Riganato Old World Grille
700 E State St, Geneva, IL, 60134
Riganato Old World Grille Menu
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Address :
700 E State St
Geneva, IL, 60134 - Phone (331) 248-0191
- Website https://riganato.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
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Liz L.
So after checking out the reviews on yelp I am like great -maybe I missed a great little restaurant. I think perhaps this restaurant was maybe a house back in the day so it did have the feeling that you were eating in someone's house. The room that you eat in is comfortable and clean which are positives....but I was so disappointed the menu is small but there doesn't seem like anything really special on the menu and the presentation is very lack luster. My main dish in my meal leaked over onto my fries and made them soggy-then everything was over salted...if you have something really liquid put the main dish on a different plate and throw my fries on another. So my meal was just ok. Then I thought perhaps dessert could be something to redeemed...well not so much we ended up going to forever yogurt in St. Charles. They only had 1 in location made dessert which was rice pudding...the rest they order I think from another place and looked pre made...popped out of the box onto your plate...they even have the little wrapper on them when they 'present' them to you on a plate to get you interested in dessert The service was good the woman was friendly and she didn't bother us a great deal because my friend and I were talking which I appreciated. I don't think I will be back...I was just expecting a lot more and left with a lot less. A warm and friendly waitress and a cute little old house location aren't enough to bring me back to a eatery-You can find several other better italian places in Geneva and St. Charles.
(2)Ryan H.
We stumbled upon this gem of a restaurant while searching for a place for dinner with some friends. The menu looked decent, the prices seemed fair, but the reviews were a bit mixed. In the end, the good reviews plead their case well and we decided to give it a shot. Suffice to say, I am very glad we did. It was nighttime and on our first pass, we drove right by, not even recognizing that this spot was the location where the old Rib House was a number of years back. We walked in the front door and I was actually quite surprised that the restaurant is incredibly small. I was expecting a much larger venue. Perhaps 11 or 12 tables in all, and every one of them seemed full. Figuring that a lengthy wait was in our future, I inquired with the hostess to see how long of a wait it would be. I was quite happy when she said probably no more than 5 minutes. In less than that time, we were seated at a nice table adjacent to the fireplace. Menus were presented, water glasses were filled, and white linen napkins were available. All good so far. The menu contains a very diverse selection, from steaks to seafood, pizzas and burgers. Prices are very reasonable. The drink list was on the reverse side of the menu and contained an assortment of cocktails, wine and beer. I felt the drink prices were a bit on the high side, so I opted for an iced tea. I don't mind enjoying a cocktail or a glass of wine with dinner, but I know liquor costs quite well and if the prices are too high, I let it sit on the shelf. Our table ordered an assortment of different menu items so that we would have a variety of items to try. A salad, a pizza, steak kebabs and a pork tenderloin were among the items we chose. I did not try the salad, but it looked fresh and crisp and there were no complaints. I ordered the steak kebabs which came with french fries and tzatziki sauce. Knowing that the average kitchen usually over-fires kebabs because the veggies take longer than the meat, I ordered mine medium rare and planned on accepting the dish if it arrived medium. Sure enough, they came out very medium. I wasn't overly upset about it and they still tasted just fine, but just be aware that if you are expecting your beef at a certain temperature, you may want to consider ordering one temperature lower. In any case, the flavor was very good and the tzatziki sauce was obviously homemade (which I later verified). I tried the pork tenderloin and found it to be excellent. It came with a side of garlic mashed potatoes which were equally delicious. I also tried a piece of the pizza and found it to be terrific as well. Thin cracker crust and the toppings all had good flavor. The dessert tray came around and I chose a rice pudding. Another member of our party chose the tiramisu. I was a little bit disappointed that they did not have any whipped cream for the rice pudding. Fortunately, the rice pudding was obviously made in house and was still very good, but would have been better with some whipped cream. About half way through our dinner, the place cleared out, rather abruptly I might add. It seems that they have a rather busy dinner hour and then it gets a bit quiet. If you can dine at off hours, you will likely walk right in and be seated. If you arrive at a busy time, I could see where a wait could be possible. Ordinarily, I would give them five stars, but I am withholding that last star for a couple of minor reasons, all of which are easily remedied if management chooses to do so: 1.My iced tea was cloudy, which is one of my pet peeves. If they don't cool the iced tea properly, it will be cloudy, and sure enough, cloudy it was. 2.I felt the portion size of our meals was a bit small. They could easily raise the price of the meals by $1 across the board and lower the bar menu a little bit to balance things out. It would have been nice if the kebabs were served with a nice rice pilaf or something. As it was, I received just one smallish kebab, a few fries and a side of tzatziki. I couldn't help but notice a lot of vacant real estate on my plate when it arrived tableside. Further, if the drinks were priced a bit better, I would have had a cocktail or two. 3.Rice pudding should always be served with whipped cream, or at least it should be available upon request. As it was, there was allegedly no whipped cream in the restaurant. 4.The menu is a piece of legal sized paper, printed on both sides. I felt the paper menu sort of cheapens an otherwise excellent, quasi-elegant experience. On the plus side, the food was excellent. The service was excellent. The menu is diverse. The meals were prepared in a timely fashion. The staff was most friendly. And for having such a surprisingly small dining room, the ambiance, complete with fireplace, was very warm and inviting. You really owe it to yourself to give this little gem in Geneva a try. I will certainly be back sooner rather than later.
