Preservation Bread & Wine Menu

  • Salads
  • Soups
  • Cold Sandwiches
  • Warm Sandwiches
  • Small Bites
  • Crostini
  • Flat Bread Pizza
  • Savory Bites
  • Cheese Plates
  • Charcuterie
  • Desserts

Healthy Meal suggestions for Preservation Bread & Wine

  • Salads
  • Soups
  • Cold Sandwiches
  • Warm Sandwiches
  • Small Bites
  • Crostini
  • Flat Bread Pizza
  • Savory Bites
  • Cheese Plates
  • Charcuterie
  • Desserts

Visit below restaurant in Geneva for healthy meals suggestion.

  • Kari G.

    This place is delicious! We were visiting Geneva 2 years ago from out of town and were here on a Sunday and unfortunately Preservation was closed. Thankfully, this time, when we popped in for lunch on a Saturday, it was open. We were greeted by the owner, who was so friendly and upbeat and passionate about his food and wine. My husband (who is a vegetarian) and I split the grilled vegetable sandwich with a cup of squash soup, the mushroom tart and the spinach and artichoke bread pudding. All delicious! The only thing that was a little odd was the pine nut tart. Not bad, but just a weird combo of flavors for my liking. The bottle of white wine was excellent. My husband knows his wine and was so excited to see this bottle, which was unique and different and not easy to find. We will definitely come back here the next time we visit Geneva!!

    (5)
  • Jeremy A.

    Great, friendly & knowledgable service. Delicious food with perfect wine pairings. Nice outdoor seating. Ideal for lunch or taking a break from shopping. Hidden gem!

    (5)
  • Kate H.

    My fiancé and I dined here recently, and LOVED it! We consider ourselves foodies, and found everything to be top notch. We had their meat platter, cheese platter, French onion soup, and a couple of their dishes in ceramic bowls (duck cassoulet, OMG! So good!)! Fine dining quality food, but in a cozy, home style, and approachable format. We will be back for sure!

    (5)
  • Shannon M.

    It's a good idea to make a reservation for dinner at this tiny place. Even on a week night it filled up quickly. The atmosphere is cozy and dim; huddle up with your wine for a chat with your dining companion. Our waitress was efficient and very knowledgeable about the wines (I had questions about a couple of the reds, i.e. which would have a "smoother" finish -- she recommended one, but brought samples of two for me to try. The recommendation was the one I preferred.) Preservation serves dishes tapas-style, so lots of little plates. We started with the European cheese plate (generous for two people); perhaps even more enjoyable than the cheeses were the watermelon rind pickles and beet-ginger chutney that offset them. Their special that night was flatbread pizzas; when I first came in and was waiting for my companion, I'd started talking with the people beside me, who'd ordered the duck flatbread pizza and were raving about it. I must admit it would never occur to me to get this...but then my companion suggested we get it. The duck added a rich counterpoint to sweet caramelized onions and the crisp bread. An unusual dish. We also ordered the dish of macaroni and cheese, but this was a sort of strange excecution: large shells (say an inch), with the cheese sauce sort of underneath them, so the mass had to be mixed...it just didn't do it for me, though my companion (who had dined here before) had recommended it specially. The mounting tapas plates were a bit challenging to arrange on our itty-bitty table, but our waitress swung by at convenient times to help relieve us. Overall, there were some adventurous dishes, but I can't say it was the best tapas I have ever had. Still, good service, adventurous food and many more items on the menu. You can preserve this one in your memory as a possibility.

    (4)
  • Bernice R.

    ((clap... clap.... clap, clap, clap, clap....)) That's right, Preservation Bread & Wine, you get a slow clap for being so awesome. What rich foods and defined wines you have?!? My lamb meatloaf sandwich, coupled with a lovely medium bodied red wine, which by the way was randomly picked by our waiter- shout out to Alex, were delectable! Equally important, the entire staff was courteous, prompt, and easy going! Seriously, you can't beat that! As for the ambiance and atmosphere? LOVE IT! It's alright for small groups but truly ideal for intimate dates or one-on-one get togethers with good friends! This place does get crowded, but it has this charm that's makes it okay. Anyway, you PB&W, you got yourself a new patron! See you in the near future!

    (5)
  • Kristina U.

    Awesome place for lunch; my husband and I have started to come here regularly. I wish they would get more vegetarian options though, especially the soups; I've always had a hard time finding those with vegetable broth. I forgot to ask about the base in the soups last time and had the cheddar, it was delicious, but now I cannot have it as it is made with chicken broth. :/

    (4)
  • Deanna C.

    This place is great! I went with my husband and our two friends who are from wicker park and up on all the trendy city places. We all loved it. We sat in the back on the "patio" it was pretty closed in but still nice. Food was exceptional we each chose a small plate and shared. Had good wine too! Also brought our 3 month old baby and didn't have any problems. Service was great -even when I asked for a cup of ice for my red wine just a tad pricey

    (4)
  • Bob S.

    Watch your bills closely!! My daughter went there and was tricked into a second bottle of wine - one that was much more expensive than the first. Today, my wife found a surprise $10 charge on her bill. Check your bills closely.

    (1)
  • Timothy S.

    Preservation is solid! First, I know this makes me sound really douchey, but I had no idea there was this kind of stuff in out here. I'm an urbanophile through and through, but I was amazed at how cute and dense downtown Geneva actually is. This place could easily fit in any yuppie neighborhood of a major city. The cocktails are simple enough not to be pretentious, but still full of flavor. The food really shines, from the perfectly-smoky tomato-bacon soup (served with awesome homemade brioche) to the short rib pie, which is the staff favorite, for a good reason. And the service was prompt and friendly, which is not something I'm accustomed to after two years on the west coast. This was another excellent Yelp find by my wife, and I know I'll get a craving for it again the next time we're in Geneva...but with so many cute shops and restaurants there, we'll have to force ourselves to try something new!

    (4)
  • Victoria C.

    I was so impressed with this place! The ambiance is cozy - a tad romantic - and sophisticated. The waiter we had was extremely knowledgeable and personable. We ordered wine, beer, cheese sampler and bread. Everything on the menu sounded fantastic, I will be back to try more things! Great little spot by the train

    (4)
  • Doris S.

    Amazing food. Server was Matt and he was very tentative but still laid back and knowledgable about menu. Very small and quaint place with great ambiance...French Malbec.. (Who knew?) was delicious ....European cheese dish- MMMMMMM! Loved my polenta dish and focaccia sandwich. flatbread was amazing. My brothers loved the pulled pork and tomatillo chicken. Would definitely return!!!!

    (5)
  • Joselyn H.

    I LOVE Preservation! When i visit my bro in Geneva we always make a stop here. Its very tiny, so get there early if you want to snag a table. In nice weather they have a patio out back which provides additional room for seating..yay! Great wine selection and they do a good job with cocktails too (and i'm a serious cocktail snob). What really keeps me coming back though is the food! THe cheese and charcuterie plates are well executed. Very generous portions and I live the sides that accompany them (picked veg and such). My fav is the spanish charcuterie plate. Also a big fan of lots of the small plates i've eaten. Too many to list but one recent stand out was the falafel (who would have thought?) -the honey tiziki sauce is insane. If you live nearby or happen to find yourself in Geneva...come check this place out!

    (5)
  • Maria P.

    Randomly stopped in here for lunch with my friend yesterday and we loved our meal. We split the andouille sausage and potato salad and the spinach artichoke bread pudding--very unique lunches that were so tasty, I am going to try to recreate the dishes at home! My friend had a glass of riesling and liked it and i had coffee, which was excellent. We were too full for dessert but smelled the pies or tarts that the table next to us had and they smelled delicious. We also loved the screened in patio --it's a very cozy and modern atmosphere--can be a good date night place or just with friends or family. Definitely worth a trip and my next time in Geneva will be split between this place and A Toda Madre (see that review too), depending on what I am in the mood for!

    (5)
  • Clara T.

    Okay, rarely does something get 5 stars for me on yelp. After going to school for Hospitality Management, having high standards is a norm. But, everything from the service to the food was a home run hit. They of course have an extensive wine list, with wines from all over. The menu is made to share, think tapas. We had the short rib pie which is amazing! Definitely qualifies as a wonderful last meal. The shaved asparagus soup was okay, not a huge fan of asparagus but good none the less. And we had the Italian sausage flatbread. It tastes fresh, and had a kiss of lemon which complemented the arugula quite nicely. Our server was attentive and knowledgable. And it seemed like everyone around us were regulars...for good reason! Will definitely be visiting again.

