) great presentation and every bite had a different surprise. We also had a salad....with I believe goat cheese and grains? Nice harmony of a slightly sweet flavor and the pungy goat cheese taste. Then we had a pizza with mushrooms, onions and truffle oil. OMG orgasmic ;) Couldn't finish the entire thing but if we had the time, Im sure the both of us have devoured the entire meal. Our server was great, very informative, always checking how we're doing and most of all friendly. Must go back to try out their other dishes ;)
(4)Ellen D.
I don't even know what else to say about Davanti. I love it. We went here on a whim a few months ago, and the first meal we had cost us about $40 before tip. Not bad for two appetizers, two main entrees, and two desserts. We had steamed asparagus in this ridiculously good mascarpone and pepper sauce, the brioche egg toast, the carbonara risotto (I can't leave without ordering this...we've been here 3x and I've ordered it each time), the linguini with sea urchin, and the chocolate hazlenut mousse and the cannoli sundae. Ridiculously good. The other standouts have been the pork belly pizza and the pork belly. Oh, and the ricotta and honeycomb mason jar. Aaaand the burrata mason jar. Want to try the ragu the next time we go. The service is also great and I love how the place looks.
(5)Alexis R.
I have been back several times since my first visit - the food remains excellent but the wait still sucks. Oh well, that is the price you pay sometimes for great food, prices and service!
(4)Daniel D.
Great food and delightful service! Expensive, but worth it. The serving sizes seem small when they come out but the food is incredibly flavorful and filling. Everyone seemed to be ordering the polenta with ragout, gotta have that next time. I had the pork belly and it was pretty good.
(4)T Mir S.
this has become one of my favorite places in the city, everything on the menu is amazing. Although they do not take reservations and the wait can be very very very long... the food is def worth it and the service while waiting is great. I would recomend going there on a weekday
(5)Seth C.
This place was pretty good. I'm a fan of Enoteca style food, and this place was decent although not the best. I'm usually a bigger fan of creative vegetable sides, pasta dishes, etc., but there was one Pizza here that was completely amazing. Great sauce, great sausage, all around a win.
(3)A K.
best Italian food I've had just yet, and I don't even like Pasta! Great food, fair price, and beautiful restaurant
(5)A K.
Party in my mouth. After reading the reviews, I couldn't leave Chicago without checking this place out. We were graciously met by the hostess who offered us seats at the bar while we waited for our table. We ordered a glass of wine from the awesome wine list. After peeking at the menu, we couldn't wait any longer and decided to eat the bar. The servers were great and quickly answered all of our questions. I was surprised to see extensive number of vegetarian options offered on the menu. We first started off with the bruschetta. It was a unique dish topped with butternut squash, seasoned with capers olives and onions. Delicious. The second dish was the cauliflower steak with garbanzo beans on bed of olive tapenade. Amazing. The dish was perfectly seasoned, light yet bursting with flavors. I didn't think it could get better than this. Oh, but it did. The third dish was the Pizza della Terra mushrooms, leeks, taleggio, and truffle oil. Amazing. I couldn't ask for a better meal. And I was pleasantly surprised by the total on the bill. If I could, I would eat here every day. WOULD RETURN IN A HEART BEAT.
(5)Pecorino P.
The food here is excellent, no doubt. But after a 2.5 hour wait on a Saturday night (we arrived at 5:45pm!!!), anything would have tasted good. That said, amazing value with a menu top to bottom with very well priced choices, as well as an seemingly endless list of (again, well priced) wines. Would we come again? For the food, yes -- absolutely. If we had to wait 2.5 hours before our table for four is available .... I'd have to say no :(
(4)Marie D.
The food here was very good, but the music was horrible!! We arrived at 9:30 on a Friday night and listened for the next hour to Eminem, Shakira and other shitty club music. It made the beautiful atmosphere feel like we were at one of the clubs on Taylor Street in the late '90s. Mutiny on the D.J.
(2)Kate S.
Atmosphere and service is great! Food was fantastic (try the pizzas), but options are limited if you don't eat red meat/pork. I've heard the brunch here is terrific so I'll be back to try it. Excellent wine list with a lot of reasonable bottles.
(4)morten k.
Yeah so just a couple of pointers on how you could improve: - Don't charge me more on the bill than the item is listed for on the menu, I don't care if it's $3, that's not cool! And what's even less cool is giving a snotty attitude when it's pointed out. - Waiter Mark, don't tap me on the back and ask "any dessert" as you are walking by w/o looking at me. That's rude anyway you cut it, and very reflective of the general service we received from you this evening. - Don't list your brushette as "with the evenings special topping," and then serve me toasted bread with runny tuna-salad and beans. I expected a little more for a $11 starter, if I want tuna on toast I have cans in my pantry at home. Overall food as such was lovely, the above incident just brought what could have been a nice evening down to a half-bad experience.
(2)Erica A.
First, I want to say that food here is AMAZING!!! I love the pasta, the squash and goat cheese salad, pasta and the burger (best burger I've had in my life). This review is mostly about the waitstaff and hostess. The waitress was very rude and came to our table only 3 times. As she processed our bill she stopped to text. This wouldn't be an issue if she was consistent and attentive. We had to keep her at our table while we made decisions so we could eat! She wasn't helpful when picking out a wine which is odd because they advertise a huge list and make it seem as if it was one of their specialties...then help when we have questions! Our service was so poor and because of it we missed a friend's final performance and graduation. So disappointed. When we told the hostess she gave us a nasty face and was extremely rude. It's a shame that the waitstaff and hostess are so rude and unaccommodating, the rest of the staff and food was great. I don't think I'll ever go back though. This has been the case both times I've gone and don't think any food is worth awful service and being made to feel like a jerk for voicing my opinion.
(3)RG M.
Talk about Italian tapas at their finest! Davanti Enoteca is a cozy wine bar with rustic decor and friendly service. The spot is only two months old, but a wild fire of buzz is spreading about the restaurant. The wait on a Saturday night is one hour before 6:30 p.m. After that time, expect a 2 hour wait but worth the cause. First, the wine list varies. There is an array of flavors and prices. The wine list is presented on a ginormous wine bottle. An order of cheese & meats is recommended to start off due to this strawberry with basil jam that accompanies the platter. As a salad, we recommend the roasted plum tomato with /ricotta + anchovy salad. It tastes like a roasted, warm capri salad. The giant ravioli with ricotta and spinach was good but is made to eat solo. The strip steak tapa with sea salt and arugula was tender and full of flavor. The best was saved for last which consisted of a cannoli sundae. Dessert heaven! Pieces of cannoli shells with chocolate mousse in an ice cream cup. The reason for not scoring a 5 is due to the portion of the pasta tapas relative to the price. Might I add that the music selection was perfect. It's pleasant hits from the late 80's and 90's with songs that vary from Erasure to Journey.
(4)Brit T.
A portion of the seating is community style which is what we did to reduce our wait time. Overall the food was delicious and very elegantly prepared. We also enjoyed some great champagne (celebrating a promotion). I didn't mind sitting next to strangers, but we did find it to be a bit cramped. The plates are designed for sharing and we ordered several different things from pasta to pizza. All of which were excellent.
(4)Esther Y.
Davanti was delicious! We got the toast with honey and ricotta in a mason jar, the burger (mm bacon jam) and a pizza with prosciutto and arugula. The pizza was really nothing special--a little overly greasy and salty. But everything else was heaven on a plate! The space is cool and intimate. My only note is that our waitress was a little standoffish and it was hard to tell who worked there and who didn't--nobody wore anything to indicate that they did so.
(4)Neecy T.
So, I had really high expectations for davanti...damn you, yelp. I have been continually let down by Italian food in the city. Gioco was mediocre, Mia Francesca was inconsistent, socca's high point was their anti pasta board, and sabatino's, well my review pretty much sums up their failure to impress me. Now, I know I've had great Italian food...so it's not a stylistic or regional disparity. We entered the restaurant at 5 pm, going early to avoid a wait. We were the first table of the evening. It was after a two day close for the blizzard and apparently, their blowers had been broken. So their heat was not quite working. Like my feet were freezing the entire time, which makes it hard to enjoy my experience. Our server was honest that I entirely wanted to order too much food. I thought it was a small plates affair, but he confessed that was a misconception and that between two people, I should delete of my items. I appreciated the guidance. So the food: 1.) The burrata, cherry tomato, and basil pesto insalate: delicious, simple, creamy cheese, flavor enhancing but clean olive oil, crispy toasty baguette and tomatoes bursting with flavor. My man's favorite. 2.) toast w/ egg, fontina, truffle & asparagus: my favorite dish. I loved the garlicy, crisp toast. The egg was creamy and delicious. The truffly, melty cheese was sinful perfection. And the asparagus added dramatic color and was cooked perfectly, maybe lightly blanched or steamed with some cracked pepper and sea salt, Mmm. 3.) marscapone polenta with Ragu (some sort of meatballs): disappointing, perhaps a bit too creamy, not enough bite, it ended up being a great ragu that just would have been paired better with a tasty al dente pasta. It seemed wasted on the polenta, too rich. 4.) Pollo 'Sole Mio' grilled half chicken with a chili pepper paste. Least favorite part of the meal. The skin should have crispier, the rub should have permeated through the skin, infusing the chicken with flavor and color (think italian flavors with tandoori color), instead it seemed like an after thought. I've had better rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. 4.) For dessert I was gonna order the deconstructed cannoli sundae. The server suggested another dessert. He cited the prominent flavors as the two I found least appealing, the chocolate and whipped cream. When it comes to cannoli I want sweet cream filling with bursts of bright pistachios, so I abandoned it for the Torta Bacio chocolate-hazelnut mousse. It had this irresistible crunchy bottom & cocoa nibs. Delicious, super rich but great with my cappuccino. Note: does anyone know where I can get a dry cappuccino, no Italian place (cafe bionda: fail and on the coffee side, intelligensia: fail) can quite get it right. Perhaps, I'll just start ordering macchiatos. The prices weren't bad for the quality of the produce. I didn't hate anything but I wasn't blown away either. A solid 3.5.
(3)Michelle G.
Amazing!!! Everything we had was delicious it's all meant to be shared. We had the butternut squash salad which was more rice & butternut squash & they flat bread with cheese inside it & honey drizzled on top it was like an Italian style naan bread with cheese amazing! And we had a giant ravioli we were so stuffed we couldn't even get desert will defiantly be going back
(5)Ning A.
Really nice dinner. The wine prices are fantastic and no corkage on Sundays even better. Small plates were quite big in fact. Everything from pate to corn salad, steak and linguini were all excellent. Crispy pork belly was a bit stiff. Star of the night besides the Nebbiolo was the linguini with sea urchin an crab. Would have been happy to pay double for that. Excellent expeience!
(5)Brian C.
This was an awesome experience. I enjoy the small plate concept, and it's really fun with Italian food, especially with such creative Italian dishes. We started with the roasted corn salad and the truffle egg toast. After those two plates we had the Pizza della Fattoria (egg, pork belly, potatio, scallion, asiago, and bechamel) and the risotto carbonara. With all that, we drank a bottle of the Aglianico, and we finished it all off with the chocolate-hazelnut creation. All this, before tip, set us back $78, and it was certainly plenty of food. I can't say that I've had an Italian meal quite like this one, and I've eaten a lot of Italian food in my lifetime. We went on Wednesday night at around 6 PM, and we had no wait at all.
(5)Jayne D.
My expectations were high, and they were met. Yes, the wait is long. But it's worth it. Give the hostess your cell phone number and go enjoy some pre-dinner cocktails at the cool wine bar across the street. You'll get a call when your table is ready. The small plate concept really works, allowing two people to sample and share a wide variety of dishes. Plus the prices are very reasonable. Dinner for two with drinks/wine for well under $100? Yes, you can do it here. We started with the roasted corn and mushroom salad. It was unique and outstanding. Next, the prosciutto pizza. It was Italia-authentic and delicious. I loved the little wooden container filled with spices to season the pizza--salt, red pepper flakes and oregano mixed with black pepper. Extra seasonings weren't necessary but they certainly enhanced the already wonderful flavor. Then we had the rigatoni with sausage. Good Lord, it was divine. Lastly, we split the strip steak. Perfectly cooked to medium and so flavorful. We ordered a side of brussel sprouts to accompany the steak; they were nicely done and a good accompaniment. We capped off the meal with the chocolate hazelnut mousse and a scoop of the homemade vanilla gelato. The gelato was better than any I've had in Italy, and the chocolate creation was spectacular -- you'll fight over bites of the crunchy toffee-like bottom. Our server, a somewhat portly guy, was very efficient, friendly and helpful with recommendations and always there when we needed him, despite the fact that the place was at capacity. I will make this one of my regular spots when dining in the city. It's right up there with Coco Pazzo, my favorite restaurant, as one of the best Italian dining experiences in Chicago.
(5)Michael H.
Lots of hype over this place. The small plates were pretty good. The place doesn't take reservations as others noted. The wines are reasonable, which helps a lot.
(4)Ginger D.
Great value for great food. You can share everything and it's fun to try all their selections of cheeses and pizzas. Recommend the mushroom truffle pizza and the meat and cheese plates. Their wine list is a great value!!! Definitely recommended for an indulgent meal, at great prices.
(5)Amy S.
This place is fantastic, and it's reasonably priced. I went w 2 friends and I think we ordered half of the menu (pre-diet dinner... don't judge me). Everything came out in a timely manner. Our server was friendly and knowledgeable. I can't wait to go back!
(5)Janice L.
I finally made it there!! I wanted to organize my friend's bday celebration there but it didn't seem very accomodating for larger groups. Two things to be aware of: you cannot make a reservation so don't be surprised when the hostess tells you your wait will be 45 minutes (this is a friday night but since it was raining, I assume regular nights are just as packed). most of the tables are for double seating so it may not be a place to host a larger group of ppl. The bar area is first come first serve so be ready to pounce on any seats that open up. But don't let that discourage you from trying it out! Enoteca is a great alternative to spanish tapas (minus the sangria). You could go for larger main dishes or stick with a cheese/deli plate and appetizers. We started the meal with a cheese plate (one pecorino - forgot the other - with proscuitto served with toasted raisin bread). They have specials every night of the week - $3 for 10 on fridays for cheese and deli picks. We had the linguine tossed in unni and crab meat, grilled octopus over a beet salad and scallops soup for our main course. At first i was wary of the unni over linguine. Unni - sea urchin which typically is served raw at your neighborhood sushi spot. doesn't have the best aesthetic appeal - looks something along the lines of an orange mashed tongue of some sort. I never had it cooked and it turned out really good. Definitely innovative and very fresh. Everything we had was delish! Can't wait to try other stuff on the menu. Portions are small but it also allows you do a tasting of the menu. Prices are expected, similar to other tapas style rests. Our tab came out to be $80 which included two glasses of wine
(4)lauren k.
The service- friendly and accommodating. Food- flavorful and bright. Overall- GREAT EATING EXPERIENCE!!
(4)R K.
This place got too popular! Price hike + drop in food quality :(
(3)Milan P.
Awesome... I've been here multiple times (it doesn't help that I live down the street). I love this place. The food is great, the prices are better! I once placed an order for carryout and arrived a little late. They actually made my order again and gave me an order of their truffle egg toast (which is amazing!!!), while I waited for my food to come out, and comped a beer. This place has lots of small dishes which are perfect for sharing also!
(5)Adrienne B.
I love this place. I've only lived in Chicago for 3 months but have been here twice already and am dying to go back! The food is terrific, not your usual Italian restaurant. Every thing was amazing but my favorite items were the focaccia, the egg and spinach ravioli, and the avocado, tomato, and watermelon salad. The polenta was also great and the ragu sauce that goes on top changes daily. There are several vegetarian items but also many with meat or fish as well. You can't make reservations but the wait is worth it. For less wait, I'd try weekdays either early or later. I went on a Tuesday at 7 and had to wait for an hour.
(5)Sandy R.
Damn to my niece for turning me on to Davanti. It's all I've been thinking about. I'm dreaming about the giant ravioli and the foccacia. My mind keeps wandering to the marscapone polenta with ragu. Everything was so darn good and probably just filled with tons of calories. They may have healthier options but we didn't have any. You better believe I'll be back.
(5)smacksmackgulp K.
As I was thoroughly enjoying all the delicious food here, the thought crept into my mind: "Why is it so hard to find good, affordable, unfussy authentic Italian food in Atlanta?" And I realized it's because there just wasn't--and probably never will be--a large Italian immigrant population there. And, as I was stuffing a mouthful of ooey gooey burrata cheese and molten roasted tomato, laced with perfectly seasoned basil pesto into my maw, I lamented this fact. I hadn't had soulful, seemingly effortless Italian food like this since Sicily. But was it damn welcome. Got the aforementioned burrata salad, risotto (very good - you can tell they toast the arborio first), and the pizza with pork belly, also quite tasty. Their pizza definitely isn't their forte, but still quite competent. They were out of the sea urchin linguine...yes, I pouted a little. Wish I had room for dessert, but glad I left a "happy" full, rather than a stuffed full.
(4)Bonnie B.
I have a feeling it won't be long until it's very difficult to get a table at this place. I was very lucky to be invited to attend the soft opening this Saturday, and am already thinking about all the people I want to invite here and celebratory dinners I want to have here. The service, atmosphere, and food were outstanding. I love Mia Francesca and the Purple Pig, so it is no surprise to me that this place is amazing. What is surprising is that it's not just another Francesca's or Purple Pig. This is something altogether different. FIrst of all, the wine. You can buy the wine at the restaurant, but for the same price you'd pay in a store, plus a $7 corkage fee, which they waive on Sundays. This alone guaranteed my return before I had even tasted the food. Now, the food. Italian, yes, but incredibly sophisticated. For example, the giant ravioli stuffed with spinach and egg yolk. When you cut open the ravioli, the perfectly maintained egg yolk inside cascades out into the waiting brown butter sauce, forming a glorious marriage of egg yolk, butter, and Parmesan cheese. Very impressive. My favorite dish was the pork ragu over polenta, although I was told the ragu will change daily. The polenta is brought to your table fresh off the stove and spread out onto a wooden board. The ragu is then spooned out on top. Lovely presentation. The pork was incredibly tender and perfectly seasoned. You'd think we would have been full by now, but since the plates are relatively small, we had room to try the pizza with pork belly, potatoes, and egg yolk. The crust was perfect. The potatoes were sliced very thinly, surrounded by little mounds of tender pork belly. The egg was in the middle, and was broken at the table and spread around the pizza so it cooked quickly and blended into the sauce. Again, outstanding. The service was also fantastic. I never wanted for a drop of water or wine or anything else. Our waiter and the rest of the staff were friendly and seemed genuinely excited about the food and wine. No hint of pretension, despite the level of sophistication of the cooking. I highly recommend this restaurant and can't wait to return with friends and family.
(5)Leemar S.
Awesome.
(4)Gregory L.
Hit up Davanti Enoteca with friends, family, coworkers and people who can toss back bottles of vino until their Italian fluency surpasses even that of the natives. With the average bottle price in the mid to upper $20s, this makes wining and dining a very attractive option. Va bene. Like it's sibling, DiSotto Enoteca, Davanti's cicchetti style menu has some options which you wouldn't particularily find at most Italian Eateries. Look deeper than just their index of Salumi & Cheeses and move on to the Antipasti. White Anchovies paired with marinated celery, pecorino sardo and leccini olives completes a perfectly light and salty bite of the mediterranean. Wash it down with a refreshing glass of Muller-Thurgau, sit back, smile and nod. Davanti also offer's Italian style pizzas similar to those found at the Francesca's establishments. The pastas, like the Uovo in Ravioli, are thoughtfully portioned to allow your gut to handle the 9 other appealing sections of the menu. For those who are not into sharing, first of all shame on you, but yes, there is a section of plated entrees consisting of seafood, chicken, steak and a burger. To see the photos of this lunch, please visit my blog at thediningchef.wordpress.…
(4)Swati B.
OMG, LOVE their wine list...LOVE! I must say this is a GREAT date place..perfect ambiance...great crowd...and you get to share plates..and the wine list is amazing! Service is good, the servers are pretty helpful. They have a variety of appetizers. The foccacia bread is the best i've ever had..and the corn salad was so flavorful! We ordered the Ravioli dish (with spinach and egg) AMAZING! I wish it was bigger or came with 2! We split the chocolate hazelnut dessert..OH MY GOD...seriously borderline orgasmic (ok im exaggerating...but it was THAT good), I wanted to lick the plate, but realized that wouldn't be appropriate with my company haha! The portions are a bit small, and they are meant to be shared (Which is why I dont know why they are small) but I guess thats why you order more! Great place I want to go back to try the polenta.....and more wine what an amazing list. Seriously, take note, great date place!
(5)anthony t.
First. I am not a huge fan of polenta but here it is amazing. I love how they serve it on the board with the meat over it. Burrata is awesome. The octopus is one of the best I have ever had and the pasta with the egg in the middle was delicious. I wasnt a huge fan of the pizza but it was all good stuff.
(5)Mary I.
Been here twice and it has been soo yummy each time! Truffle toast, octopus, beets are my favorites!! Come hungry in the afternoon when there's no wait! About $25pp with tax/tip. Have fun!!
(4)MaryLu C.
Everyone loves this place. I do not know why. We went on a Sunday afternoon after attending the Bears game. It was crowded and noisy. We got seated at a bar stool table that was not comfortable setting up a bad experience. We ordered the mushroom pizza, it was lukewarm and mushy. My date ordered soup and after a few bits, left it. We did not order wine since had enough to drink already, but we would not go back or recommend it
(1)Erik S.
I almost hate to give this place another stellar review because the place is so busy as it is, but alas it does not disappoint. We had five people and did family style. The cost of the entrees to the portion size is deceiving (in a good way). You expect much less and get a lot more. The lamb and polenta special was excellent along with the carbonara risotto and the tuscan white bean bruschetta was really exceptional. Wine was very reasonably priced except they have a corkage charge for each bottle even when you purchase it there. Our server Erik was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Except for when he changed my drink after I ordered, it the only problem being that I worked for a liquor distributer and know my drink and was not thrilled when he questioned my taste and knowledge of the liquors. That said it was a very minor blip on an extraordinary meal. Can't wait to come back.
(5)Christopher M.
Another fantastic restaurant in Chicago. I am an NY kind of guy, but Chicago has really impressed via the likes of Girl and Goat and Davanti Enoteca. This place was really good. The mascarpone polenta and ragu was to die for. The oven fired pizzas were up there with New York and New Haven's (my favorite, check Modern Pizza) best. Service was great and the atmosphere even better. Tapas style plates where my friends and I sampled 4-6 different styles and all left feeling nourished yet not too full. Wine list was admirable and the ambiance and style really lent themselves to a pleasurable overall dining experience.
(5)Ryan B.
Great place. Went for brunch, they open at 11 even though their website says 10 AM so remember that. But the food and ambiance were fantastic. We had the grilled romaine salad, the pizza, and a baked egg dish. All delicious. I will definitely be back, especially since there is no wait if you get there early. Edit - I have since gone back a few times. It is good but not great. I will eat there again, it just wouldn't be my first choice for anything other than drinks and appetizers. The cheese with honey comb appetizer is amazing though.
(3)Becky K.
you jus felt good when you walked in... slightly open kitchen so you can see and hear mostly everything... so my friend and i started with an appetizer.. **truffle toast with fontina cheese and asparagus--yum. main course.. **risotto carbonara with pancetta and peas--double yum. dessert.. **blood orange sorbet with vanilla and hazelnut gelato--omg yum. nothing negative so far except the prices..it was a bit on the expensive side, but i loved the food and the atmosphere so much...it doesnt matter :) i mos def recommend this place to enjoy good wine, food, and company..after all, "one cannot sleep well, love well, or live well unless one has eaten well"
(4)Guadalupe G.
I really like this place for their Pizza's. My favorite is the Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza. They have a good wine selection that you can buy at retail and pay a $7 corkage fee. If you are having dessert try their pear bread pudding with a side of gelato. Make sure to make a reservation or be ready to wait hours. Parking is available on the street but they also have Valet available. Service was good and fast and the food is just perfect.
(5)Melissa D.
Favorite restaurant in the area and best Italian tapas in the city! I love the way it's decorated as well as the service! Great wine and phenomenal food!!! The only possible downfall is that it's a bit small and doesn't take reservations, so be prepared to wait. All of the food is great and don't be afraid to go out on a limb and try something new here. But if you'd like suggestions, my personal faves would have to be the the polenta and ragu as well as any of their cheese platters. (I'd skip on the bruschette although it's good and a comfortable go-to. There are just too many other great things to try on the menu; many of which also include bread.) If you're stumped, the servers are always great here with providing suggestions for food and wine!
(5)Patrick B.
Ground breaking small plates Italian food with amazing prices! Must, must must!
(5)Angel S.
Unfortunately not thrilled. Everything we tried was overly salty and overly fried and greasy. So sad when restaurants think that extra oil compensates for extra flavor. Other than that, the service and the wine was great, but I would still avoid a waste of time and check out the Purple Pig instead.
(1)A. D.
Great food, great atmosphere! Servers could be a little bit more helpful with the menu (recommendations, descriptions). I'm not giving it 5 stars because the 2 drinks I ordered were not tasty: house infusion martini and something called rumba something or other. Stick to the wine- good selection!
(4)Donna ..
Try the pollenta board of the day.
(5)Kevin S.
Unbelievable. Went for our anniversary and had a great time, awesome meal (leak pizza, linguine with sea urchin, the most creamy mozzarella ever with roasted tomatoes and basil and other dishes too). The fire oven really adds a touch to many plates and you can't beat the retail wine pricing and small corking fee. Bottle of wine and a full dinner for $110, at a top notch place that's tough to beat. Great experience.
(5)jeff c.
Loved the small plates all of which were very creative and tasty. Service was friendly and surprisingly prompt given how packed the place was. This place is very popular and for good reason. Go early to avoid the rush and try the roof for a special occasion.
(4)Digital M.
Five stars because it's darn tasty and easy on the wallet. Probably part of the reason for being so busy. Went last Sunday before the Hawks game at 5pm and was seated immediately (last table), and even a few tables eventually opened. Not sure what they put in the cheese pizza but holy cow it literally was the tastiest thing I've eaten in a long time. I will be going back soon.
(5)Jennifer W.
My boyfriend and I were in the mood for italian ...so where's the best place for italian ...Taylor street. Ate at divanti on Friday, the food, hostess, and waitress were fantastic. Definitely recommend this restaurant.
(5)Melissa S.
went for brunch, no wait, liked the room server was bad, didnt bring spoon for my friends coffee when it was served or when she asked for one ordered a bottle of pellegrino and my glass was never refilled even though she put the big bottle furthest away from me on the table my daughter had the Uovo in Raviolo 'San Domenico', it was served room temperature and it was very hard to cut even with a knife i had the Pizza con Prosciutto e Rucola and it was ok my friend had an egg dish and asked the server what what one of the ingredients was and she didnt know one one person bathroom for the whole place, the other one was broken finally she asked if we wanted a dessert even though she never brought us a dessert menu, so no thanks, we went to marios for an italian lemonade
(2)Kim T.
I love the shared plates concept. Gives me an excuse to order lots of food. Like the salumi, prosciutto pizza, ricotta+honeycomb, raviolo, rigatoni, burger with bacon jam, pork belly, polenta+ragu....well, you get the picture. All delicious, by the way. I only wish the desserts were better. Maybe next time.
(4)Yuna L.
I can never get enough of this plate. I have gone four times and have walked out full and happy all four times. My favorite is the Truffle egg toast + fontina + asparagus! What might seem simple is the most delectable toast, egg, asparagus combination I have ever tasted. I love, love the Paccheri con Salsiccia e Pomodori al forno. It has just enough for two to share, to savor each bite. But honestly, you can't go wrong with the menu. It's a long wait but worth it because you can go across the street, grab a glass of wine, and they'll call you when your table is ready. If you've got some time and craving for some delicious food, it's a food experience that is well worth it!
(5)Meredith H.
after a shaky start (we were completely overwhelmed by our servers menu/wine/etc/etc/etc explanation that lasted several confusing minutes), davanti enoteca lived up to the hype. lovely warm & welcoming atmosphere, interesting wine menu displayed on a giant bottle, great vino prices, good menu variety, delicious food, friendly manager, and dessert on the house...what more could you ask for? we shared a communal table, enjoyed the farm-y (aka home for me) decor, and marvelled at all the adorable mini mason jars on our table and displayed around the place. all the dishes were delicious and easy enough to share. i would definitely go with people you know, who aren't afraid of your germs and won't smack your hand away from "their" plate! do not skip dessert - we were lucky enough to be presented with 3 options to try. all were amazingly delicious and all were amazingly different! i can't wait to enjoy the grape sorbet on a hot day on taylor...summer 2011 - here's to you!
(5)andrea l.
Yum! Everything we had was excellent. The space looks great and all the employees were helpful and enthusiastic. The one questionable thing to me is the pricing - we were confused by how some small dishes were as expensive as the pizzas when all are of such high quality. In the end it doesn't matter at all though b/c for a decent price you can get some of everything, great value in my opinion. Everything was very well presented and just fantastic. They really thought about the menu and the finishing touches put it over the top. For the wine lovers its an even better bargain as you can pay retail plus 7 bucks for corkage. You should definitely try this restaurant!
(5)Mark C.
I want to jump on the bandwagon for this great Italian place on Taylor. My girfriend and I came about 6:15pm on a Saturday night. Knowing that they do not take reservations, we were prepared to hunker down at another bar (the one in D.E. is way too small and it was packed). We were told 1-1.5 hours waiting time and they took my cell phone number and said they would call. Across the street is a wine bar (with average wines and less than average cocktails, but that's another review!) that is cozy and warm. By the way, you can valet your car at Francesca's across the street. Only 45 minutes later, we got the call and I had to bring along my half glass of wine with me. Our waitress took my glass after I finished and said they would return as it happens all the time! The ambiance was great with the back brick walls resembling a wine cellar. With our wine, we ordered the olives mediterranea which came out warm and for only $4, a great deal to munch on as we looked through the menu. We shared the roasted squash+farro+whipped goat cheese+hazelnuts+watercress salad and it was to die for. We wished we were not sharing! We both said we are coming back just for this salad. We also ordered from the cheese and salami menu as we were not sure we wanted to go with big entres. This was ok, but I soon forgot about it as the macarpone polenta and ragu of the day came. This was so good!! Absolutely amazing! We both loved this place and will be coming back again. Well worth the wait. I would recommend coming with a larger party so you can taste more of the menu.
(4)Blanca R.
I haven't been this impressed with a restaurant in long time. I celebrated a friend's birthday dinner here with 8 friends. We ordered and passed around several dishes including the Linguini with Sea Urchin and Crab, The risotto, rigatoni, and the halibut. We even ordered a pizza, and that was fantastic. One of my favorites was our appetizer....the "Focaccid di Recco", which was basically a semi-sweet cheese sandwiched between a crispy crust. I would go back, just for that! The reds wines we had were delicious too. And all in all, the value was good and our waitress was great. I just simply loved it.
(5)Reed H.
Wow! One of the finest culinary experiences I have ever had. My girlfriend and I were visiting a friend in Chicago when we were turned on to this place by rave reviews from our friend. The actual dining experience surpassed our already high expectations. The food, the drink, and the service were each phenomenal and worth of high praise! A few suggestions from the menu include: The whipped ricotta vasi with honey, the corn walnut salad, the Cacio e Pepe, the Italian Pago, and my personal favorite, the Polenta Board. This was a few months back, so I'm not sure if these items are still on the meno, but I hope for your sake they are :) Much Love to Lilly, the manager, who took great care of us and made us feel so special. Our server, Andrew, was also phenomenal. We ordered his recommendations, which were obviously impeccably chosen, Go and Enjoy!
(5)Jimmy D.
Took my woman on a long overdue date here last month and it was f-in good. I've read a lot of reviews about crowds and having to wait so my game plan was to go in and put my name and number down, then go across the street to grab a drink. They told us it'd be an hour to and hour and a half. The host ends up calling me 35 min later, which was awesome and led us to the table. The special that day was 5 dollar martinis so we got a couple of those and started with an arugula butternut squash salad. It also had some type of grain, nuts and a soft cheese. Really delicious for 2 bites, then it kind of got filling and old, but we killed it anyways We then had the Ragu of the day which was a trio of braised meats, I believe house made sausage, veal, and beef on polenta, which they served up table side, it was phenomenal. Next course was the crab and sea urchin linguini. Pasta was al dente, the sauce and seafood were so good. At this point we were pretty stuffed. But, we also ordered a pizza, not thinking it was going to be that big. But nope, it was a normal sized big pizza. We opted for the pork belly, yukon potato, and egg pizza. It was so good. Seriously. It was good. No room for desert, but I got a beer. It was beer. Service was totally on point, she gave us great suggestions and was very knowledgeable. Price for 4 courses and 3 drinks - 60 bucks. What a steal. This place is awesome.
(5)Lisa G.
Fabulous night here, great wine and great food! We walked right in as a table of 2 and got a great table in the back. The arugula and roasted corn salad and ricotta and honey jar were amazing. Great ambiance and wine list. I will definitely be back the next time I'm in Chicago.
(4)Tim J.
Food and service was great. Cost, including wine, dinner, dessert and tip, was $54 per person. We all left feeling we had plenty to eat. However room was loud.
(4)C S.
One upped the amazing food in Little Italy and then some- what an addition! Between the whole sale wine prices, amazing salads/pizzas/entrees/deserts, and then completing it with the more than reasonable prices- it really is a no brainer. Actually no, don't go; lines aren't for this guy.
(5)Maria R.
1) It was cold, and 2) it was raining and 3) we were hungry! A sad trio. We drove to Taylor Street anxious for a yummy meal at Mia Francesca. OH NO! Closed until 4pm!!! What to do? Ah ha! There, waiting like a knight in shining armor, was our savior - Davanti Enoteca. We scurried across the street to find it rather busy and settled in to a table in the Wine Store section. Italian Tapas? We were game. We ordered the Pizza with Tomato and Basil - Excellent! We then tried the roasted squash + farro + whipped goat cheese + hazelnuts + watercress ... another score. We ordered the Paccheri con Salsiccia e Pomodori al forno- giant rigatoni + sausage + oven roasted tomato + parmigiano and the Ravioli (a large round one). I give big points to the Rigatoni but not for the Ravioli. All in all, a pleasant experience and certainly an excellent substitute when Mia is not open or too busy. Our tummies full, we were happy with our find and left happy with the remaining pizza. $40+ for 2 without wine.
(4)Juliette F.
I had high expectations and was let down by this place. What's the hype all about? You can get flatbread and salads with funky greens and bland dressings anywhere. Half of the menu has flatbread pizzas, the one we ordered was boring and bland. The heart of palm salad was tasteless. The olives were good, but how hard is it to warm up some olives? The rigatoni was hard and the sauce was nothing for me to write home about. MUCH better Italian places in this neighborhood. I feel like they are running with the small, shared plate trend and charging way too much money for ordinary food. Oh and by the way, the waiter was rude and snobby. Made my husband and I feel like it was a pain for him that he got our table (we came at about 4:30 on a Sunday with my 1 1/2 year old son). Disappointment.
(1)Mike L.
Well I certainly will not be able to add anything that hasnt been said. Couple of recommendations... Bread w/ ricotta and honey, polenta w/ pork, and pasta with sea urchin and crab. I also recommend that you do NOT order everything at one time. We ordered 5 or so plates and they all started to come within a few minutes of each other. Also take a look at the drink list. I was drinking peroni, then I saw them serve a Leffe at the end of my dinner. Damn. I spent 90 bucks for two people with drinks and we left uncomfortably stuffed, well worth it.
(4)Emmanuel E.
Wow, this was on my third visit to the neighborhood and it was so good! Me and my cute, short-haired friend had the Pollo 'Sole Mio', perfectly grilled with an *amazing* side salad (I kind of feel bad my friend didn't try it... I haven't had such a good salad in a long while, so good...), The Divanti Burger which really hit the spot and an order of Bruschette (...so good...). I wanted to order more but I (we) had to behave... They also have a mouth-watering selection of wines (Which, I'm sad to say, we didn't get a chance to try. But DEFINITELY next month) and they have an excellent cheese selection (which, again, we will try next time. With the wine!) If you're ever in the area, I highly recommend this place!!
(5)Dina I.
Would've given it 5 stars but my second visit was not as amazing and perfect as my first...whoever was working the pizza oven my 2nd visit was pulling the pizzas and breads out of the oven a couple minutes too early. My first visit was spot-on and all the food we ordered was executed perfectly. Not so much the 2nd visit.
(4)R B.
We arrived at about 5:15 or 5:30 pm on a Thursday night. A bit early for dinner, but we were eating before going to a play. Good timing, because by the time we were finished and were heading out, the place was packed and plenty of people were waiting. This place gets busy, be warned, but never fear! I had never heard of this place so it was a complete surprise to me. The staff was wearing street clothes, not uniforms, Totally not pretentious at all, I dig it! We ordered the ricotta with honey appetizer (yum!), the grilled asparagus, the ragu of the day poured over some creamy mascarpone polenta (so delicious!), we also had the leek and mushroom pizza with truffle oil(more please!) we had the rigatoni with sausage(great) and a chicken dish which was just okay. Regretfully we were too stuffed for dessert. The food was really great and the small plates were great as there are so many things to try. I will definitely come back some time. It was a great surprise, having never heard of the place before! Worth checking out.
(4)Andrea P.
I was so excited to try this place after seeing it praised in Chicago magazine and reading the endless good reviews online. It definitely lived up to the hype, although I didn't quite think it deserved 5 stars, but I'd like to give it 4 and a half if Yelp allowed half stars! My party consisted of 5 ladies on a Friday night. I knew they didn't take reservations, so I wanted to get there as early as possible to get my name in. We were able to get our name in at about 6:30pm and to my surprise the hostess said it would be a 60-90 wait (I expected much longer). It ended up being just over an hour wait and during that time we had a small area at the bar to hang out and have some drinks. They will also let you go to Beviamo across the street to wait and then call you when your table is ready. Atmosphere: Lively, yet casual and very approachable. The patrons were a mix of young and old, couples and groups. The decor is very welcoming and warm. I loved some of the humorous signs on the wall! Service: Our server was knowledgeable and patient with us in our questions and requests. For the most part he made excellent recommendations when asked! Price: Not bad! You can get a decent bottle of wine for around $30 and most of the sharable plates are less than $15. Food: I love sharable plate menus because you are able to try a large variety of stuff. Everything on Davanti's menu is meant to be shared, but some things you won't want to share! For instance, the mascarpone polenta with ragu of the day was simply amazing. We ended up ordering 2 boards of it because we just couldn't get enough! The night we were there it was a pork shoulder ragu, but I want to go back every night to try all the different ones! Another crowd pleaser in our group was the truffle egg toast, which was rich and savory and so unique and different. We also really enjoyed the perfectly cooked halibut dish and the risotto carbonara! The couple items that we weren't impressed with was the truffle mushroom pizza...it was good, just didn't wow us, nothing special. Also, I wouldn't order the giant ravioli again. It was just one not very giant ravioli, so each of us got one tiny bite of it. For $9 I would have expected more, and with the other menu items we got it was definitely worth the price, so not sure what happened with the ravioli! For dessert we got the cannoli sundae, which was so-so and the torta bacio which was awesome...very decadent and not just your average chocolate mousse! I really enjoyed this place a lot and would love to come back again. There are a lot more things on the menu that I'd like to try. If you're craving Italian, but want to switch it up a bit, go try Davanti Enoteca for a modern, rustic take on your Italian favorites!
(4)Vishal S.
Really enjoy eating here! I have lived in little italy for over three years and think this is the best place little italy has to offer outside the norm. I have tried a lot of things on the menu and enjoy it all. From the burger and pizzas, to the octopus and steak, to the amazing ricotta honeycomb and truffle egg toast, its all good. I dont enjoy pasta so I can't give any word on that. The wine menu was good, but they do have a corking fee which I find ridiculous. Expect to wait a while, a long while, especially on weekends. They dont take reservations, but just come prepared and have a glass of wine or two across the street at Beviamo wine bar, or have some awesome craft beers at three aces down the street.
(4)Allyson C.
I had really high hopes knowing this place was a relative of possibly my favorite Chicago restaurant, The Purple Pig. I love it when I'm not disappointed! Everything here was wonderful. We tried 5 dishes between the two of us which was probably overkill but worth it for all the flavors we got to check out. The highlight for me was a salad that's not listed on their website but was on the menu -- arugula, roasted squash, hazelnuts, whipped goat cheese, and farro. Amazing. I did feel like I was having flashbacks to the wonderful service I always get at The PP. Bonus points to the restaurant for understanding that tapas should be brought out one or at most two at a time and eaten at a leisurely pace. It made for a wonderful experience. I've already made plans to bring my friends back here for a girls' night. Ooh, and I'm also planning to go back one Monday soon for their burger & beer special because Italian restaurant or not their burger sounds incredible!
(5)David P.
Been battling the long wait times since opening day. Nothing they've ever served up has ever disappointed. Delicious and satisfied every time. Truffle egg toast, get it. Oh and wine is @retail $$. My favorite Italian restaurant ever.
(5)T M.
After the Accanto debacle, I informed my three friends to meet me here. It was as if the hospitality heavens open up and rain upon our heads. Complimentary appetizers, desserts, and digestifs ( ok , I'm using French to describe an Italian restaurant) Anywho, I felt like Oprah for a day. My friends and I will never forget that night. Thanks for the experience.
(5)Jeff S.
Came here for lunch with gf, everything we had was very tasty. Portions are smaller as it is a 'tapas' style service. We had: - bruschetta of the day... It was a tuna salad with lots of dill and very fresh and good, bread was great and chewy - burrata and roasted tomato salad... Had a nice pesto on it - rigatoni... This was my favorite, it all came together so f'ing good - grilled half chicken... This was really good too, it tasted like a what a gourmet buffalo chicken was meant to taste like from a good chef
(5)Tony S.
This place is the bee's balls. The food was fresh and innovative, the server was attentive and my friend and I were in and out of there relatively quickly, without feeling rushed by the staff. My friend and I picked this spot as a pre-show feast before a concert at the nearby UIC Pavilion. It's a bit of a walk but not bad at all. We ate the following: *the honeycomb and ricotta with toast. What a combo. Light, creamy and sweet app. *next up was the marscapone polenta (if you've never had polenta, it's similar to grits) and the ragu of the day. Today's was veal meatballs. The combination again was out of sight - richness of the veal mating with the smooth creaminess of the polenta. Killer stuff. *next up was the pizza de la fattoria. It included pork belly, potato, scallions, asiago, béchamel, and, get this, egg yolk drizzled over it. Rich and full of flavor. *But the piece de resistance was the Davanti Burger. One wouldn't think to try a burger at an Italian joint, but that person would be wrong. The carnivorous delight includes something delicious called "bacon jam" along with roasted tomato, fried cheese curd, arugula and smeared with roasted garlic mayo. Bravo!
(5)Amy L.
Everything was great from beginning to end! Be prepared for a wait for dinner since they don't take reservations. The 6 of us waited about 30 minutes but it was well worth the wait! Warm, intimate setting great for family and friends. I love the rustic feel of this place. Our table was right by the kitchen so we were able to see all the delicious food. It's Italian 'tapas' so everything is meant to be shared. Chicken liver pate (served in a mason jar) that comes with absolutely fresh delicious bread. Don't be afraid to ask for more bread because there's a lot of pate! Pizza Della Terra (mushroom) & Pizza con Salsiccia e Rapini were delicious and fresh. Linguine with crab and unni (sea urchin) - YUM! Never knew that unni would be so good with pasta! They also had big chunks of REAL crab. Strip steak with arugala salad - tender and cooked to perfection. The arugula salad had some lemon based dressing that was real light. Suckling pig (special) - awesome delicious sauce and tender meat and crispy skin! Dessert is a must -- heavenly! Each order of gelato/sorbet had 3 huge scoops - we tried concord grape, vanilla, and chocolate hazelnut - all very creamy and delicious. The carrot cake was surprisingly delicious with a cream cheese frosting - not overly sweet. The chocolate mousse was amazing! The owner actually came by our table to thank us for coming which was nice of him. Another plus is that they comped our dessert :) One of my favorite restaurants ever - will definitely be back soon!
(5)Heather L.
A couple of friends and I went for dinner at DaVanti. I should say that my boss, who is a foodie, said that this was the best restaurant he's been to in the past year, since he moved to Chicago. So, I was expecting really exceptional food. And, I did enjoy my meal, but I didn't think it was anything so phenomonal or that I would want to immediately return. We had raviolo, rigatoni, proscuitto de parma pizza and a salad. All were very tasty. We ordered a good bottle of wine. Personally, I find the corkage fee a bit annoying b/c it's not really BYOB, you can only purchase wine from them. Therefore, I feel that they should just build the corkage fee into the price so I don't have to think I am paying extra. Service was fairly good - a little slow at times. Good ambience. I would defintely go back to DaVanti, but first I want to check out some other local Italian spots.
(4)Marie F.
I have to say this is a great location, young, energetic patrons and staff. For being an Italian Restaurant on Taylor street, I had high expectations. We were there on a Saturday night, when you have all the best staff on hand. Food was not at all flavorful. Pizza was doughy, and not a thin/crisp, sauce tasted like it was right out of a can, and even with fresh basil, still had no flavor. Next was the salad, which was ok, nothing to get excited over, very oily which defeats the purpose of a salad. Chefs choice was a hot sausage with peppers, which again had no flavor, especially "hot". Pasta was mediocre, marinara sauce which is what was requested, was delivered with a red, cream sauce instead, not what we asked for. Wine was awesome and had a great selection. In all honestly, Pompeii, down the street, which I consider Italian Fast Food, blows this away and has tons of flavor. We opted for no dessert as we were sure it would not have flavor either. Doubt that we will be back.
(3)Matthew M.
its tasty especially the veggies. decor is cool. Nice atmosphere. Need a littlemore seasoning in things like the pasta and polenta. I will go back.
(4)Gina T.
