We highly enjoyed our dinner at this little restaurant. High quality, hand made pastas, tasty risotto with fresh seafood, fresh bread, good service and nice ambiance.
(4)
Janet E.
Wow. I'm so glad this place was one of the participating restaurant week restaurants. The food here was delicious. We tried the: appetizers Octopus Genovese (with roasted potatoes & pesto sauce) Fava e Pecorino (served warm with aged Pecorino & truffle oil) Modella pizza (Stracchino, wild mushrooms, arugula, prosciutto, truffle oil) main course Spicy seafood pasta Grilled scallops and shrimp Pennoni Carbonara (Bacon, Egg yolk, pecorino & parmesan Cheese) dessert Tiramisu Everything was so good. My favorites were all the appetizers. Service was spectacular. Ambiance was wonderful. A small little restaurant with a nice cozy feeing. Parking can be difficult.
(5)
Melissa N.
We found a real gem in this cozy little spot near Lincoln Park. A true Milanese bistro, the menu features a number of small plates, pastas, and upper-crust pizzas, in addition to classic meat and seafood dishes. A great place for a tasting party with friends! In fact, the two of us had the three-course tasting menu, which comes with your choice of appetizer/soup/salad, risotto/pasta/pizza, and dessert... Which gave us six yummies to share. You pick from the open menu. We started with a grilled calamari plate and carpaccio salad. The calamari was tender, buttery and kissed with sweet roasted garlic then finished with lemon. Don't expect rings, this is classic filet style. The carpaccio was perfectly thin and tender, with very fresh arugula, parm shavings and avocado, which was a surprise. It needed a little lemon for my taste, which the waiter brought promptly. The Saffron Risotto Milanese came next. Simmered in a veggie broth, the saffron flavor was rich and fragrant; but what really made the dish was the tender veal and ricotta meatballs. Sooo yummy!! But wait... We also had the Risotto Funghi with truffle oil... Decidedly better than sex. O. M. G. The rice was oh-do creamy, and the mushroom-truffle flavor was downright decadent. I blushed with every bite! Finishing off the meal was a lovely, light panna cotta. More like a Creme Carmel than any I've had before, it was smooth and creamy, but not overwhelming. The pistachio gelato was classic - great full flavor and an ample portion, too... A belt-loosening, perfect finish to a decadent bistro dinner. The wine list was thoughtful and offered some tasty Italian treasures. We had the Vitis Friuli Grave Cabernet Franc, which was medium bodied, with light fruit and a very smooth finish. I'm looking for more "business" opportunities to return to Chicago, just so I can enjoy another meal here!!
(5)
Kara H.
Based off the reviews of this place, I had higher hopes. The service was great (loved our waiter), we were seated immediately, and the ambiance was nothing special but it was cute. They also served a good Malbec which is a plus in my book. The food, however, left something to be desired. None of my party walked away loving their meal. I ordered the Chicken Milanese, which was a very large portion , however I`ve never had this dish where it's served dry. The chicken, although cooked well, without any sauce or bruschetta-like topping, was pretty much the same thing as ordering a schnitzel. It did come with some greens. The next member of my party ordered the trout, which he enjoyed, however the portion was just comically small next to the other dishes on the table. This was served with 3 pieces of asparagus. Lastly, the third member ordered a pizza. As this was the reason we came here (she was looking for neopolitan pizza), we had high hopes, however the black olives were so salty she couldn't finish the pizza and the crust was not what she was expecting. The table next to us both ordered pasta which looked amazing and a good sized portion, so I would recommend that route when dining here.
(3)
Mia W.
This cozy Italian restaurant in Lincoln Park is perfect for a small group or date. I definitely recommend calling ahead for a reservation on the weekend. We were seated within a couple of minutes of our reservation time, and the servers were very attentive. If they have it, I would definitely recommend their daily special Olive Cunzate - warm, seasoned olives in oil. For a vegetarian option, the ravioli filled with ricotta cheese and spinach and topped with pesto sauce was a delicious (but very heavy) option.
(4)
P G.
We were looking for authentic Italian in a casual setting. For us it is all about the authenticity. Riccardo Enoteca is spot on. They deliver. Our server was polite, accurate and efficient. He anticipated our questions and stayed one step ahead of us. I suspect that people who left negative reviews are used to other Italian-American-immigrant-style cooking (also great when authentic). But this is intended to be true Italian; and, the authenticity shines through. If you haven't been, and wonder what Italy is like, try this restaurant.
(5)
Katie B.
Thank you to yelp for helping my family and I find this place! We had a concert and needed a place close to the venue, and yelp definitely pulled through. There was no wait and we were seated right away outside on the cute little outdoor seating section. I was pleasantly surprised with the prices on the menu- they were comparable to ferndale/royal oak, mi, where I live, not outrageous big city prices. The waiters were polite and prompt and were very helpful. You could tell they made their own pasta and the pizza made in the wood fire oven was outstanding. Would visit here again in a heart beat.
(5)
CNP ny c.
The food was fantastic, it was affordable and so so romantic!! It really is a gem in this neighborhood. It feels like you are in Chicago decades past, I wouldn't have been surprised if a mobster walked in jk. Had the best octopus that I've tasted in Chicago. I haven't been to the trattoria yet but really want to try it.
(5)
Adriana B.
Excellent wine selection but the food was disappointing. I tried the mussels and calamari antipasti and while the presentation was beautiful for both dishes, the mussels tasted like they've been soaking in moldy water and the calamari was rubbery. I had veal for my main course and the cutlets were tiny and not fried to a nice crisp. The veal dish I had was with lemon but too much was added, the dish was incredibly sour and not enjoyable. I was also turned off by the fact that they charged $5 for a bread bowl. My friends had pasta and loved it but it's hard to mess up Fettuccini Alfredo. Skip this place and go to Club Lucky in Bucktown instead if you're craving Italian.
Solid Lincoln Park wine bar! The Cod special was a little bland but everything else (tricolor salad, pesto ravioli and wine) was great! I would go back and i would recommend it to a friend :)
(4)
Michael B.
Charming, cozy, welcoming 12-15 table neighborhood gem providing fabulous food and service. Fresh, authentic,top of the line ingredients. This place delivers a most satisfying night out with a date or good friends. A full bar offers an adequate selection of boutique Italian and other wines, grappas and liquours. We had the 1) Eggplant Parmigiana, 2) Fish stew Cioppino style in white wine and spicy tomato broth 3) Soft thin crust Stracchino, wild mushrooms, arugula, prosciutto [San danielle], truffle oil pizza and 4) vanilla white chocolate panna cotta. All memorable. Prices are fair and reasonable for the level of quality and service you receive. Valet parking across the street. A charming delightful experience with great food and service.
(4)
Mike P.
My wife and I eat out a lot and we have plenty of faves however there are but a few that have specific dishes we crave, this is one. While we have enjoyed all of the meals we've had here the Pizza Sardenara is, SPECIAL. It is the closest to my dear Sicilian Grandmother's. We spoke of it for a month until we were able to return. I'm just saying.
(4)
Theo c.
My wife and I had dinner here tonight. 5pm reservation (place opens at 5). Small place barely anyone there when we arrived. Server took our order quickly. Brought us the wine and salads we ordered. All good. An hour later nothing. Finished our wine - 30 minutes later we were asked if we wanted more. Table next to us same thing. I understand it is Sunday of the holiday weekend and that service maybe slow - hard to get staff I am sure. When people who arrived 30 minutes later than us got served then you become less understanding. When our food (which was good) did arrive I asked our server what took so long. He told us that there was a large order to go. I don't own a restaurant but I would think that patrons in my restaurant would have a higher priority than take-out. Give the take-out folks a realistic time frame as to not impact the folks in your restaurant. Summary good food but for $ 85 not worth the wait. Also could have handled so much better - COMMUNICATE with your patrons that the food is taking a little longer (not sure why pasta took so long) Place is so close to my house that I wish I had had a better experience. Too many great restaurants in Chicago with GREAT service. Take a pass on this place.
(2)
Chad C.
Has a fancy, classic Italian vibe. The Modella pizza is amazing. I haven't tried the others, but now I want to!
Excellent service, a friendly environment. The waiters were on top of everything that we needed it. The food was way beyond delicious, the wine that the waiter recommended was exquisite, in general this is a place to enjoy a fun time with your loved ones while eating a extraordinary Italian food.
(5)
Colleen B.
I was looking for a place to try that met the following criteria: - Worth the trek out of our own neighborhood - Not super duper expensive - Doesn't require a reservation three years in advance I happened upon Riccardo Enoteca and the reviews sounded like it fit the bill so I made a reservation for the next night. It wasn't crowded at all when we got there at 8:30 on a Friday night so while I didn't have to make the reservation, I'm glad we did just in case. We really enjoyed absolutely everything from the fantastic service, yummy food, and the overall ambience of the restaurant. The wine options were just a little more expensive than I wanted to spend that night so we stuck to beer, which went well with the pizza and pasta. I would especially recommend Riccardo Enoteca if you live nearby or have easy access along Clark St. We'll definitely be trying the Trattoria across the street.
(5)
Mary T.
In a word, excellent. The sign of a fantastic meal is one you are still talking about days, nay weeks later. It surprises me that the average rating isn't higher - we were pleasantly impressed with our meal. Riccardo Enoteca, the very little sister of Riccardo Trattoria across the street, occupies the old Clark Bar space. They've done wonders with the space, you'd never know it was a neighborhood dive that had seen better days. There are maybe 15 tables, and about 8 seats spread across two bars; ideal for parties of 1-2. In warmer months, there is also a small patio. I highly suggest making reservations, rather than dropping in in our way to a show at Park West, like we did. We got lucky and got the last two seats at the counter/bar near the kitchen overlooking the whole restaurant. We split two dishes - the caprese pizza and tortelloni al pesto. Pizzas come in a variety of styles; ours had a thicker, almost pan-style crust and was maybe 9" in diameter. The pizza was good, but the shining star of our meal and the dish we're still talking about was the tortelloni. Our order came with approximately 5 handmade tortelloni; we marveled at how delicious, delicate and fresh the pasta tasted. I've had my fair share of homemade pasta and this is some of the best I've had in a long time. Given how great our dinner at Riccardo Enoteca was, I'm kicking myself for only dining at Riccardo Trattoria once. That. must. change. 4.5 stars - the pasta was phenomenal, the pizza was good, but not as special.
(4)
Maria P.
Let's face it, as much as my other half and I love to eat out and try new places, there are some places that we keep coming back to. This place is on the list! It's a cozy, small place on Clark & Webster with a rather inviting menu. We've had the bacon wrapped scallops numerous times and we would both would highly recommend those. If you love arugula, look no further. I love their salad options as they are super healthy and delicious. The one I had last night had sliced artichokes and freshly shaved pecorino drizzled with a lemon dressing. Out of sight! I also love their salad with the toasted goat cheese; definitely another favorite. The Pizza Sardenara is so delicious and keeps calling us back. Carmelized onions, anchovies, olives, and tomatoes... Wow. For a small place they have a pretty decent wine list and hard liquor options. Oh and the coffee comes nice and hot! Bonus. Still have to try the dessert!
(4)
Chris H.
Wow - excellent pizza, salads, pasta and service. A very quaint establishment with wonderfully attentive servers. Definitiely recommend this establishment.
(5)
Jeff C.
Only problem with the place, it's too small! You will wait for a table. The food was great. Our table liked sharing the plates. Wine list is nice. It's a great addition to the neighborhood. It's not great for kids-but they do have pizza.
My boyfriend lives around the corner from Riccardo and it is one of our favorite go-to spots for dinner in the neighborhood. The pizzas are great and pasta preparations always flavorful. My favorite dinner there is the arugula salad with lemon, artichoke hearts and Parmesan followed by whatever the special fish is for the night - always fresh and expertly prepared. The food is just as good as at Trattoria across the street but in a slightly more relaxed atmosphere. All the staff is very friendly and welcoming, but ask for Christiano, he's the best!
(5)
Saba A.
Hugely disapointing, food and service! Came in on a Monday night around 6:30 and waited for a girl friend. It was completey empty but I still decided to stay. After a few minutes, my girl friend came in and she was not greeted, just stared at, and then saw me. We started chit chatting and ordered waters. Bread was nothing special, and neither was the olive oil. She was not impressed by the menu, she is Italian and cultured and she said the menu's items did not go together, meaning the ingredients! I was embarrassed to have recommended this spot considering she's Italian and this was a new business with fairly good reviews. I got a pasta dish made in a wood fire oven and she got a sandwich. It took them 15 minutes to be made which is sad considering we were the only two there and we visibly saw 3 employees working. Neither of us ate even a half of our food. I have ate pastas better from Noodles and Company and I've seen a better sandwich created at Cosi's. Never stepping in again. I hope for them as a new business, they do better.
(2)
Dennis S.
First day open. A great place. We stopped in for wine and small plates before dinner at Riccardo Trattoria across the street. The decor is unimpressive. Good, but not special. The tables are a bit crowded together, and the decorations are also nothing special. It's not nearly as classy as Riccardo Trattoria across the street. Neither is the wine list. I expected a great selection of Italian wines - I got a nice selection of wines from everywhere. So why come? For the food! The menu has appetizers, cheeses, Italian meats, salads, pizzas, pianinis, and a long list of small plates. But the small plates are not that small. And the selection of Italian dishes is terrific. At reasonable prices. We shared cecina garbanzo crepes and burratas with fresh tomatoes. Both were delicious, each large enough for four of us to share. Note: Only one of the five medium sized thick crust pizzas has meat. This is NOT a Chicago pizza parlor. It's a truly Italian enoteca with a giant selection of small plate foods. Attentive service, nice setting, and great food. This is not a destination restaurant, but for anyone coming to the area it's a great choice.
(4)
Dan H.