    (5)
  • Michael S.

    This wonderful establishment has become one of my (our) absolute favorites, especially important in Geneva where we have so many options. Torn between the charm of the room(s), the fabulous menu, the perfect wine list, or managements stellar approach to the dining experience. Everything here works. Every time here seems to get better. I can't wait for my next visit.

    (5)
  • David P.

    Unfortunately, we have to give this place one star. My wife and I visited here and were so disappointed with the way we were talked to that we walked out before ordering My wife and I never ever thought of walking out of any restaurant We were told that the food was freshly prepared and that it was encouraged that we have conversations with the folks sitting near us. We weren't really interested in that since we were on our anniversary and wanted to talk to each other. We were also told that TV was discouraged so we felt we would be looked down upon if we looked at our wedding videos on our tablet which is what we wanted to do. When we went to order our food, I asked if I could have my sandwich made possibly with a couple other veggies on it and was told that they preferred that I ordered the sandwich the way they made it. I asked why since I thought the sandwiches were made fresh and they said they mostly premake them. They also reiterated that they prefer we order the sandwich the way it is made and their tone was highly condescending I looked at my wife and she was shocked and I could see she was uncomfortable about being there So, we walked out. My wife and I laughed about it because it was so surprising how the place was.

    (1)
  • Alethia H.

    Loved it! Short rib pie was recommended by our waiter and he was spot on. French onion soup and the pastrami sandwich were also hits with my husband and I.

    (5)
  • Patrick G.

    Just had the lamb meatloaf sandwich. I was afraid it would be too heavy but it was really a clever sandwich. The meatloaf is cut thin so as not to be overbearing, then set on an almost pillowy light foccacia (which I also feared would be too heavy, but was perfect). The heartiness of the meatloaf was balanced delicately with the tanginess of a soft cheese and the bright sourness of preserved lemon. Can't wait to try another one in 2 weeks (have to come to Geneva from work).

    (5)
  • Susan S.

    I had no idea that this little gem of a restaurant even existed. Stopped there for lunch with 3 friends. We each ordered different sandwich plates and shared. Heavenly food, drinks, and staff. We loved this place and will definitely go back...a lot! My new favorite place! Sort of want to keep it a secret, so I won't have to stand in line waiting for a table like other places!

    (5)
  • Deena P.

    I went here a couple of weeks ago and never got around to writing a review. I came in alone at an odd hour (kind of between lunch and dinner). Had a beautiful heirloom tomato salad and a pastrami sandwich. Also, had a glass of wine. Everything was very tasty. I felt comfortable and the staff were very friendly and informative. I will definitely return and try the charcutarie and cheese plates along with wine. I'll also recommend it.

    (4)
  • Enzo D.

    After reading all of the fantastic reviews, I finally made it to this place. The ambiance is fabulous, the level of customer service is superb, but the food is a bit disappointing. The pastrami sandwich lacked taste and the soup was just okay. I think a nice piece of crusty bread to accompany the soup would've be great. Unfortunately my group of friends all felt the same about this place.

    (3)
  • Ceal P.

    4 solid stars. Took a small side trip to geneva this weekend and was surprised of the cute food selections available and preservation was one of them!! It was a chilly Thurs evening, so 3rd street was kind of empty but preservation was hoppin'. We got there at 7pm and snagged the last 2 top, the bar was full. The space is small, so get there early for a spot. The wines: we ordered by the glass.. they are pricy glasses for the quality of wine but there is a big selection if you're looking for a good bottle. The food: was fantastic! we really enjoyed all the food we ordered but here's a breakdown. Loved: - Beef cheek salad: they said it is a new item on their menu and I think it's a hit. The salad itself was a bit overdressed, but the meat was under seasoned so together they flavored well. Great salad option! - Charcuterie plate: we went for the non-spanish one, which included speck ham (italy), elk sausage (my fav, from US) and duck proscuitto (can't go wrong with duck proscuitto) - Wild mushroom tart: smeared with just a big of goat cheese, you can't go wrong here, great dish! Service was good and personable. Overall a great experience, would def return if we were ever in this neck of the woods again!

    (4)
  • Linda K.

    yeah, I get it: BREAD is in the name of the place and I'm strictly gluten free. But my friend and I wanted to check it out considering that we live in the cultural wasteland of Batavia. I REALLY wanted to like this place but there was absolutely nothing on the menu for the gluten free foodie. C'mon.... SO MANY people are gluten free now, why can't restaurants in the Fox Valley accomodate us? I just came back from California where ordering gluten free is not a problem. We each ended up ordering a salad plus a cheese platter. The salad (butter lettuce and citrus) was adequate but I've had better. The cheese platter came with bread but I brought my own gluten free chips to eat with the cheese. My friend and I both thought they were a bit skimpy on the cheese. Chez Moi in Geneva has better portions of cheese in their platters PLUS extras on the side like olives, figs, nuts, etc. Not so with the cheese platter at PB&W. I am also vegetarian and there weren't a lot of veggie dishes -- really wanted to try the tomato soup but it had bacon in it. We ordered a bottle of Malbec that was good, but over all the wine is pricey. Won't be going back.

    (2)
  • Justin V.

    Great staff and even better food! Geneva has a few gems and this is one of the Diamonds! I have been several times and had most everything on the menu. Everything is fantastic and great old fashion drinks for those who don't drink wine. DO NOT SKIP DESSERT Chocolate espresso Tart and share a glass of the dessert wine(can't for the life of me remember what it is called but Alex can help with that) They are doing such a great job at this place it's a must visit

    (5)
  • Lisa F.

    Delicious! Loved every bite! Will be back for sure! Had the tomatillo chicken and my husband had the short rib pie. Both were fabulous.

    (5)
  • Bev G.

    I was looking forward to trying this place as it speaks to everything I love about dining. The service was impeccable as was the wine paired with the small tastings. We started the night with the trout, fennel and granny smith apple on crostini. We had the Spanish cheese plate and Spanish Charcuterie platter. All three excellent; especially with my glass of Viognier. We then moved on to the Wild Mushroom Tart and the Short Rib casserole. I order a glass of Coutes de Rohn to go with them and it was perfect! We finished the night with the two desserts they offer; Bread pudding and chocolate espresso tart. Both excellent. I can't wait to go back again. There is just so much more to try!

    (5)
  • Nicole C.

    We've been here twice now and though it's a cute spot to hang out and have a glass of wine, it really stays true to its name - there's not much more than just bread and wine. The menu is a little hard to navigate, I feel like there should be a little more of a demarcation between the different kinds of plates (I.e. "cheeseplates," "appetizers," "casseroles," etc) or at least explain that it's all small, tapas style dishes - you have to order 2-3 per person. I guess we felt it was kind of lacking in good dishes to choose from for dinner; it was all more like snack food. The French Onion Soup was pretty good though and my husband liked the brisket style cassarole, I guess you just have to be prepared that it's not your traditional style meals but rather various things to share with no sides. European cheese plate was also pretty good, but it only came with pickled watermelon or pickled beats, neither of which I thought complemented the cheeses at all (what happened to some marcona almonds, maybe some jam or honeycomb, grapes or something tasty with a little variety)? Overall, a somewhat sexy spot that Geneva needs more of (small though so make a reservation), but some organization in the food department would make it great!

    (3)
  • L D.

    Love the smoked turkey sandwich and French onion soup. Everything I've tried over a dozen trips had been wonderful!

    (5)
  • Nicole H.

    I was very excited to try this place upon seeing the great reviews. Here are the pros: - friendly and attentive staff -Warm intimate dining -delicious duck prosciutto -nice wine list -tasty homemade bread -fresh ingredients -Fast service Cons -A bit to cozy...Tables are very close together. Our wine was almost knocked over twice when a customer seated next to us got up. -Cheese plate, slightly over rated. Not sure I understand how pickled beets and watermelon rinds go w cheese. -prepare to share, this is not a hungry man's meal - loud, seeing that we could hear conversations from both tables inches away. We left feeling a bit conflicted. I wish I could have had a five star experience as reflected by yelp reviews. I just did not leave feeling satisfied after our 50.00 meal. Better luck next time? Maybe.

    (3)
  • Allie M.

    Oh goodness gracious, this place is a wine and tasty small plate lover's dream come true. The wines are fantastic, and pair so well with EVERYTHING. I'm a huge fan of the spanish cheese plate and spanish charcuterie plate- out of this world. Like everyone else said, eat small plate is well executed, balanced, and full of flavor so both my palate and stomach are full after a meal here.

    (5)
  • Danny Y.

    Stopped by for a quick bite en route to a wedding. The food is decent, but it's not good enough to warrant the long drive to geneva from oak brook. We ordered the euro cheese plate, and the spanish meats. It's interesting that they make all their own cheeses, but I care more that it tastes extraordinary. The spicy sausage (?) on the spanish meat was my least favorite, the other 2 were good, but nothing extraordinary. As someone else mentioned, it really is a cute and friendly little place, and prices weren't too outrageous. Good place to have a nice relaxing time.

    (3)
  • Shannon H.

    I absolutely LOVE this place! The first time we walked by and checked out the menu the owner actually came out and talked to us and gave us a menu. The next time we came by for dinner and it was amazing! The food was absolutely fantastic! It's a little on the pricier side because this portions make it almost like a Tapas bar, however it is worth EVERY cent! The wines were also very good, the service was good, and the waitress we had was able to give several good suggestions for wine pairings. All in all this is one of my new favorite restaurants and I cannot wait to go back!

    (5)
  • Dan And Eileen D.

    We gave this a try based on Yelp reviews even though a bit of a drive just for dinner. First observations were great intimate atmosphere, sized for comfort, and just the right level of music and nearby table conversation. Everything started right with a warm welcome, lucky seat by the window and fast start with service, so we had a bottle of Bordeaux Cab-blend within minutes. Since the bakery items get much of the buzz in the reviews, we tried a sampler of breads with an incredible tomato-oil dipping sauce. We decided on sharing eggplant/goat cheese flat bread and a warm sourdough/smoked turkey sandwich with apples/walnuts. Both were presented simply, letting the freshness and subtle complexities shout out for themselves. Every bite was enjoyable. We usually pass on deserts, but were in a mood to continue dining by sharing an espresso tart and an over-the-top bread pudding. The level of quality and amount for food was perfect for a light/later dinner and accentuated by great service. Unfortunately all the bakery items to-go were sold out, so we'll plan to return for lunch next time to get a selection.

    (5)
  • Max M.

    Preservation Bread & Wine is a terrific cozy spot for a glass of wine and some delicious share-able plates.Everything here is made from scratch so be prepared to wait for your food, but you won't be disappointed when it arrives. The Chicken Tomatillo Biscuit is a very clever and creative play on chicken and biscuits. The mac and cheese is pretty tasty version made with large pasta shells. The service is friendly, but things can take a while when the restaurant is full. I definitely want to go back again.

    (4)
  • Lindsay B.

    Enjoyed this cute little spot in downtown Geneva- my reisling was delicious, as were our small plates. The place could definitely feel cramped if it is busy, but it wasn't when we were there. I hope to go back to try dessert another time. Service was also very good.

    (4)
  • Christine P.

    Great place for intimate dinner or wine night. Be prepared to wait if you arrive after 7. One of Geneva's best - I've never been disappointed when dining here. The food is fresh, made in house, and always delicious. The grilled cheese and mac and cheese are two of my favorites. The grilled cheese is served on an amazing brioche, truly a must-try. You can also get any of their breads to go - though the brioche is usually gone by the time I ask for it! The mac and cheese is equally as wonderful, made with shell pasta and a creamy and flavorful cheese sauce. YUM. The staff also give great recommendations on the wines available and food pairings. This place has a great wine list!! My only complaint is that due to the small size of the restaurant, there is usually a long wait (especially if you have more than 2 people in your party.) Even with a reservation, we waited 35 minutes before being seated during our last visit, and there is not much of a waiting area. The owner and staff were very accommodating, though, and offered us wine while we waited. In the end it was well worth it!!

    (4)
  • George M.

    I was really impressed with Preservation Bread and Wine. We went yesterday for their Wednesday night special, and the four of us enjoyed each of the dishes--of course, we tried each others entrees, and each was very tasty. I had the wilted kale salad and the short rib tart, with the bread pudding for dessert. All wonderful. Good wine choices, too. We'll be back.

    (5)
  • Dave B.

    I've only been to this place once, but it was a terrific evening. My wife and I and two friends went here in January. We started with a terrific bottle of wine and the European cheese plate and spanish Charcuterie. Later on, we had another bottle of wine, as well as the mac and cheese, the short rib pie and the tomato bacon soup. All the food was absolutely terrific. The server and host were both extremely nice and knowledgeable. I can't wait to go back!

    (5)
  • Molly M.

    Very good but not what the exceptional reviews would lead you to believe. Tho the wines by the glass were exceptional, the food was ho-hum

    (3)
  • Kate W.

    Post-dinner, my friend & I stopped in for a glass of wine and ended up closing the place down. She'd been here before so the owner recognized her and spent the night recommending delicious wines and being completely charming. We went with reds - super tuscan, bordeaux, pinot noir, and we also tasted something heavenly that one of the waiters had brought in for the owner to try. Every wine we had was wonderful and we learned something about each of them - the owner is so knowledgable and clearly puts a lot of care into creating the list. There were a few groups finishing up their meals when we arrived and another group arrived after we were well into our second glass, and everyone seemed to be delighted with their meals. The atmosphere is inviting and intimate at the same time, sophisticated, and their playlist provides the perfect soundtrack to your night. Everything about this place purrs "leisurely dining experience." Great for a date or a group, anyone who wants to relax, enjoy themselves, and savor deliciousness. If I ever find myself out in the western suburbs again, I'll definitely be back for more.

    (5)
  • Daniele B.

    This was my first time here and yes I will be heading back. I got their $10 lunch. I got the chilled corn soup and their focaccia roasted vegetable sandwich. It was so good. The vegetables were perfect not overload with oil or burnt. The focaccia wasn't tough and chewy nice and soft very flavorful.. The soup had a a lot of flavor as well. Not overload with thickeners either.

    (5)
  • Stephanie H.

    Two years since I wrote the review below, and its still our favorite place for good food and wine in a laid-back but upscale environment. Preservation has proven itself to be a true establishment of downtown Geneva. What a fabulous space in the heart of downtown Geneva!! The locally owned and operated feel makes this place feel cozy, yet it has a somewhat urban vibe. The patio out back is a lovely surprise and is a nice contrast to the interior's incredible view of 3rd Street - best of both worlds. As one would expect at a wine bar, the selection is quite comprehensive. That being said, don't expect the same stuff you find everywhere - this is akin more to a boutique wine spot, which is what I like most about Preservation. I also appreciate their openness to questions, because while I enjoy a glass of wine, I am admittedly quite the novice. And the food? Not to be missed!! From bread baked fresh onsite every day to cheese and charcuterie plates to sandwiches to salads to hot bites - there is something for absolutely everyone. In fact, we've taken a variety of friends and family here, and each person has always left raving about the food and wine. My father raves about the crostinis (as does my husband who has a standing order for extra every time we visit!). Enjoy!

    (5)
  • Jillian M.

    The few vegetarian dishes are awesome. My husband and I are both strict vegetarians, live in the city and are used to good veg food, so we are usually skeptical when we leave Chicago. This place has a great atmosphere and local beers. My only complaint is that a lot of the vegetarian dishes are made with chicken stock or meat. For example, the asparagus risotto is made with chicken stock and the mac and cheese is made with pork drippings. If they are vegetarian otherwise, then why alienate your vegetarian clients so much by adding hidden animal products? When we asked about the ingredients the last time we went in May of 2012, the waitress laughed when she told us that she had told vegetarians that the mac and cheese was vegetarian before she knew it wasn't, which we obviously did not find so funny.

    (4)
  • Rob M.

    6 of us went in for apps and wine. Lawrence was great as we only had an hour before it was time to move on. Started with European and American cheese platters, both were fantastic! Very extensive wine list, which we were not familiar with. They were kind enough to assist us and we ended up with a Hedges Meritage from Washington. It was great, in fact so good we had 2 bottles. Will be back soon. "make reservations" Rob

    (4)
  • Eileen C.