(4)Frank C.
We had an over-the-top meal this afternoon at Riganato! The closing of the Rib House was a shock, but we were happy to hear that something was in the works there. Watched as the place was gutted and rehabbed top to bottom, and then finally some months ago a sign appeared. Today it was time to visit. We took two friends with, and upon entering were very impressed with the new design and decor--they did an excellent job and it was very warm and inviting with lots of light. The interior, while still not spacious, has a much more open feeling now. There is, as before, outside seating on the south side of the restaurant. But it's all about the food. I was hungry and asked the server for guidance between the Chicken Riganato or the Citrus-Seared Pork Chops (3). She recommended the chops, and am I glad she did. Dinner began with warm, crusty bread which we devoured (and asked for seconds). When dinner arrived, my chops were grilled just perfectly and very moist, and served in a wonderful sauce of herbs, tomatoes and white wine reduction. I got the lemon-oregano roasted potatoes as a side and they were perfectly done and quite tasty. The iced tea was very flavorful (not the bland stuff that comes out of the soda dispenser). My wife had the Wild Atlantic Salmon; it was as good as any other place but not distinguished in any way and lacked any grilled flavor. The others in our party had Tortellini Alla Panna (a sample bite was very tasty) and the char-broiled pork chops (also 3). His chops were perfectly grilled and he was quite pleased with the flavor and doneness. After dinner we shared two small servings of Tiramasu and Red Velvet cake; both were very tasty. The tab for four dinners, dessert and refreshments (no alcohol) was about $75 with tax. A "heads up" that the sandwiches are VERY reasonably priced, so we'll definitely return to try lunch. The dinners we had are pricey enough to be reserved for special occasions, but it's nice to have such good quality so close by and we are eager to return and try other selections. So to wrap it up, three excellent dinners, one OK dinner, and excellent service. We'll be back!
(5)Lori S.
My heroism continues. This time, I brought dinner home for the brood. I ordered the Meatballs Riganato, the Chicken Riganato, the pork tenderloin with the mushroom gravy, and a Lemon Oregano Kebab. The kids were so excited by this "smorgasbord" of food and they are only 9 and 7 yrs old. They loved each dish they tried and asked for seconds for the meatball. Most parents know that the biggest test with new food is if the kids are gonna like it. So, in my book Riganato Old World Grille gets 5 stars. As for my husband, I asked him which dish was his favorite and he said "All of them". This seems to be the consensus from everyone who I bring Riganato's food to. This is a casual, neighborhood restaurant that you are going to wish is in your neighborhood. And, if you're lucky, it already is.
(5)Chris B.
We usually eat here for lunch on the weekend and have never been disappointed. The food is always fresh and decently priced. It doesn't have the largest menu in town, but what food it does have, it does correctly. The black Angus beef kebobs are our favorite item. Truly one of the top-notch restaurants in town (and that's saying something considering the restaurants in Geneva).
(4)L M.