This charming italian restaurant is a MUST try! My husband and I sat at the bar and enjoyed flavorful food and delicious wine on a weekday evening. We had the Cacio E Pepe (spaghetti with pecorino and black pepper) and the Riccio di Mare e Granchio (linguine with sea urchin and crab). Both pastas were delicious. We also tried the pizza dalla terra which had mushrooms, leeks, tallegio, and truffle oil. This was delicious as well especially for garlic lovers (which we are). We met the owner, Scott, and his wife, Dana. They were so hospitable and made us feel right at home. We enjoyed bottles of the Sangiovese (they also sell bottles to take home) and also fantastic desserts! We are definitely coming back!
(5)Gretchen V.
Delicious food, quality ingredients, reasonably-priced and interesting wines, and attentive but not over the top service. I am impressed. First, the most important element - the food - was amazing. We started with their version of a caprese salad, which was like a caprese salad on roids. It consisted of creamy burrata cheese, fresh basil and roasted tomatoes on the vine. It was beautifully presented (tomatoes still on the vine) and tasted even better. It left me wondering why I hadn't thought of roasting tomatoes for this classic salad before. FYI, you'll want to order a size of bread to sop up the juices left in the bowl. We next had the giant raviolo, which was stuffed with ricotta cheese, spinach and an egg yolk. It also had a rich parmeseany-buttery coating. I personally love runny egg yolks and think they make almost any savory dish better. This was no exception. Oh My God was it good! But a warning - it's rich. Splitting the raviolo with your dining companion is probably a good choice. We moved on to the ragu of the day, which was made with Berkshire roasted pork and was served over mascarpone polenta. Now anytime there is creamy polenta mixed with cheese, I am on board. Add slow-roasted pork? Yes, please. This was the perfect hearty dish. My husband and I split a small order, which was around $12, and it was just the right amount. We also tried the fruit & cheesecake dessert (can't remember the name of it right now), which to me tasted like a suped up pop tart (in a good way). It was served in a mason jar, which I thought was a fun touch. For wines, we had a quartino of Falanghina and another of Dolcetto. Both were extremely reasonably priced and went well with the food. The wine list is inclusive of many regions in Italy (which is awesome - I hate Tuscany-centric wine lists - enough with the Chianti already!). The retail pricing of the wine with the $7 corkage fee is a genius idea. And speaking of prices - you can tell that this place opened during a recession. You will be hard-pressed to find anything on the menu over $15. We had all of the food I mentioned above, plus the two quartinos of wine and our total bill was about $68 (so $82 with tip). That is a steal! The ambience of the restaurant is cozy, unpretentious and warm. Our server was genuine and attentive without being annoying. These guys have it figured out.
(5)Courtney N.
First, the ambiance is great, it's like eating dinner in a wine cellar. Second, the food is really good. My server, who was very helpful, steered me toward linguine with sea urchin and crab. It was good, but I think I should have tried the octopus dish instead. The crispy pork belly that we had for an appetizer was also good. I have to say, though, for all the talk, I didn't find anything particularly stellar about this restaurant. Except the wait staff, they were exceptional.
(4)ProjectChitown I.
Amazing food and at a reasonable price. Loved everything we ordered and the 'small plates' concept works well. Here's the menu rundown: Ricotta and honeycomb - Yummy. Make sure you really stir in the honeycomb otherwise you will think it's ok flavors until the very end. Roasted beet - great flavors, large portions of beets. Disclosure - you really have to love beets to enjoy this dish. Davanti Burger - cooked to perfection and the best part is we ordered it "medium well" and it was just that not overcooked at all. Torta Bacio - a fluffy chocolate-hazelnut mousse with a crunchy, candy bottom nestled up in a vanilla and hazelnut housemade gelato. Taste very much like a Ferrero Rocher candy. Winner!
(4)M P.
This place was awesome. Great atmosphere - fun but cozy. The tables are a little close, so maybe better for a group of friends than a first date. But the food was fantastic. Creative dishes and everything had a lot of flavor. Plus who doesn't like sharing lots of small plates? We enjoyed everything we ordered, but the truffle egg toast is something I'll be coming back for. Friendly service and a reasonable tab - definitely will be eating here again.
(5)Wayne R.
We are "foodies" and have been all around the world (including Italy twice) and this was one of the best meals we've ever eaten. The tuna and beans bruschetta was amazing. Anchovies and celery: molto buon! The chocolate mousse dessert: outstanding. Excellent service (Anna) and great atmosphere. And the price was very reasonable.
(5)Barbara A.
We went there this weekend and loved it. Great food, reasonable prices on food and wine, and friendly service. Get there early if you don't want to wait for a table.
(5)Tom M.
Excellent lunch. The service is fantastic as well. These people know how to cook and they know how to make you comfortable in their space. What a pleasure. Great pizza,great cheese and bread, great pasta, great Caesar salad. The decor is new-old but that is a minor distraction. This crew has it right.
(5)Robert W.
Food was passable, service and ambiance were good
(3)Sam S.
Great food, great service. Fun atmosphere, and reasonably priced. Will be back for sure and give it word of mouth props.
(5)Joseph L.
Visited for the fifth or sixth time tonight and I have yet to be disappointed. My wife got an undercooked burger tonight, and they handled it great; they replaced it with a perfectly done burger and covered our bill. That definitely wasn't expected and was completely without prompting on our end.
(5)Chrissy H.
Soooo good. And so affordable! Highlights: Ricotta & Honey Comb Roasted Squash Salad Rigatoni with Sausage For three people we ordered/shared 2 glasses of wine, 3 appetizers, 2 entrees, and 2 desserts and it was under $70. Considering the atmosphere, service, and food were all spectacular--that's an incredible value.
(5)Joseph S.
Food here is wonderfully flavorful, fresh, and innovative. BUT the myth of "retail wine pricing" or even more recklessly foolish "at cost" needs to be explored, exposed, and debunked. The listed prices are consistently MUCH higher than any self-respecting retailer could charge And then the restaurant cleverly perpetuates the myth by adding a "corkage" fee. The net price for most bottles of wine is not that different from the pricing you might see at many a trattoria. Granted, the wines are diverse, well selected and mostly high-quality regional Italians from non-corporatized/branded importers. Outside of the odd selection of Veuve Cliquot (sic--the most misspelled name on wine lists everywhere!) at $88 PLUS "corkage" there are many gems. The excellent food is the draw.
(4)Frank F.
Great food and atmosphere for a reasonable price, but their no reservation policy and lack of valet parking is slightly annoying.
(4)Jennifer G.
I was so impressed with Davanti Enoteca! We loved everything we had from the truffle toast to the sea urchin linguini to the chocolate mousse--omg, the chocolate mousse! The food is really different from traditional Italian, which made it a fun experience. The atmosphere is comfortable and the service is friendly and casual. Wine is great too!
(4)Mo O.
davanti enoteca let me count the ways i love you! 1.) affordable wine selection 2.) truffle egg toast 3.) roasted corn & arugula salad 4.) risotto with egg yolks 5.) gelato went here in mid November and had a great dining experience! ended up eating at the bar as there was a 1.5 hr wait & snagged some seats. eating at the bar ended up being a blast. chatted with strangers waiting for tables and got to take in the hustle and bustle of the restaurant. our service was very pleasant and the food...WOW! as mentioned above. i cannot wait to go back!!
(4)Sophisticated T.
Amazing food and great atmosphere! Half price wine on Sunday made this experience even better!
(5)Nadine L.
Finally a GREAT restaurant on Taylor street! Ate here 2 nights ago and I am already planning when I can go back again. First of all the entire staff is fun, gracious and inviting. As soon as we walked in the door it felt as if the whole staff turned to welcome us. Our server was soo much fun and the sous chef Matt was AMAZING with helping us figure out what to order to get the best taste of this restaurant. Can't beat the unique wine concept they have going where you order a bottle at cost and then if you want to drink it in house you pay a $7 corkage fee otherwise you walk out the door with it. Makes this place VERY affordable and absolutely worth every penny you spend here! Also, their spreads are very similar to those of Purple Pig (as would be expected) however they are more then eager to bring you out more bread making the $4 price-tag almost too low! Overall this is a great place to go on date-night, with a big group of friends or even by yourself and sit at the bar (they infuse vodka to make WONDERFUL seasonal cocktails).
(5)Taylor S.
Really great!! Went around 9 on a Monday night and didn't have to wait, but the place was still pretty full. The service was excellent!! One of the better service experiences I've had in the city - very friendly, efficient, knowledgeable, and not pushy. I loved the atmosphere there - very rustic yet chic, and relaxed enough that I felt fine in casual attire. However, the real star of the place is the food - a-mazing. Absolutely everything we had was exceptional! Someone had recommended the Pizza della Frattoria as a must there... I was a little wary about it, as its a bit extraneous for my usual tastes, however I ended up loving it! The egg is runny (including the white), but it really does make the dish. You can also get a big bang for your buck with the wine there, making the place even better!
(5)Stuart W.
I have only been here once, but we really enjoyed our experience here. The host(s) were tremendously friendly. Actually the entire staff was very sincerely and polite. The food was extraordinary. The decor is very modern and they have a great selection of wine at a very reasonable price. It's definitely worth a try.
(4)Hi D.
I was really excited to come here since I'm a big lover of Italian food and sharing is even better. I had also heard only great things and so I went with family. Each of us already had something in mind that we wanted to try before going in since people had raved about the place. The restaurant itself is great, perfect atmosphere with an extensive wine list. I really can't complain about anything except for the service. Our server was more than a little opionated and when we went to order she flat us told us not to get things. For example, my friend really wanted to try the risotto and the waitress said absolutley not, it's gummy and the worse thing on the menu. We thought it was strange since many people had suggested it so we said, OK, how about the raviolo. She said the same thing, that she wouldn't recommend it because it wasn't done well there were better things such as the octopus. I don't even like Octopus and that was what we felt like we had to order so we did. The whole experience was a bit tainted because what we really wanted to try we didn't get to and what we got we didn't love not because of the quality but because it wasn't our particular taste. I've worked in many restaurants and know that making recommendations is a great way to be a good server but flat out saying you think something in the restaurant in "bad" and "not done well" is not the way to bring people back. I'll go again because the food that we liked, we loved but warning to anyone who gets this server, still get what you want even if she tells you not to!
(4)Henry M.
And the second best thing about this place, besides the great food, is that you talk - NO TV'S!!!
(5)Rasmus N.
This is a GREAT restaurant! Went there last night with 3 other couples. The concept is an Italian restaurant serving small plates (tapas style), and the wine is sold at retail price plus a $7 corkage fee .... can highly recommend the $18 Chianti - excellent wine. The only thing i wish they would change is their "no reservations" policy .... it did take us 1 hour to get a table - but then again we were also 8 people on a Saturday night. For my wife and i this seems like the perfect date spot and we will definitely be back very soon!!!!
(5)Geo R.
I made my first visit with a friend to this new spot in the days between the holidays. We were looking for a place to chill and catch up a bit before NYE, and I had read about Davanti in Time Out. We managed to sneak in without any fuss and decided to sit at the bar for a light bite. The place was buzzing and still felt comfortable - not over the top loud and crazy by any means. Perfect for the occasion. The decor is good - well lit and upbeat, modern Euro trattoria style that kind of reminds me of a modern version of so many awesome old world trattorias that I've been to in Italy. I was floored to learn that they carry Menabrea beer! My favorite beer from Italy is such an elusive one to find for some strange reason. I also liked their straight forward "quartino" style wine list that allows two people to sample about a glass and a half each of a variety of wines for a minimal cost. We decided on a few cheese and salumi selections, burrata and polpo (super fresh octopus that was delicious) and then had a Pizza della Fattoria which has farmed egg, pork belly, potato, scallions, asiago and bechamel. A deliciously rich version of my favorite food group - PIZZA! I recognized a couple of the staff from Purple Pig and was treated very well. I look forward to going back sometime soon for the full dinner experience. Definitely worth a trip down Taylor Street! I'm glad to see this part of town come back to life.
(4)Anna S.
Don't show up starving! The place was packed on Saturday night and there was a 2 hour wait for dinner. Though we were quoted 45 minutes to an hour and fifteen minutes, we got seated after waiting about 2 hours. I attribute this partially to it being a new restaurant since it's only been open about a month. We hung out at the bar, so we didn't mind. If you want, you can eat at the bar if you don't have the patience to wait for a table. They even threw in a round of free drinks to make up for the extra long wait. I don't say this often, but it was worth it! The food was spot on. Once we got seated, the service was great. A dirty dish barely stayed on the table and the staff was extremely friendly. The orders came out prompt and perfect. This was the best meal I have eaten in Chicago. There just aren't enough adjectives to describe the food. It was outstanding. I CANNOT wait to go back! YUM!
(5)Kasey P.
This place is awesome!!!! The brick oven chili chicken is by far one of the best chicken dishes I have ever tasted. The small plates are really tasty and relatively large in portion size. This is a great date place or "girls night out" spot.
(4)Mark C.
What can I say here that others probably have not covered.. Food we had was The Kale Salad with Oranges (wasn't sure about this but the way it was sauteed and seasoned turned out outstanding!) Mushroom and Peppers Pizza... the crust was great.. it wasn't my selection, but it was delicious.. Finally, I had the Rigatoni with Sausage.. now that was perfecto... I also have to add that even the cappuccino's were outstandingly foamy and delicious. If I was to deduct a 1/2 star, which I can't do, it's that they haven't figured a way to capitalize on the lunch crowd very well with some type of lunch menu that would draw more people in. Friday at noon and we were almost the only ones in the restaurant.. ( a few more showed up at 12:30, but still...) but this quality of food deserves a larger crowd and I think a more appropriately priced lunch menu would do the trick.
(5)Michelle K.
I have to agree with all the other Yelpers about Davanti. The food, service and ambiance was excellent! Since this restaurant is also a wine store, I was able to choose my bottle of wine from the back room. All bottles are reasonably retail priced ($7 corkage fee). After I chose my wine, my BF and I could not wait to sink our teeths into all the food passing by us, as it looked absolutely delectable. We first ordered the charcuterie plate with two cheeses and 3 meats. I have to say the spread was above the average meat and cheese plate, since it also included a fruit jam/chutney of some sort, candied walnuts, sliced gala apples and thin raisin bread crostini. Then we ordered the shaved hearts of palm salad with sweet pepercorns. This was definitely the oddest salad I've ordered, but interestingly very delicious. Being an appetizer lover we decided to order one more and was told by our amazing server Andrew to get the corn salad (shitake mushrooms, walnuts, arugula and Parmesan). I loved that the salad was warm and felt almost like a side dish. By this time I was already full, but we had a pizza and grilled skirt steak still coming. Although I was no longer hungry at this point, the pizza was just too good to pass up. Not greasy, just enough cheese and thin but chewy. The steak was perfectly seasoned with an arugula and tomato salad on the side. Afterward, we received a free desert, had a great conversation with our server and walked away very very full at a reasonable price. All in all, I have to say this is my new favorite restaurant in Chicago. This is a new Italian restaurant, but I feel it falls on the cusp with the New American restaurant waves, due to its rustic yet sophisticated flavors. I walked away from dinner feeling like I went to one of the new hip restaurants that's been given reviews in Food and Wine, yet paid only a fraction of the price.
(5)alex D.
Great portion size, I'm not a heavy eater, and the small sizes mean its easier on the pocket. Awesome place will probably come back soon.
(5)Jackie L.
I really enjoyed this place. The atmosphere was beautiful, the staff was very friendly, and the food was great! I was a little confused about Italian small plates, but it's basically tapas. The food was good and so was the wine! Definitely a place to try out.
(4)Amanda H.
I don't feel very unique since I am giving this ANOTHER five stars but this restaurant is certainly worth writing about and definately deserves all the stars we can give. I am quite convinced this place is heaven on earth and if heaven had a taste then it would definately taste like their ricotta with honeycomb spread. (kinda sounds like a cheesy pick up line but what the heck). For the wine lovers out there this place is perfect. The back of the restaurant feels like a wine cellar and you can even pick out a bottle and drink it at the restaurant for a $7 corkage fee(We got the $17 Montepulciano which was yummy!) The service was AWESOME--and the manager even stopped to talk to us a bunch and even got us not ONE but THREE free desserts---I'm going back again tommorow night.:)
(5)Jeff K.
I will preface this by saying the food is perfect AND the server was great. These two things, however, were not enough to carry the overall dining experience. I'm referring to the fat (presumably Italian) chef running the show in the back. We dined there Friday night at a small table next to the chef station. All we heard all night was this guy shouting at his staff treating them like sub-human species. You would think the servers and kitchen staff walked on 4 legs not 2. When I asked one of the servers about it, you could tell they were uncomfortable. This provided us with an intolerable dining experience that we never want to realize again. I have worked in the retail service industry for years and have had to lead and manage people and don't understand how for some reason this is acceptable. It actually made for a miserable and sad experience. I'll not go back, but if you go, ask for a table far away from the chef station. Not good Davanti. Not good at all. In all of my years of dining out, I have never experienced something like this, not only in this country but abroad.
(2)Larry K.
Love this Place!!
(5)Erika B.
My husband and I ate lunch here for the second time today. We were out and about and decided to just stop in. The food, IMO, is very hit or miss...by that I.mean some dishes are very very good but others just ok. Although we didn't partake in it, there was an impressive bloody Mary bar set up for the brunch crowd with all kinds of fixings. The main draw for us is the "focaccia di Recco" which is a thin cheese filled pizza type creation originating from the Italian province of Liguria. Davanti comes the closest to recreating this specialty in Chicago but it's still a bit behind the real deal. (no hard crusts or the strangely paired honey over there....) Today we also ordered an egg white frittata with cecci beans and arugula. It was good but didn't come with any sides. We augmented with a side of "hashbrowns" which are really potato slices with onions and some seasonings or herbs. I would have thought the frittata would come with some sort of bread or potato but it didn't. The kids ordered rigatoni with pesto which was in the ok category. All in all, the food was very good but both times we've been here, I've left with nagging feeling of it being a bit overpriced. My daughter ordered juice which at $5 seemed a little steep to me. I think we learned that Davanti is not a just stop in place for our budget.
(3)hyo l.
Sea urchin pasta was really good but such a small portion!
(3)Teeks L.
Simply fabulous Italian food. My friend and I met here for an early dinner, and stayed a little past the dinner rush, and the waiters could not have been nicer, not pushy but very attentive. We were swooning over the food: rich, but not heavy. I had the Caco e pepe, and it was perfection, good level of spice and fresh pasta. My friend had two antipasti, both delicious, but I loved the truffled egg. The ambiance is warm and not too loud for conversation. I didn't much care for the music (top 40s esque) but everything else was perfect. Oh, and well priced. Two people with appetizers and entrees for under 40 bucks.
(5)Kevin C.
This was a great place to try the prositto appetizers and the cheeseburger, which was one of the best I have ever had! Atmosphere was great seeming like a great neighborhood place to have dinner.
(5)L N.
Went to Davanti on a Tuesday evening. The place was packed and lively. We started at the bar with a bottle of wine and three cheeses. Grana Padano, Pecorino Tartufato and Burricata. The Burricata was creamy and rich, almost gooey. The Tartufato is an earthy, musky truffle infused harder cheese which is great with red wine. The wine list is very reasonably priced and well chosen. Keep in mind you must add the $7 corkage charge to the listed bottle prices. We had the 2008 Montepulciano to start. Very drinkable, fruit forward with some raisin-yness. The second bottle was the 2008 Gaglioppo which was a bit more complex and needed a little time in the glass to be at its best, but delicious and the better of the two bottles. Next we shared the ragu of the day which was a pork ragu served with marscapone polenta. Very tender, chewy chunks of pork in a rich tomato based sauce complimented the creamy toothsome polenta perfectly. It's served on a board; it would be easier to serve out of a flat bowl, but it's an insignificant complaint given how yummy it was. Last but not least we shared a Proscuitto e Rucola pizza. The pizza has a delicate, buttery, crispy crust and was layered abundantly with proscuitto, cheeses and arugula. While not the most exotic thing on the menu, the pizza is definitely worth ordering! So good. Service was just a bit slow but not enough to be annoying, and the dining room in the back is noisy, although it could have been the placement of our particular table. In any case, I hope to be back here sometime soon to try other things and to drink more bottles of wine!
(4)Jim S.
The food was decent at best, their portions relative to price are all over the place. Some cheaper items have a nicer portion and are better tasting than some items that are very expensive and small portions for tapas style food. Food was extremly slow coming out and we went during lunch on a weekday when it wasn't that busy so I can only imagine what the service is like when it gets busy. The place was avergage at best.
(2)Tim H.
Went for the first time last night. Its nice to see another great Italian establishment in Little Italy, where you would think it would be nothing but. And guess what, we didn't order any pasta! The Pizza DOC came first which you would think would be typical, but it was the best brick oven I have ever had! Our second course was the Pollo 'Sole Mio' which was amazing and cooked to perfection. Tender and juicy, bursting with flavor. The service was great too. The owner stopped by our table multiple times to check in and bought us a delicious mozzarella dish to try. At the end of the meal he comped us three deserts which were amazing. Bread pudding, peach parfait and a grape sorbet. We will definitely be back to this well dressed and comfortable atmosphere with exposed brick, wood floors and ceilings and calm lighting. It was great to see this place packed on a Monday night and not by UIC students.
(4)Eric L.
What I love about this place is the creativity. While I didnt love all the dishes (pork belly was just a slab of meat and not tender) I appreciate the thoughts that went into most of the dishes. Its been a long time since I've been here and I want to go back to try out some more dishes. But overall, I really like this place. The decor and environment are also very charming.
(4)Constance B.
First time eating here and we had an incredible time! The Bad News: we were told the wait was 1-1/2 hours when we checked in at 6:30 which was okay with us, but then it turned out to be 2 and 1/2 hours! The Good News: we sat at the bar while we waited and had the most incredible bartender (Brooke) - she was smart, funny, mixed a mean drink and comped us drinks and food because we had to wait so long - the restaurant needs to pay her more whatever they pay her b/c we left happy b/c of her and we would have left really angry had she not been there! Also, Joe the wine steward kept us laughing and was the only other person to tell us the truth about how long we'd be waiting. When we finally did get to sit down, it was worth the wait. The food was incredible. Between the 4 of us we tried about 10 dishes, and didn't have one disappointment. The real standouts: any of the pizzas, Focaccia di Recco was the best (crispy filo dough, cheese and honey), the vasi (mini mason jars), hearts of palm salad and the crispy pork antipasti! Not much room for dessert, but we shared one butterscotch pudding, which was great, not too sweet. We will definitely be back, but maybe on a week night unless we are assured of a spot at the bar with Brooke bartending!
(5)Klar Z.
I asked a foodie friend of mine for a restaurant that was fun and featured great people watching but wouldn't break the bank, so he recommended Davanti Enoteca, which I probably would have never checked out on account of the fact that I live a million El stops away from it. I'm so glad we tried it! We went at 8 PM on a Saturday night and were told that there was an hourlong wait, but were helpfully told to try the wine bar across the street, so we killed some time there and enjoyed the $5 sparkling wine special. The interior of Davanti is lively and cool but I didn't feel like it was too trendy or sceney. I had already scoped out the menu before we went so based on everyone else's recommendation we tried the ricotta and honeycomb. Wow. I wish I could eat that every day of my life--the creamy/sweet combination was fantastic, and the bread itself was so nicely broiled and chewy. We also tried the truffle toast which was nice and the wheatberry salad, which I loved. In addition (yes, we pigged out), we had the prosciutto and arugula pizza (which was good but I don't think it was necessarily much different from a decent pizza of the same style somewhere else) and the meat plate, which was an orgy of pig. Also, we had a nice bottle of wine. We weren't really interested in dessert after this but the waiter told us the desserts that were available and actually told us he didn't particularly recommend any of them, which I really appreciated. He wasn't just trying to sell us on some leftover desserts that wouldn't be as tasty as the rest of the food. I highly recommend this place! Definitely worth the trip if you're not in the area. I keep *almost* regretting how much I ate last night, and then I remember how good it was --it was totally worth the calories.
(5)J. C.
Loved it. Great food, Excellent Service. Easy to get into on a Saturday afternoon.
(4)Lily S.
Uno ravioli and linguine are amazing. Long wait for a table, but so worth it.
(5)Kara H.
go immediately! get the truffle egg toast.
(5)d b.
The food was some of the most flavorful and creative I've had in a while and nothing I'd expect from an italian restaurant. I came expecting the usual flavors of pastas and veals and chicken dishes but was presently surprised with the creative menu. Most of the menu dishes are small and probably a little over priced for the portions. The ambiance was rich and felt cozy and chic at the same time. We sat in the back where all the bottles are stacked so it feels like you're in the cellar. The service was excellent with attentive and personable waiters and busboy, which you need since the dishes come out at a good pace and the tables are only barely big enough to accomodate your wine bottle, glassware, dishes and a shared entree. However, you never feel cramped. And after asking the waiter to turn down the base on the speakers, this was a comfortable date place. As for the food, I recommend everything we ordered except for the better than average, but nothing special, pizza with procuito di parma. The beet salad had great flavors which popped in your mouth. The Large riggatoni with sausage was cooked perfectly. The octopus was delicous and tender however had a bit too much mayonaise sauce on top which detracted from the seafood (I'd still recommend the dish). The pork belly with apple chutney was cooked well and had the right amount of salt and sweet for me but might be a little too rich for others since it's essentially thick bacon. We had the pear bread pudding with gelato for dessert which was also great. The wine we chose was great and reasonably priced too. Overall, the restaurant is really good and would have gotten 5 stars if the prices were lower...or the portions were bigger!
(4)Daniel S.
amazing!
(5)Roberta S.
Went here for lunch last Fri. with hubby and grown son. We all loved everything about this place. The decor is warm and welcoming the noise level low and the staff friendly and eager to please. Oh, did I forget to mention the food? Well, it is all top notch: quality ingredients and masterful preparation. We shared a cannoli sundae and it was the perfect end to a wonderful meal.I love the fact that they have a great selection of wines at retail price plus a $7.00 corkage fee. We will definitely be back to try the pizza and everything else on the menu. Bravo!!!
(5)Eddie H.
great food, awesome service and great atmosphere!
(4)mike s.
This place is unreal. Love everything there, surprisingly good brunch too. Fairly priced wine.... Every time I go I get the Ragu of the day with the polenta and it never disappoints. Ricotta and honeycomb combo is awesome.... cant really go wrong with anything on the menu here. Small plates, good for a group of 4 so you can try several different things. Expect to wait... good service at bar though.
(5)Christopher H.
This place is REALLY good. Cool atmosphere, fun but classy without being stuffy. Excellent for any occasion. Not exactly cheap, but not too pricey either, considering the quality of food. They've got a lot of shared plates which is nice too. Unbelievable wine selection with very knowledgeable waiters. I love this place; it's usually pretty packed though, so head across the street to the Wine Dive (or something like that) to wait out the wait.
(4)allison k.
I had a nice time at Davanti's. I wish they took reservations but we managed to get a table fairly quickly so overall I was pleased. The wine list here is extensive so I needed some help picking what I wanted and the waitress was very helpful in pointing me towards wines I may like. The food was all good but the stand out was the cheese and honeycomb jar and the focaccia di recco (very thin, flakey thing w/ creamy cheese on the inside, I've never had anything quite like it - YUM!). I love truffle, i love eggs and I love toast so I ordered the truffle egg toast but unilke a lot of other yelpers for me it was only ok. I've had the same dish elsewhere done better. While I loved the decor and overall feel of the place it was extremely loud as others have noted. Perfect if you're going to have a few drinks and are ok shouting... not so good if you want to have a cozy romantic night with your partner. Overall I enjoyed it and would go back on a night where I know I'm not going to be waiting forever for a table.
(4)alexandra k.
yum yum yum. came here with a group of 4 to hang out and the food was delicious. one of the girls' friends is quite the foodie and recommended these two appetizers and four entrees, so we went ahead and ordered everything she suggested. all were DELISH! my favorite was the ricotta + honeycomb that was served with some toasted rustic bread. The ricotta was whipped, super smooth and creamy, and the honey added a perfect balance of sweetness. We also ordered the pizza con prosciutto e rucola which was in true italian style of thin crust, minimal sauce, and fresh ingredients. And I enjoyed slathering the extra ricotta and honey on the crust since we ran out of bread (although I'm sure you could've asked for more). the truffle egg toast + fontina + asparagus we ordered was a very close second to the ricotta. the fontina was melted perfectly over the warm bread, and the egg yolk gave a creaminess and was in wonderful contrast to the crunchy asparagus. i'm just sad i had to split it four ways. honestly, although they weren't my favorites, we also ordered the risotto carbonara riccio di mare + granchio, and the paccheri con salsiccia e pomadori al forni which were still all very good. i left feeling satisfied, but not over stuffed. the prices were a little high given the relatively small portion sizes, so i not a place i will be visiting regularly, but definitely a place i would take friends visiting from out of town.
(5)David L.
we had dinner last friday night with no reservations and waited about 30 minutes. the decor is very rustic with brick walls and dim lighting. very intimate setting however the place gets really loud. pizza DOC - simple thin brick oven pizza. pork shoulder ragu - highlight of the night, creamy polenta that is poured table side onto a wooden slab and than pork shoulder on top. lots of meat and good size portion for the small linquine with sea urchin and crab - very creamy and flavorful but the size is tiny! rigatoni and sausage - tastey and a lot bigger portion than the linquine that we ordered great wine selection, prices start to creep up as they recommend about 4 plates for two people since portions are much smaller than what you would expect at a typical italian joint. ran about $90 with one glass of wine, but we also had some drinks a the bar while waiting so spent about $120 for the night.
(3)Samantha K.
This place was so good the first time I went I thought it was a fluke. So I went back 2 weeks later and realized it wasn't a fluke...it was just that good. After spending 2 solid weeks in Italy this fall I came back somewhat tarnished from the American version of Italian food. This put me back in my place. The food here is delicious and the atmosphere is great. It's a cozy little house like place that has a kick ass wine cellar/selection in the back. As others have mentioned, it's a wine boutique so you buy off the shelf and they charge you a 7 dollar corkage fee. You can get great bottles of wine for great prices..like at cost, not restaurant wine prices. If you want to get some of the higher end stuff, they even have a secret wine list (shh...you didn't hear it from me). I think the key is going with people who are willing to share anything and everything. Four seemed to be the perfect number. They don't take resos and the wait can be long so make sure to go with people you want to spend time with. Some highlights for me: Truffle Toast: You MUST order this and each take a bite...AMAZING! Pizza: Loved the Prosciutto Arugula, not the biggest fan of the mushroom/truffle/leek pizza. Pasta: Rigatoni with Sausage was great, Ragu of the day, didn't love. Can't go wrong with any of the meats or cheeses or small mason jars. So grab some good friends and head to this place to enjoy some awesome wine and awesome food at really reasonable prices.
(5)City G.
I called to make a reservation. They don't take reservations, fine, but why be such a bitach about it when answering the phone... Glad I called first; I'll skip this one.
(1)C.A. O.
This cozy little places oozes with customer service. They treat you like family - and I'm not being cheesy. Little Italy is a hike from my house, but I'd go back weekly - this is the real deal.
(5)Ann M.
A welcome addition to Taylor Street. Great ambiance, attentive service, reasonable wine prices and an inventive menu. I love the "small plate" concept.
(4)Kevin L.
I was astounded at the affordability of such a wonderfully complex and attentively shaped meal. The servings are generous for tapas, but not the formulaic over-serving traditional, southern Italian that most have come accustomed. Maybe it's just me, but I have not known of many Italian places to cater to broad, modern palates, but this one hits a home run. I would suggest to 26-50 year old diners who take their food and wine seriously.
(4)Nick G.
Shortly after my first review, I received a message from the owner apologizing for the issues we had. I really appreciate the customer service, so I will be adding Davanti back to the list of places I'd like to dine at.
(2)Suz S.
This place rocks. Best meal I've had in the past 15months.
(5)Joanna K.
absolutely wonderful--went last night with a few people. wine list is, expectedly, fabulous for an enoteca. they are pretty good at helping you select a wine if you are wanting to get a little more adventurous. then, the food! delicious--had the ricotta/honeycomb (as good as everyone says, addictive--couldn't stop eating, but there was so much to follow!), the truffled egg toast with asparagus (yum, but anything with truffles wins in my book), the pork ragu with creamy polenta (so delicious), the pizza with truffles (again--amazing), risotto carbonara (delicious, but sadly at this point i was running out of steam) and the linguine with crab and sea urchin (i really liked it a lot, but other table members felt that it was the least impressive.) it's a small plates set up, so come ready to order a few and share. it's actually quite affordable and the bill came to about $20 pp + tip (for all that including some alcohol) and you leave stuffed. i found the food to be filling but not fatty or greasy--more like very light and fresh, even with the dishes that would be heavier (like the polenta/pork ragu). regarding the service, i found it to be attentive, fun and informative--our waiter did a great job helping us sort through the different choices. we were checked on regularly, but in an unobtrusive way--the way it should be! and to make an already amazing experience just that much better, the lovely waitstaff brought over a selection of liqueurs for us to try...on the house. and then left the bottles for us on the table to sample further. :) totally unexpected and tons of fun. apparently one of the owners thought we were having a lot of fun and wanted to make sure we had an even better time? who knows...but i know i definitely plan to return! :)
(5)Peggy A.
The first time I went to Davanti, I was there for a party a month after they opened, the service was amazing, as was the food, the wine & the dessert to die for. I ate so much I had the worst stomach ache an hour after I got home. I knew I wanted to go back, and finally had a chance to last night. The menu was different; a winter menu. We started off with the Buschetta, we failed to do so, but ask what the topping of the day is as it is not your typical Buchetta topping. Loved the salad, Escarole, the apples & hazelnuts were a lovely touch. I had the Uovo in Raviolo, really good, but NOT a good value. All you get is 1 big ravioli sitting on sauce. Good thing we had the salad & buchetta to fill me. For dessert, we had the Torta Bacio (Chocolate Hazelnut mousse) with a side of vanilla gelati. That was perfect! I left there thinking I would go back to try their pizza because they looked good, BUT about an hour after I got home I had the worst stomach ache again. I think it's good food, but it just does not agree with me.
(3)Janet J.
We live in the area and really liked this restaurant so we went back with a total of 6 people. We knew that it booked early and that they didn't take reservations so we had our friends meet us at 6:00 p.m. this past Saturday. Long story short it was a 90 minute wait. No food is worth that so we got in at La Luce and had a fabulous dinner. We are not going back to Davanti Enoteca until they take reservations.....
(3)natalie b.
I L O V E love this place. The wine selection is amazing and the price range is amazing. Food was excellent... you need to get the polenta! The staff was very friendly and interactive! I will be back.
(5)dana c.
We have dined here at least 3 times already and each time I try something new and get blown away. The truffle egg toast, the ravioli are delicious. The cacio e pepe pasta and the rigatoni are a must, order a few things and share. I love the daily specials, we were there last monday and got a burger and beer for $9 . Also Im an "oldie but goody," and remember sole mio very well. They have dedicated a chicken dish to that restaurant and its perfect. Best chicken ever. Last night the chef brought over a 24 hour risotto, UNBELIEVABLE DELICIOUS!!! Never had anything like this in Chicago. The room itself is really warm and friendly. Nice crowd all evening and great action/people watching. Every one is super friendly. By the time you walk in the door, from the hostess to wait staff. I had a rough day at work and they made it all go away! You can go check out the wines on the shelf, grab one off the wall,and get it for retail plus $7 corkage. Best deal around. I will keep on going back and will recommend it to all my friends. A most to try and so good you will try again!
(5)Debbie H.
Unbelievable evening that our "Ladies Dinner Group" will NEVER forget! We have been dining together once a month for over 25 years, and this is by far, one of the best, and definitely most memorable, of any restaurant we have ever been! We were treated like royalty throughout the night. Scott, Paige, and Joe made sure we had the best selections they served, from start to finish. Hard to pick a favorite because everything was first rate. We started with Focaccia Di Recco (baked focaccia with soft cow cheese), Roasted Heart of Palm, Roasted Beets,Roasted Cherry Tomato and Burrata Cheese, and a Roasted Corn, walnuts, mushroom and goat cheese salad. We then moved onto spaghetti and black pepper, ravioli wit spinach, and a polenta dish. We ended with every dessert on the menu! Truly every menu item we tried (and we certainly tried most of them...) was flavorful and very delicious. My personal standouts were the raviioli with spinach, baked focaccia, and the parfait, cheesecake dessert. This is such a fun and enjoyable way to spend an evening -- tasting small plates of a broad range of amazing tastes and flavors. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the 9 very satisfied female diners who visited you tonight.
(5)Curt L.
Fun lively spot with excellent food and friendly service. Desserts are an especially good value. I'm not normally a fan of "small plate" places because they almost always mean a bigger tab for less food when all is said and done, but this place makes it work pretty well. Creative ingredients and nice twists on some standard dishes. My only complaint was spending $9 for a single ravioli. It was absolutely delicious, and a little larger than a normal ravioli, but it was a silly portion size for the cost.
(4)Joe C.
OUTSTANDING!!!!!! Friendly atmosphere, knowledgeable waiters, great food at a very reasonable prices. Don't miss it.
(5)Jill B.
I wanted to give 4.5 stars but I guess thats a no-can-do on Yelp. And the only reason that I'm not giving a full 5 stars is because apparently the kitchen messed up one of our pizzas and we had to wait a bit...thought they could've offered to comp it or give us something for the wait. With that being said, everything we tried was AMAZING. The food was sooooo soo good and I'm not a big Italian fan. In fact, I really wasn't looking forward to going but the food was just so delicious...can't say enough about it. I was with a group of 8 and our waitress (who was excellent) suggested we get 12-14 dishes to pass around and share. I didn't try the pork belly or hearts of palms b/c I'm not a big fan but everything else I tried was perfection. The truffle egg toast was unreal! My favorite thing there. I also loved the giant ravioli with spinach and ricotta. Tuscan toast with ricotta and honey comb was also really memorable. It was overall just a really really great experience and I would suggest it to anyone in that area, whether they like Italian or not. I would definitely go back!
(4)Windy R.
The food was good although a bit pricey for what you got. The waiters need more training which is understandable for a new restaurant. Our waiter couldn't comment on the various salami choices (he said he hadn't tried many of them). He brought us the salt/pepper/chili dispenser with no spoon so we would have to use our fingers if we wanted to use them-not too sanitary. The iced tea comes in a bottle and is flavored but the waiter didn't tell me that until he had already opened it and brought it to the table - I would have ordered something else had I known. Very nice interior - they did a nice job re-doing it.
(3)Brandon B.
We like this place alot, always good service and its Tapas style which means you can try everything you want! Any formaggi and salumi will do, foccaccia di Recco is so plain but SO good (definitely want to have at least 2 people because it is large), Grilled Romaine Insalata was exceptional. We tried a pizza on one trip, the Pizza con Salsiccia e Rapini which is Italian mild sausage, broccoli rabe, garlic, chili oil, fresh mozzarella, tomato. This was tasty, but the broccoli rabe kind of overtakes the dish (even the sausage), we would probably get it again just without or with easy broccoli. A must is the Bistecca alla Griglia which is oven roasted strip steak with a arugula salad topped with evoo and sea salt, both times we have had this dish it was fantastic. If you like rich desserts, try the deconstructed cannoli, it could be very good to some but it was a little too rich for me. You can go all out here and have a bill for 2 for about $80. Both times we came here we only had a drink or too and our bill was around $50, which is a pretty good deal for the amount/quality of food you get
(4)Diana J.
My friends took me here for my birthday- the ambiance and service was very good! beet salad- loved it! great combo with the creme fraiche and crunchy nuts. truffle egg toast- OMG this was by far our favorite dish and we really wanted to order two more orders of it! DEFINITELY ORDER THIS!! wild mushroom pizza- good but also nothing out of the ordinary sea urchin pasta- very tasty, albeit a little too much salt. Overall, it was a great experience and yummy food. The portion amt was kind of small for the price you pay though.
(4)Charlie C.
I am struggling to give this place a 5-star review... because that would mean that it literally shut my mind down and left me aching for more. Not quite there, but it was very good... especially for the price. We had a 7:30 reservation, we were not seated until 8. The place was packed, but I didnt mind waiting with a drink in my hand... we sat to immediately receive their most sincere apologies and a free app for the difficulties. Nice touch! We went on to try some of my fellow yelpers must haves... and enjoyed the meal, atmosphere, and service. We had their ragu of the day- get it... don't even think about it. Truffle egg toast. 2 pizzas (super good hand tosses brick oven taste) and some pork cheek and ricotta concoction. It was all terrific... I have no real qualms or issues. I didn't mind the wait. Good place for dates, a slighly upscale dinner out, to take your parents while they are in town for a little charm.
(4)Katie C.
Worth the wait! Went here with my dinner club a couple months ago and I wasn't sure it would live up to the hype, but it did! Get there early... have a glass of wine at the bar while you wait. The place smells amazing. Don't forget the truffle egg toast - as everyone says - it's absolutely rich and delicious. Pizza, pasta, everything we tried was amazing. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Stephanie C.
Love the food here and the atmosphere can't be beat.
(5)Isabel V.
We went here for dinner and it was great! Dishes are meant to be shared, we ordered three different things and they all were great. The Gnocchi with pork was particularly delicious. Plates look small but they are very filling, so is you don't go crazy ordering many different ones you'll find it very reasonably priced. Wine list is not very large, but they do have a good selection and variety. Also, service was really great, really wish I could remember our servers name because he was fantastic.
(4)E M.
Rate as just a little above average. Crowd and management are a little pretentious for Taylor Street. Ok concept ok execution.
(3)Jennifer G.
Started with a cheese and meat tray. Very small portion for the price although the boar, salami and cheeses were very good. Second had the cheese and honey foccacia. OMG!! The best foccacia I have ever had; crispy, cheesy, gooey, delciousness. Two people at our table had the spicy pizza with kale which was excellent. The crust rivals any of the best in the city. The grilled chicken with spicy rub was another stand out. It was served with a great salad and the chicken was perfect and juicy and smoky spicy. The last dish we had was the lingiuine de mar which was also very good. It did not have the bulk of seafood I would have expected but the flavor was jam packed. The room was great and was not too loud, just enough hustle. The service was very good.
(4)Jessica R.
The squash and octopus were outstanding!!! What a delicious dinner! Small plates of delightful flavors! I've been here twice and though I thoroughly enjoyed it my first time, the second time was a bit of a let down. I'll have to try it again to get an ample read on the place. However with the average of a 4.5 the first time and a 3.5 the second, it has an average of a 4 star right now. :)
(4)Katie S.
Food was very good, but service was only decent. BF had the eggs, sausage and potatoes. I had the linguine seaurchine crab pasta. For appietizer, we had the tuna bauchette. Food is definitely unique. We probably had a personality conflict with the waiter. He was alittle too fake and salesman like for our taste. We would definitely come back for the food and the old style atmosphere. If i were to rate on food alone, it would get 5 stars. Minus 1 star for the service. If you are looking for a unique italian flare, definitely check this place out. You wont be disappointed.
(4)Carolyn L.
I love this University Village Italian spot! The rooftop seating was so perfect. I went here for my birthday in October with a friend and it was a great choice. I ordered the Pollo 'Sole Mio': Grilled half chicken + chili pepper paste. It was just the right amount of spicy and it was beautiful. The color was so deep and red. My friend ordered one of the items off of the brunch menu which looked delicious as well. I would so go back here for a nice glass of wine and some dinner. Now to find a date to take me!
(4)Pamela C.
One of the best Italian restaurants in the city. Friendly staff, full of excellent recommendations. Good for groups. They specIalize in small plate Italian dishes to share. A+. Try the Il Pizzino Robiola cheese, some of the best I've had.
(5)Chirag P.
It was good. It was Italian. Not so different from the rest of the good italian restaurants. .. like quartinos, RPM, etc. Decently priced as well for a hotel restaurant.
(4)Daniel S.
While what I had was good, it's real overpriced for a small amount of food, especially since were supposed to share these dishes, we got the polpi, riganoni n sausage, rissoto, noodles n lamb, salad, bruschetta, cheese n meat, wine, carrot cake, crème brulee, and a martini, it all tasted fine, but i spent a whole bunch of money and didnt leave full
(3)Amy A.
Came here for brunch on the weekend. Brunch is not served tapas style, so cannot comment on that feature. However, the food was FABULOUS. They have gluten-free pasta options. My son loved their gluten-free mac and cheese. It's not typical kid's mac and cheese (i.e. orange processed cheese-like substance), and you can definitely tell they used real ingredients, yet made it tasty enough that a 6-year old practically licked the plate. The waygu steak and eggs were also amazing. I would recommend getting the salsa on the side because it did overpower the steak a tiny bit...but good portion for the price. And their foccocia bread (which doesn't really taste like foccocia bread...more like a pastry) was soooooo good!
(5)Melanie B.
I've been wanting to go here for a long time but the Taylor Street location made it hard to just pop by. We made it a destination on a recent Monday though and it was absolutely worth the trek. There were four girls, and we split three of the biggest non-entree dishes and a bottle of realmy reasonably priced wine. The Ligurian-style focaccia is unlike anything I've ever had: creamy cheese sandwiched between two phyllo-like layers and topped with honeycomb (if you choose). Unreal. You have to try it. We also got a pizza that was really light considering it was topped with potato and a whole egg. We finished with the polenta of the day. They come out and pour the polenta and the ragu from the pans they were cooked in, which was neat. The whole meal felt very decadent without being heavy. I'll definitely be making the effort again soon!
(4)Aurore L.
3 visits in one week......... That's what you call love or else I don't know! Chef Scott is incredible. I left last night giving him a big hug, and I am already planning my next visit!! AMORE!
(5)Clare M.
I have been there 4 times in the last 2 months...sooooo I like it! The server are always really nice. The wine prices are amazing! The food! The pizza - mushroom pizza has a beautiful truffle flavor that melts in your mouth.!! I dream of it--as well as the parma ham pizza. gooooooo
(5)Katie E.
Davanti Enoteca rocks - a great, casual spot for fresh and creative Italian food. It is a loud happy place, no surprise given the good eats. Loved the pizzas and pasta. They also have a great wine selection. The chef, in addition to being a great talent, is super friendly. A must.
(4)Aisha C.
Great food, great price and the option to buy vino at retail with a nominal corkage fee is a real treat! We really enjoyed the cauliflower steak, warm olives and the sea urchin pasta was incredible! It's a good date spot!
(4)Hamster P.
I would come back here again and again just for the polenta w/ ragu!!
(4)Lisa M.
Davanti Enoteca was awesome! It was out of the area that we normally go out in-Gold Coast/Lincoln Park/West Loop etc...so we were a little hesitant because we weren't sure how difficult it would be to get a cab back. We were able to get a cab right I'm so glad we went! The wine was great and fairly priced when compared to similar restaurants. The waiter we had, a very bug guy,was great with wine & food suggestions! The wine list is brought out on this huge bottle---it was so cute! The food was excellent! The fresh palm salad is a MUST have!!! It was amazing!
(5)Christina B.
I really was impressed with Davanti Enoteca! I went here for my birthday and I am very glad that I did. The food was all VERY good, except for the Octopus which was chewy and tough. Great service and had about 10 dishes...all of which were very tasty (except for the Octopus). Highly recommended
(5)Amy S.
Great food, great service and great ambiance! Perfect for date night!
(5)Ekow M.
Excellent ambiance, great food and his was our first time to Italian village so the meal set us up in a great romantic mood for a stroll....until we realized it was like 30 degrees. Definitely recommend it!
(4)Eric X.
[ Visited in July, 2013 ] Great food, service, and location just west of Little Italy. You won't go wrong if you share a number of the small plates with your dining companion(s). The wine selection is amazing, and desserts will cap off a delightful culinary evening.
(4)Gabriella T.
This place is amazing. My fiance and I go as often and as early as we can to beat the rush which usually starts by 5 pm. We love the pizza. It's great the next day. The farro salad is soooo yummy. The boards with ragu of the day is to die for. The davanti burger was so different and so fantastic. The ambiance is great, friendly wait staff. I can't rave enough about it. So good!!!!
(5)Kevin T.
Went here the other night. Great place! Small plates style. Pate was great, more like a mousseline. Truffle toast is a must as is the crab linguini. Wine supposedly is regular store price with a $7 corkage fee. Would definitely return. Only thing is they don't take reservations...so you may have to wait. Great place for the area.
(5)Laurence K.
I don't mind waiting when given a correct wait time. But quoted 20 minutes and then turns out to be almost an hour?. we started with the the shaved hearts of palm. what a disappointment. it tasted like canned hearts of palm that were unrolled. had no flavor whats so ever. next by suggestion of our server an egg toast with a truffle oil. blah it didn't work. next a pizza with broccoli rabe sausage and motz. it was ok not done enough soggy, and sausage was flavorless. next 2 different pastas first crab meat in pasta with an uni sauce. it was marginal and a black pepper and Parmesan which was pretty good. Portions could been a bit bigger though. We were really disappointed. Phil Vettel just gave it 2 stars? maybe we didn't order the right things?
(2)Sean R.
5 stars based on quality and value. An awesome tapas style Italian restaurant. Pork belly and octopus were superb. Impressive wine selection and very affordable. Sweet addition to Taylor St. in Ukranian Village.
(5)Bridget L.
Went for lunch. Lovely meal. The service was attentive and the food was very fresh. Sampled the Truffle Egg Toast, the Grilled Romaine, the Sea Urchin pasta and the Burger. Everything was delicious! Only downside is that the place is very small and crowded, so go early or for lunch. If not, expect a wait.
(4)Cathy K.
Davanti Enoteca had smaller portions, but all delish! I didn't feel overly stuffed and gross after eating. Burrata vasi: fresh mozzarella with cream and evoo.... great! Risotto carbonara...... very tasty (little on the salty side, but i like salty) Sausage rigatoni: My boyfriend loved the quality marinara used in this dish Dessert: Salted caramel panna cotta: Very sweet, but amazing. I am definitely going back and want to try all the other dishes. Yum-o!!!
(5)Lisa G.
This restaurant is so great! I love that you can get lots of small plates to share. The bread with ricotta cheese is delicious! I will definitely be going back! So excited that they just opened one in River North!
(5)Lisa F.
It has been a year and a half since we last ate here but nothing has changed...it is still outstanding.
(5)GEORGE S.
Recently, I dined at this restaurant with 3 friends. While waiting for a table, we ordered a bottle of wine at the bar, to share. When presented with the bar tab, we were charged a $7.00 corkage fee, for the wine which we bought there! Perhaps this is a new practice at some restaurants, but I will not be dining at any place that pulls this kind of scam, nor will my friends. It ruined a nice evening, and made no sense, when the hapless bartender and waiter tried to justify it.
(2)Amanda S.
PROs - amazingly delicious and succulent food. seriously, nothing was a miss and it came out in great time. - going in a group maximizes the dishes you get to try..and believe me, you'll want to try it all. - the establishment is welcoming and vibrant, and the plating is minimal and perfect. - excellent for people-watching. CONs - wait time. it's almost inevitable. the good news is, they have a bar and there's a bar across the street that makes for a good time while you wait. - the tables are beyond sticky. we saw them wipe it down, but we literally had to apply force to get our glasses or plates a-movin'. eek. - noise level. i was practically screaming if you can get past the cons (and trust me, you can and you will!), stuff your little heart with italian goodness* and sign that ridiculously cheap bill with a huge grin on your face! --- *ricotta + honey comb vasi. aka greatest appetite-whetter of all time. marscapone polenta + ragu of the day (i don't care what it is, you MUST get it). roasted beets + walnuts + crème fraiche + candied walnuts antipasti. cacio e pepe paste (how could this be so simple yet SO rich and delicious?). pizze della terra (foraged mushrooms + braised leeks + taleggio + truffle oil). and, of course, the cannoli sundae (sweet ricotta + crushed cannoli + pistachios + candied oranges + chocolate sauce + whipped cream). with tip, i paid $24. un-freaking-real.
(4)Michelle R.
Polenta polenta polenta!!! I get it every time I go. Their pizza are delish and their rigatoni pasta is my go to dish there. I've gotten their burger twice, and the first time I swore that was the best burger I had in Chicago, but the second time, it just wasn't the same. Still good nonetheless. I'll stick to their pasta next time.
(5)Tara G.
The restaurant has the pricing of fine-Italian dining but you're suppose to order 3-5 meals per two people for your hunger to be adequately satisfied. This is because the portions are so small! They said it's because the meals meant to be shared but theres not enough food for more than two people to split. Left the restaurant and went to another. Definitely will not be returning!
(2)Sara B.
I've been to this restaurant a few times and it never disappoints. After this visit I felt compelled to write a review, I haven't had that good of time in awhile! We were pleasantly surprised with our server's knowledge of the menu. After giving him a general idea of our meat and cheese preferences he picked the perfect plate for us, that paired perfectly with our wine. We were torn about the last dish to get and he recommended the prosciutto pizza, which had generous amount of prosciutto and was fantastic. Overall it was an enjoyable experience. The food was phenomenal, mostly because of Andrew's recommendations, and my party and I will for sure be back!
(5)Don M.
This was a good choice to stop at while wandering Festa Italiana. We sat outside enjoying the weather and people watching. It was crowded like every other place as people were everywhere. I went for a starter of Dirty Martini and that hit the spot. For dinner I had the Rigatoni and sausage with oven roasted tomato. When it came out I was a bit underwhelmed the serving seemed small. But as I started chowing there was plenty and it was good. Being out for most of the day this hit the spot. This is a place I need to visit again. Good choice.
(4)Evey I.
Super small portion. I needed just some food before the flight and stopped by here. Paid a decent amount after all is said and done for a plate of carbonara risotto. It tasted ok, nothin fancy but it was literally only 4-5 spoonfulls of rice. To me, that is just being cheap. I think nobody should feel hungry after having a pasta or rice entree at a restaurant.
(3)Sam M.
Review for Sunday Brunch Menu: Brunch was not good!!! Ricotta pancakes had an egg after taste and the eggy smell was nauseating. The pancakes did not work well with the lemon because of their eggy smell overpowering a lighter lemon flavor and the pancakes were very dense too. Honestly, Aunt Jemima pancakes are better than these. Frittata was bland, not even seasoned and the consistency was really gross and slimey. The concept of putting a whole bag of arugula over the frittata added nothing to the dish except some color. There were pine nuts in the frittata but they also added nothing to the overall taste of the dish. It was just a bunch of ingredients thrown together in a pan. Hash browns were just roasted potatoes in olive oil. Why are they called hash browns? Country potatoes or home fries would be more appropriate. I don't understand how you can mess up these simple dishes so badly? I'm not sure what was going on today, but I can easily put this on one of my top worst meals ever. Did the usual chef take a vacation? I mean I don't get it because everyone else is reviewing brunch so well but it was just awful. It was embarrassing. Next time definitely be waiting 40 minutes for Meli Cafe instead of saving time and coming here. Very disappointed, since their dinner dishes are much better or at least were when I went. Also very disappointed because this was the first time in ages that I had taken my mom out for brunch in the city and she did not enjoy her food.
(1)Shaina K.
Wonderful! I've wanted to visit this place since I saw it on "Check Please!" Well, it was my birthday and I wanted to celebrate! :) We arrived here on a Friday night at about 6:30ish. We had a reservation, and were seated immediately. The place was not very crowded, but it slowly filled up as we were there. Their wine list is impressive and is very reasonable. I think the bottle I picked out was around $30 (with a coking fee). The walls are covered with bottles of wine and the waiter knew his stuff. The wine was very good, and complimented the dishes we ordered well. The food was fantastic. Everything came out quickly. We ordered the vasi of ricotta and honeycomb and I scraped the jar clean. It was wonderful! We also ordered the warm kale salad and also the butternut squash and goat cheese salad. They were so good! Because we were going all out, we also ordered a pizza. It was good, but not the best pizza I've ever had. The meal was finished with a lovely chocolate cake with a nice little candle (and no happy birthday song from the staff...thank goodness!) This place gets five stars for the vasi alone. Next time I go back that may be my whole meal.
(5)J H.
I have been back a few more times since my last review. Thankfully that terrible waiter hasn't had my table, and I always make sure not to sit in his area. They have one great (and yes, friendly!!) waitress now, foreign :). I'll see that I sit with her. Still loving the great food!!
(4)Nellie G.
Unbelievably wonderful food. Have not been disappointed by anything that we've ordered in two visits now. Worth the wait. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Kavi P.
I've only come here for some wine and appetizers a few times, but I love it! I always order the goat cheese and honey starter. Really good! I wouldn't mind coming here over and over again. Romantic setting. Lovely place.
(5)Lu H.
Thanks to Zipcar, my husband and I got back again. We arrived a little after 6pm on a Thursday, and this place was BUSY! We were afraid we had to wait, but fortunately the 2-seater tables were open, so we were happily seated. We both started with the Vodka infusion of the day, which was cucumber and mint. It was really yummy, but I couldn't taste any vodka in there. I guess Davanti isn't really known for the cocktails, so we switched to wine after that. We opted out for any spread, because I wanted to try other yummy dishes. We ordered the truffle egg toast, the black pepper spaghetti, risotto, and the hanger steak middle rare. The black pepper spaghetti was good, but my husband didn't think it was as impressive as the first time we had it. The dish was a little watery, and pepper taste was not as profound. I mean it's good, but I think the standard might have slipped. The truffle egg toast was really amazing. I love truffle oil, so anything with truffle oil on, I'm all over it. It's a pretty big toast, topped with two eggs, and all rested on bed of asparagus. My only complaint is, it's still not wowing me. The truffle egg toast at DiSotto Enoteca (downstairs from Francesca's on Chestnut) was just as good. (Side note, I cannot believe Francesca's on Chestnut has the same owner as Davanti. I had the worst Italian food at Francesca's on Chestnut. BUT DiSotto Enoteca has really yummy small dishes too... Sorry, I get distracted easily) The risotto was one of the best risottos I've had. It's perfectly cooked, topped with a farm egg, with English pea and some bacon or ham or some sort of meat bites in there. The flavor profile is unique, and again, I always appreciate a perfectly cooked risottos. Hanger Steak was my lease favorite of the night. Maybe I'm used to more tender filets at normal steakhouses, this steak just too chewy for me. And it's more like medium, not medium rare. BUT, Davanti is an Italian place, not a steakhouse, so I will cut it some slack. Finally, I got to get some dessert! We got the butterscotch pudding and the gelato flight. The butterscotch pudding was yummy, but after the Miso Butterscotch at Allium, I don't think I should even attempt to get anything butterscotch-y anywhere else. The gelato flight has banana, strawberry, and blood orange. Blood orange sorbet is by far my favorite. It's sweet and sour, and topped with candied oranges, very unique. Ok, i will be back again!
(5)Pete B.
Dear Danvanti's, Your monday Burger + Beer specials is awesome, BUT 1. Does your burger come with a pretzel bun? Because the first time I swear it did, but the second time it didn't. 2. Does your beer come in one of those tall Peroni glasses or does it come in a standard pint? Because the first time, it came in a tall Peroni glasses (and when they ran out of those glasses, they gave us a pint and a half) but the second them, they came in a standard pint. Our first and second experience were very inconsistent. I would've given a 5 for our first experience and a 3 for our second. I guess that averages to a 4.
(4)Sarah S.
Davanti Enoteca's food is flippin' amazing. I went last week with friends for dinner (fifth wheeled it) and was so pleasantly surprised by the great food! All the servers wear plaid shirts and some seemed a bit better than ours. Either way, our server was fine although a bit lackadaisical but I didn't mind at all because I was focused on the great food. Although at the end of our meal we asked him to take a pic for us and after he did, he checked it out and made an ugh face! I jokingly was like, you made an icky face! is it bad?! Should we retake it!? And he silently handed the camera back. Poor us and our scary faces. Anywayyyys, my friends had been there quite a few times so they felt comfortable doing the ordering and made some great choices. Nothing I had wasn't good although some things were definitely better than others. ***Risotto al Barolo - aquerello rice + wild mushrooms + parmesan + bread crumb $14 - I love all of the ingredients in this risotto but was my least favorite dish of the night. It was okay but something in this (maybe strong onion flavoring) was making it not work well for me. ***ricotta + local honey comb served in mini mason jars with tuscan toast $8 + $2 for extra honey - My personal favorite of the night! Cheese + Honey is usually all I need to make me beyond happy. Their honeycombs are amazing, cheese is creamy served in a cute jar and the toast was fab as well. Loved this combo! ***crispy pork belly + savoy cabbage $10 - Loved it! I've never had a bad pork belly, but this particular dish with a bit of cabbage in each bite was phenomenal. ***truffle egg toast + fontina $10 - Awesome fish, perfectly cooked egg that oozed over the bread when we broke it. Carbs overload, Mmmm! ***focaccia di Recco - Ligurian style baked focaccia + fresh soft cow cheese $16 + $2 for local honeycomb - My friends' personal favorite of the night. It's different than a flatbread we may be used to, filled with creamy, ooey gooey cheese and baked to perfection ***Riccio di Mare e Granchio - linguine + sea urchin + crab pasta $15 - My buds said this was awesome but shellfish is my very unfortunate allergy ***Uovo in Raviolo $11 - one giant ravioi! This big ol' pasta was filled with spinach and I liked it quite a bit. I would skip getting this again because $11 for one ravioli seems cray cray to me. The food at Davanti Enoteca was amazing and I will absolutely be back for it. For 5 people our bill was $125 sans tip.
(5)E M B.
This is my favorite place in the city. Bold statement I know. It's cozy and inviting, it's a gorgeous space and the good is innovative and delicious. Make a reservation. It's small and it's hopping. We used to come before they accepted reservations and would wait 2+ hours at the bar at Three Aces - that's how much we love Davanti! If it's your first time, you should order: Ricotta w honeycomb Burrata pesto tomato salad (my girlfriend who writes a cooking blog called Sarcastic Cooking figured out the recipe for this so we can make it at home as well!) Kale salad Foccaica (need a group of people, too big for two) Sausage rigatoni Sea urchin/crab pasta ....don't forget a big glass of wine!
(5)Maria E.
Lovely little restaurant. Cute, cozy, charming. Really great date place. Had a fabulous dinner here. Came very close to not enjoying it as I had an upset tummy from something I ate during the day but luckily managed to pull myself out of the funk and really loved this meal. The honeycomb/ricotta is super awesome (and I don't even like ricotta) - make sure you order it.
(4)Rick H.
We decided to get dinner here before going to a Bulls game, which turned out to be one of the highlights of the whole night. The menu is pretty unique as far as Italian food goes, as there were several items on the menu that I had never heard of before. The ambiance is casual and lively, creating a fun and warm atmosphere to dine in. For appetizers we ordered the foccacia with cheese and honey comb, and the polenta with meatball ragu, both of which were amazing. The foccacia was very crispy with warm cheese in the middle, and the honey added just the right amount of sweetness. The polenta had wonderful texture, and the meatball ragu added the perfect amount of flavor to the dish. For my meal I ordered the linguine with sea urchin and crab, and the truffle egg toast appetizer. At first I was hesitant having never tried sea urchin, but after taking a bite of the linguine, I couldn't stop eating it. With complex flavors and a generous amount of crab meat, I can honestly say it is one of the best seafood pastas I have ever eaten. The highlight of the meal however, was the truffle egg toast. The presentation alone makes it worth ordering. The combination of egg yolk and the truffle flavor created a very rich and delicious dish which I would highly recommend. If you are ever in the area and are looking for a unique and delicious Italian dining experience, Davanti Enoteca can't be beat.
(5)Laura L.
Great place. Second time going, this time just for cocktails and apps. OMG Egg Toast. I kind of just want to leave it there. Amazing. Cocktails and bruschetta were all good. My dad was crazy for the infused vodka. Its definitely a pricier place, but not insane. Gets a knock bc the drinks took an absolute eternity, when we were the only people at the bar. The bartender was nice, but he like clearly didn't know the bar well. He looked at every single bottle looking for something and the drinks came like one every 4-5 minutes. I don't even knock him for that, but he acted as if nothing was weird when it was a truly weird amount of time and, being very empty, we could clearly see something was wrong for all that time. I would've appreciated a friendly, "Sorry, had trouble finding this" or "It's going to be a little longer, my manager has to find the X".
(4)Vicki L.
Fun place for to try multiple dishes with your table. Try a little from each category. Good vibe at each location. Cozier feel at original spot.
(5)Lola K P.
I really enjoy this more upscale and more updated Italian place. It is simply a most charming Tuscan-flavored villa interior, we love the roof dining space, and the wine bar area is beautiful. I made sure to drop by again on off hours so I could get some good pics, that's how much I liked it. We've come by a few times, and the service has been consistently friendly and laid back, letting us enjoy our meal without hurrying us along. The menu is more contemporary Italian with some American thrown in, and everything I've had here is just delicious, including that burger - yes, burger, awesome. Egg sunny side up snuggled inside a toast cutout? Yes, please! Chicken liver pate, yum. Tagliatelle? Heck, yes! More pasta, waiter! While Francesca's located kitty-corner has its place on my dining list, I prefer this restaurant. The two chains are more complementary to each other, another well-done offspring from the Francesca's empire.
(5)Alex M.
I have passed by this place so many times. It's on my way to my friends' places, my dog's daycare, the best bars in town, etc. It's in Little Italy but that means little to me. Americans often have a pretty dismal idea of what good Italian food is like. Granted, when I lived in Italy I was poor and consequently made a lot of my food in my apartment but the few times I dined out I was blown away. Everything you've ever heard about Italian cooking is just about entirely true. So I have a high bar. Well BAM! Davanti totally jumped over that bar. This place can be insane on a weekend night so I suggest going on a weeknight, like a Monday. I tried the Terra pizza, the polenta board and their version of the Caprese salad. To say it was all rich and delicious is an understatement. Take a date here. That's the best advice I can offer. You will spend a pretty penny but it's so worth it.
(5)Leanna B.
Let's see here. What stood out to me the most was their focaccia bread with ricotta and honey comb! I've never tasted anything quite like it, the concept is simple enough, but wow, they really blew my tastebuds away. Also, I ordered the uovo in raivioli di zucca 'san domenica' - basically a large single ravioli with butternut squash and ricotta filling.. and wait for it ---- egg yolk!!!! Ugh, it was heaven!!! It tasted soooo good that my table had to order a second one just so everyone could get a decent taste. Also, we ordered their Cream Limoncello... that was awesome too! My family makes our own limoncello, so it is few and far in between I try a limoncello I actually like. I was shocked at how smooth it was, honestly, I dare say it tasted better than our cream limoncello. As far as dessert, nothing really to write home about.. But then again, I was stuck on the limoncello, so I had a hard time focusing on wanting to try anything else at that point. Also, if I recall correctly, the cream limoncello wasn't actually on the menu - they make their own in house, and you have to ask for it specifically. Overall outstanding food!
(5)Jill D.
Best burger in town. Seriously. Terra pizza and truffle egg toast is delicious. You have to start w the burata caprese salad. It's amazing.
(5)Paul W.
An excellent experience. We visited during Fiesta Italiana and the neighborhood was crowded. Despite that, everything was running smoothly at this place. Service was polite and friendly. The antipasta and meals were delicious. We'll be back.
(5)Michael N.
Atmosphere: B+ Food: A- Service: B
(4)Liz O.
I'm always looking for a nice place to have dinner and this is going on my list! A colleague of mine invited me to lunch and recommended this restaurant. Upon entering I immediately liked the set-up. I felt like I entered a wine tasting room in Sonoma. We had the bruschette and it was pretty amazing. I ordered the warm tuscan kale salad with orange pecans and it was delightful. I look forward to dining and enjoying a glass of wine here in the near future.
(4)Jv M.
Just finished up. Great food. Friendly. Only complaint, slow it down. Need to have time to enjoy it all! Worth it!
(4)Linda H.
It's been 4 years since my last visit? No way! But guess what? It is still my fave Italian in Chicago. The best thing that has changed is that they now take reservations. The other best thing is that the food hasn't changed a bit - it is still very very good and fresh and original. George, the bartender/waiter was super patient with me and even poured a little limoncello to go with my lovely lemon dessert! It is still a place where you can walk up to the line chefs and watch them make magical food and ask questions to them just to learn. The single ravioli - Uovo in Raviolo 'San Domenico' - giant raviolo +ricotta + spinach + egg was by far the best thing I have ever eaten in an Italian eatery. The little slightly toasted pumpkin seed sprinkled on top were like little diamonds sprinkled on a pure gold dish. The ONLY reason I did not give a 5th star (if you even care by now) was that they were promoting their meatballs as some of the best due to some food network stating that they were the best. They are not the best. Not even close. If there was prosciutto in them I did not taste that at all and I say this because I'm thinking they relied on the prosciutto for all the meatball's seasoning. They were under salted and non flavorful. Yes, the texture was very good, but they were not savory at all. Sorry, just my opinion right? You just can't go wrong here. With nice people educating you about every dish, it makes it such a pleasant and fun field trip of food!
(4)Min Min S.
Everthing was fantastic from the food, atmosphere, and the wait staff. Couldn't have been happier. A little loud inside, but to be expected with everyone enjoying themselves. The portions are smaller, but expected and waitress did let us know ahead of time and had great recommendations. The dessert - Blonde something...it was to die for! Loved every moment! Will have to visit the one in San Diego now as well...
(4)Pedro B.
Didn't get to try the food, the 1 star is for the staff experience. Here's how it played out: After entering the restaurant, the host asked whether we had reservations- no. Host: "Well, can you be done with dinner within an hour. [because] most of our reservations are for 6:30pm" (near verbatim) *look at watch, time is 5:25* Look at my wife, stating- "yeah, I guess" (confused) We were seated but quickly realized how rude (whether intentional or not, can't accuse him of that) and unprofessional that experience felt; we excused ourselves with the wait staff and left. Seems like my experience is in the minority, so enjoy your visit, if you patronize this business. My money went across the street to Francesca's where we confirmed there was no time limit
(1)angela h.
Great food, mediocre service. They waited waaay too long to take our dessert order that we finished our drinks and didn't want to order anymore. This was after we were sitting with empty plates and empty glasses for a while waiting to order another small plate. I'd go back for the food, but maybe sit at the bar so I can get more attentive service.
(3)Tiffany L.
My first mistake was eating at Balena first. Davanti's been on my list to try since it opened and the lines out the door formed as quickly as rave reviews were written. Long waits are not my thing, and whenever I tried going I was always quoted an hour plus wait. So it slowly moved down my list. One night, HB was perusing my food spreadsheet (yes, I keep a food spreadsheet) and saw that Davanti was not checked off. Then he discovered that Davanti takes reservations on OpenTable now! Finally! A hop, skip and a short struggle with parking later, we were seated and ready to order. We decided on the 3 charcuterie,Truffle toast, the Polenta of the day (pork shoulder), the Pumpkin agnolotti (only housemade pasta on menu), and the Octopus. The meats we picked for the charcuterie was good. The Truffle toast was really good. The Polenta was really, really good (It's SO FLUFFY!). The last two dishes were just meh. The pasta at Davanti did not measure up other housemade pastas I've had. It was slightly overcooked, and too oily, my least favorite dish of the night. The octopus, although well cooked, was not pleasant to me as far as flavors and the mayonnaise-y sauce. But I do favor octopus more simply prepared, so it's just a personal preference. In conclusion, I probably waited too long to finally try Davanti, and other, better restaurants have opened since. Also I was expecting more homemade pastas so that was pretty disappointing. This is probably a weird comment, but something about having their logo on every utensil and plate in the place was a huge turn-off for me. It makes it feel too chain, and less mom-and-pop. THIS JUST IN: Apparently they have multiple locations, which I totally just discovered by googling (San Diego, Scottsdale, and one more in the local burbs of Western Springs, opening up in March). So I guess that makes sense.
(3)Galina M.
I've been to Davanti Enoteca many times and it never failed to satisfy and even more! The food here is delicious and I guess they have great Italian wine too! The burger there is amazing - my personal favorite. Also the Barrata with honey dish is very good, the beet salad, also we had a pizza there, forgot which kind - but oh so delicious!!! They also change the topping of their brushcetta every week or day, i don't remember, but it's always been delish. Too bad they don't make reservations, so you have to wait for at least an hour on any given day. But it's so super worth it! It is also very decently priced!!! In the summer time they have outdoor seating - which is so quaint and adorable!!! One of my favorite Italian places in the city! thumbs up...
(5)Liz J.
Love it! Food is outstanding, def has the unique, rich small plate dishes down. My friend talked me into the chicken liver pate and I have to admit I couldn't get enough! Sat by the bar and service was excellent Will be back again and again for great food and drinks!!
(5)christine p.
Yesssss eat here I promise you won't regret it!! Honeycomb and ricotta is a must, sometimes they mix it for you at the table, sometimes they don't, personally I prefer it mixed it's much less messy that way. Our fav is the polenta/ragu of the day. Sooo delicious, we ordered a large and it was HUUUUUUGE don't be intimidated if you're with a group or a big eater, otherwise stick with the small order so you can try other things. Chicken liver pate-meh but I'm a snob about pates so maybe that's why I was unimpressed Asparagus and egg, I LOVED this, but I also love anything drenched in egg yolk We've gone 3 times now and they are constantly selling out of the octopus dish, so I presume that means it's delish. I will get there early enough to order it one of these days! Tuna carpaccio, sooo yummy however soooooo tiny. You'd need about 24 order for this to suffice as an appetizer. So just buyer beware! Dessert, lemoncello obviously amazing. And the hazelnut chocolate mousse. Can't wait to go back! The staff is always so nice and the food is great especially for the price.
(5)Beth T.
I love this place. Everything is delicious. A reliable go-to spot. Beware, though, it is kind of loud.
(5)G R.
Going to add another review to the many that they have because they deserve it. Great comfortable setting, even when it's packed you don't notice it. Perhaps because of the excellent personal service, you don't feel like a number nor are you rushed out. Our server was friendly, efficient and informative, when I ordered a negroni he warned me that theirs is on the bitter side, well imo any drink with bitters in is supposed to be. I found the drink to be perfectly executed and enjoyed it very much. I'm not a fan of the small plate concept, I have this OCD thing about sharing food with anyone other than my husband. And don't even think of trying my drink, however the dishes where served up in a way that you can take your portion without (trying to find the right word) contaminating the rest. In any event, I had the beet salad and the hanger steak. Again our very informative server suggested getting the steak more rare than the medium rare I requested and inquired if I'd be fine with that. I was and his recommendation was just right. I do have an appreciation for a great server that knows the menu and what questions to ask to make it a memorable meal, a place can have the best of everything, but no one like everything. When you pair the right combination of food and server with a comfortable setting, you have a winner. Davanti Enoteca is a winner!
(5)Raquel D.
I can't get enough of this place! The first time I tried it, I was so stuffed and satisfied. And then I went into labor a couple of hours later. Coincidence??! Probably. But, I'll always remember this place so thank goodness it was good on its' own!! The pork belly appy is delicious - almost too good to share!! The pastas and flat breads are great too. But, we keep coming back for their burger!! So delish with shoe string fries! You just can't find those type of fries these days - they remind me of the shoestring fries chips from baaaack in the day! Ahhh, memories. Anyway, the burger is bomb. And, on Mondays, they have a burger special for $10 - huge burger cooked they way you like, shoe string fries and this huge glass of beer. It's the best cure for the Monday Blues!
(5)Frances H.
I was terribly disappointed when i went to Davanti for brunch last weekend. It had been ages since I had gone to Davanti, and before this meal I was a die hard devotee (having gone to both locations and recommended this place to everyone). I ordered my usual favorite - Focaccia di Recco with honey. I loved this so much before that I've gone out of my way to pick up just this order from the restaurant. This time i was horribly disappointed. I don't know what happened, but this was by no means a bread. It was a strange crispy cracker with some blobs of cheese. We had also ordered the Uovo Barzotto. Not worth it at all. There were no visible chunks of porkbelly, the overall dish was served a bit cold. And the hollandaise sauce was runny. I don't even like hollandaise sauce that much, but I have made better hollandaise sauce at home. It was funny, but the table next to us actually commented to the waiter that they wanted to check if there was actually any porkbelly in their dish. To top it off, we were seated in a place where either due to the acoustics or just natural volume, it felt as if the table from across the room were yelling their conversation into our ears. Davanti - I really loved you so...i may give you a second chance...but never for brunch again, and it may be awhile until I return....
(2)Angie K.
Davanti is my celebratory spot in the city. When I got engaged, my girlfriends took me here. When my best friend scored her dream job, I treated her here. On both occasions, Davanti has always hit it out of the ball park. The decor of the place is just great. I feel like I'm walking into a tasting room of one of the Napa Valley wineries. The back of the dining room is lined with wooden rows of wines from floor to ceiling and the intimate lighting makes everybody look a little better. I've only gone here during the day, but I'm sure it's even more romantic and intimate in the evening. Both times I've been, I've had reservations and was seated immediately. The servers were really knowledgeable and definitely helped accomodate everyone's dietary needs. The first time I went, I had the truffle egg toast, the mushroom pizza and tried my friend's kale salad. We popped a bottle of Prosecco and I was in bubbly heaven. The second time, we shared a bottle of pinot from washington state, the honey comb ricotta, the octopus, pumpkin and hazelnut pasta (chicken liver on the side, since that's not my thing) and the DOC pizza. Everything was amazing. I would rate the octopus a 4 but the impeccable service and cute decor definitely bumps it to a 5. I might start making up things to celebrate because this place is so damn good, I need to go again.
(5)Kelsie S.
Oh man. Had such a great dinner here tonight!! The focaccia was simply amazing; I only wish it had come out as an appetizer as we had asked because than I would have been able to eat much more of it. Everything we tried was delicious, especially the risotto. I'm not a fan of peas, but this was so good. I stole my boyfriend's portion because I couldn't get enough! My only complaint is that they advertised the plates as being meant to be shared. To me, that means much smaller portions than they served. Yes, we have plenty of leftovers now, but we wish we had known how giant the plates were going to be so we didn't order so much.
(4)Michael A.
I am a food snob and hands down best burger of my entire life...everything else on the menu rocks...so many flavors so little time
(5)Christy L.
I have a new favorite Italian restaurant in the City! Davanti Enoteca is a solid 4.5 star restaurant, rounded up to 5! Headed here with my friend and shared several dishes: 1. Ricotta and Honeycomb Vasi - a generous portion of smooth, delicious ricotta and one of the highlights of our meal. 2. Truffle Egg Toast and Fontina Asparagus - very tasty, but 'inoteca in Manhattan does this slightly better. The Fontina flavor could be stronger. 3. Roasted Squash Salad - we ordered this at the recommendation of our waitress and it was a very unique combination of flavors - fruity and nutty with vegetables. Recommended! 4. Polenta with Pork Shoulder Ragu - very tasty and the pork was so tender, it melted in your mouth. No chewing necessary!! A pretty big portion. For dessert, we shared the chocolate hazelnut torta which was the perfect ending to a fantastic dinner. It wasn't too sweet and was a healthy portion for $6. I love small plates restaurants in general as they afford the opportunity to try lots of dishes and flavors. Davanti Enoteca was no different - if only we had room for a few more of the dishes. Oh well, there's next time... For $50 each, we enjoyed the above dishes and three glasses of wine. This was a great value! Service was attentive and friendly with our waitress making helpful suggestions to round out our meal! The restaurant was packed. It's loud and lively in a good way. I can't wait to head back!!
(5)Alexander J.
So we went as a group of students to try some well rated italian food in Chicago. We were informed that portions are pretty small so we should order a lot of things and share, well, being on a budget and everyone wanting different things we just mainly ordered things for ourselves. Big mistake. We understood that the antipasti and such were small things but we thought at least a pasta should be pretty filling as they were expensive and are often not really made to share. I ordered the pork cheek pasta and was extremely disappointed. It's incredibly tiny, think half-sized appetizer, not even a dish to order to share because no one would get to taste it before it's gone. There were four pieces of pasta and three small pieces of pork cheek. When the waitress came with it everyone just looked at each other and laughed "is that the pasta?". So I thought to myself, if it's this small for $15 it has to be incredibly good. It was not. The sauce was just spicy, sure I like spicy but last time I was in Italy it was the incredible flavor and seasoning that struck me, not that they make good spicy food. Anyone can make a spicy sauce. The pasta was not salted propely, and sure, the pieces of pork cheek were good, but hey, you can't really fail cooking such a tender piece of meat. The dish wasn't filling at all and just got me hungrier but I didn't want to spend $45 more for three more dishes which would have been needed to fill one if they were in that size. So I left the restaurant starving hungry. The others in my party seemed to be a little more content with the amounts of food they got (apart from the other girl who ordered the same dish as me who doesn't even like spicy food who was even more disappointed than me). Some people were having desserts but I didn't want to spend more money at this restaurant and was already dreaming about El Burrito Mexicano I would have to swing by on my way home. A girl in our party got a big piece of sharp plastic in her dessert, sure she got the dessert free of charge as she noticed it and was served another one, but that wouldn't really have mattered if that piece of plastic instead was stuck in her throat. Would have given this restaurant one star but can't deny that I at least had some good wine so that puts it at a final of 2 stars. The ambiance and service was OK as well.
(2)Maria P.
This place is a rip-off. Period. End of story. Anyone who doesn't want to part with large quantities of money should walk over to any other restaurant on Taylor street and get themselves a decent meal. When my boyfriend and I made reservations for this place (following the good reviews on Yelp), our expectations were high for a solidly good Italian meal. When we entered the place, the atmosphere is more like a French bistro than a traditional Italian restaurant. Wood tables in bistro style. The menu was confusing. As a person who doesn't eat red meat, I couldn't distinguish which dishes had meat or not. And there seemed to be a dearth of options. No traditional spaghetti and meatballs at this place. The waiter asked if we had been there before and when we told him we hadn't, he explained that the dishes were tapas style. There were small plates that were meant to be shared. There were some large plates but we were told if we ordered the large plates there were no guarantees we would receive our food at the same time. OK. Italian tapas. Hmmm. So we ordered a large board of cheese and meat and then one small plate and one large plate. While we were waiting for the food, I kept looking for the bread. Italian places are known for their warm, crusty bread. But no dice. They didn't serve bread - unless you ordered it off the menu as a special item. Face palm. Are you kidding me? This must be the only Italian place in the city that doesn't serve bread with your meal. What's wrong with you people? So as my hunger was growing, the cheese and meat plate came. My boyfriend had all the meat, and I was left with a tiny square of cheese that would have made a tiny mouse sad. They had exactly 6 almond crackers to go with it, plus a small smear of mustard that could be used on exactly one bite of food. Needless to say, once the board was gone, I was now past the point of hunger and into the uncomfortable stomach-hurting stage. Next, the spaghetti small plate appeared and it was a portion for a child. I understand it's a small plate, but at an entree-level price of $12 it seems like they could have done better. We shared the pasta and I got maybe 4 solid spoonfuls before it was gone. It was strange because we were both clearly still hungry and reduced to rationing the food like we were in a prison camp. "You take the last bite." "No, no, you do, I'm OK." "No, you're still hungry, it's OK." So now everything rested on the large plate. I had ordered the fish of a day at a whopping $23. I was excited that this plate would really blow me away and finally fill me up. Instead, I got 4 ounces of an undercooked, under-seasoned fish on exactly 7 brussel sprouts. Are you kidding me? I'm 115 lbs and I really don't need a lot for dinner, but c'mon!! And they didn't even make the fish right. It was rubbery and bland. The type of dinner I would apologize about if I had made it myself and served it to someone else. But with my hunger, I choked it down rapidly and practically licked the plate clean. My boyfriend, still hungry, ordered yet another pasta small plate of underwhelming pasta in a ridiculously small portion. By that time, I was still hungry and I had had enough. We skipped dessert and with three glasses of wine, our bill was $135. Even when we subtracted out the wine, the cost of the food was outrageous given how little we were served. We both left the restaurant underwhelmed and hungry. Boooo! Worst waste of money I have ever had at a restaurant in Chicago. I went home and made myself a sandwich -- which was actually the best food I had had all night. The waiter was nice and the atmosphere was OK. The one star is for the value. A. Total. Rip-off.
(1)Liz T.
Fresh farm to table brunch in Little Italy?? Since when!? I recently came here for a reunion brunch when in town for a wedding, and I was completely blown away. I lived in Chicago about 6 years ago, and figured Little Italy never changes. This was a place I had never heard of before, but thought it'd be traditional Italian like Francesca's down the street. Heck no, and heck yes. Not traditional. Yes so yummy. We got the Pizza della Fattoria to split. This is a hot pork belly, potato, scallion, and double-cheese pizza. They bring it to the table, and BAM. They crack an egg over it that continues to cook over the pizza as it is set on the table. The thin crispy crust, breakfast ingredients, and fresh farm-to-table egg made this seriously one of the BEST pizzas I've ever had. And I have had lots of pizza. Who knew breakfast pizza is like... the best thing ever?! For brunch, I got the Uovo Barzotto, a primarily potato dish w/ mix'ins of pork belly, poached egg, and hollandaise, plus thinly sliced avocado on the side. Can anyone say, best ingredients ever mixed together equals best dish ever?? Some friends at the table got the polenta, cheese plate, truffled items... we were all so happy and full at the end. This is definitely an amazing brunch spot. So surprisingly good.
(4)Kathleen C.
Davanti Enoteca had 5 stars until we got to our last course...the burger. It was so sad as the food was amazing until then!! Anyway, it was still quite delicious. This was my first visit and I was glad it was a bit early because the place got pretty packed, pretty quickly. The room is really really warm and inviting (and pretty!). It was rather difficult to determine what wine to have...especially when our waitress told us that a quartino is a 1/4 bottle = 1.5 glasses...for future reference, a quartino is in fact, 1/4 of a LITER...but I figured I'd let it go because I wasn't sure if their quartino size was just smaller.... We settled on an Italian wine of which I know very little. However, I will say that the host/owner/wine guy (not sure, really), was SUPER knowledgeable about wine - too bad we had to wing it with our either less knowledgeable or less chatty waitress. We lucked out - it was a good call - delicious. We tried the following: - ricotta and honeycomb - WOW. I've had something simliar at another spot, and this was way more delicious and I loved the honeycomb and that there was plenty of bread to use with it. However, I think they can increase the honeycomb portion (the table next to us asked for more...). - pork belly - wow - really good and flavorful, not too fatty and the cabbage slaw was amazing. Really really great execution on this one. - squash salad (with faro) - again - wonderful. The goat cheese on the bottom was amazing and really tied the dish together. I wouldn't typically order squash, but I was inspired - really really good. - and to the burger....I enjoyed my half, good use of mozzarella, nice bun, but unfortunately, my dining companion got stuck with a huge (like 2" by 3/4") piece of gristle in the other half of the burger. That put us off, though I have to say they took it off of our bill, and were very apologetic about it. I was stuffed, so I didn't try any dessert, but it looked wonderful. Maybe next time. And yes, there will be a next time. This was wonderful!
(4)Ganga H.
For some reason, the Medical District version of Davanti is better. As always, they do have the best wine selection this side of Europe. Would still recommend, but set expectations to average.
(3)Patty C.
After hearing about this place so much, my hubby and I decided to check it out. We came on a weekday to avoid the long wait we've been warned. We were lucky to not have to wait at all when we got there, but once we sat down we saw the crowd come in. The food is very good indeed, and price is very reasonable. We ordered the following: Honey comb ricotta - this was delicious. However, I think it's more suitable for brunch instead of dinner. Truffle egg toast - good, but on the dry and gooey side. I think I chugged a whole glass of water to wash it down. Davanti burger - yummy and juicy. Mascarpone polenta - this was the highlight of our meal. Very good. Will come back again, someday. There's just so many restaurants I still have to try first.
(4)Taylor O.
Decent Italian food, but I don't think we will be back. We waited over 45 minutes WITH a reservation while packed in with many others waiting as well. If you do go, be sure to order the truffle toast!
(3)Kuanie J.
Dinner date with the boo here and it was fantastic. I was afraid that this would just be another trendy, Italian restaurant (I wanted to go to Orso's really bad), however, I'm really happy my boyfriend talked us into going here. Plus, it's always nice going to a different part of town (Little Italy). I love love love the decor inside. It's cozy and rustic, mixed with modern charm. Our server was nice and didn't bother us a lot too. Everything here is family style. We had the pork cheeks, which were extremely rich, and delicious - I could eat it for days! We also had the marscapone polenta with pork meatballs (it was one of the specials of the night). The polenta tasted like instant grits without a lot of flavor. We also had the sea urchin and crab linguini. That was pretty tasty and rich, I expected a little more, however, I still was not disappointed. We had the hazelnut chocolate dessert with a croustillant on the bottom and it was so rich! We couldn't finish it after our dinner. I would like to come back here and try the other things they offer. I knocked this down to 4 stars because of the bland polenta and Davanti's is a chain - didn't realize that until looking it up on the net. Good job, though because the food didn't suck :)
(4)Jay I.
5 stars. I think their menu is authentic, but creative at the same time. Other than the fact that the overall menu is on the salty side to me, this restaurant surely is the best on Taylor. By the way, isn't that about time they change the menu? It's been a while since I saw the same stuff in the menu.
(5)Yana D.
This is the second time I've been to Davanti Enoteca on Taylor Street. Both times I have been wildly impressed by the quality of food and service. My favorite item I had that night was most definitely the polenta and ragu. Unfortunately their delicious butternut squash ravioli was not in season. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone in the mood for delicious Italian food.
(5)Karen W.
Ordered a carry out. Hostess seemed bothered when I asked for utensils. I got the bill it was $11 so I gave her $21. She gives me a $5 and 4 $1. I asked her if she had a $10 bill. Wth??? Needless to say awful experience!
(1)Juliet A.
On a recent trip to Chicago, my foodie friend recommended we grab brunch at DaVanti Enoteca, one of her favorite neighborhood digs. Since I am never one to turn down her always amazing suggestions, my husband and I met her here a few Saturdays ago for a truly amazing brunch experience. With some fresh squeezed grapefruit juice by our sides and warm sunshine pouring onto us as we lounged on the upstairs deck, we dug into our breakfast goodies. To start with, we had the ricotta and honeycomb Tuscan toast. Perhaps one of the greatest combinations ever invented for breakfast. And I'm not talking honey - I mean real, just-taken-out-of-the-hive chunk o' honeycomb. Incredible. I just ordered a side of patates - crisp potato bits served with caramelized onions and sprinkled with cheese and sassy seasonings. At only $4, it was a steal, especially considering I couldn't even finish half of the more than generous portion. My husband had poached eggs served with pork belly, avocado, potato hash, and Hollandaise sauce. You know, just a normal breakfast dish. My friend Courtney ordered the frittata blanca with veggies and arugula salad. Let's just say for her high brow tastes, it did not disappoint. While DaVanti is more known for excellent dinners, Chicagoans NEED to run, not walk, here for brunch. Absolutely amazing.
(5)Jen D.
LOVED Davanti Enoteca this week - my first time there, and I will definitely be back, even though it's far outside my north side stomping grounds. I was with a group of 8 and it was nothing but smooth sailing. The small plate pacing was nicely done and service was excellent. We tried a LOT of the dishes, but a few of the favorites - - Pizza (we tried 3 different ones, all were great) - Pork belly dish... hmmm. - Ricotta & honey with bread - polenta with ragout (my favorite) Everything was excellent. I just wish I wasn't trying to avoid carbs, the meal comes with a small amount of guilt if you are looking to avoid carbs :)
(5)Jackie F.
Came here for the first time last night for my husbands birthday. We loved everything about Dananti Enoteca! Great service, loved the ambiance. We had a wonderful bruchetta, loved the meat and cheese and the focaccia with ricotta and honeycomb is unbelievable! All 4 of us loved our dinner. One of the best coal fire pizzas i've ever had. Delicious desserts!! Absolutely one of our new favorite restaurants :)
(5)Heather L.
This is a great place to bring friends - order a spread of antipasti, the obligatory vase of ricotta and honey-from-the-comb, and then your selection of pasta and meats - you won't be disappointed if you're into good Italian. Generally speaking, the food here is very savory... this almost borders on a warning. Many of the pastas, pizzas and even the Davanti burger are very dense dishes. I'd dilute my meal with some salads and wine.
(4)Aaron Jae M.
This place could easily get five stars but they don't because I think they are incredibly greedy. Their food is absolutely, completely, 100% delicious. The HUGE downside is that the dishes are expensive and small. It was like eat tapas that was pasta. The rigatoni I ordered literally had 10 noodles on the place and was $14. In order to get full here you would have to order 3-5 dishes and spend 50 or so dollars. If their prices ever drop or if their portion sizes increase you can expect me to be here at least once a week and changing my review to five stars.
(4)Pauline D.
Wow. If this is what authentic Italian cuisine is, I want to have its babies. Who knew there was more to it than red sauce, white sauce, lasagna, or chicken parmesan? It's like the whole concept of Italian food in America has been a joke until Davanti Enoteca came along. Start with the focaccia di Recco; the tangy cow cheese pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the Michican honeycomb. I honestly can't seem to get the light yet creamy marscapone polenta with lamb/beef ragu out of my head. But the star of the whole show was the RICCIO DI MARE E GRANCHIO. Translation: perfectly cooked linguine tossed in the most luscious (but not heavy!) sea urchin sauce and huge chunks of sweet crab. The seaweed-looking green stuff on top is just scallions, but man oh man, that added just the right touch. End with the torta bacio and the dreamiest chocolate cake will never live up to your memory of this rich chocolate mousse ever again.
(5)Liliana G.
Went for an early dinner the other night and my group and I ordered most of the menu. Everything was delicious and we are already planning out next visit! First timers, you have to try the kale salad and the ricotta + honey comb vasi!
(5)Melissa N.
This place is fantastic!!! I cannot get over this place! So great!! Italian fusion was amazing! We had the uni pasta, the squid, the ricotta and honeycomb and so much more! These were fantastic and everything we ordered was great! I came to Chicago with a couple of girls and we stayed for 3 nights. We came here twice to get the most we could! Service was great, food was ok priced - i say this because it's supposed to be tapas, but they have entree prices. Either way though, the food was spectacular both times we had it - dinner and lunch! We even came back to NYC and tried another place with uni pasta but it couldn't compare AT ALL to Davanti! We're already talking about another trip back to get our fill of the awesomeness that is Davanti Enoteca!
(5)Xixi Z.
I suppose it's about time I write Davanti a review after visiting here 5+ times. And everytime I'm here, I always find something new to rave about. First time was the polenta (kind of like mashed potatoes but creamier) + ragu of the day. But do watch out for what the ragu of the day is. The beef/pot roast one is everything you ever want meat to taste like. The meatballs were so-so. Second time was the truffle egg toast - odd but surprisingly really good combination of toast/egg and asparagus. If you have 4+ guests sharing the plate, reconsider two of these. It's quite difficult to ration the pieces into more than 4. Third time was the this wine called Verdicchio (not sure if I spelled it right). Crisp, light, very dry. Fourth was the sea urchin linguine. Not the biggest fan of the choice of pasta but sauce was good. Light yet flavorful. This previous time was the pork belly and the buffalo cheese. Pork belly had a nice contrast of the crispiness of the skin against the juicy fatty portion of the meat. Taking the two together creates a nice balance of tender meat and crispy saltiness. The buffalo cheese was the best of the 5 we had. I honestly don't remember the taste but if I were to pick one of the many cheese on the menu to try again, it would be buffalo, hands down.
(4)Evelina L.
Maybe key to happiness is low expectations... If so, I plan on having low expectations at 1359 W. Taylor street everyday of the week. I sort of thought that Italian tapas is a thing of the past and I wouldn't be impressed. I will be the first person to admit that I was wrong and will have to make it there many times in the near future to keep proving it to myself... We started out with their cheese selections, let the chef choose some great cheeses for us to eat with the fig jam - perfect. Then moved up to the ricotta with honey (to die for) and their grilled pear salad (so simple, yet SO delicious). Ended the dinner with the ragu over mascarpone polenta ( I think we licked the board), sea urchin linguine (this was the only thing that was not 5 stars, even though I LOVE urchin) and the burger (crazy good). At all the points throughout dinner, I was disappointed that I had to share with my 2 girlfriends, wanted to eat it all! And, don't forget about the wine... I love their wine concept, because who really wants to pay 3 times the price of what you can find in the store??? We shared 2 bottles of fantastic chianti's between the 3 of us and left as happy as could be :) Worth the wait, since there are no reservations.
(5)Kathy S.
My husband and I tried this place on Saturday and we loved it so much that we came back on Sunday as well. It's been a long time since a new restaurant has impressed us this much and since we are die-hard foodies, that is saying something. Our top two faves were the truffle egg toast and the ricotta and honeycomb. To die for. Seriously. Other hits were the polenta with the ragu of the day (we had pork shoulder) and the sea urchin linguine with crab. The big ravioli dish was good as well but yeah, a bit hard to justify $9 for that. The one "miss" for us surprisingly was the seared octopus. After so many glowing reviews, I was surprised we weren't a fan of this. I'm thinking it must have been an off day because the octopus was chewy and not tender like so many others have exclaimed. I'm already excited for my next visit there...gotta try the risotto and pizzas! Oh, and all of the staff is very friendly there but Erik really stood out! He was super friendly and funny but you can tell he also had a real passion for the food.
(5)Jeremy C.
I was with a small group that had a reservation and we waited..and waited..and waited.. and waited and a few bottles of wine at the bar later we were finally seated. Probably the longest I've EVER had to wait with a res. The food was good. The ricotta and honey thing was most memorable. The food quality was up there but then again that was several glasses of wine later and after a LONG wait. I'm not excited to go back because of the wait but I may try it again in the future.
(3)J L.
Absolutely Divine! This place does not disappoint! They don't take reservations but we always go across the street to Beviamo for a drink and they call us when it's our time.
(5)Jennie T.
I heard so much about this place that I thought I just had to try it out for my birthday dinner (plus, it's in my old neighborhood which I love so much!). I wish they'd take reservations though. My friends and I ordered: - some kind of salad... I forgot which. I thought it was delicious though. Sorry. I'm trying to be as accurate as possible. - Stewed calamari + pine nuts + raisins + green olives. I especially enjoyed this dish. I remembered it to be somewhat creamy, and that piqued my interest. - Polpo con Rafano. This was my entree dish. It was good, and I guess I sort of expected it to be as good as Cafe Iberico's octopus dish, but um, not quite. - Riccio di Mare e Granchio. Two of my friends ordered this, and they gave me some. OMG. I never knew sea urchins could taste so good! ...See, I've always had Chinese sea cucumbers (which are essentially the same thing, right?? I thought so, but maybe I'm wrong), and I've always hated it so even though everything else about this dish sounded pleasing, I was a little skeptical of the sea urchins, but I ended up wishing this was my entree dish instead. - Gelati and sorbetti. I think it was chocolate gelato and raspberry sorbet. Yum. On my more recent second visit, my friends and I ordered: - Bruschette. The night's toppings included tuna and Cannellini beans. Those two ingredients stuck out to me, and who knew that it could be so delicious! I enjoyed it a lot. - Mini mason jar of Ricotta + honey comb with tuscan toast. Yum! I LOVED this!! There's no word to describe. It was simply delicious. YOU HAVE TO TRY IT. Mix the honey comb into the Ricotta jar and mix well before you spread. ;) - Roasted cherry tomato + burrata + basil pesto. God, this is the best salad in the world! It tasted a little like an insalata Caprese but better. I loved it. - Truffle egg toast + fontina + asparagus. Our server recommended this dish. I thought it was interesting, but it happened to be one of my least favorite of the items we ordered on this visit. I loved that you can taste the truffle oil, and the runny egg yolks were delicious. But the bread wasn't as good as I would have preferred-- It was plain white bread. I think I would have preferred wheat or something else with a little more flavor. - Pizza della Terra. Yum! I love this too, but by the time we got the pizza, I was already full so I only had one slice. - Cannoli sundae. OMG, delicious! Too bad I was trying not to eat too much of this because I was worried about having too much dairy. All this for around $50 for four people (tip not included). Nice! We came at a much later time on the second visit. The first visit was on a Friday, and the second was on a Monday. During the second visit, we practically walked in 30 minutes before the kitchen closes so we got seated right away. No wait. I was glad for that. Then, after dinner we took pictures in the back (looks like a wine cellar) and at the bar. I had a great time during both of my visits. I will definitely want to come back here again. And, I'm going to bring my girlfriend next time. ;)
(5)Kat H.
Delicious food n booze! Had breakfast lunch and late nite drinks here- every experience was good. It was also a short two foot walk from the hotel. Had a good bruschetta, chicken liver pate and gnuddi in broth. Breakfast came with a huge slab of bacon for my bf- he couldn't finish it and he loves meat.
(4)Bethany H.
The food is served in the way of italian tapas and the wait staff was very good about explaining what types of portions we could expect from different areas of the menu and helping estimate how much our party would want to order. One thing to note - this should definitely show up as a $$$ choice on yelp - if you plan to have several courses and even one drink per person, plan on spending $30 or more per person. That's probably why there are complaints about price on a lot of other reviews. Don't expect a giant bowl of pasta for $11.95 and free bread, this isn't that kind of place. We had the honeycomb and ricotta with toast - like other reviews said, this was amazing and I will absolutely order it again. We had more ricotta than honeycomb on our tray, but it still worked out and the taste was out of this world. We also had a pasta dish that was excellent, a 3 cheese plate (delicious but should really come with a few more extras on the plate to compliment the cheese flavors), and the fish of the day. No complaints about any of these dishes, we were impressed with everything we ordered. I only have two issues that prevented 5 stars here - first, the tables for two make you fee like you are kind of being punished for not coming with a bigger group. They are all crammed very close to each other down the middle of the rear of the restaurant, so a couple may find themselves not only uncomfortably close to the table next to them, but also surrounded on all other sides by large noisy groups that get nice-sized round tables with plenty of room near the walls and windows. Second, our food came out too fast and because our table was so small, at times we could not fit our own plates for eating, wine glasses, menus, and our dishes from the kitchen.
(4)Lia V.
LOVE this place. Delicious wine. Great food. Awesome service. Nice people. Beautiful decor. Adorable upstairs patio. Love it all. Lunch, happy hour, dinner... it's a good spot for it all. MMMMMMMM I wanna go now. Tip: get the ricotta and honey jar
(5)Vina O.
Best Italian restaurant in Little Italy! You must order the mascarpone polenta + ragù of the day. It's perfect for sharing and sooooo delicious! We also ordered the Prosciutto e Rucola pizze (prosciutto di parma + fresh mozzarella + fontina + arugula) and Riccio di Mare e Granchio (linguine + sea urchin + crab) which were also both absolutely fantastic. I highly recommend this place and I cannot wait to come back!
(5)CJ J.
This is some of the best Italian in the city. No fancy foams or reductions. No pretentious waitstaff. Just great food. Cracked egg on ravioli? Can't go wrong with that. Wine at cost? Yes, please. The joint is quaint and alwasy packed, but stand by the kitchen while you wait, as they bring fresh pizza around to the hungry guests.
(5)Andy L.
Delicious dishes that are great for sharing. Great wine list.
(4)Danielle S.
Davanti impressed me the first time and the second I was a little disappointed. My first visit we had the following: Vasi - Ricotta + Honey comb - Outstanding, I loved this! Served with toasts and if you ask they will bring you more to finish the Ricotta spread. Paste - Cacio e Pepe - Spaghetti + pecorino + black pepper - Loved this as well, the pecorino cheese and black pepper combined is a wonderful combo. Pizze - Pizza D.O.C. - Tomato + fresh mozzarella + basil - Classic, a must, very good! You cannot go wrong with this! So, over all our choices were very easy and classic I thought. Everything was great and perfect for two. Second trip, since I loved it so much the first time I returned.... Boards - Bruchette - 4 toasts with tonight's toppings - The night we were there it was a corn topping....super bland, not a fan at all! Paste - I had the Cacio e Pepe again (love) then we ordered the Paccheri con Salsiccia e Pomodori al forno - Rigatoni, tomato, sausage and parmigiano. This was excellent, I would recommend this dish to anyone. Pizze - Pizza con Prosciutto e Rucola - Prosciutto, mozzarella, fontina and arugula. This was just okay, not outstanding. I would not order this again either. So, I overall I would return but be choosy about what I ordered. Although I like to go to Italian restaurants where I can order anything and love it regardless.
(3)Stephanie L.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in the city! The first time I went here, I was a bit skeptical because the menu had a lot of items that looked unfamiliar to me, but I was with my sister who had been there before, and she knew just what to order. We started out with the tuscan bread that comes with ricotta and local honey comb to put on top. It was the perfect blend of sweet and savory to get our meal started off. Then, we had the mascarpone polenta and ragú, which did not look very appetizing but tasted amazing. The polenta tasted like mashed potatoes, and it was topped with very tender and flavorful pork meat. I have also had the salad with escarole, gala apple, pecorino dolce, celery, and hazelnuts which was delicious. I would also recommend the steak and the rigatoni pasta. Their desserts are to die for! I have had the cannoli dip, the butterscotch brownie, and some kind of blueberry pie dessert, and all were absolutely perfect. Since it was my mom's birthday one time we went, the waitress brought us limoncello shots, and if you're in the mood, order a round because you won't be disappointed! Besides the amazing food and the excellent service, I enjoy that the plates are meant to be shared with the table. Also, they have a very nice wine list and reasonable priced bottles of wine. Definitely come here for a unique and delightful dining experience!
(5)R A.
Great food, great service. The ricotta and honeycomb is amazing! Pastas are great, as was the risotto. Loved the pizza as well!
(5)E H.
Here right now smashing pastas. Waiter is nice. Sweet t-shirt. Food is love love. Wine list solid. Will come back, fa sho. Waiter's name is Ron. Ron deserves a fat raise.
(5)Colleen C.
Why is the food here so good and so reasonably priced!? It's surprising, honestly. When's the last time an Italian joint made such waves on the culinary scene...? Hmmm. There's a reason. Don't settle for mediocre Italian cuisine. Eat here. It's worth the wait. Head to Three Aces or Beviamo for a drink if there's a wait. You'll want to eat here though. I don't even like calamari, and their calamari was so buttery and beautiful I'd have sacrificed something sweet to eat another serving of it. Everything was impeccable. No missteps. Excellent service. Wonderful wine. Decent check. FABULOUS food. Well done, this is not a fluke. psssst. Parking around here is tough, but if you go just east on Taylor in front of the abandoned projects (sounds scarier than it is) there are no meters. Otherwise meters can typically be found somewhere on Taylor. Do not park on sidestreets, all permit and they ticket quick. Ok, now eat!
(5)A. M.
We live in the neighborhood and always seem to forget about this place when we want to go somewhere close by. Forgetfulness aside, it is a great spot. Come here with a group of 2 or 8 and share a variety a dishes, from breads & spreads to pasta & fish. Food: Try the mini vasi - roasted eggplant, tomato, and mozzarella. The flavors meld perfectly together and the grilled bread that comes along with it is AMAZING. Egg truffle toast is also delicious. Focaccia de recco is great for a large group - bread and cheese. How can you go wrong? Pizza is good - rather large and plenty for 2-3 people. As for the pasta, I've only tried the cacio e pepe. Not the best (best was in Rome of course) but still pretty tasty! As for "don'ts," I don't recommend the cheese and meat plate. The variety of cheese is not that great and the meat was rather blah. Wine: Great selection by the glass and by the bottle. They also offer a small glass, a quartino, and a bottle option. Even though we typically go for the bottle, the variety is nice in case I'm looking for just a little taste. Dessert: Try the bacio (hazelnut & chocolate) tort. I can't remember exactly what it is called but it is life changing. Service: The first time we went the server did forget to put our pizza order in and we ended up waiting a long time. He was apologetic and offered us a free dessert. Despite this experience, service has always been friendly and attentive. Bartenders too. Water is also always filled. A plus in my book. Ambience: Cozy but trendy. Can get really loud. Like really loud. Dress: Causal but some people get dressed up a la fancy blouse, nice jeans, and heels. This is totally acceptable here. A suit on the other hand? Not so much. Other: This place gets busy quick. Make a reservation, come early, or be prepared to wait.
(4)Linda F.
The food is excellent! Don't leave without having the focaccia!! However, the layout of the restaurant is uncomfortably crowded. Feels like you are eating with the strangers next to you. Still, we've been many times and if you go during off-peak hours, it's a very pleasant dining experience.
(3)Sharon V.
Molto bene! First off, we were all really impressed with the ambience inside the restaurant. It had a energetic vibe without feeling too rushed or overwhelming. The dishes are meant to be shared (tapas style), so don't judge at the amount of food I'm about to write about. We ordered the Wild Boar Cacciatorini, truffle egg toast + fontina asparagus, ricotta/spinach/egg ravioli, sea urchin linguine, spaghetti, seared octopus, and wild mushroom with truffle oil pizza. It actually might have been shorter if I had just listed what we DIDN'T order. Out of that extensive list, the dishes that stuck out the most to me were the ravioli, the truffle egg toast, and the seared octopus. Be prepared to spend quite a bit of money (or just don't eat as much as us fatties) because these dishes come in very tiny portions.
(4)J L.
Their thin crust prosciutto arugula pizza is very delicious - and I am usually not a big pizza eater, you gotta try it out. Warm kale salad also quite yummy.
(4)Vivian H.
Food was kinda hit-or-miss. Bruschette of the day was grape/almond which was tasty and different. Sea urchin/crab linguini was fantastic, just so flavorful and tasted like OCEAN. Sausage rigatoni was alright, and perfectly al dente. The breakfast calzone was really blah/kinda gross.. and exactly what it sounds, eggs and potato in pizza crust. Chicken was really salty and nothing special. Burger was tasty but also WHOA salty.. perhaps it's the bacon jam.. mmmm bacon jam :) Really wonderful service, doesn't take reservations but we were seated right away.
(3)Niti B.
After a looong anticipated wait to eat at this great italian restaurant I made it. I had love the concept of paying retail for a bottle of wine with just a corkage fee. I didn't explore and try anything new but thought the concept is great and wonderful way to safe a pennies! We ordered the Polpo Con Rafano seared octopus, warm fingerling potato salad, marcona almonds, fresh horseradish aioli minus the finocchiona and Pizza Della Terra foraged mushrooms, braised leeks, taleggio, truffle oil...AMAZING!!!! The pizza was light and the right amount and the octopus was seared just right. I was afraid it might be too tough but the sear was just right and the potatos were a great pairing with the almonds and aioli. For dessert we had the Torta Bacio chocolate-hazelnut mousse, crunchy bottom, cocoa nibs and I was very impressed. It was the perfect bite of sweet and didn't leave you with too rich of a taste in your mouth. The crunch at the bottom was great textural change up and I the mousse was perfect. I will definitely come back to try more since I am always in the neighborhood!
(4)Sherry F.
This is a great tapas style Italian restaurant. Good for small groups, great for romantic dinners. It's very cozy and quaint, I'm a fan and would go back. I've tried the following: Truffle egg toast and fontina asparagus - yum, how can you go wrong? Roasted cherry tomato and burrata - burrata is by far one of the best things you can have on this planet, it wasn't exceptional, but definitely didn't disappoint. Pollo sole mio - or grilled chicken - delicious but nothing exciting or out of the ordinary Bistecca con patate e cipolla - this steak was well seasoned, delicious! The potatoes that came with it were surprisingly one of my favorites for the evening. Highly recommended!
(4)Suzy D.
This review is more like a 3.5 My husband and I came here for dinner on Friday around 6. Food (3.5): We made reservations and they seemed pretty busy so I am glad we called ahead. After reading all the reviews we decided we had to get the ricotta with honey, the truffle egg toast, and the linguini with uni and crab. We also ordered the mushroom/truffle/leek pizza, warm kale salad, and the polenta board with meatballs. The ricotta with honey was okay, but I wasn't blown away. Perhaps it's because we had such a large amount of cheese but so little honey to drizzle on top. I think there needs to be a bit more honey served otherwise there isn't really enough to have it balance out the cheese. The toasted bread was delicious though. The truffle egg toast was great. We both really enjoyed this and it was probably one of my favorite things we ate that night. My husband loves uni so we knew we had to get the pasta with uni and crab. However, he was a bit underwhelmed. The noodles were almost too al dente and there were very few pieces of crap. The flavor was good overall, but the pasta left a little something to be desired. We really enjoyed the mushroom/truffle/leek pizza and we actually had some leftover pizza that we baked with an egg for breakfast the next day (delicious!). The kale salad was nice with orange and guanciale. It was also nice to eat something green because the rest of our meal was so carb heavy. We really enjoyed the polenta with the meatballs. The polenta with mascarpone was nice and creamy and very rich. We were so full by this point that we did not order dessert...shocking I know. The food we good, but at this price point I would expect the food to be at this level or higher. Service (4): Our server was very efficient and friendly. Our food also came at a nice pace and was spaced out well so we didn't feel too overwhelmed by everything we ordered. The bus boys were also good and our water glasses were constantly full. They also changed our plates a lot. Ambiance (4): The restaurant is cozy and rustic. It's cute and is nice for a date or even a girls night Price (3): The prices are kind of high for some of the courses considering how small the portions are. For example the linguine portion was pretty small. However, the polenta with ragu was a bit more generous. It kind of varied how the pricing went. However, even though we ordered 6 dishes, we had way less leftovers than we thought we'd have. We had 3 drinks and our bill before tip came to about 125, which is kind of pricey for two people. However, we ordered more than 2 people probably need to order.
(4)Rob S.
Ate here a couple nights back and I was very impressed. First off, atmosphere was incredible. If your like me, than there's much more to a restaurant than just good food. The place is small and cozy (get's packed so have a reservation for dinner) and the decor is terrific ... wine bottles on the wall, glass demijohn lights, really cool. Nevertheless, the food is amazing too! They make everything tapas style so if you're hungry plan to order a bit more than you would at a traditional restaurant. Tried the hazelnut feta salad, the parmesan risotto and the sausage rigatoni. ALL delish. Wine selection was terrific too!
(5)Richie L.
So great! The pork belly was fabulous to start. Best moment of the night: my mother, a self-described "pizza loather," basically ate the whole pizza. Never seen anything like it. The deserts were just as good. Will be back immediately if not sooner.
(5)Kat F.
Had a lovely dinner at Davanti Enoteca last weekend. Having heard so many good things about their handmade pizzas and pastas, I was super excited to try it myself. The Pros: Atmosphere is an A+ in my book. Walking in, I was enamored by the charming, rustic decor and the cozy ambiance. The wine list was phenomenal with a diverse selection of quality and reasonably prices bottles. While it was rather crowded, my boyfriend and I walked right in on a Friday night at 7 PM and had little difficulty being seated. By the time we left there was a waiting list, so reservations on the weekend are probably the safe bet. The staff -- friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about both the drink and dinner menu. The So-So's:: The food was good, but after hearing some of the reviews, I was expecting a knock your socks off kind of dinner. The four small plates we selected (Cauliflower Steak, Market Fish of the Day (Striped Bass), Chili Oil Pizza, and Gelato Sampler), were all good but nothing super memorable that we would go back for. All in all, a nice evening. We loved the atmosphere so much that we'll be back to try out some other dishes on the menu and give the food another shot. Would give this place 3.5 stars if I could as I think it's better than 3 but the food was not quite good enough to go all the way to 4.
(3)S R.
I went to Davanti Enoteca as a treat from a colleague back in Chicago in 2012. It is located in little Italy. I don't remember much but I will relay what I do remember, Arched brick displayed wine bottles along the walls. It was beautiful. The wine display and warm lighting evoked a romantic atmosphere. The syrah was divine and the mascarpone polenta + ragù of the day (basically meatballs on top of a board drizzled with mascarpone cheese) was to die for! I cannot wait to go back!
(5)Karla S.
I like the concept of the restaurant, but the food just didn't do it for me. I am not a big fan of Italian food to begin with, but sometimes an amazing restaurant can convert me. Not this one. The polenta just didn't cut it for me.. the tomatoes and mozzarella were extremely soupy. My grilled steak was over done..blah The only reason I give it 3 stars -- the pasta with crab and sea urchin was very good along with the wine (which is retail price btw) other than that, not much to write home about..
(3)Richie D.
Great ambience and decor. Fabulous food. HORRIBLE service! (Except for the bartender and busboy who we wished were working the host stand and waiting tables) If this review proves anything, it is that service can truly ruin a dining experience. My party came in at 6:15 pm and put our name for a party of 3 to one of the three hosts. We sat down at the bar, ordered drinks off their lengthy wine list and three cheeses off the charcuterie options (I highly recommend the Robiola Rochetta smooth cheese). And we ate and waited, waited, waited, while every other party was sat first. We went up to the host stand twice to inquire and they continued to say that we were "next." Finally 1 hour and 15 minutes later, NOT 35 minutes later as quoted, we were at a table. It just happened that we had the slowest waitress ever who couldn't have been a waitress to make a living. While she was quiet-spoken, she paid more attention to the neighboring table where her friends sat and she shared wine. The bartender had to tell the waitress we were waiting to place our order. The busboy stopped by our table 5 times without the waitress coming and secretly felt bad. She didn't even ask us how our entrees were after their arrival! The dishes were all tasty and recommended. All three pastas, the Cacio e Pepe, Paccheri con Salsiccia e Pomodori al forno and marrow ravioli special were cooked perfectly "al dente" like Rachel Ray says. Small sizes that are somehow suppose to be shared. We were not out until 9:30 pm! Three hours of mainly waiting, not dining. Sadly enough, I think Davanti Enoteca is worthy of 4 or 5 stars... It may be owned by the same folks as one of my favorite places in the city, DiSotto Enoteca off Chestnut ( yelp.com/biz/disotto-eno… ). The decor, wine and menu items like the Truffle Toast with Egg and a mason jar of Ricotta cheese with fresh honey comb are all the same. BIG disappointment! If only the staff could pick up a few tips. If you're willing to take on the service, they have nice weekly specials: Mondays: burger + peroni ... 10 Take-Out Tuesday: pasta + salad + wine ... 30 Wednesday: house infusion martini ... 5 Thirsty Thursday: all beers ... 3 Formaggi Friday: 3 for 12 / 4 for 14 / 5 for 17 Sinful Sunday: bloody mary ... 5
(2)Zolba B.
Wow wow wow! I haven't been to that many restaurants in Chicago, yet. The food here is unbelievably good. All the pizzas I tried, the beef stew, everything tasted amazing. Inarguably the best Italian food I've ever had in any city I've ever been to. The only thing that displeased me was how the manager kicked us out of the restaurant bluntly and aggressively. It was kinda our fault though, because we were 45 minutes late for our reservation on a Saturday night and we wanted to keep eating and eating. :-) Anyway, I can't wait to go back and devour the rest of the food that I haven't tried!
(5)Emily Z.
Love, love, love the rustic European design and feel of Davani Enoteca. Very open dining room that is great for groups, unfortunately this also means that it can get pretty loud. Went with a group of 7, we started with a sampling of 5 cheeses for $15, great presentation and the staff is able to describe each option and give recommendations if desired. This was a fun way to sample different cheeses, served with a raisin toast and strawberry preserves. Everything sounded great and had great presentation, unfortunately nothing really stood out to me. I ordered the roasted cherry tomato + burrata + basil pesto for $8, the dish was a gorgeous take on a Caresse salad, warm roasted tomatoes sill on the vine atop a hockey puck sized round of Burrata cheese which is mozzarella filled with cream. It was good but nothing I am rushing back to get again. I also got the Risotto Carbonara for $8, consisting of Italian rice + pancetta + sweet peas + parmigiano + farm egg yolk. I was super excited for this dish and extremely disappointed, it was not as creamy of a risotto as I like and the Italian rice was a bit aldente, ick. Though our server Hila was fabulous and handled it very well offering to have the chef prepare me something different. The atmosphere of Davanti Enoteca is so great that I would definitely come back, but probably just for wine, appetizers, and great conversation in a gorgeous setting.
(3)Kevin C.
If I could give this place 3.5 stars I would. The food ranges from average to great, but the price is simply not commensurate with the quality of the food. First the good, the bruschetta is very good, I like that each day has a different special dish and Sunday was bruschetta day. The thin crusted bread dish was soft cheese inside and honey (the name escapes me) was definitely the best dish. The pasta dishes as well as the pizza were mediocre. Lastly the decor was exceptional. When you walk in you feel like you're in an old Italian restaurant with brick walls and wine barrels around. Overall, the food and ambience was above average, just not worth the cost.
(3)Casey F.
YUM. This place was awesome. Went last weekend while the rents were in town. We got seated right away - I think we got the last table because the line was out the door 5 min after we sat down. We got there a little before 6 - a little early for my liking but so worth it. Service was great, wine was awesome and cheap- $22 a bottle for great vino. We got: Polenta with braised lamb Truffle egg toast Pork belly Pizza Della terra Cacio e pepe Linguine with sea urchin Rigatoni with sausage Carrot cake for dessert SO amazing. Polenta was the best I've ever had. Pizza was bomb. The cacio e pepe was the tables favorite dish. The only thing stopping me from giving it 5 stars was the pork belly. I LOVE pork belly. I'm a snot about it and order it everywhere I go. Theirs was too big and improperly cooked- it was not crispy and you actually felt like you were eating lard, instead of crispy fatty deliciousness. Other than that I have zero complaints. Definitely one of the best meals I've had- and that is a bold statement. Total for 4 people with all of the food I mentioned above and 2 bottles of wine was $150- totally reasonable and we all left super stuffed.
(4)juston m.
good italian pies, good atmosphere. we had a nice starter and cocktail evening here. all the food was delicious. the cocktails were even better.
(4)Stella W.
If you are in the area, and don't want to drive, It's a good place to stop by to eat. With all the hype, i had a high expectation of the place. For the university village area, i guess it's a better restaurant, but i think there are better offerings in the entire chicagoland area.... we all like the ambiance and decoration of the restaurant. the service was good... Quite frankly, i was a bit tick off by the wine price...I had to tell myself to shut off my analytical side to enjoy the wine and food.... So they claimed they sell their bottles at the retail price (but is it really? I wonder if they would price match? :P ), so they charged $7 for corkage fee on top of the "bottle price", even though you are buying the whole bottle there. So I also wonder what the corkage fee is if I bring in my own bottle?! I know at a lot of wine bar/stores, if you do buy the whole bottles at their stores, and drink them there, they don't charge extra. So is it better knowing, or not knowing, what's packed on to the "retail price" of the bottles you get at a store/restaurant/wine bar? So in the end, I looked at that $7 as part of the cost of having wine there. Stop being so analytical, I said to myself! :P On to the food....nothing out of this world. We shared the roasted eggplants with toast, the truffle toast with egg. Both of them are good...nothing too out of extraordinary though. The pasta with sea urchin and crab --- it's different, and as an sea urchin lover, i could taste a hint of sea urchin, but i would rather just eat the whole sea urchin sashimi :P the pasta was cooked about right...not too soggy monkfish osso bucco --- something different. I never had anything monkfish other than monkfish liver which i love. the steak with basil --- we had it at medium rare, so it was pretty flavourful. the risotto with egg and pancetta -- i can see how it could be a starch dish to share all in all, if you are in the area and are hungry and the wait isn't too long, it's worth checking it out.
(3)Janie C.
The Davanti Burger is literally one of the best burgers I've ever had. And I'm from the south so I don't say that lightly. We know our meat. The Italian atmosphere and the down-to-earth staff make for an experience that is enjoyable from start to finish. Definitely recommend this place. Good prices as well as daily specials.
(5)Stephanie S.
Wow! As good as it gets! Came here with two friends, Jia and Jo Ellen and we had out little girls night out dinner on the patio as part of the FestaItalianaChicago Italian Festival. Yay! What an amazing treat and experience. First off, we were off to a late start and cruising the Festa quickly became slim pickings. We want to dine at its sister restaurant, Francescas but were too late by 8 minutes (! 10:08). What to do? Well easy thing is to walk across the street and Voila! Davanti Enoteca ready to serve with a smile. Even loads of them. The host and server were amazingly all smiles, almost eerily smiling. But for good reason! They probably understood they served some of the best Italian cuisine in the neighborhood and that soon we'd all be smiling! Jia, Jo Ellen and I shared the Tile fish (never had before), lightly breaded and perfectly prepared and also had the meat balls with marinara right on some very creamy and tasty polenta. Wow. Oh and I can't forget the homemade gelato, the flavor, pistachio nut! OMG more heaven! My tasted buds were in heaven. Wine, espresso rounded out the evening for me. And our bill was reasonable ($54 including tax, tip each). What a gem! Don't miss it if you have the chance. You won't regret coming here.
(5)Jeannie A.
My new favortie place! Went yesterday with a party of 5. They do not take reservations, so we went early (5:30) and was seated right away. I guessing by 6:30, you'd be waiting at the bar (which would be fine)! They have rooftop seating also, but we ate inside. We each picked 2 different items off the menu - think Italian tapas - and shared everything. Everything was so good! My favorites: special ragu/polenta, mushroom pizza, risotto, ricotta w/honey. I could have passed on the pork belly, but others at the table liked it. Wine selection was great - service was awesome. Can't wait to go back. There is a little wine bar right across the street that plays jazz. We stopped there after.
(5)Rose B.
Joe at the hostess station was the best. Great introduction to this area/restaurant. Atmosphere was really great - Service great - Food - great. Yelp reviewers prices - again - not in line with what they really are. A little pricey but food was worth it.
(4)Kira S.
I had a great experience at Davanti Enoteca last Friday. We arrived around 6pm for drinks and apps and found a spot at the bar immediately before the rush began. The decor is charming and comfortable. The bartender was friendly and made some great recommendations for us. We started with a nice meat and cheese platter and then moved onto their signature mascarpone polenta. The ragù of the day was prosciutto meatballs and was absolutely delicious. A fantastic place for a for dinner before a movie in the South Loop and would also be a great date spot.
(4)Paul C.
Great place! You just can't get pastries like that in Ohio.
(5)Rebecca R.
This place is amazing! I went there for a date and I can honestly say this was the best place my date could have picked for dinner. The place is simply decorated but elegant. The food delicious, and there is lots of it on the plate (I had Risotto Carbonara and we had a bottle of Prosecco). It is also affordable with a great service. I really recommend it for Italian food lovers, and people who enjoy a good time by a bottle of wine. I love Davanti Enoteca !!!
(5)Rishi S.
Really fantastic place!! We came here for a friends birthday with a prefixed menu! This was a 9 course meal! Each course was great! The presentation of each course is splendid! A must is the linguine + sea urchin + crab- it is creamy and the pasta is cooked to perfection! For dessert, we tasted the carrot cake with mascarpone caramal cream---ridiculously good! If u in Chicago, this place is a must!
(5)Rachel F.
It was my roommate birthday so me her and her friend all decided to italian tapas it out over at Davanti. I'm relatively new to Chicago and hadn't made it over to University Village yet. After going to Davanti... I think I'll be making it over that way a little more often. The food was great, major stars were the baby octopus, and the mushroom pizza. Now I've had a lot of truffle oil before, but that mushroom pizza was soo good it made me go out and spend $40 dollars on my own little bottle of truffle oil. Now I try to "Davanti" at home by drizzling truffle oil on my own crap pizza's. I haven't made it back over to Davanti yet, but if you do... MUSHROOM PIZZA!
(4)Karen T.
Anyone who's eaten with me any other time can attest to my usual carnivorous vice. The less common the fowl/fish/seafood/meat, the more my ears perk up and my mouth waters. So for me to say I ate a vegetarian meal at a non-vegetarian restaurant and enjoyed every bite of it without missing meat once is a pretty big statement. One of our fellow diners was a vegetarian, but we took one look at the menu and realized there were so many veggie options we wouldn't be at a loss if we skipped out on meat. Sure enough, Davanti Enoteca served up delicious, decadent dish after dish to us in a jovial, warm setting and I couldn't have been more satisfied upon leaving. We had some glasses of Riesling (the quartino, a glass and a half portion, is a great way to try a wine among friends) and started off with the famous honeycomb / ricotta vasi with tuscan toast. It was just as nosh-worthy as I could have imagined. Our jar was pretty big - so big our server brought a second helping of bread when we ran out! The "tapas-style" meal involved splitting a couple of dishes: a truffle oil pizza with mushrooms, leeks and taleggio, which blew La Madia's pizza out of the water. We devoured the truffled egg toast with asparagus and fontina, which looked like eggs in a hole and tasted even better than eggs in a hole. The farro, squash and goat cheese salad was earthy, light and had just a hint of sweetness to it, which was a nice, bright contrast to the rest of the heavier items. When we said we had room for one last dish, our server recommended the focaccia with cow cheese, which did us all in. Each bite was ridiculously crispy and fatty...each slice, a wall for each of us to surmount. We ended up boxing up the last two pieces. For dessert, we tried the butterscotch pudding - the caramel sauce was at the bottom, and worth every bite to get to. Overall, I really enjoyed the meal, and was pleasantly surprised by how uncrowded it was (I've heard some horror stories about lines here). Perhaps the winter has begun to weed some of the patrons out...but it shouldn't. The warmth in the wine, food and service should be more than enough to warrant a visit. Go now!
(4)Elizabeth H.
Couldn't have been happier with my birthday dinner choice! We heard a lot of great things about this place and finally had a reason to go. We didn't know it was small plate style but didn't mind that much since we were able to try a variety of things. Also, this wasn't the traditional italian that you would expect at an Italian restaurant. The only little qualm I had was when I asked for the waiter's help on selecting cheeses to compliment the salami we ordered, he really didn't help. All he did was read the types of cheese off the menu which wasn't what I asked for or needed. Overall we will definitely be going back again!
(5)Dimple M.
Nice place with friendly staff. We had a reservation, therefore got a spot immediately (strongly recommend reserving ahead of time). Food was good. Deserts were great. Risotto was the highlight.
(4)Elina S.
Freaking amayyyzingg! Like let me just say, I'm not the biggest fan of Italian food in general, too heavy for me, but this was such a unique, fun and best of all tasty experience. The only, and I mean only negative to this place is that they don't take reservations, otherwise I'd be here every week. 6 of my friends and I went here on Saturday night and it was packed and although we had to wait a little, we managed to get a seat at the bar and drink so that made the wait so much better. They have a great selection of beers and wines, so alchey makes all happy. The atmosphere is so unique, like an Italian cave with really cool communal tables and funky chandeliers, definitely a trendy place. Now it does get loud and super packed, but with the booze flowin and the delish food, we didn't mind. I went with some picky foodies and they all gave this place a 5+. The mushroom pizza outstanding, the ricotta and honey comb with tuscan toast-pure heaven. The hanger steak was cooked to perfection with a delish sauce. My friend got the burger and it looked to die for. Everything, was amazing. The only issue was one of the 7 of us got our food later than everyone but the manager apologized like 3 times, which was super nice of him and he compt our dessert. Now that is service. And speaking of dessert, we had a bunch to try, but the torta bacio OH EM GEE, perfection perfection! The whole place was just an awesome experience, you MUST come here! Or don't so I don't have that much of a wait next time :)
(5)Yun P.
I never check in while eating. I don't cook much so I've around enough restaurants to know... when I say this is one of the best I've had....really one of the best in the city. Why did i not visit earlier!!! Ambiance is great, service is great, food is amazing!!!!
(5)Kathryn D.
This place is wonderful. I am a Chicago native and am always looking for delicious Italian when I go home. I am thus far convinced that California Italian just doesn't cut it in comparison, and places like this cement my hypothesis. I wouldn't say this is 100% traditional Italian, but more of a twist on classic cuisine. Their octopus, one of my favorites if done right, was out of this world. Everything I nibbled on here was delicious. I love the rustic atmosphere and the knowledgeable staff. Looking forward to returning!
(5)Holly O.
I've been here twice - once for brunch, once for dinner. Have loved both! Two favorite things? Truffle Egg Toast. Yelpers recommended it and did NOT fail me. Super yum. Also? Get the ricotta & honey comb toast (vasi). AMAZING. What else? At brunch, the bartender let me talk him into making me a grapefruit version of a mimosa (he did it with half moscato, half prosecco) - it was delicious. I told him he should put it on the menu and name it after me... So if there's a "Holly" on their brunch drink menu ever, I shall feel victorious! For dinner, get wine - since they sell it there and sell it at retail, rather than mark-up. Many other yummy food items, too!
(4)Rocky S.
Tapas style italian food. Went for lunch with the wife and my newborn. Was very impressed with the food (get the octopus and the cauliflower steak, highly recommend). No parking garage/lot that we saw, but they offer valet. Waitress told us it was "family dining", which is why we went in the first place, because we enjoy family-style eating. But keeping the family idea in mind, we found it wasn't easy to get our kid's stroller in and out of the entrance, as there are stairs to enter, no ramp, and given that the baby needed to be changed, there was no changing station in the place. Waitress was kind enough to put two bar stools together in the bathroom to let us change the baby, and overall was very accommodating to our needs. The place has amazing wood ceilings and flooring, and looks to be more conducive for a romantic/intimate setting. We originally sat in the back, but moved near the windows, as the place had a bit of a moldy odor according to my wife, which the staff obliged. Very helpful wait-staff once again, and the food may be the best italian food in all of Chicago as far as my wife was concerned, but the place in my opinion is not meant as much for families with children after our experience there. I would go back definitely with the wife for an intimate evening.
(3)Gina S.
Dim the lights baby. Romantic date spot check. I would say the combination of dark wood, exposed brick, and unique lighting were elevating my expectations that this would be a great dinner spot. We arrived and were not greeted (for what seemed like an eternity) by the hostess who was busy talking to the bartender (I even had time to suggest we go some place else). When we were finally seated the noise level started to sink in, the obnoxiously loud background music playing was terrible as all the hubby and I could do was stare longingly at one another trying to lip read. I guess if you have nothing to say to your dinner companion, this is the place to bring em. We started with the squash salad. It turned out to be more of a grain "salad". I wasn't a huge fan. When there is more grain than squash...it really should be called a grain salad because that's what you get. For dinner we split a pizza D.O.C. It was okay. We didn't have any libations, perhaps it would have made the experience better.
(2)Kate L.
My friend and I tried Davanti Enoteca for the first time last evening. It is a cozy little restaurant with very tasty food, and I look forward to returning again soon. Many of the menu items sounded delicious so we asked our waiter for recommendations. One of his suggestions was the Ricotta and Honeycomb Vasi. I also remembered that many Yelpers had suggested this appetizer so we went for it. So great! You spread the cheese and honeycomb on toasted bread. It's so simple yet so tasty. It is a nice balance of sweet and savory. There was so much cheese left after our first order of bread that the wait staff offered to bring us more. My only complaint is that the cheese to honeycomb ratio was not balanced. You don't need as much honeycomb as cheese, but a little more would have been nice. We shared the Agnolotti di Zucca with pumpkin, ricotta, hazelnuts, sage, brown butter, and chicken livers. Our waiter recommended this dish and told us not to be scared off by the chicken livers. They were cooked and shaved on top like cheese so you'd never even know what it was if someone didn't tell you. And it was delicious! Very rich and perfect for fall/winter. We also ordered the Pizza della Terra, which has wild mushrooms, leeks, taleggio, and truffle oil. Yum! We didn't finish the pizza because we were so stuffed from our other offerings. I enjoyed everything thoroughly. My only wish was that we had ordered a salad because what we ordered was so rich. We needed some veggies!
(4)E K.
DELICIOUS. Much better and more authentic than Quartinos. Loved it all.
(5)Cristina T.
Seeing as Davanti is about 10 steps away from my place, it was about time to try it out. The perfect occasion for my best friend and I to celebrate the holidays. Around 6:30 on a Wednesday night, Davanti was packed. As soon as I got there we were seated in the wine cellar like back of the restaurant. The atmosphere was warm and friendly and tables were packed in tight. We started our meal off with a bottle of wine. I think the cheapest bottle on the menu was $40 so be prepared for a pricey meal. Per other Yelpers recommendations we started with the ricotta and honeycomb. The perfect combination of salty and sweet, we fell in love with this dish. So much to the point that we were eating the ricotta out of the jar with a spoon. We continued with the beet salad that was topped with walnuts and a creamy cheese. Yummy. We also ordered the burrata, which was a mozarella cheese filled with creamy mozarella-y goodness. Topped with the most delicious pesto this was a standout dish. We continued our meal with the ricotta gnudi, which were pasta that were soft and pillowy. We also ordered the sorpressata spicy pizza that had the most delicious crust. For dessert we split the carrot cake that was served in a jar. It wasn't too heavy and was just perfectly sweet. Overall I enjoyed my meal at Davanti and because it is so close to my place I can definitely see myself coming back again. Although you may end up spending more money than originally anticipated, you will have one of the most extraordinary dining experiences of your life.
(5)Bill M.
There is literally nowhere to eat around Midway airport, so I drove up to Davanti to give it a go. I sat down at the bar and instead of having a glass of wine from the vast wine list (it is an enoteca) I chose a Whistle Pig Rye Manhattan. When the bartender put it in front of me I couldn't believe how much Rye there was in the glass. And it was tasty too. The food is served small plates style for the most part. They also do brick oven pizzas. One has egg on it that looked interesting. I ordered the warm kale salad and gnudi with braised pork shoulder. The kale was served in a guanciale viniagrette and walnuts. I thought this was an incredible salad. The kale soaked up all of the taste of the guanciale. The gnudi were light and pillowy and served with three of the most tender pieces of pork I have ever had. The broth was a cream sauce of some sort, but was lighter than the fat held in the pork shoulder, so it played well together. I will definitely give this a second visit my next time to chicago.
(4)Hassan B.
Went there with a group of 8 people so we got to try a variety of food. Portion sizes aren't Americanized so we ordered somewhere around 12-14 total items. The least impressive of the offerings were the pizza and the risotto which was a bit disappointing but rest of the food more than made up for it. Among my favorites were Truffle Egg Toast, Crispy Pork Belly, Riccio di Mare (sea urchin and crab linguini), and Cacio e Pepe. SAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT! Both Torta Bacio and Affogato are AMAZING if you're a chocolate fan!
(4)Eric B.
Beautiful interior. The ricotta with honeycomb was one of the best things I've had in Chicago. The bread was perfect and the ricotta/honey was great. Pizza del terra was good - mushrooms, truffle oil, etc. Buratta mozzarella was good. Nice waiters. Pretty good prices. Good wine. Highly recommend it.
(5)Rebecca N.
THIS PLACE ROCKS! The only reason I am giving it 4 stars is because we ate in an unconventional way due to the wait--but it was still AMAZING!! (probably will get 5 when I try it next!) I went on a saturday night with 4 other people to a place that doesn't take reservations--because of all the hype around this restaurant we should have expected it to be longer than the hour and a half anticipated. two and a half hours! we went to go wait at the wine bar next door (Beviamo) to get a drink. We found out there that you can order the food at Davanti to go and they pick it up for you! We were lucky enough to snag a table and decided to get some appetizers. We went with the eggplant spread and ricotta spread and the brushetta which is changed daily. When we went it was asparagus. All of them were unreal. The ricotta was perfect with the honey and the eggplant had great texture. The bread was fresh and the perfect amount. We liked this idea so much that we decided to ditch waiting and order the rest of our meal. We went with the truffle and mushroom pizza (I LOVEED--but some friends said it is too rich), ceasar salad (nothing special) and the pepper pasta (good but im not a pepper lover. I love sharing and I love itallian, so this was a great spot. I can't wait to come back during the week so there won't be as long of a wait. Not to mention to food cost 12 DOLLARS EACH! Mind you we didn't eat a ton of food, but absolutely enough for 5 girls going out afterward.
(4)Adam M.
I love going to tapas restaurants and Davanti is like Tapas meets Italian. Very nice atmosphere and really good food. You cannot make reservations, but the wait actually wasn't bad. (but I also went on a Tuesday) On of my favorite dishes was the Crispy Poker Belly with Apple Mostarda. This is a must order dish! Some other dishes that I Really liked were: - Riccio di Mare e Granchio - Paccheri con Salsiccia e Pomodori al forno Some dishes that were pretty good were: - Risotto Carbonara - Pizza con Prosciutto e Rucola I would recommend staying away from the swordfish. It was decent, but it had a very fishy taste which I'm not used to for a white fish like swordfish. All-in-all, I really liked Davanti Enoteca and their take on small dish Italian food.
(4)Yvonne B.
This event turned from a belated birthday celebration for my sister, to include a future celebration for my brother, and then a surprise welcome home from the Army celebration for my other sister (she surprised me AT the restaurant)! It was intense and we were all very happy to be at Davanti Enoteca. The food came and the alcohol flowed. Some things I would have liked to know: they DO take reservations. I don't know why I thought they didn't, but they do. And a reservation for a large party like ours would have been helpful. We sat on the roof where they had protective walls and heaters, but we were still a little chilly. Next, I would have liked to know that our server was going to be an asshole so we could request another section. I told him right away about the birthdays and the Army coming home (she was actually wearing her uniform) and he said (in a not so nice tone), "You trying to get free stuff?!" I quickly said, "No, I am just excited!" And that was that. Geesh dude. It's customary to tell servers about celebrations. If they want to throw in a free dessert or appetizer, that's great (and I'll tip even better because of it); if they don't give us anything, oh well then. If they pull an asshole move and actually SAY that, and not give us anything, then poo poo on you. And besides, we had to ask him THREE times throughout our ENTIRE dinner for more bread. And our bill was messed up (not split properly between two cards per my instructions written on the receipt). So yeah. That server soured my evening (and this review). The food and drinks were good. We ate a lot: Ricotta & Local Honey Comb - $7 Truffle Egg Toast - $9 Crispy Pork Belly - $9 Davanti Burger - $12 ... And about five other things that I don't remember. The food was all delicious. We all raved about every single dish and passed them around to share. It was lovely and we ate and ate to our hearts' content. We were very happy from the food and drinks; however, because of the server, I wouldn't want to go back. I mean, there are places I can go where the service has already been vetted for me. I know it's top notch and I know the food is delicious. I might as well go there instead.
(2)Linda M.
2/20/2014: I originally gave them 5 stars but because of my recent visit I think 4 is more accurate. I truly love this place but I went this past Sunday for brunch and was a bit disappointed with my dish. I ordered the dish with pork belly, potatos, and poached eggs. This dish was just WAY too salty. I could not enjoy it at all. I hope they were just having an off day since I truly love visiting this place. Original Post: I live close by and have visited Davanti Enoteca a couple of times and the food is always incredible and the staff is very friendly and attentive. it's a great spot for a date or to come by with some friends. The music is definitely not traditional but that's fine by me since i love the fun, friday night vibe. If you have not been, definitely a place to check out in Chicago. Order the Ricotta & honey with bread - I love it!!
(4)Diego A.
Enjoyed my first meal here and looking forward to coming back. I liked the decor and comfortable feeling here. The food was delicious and the portions were just right. I'll be back to try more.
(4)Kristen W.
This place is Amazing! From being promptly welcomed at the door, greeted by our sever, to the delicious food. Harriet made our experience wonderful. She made honest recommendations and made our experience unforgettable. I did notice that she had a very time consuming table of 6 gentleman who thought they were wine enthusiast. (I hope she got a 30% percent tip from those jerks). She never showed frustration or let it affect the service of her other tables. Thank you so much Harriet for making our anniversary special and for even going out of your way to have the bartender whip me up a mock tail. We will definitely be back.
(5)Young r.
Good ambience, great service. We went in around 6 pm. on Sunday, and the place was completely packed by 6:30. Not many main servers, but I would say that both main and assisting servers were attentive. We were not pushed to make a choice or order more or certain dishes, and our server was very honest and great in explaining flavors. We had two small dishes and two pastas. I like my pasta al dente, but it was more than that. Maybe the pasta chef counted the time for pasta to be delivered to tables...still too hard. Small dishes were good, and many others talked about the ricotta cheese spread and the black port belly... so I'll skip this part. Pastas were disappointing, especially my sea urchin and crab pasta. It was buttery and had some chunks of crabs, but NO SEA URCHIN. Sea urchin was melted with butter and lobster to make the base of the pasta, but I couldn't taste it at all. They can take sea urchin out of the sauce, and no one will notice. Meh. Hubby's rigatoni - he thought it was ok, I thought it was a little too salty, both sauce and sausages. We both agreed the vanilla pudding dessert was good (me)/Very good(hubby). Pity that there is no outside sitting for lack of space. Overall, I would say, antipasto - 4 STAR, pasta - 1.5 STAR, and dessert - 3.5 STAR.
(3)Meredith K.
I was here back in 2011 with a group. We loved it!! Coming back I see the have the same stuff on the menu but how its prepared has changed. I wasn't as in love this time but it still is really great food and service. To start they didn't take reservations back then but they do now. A great improvement! Although I don't like sitting at a high top but it was Sat night and crazy busy so I got over it. It is also very loud in here. I don't mind but my parents do. They have a terrific wine by the glass list and of course by the bottle. We got the olives which are served warm and that is a good thing. Also the cheesy egg focaccia which was not as good as the first time. Also the roasted squash salad which is very good. We also tried some pastas. One had chicken liver so I didn't eat it but the spaghetti was yummy! And a mushroom pizza which I recommend. And the fresh ricotta with honey. That I could pass on. The cheese is just ok and you get a small amount of honey. We also got the chocolate mouse dish which is amazing. I love the crunch on the bottom. And the carrot cake in a jar which is super good. I think I'd come back again. Just this time not with mom and dad.
(4)Alex And Desirae P.
My boyfriend and I went here for dinner and we loved it! First off, this place is beautiful, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.The staff was friendly and provided great service throughout our meal. The food was great, although the portions were a bit smaller than what you would expect from an Italian restaurant. If you plan on dining here on a weekend, making a reservation will definitely save you from standing around while you wait for a table!
(4)Patricia P.
The sea urchin was amazing.
(4)Igor Z.
I go here as often as possible. No matter what I order its always very very tasty. The staff is always nice and they have great specials. Get the focaccia di Recco with honey and call me in the morning. See ya!
(5)Jenny F.
Not bad - the reason I didn't give it 4 stars is because the food was a little bit salty. The truffle egg toast was my favorite but not a large portion. The interior and atmosphere is really nice though - cozy and rustic.
(3)Debbie S.
Went back here for brunch / lunch with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law when they were in town (and even brought our little guy)...Davanti didn't disappoint. We had several of the same dishes that I had eaten previously but we also tried the focaccia with ricotta cheese...out of this world. It sounds simple but it is scrumptious. I sort of wish I didn't have to share it :) We also had the kale pizza which was fantastic (my little guy loves kale) and an egg dish with delicious potatoes. To top it off...three words...bloody mary bar. I was in heaven -- and while my bloody was so spicy that I was sweating while I was drinking it, it was well worth it. Terrific waitstaff, wonderful atmosphere during the day and it certainly wasn't a problem to have our little guy with us....I love this place!
(5)Leang E.
My cousin seems to have a thing for Italian food and so when he came to visit I thought we'd give this place a try. We had to circle around to search for parking since Italian Fest was also going on. We had to put our names on a waiting list despite all the vendors paraded on the streets competing for customers. I think we got called a little earlier and were seated outside, which was perfect. It was a gorgeous day, and we got to eating. Our waiter was friendly and helpful with recommendations especially figuring out how much food we should order in terms of portion and quantity. We started out with the bruschette, fish dish, linguine, and one of the meat and cheese boards. We got the Prosciutto, Mozzarella, & Arugula Pizza after we decided we could eat a little more and the pizzas ordered around us looking good. We were quite full, but a little disappointed that there was no tiramisu. The prices were reasonable and the food was delicious. I definitely wouldn't say no to coming back here.
(4)Charlie F.
Very nice, but also a bit noisy.
(4)Nirav G.
great date spot. cute atmosphere. was hoping for more options on the menu, but the food was still great. would visit again.
(4)Stephanie S.
I have never really been to Taylor Street, I know...I am so sheltered. It is so cute! Anyway, usually when people suggest going out for Italian, I am like, meh...but that is because it is usually like boring and store bought pasta. Not Davanti! It was straight out of Italy awesome. The resturant itself is super cute. We actually sat on the rooftop, a great spot in the summer. It was a chilly night, but they had the heaters going so it was comfortable. The wine list was pretty extensive with affordable options, which is always nice. Now to the food. Love love loved the Focaccia di Recco! Definite must get if you go! The Vasi Burrata, Sea Salt, and EVOO was amazing as well! I thought I would love the Truffle Egg Toast the best, but it was just good. I mean it was good, but nothing out of this world. The other 2 apps showed this one up! For dinner I had the giant ravioli. After having this in Napa at Bottega, I had to try it here. First off, I love when Italian restaurants actually make their own pasta. Hello! That is why I am coming! This was delish! Super light and totally differerent, but delicious as well from the last one I had. My hubby got the risotto, which I was eyeing, and it was awesome. I would probably get it next time. Everything was great, the prices are so reasonable and it is a nice change from the typical places that serve the generic Italian dishes. They put a lot of thought into this place. I will definitely be back! Wish they took reservations...
(5)Violet C.
This was my first time and it did not disappoint! I was a bit skeptical at first, but when the food came out I was pleasantly surprised. All of the courses we ordered were unique and delicious in it's own way. Our party was a group of seven and by the end of dinner, we were all filled up! The service was nice and polite. I would recommend the eggplant, tomato, mozzarella, pesto spread! My only little problem was that the place was very loud. We had to talk very loudly to hear each other. Other than that, I definitely recommend for family get togethers!
(4)Tykon D.
I found Davanti Enoteca to be inconsistent. We ordered the focaccia, the truffle toast, and the polenta (ragu of the day was pork shoulder). The polenta with ragu came out first and it was excellent. Then the focaccia came (15 minutes after we finished the polenta) and it was really good, though we found the portion to be much bigger than needed. Wish there was a half order option for couples. Then, a good fifteen minutes after we had finished that, the toast came out. It was cold. And unappetizing. Then we found a hair in it and sent it back. For the record, we wouldn't have liked it even without the hair. Maybe if it had come out when it was still hot (like most toast would). We got dessert and by the time we finished that, we'd spent about 2 hours in the restaurant. Upon leaving, our buzzes had worn off, and we were still hungry. Though our waitress was friendly enough, the tempo of the meal was way off and the order that the dishes came out in seemed thoughtless. The pork shoulder ragu was phenomenal (thus the a-ok 3 star rating), but I can't help but feeling like this was a waste of time and money. Very disappointing. Whether you want tapas or italian, there are much better options nearby.
(3)S S.
my favorite Italian place in Chicago. amazing food with fresh ingredients and great service. they don't take reservations but they aren't insanely busy on week nights. on the weekends, there will be a little bit of a wait.
(5)Nina V.
I didn't realize that there were two Davanti's - the original one in Chicago's Little Italy section, and one in San Diego (also in Little Italy). And I have been to both! The ambiance is charming and rustic. The food, wine selection and service is always consistent and wonderful. A lot of the items are meant to be shared, so do try a few things on the menu when dining with a group. Top of my list: the 'Ragu of the day' - braised pork on a slab of polenta - nice and hearty! Although I like the original Chicago location, the spot in San Diego is still my favorite due to the location (probably because it's close to the ocean, and has a bustling vibe with local Italian merchants, restaurants, stores. The outdoor patio seating is also the differentiator between Chicago. You can't go wrong with either.
(4)Daisy D.
Brah*vo Davanti. Bravo. Pizza Soppressata e Cavolo is extraordinary; spicy red pepper salami + kale + garlic + chili oil + fresh mozzarella + tomato Davanti Burger Out of this world. The most flavorful burger I've ever had; special beef blend + bacon jam + roasted tomato + cheese curd + arugula + roasted garlic mayo Don't delay! Try today!
(5)Brittany W.
Went for wine & tapas with a few friends... wait staff was very helpful and our food was great!
(4)John K.
I found myself the UIC medical district, a place that I had never been before. The first thought to me that came to my mind was this: What can this neighborhood offer in terms of food? One of my optimistic thoughts about restaurants is that no matter where I go there will be at least one good restaurant out there...Wherever I go! I was not disappointed. I found Davanti Enoteca. The inside was just beautiful....rustic, european, and classic. As I was waiting for my friend to show up, I ordered some bread with a foe gras/onion spread. It was delicious. After sipping on some prosecco, my friend came and we got to our table. We ordered the Pollo sole mio, and the pesce da vanti. They were, to use Gordon Ramsay's words, "Absolutely Delicious!" I really liked how they were playing good top 40 tracks as background music too. The classical or jazz music that they play that places like Davanti usually bore me to death, but yeah hahahaha. I think the next time I take someone who is special to me on a date here. Hopefully, I'll meet here soon
(5)Aaron K.
One of my favorite places in Chicago. Be sure to try the ragu of the day. It has been different every time but delicious nonetheless. Also, the burger is excellent ($10 Burger + Peroni deal on Mondays). All items on the menu that include an egg are generally a must. Depending on the crowd, it's not the quietest ambiance you'll find but the noise level never reaches a point where you need to shout. The food will more than make up for it. Service has always been excellent and waitstaff is very helpful.
(5)Jennifer L.
All I can say is how mad I was that this place opened AFTER I moved from living around the corner a few hundred feet away. I probably would have gained 20 lbs... Ugh.. I guess it was for the better..what a perfect addition to Taylor street in a niche that was severely lacking. Rosebud, etc.. Even Francesca's is a little stuffy, older crowd, more "formal". This restaurant is where the restaurant biz is going .. Affordable, small plates, casual atmosphere. Speaking of which.. I love the atmosphere from the cool lighting fixtures to the rustic tables and the surrounding wine racks. I try to come every time im back in chicago and i chose to have my bachelorette party here because the atmosphere and small plates were great for a big group to share and talk. The manager was also VERY accommodating in helping us plan from out of state. Similarly the service is amazing at the table as well. Great food recommendations, patient and helpful waiters..just amazing. Now the food... Ok.. I have only had a foodgasm a few times... And once was here... The "Focaccia Di recco".. O..m...g..... It's just so simple yet so amazing the soft fresh cow cheese. I feel this could be overlooked on the menu due to it sounding boring in description but it's just amazingly tasty..just Try it... And it's big... U may have leftovers but they are some awesome leftovers! The truffle egg and toast is also amazing and my favorite entree is the Linguine with the sea urchin and crab.. I'm drooling just thinking about it! The chicken liver pâté served in a cute little mason jar... Yummmm Also the heart of palm dish... This is not your average squishy canned heart of palm it's like thinly shaved from a fresh heart of palm.. I have never even seen this before so fresh! Oh davanti I hope we can see each other again soon!
(5)Yanyao N.
Before my friends crucify me, I must state that Davanti Enoteca was GOOD. As in, A-OK... you know? 3 star rating! I would return if in the area, but probably not drive all the way from Evanston in order to wait for a table. We ended up here completely unintentionally after what was perhaps the biggest brain fart in my history (1pm lunch = leaving at 11:45am... NOT 12:45pm). Easy street parking, no wait, serving brunch... done. The menu was exciting! There were things in jars, brunch items, pastas, salads, pizzas, and a sinful sounding burger (hellurrrrr bacon jam). We ended up ordering a few items: the ricotta with honeycomb (of course), the white anchovies with pecorino and celery salad (my favorite tiny fish), the raviolo, the linguine with sea urchin and crab, and the della terra pizza. Of all these items, only one made me close my eyelids a little longer than usual (good sign): the linguine with sea urchin and crab. I was with J, who does not favor creatures of the sea, but decided today that I WAS WORTH IT. A most excellent decision because this pasta dish was so intensely seafood-y and heavenly. The sea urchin melts into the sauce, making it taste like the sea, and the dish is studded with lumps of sweet crab. Still, I wasn't flailing my arms around in ecstasy. The pizza was pretty good: foraged mushrooms + tallegio cheese + braised leeks + truffle oil = a pretty earthy pizza, very "umami", yes. Did I mention that my middle name is "umami"? The crust was great. The pizza wasn't soggy. I'd eat this again. You simply cannot go wrong with ricotta & honeycomb, or white anchovies, or a giant ravioli with spinach and egg.... OR SO I THOUGHT! What would have otherwise been a 4-star review, had to be graciously docked a star because of the raviolo. It was atrocious. This was THE most overcooked piece of pasta I have ever eaten in my life. When it came out, I was so excited. J let me cut the pasta open because oozing egg yolks make me happy. Not getting any ooze when you MOST expect it is very disappointing. I speak from first hand experience. The yolk was solid. I love cooked egg yolks when mixed with mayo and mustard, but this was not a deviled egg raviolo. The parts of the pasta that didn't have bites of filling were SO tough, like rubber or leather. So disappointing. I actually made a face when I had to finish my portion. How did this come out of the kitchen?! The service was great. The space is nice to look at, though seating a little limited. They had bottles of Republic of Tea iced tea (loooooove) and I had a pretty good lunch. So, that was my outing to Davanti Enoteca. I hope you'll still be my friend Aurore and Deb. ;)
(3)Jessica S.
Solid Italian at a great value. We went late last night with some friends and had a great time. The ricotta and honey comb toast is a must try!
(4)N S.
My husband and I used to love this place but we went recently on a Friday afternoon and it was not up to normal standards. It must have been a different chef since it was the middle of the day vs. night when we normally go--when my risotto came out it was way undercooked. I sent it back (which I never do) and the waiter let me know that this was how the chef intended to cook it, implying that I was wrong about it being undercooked. However, I always order the risotto, so I know that this is not how the chef intends for it to be and that little remark of self-righteousness was unnecessary and in poor taste. They ended up not charging me for the item, which was good customer service. it's usually delicious, but this, along with long wait times in an empty restaurant makes me want to go elsewhere next time we're craving Italian food.
(3)Alex B.
This one was worth the wait - it's been on our list for the last 6 months and we are finally kid-free (while they are at camp). Yay camp! So no worries about not being able to make a reservation. Our experience here was superior on all fronts - the staff was awesome, the room energetic, the food delicious (and very interesting) - all things considered a Superior experience. The bar tender entertained our annoying wine questions (I'm not good with Italian wines) by serving us taste after taste until we found a bottle we could agree on. Our waiter made absolutely spot on suggestions and did a great job of pacing the meal and monitoring progress (all the while being entertaining). The food was really spectacular too. While the menu is grounded in familiar classic Italian technique, many of the specific dishes we quite unique and new. We stated with the Ricotta and honey jar - how good was this? It bordered on the sublime - delicious creamy savory ricotta with the sweetness of the honey on this amazing oiled and grilled bread. I know every review says to order this - do as you are told! Next up - Escarole salad with Hazelnuts - light, bitter, crunchy, delicious. no gloppy dressing here, this was classic Italy letting the ingredients speak for themselves. Pizza of sausage and broccoli rabe - this was the only good, not great dish. The broccoli and sausage worked well together but the sauce was a bit flat (especially since it was listed as having chili oil) and the crust too chewy. But still, a good dish. Risotto Carbonara - super yummy and soooo rich. Just enough Pancetta to balance the unctuous egg rich both. This is a subtle dish which is all about the sensuous experience. Finally we had (against my better judgment) the Seared Octopus. I am normally not an Octopus kind of guy, but our waiter assured us this was a great dish. Remember when I said he was good? This dish was tremendous - the most tender Octopus I've ever had with a mind-blowing horseradish sauce. Like I said - classic Italian style with many unique plates. Great service, exciting room. I'll be back - this is lovingly crafted, well conceived, well executed modern Italian food.
(4)Dorothy W.
When they use to serve the chicken pate it tasted great on bread!
(4)Erika C.
474 Reviews. Davanti you are lovely. It was a great experience for a Friday holiday lunch with our informative, efficient server Sara. Great job all around. Loved the fresh hearts of palm salad. It was delicious and so uncommon. We enjoyed the fresh farmers cheese foccacia too. Okay, I would appreciate if not everything was served in a mason jar, carrot cake? Come on. Thanks Davanti you lived up to the hype!
(4)Ania H.
My boyfriend and I dine at Davanti quite often. Every time we leave there even more impressed. It was my first time at the Taylor Street location and it's as good as the one in the city and even the suburbs. The service is absolutely impeccable. The servers are very educated and they know exactly what to recommend. Since we dine here often we've tried a lot off the menu. We decided to order new things we've never tried before. We ordered the cheese/meat board with Grana Padano, Robiola Tre Latte and Coppa. The cheeses were both fantastic, two different textures but both so delicious. The meat was fantastic and paired perfect with the spicy mustard and peppers that came with the board. Next we ordered the grilled asparagus + pickled rhubarb + black pepper mascarpone, this was a little too oily/pickley for me but still fantastic. The grilled asparagus was amazing. We finished off with the Polpo con Rafano, which is a must have if you like octopus! The combination of the almonds, potato salad, and octopus was absolutely amazing. Definitely recommend this as well as any other Davanti location in the chicagoland area.
(5)Anne C.
Just ate here last night and I am already planning an excuse to go back. Everything about our meal at Davanti was great-- First off, I love the rustic casual atmosphere. Anytime I can have really amazing food and not feel like I'm not cool enough for the restaurant is a win-win. We shared a few plates and the highlight of the night for both my husband and me was the toast with fresh ricotta and honeycomb. If they had kept bringing the bread, I would have been scraping the bottom of the ricotta jar all night. It was SO GOOD. I also really enjoyed the pork cheek and ricotta gnudi-- it was rich (pork and ricotta) and light (in a broth) all at the same time. And the pizza-- we tried the arugula and prosciutto and it was delicious. The service here was also spectacular-- from the server to the runners everyone was friendly and helpful. The icing on the cake though was when we were finishing up dessert and I reminded the waiter that we didn't receive our boxed up pizza leftovers. He went to check on it and came back to let us know that they had thrown our leftover slices away and were baking us an entire fresh pizza to take home. That was totally above and beyond good customer service and a great way to end our dinner there. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Emily L.
I'm still thinking about this meal. It was THAT good. I came here with my cousin and my friend on a Saturday night. The host and hostess told us it would be 35-60 minutes and took down a cell phone number, so we went to a nearby bar to nurse a drink. (Sample conversation: Friend: "I'm so hungry; maybe I should order something small!" Me: "NO!") 45-50 minutes later, my cousin's phone rang... the sweetest sound ever! Our server was really nice, helpful, and patient. He explained that everything was small/medium plates that we could order everything at once or one at a time; it didn't matter as the dishes came out rather quickly. We had heard "meh" things about the ricotta/honeycomb vaso and the truffle egg toast, so we passed on those. We opted to share the pizza of the day, a salumi platter, a salad, and the linguini with sea urchin and crab (I keep wanting to call it linguini with uni, haha). My friend and I also decided to share a quartino of wine (8.5 ounces, I think the server said?). I asked the server a million stupid questions about the wine list, and he was so nice about it. He recommended a red and a white, and we ended up with his choice of white - a Viognier that was refreshing and paired well with everything we ordered. The pizza arrived first. Thin crust, sweet fresh figs, amazingly flavorful homemade sausage, burrata, balsamic glaze, and fresh basil. AHHH! This pizza was so amazing. The only slight disappointment was that the burrata was melted. I had thought that little spoonfuls of burrata would have been dropped onto the pizza after it came out of the oven, so that one could fully enjoy its rich creaminess. Next came our salumi platter. We had selected soppressata (spicy red pepper salami), coppa (cured pork shoulder), and another type of salami with fennel seeds in it (forgot the name). All were very tasty. We'd hoped the soppressata would be spicier though. My friend and I liked the fennel seed salami the most; the fennel seed really perked up the flavor. My cousin preferred the coppa, which was also tasty and had a bit of funk to it, in a good way. The salad came next: escarole, thinly sliced gala apple, pecorino dolce, celery, and hazelnuts. This was very good and had the right amount of vinegar; too many vinaigrettes are too overpowering for my taste. The apple added a touch of sweetness, and the little cubes of pecorino provided the right amount of saltiness. None of us like celery in general, but this celery was thinly sliced and gave the salad a good crunch. And then the hazelnuts just made the salad that much more special. I am usually indifferent about salads, but this one was memorable. And then the linguini with sea urchin and crab arrived. The sea urchin was dissolved into the sauce, and some flakes of crab and bits of green onion sat on top. This dish was like eating the ocean... pure briny goodness. I liked the sea urchin sauce much better than eating straight up sea urchin. The linguini was cooked al dente. We then decided to press on and order one more dish. We had the giant rigatoni with sausage, oven-roasted tomato, and parmesan. This was simple but delicious. The sauce was just fantastic. Because we had already ordered way too much, we decided to share two desserts as well, the peach bread pudding with blueberries and vanilla ice cream on top, as well as the cantaloupe sorbetto. Both were very tasty, although just a tad too sweet. The peach bread pudding came in a tiny, hot cast iron pan, and the vanilla ice cream melted almost instantaneously (sadness). It reminded everyone of peach cobbler. The cantaloupe sorbetto was like eating a fresh cantaloupe (although with a lot of sugar added) and was the perfect end to a very indulgent meal. I can't wait to go back. NOTE: The bathroom on the right has a defective door/lock. Make sure you close the door very tightly before you lock it. A server/busser and I might have accidentally opened the door on a lady. Our faces looked like :O :O
(5)Jami S.
If you love good italian food you need to try Davanti Enoteca!! My boyfriend and I, along with another couple had dinner here last Friday night. The whole no reservation thing kind of threw us but I still wanted to try it. The hostess told us 45 minutes so we went across the street to the wine bar. Very convenient! It wasn't even 20 minutes later and we had a table, on the patio to make it even better. Great ambience all lit up with white lights. Couldn't have been more cozy. The waitress was super friendly and helpful. The prices were decent too. I don't remember everything we tried...lol due to the 2 bottles of wine we ordered. But my favorite had to be the flatbread type pizza with honey, to die for! It wasn't on the menu but the waitress recommended it so def ask your server for suggestions! We'll be back!
(4)Christine N.
In my last several trips to Chicago, the popular and most delicious places I've been are proving to follow a trend: shared dishes. Unfortunately, I don't think Davanti did this too well. Maybe because of our specific service that we received, but it didn't feel so sharable. It's extremely cute in here. The ambience is perfect and the lighting is not too dark and not too bright. It was very busy on a Tuesday night so our waiter wasn't as available, but I think this was only a problem because the company I was with was very hungry. And antsy. Boys... Sigh. Extensive wine menu. Mind you, they consider their restaurant to be a wine STORE as well so they do charge a corkage fee. I think it's fair if they consider themselves an actual wine store and the wine bottles are priced as they would be in a decent wine store. But yet again, their concept is a bit too mixed. Are you a store or a restaurant? The foccacia is as good as everyone else says. It's crisp, flat, and has a really mild and creamy cheese that doesn't overpower it. Is got a nice chewy texture that reminds me of slightly under baked bread. Worth $15? Not sure. But I loved it anyway. Haha I ordered the squash salad with hazelnuts and other goodies. Can I tell you? Best warm salad ever. Not sure if there were enough greens to be considered a salad. But I don't care. Warm, rich, and wonderful textures from the hazelnuts. Squash was yummy. Boyfriend had the risotto which actually reminded me of Korean jook or Chinese congee. But it was nice and clean and soft and he absolutely loved it. Service was ok. Our waiter was really busy. Oh! I had the infused vodka. It's infused with cantaloupe and oregano and they serve it wit a little lime and moscato. It slightly tasted like a vodka tonic, but better. It's really well made and you should definitely try it. Yum. Davanti, you have changed my mind about Italian food :) thank you.
(4)Paola C.
Omg focaccia di Recco with honey was just ahmahzing! Fair prosciutto portion sizes, cacio e pepe was perfect. Pretty serious choice of wines. The waiter was talking about tapas, didn't get that in an Italian restaurant tho.
(4)Johnny T.
I didn't see God. I sort of expected to, given the hype and come to Oprah moments everyone else experienced. But, I didn't. Some things were pretty cool. Of note, my favorite part of the meal was the seared octopus with potatoes and nuts -- even though I feel badly for eating octopus. Did you know that they are as smart as cats? Would you eat a cat? I should probably stop eating octopus. Plus, I am always sort of concerned that the tentacle is going to rush back to life and choke me. You know when I go into a digression about getting choked by octopus parts, I am reaching for content. The wine was fine. Mushroom pizza was okay. Cheese & meat? Alright. Cauliflower steak seemed like a good idea. I liked the concept more than the execution. For me the taste was forgettable. I liken it to eating beige. The decor is cool... if not a little over done. Wood everywhere. Re-purposed tables and chairs. I get it. But, eh. Nothing was bad about my meal but, for the entirety of the experience, I kept thinking, "Things are about to get crazy... NOW!... Now!... now!... now.... now?" I never got there. And, no matter what, *I* should always get there. I left unsatisfied.
(3)Pete V.
Davanti Enoteca is truly a gem in University Village. We had such a good time on our first visit we went back four days later! Both times, the food was outstanding. Our favorite was the buratta and cherry tomatos in pesto olive oil. The buratta was super fresh and creamy. It was such a refreshing dish and one that truly reminded me of our wonderful, yet simple meals in Italy. Our second favorite was the uni pasta. Long linguini with a very light tomato cream sauce donned with a touch of uni and healthy pieces of crab. I was a bit put off by the thought of pasta and sea urchin, but after our server said this was one of his favorite dishes, we had to try it. However, he said the quality of the dish varies by which chef was making it (I can definitely see this as uni is a very delicate ingredient). We also loved the ragu and polenta. I thought the dish needed to be salted a bit more, especially the ragu. However, the presentation really made the dish. They served both over a wood cutting board and poured the steaming polenta first followed by the ragu. The delivery was more entertaining than functional, but it did look really good. We thought the pizza was great too. It's made thin crust much like traditional Italian style. The crust was a bit thinner than what you would find at coal fire, and the sauce was light, but we loved every bit of our margherita pizza. We also really enjoyed the truffled egg toast with fontina and asparagus. Use of truffle oil was very subtle and the egg was cooked perfectly and as you cut into the yolk it oozed over the toast and asparagus covering it in a flavorful blanket. The dish reminded us of a similar buschetta style egg on toast dish that Mado used to serve, and one we loved. The asparagus was a very creative addition to the toast and one I thought really balanced the richness of the egg, buttery toast and fontina. I must also mention that they have a very, very reasonable wine list with pricing by the glass, carafe (1.5 glasses) and bottle. I think the bottle pricing is the best and they actually only charge $7 corkage over the retail wine list price. Overall we absolutely loved both our meals at Davanti Enoteca. Great service (although we enjoyed our service more the first time). We were also told that they were opening their rooftop patio within the week, so I can wait to try that out next!
(5)Nuda B.
The food here is excellent. I had their polenta appetizer and it was very good. I normally don't even like polenta. I had a couple of their pizzas, but don't remember the name anymore. They were pretty unique and interesting. The wines were also great. And I like how you can order a normal glass or up the size, which was the perfect amount for me.
(5)Betsy T.
Wow. Let me get straight to the good stuff: You must try the ricotta with honeycomb. A very generous amount of sweet house-made ricotta cheese in a small mason jar and a piece of honeycomb on the side, for smearing on crusty bread. I don't even like ricotta, and I loved it. It was such a generous amount we had to ask several more times for bread to finish it off. You also must try the polenta. I've never had polenta served like grits on a wooden board before. It was creamy, cheesy, smoky ... if my tongue could have cried from happiness, it would have! We were there for lunch, so I also got a panini. I can't remember what was on it but it was fantastic. Only thing I would skip is the meat and cheese plate - a bit pricey for the quantity (or lack thereof). In any case, this is exactly the kind of place you want to be eating Italian food in: romantic in a corny way, striving to be rustic, a wall o'wine ... all that was missing was the old man playing an accordion in the corner and two dogs eating spaghetti.
(5)Jeff S.
Went to dinner on July 4th. The portions were tiny the prices were high. Asked for bread was told there was no bread service. For $240 you should get bread. Went with 2 children they got buttered plain noodles made for them. They charged $12 each for the noodles. Are you kidding
(1)Adam G.
Very tasty but very small portions and way overpriced. I left starving with no money.
(2)Chelsea V.
What a GREAT date spot. So cute and quaint and the food is fantastic. You cannot go here without ordering the honeycomb and ricotta, but beware...its extremely filling. One tip - don't let them talk you into the small plates style of ordering. The portions are huge and after splitting one appetizer, I could barely start on my entre.
(5)Rebecca T.
So very disappointed. They have trimmed down their menu. Lots of favorites are gone. No more fresh bread, or psychedelic salad. Food is so so. Smaller portions and higher prices. This place was always our favorite. Time to find something different. So sad
(2)Amy Z.
Having eaten here many times before, I was excited to take our babysitter (who is more like family at this point) here to celebrate her 50th birthday, along with my 7 year-old son. 6 o'clock reservation - place was not very busy. Waited almost 15 minutes for a waiter to acknowledge us. I finally hopped off my high-boy chair and flagged down a waitress and asked her if we had a server. She took our drink and appetizer order and went away. 8 minutes later, the person I now suppose is our waiter, shows up with our wine and a sprite in a tall skinny glass for my son. If you don't have kids, I don't expect that you would think that a tall skinny glass for a kid may be more work for your bus boy and his mop, not to mention cost you about $10 in napkins to mop up, so I'll forgive the waitress for not thinking of this, as she was about 22. BUT, when the waiter plunked down our drinks - still with no acknowledgement of the fact that he had not yet said "hello," and we had to flag someone down to take our drink order, and then placed the tall skinny Sprite glass in front of my little son, then ran away...I started to get pissed. The food was good, pasta portion was definitely smaller, however. Waiter ultimately gave us a free dessert and muttered the reason for doing so under his breath...inaudible - but must have been because he still had never spoken to us and because I had to literally YELL "EXCUSE ME" to get him to come over to the table after he ran away after plunking down the drinks, to ask for a smaller glass. Great dessert! Love the cauliflower, super lame server made the meal much less special and festive than it should have been. It takes a long time to earn $100, it should feel really good to spend it, and every customer should be treated with appreciation. Maybe that's why it wasn't so busy...Perhaps they never had to be nice because the line has always been out the door. Maybe it's time to remember that the only person in the place with the money, is the customer...
(2)Martha Z.
Typically, when Italian cuisine comes to mind, I think of heaping plates of noodles, a side of meatballs, maybe that bottle of Chianti in the jug with the raffia wrapped around it. Well let Davanti take things to the next level. This food will knock your socks off. Small plate, big taste, lots of tasty wine. So many options on their very well thought out menu. I have yet to be disappointed by an experience here. A few of my favorites so far have been the Uovo in Raviolo and Polpo con Rafano. The wine selection features many unique and unusual wine that I don't see on my regular (often) trips to the liquor store. I'm guaranteed a great food coma and wine buzz by the time we leave.
(5)Adriana F.
Excellent Italian tapas. One of the best Polenta I had away from my family cooking.
(4)James L.
This place was excellent. Waitress treated us right and even gave some free food. The small plates that we ate were all tasty and the place was comfortable. I shall come back for some more!
(4)Noor B.
Great Italian place with a nice semi-casual vibe, especially if you eat at the bar. Highly recommend the Ricotta cheese with honey comb appetizer for a starter and a couple pizzas and salad for dinner. Best Pizza's: Salami and Kale Pork Belly, Egg and Potato Pizza makes for great left overs.
(4)Warrior W.
This is a very solid place to eat and drink with friends. Good food, cozy atmosphere and our service was very good. I have been here a few times now and I have never had bad service. When it gets busy, its busy ...deal with it. Its a little cramped in there when busy and even walking through the front to get to the back can be a challenge but nothing crazy. They have nice wines and some new things to try in the food department. Not a beer stop i would say but they do have some options there. The reason for the 4/5 is the value. All these tapas style places that popped up everywhere still bother me with pricing. You know, either the tiny portions and pay the same or same portion worth of tapas and pay way more. Its a business model and a smart one but I just don't like it. I know, I know like me saying "when it gets busy, its busy ...deal with it". Well I am trying so lay off me you bog Irish pricks!
(4)Efrain M.
Innovative menu, fun wine list, solid service.
(5)Dex Y.
The sea urchin linguine was indeed a hit. Creamy, rich and flavorful. Yet the serving size was simply too small. Sea urchin may be expensive, but couldn't they add more linguine in it? Sigh I also tried the truffle egg toast. Not bad, but the choice of asparagus seemed a little random. Plus the way it was done didn't go quite well with the toast. Again, tiny portion. Before I realized, it was all gone. Our waiter was patient and courteous, and I need to add points for that. I like their food; I just wish they were a little more liberal on the quantity.
(3)Tim H.
I have been here a couple times. Even if it is completely full or just 75% full, it is very noisy. You need to go here at odd hours if you don't want to wait. The great food and affordable prices for food and wine make it a very busy place. All the pizzas I have tried are pretty good. Risotto Carbonara - great dish, I order it every time. Riccio di Mare e Granchio - great dish, I should order this every time. Uovo in Raviolo 'San Domenico' - Pretty good, but only one giant raviolo and not as good as I was expecting. I wouldn't order it again.
(4)Emily D.
Went to Davanti again on Saturday (been here numerous times) and had another plesant experience. Arrived around 9pm and only waited about 10 minutes for a seat on the rooftop patio, which was really nice. They don't take reservations, which is frustrating and the wait is typically MUCH longer. I've waited up to 2.5 hours on the weekend. :( Maybe going later (around 9 helped). I have to admit, I once again ordered the burger, which I normally do and really enjoyed it. For the app, the marscapone/polenta with the braised pork was awesome. The corn bruschette was ok, wouldn't get it again. The service was as expected, but not outstanding. Def. recommend trying this place!
(4)David Joseph H.
Honestly the best meal I've had in Chicago. The food was amazing and the service matched. An overall great experience with a group of fellow food snobs who are not easy to please.
(5)Matthew S.
I am glad to say that I can now brag about having eaten at Davanti. There were several things I loved and a couple of things that I thought were...eh just ok. The Good/Great: OMG TTYL LOLLERSKATZ The ricotta and honey comb would make Yogi Bear sh*t his picnic basket! It was amazing! I also tried my buddies burger and it was like god was rubbing my tummy. The Bad: The chicken was like the diet coke of chicken. I was expecting a lot more flavor here. It seemed like the chicken just didn't take on the flavors that it was cooking it. The Ugly: The polenta with pork cheek ragu was butt fugly but I enjoyed it still. I still gave Davanti 4 stars because the things I loved, I would probably pay a strange man on the street to hand me a bag full of. Lucky for me I can just go back on a Monday and get a burger and a Peroni for $10. Who's coming with me?
(4)Jason M.
Oh my, pork belly. How sweet/savory you are. I've had pork belly at Takashi and at Chilam Bilam, among many other spots. Nothing compares to the pork belly at Davanti Enoteca. A crisp pork belly with a peach mostarda is one of a few wonderful dishes I sampled at a recent lunch visit. I'd definitely recommend going for dinner, or whatever meal you'd like to eat the most as the menu is filled with great small plates choices. Davanti is the only restaurant in Chicago with fresh hearts of palm from Hawaii. They're definitely a lot more interesting than your canned or bottled palm. For my pseudo-entree, I tried the linguini with sea urchin and crab. I hadn't ever had sea urchin and I'm rarely impressed by a pasta dish, but this was fresh, had wonderful subtle tastes and couldn't have been better. As I've probably mentioned before, I'm a sucker for small plates, but Davanti Enoteca is more than just a tapas-style Italian restaurant, it's tremendous food 4 blocks from my office. If I have any complaint, it's that the staff didn't really match the level of the food. Our server was slow (especially for lunch) and didn't explain the dishes quite as well as I would've liked. I'm being overly picky about that, though...it was a terrific experience.
(5)GLORIA M.
Had a wonderful brunch there yesterday with my adult kids. Seated immediately-started with make your own bloody Mary's how bad can that be. Delish choices with heavy emphasis on sausage. Can't go wrong with anything you order!
(4)Gary C.
We were like thirteen deep and really wanted to try Davanti Enoteca, so we waited. Ya know, they take no reservations [not to be confused with Anthony Bourdain's show]. It was my girlfriend's birhday, and her heart was set on DE, so we waited for like an hour and a half...at the wine bar across the street...because it was crazy packed inside the restaurant...on a Monday night. Go figure. Lots of hype. [In Yoda voice] But lived it up to the hype, it did. When we got the phone call, yes they'll call when your table is ready, we walked back to DE and sat at this long table. The place was still bumpin', and it was pretty loud. The music, the converstaion. Loud. I couldn't hold a conversation with the people down the table, granted there were thirteen. We took a while to order, but we actually wound up order more as the night went on. If I recall correctly, we ordered five cheeses [selected by our server], bruschette, the burger (x2), risotto carbonara (x2, 1 w/ pancetta & 1 w/out), riccio di mare e granchio (x3 at least!, this was the most popular dish), paccheri con salsiccia e pomodori al forno (x2), pizza d.o.c., pizza della fattoria, pizza con prosciutto e rucola, a a couple bottles of the moscato d'asti (DE rotates two or three types). Lot's of food? I guess it sounds like it, but keep in mind these are small plates that are meant to be shared. Overall, the food was awesome. There wasn't anything that anyone said was not good. I'm definitely interested in the rest of the menu, and I'll be back to try it. The wine was great! Sweet, bubbly. The service was great, though the kitchen did forget a couple items. Our server was on top of everything and made sure we got what we ordered. I kinda felt bad because we were so needy, asking him for lots of different things and ordering more and more food. A few tips? Go with a bunch of people. I mean, there's going to be a wait, so you may as well wait and dine with good company. It also allows for you to try as much as possible on this extensive menu. I got lucky with street parking off of Taylor...but BEWARE OF PERMIT PARKING SIGNS!! Come back for a followup visit. It'll [probably] be worth it.
(4)Buddhi G.
Chef comped dessert because they ran out of an entree special Pumpkin ice cream Served in a little pumpkin with cinnamon, brown sugar. Fantastic. Everything I had was superb. The place does get very crowded, so go early or make a reservation. Unfortunately, I lingered over finishing the review and 10 months later, the details are hazy. I just have a warm, fulfilled, delicious memory.
(5)Jelena Z.
I'm usually not big on Italian food, but Davanti, you won my heart. Right away, I was drawn to the rustic interior with its wood ceilings (floors, too), touches of exposed brick and soft neutral hues. Fantastic use of space against the back wall - loved how the bottles of wine (for sale to drink on the premises!) are so cleanly stacked! It's a known fact that the more organized a shelf/rack is, the more inclined one will be to make a purchase. Especially when one is drinking vino :) Speaking of wine, you can purchase it by the glass, quartino and bottle. And, the prices are quite reasonable! Davanti also offers a fine selection of beer and martinis. The food is also reasonably priced... I was surprised at how much food our party of six consumed for the price! Seriously, I think we attacked the entire menu. Since Davanti primarily does small plates, order a bunch and you'll get to try a few bites of just about everything. We tried the following: + Several cheeses + Prosciutto + Capicolla (loved) + Roasted cauliflower steak + Stewed calamari with pine nuts and raisins (magnificent) + Truffle egg toast with fontina and asparagus (a must!) + Giant raviolo with ricotta, egg and spinach (straight sinful) + Pizza della Terra (mushrooms, leeks, taleggio, truffle oil) = WOW + Bistecca alla Griglia (a gorgeous, flavorful hunk of beef) This is as good as it gets, Chicago. REALLY. The service was flawless, the food to-die-for and the wine selection is dizzying. I've got a real romance on my hands. Now who's taking me back for an encore performance?
(5)Angela P.
Wow! That is really how I had to start out this review... DE was everything I hoped it would be and MUCH more! =] From the moment we walked up and saw the open air area by the bar on a beautiful Friday night...we were in love with this place! We were greeted and took a seat at the bar while we waited for our table. We each ordered a drink, my cab was the BOMBBBB!! Seriously, probably the best I've ever had! We were then seated upstairs on the patio which was gorgeous! So natural looking and again, it was just a perfect night which added to the amazingness. Our waiter promptly came over and told us the specials and let us decide which items we were going to order. We went with the honeycomb vasi, beet salad, egg toast with fontina, raviolo and the pork belly and ended the meal with the butterscotch pudding. I don't normally do this but I HAVE to break down each item separately so you can really get the feel of the deliciousness of these plates. Honeycomb vasi - ricotta whipped into a cloud-like consistency with a little olive oil and served with olive oil floating on top and a little salt and pepper. Served with a small cube of honeycomb which is meant to be smashed around into the ricotta before you spread it onto warm olive oil brushed toasted Italian bread. Genius. Beet salad - roasted beets, walnut butter, candied walnut pieces and creme freische. Fantastic sweet and savory combo. Egg toast - egg yolks resting atop thick cut toast covered in fontina cheese and surrounded by grilled asparagus pieces. Great. Raviolo - giant spinach and egg yolk stuffed ravioli drenched with brown butter sauce. Mmmmm that butter sauce...I legit wanted to take a bath in it right there. Mmmm. Butterscotch pudding - creamy, cool and delicious. Fabulous. Pork belly - mmm...that pork belly. Crispy, greasy, tender and salty. Honestly one of the best things that has ever touched my lips...it was perfect. Period. Pork Perfection. And all that for around $70...yeah...that's it. I can't stress enough how amazing this place is. I can't wait to go back and order some more of DE's amazing dishes!!
(5)Hannah N.
Review based on price to taste ratio. I must be missing something. The interior is cute, nice atmosphere even though I'm not a big fan of the whole communal dining scene. Good for a date if you don't mind loud. However, the food was total mediocre to not that great, especially for the pricetag. Worst cooked pork-belly I have ever had - grisly fat, completely separating from the meat, not tender at all, utterly overcooked. Believe me, I know pork belly. I practically grew up on the stuff. The veggie dishes were meh, had cauliflower that was too salty, and not really roasted. Just pan-seared so the outside had a crust but the insides were still cold and raw inside. Ew. The only dish that was actually bordering on good was the Ragu with the polenta; but the polenta was super salty and grease was just separating from it. Overbuttered? Felt kinda gross after. My favorite dish, was the charcuterie plate. Now that's just sad because although charcuterie does involve significant discretion on the chef's part regarding the selection of cheeses and meat, it shouldn't be anyone's favorite dish on the menu. The pros, nice drinks. Wish I hadn't paid as much as I would at Girl and the Goat for this meal though. Therefore, price to taste ratio, meh. Will probably not be going back unless for drinks.
(2)Betty C.
This is the kind of place you love to come back to over and over again. The decor is great - rustic wood tables, exposed brick walls, some high top tables for up to ten and lots of wine for sale on the back walls. The food however is the main star - Focaccia di Recco - a thin and light dough stuffed with strecchino/crescenza cheese - a masterfully executed dish; Mascarpone Polenta with Pork Ragu - a rich yet ethereal and smooth polenta that would be great eaten on it's own and then it's topped with a hearty and flavorful pork ragu; Truffle and Leek Pizza - a crisp crust with braised leeks, truffle oil and a creamy taleggio - all fabulously earthy flavors; Roasted Corn Salad - it's bright and intense at the same time with the lightly roasted and carmelized corn, crunchy walnuts, peppery arugula and sharp pecorino - tossed in a very light vinaigrette; Crispy Pork Belly - sounds scary but it deliciously crispy and unctuous all at once - served with an apple mostarda to cut the fat, ask for bread and share this one as it it very rich; Cacio e Pepe - a sublimely silky mix of thick spaghetti with pecorino and freshly ground black pepper that makes a creamy sauce that feels likes its loaded with butter but supposedly is not!; Raviolo San Domenico - a giant ravioli with a soft egg yolk inside, with sautéed spinach, ricotta and browned butter sauce - don't share this one - you'll want it all for yourself; Tracy's Sottobosco - a rich and smooth cream cheese frosting, on a moist carrot cake with an intensely flavored coconut pineapple compote. Get there early or go late or you will have to wait for a table. Special Dishes: Focaccia di Recco; Creamy Polenta with Pork Ragu; Truffle and Leek Pizza; Corn Salad; Crispy Pork Belly; Cacio e Pepe; Raviolo San Domenico (giant ravioli with a soft egg yolk inside); Sottobosco (cream cheese frosting, carrot cake and coconut pineapple compote);
(5)Paul G.
So I just had the best New Years Eve of my life, and this restaurant had a lot to do with it. This is one of Chicago's hidden gems. The wine selection is fantastic, the food gave me shivers down my spine more than once (the good kind), the service was surprisingly quick though the place was packed, the staff was friendly but not overbearing, and the ambiance was perfect. Try the salad with the hazelnuts, whatever it's called. And do the toast with local honeycomb. Come to think of it, that was my only complaint... the honeycomb was somewhat small, especially for a dish the server said would be good to share. Ended up letting my date have most of the honeycomb because, well, that's just the kind of guy I am. But, yeah. Definitely give this place a try.
(5)Kate A.
Cheese and meat plates are to die for! Order the tagliatelle with ham hock. So fresh and delicious! Great atmosphere and service - can't wait to go back next time I'm in Chicago.
(4)Amanda F.
One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. I would eat here every week if I could. The roof deck patio is the icing on the cake. The food is so so so fresh and everything melts in your mouth. We order the same stuff every time we go: Burrata or the Ricotta cheese w/ bread Pizza DOC Squash salad (out of season in summer) Burger (its freakin' amazing and on Monday it's a burger & beer for $10!) They have Sophie on tap and so many delicious wines. I've always had the greatest service, with warm people greeting me, and all very knowledgeable. My only issue with the place is its location--I only go to Taylor St. for this restaurant, which is sort of in the middle of nowhere unless you go to UIC. Pay parking is avail on the streets nearby. Seriously, go now, bring a date, or your mom, and you will feel so good afterwards.
(5)Chris G.
Truffle Egg Toast, Fontina and Asparagus. I could damn near end the review right there. One of these was being carried past our table and we immediately ordered one after the busser explained the ingredients. And it was indeed delicate, flavorful and unlike any toast we'd had. How many times have you seen truffled toast offered? The egg inside is a bit runny but has a slightly roasted flavor, which pairs very well with the crisp Asparagus spears that flank it. While the very minimal portions of the cheese board we'd asked the chef to pick were pungent and packed with intense flavor, we thought the Pizza Della Terra which has foraged mushrooms, braised leeks, taleggio and truffle oil was potent enough to launch a mass mating ritual. :) The super thin crust is almost like a soft cracker and the taleggio smelled and tasted like it had been stored under an elderly monk's armpits for a few years... but in a good way. Don't be confused, this pizza deserved it's gourmet designation and then some. It paired well with the bottles of pinot grigio and '09 Tenuta white blend we sipped from. We finished up with a decadent chocolate mousse with some sort of crunchy bottom shell. Very rich and a great way to end a tasty meal. But how did this come to be? After attempting to dine here previously, we decided to walk in this past Friday at about 6pm to see if the wait would be less ridiculous than the 2-3 hour waits that have been had. Since they don't take phone reservations, it's quite a gamble, but paid off this time. We went almost two weeks ago, was put on the list but never received a phone call back. This time we told the friendly young lady that we'd be across the street at Bevi Amo having drinks until they had a table ready. She quoted 90 minutes to 2 hours, but to our suprise we'd just ordered bubbly and received a call about 15-20 minutes after we left. One of Bevi's bartenders was in the middle of explaining how good the food was, but wasn't worth 3 hours waiting when Davanti Enoteca rang me. We gulped down our bubbly, said goodbye and nearly ran into oncoming traffic to get over there before hell'd decided to thaw. This place'd better be damn good, I thought. The dining room is kinda like if a Pier One Imports store decided to dim their lights, set up a few tables and then display nice bottles of wine. It's nice. Our server seemed a bit subdued and distracted but we were able to get some additional help from the bussers who were so gentle and willing to explain about any dish they walked by with. This encouraged us to order a few more things than we'd originally planned.
(3)John H.
Had the privilege to visit Davanti over the weekend while I was visiting Chicago. You can tell the place had the right stuff going for it when there was a long wait to be seated and the bar was totally packed with people eagerly awaiting their tables. Once we sat down, we had already perused the menu at the bar (we had a bottle of wine at the bar) so we were ready to order. I entrusted the ordering to my sis and brother in law who were Davanti veterans. The focaccia di Recco was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. And the Cacio e pepe spaghetti was amazing. Both dishes seemed very simple, but done very well. We also ordered a salami to try... I forgot which ones since I my mouth was stuffed and I was in food heaven. This place is definitely on my radar as a "must go" whenever I make it back to Chicago. My mouth is starting to water just thinking about the food.
(5)Melanie S.
After a scheduling snafu (the Redhead's) and car trouble (the Blonde's), the second dinner outing of Yelpettes finally took place. Even gale force winds and torrential rainstorms couldn't damper our enthusiasm at finally making it to Davanti Enoteca. Thankfully we chose to go here on a Monday night of a holiday week, wishfully thinking we'd avoid the throngs of people that have descended upon this place, but despite the weather, the holiday, and the fact that it was a traditionally slow night in the restaurant world, this place was packed. First off, I wasn't aware that DE didn't offer valet parking and shame on me for not checking into that before. I did know that most of this area was permit parking only, so I just assumed that they'd have valet, as a result, I lost a few precious minutes driving around looking for a spot, regretfully keeping my two lovely dinner companions waiting, which always makes me antsy and anxious. I arrived to find both of them sitting at the bar, already enjoying some wine, and then I was duly informed that we were still in for quite a wait for a table - I believe we were quoted 45 minutes. Since we were already committed to eating there, we decided to suck it up and wait, which gave us time to enjoy some more wine and catch up. The heavens apparently parted and our table was ready in about 10 minutes, which was a welcome relief than the original length of time we were told. The hostess led us to the back of the restaurant and we were seated by all the bottles of wine artfully stacked under the brick archways. I absolutely loved the rustic, but charming layout of this space. Our server came over and brought menus and explained to us that their concept is small plates meant for sharing. He also made some recommendations of his favorite items and then left us to our decision making. We immediately zeroed in on an insalate of burratta, roasted tomatoes, and pesto to start and then began tossing around suggestions for the rest of our shared feast. The salad was brought out quickly and it was a big hit with us, but really, when is burratta not good? Every bite was creamy from the cheese, smoky from the tomato, and salty from the pesto. Winner! After much back and forth, we knew we wanted to try as many components of the menu as possible and settled on an antipasti of truffle egg toast / fontina / asparagus, a giant raviolo of ricotta, egg and spinach. a sausage and rapini pizza, and an oven roasted strip steak with arugula and sea salt. All of our selections began arriving and we began to dig in. We loved the truffle egg toast, which had just the amount of truffle oil and a perfectly cooked egg yolk nestled in a thick piece of eggy toast. That was probably my favorite dish. The strip steak was flavorful and juicy, and made even more delicious served alongside the peppery arugula. The raviolo was a Flintstone-sized square of pasta with a light filling of spinach and ricotta in a pool of creamy egg yolk. It was rich, but not overpowering. My only "meh" was the pizza, but by the time I got around to eating it I was plenty full. I love rapini in all its bitter glory, but I think they were perhaps a bit heavy-handed with it because that's all I tasted. I was too stuffed to really savor dessert but my two dining companions shared scoops of vanilla and hazelnut gelato as well as a torta bacio (chocolate-hazelnut mousse) and encouraged me to try some. Judging by their oohs and ahhs, I'd say they were enjoying it, but as I looked around, I noticed that I wasn't brought a spoon, so my pleasure was momentarily delayed while a spoon was sought out. I only sampled the vanilla gelato and while it was good, it sounded like I should have tried the other dessert they ordered, but it's just as well; I didn't want to start any fights over the last spoonful. All in all, Davanti Enoteca is definitely worth trying, especially with a group so you can sample as many of their offerings as possible. Wine prices are reasonable - they sell bottles at retail + $7.00 corkage. I will be back for sure. Highly recommend!
(4)Marjorie F.
It's official... I am in love. Twas the night of a birthday celebration and I, yours truly, was the first of a nine person celebration. The hostess, ever so sweet, greeted me, took my name, and I sat at the bar. I took in my surroundings and a glass of a wonderful malbec. The restaurant was different that I remembered. However, I was here when it was under another name. This particular evening I was charmed by the rustic feel, parts of wine crates layering the walls, wine bottles stacked along the walls in the brick arches, interesting light fixtures, and the laid back vibe of the crowd. At 7:30pm on a Monday there were a decent amount of patrons, but by 8:00pm you would have thought that we fast forwarded to the weekend! Where did everyone come from? My friend Bahi K showed up shortly after I did, followed by another friend. Bahi, who had been here before, took the bull by the horns and ordered some starters for us. Focaccia di Recco was offered compliments of the bar staff. It appeared to be your usual flatbread, somewhat benign. I took a bite and then it was all over... To sum it up in one word: LOVE. The buttery goodness melted into my tongue and I gasped. I was captured unexpectedly. My friend ordered several delights: crispy pork belly + apple mostarda, tomato on the vine with fresh mozzarella, and pizza with foraged mushrooms, braised leeks, taleggio, and truffle oil. First of the all, the crispy pork belly reminded me of a traditional Filipino delicacy 'cept fancier. Yummy. The tomato with fresh mozzarella was mouthwatering good. And the pizza!?! I normally hate mushrooms, but this was enough to convince me otherwise. All this was just while we were waiting for our table. More of our friends joined us, alcohol started flowing faster, and we were eventually seated in the back at a large table. Bahi ordered more of the same and added: Cacio e pepe (basically spaghetti), Uovo in raviolo 'san domenico' (ravioli), truffle egg toast + fontina + asparagus, and finally, roasted beets + walnut butter + creme fraiche + candied walnuts, and don't forget the unforgettable, roasted squash + farro + whipped goat chees + hazelnuts + watercress. For the record, I LOVED LOVED LOVED every single morsel that entered my mouth. It was like that impossible true love we all seek to find, except in a restaurant. :) The service is awesome, the food an even higher superlative. It was the perfect place to spend a night of indulgence with friends. And unlike more recent love affairs, I know I won'tregret this in the morning.
(5)Sarah D.
I love this place! My best friend brought me here for the first time about a year ago. After that evening, I went back 2 more times within a month, sharing the experience with my husband then my mother and sister, whom all loved it as well. The food is always delicious and the service is consistent and enjoyable. The rooftop is nice when it is open. When ever someone ask for a recommendation I always recommend Davanti. It is truly food heaven.
(5)Aimy R.
One of the worst Italian restaurants I've been to. Why? One small ravioli for $11? Literally a 3 inch square. This was our first and last visit to this over-rated, over priced enoteca. The waitress was less than thrilled to serve us and did not even ask how our food was. We ordered plenty of food but nothing was a plateful except for the pizza and the focaccia. I've lived in Italy, and was really looking forward to some authentic cibi and did not want the chain foods that are invading the area. Next time (next week), I'll know better. I hope you will too.
(1)Shradha A.
Sometimes, when you expect a lot from a place over a long period of time, the expectations grow that much larger. But even walking in with that, this place did an excellent job to impress! We were a table of 14, a little bit of a challenge for the server, but he was patient and none of our orders came out wrong (you sort of brace yourself for that with a loud large group). The bruschetta had different toppings on each slice, and each of them was delicious! The cheese-stuffed focaccia was unique and rich (heavy), but delicious too! I had the risotto for my entree, but tried my friends' ravioli and pizza too. I was probably the least a fan of the pizza but all the other dishes were great! Now, if you're looking for an authentic Italian meal, this isn't your destination. But for something fun and creative, yet filling and good, I'd highly recommend Davanti Enoteca. I liked it so much that almost went back 3 days later with another friend, but alas, the 1 hour long wait even on a Tuesday night was a huge deterrent!
(5)Kelly M.
Tried this place for the first time on a rainy Sunday evening. They just started taking reservations but it was easy to snag a table at 7pm when I called. Parking on Taylor St. was easy. The atmosphere is stunning. Wine bottles and crates, brick walls, wood tables, rustic chandeliers, antique hooks and sconces on the walls, Edison-style light bulbs -- it all sets the mood. I felt like I was in a wine cellar. For a wine bar, the cocktails were surprisingly inventive and delicious. The food was terrific. We started with a cheese and salumi plate which was a perfect appetizer. The Pizza della Terra was great -- foraged mushrooms + braised leeks + taleggio + truffle oil. I'm a sucker for anything with truffle oil. For dessert we had the Torta Bacio -- chocolate-hazelnut mousse + crunchy bottom + cocoa nibs. Mmm. You can't go wrong with the chocolate-hazelnut combo. The service was quick and friendly. The prices are moderate. You can easily come here for a bowl of pasta and glass of wine inexpensively. But, you can also rack up the bill pretty fast too...especially because everything looks so good! I enjoyed my experience so much that I've already booked my next dinner here. Check the website for specials, they have some great deals during the week (i.e. Take Out Tuesday -- pasta + salad + wine = $30).
(5)Janet W.
Davanti Ecoteca, Why must you be so far away? And your no reservation policy, Left me quite a feeling of ache, From hunger I mean, After waiting so long. * Ricotta + honey comb You came to the table. With excitement in my eyes, I looked at you with yearning. Then it struck me, I did not know how to eat you. Such frustration! Luckily enough, The guest of honor, Was quite the food enthusiast. Mix the honey comb into the jar she said! We did as we were told, and The delicacy was spread. Honey from the comb, So sweet to the taste! * Riccio di Mare e Granchio (linguine + sea urchin + crab) Dear sea urchin, I though of you, Only as a spiky shellfish. As it turns out, You look like pure cholesterol, You smell like the briny deep, You taste rather like a crayfish, You feel like foie gras of the sea, and You sound like you want to be eaten.
(5)Vidur G.
The polenta and rotating-daily ragu is ethereal. I can't believe what I was missing by not ordering it before...
(5)Stephanie H.
Love love LOVE this place! I had the wonderful opportunity to eat dinner here for the first time last night with a few friends. We had 4 in our group at around 8pm on a Tuesday and were quoted 30-45 minutes. The wait wasn't too bad as we could just chill by the bar and drink a bottle of wine together. I really like how the dishes come on small plates so you can try a bit of everything. Here's what we got: Pecorino Tartufato (aged sweet+ truffle flavor) - DELICIOUS, I am completely in love with this cheese. Capicolla Piccante (cured spicy pork shoulder) - addicting as well...and I'm usually not a fan of spicy foods but this was pretty mild We chose two from the Vasi section: chicken liver pate & ricotta + honey comb. Both great choices and I couldn't stop eating the pate even after all our bread was gone! Pizza della Fattoria (farmed egg + pork belly + potato + scallions + asiago + bechamel) - different from any pizza I've ever had but it was pretty good Riccio di Mare e Granchio (linguine + sea urchin + crab) - I love sea urchin, I love crab....I completely devoured this dish Our server was very attentive and was always asking if we needed anything. They took away our empty plates promptly but there were times where I had to grab the mini mason jar of pate before they tried to take it away =P I will definitely be going back again. It's nice that they have different specials for beer/martinis/no corkage fee on different days.
(5)Stephanie L.
HUZZAH! Made the trek to Davanti. WTF....2.5hr wait?! YIKES. Wasnt going to wait but then we ended up walking around and coming back....BEST decision ever! We sat at the bar for a little and they came around with complementary pizza to try while you wait...BONUS...because I was starving because it was 10PM on a Sat night. We finally got sat and it was SOOOO worth the wait. I cant believe I am saying that....its craziness. They have a pretty reasonable wine list, which is always nice....wide range for sure. Per server's recommendations, we got the corn salad and the truffle toast with egg or something....both were FREAKING DELICIOUS!!! I think I might have dreamt of the truffle toast last night. Then we had the swordfish and the ravioli....also, both were amazing!!! We were stuffed at the end so no room for dessert, but I will definitely be back. The price point was perfect....our whole dinner was like $80....so cheap!!! The vibe was super cool too....bustling, italian scene....PERFECT!
(5)Al M.
Stopped here for dessert after a less than ideal experience at Urban Union down the street and our experience at Davanti Enoteca salvaged our night. The ambiance is great -- everyone was having a great time over a great meal and drinks. The staff was very friendly, whether it was the host or the bartender. We had the carrot cake and the chocolate mousse desserts with some moscato. Everything was delicious and the service superb. We'll definitely be back for dinner next time!
(5)Carol K.
I only wish our experience at Davanti Enoteca had lived up to all the rave reviews here on Yelp. For on the night we visited, something was surely off. When we got there we were told it would be a 20 minute wait (no problem as the place was packed and they don't take reservations) but within just minutes of sitting at the bar, they had a high top in the bar area for us to eat at. While it was a little close to the couple next to us, we sat and began to look at the menu. There was a large group standing at the bar with the "pathway" for people to get out the door between them and our table. We were jostled, bumped into, the table moved, etc so many times by people just trying to move through the place, that when a table by the wall opened up we asked to be re seated there. They were very accommodating and moved us so at least the seating got better and I could keep my water glass on the table without having to grab for it every two seconds. We went with our server's suggestions, the trio of bruschetta (good but not great) the burrata with olive oil and tomatoes (sort of a deconstructed caprese salad) also not my favorite as the tomatoes were warm and drowning in the oil. A little bread would have been good with this as well, which we asked for, but it came so much later that we were already onto the next course. The next three courses got better. The ragu over polenta was delicious (this changes daily) and had an interesting presentation. The pasta dish with sausage was also quite tasty. And then the special of the day which was a braised beef cheek with grilled artichokes and mushrooms was also "fall apart" tender and wonderful. And for dessert, a deconstructed cannoli sundae served in a sundae class with a long spoon was also pretty good. The biggest challenge this place had was with the service. On three different occasions, the wrong dish was sent to our table and we had to say "not here". At one point, the server who brought it said it was a compliment from the kitchen and before we could even fathom that- he came back and said "no- this is for another table". Also, there were timing issues with the whole evening. Our drinks took over 15 minutes to get to the table (odd since we were sitting right by the bar). The food took forever to come up- so long in some cases that we wanted to eat some of the "mystery dishes" that came to our table first before they were whisked away. They do a good job of always giving you a new plate and flatware- but on two occasions, the knives and forks were dropped (in one case on our laps) so that we got food on us. I get that it was busy and that they are in a hurry- but a little precision would have gone a long way. I love the ambiance of this place. I used to go here in an earlier rendition as I love the way the large windows open to the street in the Summer months. I like that you can buy a bottle of wine here and that they will serve it to you for a $7 corkage fee and that they have a full bar if that is more to your liking. I like the sharable plates. I just think they need to work on their service to make sure the right food is going to the right tables. And know before you go that if it is busy- ask to be seated in the back- it just gets too crowded up front by the bar to have an enjoyable evening. As we were walking out- the chef (owner?) thanked us for coming. Nice touch. I just wish he had been around earlier to wave his magic spatula and to make our evening as perfect as the rest of the reviews say it is.
(3)Andrea R.
I have a list of places to try before Baby R arrives within the next few weeks and Davanti Entoeca has been on top of that list! I originally tried to score reservations for this coming Saturday night, but when I called they informed me they don't take reservations. I feared based on all the uh-mazing Yelp reviews that we'd be waiting forever on a Saturday (& I'm not a very patient gal these days) so I dragged 2 friends here this evening. While we weren't able to get one of the comfy tables on a Thursday at 6:30pm, we sat right down at one of their high tables. I was comfortable enough even at 9 1/2 months pregno. I'm running out of room in my tummy these days, but the baby made room for the delish food at Davanti Enoteca! My friends and I went a bit crazy ordering lots of small plates for the table: * focaccia di Recco (compliments of the chef) * ricotta and honeycomb * bruchette * roasted cherry tomato + burrata + basil pesto insalate * risotta carbonra (sans the pancetta) * pizza dalla terra I'd order it all again in a heartbeat, although I may skip the bruchetta next time. It was good, but everything else was absolutely fantastic. And the meal only came to about $25/person, which included wine for the non pregnant peeps at the table. My stomach was aching from fullness, but dessert looked too good to pass up. At the waitress's suggestion we ordered the chocolate mousse. My goodness this was tasty! In a few weeks I'll most likely have to give up desserts to lose the baby weight (sad) so I'm glad I had a chance to try this first. Actually I'm glad I got the chance to try everything at Davanti Entoeca! It was so good that I may try to make yet another trip there before Baby R's arrival...even if i have to wait for a table.
(5)Linda T.
nice atmosphere to dine in. very lively and welcoming. plates are small here. got the linguine with crab and sea urchin..delicious! pasta al dente...sea urchin creamy yet subtle. crab meat luscious and plumb....however, too little!! next time...pizza, cured meats/cheeses+wine, and desserts!
(4)Tera D.
YUM. This place rocks. Unique concept, great food, plentiful wine, and very reasonable prices. I would recommend it for a date, for a group, pretty much any time. I went on a Thursday night with the boyfriend, and we were shocked to see how crowded it was. There was a wait, but they will take your number and you can go to any of the nearby bars. They have a bar, too, but it was super crowded. Once seated, we decided to just let the waiter bring whatever he wanted. We always find that this is a great method with tapas style dining, and it did not fail. Our waiter was great, and he had us rolling out of there, we were so full. The thing that stands out the most was the pate, which I would normally never order, but was delicious. My next favorite was definitely the roasted squash and faro salad, which I am desperately trying to recreate at home so I can eat it every day! The bf was a big fan of the seared octopus, which was super unique and had a perfect horseradish sauce. The only thing I wouldn't get again was the pecorino spaghetti because it was a bit peppery for our taste. Also, the polenta ragu was good, but didn't stand out amongst the others. Next time I'll definitely save space for some pizza. Mmmmm, I'm hungry thinking about it...
(4)Lori M.
Okay, so I went. My birthday dinner was had here, last night. I was excited. I thought, good, --Italian food. Former La Vita space (always loved that place...) and I was starving. Sadly, the menu didn't boast much in the way of vegetarian options, so I was already screwed. The other thing: our waiter said: "we're like a tapas place, you know, small plates, for sharing..." Okay, so when do Italians do SMALL plates? NEVER. Especially for sharing. Anyhow, that was fine, and we all found something to eat. The sham on the 'wholesale' bottles of wine, however, is sort of washed out by the $7 corkage fee. Again, fine. But, I wouldn't say that you get to dine in a "wine cellar" as some reviewers have indicated. It's a room. With wine. Not a cellar. The food was good. Not spectacular. Loved the honeycomb and ricotta ~ and the sauteed rapini was well-prepared as a side (needed) with the Cacio e Pepe ~ one of the only vegetarian dishes available... i should have tried the roasted squash+ farro+ whipped goat cheese+ hazelnuts+ watercress. The place has potential for sure, but they should start taking reservations. And what's a giant 'burger' doing on an Italian menu ? Hmmmph! Jonathan and Lily, please study up on your Italian farm-style hospitality! (if you're not going to take reservations, you should probably have some seating for those 45-minute wait-for-table situations. Italians would never approve of that scenario) Che n'possa ina !!
(4)Karen G.
I keep coming back to this great restaurant on Taylor Street. I like the Italian feel with an updated flair. I have always enjoyed the small plates, excellent choice of cheeses and meats along with a glass of wine is a great way to start an evening. I have also had the opportunity to hang out up on the deck which is very nice when it's warm, although I don't think the service is as good because they have to climb way up there to take care of you.
(4)Erin M.
HELLO! NEW CHICAGO FAVORITE! The illustrious Ashley B., Annie T., and Jessica S. picked up roomie and me on a blustery, c-c-c-cold night outside of Midway after our flight from KC. Wine and food, stat! Luckily, a small 5 top had been tucked away in the corner for us at Davanti Enoteca and upon looking at the menu, I almost passed out from happiness. Dark and cozy, the dining room was overflowing with people waiting to sample VERY fair prices on wine bottles and TASTY small plates. My ladies and I split the following: * ricotta + honey comb spread + toast = orgasmic to everyone at our table...but me. I just couldn't do it. DO NOT put this off because of my review...I have really weird texture issues. Everyone else loved the mild flavor/creamy texture * Uovo in Raviolo: HUGE ravioli stuffed with egg, ricotta and spinach. I can't wait to attempt to replicate this at home. Since were splitting it 5 ways, I only got a little wedge but it was so simply delicious. Perhaps one of my favorites. * Pizza D.O.C.: HELLO, BASIL! * Pizza della Terra: I thought I hated taleggio. Then I tried it on this pizza with mushrooms, leeks and truffle oil. Then I passed out from the deliciousness. * Truffle egg toast + fontina + asparagus: a fancy, tasty version of comfort food I like to make at home We also split a meat and cheese board (lay off me, we're 5 hot ladies who had been awaiting this reunion all day!) which was delectable. We split 2 bottles of red (not sure which one...at the moment I could have downed Carlo Rossi and been happy) and our server was super nice and catered to everything we needed. It took ::slightly:: longer than I expected for us to get our tab settled...but if I lived in the area, I'd be verrrrrrry obsessed with this place. What an awesome way to be welcomed back to the Windy!
(4)Kimi O.
We arrived at 6:30 on a Friday night. Easily found seats at a small table in the bar to wait for a dinner table. They sell wine by the bottle at retail prices and are available to take home, but you can pay a small corkage fee to enjoy a bottle at the restaurant- we paid a reasonable $32 (inc the fee) for a bottle of malbec. 45 minutes later we were seated. I loved everything we ordered: Truffle egg toast (even the accompanying asparagus was delicious) Polenta with ragu of the day (ours was a pork and beef bolognese, we ordered a large for just the 2 of us and finished it) Salmon (this was a special of the day, pan seared filet perfectly cooked and seasoned, served with the most delicious broth and mix of spring vegetables) Wish we had room for dessert but we were stuffed after just the three plates. The service was also 4 stars. The food could have come out faster but everyone was so friendly and attentive that the wait didn't bother me too much. And the ambience was perfect for date night!
(4)Del M.
We were a group of five. After we placed our order, our items were brought out one at a time. These were not appetizers -- they were our meals. When we told the waitress our concern, she told us that she was bringing them out as they were ready. We told her we wanted them all at the same time so that we may eat TOGETHER. She said that is the way they do it. Unfortunately, one of us was finishing their meal while the rest waited. And, the food was mediocre at best.
(1)Ermelinda C.
I loved the food here - creative, tasty and affordable. There were four of us and we had an amazing time here. The front staff does not know what they are doing, which contributes to the super long wait times... Also, plan ahead, since you can't make reservations to eat here.
(4)Dan G.
Molto Bene. Apparently I'm late to the party with this place. Finally got here over the weekend and treated my sister to an Italian feast before she left town. I knew that DE does not take reservations, so we were fortunate to arrive early for dinner after an afternoon of shopping and sightseeing. We were seated immediately and I took a look around at the cute restaurant we had been so excited to visit. Racks of wine bottles lined the main dining room where we were seated and the walls had a cute decor of keyholes and doorknobs. There also appeared to be some communal tables by the bar up front for those nights they get swamped. We took our time going over the menu and trying to piece together an order that would be ideal for sharing and accommodating everyone's preferences. We went with three smaller app sized dishes and three mains. We got the truffled egg toast with fontina and asparagus, and a few salads. The toast was ridiculously good and it went quickly. I mopped up all the runny egg goodness. The salads were a hit with the ladies, particularly the one with the farro. For our mains, the ladies got a few pizzas the DOC and the arugula/proscuitto. I went with the giant rigatoni with sausage, oven roasted tomatoes and parm. These were all hits with our table. The arugula combo is always a winner and my sister loved it. The DOC was conveniently light on the cheese, so that made my little lady happy. I always love pasta dishes and the rigatoni did not disappoint. For dessert we had the torta bacio-chocolate-hazelnut mousse, crunchy bottom and chocolate nibs. It was a good ending to our meal. So why just four stars? A few things they could improve on. It seemed like we had to chase people down to get fresh pepper, cheese and hot peppers for our dishes. Had our server checked with us, we could have covered this. I always need this with pizza/pasta, picky me. It wasn't at all crowded, so it wouldn't have taken much to check in with us. They also drizzle the pizzas with EVOO, which I never think is needed and usually ruins a pie for my finicky redhead. That said, we had a great meal here and we are sure to return. There are quite a few small plate Italian restaurants around town, DE is the best of the bunch. Mangia!
(4)W C.
Wow, I definitely was impressed. A tad pricey for some of the items we got but everything was good. Ricotta with honey? OMG GET! I was scared to ignore this as I hate honey and I don't like ricotta but I thought this was the most delicious thing ever. Egged on by yelp and my dining companion of course to order as this many people can't be wrong. Mascropone with Ragu Delicious, like creamy potatoes with meat. It doesn't taste that good cold though so gobble it up right away. Cace peco? (the pasta dish) This was delicious, and I can see why it comes in such a small portion(it's really very rich and simple) but I thought it was overpriced at $10. If it was $8 or something that would be more worth it. I guess percino cheese is expensive. Pizza della Really yummy even the day after (made my kitchen smelled great) but my taste buds didn't tell me wrong. This was slightly overdone, somewhat burnt on some pieces. I was stuffed when it first came out so I thought it was maybe me since my dining companion didn't say anything. The parts that were not overdone were good. Can't wait to try the others!
(4)Gina V.
I'm really sad to be reading some of these bad reviews because I am in LOVE with this place and I cannot stop thinking about returning. I was a little annoyed when I walked in and asked to be seated for 6, but there were only 4 of us. I notified the hostess that the other 2 were walking down the street because they parked the car. She said that we had to wait until the entire party was here which would have been fine if it was busy, but it was Monday night and there were about 20 patrons total in the place....come on.... But I wasn't about to let her ruin the experience. I was captivated by the food.... We started off with prosciutto and some cheeses which were excellent and made me feel like I was in Italy at a local bar. Next, we had the bread with honey and ricotta...delicious My favorite dish was the toast with melted Fontina cheese, egg yolk, and asparagus....I have been dreaming about it. I was a little hesitant to try some of the dishes because a lot of them contain runny egg yolks which I hate. But I tried everything and it was still amazing. Then we had polenta with braised beef and it was delicious Lastly, we had spaghetti with sea urchin which was interesting, I think I would order it again...the raviola which I don't recommend because it is small and the flavor wasn't that amazing that I would recommend it....and the risotto carbonara. They charge a $7 corkage fee which is annoying.... Our hostess was super nice and honest about what she liked on the menu and recommendations. As someone else mentioned in another review, servers wear street clothes and it is quite weird. The atmosphere is really cute in there with candles in the mason jars, but the server in jeans, gym shoes, and a t shirt looked like she belonged at Applebee's. Anyhow, I will be returning VERY soon because I cannot stop thinking about the food and raving to everyone I know
(5)Katherine T.
Loved the feel of the restaurant on a Friday night: lively but still able to hold a conversation. The style of shared plates was fun (although the recommendation of 2-3 plates a person was a bit much). I loved the ricotta flatbread with honey. The sea urchin pasta and fish were low lights. The rest was solidly good. make sure you book a reservation. Solid carrot cake and delicious chocolate hazelnut desserts.
(4)Pascal M.
Small plate dining has taken over. And I like it! Davanti is a fun and reasonably priced restaurant with a lot of good food offerings, with a great wine selection to pair. They dont take reservations, so the wait can be long. But you'll have fun sitting at their wine bar or just go grab a coctail around the corner. They have a great selection of anti pasti, like fresh cheeses and nice meats to go with. IIt would be fun to just sit at the bar with a bottle of wine and munch away on a large selecion of these. The Marscapone polenta with ragu of the day is pretty good. It didnt blow me away with flavor and it's pretty filling. So you may want to reconsider so you can try some other good stuff. Great way to start is the chicken liver pate and the ricotta with honey. We gobbled these down instantly.The white anchovies are awesome. Really good texture and flavor going on with this dish. Dont let anchovie scare you. They're not as salty and much more meaty than the ones you may be use to. Truffle Egg Toast, wow is this good. We ordered 2...Pork belly was good. Not the best I've ever had, but the apple was a smart pairing. The linguine with the sea urchin and crab was a show stealer. Rich, creamy, and perfect balance of flavor. The Roasted cherry tomatoes with burrata and basil is a nice refreshing balance of flavor. Goes great with red wine. Seared octopus and seared halibut are awesome protien dishes. Davanti is new, lively, and has menu full of good items worth coming back and back for.
(5)Justin W.
I had the chance to eat at this restaurant with a group of friends and I have to say I was pretty impressed with the food and price. First off let me say they do a nice job creating their own unique dishes. From the focaccia bread with a honey comb(which added a nice sweetness to the mild cow cheese on it) to the davanti burger(a must have) everything had its own flavorful taste. This little gem in the city is a must if you have a group a of people and are looking for a fun dining experience. The price isn't all that bad either.
(4)Nhu N.
Pretty good food, I couldn't help but feel like I was in a chain restaurant. Much like a higher end Olive Garden. I know..I know.. it sounds bad but like I said, I couldn't help it. Service was decent. The honey comb ricotta was standout. Wish there was more bread or less ricotta.
(4)Tara L.
Went for brunch on a Sunday around 11:30. I've heard great things about this place for brunch, and had only been for dinner one time, so was excited to try the brunch. Unfortunately this one was a miss for me. There was nothing horribly wrong, it was just simply unforgettable and I think there are better spots. The food was boring, the service was slow, and there was nothing really stand out about our experience. I will go back for dinner, but will try elsewhere for brunch.
(2)C C.
As some of the others have said, I expected more. I wanted more. Have been here before for cocktails and starters at the bar, but last week was there for dinner for the first time. Had to write a review. Hostess was friendly and accommodating enough, I wanted to pay for dinner for my Italian mom's birthday (who is sorta picky about Italian restaurants) so she took my card and set it up with the server. Nice. Sat at the bar waiting, was not greeted by a bartender for oh about 10 minutes - everyone was too busy staring at and fawning over a family at the bar (even though I got there first). No idea who they were (maybe owner/management related??) but my death stare finally got me some service. Supremely annoying. I also saw what seemed to be most of the kitchen staff standing at the end of the bar - bad sign. Dinner service was good, but the food was pretty disappointing. Started with the eggplant/sun dried tomato spread - tasty, but cold. Should have been served warm or room temp. Cauliflower steak - undercooked/borderline raw, vinegary, the best thing I can say about it is that it was healthy. And we LOVE cauliflower. Ugh. Polenta and Pork Ragu - polenta was delicious and creamy. The highlight of the meal for me. The ragu was tasty, but cold. I mean come on! Get those chefs back in the kitchen! Rigatoni and Sausage - wow, terrible. Pasta was undercooked, sticky, gummy - and no, not al dente. Sausage was rock hard - I mean this dish was inedible. At this point I was kind of embarrassed that I brought my mom here. She tried to be nice about it because we both wanted to try this place - and I was paying - but yikes, just bad. Ended with a tasty gelato and some other thing that was mediocre that I can't even remember now because I'm unfortunately re-living that rigatoni atrocity in my mind.
(2)Marty M.
Have been here a few times, fantastic atmosphere, very friendly staff. The food is all good, they have a great variety and the pizza is fantastic.
(4)Francesco F.
We have been looking for an Italian place that would make "focaccia al formaggio di Recco" and it has been a struggle to find one that would come even close... until we discovered Davanti Enoteca. Their focaccia al formaggio is as close as we could have hoped for (except the presentation with honey, which would not happen in Italy - instead, it would come even with a bit more salt). In addition, the wine selection and interior design and ambiance were superb as well. We will be going back
(5)Jeff A.
Win! Yes! I want my kitchen to look like this! The atmosphere in this spot is the best I have seen! It is all about lighting, the natural "reclaimed" wood and warm lighting makes for such a warm and happy atmosphere, I want my kitchen, shoot my whole house to be that comfortable, I felt like I was walking into a make believe Hollywood lit southern Italian café... The food was small plate style; my friends and I went for a very ambitious sampling of almost every aspect of the menu... From a watermelon salad to ricotta-honey-cheese and bread heaven, from flat bread pizza to burgers, from beer to wine, from greens to chocolate... We hit it all! It was all off the hook, the only thing I will do differently next time is eat less... I can't wait to visit again!
(5)Maris C.
Tonight my boyfriend and I went for a late dinner and got there around 9:15. I had called ahead and the host who answered the phone told me they didn't take reservations but said that by that time of night, we shouldn't have to wait more than half an hour. We got there at 9:30 and were quoted a 1 - 1 1/2 hour wait. We figured that since we were there (from the North side) we would stick it out and have a drink at a bar across the street while we waited - no problem. The restaurant called us after 45 minutes that our table was ready so we headed back - and frankly, it was downhill from there. While the food and wine were all great, that was unfortunately overshadowed by the worst service I've experienced in a restaurant. The hostess who sat us walked about thirty feet ahead of us and we could barely see her when she dropped menus at a table and practically sprinted in another direction. Keep in mind it's now almost 10:30 and the restaurant is no longer very busy. Water glasses were filled promptly but it was a good 5-10 minutes before anyone acknowledged that we were there. Someone finally came to take our order, we ordered a bottle of wine, bruschetta and then a cheese/charcuterie plate. The appetizers arrived before our wine did and we had to flag down another server to actually get the wine. Then our entrees (we both had the same pasta, the rigatoni with sausage, tomatoes and parm) arrived about 3 seconds after the bruschetta et al. So after waiting maybe 15 minutes for our drinks, we felt very rushed with our food. We probably only saw our actual waiter twice - the first time he took our order and at the end when he presented the check. The food was good, but I wouldn't go back. There are better Italian restaurants in the city that won't make you jump through hoops.
(2)Anthony Z.
This is a great neighborhood place. The food is very satisfying, and the service is friendly and professional. It can get a bit loud, though. It is a very relaxed scene for lunch, which is when I prefer to go. Highly recommended, but I would suggest that you don't expect this to be a fine dining experience.
(5)Arielle M.
Got a low-key sunday brunch here with family. The Bloody Mary bar was extensive with standard mixings and delicious garnishes. I ordered their take on steak and eggs. The skirt steak was divine, cooked perfectly and served with chimmichuri and a scrumptious mix of onions and peppers. Service was spot on. Food arrives as it is finished, spending no time under a heat lamp. I generally like this concept, but it doesnt work as well for breakfast. I suggest going for small plates. I would suggest more user-friendly menus, easier to handle. I would definitely return for dinner next time.
(4)Michael F.
We hardly ever repeat dine at a nice restaurant in the Chicago, but this is probably my favorite place in the city. We have been 3 times, and have another set of reservation to return in the next couple weeks. My all time favorite dish I have had in the city is the Ricotta and Honeycomb. We have taken our friends out for a group couple date and ordered 3 for the table. Everyone feel in love with it. The Pizza della Fattoria is my girlfriends favorite item. We have tried a number of the menu items normally asking the waiters what they prefer, with great results. Additionally the have a great wine selection. We eat like royalty and do not break the bank doing it. A must try for any Italian tapas lover.
(5)Kelly A.
When my good friend announced we needed to go to Davanti because it was the best food he had ever had in Chicago, I was skeptical. Don't get me wrong, I love Italian food as much as the next girl, but in my experience it rarely blows other eating experiences and cuisines out of the water. I stand corrected. I have been to Davanti twice in a month and this coming from a girl who lives on the Northside and tries to check out new restaurants rather than doubling back. This place is that good. One, the decor is lovely. The back of the dining room is adorned with shelves and shelves of wine bottles and the bar area is lovely with nice blown glass-looking lights and walls decorated with wood from wine boxes. It has a rustic Italian feel to it without being cheesy or over the top. The service is also good. It's attentive and efficient, but without rushing you or being pushy. But the best, of course, is the food. Both times we had the toasts with ricotta + honeycomb and roasted corn + walnuts + aged goat cheese + arugula + wild mushrooms salad, and both times, both were the highlights. I love good cheese and I've eaten a lot of it, but this ricotta is fantastic. It's so smooth, rich, and creamy. I'm also not sure if it's the honey or if they add something to it, but it has a light flavor of fennel seed that is oh so delicious. The corn salad is also spectacular. It's a warm salad, which was perfect for the cool night we had it on, and so flavorful. I love that the corn mixture and arugula were both separately dressed with different dressings so the mixture was layered with flavor. On one occasion we had the pizza della terra and the other the pizza della fattoria. Both are fantastic, though the pizza della fattoria is quite rich thanks to the cheese, bechamel, egg, and pork belly so if you order it you may want some lighter items to offset the richness. The hanger steak and risotto are also fantastic, though the risotto again is a little on the rich side, though not excessively so. Both times we ended the night with the torta bacio which is ABSOLUTELY fantastic. The chocolate-hazelnut mousse is incredibly light and chocolately. I love that it managed to be decadent without being too rich or too sweet. It was also perfectly contrasted against the crunchy bottom and the earthy cocoa nibs. All an all, this was a fantastic meal. My only gripe is the $7 corkage fee for wines off their list. I guess they include this because you can buy their wines to take home (and avoid the fee) but this is a little frustrating to me because since it's a flat fee and not a percentage it means that the price for the more affordable bottles goes way up, while it is pretty minimal on spendier bottles. Yes, it's noted on the top of the menu, but I didn't see it and would guess most don't see it either. I say just roll it into the price of your wine and give those who buy the wine to go a discount. This policy sucks, but the restaurant itself is great. Really hoping this practice/policy changes because everything else is spot on. If you're going to charge $7/bottle corking fee no matter what it makes me want to bring my own.
(5)Neil G.
Food: 5 Service: 4 Atmosphere: 5 Value: 4 I remember a time when Davanti Enoteca had a 4.5 star average on this amazingly informative web site. Then some neanderthals had to ruin this impressive distinction with some childish 1 and 2-star reviews. Hopefully this 5-star blockbuster will do its part to tip the scales back in this deserving restaurant's favor. I took my wife here for her birthday and managed to convince her that it would be worth the long trip down to Little Italy and the even longer wait. How, you ask? I told her the restaurant is reminiscent of our honeymoon to Italy last spring. So after a 20 minute drive, 5 minutes to find parking, and a surprisingly short 30 minute wait time, we were seated around 6:45 on a Saturday night. We decided on the bruschette du jour (eggplant with olive oil and marscapone cheese), Farro Salad, Cacio e Pepe (Spaghetti, pecorino romano cheese, and black pepper), and Pizza della Terra (Foraged mushrooms, braised leeks, taleggio cheese, and truffle oil). The bruschette instantly transported me back to Italy. Calling this dish authentic would be like calling Menachem Schneerson religious (for those of you not familiar with your Lubovitch Jewish history, this is a severe understatement). The bread was nicely charred, but not burnt, the cheese was smooth, creamy, and slightly sweet, and the eggplant was grilled to a tender medium well. A drizzle of some high quality EVOO tied everything together. A great way to start. The farro salad came next and I have to be honest with you, I don't really remember what else was in it. However, I do know that it was like nothing I've ever tasted before. The farro was earthy and dense, and it was complimented by some sort of honey-balsamic drizzle (I think), arugula (again, I think), and some type of nut and cheese (not even going to guess on those). It was small, but powerful and memorable. Yes, that's what she said. As for the Cacio e Pepe, I can't say I would have tried this if it weren't already recommended by two of our friends. I mean, it's spaghetti, cheese, and pepper--how interesting could it be? Boy was I wrong on this one. This dish was a perfect example of why food in Italy is so spectacular. They took a simple dish, used the freshest ingredients possible, and cooked and prepared it flawlessly. It had the right amount of texture, body, and flavor. It wasn't too rich but it didn't leave me very hungry either. Simply genius. Now for my most anticipated moment of the evening: the pizza. I'm not sure if I've chronicled my lukewarm feelings about white pizzas before, but I'll give you a little refresher: I try really hard to like them, but I can't help but always think how much better they would be with sauce. With that in mind, I was a little hesitant to order it, but leeks and taleggio are two of my favorite pizza toppings so I couldn't resist. The taste was spot-on. Salty leeks, sharp cheese, rich mushrooms and truffle oil all on a perfectly crusted palette of Italian style dough. My ONLY critique (of the whole meal, not just the pizza) is that the middle could have been a little crispier. I know it's hard to do with numerous toppings, but I feel like I have to at least say one negative thing about this otherwise Mana Food Bar-like, (see my review) out-of-body, culinary experience. I'm guessing that if you're a vegan, you haven't even made it this far down the review so I'll go ahead and recommend this place to anyone who's still with me at this point. Don't worry carnivores--there's plenty of charteuccerie crap for you so you'll love this place too. This is hands-down the closest you'll get to Italy while dining in Chicago. Now If they could somehow offer house wine for $5/carafe, I would go so far as to say you don't even need to go to Italy after dining here. Unfortunately they don't, so don't cancel that trip just yet. Until then, check out this 5-star masterpiece to get yourself warmed up. [Thanks for reading my review and be sure to check out my other reviews on Yelp. My mission is to find restaurants that have great vegetarian, kosher, and vegan fare. On every review, I rate food, service, atmosphere, and value on a 1-5 scale to give you quick and easy overview of the restaurant. I love cooking, eating, and doing both with my friends and family. I always welcome your questions, comments, and suggestions so contact me on Yelp or Facebook if you want to share ideas.]
(5)Meredith F.
We LOVE this place and have been back 2 times now. We've had brunch and dinner and everything is fantastic. I LOVE the gelato flights - pistachio....salted carmel marshmellow. We've tried everything the pizza, pasta, egg dishes, cheese plates. Everything is so good. I think our favorite is the Agnolotti di Zucca with pumpkin + ricotta + hazelnuts + sage + brown butter + chicken liver. Best dish hands down. The decor is comfortable and rustic. We will be back many more times!
(5)Joe E.
Davanti is a great neighborhood Italian eatery attracting people from all over Chicago. They focus on sharing plates... some are to die for and others are good, but not too memorable. Honestly, they have two of my all time favorite dishes, ones that make me return to their restaurant. The atmosphere is classy, but at the same time fun... there are tons of people hanging out at the bar and the dress attire ranges from shorts and a t-shirt to jet black suits. I find it a great place to come with large groups mainly because the sharing aspect is always better with more mouths to feed. Unfortunately, Davanti doesn't take reservations, making it difficult to dine on some days, especially if you are on a time constraint. So make sure you allow plenty of time if you plan on eating here... and I suggest you plan soon!
(5)Tracey H.
All of the rave reviews of this place must be from Schaumberg-dwellers who come in for an "exciting" dinner in the big city, capped off by high douche baggery at Tavern on Rush. Could I sound more elitist? Probably not, and I own that, but I've seen this all before. The food is so unbelievably "meh," and those branded plates are ridiculous--there's no other explanation. Cheesy, tacky, food that's whatever. No thanks.
(2)Mariana M.
What a great place on Taylor. I go here for lunch often and I've never been disappointed with the food or service or ambiance. The lunch deals are nice, they have a different one everyday, so you can try something like a pizza or a nice sandwich for cheap, like $10-13 but paired with a cold peroni or glass of wine. I have not been here for dinner but as far as lunch, it's one of my favorites.
(5)Chris H.
Interesting small plates that give a breathe of fresh air to all the 'same old' Taylor Street establishments. Good charcuterie, great cheeses, decent pizzas and good wine selections. I thought that the grilled octopus I had was fantastic, some hits and misses but overall our group aside from my parent in-laws were pleased. I will definitely return.
(3)Laura L.
Apparently, the city of Chicago is on crazy pills when it comes to their Italian food. Yes, I've said it before and I'm going to say it again. This place reeks of cheesiness. Why does every Italian place I go to on suggestion of friends just end up terribly? I hate when people use superlatives to describe every single restaurant with absolutely no basis for comparison and Davanti falls into that category. "OMG It's amazing, the best, the absolute top.." - Uh, really homie? You've obviously never been to Italy.. I'll even take Sbarros over this. They were out of 4 or 5 things we wanted to order. Regarding what we did order: they didn't tell my girlfriend that her pizza was going to have an egg plopped in the middle of it. Moreover, it wasn't even properly cooked and it was runny. What?? How is that Italian?? I'm okay with some really over easy eggs, but why did you have to crack an egg on my perfectly good pizza and then not even cook it a tiny bit??? My boyfriend could essentially order only one type of pasta - bolognese - since they were out of everything else. Uh, gag me - it was super boring. If I order an Italian staple, I expect the fact that it's simple to make it shine. It should be amazing. It wasn't. Our appetizers - we had the asparagus and the salumi platter. The asparagus: it was a bit cruchier than I think "al dente" should be. The chef obviously phoned it in when it came to sauteeing the vegetables.. Wow, I'm getting angry even as I write this.
(1)Brittany Q.
This review is based on there lunch Menu. I only dined on pizza and have not tried anything else. The restaurant is in a great location in the University Village/ Little Italy area. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. We asked our waitress what her favorite pizza was and ordered a few based of her suggestions. The first pizza we tried, was a Margareta pizza and it by far was a 5 star pizza. The crust was cracker thin and the ingredients were spectacularly fresh. The second pizza was less than stellar. It has an arugula on top of it and it just tasted really bitter. That was more of a three star pizza. For lunch, i felt it was a bit pricey, and basing that on city prices. I would definitely order for a group and split to keep the prices down.
(3)Anne C.
By far the hottest staff I have ever seen in a restaurant. I haven't tried their food yet but there are so many good looking guys that work there, that's treason enough to stop in.
(4)Jeana C.
They recommend that the table shares the dishes bc they are small... for 2 people, about 2 to 4 dishes. The recommendation was right on point. We got the bruschetta, polpo, linguini with crab and sea urchin, and polenta with ragu. Highly recommend the polenta with Ragu and the sea urchin and crab linguini. The polpo was unique as it had all types of ingredients on it but it was just a little salty for me. This place would be great for date nights and birthdays!
(4)Joanna T.
This is the original Davanti and the only 2 drawbacks I found on this visit is no outdoor seating, and both the weather and location was begging for that on a gorgeous summer day. The other was service. Although our server tried to be there in a timely manner, he could not simply because he was the only server on a Thursday afternoon lunch. He was knowledgable and had suggestions but certainly harried. On to the food that we shared: Fontina and egg toast with asparagus was delectable. Beet salad which I always go with was average, the burger was huge and flavorful, also split 3 ways with shoestring potatoes, the chop grilled with peaches was rather fatty, with no more than 3 thin slices of clean meat. A shared order of pasta with sausage that was also flavorful. Also a side of corn with mushrooms, which I thought the corn on its own would be better, and I like mushrooms. We shared the strawberry tart along with chocolate pistachio cake, which was more like a hard fudge. I wouldn't recommend either and just go with gelato next time. It was a mixed bag this time, and usually they're better. Great place for sharing and not your typical Italian. I have been here before and had better luck with other items, and more prompt service. It wasn't for lack of trying, more for lack of help in regards to the service. Even the hostess helped the one server.
(3)Daniel H.
The name of this restaurant is davanti enoteca which translates to "in front of the wine bar" in Italian but their name should be "best Italian restaurant in Little Italy". The food is amazing but you'll need to know a few things before you go. They have a $7 corkage fee which in Chicago terms means "BYOB" BUT they aren't BYOB (I was really confused) until I learned what they do is sell you their wine at retail prices and then add $7 corkage, at first I thought "rip off" but after seeing the wine list and looking at the prices I completely retract that thought. As far as the food is concerned, it is top notch on all levels. However, don't expect your normal over-sized Italian pasta dish. These are very small portions and you'll need to pick 2-4 dishes to complete your meal. The giant ravioli and giant rigatoni with sausage are amazing but the nutmeg soup and hazelnut gelato are a must have as well. All in all, this place is my new favorite Italian restaurant and a must try for anyone looking for interesting chef creations and a perfectly crazy atmosphere.
(5)Nicole R.
I've been here numerous times for dinner and always fantastic. Sunday we popped in for brunch and omgoodness from the host, to the chef and our fantastic server we had the best time. They had us laughing, made fantastic recommendations.... Can you say green eggs and prosuito... i.e. breaded fried soft eggs, prosciutto with pesto... yummie! Scrambled eggs, sea urchin linguine, bacon and tomatoes, fresh mozzarella not to mention the self serve bloody mary bar it was a Happy Easter! No reservations no wait (yet) on Sundays!
(5)Meredith W.
Love love love! My husband and I were just in town for the Chicago Marathon and were celebrating our anniversary. A friend recommended Davanti and what a great place. Everything we had was fabulous! The kind of place you want to keep going back to so you can keep trying more things on the menu. Really nice surprise!
(5)Yien L.
Just came back again. I had the pizza with potato, scallions, bechamel, egg yolk, and pork. It was ridiculously good for the price. They also have a new monkfish entree that takes the place of the swordfish entree they use to have.
(5)ABC D.
This place is phenomenal. Start with the ricotta and honey mason jar, next the prosciutto and lastly the giant ravioli (although the pecorino noodles are delightful). This restaurant is quite out of the way - but definitely worth the trip. Have only been there for work lunches. Would be interested to check it out on the weekend. The atmosphere is... For lack of a better word...hip! Check it out!
(5)S C.
We realized this restaurant is a popular spot when we strolled in quite early on a Saturday night and were asked..."Do you have a reservation?" Why, no. The restaurant was already busy. Luckily, they have a heated upstairs outdoor space, and it was fine for us to dine up there. (Beware, wear boots or at least socks, because while the space is warmed, heat rises and your feet will be cold!) I liked the space...it was quiet and cozy. The waiter and wait staff very friendly and helpful We started with drinks. I have to be honest, I had a basic, not frou frouy vodka based drink. I should have been able to taste the vodka, because it was not a drink like a huge lemonade with 95% lemonade and 5% vodka. Honestly, I did not taste any alcohol. The vodka they used, by the way, is the one I drink at home, so I'm familiar with how it tastes in that drink. I'm not going to nitpick here, though. I will give them the benefit of the doubt...perhaps the bartender didn't know the proportions of the drink, or the ice watered it down. The wine was good. We tried the ricotta honeycomb appetizer. Very delicious...whipped ricotta, delicious honey, toasted(tasty!)bread. I believe you can ask for more bread and also a bit more honeycomb if want. Really good. Next up, a house made ravioli. Delicious! Thin crust pizza - admirable. The dessert menu didn't really sing...but because we needed to kill some time, we had gelato. Surprisingly, wonderful - as we have had really awful gelato elsewhere. This is a solid choice for Italian food. Applause for every one of the staff we interacted with, who made our experience top notch. Make a reservation on weekends, and enjoy.
(4)Ghoncheh G.
For the first time so far, Yelp let me down. I came here for a lunch with my family and was expecting all the divine things that the reviews stated but I got ALL the opposites. Food: Was very bland, stale tasting. We got the ravioli, corn salad along with the ricotta cheese spread and the steak. The only decently tasting thing was the steak. Everything else was very mediocre and let down in taste, flavor and presentation. The service was sub par. Our waitress didn't explain anything to us, hardly wanted to wait the table and just came to get our order and bring one of the dishes. Never checked up on us and we had to flag down another staff member to bring us the check (our meter was expiring so we had to jet). I want to believer it was an off day and maybe lunch time is a bad time but really no excuse for EVERYTHING to go down hill. Will not be back and will not recommend.
(2)Jen B.
My mom was in town one weekend to visit me and I decided to ask my Chicago native friend if she had any recommendations for places to go dinner. Needless to say she is now my go to restaurant advisor due to her recommendation of Davanti! I can not stop telling everyone how amazing this place is and my mouth is literally watering thinking about the food here. Although you have to wait a while to be seated, it is totally worth the wait! Make sure you ask for the tuscan toast with the mini mason jars to start. Great atmosphere, relatively reasonable and the best food I have had in Chicago!
(5)Milly P.
I love Davanti! Everytime I go, they do not disappoint. First of all, they are always very busy, so if you intend to go at "peak hours" make sure you are ready to wait a while for a table! I love the decor of this restaurant. It is so cozy and quaint. I adore the fireplaces and wood and brick feel of the restaurant. The food is fantastic! I've had the urchin pasta, which is to die for! The pizzas are rustic and so satisfying. The meat and cheese plate is always a good choice. The chicken liver pate is also a good choice. The hands down best dish I've had is the pork belly, it is so stick to your ribs delicious! Finally, I wanted to add that all the servers I've had there were very friendly and attentive.
(5)Michael E.
I came here on a recommendation from my supervisor. I couldn't have been more pleased. The staff was very friendly and everyone from the bus boy to the manager asked me how everything was going. I had the foccacia flat bread with the local honeycomb. This combination is delicious. The salty cheese, sweet honey, and flat bread crunch only made me eager for more. I got the cacio e pepe as my entree and it was delightful. Spaghetti tossed lightly on olive oil topped with pecorino and cracked pepper. simplicity at its finest. The decor was cute and the place very clean and professional.
(5)Jessica G.
We had a casual lunch this afternoon and were blown away. The ambiance is charming, the food was on point. The focaccia was like none we have ever come across, and it was delicious. Our server, Emanuel, was extremely knowledgeable about every aspect of the menu, as well as the wine list. He made our experience comfortable and enjoyable. Check out this spot for sure!
(5)Bridget M.
Went here with my parents and brother before game 7 against the redwings. Great choice. We had never been - everything was delicious. It's Italian tapas and small plates. Pricey, but worth it. I highly recommend the eggplant vasi - its an eggplant spread that comes in a mason jar and it was fantastic. The Paccheri con Salsiccia e Pomodori al forno was amazing - a sausage and rigatoni dish with tomato sauce. Our favorite dish by far was this pork dish over polenta (I don't see it on the menu looking at it online right now so I forgot what it was called but it was so good that you should ASK about it when you go) very nice very attentive waitress - no reason this place shouldn't get 4 stars. It's only not getting 5 because its not my absolute favorite Italian tapas.
(4)Ricky N.
Yes, yes, yes; 5 stars. Had Davanti only been a wine bar/charcuterie, I would still have to give 5-stars. Davanti has a really phenomenal wine list. Many selections that are easy on the wallet and selections available for the more selective palate. And each and every server I have encountered (on the many times I've been) have been very knowledgeable as to the wine. Not being very versed in Italian wines, but French and American, I often talk wine selection through with the server. And often a server will feed rehearsed speeches per varietal. But I have not found that at Davanti. And- you have the option for by the glass and quartino, of many wines (including some great bubbly- the glass pour of prosecco is really nice). I have only a handful of times been unimpressed by service. But you can't have the crem de la crem each visit. The charcuterie is really great. There is nothing better than sipping on a nice wine, pair with some cheese, proscuitto, and fruit on raisin toast. Onto the food. Davanti does shared plates, something that's been hot lately. But some places don't do it as well as others. Davanti does small plates really well. I've had each and every pizze- and each and every pizze is really great. The crust is that true-to-italian crust. Though pizza isn't technically "italian,' in Italy you'll find dishes reminiscent of pizza, with a very thin, crispy crust. And that's just what Davanti serves. They also have a Polenta + Ragu of the day, and a number of really tasty vegetarian and meat dishes. The steak and crispy pork belly are by far my two favorites. All in all, Davanti can and will provide something for every occasion. Whether you want a 3pm break of solitude, a business lunch, or dinner with friends, Davanti has what it takes to satisfy a range of taste buds. Parking in Little Italy can be a slight challenge. They do valet for both lunch and dinner, and there is meter parking along Taylor. But if you're like me, of that Chicagoan population that refuses to pay for parking, park two blocks south on roosevelt or on loomis just north of roosevelt, there is always hidden strips of street that isn't permit parking.
(5)Jessica W.
Just went here last night and WOW WOW WOW. I will start with my only complaint: this place does not take reservations. It was fine because we were going to a concert on a Tuesday and showed up at 5:30...there were plenty of seats, however the no reservation thing will keep us from going here most nights. Now on to the good stuff: Wine list--fantastic. Drinks, martinis, etc...fantastic. We were with a group of 4 and got several things, ALL of which were amazing and served with perfect timing. Ricotta cheese with honey--holy cow. Cheese plate--wow, ravioli, pasta, pork shoulder with polenta, filet and octopus--ALL AMAZING. I wish we could have had dessert, but we needed to get going. OH! And the decor is spectacular. Wine everywhere, open windows--super neat. CAN'T WAIT TO RETURN! This place is a rare find.
(5)Jessica S.
This restaurant has never disappointed. The food is absolutely amazing and the atmosphere is cozy and rustic. People need to understand this is a place that serves shared plates so don't expect big portions. Their pizzas are to die for along with their vases of spreads. My favorite spread is the ricotta with honey. They are a little pricey but you won't leave disappointed. Every Monday they have 25% industry discounts! So bring a pay stub and check it out on Monday's!
(5)Tina T.
Davanti Enoteca lived up to its high expectations. The hype has been big - Yelp reviews, Check Please, and the recent top restaurant award given by Chicago magazine set the expectations bar pretty high. But the food was great, prices were phenomenal, and the environment is very cool rustic Italian. The only problem, of course, is the wait and lack of reservations. We got there at 9:30 on a Saturday night, figuring that the wait would have died down somewhat - wrong! They announced an hour and a half wait. No worries - I assured my friends that we were great bar hawkers. My husband and I have the uncanny ability to hawk seats at the bar, which means we've never had to wait at Kuma's for more than 15 minutes. Got a seat at the bar, which, for starters, is not very big. If you're not taking reservations and you're that popular, it might be helpful to have a bigger waiting area - just saying. Hopefully the new rooftop patio that is supposed to be opening up will help alleviate some of the crowds. Ordered a pizza, which came up quickly and was absolutely delicious - light crust, great herbs and flavor. We got seated much quicker than initially told. We ordered a number of appetizers, all which were great. The truffle toast and polenta were delicious. The grilled asparagus and the seared hearts of palm were my favorite, though - just bursting with complex flavors. Wines are inexpensive, so it's almost like you are at a BYOB. The decor is rustic and comfortably chic. I would totally go back, as the price is right, the food is great, portions are perfectly sized, and great ambience. And Taylor Street is fabulous - the night would have been perfect if only Mario's was open when we left!
(4)Dunping Y.
I have been multiple times over the last year, and Davanti never fails to disappoint. Definitely recommend the sea urchin pasta, the burger, polenta, any of the mason jar spreads, and pork belly pizza. The wine is affordable and to my understanding you can always bring your own bottle and pay a small corkage fee. The reason I'm giving four stars instead of five is the restaurant uses a liberal amount of oil on all their food, its especially noticeable on items like the burger and the focaccia. These taste great but they're both soaked in grease.
(4)Lochin S.
went for business lunch. You walk in and have to pass the bar, the bar area looked so inviting, I am making mental notes to myself to come back and sit a spell... so onward. We did not drink but the walls are outlined in coves of bottles, all very nicely done. Loved the decor! Food-started with beet salad, loved. mushroom, truffle pizza was to die for. I could just eat that and a bottle of wine and been in heaven! we also had carbonara risotto which was good too. but at this point, I am pretty full. Note about the plates, they come out when they come out. You share. Love this place, unique menu and great "hang out" feel of the decor.
(5)Lucie T.
A friend I was visiting loves this place and I can see why. The reason for my three (which is really meant to be 3.5 - I wish there was a way to do this!) stars is because of some of the feelings I had about food, it goes without saying that choices and wine menu and the decor of the place made me a very happy person to start with and to end with as well. we had: Crispy pork belly + apple mostarda - this was a good start though I felt a bit on the dry end , the apple mostarda made up for a little bit of the dryness Ligurian style baked focaccia + fresh soft cow cheese + honey comb - this was great , I would say too much bread, and not enough honey to lift the cheese flavor, otherwise well crafted and presented And seasonal farro salad with roasted squash, warm goat cheese, and greens. I would dare say this was my favorite tapa of the evening. - the flavors meshed well, the farro's texture was very pleasant and the whole dish just worked. Riccio di Mare e Granchio ... Linguine + sea urchin + crab - I was excited to see this dish on the menu, as I had something similar in the past. The pasta was a bit tough in my opinion, and you could not distinguish any sea urchin. But it felt homey and simple and did do the trick of filling us in the end of the meal.
(3)Emily S.
We hit up Davanti on Friday night with another couple. We were told the wait would be 1-1.5 hours at about 7:45 on Friday night, which was to be expected. Our wait ended up being just under an hour, and there are plenty of bars to grab a cocktail nearby. I was really irritated by the wine list pricing. On first glance, everything appears to be dirt cheap ($21 bottles!) Then the waitress explained that those prices are retail, and there is a "$7 corkage fee" per bottle (i.e. the "$21 wine" is really $28). WTF is that? How much take away wine are they selling vs. what is being consumed on-site? It seems like the better way to do it would be to list the wine as $28 and offer a $7 discount if you would like to buy a bottle to take home. But that's just me. Given all the hype, I was somewhat underwhelmed by some the food. The truffle egg toast was delicious, as was the roasted tomato and burrata cheese salad. Our salumi platter had some of the best proscuitto I've had outside of Italy. The carbonara risotto was awesome. However, the octupus was only OK. It was extremely chewy and overly charred. The giant rigatoni with sausage was about 2 minutes shy of al dente. And the pizza was just bad. The crust was floppy and soggy and couldn't support the toppings. The cheese wasn't melted all the way. All in all, it was pretty good. I think I would steer clear of the pizzas and stick with the small plate stuff.
(3)Andrew B.
I have been here twice and Melissa D. is correct , "all of the food is great." My favorite so far has been the octopus. The sausage rigatoni is a close second. The only problem is they don't take reservations so be careful if you trek over there at peak hours.
(4)Nick S.
I'm going to have to break from the trend and give Davanti Enoteca a much deserved 3 stars. Why you may ask? Let's extrapolate... Atmosphere: + Spacious + Cool set up - Small Table (for 2) - Music Choice was *very* distracting... more appropriate for a BBQ spot. Note: I understand that smaller tables are great for space efficiency; I work in food service. BUT there should be ample space for more than 2 dishes if your menu is based around shared plates... Service: + Knowledgeable Staff - Terrible timing of expediting food - Lack of fresh plates - Awkward rhythm in service (unusual waits) Note: For Davanti Enoteca to come from a lineage of great restaurants (I happen to love Francescas) they failed when it came to appropriately expedite food in a logical order. We ordered the charcuterie platter (which I was pleased with), the crispy pork belly w/ apple mostarda (underwhelming), hearts of palm salad (the savior of the meal), linguini with sea urchin and crab (underwhelming), and grilled hangar steak (so/so). The order it came in was flopped a bit... I'm sorry but I would've liked my salad served before or with my pasta - not when I'm half way through the pasta. Then hangar steak then came a lot later after the other dishes were completed. Also, I would've liked a fresh plate after the first 2 dishes .. everything becomes muddled after a while, no? Food: + Great concepts + Great selection - Poor execution Note: I'm actually really surprised by the food we got today based on everyone else's reviews?? Maybe we came on an off day.. but a lot of the food seemed to be lacking seasoning.. Let me break down some dishes - Crispy Pork Belly w/ Apple Mostarda Classic pairing. The pork was cooked technically correct, but it was lacking flavor and if you're familiar with cooking pork belly, you'll know that if it is lacking seasoning there's that all too familiar taste that is borderline foul. The apple mostarda was disappointing. With the amount of mustard seeds, I was really looking for that bright spiciness.. instead, it just tasted like caramelly apple sauce. It needed a more dynamic flavor profile. - Assorted Formaggi/Salumi Good selection. I was very happy with the salami and the prosciutto. The soft cheese was very good and tangy - just the way I like it. Strawberry preserves were a nice addition. - Linguini w/ Sea Urchin + Crab Nice portion size, but again the flavor was lacking. I love sea urchin, I've eaten it straight out of the shell so I'm very familiar with its flavor. I don't know, I just expected this particular dish to me more luscious and umptuous. Linguini was cooked fine (al dente) but it was just very monotone in flavor, I was left uninspired. I was really missing that briney taste you get with sea urchin. They were generous with the crab meat which was nice. - Shaved Hearts of Palm Salad Probably the highlight of the meal. I actually really like hearts of palm and I appreciate what they did with the salad. IN FACT, the flavor of the salad was so bright and citrusy, that it totally helped elevate the linguini dish if you ate them together. I would recommend that they make the salad a pairing suggestion for that dish. - Grilled Hangar Steak w/ roasted oyster mushrooms, salsa verde. This is a pretty standard dish, and I actually really liked the garnishes (mushrooms and radish). The salsa verde however was forgettable. I actually forgot that it was on the plate because it wasn't very pronounced. Now, I'm not asking for a mouthful of their herb garden, but I would like a nice herbacious element to the dish to give the steak some dimension. The steak itself was cooked to a pretty good medium rare.. just how I like it. So all in all, if they can tweak the ambiance and improve the execution of plates this place can be really good. But these missteps prevented me from giving them anything more than an A-OK. Let's put it this way.. for the tab that was dropped at lunch, a simple (but delicious) salad shouldn't be the star of the meal.
(3)Emily T.
So, My friend Chris and I really enjoy scouring the city for new culinary finds, and Davanti Enoteca has been on our "to try" list for quite some time. Last night, we finally got around to making the trek to Taylor Street, (which, by the way, looks like it's hoppin! Next stop- Three Aces...) and we timed it right- at 6:45 on a Thursday night, we took the last 2-top- no wait. Lucky us! Unfortunely, we got table 13, (denoted by the big red "13" on our table top) which is kind of smack dab in the middle of the action. Davanti gets 4 stars overall- we started with 2 cheeses and 2 meats- all excellent. We were then greeted by Leon, who seemed to be a manager (?) and Leon brought over another truffle cheese that we had to try... awesome. Next we have the truffle egg toast w/ asparagus tips which was delightful, and next came the pizza D.O.C with sausage. The crust seemed a bit undercooked in the middle, but still delicious. Finally, we got the rigatoni with Sausage, which was also just....good. Not exceptional, and I was sadded to think that this small bowl of pasta with sausage was $10. I should have ordered the risotto, (the couple next to us did, and it looked amazing) but I will next time, because we definitely will be back. Service was excellent and Leon really made us feel very welcome.
(4)Rebecca H.
Had the pizza and a pasta dish. Atmosphere and food were great.
(4)Tida M.
I am obsessed with this place. Since it opened, I have been here maybe 20 times. I have never had a complaint. Everything I have ever ordered has been soooo delicious! The focaccia with cheese and honeycomb are so worth the $18 you will pay. They also had a booth open during the Taylor street fest and I went there every single day of the fest. This is definitely one place to try!
(5)Bruce E.
.Found this spot from other Yelp highly recommend reviews and it caused me to break one of my travel rules--do not repeat a restaurant on the same trip... I did and it was better the second time. Everyone who has been there with me has rated it as a top pick. Unique with the small plates but more so the food is stunning and original. Spaghetti with pecorino and black pepper sounds so dull--until you try it. The last trip was the first time I made it to the entree section as I previously had been too full from all the great selections on the top of the list. We shared grilled octopus and it was amazing, tender, and flavorful with nice grill marks and char. If they have the bruschetta with cannellini beans and caramelized onions it is highly recommend. Please do not miss the polenta of the day... Whatever it is, get it!!! Crust on pizza is normally just a method of handling the toppings--not here. There is a smoky char to the crust and it crackles when you bite. Try it with the arugula topping
(5)Ang R.
May as well chime in. Two trips here, two deliciously wonderful meals. Order the ricotta/honeycomb vaso. It's insanely tasty. And if you use up all the bread, and have more ricotta, don't hesitate to ask for more bread. They'll bring it. Order the polenta of the day. I've had two different versions now, and they've both been excellent--though the real star of the show there is the polenta, which I've never liked before. Davanti's is rich and creamy and right. Most everything else I've ordered has been seasonal. It's all been absolutely delicious, however, from the cauliflower steak to the burrata and roasted tomato salad. And all the pastas I've tried have been great....only thing I didn't care for was the risotto carbonara. (Carbonara is such a pasta-dependent thing. Good carbonara sauce clings to the pasta just so, with a sheen of egg. Doesn't quite get there with rice.) Go early to get a table, as they don't take rezzies.
(5)Jenny T.
Last night was a night of self indulgence and gluttony at Davanti Enoteca. I suggest everyone do the same. The sea urchin and crab linguine was the best thing I have ever tasted and probably will ever taste. It is all downhill from here, folks, but at least now I can die a happy woman. This delicious seafood dish has a hint of hot-and-spicy quality that I totally dug, and you will too. I promise. One of the best things about Davanti Enoteca? They price their bottles of wine at retail price, meaning that bottle of wine you'd buy at the liquor store next door is the same price as you're paying for it at the restaurant. As for our experience? We ordered everything we could possibly maybe want to eat and filled ourselves to the brim with 2 bottles of wine and 6 shared plates (for two of us). Our bill was only $120... the wine probably made up for about half of the bill... I am already planning my return trip.
(5)Don H.
Back in Chicago, springtime visit with kids and grandkid. For dinner, they had decided to take us to Davanti Enoteca, so we "Uber'ed" a cab and off we go. We arrived about 6p (we had a reservation), we decided to eat on the patio since it was a nice spring evening. We only had to wait about three minutes for them to ready a table. The patio is upstairs on a balcony above the traffic and that was a plus for me. I regret that I did not get the name of our server. She had what sounded to my uneducated ears like an Australian accent, but I could be wrong. She was friendly, very helpful and service was outstanding. It was our first time there so she took few minutes to go over the menu, the specials and the wine list. Everyone was agreeable to a Malbec and it was a good choice for our food selections. We decided on the following: Chicken liver pate Ricotta and honey with bruschette Truffle egg toast with fontina and asparagus Crispy pork belly and cabbage Roasted beets with candied walnuts Pork cheek with ricotta gnudi (dumplings) Pork ragu with mascarpone polenta The pate arrived first with the ricotta, honey and bruschette. The pate had a dried cherry topping on it that was surprisingly tasty; I was leery at first but it paired very well. The ricotta and honey (with bits of comb) on the bruschette were excellent, that could have been my whole meal and I would have been happy. Needed to be more generous with the honey though. We cleaned that up pretty quickly and soon the truffle egg toast showed up. Two very lightly poached sunny side up eggs on a thick slab of bread with truffle oil and fontina. The asparagus had been sliced into shavings, personally they could have been a little more generous with it too. Overall, nice dish. I liked this one very much. Pork belly was for me, a little underwhelming. One small piece between four people and it was mostly fat. I realize these are small plate portions but come on. The pork cheek was good, a little more seasoning for me would have been nice; the ricotta gnudi was the surprise. I've never had a dumpling like that before, but it was one of the best things I've ever eaten. The roasted beets were another surprise hit. I normally don't eat beets at all; since this was a group effort, I'd play along. I soon discovered that I could enjoy beets this way and some variation of this will likely show up on the home menu very soon. The creme fraiche and candied walnuts in walnut butter made quite a satisfying topping. The pork ragu and polenta is everything other reviewers have said, it was the star of our dinner. By the time the board reached me, there was about two tablespoons left, everyone else had loaded up. That's OK, because there's still dessert to go. The only real disapointment of the evening was that they had sold out of the creme bruciata, a white chocolate espresso creme brûlée. We decided what the hell, we went for the torta bacio; a chocolate hazelnut mousse and and a gelato flight. Turkish coffee, blueberry french toast and strawberry. What else is there to say? Ended dinner with an espresso, caught a cab home and finished the evening with a brandy, sitting on the balcony just as dusk overtook the city. I don't smoke anymore, but last night I would have given nearly anything for a fine cigar to go with that brandy. Oh well...
(4)Jeff R.
Wow, we finally made it to a new(ish) place in Chicago. Reading the new Chicago Magazine 2011 best new restaurants finally made me get on my horse to check out Davanti. Erica somehow had never ventured down Taylor street before so we were killing many birds with a single stone. I also had not been down Taylor in a while and I am thoroughly impressed with some of the recent additions. Davanti is a great addition with a great atmosphere and popular scene. The bar is right in front, next to the wood fire oven but still at the entry of a narrow but deep restaurant. They don't take reservations so when we arrived at a popular time on Wednesday night the wait for two was over an hour. We choose to sit at the bar and eat our meal immediately (I'm not a huge fan of waiting long for tables). You get the full menu, great service and quick drinks. I also enjoy the people watching experience by the front door and other bar patrons. Finally, something I loved and noticed right away was the amazing soundtrack playing in the restaurant. For all I knew they stole my iPod and hit shuffle because I owned 95% of the songs played and could sing the rest (Erica prevented my from singing anything though I did tell her the name of each song). While I loved everything about the restaurant, the some of the food did lag behind.It's designed as small sharable plates (shocker!), which is fine by us so we could try different dishes. The menu is well organized and well priced into starters, salads, pastas, main dishes, etc. We ordered asparagus, burrata on toast, polenta with pork shoulder (a special recommended), rigatoni and sausage and a cheese pizza. If it sounds like a lot of food for two people, it kind of was. The pizza is large so we only ate half. So, what happened with the food. Our grilled asparagus was good, and one of the better dishes of the night, but still kind of simple. They were cooked well and I loved the sauce. The burrata in a jar was cool, and the toast was delicious. But I was kind of dissapointed in the flavor of the silky cheese. There was plenty of olive oil but not enough seasoning. The best dish by far was from the "board" section: Mascarpone polenta + ragu of the day (pork shoulder). The polenta was delicious and the pork melted in our mouths. A wonderful dish. At the same time we ate the rigatoni and sausage. It was rather disappointing because the pasta was clearly "al dente" (not my preferred) and the sausage was kind of tough. The pizza came out last and was not needed. We tried it and finished half but it was uninspiring. We've had better thin crust, wood fired pizza in the city but this wasn't bad just a little boring.We opted to skip dessert. I enjoyed many aspects of the restaurant such as the ambiance, music and service. The polenta and pork shoulder was a fantastic dish and if they all tasted that good it would have been an amazing meal. Unfortunately the rest of our food was rather ho-hum and a little boring (especially for Italian). I think Davanti is a great addition to Taylor St and would be a fun place to grab drinks and snack.
(3)Kim G.
This place was fine. Nothing really outstanding or memorable. The drinks and the service were good. The pizza was nothing special.
(3)Jasi A.
I feel bad rating this place 2-stars but I really don't see what others find so great about this place. The servers and staff are in regular street clothes, so it's hard to tell who's taking care of you. It made it even more weird to see random people walking up to your table taking your plates, asking you if you want wine, and bringing your food, and you'd never even know they worked there! The food was okay, but we left so hungry we hit up another joint after. The portions are small and I felt bad for my friend who ordered the raviola, because it was literally one raviola that laid flat on the plate and was the size of the palm of her hand. Overpaid. Lastly, of all the empty tables around we were seated next to a populated table, and the waitress kept wiping her ass on my back trying to get through. We also couldn't converse unless we were shouting across the table because we were in between two speakers and the music was blaring. I wouldn't come back, but kudos to those who find this place excellent!
(2)Darlene L.
This place truly shines. It is a wine shop, a wine bar, and a terrific small plates Italian restaurant. Service is swift but a little stressed as tables fill quickly. Wines are reasonably priced but listed uniquely with a price and a corkage fee on top of the price. Reason? This is a wine shop that sells wine and then charges an additional $6.00 to serve each bottle. At any rate, the Italian wines are wonderful. We enjoyed a sparkler, white, and red. All went beautifully with olives,beet salad, pizza, pastas, and dessert. Every food item was delicious. Place is a bit noisy but keep your eyes out for Chicago celebs among the bustle.
(5)Lauren D.
Taylor Street is another reason why Chicago is the coolest city in the U.S. I probably haven't been over here in at least 10 years, and the area has become such a neat find. Lots of restaurants, coffee shops and specialty stores - you feel like you're in the city but in a stand-alone neighborhood with a hint of the college town vibe. Walking into Davanti on a Sunday night, I knew this was going to be a fantastic experience. The ambiance is cool and casual while simultaneously warm and inviting. I love all the wood accents, and every light fixture is a work of art in itself. It was really busy for a Sunday, so we waited about half an hour at the bar, which is where I discovered Davanti also sells wine. So, their wine pricing can't get any better. They charge $7 above retail value. (This is unheard of in the city.) The wine list was extensive and had some unexpected additions. Unfortunately I gave up alcohol for lent so I was unable to enjoy this aspect. But my Diet Coke was delicious. Highlights: *pizzas from a wood-burning oven. The tomato/basil: devoured in about a minute. Comes with individual canisters of spices too. * bread. toasted with olive oil. * every pasta on the menu, especially the Paccheri con Salsiccia e Pomodori al forno and the Cacio e Pepe spaghetti * knowledgeable, friendly service There's a nice bar area to hang around at for pizza/appetizers. One of my new favorite spots.
(4)Rebecca O.
Great ambience. Brunch is moderately creative, delicious, but somewhat pretentiously priced. Good location for a lunch date or when looking for a cozy yet elegant setting.
(3)Mimi W.
This place was delicious, even for someone who was flu-stricken. My dinner companions luckily knew beforehand that there would be a wait, so we were, at the very least, forewarned (as you are now, dear Yelp reader). Even on a random Thursday night at about 9pm, we had an hour-long wait. The waiting area is not huge, but Bevi Amos is conveniently across the street and an ideal area to wait. We opted to wait in the front of the restaurant and "feasted on eyes," to be lame, on the lovely rustic decor. For dinner, we ordered in groups of 2 or 3 since the plates are "small." Between my dinner partner and myself, we ordered 3 small plates, shared a great deal of it with the rest of the group, and still ended up arguing about who had to finish the dishes. I have to say, Davanti is NOT stingy with the good stuff. Someone at my table ordered the pate and it came with a really generous amount of it. The sea urchin and crab pasta that we ordered had big CHUNKS of crab -- not fake crab, not shredded crab, but great big chunks of crab that looked like it was removed straight from the crab and placed into our pasta. There were also various dishes involving pork belly, which is always a huge plus in my book. We got the appetizer of crispy pork belly which made me want to wriggle around in delight like a happy piglet (ignore how disturbing this sentence actually is, please) and our dinner companions got the pizza topped with pork belly which appeared to vanish fairly quickly.
(4)Natalie L.
This is our favorite neighborhood spot. Service is always outstanding. The raviolo is a must try. Also recommend the burger, the riccotta and honeycomb, the polenta boards, and the escarole salad. For dessert we usually stick with the sottobosco (a mix of cheesecake, graham crackers and seasonal fruit compote in a mason jar) but tried the little pudding last night for the first time and it was really good. Love the portion sizes and the atmosphere.
(5)Phyllis S.
This place is seriously over priced for the quality of food. It was really expensive. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't have minded paying so much if the food would have been good....but it wasn't! The risotto was hard and it took 20 minutes between one plate and the next. (We were there on a Tuesday) When the last plate finally got to us the half of chicken wasn't even edible. It tasted like they had put a burnt mole sauce on it. We told the waitress about our displeasure and we got charged full price for chicken and risotto that we didn't eat anyway. $70 for food that we didn't eat!!! We will never return to this place again. The waitress said that the place served their food like a "tapas style." I think this is their excuse for making people wait so long for their food.
(1)Laura V.
Amazing! The focaccia was so good...I think I made inappropriate noises when I tried it. Also, the polenta was very well done. We had two pastas, both were good but serving sizes are smaller. Com with a group of four so you can try several things. I will visit again soon.
(4)George C.
This truly deserves 5 stars, cause it's as GOOD AS IT GETS! Went there with some colleagues while in Chicago for a conference and one of my colleagues summed it up perfectly- "I simply don't know what to do with all these amazing flavors!" We started with the ricotta honeycomb and all I can say is- WOW!! How is that not a staple at EVERY Italian restaurant!? Simply perfect! And make sure you don't go light on the ricotta on your toast- because you MUST use the toast as a vehicle for that amazingness!! We then got the truffled egg and cheese toast and yep- another amazing dish! It comes with aspargus on the side and surely that was the best asparagus I've ever had. We ordered some corn salad, which we all thought would be served cold, but nope- surprised us again with the best warm corn salad I've ever had. We continued to order pizzas and other appetizers, which I now don't remember, but all I can say is that everything from start to finish was HEAVENLY! If you go to Chicago, you MUST try out this amazing gem.
(5)Jenny D.
WOW, I just came back from dinner at Davanti and I can't say enough good things about both the food and the service my friend and I received here tonight. Our server, Catherine, I think her name was, made our experience so wonderful and helped us make some really great choices with the food (even though everything here looks AMAZING). First, we got seated on the roof top, and although it was a cool fall night, the roof top at Davanti is heated and has lanterns everywhere and is very cozy. Our server helped us pick out a great bottle of wine and suggested her favorite appetizers. We had the egg toast with truffles and Oh My God, I can't even come close to describing how good it was. The truffle taste is very distinct and tastes amazing with creaminess of the eff and fontina. We then had a mushroom truffle pizza and the Davanti burger which were both fantastic. You will be long dreaming about them after you leave. Overall, Davanti is now one of my favorite restaurants and such a great versatile place where you can go on a re all romantic date night, a group dinner or just a fun night out with a friend. This place is such a gem and worth going to MANY times.
(5)Heather E.
I went with a little trepidation considering the no-reservation policy, but being a Wednesday night our wait was short. We sat down at the bar for a cocktail, and were seated a short 15 minutes later. I tried their house-infused vodka, the day's flavor was watermelon mint- a steal at $5 (wednesday special), but I didn't love the flavor. The watermelon was barely distinguishable, and it slightly reminded me of sweet and sour mix. Thankfully, I am a sucker for a cheap drink so was able to somehow finish the drink. We were seated at a nice little two-top near the back of the restaurant, near the loudest women in the entire restaurant, possibly the entire city. I was initially disappointed about my inability to hear myself think, but eventually the din of the restaurant took over the cat-like screeches, and I was able to relax and take everything in. Overall, the set-up works. The tables are close, but not on top of each other. You can comfortably move throughout the restaurant without knocking a glass of wine off of someone's table with your derriere. I also like the light fixtures. Our waiter was great with recommendations, and allowed us to order at our own pace, which is great. He was a little slow to come back and check in, and we waited about 10 minutes with empty drinks, but when he came around he was chatty and helpful. Our food: 1) ricotta w/ honeycomb- perfect, cheap, and they will box it up to go if it's unfinished 2) truffle toast- I loved the asparagus with this dish- a slightly bitter, texturally snappy contrast to the cheesy toast 3) foccacia di recco- I was expecting fluffy doughy Roman style foccacia, but this was thinner, almost like a cornmeal pizza crust encasing some really delicious cheese. This is a large dish, which the price reflects 4) paccheri- small pasta dish (the waiter said about 5 oz.), tasty but not particularly memorable 5) pizza della fattoria- they love eggs in this place- an egg is cracked on top of the pizza when it comes out of the oven, so not for the faint hearted. The pizza has an array of other toppings, and the only thing that seemed a little out of place was the potatoes. Due to the egg, don't expect to take this one home. 6) We ordered the cheapest wine on the list, the Montepulciano D'Abruzzo-- it was good for me Walking out of here we were stuffed, and our pockets were a little lighter, although not much. We spent well below $100 for for 5 dishes and a bottle of wine- I thought it was a great value and a fun overall experience.
(4)Brigitte C.
Yes, I know - what can I possibly add to the already glowing reviews? YOU MUST GO! I absolutely love this place! From the food, to the decor, to the servers, everything is fabulous. We went yesterday with a group of 6 ladies for my daughter's high school graduation/18th birthday celebration and ordered a ton of food and nothing disappointed. All the Vasi are delicious and decadent. The focaccia is a must try (and not like any traditional focaccia). The giant raviolo - amazing. The risotto, also amazing. I also beg of you, even if you feel you can't eat another bite, order the mascarpone polenta with the ragu of the day (my one aunt called it evil - evil goodness on a wood slab)! I can't wait to go back. Now if they could only open a little boutique hotel above the restaurant...hmmm.
(5)Gabrielle S.
Hmmm. I am feeling like 3 stars was just to much to give here. Some dishes are so on the mark...yet some just still are not there yet at all!!! And the service is so spotty. Fish special: delicious octopus: awesome arugala and roasted corn salad(great but I needed to order an extra side of arugala...which I was charged for- only comes with like 5 pieces) raviola.....MMMMMmmmmmmmmmm Pasta with Sea Urchin and Crab.....wait WAS there any seafood here?? Oh yeah, maybe 4 ITTY BITTY pieces, And they were good. Wish the dish had a LOT more....VERY under what should have been there.... Great prices on wine. Service....ok. NOT HAPPY we were charged for Aunts 60th birthday desert. Spent over $140 here on food and drink. I am in the industry and I know it is easy as hell to comp a birthday desert. A little would have gone a long way. Honestly, the failure to comp the desert really annoyed me- considering I convinced 2 suburban women to make the trek into the city for this place. And encouraged them to over order since I was paying and wanted them to have the full experience. Davanti: You all do a good job with many things on the menu. But even a scoop of ice cream with a candle would have gone a long way here. P.s. "the panna cotta just didn't turn out tonight" was a HUGE dissapointment as well. It was kind of a selling point for me. Sad. Not sure I will be back.
(3)Vaidehi T.
Wow - I am still dazed by our experience at Davanti last night. It really is as good as it gets. The decor is really cool, and seems very cosy and quaint. It is always crowded for obvious reasons. I am glad we went on a weekday as we got to the table right away. The service is impeccable. Not once did we have an empty glass of water. And our server was very helpful, attentive and charming. She made some good recommendations too. The food - is simply great. This is the kind of Italian food I love. Light, fresh and simple. I am not a very big fan of platefuls of greasy pasta swimming in uber creamy sauce. For me Italian cooking is about letting the fresh produce and ingredients to shine through. We started with their summer special - heirloom tomatoes, avocado and watermelon with balsamic reduction - it was super. Then we had the corn, walnut, arugula, aged goat cheese and wild mushroom. When I tasted a forkful of this, I was in heaven. It was the perfect bite!! Then we ordered the mushroom pizza with the truffle oil - omg delicious!! Washed all the chow down with delicious Chianti. Finished the dinner with Torta Bacci, which is chocolate hazelnut mousse and my husband also had the capuccino. I cannot find a single negative thing to say about the food. This is a great restaurant with great food and at very reasonable prices. It is a rare find!!
(5)Rhea V.
Went with a big group (7). The waiter was so helpful and came back often to answer our questions. I didn't realize it was an Italian tapas style restaurant. We ordered 12 dishes. Everything was amazing.
(4)Benji T.
Yeah, this place really needs to be addressed because of the never ending orgy of blindly positive reviews for Davanti on Yelp. As I write this, another 5-star review has posted. Perplexing. Let's start with the positives. The space is unique - the interior is worn wooden planks and really looks like a wine cellar. The service was good - we were there on a friday night and everything still came out very promptly. Our server was polite, helpful and the general staff was professional (I waited tables for 7 years in fine dining so I'm not just saying that). All things considered, for a special occasion, it's also not that expensive. The girl and I had a martini each, a bottle of champagne, a bottle of red wine, and about 12 dishes, and everything came out to $175 + tip. That said, assuming you want Italian and a place that is on the nicer side of casual, $175 is way better spent somewhere else (Spacca Napoli immediately comes to mind). Let's move now to the negatives. Find me something on this menu that I couldn't cook at home better than they did it, and I'll take this review down. Honestly. Let me break it down by the dishes we had - Started with a meat and cheese plate. The slices were skimpy, and it was served with no bread. Why? I can appreciate that if the meat is so quality that bread actually detracts from it. This was not the case. It was served with fruit biscotti. Fuck fruit biscotti. That's the Italian equivalent of fruitcake, and fuck fruitcake. Let's see, don't get the farro salad unless you like cardboard. Don't get the mascarpone polenta & ragu unless you like flavorless baby food. Polenta I understand being flavorless - it never had a chance. Beef ragu, however, should not be. Moreover, the meat should not be tough. Here's a tip - slow cook the ragu on low so that it retains its flavor and tenderness. If I know that, how do you not? The rigatoni, truffle egg toast, and anchovies weren't bad, they were just unimpressive (and the rigatoni undercooked, even for al dente). The chicken liver pate was solid, but shit, it's pate. In the same vein, the crispy bork belly was good, but shit, it's bacon. It wasn't even as good as bacon should should have been. This brings us, unpleasantly, to the lowpoint of the evening. The swordfish. Why, dear god why, would you take an amazing piece of swordfish, and then bread it? And if you are going to do that (I'm well aware that breading fish is classic Italian cooking - that doesn't mean it isn't gross), do it with some garbage fish, like catfish or (very Italian) flounder, and serve it HOT. Not room temperature, HOT. The damn thing about fried food, it's only good when it's hot. Breaded swordfish is gross, but moreover, I'm confused about why you took that extra step to make something (that was once good) terrible. Congrats, you worked extra hard to fail. Last, but certainly not least. Part of the buzz on this place is that their wines are retail prices. It says it on the menu, it says it on the reviews, and your server will make the same claim. Bullshit. The last time I bought a bottle of Veuve Clicquot it was $45 at Binny's (gotta love Binny's). At Davanti, $88 + a $7 in-house corkage fee (really, you're going to charge me a corkage fee for wine I just bought from you?) gets you 1 bottle of Veuve. The Aia Vecchia Lagone (great inexpensive Italian wine by the way) is $17 retail. It's not $30 + your absurd corkage fee. You explain to me how a 200% markup is retail pricing, and I'll buy you a bottle of $95 Veuve Clicquot and spoon feed you their shitty food. Oh, my sidecar was excellent. Nice job bartender.
(2)Brett F.
Does "Davanti" mean delicious? It not, it should. Plan to take a lovely rustic Italian journey at this new University Village Enoteca with exposed brick, artsy lighting and a contemporary flare leading a modern, though charming, culinary charge. Though the menu is certainly family dining centric, the spot itself is very dateworthy. Loved the vibe of this bustling wine shop/bar/restaurant and found its lively crowd, personable staff and delightful bites absolutely appealing. Granted, the no reservations policy here isn't my favorite and causes a bit of a hitch... with a more intimate seating area, wait times can be long and I get awfully unruly when left unfed for more than a modicum of time. Fortunately, Davanti has ample bar space and snacks can be ordered while you uncomplainingly (or not) await to be seated. A compromise if ever I've heard one! Most dining seating is found in an open back area beside the exposed brick archways that house the walls upon walls of retail wine selection that is, yes, available for your purchase! What seemed like such a perfect concept to marry the wine you fall in love with drinking, with what you can actually take home on the spot was quickly soured for me, however, when I spotted one of my favorite wines and - get this - its price tag labeled at over 50% above what I normally purchase it for at Binny's or specialty wine boutiques. For shame! My perception now, sadly, is that they drastically and unreasonably overcharge in the retail wine arena. Now whether that is true for all bottles remains to be seen, but the vino writing was on the wall for me: I'll take my formaggi without a fleecing, thanks. Luckily, the cuisine consumables were far more in line with economies of scale and - huzzah! - totally tasty to boot. Fell madly in love with several of the starters, especially the ultra fresh roasted cherry tomato, burrata and basil pesto salad and the rich and decadent truffle egg toast with velvety egg yolk, melty fontina and grilled asparagus. Mama Mia, Mangia! Even our entree of roasted strip steak with peppery arugula, sea salt and a hit of extra virgin olive oil was light, bright and as with all other dishes, had its own distinguishing trademark that made it unique and special. Now, every once in awhile a clunker exists on a menu... my trio was unfortunate enough, I think, to have unearthed Davanti's. The Pizza con Salsiccia e Rapini (with Italian mild sausage, broccoli rabe, garlic, chili oil, fresh mozzarella and tomato) was an overloaded, muddled and really bitter disaster. From one who subscribes to the "pizza is like sex; even when it's bad it's still pretty good" philosophy, this pizza was seriously like the worst sex ever. A book and warm blankie would have been better. A gorgeous dessert called Torta Bacio, a fluffy chocolate-hazelnut mousse with a crunchy, candy bottom nestled up to vanilla and hazelnut housemade gelato, quickly redeemed any bitterness I was holding on to from that ill-fated pizza pie. Hey-O! This is the sweet life I was looking for. Overall a nice experience and one unquestionably worth returning for. Ciao, Baby, Ciao!
(4)Alison M.
While I haven't been to Italy, I've been told that the food there is very simple, but mind blowing. That pretty much sums up the food at Davanti Enoteca. We started out with a $14 dollar bottle of wine, which the waitress recommended over the more expensive choice (thanks for your honesty!) Then we ordered a mason jar of ricotta and honey, which was served with giant pieces of toast. I could have made a meal out of this alone, but we had other dishes coming.... We had a very refreshing hearts of palm salad and an outstanding beet salad. Both were good, but the beet salad is a must-order again in the future. We also ordered the cacio e pepe, a simple pasta dish that only contains about 5 ingredients (salt, pepper, cheese, pasta) but is seriously life changing. And for dessert, we had a light as air hazelnut chocolate torte. It was so delicious, I can't stop thinking about it. You'll have to wait to go here-- we arrived at 6 and weren't seated until 7:15. But, you probably won't mind waiting because there's a wine bar across the street and also the food is totally worth it.
(5)Andrea G.
I don't think I will ever go back here. The space is great and the menu looked amazing. But the servers were a hot mess. And by mess, I mean they actually looked messy. I can appreciate a casual atmosphere, but they all looked sloppy, like they had rolled out of bed. Hard to know who worked there because they didn't have any defining mark, an apron, a t-shirt, nothing. And, I'm sorry, but I don't want to see your hot pink bra. There is such a thing as respect for your patrons. Plus, they were gathered in groups chit chatting quite loudly. Your guests DO NOT want to hear about your personal life. AND one server walked in the front door with slurpees from 7-eleven, and then a few minutes later another employee walked in with bags from McDonalds.... REALLLLLLY???? I worked in the restaurant industry for 12 years... from casual to high end. This was just TOTALLY off-putting and distracting. So if you want to hear more... the red wine was warm... wayyyyyy to warm and we had to ask for it to be chilled a bit. The waiter was very helpful and nice. We came in late afternoon for some wine and a small bite to eat. We ordered a cheese board. It seemed that one of the cheeses had not been stored properly. We also had the Pizza con salsiccia e rapini. It got delivered to us not cut. The food runner took it back and cut it. But I found the pizza to be dripping with oil. Literally... dripping down my chin after taking a bite. There was so much oil that you couldn't pick a slice of pizza up because the crust was drenched in oil. Needless to say I was SUPER disappointed. I have a million thoughts on why this experience was so bad... but ultimately I think it comes down to lack of attention to detail during a smaller volume time. But that is simply not an excuse. I don't even think this deserves on star... but c'est la vie.
(1)Kaitlyn R.
I could go on and on explaining how much I love this restaurant. Seriously, its great from all the different small plates to dessert! Do not pass up the ricotta and honey or the torta bacio (yes this is the dessert for you chocolate hazelnut nutella fanatics such as myself!). However, everything you need to know about this place can be summed up in one bite of the Davanti Burger aka the most blissful bite of burger you will ever experience. Go get one now. Or better on Monday when it's $10 for the burger + a tall glass of ice cold Peroni.
(5)Elvin Y.
Okay, I hate to burst the bubble of rave reviews for Davanti, but unfortunately I thought it was just mediocre. The food just didn't wow me, and at the end of the day, I would think a 4.5 star restaurant on Yelp would have wow worthy food. I will first off start with the good: * The décor rocks. All the details that went into this place really come together beautifully. From the hardwood floors, to the unique lighting, to the interior furniture and to the bar. It's really lovely, cozy and just wonderful. * Great wine list--and the prices per glass are pretty reasonable. The mediocre: * The food was just mediocre. We started off w/a platter of two cheeses and one meat. It was good, but nothing to jump up and down over. We then ordered the linguine w/the sea urchin. It definitely DID NOT live up to the hype of all the Yelpers- unfortunately. I liked the dish, but my date was not a fan of it and thought it was blah. To his credit, I can say there were barely any sea urchins in our dish. We then wanted to get the calamari that I read rave reviews about....but unfortunately they didn't have it on the menu. So our waiter advised us to get the grilled octopus. It was very blah and I only took a few bites of it. The sweet corn salad we got was probably the best thing that we ordered. We finished off the dinner w/some sherbet. That was fine, but again, nothing that was out of the ordinary. The bad: * No valet parking. This is annoying- especially when there is a huge storm brewing! Fortunately, last night I was able to score a spot right in front of the restaurant literally 1 minute before it started to come down like it was Armageddon. * No reservations. I know a lot of restaurants do this, but it's just annoying!
(3)Nicki W.
WOW. I had been hearing about Davanti for a little bit now, and I rarely get over to Little Italy anymore since college days are long gone. If you're looking for inexpensive Italian food that will blow your mind then get your little butts over here now! Seriously...do it now! In fact, I will go so far as to say I haven't had such great Italian cuisine in a great while. These guys are taking fresh and fulfilling to the next level. The space itself is very warm and inviting. The hardwood floors have a very rustic feel to them and the lighting fixtures are something I'd like to have for myself. In exterior does not reflect the lovely atmosphere on the inside. They've always told me you can't judge a book by its cover. It's cozy and perfect for any type of gathering. Date worthy? I would certainly say so! I dined on a Sunday night and it was pretty low-key. On Sundays, they have what is called "Sinful Sundays" where they offer no corkage fee when you bring your own wine. This is very good to know. On Wednesdays I noticed they also have $5 House Martinis. This is also a bonus! Service was friendly and just plain awesome. Let's talk about the food, because that is what's so amazing about this establishment in the first place! We started with the Calamari which in my opinion is pretty standard everywhere. I must say, I've never had a better order of Calamari in my life. They must sprinkle love potion all over their food because I've got stars in my eyes. My dining buddy for the evening tried Riccio di Mare e Granchio (linguine + sea urchin + crab). This is something I would have never ordered on my own, but it came highly recommended. BONUS! Since I was in the mood for fish, I ordered Spada Davanti, which was purely delightful and hit the spot. (grilled swordfish + brussel sprouts + pancetta + Calabrian chili) For desert, we had to try the torta bacio (chocolatehazelnut mousse + crunchy bottom + cocoa nibs) mmmmmmm. I can still taste it now!
(5)Chaz A.
I know lots of Italians. Real ones. I mean, i know the fake ones too. But i know lots of REAL italians. They always ask me, because well you know, they always askin' me, "Hey, Chaz. Hey, Hey. What's the best Italian restaurant here in Chi-City?" And before a few days ago, I would have to ask them a followup question "How Much do you wanna spend?" Because it used to be a very complicated question. If you want the grand poobah, Spiaggia is your best bet, but if you don't wanna break the bank, go to Topo Gigio. Well... now the answer to that question has got a hell of a lot simpler. 2 words: Davanti Enoteca. In fact, it may be the best casual restaurant in this very city, there I said it. I recommended the Chicken Liver Pate, among everything else. And the only thing i was minorly disappointed with was the polenta and ragu o' the day, but it changes, so I must've had bad luck. But i've been back, and I love this place with all of my heart, the cauliflower puree with scallops is also angel's tears. Overall, Davanti Rocks.
(5)Elton C.
Decent food, but overhyped.
(3)C W.
If you can get a table, this place is amazing. We had 3 kinds of pizza, all were great. Cheese and meat platter is a must. Lobster bisque is rich, but really good. Go on a nice day, get a table on the roof.
(5)Alan M.
This is now one of our favorites. We tried the warm kale salad, very tasty, and bruschetta with eggplant and marscapone cheese. We loved it. Then the rigatoni with sausage and finished with the carrot cake in a jar. The next evening, we just wanted Pizza and decided to try it again. This time we had the escarole salad which was fantastic and the manager said we had to try their signature focaccia and described how unique it is. With 3 kinds of cheese and local honey. It was fantastic, and the sopressota pizza was excellent. Highly recommended!
(5)Jeannine T.
I follow the hype - all about it! Sis: "Did you hear about the latest dining hot spot in Chicago?" Me: "No, OMG where?!?! " Sis: "It's called Davanti Enoteca- across the street from Francesca's." Me: "Say no more, I'm there." Sis: "They don't take reservations though." Me: "Hmm..." **Brainstorming on how to maximize my eating time @ Davanti.** I do the restaurant picking in the relationship, because I'm the real foodie. So 4 days before Valentine's Day, and still without a venue for dining, I decided to to check if Davanti was taking reservations for this holiday of love. Thank you food God! 6:15pm seating. Portions are small - tapas like dishes. I feel like that's been the recent trend for most new restaurants in Chicago. Every dish I ordered was pure deliciousness. I think the only words that came out of my mouth after tasting a new plate was "Omg you need to try this, it is SO good." Favorite of the evening: Mascarpone Polenta + Ragu. Davanti, you have impressed me. You've even managed to impress the bf and that's not easy! Service, FOOD, great cozy and simple decor, amazing wine list, and the ambiance made the 3 weeks wait worthwhile. We will meet again very soon.
(5)Matt P.
Good upscale Italian Food without the upscale prices.
(4)Matt L.
Have you seen I Shouldn't Be Alive on Animal Planet or Discovery? You know, the show where people set out on various outdoor adventures and then BAM! Some guy gets his foot mauled off by a rogue bunny rabbit and then some girl dies of acute hair failure after she runs out of product and whoever is left standing after they get rescued gets to narrate the tale to a high end cable network while people better looking than him/herself reenact the story for the camera. Well, fortunately, none of that happened to us, but a Tri Taylor tale (get it? Tale? Taylor? Never mind) of adventure did turn to one of disappointment. We rolled up 2 deep at 8-something on a Friday night and were seated immediately, which ruled, but after being seated, we sat... and sat... and sat. Our waiter eventually approached the starving us. He was perfectly nice and helpful, but seemed to be besties with someone at every table except ours, engaging in long conversations with various diners while we sat waiting. This happened over and over throughout the meal, and got old pretty quick. The food was hit and miss. The big hit was the warm squash, farro, hazelnut, goat cheese salad. The big miss was the pizza, whose crust was sad and droopy and which wasn't kicking much brand new flavor in anyone's ear. The rest of the food fell somewhere in between, but imo, few dishes were as good as the food at Purple Pig, which I never reviewed btw, so here is my review: 5 stars. Purple Pig is the best restaurant I've ever been to whose name combines a color with an animal. That includes Browntrout, Green Zebra, and Green Dolphin, the latter of which does serve up a mean braised dorsal fin. Fin. Anyway, when the bill came, we realized we'd been fully Munsoned. A corkage fee? Yes, a corkage fee for wine we ordered off the menu. *Hampster begins running on wheel* Great Scott!!! I've got it. Not a plan to go back to the future, but for a bar that serves $2 mixed drinks... with a nominal $5 mixing fee. In fairness, the corkage fee is listed somewhere on the wine menu if you look for it and the wines do seem reasonably priced, but it caught us off guard since we weren't looking for a corkage fee. (I say corkage a lot.) I feel bad dropping a deuce on Davanti, because I like the concept and I like all the other restaurants I've dined at in the Francesca family, but this was not a good experience, nor an inexpensive one.
(2)Kori E.
My boyfriend and I came here for a date night this past Saturday night and we had the BEST time. We arrived around 6 knowing there would be a bit of wait and wanting to have a drink at the bar. We ended up scoring two seats at the bar and enjoying some wine before our table was ready! We were starving and ordered right away the pork belly polenta and the Truffle egg toast. The polenta came first and was served table side, but we noticed it wasnt all that hot when we ate it? It was still delicious, just not as temperature hot as we would have liked. The truffle egg toast came next and that was BY far my favorite bite of the night. The eggs were perfectly runny and the truffle oil added such a kick of flavor. I could have ordered another one! We then had a pasta, which was pretty good and the leek, mushroom and truffle oil pizza. The pizza was definitely better than the pasta, and we actually ended up eating the whole thing! The flavors just worked so well together. For our dessert, we ordered the chocolate mousse and that was just as excellent as everything else we ate. We will definitely be back to try many other items they offer on their menu. Its such a cute date night spot, and we actually saw two people getting engaged that night! Super cute!
(4)Minna A.
Wow, everyone below is pretty much going to hate me. Davanti Enoteca, not impressed. Maybe it's my fault. So much hype had been given that my expectations were too high? The night started out ok, with a shared bottle of wine that was, as listed many times, priced fairly well. There was a good selection and cute presentation of the wine list. We ordered our bottle at the bar while we waited for our table.. the stranger part was when the hostess curtly told us our table was ready and didn't even offer to help us carry our glasses and wine to the table. Now the food. Truffle Toast... what a disappointment. I had heard such high acclaim only to be vastly disappointed. I was impressed when it came to the table, with such pretty presentation and fragrant smells of truffle, I was so excited! But the truffle was so deceptive, with wafts of truffle scent not making up for the utter lack of truffle flavor. The polenta was pretty amazing, but everything else was relatively forgettable. Maybe I'll give Davanti Enoteca another try, but it'll be with very low expectations.
(3)Tim Y.
Mother's Day is usually pretty hectic just about everywhere, so I'll give them a break on the false alarm delivery of other people's food to our table and lack of numerous items on the menu. It happens, and the food definitely made up for what was missing. Everything is designed to share, though the burger doesn't come in a sharing format. The risotto was excellent (inside joke: elmo agrees!) though having the egg swirled in table side turned at least one person off from trying it. More for me! The pizza (D.O.C.) was pretty good, though it wasn't anything super special. I really, really liked the focaccia and bruschetta. Meat and cheese plates are decently portioned, and quite tasty, but I'd opt for the mozzarella and tomatoes instead if I had to double up. One thing I didn't like was the pasta dish with meatballs. The meatballs were pretty small and reminded me of Chef Boyardee. The flavor wasn't offensive, but the meatballs were far too salty. Service was pleasant, seating was efficient and prompt, and the bill wasn't outrageous despite the crazy amount of food ordered and consumed.
(4)Adrian J.
I heard much about Davanti Enoteca but just never set out to be in that neighborhood at the right time. Finally the stars aligned and I went there for dinner around 6pm on a Friday. We were originally told the wait would be 1.5 to 2 hours but it ended up being around 30-40 minutes which is very nice. If you get there later, expect to wait much longer. I did order a gin cocktail at the bar which was nothing to rave about so stick to the wine. On Fridays they have discounted cheese plates so we ordered one of those. I decided the rest of the menu should consist of the following (thanks to yelp!): grilled asparagus, truffle egg toast, linguine with sea urchin and crab, and the grilled hanger steak. The linguine is amazing. You can definitely see why it's the most mentioned item in the reviews. Just the right amount of flavor. The truffle egg toast was also very delicious. The portions are not huge by any means but what we ordered was just the right amount for two people. The service was fantastic and attentive. There are only a few very minor things I can complain about (and i do mean minor). The food cooled very quickly after it was brought. Perhaps they can serve it on very hot plates so the food stays warm longer. This could also be due to the fact that we were sitting right by the window underneath an AC vent (that was closed) but nevertheless there was cold air seeping from above. The only other issue I had was in the washroom with the soap dispenser. I had to pump it about 20 times or so to get a decent amount of soap on my hands. Overall this is a great restaurant/wine bar. I can't comment on the wine since I did not try it but I can say that their wine list by the bottle has retail pricing. So you don't have to break the bank to come here. Just make sure you get there kind of early.
(5)Ramya P.
I go to school nearby and I came to know through a friend that the food here is supposed to be really good. So I already had high expectations. The first time I went there was actually a terrible experience. Obviously, 'cuz I went here on a Friday night with a bunch of friends. If I had written a review based on my experience that night, I'd have given it 1 star. But I knew yelp doesn't lie and decided to give it another try. This time for lunch on a weekday. I really enjoyed the ambience and the wine selections. I had the burrata (the mozzarella was to die for!!), beet salad with candied walnuts and the pizza with mushrooms and truffle oil. I liked both the taste and the presentation of these dishes. I loved Davanti the second time around and now I'll go there only at times I know for sure that its not going to be crowded.
(4)Emma C.
I really had a two star experience, because I left hungry after spending $60, but I have to be fair, three out of four dishes were outstanding: roasted eggplant, mozzarella, pesto and tomato sauce in a little mason jar spread on lovely toast, and grilled romaine salad that tasted almost like toasted marshmallows if not for the anchovy, and the whitefish with fennel and grapefruit was so delicate and delicious. I told my husband when I ordered the pasta, "I bet it's one $10 single ravioli smothered in raw egg." He laughed and said, of "course there will be at least three, and they mix the egg with the ricotta." Guess who was right. Cut into it and a runny egg spilled forth. Ugh, someone else might like that, but I was grossed out and didn't touch it. I was really in the mood for great pasta, and from many of the reviews I gather too late that this is not their forté. Luckily, I was out with a handsome man, so nothing seemed too bad. The waiter was so cordial, fresh beer on tap, really beautiful rustic decor with awesome light fixtures and wine bottles everywhere (pretty romantic, too, in a low-key hipster way), kind of weird, loud music. Small plates are always regrettable to me, because they seemed to get finished just as I'm really starting to revel in the dish, or they aren't very good and cost a lot. I had a bit of both of this here, and probably wouldn't hurry back. When I get Italian food, personally, I like to leave with leftovers and an extra inch on my waistline. But if you like tapas and Italian food, you will love this place.
(3)Patrick G.
okay, I have to update my review, as I went back to Davanti like 5 hours after I wrote it. Most of the menu had changed for the winter, and I was disappointed...then I ate, and I was not even close to disappointed. The butternut squash salad with farro and goat cheese cream was one of the best things I've ever put in my mouth, and I put lots of things in my mouth. Also, we got the ragu, which was milk braised pork shoulder. Always get the ragu...just for the marscapone polenta alone, but the ragu is always amazing. Next, we had the octopus with horseradish aioli and fingerling potatoes. The octopus must have been cooked for forever, because it was so tender it was like cream. Always get the cheese plate, and whatever has the word truffle in it will clearly send a taste-bud freak out to your synapses. Also...always get the Cacio e pepe as your pasta dish...it's delightfully simple and just a great mid-meal course. Two great bottles of wine, 5 dishes, cheese plate, 3 friends, 40 bucks each. I don't think you can ask for much better, honestly.
(5)Mari K.
Yes, I've been dragged out of Yelp hibernation by this fantastic restaurant. Davanti Enoteca has that "I'm dining in the wine cellar of my best friend's castle" feel to it. Ok, maybe not castle. But wine cellar? Yes. It's both a restaurant and wine shop. The walls are lined with bottles to take home and enjoy at your table. There's a $7 corkage fee, which actually isn't too bad considering their wines are pretty reasonably priced (or so I was told.) The brick walls, rustic lighting (you know, the trendy filament bulbs), and lots of wood work give this place a nice warm feel to it. Onto the food. We ordered a lot, so here's the run down of our favorites. focaccia di Recco- Amazing. The focaccia came out warm and perfectly crispy, while the cheese inside was soft and fluffy. This is a MUST, especially if you have a decent sized party (6 or more). Davanti Burger- everyone was raving about this at our table. We had a party of 9, so we ordered 2 burgers and split them. Sorry, I don't know how to explain this one... order it, or at least sit next to a friend who's willing to share with you. It comes with shoestring fries! Polpo con Rafano- seared octopus with potatoes, almonds, and horseradish. You can't really go wrong with seared octopus. Got octophobia? Then this is a great starter dish. Paccheri con Salsiccia e Pomodori al forno- rigatoni pasta with sausage. Wow, the pasta was thicker than usual and had a pleasant chewiness to it. The pasta portions are small, so make sure you order enough! truffle egg toast + fontina + asparagus- I didn't try this dish, but I heard it was heavenly. If there's anything that fell below expectations, it was the pizza. Other than that, everything was wonderful. I'd come back in a heartbeat.
(5)Megan B.
I went here for a very special evening with my significant other. It only added more wonderful feelings to that night. Expect a wait. We waited for probably two hours on a Saturday night in the middle of winter. Luckily there was a wine bar across the street - all of whose inhabitants were waiting as well. The restaurant calls when seats open and the atmosphere and wait staff are so friendly and inviting, that even after the wait I was immediately happy to be there. I am of Italian descent and generally don't find Italian restaurants all that exciting. However, the dishes here are not your typical Italian-American fare, and I have rarely tasted anything so great. The mascarpone polenta with ragu is perfect. I can imagine its richness and creamy texture now. The foccacia with soft cow cheese is also excellent. We also had farro and swordfish dishes that were quite enjoyable. We had no room for dessert. I wish I hadn't filled up on a crappy cheese plate at the wine bar while waiting. I would definitely reserve this place for special occasions though I would love to have the opportunity and funds to return here often. They do have take out deals during the week that I may have to try sometime...
(5)Stephanie S.
This restaurant is the definition of an enoteca. Great place for drinks and small dishes that are classic Italian with a modern twist. My husband is from Italy and some of his favorite dishes are on the menu and have gained his approval. Definitely will be going back!
(4)Dutch B.
This is the only place I've been to in Chicago that has a "REAL" wine by the glass list. most places have garbage by the glass. Not here, they put some thought into it, and are very fair with the prices... Food outstanding, again prices are amazing for quality. Sarah was our sever and was splendid.. Rocking brunch too.. good job folks.
(5)Roxy A.
What they say about this place is true...in this case believe the hype b/c davanti enoteca is MOLTO BENE (very good in Italiano)!!!!! The bf took me here for dinner last night since we saw so many rave reviews on yelp & were glad that it was so closeby to us located on Taylor St. There is a wide selection of wine @ davanti b/c after all it is a wine bar, but I opted for one of the specialty martinis since Wednesday's special is $5 martinis. I went for the "Acai Fizz" (acai vodka & lemoncello) it was really tasty & pretty strong, but then again I'm a major lightweight so one of these was enough for me. We started off with the toast served with fresh ricotta & honey comb...the warm bread with the ricotta & honeycomb mixed together was SO good i almost had a "jizz in my pants" moment. For antipasti I wanted to order something a bit lighter so I would still have room for our pasta so we opted for the roasted hearts of palm. I really liked the small plates because the bf & I ordered 2 different pastas that were nicely sized portions to share. The bf ordered the giant rigatoni-loved the sauce & the sausage was really good too. Once I saw the "Riccio di Mare e Granchio" (Linguine with sea urchin & crab) I knew right away that's what I wanted to order because I LOVE LOVE LOVE sea urchin!!! If you've never tried it before this would be a great dish to try because ordering it by itself at a Japanese restaurant (sea urchin aka uni) might be too overwhelming for some. In this dish the flavors of the sea urchin balance really nicely with the linguine and the pieces of crab..never thought sea urchin would be so good with pasta!!!!! Nice ambience. Great service. Good drinks. Awesome food for a decent price...definitely will be back soon!!!!
(5)Jeanie P.
4.5 stars Asking why you must come to Davanti Enoteca is like asking why you have to play that next level of Angry Birds....you just have to. Anyway the star of the night really was the marscapone polenta which had the best creamy texture and depth in flavor with the ragu of the night. (happened to be a mix of veal, beef, and sausage--slightly salty but forgiveable). The pizza with mushrooms/leeks/truffle oil was stellar and had real depth of flavor in the multiple cheeses! Yes of course I swoon at any mention of truffle oil.. but the combination of the braised leeks and mushrooms really was creative and well executed. The toast with egg/truffle oil/asparagus was a wonderful combination of texture crunchy toast, melty cheese, and runny egg.. but I'm not sure if I would order it again just b/c there are so many other things on the menu. Also the eggs come slightly undercooked/runny for those who are wary of such things. Also tried the cannoli sundae which was basically like a full sundae cup of the cannoli ricotta filling and chocolate chips with pieces of crushed fried cannoli shells. To be fair, I'm more of a marscapone cannoli type of girl. That said, I wasn't really very impressed with this dish at all and wouldn't order it again. Overall, the service was great.. Waiter was helpful and friendly. Although I hate when the service clears food before you are done and you are wistfully watching it gone gone gone away before you can stop them. I find their wine list on that humongous wine bottle rather obnoxious...and heavy! Very reasonable priced paid about ~$25 per person without drinks. I think the pricing really adds to the rating of this place. Hate that they don't take reservations.. get there early! Haven't seen a creative menu like this in a long time!! love it!
(5)Hoang L.
Best Italian restaurant in town. -Chicken Liver Pate. Good. Bring the rest home because you won't finish it. -Truffle Egg Toast, Fontina & Asparagus. Amazing. -Davanti Burger. Very good burger. Fries were unique but not my cup of tea. -Pollo Solo Mio. Even the white meat was so tender and juicy. Service. Perfect. Extremely helpful and so friendly without making it look fake. Coke refills without even asking. Our waitress didn't even interrupt us when doing so. That's pro. Decor. Love the subtle Christmas decorations. Love the wall full of wine. Love the brick. The hooks to hang your coats are so creative. They use old school keys and they're all different. Add so much character. Come on a Sunday and there's no corkage fee. Sweet. Other specials every day of the week! Will definitely be back to try the rest of the menu.
(5)Kristin R.
Oh Davanti...I had high hopes for you and I so want to give you more than three stars. But you haven't earned them. First off, this place is in university village, which I have never been to but actually quite adored. It is quite the charming little neighborhood. But anyway...on to my experience at Davanti. First off, I was accompanied by a handsome gentleman, always a good way to start dinner. Secondly, we were seated right away. We called ahead of time, and seeing as this was the Friday after Thanksgiving, there weren't massive crowds so the wait was non existent. The service here was laughable, unfortunately. Our waiter was nice and genuine, but he was more concerned with chatting it up with his friends at the other table. We seemed to be sitting for days before we were approached about ordering a bottle of wine and maybe some appetizers. And this happened more than once, which was a damn shame. The food was a hit and miss but I think we also may have ordered wrong. The star of the evening was the squash, fennel and goat cheese salad. This was by far the most delicious dish of the night. I could have eaten the entire thing on my own, and didn't really want to share, but I thought that was the nice thing to do (all dishes are meant to be shared). We also ordered the pizza, which was a sad sad story. Not good, at all. How can one really screw up pizza? I didn't think it was possible, but Davanti did manage to screw it up. It was just the margherita pizza but patrons: STEER CLEAR. We also ordered a beet salad, which I thought was just OK but DISCLAIMER: I don't like beets. Lastly, we ordered some pork stew thing which I did quite enjoy and I am not a big meat eater, but this was pretty darn good. The tipper of the evening, and I can ONLY imagine that this pisses customers off more than anything, is that we were charged a corkage fee. Yes yelpers, we were charged to de-cork (de-cork? un-cork?) a bottle of wine that we bought at the restaurant. I'll have to admit, their wine prices are quite low so I'm not totally shocked that they pulled a fast one on us. If this is some kind of marketing ploy to sell wine at cheaper prices but then hit their customers with the corkage fee, I'll have to say it kind of really sucks. And it only aggravated us. I tend to scrutinize the bill to make sure everything is right so of course I caught this. But I can imagine many parties just pay without even really looking...which is also a damn shame. Davanti, please change this policy. it is lame and makes me like you less. I would like to try Davanti again, but just switch up the ordering a bit. That awesome fennel, goat cheese, squash salad makes me believe that there are other equally amazing dishes on the menu that we just didn't have the opportunity to try. Also, make sure your waiters are doing their job and SERVING their customers.
(3)Jane T.
My date and I came here early to avoid the long wait, but still had to wait a good 40 minutes. And now that I've seen the crowd that gathers, 40 minutes seems like almost nothing. It went from a slightly full restaurant to jam packed within 30 minutes. As we sat at the bar enjoying our beer and each other's company, the bartender came around with a mushroom pizza for everyone to try. First bite you could really taste the truffle oil. I love truffle oil (try it on fries!). It was amazing, I would seriously go back just to order 5 of those to-go, then store them in my fridge and munch on them throughout the week. When you first visit Davanti, keep in mind that the portions are small. As our waitress stated, "it's like tapas" so order a couple to share. For 2 of us, we ordered the Risotto Carbonara, the Swordfish and Linguine w/ Sea Urchin + Crab. The risotto, although very tasty, felt like it need a little bit more cook time. The swordfish was amazing and its bed of vegetables were the best complement. And (saving the best for last) the linguine was top notch. I love sea urchin and this is the first time I've had it served other than raw at a sushi restaurant. You could taste that it was fresh and brought a creaminess to the pasta that no other ingredient could do. If you're new to sea urchin, this is the dish to try. It was my favorite of the night. I just wish we had more time to stick around and actually try some appetizers and desserts but we were in a rush. I'll be back though!
(5)Natalie G.
My favorite Italian restaurant in the city for sure - simple and fresh ingredients, warm atmosphere. The focaccio di recco is ridiculous. Other favorites include: squash/farro salad, kale, burrata, burger night, arugula pizza, soppressata pizza, etc. I would come back here every week for the rest of my life!
(5)Phaic N.
Good food. Atmosphere leaves a little to be desired. It's very casual. The music selection is pretty abhorrent too... expect the Beach Boys. So, it's weird to be able to get some really tasty food. I don't like the pretentious dining generally. But, this is a bit too kitchy. But if you want decent food and don't care about reading the wine by the glass list off of a comically large wine bottle that the waiters and waitresses pass around, then go for it.
(4)Ken E.
I had the margarita pizza. it was almost the best thing that I have ever eaten in my life. I cannot wait to go back. Great !!!!!
(5)Isabella D.
I love love this place. Me and a girlfriend were craving risotto and pizza. After a quick google search for "Chicago pizza and risotto," it led us here. And I'm so glad it did. We showed up late on a Monday night, and they still had a pretty good dinner crowd. We debated with the host over a table or a seat at the bar, and she set us up at a great table in the back since it was our first visit. Table 27 to be exact. The table numbers are on each table; which I loved, because 27 is my favorite number. Already off to a great start. Everyone here is so friendly. The busboys and other servers greeted us on our way to our table. Water was promptly brought, and our waitress Brittney shortly followed. We started off with the roasted corn salad. The combination of corn, walnuts, aged goat cheese, argulga and mushrooms was amazing. After reading over the menu, I was about to forgo my original plan for pizza, and turned to Brittney for some advice. She explained everything very well to me, and I settled on the Raviolo 'San Domenico.' One large raviolo, ricotta, egg and spinach. Definitely not your grandmothers rav, but to die for. My friend enjoyed the beet salad and risotto; and I know she enjoyed it because, neither of us spoke to each other for a good 10 minutes! I was pleasantly full, but still could not help but wonder how great the pizza was. So as my friend was ordering dessert, I quickly blurted out "Cheese pizza!" The waitress must have thought this was our last meal on earth. The pizza came out; and of course, amazeballs (as Giuliana Rancic would say). The chocolate mouse dessert shortly followed, and now it was official. Everything was great from start to finish. We were unable to finish the pizza or dessert, but that had nothing to do with lack of flavor. Only lack of room in our stomachs. We will hopefully be moving to the neighborhood shortly, and I'm looking forward to being a regular here. I already told my father (who grew up just a couple miles from Davanti) that I have to take him there. Like I said earlier; its not your grandmother's pasta, but this contemporary flare on traditional Italian dishes is the pasta every grand daughter should introduce to her family!
(5)Alex P.
Maybe it was a bad first experience. First off, if I'm going to a fine Italian joint, I want bread and oil on the table. There was none. Secondly,we ordered a shaved artichoke salad, which was precisely what it sounds like. A pile of soggy shaved artichoke with no flavor. It was a very sad $10 salad. The pizza was a huge winner. Prosciutto with a nice blend of cheese. And our last course, a baked sausage and rotini was good but nothing very spectacular. Maybe the soggy shaving salad and lack of bread and oil was a bad start to my first impression. All in all, I'd much rather go to Francesca's.
(2)Annie W.
Wow! This place is so unexpected on Taylor St! Came here on a Sunday night, was promptly seated. This space is so cute and cozy yet hip in its own way. I'm excited to return back for more. First, I HIGHLY recommend the polenta + ragu. Creamy and satisfying...unlike any other polenta you've had! Crispy pork belly with apple mustard sauce (sweet with a kick) is also a steal--two huge pieces of fat, skin super crispy and savory as promised. The corn salad is also a must because the wild mushrooms really make it a winner. We almost didn't get this because I didn't want any salad but so glad my friend insisted...otherwise I would've totally missed out! We weren't as crazy about the pastas. The lobster/sea urchin linguini dish was quite good. You can tell the linguini was very fresh but they were a little skimp on the urchin. We just weren't blown away. The risotta felt undercooked and bland. The pizzas all around us looked pretty fabulous. Like i said, can't wait to try more!
(4)Jayde L.
Nothing was really too memorable. I was disappointed in the Ricotta & Local Honey Comb. I mean it's good, but not outstanding. I also thought the toast was too oily for my taste- very reminiscent of The Purple Pig. Actually, the whole restaurant's ambience and setting does king of remind me of the Purple Pig. Continuing on with the food, as for the sea urchin linguini that have been a rave per the reviews, I had better at a japanese pub. Seriously! Too bad it's closed now. The most unique dish was the octopus entree. Good but again, not great. I can't even recall its name. Too mediocre to come by again since there's definitely more options in all of Chicagoland. Ok now Yelp, take this You Next Review Awaits screen away now that I posted my two cents.
(3)Colleen D.
This is a very cute place. They have a nice outdoor upstairs - not a ton of tables but last time I was here there was space for myself and my two guests. It isn't a traditional Italian restaurant - more like a tapas type of Italian.....I asked our server Andrew to help us pick some things - so he brought out a couple of appetizers - pork something on cheese and really good ceaser salad. He even recommeneded a really good bottle of wine. We will definately be back.
(5)Brian P.
Love this place, although the wait can be hit or miss. Definitely go for the sea urchin pasta.
(4)Matthew K.
I have nothing but good things to say about Davanti Enoteca. This place is casual, comfortable, pretty tasty, and seems to have the market on excellent employees. Everyone was incredibly nice. I stopped in to Davanti Enoteca on a Friday night. I decided to stop in for a slightly later dinner (9:00) because they don't take reservations and I turn into a 6-year old when I have to wait in lines. I did have to wait--they said it would be 45 minutes--but I think we were seated in 10. There isn't a lot of room at the front of the restaurant to stand around, so I'm glad it didn't take too long. We had already polished off a bottle of wine at the last place, so we were pretty hungry and ready to go. Everything looked good and I just kept ordering, so we had some cheeses (bland and definitely the low point of the meal), the beet salad (very good), pizza (good), octopus (excellent), and the steak (good). True to the other reviews, the wine selection was affordable. Service, from the hostess to the bar to the waiter, was consistently great. And the atmosphere was definitely upbeat and fun. This place is worth the visit.
(4)Calvin L.
WOW! What a great dinner! I grew up in the city of Chicago, Have worked in the industry (restaurant) for nearly a decade, ....(so I know what I'm talking about)......and Davanti is exceptional. This is my first yelp review , so go easy on me........ To be honest, I let our peerless Waiter (Erik) choose our culinary adventure. So Im not sure what we had........but Ill try and recap the first courses, which involved luscious corn, mushrooms, goat cheese and bitter greens that were beyond amazing. Next up was an amazing taste of flavors of (beef or pork?....im ashamed I cant remember) But it matters not, it was a "special", served with "fries" like potatoes, braised meat (i think) and super tender...........So yummy! Finally, a pizza that was like a culinary orgasm! And desserts that were sweet but weren't excessive or cloying..... The Decor?, ....Sleek, sexy and hip..... The staff? LOVELY to look at. Really, the place deserves four and a half stars.......its close to perfect.....on my next visit ill talk about the wine list! All in all, a killer experience! Great food! Great service! Great ambiance! What else does a true Chicago boy go out for?
(5)Rebecca N.
My sister and I stopped here for lunch last week, based on the rave reviews from Yelp! My Quick Dish: Ambiance: Cute, warm, comfortable Area: high tops or reg. table seating, great bathrooms! wine shop in the back (and they have the license needed to sell un-opened bottles yay! or $7 corking fee for in-house enjoyment, full bar w/stools Main Eats: +reasonably priced,+The giant rigatoni w/ spicy tomato sauce was amazing! -BUT, the seasonal bruschetta left much to be desired. It was cold and OUT of season, cold butternut squash and and pine nuts in February? I think not. Also, they topped her risotto with a raw egg? Weird. Sweets: +The Chocolate Mousse was perfection! Service: Gavin or something..He was awesome and very helpful with the very Italian menu items. +I would definitely go for dinner, perhaps they could impress me a bit more & to buy some wine from their extensive wine list + Would be great atmosphere for a date/groups
(3)Ashley H.
This is one of my favorite places to go for an affordable wine selection and perfect tapas. I say perfect because I think their serving size is on point, the taste is great and the price is right!
(5)Janice W.
I'm sold. We were looking for something open on New Years day while heading back from the south side and found this on Yelp - so glad we did. Everyone is right about the Bread with Ricotta and Honey - to die for. Everything we had was fantastic and the place is cozy and warm. We can't wait to go back - Saturday night dinner, Sunday brunch, Wednesday - who cares. I'd be there all the time if I lived closer.
(5)Jasper N.
SPOT. ON. Everything about the experience was sublime...from the atmosphere, to the service and especially the food! What a great concept...thanks for bringing originality to Little Italy!!
(5)Jen B.
Davanti is one of the best restaurant experiences of my life. Warm atmosphere, amazing Italian cuisine, on point service, good prices. This place has it all. I dare you to have a bad time. Start with drinks in the bar, pop open a bottle of wine at your table, and then go crazy. The dishes are perfect size for ordering a bunch and sharing. I tried the cheese course, the canellini bean bruschetta, honey comb and ricotta, ravioli and margherita pizza... among others I can't recall. Honestly, the pizza was just standard but everything else was effing delicious. Esp the bruschetta and the honeycomb. Inventive but not over the top. I would recommend everything I tried in a heartbeat. Perfect for family dinner, date night, drinks for gurrrrls night. This is one of those places you won't be able to stop raving about to your friends.
(5)