    My husband and I have been here twice now and the food was excellent both times. The second time (just a week ago) we had what I would call the perfect dining experience. The owner greeted us, took our coats, and seated us right away (we had a reservation). Our server was awesome (funny and sweet) and made great suggestions. We were a little sad our favorite thing from the time before was no longer on the menu (Chicken Tomatillo Biscuit), but we found new favorites! The Duck Confit Salad was amazing and we thoroughly enjoyed the European Cheese Plate and Charcuterie. I honestly can't think of one thing I would change about our meal or experience. Note: It's a small place, so expect to be seated very close to other diners.

    (5)
  • Chris B.

    This place was great! It has a very cozy and semi-urban feel, but not without keeping a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The food is delicious and prepared fresh every day (as our kind waiter let us know), and you can definitely tell. I had a soup/lunch special for a meager $10, which was far less than i would have happily paid for it. The pumpkin ginger soup was as good as it can be--this coming form a person with little taste for ginger. The grilled cheese on brioche was just perfect, and the portion size was excellent. As for the service, our waiter was probably the friendliest I've had in years. He didn't cross the line to an annoying friendly either, but tread that line to help keep up the welcoming, engaging atmosphere that a place like this needs to have.

    (5)
  • Brent M.

    I hate posting only 4 stars. I wanted to like this place, it was just ok for my taste. I know the quality was there, it is very evident. My appetite is larger than what the menu has to offer. If you are wanting to try something very different with great wines you will love this place. The service is great and very helpful with selection.

    (4)
  • Paul B.

    Have heard many, many good things, so we had high expectations going in. Food was good, but not exceptional. Menu is eclectic and it was fun trying different things. Dining area is very small and tables are tight, but staff are very friendly. I would go back, but this is not our favorite restaurant on 3rd Street.

    (3)
  • Patrick M.

    We are regular customers, at least once a month so we know the menu and the servers. We were very embarrassed this past weekend when we treated friends to dinner and our server Alex was rude and indifferent. He has been chatty and personable in the past and recommended good wine selections, I asked him if he had the same wine he recommended a few weeks prior and he said "no" - I asked for another recommendation and he turned my menu over... needless to say it went downhill from here. His moods changes often... Our orders were wrong, the food is good, but this is a huge turn off for us. Geneva and St. Charles have lots of great places to choose from, good food is essential but treating your loyal customers with respect and courtesy is number one. It will be a long time before we go back, and will remove this from our places we tell our friends to visit...

    (3)
  • Aaron A.

    Friends and I go to Preservation at least a couple of times each month. This place is everything it needs to be -- small and hip with great wine and food. The music and art is cool, the wait staff/owner are cooler. Preservation is quickly becoming a hot spot for 3rd Street, Geneva and beyond -- and it shows in the clientele. Sorry for the lofty review but it's simply the truth. I love this place.

    (5)
  • particular p.

    It takes time to write about this as so much detail goes into such a place. Fresh, simple food is always best, but not so easy to pull off. And here they pull it off. Preservation, by definition (Webster) is maintenance, conservation or protection of a thing. In this case the owner/artist seeks to preserve standards of excellence in food prep, wine, atmosphere and succeeds. A true artist is creating every waking moment and as you scan his paintings on the wall, taste his suggestions (and watch him adjust the placement/service of dishes, oh! and lighting according to the sunset) you realize you are in the presence of talent. After only being open for days, upon entering, we encountered regulars who assured us we would be back. Hot as it was, we ordered the owner's suggested- cool, light 2008 Bastianich Friulano. Refreshing and relaxing. We ordered the mushroom tarte, a light flaky buttery pie pastry which gave way to delicious aromatic mushrooms in a light sauce. Perfect. Then, the American cheese plate of Vermont, which was a three tiered experience-one more outstanding than the next served with gingered beets and pickled watermelon rind (which I had not had since I was a child vacationing in the south and took a jar home) to contrast bites-or compliment. This was first class quality on a slate plate. The cucumber salad was served with pink pickled onions and was the gastronomical epitome of summer-'the here and now' as our new friend-the regulars- described the cucumber soup. Lovely. The sandwiches are all on fresh bread and what with such fresh ingredients-hot or cold-it is difficult to decide. They all look spectacular, cheese melting from toasty corners as they passed us. We went to stay cool and so chose cold. The vegetarian fresh mozzarella, tomato on focaccia was superb. Delicate yet hearty and tasty. We capped off with a Scarbolo Pinot Grigio --again an enjoyable recommendation. I would try this soon, as they are new. As word gets out, you will have to wait to get in. Although when that time comes, you may leave your cell # and wander about Geneva until your table is available. If you would like a bottle of good wine, you may spend some money here. However, if you want one satisfying glass and a delectable sandwich or soup/salad you may stop in and keep yourself around $20. Both are worth it. Commuters are loving this 'port in the storm'. Must try desserts next, pastry chef has a great reputation and they look gorgeous. We cannot wait to go back and try breakfast/lunch. More then...

    (5)
  • Mary M.

    Amazingly tasty, chic food. I ordered for pick up but when I walked in it is such a welcoming environment!! It is a bit small but that doesnt stop me from wanting to go back to dine in and I live an hour away!!! Magnificent mushroom torte and french onion soup, and don't forget the asparagus salad and grilled cheese!!! I mean, I honestly want to write to food network about this place, honestly..Keep up what you are doing guys and gals!

    (4)
  • Craig R.

    This is aneat place in Geneva. It serves small plate tapas style food and have a pretty good wine list. My wife and i met another couple here and we really enjoyed ourselves. The service was good - attentive but not smothering. The place is a biit small and tables packed tightly so you need to watch yourself when moving around. We had a hard cheese plate and our friends had the mushroom tart, a mediterranean cheese plate and i think a shepherds pie. it all looked and smelled wonderful. We share a bottle of Malbec after doing some individual glasses. Wine was good. The place can get busy and you may have to wait for a table. Overall a vool place to go hang and share some food and wine in a relaxed and unhurried atmosphere.

    (3)
  • J K.

    Went for lunch on a Saturday, no wait. Delicious food! My husband had the pulled pork and I had the warm turkey sandwich on grilled sourdough w/ apples, walnuts. We both loved it and can't wait to go back to try more food with wine pairings.

    (5)
  • Scott S.

    Beautiful place. It can get crowded, but the owner is more than attentive. The food is wonderful and delicious. The wine list and beer list are impressive. Can be a bit pricey, but it is a wonderful experience and a great break from the norm.

    (4)
  • Scott C.

    Have been here at least 6-8 times ands never disappointed. Really high quality foods and very unique wines as well. Cozy place and patio. Lawrence, the owner, is great. I have to say that the servers can be a bit uneven, though - experiences here have not always been warm and fuzzy.

    (5)
  • Keith K.

    I went to this cafe a few weeks ago and now am writing a quick review. Overall my experience here for dinner was satisfactory. It did not awe me. The environment at the restaurant was appealing and interesting. I liked how it was slightly darker and it gave it a more rustic appeal, in my opinion. Most of the food was great. I started off with one of the cheese platters and then got an assorted meat platter. (Real tasty). What I did not like was the corn and tomato dish, it was not anything tasty, just normal corn mostly. My favorite part of the meal was the grilled cheese sandwich. I do have to say it was one of the best I've ever had. (Highly suggested). Overall I would go back to this restaurant and maybe try some new dishes.

    (4)
  • Andrea C.

    Everything was absolutely delicious! So good that we made a reservation for next weekend because there were so many things on the menu we didn't get to try tonight. Definitely make a reservation. Try the Serrano ham and pulled pork sandwiches!

    (5)
  • Ashley B.

    love this place. charming and delicious. I've been in twice and have been impressed both times. The prices are fair, the food is great and the owner is more than personable. try the mushroom tart, the bread pudding and the french onion soup. stay late and you might get a complimentary piece of foccocia to take home. i hope this place stays for awhile!

    (5)
  • John B.