Small enoteca, not unlike some of the others throughout the city. The wine was wine, it was expensive, and the waiter is likely to suggest one of the pricier bottles. The appetizers and small plates are delicious, this may be Riccardo's specialty/strength; either way, they do it well there. Try the veal & ricotta meatballs. The pizza was delicious, although I am not personally a fan of pizza on focaccia dough, but to each his own. I commend Riccardo on the different combinations of toppings- they were creative & the ingredients were fresh. Not a hot spot for young people. Then again, neither is the trattoria across the street, but they are both excellent date spots. Just don't take her to both of them back to back. Be sure to say hi to Riccardo on the say out; you can't miss him, he is likely the only one speaking Italian. As for other reviews citing poor service and long waits: it's not a big place, so yes you may wait a bit, but the waiter was friendly and the atmosphere was enjoyable. Try this place.
(3)
Lesia C.
-overpriced drinks -food is just ok, but also overpriced -took us an hour and a half just to grab drinks and an appetizer because the waiter forgot about us (took them 30 minutes to bring out some sliced salami we ordered) -id recommend Eduardo's Enoteca
(2)
Paola S.
My husband and I were trying to go to Chicago Oven Grinder Pizza, fortunately it was packed so we walked across the street to Riccardo's trattoria. Service was excellent!!!! loved the pizza, thin crust, generous portions. Very pleasant ambience.
(4)
Liz G.
SO good!!! We wandered in here one night and didn't have a reservation so we sat at the bar....and had one of the best meals we've ever eaten! The bruschetta, the pizza, the pasta...omg the pasta(!)...and the wine, the ambiance, everything! Such a quaint little restaurant and great service too. Great quality and authenticity...we will definitely be back!
(5)
Natalie G.
The service and atmosphere alone make this a place worth visiting. It's a quaint little 'down home' true italian restaurant. Their wine selection is also note worthy. When visiting we had Pork Ravioli Au Gratin (one of the many specials for the evening) along with Pesto Tortellini and a Hot Bruschetta App. (another special). Everything was so fresh and full of flavor. You could tell the chef takes pride in his work. Def. Recommend going if you haven't!
(4)
Irene H.
Stopped by after Zoo Lights without a reservation so ended up sitting at the bar which was not a problem. Everyone was very attentive. Great wine suggestions and the food was superior! My husband had the scallops, I had the pizza with prosciutto, arugula, and truffle oil--both excellent. Would definitely recommend and will be back!
(5)
Jordan D.
One of the most authentic casual Italian restaurants in Chicago. The trattoria across the street is an elevated but similar experience. I can think of a few comparably solid, well-executed Italian food experience. While Chicago has no short supply of Italian experiences, most are overly Italian *American* and thus compromised.
(4)
Rachel S.
We went on a Monday night and were seated immediately. Our server was fabulous, knowledgable and let us add one last dessert after closing time! Wine and drink list is very adequate. The espresso is wonderful, perfect crema. We had the panna cotta and the chocolate cake and both were to die for! The textures were delightful, the temperatures perfect (one is served cold and one is served warm) and the portion just enough to satisfy your sweet tooth but not too large to leave you stuffed. We will be back. Perhaps tomorrow. Lovely little place!
(4)
Ray D.
Awesome Italian food. Great wood-burning oven sits quietly in the back. It's a small quant place that delivers great Italian dishes that are a little smaller in size similar to tapas. I enjoy the dark wood throughout creates a warm and cozy feeling when dining.
(5)
Jonathan N.
Headed over to Riccardo Enoteca to enjoy the summer weather. They have a small patio area which is great for a glass (or bottle) of wine and one of their pizzas. We will undoubtedly be back!
(4)
Anne C.
Really cute intimate spot. Would be great for a date night or catching up with the girls. I don't know about weeknights, but if you are going on a Friday or Saturday evening you MUST MUST MUST have a reservation. The place is so small and the bar only holds 4-6 people so if you show up without one be prepared for a wait. Even with a reservation we waited at the back bar area for quite a while. The wine selection is great and the food is delicious-- I'd especially recommend the pizzas or the antipasti of the day. Prices are a little steep for an enoteca, but the food is pretty delicious.
(4)
Christine S.
A-may-zing! I just went back a second time early Sunday evening. So glad I did and look forward to making this a regular spot. One of my favorites was the Parmigiana - your basic eggplant parm, but they said w/o bread crumbs. Don't let it fool you, it's not a health dish, but it is fantastic. I like everything about this place - the wine served in small glasses; the familiarity, yet respectfulness of the servers; the food of course. I overheard that some of their dishes are the same as the more formal Riccardo's across the street. Riccardo's is so hard to get into it. I will just head here. It would be great if they could expand the four stool bar area, but space seems tight.
(4)
janet f.
My friend and I have been dining at Riccardo Trattoria (same owner, across the street) since it opened, so we decided to try the Enoteca now that it is open. The menu consists of various small plate appetizers, a small selection of charcuterie and salads, a tiny list of entrees and panini, and several types of pizza. The restaurant should be called Riccardo Pizzeria. Neither of us were in the mood for pizza, so I tried the lasagna (only 2 pasta choices on the menu), and he tried the veal parm panino. The lasagna was made with white bolognese sauce, which was prepared correctly; however, they added bechamel and mozzarella cheese to it, which completely negated the flavor of the bolognese and left the lasagna with a bland, too-starchy taste. Similarly, the veal panino lacked flavor, and the bread was not toasted, so the hot insides were placed on cold, doughy untoasted ciabatta. The sandwich came with a salad, which was quite good. Had I known that the included salad would be the same as the $13 tricolor salad I ordered, however, I would have passed on my order. We ordered two apps: veal meatballs and octopus with roast potatoes. The meatballs were perfectly prepared, but the puttanesca was too spicy, and drowned the delicate flavor of the meatballs, which are normally accompanied by an arribiata at the Trattoria. The octopus was very tasty, but there were very few pieces of octopus on this $14 small plate. The Enoteca was way overpriced as well. We had a total of two glasses of wine, one mixed drink, the two apps, one salad, one sandwich and the lasagna and the bill was over $120. I could have had a divine meal at Riccardo Trattoria for the same or less money. I hope the Enoteca is still working out the kinks. I would like to try to go back, but only if there is a major improvement in the offerings, prices and the quality of the food.
(2)
Wayne H.
This place is an Italian small plates restaurant. I went here with a group of seven and we shared several pizzas, Caprese, Oven Grilled Mixed Sausages, and the Peppered Beef Carpaccio. All of the food we tried was good, but nothing was memorable. As I write this review I can't really think of anything to brag about or to tear apart for that matter. This place was just okay.
(3)
Haydar M.
not as many options as the original riccardo, but amazing food.. loved everything and the staff are very nice as well.. handled our birthday party stupendously!
(4)
Lana Z.
I am shocked by the negative reviews for this place! The only reason I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is because our reservation was for 7:30 but we didn't get seated until 8:30. Luckily my girlfriends and I were in no hurry and enjoyed the wine and pizza we got on the house for having to wait! Our order: Octopus and peppered been carpaccio were great. Veal meatballs amazing. Modella pizza - unreal! Fish stew - full of delicious seafood and a great flavor. Beef "goulash" sooo good! The service was great, the atmosphere lively yet intimate. It was the perfect place for a night of wine, good food, and catching up with old friends. Can't wait to go back!!! Not sure what this place is like during the week but on weekends, make a reservation and be prepared to wait a bit...it is so worth the wait!!!
(4)
B K.
Stopped in last week with some friends. What a great addition to the neighborhood! Its a smaller space in part of the old Clark Bar spot. The staff is so friendly and accommodating (they moved us to a larger table when another friend joined us with ease). They were there to fill our water and clear our dishes to make room for more - very old world and I love it! The food is really great! the seafood dishes were amazing. The grilled scallops and grilled calamari were perfect! light and delicious. The pizza was nice, we got the cheesy one - Gorgonzola - great to share. The eggplant zucchini parmesan was good, not as flavorful as I was hoping, but warm and enough, but not too much cheese. The salads, they are fresh and the dressings very light, any are a must have and the calamari comes with salad as well. I will definitely be back again! Enjoy!
(4)
Marcio R.
Excellent find in my new neighborhood. We had the octopus and the Serrano jam as appetizer, followed by the steak and the sausage plates. All prepared in a genuine Mediterranean style (garlic, olive oil). We had a bottle of Spanish Beronia Reserve 07. The wine list is not fantastic, but has good variety. We will go back with friends.
(5)
Jackie C.
The food is great! I suggest the Eggplant Parmesean, it is out of this world. Service not great. It wasn't busy but we found ourselves waiting for drinks, waiting for our next plates, waiting for the bill. It just doesn't have a good flow of service yet.
(3)
Nora M.
My boyfriend and I stumbled upon Riccardo Enoteca, and we've been thankful we had ever since. It's a cozy and intimate restaurant. We have only been there twice, but the waiter that we had the first time recognized us and said hello. Since it is small, I would recommend making a reservation or calling ahead of time. It may be the best Italian food we have ever had. My boyfriend ordered the veal parmigiana and I ordered a chicken dish off the specials menu. We split a side of pasta with arrabiatta sauce-best marinara ever! We even asked if it were possible for us to buy a jar of the sauce. The manager and staff were very pleasant. We are looking forward to going there again.
(5)
M B.
Went to Riccardo for a casual Monday evening meal with a friend. As soon as I got there I saw there was outdoor seating and an open spot! Score! With the weather being so crazy lately, have to nab these opportunities when I can. My friend and I shared the grilled calamari, the arugula salad with park and the truffle pizza. Everything was excellent. The calamari was very tender and seasoned well. The salad was light and refreshing and the pizza was delicious - anything with truffle oil is good by me! This is the sister restaurant to Riccardo Trattoria and is across the street from each other. It is the more casual version. Great casual italian spot. Will definitely be returning!
(4)
alexis K.
Charming little quiet place. If you just want to have an intimate, not too pricey, nice Italian meal, that's the place to go.
(4)
Amey K.
Decent wine collection but food was alright.
(3)
Donna C.
I am not sure about this place. The food is decent but the variety of choices is non-existent.. We had the flat iron steak which had decent flavor and was fairly tender, the roasted potatoes lacked flavor and were very dry. The roasted pork panino rustica had good flavor and not at all dry. It would have been nice to have a small portioned side dish with it. It felt a tad overpriced, $8 for gelati- we went to CVS and got 2 pints of haagen dazs for $7. NOW, Their pretentious attitude was the biggest turnoff. The host visibly rolled his eyes when we admitted to "no reservations". Then we were escorted to the bar and it was such tight quarterrs that my chair was bumped over and over by the server.
(2)
Jeffery B.
It is great addition to the neighborhood. Great antipasti options and hearty paninis. Wonderful ambiance and pleasantly buzzing on a Wednesday night. The tricolore salad is really great as well as the stuffed veal sandwich. One odd note is that the menu states that their paninis are "served with tricolore salad". One would assume that it is included with the panini, but it is an extra $7 charge. I'm also not a huge fan of wine in tumblers instead of glasses and the wine list leaves a little to be desired. However, it's a solid option for those in the area and great for sharing a couple plates.
(4)
Marisa V.
The small, intimate environment makes this a perfect date place. Since the place is small, we made a reservation for Friday night at 8:30 and were seated right away. The service was fantastic - our waiter was attentive and our water glasses were always filled. The food was fairly good for the price. I went with my boyfriend and we split a salad, pizza and sorbet. All of it was delicious!
(4)
Nancy L.
We've been to this restaurant several times. The food has always been good, but the service was non-existent. The waiter ignored us from start to finish. Big disappointment.
(2)
amber y.
I went to Riccardo last Thursday with my girlfriend who I hadn't seen in a really long time. We needed some serious catching up to do, so I was delighted that we were seated right away at the far corner of the bar where we could chat over a bottle of wine. Our bartender/server Emmanuel was very helpful in helping us select a nice bottle to compliment our food choices. We had the fava beans with truffle oil, which is simple but amazing. We had a few other sides one with octopus, which was great, becasue they cooked it perfectly. The best thing we had was the Modela pizza which is fluffy because they use foccacia bread as the pizza dough base...why didn't I think of that?!? The toppings couldn't be planned better if I did it myself. Seriously? Prosciutto, Arugula, Truffle oil, Cheese, and a rich cream based sauce? Delicious! We were full, and the wine was gone, so I ended up taking half of the pizza home with me, and it was even good as cold leftovers. Considering the price, I will be back, for sure.
(5)
Steve H.
Great for what it is - a casual local place with good service, wine and food. Especially love the egg plant parmesan and the lasagna.
(5)
Elizabeth E.
So happy the Enoteca has opened. What a great addition to the neighborhood. Was there this past Saturday night with a friend. We sat at the counter that looks over the small cozy restaurant. Our waiter recommended a great reasonably priced wine. Delicious breads to start. Everything comes out of the wood burning oven. Riccardo was even manning the oven when we were there. We started with the octopus appetizer and shared a pizza and lasagna. Everything was excellent.
(4)
John L.
"This is a great spot. Get here soon before it becomes too popular. Superb small plates, fine wine selections and excellent vintage sailing photos. Riccardo is a genius chef -- and the fact that his name is on the door is a big plus."
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Background Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Best Nights : Mon, Sat, Sun Coat Check : Yes Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Has TV : Yes 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.
Kevin B.
We highly enjoyed our dinner at this little restaurant. High quality, hand made pastas, tasty risotto with fresh seafood, fresh bread, good service and nice ambiance.
(4)Janet E.
Wow. I'm so glad this place was one of the participating restaurant week restaurants. The food here was delicious. We tried the: appetizers Octopus Genovese (with roasted potatoes & pesto sauce) Fava e Pecorino (served warm with aged Pecorino & truffle oil) Modella pizza (Stracchino, wild mushrooms, arugula, prosciutto, truffle oil) main course Spicy seafood pasta Grilled scallops and shrimp Pennoni Carbonara (Bacon, Egg yolk, pecorino & parmesan Cheese) dessert Tiramisu Everything was so good. My favorites were all the appetizers. Service was spectacular. Ambiance was wonderful. A small little restaurant with a nice cozy feeing. Parking can be difficult.
(5)Melissa N.
We found a real gem in this cozy little spot near Lincoln Park. A true Milanese bistro, the menu features a number of small plates, pastas, and upper-crust pizzas, in addition to classic meat and seafood dishes. A great place for a tasting party with friends! In fact, the two of us had the three-course tasting menu, which comes with your choice of appetizer/soup/salad, risotto/pasta/pizza, and dessert... Which gave us six yummies to share. You pick from the open menu. We started with a grilled calamari plate and carpaccio salad. The calamari was tender, buttery and kissed with sweet roasted garlic then finished with lemon. Don't expect rings, this is classic filet style. The carpaccio was perfectly thin and tender, with very fresh arugula, parm shavings and avocado, which was a surprise. It needed a little lemon for my taste, which the waiter brought promptly. The Saffron Risotto Milanese came next. Simmered in a veggie broth, the saffron flavor was rich and fragrant; but what really made the dish was the tender veal and ricotta meatballs. Sooo yummy!! But wait... We also had the Risotto Funghi with truffle oil... Decidedly better than sex. O. M. G. The rice was oh-do creamy, and the mushroom-truffle flavor was downright decadent. I blushed with every bite! Finishing off the meal was a lovely, light panna cotta. More like a Creme Carmel than any I've had before, it was smooth and creamy, but not overwhelming. The pistachio gelato was classic - great full flavor and an ample portion, too... A belt-loosening, perfect finish to a decadent bistro dinner. The wine list was thoughtful and offered some tasty Italian treasures. We had the Vitis Friuli Grave Cabernet Franc, which was medium bodied, with light fruit and a very smooth finish. I'm looking for more "business" opportunities to return to Chicago, just so I can enjoy another meal here!!
(5)Kara H.
Based off the reviews of this place, I had higher hopes. The service was great (loved our waiter), we were seated immediately, and the ambiance was nothing special but it was cute. They also served a good Malbec which is a plus in my book. The food, however, left something to be desired. None of my party walked away loving their meal. I ordered the Chicken Milanese, which was a very large portion , however I`ve never had this dish where it's served dry. The chicken, although cooked well, without any sauce or bruschetta-like topping, was pretty much the same thing as ordering a schnitzel. It did come with some greens. The next member of my party ordered the trout, which he enjoyed, however the portion was just comically small next to the other dishes on the table. This was served with 3 pieces of asparagus. Lastly, the third member ordered a pizza. As this was the reason we came here (she was looking for neopolitan pizza), we had high hopes, however the black olives were so salty she couldn't finish the pizza and the crust was not what she was expecting. The table next to us both ordered pasta which looked amazing and a good sized portion, so I would recommend that route when dining here.
(3)Mia W.
This cozy Italian restaurant in Lincoln Park is perfect for a small group or date. I definitely recommend calling ahead for a reservation on the weekend. We were seated within a couple of minutes of our reservation time, and the servers were very attentive. If they have it, I would definitely recommend their daily special Olive Cunzate - warm, seasoned olives in oil. For a vegetarian option, the ravioli filled with ricotta cheese and spinach and topped with pesto sauce was a delicious (but very heavy) option.
(4)P G.
We were looking for authentic Italian in a casual setting. For us it is all about the authenticity. Riccardo Enoteca is spot on. They deliver. Our server was polite, accurate and efficient. He anticipated our questions and stayed one step ahead of us. I suspect that people who left negative reviews are used to other Italian-American-immigrant-style cooking (also great when authentic). But this is intended to be true Italian; and, the authenticity shines through. If you haven't been, and wonder what Italy is like, try this restaurant.
(5)Katie B.
Thank you to yelp for helping my family and I find this place! We had a concert and needed a place close to the venue, and yelp definitely pulled through. There was no wait and we were seated right away outside on the cute little outdoor seating section. I was pleasantly surprised with the prices on the menu- they were comparable to ferndale/royal oak, mi, where I live, not outrageous big city prices. The waiters were polite and prompt and were very helpful. You could tell they made their own pasta and the pizza made in the wood fire oven was outstanding. Would visit here again in a heart beat.
(5)CNP ny c.
The food was fantastic, it was affordable and so so romantic!! It really is a gem in this neighborhood. It feels like you are in Chicago decades past, I wouldn't have been surprised if a mobster walked in jk. Had the best octopus that I've tasted in Chicago. I haven't been to the trattoria yet but really want to try it.
(5)Adriana B.
Excellent wine selection but the food was disappointing. I tried the mussels and calamari antipasti and while the presentation was beautiful for both dishes, the mussels tasted like they've been soaking in moldy water and the calamari was rubbery. I had veal for my main course and the cutlets were tiny and not fried to a nice crisp. The veal dish I had was with lemon but too much was added, the dish was incredibly sour and not enjoyable. I was also turned off by the fact that they charged $5 for a bread bowl. My friends had pasta and loved it but it's hard to mess up Fettuccini Alfredo. Skip this place and go to Club Lucky in Bucktown instead if you're craving Italian.
(1)Liz K.
I've been wanting to come to Riccardo Enoteca since moving to the neighborhood a year ago and falling in love with its sister restaurant across the street, Riccardo Trattoria. I have to say, our experience was pleasant and I have to believe that the negative reviews are from the time frame when the restaurant was new and just getting into its own groove. My fiancé and I were seated at 6 pm on a Friday without a reservation, but the place filled up quickly after we arrived (and isn't large to begin with). We were greeted by a nice server who peppered some Italian into his service all night, which was well played if not a little corny. Service was a reasonable speed throughout the meal, giving us time to order drinks, enjoy our appetizer, and decide on a main dish without feeling rushed. The fried mozzarella was an upscale twist on a fried mozzarella stick and went well with the arugula, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar it was served with. I loved the Orichette Puligese, which was a pasta dish with spinach, Italian sausage, and a hint of spice from chili flakes. My fiancé wasn't too happy with his pizza, but only because he failed to realize that the Caprese pizza would have whole slices of tomatoes on it...and he hates tomatoes. I thought it was delicious and that it was a nice option if you don't want a pizza with a ton of cheese. Overall this was a great option for dinner and I can see us coming back for drinks and small plates in the future.
(4)Nina R.
Solid Lincoln Park wine bar! The Cod special was a little bland but everything else (tricolor salad, pesto ravioli and wine) was great! I would go back and i would recommend it to a friend :)
(4)Michael B.
Charming, cozy, welcoming 12-15 table neighborhood gem providing fabulous food and service. Fresh, authentic,top of the line ingredients. This place delivers a most satisfying night out with a date or good friends. A full bar offers an adequate selection of boutique Italian and other wines, grappas and liquours. We had the 1) Eggplant Parmigiana, 2) Fish stew Cioppino style in white wine and spicy tomato broth 3) Soft thin crust Stracchino, wild mushrooms, arugula, prosciutto [San danielle], truffle oil pizza and 4) vanilla white chocolate panna cotta. All memorable. Prices are fair and reasonable for the level of quality and service you receive. Valet parking across the street. A charming delightful experience with great food and service.
(4)Mike P.
My wife and I eat out a lot and we have plenty of faves however there are but a few that have specific dishes we crave, this is one. While we have enjoyed all of the meals we've had here the Pizza Sardenara is, SPECIAL. It is the closest to my dear Sicilian Grandmother's. We spoke of it for a month until we were able to return. I'm just saying.
(4)Theo c.
My wife and I had dinner here tonight. 5pm reservation (place opens at 5). Small place barely anyone there when we arrived. Server took our order quickly. Brought us the wine and salads we ordered. All good. An hour later nothing. Finished our wine - 30 minutes later we were asked if we wanted more. Table next to us same thing. I understand it is Sunday of the holiday weekend and that service maybe slow - hard to get staff I am sure. When people who arrived 30 minutes later than us got served then you become less understanding. When our food (which was good) did arrive I asked our server what took so long. He told us that there was a large order to go. I don't own a restaurant but I would think that patrons in my restaurant would have a higher priority than take-out. Give the take-out folks a realistic time frame as to not impact the folks in your restaurant. Summary good food but for $ 85 not worth the wait. Also could have handled so much better - COMMUNICATE with your patrons that the food is taking a little longer (not sure why pasta took so long) Place is so close to my house that I wish I had had a better experience. Too many great restaurants in Chicago with GREAT service. Take a pass on this place.
(2)Chad C.
Has a fancy, classic Italian vibe. The Modella pizza is amazing. I haven't tried the others, but now I want to!
(4)Jerry C.
Some of the very best Italian food served in Chicago, and I have eaten in Rome, Milan, Florence and Naples. We had a pre-theater dinner 04.15.2015. Ordered risotto with veal meatballs and a sea scallop entrée off the specials menu. Absolutely perfectly prepared and delicious! This was our 2nd trip here - skipped Tiramisu this time, as we find it a little bland. Service is top notch!
(5)Carlos G.
Excellent service, a friendly environment. The waiters were on top of everything that we needed it. The food was way beyond delicious, the wine that the waiter recommended was exquisite, in general this is a place to enjoy a fun time with your loved ones while eating a extraordinary Italian food.
(5)Colleen B.
I was looking for a place to try that met the following criteria: - Worth the trek out of our own neighborhood - Not super duper expensive - Doesn't require a reservation three years in advance I happened upon Riccardo Enoteca and the reviews sounded like it fit the bill so I made a reservation for the next night. It wasn't crowded at all when we got there at 8:30 on a Friday night so while I didn't have to make the reservation, I'm glad we did just in case. We really enjoyed absolutely everything from the fantastic service, yummy food, and the overall ambience of the restaurant. The wine options were just a little more expensive than I wanted to spend that night so we stuck to beer, which went well with the pizza and pasta. I would especially recommend Riccardo Enoteca if you live nearby or have easy access along Clark St. We'll definitely be trying the Trattoria across the street.
(5)Mary T.
In a word, excellent. The sign of a fantastic meal is one you are still talking about days, nay weeks later. It surprises me that the average rating isn't higher - we were pleasantly impressed with our meal. Riccardo Enoteca, the very little sister of Riccardo Trattoria across the street, occupies the old Clark Bar space. They've done wonders with the space, you'd never know it was a neighborhood dive that had seen better days. There are maybe 15 tables, and about 8 seats spread across two bars; ideal for parties of 1-2. In warmer months, there is also a small patio. I highly suggest making reservations, rather than dropping in in our way to a show at Park West, like we did. We got lucky and got the last two seats at the counter/bar near the kitchen overlooking the whole restaurant. We split two dishes - the caprese pizza and tortelloni al pesto. Pizzas come in a variety of styles; ours had a thicker, almost pan-style crust and was maybe 9" in diameter. The pizza was good, but the shining star of our meal and the dish we're still talking about was the tortelloni. Our order came with approximately 5 handmade tortelloni; we marveled at how delicious, delicate and fresh the pasta tasted. I've had my fair share of homemade pasta and this is some of the best I've had in a long time. Given how great our dinner at Riccardo Enoteca was, I'm kicking myself for only dining at Riccardo Trattoria once. That. must. change. 4.5 stars - the pasta was phenomenal, the pizza was good, but not as special.
(4)Maria P.
Let's face it, as much as my other half and I love to eat out and try new places, there are some places that we keep coming back to. This place is on the list! It's a cozy, small place on Clark & Webster with a rather inviting menu. We've had the bacon wrapped scallops numerous times and we would both would highly recommend those. If you love arugula, look no further. I love their salad options as they are super healthy and delicious. The one I had last night had sliced artichokes and freshly shaved pecorino drizzled with a lemon dressing. Out of sight! I also love their salad with the toasted goat cheese; definitely another favorite. The Pizza Sardenara is so delicious and keeps calling us back. Carmelized onions, anchovies, olives, and tomatoes... Wow. For a small place they have a pretty decent wine list and hard liquor options. Oh and the coffee comes nice and hot! Bonus. Still have to try the dessert!
(4)Chris H.
Wow - excellent pizza, salads, pasta and service. A very quaint establishment with wonderfully attentive servers. Definitiely recommend this establishment.
(5)Jeff C.
Only problem with the place, it's too small! You will wait for a table. The food was great. Our table liked sharing the plates. Wine list is nice. It's a great addition to the neighborhood. It's not great for kids-but they do have pizza.
(4)Wendy C.
Was going to go to the pizza oven grinder whatyacallit place, but instead headed over to across the street to this place! Very glad we did! Very good service. The food was delicious! I had a chianti wine and my fiancé had a goose island beer! We both enjoyed our drinks. We also ordered the Margherita Pizza. It was absolutely delicious! The sauce was perfect and the cheese was not too much and not too little. We split the pizza him and I and I was stuffed! I'm glad we only ordered the pizza. I was very impressed! Will be back if we decide to head up to the north side again!
(5)Allison D.
My boyfriend lives around the corner from Riccardo and it is one of our favorite go-to spots for dinner in the neighborhood. The pizzas are great and pasta preparations always flavorful. My favorite dinner there is the arugula salad with lemon, artichoke hearts and Parmesan followed by whatever the special fish is for the night - always fresh and expertly prepared. The food is just as good as at Trattoria across the street but in a slightly more relaxed atmosphere. All the staff is very friendly and welcoming, but ask for Christiano, he's the best!
(5)Saba A.
Hugely disapointing, food and service! Came in on a Monday night around 6:30 and waited for a girl friend. It was completey empty but I still decided to stay. After a few minutes, my girl friend came in and she was not greeted, just stared at, and then saw me. We started chit chatting and ordered waters. Bread was nothing special, and neither was the olive oil. She was not impressed by the menu, she is Italian and cultured and she said the menu's items did not go together, meaning the ingredients! I was embarrassed to have recommended this spot considering she's Italian and this was a new business with fairly good reviews. I got a pasta dish made in a wood fire oven and she got a sandwich. It took them 15 minutes to be made which is sad considering we were the only two there and we visibly saw 3 employees working. Neither of us ate even a half of our food. I have ate pastas better from Noodles and Company and I've seen a better sandwich created at Cosi's. Never stepping in again. I hope for them as a new business, they do better.
(2)Dennis S.
First day open. A great place. We stopped in for wine and small plates before dinner at Riccardo Trattoria across the street. The decor is unimpressive. Good, but not special. The tables are a bit crowded together, and the decorations are also nothing special. It's not nearly as classy as Riccardo Trattoria across the street. Neither is the wine list. I expected a great selection of Italian wines - I got a nice selection of wines from everywhere. So why come? For the food! The menu has appetizers, cheeses, Italian meats, salads, pizzas, pianinis, and a long list of small plates. But the small plates are not that small. And the selection of Italian dishes is terrific. At reasonable prices. We shared cecina garbanzo crepes and burratas with fresh tomatoes. Both were delicious, each large enough for four of us to share. Note: Only one of the five medium sized thick crust pizzas has meat. This is NOT a Chicago pizza parlor. It's a truly Italian enoteca with a giant selection of small plate foods. Attentive service, nice setting, and great food. This is not a destination restaurant, but for anyone coming to the area it's a great choice.
(4)Dan H.
Small enoteca, not unlike some of the others throughout the city. The wine was wine, it was expensive, and the waiter is likely to suggest one of the pricier bottles. The appetizers and small plates are delicious, this may be Riccardo's specialty/strength; either way, they do it well there. Try the veal & ricotta meatballs. The pizza was delicious, although I am not personally a fan of pizza on focaccia dough, but to each his own. I commend Riccardo on the different combinations of toppings- they were creative & the ingredients were fresh. Not a hot spot for young people. Then again, neither is the trattoria across the street, but they are both excellent date spots. Just don't take her to both of them back to back. Be sure to say hi to Riccardo on the say out; you can't miss him, he is likely the only one speaking Italian. As for other reviews citing poor service and long waits: it's not a big place, so yes you may wait a bit, but the waiter was friendly and the atmosphere was enjoyable. Try this place.
(3)Lesia C.
-overpriced drinks -food is just ok, but also overpriced -took us an hour and a half just to grab drinks and an appetizer because the waiter forgot about us (took them 30 minutes to bring out some sliced salami we ordered) -id recommend Eduardo's Enoteca
(2)Paola S.
My husband and I were trying to go to Chicago Oven Grinder Pizza, fortunately it was packed so we walked across the street to Riccardo's trattoria. Service was excellent!!!! loved the pizza, thin crust, generous portions. Very pleasant ambience.
(4)Liz G.
SO good!!! We wandered in here one night and didn't have a reservation so we sat at the bar....and had one of the best meals we've ever eaten! The bruschetta, the pizza, the pasta...omg the pasta(!)...and the wine, the ambiance, everything! Such a quaint little restaurant and great service too. Great quality and authenticity...we will definitely be back!
(5)Natalie G.
The service and atmosphere alone make this a place worth visiting. It's a quaint little 'down home' true italian restaurant. Their wine selection is also note worthy. When visiting we had Pork Ravioli Au Gratin (one of the many specials for the evening) along with Pesto Tortellini and a Hot Bruschetta App. (another special). Everything was so fresh and full of flavor. You could tell the chef takes pride in his work. Def. Recommend going if you haven't!
(4)Irene H.
Stopped by after Zoo Lights without a reservation so ended up sitting at the bar which was not a problem. Everyone was very attentive. Great wine suggestions and the food was superior! My husband had the scallops, I had the pizza with prosciutto, arugula, and truffle oil--both excellent. Would definitely recommend and will be back!
(5)Jordan D.
One of the most authentic casual Italian restaurants in Chicago. The trattoria across the street is an elevated but similar experience. I can think of a few comparably solid, well-executed Italian food experience. While Chicago has no short supply of Italian experiences, most are overly Italian *American* and thus compromised.
(4)Rachel S.
We went on a Monday night and were seated immediately. Our server was fabulous, knowledgable and let us add one last dessert after closing time! Wine and drink list is very adequate. The espresso is wonderful, perfect crema. We had the panna cotta and the chocolate cake and both were to die for! The textures were delightful, the temperatures perfect (one is served cold and one is served warm) and the portion just enough to satisfy your sweet tooth but not too large to leave you stuffed. We will be back. Perhaps tomorrow. Lovely little place!
(4)Ray D.
Awesome Italian food. Great wood-burning oven sits quietly in the back. It's a small quant place that delivers great Italian dishes that are a little smaller in size similar to tapas. I enjoy the dark wood throughout creates a warm and cozy feeling when dining.
(5)Jonathan N.
Headed over to Riccardo Enoteca to enjoy the summer weather. They have a small patio area which is great for a glass (or bottle) of wine and one of their pizzas. We will undoubtedly be back!
(4)Anne C.
Really cute intimate spot. Would be great for a date night or catching up with the girls. I don't know about weeknights, but if you are going on a Friday or Saturday evening you MUST MUST MUST have a reservation. The place is so small and the bar only holds 4-6 people so if you show up without one be prepared for a wait. Even with a reservation we waited at the back bar area for quite a while. The wine selection is great and the food is delicious-- I'd especially recommend the pizzas or the antipasti of the day. Prices are a little steep for an enoteca, but the food is pretty delicious.
(4)Christine S.
A-may-zing! I just went back a second time early Sunday evening. So glad I did and look forward to making this a regular spot. One of my favorites was the Parmigiana - your basic eggplant parm, but they said w/o bread crumbs. Don't let it fool you, it's not a health dish, but it is fantastic. I like everything about this place - the wine served in small glasses; the familiarity, yet respectfulness of the servers; the food of course. I overheard that some of their dishes are the same as the more formal Riccardo's across the street. Riccardo's is so hard to get into it. I will just head here. It would be great if they could expand the four stool bar area, but space seems tight.
(4)janet f.
My friend and I have been dining at Riccardo Trattoria (same owner, across the street) since it opened, so we decided to try the Enoteca now that it is open. The menu consists of various small plate appetizers, a small selection of charcuterie and salads, a tiny list of entrees and panini, and several types of pizza. The restaurant should be called Riccardo Pizzeria. Neither of us were in the mood for pizza, so I tried the lasagna (only 2 pasta choices on the menu), and he tried the veal parm panino. The lasagna was made with white bolognese sauce, which was prepared correctly; however, they added bechamel and mozzarella cheese to it, which completely negated the flavor of the bolognese and left the lasagna with a bland, too-starchy taste. Similarly, the veal panino lacked flavor, and the bread was not toasted, so the hot insides were placed on cold, doughy untoasted ciabatta. The sandwich came with a salad, which was quite good. Had I known that the included salad would be the same as the $13 tricolor salad I ordered, however, I would have passed on my order. We ordered two apps: veal meatballs and octopus with roast potatoes. The meatballs were perfectly prepared, but the puttanesca was too spicy, and drowned the delicate flavor of the meatballs, which are normally accompanied by an arribiata at the Trattoria. The octopus was very tasty, but there were very few pieces of octopus on this $14 small plate. The Enoteca was way overpriced as well. We had a total of two glasses of wine, one mixed drink, the two apps, one salad, one sandwich and the lasagna and the bill was over $120. I could have had a divine meal at Riccardo Trattoria for the same or less money. I hope the Enoteca is still working out the kinks. I would like to try to go back, but only if there is a major improvement in the offerings, prices and the quality of the food.
(2)Wayne H.
This place is an Italian small plates restaurant. I went here with a group of seven and we shared several pizzas, Caprese, Oven Grilled Mixed Sausages, and the Peppered Beef Carpaccio. All of the food we tried was good, but nothing was memorable. As I write this review I can't really think of anything to brag about or to tear apart for that matter. This place was just okay.
(3)Haydar M.
not as many options as the original riccardo, but amazing food.. loved everything and the staff are very nice as well.. handled our birthday party stupendously!
(4)Lana Z.
I am shocked by the negative reviews for this place! The only reason I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is because our reservation was for 7:30 but we didn't get seated until 8:30. Luckily my girlfriends and I were in no hurry and enjoyed the wine and pizza we got on the house for having to wait! Our order: Octopus and peppered been carpaccio were great. Veal meatballs amazing. Modella pizza - unreal! Fish stew - full of delicious seafood and a great flavor. Beef "goulash" sooo good! The service was great, the atmosphere lively yet intimate. It was the perfect place for a night of wine, good food, and catching up with old friends. Can't wait to go back!!! Not sure what this place is like during the week but on weekends, make a reservation and be prepared to wait a bit...it is so worth the wait!!!
(4)B K.
Stopped in last week with some friends. What a great addition to the neighborhood! Its a smaller space in part of the old Clark Bar spot. The staff is so friendly and accommodating (they moved us to a larger table when another friend joined us with ease). They were there to fill our water and clear our dishes to make room for more - very old world and I love it! The food is really great! the seafood dishes were amazing. The grilled scallops and grilled calamari were perfect! light and delicious. The pizza was nice, we got the cheesy one - Gorgonzola - great to share. The eggplant zucchini parmesan was good, not as flavorful as I was hoping, but warm and enough, but not too much cheese. The salads, they are fresh and the dressings very light, any are a must have and the calamari comes with salad as well. I will definitely be back again! Enjoy!
(4)Marcio R.
Excellent find in my new neighborhood. We had the octopus and the Serrano jam as appetizer, followed by the steak and the sausage plates. All prepared in a genuine Mediterranean style (garlic, olive oil). We had a bottle of Spanish Beronia Reserve 07. The wine list is not fantastic, but has good variety. We will go back with friends.
(5)Jackie C.
The food is great! I suggest the Eggplant Parmesean, it is out of this world. Service not great. It wasn't busy but we found ourselves waiting for drinks, waiting for our next plates, waiting for the bill. It just doesn't have a good flow of service yet.
(3)Nora M.
My boyfriend and I stumbled upon Riccardo Enoteca, and we've been thankful we had ever since. It's a cozy and intimate restaurant. We have only been there twice, but the waiter that we had the first time recognized us and said hello. Since it is small, I would recommend making a reservation or calling ahead of time. It may be the best Italian food we have ever had. My boyfriend ordered the veal parmigiana and I ordered a chicken dish off the specials menu. We split a side of pasta with arrabiatta sauce-best marinara ever! We even asked if it were possible for us to buy a jar of the sauce. The manager and staff were very pleasant. We are looking forward to going there again.
(5)M B.
Went to Riccardo for a casual Monday evening meal with a friend. As soon as I got there I saw there was outdoor seating and an open spot! Score! With the weather being so crazy lately, have to nab these opportunities when I can. My friend and I shared the grilled calamari, the arugula salad with park and the truffle pizza. Everything was excellent. The calamari was very tender and seasoned well. The salad was light and refreshing and the pizza was delicious - anything with truffle oil is good by me! This is the sister restaurant to Riccardo Trattoria and is across the street from each other. It is the more casual version. Great casual italian spot. Will definitely be returning!
(4)alexis K.
Charming little quiet place. If you just want to have an intimate, not too pricey, nice Italian meal, that's the place to go.
(4)Amey K.
Decent wine collection but food was alright.
(3)Donna C.
I am not sure about this place. The food is decent but the variety of choices is non-existent.. We had the flat iron steak which had decent flavor and was fairly tender, the roasted potatoes lacked flavor and were very dry. The roasted pork panino rustica had good flavor and not at all dry. It would have been nice to have a small portioned side dish with it. It felt a tad overpriced, $8 for gelati- we went to CVS and got 2 pints of haagen dazs for $7. NOW, Their pretentious attitude was the biggest turnoff. The host visibly rolled his eyes when we admitted to "no reservations". Then we were escorted to the bar and it was such tight quarterrs that my chair was bumped over and over by the server.
(2)Jeffery B.
It is great addition to the neighborhood. Great antipasti options and hearty paninis. Wonderful ambiance and pleasantly buzzing on a Wednesday night. The tricolore salad is really great as well as the stuffed veal sandwich. One odd note is that the menu states that their paninis are "served with tricolore salad". One would assume that it is included with the panini, but it is an extra $7 charge. I'm also not a huge fan of wine in tumblers instead of glasses and the wine list leaves a little to be desired. However, it's a solid option for those in the area and great for sharing a couple plates.
(4)Marisa V.
The small, intimate environment makes this a perfect date place. Since the place is small, we made a reservation for Friday night at 8:30 and were seated right away. The service was fantastic - our waiter was attentive and our water glasses were always filled. The food was fairly good for the price. I went with my boyfriend and we split a salad, pizza and sorbet. All of it was delicious!
(4)Nancy L.
We've been to this restaurant several times. The food has always been good, but the service was non-existent. The waiter ignored us from start to finish. Big disappointment.
(2)amber y.
I went to Riccardo last Thursday with my girlfriend who I hadn't seen in a really long time. We needed some serious catching up to do, so I was delighted that we were seated right away at the far corner of the bar where we could chat over a bottle of wine. Our bartender/server Emmanuel was very helpful in helping us select a nice bottle to compliment our food choices. We had the fava beans with truffle oil, which is simple but amazing. We had a few other sides one with octopus, which was great, becasue they cooked it perfectly. The best thing we had was the Modela pizza which is fluffy because they use foccacia bread as the pizza dough base...why didn't I think of that?!? The toppings couldn't be planned better if I did it myself. Seriously? Prosciutto, Arugula, Truffle oil, Cheese, and a rich cream based sauce? Delicious! We were full, and the wine was gone, so I ended up taking half of the pizza home with me, and it was even good as cold leftovers. Considering the price, I will be back, for sure.
(5)Steve H.
Great for what it is - a casual local place with good service, wine and food. Especially love the egg plant parmesan and the lasagna.
(5)Elizabeth E.
So happy the Enoteca has opened. What a great addition to the neighborhood. Was there this past Saturday night with a friend. We sat at the counter that looks over the small cozy restaurant. Our waiter recommended a great reasonably priced wine. Delicious breads to start. Everything comes out of the wood burning oven. Riccardo was even manning the oven when we were there. We started with the octopus appetizer and shared a pizza and lasagna. Everything was excellent.
(4)John L.
"This is a great spot. Get here soon before it becomes too popular. Superb small plates, fine wine selections and excellent vintage sailing photos. Riccardo is a genius chef -- and the fact that his name is on the door is a big plus."
(5)