Three words: get the meatballs. My husband and I tried them for the first time at Geneva's Festival of the Vine. They are huge, like the size of a billiard ball, and stuffed with ricotta cheese. Oh, they are delectable and the marinara they're in is fantastic. Riganato's is an old home renovated into a restaurant. The outside is meant to represent the Mediterranean with pink stucco siding. Inside, it's homey and warm with about 10 tables, many of which were filled when we dined on a Thursday night. The servers all seemed very friendly. You get bread right away (ours came with a previously opened butter package, however). We got the meatballs to start and they were to die for all over again. I got the evening's special for my meal. It was a penne pasta with salmon and capers, and it was just okay. My husband got the tortellini with chicken, and the cream sauce was pretty bland. For dessert we split a tiny (tiny!) piece of cake. The price was decent: just over $60 for an appetizer, a bottle of wine, two entrees, and a small dessert. We decided that next time we go (because we will go again) we will get the meatballs for sure, and then for our meals we will each get the spaghetti with the stuffed meatballs! They are that good - we're not going to bother with the other pastas.
(3)Tim D.
Pizza is cracker thin with a nice char. The pasta we had was very good. Waitress suggested a nice off-menu variation that worked out great. The room is small and relaxed. The chef stopped by twice to ask if everything was ok. We will be back.
(4)Ellery R.
The food was very well prepared: the beef tenderloin kabobs were out of this world, the spicy penne pasta was flavorful and light. The saganaki was good but be sure to specify your texture preference. (My husband and I prefer more crispy and melted on the inside and for this it must be on fire longer). As for the service, our waitress was very attentive and warm. The decor is cozy yet crisp and fresh. Prices are reasonable and there are daily specials. I would give four and a half stars for all these reasons and I would make it a five for improved saganaki.
(4)Gregory C.
I really enjoyed this place. Small. Quaint. Classic. Very clean. The menu was a welcomed surprise with a very diverse menu. My family got a nice sample of the menu. From the pizza to the kabobs to the talapia. Everything was delicious. I wasn't sure what to expect when I walked into the location, but without a doubt, these guys will be successful. The staff was very friendly. The owner went out of his way to introduce himself. And it is just the nice little touches that go a long way in repeat business. I will be back and very much look forward to trying some of the many other options on the menu.
(4)Dominic T.
Good Italian and Greek food. You can find better of both nearby but it's definitely worth a try. Really good pizza and pretty good pasta.
(3)Alex A.
Pizza is fresh and tasty, and that's all l ask for in my favorite pie. I'll definitely have it again. Enjoy! (We had a sausage-mushroom-onion, as well as a white pizza with feta cheese.)
(4)Kim J.
I really enjoy everything about Riganato. From the very beginning the staff has treated me and my family like we are their family. We have tried just about everything on the menu. The dressing on the chopped salad is insanely good. I would buy it if they ever bottled it! The burgers are filling and nothing like the ordinary burgers that you can get anywhere. The chicken Riganato is by far my favorite! Finding out that it is the owners grandma's recipe was nice to see that the family heritage is represented on the menu. My husband loves the lamb chops and they are an awesome value. I only eat red meat once a week so I come here for the flat iron steak. I love the pepper butter stuff that they put on the special. I have brought my friends and family here on many occasions, some special and some special only because we were all together. My aunt from Villa Park loves coming to Geneva for a tasty meal with me. My son loves having dinner or lunch here whenever he is in town. I gave it four stars because there is always room for improvement. Keep up the great job, Jimmy and Staff!
(4)Brian W.
Tried Riganato for the first time tonight. Overall, we had a very good experience. The newly remolded restaurant looked great, especially as the 'Rib House' which was at this location previously was showing its age. We were seated right away, really enjoyed the outside seating option. Bread was brought right away and was piping hot! Unfortunately the butter was in the plastic (peal off top) type and was rock hard. We ordered soft-drinks which were pricy, but included free refills. We ordered the Saganaki as an appetizer... The waitress set it ablaze and then tried to immediately put out the flame with the lemon juice. This left a lot of Alcohol left on the dish and it was a bit 'wet' with alcohol. I prefer mine to burn off a bit more. The Saganaki was tasty, and was crispy on top... but had no form. it was if it had melted away underneath the top. I ordered the special, which was a portobello and cheese stuffed ravioli with marinara sauce and broccoli florets. The marinara tasted AMAZING! The broccoli was just fantastic... the protobello and cheese tasted very good, but was cold inside the ravioli. Ordered dessert and I had the rice pudding. It was pretty middle of the road, but satisfying. Overall, the tastes were very good and the portions were large. The prices were also very good for the amount of food. Overall, we had a very good experience, and will be back again.
(3)Jim A.
Huge fan. Wasn't sure the first time we went, but we've become regulars. Really enjoy the salads, kabobs, burgers. Pizza is very thin and for thin crust it's the best around, in my opinion. Staff is friendly. Owner comes around often. This restaurant could hold its own in downtown Geneva.
(5)G G.
Stopped in with Wife, pleasantly surprised. Decent menu - outstanding value! I had the chicken and lambs chops, wife had the pork chops. All was very tender and moist, very flavorful. It's a very small space but quite homey. We'll be back to try the pizza and meatballs. Did I say it's a outstanding value? It is - check it out!
(4)Abby G.
Great evening! I can't wait to come back!
(5)Jamie L.
First time here. Very nice and clean. Great staff and the food was very good. Went during Sunday lunch, we were the only patrons. Decently priced, also printed a coupon from their website. Would definitely go again and recommend to a friend!
(4)Amy M.
Great, cozy atmosphere and excellent food. The spreads and fried zucchini app were great together and the butternut squash gnocchi was absolutely amazing. A friend had the bow tie pesto and really liked it. The only complaint we had was regarding the desserts. None are homemade and none are very high quality. Go for dinner, but head across the street to DQ for dessert. We'll definitely visit this place again!
(4)Mike B.
Cliff Note Review: Food was good (reasonably priced, great value) but not great, the service was horrible but timely, the atmosphere is...dull at best. Detailed Review: Went in last night with two of my kids after looking over the menu online. Walking in the ambiance, or lack there of, hits you in the face. Plastic plants, lights turned way up, no music, cheap looking wine rack behind host stand with plastic grapes and vines. decor and paint are a drab cream color and the place looks like it has no personality. Another guest was picking up pizzas to go but the order was wrong and while the hostess started to disagree with the customer, the manager quickly interrupted to say the mistaken pizza was on the house and they would get it right the next time. At least the manager is trying to please the customers. I asked for a table and the hostess had to ask a server who's turn it was for a table. "Not Mine" was the response. There were only 3-4 parties in the restaurant covered by two servers and a bus boy so service should not have been an issue...but it was. Our server barely spoke English so communication was difficult. We ordered our drinks and the meatball appetizer, two large cheese-stuffed meatballs with marinara. The sauce was good but the meat was bland. We then ordered our entrees. My 10 year old daughter got a pizza with Italian Beef, which I liked but there wasn't enough cheese for her taste. My son ordered the Horseradish Cheddar Burger cooked medium. while the meat was slightly overcooked the burger was big and juicy. I think it needed a little more horse but my son liked it. The fries that came with it were a touch soggy. I asked a few questions about the menu items that interested me and never got a good answer for any question... I asked how many ounces of meat were on the Ribeye Kabobs..."they are small"... do you know how many ounces?..."maybe one or two" (figured he was guessing and may not know what an ounce is)... I asked about the Ribeye special that I glanced at on the way in...the server went and looked at the sign, came back and pointed at the 12 oz Ribeye on the menu....I asked why the special was 50¢ more...."its different stuff"...what does that mean?...got a frustrated look from server... I got frustrated and had to get up and go back to read the specials sign at the entrance to see it was peppercorn crusted (which I really like). I returned to the table and the server was gone. A few minutes later he came back and I ordered the special, cooked medium. A minute later the server came back and asked what side I wanted and I asked for the lemon-oregano roasted potatoes. I was impressed with the steak...very flavorful and juicy and the temp was spot on. I asked for a side of horseradish and it was great with the steak. The potatoes on the other hand were way too lemony. They overpowered everything on the plate and I could only manage two bites, I'll try the baked potato next time. All in all I was impressed with the food, fresh, flavorful and at great prices for the quality. The ambiance needs an overhaul/makeover, the servers need to be trained on the menu, and the hostess needs to be more in control of her responsibilities.
(3)Jim P.
Okay, they've been open a grand total of 2 days as of this writing - so it's probably not fair to review yet, but here goes. Ambiance - the new owner has put together a very clean updated decor in the old Rib House building. My only suggestion would be to dim the lights a bit. Hostess/front end - They were full when we arrived at 7:30. Expected on the first Friday night opening. There were a few other couples waiting in the foyer area, but it was comfortable and while there is no bar, the hostess offered to get us a drink while we waited. Very nice. