Jackie G.

Great restaurant, great atmosphere, great service!

Jenna S.

We had a very delightful experience here, but I wasn't that impressed with the restaurant. I've written a few reviews like this before. You know the experience: everyone else raves about a place and its food and you just keep thinking "I've had better somewhere else." I think this restaurant is pretty typical of higher-end Italian establishments in the city. There isn't really anything that sets this restaurant apart from Sapporo Trattoria or Buona Terra. The food was good, albeit pricey. The wine list was extensive and they had a few OK beers available by the bottle. They were very accommodating to our loud, obnoxious bachelorette party group, so that was definitely a plus. Most people inside seemed to be having a great time and this is a place that is very group-friendly. Our server was a bit hover-y and wouldn't leave us alone, but he was funny. He did make a big gaffe at the end of the meal, though, when he pointed out several times that gratuity was not included so we should "remember to tip." I'm not sure if he gets screwed by large groups a lot (I know that some people in larger groups just tend to tip less), but you're making me want to tip you less by offensively reminding me to do so. Just stop talking and go away, you can't really make people tip. End of story. Sheesh. Some things to note: - Space is small, but they accommodate groups - No check splitting - $8 valet parking - NO street parking available within two blocks, so plan on a walk if you don't do valet

Salena M.

Unassuming place but place is really small and your seat could easily be touching a neighbor's chair. We were seated at a small-medium sized table for 6 of us. It was a cozy dinner alright Our waitress was friendly and prompt and took care of us except for the dessert since the place was really busy and she was trying to keep up. I do notice that the host was especially friendly to the regulars and there were a lot of regulars coming to this place. There's no kids menu but our kids are fine going to all sorts of restaurants that don't offer kids menu. They ordered the penne with langostinos but with a non-spicy tomato sauce. They loved the dish and wanted more which either indicated to me the pasta was really delicious or the portion was small. I had the branzino which was simple, delicious and healthy. Because the kids loved their penne with langostinos, I couldn't resist taking a couple of bites. For appetizer, the table shared the burrata and culatello which is a creamy mozzarella with prosciutto - again simple and delicious. They mentioned white wine going with the burrata but I couldn't taste it. I think it's better with a drizzle of high quality olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar. One surprising discovery at this restaurant was that we saw a couple who ordered our favorite Brunello di Montalcino from Altesino Winery located in the Tuscany region, Italy. We couldn't believe a bottle like this would be offered in this restaurant since first it's expensive and second, rare but sooo very good. In fact, a painting of this bottle is behind our kitchen stove. If you haven't tried a Brunello from Altesino, do try this special elixir.

Lucy N.

The gnocchi is to die for here! You will not have left-overs leaving from this place even if you are full to the brim!

Ed R.

Good Food. Poor service. Our waiter, Giuseppe (from Sicily not Italy), either didn't like his job or was having a bad night. Either way,service was poor. Once again, Zagat got it wrong. The decor was 17 at best. Squisito, no.

N. L.

Overview: Food and service were excellent! Food: Everything we ordered was great. I ordered the paccheri au gratin (pasta with eggplant, molten mozzarella, basil, tomatoes), which was delicious. I also tried the pappardelle, seafood risotto, asparagus soup, and scallops wrapped in bacon. Every dish was done perfectly: tasty, delicate, and never too salty, too cheesy, or overspiced. Hands down, the homemade pasta is the standout here; you really appreciate the difference between dried and fresh pasta once you've had their homemade pasta. (Just ask your server which pastas are made in-house.) Dessert: We tried three. I was never a fan of panna cotta, but Riccardo's passion fruit panna cotta was fantastic-- super smooth consistency and light. The ricotta cheesecake was wonderfully rich, but in a different way than NY style cheesecake. My least favorite was the Cioccalatissimo, i.e. freshly baked molten lava chocolate cake. It was good, but not nearly as special as the other two desserts. The portion wasn't large but just right for me to leave room for dessert (a must have here!). Ambience: It's a small, somewhat dimly lit restaurant-- good for the age 30+ crowd or romantic dates.

Mary T.

Three cheers for a Restaurant Week extension, which gave a slacker like me the chance to partake! I chose RT for several reasons: the $32 menu was actually a good deal, they are really close to my house and there were a lot of items on the preset menu to choose from. RT is a simple restaurant, one large room with creamy walls and dark wood floors, tables and chairs. The tables are different sizes and both square and round; they are positioned quite close to one another so there isn't a lot of privacy. On a Tuesday evening it was not very crowded, yet is seemed like they seated parties right next to one another; personally I would've liked a bit more space. To start we were given a complimentary amuse bouche of bruschetta, which was delicious. Both my dining partner and I ordered the Calamari Ripieni for our first course. The dish was not what I was expecting at all; these aren't rings of grilled calamari like one would typically expect. Instead this was like the Hot Doug's of the sea; the calamari was a 6" long tube, stuffed with crab and lobster meat and served over pesto. The portion was generous and quite delicious. For my second plate I ordered the Risotto Pescatora, a seafood risotto with white wine and garlic. When it arrived, I felt like I had the cast of The Little Mermaid on my plate! They did not skimp in the slightest on the seafood; my plate was swimming in calamari, shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels, lobster, and possibly more. The seafood was fresh and tasty; but dare I say there was possibly too much of it and not enough risotto on my plate. For dessert I chose the warm apple pie with vanilla ice cream. I'm not usually a big fan of pie, or baked fruit for that matter, but this was quite tasty. I did my best to finish it off, but after all I ate with the first two dishes, I struggled. Service was friendly and attentive, but I couldn't help feel that our server really wanted us to pick up the pace. Even if this place weren't in my neighborhood, I'd be plotting my return. The food is very good and the portions are generous. I definitely hit a home run with my one and only Restaurant Week pick.

Jan E.

Intimate setting, superb service, good wine list. I had the lobster scallop ravioli. Lovely evening.

Carol K.

What a great little neighborhood place to enjoy some great Italian in a casual environment. Riccardo Trattoria prepares traditional Tuscan and Milanese dishes and serves them up with friendly service. We went on a snowy evening. Valet parking is available for $8 (reasonable) and I was happy to relinquish my car as parking is often a pain in this area. Upon entering the restaurant, I was warmly greeted and shown to our table. Since I had gotten there first- I was able to enjoy a finely made martini but if you are a lover of blue cheese olives, you are going to be out of luck here. A complimentary order of brushcetta was placed on the table and we gobbled it up. Crusty bread, fresh tomatoes, and just the right amount of garlic. Delicious and a precursor of the food to come. We didn't see a traditional antipasto plate on the menu so we asked our server to put one together. It came out and was terrific. Foccacia bread, crispy toast and a plate full of sliced meats and another of 4 different cheeses. There was even chicken pate on toast. After all of that- we only had room for an entree and a pasta to split. The fettucine bolognese was terrific as was the sea bass. Dessert looked interesting (apple pie a la mode, anyone?) but we took a pass. A great little neighborhood spot. I just wish it was in my neighborhood.

Scott S.

Best meal in Chicago! After trying to choose from the many restaurants in Chicago to celebrate my birthday, we picked Riccardo. Let me just say.... AWESOME!!! Extensive menu, and everything was perfect.

Neil E. G.

This is a great, but small little authentic Italian spot I found from the Concierge at our hotel. The fettuccine bolognese was wonderful and the service was great. Off the beaten path and worth the trip!

david s.

I SO wanted to love this restaurant. Great neighborhood feel, small and cozy. We thought we were lucky to score a table as we didn't have reservations. Apparently, they were short a waiter because we had to wait for quite a while just to get a drink, or food, etc. Each time the nice waiter apologized for the wait, but seemed very rushed. Started with the squash blossoms. They were good. Then had the grilled Calamari. It was good, but not great and a little chewy. I ordered sweet breads as it is my all time favorite item. It was large (nice thing), but not cooked properly. It was not seared, and the sauce tasted like it had some help from those quick sauce mixes. My wife ordered a pasta with a meat sauce as did our friend (though his was supposed to be a different sauce). They both tasted the same, bland and very dry. I just wanted this to be so much more. We love Chicago, but Riccardo, not so much. Will search for better Italian food on our next trip.

Jacki P.

Super cute set up, very small and intimate. We had 9PM reservations and arrived right on time. A large party was finishing up, so we were advised there would be a 15 minute wait. While we were waiting another couple came in and seemed to know the host. Magically they were sat within three minutes of their arrival. Overall the food was good. I might come back just because the gnocchi bava was THAT good. My fiance ordered the gnocchi and I ended up eating most of his dish. I ordered the lobster and crab ravioli, which was OK. The sauce was good but the actual ravioli didn't have much flavor. DO NOT order the Pasta Fagioli, it is so bland. It was painful to eat.

Larry S.

Will not be going back. We were given a complimentary bruchetta, but had to wait far too long to place our order. We had to tell our server we were ready to order, he never asked . A bread basket was brought out only after we ordered. As others who gave 1 star reviews have said, it felt like we were outsiders and the staff's disinterested treatment was meant to convey disdain that we were not regulars. The too-close together seating meant our server's behind was thrust into our table each time he served the adjoining table. The ($9.00) salads were quite good, the ala carte basic pasta begins at $16. Wine begins at $10.00 a glass. My "tortellini" would have been described at ravioli anywhere else. Was okay, but 5 (albeit large) pieces in a bowl. Rather doughy, merely average and rather skimpy for $16.00. Other tables seated after us received faster service. Water glass refilled once during the entire meal. We sat with forks down and empty plate for 15 minutes before the server asked if my dining partner would like he remaining food to go. Another 15 minutes went by when I finally flagged down the server to request the check. One full half hour from when we finished eating till we received our check. Two salads, the two cheapest pasta entrees on the menu, one cocktail, almost $70.00 before tip. If the service had been warm, gracious and attentive, perhaps I'd give them a second chance - but it wasn't and I won't.

Danielle F.

Great local Italian spot, that is authentic and always delicious. A cozy environment, and the service is wonderful. They are educated about the food, the wine, and it never disappoints. I've had a hard time finding a place that truly tastes like what I've had in Italy, but Riccardo's is spot on. Great for any type of dinner (relaxed, celebration, date, etc).

Mike W.

I've been here 3 times in the past month. This place is phenomenal. I've even been to La Scarola in between. I don't even mind saying that as far as Italian food goes, I'd rather eat at Riccardo than Spiaggia. Bold statement, different experience, get over it. What Riccardo has is a simple formula that's predictable and repeatable: excellent food, a very attentive staff, and a fun atmosphere. No, I didn't write that formula in crayon, but consider how many restaurants you go to that can't nail all 3 every time. I had the scallop app and the spaghetti carbonara. Any place that does carbonara at all, let alone as good as Riccardo, is confident they aren't going to leave you with salmonella. I take that as a good sign.

N. P.

What can I say. HORRIBLE! From the first phone call, my experience was horrific! Very pretentious, pompous attitudes over the phone. Sorry guys, you need to be nice if you want customers! To begin, I received a $100 gift certificate from my boss on Thanksgiving the 28th of November. He said, here take this gift certificate, I'd like you to use it, it expires on the 30th and I won't be able to. So I though, great! I called to make a reservation and they were booked for the weekend with the exception of a 9:30pm on Saturday. I booked it, however the people I was planning to entertain are older and they thought they was a bit late for them. So on Friday, I called and asked a young lady if gift certificates were applicable to carry out. She placed me on hold and after a few moments came back and said, yes. Great, I thought, I'll order it to go earlier in the evening and use the gift certificate so my guests can still experience the meal. I called again on Saturday and spoke to a man and cancelled my reservation for 9:30. Again, I reiterated that my guests were seniors and I had opted to order carry out and use my certificate. At 3pm on Saturday, I called yet again, just to CONFIRM that I could in fact use the gift certificate for carry out and was told, YES. At 8pm, I called and placed my order. My husband drove 40 minutes to the city only to be humiliated and told that they would not honor the certificate! Three different employees came to "inspect" the certificate while he waited. Of course, I was furious, and called and spoke to the "manager" yet again, who proceeded to yell at me and tell me that he was not going to take the certificate.He was very rude, abrasive and pompous and completely unapologetic. He offered no apology for the fact my husband drive a total of 80 minutes for nothing. Horrible restaurant! As the manager, he should have honored the certificate, it says a dollar amount, an expiration date and the name of the restaurant. Period. No fine print or restrictions. SHAME ON YOU, RICARDO'S. No Italian hospitality here!

Amanda M.

Riccardo Trattoria is definitely one of the few truly authentic Italian restaurants in Chicago. While the menu is expansive, everything that the kitchen prepares still comes out perfect! I haven't been disappointed by anything that I've ordered there yet, but some of our favorite standouts are the stuffed zucchini flowers (when they are in season-check the specials), the fava beans antipasto, the orecchiette pasta, and the osso buco. The ricotta cheesecake is to die for. But, just order what appeals to you because you won't be disappointed. Each time I am here I honestly feel like I am in Italy. My only advice for fellow diners is to of course make a reservation and to go on a night when Riccardo is in the kitchen. I believe his night off is Tuesday. Finally, the last time my husband and I dined here, he wanted pasta alla gricia, a simple Roman dish that is somewhat similar to pasta alla carbonara. It wasn't on the menu, but of course Riccardo prepared a perfect version of it for him, even going to the lengths to check the recipe online to be totally accurate. That said, we've never been disappointed here, and if you've travelled to Italy and loved the food, you will absolutely love this place.

Elaine C.

When you get there, you see bunch of Italians speaking staffs and people eating there, that seems to be a good sign. Although my rack of lamb was over-cooked (no pink) than what is Medium (pink) should be.....and service was OK. Give them 4 stars bc overall the food was good besides the lamb overcooked. We also had beef brisket gnocci was good. Calamari was really good. Gelato and Tirami was good, too.

Chris C.

This is a great Italian restaurant in Lincoln Park. They have an extensive menu and the portions are filling. I had the steak and potatoes which were fabulous. The potatoes had some basil and garlic in them which made for something different but still good. The service was wonderful and we weren't rushed at all. I do however recommend making reservations as they were packed on a Sunday.

Jason M.

Something about Riccardo Trattoria makes me sad. I can't quite place it. OH, yes I can...it's the thousands of people waiting outside next door at Chicago Pizza & Oven Ginder. People, stop it! It's the middle of summer and you're waiting for a big gloppy piece of pizza with 100 other people? I guarantee you that pizza isn't that special. On a side note, stop drinking your Land Shark or Shock Top on someone else's porch. Those homeowners (and the rest of society) would prefer if you stood in the middle of Clark St. Now, onto something that is special...Riccardo. It's not the number one Italian spot in Chicago (although Meg L's mom thinks so), but it is truly outstanding, especially when you consider that it's actually pretty affordable. I've been twice now this summer and both meals were excellent. For appetizers, the asparagus (special) is five octaves too rich, but two bites will make your everything smile. The caprese is solid, the fava beans are just outstanding and the beef carpaccio is one of the better ones I've had. I've had a bite of the soft shell crab, and it, too, is delightful. Some of the lighter eaters I've been with have that as an entree. On both visits, I've had pasta. Both were excellent, but the special pasta with three meats on my first visit was special. It was an Arrabiata-like sauce with a wonderfully spiced sausage....MMMM. I can't even talk about it any more. I want it again, and who knows if they'll ever serve it. I have to go now. I'm all worked up.

Michael L.

My wife and I really wanted to (and thought we were going to) love this place. The service was fine -- even though we waited 20 minutes [UPDATE -- MY WIFE SAYS 40 MINUTES. I MUST HAVE ENJOYED THE WINE TOO MUCH] beyond our reservation, the Maitre d' comped us wine and Prosecco -- but the food disappointed greatly. We relied heavily on the recommendations of our server, so perhaps we ought to blame him, but we have our doubts. He recommended "Fava beans & black truffle Tuscan pecorino cheese." And a pasta and shrimp appetizer for me. Both were mediocre -- surprising as they were billed as their "best." His hand picked "best" for my main course was breaded pork topped with a ton of cheese and topped again with prosciutto. My wife's recommendation was an overly ordinary pasta dish. Really, really, really wanted to love this place and it was a MAJOR disappointment.

Colleen R.

The real Italian deal- not americanized Italian food. Expect a crowded small dining room, so don't go without a reservation and you'll need to call in advance. The food is high quality and delicious. Great wine list. I took a star away because the service is hit or miss and can be a bit gruff. The manager/owner who works the floor should smile and thank the patrons, not just the Italian ones.

Laura S.

*This* is Italian dining. I am in love, both with the restaurant and my server, Dario. I was supposed to dine tonight with four friends for Restaurant Week, but every one of them cancelled on me. Dining alone doesn't intimidate me, so off I went. Dario was perfection: he made excellent recommendations, checked in at the right times, and made lovely conversation when business was slow. It certainly didn't hurt that he's ridiculously handsome as well. I think he was doting on me because I was eating alone, but hey, I'll take it. But enough about him, onto the food! I hate generic Italian-American food. This, my friends, is as authentic and beautiful as it gets. I went with the tasting menu and started with the burrata e culatello (prosciutto and mozzarella). This wasn't a slab of mozzarella that you might find elsewhere, but a generous portion of fresh cheese, wonderfully seasoned and with lovely texture. For the second course I originally wanted the grilled sea scallops, but Dario mentioned that it was a very small portion, and for a second course I might appreciate a more substantial dish such as the cod "Milanese." I was grateful for the honesty, and did indeed love the cod, which was very lightly battered and topped with diced tomatoes and capers. I'm just learning to like raw tomatoes, and I devoured these, they were so crisp and gorgeous. Finally, I say with no hesitation that I ate the best tiramisu of my young life. I savoured it for a good twenty minutes, trying to draw out every bite in the hopes that it would magically replicate and I wouldn't have to finish it. Alas, it had to end sometime. It's a touch expensive for a grad student, but I so enjoyed the overall experience that I simply must return when I can.

Rasmus P.

YES! Go for the Tiramisu! Go for the cosy atmosphere Go for the great food! Go for the great service! Go for the wine! Well, i don't care why, but go there. Value for money (subjective i know, but it matters - if it didn't we would all eat at Alenia every eve) this is the best Italian i have tried in Chicago!

Mini M.

This is just OK place. It was nice to eat once but I am not planning on coming back there again. Here is our impression of the place: My husband and I wend there for a dinner on a Thursday night. The level of noise was not bad -- you could have a nice conversation during the dinner without yelling :) I just felt that the tables were placed too close to each other and at some point I felt like couple next to us was listening to our conversation.... Anyway....lets talk about the food.... For Appetizer we had Burrata & culatello, creamy mozzarella w/ prosciutto marinated in white wine. Prosciutto was awesome and cheese was very creamy! We both liked it. For main dish we split Linguine Scoglio w/mixed seafood in a white wine and spicy tomato sauce. We ordered this because a friend of his recommended it. This was just OK. There was not much of sauce at all and a little sauce that I had was not spicy at all... but this did not stop my husband to completely finish his portion :) So, overall dinners was not too bad, but as I said earlier, this is not a place I would be returning to have a dinner again.

Barbara B.

oh my gosh! Close friends who usually have great food taste recommended this place; we were so disappointed beyond belief. The menu seemed good but not terribly interesting, but our food was beyond belief BAD, terrible, awful. The short ribs weren't tender, the sauce seemed thickened by flour or cornstarch, and the veal with tomatoes, eggplant and cheese was naked..plain veal in a bit of tomato sauce that tasted off and awful. Both had no taste except bad. And we love food. Stay away, though our waiter and the front staff was nice. Go to Frontera Grille where we ate the next day for a fabulous, top of the chart meal!

Sarah Z.

Oh yes, my Bambinos and Bambinas, this IS as good as it gets. We had the tasting menu. My only complaint is that there are so many choices.. I couldn't decide! But I ended up getting the bolognese pasta, the gelato and the caprese salad. I guess I will have to come back so I can try everything.

Angela G.

Yum Yum YUM! Italian food is my favorite and this place does it right. Amazing pasta, gnocchi, risotto, and the list goes on. Great service and very nice atmosphere, great for going out with your family or a romantic date. Reserve a table a few days in advance, it's a small place and they fill up easily.

Mary O.

I've walked by Riccardo Trattoria a number of times and never realized what a gem it is! The dining room is bright and elegant without being stuffy. Our group of four ordered several courses, including appetizers, salads, pasta, entrees and dessert and enjoyed every dish! Standouts included the Burrata, Grilled Octopus, Fettuccine Bolognese and Tiramisu. We left absolutely stuffed and will definitely return for special occasions!

Caroline N.

One star for the wine, one star for the ambiance, but I can't give any to the food. I love Italian, and Riccardo was the one place in the city that continually pops up on top ten lists that I hadn't made it to yet. I was excited to finally go, and very disappointed by the meal. The restaurant is adorable; cozy without being kitschy and with just the right amount of happy background noise. The server was friendly and I thought the wine list (we ordered by the glass) offered a good balance with solid options. I had a sangiovese, which was very nice and reasonably priced. The meal started off with a tomato bruschetta, which was good but not exceptional (in fairness, I don't think I've ever had exceptional bruschetta) but it went downhill from there. For an appetizer, we ordered the caprese. The serving size was on the small end; three smallish pieces of mozzarella and a portion of tomato with a few capers thrown around. I don't take issue with small portions if I'm impressed with the quality, but the buffalo mozzarella tasted like a slightly less salty version of the cheese you find in plastic at the grocery store. I recently had an unbelievably creamy burrata at RPM Italian ( I owe them a review...) and this really suffered by comparison. Bear in mind this was a $16 dish. Next came mussels, which were passable. The broth was good, and the mussels themselves were alright, but the dish was spoiled somewhat by the thin-cracker like bread that was stuffed at the bottom of the bowl. In my mind, one of the best parts of mussels done right (Props to Maudes, Paris Club) is the outwardly crusty inwardly soft french bread that comes with them. Then came the pasta. We ordered trofie with pine nuts and basil pesto, a pasta that's a little bit more difficult to find but still a simple dish. I feel terrible saying this, but It was flat-out bad. The pasta itself wasn't terrible, but it didn't taste like it was fresh (let alone hand rolled), which is something I expect when pasta dishes are more than $15 and don't come with meat or seafood. The pesto was simultaneously flavorless and yet had an absolutely terrible aftertaste, like the olive oil was bad. I NEVER send things back, and I sent this back. Our server insisted on taking it off the bill (I was embarrassed, I really never send things back) and asked if we wanted to try another pasta or an entree but I had had enough. I'd rather go back to Piccolo Sogno (including Due- so good) or Merlo on Maple. Or honestly, for much less money, Rose Angelis.

Jay C.

Possibly the best Italian in the city... That's all that needs saying really. The wife is Italian and she introduced me to this place. 4.5 if I could knock a .5pt for the extra wait past resv time. But that's life with uber popular restaurants as well.

Sarah M.

This place is just precious. There are about a total of 12 tables in the entire restaurant. They start you off with two pieces of bruschetta immediately. These were AMAZING. Next we each got a bowl of soup which both were quite bland. The bread they served with it was great! Hindsight, I wish I would have skipped the soup and ordered more of the bruschetta. For our entrees we got the Lobster & Crab Ravioli and the Trofie with pine nuts and basil pesto Genovese. Both were absolutely amazing! I will definitely back. The people here were SO friendly. Definitely a mom and pop ran restaurant!

Jen M.

I'm really baffled by the negative Yelp reviews I read before having dinner here. My experience could not have been better! The restaurant is small and they definitely pack you in, but I didn't feel uncomfortable at all. My husband is 6'5 and he fared well! Our server was so funny, friendly, and definitely Italian. He gave us great recommendations! On his recommendation, we started with the calamari special. Really big and thick pieces drizzled lightly with olive oil and lemon over a bed of a potatoes and green beans. The calamari was so fresh and meaty and the potatoes soaked up the lemon juice. Fantastic! I ordered the spaghetti carbonara for my entree. The noodles were perfectly al dente. The dish was the right amount of cheesy and peppery with plenty of bacon. A perfect dish. My husband, again at the recommendation of our server, ordered the Papardelle special. Again, a perfectly executed dish. And the grand finale: panna cotta with passionfruit coulis. Creamy milky custard with the tart and sweet coulis. Perfection. Yes, it is somewhat expensive, but not when you consider the wonderful atmosphere (laid back, friendly, happy, good for friends, parents, dates, children etc.), excellent service and delicious food. It's very apparent that plenty of hard work, creativity, and passion went into this restaurant.

Laura W.

I swear my reason for dining here had nothing to do with the fact that Gwyneth ate here in Dec 2010 and they posted a picture of it online. "I'll have what she's having." So I went and decided to try the tasting menu which includes a glass of prosecco! For my app I had the fried/seared mozzarella with prosciutto and it was delicious but also HUGE. I know the apps are meant to be shared but we both had the tasting menu so what can you do? My main course was the Fettuccine Bolognese - meat and tomato sauce. I decided to keep it simple and it was the best decision I could have made. I haven't had homemade pasta in a long time. I then found out right before I wrote this review that this dish made GrubStreet's List of 101 of America's Most Delicious Noodle Dishes. I sure know how to pick my food lately! For dessert I went with the lemon sorbet, after all that heavy food I needed something light and it was perfect. I capped off the dinner with a glass of limoncello and wanted to keep screaming "I'M DANNY DEVITO." But I managed to keep my self together until I got out on the street. So go to Riccardo it will be the best decision you've made in a long time.

Sam S.

This has become my families go to birthday dinner restaurant. Every time I've been someone orders the truffles over fried eggs and polenta (it's a special). IT WILL MELT YOUR SOCKS OFF IT IS SO GOOD. The Paccheri au Gratin (thick pasta, eggplant, mozzarella and tomatoes) looked humble on the menu but was also outstanding. The other dish you must try is the Panna Cotta. For a restaurant of this kind, this place is very vegetarian friendly. We got five outstanding vegetarian appetizers and four outstanding vegetarian entrees (the fifth was fish) without having to do any modifications.

Henry S.

Riccardo's is one of the few Italian restaurants in Chicago that can truly transport you back to Italy. So on the occasion of St. Joseph's Day, I donned my Italian finery, and prepared to live la dolce...(Soundtrack comes to a screeching halt!) Ok... let's talk about the wait first. I've been going to Riccardo's for years, and every time except once, gets seated way beyond the reservation time. The longest was an hour and a half if I remember; shortest, half hour this last visit. The only time I didn't have to wait was for a 5:30 Sunday night booking. Friends have also told me that weeknights are better. Their front vestibule is extremely tiny, and uncomfortable to wait in. The funny thing here is that it is almost what's normal for them. 10 minutes after you get there, the manager approaches, offering beverages on the house. Personally, I've come to accept it. But if you have babysitters on the clock, or a long drive back to your home, be forewarned. So, where were we, mi amore? Riccardo's menu runs the length of the entire country. That's probably the one jarring thing that's not so Italian. Otherwise, the food is very authentic. Chef makes no concession to cater to the American palate, except for maybe larger portion sizes than you would find in Italy. Antipasti to start. Cecina, a crispy garbanzo flour crepe topped with speck & taleggio. It is Lent, and one must eat fried dough. But heck, also just surrender to the sinfully luxurious smoked meat and creamy cheese. Honeycomb Tripe Florentine, braised with vegetables, tomato & parmesan. Tender, chewy, unctuous. One of those things either you get, or don't. In my case, I'll get it, again and again. A split primi of Tortelloni with Spinach & Riccota, in a creamy walnut sauce. Essence of Italian cuisine. Simple, no frills, utterly satisfying. Green pockets of pasta stuffed with creamy cheese. A nutty, grainy walnut sauce enriched with milk. For secondi, Roasted Duck Arancia in an orange & cognac demiglace, with Tuscan potatoes. The duck was roasted to a crisp on the outside. The meat is on the dry side, but the slightly sweet and slickly flavorful sauce more than compensated for it. Also, a Veal Sweetbread Scallopini with fresh porcini. Who serves an entire plate of sweetbreads as an entrée? Remind me to put my cardiologist as a favorite on my Contacts. You only live once. Why 4 stars? Uncompromisingly authentic. Truly takes me back to Italy. Wait could be horrendous. But the wine is flowing, and the company is pleasing. Isn't this what La Dolce Vita is all about?

Eileen Z.

I love you, grilled cotechino sausage + cannellini beans in a spicy tomato sauce! Simple but mouth-watering... and the sausage was on point. Anything with chunks of garlic and a generous amount of fresh rosemary speaks to me, really.

Nicole C.

Spaghetti carbonara was calling my name last night and thanks to my fellow Yelpers who all seem to like this place, the boyfriend and I headed to Riccardo to satiate my craving. The wine list is extensive, but a bit on the pricey side -- I believe the cheapest bottle is $36. It would be nice if they had a cheaper, but quality table wine. Appetizers: Pork Cheeks with Polenta (special) Fresh Mozzarella and Prosciutto The pork cheeks were melt-in-your-mouth tender and very flavorful, but the polenta (white) was bland -- more like mashed potatoes than the polenta I'm used to. The mozzarella and prosciutto was simple and fresh -- exactly what you would expect from a good Italian restaurant. Entrees: Spaghetti Carbonara (bacon, egg yolk, pecorino) Gnocchi Bava (speck prosciutto, fontina cheese, red pepper sauce, pink tomato sauce) I was really satisfied with the carbonara, but must admit that the homemade gnocchi may have been better than my entree! Dessert: Panna Cotta with Passion Fruit Coulis The panna cotta was perfect -- great consistency and flavor. When you throw in two martinis, one glass of wine, and two double espressos, we ended up walking out with a $136 bill (without tip), which I think is reasonable for the quality of the food, service, and atmosphere. I needed to be rolled out of this place by the time we were done. We literally licked all of our plates clean. =)

Lauren B.

I'm shocked that I have to give Riccardo Trattoria 3 stars today. In the past I would review them 5 stars without question. Last night we had pretty bad service and the food wasn't nearly as good as usual. They seemed understaffed, our waiter was too busy so he sorta had an attitude when we asked questions and when we tried to order. We had to wave him down to get him to take our order and even to get our water glasses filled throughout the night. But the manager was extremely nice and helpful, he seemed to be picking up the slack from being understaffed because he kept checking on our table. We were given Bruschetta to begin, it was so-so as it was under seasoned and tomatoes were not flavorful. I had a salad with pear, nuts and gorgonzola and I could barely find the nuts and not very much pear either. The greens were bitter, which is fine, but not enough dressing to balance out the bitterness. Next, I had seafood risotto. It was loaded with very fresh seafood which was wonderful given that shellfish is my favorite food group. But the risotto rice was overcooked and not creamy whatsoever. Honestly, I can make risotto with better texture than that was. My husband enjoyed his lobster ravioli but wasn't too impressed. Our friends at the table were underwhelmed too, which was too bad because we told them how amazing this place is before we got there. Dessert, very good! Our table had tiramisu and apple pie, both of them were very good, these may have been the best dishes of the night. I still Love this place, but I can't give them more stars since I was disappointed last night. Hopefully it was just an off night.

Kyle P.

Great place. The food and the service were great. The owner is always there and walks around to make sure everything is right. Expensive because you will drink to much wine but good time

Andrew H.

Fine Italian cuisine in a casual atmosphere. This little gem in Lincoln Park seats no more than 30 patrons. Some tables are a little tight-fitting but the decor and furnishings give the whole restaurant a warm, inviting ambiance. When I walked in, the manager/owner(?) greeted me with a handshake. The hostess was also very affable and quite easy on the eyes. Service fit the casual atmosphere more so than the fine food we ate. No one seems to be in a rush, everyone is drinking and enjoying their company. We were ready to place our orders well in advance of our waiter and had to ask for water refills at times. Not a big deal on this night, but if you're in a hurry, perhaps not the place to come. That being said, our waiter was very knowledgeable and was very helpful in giving descriptions and recommendations. Food. The free bruschetta at the beginning of the course was satisfying - tomatoes very fresh and light. Table bread followed suit and came in two different varieties. I would have preferred the EVOO to come in a nonmarked bottle, but they use the actual labeled bottle. Appetizers: The veal ricotta meatballs in spicy tomato sauce were juicy with a little hint of heat from the sauce. The ricotta and small size of the meatballs kept them from being dry, a meatball's worst nightmare. The grilled calamari stuffed with lobster and crab meat was spectacular. Imagine calamari without the flavor-hiding breading and stuffed with a lobster/crab spread. I ordered the Fettuccine Aragosta w half Maine lobster, lobster meat, and spicy Imperial sauce. I didn't really feel the heat but that aside, the flavors were on point. Lobster chunks in addition to the intact claw and tail. The fettuccine isn't one of their homemade pastas but still imported fresh -- the difference between fresh al dente pasta and dry pasta is immeasurable. The sauce was light and not overly creamy, a worry of mine when ordering fettuccine. Portion size was a little smaller than expected. I also tried a bit of the risotto with prawns and artichokes. The risotto was not cooked as soft as I like but the hearty flavors allowed me to overlook it. I don't usually think of combining shrimp with artichokes but the combo worked well together. Dessert: the panna cotta with passion fruit coulis was heavenly (although I haven't eaten any panna cotta that I haven't liked). Adding real passion fruit would take it to the next level. The tiramisu was of the light and fluffy variety. A good way to end the meal.

Jeff K.

We had a nice meal here this week, Saturday night with a 9 o'clock seating. There is a single room and it is quite energetic, but everyone was having a good time. The food is delicious, the service impeccable, at least that was our experience. We both had the Tasting Menu selection, which is right-priced at $32 and includes a glass of Prosecco. My grilled calamari was fantastic. The entrees were very good and the right size. I ahd the Tagliatele Bolognese and Pam had the Veal Scallopini....delicious. Desserts were also great. The best Tiramisu I have ever had. At the end of the night, we sat back and said, "This reminds us of that tiny restaurant in Pienza we enjoyed so much on our Italian bike trip." When a restaurant can evoke such a great memory, it is definitely noteworthy. We will return here often when we want to have authentic Italian fare.

Jack C.

Good Service. Food : Just OK.

Meredith B.

I can't believe I didn't write a review of this place....maybe I wasn't on yelp yet. In fairness, I went here in 2008, but it was such a memorable meal that I'm still thinking about it! Very fitting for my 200th review! Here's what I wrote, elsewhere, about this restaurant: I went with friends to this very small and authentic restaurant. Most people who work there seem to be Italian, which made the experience more fun and exciting. The room was small, cozy, and intimate. We really enjoyed our fruity and fresh bottle of wine, and the complimentary appetizer that was brought to everyone (a fresh bruschetta each!) We ordered a cheese plate, which came with toasted baguettes. The waiter was knowledgeable about the cheese options, so we were very satisfied with everything that we had selected. We also enjoyed the bread basket and the fruity olive oil that came with it. But my entree....it was OUTSTANDING. As soon as it was put in front of me, the smell was so incredible that I could hardly stand it. I was reminded immediately that this is the difference between a good restaurant and a great one - the instant exceeding of my expectations, and food that was clearly prepared with so much care. The portion was reasonably sized (compared to like, Olive Garden-type places) and I finished every bite. The gnocchi melted in my mouth - it was the softest gnocchi I have ever had. The meaty sauce was rich, sumptuous, flavorful, and tender. The overall effect of the dish was perfection; I even ran my finger around the bowl so as not to miss the slightest bit of extra sauce. I would LOVE to come here again and try another entree!!

Kai R.

I would like to give this place 4 stars, but I can't. Food - this is the real deal. The menu is very extensive and all of the dishes are amazing. The food here is VERY good (and I know Italian food). Room - small restaurant, no more than 15-20 tables. My biggest complaint is the tables are very small. Service - the service is a bit gruff to be honest. Our waiter wasn't that helpful and he never refilled our wine glasses. Yes, the food is amazing and this place is worth checking out, but there are some shortcommings...

Tony W.

This restaurant is amazing! The food is honest and not pretentious, and makes you feel like you are eating in Italy. The service and atmosphere are great and only adds to the feel of authenticity. Definitely worth checking out.

Larisa O.

My parents have been going here since it opened, and when they invite me, I'm always thrilled to join. The European waiters are great, and the menu is always so interesting. It's always a struggle deciding what to order. It is really Italian gourmet. It's pretty sophisticated fare. This restaurant will never let you down. It's full of old-timers, but a very romantic place for a dimly-lit, elegant date night.

Stephanie W.

Yum, yum, yum! Everything on the menu looks good, and everything my family ordered was excellent. It's a little pricey, but if you've got the dough to spend, definitely go for it. The wine list is fabulous. We ordered the Cambaccio, a 70% Sangiovese and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon blend, and it was unbelievable. For dinner: the black summer truffle risotto is mind blowing, and the spaghetti carbonara was everything I could have wanted. My mom's swordfish and my sister's fettuccine bolognese were also great. I didn't try the dishes of the rest of my family, but they all said they were very pleased. For dessert: order the cioccolatissimo, a tiny chocolate lava cake that comes out warm and gooey and perfect. I was already full by the time dessert came around, but I just couldn't help myself. One of my favorite places to swing by every time I visit Chicago (home), and the service is always great.

Katie T.

Riccardo was highly recommended to me and I've had the opportunity to have two dining experiences there. The first time was during Restaurant week and I think I was led awry a bit and didn't order things that I was particularly interested in consuming. That or I'm too used to associating Italian food with Buca Di Beppo and Macaroni Grill that the flavors/vibe from Riccardo just didn't seem to compute for me. I got the pumpkin ravioli which was really good but didn't have much sauce so you were really going for the pure flavor of the pumpkin and the freshly made ravioli. The dessert was panna cotta and although delicious was a bit light. The second time I was a lot more satisfied with my choices and the meal in general. Their truffle risotto was rich and delicious, tiramisu light fluffy and just right and the starter of the sepia done just right. I think its important to note that Riccardo is very much about the ingredients that they use to create the dishes so don't expect huge portions or lots of flavor; do expect pure, natural flavors, attention to detail and an extensive/authentic menut.

Gary C.

The first thing I noticed was the excellent quality of bread being served, crispy golden crust and a soft interior just waiting for a dunk in some virgin olive oil. Riccardo's offers an extensive menu plus a full daily sheet of specials and a three course tasting menu at $33. We had 2 starters; the first was the Asparagus soup: an A+ for flavor, consistency and presentation. The second was a very generous sized mixed grilled sausage plate with about 4 different types of sausage, I'm not sure if they are house made but all were good. For our main course we choose Spaghetti Carbonara - with bacon, egg yolk and pecorino cheese, another A+ and the pasta tasted home made. Next up was the Veal Chop topped with prosciutto & fontina with butter & sage, the chop was over the top in flavor and could easily been shared. We will be back; I found too many things on the menu I'd like to try. One nice touch that I don't see often even in the small restaurants - Chef Riccardo was in the dinning room several times during the course of the evening, greeting and checking on his customers. A small thing - but shows commitment to his customers and his establishment.

Vic C.

Excellent ambiance. Excellent service. Phenomenal food. If you've ever spent any time in Italy and want to feel like your back, then this is an absolute must. Reasonably priced for the value.

Char Y.

We came for restaurant week tasting menu, and were very impressed with the large section of items. We ordered 1st choice Finocchiona e crostini toscani - interesting in an irony way calamari ripieni con granchio e aragosta - gigantic and super delicious! trippa alla fiorentina - could be better than the one I had in Florence insalatina tricolore con capirno 2nd choice gnocchi bava - super delicious! risotto alla pescatora - full of seafood scottadito di aguello - huge lamb chops orecchiette con salsiccia di cinghiale e cimerape - taste ok 3rd choice tiramisu - great apple pie panna cotta - wow Cioccolatissimo Everything was in good portions and very delicious. I wish I have a trattoria like this near my house! On a side note, their bread basket is divine with good selections of foccacia bread freshly baked! To say that I felt like sleeping afterward is an understatement, but this is well made Italian food!

Josh G.

My wife and I had a pleasant dinner at Riccardo. But the cost of the meal was a bit too high for my taste, and we were left wanting for a true italian experience. We started with the fried vegetables and fava beans in truffle oil appetizers. The vegetables were delicious but closely resembled tempura. We were not expecting that and did not want to spend the calories on it. The fava beans were served raw, with parmesan and truffle oil. They were good, but the portion was small and, just like the tempura style dish, did not really say "Italian". We next had the tuna and flounder entrees. Both were delicious. If this were the entire meal, I'd give the place 4+ stars. The wine was good, but at $9 a glass (is that the new normal!), I'd expect a more generous pour.

Blake H.

THIS PLACE WAS BOMB-ASS. not only was gwyneth paltrow photographed there in december, but i went for restaurant week. and will be going again. got the tripe (my first time), the scallops, and i think the best dessert i had during restaurant week (a molten chocolate lava thing). the boss-man was awesome & super italian, as were the waiters. the cuisine was authientic italiano, as were the the other diners. super cute and really fun and i will be back for suresies.

Anne K.

This was the one of the best, most unpretentious dining experiences I've ever had. From the lightly fried calamari, Orecchiette with wild boar sausage/rapini/sun-dried tomato and pecorino, to the Grilled Mixed Seafood Platter with salmoriglio & fresh lemon, everything was cooked to perfection. Riccardo and his staff were attentive and made us feel like family. Top off your evening with the the limoncello and tiramisu, yum!

Lon T.

Great spot for Italian in Lincoln Park. Riccardo and his staff do a very nice job of making you feel like they appreciate your business. Our appetizers of amazing mozzarella & prosciutto and baked Focaccina di Recco hit the spot. We then had Fettuccine Bolognese, veal Saltimbocca and the Filet "Battuta" Beef tenderloin. Everything was excellent and I'm looking forward to my next visit.

Dayne K.

This place is so lovely. I went here for a first date and it was the absolutely perfect place for that. I arrived a little bit early for my reservation and the table was already ready but I was waiting for my date to arrive As I did, everyone walking out the door was raving to the host about how amazing it was, how it reminded them of their last trip to Milan, they can't wait to come back..etc. I was pretty much drooling by the time I sat down at my table and I was not disappointed. The place is pretty small, so the tables are close together so you can hear bits of other people's conversations and laughter (not so much that its annoying though) that combined with the warm low lighting give the restaurant a very intimate vibe. It kind of feels like a private party. The food. The menu has so many amazing sounding choices I almost cried when I had to choose just one entree. I got a pasta off of the specials side (full page!) with mushrooms and truffle stuff (im not real technical with the food lingo sorry) and every time I took a bite it was so heavenly I didn't even want to chew I just wanted to sit there and cradle it in my mouth like it was a little baby. Portion size was perfect, not to big or small. (even though I could literally eat gallons of the stuff) My dates food was ridiculous! it was a giant bowl of pasta with pretty much a modest aquarium worth of seafood on it. The mussels were cooked perfectly, not too sea watery and there were these baby octupus or squid things in there and they were so yummy and tender you can just pop the whole thing in your mouth, tentacles and all. I wanted dessert so bad but I was too full :( For a bottle of wine, 1 appetizer and 2 dinners it was almost exactly 100. Worth every cent, I would definitely go back, alot, I would by the house next door... yah so good.

Melissa M.

Awesome Italian food! Decided to order from the tasting menu because you can't go wrong with a starter, entree, dessert & glass of prosecco for $33! Plus, there were plenty of options to choose from. I started with the prosciutto with melon, then had the fettucine bolognese, and finished with some lemon and peach sorbet. My entree, by far, was my favorite item. Homemade fettucine with an amazing sauce caused me to clear my plate completely. The restaurant itself is fairly small so I'd recommend making a reservation to ensure a table. The service was great, but a tad a slow. Can't wait to go back and try some of the other items on the menu that looked just as good.

Amanda A.

You must RUN to Riccardo Trattoria...because they'll be rolling you out once you finish your meal. I cannot remember the last time I finished my entire first and second courses---and most of my dessert. I ate here when they first opened a few years ago, but didn't dine here again until their generous Restaurant Week offerings lured me back to Lincoln Park on Saturday night. I began with the grilled calamari stuffed with crab/lobster, dove into the gnocchi bava (the fluffiest gnocchi I've had in ages, peeking from a fabulous creamy tomato sauce w/fontina cheese), and attempted to eat the apple pie in its entirety (a happy failure). Seriously, I didn't eat a full meal again until Monday. The waitstaff displayed just the right amount of attentiveness, and the atmosphere was pleasantly jovial. Pure food euphoria.

Drew W.

Really looking for a good meal here and was disappointed.... First, service-wow, totally disinterested. Not real comfortable with the menu, we TRIED to order a second bottle for our entrees. Hard to get a wine list (since he had zero inclination to suggest a wine when we finally managed to flag him down and ask), next to impossible to get an order, finally at halfway through our entrees we gave up an told him to forget it. Felt like we were totally ignored at times. Bread, never refilled, HEAVY push on 'selling" bottled water. Food- Short ribs-inedible Spaghetti carbonara, salty as can be-virtullly no pork flavor. Veal Ravioli-good, not great Gnocchi-bland and yet salty again Octopus-bland Fava Beans-Great, best dish we had Starwberry Gelato-okay Orricehtti-probably best dish we had Chocolate lava cake, filling good, cake-meh.... For such a small room and all the hustling the staff does, you would think service would have been better. Menu is huge, and confusing with a giant list of specials, don't expect the waiter to guide you or make any suggestions. Wine list small by comparison, and expensive. One Chianti at $78? Really.

Peggy N.

Everything about this place was excellent. Cute ambiance, great service, and, of course, delicious food. The calamari took an ordinary appetizer to new levels; pumpkin ravioli melts in your mouth; the gianduia gelato tastes like Rome. The very Italian owner was visible being effusively hospitable. I only wish I could afford to go here more often!!

Maria P.

What a great find! My husband and I tried this place for the first time for New Year's Eve which also happens to be our anniversary. We were no disappointed in the least. The place isn't that big, so I was amazed how we were sat down exactly on the dot for the time that we had our reservation on NYE. They have a nice wine selection, but also are BYOB for an $18 corkage fee I believe. We had an appetizer that they had on special and it was delicious. It was a rather large scallop cooked to perfection and wrapped in bacon served with fried leeks. It was fabulous. They bring you fresh bread as well which wasn't just plain bread; some had zucchini and the other had onions. Both were delicious as well. I had the Pappardelle "Porcini" with fresh Alpine porcini in a white truffle cream sauce. It was just the right amount of pasta and it was very fresh. My husband had the sole which was on special as well and that was memorable as well. For dessert we shared a Panna Cotta topped with passion fruit coulis. That was the best panna cotta that either of us has ever had. We each had coffee as well, one regular and one decaf. Both were hot and flavorful. We will definitely be going back!

Nancy K.

Nice little place, will definitely go back. The fresh pastas were wonderful. Our Italian waiter (which I love) was very attentive and helpful - with both our food and wine selections. We went on a Thursday night before seeing a show at The Park West. By 7:30 the place was packed. It has a comfortable, cozy atmosphere, but the tables are a little close and we therefore ended up friending the single diner sitting next to us. But overall, a very nice experience.

P W.

Riccardo's is one of the best Italian restaurants I've ever visited in either the United States or in Italy; specifically for Milanese food, I'm not sure if I've ever had better. The great mystery of the place is how the small kitchen and excellent waitstaff can manage the phenomenal and gargantuan menu, which has approximately 10-15 seasonal specials at any given time, while still providing excellent, timely service and surprisingly reasonable prices. Apps are consistently excellent; the elk carpaccio is (when available) a brilliant new addition to the menu that balances the gamey, mineral elk against the richness of truffle and fontina. Consistent highlights include the fried squash blossoms stuffed with mozzarella and and speck alto adige, the cecina crepe, and any of the rotating soufflés. The risotto is exceptional; always perfectly cooked, and with a delicacy of flavor that's atypical for a dish that tends to be over-cheesed. The porcini risotto is an great standby, and those lucky enough to catch the seasonal squash blossom or winter black truffle risottos are in for a treat. The pastas are similarly exceptional; excellent pasta, balanced and vibrant sauces, and generous portions that happily balance between indulgence and restraint. I've had excellent experiences with meat dishes here as well, and the branzino served with an intelligently minimalist plating that allows the fish to shine - however, the reality is that Riccardo is a genius of pasta and risotti - this is why I've come back so many times. Dessert is excellent if not necessarily reaching the heights of the mains; the passion fruit panna cotta is delicate, beautifully acidulated, and simple; the ricotta cheesecake is fluffy, light, and beautifully offset by the pine nuts. The waitstaff is consistent, passionately knowledgeable about the menu, and intimately familiar with the wine list. Whenever I'm faced with indecision in the selection of either a wine or a course, I turn to my waiter, and I have yet to be disappointed. Although the bib gourmand and a consistently high Zagat rating are testament to the genius of Riccardo, this restaurant remains an under appreciated gem.

Stefanie A.

A review that should have been done years ago... First came to Riccardo about 3-4 years ago when I was living in the neighborhood. Since then we've been there many times. Most recently was last night. We made a last minute reservation for four at 9:00pm. Didn't get seated until 9:45. Yes it was a long wait- but trust me the food is worth the wait! They ended up taking off our first bottle of wine and threw in an order of calamari for the wait- really nice, we didn't even ask for anything like that. Like I said, the food is amazing. Definitely recommend the mussels & foccacina (spelling?) appetizers, and the orecchiette with the rapini & wild boar sausage & lamb chops entrees. Our friends dining with us had the crab/lobster ravioli and the short ribs. They said there's was also phenomenal. Portion sizes are perfect. The interior should be mentioned as well- it's small and intimate. Not loud or big, which makes it a great place for people who actually wanna hear what their date/friend is saying or if you even want to meet the owner (he frequently walks around).

Michelle L.

After a long day of shopping, my parents and I decided to come here for dinner. We entered the small space and were immediately greeted by the two hostesses. The restaurant is small, cramped, and loud in a cozy way. We got to know the people sitting at the table next to us, which was nice. It seems like half the menu are specials. This makes it easy for people to come back and have new experiences each time. To start, we had the fried squash blossoms, the fava beans, and the lentil soup. All were very good. The only non-special were the fava beans, which were simple but flavorful. The squash blossoms were stuffed with cheese and speck prosciutto-- crunchy, salty deliciousness. The soup was hearty, and the sausage added the perfect richness. For entrees, I ordered the gnocchi with oxtail and wine sauce. It was hearty and full of flavor. Also, the gnocchi was the perfect texture. Too often, I've had gnocchi that's too rubbery, but this gnocchi was soft. The whole branzino was also very flavorful-- very Italian with olive oil on the side to drizzle over. This dish brought me back to my summer travels in Italy. The mushroom risotto on the regular menu was another highlight. The risotto is full of mushroom-y truffles. I enjoyed how the risotto was a bit lighter than most restaurants, as chefs tend to over do the cheese and cream. Definitely come by for a neighborhood hidden gem :)

Lauren H.

Came here for Restaurant Week. It was amazing! We recently got back from Italy and this was the most authentic food. We started out with elk carpaccio and it was so yummy. I then had the short rib and polenta! My friend had the risotto (which was so good) that I ate a good bit of hers :) Go you won't regret it! Note: It's a smaller restaurant!

Ben B.

Solid Italian on the formal side. My girl and I made reservations to visit Riccardo Trattoria on New Year's Eve. When you arrive, there's a small seating area separated from the dining area by a curtain. When it's your time to sit, you're led through to a small dining area (maybe 15-20 tables). I ordered the orecchiette cinghiale with wild boar sausage, rapini, sun-dried tomato, and Pecorino. I enjoyed it, though I wish it had come with some sort of sauce. It was strange to find only one giant chunk of garlic in the dish. My girlfriend ordered the pappardelle ai porcini in white truffle cream sauce. That was outstanding. We *loved* the Tuscan fried potatoes seasoned with herbs, garlic & chili flakes. They were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, like a perfectly cooked French fry. You must get this. For dessert I tackled a cioccolatissimo (molten chocolate cake). Very good. Service was excellent. Several different people were involved in bringing and removing plates. The host checked our coats for us. Riccardo Trattoria is a bit stuffy. It's the kind of place you'd go for an anniversary dinner instead of a first date. That's not a bad thing, but you should expect a more formal atmosphere than most places. Most entrees fall in the $16-20 range. We split a $40 bottle of wine - the cheapest on the menu. Often, you'll go to an Italian joint and the food will leave you feeling really heavy. Riccardo Trattoria does not. In that way, it was more similar to the places I've dined in Italy. I only wish the dishes had a bit more flavor. I look forward to returning for another dinner.

Alicia C.

Loved the wine selection. Friendly service too. Nothing from my meals here have stood out as memorable. All solid dishes but nothing that knocked my socks off. Had a good couple of red bottles.

Anastasia L.

Tiramisu was melting in my mouth. Mmmm, besides that tomato soup was good, but my opinion this place too small and overpriced. Nice waiter staff.

Meghana P.

I love Italian food, period. I've eaten it all around the world (including Italy), and I'm always on the lookout for truly authentic Italian restaurants in Chicago. I'm happy to say that Riccardo Trattoria is one of them. Despite the fact that my pasta was undercooked the first time (definitely below al dente), the flavour of the sauce and the cooperation of kitchen staff in getting me a replacement makes this review definitely a 5-star. The arugula and lemon salad was also delicious and a great opener to the meal, while the tiramisu was delicious and not too sweet. If you're looking for delicious, quality Italian food (although this place is definitely a little pricey), come here!

Kevin C.

When I was trying to figure out where to go for dinner, I spent 45 minutes flipping between dozens of Italian restaurants. Do I go for the one that sounds like a made up pasta on the Olive Garden menu, or do I go for the other one that also sounds like a made up pasta on the Olive Garden menu that's right up the street? I finally settled on Riccardo Trattoria, for no reason whatsoever other than I have shit to do and can't spend all day looking at Italian restaurant menus. I don't know who Riccardo is, but the dude cooks damn good Italian food. We shared the fried calamari, elk carpaccio, beef pappardelle, and lamb shank. Everything was well-cooked and well-portioned, if not especially innovative. The elk carpaccio in particular had my date making faces that wouldn't be out of place on a late-night HBO special like the ones that I keep catching my roommate watching

Opal K.

Great service. Had the risotto with porcini which was delicious. Portion size was perfect. The panna cotta was great too!!

Molly M.

I was very excited to try out Ricardo Trattoria. When we arrived the place had the most amazing smells coming from the kitchen. We order one of the cheaper house wines which was actually great, the Pinot Noir. The focaccia bread they give you is amazing! However, my food was most certainly not. I ordered the orecchiette with wild boar sausage. It was not enjoyable. I ate the entire thing out of starvation but I would not say it was good. The orecchiette had no sauce of any kind it was essentially just plain. The wild boar sausage had good flavor but the spinach or kale or collared greens (wasn't sure which they were cut so small) was just bad. I don't think I will come back, unless someone can argue with me that their meal was excellent. My friend had some seafood with pasta and vodka sauce. It was pretty good but it they could've removed the shrimp shells. Overall I would say this place does not live up to the hype. I would eat at Topo Giggio five times over coming back to Riccardo trattoria.

kat b.

I will start by saying we enjoyed the food. My fiancé and I each rated the cuisine 8/10. We dined at Riccardo Trattoria previously and learned they were BYOB. Looking forward to enjoying it again during Restaurant Week, we arrived bottle of wine in hand. The service was slow. It took about 30 minutes to get a basket of bread on the table. As previously stated, the food was good. The surprise came when we were hit with a $24 corkage fee on the bill. Try Rose Angelis, you won't be disappointed.

Meg P.

My boyfriend and I were so disappointed by the dinner we had here last night. We had reservations for 9 and were not seated until 9:45. It was clear that many people were having the same problem and were frustrated. I asked how long the wait was going to be when we arrived and the Matradee wouldn't even respond to me. When we finally got seated and ordered. However, nothing came out "in order" ...we got our salad...then one appetizer...then the bread? It was odd. The people next to us didn't get their appetizer. We got our main course, but it would have been nice to have more water/drinks during the meal but they were busy. We then placed our order for dessert...they forgot one of them and then didn't come back for such a long time we were confused! We just said forget it...realized our waiter had LEFT and asked a different waiter for our check. How was the food? Actually good! But the service and dining experience was so bad...I don't know why anyone would want to go. It's a shame because the food is good but you can't have service like that in Chicago...too many other great places to go!

Bob A.

We were enticed back to Ricardo's when we walked by on a Friday evening to find they had open tables and no wait. After my one star rating last Fall, I was a little nervous my photo was posted on their kitchen wall just above the knife block. Maybe the restaurant was too dark for them to make a positive ID! This time around a much better experience with a very polished server, and good food. Still not the Ricardo's that I loved so much five years ago but much better than the Friday evening last Fall.

Elaine B.

I should have reviewed Riccardo's the first time I went, when I moved to Chicago from Europe two years ago, and after I had endured countless disappointments at restaurants claiming to serve real Italian food. This is hands down, the ONLY authentic Italian restaurant that I've come across in Chicago. It's home-made, cooked from the heart and makes me feel a bit less homesick. If you're hoping for bland, Americanized appetizers, followed by giant, overflowing bowls of overcooked pasta, go somewhere else (you'll be spoiled for choice). I've been to Riccardo's many times with my husband and after going again last night, I felt compelled to write this review because I loved our meal so much. I've tried a fair amount of the items on the menu, but if you want a little taste of heaven, have the truffle tagliatelle as a starter, or share it with someone and have another sneaky appetizer (elk carpaccio or vitello tonnato?) and then go to town on any of the can't-go-wrong entrees (escalope milanese, veal chop, osso bucco, pumpkin ravioli, branzino, seafood linguini, veal saltimbocca, literally anything). Save room for dessert..... Buon appetito!

Chicago T.

Riccardo's was recommended by a server from one of our favorite restaurants. Went there as a party of two on a weekday. Our server was very friendly and I liked the ambiance. I ordered the grilled octopus as an app, it was good. We also shared the fried softshell crab. It was also good but the breading did not allow the soft shell to come through and shine as it should. I had a white fish for my entrée I believe it was sole, I don't remember now. It was good but the problem was it was dressed with the exact same sauce that the softshell crab was dressed with. That was very disappointing. It was like getting another serving of the softshell crab which was okay to start with in my opinion. The presentation was nice I am willing to give it another try for some of the other dishes. So for now three stars and until the next visit.

Eliza K.

We absolutely love this place. You really can't beat the food or the ambience. They treat us like family and the food is fantastic. Best Italian I've eaten outside of Florence. 5 stars! Make recommendations early!! Wish they did delivery...

Mary H.

Overrated. Very disappointing. Very loud, not a pleasant dining experience. Veal was dry and fairly tasteless. They were out of the rack of lamb I wanted to order, but they never told me until I attempted to order it. It would have been better to tell me when I was given the menu. The waiter was poor. He never came to ask if our meals were satisfactory. I do not recommend this place and will not return.

J D.

Now, I am prefacing this with the disclaimer that this only pertains to the restaurant week menu, which is a steal!!! If I'd known the food was THIS good, I'd have taken advantage of more than one RW eve. What we had from the RW menu: Starters: Elk carpaccio with truffle sauce......the sauce was velvety and had such wonderful truffle flavor. Not truffle OIL flavor, but TRUFFLE flavor. Fantastic. Sepie....just yummy Porcini souffle.....our friend said it was stupendous Entrees: Lamb chops....beautifully cooked, garlic spinach was a perfect compliment and the potato wedges were crisp outside and perfect and pillowy inside Branzino...our friend said was delightful (she's a repeat customer) Dessert: Super chocolate, molten cake.....so good Panna cotta......very good (but my cake was better) Tiramisu.....airy and flavorful, not as dense in both chocolate or espresso as others, but rich nonetheless Our waiter was fantastic (it doesn't hurt that Giuseppe IS Italian) and suggested the Nero D'Avola and we adored it. And voila', he didn't try to up sell us. I loved the service because it wasn't classic American, "Hi, I'm Jim, your server tonight...may I suggest...." blah, blah, blah. I was back in my home country with Giuseppe and staff. I happen to love that. I happen to love 3 hour dinners. That's what dining out is about, to me. If you are fortunate enough to do the end of restaurant week, do so. If not, splurge here anyway when you can. It's sublime.

Lori K.

Riccardo Trattoria is the most authentic Italian experience to be had in Chicago. The waiters are quiet experts; the small space feels intimate but never stifling; the food is excellent. With a large party of six, we were seated at a round table perfect for conversation and the passing of plates, which we all did without hesitation. I am reluctant here to order off of the standard menu, as the specials are all the best choices. On a warm July night, the most outstanding dishes were King Crab salad, pappardelle, and pasta with truffles. If ever there are truffles on the menu, go ahead and splurge. You will not regret it. Occasionally the chef has a tendency to over salt dishes, and sometimes you may have to wait for your table. On a beautiful evening, this was not a problem, but it could be an issue in January. If you have spent time in Italy and can't afford the plane ticket, make your way to Riccardo's.

Russell F.

One of the top 5 neighborhood Italian spots in this city. Great food (arancini, fava bean app, Dover sole, lasagna, panna cotta), friendly and efficient service. Great, reasonably priced wine list. It's a small place and they get busy on Friday and Saturday, so a reservation is an absolute must. We had been here before and it was just as good as we remembered. Forget the other amateur reviews...go to Riccardo!

Zeba F.

This place was amazing!! The ambiance was pretty and the food was on point. I got the penne scampi and my husband got spinach tortellini. Both were really delicious! The service was great, the waiter checked on us a few times and everyone from when we entered till we left was friendly. I would definitely go back here.

Amanda H.

Went here for the first time and the experience was alright. Had to wait 20+ min with having a reservation. The hostess and manager were not hospitable towards us like they were to people who seem to frequent the place. Not a good feeling. The manager finally came up to us at the end and asked how our meals were. Wine prices are very reasonable for a bottle and the free bread was great. Space is small but quaint. We ordered the zucchini blossoms and they were really good! My boyfriend and I both had pasta....he had the carbonara and I had the penne scampi. He liked his while I was pretty disappointed. The pasta was not al dente and was too hard. I felt uncomfortable sending it back seeing it cost $28 and our server wasn't around really. It's too bad the pasta was so distracting since the lobster and sauce was good. After what we experienced, decided not to get a dessert and leave. I am very underwhelmed with this restaurant and will not be returning. Really wish this could have been our neighborhood spot but will be looking elsewhere.

Heather D.

I have had nothing but great experiences at Riccardo's. I'm always shocked when I tell my friends about this intimate, quiet, upscale Italian trattoria located in the heart of Lincoln Park and they are clueless of it. I have gone on many dates with the boyfriend and with family. Each time was always amazing. I will be going there for my birthday dinner this upcoming weekend in fact. Some personal favorite dishes of mine: Appetizer: The Fava beans with truffles and, I believe, sliced Parmesan pieces - just to die for good. You just want to have a nice glass of Chianti and quote Hannibal Lecture with this one. Must have. It is a smaller dish though - so if you have a hungry party I suggest ordering two or even three. Main: Black Summer Truffle Risotto. Man. Every time I come here I get this. This dish made me fall is love with Parmigiano-Reggiano risotto but I have yet to have it anywhere else even half as good as here. Even better is in the winter months, when the summer truffles are unavailable, you can still custom order a Parmigiano-Reggiano Risotto with truffle oil - just let them know you are trying to get something similar to the truffle dish - and they are more than happy to make this off-menu item for you! This is a worth embarrassing yourself to lick the bowl-plate in an upscale, older rich crowd, establishment kinda dish. Dessert: Although they have quite a few great desserts, the tiramisu stands out to me above the rest. Light, fluffy, perfection. I've never had another like it is served here. Final Verdict: This is a great place to enjoy a mildly quiet, relaxing, great dinner with family, close friends, or a partner. Beautifully decorated and the tables are in fact intimately close. Upscale, tend to be older crowd but who cares? If you want rowdy 20-somethings head to a place in Wrigleyville. There is something for everyone on the menu from the foodie to the "I just want something without weird stuff like pork butt in it" picky eater. Great service, decent wine list, and locally owned. The force is strong with this one.

Laura K.

DELICIOUS ITALIAN FOOD IN LINCOLN PARK! YES YES YES! I am so glad to have finally tried this place! My husband and I usually shy away from going to Italian restaurants, because we very rarely are impressed with them - and tend to over eat due to the huge potions yet leave full but not satisfied. Well, not here. We went with a group of 5, and actually just ordered a number of their different pastas to share, and HOLY CRAP! SO GOOD! The truffle pasta was TO DIE FOR (and i don't even love mushrooms). It is a bit pricey, but overall everyone loved it. I DEFINITELY want to go back. TIP - make sure to make a reservation. We saw a few groups as we walked in get turned down because they didn't have a reservation.

Jason M.

Had the fruti di mare I didnt care for it. The prices seemed high. We were not impressed by the food and we went there based on a recommendation. We won't be back.

Linda M.

Buonissimo! Authentic Italian. Great service. Excellent food. I had the veal saltimbocca which was exquisite.

Anna G.

Maybe my expectations were too high, but I think Riccardo's is just a solid 3 star kind of place. The atmosphere is great: only a few tables, full of people, loud conversation...it's no wonder last minute reservations can be harder to come by. Service was very friendly and attentive, no complaints there. The food is really what brings it down. It was fine, just not worth the hype I'm seeing. It's not that it was too salty or too bland, it was just pretty underwhelming overall. I know we were there on a busy Friday night at the start of Restaurant Week, but I don't think that's an excuse for quality. Overall, I guess I'd recommend it if you're looking for an Italian place to take your out of town parents to, but otherwise, I wouldn't go out of my way again.

Desiree N.

Riccardo Trattoria is a gem in a city full of hundreds of Italian restaurants. My husband and I were given a gift certificate, and decided to try it out. Upon arriving, we were greeted in a small curtained off area. We only waited a short time, but the manager running the door insisted he had a great table for us. He was right. The wine list is nice for a smaller trattoria. I had the black mussel livornese in a spicy tomato broth as a starter and then the parpadelle ai porcini as a main course. Both were delicious. My husband had a special peppered elk carpaccio and the orecchiette clinghale. He enjoyed both as well. We will return.

Bridget D.

Live a few blocks from Riccardo and there's always a steady stream of patrons. And for good reason. The food is wonderful, the atmosphere is clean and authentic. It is small, but it adds to the charm. It's not cheap, but I honestly expected it to be more expensive. Also, the Bears' Lance Briggs was there when I was there with my mom last week so I instantly felt cooler. Great spot, would go back for a special occasion or a nice date.

Romana Y.

Riccardo's didn't disappoint. We had a 9pm reservation for 4, and arrived 5min early. We waited in their curtained off seating area, 25min past reservation time. The wait was still comfortable and exciting. When we were seated, we passed by the 15-20 tables of the intimate space. The crowd was beautiful, and alive! For starters, and ordered the asparagus, and a variety of cheeses. All were good, but I'd skip these next visit. Our entrees included lobster/crab ravioli, tuna, bacon-wrapped mussels, linguini with scallops/saffron. All were good, but not great. They all lacked obvious flavor, and rather, had faint tastes. The wine our waiter suggested was fantastic. 2010 pinot noir that was very smooth and delightful. He warned us that we'd feel a buzz with half a glass, but we proceeded with two bottles, nonetheless. We all left incredibly tipsy, but it sure was a great vibe there! For desserts, we had the tiramisu, and the chocolate Molen cake, both of which were rich and flavorful. The coffee/cappucino/lattes were good as well. With all the food/drinks we indulged in, we left without the typical heavy feeling that is synonymous with Italian cooking. Great vibe here, but the food is simply a-ok!

Kristin S.

What an enjoyable restaurant! Great place if you want to take your time and enjoy the company of the people you are dinning with. The service is not rushed by any means. I enjoyed the Cod Milanese special, it was terrific. Very lightly fried to perfection with fresh tomatoes and capers. Our table shared a bottle of the Bottega Veneta Pinot Grigio, what a great pino! Everyone was very pleased with their meals. Can't wait to eat here again.

Caren G.

The food here is phenomenal. The panzanella was definitely the favorite dish that we ordered. The crispy croutons and the juicy tomatoes made the perfect match! My husband ordered the swordfish which was outstanding! The service was great and the place was very warm and cozy!

Anya A.

One of my absolute favorite restaurants in the world. The food is absolutely tremendous - spaghetti carbonara, pesto Genovese, and the amatriciana are among my favorites. The Tuscan cold cuts are fantastic to start, as are the zucchini blossoms. The menu is enormous and it really is impossible to go wrong. It's like having a little slice of Italy in Lincoln Park.

Alfredo P.

What a great restaurant !!!! Great food and the service better Francisco and the manager don't remember his name nice Greek guy I think one of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago thank you guys for a amassing dinner !!

Manny B.

Back again to enjoy their fare and as usual they delievered a great evening. Hosting a few guest who have never been there so I wanted to tst my belief it was a great Italian restaurant. I have their arugala salad to start and the GF penne with their bolognese sauce toped of with a very nice glass of tuscan wine. Others enjoyed the peppered tuna carpaccio, pasta basil pesto, seafood linguine, and a beautiful warm aple pie with gelato. Everyone raved. My dish was prepared well with th bolognese ripping with flavor without being too rich. All in all the service was wonderful and cant wait to go back again.

Liz K.

Wow, wow, wow. I'll be back. Hopefully this weekend. Riccardo Trattoria was an easy choice, considering I was looking for a nicer restaurant, close to my new pad, where I could treat my family who so graciously took a weekend to help me move. I figured we'd be tired after a day of moving and that Italian food would be filling and a welcome meal. And I was right :) Small restaurant - maybe 10 tables at the most? Intimate setting, not too loud. Ok service - there might have been two servers for the restaurant but somehow they didn't check back very frequently, which leads to my main complaint. I would have loved to have ordered drinks, appetizers, and entrees at separate times and in that order, but because of the length of time in between the arrival of our drinks and the next time he stopped by, that wasn't very realistic. Anyway, it only went uphill from there. Birillo was an excellent wine choice - could have had an entire bottle to myself. Like I said, we moved all day and so had worked up quite an appetite. The Tuscan Antipasti for two was more than enough for four of us, especially with an additional beef carpaccio app. But oh, the meats on that antipasti! I'd go back just for that dish. Wowza. Entrees were just as delicious - we had the mountain and sea risotto, pork tenderlion (x2), minestrone soup, beet & endive salad, and a seafood pasta served arrabiata (spicy). I'm on a huge risotto kick lately and loved mine, which was rich and creamy and full of seafood bites, lacking only in presentation. All other comments were positive as well, and my parents could not stop comparing the food to that which they had in Tuscany recently (and, most of the time, they were saying that Riccardo's version was better!). For four people, the above dishes (including a bottle of wine) came to just under $200 w/o tip. I thought it was all top-notch and I can't wait to come back for some dessert!

KB C.

Outstanding from what I can remember...went to zoo lights, and drinking all along the way...stopped here for dinner and I remember being very impressed with the carbonara- apparently so much that I also consumed my wife's plate during the brief time it took her to take a bathroom break. No recollection of that part of debacle as the wine was flowing in copious amounts. I'll have to go back and re-verify.

Jeffrey Z.

We arrived at the time of our reservation but were not seated for another 40 minutes. It's a very small restaurant, so that's understandable for the most part. They did give us a free order of calamari for our wait, which was appreciated. The size of the restaurant does give it some charm, but the interior is really lacking in any meaningful decor. Once we were seated, the service was ok. It wasn't friendly, but it wasn't unfriendly either. Most of the food was mediocre. The short rib was a little tough and dry but had great flavors in the sauce and was served with some alright polenta. The chocolate gelato I had for dessert had a good, strong chocolate flavor but was a little icy, even for gelato.

Amy A.

Wonderful service, food, and atmosphere. Enough said... everything was perfect. Thank you!

Partha A.

i am probably the only one reviewing this place a 3. i ordered dishes which were probably less on the flavor scale. got the calamari - comes in a tomato sauce - for people who like calamari, u will enjoy it. the tuna tartare - i think i expected a bit more lemon-shock. it was fresh tasting enough though. orechiette with sausage - the sausages were tiny muddled lumps and not what i imagined it to be. the pasta was very nice itself though. just left a lot to be desired in terms of protein. gnochhi in pink sauce - very basic - comes with proscuitto. the gnocchi is nice - but once again, i think i ordered a pink sauce and got let down by the thick cheesy-ness of it. tiramisu - oh joy! this was IT. panna cotta - it is ethereal. will not spoil the fun by describing - which i will do a poor job of anyway. i wud hand out 6 stars for dessert if i could. but next time, i will choose pasta wth basic sauces.

E M B.

This place is really authentic and delicious! Highly recommend the calamari, the gnocchi w pancetta and the sea scallop special in lobster bisque, wrapped in bacon. Great Barbera by the bottle for $44 as well. Everything is hot and fresh. Cozy atmosphere and sweet Italian waiters. We will be back and next time I need to get some tiramisu and more homemade pasta!

art f.

As good Italian food I've had outside of Italy. The restaurant has a charm from a bygone era - very simple furnishings in a gently lit, high ceiling-ed room. Service does not have the charm and polish of a 5-star restaurant, but was courteous, prompt, and accurate. Only regret my choices in ordering. I didn't realize how large and rich the portions are. I ordered a starter of small meatballs (polpinette) followed by penne strasciacate - huge penne layered in a rich ragout of chicken liver and beef tenderloin. One of the best pasta dishes I've ever had - here or in Italy. My dining companions ordered more modestly but were very pleased with salads - one endive and beet, the other spinach and frisee. Their seconds were pappardelle with a luxuriant duck ragout and scallops with bacon. Some very affordable wine options - we were satisfied with the house Sangiovese. We'd love to have something like this in the DC area.

Mike P.

Dined at Riccardo Trattoria last night for the first time. Absolutely amazing food and service. I have to say this is likely to become my favorite Italian restaurant ever.

Andrew K.

We lived a block down the street from Riccardo Trattoria for nearly 2 years and this was our favorite restaurant in lincoln park. I've been to 100's of Italian Restaurant in the US and this is probably one of the most authentic and top10 favorite Italian restaurants. Their seasonal specials are a must.

Kelsey G.

Delicious Italian food. Good wine list. Fresh and flavorful salads. A very quaint and cozy restaurant feel. And - a perfect place to bring parents when they are in town!

Kristin M.

Yelpers are on the money when they say it's small and an older crowd. Cute place, good food, but nothing amazed me. The $33/3 course dinner is a great value, we all did that. Here are the rankings: Antipasti -eggplant and zucchini Parmesan - this ate like a main, it was rich and delicious! -truffled fava beans - these are steamed, drizzled with truffled oil and topped with pecorino. I really enjoyed them -tri-color salad - I mean, it was a salad, nothing exciting here Entrees -porcini mushroom risotto - jealous I didn't order this, it was delicious! -linguine with scallops and saffron - tasty scallops but the sauce was a little bland, I didn't taste any saffron -short ribs in chianti sauce and polenta - our server was correct that the sauce was good, but the short ribs were really fatty and not overly tender. The polenta was more sticky than creamy. Overall I was disappointed Desserts -tartuffo - always a hit in my book -molten chocolate cake (forget what it was called, but it takes 10 minutes to bake) - tasty with lots of melted chocolate oozing out -apple pie - nothing exciting here. The crust had a weird citrus/clovey spice to it which was unique, but I much prefer classic apple pie My friends thoroughly enjoyed their martinis, my prosecco was good, but the star was the cabarnet, so tasty! Our server was not the greatest, he seemed bored and sort of annoyed (which is too bad because it seemed the other servers were quite nice). Service between courses was also verrrry slow, so make sure you alot enough time if you have after-dinner plans. Overall it was ok, but I've had better.

Jamie G.

Brought be back to Parma Italy. Food was amazing, so much my friend ordered a second order of pasta. Gelato brought me back to my first true Italian gelato. I would come here for the weekend just to dine.

George J.

This is a very small place but food is excellent .. Pricey but owner comes from Italy and well Italy is where the real cooks are from . It can be cramped but that makes it intimate and nice in my opinion .. the food is well worth it and the truffle pasta is to die for .. very cozy , very nice , and selction of wine and food is awesome .. hard to park here unless you valet

Stephanie W.

I will always have a soft spot in my heart for Riccardo Trattoria as it was the site of my first date with my main squeeze. What a perfect first date choice. The ambience is quiet, friendly, laidback. Everyone is there to eat good food and appreciate good conversation. The wine flowed freely, which, let's be honest, is pretty integral to the success of a first date. I don't know if it was the charm of this little Italian place or the guy sitting across from me or maybe both. But I've been hooked (on both) ever since.

Christian C.

Had dinner with a friend there for my first time. Intimate space, friendly service and reasonably priced. We had an awesome carpaccio and buratta with culatello to start and pasta with a Calabrian meat sauce to die for. What a lucky find!

barbara m.

By far the best Italian food in Chicago. I ordered the Veal Ossobuco 16 Oz. braised in wine & tomato, saffron risotto milanese. Our table ordered an appetizer sized Penne Scampi langoustine & lobster meat, spicy "Imperial" pink sauce along with the Peppered Tuna Carpaccio shaved fennel, arugula salad & orange supreme. Others ordered the pork chop, filet & lamb shank. All were incredibly delicious and cooked to perfection. Our waiter however, was a different story. When asked for suggestions, he said - "whatever you want." Not only was he not helpful but he also rushed us into ordering - not very Italian-like ,murmuring something about the second seating. The second seating should never be the customers concern. He was by far the tallest waiter there so you really can't miss him. After spending and hour on the train and then waiting in the rain for our Uber, we were all ready to relax and enjoy our friends birthday celebration, but instead we were rushed through our dinner. Food though was fantastic and I would definitely return, but would try and avoid that waiter.

Meredith K.

We came here before a show. The show was at 8 and the only rez I could secure was at 5. I figured since its after-work and Italian food that we could linger and stretch it out. I'm not sure why it was so difficult b/c the place was empty until around the time we left. A little weird. So we started at a 5-top. My friend was running late but my other friend and I were having drinks so I thought it should be ok. As long as you're spending money its cool, right? Then a guy comes over and mumbles something about my friend being late and could we move to a smaller table. It was totally fine! We weren't sure why we were at such a big table anyway. But it was a weird way to ask. I never mind moving to accommodate unless its to a cold, busy spot. So the only drawback to our new spot was that we had a different server. The first one was fun. The 2nd one seemed like we were bothering him... The martinis were exceptional. Perfectly dirty. The only ding was no blu cheese stuffed olives. The wine that my friend tried was pretty good too. If I didn't have the 2nd martini I would have had it too. We all got the $33 deal. I started with the tri-color salad. It was fine. Just some leaves with a little bit of goat cheese. My friend got the fava beans which was yummy. The other friend got the eggplant rollup. It was very good. If I were off the diet I would have gotten it myself. The bread that they put out is very good. Although some oil would have been nice to go with it. For our mains I had the mushroom risotto. A hit! But I was not asked for fresh cracked pepper or if I wanted cheese. I wanted them both! Pepper on my salad and cheese on my risotto. My friend got the scallop linguini dish. The scallops were great but the sauce was just ok. Again some pepper would have taken it to another level! My other friend got the braised short ribs. She said they were good but not the best she's had. I saw that she left some polenta on her plate. It looked dry. For dessert we got the apple pie which was interesting. It has some spice in it that we couldn't put our finger on. Clove? I had the lava cake which was just ok. Not worthy of the high reviews that I saw it has. And the winner was the tartufo. That was fantastic. I would go back for sure if I was in the area. I wouldn't go out of my way for this place. It is cute and pleasant inside. I think we all would order differently next time.

Jerrod K.

I kept coming back to the same thought about Riccardo Trattoria - "Good, but not great." I really, really wanted to like this place, but the food was too "hit and miss" to do much better than a 3.5, tops. A few highlights.... -- This restaurant has a lot of nice little touches - like the free "taster portion" bruschetta and the unique bread (the cucumber one tastes like pizza!). -- For appetizers, the Elk Carpaccio was amazing, but I was underwhelmed by the Polpettine Arrabbiate (again, good, but not great). -- For entrees, we had the rack of lamb - amazing. But again, underwhelmed by the Beef Short Ribs Stracotto. I expected to be wowed, but ended up comparing it (unfavorably) to the previous night's slow-cooked pot roast. Not a good sign. -- Dessert was a highlight, and was almost enough to bump them up to a 4 star review. But not quite. House Tiramisu was the best I've ever had, and the Chocolate Lava Cake + Vanilla Garnish dessert was also quite good (but not great - the theme of the evening). -- Service was pretty good, but not exceptional. Had to flag waiters down to get a refill of my coffee. Nice, friendly ambiance. Maybe my expectations were too high - but I left fairly disappointed. I'd eat here again if I stumble across it, but would not go out of my way to make it back.

Matt C.

The slow service was forgivable because the bread they give you while you're waiting is in a league of its own. A weird thing to fixate on, but seriously, it was some world-class carbohydrates. Our dinner experience was a mixed bag - on the plus side it's a nice space, older crowd, people were dressed to the nines. Cool. On the negative the food was just OK and the tables were close enough together for me to hear all the awkward first dates happening around us simultaneously. Calamari - It looked like something out of a food porn blog. Golden brown, nice texture, the tomato sauce they served it with was great (with that bread). Pork Shank - The risotto was served at roughly the same temperature as the surface of the sun. The Shank was a nice big portion, and the sauce was rich and delicious, but the meat was overcooked. Comci-comca. Short Ribs - The meat was awesome, tender, delicious but the polenta they served it with was incredibly bland. When roughly 50% of the dish tastes like nothing, kinda kills the whole plate of food. Maybe we just did it wrong and this is a place to get an awesome plate of pasta, but I was hoping for some crazy good Italian-inspired meat dishes and what we had didn't impress.

Ireneaus L.

Ingredients are everything in Italian cooking. The dishes here aren't foodie dishes, but you don't expect that at an Italian restaurant. If it's a great Italian restaurant, you expect to be blown away by the flavors and the freshness of the ingredients. If the ingredients aren't anything special, then the food won't get much beyond passable. That was my experience here. Food-wise, everything was just okay.

Sam B.

This the best Italian restaurant I have ever been to :-) Their food is awesome :-) I am a vegetarian and I have plenty of options. Even a simple dish like flat bread tastes awesome!!! I have visited this restaurant at least a half a dozen times with friends and family. One small thing you need to remember is that they have long waiting times like months for a table in the weekends. Worth the wait!

Regina S.

So glad we went here. Loved the Lincoln Park locale, super cozy, refined and comfortable. We were seated immediately on a Wednesday night (with reservations) but the place was packed! The menu was so well balanced, and so much of it sounded good it was difficult to choose just one entree. Luckily, for the pasta lovers, you can do a half & half. This allowed a diner to enjoy two completely separate dishes. Great concept. I wish more places would offer that. I'm a stickler for pasta carbonara, so I dared not even get a 1/2 portion. Bring on the full serving. It was perfectly done, no cream or alfredo in sight, as it should be. Just the creaminess of the egg yolk coated the strands of perfectly al dente noodles. With the right touch of bacon and pecorino cheese, this dish sung in perfect harmony. The table shared a special scallop appetizer that was divine. A foggy Chianti infused brain reduced my memory of the exact ingredients, but I do remember I said wow. Others indulged in the 1/2 & 1/2s and no one was disappointed. We left a happy, satiated party of six. I envy my cousins who live around the corner from this place. I would definitely become a regular if I was Riccardo's neighbor.

Brian P.

I consistently recommend this place to friends for groups under 6. It's a nice atmosphere--clean, maybe a little traditional, small. Looks like it's family owned and cared for. People say it's for an older crowd, but I would say the crowd for sure knows how to appreciate no-gimmicks, honestly good food with integrity. What does food integrity mean? It means that the food isn't a fusion. The ideas behind a dish's creation is not stale. It also is very Italian. That means respect for seasonal freshness, great food pairings, beautiful ingredients. It doesn't suffer from what Anthony Bourdain would call the Italian American syndrome, where everything is drowned in red sauce has massive meatballs the size of your face (it's not your big-box olive garden, or for that matter, maggiano's; it's not a conglomerate). This is the direct-from-Italy grand chef type of cooking. I had the tasting menu here. Well-executed wine, friendly service, and powerful food. Italians, like many cultures, adore food and use it kind of like a love language. There's definitely richness and gravitas to each dish that comes out. Chefs here know how to eat well and you can tell.

D G.

I was at here last night with my friend for dinner for my birthday. We had a 9 pm reservation and was pleasantly surprised that we were able to be seated ahead of time. We started off with the zucchini blossoms... delicious!! I had the Pappardelle with Porcini mushrooms and he had the the clams with pasta and for dessert the Riccotta tart, again delicious and fresh. From the moment we even pulled into the valet we were treated really nice and continued through the night!!:) It was our first visit and certainly will not be our last, we came from Indiana. I've read some other reviews that were so so, but that didn't scare me off, I'm glad we came!! I know this is a site as a sort of go to, but I'm tired of reading reviews and people constantly bash the servers. I do want good service when I go places, but some people don't have a clue how hard of a job being a server is, constant complaints and just straight up idiots to deal with. Most people I truly believe couldn't even get through one server shift without walking out after having to deal with such A Holes... Quit being so hard on them and cheap when tipping as well, their hourly wage is pathetic!!!!!

Jackie A.

Very surprised that this place has such overwhelmingly positive reviews. It's as if everyone forgot what excellent Italian food actually tastes like. Food was good, not great or amazing or best Italian ever. Service was very nice. Out first was aranchini. Actually quite tasty. Bothersome part was that cheese in the middle was hard, not gooey as you'd expect. Leaves me to believe they were frozen as opposed to fresh. Tried a couple of pasta dishes and short rib as well. Pasta was fresh. Tastes were fine. Biggest concern once we saw the menu was that were so many items for such a small place. Has to be very difficult to do that many dishes well. Think this was confirmed in our meal. Good, not great.

Dennis S.

In case anyone wonders if I still like Riccardo's, since my last review is from two years ago, the answer is YES. It's still consistently fabulous. On a recent visit I had the best veal sweetbreads I've had in years, after delicious zucchini blossoms for a started. The place is still intimate, busy, and focused on excellent Italian food. It stays on our favorite restaurants list.

Beth Q.

Great restaurant with incredible service. I loved the calamari. Also loved that we were given complementary glasses of prosecco because we had a long wait tho we made a reservation. Great experience overall.

Krista J.

I have been to this restaurant twice. One time 4 years ago and then just this past week. Both experiences were phenomenal. The food here is very authentic and the best Italian food I have ever had. I am normally not a big italian restaurant person because I feel like I can make similar meals at home but this place takes it to a new level. The appetizers are fantastic, the bread basket has a nice variety, and the pasta dishes were amazing. I had a seafood pasta dish and it had so many different types of shell fish in it. It was amazing. The wine selection is very nice as well. It is a fantastic restaurant for a date night.

James K.

What a delightful treat for the New Year! Happy we are starting off 2014 with our first visit to Riccardo Trattoria. Excellent service, the flavors and scents produced from the kitchen brings back memories of trips to Florence and Milan. Closed my eyes and thought I had gone back. We were fortunate to find a last minute reservation tonight, went on a whim, and are really pleased with our evening.

Fuudcritic C.

Great neighborhood restaurant with amazing food and service.

Emily S.

Still a favorite! We took my in-laws here for a birthday celebration, and they loved it too. Classic, authentic Italian done very well. My only regret is not following in my husband's footsteps in ordering the risotto with shaved black truffles. Bad move! My spaghetti carbonara was really delicious, but nowhere near as delicious as his risotto!

A F.

Their mussels and scallops are amazing! I love their freshly made pasta too!

Chuck K.

Had a really enjoyable meal here last night! This Italian restaurant if very quaint and perfect for a nice dinner. The chef apparently is from Milan. Scampi for the first course was very nice, the meat was prepared well and the flavors were mild but enjoyable. But the main dish, was the real deal! Short Ribs were AWESOME, fell off the bone style meat (no bones though)! In a great sauce over a nice grain. This item is a MUST! Dessert was great as well, wait the extra ten minutes and order the molten lava cake, it's amazing! The service here was great, we were around for sometime and our meal was almost a two hour experience, but very nice. Our waiter was very attentive! This was a great experience, and I strongly suggest you check out this restaurant in Lincoln Park.

Joyce H.

This place was so great for classic Italian food. I came here when visiting my brother and we had a great time here! We came at 10pm on a Saturday night and we were greeted immediately with very warm service. We decided to go with the 3 course tasting menu (includes a glass of complimentary prosecco) and it was true to all the other reviews: consistent and delicious. Everything is prepared so well. You just can't go wrong with whatever you order here. I started with the stuffed sepioline with lobster and crab meat. This was one of my favorites! The pastas that we ordered were very fresh and the portions were hearty. One of our favorites was the spaghetti carbonara -- perfect. I had the penne strascicate with the ragout. Also very good with great flavors from the meat. Then for dessert, we had the panna cotta and tiramisu. The only word I can think of is "delightful!" We were very pleased with our meal and service. Thank you for a great evening!

Donna C.

I am not sure where to start on my perfect experience. The staff-so friendly and professional. The atmosphere impeccably decorated and tasteful, not too noisy but enough chatter and kitchen noise to be interesting. Time intervals between meals - possibly the best I've ever experienced given the fact that we were with another couple and wanted to talk. The food just kept getting better and better. All of us chose the tasting menu. The salads were fresh and flavorful. The gazpacho was so perfect-thick with small veggie bites and seasoned to make it just make you want another taste. the beets cooked tendered and had a mildness to them. The main course- scallops, filet with rapini and pork tenderloin with Parmesan risotto was beyond heavenly with a perfect tang to the cheese and creaminess that showed the chef knew what he was doing. The desserts were a perfect ending - ricotta cheesecake rich, creamy and perfect amount of citrus zest . Panne cotta with passion fruit was a perfect blend of vanilla taste and richness of the cream. Add the tang of the passion fruit -wow!!! Seasonal fruit platter was a pretty display of fruits that we're more than just melons. Call for reservations, but do it, because this is a Chicago dining experience you should not miss.....

Brandon T.

A-Ok sums it up for me. Overall it was very hit or miss the night we came here. The truffle pasta was a hit; the tuna tartar a miss. Didnt care much for the wine list. Definitely an older crowd here. I won't be back, but don't discourage others from giving it a shot either.

Mrs P.

My husband and I were going to the 11 p.m. show at The Second City and were looking for a casual, yummy place to eat nearby. We made reservations through Yelp on Open Table for an 8:30 p.m. table and had a nice experience. There were so many choices on the menu, but in the end we both ordered of the Prix Fixe menu ($32 includes a starter, main, dessert and glass of prosecco). I had the heirloom tomato salad, seafood linguine and tirami su. The salad was delicious--the tomatoes were ripe and juicy. The seafood linguine was wonderful--pasta was perfect al dente and lots of calamari, scallops, shrimp, etc. I was so full I didn't have much room for dessert, but had to try the tirami su, which was pretty standard, but tasty nonetheless. We finished and had plenty of time to make the 1/3 mile walk over to Second City in time for the show. The restaurant is small and quaint. Very busy, noticed several couples on dates as well as a couple large parties. The only disappointment was our server--he was not very friendly or engaging and despite the restaurant's small size, fairly hard to track down. I don't know if that was his general disposition or if he was annoyed that we ordered off the Tasting Menu, limiting his gratuity. Despite this minor complaint, I would recommend giving Riccardo Trattoria a shot. We had a great meal and would definitely go back!

Bob D.

Most of the previous posts are right on, if you have been to Italy you will have a better appreciation for what is going on here. The flavors are crisp and unadulterated, pastas are not drenched in heavy tomato sauces and the vegetables are treated as if they were hand picked by an Italian Grandmother. Service was impeccable, I have had lesser service at much higher priced places, our server seemed to appear only when needed, by some sort of sorcery, and when they weren't needed, poof into thin air they would vanish. For starters we shared a salad of fava beans which were treated with the utmost respect, perfectly cooked then dressed with Parmesan and truffle oil, in Italian cooking simplicity reigns supreme. No where was this more apparent then a spaghetti featuring Tuna roe and dried Tuna flakes tossed with fine extra virgin olive oil and some black pepper, the balance of salty tuna and sweet olive oil was that of perfection. This is not a dish of skill as much as one of love and tradition, it made my heart skip a beat when I noticed the staff having their free meal, they were all Italian and 3 of the 4 were eating the same thing I ordered. My date had a wild boar ragu that was rich and satisfying, a great pairing with the wine the wait staff picked out. I don't really remember dessert other than enjoying it , but I do remember this meal being far superior to the one I had at Cafe Spiaggia. If you are willing to let go of your preconceived notions of Italian food then this is a great place for Trattoria style cooking, if not go anyway, but don't blame the Italians if you don't get it.

Ryan K.

For some reason you never hear about this place when people are discussing the elite Italian restaurants of Chicago. But I have a better meal here than anyplace else. And it never ends up costing as much. Tips: - Ideally situated for a nice walk through the zoo or park afterwards. And I'm the type of guy who thinks it is important to go for a walk after a decent sized meal.

Becky B.

We went a while back and it was fantastic! The food was very authentic, I almost thought I was back in Italy. The service was great as well. The pasta course was amazing....and they decanted our pricey red wine without us having to ask. Will definitely go back.

Mark M.

Good food and service; great prices considering the neighborhood. My appetizer was cold however (scallops with lobster bisque) which would be my only complaint; otherwise the experience was very good.

Maggie H.

We had been reading so much about Riccardo Trattoria that we decided to try it. We waited for our reservation for about 20 minutes and were shuffled to a table amidst mostly older diners. Our server had a vast knowledge of the wine list, and we went with a delicious red (Rustica something???) We started with the Caprese salad. I had the Peppered Tuna which was amazing, but my poor bf opted for the Penne pasta. Though it was a full order, it was the smallest order of pasta I have ever seen. Laughable. Perhaps, we have big appetites and were expecting Italian-American restaurant portions?? Luckily, we finished with the chocolate cake which was heavenly. Be sure to check out the other recommendations and numerous reviews to make sure you order the right things. I would also highly recommend any of the daily specials!

Jeff P.

Ate here for the first time in August, and was back again within a month. I've eaten at a lot of Italian restaurants, and this just might be the best.

Gordon R.

Let's cut to the chase. Food was just ok and the service was horrific. The only real highlights from the meal were the panzanella salad and the risotto with prawns. Other than that, it took 45 minutes just to get our drinks and about an hour from when we walked in to even order our meal. Not to mention we had to ask the owner for our waiter on multiple occasions to speed the already lengthy meal along. With all of the fantastic italian restaurants in Chicago I would not hurry back to this place!

John K.

Best italian I've ever had in my life. Does it say something that pretty much everyone that was eating here on a Tuesday night was actually from Italy? We were the only english speakers in the joint. This shouldn't even be on Yelp. Its Zagat rated and its the real deal. I'll leave it at that.

J S.

Pricy for me. However, this was THE best Italian food I have ever had. EVER. This is WAY better than Spiggia and it's been rated by Michelian rated!! Yes the food was cooked perfectly but the qulaity of the food that this guy is getting is really impressive. Do your soul some good and go.

Charlie B.

I have had two of my best meals at Ricardo's in the past year. It took me a while to get a reservation. We eat early is the secret. The food comes from the heart and soul of chef Ricardo. The service is excellent with keen eye for detail. Great wine prices and digestives. Love it!

Klar Z.

My main complaint is that it was too hard to pick what to order tonight. Everyone at our table was happy with what they ordered. I especially was happy with the number of veggie-happy appetizers and sides (the apps are not tiny so you can feel very satisfied ordering two for your dinner). Charming interior that's not pretentious or overdone. Good service. Very happy: it's hard to find Italian that's done right, not cheap or overstyled, and this is one of those spots.

Jennie S.

My boyfriend and another couple took me here for my birthday. When my boyfriend made a reservation on a Saturday for 6:00, we were told we had to be out by 7:30. We weren't exactly thrilled with that reply. However, once we got there, we were provided with great service. Because of its location you will most likely have to get valet parking which is right in front of the restaurant. The storefront is beautiful with high ceilings and a pleasant ambiance. Our waiter was very polite and very knowledgeable of the wine list. We started out with a scallop dish and a bleu cheese risotto (which is awesome if you love bleu cheese). I have to disagree about the size portions being small. I ordered a pasta dish and thought it was just right without feeling too stuffed at the end. I didn't hear any complaints from the guys who were with us. In all the food was great. The pasta is made from scratch and is unbelievably good. We would definitely come back again.

Eric M.

Riccardo Trattoria is a nice little restaurant. The thick Italian accents on the greeter and staff is fun. The setting is a small place with VERY tall ceilings and a cozy atmosphere. The wine selection is very nice, but the bruschetta is so oily the bread fell to pieces almost immediately. The salads were good and the asparagus soup was very good, the entrees were nice. Nothing amazing and nothing I felt everyone at the table should sample. It's a nice place with a fun, friendly staff.

Michael C.

Great storefront Italian in Lincoln Park. Carpaccio is astounding with a unique cut to the beef not found in many other restaurants. Wine list is high quality and carefully selected. Generally, the ingredient quality is superb, the preparation is innovatively supreme, but the service and host is less than stellar or at least less than consistently equal to the kitchen's outpourings. This place is a hit for the food. Other reviews are right that it's a more mature crowd. All those yuppies who invaded Lincoln Park in the 80's stuck around and aged the neighborhood. Of course, it's not quiet in there. They must all be sucking down lots of wine. If you like the person you're eatting with, this is a good spot for conversation and/or romance. If you need the diversion of hippster eye candy to enjoy / impress your date, avoid Riccardo Trattoria and head to Bucktown/Wicker Park for something flashier.

Carrie B.

A group of us went for dinner last week and thought it was a great, family feel italian restaurant. There was a group of 8 of us, which I would not recommend as the restaurant is not set up to accommodate groups of this size (we had a round and square table put together). You are greeted at the door with a "Buona Serra!" which reminded me very much of my summer in Italy. The buffalo mozz and mushroom risotto were absolutely amazing!! The servers were very Italian as well and helpful in dish selection. Great for a girls dinner or for a cute dinner date

Lindsay N.

A so-so experience. Went with a close friend and we very much liked the look of this place. Very comfortable and certainly has the potential to be an excellent spot to bring a date. The menu had many tasty options but the service wasn't as good as I expected. My meal came out fine and in good time, my friends came out with a heavy meat sauce when he had ordered a pesto. He wouldn't have complained, but he's a vegetarian so really had no choice but to mention it. Felt bad, as we could hear some angry shouting from the kitchen moments after sending it back... But the fixed order came out shortly after with an apology from the manager on staff. The bill was much more expensive than I had anticipated. The quality was good, but not sure it warranted such high prices.

Nazia H.

Didn't care for this place at all. From the outside it seemed inviting enough, but once inside it did not feel welcome. It took forever for our server to approach our table. I am not trying to knock the waiter who was nice enough, it just seemed that they couldn't be bothered by us. We sat with menus closed for a looooooooong time and no approach. The food was nothing special and not what was described on the menu. For example I ordered a cornish hen that was was supposed to be spicy. In reality it barely had any heat at all. I had to trade w my bf for his pappardelle beef ragout. It didn't have any flavor. Waaaah it was my bday celebration and I wished that we had brought cash to eat next door at the Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder. The bruschetta, calamari and water, however, were good. All in all, I have had better Italian at many other places in Chicago and would not go back.

hsueh y.

The food was solid. It's not a place to find bacon ice-cream or wasabi mash potato. But everything on our plates were so delicious that we wanted to lick our plates. We had fava beans with truffle oil and cheese. I could smell the truffle as soon as the plates were on the table. For entree, we had lamb chop and veal osso bucco. Cooked perfectly and seasoned to perfection. The sauce of osso bucco was so good that we use the bread to wipe the plate clean. For dessert we had tiramisu. It was mediocre. Good enough that we finished it. But not good enougth that we'll order it again. My only complain about this place is that It's very loud and hard to have a conversation across the table. And the tables were packed next to each other. Not too comfortable.

Neil J.

Had to wait 45 minutes to sit down for our reservation, but the food is worth it.

Keira F.

My dinner companion and I walked in at 6:15pm on a Tuesday evening and the owner/maitre-de acted like he was doing us the biggest favor by seating us despite the fact that we didn't have a reservation. Appetizers we ordered included and endive and beet salad (beets tasted like they were out of a can) and an heirloom tomato salad (tomatoes looked banged up despite tasting alright.) For entrees I got prawns and bacon-wrapped scallops in a lobster bisque sauce. The scallops were pretty tasty, but the shrimp tasted rubbery and were too charred for my taste. Rubbery and charred? I know! My dinner companion had prosciutto and ricotta stuff gnocchi in a vodka sauce and that was tasty, though very rich. On the flip side, our waiter was very friendly and helpful. All in all too pricey for a subpar dining experience - I won't return.

Sharon G.

I quite enjoyed Riccardo's when I went a year ago. This time, however, I was disappointed. None of my savory dishes were remarkable in the least. Underwhelming would describe it. I love simple Italian fare. It all was just missing something. There was no love in the savories. On the other hand we had the panna cotta and tiramisu were exceptional. Some of the best I've ever had. So come here for an espresso or a glass of Chianti and dessert.

Katie K.

On a recent visit to Chicago we visited Riccardo twice. It was that good. In a city of food and silly amounts of deserving restaurants, we went back for more. Both times, i had pasta. Divine. I was able to sample a tuna dish too...simple and clean. Yum. the second night we came with my 2 kids...they fit us in and served the kids an amazing bowl of alfredo. the space is simple. The food is delicious. It was a comforting escape from the cold. we are already planning a trip back to Chicago and another meal at Riccardo!

fab f.

I just moved to Chicago and I don't usually like when friends want to take me to an Italian restaurant, of first, second third generation whatever. I like the experience and the fact that people really enjoy the night out, but I can't find (and actually don't even look for) the Italian taste. It is normal, the Mediterranean taste is obviously different, the ingredients are different, if we add the fact that most of the time you hear Mexican voices in the kitchen, what can you expect? So I wasn't enthusiast when this Italian guy invited me by Trattoria Riccardo, but I went at 8.30. First I was happy when I didn't see mistakes on the menu. This is a good sign, to start, plus I enjoyed the size of the restaurant. I felt like I was back in a nice restaurant in Milano. I had pasta with wild boar sauce, my friends fish and cotoletta alla milanese. We drunk Sanpellegrino and the cheapest Chianti on the menu (28USD, I still can't spend much money for an Italian wine, when I was used to buy for 16 in a nice restaurant) that was not bad at all. I would have appreciated a larger selection of wines, but the chef said he is working on that. I liked the quantity of the portions, that somebody will certainly find small. If you eat Italian, this is the size of pasta you get. Too much is not right, it changes everything: the presentation, the taste. Good Italian food is not about quantity, never. A very nice evening, that ended with a limoncello offered by the house, I guess because we knew the chef, that is a real milanese, with a great passion for food. He still owns a famous restaurant in Milano, but he is here with his wife that - by the way- is the person that takes care of the desserts. Bill not bad at all: 200USD for the 4 of us. I suggest it for a very nice and elegant night out for 2-4 people. Not a place for big tables. The thing I didn't like, the service is ok ,but I hate when they fake to speak Italian and the tables were without any cover. That's not Italian. Update: the last two visits I made, service was excellent. Food even better. I went with a friend that travels and eats a lot around the USA and he said that in his opinion this is the best Italian restaurant in the States. Enough said.

Laura W.

This place reminds my BF of restaurants in NYC..quaint, authentic, and just really good food. We went with another couple and out of all the dishes we ordered I would say mine was the least favorite. I had the gnocchi and although delicious it just lacked something. The guys each got the lobster raviloi which was unbelievable and my girlfriend got the mushroom risotto which was incredible! Our appetizers were pretty much amazing as well....There was one and I can't think of the name of it, but it had prosciutto and melted cheese on this melt in your mouth bread! It was heaven. I know we had dessert, but to be honest with you they didn't leave that great of an impression on me. We will definitely go back!

Jessica S.

Very cute and romantic. Everything I tried there was fabulous. They will do half portions of pasta if your up for trying it and then it's just a taste of a bunch of different flavors. Everything has a very bold flavors. Everything I tasted was better then the next. Go in and be prepared to have quite decadent flavors. The wine menu is a bit on the small side to beware. I will go back for sure.

Dana J.

Best Italian food outside of Italy! Cannot say enough about this place. Everything that we had was absolutely delicious and the service was excellent. Cannot wait to go back!

Kate B.

My friend and I choose a different restaurant every month and we choose Riccardo Trattoria for July. We were (2 women) given the worst table in the place, but we took it in stride and focused on dinner. We waited for our server, bread, the food, dessert, etc. We thought the food was good, especially the eggplant and zucchini appetizer, but the service was so poor that we did not enjoy ourselves. Someone had recommend it to us, but we wont' be doing the same.

Jennifer G.

The food is Italian; some of the best this side of Italy including Spiaggia, Merlo on Maple and Lupa in New York. The food is more in the style of Merlo & Lupa - like the restaurants in Italian piazzas - not like the haute cuisine at Spiaggia. Having said that, it is some of the best here, but BEWARE, the service is absolutely terrible. Very slow, not particularly hospitable and brusque; they seem not to realize that they are in a service business. However, we live in the neighborhood and even if we didn't my husband and I agree, we would definitely go there again because the food is that good (and I am Italian). The pasta, by the way, is cooked perfectly - al dente. I really can't say enough about how good the food is, I just wish the waiters would get their act together and pay more attention to their customers.

S J.

This Italian restaurant makes the best Italian food in Chicago. I heard of this restaurant from 2 Italian food experts moved from Italy and immediately fell to their amazing food. This place is always too busy, noisy, street parking is uneasy, lunch isn't available..but I didn't find any other place serves better Italian food.

Jane N.

This is the best Italian in the city. Hands down. I adore their burratta. In the summer, the black Umbrian truffles- I dream about them. And I did not know what panna cotta could be until I had Riccardo's. Yes the waiter's are somewhat European in their demeanor (not overly gracious), but the food is more than worth it.

Brian S.

I kept hearing amazing things about this place, but after waiting close to an hour for a table, it was pretty ordinary.

Philip N.

My friends tell me I have good taste. And I was happy to discover this little trattoria in Lincoln Park. The folks around me were speaking Italian. I don't know if that makes this authentic, but I certainly felt like I was someplace other than Chicago and sometimes that's just a good thing, particularly in te dead of winter. The food is the best Italian that I've had. It seems authentic and I hear that the chef worked at Bice but I can't verify that. Regardless, the pasta is perfectly cooked; the sauces are from scratch and the fish isn't over cooked.

Lionel K.

Best Italian we've found in Chicago. As Europeans, so much Italian here is "American" and while that has its fans, we're not. But Riccardo has very good, fresh ingredients, well prepared (often simply). Atmosphere and service good whenever we've been although it is a Trattoria so quite informal, which may explain why some think it's pricey - I think it is great value for the meal quality. Only small quibble is that the portions tend to be too large, at least for us Europeans! But we've learned to share an appetizer so no harm done! If you are looking for Chicago Italian, head elsewhere but if your crave what you might find in a good Trat. in Milan or Bologna, I recommend it.

Finbar K.

dario is the best waiter in there. I go every other week and i love this place. you have to try the gnocci

Cindy K.

Riccardo's is the real deal. The chef, I believe, used to be at Bice. It's a terrific neighborhood spot that's worth traveling to. I visited it with friends from Italy. It's their favorite Chicago restaurant. They say that it's most authentic. The pasta was perfectly cooked. The veal was delicious. It's a small, intimate restaurant. I'd suggest making reservations as I think you'd have to wait a long time if you just walked in.

Omar R.

Hidden gem ! The best Northern Italian cuisine outside of Italy. Family owned and operated. Extensive menu - and you can't go wrong no matter what you order. Come with lots of friends so that you order and experiment a bunch of dishes. Great service.

Laurie S.

Why aren't there more good restaurants in Lincoln Park?? Probably because of the ridiculous rent rates. Riccardo's is a very welcome addition. The menu bursts with tantalizing selections. The grilled calamari was so-so. Same with the lagoustine penne. But the truffle rissotto was to-die-for. The salads were also amazing. The dessert cheese course was a true delight. Service was friendly and efficient. I highly recommend Riccardo's. A rare gem in Lincoln Park.

Oskee W.

We expected great things from Riccardo Trattoria based on the reviews here and elsewhere. While not horrible overall, definitely not great. First for what worked: the Grilled Scamorza and Speck was great. the speck paired beautifully with the grilled scamorza, which was cooked to a golden brown. Think an italian version of saganaki. But then what did not work: the grilled calamari were overdone, making it too chewy. the crushed potato it came with was rather pointless. You did not get much of the grilled flavor and meaty texture of a good grilled calamari. Instead it was chewy and rubbery. Then the saffron risotto with veal meatballs. This should have been the highlight, but instead it was a lowlight. To begin with, the risotto was underdone, making the rice chewy. It should be silky smooth. It had the consistency of a macaroni and cheese. Then the carbonara was just OK. Nothing too great, but compared to the risotto, much better. Perhaps the meat and fish dishes would be better, but unfortunately, not sure we want to try when there are plenty of restaurants that are getting it right (Cibo Matto comes to mind).

Charles G.

Excellent food, authentic atmosphere and great service all at a reasonable price.

Catherine B.

Wonderful atmosphere - generally an older crowd the night we were there for dinner. The food was very good - I liked my orrechette (spelling?) pasta, and my fiance liked his linguine with seafood and red sauce. They brought us complimentary bruschetta as soon as we sat down, which was a nice touch. The place is BYO, but they also have a liquor license. The $10 corkage fee was reasonable, in my opinion. Very small place, and great dinner experience!

Megan T.

Riccardo Trattoria gets it right! Comfortable atmosphere, top notch authentic Italian food, great wine list and relaxed service. By far my favorite Italian restaurant in the city. I have been here at least 5-6 times and it has always been a memorable experience.

Donna J.

if i could i would give the place 3.5 stars. went here for a friend's birthday and the service was great. dante is a very competent and friendly waitor who served our party well. we tried so many things on the menu and there were some greats and some not-so-greats. bruschetta on the house- you better not be messing this up.... Burrata & culatello- excellent, the mozzarella was perfect Honeycomb Tripe Florentine- delicious Black Mussels Livornese- boring Grilled stuffed calamari filled w/ lobster & crab meat, bell pepper coulis- delicious, calamari was tender and filling complemented well Goose Agnolotti- so good Porcini Mushroom Risotto w/ truffle oil- favorite of the night, heavenly scent of truffles and extra delicious Spaghetti Carbonara- perfectly cooked, al dente, and not too rich Orecchiette with wild boar sausage, rapini, sun-dried tomato and pecorino cheese- dry, very underwhelming, esentially has no sauce on it. dante says it's the most popular dish, but it's unclear why. the sausage is crumbled into tiny bits, not what i expected. Pappardelle "Florentine" w/ diced beef tender ragout/porcini/chianti sauce- better than the orecchiette with good noodles. Filet Mignon "Battuta"- didn't taste but husband did not enjoy at all. he did not finish it. Veal "Ossobuco" braised w/ tomato, vegetable sauce, served w/ Saffron risotto- 2nd favorite dish of the night. excellent and the saffron risotto was a perfect pairing. there may have been a few other dishes we tried, but i can't remember and they must not have been that good or i would've recalled them. the wine was excellent, but that was probably due to the fact that we were dining with a sommelier. would possibly give them another chance, but won't make a point of taking other people there or recommending. if i was to go for an occasion with friends, i wouldn't object and now i know what to order.

L S.

I love this place. They have a huge menu for being such a small kitchen. The daily specials are always solid and the Burrata cheese appetizer is a good choice.

Marissa D.

truly fantastic italian food - the way it should be served. we went here with a large group this past saturday and had a wonderful time. the appetizers, bread, and entrees were delicious. i had the prawns and scallops (which were wrapped in bacon), and i sampled the veal milanese which was fantastic. the only thing that let me down were the desserts. the apple pie was good, but the special pear dessert and the panna cotta were not to my liking. however, everyone else at the table seemed to really enjoy these things. definitely make a reservation. there is no room at the front to wait, and it seems to always be crowded. i will definitely be back and will probably order the veal milanese - i can't wait!

rachel g.

I feel very torn about this restaurant! These days (to me), service is as important as the food! They started off very well, but by the end of our meal, both me and my boyfriend were so annoyed with the lack of service, that we were ready to walk out. We had forgotten how terrifically delicious the food had been because we were so frustrated with the serving staff. BOTTOM LINE: If you have three hourse to spare for a four course meal, eat at Riccardo Trattoria. The food is awesome, the restaurant itself is very tight quarters, and the service is downright awful. If you're under the age of 40, be prepared to be ignored.

D F.

I can see where some of the negative reviews are coming from, but my one experience there was good, and I'm an easy grader, so I'll go for 4 stars. The service was spotty, and the table was tiny (we didn't have a rez, though, so it was nice of them to accommodate us even with a tiny table). I was surprised how bright they kept it inside--dimmer lighting would have improved the ambiance. As for the food, I had a shrimp and scallop entree that I really really liked. One person in my group got quail or something, which I didn't think was a good choice and I didn't even try. We had calamari appetizer which was excellent. I think my favorite part about this place is the menu--there were a lot of really good looking and unique choices--it's not just a pasta place at all--so it was hard to pick just one thing. I would go back just to try some more choices off the menu, but I wouldn't go on a night that I was really in the mood for great service or a really comfortable setting. I think for us with tip and everything it was around $40/person. You could certainly get away with spending less there.

Erin A.

Came here on a Sunday evening with my parents without a reservation and were seated right away (at 5:30 ish) but it's a very small place and it filled up quickly so I would make a reservation in the future. Decor is great, I love the room. Service was very good and I felt like the time between appetizer/dinner/dessert was nicely spaced. I had the lobster/crab ravioli and it was amazing, I could have eaten two! The molten chocolate cake was delicious and I cannot wait to go back!

Peter S.

I have been hearing about Riccardo Trattoria for quite some time. Most of what I had heard were high compliments for the restaurant and I had been looking forward to trying it. I finally had the chance to dine there and as someone who dines out a lot, I have to say I was disappointed. The restaurant is small, but not intimate. I lived in Italy for a couple of years and I was surprised by the lack of warmth from the staff as I always find Italians to be some of the most friendly people. Nobody asked us about our meal nor thanked us for coming (either on the way in or exiting). We did notice that the staff had some regular customers coming in who they greeted as old friends. The pasta was good, but not outstanding. The beef dish I had was so bland that I had to pour salt and pepper on it. When the waiter collected my plate, he asked if I was done, but not whether I enjoyed the meal. There are a lot of reasons to head to Lincoln Park. However, this restaurant would not be one of them in my opinion. I would have been happier at Piccolo Sogno or Mia Francesca's.

Claire Y.

We got scallops for appetizer and seafood risotto and bone marrow for entries. The seafood risotto was very good and the meat was a bit dry. The passion fruit dessert didn't really meet my expectation and the other dessert i got was okay (berries in cream? can't remember the name). The service was a bit slow but i give them a 4 star for the entries quality and the scallops. A bit pricey for the quality of food. Relaxing environment and family friendly.

Kristine C.

We live just up the street and pass by the small corridor of restaurants every day. One night, we decided to try one, finally. Surprisingly, Riccardo Trattoria is not a place you make a reservation on a whim. They were booked until 9 p.m. We took a chance and walked up; a table for two is never too hard to come by. Walking in, I was surprised at how fancy it was. I was not dressed for the occasion. The atmosphere was more dressy casual to business formal. Maybe it was the time of day, 6 p.m., and the after work crowd showing up. The staff was very kind and helpful and we were sat right away. They answered all of our questions and helped us through the menu. We took some time deciding how many appetizers and what mains to order. We wanted to try many dishes, but our stomachs are only so big. In the end, we went with the Burratta, a classic that I absolutely love. We were a bit apprehensive about the Porcini Soufflé. It was the Porcini that sucked us in. The dish looked more like an omelet to me and did not have much flavor. The appetizer round was redeemed by the Fava Beans! I enjoy Fava Beans plain but the cheese and truffle shavings were the cherry on top! Moving on. To stick with our mushroom theme, I had to go with the Pappardelle Porcini in the cream sauce. True to this classic dish, it was rich creamy hearty and tasty. Nothing can go wrong with these ingredients. I was happy with my dish. My boyfriend ordered the Risotto Porcini. Again, sticking with our mushroom theme for the night. I usually do not like Risotto. It's too bland for me. However, the few bites I tried were delicious. We skipped on dessert on the night. There were several other appetizers and main pasta dishes I would love to try. They also have daily specials consistent with classic Italian and more modern twists. Overall we had a nice Italian experience with no surprises.

Kate W.

Truly not understanding the high reviews on this place. We came in for a 7pm reservation for 3. We were sat a few minutes late, which is no big deal. However, when we were taken to our table, we were taken to a TINY two-top. It was much too small for three adults and we could barely fit our 3 water glasses + 3 wine glasses on the table. It was not the best start. The room is small and nondescript--a nice neighborhood-looking italian place. We ordered wine, which came quickly. We started with some fried calamari, which was a VERY small portion. Our friend had a mushroom salad, which he very much enjoyed. The bread for the table was REALLy delicious--some of the best focaccia I've had in a while. I had read good things about the risotto, so I ordered the Risotto Sea & Mountains for dinner. When it arrived, it was not what I had ordered--they had prepared the seafood risotto instead. No big deal-I sent it back. The waiter came back and offered to "add some mushrooms to the risotto" that I had gotten incorrectly, or I could "wait fifteen minutes" for the correct dish to be delivered. Flustered by his brusk attitude, I said I would wait. A few minutes later, someone brought me the correct risotto--telling me that "one was up" so they can just "make another one." The whole thing was pretty uncomfortable and rude, so no points there. The risotto was generally tasty, but not life changing. Both my husband and our guest's pastas (noodles with seafood and noodles with butter and truffles) were GROSSLY oversalted. We all left craving water. It was a real bummer. We visited Riccardo Trattoria as part of our quest to visit every bib gourmond in the city. We have 16 places left, and my husband seemed truly sad, when we got home, at the fact that we finally ran into a sub-par bib restaurant. I agree--especially after looking at the bill for dinner tonight. Bummer.

Kurt C.

Authentic, delicious,and hot food that you would enjoy with the people you value. A small Italian restaurant with limited space that has people always waiting for an opportunity to taste their food. Parking can be challenge for any experience driver, so make reservations if you can, and enjoy the atmosphere of quality food (Focaccia bread, Pastas,Branzino, Tiramisu,etc.). The service is personal,professional, and efficient in meeting your needs while your there. The food is very tasteful with fresh ingredients for those who have a sensitive palate, and a value for quality Italian food. You will not be disappointed, but yet satisfied in meeting your appetite needs. Enjoy !!

Ivette I.

This is the best kept secret in Lincoln Park! Always consistent, delicious, the wait staff absloutely the best! Paco thank you for always being so accommodating! Hands down the very best in Italian cuisine, The Chef keeps it on point!

Eric L.

We enjoyed Riccardo Trattoria. It's a nice space, the menu is setup nicely and there's something that pretty much everyone should be able to find they would like. We did the set menu which had a good selection and at a good price. Is there anything spectacular about Riccardo Trattoria? No - but there's nothing wrong with it either. This is a great neighborhood type place meaning if you lived in the 'hood, you'd go here because it's good food, nice atmosphere and descent prices. It's not a place you'd go out of your way to go to but we did it as a "pre-theater" dinner before going to Steppenwolf. Everyone liked it but none of us walked out there feeling like "oh man, we have GOT to go back there again!" As the 3-star rating says "A-OK" - you won't have a bad meal or experience here.

Michael G.

Great; as always. It was crowded on a pre-Christmas Thursday night, and everything was running smoothly. We always eat off the specials menu, and they have never disappointed. We are a huge fan, and visit on each trip we make to Chicago.

Sabina W.

What your Italian nona would cook if your Italian nona ran a Bib Gourmand-rated restaurant. She'd kiss you on the cheeks, tell you to mangia, and two hours later you'd leave fat and happy.

Kyle D.

Overall: Great italian cuisine and a good atmosphere make Riccardo Trattoria another quality restaurant choice off of Clark. Delicious! The good: The food was fantastic, and with plenty of options to choose from. The daily specials are plentiful, and the regular menu is extensive as well. The atmosphere is nice as well, with light jazz playing and a cozy but not cramped room. The bad: I'm being picky, but the portions could have been a tad bigger, at least for our risotto. Our waiter was very dry and didn't seem to care for us much. The prices get a bit steep, but it was expected. Atmosphere: 9/10 Service: 7/10 Food: 9/10

Gabe L.

I once walked in without a reservation, and it was full. Then, after learning from my mistake, I walked in again without a reservation, and it was full again. Then, after a bit of what you people call "planning", I called them an hour before I wanted to come in and ... it finally worked. The food was actually pretty good for Italian; maybe a little pricey, but what I didn't like was the atmosphere and host/servers. They were a little pretentious, which hurt me because I was vulnerable since I was on a man date, and everybody there had a special somebody, and I started crying - minus the last part, all true. I only cry when I have to pay for him and get nothing in return. See, men can share their feelings!

Vinny S.

This is a must try! This place has some of the best Italian food in the city!!!! Small and sometimes crowded, but a real vast menu, and always spectacular. Can't wait to go back.

Brian S.

Let me begin by saying I really wanted to love this place. Between all of the reviews I've read and friends ravings, I thought we were going to have a wonderful dining experience. We left very disappointed. Not that we were early, but it is good to note that there is no bar seating area. The service was very good. Our waiter was attentive and able to make modifications (like having a half pasta half risotto entree for my wife.) He was happy to explain the menu items and specials. For appetizers, my wife had an arugula salad (perfectly fine) and I had a bacon wrapped scallop in a lobster bisque sauce. Though the scallop was huge and nicely cooked, the bacon was wayyy under cooked, to the point of being pretty gross. For the entrees, as indicated, my wife had mushroom risotto and a mushroom pasta. She said the flavors were decent, but the textures were as if they had been sitting around. My short-rib was very sub-par. The quality of the meat was poor, and it was as if the ribs had not been braised long enough: the texture was downright chewy, and the meat's flavor was not good. We also had the side of crushed potatoes: it came cold, flavorless, and almost seemed microwaved. The tiramisu was decent, but nothing worth going back for. All in all, far better Italian restaurants in Chicago to visit.

Maria R.

A delightful restaurant with some seriously delicious entrees and above average wine list. The pasta dishes are always amazing and I have tried several of the fish and meat dishes. Never disappointing! A reservation is a must on the weekends because this place is relatively small and seems to be popular with the LP crowd. We did have a not so great experience with a squirrely waiter who kept asking if everything was ok? Like four or five times! How many times do we have to tell him yes??

Lauren H.

I just ate dinner at this restaurant and I wish I could give them negative stars. First off there was a CHEWED OLIVE PIT in my salad. Chewed as in someone else ate the olive and somehow it ended up in my plate. Besides wanting to throw up, I was hoping that the restaurant would at least apologize. Wrong, not only did the manager not come over and apologize or offer me any explanation. With all of the Italian food restaurants in Chicago, there is NO REASON to ever go to Riccardo Trattoria!

Shary E.

Cute place with an Italian Bistro feel and some food dishes that were fantastic, which would give them a 5-star rating, right? Well, when you factor in the service we received they dropped three stars. Our waiter was either not happy with his chosen profession, wanted to rush us out, or just didn't like our table, but either way he made it an unpleasant experience. The evening started when I asked for a Prosecco cocktail, which the waiter informed me he had never heard of and does not exist. I settled for a glass of Prosecco and it was delicious so except for the attitude; no harm, no foul. The entree that I ordered was one that I had never had before and since I had also never been to this restaurant before I had no idea what to expect. When it arrived it didn't look as I imagined that it would, but since I had no idea what to look for I didn't make a big deal about it. Even if I wanted to make a big deal, our waiter never returned to our table to find out if we wanted anything else. We ended up flagging down the busboy, another waiter and even the host for things like bread, water, and olive oil and cheese for our pasta dishes (which we saw being delivered to other tables, but not ours). When the bill came we saw why our dish did not look like what we ordered; it was because it was not what we ordered. I asked for Black Tagliolini pasta and I take some of the blame for not asking immediately why it looked so different than what I thought the menu listed, but in my defense the waiter did not come back to our table until the very end when the host had to change our bill. We had the zucchini blossom and it was outstanding, as was the Panna Cotta. I highly recommend both of them and would love to try the actual dish that I ordered, which sounded like it would be excellent. I think the host was very nice, but maybe a little lesson to our waiter would be in order. Maybe, I would give them another try because some of the dishes that we had were outstanding, but if I were seated with the same waiter I would consider asking for take-out service instead.

Jennifer T.

My husband and I made reservations for our third wedding anniversary. The restaurant is quaint and comfortable. I couldn't decide between two pastas, so the waiter suggested I do a split plate with a half portion of each - great option! My husband had their famous veal ravioli and loved it. The wine was nice, and table breads were tasty. For dessert, he had the tiramisu and I had the panna cotta. Both were excellent! I'd eat the panna cotta over and over - so great!

Nancy V.

Is this Heaven? If so, I'm thrilled to go! I'd heard good things about this restaurant and it exceeded my expectations. 3 of us went last Sunday evening without a reservation. It was 6:45 so there was a table free but I now see why reservations are recommended. It's a small space but lovely. Service was great throughout. But the food was the star! Our entrees were all delicious: Scallops & prawns with grilled asparagus & lentils, Lobster ravioli in a fabulous sauce and Rack of Lamb. I wanted to order additional entrees to go. My friend also LOVED the spicy gazpacho as an appetizer. I can't wait to go again.

Tu'ens N.

This place is really good and really authentic. I lived for years in Italy and this is the closest to an authentic higher-end trattoria I've seen in Chicago. Everyone I encountered working there was from Italy and were really nice and helpful. Actually given the location I was a bit skeptical for whatever reason, so I was very impressed. I had (cut from their menu online:) Penne "strascicate", tossed w/ beef tenderloin, sausage & chicken liver ragout sprinkled with pecorino cheese $16 It was damn good. I didn't even think I liked chicken liver but gave this a shot and it was awesome. It was a cold evening so I was looking for a slightly heavier pasta dish, and this answered the call. Kind of food you want to eat with a glass or two of red wine and pass out Also tried the: Orecchiette with wild boar sausage, rapini, sun-dried tomato and pecorino cheese $16. . For $16 its actually not too bad a deal considering it would probably cost about the same (11 - 12 Euros) in Rome in a restaurant like this. One suggestion I would make if you are not familiar with more Italian-style italian food would be to try their Carbonara. I actually did not try it but I have never encountered an authentic one around here and this place has the best chance I know of of making it properly. Lots of places put cream and peas and all sorts of crap in there, this description is right on: Spaghetti Carbonara - with bacon, egg yolk and pecorino cheese $15. (i know, $15 for carb... but where else are you gonna get it?) I also love pecorino and since all of the dishes I just mentioned use it (where lots of places here would use parmesan) I give big bonus for that. Only negative I can think of is that a lot of their food is kind of winter food and I dont really think I would want to eat it in the summer as its fairly heavy. It is possible that they change the menu in the summer but I have no reason to think that other than that I hope it :) If not it gives us a reason to look forward to the winter. Also, someone mentioned that its BYOB in a review. I don't think so anymore. I had a cocktail and wine so I do not think they'd let you BYO.

Nancy M.

Riccardo Trattoria is a small, casual 'neighborhood' restaurant with excellent Italian food reminiscent of restaurants in Tuscany. Despite being quite busy (all tables filled with families, friends & couples), service was very good. Extensive menu has many appealing choices...we tried eggplant & zucchini timbale, mussels, squash blossoms and caprese salad (all very good), rigatoni (spicy but excellent), veal saltimbocca, risotto & ravioli (would order all again). Server was very helpful, with good suggestions. "Energetic' noise, but we were able to converse without raising our voices. Valet parking was available, though we found street parking on a Sunday evening with no trouble. We will return and will definitely recommend to friends.

Tony E.

Summary: Excellent atmosphere as it's small, cozy, and simply decorated. Average wine that was nothing special. Good service with a great dessert to finish. The Service: Nothing to complain about other than we had reservations at 830 but weren't seated until about 20 minutes later. No biggie. Waiter was polite. Nothing different than expected. The Food: We had the filet and that pork tenderloin. Both dishes were solid. I've had a better filet, however, I'm not a meat person by any means. It was just fine, very tender, and I would have it again. We paired the dishes with a Syrah. GREAT!

Fredo B.

We had reservations for 4 on NYE. We arrived on time and were seated at a small table in the back. There was a party of 10 right behind us so it was pretty cramped.I told the hostess we needed more room. She said no problem and we went back to the small waiting area. The owner or manager Manginno (I think that's his name) came by and offered us some Lambrusco tasting wine and it was good. We were seated and had a waiter who had a Italian accent.I ordered the fried octopus which was rubbery so I sent it back,np. Out of the 4 dinners we had 2 were good and 2 were mediocre.I had the seafood and pasta and it was fantastic.I love the location.IMHO the service is 5 stars and would try this place one more time.

Noah B.

1st class, step-up neighborhood trattoria. Excellent and worth it. Call ahead

Katie P.

Yum! I just had dinner here with my mom to celebrate my birthday and it was amazing! I shared the zucchini flowers with my mom and then I had the gazpacho (best I ever had) and then I finally had the risotto with lobster and mushrooms (good but not amazing). Then we had the pannacotta for desert. I normally only order chocolate heavy deserts but the pannacotta was great! I'll be back asap, great meal and service!

kathy z.

The food was good, but we waited over an hour for a reservation....on a Wednesday. It was particularly annoying since I had taken somebody there for a business dinner. The food wasn't worth the wait.

Benita G.

My family and I have been going here since they first opened in 2007 and we can honestly say it's some of the best Italian food we've had outside of Italy. Great atmosphere and great staff. It is always full, so make sure you make a reservation. Some of our favorite dishes include fettuccine bolognese, risotto with porcini mushrooms, the pounded veal chop, the filet Battuta beef tenderloin, and the gnocchi bava. We also never end a meal without the cioccolatissimo for dessert. Chef Riccardo was born in Milan, and began cooking with his family at a young age. When you eat at his restaurant it's very apparent that he loves to cook.

Misael S.

Had a good time, I went for my birthday with some friends, everything was good and has a decent price, and good wine list, I recommend the pastas, they are homemade, I will definely go back.., and the waiter did a good job.....

Jon H.

I had a terrible experience with the maitre d'. I made a reservation over two weeks in advance, but when I showed up there was no record of it in the computer. The maitre d' proceeded to treat us with disdain, embarrass us in front of people behind us, and took forever to decide what to do. The customer should always be right and be given the benefit of the doubt, but he made no effort to accommodate us or fix the situation. We were turned away. All in all we were shocked by how rude the service was and will never try to go back. Incidentally, I checked my phone later and I definitely called the correct number and made my reservation. I live in the neighborhood and could have been a regular customer if I'd been treated civilly.

Mike K.

Don't get me wrong, we love the food here, it is really special and amazing that Riccardo can keep such a large menu with a smaller restaurant and continue to make really delicious, authentic food. That being said, this place has a couple serious problems, in my book. I don't think we will be choosing Riccardo for a dinner out again anytime soon. 1) RESERVATIONS. We've never been seated within 20 minutes of a confirmed reservation and we've dined here 5+ times. Last Friday evening, we were seated at 9:35pm after arriving 15 minutes prior to a confirmed 9:00pm reservation. One glass of prosecco was all we had to show for it. Riccardo needs to do something politely to get diners to stop lingering at its tables long after they've finished their meals. Either that or adjust the number of reservations and the times to better reflect the actual time that parties remain at tables. Offer people a free app the next time they come in. Anything. Just don't make confirmed reservations wait for so long, usually OUTSIDE, because there is no space to sit inside save for about 8 bench seats. 2) NOISE LEVEL. Friday night, it felt like a "SHOUT-athon" had broken out. There was a large table of birthday celebraters that were hollering, F-bombs flying, people hitting the table, a full circus. This was how I behaved when I used to go with big, drunken groups, to Bucca di Beppo. This isn't how I expect diners to behave at Riccardo. Other tables were equally loud, as if they were all trying to shout over the tables around them. A man at the table next to us got a big belly laugh mid-shout and pushed himself backwards in his chair so hard that he throttled our table and our glasses. No apology, no nothing. It was really unbelievable. Wife and I just looked at each other after our long wait for a table and wondered why we'd waited so long to be seated in what felt like a bacchanal. I'm wondering if Riccardo would consider doing anything to "tone down" the atmosphere over dinner. I'm all for casual, trattoria dining, but this was just way too much. I'd really love to see Riccardo cleanup the reservations issues and do something to calm the atmosphere down just a bit.

Sarah G.

I ate here accidentally and couldn't be happier to have stumbled upon it. I found their waitstaff pleasant and extremely helpful, the decor is just my style (a little fancy, without being stuffy or pretentious; basically a great date spot), and I love the neighborhood! The food was great. I didn't have much (just a pasta entree), but it was delicious. I fully intend to come back!

I had dinner at Riccardo for the first time recently, and it definitely won't be the last. The atmosphere in the dining room is great: it's a bit loud, but it feels a little like a party rather than a restaurant. Our waiter (cute, and complete with Italian accent) was very good: pleasant and friendly while also being professional. And the food---wow. The menu is very extensive, and everything we tried was fantastic. The pastas are especially good. I was also impressed by the wide range of specials: the night we were there, there must have been at least 6 special appetizers, several special salads, and at least 7 special entrees. Overall, Riccardo rates a "you can't go wrong, and you'll have fun" from me!

ALEXANDRA L.

This is my favorite restaurant in Chicago. Yes, it can be a wait if you come without reservations, the space is small and the staff is (sometimes hyper) attentive. BUT, the food is amazing. We take all our guests there for a not-so-formal but oh-so-tasty dinner. I love the multi course meal, that you can half order pastas to try more, huge selection. Everything food-wise is wonderfully high quality, and frankly that matters more to me than an over-attentive waitstaff or a later dinner time.

Zach F.

So first off, I think that any restaurant worth its salt in the city of Chicago needs to have a decent waiting area so patrons aren't forced to wait outside in the cold while in line to be seated at a table for which they have reservations. First strike. Next, I know that as a host/hostess of a restaurant there's a lot on your plate. Well then again considering there is no computer operated reservations system here... perhaps not. Now it was excusable for one couple who arrived after us to be seated before us, that's a mistake. But to find out they'd been seated before the couple next to us who had a reservation 30 minutes before us... not acceptable. And to subsequently seat TWO MORE couples who arrived after us (we all had 9pm reservations) while we stood in disbelief.. need I say more? My girlfriend and I were offered a free glass of wine each from the owner/manager gentleman, a nice enough gesture but I was too angry to imbibe. Once we were finally seated the food was above average but nothing I would write home about. The grilled Buffalo Mozzarella was delicious and my lobster & mushroom risotto was good enough but my the pasta with scallops with tasteless and the Caprese salad was nothing better than Panera. For dessert I was not able to order either of my first two choices (due to a disdain for raisins) so I was forced to settle for the overpriced and extremely disappointing peach sorbet. Really, $8 for one scoop? I get that it's served inside a frozen peach shell but come on. I'd come back again if there were no wait but as I consult my magic eight ball, "Odds Are Unlikely."

Jonathan A.

After the fourth or fifth time of trying to get into Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder, we decided to avoid the wait and try this place on a whim. I knew nothing about it beforehand. The food and atmosphere were were both excellent. Though I wish I wasn't starving when I came here and reday to eat an oven grinder. The papardelle pasta dish was great, but the portion was on the small side for $17. I guess I could have ordered a full course meal with appetizers and secondi, but maybe next time.

Fleur B.

My third time here - second a comp for food poisoning on the first go... Again, were served desert and the bill by a second waitor. This time, like last time, my food was sent back to be cooked through. I am now at home on xmas eve, night before my birthday, feeling ill, again. These people should have their kitchen inspected and their menu is, anyways, disappointing. Don't come here; if you don't want to feel ill.

Sterling B.

I had gone by this place so many times and wanted to try it out. It is much more authentically Italian then I thought it would be! Small place with a very vibrant atmosphere. A bit fancier than I thought it was going to be, but glad I tried it out!

Chad C.

Simply some of the best italian food I've had outside of Italy!

Drea E.

Good god this was one hell of a meal. My itallian mother always want to go to little italy when she visits, but I think it's cheesy, so I took her to Riccardo Trattoria to settle the debate once and for all. Unbelievable authentic food. The fresh pasta, the sauces... and surprisingly an amazing gazpacho. Go, go now.

Silvia J.

I received this as a recommendation from my Italian teacher when I lamented in my class that I wanted to try some different Italian food. I browsed through the menu online and was excited that the usual Italian (American) fare could not be found. Yea! No heavy laden tomato sauce based pastas dominating the menu (a sure sign it is more Italian-American than Italian)! I went for the first time with a friend and we both enjoyed our dishes. So many to chose from: tasting menu, daily specials, and the regular menu. Since we couldn't decide and it was our first visit, we settled on the tasting menu: Grilled Sepia Calamari (she- Fava Beans), Grilled Prawns and Sea Scallops (the biggest scallops I have ever seen in my life), e per dolci Panna Cotta (she - Cioccolatissimo). My friend was super hungry so we ended up also getting an antipasti Burrata & Cullatello which was highly recommended by our server and made the table next to us curious. An added plus was I got to practice my Italian with Riccardo(?). Il cibo e molto bene!

Alison H.

I had dinner at Riccardo for the first time recently, and it definitely won't be the last. The atmosphere in the dining room is great: it's a bit loud, but it feels a little like a party rather than a restaurant. Our waiter (cute, and complete with Italian accent) was very good: pleasant and friendly while also being professional. And the food---wow. The menu is very extensive, and everything we tried was fantastic. The pastas are especially good. I was also impressed by the wide range of specials: the night we were there, there must have been at least 6 special appetizers, several special salads, and at least 7 special entrees. Overall, Riccardo rates a "you can't go wrong, and you'll have fun" from me!

Betsy C.

On a trip to Chicago, We ate here based on reviews and prices that wouldn't be too over the top- I thought it was really good! I did the tasting menu- Do it! The perfect way to try different tjings at a decent price. We had the stuffed calamari, not my favorite, but I'm not a huge calamari fan- my daughter is. The entree was a beef that was tender and in a wine reduction! It was so flavorful! The spinach and steak fries were spectacular! My daughter ordered two 1/2 portions of pasta - a seafood/ lobster pasta- and the Bolognese - I loved the Bolognese! Very flavorful- my daughter thought it needed more sauce. The homemade pasta was really good. The lobster pasta was good - not my favorite. For dessert we had the Apple pie with ice cream- ummmmmm! Then we took Tiramisu home- also really good! I would go back!

Anna M.

Very authentic Italian restaurant from the ambiance to the delicious food. The gnocchi is unspeakably amazing. We also had a really unique mushroom appetizer that was soooo tasty and flavorful. I will be going back soon for both of these items even though the rest of the menu looks great too! The wine list is extensive and the waiter had some great pairing suggestions.

Juan C.

This is actually my favorite Italian spot in Chicago. Great food and very good service. Their recommendations are always spot on. The first time I went I tried the Cacciatore and it was as good as it gets. Is good every time. If you want Italian in Chicago: this is the place.

Cheese M.

Great place. Went out to try that upside down pizza place next door which was packed to the brim. So my mom and my sis and I went to Riccardo and were seated fairly quickly. They put the three of us at a real small table (it was 7pm sunday night and we had no reservation so we didnt care) The food -I really enjoyed the caprese salad. Hit the proverbial spot -I had some sort of soup with bacon and beans....it was okay -What really made this experience for me was the spaghetti alla carbonara. It is so hard to find a carbonara dish in the U.S. that does not use cream in the sauce. Riccardo prepared it exactly the same way I ate it when I lived in Rome. And unlike Carmine's or Rosebud, they don't make you feel like a pig by giving you a portion big enough to feed Ethiopia

M C.

Cute and very home-like environment. Food is great!

Hugh B.

The food here is outstanding. I often get seafood, either in a stew (generally on the list of specials) or with pasta. The seafood is always pristinely fresh. Last time I got it with pasta and the pasta was perfectly cooked, al dente, which means, I understand, that it comes with the chef's teeth in it. A simple arugula salad to start. A very satisfying meal for a decent price. That's the good part. They need to work on two things, however. One is the service. It is kind of abrupt and erratic. Like last time, we were a party of 7 and everyone's dinner came except one person's. That person had to salivate for like 5-10 minutes waiting for his while the rest of us were happily slurping away. The other problem is the heat. If you come in summer, dress lightly because the room really heats up from the kitchen and the ventilation is bad. But the food is so good I will put up with these things.

Fifi N.

Cozy little restaurant on Clark st, blink and you'll pass it. From the outside of the building it looks very unassuming but the second you walk in you're greeted by a friendly hostess and professional wait staff. Love the wooden floors and tables, very comfortable but polished. Smaller wine list with all the favorites and perfect selection of desserts and after dinner drinks. The menu is large with everyone's favorites and great nightly dinner specials. We started off with a proschuitto and mozzarella app, followed by linguine and arribiatta with clams and pork tenderloin and rissoto. The best meal we've had in a while. I don't usually care for pork but these were so tender and were wrapped in bacon so it gave the meat a nice but subtle smoky flavor. Everything seemed authentic and made with a great deal of care, no Sysco products here. Will make sure I come back anytime I visit Chicago.

Jim M.

I love this place - second time there with family (4, 6 and 13 year olds) - there are very family friendly if you go early. Pastas, appetizers, fish - all outstanding and done in interesting ways - this is not your vanilla italian place, but it's also not weird food where you can't figure out what you're eating - no squid ink gelato! Eggplant/zuchine/parmigian timbal was awesome... I am a traditionalist and love a good penne a la amatriciana, which is essentially arrabiata with a bit of prosciutto thrown in - have to order this as special - it's not on the menu, but they do a great job. For kids, order any pasta as half order with cuatro formaggi - perfect.

Carol J.

Authentic Italian cooking from a passionate man who does what he loves and loves what he does. Traditional presentations and unequivical Italian flavors that nail the nuances of inspired Italian cooking. This low key place is very near my home and very near my heart. Riccardo is a man of amazing talent and has an impeccable palatte. I was a little put off by the tripe one night but oh did the dining companion savor it. Just not my thing. Lobster ravioli, bouna, risotto, perfetto, gnocchi,simpatico. Wine list is tight but just right for the menu size and has some fair prices on great wines. Dessert is always a delight and they have perfect Italian coffee. Tough to get a table sometimes so I would suggest you phone first. And don't be surprised if Riccardo himself takes the reservation. Love the independent spirit and work in progress mindset of this place. Bouna Fortuna!

Eric E.

Several issues ... What was good: The arugula salad was fine, nothing special, but the leaves were crisp and tasty. The bread was good, not great. My mom's gnocci with the pink sauce was pretty tasty; the gnocci were pillowy, as they should be. My Dad liked his Bolognese, but I never tried it. What wasn't: My dish -- I had a tuna and pasta dish (I think it was a special), and it was bland, colorless and completely forgettable. Special is a misnomer. I understand that service at restaurants in Italy can be a little laissez-faire and that we as Americans eat way too fast. I get that. But we tried our hearts out to get the check and failed more than once. Also, my Mom didn't get her entree for a good 7-8 minutes after Dad and I got ours. Luckily, Mom is a hip lady, and she handled it well. I appreciate the business is run by an authentic Italian gentleman, and there need to be more places with this kind of feel. But I thought the food was nothing special, and the prices weren't as good as I had heard, but I tend not to worry about the price is the food is good. So one kind of killed the other there. I might try it again if someone I was with really wanted to go, but if I am going casual, I might as well just pop over to Oven Grinders two doors down. Even with the wait and limited menu, it's better I think.

Jason B.

Every time I'm asked where the best place for Italian food in Lincoln Park is I have an easy answer, Riccardo. S and I have been to plenty of Italian places, especially in the Lincoln Park area, and this one has always been my favorite. The dishes are authentic and fresh, and the wine list is extensive enough that you can find something you'll like, but not so big that you feel overwhelmed.

April F.

Excellent, excellent, excellent well-priced and authentic Italian; there's nothing you won't love, the staff here go to great lengths to ensure your palate is well-satisfied. Yum-o.

John O.

My experience here was mixed. I enjoyed the well cooked and authentic Italian cuisine served by passionate Italian owners and servers. I didn't care for the lackluster service and poor wine list.

Patrick N.

i have only dined at riccardo trattoria once, but that one meal was all i needed to place riccardo trattoria as one of my favorite italian places. my wife and i make it up to chicago about 4 times a year, a while the main reason for our visits is to try new restaurants, i can see riccardo trattoria being a place we try to fit into each trip. the restaurant is just one small room, and it can be quite loud. the atmosphere is fairly relaxed, and there was no pretension coming from the staff or the other diners. we dined there on a wednesday night around 8pm, and it was very busy, although our reservations were honored immediately. from what i could tell, the majority of the staff, our waiter included, were italian, and english was there second language. our waiter was an older gentleman, who was very friendly, and made us feel at home. we looked over the menu and the wine, and ordered a nice bottle of sauvingon blanc. we started with the bacon wrapped grilled sea scallops in a lobster biquet. this dish was phenomenal, and really set the tone for an evening of delicous food. next up, we spilt a caprese salad, which features tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella. this was a nice salad, but may not be something i would order the next time we dine at riccardo. for our entrees, i had the penne with lobster and rock shrimp. this was served in a spicy tomato sauce. my wife chose the lobster and crab ravioli, in a saffron cream sauce. both entrees were wonderful. my pasta had a very generous portion of both lobster and shrimp, and the saffron cream sauce my wifes pasta pillows were covered in took the dish to the next level. we polished off our wine, and looked over the dessert menu. our served made a few suggestions, and mentioned that if either of us were a chocolate lover, the cioccolatissimo was the only way to go. i took his word for it, and even though it took ten minutes to cook, it was more than worth it. it was basically a molten chocolate cake with ice cream, but there was something about it that put it above the norm. my wife had the tiramisu, and said she liked it. i was too satisfied with mine to bother trying it. from start to finish, out meal at riccardo trattoria was wonderful. the food, service, coupled with the relatively relaxed atmosphere made for a fantastic night, and i look forward to returning and trying some new dishes.

Dija S.

A-Mazing. Absolutely fantastic. I had the "mountains and seas" risotto and my husband had a gnocchi with prosciutto in a light tomato sauce. We loved our food, the service was stellar and this food was available at an incredibly accessible price. Everything that you dream about in a restaurant.

Madelyn H.

the. best. gnocchi. it really is worth going just for the gnocchi. it has the perfect texture not to mention that the sauce and other components of the dish are delicious. the atmosphere at riccardo's is that of a little neighborhood place - not super swanky or over the top - just comfortable and nice. as for the other food, the bruschetta wasn't great unfortunately, but everything else was delicious - burrata caprese, gnocchi, pumpkin ravioli, tiramisu. so tasty! pretty decent service and really reasonable prices. i wish it were in bucktown so i could go more often!

Liz T.

Ehhhh. Next to the star rating when I clicked the two stars it says, "Meh. I've experienced better." That's exactly how I feel about my meal here. I was expecting excellent, authentic Italian food after reading reviews and a letter in the entryway of the restaurant from some Italian authority certifying the food as authentic. Maybe it was an off night, maybe it was me, or maybe it was the fact that my seat looked right into the kitchen where 50 or so boxes of Barillo pasta were stacked on a shelf. I did not love this restaurant. In fact, it would be safe to say that I didn't even really like it. I wanted to. I really did. To start, I had the asparagus soup with croutons and parm. The soup was unremarkable, and a little on the sweet side, but the parm balanced it out. For my entree I had one of the specials: buccatini with lobster in a pink sauce. My entree came out about 7 minutes after everyone else's food. That's a major pet peeve of mine. There was a half a lobster and the buccatini. I think there was also some lobster in the sauce. They gave me a lobster claw with the leg attached, which was nice, but they didn't give me the proper tools to remove the meat. The sauce was really greasy, too. It wasn't great, in fact, it wasn't even good. B and one of our dining companions had the filet. When brought out, the filet had been pounded to 1/4 inch thick. I have never seen filet prepared that way. B also noted it was quite fatty for filet. So, completely unremarkable. Will we be back? Probably not...I think there are plenty of Italian restaurants in the city to try.

Bob P.

Quite simply, one of the best, most authentic restaurants I've had the pleasure of eating at, outside of Italy. -I quattro matti da SF

Julie K.

Went to Ricardo Tratoria with our son and his girlfriend. The service was atrocious. Our waiter messed up so many parts of our order that it was hard to keep track of. The risotto was great and the pasta was very very chewy. I would not go back.

Chris S.

My wife and I met some friends last night at Riccardo based on our friend's recommendation. We were pleasantly surprised at how good our experience was! The restaurant was very unassuming - fairly small and narrow, with only a handful of tables. Due to the size of the restaurant, the tables are fairly close together. The decor is nice, nothing over-the-top - think a typical Italian restaurant. Our friend knew Dario, who was both hilarious and helpful - what a pleasant dude! On to the food... The food was excellent, and not one of us had a bad meal. While I didn't eat it, everyone at the table raved about the baked focaccina di Recco. The meatballs and calamari apps were also very tasty. I had a swordfish special, and while the fish was slightly overcooked, the flavor made up for it! I had gelato for dessert, pretty standard. The menu was pretty large, so I can't wait to go back and try some other things. Overall, I'd recommend going back!

Michael S.

This was the second time we went there. It was as wonderful as the first. It was magical. Out waiter, "Nino" was fabulous. His recommendations were superb. Get the pounded breaded veal chop, it is to die for. The Panne Cota is a wonderful way to end the evening along with a great cappucino.

Stefan H.

Having travelled extensively in Italy for business I have clear opinions regarding "authentic" Italian cuisine. From the decor to the service, to the food, Riccardo is as authentic a recreation of the Italian Trattoria experience as I have had outside of Italy. In fact I can point to only two distinct differences between this restaurant and the Italian counterpart after which it is modelled: 1.) Portions are medium size by Chicago standards but capacious by comparison with what one might expect at a Trattoria in Italy. Presumably this is a concession to the Chicago predilection for massive portions and a resulting full belly... 2.) The menu has many selections and they are from several different regions in the north part of the country and cover a range of seasonality. This is quite different from what I would expect at a Trattoria in Italy where the immediate local, seasonal fare is what is normally offered. Again it would seem that this is a nod to expectations in Chicago. What is truly astonishing is that despite the long menu and relatively large portions I have yet to see the quality falter even across multiple choices from the menu. Pastas are fine and always perfectly "al dente." Vegetables and greens are always fresh and never overcooked. Fish and meats are delicious and beautifully prepared. Service is breezy and professional, not fawning or too personal. The decor is upscale and attractive but not formal or stuffy. This is a great place for a first date, a special family dinner, or a business meal when you want to impress with good food and a lack of pretense.

Peggy N.

Everything about this place was excellent. Cute ambiance, great service, and, of course, delicious food. The calamari took an ordinary appetizer to new levels; pumpkin ravioli melts in your mouth; the gianduia gelato tastes like Rome. The very Italian owner was visible being effusively hospitable. I only wish I could afford to go here more often!!

Maria P.

What a great find! My husband and I tried this place for the first time for New Year's Eve which also happens to be our anniversary. We were no disappointed in the least. The place isn't that big, so I was amazed how we were sat down exactly on the dot for the time that we had our reservation on NYE. They have a nice wine selection, but also are BYOB for an $18 corkage fee I believe. We had an appetizer that they had on special and it was delicious. It was a rather large scallop cooked to perfection and wrapped in bacon served with fried leeks. It was fabulous. They bring you fresh bread as well which wasn't just plain bread; some had zucchini and the other had onions. Both were delicious as well. I had the Pappardelle "Porcini" with fresh Alpine porcini in a white truffle cream sauce. It was just the right amount of pasta and it was very fresh. My husband had the sole which was on special as well and that was memorable as well. For dessert we shared a Panna Cotta topped with passion fruit coulis. That was the best panna cotta that either of us has ever had. We each had coffee as well, one regular and one decaf. Both were hot and flavorful. We will definitely be going back!

Nancy K.

Nice little place, will definitely go back. The fresh pastas were wonderful. Our Italian waiter (which I love) was very attentive and helpful - with both our food and wine selections. We went on a Thursday night before seeing a show at The Park West. By 7:30 the place was packed. It has a comfortable, cozy atmosphere, but the tables are a little close and we therefore ended up friending the single diner sitting next to us. But overall, a very nice experience.

Gabe L.

I once walked in without a reservation, and it was full. Then, after learning from my mistake, I walked in again without a reservation, and it was full again. Then, after a bit of what you people call "planning", I called them an hour before I wanted to come in and ... it finally worked. The food was actually pretty good for Italian; maybe a little pricey, but what I didn't like was the atmosphere and host/servers. They were a little pretentious, which hurt me because I was vulnerable since I was on a man date, and everybody there had a special somebody, and I started crying - minus the last part, all true. I only cry when I have to pay for him and get nothing in return. See, men can share their feelings!

Vinny S.

This is a must try! This place has some of the best Italian food in the city!!!! Small and sometimes crowded, but a real vast menu, and always spectacular. Can't wait to go back.

Brian S.

Let me begin by saying I really wanted to love this place. Between all of the reviews I've read and friends ravings, I thought we were going to have a wonderful dining experience. We left very disappointed. Not that we were early, but it is good to note that there is no bar seating area. The service was very good. Our waiter was attentive and able to make modifications (like having a half pasta half risotto entree for my wife.) He was happy to explain the menu items and specials. For appetizers, my wife had an arugula salad (perfectly fine) and I had a bacon wrapped scallop in a lobster bisque sauce. Though the scallop was huge and nicely cooked, the bacon was wayyy under cooked, to the point of being pretty gross. For the entrees, as indicated, my wife had mushroom risotto and a mushroom pasta. She said the flavors were decent, but the textures were as if they had been sitting around. My short-rib was very sub-par. The quality of the meat was poor, and it was as if the ribs had not been braised long enough: the texture was downright chewy, and the meat's flavor was not good. We also had the side of crushed potatoes: it came cold, flavorless, and almost seemed microwaved. The tiramisu was decent, but nothing worth going back for. All in all, far better Italian restaurants in Chicago to visit.

Maria R.

A delightful restaurant with some seriously delicious entrees and above average wine list. The pasta dishes are always amazing and I have tried several of the fish and meat dishes. Never disappointing! A reservation is a must on the weekends because this place is relatively small and seems to be popular with the LP crowd. We did have a not so great experience with a squirrely waiter who kept asking if everything was ok? Like four or five times! How many times do we have to tell him yes??

Lauren H.

I just ate dinner at this restaurant and I wish I could give them negative stars. First off there was a CHEWED OLIVE PIT in my salad. Chewed as in someone else ate the olive and somehow it ended up in my plate. Besides wanting to throw up, I was hoping that the restaurant would at least apologize. Wrong, not only did the manager not come over and apologize or offer me any explanation. With all of the Italian food restaurants in Chicago, there is NO REASON to ever go to Riccardo Trattoria!

Shary E.

Cute place with an Italian Bistro feel and some food dishes that were fantastic, which would give them a 5-star rating, right? Well, when you factor in the service we received they dropped three stars. Our waiter was either not happy with his chosen profession, wanted to rush us out, or just didn't like our table, but either way he made it an unpleasant experience. The evening started when I asked for a Prosecco cocktail, which the waiter informed me he had never heard of and does not exist. I settled for a glass of Prosecco and it was delicious so except for the attitude; no harm, no foul. The entree that I ordered was one that I had never had before and since I had also never been to this restaurant before I had no idea what to expect. When it arrived it didn't look as I imagined that it would, but since I had no idea what to look for I didn't make a big deal about it. Even if I wanted to make a big deal, our waiter never returned to our table to find out if we wanted anything else. We ended up flagging down the busboy, another waiter and even the host for things like bread, water, and olive oil and cheese for our pasta dishes (which we saw being delivered to other tables, but not ours). When the bill came we saw why our dish did not look like what we ordered; it was because it was not what we ordered. I asked for Black Tagliolini pasta and I take some of the blame for not asking immediately why it looked so different than what I thought the menu listed, but in my defense the waiter did not come back to our table until the very end when the host had to change our bill. We had the zucchini blossom and it was outstanding, as was the Panna Cotta. I highly recommend both of them and would love to try the actual dish that I ordered, which sounded like it would be excellent. I think the host was very nice, but maybe a little lesson to our waiter would be in order. Maybe, I would give them another try because some of the dishes that we had were outstanding, but if I were seated with the same waiter I would consider asking for take-out service instead.

Jennifer T.

My husband and I made reservations for our third wedding anniversary. The restaurant is quaint and comfortable. I couldn't decide between two pastas, so the waiter suggested I do a split plate with a half portion of each - great option! My husband had their famous veal ravioli and loved it. The wine was nice, and table breads were tasty. For dessert, he had the tiramisu and I had the panna cotta. Both were excellent! I'd eat the panna cotta over and over - so great!

Nancy V.

Is this Heaven? If so, I'm thrilled to go! I'd heard good things about this restaurant and it exceeded my expectations. 3 of us went last Sunday evening without a reservation. It was 6:45 so there was a table free but I now see why reservations are recommended. It's a small space but lovely. Service was great throughout. But the food was the star! Our entrees were all delicious: Scallops & prawns with grilled asparagus & lentils, Lobster ravioli in a fabulous sauce and Rack of Lamb. I wanted to order additional entrees to go. My friend also LOVED the spicy gazpacho as an appetizer. I can't wait to go again.

Angela G.

Yum Yum YUM! Italian food is my favorite and this place does it right. Amazing pasta, gnocchi, risotto, and the list goes on. Great service and very nice atmosphere, great for going out with your family or a romantic date. Reserve a table a few days in advance, it's a small place and they fill up easily.

Tu'ens N.

This place is really good and really authentic. I lived for years in Italy and this is the closest to an authentic higher-end trattoria I've seen in Chicago. Everyone I encountered working there was from Italy and were really nice and helpful. Actually given the location I was a bit skeptical for whatever reason, so I was very impressed. I had (cut from their menu online:) Penne "strascicate", tossed w/ beef tenderloin, sausage & chicken liver ragout sprinkled with pecorino cheese $16 It was damn good. I didn't even think I liked chicken liver but gave this a shot and it was awesome. It was a cold evening so I was looking for a slightly heavier pasta dish, and this answered the call. Kind of food you want to eat with a glass or two of red wine and pass out Also tried the: Orecchiette with wild boar sausage, rapini, sun-dried tomato and pecorino cheese $16. . For $16 its actually not too bad a deal considering it would probably cost about the same (11 - 12 Euros) in Rome in a restaurant like this. One suggestion I would make if you are not familiar with more Italian-style italian food would be to try their Carbonara. I actually did not try it but I have never encountered an authentic one around here and this place has the best chance I know of of making it properly. Lots of places put cream and peas and all sorts of crap in there, this description is right on: Spaghetti Carbonara - with bacon, egg yolk and pecorino cheese $15. (i know, $15 for carb... but where else are you gonna get it?) I also love pecorino and since all of the dishes I just mentioned use it (where lots of places here would use parmesan) I give big bonus for that. Only negative I can think of is that a lot of their food is kind of winter food and I dont really think I would want to eat it in the summer as its fairly heavy. It is possible that they change the menu in the summer but I have no reason to think that other than that I hope it :) If not it gives us a reason to look forward to the winter. Also, someone mentioned that its BYOB in a review. I don't think so anymore. I had a cocktail and wine so I do not think they'd let you BYO.

Nancy M.

Riccardo Trattoria is a small, casual 'neighborhood' restaurant with excellent Italian food reminiscent of restaurants in Tuscany. Despite being quite busy (all tables filled with families, friends & couples), service was very good. Extensive menu has many appealing choices...we tried eggplant & zucchini timbale, mussels, squash blossoms and caprese salad (all very good), rigatoni (spicy but excellent), veal saltimbocca, risotto & ravioli (would order all again). Server was very helpful, with good suggestions. "Energetic' noise, but we were able to converse without raising our voices. Valet parking was available, though we found street parking on a Sunday evening with no trouble. We will return and will definitely recommend to friends.

Tony E.

Summary: Excellent atmosphere as it's small, cozy, and simply decorated. Average wine that was nothing special. Good service with a great dessert to finish. The Service: Nothing to complain about other than we had reservations at 830 but weren't seated until about 20 minutes later. No biggie. Waiter was polite. Nothing different than expected. The Food: We had the filet and that pork tenderloin. Both dishes were solid. I've had a better filet, however, I'm not a meat person by any means. It was just fine, very tender, and I would have it again. We paired the dishes with a Syrah. GREAT!

Mary O.

I've walked by Riccardo Trattoria a number of times and never realized what a gem it is! The dining room is bright and elegant without being stuffy. Our group of four ordered several courses, including appetizers, salads, pasta, entrees and dessert and enjoyed every dish! Standouts included the Burrata, Grilled Octopus, Fettuccine Bolognese and Tiramisu. We left absolutely stuffed and will definitely return for special occasions!

Fredo B.

We had reservations for 4 on NYE. We arrived on time and were seated at a small table in the back. There was a party of 10 right behind us so it was pretty cramped.I told the hostess we needed more room. She said no problem and we went back to the small waiting area. The owner or manager Manginno (I think that's his name) came by and offered us some Lambrusco tasting wine and it was good. We were seated and had a waiter who had a Italian accent.I ordered the fried octopus which was rubbery so I sent it back,np. Out of the 4 dinners we had 2 were good and 2 were mediocre.I had the seafood and pasta and it was fantastic.I love the location.IMHO the service is 5 stars and would try this place one more time.

Noah B.

1st class, step-up neighborhood trattoria. Excellent and worth it. Call ahead

Katie P.

Yum! I just had dinner here with my mom to celebrate my birthday and it was amazing! I shared the zucchini flowers with my mom and then I had the gazpacho (best I ever had) and then I finally had the risotto with lobster and mushrooms (good but not amazing). Then we had the pannacotta for desert. I normally only order chocolate heavy deserts but the pannacotta was great! I'll be back asap, great meal and service!

kathy z.

The food was good, but we waited over an hour for a reservation....on a Wednesday. It was particularly annoying since I had taken somebody there for a business dinner. The food wasn't worth the wait.

Benita G.

My family and I have been going here since they first opened in 2007 and we can honestly say it's some of the best Italian food we've had outside of Italy. Great atmosphere and great staff. It is always full, so make sure you make a reservation. Some of our favorite dishes include fettuccine bolognese, risotto with porcini mushrooms, the pounded veal chop, the filet Battuta beef tenderloin, and the gnocchi bava. We also never end a meal without the cioccolatissimo for dessert. Chef Riccardo was born in Milan, and began cooking with his family at a young age. When you eat at his restaurant it's very apparent that he loves to cook.

Misael S.

Had a good time, I went for my birthday with some friends, everything was good and has a decent price, and good wine list, I recommend the pastas, they are homemade, I will definely go back.., and the waiter did a good job.....

Jon H.

I had a terrible experience with the maitre d'. I made a reservation over two weeks in advance, but when I showed up there was no record of it in the computer. The maitre d' proceeded to treat us with disdain, embarrass us in front of people behind us, and took forever to decide what to do. The customer should always be right and be given the benefit of the doubt, but he made no effort to accommodate us or fix the situation. We were turned away. All in all we were shocked by how rude the service was and will never try to go back. Incidentally, I checked my phone later and I definitely called the correct number and made my reservation. I live in the neighborhood and could have been a regular customer if I'd been treated civilly.

Mike K.

Don't get me wrong, we love the food here, it is really special and amazing that Riccardo can keep such a large menu with a smaller restaurant and continue to make really delicious, authentic food. That being said, this place has a couple serious problems, in my book. I don't think we will be choosing Riccardo for a dinner out again anytime soon. 1) RESERVATIONS. We've never been seated within 20 minutes of a confirmed reservation and we've dined here 5+ times. Last Friday evening, we were seated at 9:35pm after arriving 15 minutes prior to a confirmed 9:00pm reservation. One glass of prosecco was all we had to show for it. Riccardo needs to do something politely to get diners to stop lingering at its tables long after they've finished their meals. Either that or adjust the number of reservations and the times to better reflect the actual time that parties remain at tables. Offer people a free app the next time they come in. Anything. Just don't make confirmed reservations wait for so long, usually OUTSIDE, because there is no space to sit inside save for about 8 bench seats. 2) NOISE LEVEL. Friday night, it felt like a "SHOUT-athon" had broken out. There was a large table of birthday celebraters that were hollering, F-bombs flying, people hitting the table, a full circus. This was how I behaved when I used to go with big, drunken groups, to Bucca di Beppo. This isn't how I expect diners to behave at Riccardo. Other tables were equally loud, as if they were all trying to shout over the tables around them. A man at the table next to us got a big belly laugh mid-shout and pushed himself backwards in his chair so hard that he throttled our table and our glasses. No apology, no nothing. It was really unbelievable. Wife and I just looked at each other after our long wait for a table and wondered why we'd waited so long to be seated in what felt like a bacchanal. I'm wondering if Riccardo would consider doing anything to "tone down" the atmosphere over dinner. I'm all for casual, trattoria dining, but this was just way too much. I'd really love to see Riccardo cleanup the reservations issues and do something to calm the atmosphere down just a bit.

Claire Y.

We got scallops for appetizer and seafood risotto and bone marrow for entries. The seafood risotto was very good and the meat was a bit dry. The passion fruit dessert didn't really meet my expectation and the other dessert i got was okay (berries in cream? can't remember the name). The service was a bit slow but i give them a 4 star for the entries quality and the scallops. A bit pricey for the quality of food. Relaxing environment and family friendly.

Kristine C.

We live just up the street and pass by the small corridor of restaurants every day. One night, we decided to try one, finally. Surprisingly, Riccardo Trattoria is not a place you make a reservation on a whim. They were booked until 9 p.m. We took a chance and walked up; a table for two is never too hard to come by. Walking in, I was surprised at how fancy it was. I was not dressed for the occasion. The atmosphere was more dressy casual to business formal. Maybe it was the time of day, 6 p.m., and the after work crowd showing up. The staff was very kind and helpful and we were sat right away. They answered all of our questions and helped us through the menu. We took some time deciding how many appetizers and what mains to order. We wanted to try many dishes, but our stomachs are only so big. In the end, we went with the Burratta, a classic that I absolutely love. We were a bit apprehensive about the Porcini Soufflé. It was the Porcini that sucked us in. The dish looked more like an omelet to me and did not have much flavor. The appetizer round was redeemed by the Fava Beans! I enjoy Fava Beans plain but the cheese and truffle shavings were the cherry on top! Moving on. To stick with our mushroom theme, I had to go with the Pappardelle Porcini in the cream sauce. True to this classic dish, it was rich creamy hearty and tasty. Nothing can go wrong with these ingredients. I was happy with my dish. My boyfriend ordered the Risotto Porcini. Again, sticking with our mushroom theme for the night. I usually do not like Risotto. It's too bland for me. However, the few bites I tried were delicious. We skipped on dessert on the night. There were several other appetizers and main pasta dishes I would love to try. They also have daily specials consistent with classic Italian and more modern twists. Overall we had a nice Italian experience with no surprises.

Kate W.

Truly not understanding the high reviews on this place. We came in for a 7pm reservation for 3. We were sat a few minutes late, which is no big deal. However, when we were taken to our table, we were taken to a TINY two-top. It was much too small for three adults and we could barely fit our 3 water glasses + 3 wine glasses on the table. It was not the best start. The room is small and nondescript--a nice neighborhood-looking italian place. We ordered wine, which came quickly. We started with some fried calamari, which was a VERY small portion. Our friend had a mushroom salad, which he very much enjoyed. The bread for the table was REALLy delicious--some of the best focaccia I've had in a while. I had read good things about the risotto, so I ordered the Risotto Sea & Mountains for dinner. When it arrived, it was not what I had ordered--they had prepared the seafood risotto instead. No big deal-I sent it back. The waiter came back and offered to "add some mushrooms to the risotto" that I had gotten incorrectly, or I could "wait fifteen minutes" for the correct dish to be delivered. Flustered by his brusk attitude, I said I would wait. A few minutes later, someone brought me the correct risotto--telling me that "one was up" so they can just "make another one." The whole thing was pretty uncomfortable and rude, so no points there. The risotto was generally tasty, but not life changing. Both my husband and our guest's pastas (noodles with seafood and noodles with butter and truffles) were GROSSLY oversalted. We all left craving water. It was a real bummer. We visited Riccardo Trattoria as part of our quest to visit every bib gourmond in the city. We have 16 places left, and my husband seemed truly sad, when we got home, at the fact that we finally ran into a sub-par bib restaurant. I agree--especially after looking at the bill for dinner tonight. Bummer.

Kurt C.

Authentic, delicious,and hot food that you would enjoy with the people you value. A small Italian restaurant with limited space that has people always waiting for an opportunity to taste their food. Parking can be challenge for any experience driver, so make reservations if you can, and enjoy the atmosphere of quality food (Focaccia bread, Pastas,Branzino, Tiramisu,etc.). The service is personal,professional, and efficient in meeting your needs while your there. The food is very tasteful with fresh ingredients for those who have a sensitive palate, and a value for quality Italian food. You will not be disappointed, but yet satisfied in meeting your appetite needs. Enjoy !!

Ivette I.

This is the best kept secret in Lincoln Park! Always consistent, delicious, the wait staff absloutely the best! Paco thank you for always being so accommodating! Hands down the very best in Italian cuisine, The Chef keeps it on point!

Eric L.

We enjoyed Riccardo Trattoria. It's a nice space, the menu is setup nicely and there's something that pretty much everyone should be able to find they would like. We did the set menu which had a good selection and at a good price. Is there anything spectacular about Riccardo Trattoria? No - but there's nothing wrong with it either. This is a great neighborhood type place meaning if you lived in the 'hood, you'd go here because it's good food, nice atmosphere and descent prices. It's not a place you'd go out of your way to go to but we did it as a "pre-theater" dinner before going to Steppenwolf. Everyone liked it but none of us walked out there feeling like "oh man, we have GOT to go back there again!" As the 3-star rating says "A-OK" - you won't have a bad meal or experience here.

Michael G.

Great; as always. It was crowded on a pre-Christmas Thursday night, and everything was running smoothly. We always eat off the specials menu, and they have never disappointed. We are a huge fan, and visit on each trip we make to Chicago.

Sabina W.

What your Italian nona would cook if your Italian nona ran a Bib Gourmand-rated restaurant. She'd kiss you on the cheeks, tell you to mangia, and two hours later you'd leave fat and happy.

Kyle D.

Overall: Great italian cuisine and a good atmosphere make Riccardo Trattoria another quality restaurant choice off of Clark. Delicious! The good: The food was fantastic, and with plenty of options to choose from. The daily specials are plentiful, and the regular menu is extensive as well. The atmosphere is nice as well, with light jazz playing and a cozy but not cramped room. The bad: I'm being picky, but the portions could have been a tad bigger, at least for our risotto. Our waiter was very dry and didn't seem to care for us much. The prices get a bit steep, but it was expected. Atmosphere: 9/10 Service: 7/10 Food: 9/10

P W.

Riccardo's is one of the best Italian restaurants I've ever visited in either the United States or in Italy; specifically for Milanese food, I'm not sure if I've ever had better. The great mystery of the place is how the small kitchen and excellent waitstaff can manage the phenomenal and gargantuan menu, which has approximately 10-15 seasonal specials at any given time, while still providing excellent, timely service and surprisingly reasonable prices. Apps are consistently excellent; the elk carpaccio is (when available) a brilliant new addition to the menu that balances the gamey, mineral elk against the richness of truffle and fontina. Consistent highlights include the fried squash blossoms stuffed with mozzarella and and speck alto adige, the cecina crepe, and any of the rotating soufflés. The risotto is exceptional; always perfectly cooked, and with a delicacy of flavor that's atypical for a dish that tends to be over-cheesed. The porcini risotto is an great standby, and those lucky enough to catch the seasonal squash blossom or winter black truffle risottos are in for a treat. The pastas are similarly exceptional; excellent pasta, balanced and vibrant sauces, and generous portions that happily balance between indulgence and restraint. I've had excellent experiences with meat dishes here as well, and the branzino served with an intelligently minimalist plating that allows the fish to shine - however, the reality is that Riccardo is a genius of pasta and risotti - this is why I've come back so many times. Dessert is excellent if not necessarily reaching the heights of the mains; the passion fruit panna cotta is delicate, beautifully acidulated, and simple; the ricotta cheesecake is fluffy, light, and beautifully offset by the pine nuts. The waitstaff is consistent, passionately knowledgeable about the menu, and intimately familiar with the wine list. Whenever I'm faced with indecision in the selection of either a wine or a course, I turn to my waiter, and I have yet to be disappointed. Although the bib gourmand and a consistently high Zagat rating are testament to the genius of Riccardo, this restaurant remains an under appreciated gem.

Stefanie A.

A review that should have been done years ago... First came to Riccardo about 3-4 years ago when I was living in the neighborhood. Since then we've been there many times. Most recently was last night. We made a last minute reservation for four at 9:00pm. Didn't get seated until 9:45. Yes it was a long wait- but trust me the food is worth the wait! They ended up taking off our first bottle of wine and threw in an order of calamari for the wait- really nice, we didn't even ask for anything like that. Like I said, the food is amazing. Definitely recommend the mussels & foccacina (spelling?) appetizers, and the orecchiette with the rapini & wild boar sausage & lamb chops entrees. Our friends dining with us had the crab/lobster ravioli and the short ribs. They said there's was also phenomenal. Portion sizes are perfect. The interior should be mentioned as well- it's small and intimate. Not loud or big, which makes it a great place for people who actually wanna hear what their date/friend is saying or if you even want to meet the owner (he frequently walks around).

Michelle L.

After a long day of shopping, my parents and I decided to come here for dinner. We entered the small space and were immediately greeted by the two hostesses. The restaurant is small, cramped, and loud in a cozy way. We got to know the people sitting at the table next to us, which was nice. It seems like half the menu are specials. This makes it easy for people to come back and have new experiences each time. To start, we had the fried squash blossoms, the fava beans, and the lentil soup. All were very good. The only non-special were the fava beans, which were simple but flavorful. The squash blossoms were stuffed with cheese and speck prosciutto-- crunchy, salty deliciousness. The soup was hearty, and the sausage added the perfect richness. For entrees, I ordered the gnocchi with oxtail and wine sauce. It was hearty and full of flavor. Also, the gnocchi was the perfect texture. Too often, I've had gnocchi that's too rubbery, but this gnocchi was soft. The whole branzino was also very flavorful-- very Italian with olive oil on the side to drizzle over. This dish brought me back to my summer travels in Italy. The mushroom risotto on the regular menu was another highlight. The risotto is full of mushroom-y truffles. I enjoyed how the risotto was a bit lighter than most restaurants, as chefs tend to over do the cheese and cream. Definitely come by for a neighborhood hidden gem :)

Lauren H.

Came here for Restaurant Week. It was amazing! We recently got back from Italy and this was the most authentic food. We started out with elk carpaccio and it was so yummy. I then had the short rib and polenta! My friend had the risotto (which was so good) that I ate a good bit of hers :) Go you won't regret it! Note: It's a smaller restaurant!

Ben B.

Solid Italian on the formal side. My girl and I made reservations to visit Riccardo Trattoria on New Year's Eve. When you arrive, there's a small seating area separated from the dining area by a curtain. When it's your time to sit, you're led through to a small dining area (maybe 15-20 tables). I ordered the orecchiette cinghiale with wild boar sausage, rapini, sun-dried tomato, and Pecorino. I enjoyed it, though I wish it had come with some sort of sauce. It was strange to find only one giant chunk of garlic in the dish. My girlfriend ordered the pappardelle ai porcini in white truffle cream sauce. That was outstanding. We *loved* the Tuscan fried potatoes seasoned with herbs, garlic & chili flakes. They were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, like a perfectly cooked French fry. You must get this. For dessert I tackled a cioccolatissimo (molten chocolate cake). Very good. Service was excellent. Several different people were involved in bringing and removing plates. The host checked our coats for us. Riccardo Trattoria is a bit stuffy. It's the kind of place you'd go for an anniversary dinner instead of a first date. That's not a bad thing, but you should expect a more formal atmosphere than most places. Most entrees fall in the $16-20 range. We split a $40 bottle of wine - the cheapest on the menu. Often, you'll go to an Italian joint and the food will leave you feeling really heavy. Riccardo Trattoria does not. In that way, it was more similar to the places I've dined in Italy. I only wish the dishes had a bit more flavor. I look forward to returning for another dinner.

Meghana P.

I love Italian food, period. I've eaten it all around the world (including Italy), and I'm always on the lookout for truly authentic Italian restaurants in Chicago. I'm happy to say that Riccardo Trattoria is one of them. Despite the fact that my pasta was undercooked the first time (definitely below al dente), the flavour of the sauce and the cooperation of kitchen staff in getting me a replacement makes this review definitely a 5-star. The arugula and lemon salad was also delicious and a great opener to the meal, while the tiramisu was delicious and not too sweet. If you're looking for delicious, quality Italian food (although this place is definitely a little pricey), come here!

Kevin C.

When I was trying to figure out where to go for dinner, I spent 45 minutes flipping between dozens of Italian restaurants. Do I go for the one that sounds like a made up pasta on the Olive Garden menu, or do I go for the other one that also sounds like a made up pasta on the Olive Garden menu that's right up the street? I finally settled on Riccardo Trattoria, for no reason whatsoever other than I have shit to do and can't spend all day looking at Italian restaurant menus. I don't know who Riccardo is, but the dude cooks damn good Italian food. We shared the fried calamari, elk carpaccio, beef pappardelle, and lamb shank. Everything was well-cooked and well-portioned, if not especially innovative. The elk carpaccio in particular had my date making faces that wouldn't be out of place on a late-night HBO special like the ones that I keep catching my roommate watching

Opal K.

Great service. Had the risotto with porcini which was delicious. Portion size was perfect. The panna cotta was great too!!

Molly M.

I was very excited to try out Ricardo Trattoria. When we arrived the place had the most amazing smells coming from the kitchen. We order one of the cheaper house wines which was actually great, the Pinot Noir. The focaccia bread they give you is amazing! However, my food was most certainly not. I ordered the orecchiette with wild boar sausage. It was not enjoyable. I ate the entire thing out of starvation but I would not say it was good. The orecchiette had no sauce of any kind it was essentially just plain. The wild boar sausage had good flavor but the spinach or kale or collared greens (wasn't sure which they were cut so small) was just bad. I don't think I will come back, unless someone can argue with me that their meal was excellent. My friend had some seafood with pasta and vodka sauce. It was pretty good but it they could've removed the shrimp shells. Overall I would say this place does not live up to the hype. I would eat at Topo Giggio five times over coming back to Riccardo trattoria.

kat b.

I will start by saying we enjoyed the food. My fiancé and I each rated the cuisine 8/10. We dined at Riccardo Trattoria previously and learned they were BYOB. Looking forward to enjoying it again during Restaurant Week, we arrived bottle of wine in hand. The service was slow. It took about 30 minutes to get a basket of bread on the table. As previously stated, the food was good. The surprise came when we were hit with a $24 corkage fee on the bill. Try Rose Angelis, you won't be disappointed.

Meg P.

My boyfriend and I were so disappointed by the dinner we had here last night. We had reservations for 9 and were not seated until 9:45. It was clear that many people were having the same problem and were frustrated. I asked how long the wait was going to be when we arrived and the Matradee wouldn't even respond to me. When we finally got seated and ordered. However, nothing came out "in order" ...we got our salad...then one appetizer...then the bread? It was odd. The people next to us didn't get their appetizer. We got our main course, but it would have been nice to have more water/drinks during the meal but they were busy. We then placed our order for dessert...they forgot one of them and then didn't come back for such a long time we were confused! We just said forget it...realized our waiter had LEFT and asked a different waiter for our check. How was the food? Actually good! But the service and dining experience was so bad...I don't know why anyone would want to go. It's a shame because the food is good but you can't have service like that in Chicago...too many other great places to go!

Bob A.

We were enticed back to Ricardo's when we walked by on a Friday evening to find they had open tables and no wait. After my one star rating last Fall, I was a little nervous my photo was posted on their kitchen wall just above the knife block. Maybe the restaurant was too dark for them to make a positive ID! This time around a much better experience with a very polished server, and good food. Still not the Ricardo's that I loved so much five years ago but much better than the Friday evening last Fall.

Elaine B.

I should have reviewed Riccardo's the first time I went, when I moved to Chicago from Europe two years ago, and after I had endured countless disappointments at restaurants claiming to serve real Italian food. This is hands down, the ONLY authentic Italian restaurant that I've come across in Chicago. It's home-made, cooked from the heart and makes me feel a bit less homesick. If you're hoping for bland, Americanized appetizers, followed by giant, overflowing bowls of overcooked pasta, go somewhere else (you'll be spoiled for choice). I've been to Riccardo's many times with my husband and after going again last night, I felt compelled to write this review because I loved our meal so much. I've tried a fair amount of the items on the menu, but if you want a little taste of heaven, have the truffle tagliatelle as a starter, or share it with someone and have another sneaky appetizer (elk carpaccio or vitello tonnato?) and then go to town on any of the can't-go-wrong entrees (escalope milanese, veal chop, osso bucco, pumpkin ravioli, branzino, seafood linguini, veal saltimbocca, literally anything). Save room for dessert..... Buon appetito!

Chicago T.

Riccardo's was recommended by a server from one of our favorite restaurants. Went there as a party of two on a weekday. Our server was very friendly and I liked the ambiance. I ordered the grilled octopus as an app, it was good. We also shared the fried softshell crab. It was also good but the breading did not allow the soft shell to come through and shine as it should. I had a white fish for my entrée I believe it was sole, I don't remember now. It was good but the problem was it was dressed with the exact same sauce that the softshell crab was dressed with. That was very disappointing. It was like getting another serving of the softshell crab which was okay to start with in my opinion. The presentation was nice I am willing to give it another try for some of the other dishes. So for now three stars and until the next visit.

Eliza K.

We absolutely love this place. You really can't beat the food or the ambience. They treat us like family and the food is fantastic. Best Italian I've eaten outside of Florence. 5 stars! Make recommendations early!! Wish they did delivery...

Mary H.

Overrated. Very disappointing. Very loud, not a pleasant dining experience. Veal was dry and fairly tasteless. They were out of the rack of lamb I wanted to order, but they never told me until I attempted to order it. It would have been better to tell me when I was given the menu. The waiter was poor. He never came to ask if our meals were satisfactory. I do not recommend this place and will not return.

J D.

Now, I am prefacing this with the disclaimer that this only pertains to the restaurant week menu, which is a steal!!! If I'd known the food was THIS good, I'd have taken advantage of more than one RW eve. What we had from the RW menu: Starters: Elk carpaccio with truffle sauce......the sauce was velvety and had such wonderful truffle flavor. Not truffle OIL flavor, but TRUFFLE flavor. Fantastic. Sepie....just yummy Porcini souffle.....our friend said it was stupendous Entrees: Lamb chops....beautifully cooked, garlic spinach was a perfect compliment and the potato wedges were crisp outside and perfect and pillowy inside Branzino...our friend said was delightful (she's a repeat customer) Dessert: Super chocolate, molten cake.....so good Panna cotta......very good (but my cake was better) Tiramisu.....airy and flavorful, not as dense in both chocolate or espresso as others, but rich nonetheless Our waiter was fantastic (it doesn't hurt that Giuseppe IS Italian) and suggested the Nero D'Avola and we adored it. And voila', he didn't try to up sell us. I loved the service because it wasn't classic American, "Hi, I'm Jim, your server tonight...may I suggest...." blah, blah, blah. I was back in my home country with Giuseppe and staff. I happen to love that. I happen to love 3 hour dinners. That's what dining out is about, to me. If you are fortunate enough to do the end of restaurant week, do so. If not, splurge here anyway when you can. It's sublime.

Lori K.

Riccardo Trattoria is the most authentic Italian experience to be had in Chicago. The waiters are quiet experts; the small space feels intimate but never stifling; the food is excellent. With a large party of six, we were seated at a round table perfect for conversation and the passing of plates, which we all did without hesitation. I am reluctant here to order off of the standard menu, as the specials are all the best choices. On a warm July night, the most outstanding dishes were King Crab salad, pappardelle, and pasta with truffles. If ever there are truffles on the menu, go ahead and splurge. You will not regret it. Occasionally the chef has a tendency to over salt dishes, and sometimes you may have to wait for your table. On a beautiful evening, this was not a problem, but it could be an issue in January. If you have spent time in Italy and can't afford the plane ticket, make your way to Riccardo's.

Russell F.

One of the top 5 neighborhood Italian spots in this city. Great food (arancini, fava bean app, Dover sole, lasagna, panna cotta), friendly and efficient service. Great, reasonably priced wine list. It's a small place and they get busy on Friday and Saturday, so a reservation is an absolute must. We had been here before and it was just as good as we remembered. Forget the other amateur reviews...go to Riccardo!

Zeba F.

This place was amazing!! The ambiance was pretty and the food was on point. I got the penne scampi and my husband got spinach tortellini. Both were really delicious! The service was great, the waiter checked on us a few times and everyone from when we entered till we left was friendly. I would definitely go back here.

Amanda H.

Went here for the first time and the experience was alright. Had to wait 20+ min with having a reservation. The hostess and manager were not hospitable towards us like they were to people who seem to frequent the place. Not a good feeling. The manager finally came up to us at the end and asked how our meals were. Wine prices are very reasonable for a bottle and the free bread was great. Space is small but quaint. We ordered the zucchini blossoms and they were really good! My boyfriend and I both had pasta....he had the carbonara and I had the penne scampi. He liked his while I was pretty disappointed. The pasta was not al dente and was too hard. I felt uncomfortable sending it back seeing it cost $28 and our server wasn't around really. It's too bad the pasta was so distracting since the lobster and sauce was good. After what we experienced, decided not to get a dessert and leave. I am very underwhelmed with this restaurant and will not be returning. Really wish this could have been our neighborhood spot but will be looking elsewhere.

Heather D.

I have had nothing but great experiences at Riccardo's. I'm always shocked when I tell my friends about this intimate, quiet, upscale Italian trattoria located in the heart of Lincoln Park and they are clueless of it. I have gone on many dates with the boyfriend and with family. Each time was always amazing. I will be going there for my birthday dinner this upcoming weekend in fact. Some personal favorite dishes of mine: Appetizer: The Fava beans with truffles and, I believe, sliced Parmesan pieces - just to die for good. You just want to have a nice glass of Chianti and quote Hannibal Lecture with this one. Must have. It is a smaller dish though - so if you have a hungry party I suggest ordering two or even three. Main: Black Summer Truffle Risotto. Man. Every time I come here I get this. This dish made me fall is love with Parmigiano-Reggiano risotto but I have yet to have it anywhere else even half as good as here. Even better is in the winter months, when the summer truffles are unavailable, you can still custom order a Parmigiano-Reggiano Risotto with truffle oil - just let them know you are trying to get something similar to the truffle dish - and they are more than happy to make this off-menu item for you! This is a worth embarrassing yourself to lick the bowl-plate in an upscale, older rich crowd, establishment kinda dish. Dessert: Although they have quite a few great desserts, the tiramisu stands out to me above the rest. Light, fluffy, perfection. I've never had another like it is served here. Final Verdict: This is a great place to enjoy a mildly quiet, relaxing, great dinner with family, close friends, or a partner. Beautifully decorated and the tables are in fact intimately close. Upscale, tend to be older crowd but who cares? If you want rowdy 20-somethings head to a place in Wrigleyville. There is something for everyone on the menu from the foodie to the "I just want something without weird stuff like pork butt in it" picky eater. Great service, decent wine list, and locally owned. The force is strong with this one.

Laura K.

DELICIOUS ITALIAN FOOD IN LINCOLN PARK! YES YES YES! I am so glad to have finally tried this place! My husband and I usually shy away from going to Italian restaurants, because we very rarely are impressed with them - and tend to over eat due to the huge potions yet leave full but not satisfied. Well, not here. We went with a group of 5, and actually just ordered a number of their different pastas to share, and HOLY CRAP! SO GOOD! The truffle pasta was TO DIE FOR (and i don't even love mushrooms). It is a bit pricey, but overall everyone loved it. I DEFINITELY want to go back. TIP - make sure to make a reservation. We saw a few groups as we walked in get turned down because they didn't have a reservation.

Jason M.

Had the fruti di mare I didnt care for it. The prices seemed high. We were not impressed by the food and we went there based on a recommendation. We won't be back.

Linda M.

Buonissimo! Authentic Italian. Great service. Excellent food. I had the veal saltimbocca which was exquisite.

Anna G.

Maybe my expectations were too high, but I think Riccardo's is just a solid 3 star kind of place. The atmosphere is great: only a few tables, full of people, loud conversation...it's no wonder last minute reservations can be harder to come by. Service was very friendly and attentive, no complaints there. The food is really what brings it down. It was fine, just not worth the hype I'm seeing. It's not that it was too salty or too bland, it was just pretty underwhelming overall. I know we were there on a busy Friday night at the start of Restaurant Week, but I don't think that's an excuse for quality. Overall, I guess I'd recommend it if you're looking for an Italian place to take your out of town parents to, but otherwise, I wouldn't go out of my way again.

Desiree N.

Riccardo Trattoria is a gem in a city full of hundreds of Italian restaurants. My husband and I were given a gift certificate, and decided to try it out. Upon arriving, we were greeted in a small curtained off area. We only waited a short time, but the manager running the door insisted he had a great table for us. He was right. The wine list is nice for a smaller trattoria. I had the black mussel livornese in a spicy tomato broth as a starter and then the parpadelle ai porcini as a main course. Both were delicious. My husband had a special peppered elk carpaccio and the orecchiette clinghale. He enjoyed both as well. We will return.

Bridget D.

Live a few blocks from Riccardo and there's always a steady stream of patrons. And for good reason. The food is wonderful, the atmosphere is clean and authentic. It is small, but it adds to the charm. It's not cheap, but I honestly expected it to be more expensive. Also, the Bears' Lance Briggs was there when I was there with my mom last week so I instantly felt cooler. Great spot, would go back for a special occasion or a nice date.

Romana Y.

Riccardo's didn't disappoint. We had a 9pm reservation for 4, and arrived 5min early. We waited in their curtained off seating area, 25min past reservation time. The wait was still comfortable and exciting. When we were seated, we passed by the 15-20 tables of the intimate space. The crowd was beautiful, and alive! For starters, and ordered the asparagus, and a variety of cheeses. All were good, but I'd skip these next visit. Our entrees included lobster/crab ravioli, tuna, bacon-wrapped mussels, linguini with scallops/saffron. All were good, but not great. They all lacked obvious flavor, and rather, had faint tastes. The wine our waiter suggested was fantastic. 2010 pinot noir that was very smooth and delightful. He warned us that we'd feel a buzz with half a glass, but we proceeded with two bottles, nonetheless. We all left incredibly tipsy, but it sure was a great vibe there! For desserts, we had the tiramisu, and the chocolate Molen cake, both of which were rich and flavorful. The coffee/cappucino/lattes were good as well. With all the food/drinks we indulged in, we left without the typical heavy feeling that is synonymous with Italian cooking. Great vibe here, but the food is simply a-ok!

Manny B.

Back again to enjoy their fare and as usual they delievered a great evening. Hosting a few guest who have never been there so I wanted to tst my belief it was a great Italian restaurant. I have their arugala salad to start and the GF penne with their bolognese sauce toped of with a very nice glass of tuscan wine. Others enjoyed the peppered tuna carpaccio, pasta basil pesto, seafood linguine, and a beautiful warm aple pie with gelato. Everyone raved. My dish was prepared well with th bolognese ripping with flavor without being too rich. All in all the service was wonderful and cant wait to go back again.

Kristin S.

What an enjoyable restaurant! Great place if you want to take your time and enjoy the company of the people you are dinning with. The service is not rushed by any means. I enjoyed the Cod Milanese special, it was terrific. Very lightly fried to perfection with fresh tomatoes and capers. Our table shared a bottle of the Bottega Veneta Pinot Grigio, what a great pino! Everyone was very pleased with their meals. Can't wait to eat here again.

Liz K.

Wow, wow, wow. I'll be back. Hopefully this weekend. Riccardo Trattoria was an easy choice, considering I was looking for a nicer restaurant, close to my new pad, where I could treat my family who so graciously took a weekend to help me move. I figured we'd be tired after a day of moving and that Italian food would be filling and a welcome meal. And I was right :) Small restaurant - maybe 10 tables at the most? Intimate setting, not too loud. Ok service - there might have been two servers for the restaurant but somehow they didn't check back very frequently, which leads to my main complaint. I would have loved to have ordered drinks, appetizers, and entrees at separate times and in that order, but because of the length of time in between the arrival of our drinks and the next time he stopped by, that wasn't very realistic. Anyway, it only went uphill from there. Birillo was an excellent wine choice - could have had an entire bottle to myself. Like I said, we moved all day and so had worked up quite an appetite. The Tuscan Antipasti for two was more than enough for four of us, especially with an additional beef carpaccio app. But oh, the meats on that antipasti! I'd go back just for that dish. Wowza. Entrees were just as delicious - we had the mountain and sea risotto, pork tenderlion (x2), minestrone soup, beet & endive salad, and a seafood pasta served arrabiata (spicy). I'm on a huge risotto kick lately and loved mine, which was rich and creamy and full of seafood bites, lacking only in presentation. All other comments were positive as well, and my parents could not stop comparing the food to that which they had in Tuscany recently (and, most of the time, they were saying that Riccardo's version was better!). For four people, the above dishes (including a bottle of wine) came to just under $200 w/o tip. I thought it was all top-notch and I can't wait to come back for some dessert!

KB C.

Outstanding from what I can remember...went to zoo lights, and drinking all along the way...stopped here for dinner and I remember being very impressed with the carbonara- apparently so much that I also consumed my wife's plate during the brief time it took her to take a bathroom break. No recollection of that part of debacle as the wine was flowing in copious amounts. I'll have to go back and re-verify.

Jeffrey Z.

We arrived at the time of our reservation but were not seated for another 40 minutes. It's a very small restaurant, so that's understandable for the most part. They did give us a free order of calamari for our wait, which was appreciated. The size of the restaurant does give it some charm, but the interior is really lacking in any meaningful decor. Once we were seated, the service was ok. It wasn't friendly, but it wasn't unfriendly either. Most of the food was mediocre. The short rib was a little tough and dry but had great flavors in the sauce and was served with some alright polenta. The chocolate gelato I had for dessert had a good, strong chocolate flavor but was a little icy, even for gelato.

Amy A.

Wonderful service, food, and atmosphere. Enough said... everything was perfect. Thank you!

Partha A.

i am probably the only one reviewing this place a 3. i ordered dishes which were probably less on the flavor scale. got the calamari - comes in a tomato sauce - for people who like calamari, u will enjoy it. the tuna tartare - i think i expected a bit more lemon-shock. it was fresh tasting enough though. orechiette with sausage - the sausages were tiny muddled lumps and not what i imagined it to be. the pasta was very nice itself though. just left a lot to be desired in terms of protein. gnochhi in pink sauce - very basic - comes with proscuitto. the gnocchi is nice - but once again, i think i ordered a pink sauce and got let down by the thick cheesy-ness of it. tiramisu - oh joy! this was IT. panna cotta - it is ethereal. will not spoil the fun by describing - which i will do a poor job of anyway. i wud hand out 6 stars for dessert if i could. but next time, i will choose pasta wth basic sauces.

E M B.

This place is really authentic and delicious! Highly recommend the calamari, the gnocchi w pancetta and the sea scallop special in lobster bisque, wrapped in bacon. Great Barbera by the bottle for $44 as well. Everything is hot and fresh. Cozy atmosphere and sweet Italian waiters. We will be back and next time I need to get some tiramisu and more homemade pasta!

art f.

As good Italian food I've had outside of Italy. The restaurant has a charm from a bygone era - very simple furnishings in a gently lit, high ceiling-ed room. Service does not have the charm and polish of a 5-star restaurant, but was courteous, prompt, and accurate. Only regret my choices in ordering. I didn't realize how large and rich the portions are. I ordered a starter of small meatballs (polpinette) followed by penne strasciacate - huge penne layered in a rich ragout of chicken liver and beef tenderloin. One of the best pasta dishes I've ever had - here or in Italy. My dining companions ordered more modestly but were very pleased with salads - one endive and beet, the other spinach and frisee. Their seconds were pappardelle with a luxuriant duck ragout and scallops with bacon. Some very affordable wine options - we were satisfied with the house Sangiovese. We'd love to have something like this in the DC area.

Mike P.

Dined at Riccardo Trattoria last night for the first time. Absolutely amazing food and service. I have to say this is likely to become my favorite Italian restaurant ever.

Anya A.

One of my absolute favorite restaurants in the world. The food is absolutely tremendous - spaghetti carbonara, pesto Genovese, and the amatriciana are among my favorites. The Tuscan cold cuts are fantastic to start, as are the zucchini blossoms. The menu is enormous and it really is impossible to go wrong. It's like having a little slice of Italy in Lincoln Park.

Alfredo P.

What a great restaurant !!!! Great food and the service better Francisco and the manager don't remember his name nice Greek guy I think one of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago thank you guys for a amassing dinner !!

Kristin M.

Yelpers are on the money when they say it's small and an older crowd. Cute place, good food, but nothing amazed me. The $33/3 course dinner is a great value, we all did that. Here are the rankings: Antipasti -eggplant and zucchini Parmesan - this ate like a main, it was rich and delicious! -truffled fava beans - these are steamed, drizzled with truffled oil and topped with pecorino. I really enjoyed them -tri-color salad - I mean, it was a salad, nothing exciting here Entrees -porcini mushroom risotto - jealous I didn't order this, it was delicious! -linguine with scallops and saffron - tasty scallops but the sauce was a little bland, I didn't taste any saffron -short ribs in chianti sauce and polenta - our server was correct that the sauce was good, but the short ribs were really fatty and not overly tender. The polenta was more sticky than creamy. Overall I was disappointed Desserts -tartuffo - always a hit in my book -molten chocolate cake (forget what it was called, but it takes 10 minutes to bake) - tasty with lots of melted chocolate oozing out -apple pie - nothing exciting here. The crust had a weird citrus/clovey spice to it which was unique, but I much prefer classic apple pie My friends thoroughly enjoyed their martinis, my prosecco was good, but the star was the cabarnet, so tasty! Our server was not the greatest, he seemed bored and sort of annoyed (which is too bad because it seemed the other servers were quite nice). Service between courses was also verrrry slow, so make sure you alot enough time if you have after-dinner plans. Overall it was ok, but I've had better.

Jamie G.

Brought be back to Parma Italy. Food was amazing, so much my friend ordered a second order of pasta. Gelato brought me back to my first true Italian gelato. I would come here for the weekend just to dine.

George J.

This is a very small place but food is excellent .. Pricey but owner comes from Italy and well Italy is where the real cooks are from . It can be cramped but that makes it intimate and nice in my opinion .. the food is well worth it and the truffle pasta is to die for .. very cozy , very nice , and selction of wine and food is awesome .. hard to park here unless you valet

Stephanie W.

I will always have a soft spot in my heart for Riccardo Trattoria as it was the site of my first date with my main squeeze. What a perfect first date choice. The ambience is quiet, friendly, laidback. Everyone is there to eat good food and appreciate good conversation. The wine flowed freely, which, let's be honest, is pretty integral to the success of a first date. I don't know if it was the charm of this little Italian place or the guy sitting across from me or maybe both. But I've been hooked (on both) ever since.

Christian C.

Had dinner with a friend there for my first time. Intimate space, friendly service and reasonably priced. We had an awesome carpaccio and buratta with culatello to start and pasta with a Calabrian meat sauce to die for. What a lucky find!

barbara m.

By far the best Italian food in Chicago. I ordered the Veal Ossobuco 16 Oz. braised in wine & tomato, saffron risotto milanese. Our table ordered an appetizer sized Penne Scampi langoustine & lobster meat, spicy "Imperial" pink sauce along with the Peppered Tuna Carpaccio shaved fennel, arugula salad & orange supreme. Others ordered the pork chop, filet & lamb shank. All were incredibly delicious and cooked to perfection. Our waiter however, was a different story. When asked for suggestions, he said - "whatever you want." Not only was he not helpful but he also rushed us into ordering - not very Italian-like ,murmuring something about the second seating. The second seating should never be the customers concern. He was by far the tallest waiter there so you really can't miss him. After spending and hour on the train and then waiting in the rain for our Uber, we were all ready to relax and enjoy our friends birthday celebration, but instead we were rushed through our dinner. Food though was fantastic and I would definitely return, but would try and avoid that waiter.

Meredith K.

We came here before a show. The show was at 8 and the only rez I could secure was at 5. I figured since its after-work and Italian food that we could linger and stretch it out. I'm not sure why it was so difficult b/c the place was empty until around the time we left. A little weird. So we started at a 5-top. My friend was running late but my other friend and I were having drinks so I thought it should be ok. As long as you're spending money its cool, right? Then a guy comes over and mumbles something about my friend being late and could we move to a smaller table. It was totally fine! We weren't sure why we were at such a big table anyway. But it was a weird way to ask. I never mind moving to accommodate unless its to a cold, busy spot. So the only drawback to our new spot was that we had a different server. The first one was fun. The 2nd one seemed like we were bothering him... The martinis were exceptional. Perfectly dirty. The only ding was no blu cheese stuffed olives. The wine that my friend tried was pretty good too. If I didn't have the 2nd martini I would have had it too. We all got the $33 deal. I started with the tri-color salad. It was fine. Just some leaves with a little bit of goat cheese. My friend got the fava beans which was yummy. The other friend got the eggplant rollup. It was very good. If I were off the diet I would have gotten it myself. The bread that they put out is very good. Although some oil would have been nice to go with it. For our mains I had the mushroom risotto. A hit! But I was not asked for fresh cracked pepper or if I wanted cheese. I wanted them both! Pepper on my salad and cheese on my risotto. My friend got the scallop linguini dish. The scallops were great but the sauce was just ok. Again some pepper would have taken it to another level! My other friend got the braised short ribs. She said they were good but not the best she's had. I saw that she left some polenta on her plate. It looked dry. For dessert we got the apple pie which was interesting. It has some spice in it that we couldn't put our finger on. Clove? I had the lava cake which was just ok. Not worthy of the high reviews that I saw it has. And the winner was the tartufo. That was fantastic. I would go back for sure if I was in the area. I wouldn't go out of my way for this place. It is cute and pleasant inside. I think we all would order differently next time.

Jerrod K.

I kept coming back to the same thought about Riccardo Trattoria - "Good, but not great." I really, really wanted to like this place, but the food was too "hit and miss" to do much better than a 3.5, tops. A few highlights.... -- This restaurant has a lot of nice little touches - like the free "taster portion" bruschetta and the unique bread (the cucumber one tastes like pizza!). -- For appetizers, the Elk Carpaccio was amazing, but I was underwhelmed by the Polpettine Arrabbiate (again, good, but not great). -- For entrees, we had the rack of lamb - amazing. But again, underwhelmed by the Beef Short Ribs Stracotto. I expected to be wowed, but ended up comparing it (unfavorably) to the previous night's slow-cooked pot roast. Not a good sign. -- Dessert was a highlight, and was almost enough to bump them up to a 4 star review. But not quite. House Tiramisu was the best I've ever had, and the Chocolate Lava Cake + Vanilla Garnish dessert was also quite good (but not great - the theme of the evening). -- Service was pretty good, but not exceptional. Had to flag waiters down to get a refill of my coffee. Nice, friendly ambiance. Maybe my expectations were too high - but I left fairly disappointed. I'd eat here again if I stumble across it, but would not go out of my way to make it back.

Matt C.

The slow service was forgivable because the bread they give you while you're waiting is in a league of its own. A weird thing to fixate on, but seriously, it was some world-class carbohydrates. Our dinner experience was a mixed bag - on the plus side it's a nice space, older crowd, people were dressed to the nines. Cool. On the negative the food was just OK and the tables were close enough together for me to hear all the awkward first dates happening around us simultaneously. Calamari - It looked like something out of a food porn blog. Golden brown, nice texture, the tomato sauce they served it with was great (with that bread). Pork Shank - The risotto was served at roughly the same temperature as the surface of the sun. The Shank was a nice big portion, and the sauce was rich and delicious, but the meat was overcooked. Comci-comca. Short Ribs - The meat was awesome, tender, delicious but the polenta they served it with was incredibly bland. When roughly 50% of the dish tastes like nothing, kinda kills the whole plate of food. Maybe we just did it wrong and this is a place to get an awesome plate of pasta, but I was hoping for some crazy good Italian-inspired meat dishes and what we had didn't impress.

Ireneaus L.

Ingredients are everything in Italian cooking. The dishes here aren't foodie dishes, but you don't expect that at an Italian restaurant. If it's a great Italian restaurant, you expect to be blown away by the flavors and the freshness of the ingredients. If the ingredients aren't anything special, then the food won't get much beyond passable. That was my experience here. Food-wise, everything was just okay.

Sam B.

This the best Italian restaurant I have ever been to :-) Their food is awesome :-) I am a vegetarian and I have plenty of options. Even a simple dish like flat bread tastes awesome!!! I have visited this restaurant at least a half a dozen times with friends and family. One small thing you need to remember is that they have long waiting times like months for a table in the weekends. Worth the wait!

Regina S.

So glad we went here. Loved the Lincoln Park locale, super cozy, refined and comfortable. We were seated immediately on a Wednesday night (with reservations) but the place was packed! The menu was so well balanced, and so much of it sounded good it was difficult to choose just one entree. Luckily, for the pasta lovers, you can do a half & half. This allowed a diner to enjoy two completely separate dishes. Great concept. I wish more places would offer that. I'm a stickler for pasta carbonara, so I dared not even get a 1/2 portion. Bring on the full serving. It was perfectly done, no cream or alfredo in sight, as it should be. Just the creaminess of the egg yolk coated the strands of perfectly al dente noodles. With the right touch of bacon and pecorino cheese, this dish sung in perfect harmony. The table shared a special scallop appetizer that was divine. A foggy Chianti infused brain reduced my memory of the exact ingredients, but I do remember I said wow. Others indulged in the 1/2 & 1/2s and no one was disappointed. We left a happy, satiated party of six. I envy my cousins who live around the corner from this place. I would definitely become a regular if I was Riccardo's neighbor.

Brian P.

I consistently recommend this place to friends for groups under 6. It's a nice atmosphere--clean, maybe a little traditional, small. Looks like it's family owned and cared for. People say it's for an older crowd, but I would say the crowd for sure knows how to appreciate no-gimmicks, honestly good food with integrity. What does food integrity mean? It means that the food isn't a fusion. The ideas behind a dish's creation is not stale. It also is very Italian. That means respect for seasonal freshness, great food pairings, beautiful ingredients. It doesn't suffer from what Anthony Bourdain would call the Italian American syndrome, where everything is drowned in red sauce has massive meatballs the size of your face (it's not your big-box olive garden, or for that matter, maggiano's; it's not a conglomerate). This is the direct-from-Italy grand chef type of cooking. I had the tasting menu here. Well-executed wine, friendly service, and powerful food. Italians, like many cultures, adore food and use it kind of like a love language. There's definitely richness and gravitas to each dish that comes out. Chefs here know how to eat well and you can tell.

D G.

I was at here last night with my friend for dinner for my birthday. We had a 9 pm reservation and was pleasantly surprised that we were able to be seated ahead of time. We started off with the zucchini blossoms... delicious!! I had the Pappardelle with Porcini mushrooms and he had the the clams with pasta and for dessert the Riccotta tart, again delicious and fresh. From the moment we even pulled into the valet we were treated really nice and continued through the night!!:) It was our first visit and certainly will not be our last, we came from Indiana. I've read some other reviews that were so so, but that didn't scare me off, I'm glad we came!! I know this is a site as a sort of go to, but I'm tired of reading reviews and people constantly bash the servers. I do want good service when I go places, but some people don't have a clue how hard of a job being a server is, constant complaints and just straight up idiots to deal with. Most people I truly believe couldn't even get through one server shift without walking out after having to deal with such A Holes... Quit being so hard on them and cheap when tipping as well, their hourly wage is pathetic!!!!!

Jackie A.

Very surprised that this place has such overwhelmingly positive reviews. It's as if everyone forgot what excellent Italian food actually tastes like. Food was good, not great or amazing or best Italian ever. Service was very nice. Out first was aranchini. Actually quite tasty. Bothersome part was that cheese in the middle was hard, not gooey as you'd expect. Leaves me to believe they were frozen as opposed to fresh. Tried a couple of pasta dishes and short rib as well. Pasta was fresh. Tastes were fine. Biggest concern once we saw the menu was that were so many items for such a small place. Has to be very difficult to do that many dishes well. Think this was confirmed in our meal. Good, not great.

Dennis S.

In case anyone wonders if I still like Riccardo's, since my last review is from two years ago, the answer is YES. It's still consistently fabulous. On a recent visit I had the best veal sweetbreads I've had in years, after delicious zucchini blossoms for a started. The place is still intimate, busy, and focused on excellent Italian food. It stays on our favorite restaurants list.

Beth Q.

Great restaurant with incredible service. I loved the calamari. Also loved that we were given complementary glasses of prosecco because we had a long wait tho we made a reservation. Great experience overall.

Krista J.

I have been to this restaurant twice. One time 4 years ago and then just this past week. Both experiences were phenomenal. The food here is very authentic and the best Italian food I have ever had. I am normally not a big italian restaurant person because I feel like I can make similar meals at home but this place takes it to a new level. The appetizers are fantastic, the bread basket has a nice variety, and the pasta dishes were amazing. I had a seafood pasta dish and it had so many different types of shell fish in it. It was amazing. The wine selection is very nice as well. It is a fantastic restaurant for a date night.

James K.

What a delightful treat for the New Year! Happy we are starting off 2014 with our first visit to Riccardo Trattoria. Excellent service, the flavors and scents produced from the kitchen brings back memories of trips to Florence and Milan. Closed my eyes and thought I had gone back. We were fortunate to find a last minute reservation tonight, went on a whim, and are really pleased with our evening.

Fuudcritic C.

Great neighborhood restaurant with amazing food and service.

Emily S.

Still a favorite! We took my in-laws here for a birthday celebration, and they loved it too. Classic, authentic Italian done very well. My only regret is not following in my husband's footsteps in ordering the risotto with shaved black truffles. Bad move! My spaghetti carbonara was really delicious, but nowhere near as delicious as his risotto!

A F.

Their mussels and scallops are amazing! I love their freshly made pasta too!

Chuck K.

Had a really enjoyable meal here last night! This Italian restaurant if very quaint and perfect for a nice dinner. The chef apparently is from Milan. Scampi for the first course was very nice, the meat was prepared well and the flavors were mild but enjoyable. But the main dish, was the real deal! Short Ribs were AWESOME, fell off the bone style meat (no bones though)! In a great sauce over a nice grain. This item is a MUST! Dessert was great as well, wait the extra ten minutes and order the molten lava cake, it's amazing! The service here was great, we were around for sometime and our meal was almost a two hour experience, but very nice. Our waiter was very attentive! This was a great experience, and I strongly suggest you check out this restaurant in Lincoln Park.

Joyce H.

This place was so great for classic Italian food. I came here when visiting my brother and we had a great time here! We came at 10pm on a Saturday night and we were greeted immediately with very warm service. We decided to go with the 3 course tasting menu (includes a glass of complimentary prosecco) and it was true to all the other reviews: consistent and delicious. Everything is prepared so well. You just can't go wrong with whatever you order here. I started with the stuffed sepioline with lobster and crab meat. This was one of my favorites! The pastas that we ordered were very fresh and the portions were hearty. One of our favorites was the spaghetti carbonara -- perfect. I had the penne strascicate with the ragout. Also very good with great flavors from the meat. Then for dessert, we had the panna cotta and tiramisu. The only word I can think of is "delightful!" We were very pleased with our meal and service. Thank you for a great evening!

Donna C.

I am not sure where to start on my perfect experience. The staff-so friendly and professional. The atmosphere impeccably decorated and tasteful, not too noisy but enough chatter and kitchen noise to be interesting. Time intervals between meals - possibly the best I've ever experienced given the fact that we were with another couple and wanted to talk. The food just kept getting better and better. All of us chose the tasting menu. The salads were fresh and flavorful. The gazpacho was so perfect-thick with small veggie bites and seasoned to make it just make you want another taste. the beets cooked tendered and had a mildness to them. The main course- scallops, filet with rapini and pork tenderloin with Parmesan risotto was beyond heavenly with a perfect tang to the cheese and creaminess that showed the chef knew what he was doing. The desserts were a perfect ending - ricotta cheesecake rich, creamy and perfect amount of citrus zest . Panne cotta with passion fruit was a perfect blend of vanilla taste and richness of the cream. Add the tang of the passion fruit -wow!!! Seasonal fruit platter was a pretty display of fruits that we're more than just melons. Call for reservations, but do it, because this is a Chicago dining experience you should not miss.....

Brandon T.

A-Ok sums it up for me. Overall it was very hit or miss the night we came here. The truffle pasta was a hit; the tuna tartar a miss. Didnt care much for the wine list. Definitely an older crowd here. I won't be back, but don't discourage others from giving it a shot either.

Jenna S.

We had a very delightful experience here, but I wasn't that impressed with the restaurant. I've written a few reviews like this before. You know the experience: everyone else raves about a place and its food and you just keep thinking "I've had better somewhere else." I think this restaurant is pretty typical of higher-end Italian establishments in the city. There isn't really anything that sets this restaurant apart from Sapporo Trattoria or Buona Terra. The food was good, albeit pricey. The wine list was extensive and they had a few OK beers available by the bottle. They were very accommodating to our loud, obnoxious bachelorette party group, so that was definitely a plus. Most people inside seemed to be having a great time and this is a place that is very group-friendly. Our server was a bit hover-y and wouldn't leave us alone, but he was funny. He did make a big gaffe at the end of the meal, though, when he pointed out several times that gratuity was not included so we should "remember to tip." I'm not sure if he gets screwed by large groups a lot (I know that some people in larger groups just tend to tip less), but you're making me want to tip you less by offensively reminding me to do so. Just stop talking and go away, you can't really make people tip. End of story. Sheesh. Some things to note: - Space is small, but they accommodate groups - No check splitting - $8 valet parking - NO street parking available within two blocks, so plan on a walk if you don't do valet

Salena M.

Unassuming place but place is really small and your seat could easily be touching a neighbor's chair. We were seated at a small-medium sized table for 6 of us. It was a cozy dinner alright Our waitress was friendly and prompt and took care of us except for the dessert since the place was really busy and she was trying to keep up. I do notice that the host was especially friendly to the regulars and there were a lot of regulars coming to this place. There's no kids menu but our kids are fine going to all sorts of restaurants that don't offer kids menu. They ordered the penne with langostinos but with a non-spicy tomato sauce. They loved the dish and wanted more which either indicated to me the pasta was really delicious or the portion was small. I had the branzino which was simple, delicious and healthy. Because the kids loved their penne with langostinos, I couldn't resist taking a couple of bites. For appetizer, the table shared the burrata and culatello which is a creamy mozzarella with prosciutto - again simple and delicious. They mentioned white wine going with the burrata but I couldn't taste it. I think it's better with a drizzle of high quality olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar. One surprising discovery at this restaurant was that we saw a couple who ordered our favorite Brunello di Montalcino from Altesino Winery located in the Tuscany region, Italy. We couldn't believe a bottle like this would be offered in this restaurant since first it's expensive and second, rare but sooo very good. In fact, a painting of this bottle is behind our kitchen stove. If you haven't tried a Brunello from Altesino, do try this special elixir.

Sarah Z.

Oh yes, my Bambinos and Bambinas, this IS as good as it gets. We had the tasting menu. My only complaint is that there are so many choices.. I couldn't decide! But I ended up getting the bolognese pasta, the gelato and the caprese salad. I guess I will have to come back so I can try everything.

Lucy N.

The gnocchi is to die for here! You will not have left-overs leaving from this place even if you are full to the brim!

Ed R.

Good Food. Poor service. Our waiter, Giuseppe (from Sicily not Italy), either didn't like his job or was having a bad night. Either way,service was poor. Once again, Zagat got it wrong. The decor was 17 at best. Squisito, no.

Jacki P.

Super cute set up, very small and intimate. We had 9PM reservations and arrived right on time. A large party was finishing up, so we were advised there would be a 15 minute wait. While we were waiting another couple came in and seemed to know the host. Magically they were sat within three minutes of their arrival. Overall the food was good. I might come back just because the gnocchi bava was THAT good. My fiance ordered the gnocchi and I ended up eating most of his dish. I ordered the lobster and crab ravioli, which was OK. The sauce was good but the actual ravioli didn't have much flavor. DO NOT order the Pasta Fagioli, it is so bland. It was painful to eat.

N. L.

Overview: Food and service were excellent! Food: Everything we ordered was great. I ordered the paccheri au gratin (pasta with eggplant, molten mozzarella, basil, tomatoes), which was delicious. I also tried the pappardelle, seafood risotto, asparagus soup, and scallops wrapped in bacon. Every dish was done perfectly: tasty, delicate, and never too salty, too cheesy, or overspiced. Hands down, the homemade pasta is the standout here; you really appreciate the difference between dried and fresh pasta once you've had their homemade pasta. (Just ask your server which pastas are made in-house.) Dessert: We tried three. I was never a fan of panna cotta, but Riccardo's passion fruit panna cotta was fantastic-- super smooth consistency and light. The ricotta cheesecake was wonderfully rich, but in a different way than NY style cheesecake. My least favorite was the Cioccalatissimo, i.e. freshly baked molten lava chocolate cake. It was good, but not nearly as special as the other two desserts. The portion wasn't large but just right for me to leave room for dessert (a must have here!). Ambience: It's a small, somewhat dimly lit restaurant-- good for the age 30+ crowd or romantic dates.

Mary T.

Three cheers for a Restaurant Week extension, which gave a slacker like me the chance to partake! I chose RT for several reasons: the $32 menu was actually a good deal, they are really close to my house and there were a lot of items on the preset menu to choose from. RT is a simple restaurant, one large room with creamy walls and dark wood floors, tables and chairs. The tables are different sizes and both square and round; they are positioned quite close to one another so there isn't a lot of privacy. On a Tuesday evening it was not very crowded, yet is seemed like they seated parties right next to one another; personally I would've liked a bit more space. To start we were given a complimentary amuse bouche of bruschetta, which was delicious. Both my dining partner and I ordered the Calamari Ripieni for our first course. The dish was not what I was expecting at all; these aren't rings of grilled calamari like one would typically expect. Instead this was like the Hot Doug's of the sea; the calamari was a 6" long tube, stuffed with crab and lobster meat and served over pesto. The portion was generous and quite delicious. For my second plate I ordered the Risotto Pescatora, a seafood risotto with white wine and garlic. When it arrived, I felt like I had the cast of The Little Mermaid on my plate! They did not skimp in the slightest on the seafood; my plate was swimming in calamari, shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels, lobster, and possibly more. The seafood was fresh and tasty; but dare I say there was possibly too much of it and not enough risotto on my plate. For dessert I chose the warm apple pie with vanilla ice cream. I'm not usually a big fan of pie, or baked fruit for that matter, but this was quite tasty. I did my best to finish it off, but after all I ate with the first two dishes, I struggled. Service was friendly and attentive, but I couldn't help feel that our server really wanted us to pick up the pace. Even if this place weren't in my neighborhood, I'd be plotting my return. The food is very good and the portions are generous. I definitely hit a home run with my one and only Restaurant Week pick.

Jan E.

Intimate setting, superb service, good wine list. I had the lobster scallop ravioli. Lovely evening.

Carol K.

What a great little neighborhood place to enjoy some great Italian in a casual environment. Riccardo Trattoria prepares traditional Tuscan and Milanese dishes and serves them up with friendly service. We went on a snowy evening. Valet parking is available for $8 (reasonable) and I was happy to relinquish my car as parking is often a pain in this area. Upon entering the restaurant, I was warmly greeted and shown to our table. Since I had gotten there first- I was able to enjoy a finely made martini but if you are a lover of blue cheese olives, you are going to be out of luck here. A complimentary order of brushcetta was placed on the table and we gobbled it up. Crusty bread, fresh tomatoes, and just the right amount of garlic. Delicious and a precursor of the food to come. We didn't see a traditional antipasto plate on the menu so we asked our server to put one together. It came out and was terrific. Foccacia bread, crispy toast and a plate full of sliced meats and another of 4 different cheeses. There was even chicken pate on toast. After all of that- we only had room for an entree and a pasta to split. The fettucine bolognese was terrific as was the sea bass. Dessert looked interesting (apple pie a la mode, anyone?) but we took a pass. A great little neighborhood spot. I just wish it was in my neighborhood.

Scott S.

Best meal in Chicago! After trying to choose from the many restaurants in Chicago to celebrate my birthday, we picked Riccardo. Let me just say.... AWESOME!!! Extensive menu, and everything was perfect.

Neil E. G.

This is a great, but small little authentic Italian spot I found from the Concierge at our hotel. The fettuccine bolognese was wonderful and the service was great. Off the beaten path and worth the trip!

david s.

I SO wanted to love this restaurant. Great neighborhood feel, small and cozy. We thought we were lucky to score a table as we didn't have reservations. Apparently, they were short a waiter because we had to wait for quite a while just to get a drink, or food, etc. Each time the nice waiter apologized for the wait, but seemed very rushed. Started with the squash blossoms. They were good. Then had the grilled Calamari. It was good, but not great and a little chewy. I ordered sweet breads as it is my all time favorite item. It was large (nice thing), but not cooked properly. It was not seared, and the sauce tasted like it had some help from those quick sauce mixes. My wife ordered a pasta with a meat sauce as did our friend (though his was supposed to be a different sauce). They both tasted the same, bland and very dry. I just wanted this to be so much more. We love Chicago, but Riccardo, not so much. Will search for better Italian food on our next trip.

Larry S.

Will not be going back. We were given a complimentary bruchetta, but had to wait far too long to place our order. We had to tell our server we were ready to order, he never asked . A bread basket was brought out only after we ordered. As others who gave 1 star reviews have said, it felt like we were outsiders and the staff's disinterested treatment was meant to convey disdain that we were not regulars. The too-close together seating meant our server's behind was thrust into our table each time he served the adjoining table. The ($9.00) salads were quite good, the ala carte basic pasta begins at $16. Wine begins at $10.00 a glass. My "tortellini" would have been described at ravioli anywhere else. Was okay, but 5 (albeit large) pieces in a bowl. Rather doughy, merely average and rather skimpy for $16.00. Other tables seated after us received faster service. Water glass refilled once during the entire meal. We sat with forks down and empty plate for 15 minutes before the server asked if my dining partner would like he remaining food to go. Another 15 minutes went by when I finally flagged down the server to request the check. One full half hour from when we finished eating till we received our check. Two salads, the two cheapest pasta entrees on the menu, one cocktail, almost $70.00 before tip. If the service had been warm, gracious and attentive, perhaps I'd give them a second chance - but it wasn't and I won't.

N. P.

What can I say. HORRIBLE! From the first phone call, my experience was horrific! Very pretentious, pompous attitudes over the phone. Sorry guys, you need to be nice if you want customers! To begin, I received a $100 gift certificate from my boss on Thanksgiving the 28th of November. He said, here take this gift certificate, I'd like you to use it, it expires on the 30th and I won't be able to. So I though, great! I called to make a reservation and they were booked for the weekend with the exception of a 9:30pm on Saturday. I booked it, however the people I was planning to entertain are older and they thought they was a bit late for them. So on Friday, I called and asked a young lady if gift certificates were applicable to carry out. She placed me on hold and after a few moments came back and said, yes. Great, I thought, I'll order it to go earlier in the evening and use the gift certificate so my guests can still experience the meal. I called again on Saturday and spoke to a man and cancelled my reservation for 9:30. Again, I reiterated that my guests were seniors and I had opted to order carry out and use my certificate. At 3pm on Saturday, I called yet again, just to CONFIRM that I could in fact use the gift certificate for carry out and was told, YES. At 8pm, I called and placed my order. My husband drove 40 minutes to the city only to be humiliated and told that they would not honor the certificate! Three different employees came to "inspect" the certificate while he waited. Of course, I was furious, and called and spoke to the "manager" yet again, who proceeded to yell at me and tell me that he was not going to take the certificate.He was very rude, abrasive and pompous and completely unapologetic. He offered no apology for the fact my husband drive a total of 80 minutes for nothing. Horrible restaurant! As the manager, he should have honored the certificate, it says a dollar amount, an expiration date and the name of the restaurant. Period. No fine print or restrictions. SHAME ON YOU, RICARDO'S. No Italian hospitality here!

Amanda M.

Riccardo Trattoria is definitely one of the few truly authentic Italian restaurants in Chicago. While the menu is expansive, everything that the kitchen prepares still comes out perfect! I haven't been disappointed by anything that I've ordered there yet, but some of our favorite standouts are the stuffed zucchini flowers (when they are in season-check the specials), the fava beans antipasto, the orecchiette pasta, and the osso buco. The ricotta cheesecake is to die for. But, just order what appeals to you because you won't be disappointed. Each time I am here I honestly feel like I am in Italy. My only advice for fellow diners is to of course make a reservation and to go on a night when Riccardo is in the kitchen. I believe his night off is Tuesday. Finally, the last time my husband and I dined here, he wanted pasta alla gricia, a simple Roman dish that is somewhat similar to pasta alla carbonara. It wasn't on the menu, but of course Riccardo prepared a perfect version of it for him, even going to the lengths to check the recipe online to be totally accurate. That said, we've never been disappointed here, and if you've travelled to Italy and loved the food, you will absolutely love this place.

Danielle F.

Great local Italian spot, that is authentic and always delicious. A cozy environment, and the service is wonderful. They are educated about the food, the wine, and it never disappoints. I've had a hard time finding a place that truly tastes like what I've had in Italy, but Riccardo's is spot on. Great for any type of dinner (relaxed, celebration, date, etc).

Mike W.

I've been here 3 times in the past month. This place is phenomenal. I've even been to La Scarola in between. I don't even mind saying that as far as Italian food goes, I'd rather eat at Riccardo than Spiaggia. Bold statement, different experience, get over it. What Riccardo has is a simple formula that's predictable and repeatable: excellent food, a very attentive staff, and a fun atmosphere. No, I didn't write that formula in crayon, but consider how many restaurants you go to that can't nail all 3 every time. I had the scallop app and the spaghetti carbonara. Any place that does carbonara at all, let alone as good as Riccardo, is confident they aren't going to leave you with salmonella. I take that as a good sign.

Elaine C.

When you get there, you see bunch of Italians speaking staffs and people eating there, that seems to be a good sign. Although my rack of lamb was over-cooked (no pink) than what is Medium (pink) should be.....and service was OK. Give them 4 stars bc overall the food was good besides the lamb overcooked. We also had beef brisket gnocci was good. Calamari was really good. Gelato and Tirami was good, too.

Chris C.

This is a great Italian restaurant in Lincoln Park. They have an extensive menu and the portions are filling. I had the steak and potatoes which were fabulous. The potatoes had some basil and garlic in them which made for something different but still good. The service was wonderful and we weren't rushed at all. I do however recommend making reservations as they were packed on a Sunday.

Jason M.

Something about Riccardo Trattoria makes me sad. I can't quite place it. OH, yes I can...it's the thousands of people waiting outside next door at Chicago Pizza & Oven Ginder. People, stop it! It's the middle of summer and you're waiting for a big gloppy piece of pizza with 100 other people? I guarantee you that pizza isn't that special. On a side note, stop drinking your Land Shark or Shock Top on someone else's porch. Those homeowners (and the rest of society) would prefer if you stood in the middle of Clark St. Now, onto something that is special...Riccardo. It's not the number one Italian spot in Chicago (although Meg L's mom thinks so), but it is truly outstanding, especially when you consider that it's actually pretty affordable. I've been twice now this summer and both meals were excellent. For appetizers, the asparagus (special) is five octaves too rich, but two bites will make your everything smile. The caprese is solid, the fava beans are just outstanding and the beef carpaccio is one of the better ones I've had. I've had a bite of the soft shell crab, and it, too, is delightful. Some of the lighter eaters I've been with have that as an entree. On both visits, I've had pasta. Both were excellent, but the special pasta with three meats on my first visit was special. It was an Arrabiata-like sauce with a wonderfully spiced sausage....MMMM. I can't even talk about it any more. I want it again, and who knows if they'll ever serve it. I have to go now. I'm all worked up.

Michael L.

My wife and I really wanted to (and thought we were going to) love this place. The service was fine -- even though we waited 20 minutes [UPDATE -- MY WIFE SAYS 40 MINUTES. I MUST HAVE ENJOYED THE WINE TOO MUCH] beyond our reservation, the Maitre d' comped us wine and Prosecco -- but the food disappointed greatly. We relied heavily on the recommendations of our server, so perhaps we ought to blame him, but we have our doubts. He recommended "Fava beans & black truffle Tuscan pecorino cheese." And a pasta and shrimp appetizer for me. Both were mediocre -- surprising as they were billed as their "best." His hand picked "best" for my main course was breaded pork topped with a ton of cheese and topped again with prosciutto. My wife's recommendation was an overly ordinary pasta dish. Really, really, really wanted to love this place and it was a MAJOR disappointment.

Colleen R.

The real Italian deal- not americanized Italian food. Expect a crowded small dining room, so don't go without a reservation and you'll need to call in advance. The food is high quality and delicious. Great wine list. I took a star away because the service is hit or miss and can be a bit gruff. The manager/owner who works the floor should smile and thank the patrons, not just the Italian ones.

Barbara B.

oh my gosh! Close friends who usually have great food taste recommended this place; we were so disappointed beyond belief. The menu seemed good but not terribly interesting, but our food was beyond belief BAD, terrible, awful. The short ribs weren't tender, the sauce seemed thickened by flour or cornstarch, and the veal with tomatoes, eggplant and cheese was naked..plain veal in a bit of tomato sauce that tasted off and awful. Both had no taste except bad. And we love food. Stay away, though our waiter and the front staff was nice. Go to Frontera Grille where we ate the next day for a fabulous, top of the chart meal!

Laura S.

*This* is Italian dining. I am in love, both with the restaurant and my server, Dario. I was supposed to dine tonight with four friends for Restaurant Week, but every one of them cancelled on me. Dining alone doesn't intimidate me, so off I went. Dario was perfection: he made excellent recommendations, checked in at the right times, and made lovely conversation when business was slow. It certainly didn't hurt that he's ridiculously handsome as well. I think he was doting on me because I was eating alone, but hey, I'll take it. But enough about him, onto the food! I hate generic Italian-American food. This, my friends, is as authentic and beautiful as it gets. I went with the tasting menu and started with the burrata e culatello (prosciutto and mozzarella). This wasn't a slab of mozzarella that you might find elsewhere, but a generous portion of fresh cheese, wonderfully seasoned and with lovely texture. For the second course I originally wanted the grilled sea scallops, but Dario mentioned that it was a very small portion, and for a second course I might appreciate a more substantial dish such as the cod "Milanese." I was grateful for the honesty, and did indeed love the cod, which was very lightly battered and topped with diced tomatoes and capers. I'm just learning to like raw tomatoes, and I devoured these, they were so crisp and gorgeous. Finally, I say with no hesitation that I ate the best tiramisu of my young life. I savoured it for a good twenty minutes, trying to draw out every bite in the hopes that it would magically replicate and I wouldn't have to finish it. Alas, it had to end sometime. It's a touch expensive for a grad student, but I so enjoyed the overall experience that I simply must return when I can.

Rasmus P.

YES! Go for the Tiramisu! Go for the cosy atmosphere Go for the great food! Go for the great service! Go for the wine! Well, i don't care why, but go there. Value for money (subjective i know, but it matters - if it didn't we would all eat at Alenia every eve) this is the best Italian i have tried in Chicago!

Mini M.

This is just OK place. It was nice to eat once but I am not planning on coming back there again. Here is our impression of the place: My husband and I wend there for a dinner on a Thursday night. The level of noise was not bad -- you could have a nice conversation during the dinner without yelling :) I just felt that the tables were placed too close to each other and at some point I felt like couple next to us was listening to our conversation.... Anyway....lets talk about the food.... For Appetizer we had Burrata & culatello, creamy mozzarella w/ prosciutto marinated in white wine. Prosciutto was awesome and cheese was very creamy! We both liked it. For main dish we split Linguine Scoglio w/mixed seafood in a white wine and spicy tomato sauce. We ordered this because a friend of his recommended it. This was just OK. There was not much of sauce at all and a little sauce that I had was not spicy at all... but this did not stop my husband to completely finish his portion :) So, overall dinners was not too bad, but as I said earlier, this is not a place I would be returning to have a dinner again.

Caroline N.

One star for the wine, one star for the ambiance, but I can't give any to the food. I love Italian, and Riccardo was the one place in the city that continually pops up on top ten lists that I hadn't made it to yet. I was excited to finally go, and very disappointed by the meal. The restaurant is adorable; cozy without being kitschy and with just the right amount of happy background noise. The server was friendly and I thought the wine list (we ordered by the glass) offered a good balance with solid options. I had a sangiovese, which was very nice and reasonably priced. The meal started off with a tomato bruschetta, which was good but not exceptional (in fairness, I don't think I've ever had exceptional bruschetta) but it went downhill from there. For an appetizer, we ordered the caprese. The serving size was on the small end; three smallish pieces of mozzarella and a portion of tomato with a few capers thrown around. I don't take issue with small portions if I'm impressed with the quality, but the buffalo mozzarella tasted like a slightly less salty version of the cheese you find in plastic at the grocery store. I recently had an unbelievably creamy burrata at RPM Italian ( I owe them a review...) and this really suffered by comparison. Bear in mind this was a $16 dish. Next came mussels, which were passable. The broth was good, and the mussels themselves were alright, but the dish was spoiled somewhat by the thin-cracker like bread that was stuffed at the bottom of the bowl. In my mind, one of the best parts of mussels done right (Props to Maudes, Paris Club) is the outwardly crusty inwardly soft french bread that comes with them. Then came the pasta. We ordered trofie with pine nuts and basil pesto, a pasta that's a little bit more difficult to find but still a simple dish. I feel terrible saying this, but It was flat-out bad. The pasta itself wasn't terrible, but it didn't taste like it was fresh (let alone hand rolled), which is something I expect when pasta dishes are more than $15 and don't come with meat or seafood. The pesto was simultaneously flavorless and yet had an absolutely terrible aftertaste, like the olive oil was bad. I NEVER send things back, and I sent this back. Our server insisted on taking it off the bill (I was embarrassed, I really never send things back) and asked if we wanted to try another pasta or an entree but I had had enough. I'd rather go back to Piccolo Sogno (including Due- so good) or Merlo on Maple. Or honestly, for much less money, Rose Angelis.

Jay C.

Possibly the best Italian in the city... That's all that needs saying really. The wife is Italian and she introduced me to this place. 4.5 if I could knock a .5pt for the extra wait past resv time. But that's life with uber popular restaurants as well.

Sarah M.

This place is just precious. There are about a total of 12 tables in the entire restaurant. They start you off with two pieces of bruschetta immediately. These were AMAZING. Next we each got a bowl of soup which both were quite bland. The bread they served with it was great! Hindsight, I wish I would have skipped the soup and ordered more of the bruschetta. For our entrees we got the Lobster & Crab Ravioli and the Trofie with pine nuts and basil pesto Genovese. Both were absolutely amazing! I will definitely back. The people here were SO friendly. Definitely a mom and pop ran restaurant!

Jen M.

I'm really baffled by the negative Yelp reviews I read before having dinner here. My experience could not have been better! The restaurant is small and they definitely pack you in, but I didn't feel uncomfortable at all. My husband is 6'5 and he fared well! Our server was so funny, friendly, and definitely Italian. He gave us great recommendations! On his recommendation, we started with the calamari special. Really big and thick pieces drizzled lightly with olive oil and lemon over a bed of a potatoes and green beans. The calamari was so fresh and meaty and the potatoes soaked up the lemon juice. Fantastic! I ordered the spaghetti carbonara for my entree. The noodles were perfectly al dente. The dish was the right amount of cheesy and peppery with plenty of bacon. A perfect dish. My husband, again at the recommendation of our server, ordered the Papardelle special. Again, a perfectly executed dish. And the grand finale: panna cotta with passionfruit coulis. Creamy milky custard with the tart and sweet coulis. Perfection. Yes, it is somewhat expensive, but not when you consider the wonderful atmosphere (laid back, friendly, happy, good for friends, parents, dates, children etc.), excellent service and delicious food. It's very apparent that plenty of hard work, creativity, and passion went into this restaurant.

Laura W.

I swear my reason for dining here had nothing to do with the fact that Gwyneth ate here in Dec 2010 and they posted a picture of it online. "I'll have what she's having." So I went and decided to try the tasting menu which includes a glass of prosecco! For my app I had the fried/seared mozzarella with prosciutto and it was delicious but also HUGE. I know the apps are meant to be shared but we both had the tasting menu so what can you do? My main course was the Fettuccine Bolognese - meat and tomato sauce. I decided to keep it simple and it was the best decision I could have made. I haven't had homemade pasta in a long time. I then found out right before I wrote this review that this dish made GrubStreet's List of 101 of America's Most Delicious Noodle Dishes. I sure know how to pick my food lately! For dessert I went with the lemon sorbet, after all that heavy food I needed something light and it was perfect. I capped off the dinner with a glass of limoncello and wanted to keep screaming "I'M DANNY DEVITO." But I managed to keep my self together until I got out on the street. So go to Riccardo it will be the best decision you've made in a long time.

Sam S.

This has become my families go to birthday dinner restaurant. Every time I've been someone orders the truffles over fried eggs and polenta (it's a special). IT WILL MELT YOUR SOCKS OFF IT IS SO GOOD. The Paccheri au Gratin (thick pasta, eggplant, mozzarella and tomatoes) looked humble on the menu but was also outstanding. The other dish you must try is the Panna Cotta. For a restaurant of this kind, this place is very vegetarian friendly. We got five outstanding vegetarian appetizers and four outstanding vegetarian entrees (the fifth was fish) without having to do any modifications.

Henry S.

Riccardo's is one of the few Italian restaurants in Chicago that can truly transport you back to Italy. So on the occasion of St. Joseph's Day, I donned my Italian finery, and prepared to live la dolce...(Soundtrack comes to a screeching halt!) Ok... let's talk about the wait first. I've been going to Riccardo's for years, and every time except once, gets seated way beyond the reservation time. The longest was an hour and a half if I remember; shortest, half hour this last visit. The only time I didn't have to wait was for a 5:30 Sunday night booking. Friends have also told me that weeknights are better. Their front vestibule is extremely tiny, and uncomfortable to wait in. The funny thing here is that it is almost what's normal for them. 10 minutes after you get there, the manager approaches, offering beverages on the house. Personally, I've come to accept it. But if you have babysitters on the clock, or a long drive back to your home, be forewarned. So, where were we, mi amore? Riccardo's menu runs the length of the entire country. That's probably the one jarring thing that's not so Italian. Otherwise, the food is very authentic. Chef makes no concession to cater to the American palate, except for maybe larger portion sizes than you would find in Italy. Antipasti to start. Cecina, a crispy garbanzo flour crepe topped with speck & taleggio. It is Lent, and one must eat fried dough. But heck, also just surrender to the sinfully luxurious smoked meat and creamy cheese. Honeycomb Tripe Florentine, braised with vegetables, tomato & parmesan. Tender, chewy, unctuous. One of those things either you get, or don't. In my case, I'll get it, again and again. A split primi of Tortelloni with Spinach & Riccota, in a creamy walnut sauce. Essence of Italian cuisine. Simple, no frills, utterly satisfying. Green pockets of pasta stuffed with creamy cheese. A nutty, grainy walnut sauce enriched with milk. For secondi, Roasted Duck Arancia in an orange & cognac demiglace, with Tuscan potatoes. The duck was roasted to a crisp on the outside. The meat is on the dry side, but the slightly sweet and slickly flavorful sauce more than compensated for it. Also, a Veal Sweetbread Scallopini with fresh porcini. Who serves an entire plate of sweetbreads as an entrée? Remind me to put my cardiologist as a favorite on my Contacts. You only live once. Why 4 stars? Uncompromisingly authentic. Truly takes me back to Italy. Wait could be horrendous. But the wine is flowing, and the company is pleasing. Isn't this what La Dolce Vita is all about?

Eileen Z.

I love you, grilled cotechino sausage + cannellini beans in a spicy tomato sauce! Simple but mouth-watering... and the sausage was on point. Anything with chunks of garlic and a generous amount of fresh rosemary speaks to me, really.

Andrew K.

We lived a block down the street from Riccardo Trattoria for nearly 2 years and this was our favorite restaurant in lincoln park. I've been to 100's of Italian Restaurant in the US and this is probably one of the most authentic and top10 favorite Italian restaurants. Their seasonal specials are a must.

Kelsey G.

Delicious Italian food. Good wine list. Fresh and flavorful salads. A very quaint and cozy restaurant feel. And - a perfect place to bring parents when they are in town!

Nicole C.

Spaghetti carbonara was calling my name last night and thanks to my fellow Yelpers who all seem to like this place, the boyfriend and I headed to Riccardo to satiate my craving. The wine list is extensive, but a bit on the pricey side -- I believe the cheapest bottle is $36. It would be nice if they had a cheaper, but quality table wine. Appetizers: Pork Cheeks with Polenta (special) Fresh Mozzarella and Prosciutto The pork cheeks were melt-in-your-mouth tender and very flavorful, but the polenta (white) was bland -- more like mashed potatoes than the polenta I'm used to. The mozzarella and prosciutto was simple and fresh -- exactly what you would expect from a good Italian restaurant. Entrees: Spaghetti Carbonara (bacon, egg yolk, pecorino) Gnocchi Bava (speck prosciutto, fontina cheese, red pepper sauce, pink tomato sauce) I was really satisfied with the carbonara, but must admit that the homemade gnocchi may have been better than my entree! Dessert: Panna Cotta with Passion Fruit Coulis The panna cotta was perfect -- great consistency and flavor. When you throw in two martinis, one glass of wine, and two double espressos, we ended up walking out with a $136 bill (without tip), which I think is reasonable for the quality of the food, service, and atmosphere. I needed to be rolled out of this place by the time we were done. We literally licked all of our plates clean. =)

Lauren B.

I'm shocked that I have to give Riccardo Trattoria 3 stars today. In the past I would review them 5 stars without question. Last night we had pretty bad service and the food wasn't nearly as good as usual. They seemed understaffed, our waiter was too busy so he sorta had an attitude when we asked questions and when we tried to order. We had to wave him down to get him to take our order and even to get our water glasses filled throughout the night. But the manager was extremely nice and helpful, he seemed to be picking up the slack from being understaffed because he kept checking on our table. We were given Bruschetta to begin, it was so-so as it was under seasoned and tomatoes were not flavorful. I had a salad with pear, nuts and gorgonzola and I could barely find the nuts and not very much pear either. The greens were bitter, which is fine, but not enough dressing to balance out the bitterness. Next, I had seafood risotto. It was loaded with very fresh seafood which was wonderful given that shellfish is my favorite food group. But the risotto rice was overcooked and not creamy whatsoever. Honestly, I can make risotto with better texture than that was. My husband enjoyed his lobster ravioli but wasn't too impressed. Our friends at the table were underwhelmed too, which was too bad because we told them how amazing this place is before we got there. Dessert, very good! Our table had tiramisu and apple pie, both of them were very good, these may have been the best dishes of the night. I still Love this place, but I can't give them more stars since I was disappointed last night. Hopefully it was just an off night.

Caren G.

The food here is phenomenal. The panzanella was definitely the favorite dish that we ordered. The crispy croutons and the juicy tomatoes made the perfect match! My husband ordered the swordfish which was outstanding! The service was great and the place was very warm and cozy!

Mrs P.

My husband and I were going to the 11 p.m. show at The Second City and were looking for a casual, yummy place to eat nearby. We made reservations through Yelp on Open Table for an 8:30 p.m. table and had a nice experience. There were so many choices on the menu, but in the end we both ordered of the Prix Fixe menu ($32 includes a starter, main, dessert and glass of prosecco). I had the heirloom tomato salad, seafood linguine and tirami su. The salad was delicious--the tomatoes were ripe and juicy. The seafood linguine was wonderful--pasta was perfect al dente and lots of calamari, scallops, shrimp, etc. I was so full I didn't have much room for dessert, but had to try the tirami su, which was pretty standard, but tasty nonetheless. We finished and had plenty of time to make the 1/3 mile walk over to Second City in time for the show. The restaurant is small and quaint. Very busy, noticed several couples on dates as well as a couple large parties. The only disappointment was our server--he was not very friendly or engaging and despite the restaurant's small size, fairly hard to track down. I don't know if that was his general disposition or if he was annoyed that we ordered off the Tasting Menu, limiting his gratuity. Despite this minor complaint, I would recommend giving Riccardo Trattoria a shot. We had a great meal and would definitely go back!

Bob D.

Most of the previous posts are right on, if you have been to Italy you will have a better appreciation for what is going on here. The flavors are crisp and unadulterated, pastas are not drenched in heavy tomato sauces and the vegetables are treated as if they were hand picked by an Italian Grandmother. Service was impeccable, I have had lesser service at much higher priced places, our server seemed to appear only when needed, by some sort of sorcery, and when they weren't needed, poof into thin air they would vanish. For starters we shared a salad of fava beans which were treated with the utmost respect, perfectly cooked then dressed with Parmesan and truffle oil, in Italian cooking simplicity reigns supreme. No where was this more apparent then a spaghetti featuring Tuna roe and dried Tuna flakes tossed with fine extra virgin olive oil and some black pepper, the balance of salty tuna and sweet olive oil was that of perfection. This is not a dish of skill as much as one of love and tradition, it made my heart skip a beat when I noticed the staff having their free meal, they were all Italian and 3 of the 4 were eating the same thing I ordered. My date had a wild boar ragu that was rich and satisfying, a great pairing with the wine the wait staff picked out. I don't really remember dessert other than enjoying it , but I do remember this meal being far superior to the one I had at Cafe Spiaggia. If you are willing to let go of your preconceived notions of Italian food then this is a great place for Trattoria style cooking, if not go anyway, but don't blame the Italians if you don't get it.

Ryan K.

For some reason you never hear about this place when people are discussing the elite Italian restaurants of Chicago. But I have a better meal here than anyplace else. And it never ends up costing as much. Tips: - Ideally situated for a nice walk through the zoo or park afterwards. And I'm the type of guy who thinks it is important to go for a walk after a decent sized meal.

Becky B.

We went a while back and it was fantastic! The food was very authentic, I almost thought I was back in Italy. The service was great as well. The pasta course was amazing....and they decanted our pricey red wine without us having to ask. Will definitely go back.

Mark M.

Good food and service; great prices considering the neighborhood. My appetizer was cold however (scallops with lobster bisque) which would be my only complaint; otherwise the experience was very good.

Maggie H.

We had been reading so much about Riccardo Trattoria that we decided to try it. We waited for our reservation for about 20 minutes and were shuffled to a table amidst mostly older diners. Our server had a vast knowledge of the wine list, and we went with a delicious red (Rustica something???) We started with the Caprese salad. I had the Peppered Tuna which was amazing, but my poor bf opted for the Penne pasta. Though it was a full order, it was the smallest order of pasta I have ever seen. Laughable. Perhaps, we have big appetites and were expecting Italian-American restaurant portions?? Luckily, we finished with the chocolate cake which was heavenly. Be sure to check out the other recommendations and numerous reviews to make sure you order the right things. I would also highly recommend any of the daily specials!

Jeff P.

Ate here for the first time in August, and was back again within a month. I've eaten at a lot of Italian restaurants, and this just might be the best.

Gordon R.

Let's cut to the chase. Food was just ok and the service was horrific. The only real highlights from the meal were the panzanella salad and the risotto with prawns. Other than that, it took 45 minutes just to get our drinks and about an hour from when we walked in to even order our meal. Not to mention we had to ask the owner for our waiter on multiple occasions to speed the already lengthy meal along. With all of the fantastic italian restaurants in Chicago I would not hurry back to this place!

John K.

Best italian I've ever had in my life. Does it say something that pretty much everyone that was eating here on a Tuesday night was actually from Italy? We were the only english speakers in the joint. This shouldn't even be on Yelp. Its Zagat rated and its the real deal. I'll leave it at that.

J S.

Pricy for me. However, this was THE best Italian food I have ever had. EVER. This is WAY better than Spiggia and it's been rated by Michelian rated!! Yes the food was cooked perfectly but the qulaity of the food that this guy is getting is really impressive. Do your soul some good and go.

Charlie B.

I have had two of my best meals at Ricardo's in the past year. It took me a while to get a reservation. We eat early is the secret. The food comes from the heart and soul of chef Ricardo. The service is excellent with keen eye for detail. Great wine prices and digestives. Love it!

Jennie S.

My boyfriend and another couple took me here for my birthday. When my boyfriend made a reservation on a Saturday for 6:00, we were told we had to be out by 7:30. We weren't exactly thrilled with that reply. However, once we got there, we were provided with great service. Because of its location you will most likely have to get valet parking which is right in front of the restaurant. The storefront is beautiful with high ceilings and a pleasant ambiance. Our waiter was very polite and very knowledgeable of the wine list. We started out with a scallop dish and a bleu cheese risotto (which is awesome if you love bleu cheese). I have to disagree about the size portions being small. I ordered a pasta dish and thought it was just right without feeling too stuffed at the end. I didn't hear any complaints from the guys who were with us. In all the food was great. The pasta is made from scratch and is unbelievably good. We would definitely come back again.

Eric M.

Riccardo Trattoria is a nice little restaurant. The thick Italian accents on the greeter and staff is fun. The setting is a small place with VERY tall ceilings and a cozy atmosphere. The wine selection is very nice, but the bruschetta is so oily the bread fell to pieces almost immediately. The salads were good and the asparagus soup was very good, the entrees were nice. Nothing amazing and nothing I felt everyone at the table should sample. It's a nice place with a fun, friendly staff.

Michael C.

Great storefront Italian in Lincoln Park. Carpaccio is astounding with a unique cut to the beef not found in many other restaurants. Wine list is high quality and carefully selected. Generally, the ingredient quality is superb, the preparation is innovatively supreme, but the service and host is less than stellar or at least less than consistently equal to the kitchen's outpourings. This place is a hit for the food. Other reviews are right that it's a more mature crowd. All those yuppies who invaded Lincoln Park in the 80's stuck around and aged the neighborhood. Of course, it's not quiet in there. They must all be sucking down lots of wine. If you like the person you're eatting with, this is a good spot for conversation and/or romance. If you need the diversion of hippster eye candy to enjoy / impress your date, avoid Riccardo Trattoria and head to Bucktown/Wicker Park for something flashier.

Carrie B.

A group of us went for dinner last week and thought it was a great, family feel italian restaurant. There was a group of 8 of us, which I would not recommend as the restaurant is not set up to accommodate groups of this size (we had a round and square table put together). You are greeted at the door with a "Buona Serra!" which reminded me very much of my summer in Italy. The buffalo mozz and mushroom risotto were absolutely amazing!! The servers were very Italian as well and helpful in dish selection. Great for a girls dinner or for a cute dinner date

Lindsay N.

A so-so experience. Went with a close friend and we very much liked the look of this place. Very comfortable and certainly has the potential to be an excellent spot to bring a date. The menu had many tasty options but the service wasn't as good as I expected. My meal came out fine and in good time, my friends came out with a heavy meat sauce when he had ordered a pesto. He wouldn't have complained, but he's a vegetarian so really had no choice but to mention it. Felt bad, as we could hear some angry shouting from the kitchen moments after sending it back... But the fixed order came out shortly after with an apology from the manager on staff. The bill was much more expensive than I had anticipated. The quality was good, but not sure it warranted such high prices.

Nazia H.

Didn't care for this place at all. From the outside it seemed inviting enough, but once inside it did not feel welcome. It took forever for our server to approach our table. I am not trying to knock the waiter who was nice enough, it just seemed that they couldn't be bothered by us. We sat with menus closed for a looooooooong time and no approach. The food was nothing special and not what was described on the menu. For example I ordered a cornish hen that was was supposed to be spicy. In reality it barely had any heat at all. I had to trade w my bf for his pappardelle beef ragout. It didn't have any flavor. Waaaah it was my bday celebration and I wished that we had brought cash to eat next door at the Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder. The bruschetta, calamari and water, however, were good. All in all, I have had better Italian at many other places in Chicago and would not go back.

hsueh y.

The food was solid. It's not a place to find bacon ice-cream or wasabi mash potato. But everything on our plates were so delicious that we wanted to lick our plates. We had fava beans with truffle oil and cheese. I could smell the truffle as soon as the plates were on the table. For entree, we had lamb chop and veal osso bucco. Cooked perfectly and seasoned to perfection. The sauce of osso bucco was so good that we use the bread to wipe the plate clean. For dessert we had tiramisu. It was mediocre. Good enough that we finished it. But not good enougth that we'll order it again. My only complain about this place is that It's very loud and hard to have a conversation across the table. And the tables were packed next to each other. Not too comfortable.

Neil J.

Had to wait 45 minutes to sit down for our reservation, but the food is worth it.

Keira F.

My dinner companion and I walked in at 6:15pm on a Tuesday evening and the owner/maitre-de acted like he was doing us the biggest favor by seating us despite the fact that we didn't have a reservation. Appetizers we ordered included and endive and beet salad (beets tasted like they were out of a can) and an heirloom tomato salad (tomatoes looked banged up despite tasting alright.) For entrees I got prawns and bacon-wrapped scallops in a lobster bisque sauce. The scallops were pretty tasty, but the shrimp tasted rubbery and were too charred for my taste. Rubbery and charred? I know! My dinner companion had prosciutto and ricotta stuff gnocchi in a vodka sauce and that was tasty, though very rich. On the flip side, our waiter was very friendly and helpful. All in all too pricey for a subpar dining experience - I won't return.

Klar Z.

My main complaint is that it was too hard to pick what to order tonight. Everyone at our table was happy with what they ordered. I especially was happy with the number of veggie-happy appetizers and sides (the apps are not tiny so you can feel very satisfied ordering two for your dinner). Charming interior that's not pretentious or overdone. Good service. Very happy: it's hard to find Italian that's done right, not cheap or overstyled, and this is one of those spots.

Sharon G.

I quite enjoyed Riccardo's when I went a year ago. This time, however, I was disappointed. None of my savory dishes were remarkable in the least. Underwhelming would describe it. I love simple Italian fare. It all was just missing something. There was no love in the savories. On the other hand we had the panna cotta and tiramisu were exceptional. Some of the best I've ever had. So come here for an espresso or a glass of Chianti and dessert.

Katie K.

On a recent visit to Chicago we visited Riccardo twice. It was that good. In a city of food and silly amounts of deserving restaurants, we went back for more. Both times, i had pasta. Divine. I was able to sample a tuna dish too...simple and clean. Yum. the second night we came with my 2 kids...they fit us in and served the kids an amazing bowl of alfredo. the space is simple. The food is delicious. It was a comforting escape from the cold. we are already planning a trip back to Chicago and another meal at Riccardo!

Dana J.

Best Italian food outside of Italy! Cannot say enough about this place. Everything that we had was absolutely delicious and the service was excellent. Cannot wait to go back!

Kate B.

My friend and I choose a different restaurant every month and we choose Riccardo Trattoria for July. We were (2 women) given the worst table in the place, but we took it in stride and focused on dinner. We waited for our server, bread, the food, dessert, etc. We thought the food was good, especially the eggplant and zucchini appetizer, but the service was so poor that we did not enjoy ourselves. Someone had recommend it to us, but we wont' be doing the same.

fab f.

I just moved to Chicago and I don't usually like when friends want to take me to an Italian restaurant, of first, second third generation whatever. I like the experience and the fact that people really enjoy the night out, but I can't find (and actually don't even look for) the Italian taste. It is normal, the Mediterranean taste is obviously different, the ingredients are different, if we add the fact that most of the time you hear Mexican voices in the kitchen, what can you expect? So I wasn't enthusiast when this Italian guy invited me by Trattoria Riccardo, but I went at 8.30. First I was happy when I didn't see mistakes on the menu. This is a good sign, to start, plus I enjoyed the size of the restaurant. I felt like I was back in a nice restaurant in Milano. I had pasta with wild boar sauce, my friends fish and cotoletta alla milanese. We drunk Sanpellegrino and the cheapest Chianti on the menu (28USD, I still can't spend much money for an Italian wine, when I was used to buy for 16 in a nice restaurant) that was not bad at all. I would have appreciated a larger selection of wines, but the chef said he is working on that. I liked the quantity of the portions, that somebody will certainly find small. If you eat Italian, this is the size of pasta you get. Too much is not right, it changes everything: the presentation, the taste. Good Italian food is not about quantity, never. A very nice evening, that ended with a limoncello offered by the house, I guess because we knew the chef, that is a real milanese, with a great passion for food. He still owns a famous restaurant in Milano, but he is here with his wife that - by the way- is the person that takes care of the desserts. Bill not bad at all: 200USD for the 4 of us. I suggest it for a very nice and elegant night out for 2-4 people. Not a place for big tables. The thing I didn't like, the service is ok ,but I hate when they fake to speak Italian and the tables were without any cover. That's not Italian. Update: the last two visits I made, service was excellent. Food even better. I went with a friend that travels and eats a lot around the USA and he said that in his opinion this is the best Italian restaurant in the States. Enough said.

Laura W.

This place reminds my BF of restaurants in NYC..quaint, authentic, and just really good food. We went with another couple and out of all the dishes we ordered I would say mine was the least favorite. I had the gnocchi and although delicious it just lacked something. The guys each got the lobster raviloi which was unbelievable and my girlfriend got the mushroom risotto which was incredible! Our appetizers were pretty much amazing as well....There was one and I can't think of the name of it, but it had prosciutto and melted cheese on this melt in your mouth bread! It was heaven. I know we had dessert, but to be honest with you they didn't leave that great of an impression on me. We will definitely go back!

Jessica S.

Very cute and romantic. Everything I tried there was fabulous. They will do half portions of pasta if your up for trying it and then it's just a taste of a bunch of different flavors. Everything has a very bold flavors. Everything I tasted was better then the next. Go in and be prepared to have quite decadent flavors. The wine menu is a bit on the small side to beware. I will go back for sure.

Jennifer G.

The food is Italian; some of the best this side of Italy including Spiaggia, Merlo on Maple and Lupa in New York. The food is more in the style of Merlo & Lupa - like the restaurants in Italian piazzas - not like the haute cuisine at Spiaggia. Having said that, it is some of the best here, but BEWARE, the service is absolutely terrible. Very slow, not particularly hospitable and brusque; they seem not to realize that they are in a service business. However, we live in the neighborhood and even if we didn't my husband and I agree, we would definitely go there again because the food is that good (and I am Italian). The pasta, by the way, is cooked perfectly - al dente. I really can't say enough about how good the food is, I just wish the waiters would get their act together and pay more attention to their customers.

S J.

This Italian restaurant makes the best Italian food in Chicago. I heard of this restaurant from 2 Italian food experts moved from Italy and immediately fell to their amazing food. This place is always too busy, noisy, street parking is uneasy, lunch isn't available..but I didn't find any other place serves better Italian food.

Jane N.

This is the best Italian in the city. Hands down. I adore their burratta. In the summer, the black Umbrian truffles- I dream about them. And I did not know what panna cotta could be until I had Riccardo's. Yes the waiter's are somewhat European in their demeanor (not overly gracious), but the food is more than worth it.

Brian S.

I kept hearing amazing things about this place, but after waiting close to an hour for a table, it was pretty ordinary.

Jackie G.

Great restaurant, great atmosphere, great service!

April F.

Excellent, excellent, excellent well-priced and authentic Italian; there's nothing you won't love, the staff here go to great lengths to ensure your palate is well-satisfied. Yum-o.

John O.

My experience here was mixed. I enjoyed the well cooked and authentic Italian cuisine served by passionate Italian owners and servers. I didn't care for the lackluster service and poor wine list.

Cindy K.

Riccardo's is the real deal. The chef, I believe, used to be at Bice. It's a terrific neighborhood spot that's worth traveling to. I visited it with friends from Italy. It's their favorite Chicago restaurant. They say that it's most authentic. The pasta was perfectly cooked. The veal was delicious. It's a small, intimate restaurant. I'd suggest making reservations as I think you'd have to wait a long time if you just walked in.

Sarah G.

I ate here accidentally and couldn't be happier to have stumbled upon it. I found their waitstaff pleasant and extremely helpful, the decor is just my style (a little fancy, without being stuffy or pretentious; basically a great date spot), and I love the neighborhood! The food was great. I didn't have much (just a pasta entree), but it was delicious. I fully intend to come back!

I had dinner at Riccardo for the first time recently, and it definitely won't be the last. The atmosphere in the dining room is great: it's a bit loud, but it feels a little like a party rather than a restaurant. Our waiter (cute, and complete with Italian accent) was very good: pleasant and friendly while also being professional. And the food---wow. The menu is very extensive, and everything we tried was fantastic. The pastas are especially good. I was also impressed by the wide range of specials: the night we were there, there must have been at least 6 special appetizers, several special salads, and at least 7 special entrees. Overall, Riccardo rates a "you can't go wrong, and you'll have fun" from me!

ALEXANDRA L.

This is my favorite restaurant in Chicago. Yes, it can be a wait if you come without reservations, the space is small and the staff is (sometimes hyper) attentive. BUT, the food is amazing. We take all our guests there for a not-so-formal but oh-so-tasty dinner. I love the multi course meal, that you can half order pastas to try more, huge selection. Everything food-wise is wonderfully high quality, and frankly that matters more to me than an over-attentive waitstaff or a later dinner time.

Zach F.

So first off, I think that any restaurant worth its salt in the city of Chicago needs to have a decent waiting area so patrons aren't forced to wait outside in the cold while in line to be seated at a table for which they have reservations. First strike. Next, I know that as a host/hostess of a restaurant there's a lot on your plate. Well then again considering there is no computer operated reservations system here... perhaps not. Now it was excusable for one couple who arrived after us to be seated before us, that's a mistake. But to find out they'd been seated before the couple next to us who had a reservation 30 minutes before us... not acceptable. And to subsequently seat TWO MORE couples who arrived after us (we all had 9pm reservations) while we stood in disbelief.. need I say more? My girlfriend and I were offered a free glass of wine each from the owner/manager gentleman, a nice enough gesture but I was too angry to imbibe. Once we were finally seated the food was above average but nothing I would write home about. The grilled Buffalo Mozzarella was delicious and my lobster & mushroom risotto was good enough but my the pasta with scallops with tasteless and the Caprese salad was nothing better than Panera. For dessert I was not able to order either of my first two choices (due to a disdain for raisins) so I was forced to settle for the overpriced and extremely disappointing peach sorbet. Really, $8 for one scoop? I get that it's served inside a frozen peach shell but come on. I'd come back again if there were no wait but as I consult my magic eight ball, "Odds Are Unlikely."

Jonathan A.

After the fourth or fifth time of trying to get into Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder, we decided to avoid the wait and try this place on a whim. I knew nothing about it beforehand. The food and atmosphere were were both excellent. Though I wish I wasn't starving when I came here and reday to eat an oven grinder. The papardelle pasta dish was great, but the portion was on the small side for $17. I guess I could have ordered a full course meal with appetizers and secondi, but maybe next time.

Fleur B.

My third time here - second a comp for food poisoning on the first go... Again, were served desert and the bill by a second waitor. This time, like last time, my food was sent back to be cooked through. I am now at home on xmas eve, night before my birthday, feeling ill, again. These people should have their kitchen inspected and their menu is, anyways, disappointing. Don't come here; if you don't want to feel ill.

Sterling B.

I had gone by this place so many times and wanted to try it out. It is much more authentically Italian then I thought it would be! Small place with a very vibrant atmosphere. A bit fancier than I thought it was going to be, but glad I tried it out!

Chad C.

Simply some of the best italian food I've had outside of Italy!

Drea E.

Good god this was one hell of a meal. My itallian mother always want to go to little italy when she visits, but I think it's cheesy, so I took her to Riccardo Trattoria to settle the debate once and for all. Unbelievable authentic food. The fresh pasta, the sauces... and surprisingly an amazing gazpacho. Go, go now.

Silvia J.

I received this as a recommendation from my Italian teacher when I lamented in my class that I wanted to try some different Italian food. I browsed through the menu online and was excited that the usual Italian (American) fare could not be found. Yea! No heavy laden tomato sauce based pastas dominating the menu (a sure sign it is more Italian-American than Italian)! I went for the first time with a friend and we both enjoyed our dishes. So many to chose from: tasting menu, daily specials, and the regular menu. Since we couldn't decide and it was our first visit, we settled on the tasting menu: Grilled Sepia Calamari (she- Fava Beans), Grilled Prawns and Sea Scallops (the biggest scallops I have ever seen in my life), e per dolci Panna Cotta (she - Cioccolatissimo). My friend was super hungry so we ended up also getting an antipasti Burrata & Cullatello which was highly recommended by our server and made the table next to us curious. An added plus was I got to practice my Italian with Riccardo(?). Il cibo e molto bene!

Alison H.

I had dinner at Riccardo for the first time recently, and it definitely won't be the last. The atmosphere in the dining room is great: it's a bit loud, but it feels a little like a party rather than a restaurant. Our waiter (cute, and complete with Italian accent) was very good: pleasant and friendly while also being professional. And the food---wow. The menu is very extensive, and everything we tried was fantastic. The pastas are especially good. I was also impressed by the wide range of specials: the night we were there, there must have been at least 6 special appetizers, several special salads, and at least 7 special entrees. Overall, Riccardo rates a "you can't go wrong, and you'll have fun" from me!

Betsy C.

On a trip to Chicago, We ate here based on reviews and prices that wouldn't be too over the top- I thought it was really good! I did the tasting menu- Do it! The perfect way to try different tjings at a decent price. We had the stuffed calamari, not my favorite, but I'm not a huge calamari fan- my daughter is. The entree was a beef that was tender and in a wine reduction! It was so flavorful! The spinach and steak fries were spectacular! My daughter ordered two 1/2 portions of pasta - a seafood/ lobster pasta- and the Bolognese - I loved the Bolognese! Very flavorful- my daughter thought it needed more sauce. The homemade pasta was really good. The lobster pasta was good - not my favorite. For dessert we had the Apple pie with ice cream- ummmmmm! Then we took Tiramisu home- also really good! I would go back!

Anna M.

Very authentic Italian restaurant from the ambiance to the delicious food. The gnocchi is unspeakably amazing. We also had a really unique mushroom appetizer that was soooo tasty and flavorful. I will be going back soon for both of these items even though the rest of the menu looks great too! The wine list is extensive and the waiter had some great pairing suggestions.

Juan C.

This is actually my favorite Italian spot in Chicago. Great food and very good service. Their recommendations are always spot on. The first time I went I tried the Cacciatore and it was as good as it gets. Is good every time. If you want Italian in Chicago: this is the place.

Cheese M.

Great place. Went out to try that upside down pizza place next door which was packed to the brim. So my mom and my sis and I went to Riccardo and were seated fairly quickly. They put the three of us at a real small table (it was 7pm sunday night and we had no reservation so we didnt care) The food -I really enjoyed the caprese salad. Hit the proverbial spot -I had some sort of soup with bacon and beans....it was okay -What really made this experience for me was the spaghetti alla carbonara. It is so hard to find a carbonara dish in the U.S. that does not use cream in the sauce. Riccardo prepared it exactly the same way I ate it when I lived in Rome. And unlike Carmine's or Rosebud, they don't make you feel like a pig by giving you a portion big enough to feed Ethiopia

M C.

Cute and very home-like environment. Food is great!

Hugh B.

The food here is outstanding. I often get seafood, either in a stew (generally on the list of specials) or with pasta. The seafood is always pristinely fresh. Last time I got it with pasta and the pasta was perfectly cooked, al dente, which means, I understand, that it comes with the chef's teeth in it. A simple arugula salad to start. A very satisfying meal for a decent price. That's the good part. They need to work on two things, however. One is the service. It is kind of abrupt and erratic. Like last time, we were a party of 7 and everyone's dinner came except one person's. That person had to salivate for like 5-10 minutes waiting for his while the rest of us were happily slurping away. The other problem is the heat. If you come in summer, dress lightly because the room really heats up from the kitchen and the ventilation is bad. But the food is so good I will put up with these things.

Fifi N.

Cozy little restaurant on Clark st, blink and you'll pass it. From the outside of the building it looks very unassuming but the second you walk in you're greeted by a friendly hostess and professional wait staff. Love the wooden floors and tables, very comfortable but polished. Smaller wine list with all the favorites and perfect selection of desserts and after dinner drinks. The menu is large with everyone's favorites and great nightly dinner specials. We started off with a proschuitto and mozzarella app, followed by linguine and arribiatta with clams and pork tenderloin and rissoto. The best meal we've had in a while. I don't usually care for pork but these were so tender and were wrapped in bacon so it gave the meat a nice but subtle smoky flavor. Everything seemed authentic and made with a great deal of care, no Sysco products here. Will make sure I come back anytime I visit Chicago.

Jim M.

I love this place - second time there with family (4, 6 and 13 year olds) - there are very family friendly if you go early. Pastas, appetizers, fish - all outstanding and done in interesting ways - this is not your vanilla italian place, but it's also not weird food where you can't figure out what you're eating - no squid ink gelato! Eggplant/zuchine/parmigian timbal was awesome... I am a traditionalist and love a good penne a la amatriciana, which is essentially arrabiata with a bit of prosciutto thrown in - have to order this as special - it's not on the menu, but they do a great job. For kids, order any pasta as half order with cuatro formaggi - perfect.

Carol J.

Authentic Italian cooking from a passionate man who does what he loves and loves what he does. Traditional presentations and unequivical Italian flavors that nail the nuances of inspired Italian cooking. This low key place is very near my home and very near my heart. Riccardo is a man of amazing talent and has an impeccable palatte. I was a little put off by the tripe one night but oh did the dining companion savor it. Just not my thing. Lobster ravioli, bouna, risotto, perfetto, gnocchi,simpatico. Wine list is tight but just right for the menu size and has some fair prices on great wines. Dessert is always a delight and they have perfect Italian coffee. Tough to get a table sometimes so I would suggest you phone first. And don't be surprised if Riccardo himself takes the reservation. Love the independent spirit and work in progress mindset of this place. Bouna Fortuna!

Eric E.

Several issues ... What was good: The arugula salad was fine, nothing special, but the leaves were crisp and tasty. The bread was good, not great. My mom's gnocci with the pink sauce was pretty tasty; the gnocci were pillowy, as they should be. My Dad liked his Bolognese, but I never tried it. What wasn't: My dish -- I had a tuna and pasta dish (I think it was a special), and it was bland, colorless and completely forgettable. Special is a misnomer. I understand that service at restaurants in Italy can be a little laissez-faire and that we as Americans eat way too fast. I get that. But we tried our hearts out to get the check and failed more than once. Also, my Mom didn't get her entree for a good 7-8 minutes after Dad and I got ours. Luckily, Mom is a hip lady, and she handled it well. I appreciate the business is run by an authentic Italian gentleman, and there need to be more places with this kind of feel. But I thought the food was nothing special, and the prices weren't as good as I had heard, but I tend not to worry about the price is the food is good. So one kind of killed the other there. I might try it again if someone I was with really wanted to go, but if I am going casual, I might as well just pop over to Oven Grinders two doors down. Even with the wait and limited menu, it's better I think.

Jason B.

Every time I'm asked where the best place for Italian food in Lincoln Park is I have an easy answer, Riccardo. S and I have been to plenty of Italian places, especially in the Lincoln Park area, and this one has always been my favorite. The dishes are authentic and fresh, and the wine list is extensive enough that you can find something you'll like, but not so big that you feel overwhelmed.

Omar R.

Hidden gem ! The best Northern Italian cuisine outside of Italy. Family owned and operated. Extensive menu - and you can't go wrong no matter what you order. Come with lots of friends so that you order and experiment a bunch of dishes. Great service.

Laurie S.

Why aren't there more good restaurants in Lincoln Park?? Probably because of the ridiculous rent rates. Riccardo's is a very welcome addition. The menu bursts with tantalizing selections. The grilled calamari was so-so. Same with the lagoustine penne. But the truffle rissotto was to-die-for. The salads were also amazing. The dessert cheese course was a true delight. Service was friendly and efficient. I highly recommend Riccardo's. A rare gem in Lincoln Park.

Patrick N.

i have only dined at riccardo trattoria once, but that one meal was all i needed to place riccardo trattoria as one of my favorite italian places. my wife and i make it up to chicago about 4 times a year, a while the main reason for our visits is to try new restaurants, i can see riccardo trattoria being a place we try to fit into each trip. the restaurant is just one small room, and it can be quite loud. the atmosphere is fairly relaxed, and there was no pretension coming from the staff or the other diners. we dined there on a wednesday night around 8pm, and it was very busy, although our reservations were honored immediately. from what i could tell, the majority of the staff, our waiter included, were italian, and english was there second language. our waiter was an older gentleman, who was very friendly, and made us feel at home. we looked over the menu and the wine, and ordered a nice bottle of sauvingon blanc. we started with the bacon wrapped grilled sea scallops in a lobster biquet. this dish was phenomenal, and really set the tone for an evening of delicous food. next up, we spilt a caprese salad, which features tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella. this was a nice salad, but may not be something i would order the next time we dine at riccardo. for our entrees, i had the penne with lobster and rock shrimp. this was served in a spicy tomato sauce. my wife chose the lobster and crab ravioli, in a saffron cream sauce. both entrees were wonderful. my pasta had a very generous portion of both lobster and shrimp, and the saffron cream sauce my wifes pasta pillows were covered in took the dish to the next level. we polished off our wine, and looked over the dessert menu. our served made a few suggestions, and mentioned that if either of us were a chocolate lover, the cioccolatissimo was the only way to go. i took his word for it, and even though it took ten minutes to cook, it was more than worth it. it was basically a molten chocolate cake with ice cream, but there was something about it that put it above the norm. my wife had the tiramisu, and said she liked it. i was too satisfied with mine to bother trying it. from start to finish, out meal at riccardo trattoria was wonderful. the food, service, coupled with the relatively relaxed atmosphere made for a fantastic night, and i look forward to returning and trying some new dishes.

Dija S.

A-Mazing. Absolutely fantastic. I had the "mountains and seas" risotto and my husband had a gnocchi with prosciutto in a light tomato sauce. We loved our food, the service was stellar and this food was available at an incredibly accessible price. Everything that you dream about in a restaurant.

Madelyn H.

the. best. gnocchi. it really is worth going just for the gnocchi. it has the perfect texture not to mention that the sauce and other components of the dish are delicious. the atmosphere at riccardo's is that of a little neighborhood place - not super swanky or over the top - just comfortable and nice. as for the other food, the bruschetta wasn't great unfortunately, but everything else was delicious - burrata caprese, gnocchi, pumpkin ravioli, tiramisu. so tasty! pretty decent service and really reasonable prices. i wish it were in bucktown so i could go more often!

Liz T.

Ehhhh. Next to the star rating when I clicked the two stars it says, "Meh. I've experienced better." That's exactly how I feel about my meal here. I was expecting excellent, authentic Italian food after reading reviews and a letter in the entryway of the restaurant from some Italian authority certifying the food as authentic. Maybe it was an off night, maybe it was me, or maybe it was the fact that my seat looked right into the kitchen where 50 or so boxes of Barillo pasta were stacked on a shelf. I did not love this restaurant. In fact, it would be safe to say that I didn't even really like it. I wanted to. I really did. To start, I had the asparagus soup with croutons and parm. The soup was unremarkable, and a little on the sweet side, but the parm balanced it out. For my entree I had one of the specials: buccatini with lobster in a pink sauce. My entree came out about 7 minutes after everyone else's food. That's a major pet peeve of mine. There was a half a lobster and the buccatini. I think there was also some lobster in the sauce. They gave me a lobster claw with the leg attached, which was nice, but they didn't give me the proper tools to remove the meat. The sauce was really greasy, too. It wasn't great, in fact, it wasn't even good. B and one of our dining companions had the filet. When brought out, the filet had been pounded to 1/4 inch thick. I have never seen filet prepared that way. B also noted it was quite fatty for filet. So, completely unremarkable. Will we be back? Probably not...I think there are plenty of Italian restaurants in the city to try.

Bob P.

Quite simply, one of the best, most authentic restaurants I've had the pleasure of eating at, outside of Italy. -I quattro matti da SF

Julie K.

Went to Ricardo Tratoria with our son and his girlfriend. The service was atrocious. Our waiter messed up so many parts of our order that it was hard to keep track of. The risotto was great and the pasta was very very chewy. I would not go back.

Chris S.

My wife and I met some friends last night at Riccardo based on our friend's recommendation. We were pleasantly surprised at how good our experience was! The restaurant was very unassuming - fairly small and narrow, with only a handful of tables. Due to the size of the restaurant, the tables are fairly close together. The decor is nice, nothing over-the-top - think a typical Italian restaurant. Our friend knew Dario, who was both hilarious and helpful - what a pleasant dude! On to the food... The food was excellent, and not one of us had a bad meal. While I didn't eat it, everyone at the table raved about the baked focaccina di Recco. The meatballs and calamari apps were also very tasty. I had a swordfish special, and while the fish was slightly overcooked, the flavor made up for it! I had gelato for dessert, pretty standard. The menu was pretty large, so I can't wait to go back and try some other things. Overall, I'd recommend going back!

Michael S.

This was the second time we went there. It was as wonderful as the first. It was magical. Out waiter, "Nino" was fabulous. His recommendations were superb. Get the pounded breaded veal chop, it is to die for. The Panne Cota is a wonderful way to end the evening along with a great cappucino.

Stefan H.

Having travelled extensively in Italy for business I have clear opinions regarding "authentic" Italian cuisine. From the decor to the service, to the food, Riccardo is as authentic a recreation of the Italian Trattoria experience as I have had outside of Italy. In fact I can point to only two distinct differences between this restaurant and the Italian counterpart after which it is modelled: 1.) Portions are medium size by Chicago standards but capacious by comparison with what one might expect at a Trattoria in Italy. Presumably this is a concession to the Chicago predilection for massive portions and a resulting full belly... 2.) The menu has many selections and they are from several different regions in the north part of the country and cover a range of seasonality. This is quite different from what I would expect at a Trattoria in Italy where the immediate local, seasonal fare is what is normally offered. Again it would seem that this is a nod to expectations in Chicago. What is truly astonishing is that despite the long menu and relatively large portions I have yet to see the quality falter even across multiple choices from the menu. Pastas are fine and always perfectly "al dente." Vegetables and greens are always fresh and never overcooked. Fish and meats are delicious and beautifully prepared. Service is breezy and professional, not fawning or too personal. The decor is upscale and attractive but not formal or stuffy. This is a great place for a first date, a special family dinner, or a business meal when you want to impress with good food and a lack of pretense.

Philip N.

My friends tell me I have good taste. And I was happy to discover this little trattoria in Lincoln Park. The folks around me were speaking Italian. I don't know if that makes this authentic, but I certainly felt like I was someplace other than Chicago and sometimes that's just a good thing, particularly in te dead of winter. The food is the best Italian that I've had. It seems authentic and I hear that the chef worked at Bice but I can't verify that. Regardless, the pasta is perfectly cooked; the sauces are from scratch and the fish isn't over cooked.

Lionel K.

Best Italian we've found in Chicago. As Europeans, so much Italian here is "American" and while that has its fans, we're not. But Riccardo has very good, fresh ingredients, well prepared (often simply). Atmosphere and service good whenever we've been although it is a Trattoria so quite informal, which may explain why some think it's pricey - I think it is great value for the meal quality. Only small quibble is that the portions tend to be too large, at least for us Europeans! But we've learned to share an appetizer so no harm done! If you are looking for Chicago Italian, head elsewhere but if your crave what you might find in a good Trat. in Milan or Bologna, I recommend it.

Finbar K.

dario is the best waiter in there. I go every other week and i love this place. you have to try the gnocci

Oskee W.

We expected great things from Riccardo Trattoria based on the reviews here and elsewhere. While not horrible overall, definitely not great. First for what worked: the Grilled Scamorza and Speck was great. the speck paired beautifully with the grilled scamorza, which was cooked to a golden brown. Think an italian version of saganaki. But then what did not work: the grilled calamari were overdone, making it too chewy. the crushed potato it came with was rather pointless. You did not get much of the grilled flavor and meaty texture of a good grilled calamari. Instead it was chewy and rubbery. Then the saffron risotto with veal meatballs. This should have been the highlight, but instead it was a lowlight. To begin with, the risotto was underdone, making the rice chewy. It should be silky smooth. It had the consistency of a macaroni and cheese. Then the carbonara was just OK. Nothing too great, but compared to the risotto, much better. Perhaps the meat and fish dishes would be better, but unfortunately, not sure we want to try when there are plenty of restaurants that are getting it right (Cibo Matto comes to mind).

Charles G.

Excellent food, authentic atmosphere and great service all at a reasonable price.

Catherine B.

Wonderful atmosphere - generally an older crowd the night we were there for dinner. The food was very good - I liked my orrechette (spelling?) pasta, and my fiance liked his linguine with seafood and red sauce. They brought us complimentary bruschetta as soon as we sat down, which was a nice touch. The place is BYO, but they also have a liquor license. The $10 corkage fee was reasonable, in my opinion. Very small place, and great dinner experience!

Megan T.

Riccardo Trattoria gets it right! Comfortable atmosphere, top notch authentic Italian food, great wine list and relaxed service. By far my favorite Italian restaurant in the city. I have been here at least 5-6 times and it has always been a memorable experience.

Donna J.

if i could i would give the place 3.5 stars. went here for a friend's birthday and the service was great. dante is a very competent and friendly waitor who served our party well. we tried so many things on the menu and there were some greats and some not-so-greats. bruschetta on the house- you better not be messing this up.... Burrata & culatello- excellent, the mozzarella was perfect Honeycomb Tripe Florentine- delicious Black Mussels Livornese- boring Grilled stuffed calamari filled w/ lobster & crab meat, bell pepper coulis- delicious, calamari was tender and filling complemented well Goose Agnolotti- so good Porcini Mushroom Risotto w/ truffle oil- favorite of the night, heavenly scent of truffles and extra delicious Spaghetti Carbonara- perfectly cooked, al dente, and not too rich Orecchiette with wild boar sausage, rapini, sun-dried tomato and pecorino cheese- dry, very underwhelming, esentially has no sauce on it. dante says it's the most popular dish, but it's unclear why. the sausage is crumbled into tiny bits, not what i expected. Pappardelle "Florentine" w/ diced beef tender ragout/porcini/chianti sauce- better than the orecchiette with good noodles. Filet Mignon "Battuta"- didn't taste but husband did not enjoy at all. he did not finish it. Veal "Ossobuco" braised w/ tomato, vegetable sauce, served w/ Saffron risotto- 2nd favorite dish of the night. excellent and the saffron risotto was a perfect pairing. there may have been a few other dishes we tried, but i can't remember and they must not have been that good or i would've recalled them. the wine was excellent, but that was probably due to the fact that we were dining with a sommelier. would possibly give them another chance, but won't make a point of taking other people there or recommending. if i was to go for an occasion with friends, i wouldn't object and now i know what to order.

L S.

I love this place. They have a huge menu for being such a small kitchen. The daily specials are always solid and the Burrata cheese appetizer is a good choice.

Marissa D.

truly fantastic italian food - the way it should be served. we went here with a large group this past saturday and had a wonderful time. the appetizers, bread, and entrees were delicious. i had the prawns and scallops (which were wrapped in bacon), and i sampled the veal milanese which was fantastic. the only thing that let me down were the desserts. the apple pie was good, but the special pear dessert and the panna cotta were not to my liking. however, everyone else at the table seemed to really enjoy these things. definitely make a reservation. there is no room at the front to wait, and it seems to always be crowded. i will definitely be back and will probably order the veal milanese - i can't wait!

rachel g.

I feel very torn about this restaurant! These days (to me), service is as important as the food! They started off very well, but by the end of our meal, both me and my boyfriend were so annoyed with the lack of service, that we were ready to walk out. We had forgotten how terrifically delicious the food had been because we were so frustrated with the serving staff. BOTTOM LINE: If you have three hourse to spare for a four course meal, eat at Riccardo Trattoria. The food is awesome, the restaurant itself is very tight quarters, and the service is downright awful. If you're under the age of 40, be prepared to be ignored.

D F.

I can see where some of the negative reviews are coming from, but my one experience there was good, and I'm an easy grader, so I'll go for 4 stars. The service was spotty, and the table was tiny (we didn't have a rez, though, so it was nice of them to accommodate us even with a tiny table). I was surprised how bright they kept it inside--dimmer lighting would have improved the ambiance. As for the food, I had a shrimp and scallop entree that I really really liked. One person in my group got quail or something, which I didn't think was a good choice and I didn't even try. We had calamari appetizer which was excellent. I think my favorite part about this place is the menu--there were a lot of really good looking and unique choices--it's not just a pasta place at all--so it was hard to pick just one thing. I would go back just to try some more choices off the menu, but I wouldn't go on a night that I was really in the mood for great service or a really comfortable setting. I think for us with tip and everything it was around $40/person. You could certainly get away with spending less there.

Erin A.

Came here on a Sunday evening with my parents without a reservation and were seated right away (at 5:30 ish) but it's a very small place and it filled up quickly so I would make a reservation in the future. Decor is great, I love the room. Service was very good and I felt like the time between appetizer/dinner/dessert was nicely spaced. I had the lobster/crab ravioli and it was amazing, I could have eaten two! The molten chocolate cake was delicious and I cannot wait to go back!

Peter S.

I have been hearing about Riccardo Trattoria for quite some time. Most of what I had heard were high compliments for the restaurant and I had been looking forward to trying it. I finally had the chance to dine there and as someone who dines out a lot, I have to say I was disappointed. The restaurant is small, but not intimate. I lived in Italy for a couple of years and I was surprised by the lack of warmth from the staff as I always find Italians to be some of the most friendly people. Nobody asked us about our meal nor thanked us for coming (either on the way in or exiting). We did notice that the staff had some regular customers coming in who they greeted as old friends. The pasta was good, but not outstanding. The beef dish I had was so bland that I had to pour salt and pepper on it. When the waiter collected my plate, he asked if I was done, but not whether I enjoyed the meal. There are a lot of reasons to head to Lincoln Park. However, this restaurant would not be one of them in my opinion. I would have been happier at Piccolo Sogno or Mia Francesca's.

Kyle P.

Great place. The food and the service were great. The owner is always there and walks around to make sure everything is right. Expensive because you will drink to much wine but good time

Andrew H.

Fine Italian cuisine in a casual atmosphere. This little gem in Lincoln Park seats no more than 30 patrons. Some tables are a little tight-fitting but the decor and furnishings give the whole restaurant a warm, inviting ambiance. When I walked in, the manager/owner(?) greeted me with a handshake. The hostess was also very affable and quite easy on the eyes. Service fit the casual atmosphere more so than the fine food we ate. No one seems to be in a rush, everyone is drinking and enjoying their company. We were ready to place our orders well in advance of our waiter and had to ask for water refills at times. Not a big deal on this night, but if you're in a hurry, perhaps not the place to come. That being said, our waiter was very knowledgeable and was very helpful in giving descriptions and recommendations. Food. The free bruschetta at the beginning of the course was satisfying - tomatoes very fresh and light. Table bread followed suit and came in two different varieties. I would have preferred the EVOO to come in a nonmarked bottle, but they use the actual labeled bottle. Appetizers: The veal ricotta meatballs in spicy tomato sauce were juicy with a little hint of heat from the sauce. The ricotta and small size of the meatballs kept them from being dry, a meatball's worst nightmare. The grilled calamari stuffed with lobster and crab meat was spectacular. Imagine calamari without the flavor-hiding breading and stuffed with a lobster/crab spread. I ordered the Fettuccine Aragosta w half Maine lobster, lobster meat, and spicy Imperial sauce. I didn't really feel the heat but that aside, the flavors were on point. Lobster chunks in addition to the intact claw and tail. The fettuccine isn't one of their homemade pastas but still imported fresh -- the difference between fresh al dente pasta and dry pasta is immeasurable. The sauce was light and not overly creamy, a worry of mine when ordering fettuccine. Portion size was a little smaller than expected. I also tried a bit of the risotto with prawns and artichokes. The risotto was not cooked as soft as I like but the hearty flavors allowed me to overlook it. I don't usually think of combining shrimp with artichokes but the combo worked well together. Dessert: the panna cotta with passion fruit coulis was heavenly (although I haven't eaten any panna cotta that I haven't liked). Adding real passion fruit would take it to the next level. The tiramisu was of the light and fluffy variety. A good way to end the meal.

Jeff K.

We had a nice meal here this week, Saturday night with a 9 o'clock seating. There is a single room and it is quite energetic, but everyone was having a good time. The food is delicious, the service impeccable, at least that was our experience. We both had the Tasting Menu selection, which is right-priced at $32 and includes a glass of Prosecco. My grilled calamari was fantastic. The entrees were very good and the right size. I ahd the Tagliatele Bolognese and Pam had the Veal Scallopini....delicious. Desserts were also great. The best Tiramisu I have ever had. At the end of the night, we sat back and said, "This reminds us of that tiny restaurant in Pienza we enjoyed so much on our Italian bike trip." When a restaurant can evoke such a great memory, it is definitely noteworthy. We will return here often when we want to have authentic Italian fare.

Jack C.

Good Service. Food : Just OK.

Meredith B.

I can't believe I didn't write a review of this place....maybe I wasn't on yelp yet. In fairness, I went here in 2008, but it was such a memorable meal that I'm still thinking about it! Very fitting for my 200th review! Here's what I wrote, elsewhere, about this restaurant: I went with friends to this very small and authentic restaurant. Most people who work there seem to be Italian, which made the experience more fun and exciting. The room was small, cozy, and intimate. We really enjoyed our fruity and fresh bottle of wine, and the complimentary appetizer that was brought to everyone (a fresh bruschetta each!) We ordered a cheese plate, which came with toasted baguettes. The waiter was knowledgeable about the cheese options, so we were very satisfied with everything that we had selected. We also enjoyed the bread basket and the fruity olive oil that came with it. But my entree....it was OUTSTANDING. As soon as it was put in front of me, the smell was so incredible that I could hardly stand it. I was reminded immediately that this is the difference between a good restaurant and a great one - the instant exceeding of my expectations, and food that was clearly prepared with so much care. The portion was reasonably sized (compared to like, Olive Garden-type places) and I finished every bite. The gnocchi melted in my mouth - it was the softest gnocchi I have ever had. The meaty sauce was rich, sumptuous, flavorful, and tender. The overall effect of the dish was perfection; I even ran my finger around the bowl so as not to miss the slightest bit of extra sauce. I would LOVE to come here again and try another entree!!

Kai R.

I would like to give this place 4 stars, but I can't. Food - this is the real deal. The menu is very extensive and all of the dishes are amazing. The food here is VERY good (and I know Italian food). Room - small restaurant, no more than 15-20 tables. My biggest complaint is the tables are very small. Service - the service is a bit gruff to be honest. Our waiter wasn't that helpful and he never refilled our wine glasses. Yes, the food is amazing and this place is worth checking out, but there are some shortcommings...

Tony W.

This restaurant is amazing! The food is honest and not pretentious, and makes you feel like you are eating in Italy. The service and atmosphere are great and only adds to the feel of authenticity. Definitely worth checking out.

Larisa O.

My parents have been going here since it opened, and when they invite me, I'm always thrilled to join. The European waiters are great, and the menu is always so interesting. It's always a struggle deciding what to order. It is really Italian gourmet. It's pretty sophisticated fare. This restaurant will never let you down. It's full of old-timers, but a very romantic place for a dimly-lit, elegant date night.

Stephanie W.

Yum, yum, yum! Everything on the menu looks good, and everything my family ordered was excellent. It's a little pricey, but if you've got the dough to spend, definitely go for it. The wine list is fabulous. We ordered the Cambaccio, a 70% Sangiovese and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon blend, and it was unbelievable. For dinner: the black summer truffle risotto is mind blowing, and the spaghetti carbonara was everything I could have wanted. My mom's swordfish and my sister's fettuccine bolognese were also great. I didn't try the dishes of the rest of my family, but they all said they were very pleased. For dessert: order the cioccolatissimo, a tiny chocolate lava cake that comes out warm and gooey and perfect. I was already full by the time dessert came around, but I just couldn't help myself. One of my favorite places to swing by every time I visit Chicago (home), and the service is always great.

Katie T.

Riccardo was highly recommended to me and I've had the opportunity to have two dining experiences there. The first time was during Restaurant week and I think I was led awry a bit and didn't order things that I was particularly interested in consuming. That or I'm too used to associating Italian food with Buca Di Beppo and Macaroni Grill that the flavors/vibe from Riccardo just didn't seem to compute for me. I got the pumpkin ravioli which was really good but didn't have much sauce so you were really going for the pure flavor of the pumpkin and the freshly made ravioli. The dessert was panna cotta and although delicious was a bit light. The second time I was a lot more satisfied with my choices and the meal in general. Their truffle risotto was rich and delicious, tiramisu light fluffy and just right and the starter of the sepia done just right. I think its important to note that Riccardo is very much about the ingredients that they use to create the dishes so don't expect huge portions or lots of flavor; do expect pure, natural flavors, attention to detail and an extensive/authentic menut.

Gary C.

The first thing I noticed was the excellent quality of bread being served, crispy golden crust and a soft interior just waiting for a dunk in some virgin olive oil. Riccardo's offers an extensive menu plus a full daily sheet of specials and a three course tasting menu at $33. We had 2 starters; the first was the Asparagus soup: an A+ for flavor, consistency and presentation. The second was a very generous sized mixed grilled sausage plate with about 4 different types of sausage, I'm not sure if they are house made but all were good. For our main course we choose Spaghetti Carbonara - with bacon, egg yolk and pecorino cheese, another A+ and the pasta tasted home made. Next up was the Veal Chop topped with prosciutto & fontina with butter & sage, the chop was over the top in flavor and could easily been shared. We will be back; I found too many things on the menu I'd like to try. One nice touch that I don't see often even in the small restaurants - Chef Riccardo was in the dinning room several times during the course of the evening, greeting and checking on his customers. A small thing - but shows commitment to his customers and his establishment.

Vic C.

Excellent ambiance. Excellent service. Phenomenal food. If you've ever spent any time in Italy and want to feel like your back, then this is an absolute must. Reasonably priced for the value.

Char Y.

We came for restaurant week tasting menu, and were very impressed with the large section of items. We ordered 1st choice Finocchiona e crostini toscani - interesting in an irony way calamari ripieni con granchio e aragosta - gigantic and super delicious! trippa alla fiorentina - could be better than the one I had in Florence insalatina tricolore con capirno 2nd choice gnocchi bava - super delicious! risotto alla pescatora - full of seafood scottadito di aguello - huge lamb chops orecchiette con salsiccia di cinghiale e cimerape - taste ok 3rd choice tiramisu - great apple pie panna cotta - wow Cioccolatissimo Everything was in good portions and very delicious. I wish I have a trattoria like this near my house! On a side note, their bread basket is divine with good selections of foccacia bread freshly baked! To say that I felt like sleeping afterward is an understatement, but this is well made Italian food!

Josh G.

My wife and I had a pleasant dinner at Riccardo. But the cost of the meal was a bit too high for my taste, and we were left wanting for a true italian experience. We started with the fried vegetables and fava beans in truffle oil appetizers. The vegetables were delicious but closely resembled tempura. We were not expecting that and did not want to spend the calories on it. The fava beans were served raw, with parmesan and truffle oil. They were good, but the portion was small and, just like the tempura style dish, did not really say "Italian". We next had the tuna and flounder entrees. Both were delicious. If this were the entire meal, I'd give the place 4+ stars. The wine was good, but at $9 a glass (is that the new normal!), I'd expect a more generous pour.

Blake H.

THIS PLACE WAS BOMB-ASS. not only was gwyneth paltrow photographed there in december, but i went for restaurant week. and will be going again. got the tripe (my first time), the scallops, and i think the best dessert i had during restaurant week (a molten chocolate lava thing). the boss-man was awesome & super italian, as were the waiters. the cuisine was authientic italiano, as were the the other diners. super cute and really fun and i will be back for suresies.

Anne K.

This was the one of the best, most unpretentious dining experiences I've ever had. From the lightly fried calamari, Orecchiette with wild boar sausage/rapini/sun-dried tomato and pecorino, to the Grilled Mixed Seafood Platter with salmoriglio & fresh lemon, everything was cooked to perfection. Riccardo and his staff were attentive and made us feel like family. Top off your evening with the the limoncello and tiramisu, yum!

Lon T.

Great spot for Italian in Lincoln Park. Riccardo and his staff do a very nice job of making you feel like they appreciate your business. Our appetizers of amazing mozzarella & prosciutto and baked Focaccina di Recco hit the spot. We then had Fettuccine Bolognese, veal Saltimbocca and the Filet "Battuta" Beef tenderloin. Everything was excellent and I'm looking forward to my next visit.

Dayne K.

This place is so lovely. I went here for a first date and it was the absolutely perfect place for that. I arrived a little bit early for my reservation and the table was already ready but I was waiting for my date to arrive As I did, everyone walking out the door was raving to the host about how amazing it was, how it reminded them of their last trip to Milan, they can't wait to come back..etc. I was pretty much drooling by the time I sat down at my table and I was not disappointed. The place is pretty small, so the tables are close together so you can hear bits of other people's conversations and laughter (not so much that its annoying though) that combined with the warm low lighting give the restaurant a very intimate vibe. It kind of feels like a private party. The food. The menu has so many amazing sounding choices I almost cried when I had to choose just one entree. I got a pasta off of the specials side (full page!) with mushrooms and truffle stuff (im not real technical with the food lingo sorry) and every time I took a bite it was so heavenly I didn't even want to chew I just wanted to sit there and cradle it in my mouth like it was a little baby. Portion size was perfect, not to big or small. (even though I could literally eat gallons of the stuff) My dates food was ridiculous! it was a giant bowl of pasta with pretty much a modest aquarium worth of seafood on it. The mussels were cooked perfectly, not too sea watery and there were these baby octupus or squid things in there and they were so yummy and tender you can just pop the whole thing in your mouth, tentacles and all. I wanted dessert so bad but I was too full :( For a bottle of wine, 1 appetizer and 2 dinners it was almost exactly 100. Worth every cent, I would definitely go back, alot, I would by the house next door... yah so good.

Melissa M.

Awesome Italian food! Decided to order from the tasting menu because you can't go wrong with a starter, entree, dessert & glass of prosecco for $33! Plus, there were plenty of options to choose from. I started with the prosciutto with melon, then had the fettucine bolognese, and finished with some lemon and peach sorbet. My entree, by far, was my favorite item. Homemade fettucine with an amazing sauce caused me to clear my plate completely. The restaurant itself is fairly small so I'd recommend making a reservation to ensure a table. The service was great, but a tad a slow. Can't wait to go back and try some of the other items on the menu that looked just as good.

Amanda A.

You must RUN to Riccardo Trattoria...because they'll be rolling you out once you finish your meal. I cannot remember the last time I finished my entire first and second courses---and most of my dessert. I ate here when they first opened a few years ago, but didn't dine here again until their generous Restaurant Week offerings lured me back to Lincoln Park on Saturday night. I began with the grilled calamari stuffed with crab/lobster, dove into the gnocchi bava (the fluffiest gnocchi I've had in ages, peeking from a fabulous creamy tomato sauce w/fontina cheese), and attempted to eat the apple pie in its entirety (a happy failure). Seriously, I didn't eat a full meal again until Monday. The waitstaff displayed just the right amount of attentiveness, and the atmosphere was pleasantly jovial. Pure food euphoria.

Drew W.

Really looking for a good meal here and was disappointed.... First, service-wow, totally disinterested. Not real comfortable with the menu, we TRIED to order a second bottle for our entrees. Hard to get a wine list (since he had zero inclination to suggest a wine when we finally managed to flag him down and ask), next to impossible to get an order, finally at halfway through our entrees we gave up an told him to forget it. Felt like we were totally ignored at times. Bread, never refilled, HEAVY push on 'selling" bottled water. Food- Short ribs-inedible Spaghetti carbonara, salty as can be-virtullly no pork flavor. Veal Ravioli-good, not great Gnocchi-bland and yet salty again Octopus-bland Fava Beans-Great, best dish we had Starwberry Gelato-okay Orricehtti-probably best dish we had Chocolate lava cake, filling good, cake-meh.... For such a small room and all the hustling the staff does, you would think service would have been better. Menu is huge, and confusing with a giant list of specials, don't expect the waiter to guide you or make any suggestions. Wine list small by comparison, and expensive. One Chianti at $78? Really.

Alicia C.

Loved the wine selection. Friendly service too. Nothing from my meals here have stood out as memorable. All solid dishes but nothing that knocked my socks off. Had a good couple of red bottles.

Anastasia L.

Tiramisu was melting in my mouth. Mmmm, besides that tomato soup was good, but my opinion this place too small and overpriced. Nice waiter staff.