    Fantastic. That one words sums up this place really well. The sandwiches (I've had 2 hot and one cold) are great, the flatbread pizzas are amazing, the salads are unique. The flavors on everything combine really nicely with each nuance coming through. Aside from the food, the waitstaff is very friendly and knowledgeable and the owner is incredibly knowledgeable about wine and always willing to talk. If I had to pick something to complain about it would be that the tables are closer than I would prefer, but the food is amazing and makes the table placement easy to overlook. Overall, this place is a must try (and try again). Price + Quality + Staff = Great little place in Geneva.

    (5)
  • Shan N.

    Stopped in while visiting from Milwaukee. Our waiter Alex steered us in many good directions. The European cheese plate had a nice mix of triple cream, medium soft and hard cheeses, with pickled beets and watermelon rinds. Moved on to a wild mushroom tart, and a spicy andouille potato salad. The pastry crust on the tart was perfectly flaky. And this is not your mother's potato salad. We finished with a pine nut tart with strawberries and basil whipped cream. It was an inspired dish. Trust me and let Alex guide your choices. You won't be disappointed.

    (4)
  • Charles M.

    Very yummy food and great wine list. This was my first visit and I look forward to returning to sample more of the eclectic menu.

    (4)
  • Tina E.

    I popped into this place earlier this after hearing some buzzz. I think they are in the old Chef James place across the alley from Kernal Fayban's. I was promptly greeted by the owner & offered a menu. Small plates, cheese & meat platters, & yummy sandwiches on artisan bread. I had the pulled pork which was outstanding. I not much of a wine connoisseur but I did enjoy listening to owner chat about wines with others. At one point a man stopped in to by a loaf of bread for dinner. I joined their FB page & learned about their holiday bread orders. I later ended up ordering my Thankgiving dinners rolls here. Buttermilk rolls hot out of the oven. Dinner was a hit. Thanks again

    (4)
  • Kat L.

    Excellent time! We got there at 8 PM on a Friday night, with reservations. Totally excellent experience! Did the whole tapas mode - two charcuterie plates two cheese plates two crostini plates. Olives of course! Absolutely fabulous food. After reading Yelp reviews we ordered everything at once and it came out with perfect timing. Servers were awesome - water when we needed it, napkins, etc. The Malbec we ordered went well with all the food and we finished the meal up with the incredible bread pudding and pine nut tart. Definitely goes on our repeat list!

    (5)
  • Larry B.

    a nice little wine bar on 3rd st amid the shops of Geneva. they have a nice selection of wines and beer with several wines by the glass. the menu is more of a small plate or tapas style. we had the spanish charcuterie which featured chorizo, jamon and lomo and was very nice indeed and paired with our spanish wines. for dessert we shared a pine nut tart with strawberries and basil whipped cream. simply amazing. recommended for a snack, dessert or a light meal. pleasant and knowledgeable waitstaff.

    (5)
  • Melanie G.

    OK. Been here 2x's for lunch with the girls and both times the food was fantastic. Don't sit near the door as it can be cold. Waitress is slow but when the owner comes out to help her, his warmth and hospitality makes up for the poorer service. Love the soup and sandwiches and love the presentation. They use slates to serve the food. Love the quaint atmosphere too!

    (4)
  • Shellie M.

    Two words...duck prosciutto! Yum! And the ham and blue cheese sandwich is ridiculously good! The staff is fabulous and friendly. We love this place!

    (5)
  • Critic D.

    We have been here twice for lunch. Both times we had the French Onion soup - yummy!! I had the grilled cheese on giant chunks of bread and my partner had the BLT. Both were big and very good. We enjoyed wine with our lunches - they have a nice selection by the glass. Everything is served on slate which is nice. It is small so go off hours. The owner and wait staff seem to really like their jobs and will describe each offering in detail if that is what you need. I was really hoping there was another dining room upstairs because I would like to come back for dinner. This place reminds me of places in Napa, sit eat enjoy!!

    (4)
  • J H.

    Was shopping Geneva yesterday (a balmy 19* F) and after going to The Spice House next door we were getting hungry. We stepped out and right next door was Preservation. We looked at the menu on the door and the owner (?) stepped out and gave us a menu. We thought that was pretty nice of him. We decided to try it. We sat by the window. The heat was on and it warmed us up nicely. We ordered the special; pulled pork with soup. I had the mushroom marjoram and my wife had the french onion. When we were served on slate slabs, we knew we were in for something. The pulled pork had the coleslaw right in the sandwich. The homemade bread was full and fresh. The pork was some of the best we've ever had. Many different layers of the seasonings. The heat his you after a few moments but it's just right. (Kind of wanting one right now and we just had breakfast!) The slaw was subtle but cut through the pork nicely. Nice and juicy. My rule is, the messier the food, the better it is. This was a fantastic juicy mess!!!! We then tried the soups. My wife totally loved hers and said it was very fresh, flavorful and savory. I had the mushroom. It was so good on a cold day and full of flavor. Very creamy and light but still rich. The whole meal didn't look that big on the slate when they brought it out, but we were both really full!!! On a side note, the water was good and the straws they gave us were biodegradable. The seating would only hold about 20-25 people but it's cozy, comfortable, nicely decorated and the silverware is artsy. Looking forward to going back. We have their menu and we know how to use it!!!!! P.S. Try the popcorn shop next door too. Great carmelcorn!

    (5)
  • Colleen D.

    Very cute wine bar near Geneva train station! My husband and I tried it out last month and loved the wine selection since we are BIG winos! We are both pretty picky about our vino and the waitress was very helpful when making our selections. Their Chartcuterie was awesome! Love that they add some pickled beets, peppers, and nuts to the selections of meats and cheese plates. Also had the falafel which were awesome for a non-mediterranean restaurant. Overall, you can be easily famished here, but it's also a great choice for a drink and light meal. The place is a bit pricey, so just sit back, enjoy, and expect to pay $80-100 for two people. Only negative is that you almost feel like you are eating with your neighbors. They really pack in the tables, which was fine with the nice couple we had next to us, but kind of annoying for the 4 hens sitting on the other side of us. It was like the Housewives of Geneva were next to us. We actually waited a little while after they left since I'm almost positive none of them were sober enough to drive. They were having trouble figuring out the tip for almost 20 minutes and had to get help from the waiter. Hopefully he got a great tip (considering they wouldn't have even known).

    (4)
  • Stephanie L.

    We loved our meal and wish this place was closer to home. If it was, we would probably visit once or twice a month. Such high quality ingredients and friendly and knowledgable staff.

    (5)
  • Laura F.

    A little jewel box with delicious homemade food handsomely presented. The owner, Lawrence, is warm, personable and very knowledgeable about wine. The cheese plates are fabulous, homemade soups from pumpkin and mushroom, to the best onion soup I have ever eaten. No gloppy pile of cheese, just intense layers of onion flavors with a kiss of cheese and crouton. Those onions were loved into submission! Favorites, besides the onion soup are the mushroom tart, the pulled pork sandwich and the lamb meatloaf. And one of the few places, besides a tavern, that is open late 10 pm on Tuesday through Thursday and midnight on Friday and Saturday. We have often come from an activity in Chicago, hop off the train and head to Preservation for some wine and whatever strikes us. The atmosphere is warm, cozy, yet sophisticated. The music is divine. Recently, Lawrence instituted a "curated (he is also an artist)" food night once a month on Monday evenings, a "flights and bites" menu on Tuesday where he pairs 3 wines with 3 items from his menu and pizza night on Wednesday with $20 bottles of wine. All fun, inventive and tasty. We can hardly wait to go back!

    (5)
  • Michele M.

    Unique, charming, top-notch service, food, wine, and attention to detail. Laid back but elegant in its own way. I think Preservation B&W has artfully carved their niche. The "smallness" of their space makes a big impression. It was our first time there - the food is so unique, healthy, and VERY delicious. We treated it like a "tapas" meal. I can't wait to bring other friends and family!!

    (5)
  • Bob S.

    My wife and I tried this place for dinner tonight, and we both had an enjoyable experience. The dining area is small and the tables are a bit close together for my liking, but the exposed brick walls and tin ceiling compensate for this, and creates an inviting environment. We tried a european cheese plate, the mushroom tart, and an asparagus salad. The salad was outstanding, with the most amazing flavors. The cheese plate had 3 very good cheeses, excellent bread, and a tiny amount of beets and watermelon rinds. The beets and rinds were so good they could be their own salad entres. Neither of us were awed by the tart, although it was good. Finally, we ended with a lemon tart and bread pudding. Both above average. There are many other items on the menu. Our server was very knowledgeable of the different menu items, however, a little overworked to attend to refilling water on a regular basis. Preservation Bread and Wine is a nice addition to Third Street dining in Geneva.

    (4)
  • Melissa C.

    Drinks....cheese....charcuterie....perfect! A girlfriend and I came here after work for a drink, and so glad we landed here! We were actually planning on going to another location in downtown Geneva, but it turns out the location was open but didn't serve food until 6pm. One requirement for me when I'm drinking....I must have some sort of munchies, so that original place was out. We walked a few blocks and found Preservation Bread and Wine, which had a great menu of small plates and unique drinks. I can't remember what drink I had, but it was a delicious mixed drink and STRONG! Typically I only have one drink, but I can handle two when going out with co-workers. This one? I had to eat more to take the buzz off before we parted ways for the evening! The mixed drink menu is small, but each drink that me and my girlfriend had were awesome! Spinach & Artichoke Bread Pudding - It sounds odd, but that's one of the reasons we ordered it! It's exactly what it sounds like.....savory bread pudding. It was an awesome take on spinach artichoke dip. I think the best part was the chunks of toasted feta that were sprinkled on top....mmm! European Cheese Plate - love cheese plates ;) They are so yum! We couldn't choose, but our server gave us the suggestion of the european cheese plate. It had a great balance of cheeses, with my favorite being the saint angel cheese ;) Charcuterie - we had some sort of charcuterie plate, but I can't remember which one we had (they have two). It was great with the cheese, but who can really screw up a plate of delicious meats? This is a great place to have a glass of wine with friends to sit and relax ;)

    (4)
  • Missy C.

    Came here for lunch with a friend and sat outside on the patio. Cute little place - it might be fun for a girls' night out on the town or a date night. We each did the lunch special which was your choice of a sandwich and either french onion or potato leek soup. I ordered the grilled vegetable on focaccia sandwich, because I'm pretty much a sucker for anything involving focaccia. My favorite part of the meal was the dessert - bread pudding. Probably the best bread pudding I've ever had! I live in downtown Chicago, so it was quite the trek getting to this place - but it was easily accessible by Metra. I didn't think it was anything spectacular, but I might stop in again if I'm in the area. Service was excellent, so I added on an additional star for that.

    (4)
  • Faiza A.

    By far our favorite place in town. It's 'Our' date night place to go. The mixed drinks are amazing! The ginger martini and lazzais pear are a must. We've tried almost everything on the menu. The lamb meatloaf sandwich, reubens, and chicken salad sandwich are Yummm! These are great and everything else is good. The owner is very friendly and the staff very courteous. Pride of Geneva. John and Mahereen Ahearn.

    (5)
  • Samantha B.

    This was an amazing lunch. The food was delicious (a little too much lemon on my sandwich but that's forgivable). They have such comfy chairs and the warm colored decor gives such a welcoming vibe to the place. The waitress was such a cheerful sweetheart and the host was very polite. I was seating facing the kitchen and watched how it was run like a gentle and efficient machine. If you're looking for a place with awesome food and chill atmosphere this is it.

    (5)
  • Dianne S.

    Great romantic date spot. My husband brought me here on a Saturday night for wine and cheese. Warm atmosphere with a cozy bar and exposed brick walls. More seating in the back, think four seasons add on patio room complete with wired patio seating. We came for apps only but can't wait to try their short rib pot pie next time! Menu's definitely small but the quality's there. We ordered the Spanish charcuterie plate ($12) which came with speck, salami al barolo, and duck proscuitto. It was a nice mix mild, rich, and textured meats. Fell in love with the garnish of small mild peppers. We also had the European cheese plate ($12) that included a soft Saint Angel from France, a mild Zamorano from Spain, and a stronger Balarina goat cheese from the Netherlands. They again got creative with their garnish of picked watermelon rinds.

    (4)
  • stacy k.

    My husband and I have been here two times now. Both times the staff has been great and the food (and wine) has been just as good! Would definitely recommend this to anyone.

    (5)
  • Jen R.

    I feel like such a pretentious turd when I say this but there really is nowhere around here to get a decent charcuterie board. Husband and I love Preservation Bread and Wine for just that (duck prosciutto? WHAAAAAAAAT). Their bread is delicious (as can be expected) and they do have an extensive wine list, but we are not wine drinkers so we can't attest to whether or not they know their stuff. The whole staff = friendly and attentive and willing to answer any question you might have. Highly recommended :)

    (4)
  • Debbie M.

    Well being a very frequent flyer here I was very disappointed tonight. It was hotter than hell! It would have been really nice to have known before we sat inside. I thought one woman was going to pass out her face was bright red. One couple sat down looked at each other and left. A table of women complained to no avail and left without dessert. If the ac had been out for days, then think outside the box and go buy a fan to at least circulate the air, give patrons the news upfront. To be honest, if I was running the show I would have apologized and given the table something free or a $$ off. Clearly, the regular management team was not present. Very disappointed, it will be a long time before I come back or bring guests.

    (2)
  • Jenoa F.

    Had lunch on the inside patio area. Positives: -Small and quaint atmosphere, nice inside decor and open windowed patio area. -The dulce bourbon drink was delicious and strong ($11 and tiny, but hey this is geneva) -Interesting and intriguing menu, will likely return to try some of their cheese dishes/small plate items and other cocktails The only negative was that my shrimp and chorizo baguette was disappointing. The amount of meat on it was so small, the chorizo was unusually chewy, and the baguette bread was too hard. Maybe baguettes just aren't my thing... Seems like a nice place though, I'll likely give it another try for cocktails/small plate items for a quick bite.

    (3)
  • Drew P.

    I will start off by saying that I am not exactly a wine and cheese guy, but my girlfriend is so we got a reservation. With that being said, her assessment was the same as mine. Positives: -Quaint (super small dining area) -Creative dishes (I got the lamb meatloaf sandwich on focaccia and she got the shrimp and chorizo on a baguette) -HUGE wine list -Cheese plates were delicious -Nice and knowledgeable staff Negatives: -While the dining area is quaint, it almost feels invasive. I felt like I had to talk over the groups to my right and left who I was practically shoulder to shoulder with. I disagree strongly that it is a romantic and intimate place because of this. -The creative dishes were a major letdown. My lamb meatloaf sandwich was dry and had a huge kick of lemon that I was not a fan of. -Prices. I felt like I barely got any food for the almost $70 I ended up spending. It was like that Cheetos commercial where they unveil the steak dish and there isn't even a steak so they start eating a bunch of Cheetos. Only instead of Cheetos we stopped at Jewel and I got a steak and cheese burrito for a dollar.

    (3)
  • Ashley H.

    I brought my wife to Geneva for the night for her birthday and Lawrence completely took care of the entire evening! This was one of our best dining experiences we have ever had and it was right in our back yard! We gave him full control over our entire menu and we laughed, drank, and enjoyed ourselves the entire evening. This is our new birthday weekend spot!! Thank you, Lawrence!!

    (5)
  • Mary M.

    This place is great for delicious tapas and glass of wine, best as a place to start a date night for two, really wouldn't try to bring four or more due to the very small space. Good atmosphere and great cheese plates. + The service is great, very friendly and helpful + European eating style (they do not rush you) + Long amazing list of wines, by bottle and glass + Many small tasty plates offered - Space is limited, very small bar area - Seating a bit tight (best to come early avoid dinner rush) - Not very much privacy as the table are very close to each other Call ahead for a reservation as there is only so much room once inside. :-)

    (4)
  • Denise F.

    Decided to try Preservation Bread and Wine after living in Geneva for almost two years and all I can say is why did I wait so long... We had the short rib pie(me- devine), salmon potato bake( my guys- delicious- can we go back tomorrow), a bean cassolette, European cheese platter and finally their traditional charcuterie, all were fantastic. We will return regularly. Reservations would be recommended as it is small.

    (5)
  • Amy A.

    I've been here three times and I will keep coming back! There isn't anything on this menu that isn't good!! The owner or maybe he's the Manager I have yet to ask is a great guy, personality is spot on, he's always accommodating, and super friendly. The server's are knowledgeable and the food is amazing! ! I can't stop telling everyone I know to go here. It's worth every penny you spend!

    (5)
  • Kyle B.

    Love this place! Amazing sandwiches and the drinks are just as good! Fun and different with a mellow atmosphere.

    (5)
  • Edgar R.

    What a great find. We have been trying to make time to have dinner her. Valentines Day was coming and we finally went. It was a pre-set dinner and wine paring. I generally don't care for this, but I was presently surprised. Everything was so fresh and of great quality. You could tell the moment the first dish was served. The atmosphere was very relaxing and the staff was knowledge and friendly. We started with Endive Boats, they were perfect little salads that you ate with your hands. Dinner was Crispy chicken thighs cooked with olives and baby bell peppers. I can tell they seasoned the meal with fresh herbs, nothing from a bottle. It literally melted in your mouth. Dessert was Chocolate Bread pudding with fresh strawberries. Every course was pared with a different wine. The server explained what the wine was and why it was picked in the most un-pretentious manor. The picks were spot on. We can't wait to come back to order off the menu and try different dishes. I highly recommend this restaurant for a romantic date night, to a casual dinner with friends. Can not wait to return!

    (5)
  • Mike Z.

    Wonderful food, wait staff and definitely a different dining experience. Charcuterie and the lamb meatloaf sliders are ones to try for sure. A definite go-to for anyone who is looking for great food, comfortable surroundings and a laid back experience.

    (5)
  • Christina A.

    Oh, how I love the food here! The lamb meatloaf is sublime. The Chicken Pot pie is spot on. The salads are lovely. The service is friendly and efficient. It's a tiny place and it can get loud. But, overall, the experience always warrants a 5 star rating.

    (5)
  • Simin K.

    Lovely staff, super nice owner, amazing food, comfortable pretty surrounding!!! What a great place we walked in with a group of 25 people and they took us in without any problem and made us the back room ready. The owner made sure we are all comfortable and the staff served our drinks and food in no time. Can't wait to go again. p.s. loved the paintings on the wall made by the owner himself.

    (5)
  • Karly B.

    We came back for a second visit after an iffy lunch experience a few months ago. (++) Staff was great. Our waitress was extremely informative and offered lots of suggestions and helpful descriptions. (+) I am a sucker for cheese and charcuterie plates and this place offers options. I had the European cheese plate and was not disappointed. Portions were fantastic and beets and pickled watermelon rinds were tasty. Short rib and chicken pot pies were perfect winter dishes. (+) I had a fantastic Pinot Noir and the gentleman had a Manhattan. Cocktails looked good. Extensive bottle selection of wines. I look forward to outdoor drinks and nibbles when the patio opens up in Spring.

    (4)
  • Donald C.

    You cannot live in, live near, or visit Geneva without eating at Preservation. If you miss Preservation Bread & Wine, you've missed one of the Western Suburbs' great restaurants. If you are out to dinner (or lunch) with someone you don't like or that you don't like talking to, then don't come here. Go to McDonald's or something and get it over and done with quickly. If you enjoy the person you'll be eating with, then come here. The cheese and meat plates at Preservation are terrific for long, conversation-filled meals over a bottle of wine. The staff can always recommend excellent wines to go with whatever you choose from the menu, and never ever will you be rushed. All the crostini are good, all the flat bread pizza is good, and the Charcuterie and Spanish Charcuterie are terrific. If there are any of the Chocolate Espresso Tarts left when you go, have one. Or two. Or three. Along with coffee. You'll be happy.

    (5)
  • Rocco H.

    I would really like to give this place 3.5 stars but i guess Yelp doesn't trust its users with half stars. $10 lunch special was a great deal. My French onion soup came minus the baked cheese on top which, I thought, was the point of the French onion soup... The cheese plate was good, but nothing that exciting or new. Our plate was served with pickled watermelon and chopped beets. The pickled watermelon was very interesting and surprising good, but no one likes beets. No one. Stop serving cheese platters with beets. Try some small nuts, jelly, crackers - anything except beets.

    (3)
  • Alex G.

    Very good! Mac and cheese and grilled cheese is great! Definitely worth a stop if you're going through Geneva.

    (4)
  • Michael P.

    To die for! The best food in Geneva, hands down. You can get hand crafted, creative, delicious dishes that are a cut above for the price of around ten dollars, which is very surprising considering the quality of the food. The staff is super friendly and the wine selection is top notch. I recommend absolutely everything. An easy five stars!!!

    (5)
  • Liz K.

    This is absolutely my favorite restaurant of all time!! I love everything about it!! Lawrence knows more about wine then anyone else I know. I'm not very good at describing wine because I'm still learning but Lawrence still picks the perfect bottle or glass for my picky palate. The food is out of this world too!! Come for a date or with a group, you won't be disappointed.

    (5)
  • Heather C.

    I wish I could eat here everyday! My husband and I can not get enough of the turkey sandwich or the asparagus salad. Great place for a very reasonable lunch with gourmet food. The staff is always wonderful and the wine list is top notch! This place will not disapoint. Heading back again today,

    (5)
  • Kelly G.

    Love this place! Staff is extremely friendly and they have a great menu selection. We shared the charcuterie along with the Spanish cheese plate (delicious)! Also the duck rillettes were a favorite. Great wine selection as well.

    (5)
  • Margaret J.

    After searching for a new and tempting restaurant between Sycamore and Aurora where we were headed for a David Sedaris' concert, I discovered Preservation Bread & Wine in Geneva online. Although I'm sure I passed it many times during the last 5 years of their existence on my way to the Spice Shop next door, somehow, it failed to appear as a viable choice on my radar. Perhaps I was dreaming of cinnamon and sumac and peppercorns. Visions of candied ginger must have been dancing in my head for me to miss that menu taped to the door. Not sure of the volume of weekday meal traffic, we made a reservation for 5 p.m. on a Tuesday and were seated near the window in a small but lovely table in the sun. I had read that the proximity between diners was an issue for some, and I could see the possibility of discomfort occurring for those ensconced against the wall in the banquette area. It IS a cozy setting. Apparently, the venue extends into the back of the rustic brick building where a cafe-style sun porch offers additional seating. It appeared that almost everyone who arrived after we did was a regular, a good sign, I think. We were greeted warmly, and a smiling server approached our table to explain the menu of small plates and answer any questions we might have since it was our first visit. I ordered what turned out to be a fabulous ginger martini, and my husband chose a viognier from the west coast from their extensive wine list. The mushroom and goat cheese tart called to us as a starte (and proved to be a delectable choice)r, and we went forward from there with a "soft" cheese plate (not all of which were soft but all of which were delicious French varieties). It was suggested that we pair the gingered beets with the bleu, and that extra vibrancy of the pairing seemed to work. A fan of neither blue or beets, my husband gave it a try and was immediately in awe. Our charcuterie choice contained duck breast prosciutto, coin-sized salami, and speck, accompanied by marcona almonds which offset the fattiness of the meat with a salty crunch. The tiny curls of pickled pepper were also a perfect foil for the tasty piles of meat. My second drink of dry rose paired nicely with the two plates and WAS dry as requested. Since it was date night and a belated birthday celebration from my husband to me, we splurged and shared the brioche bread pudding with creme Anglaise and fresh berries. The whipped cream was speckled with what tasted like freshly-ground nutmeg and nicely finished off what was already perfection. Coffee was above par and was prepared table side in a sweet, little French press, a nice touch, I thought. We are headed back soon -- next time possible for the advertised $10 lunch of soup and sandwich. I was eyeing the lamb meatloaf choice. In the meantime, I will wax eloquent over the evening's faire to my friends. Although we frequently get into Chicago for their restaurant offerings, it's nice to have a go to place close by. Thanks to all the down-to-earth and affable folks at Preservation for a delightful evening. David Sedaris was good, too.

    (4)
  • Deena m.

    My husband and I went here on a date night. It was packed! They need just a little more space. The food was delicious and a bit unique...you just have to try it. I will definitely go back, just not when they are packing people in.

    (4)
  • LP P.

    I had heard from many many friends about how great this place was. Honestly for some reason my husband and I had never been (despite our proud wine-o status). I had heard that the food was "small bites" or tapas style and so when I would suggest it my husband would usually respond "but I'm too hungry." But finally we went and I am so glad we did. First, it is tapas style, but it is filling. After a few plates, we were stuffed. Which was sad because there was so much more we wanted to try. The food is delicious. We had the Spanish charcuterie (amazing) and Cow Cheese plate (great, but nothing crazy exciting), the turkey, Apple and walnut sandwich (waitress suggested it as their top seller and I can see why - delicious), and the mushroom tart (to die for). The wine list is also fabulous but be prepared to plunk down some $$ for it. The seating area can be really tight, so go to the bathroom before you're seated and be prepared to be close to strangers. All in all a great place to enjoy wine and some delicious foods. We'll be back.

    (5)
  • B Joseph S.

    I didnt care for the backroom last time I was here, so this time we asked for, and were graciously given, a front room table. Everything I have ordered here has been good. There is care and thought put into the menu. The service is friendly. Not a cheap eat, but one that is worth the price.

    (5)
  • Melanie R.

    We ate here for lunch yesterday - a Saturday afternoon - and were pleasantly surprised that there wasn't a wait for outdoor seating. We were greeted by a man in a white linen shirt who led us to our table. He also came out a couple of times during our lunch to make sure everything was OK. Owner? Manager? Chef? Our waitress was friendly and seemed to know the menu well; she took the time to explain things to us since this was our first visit. We chose the $10 lunch special (asparagus soup and sandwich) which was a decent price compared to other things on the menu. We tried two different sandwiches - the turkey and pastrami. Both were delicous. We were told that they smoke their own turkey and that they make the pastrami in the restaurant. We also ordered a buttercrunch citrus salad. It came in a tiny bowl (barely enough for one side serving) and the citrus consisted of a few microscopic pieces of grapefruit and orange. The photo on their web site is deceiving! And for $7.50, this salad was definitely a rip-off. Save your money and don't order this salad - unless you don't mind paying $7.50 for a few bites of lettuce. We would like to go back to this place with some friends so we could taste some of the other offerings. After all, this place is more of a tapas or small plate place - food made for sharing. If you're REALLY hungry, you're going to be ordering a lot of little plates of food and spending way too much money.

    (4)
  • Bill B.

    This is one great place to eat and drink. Staff is attentive and informative .Have visited several times and it just gets better. All the menu items are top shelf and delicious. The owner has went to extremes to pair the wine choices with food.Some wine choices are above the rest and show it .This is our # 1 pick when in Geneva

    (5)
  • Frank B.

    Preservation Bread and Wine in Geneva, IL gets failing marks in addressing food allergies. Anyone with a food allergy - or a family or friend who has the same - knows that dining out can be a bit nerve-racking. But you still want to try new food and drink! What you really want to hear is that the restuarant addresses your allergy seriously and will take all possible steps to avoid cross contamination. Most restaurants these days bend over backwards to assure you that they will prep and cook your food in an area not touched by what you're allergic to. Not today at PBW where my server told me that they only have a small kitchen and don't have a separate kitchen to prep my food. When I explained I wasn't expecting them to have a separate kitchen - just an area where there wouldn't be cross contamination - he got the manager. The manager explained that there probably hadn't been any cross contamination with what I'm allergic to yet today in the kitchen and I would probably be okay but noted it was up to me if I was okay with that. Not okay, PBW. Food allergies need to be taken seriously.

    (1)
  • Leslie S.

    I cannot believe I have not yet reviewed Preservation Bread & Wine! I am a big fan of this place - in fact, every time I go there I am so thankful that I live in Geneva, where we have wine and cheese bars! It's not Chicago, but it's a pretty darn wonderful town! And Preservation is a fantastic addition. The intimate dining room features a handful of tables (I doubt the restaurant fits more than 25) seated among exposed brick walls, under a copper/tin ceiling. The artwork and light fixtures are contemporary, making a really interesting space. Yet sitting on the outdoor patio is even better! The restaurant enclosed the space with a plastic canopy/tent that allows you to enjoy the summer weather, but avoid the bugs. Preservation has a very nice wine list, many of which are available by the glass, but the real star here are the small plates, which are delicious. The brioche grilled cheese, with a three-year-old Vermont cheddar, melts in your mouth, with just the right proportion of bread to cheese. They have a very good smoked trout rillette that really oozes with freshness. I am a fan of the mushroom tart as well, though I wish it were just a tad bit creamier. I love the cheese plates at Preservation, particularly the "hard cheese" and "European" plates, which include a great mix of cow's, goat's and sheep's milk (especially the latter plate). While I usually prefer my cheese with crackers, I really enjoy the bread that accompanies these plates. If you live in the area and have not yet been to Preservation, you're missing out. And heads up - make a reservation! There are few seats here, and they go quickly!

    (4)
  • Brad S.

    This restaurant is awesome. The sandwiches melt in your mouth. Menu has a wide selection of gourmet appetizers, soups and entrees that will appeal to just about any taste. Wine selection is also very good, naturally. Probably the most "Chicago-like" restaurant I've found in Geneva in terms of atmosphere, menu and overall food quality. The owner seems like a great guy and really tries to make every patron feel welcome.

    (5)
  • Andrew B.

    Reasonably priced wine and excellent service! The food perfectly pairs with your wine every time!

    (4)
  • Jacqueline B.

    Adorable spot in downtown Geneva! They have all of my favorite things...wine, cheese, charcuterie, and did I mention wine? The hubs and I came here for some apps and wine and let me tell you, it was a darling little date. The restaurant is small and dimly lit. I'm obsessed with their wine glasses because they're huge! I honestly can't remember what kind of wine I had, but it was red, full bodied and delicious. Our server was very knowledgeable when it came to wine, so he provided great suggestions. The menu boasts options like sandwiches, soup, salad, charcuterie, cheese, small bites, flatbread, and of course dessert. Everything looked amazing. We ordered a couple small bites and a spread of their charcuterie. I'm not sure if it's still on their menu, but we started with a spicy linguica sausage cassoulet with duck confit, pork, and apricots. WOW. Amazing. Following that we had the housemade lox with dill rye chip capers. I couldn't believe how much flavor was in such little bites! To wrap this little preview of their menu up, we ordered a charcuterie board that included speck, Barolo salmi, and duck prosciutto. I mean, I'm basically STILL dreaming of the duck prosciutto. Perfection. The menu was a tad intimidating just because there were so many different items I've never had before, so I'm glad our server was an expert! It was such a fun date spent grazing over delicious bites that paired well with our wine. If you ask me, that's the way to dine here! I have heard excellent things about their other menu items though, so you better believe I'll be back. Pro tip: They have delicious bread for sale, so grab a loaf before you go!

    (5)
  • Curtis W.

    Poor reception on a Saturday afternoon (7/18) at 3p. It was our first visit; walked in to a bustling environment with an open table and no wait for seating; however... the person who greeted us (party of 2) glanced at the open table and then turned to us and said... 'Let me see if there are any tables in the back' and then walked away down a hallway. She was obviously just not that into us. We ended the poor experience right there and walked next door to Front Street Cantina where we were warmly greeted and treated well.

    (1)
  • Erica A.

    Cute little spot in downtown Geneva, steps away from the metra. My friend and I were really impressed with the quality of food we ordered (two lunch specials, a cheese plate, crostini, and the bread pudding) and the wine was delicious. We loved the patio seating, though we did feel as though we were right on top of other guests due the close proximity of the tables. I would totally come back to Preservation if I'm ever in the Geneva area again!

    (4)
  • L F.

    Another top notch experience here. Husband and I indulged here for a 'date night' - what a lovely experience to sit on the patio and enjoy creative, delicious food. The waitstaff was courteous and knowledgeable - offering up her suggestions for beer, cheers, plates. We ordered an eclectic mix of foods - absolutely delicious. Try the lamb sandwich. Best seasoned lamb I've ever had. The watermelon salad was refreshingly unique. Thanks for being consistent, worth the price and a complete package of food, drink and service that makes an evening out an experience.

    (5)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Tue

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : Yes
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Dinner
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Good for Kids : No
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Intimate
    Noise Level : Average
    Good For Dancing : No
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Happy Hour : No
    Best Nights : Wed, Fri, Sat
    Coat Check : No
    Smoking : No
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : No
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : Yes

Preservation Bread & Wine

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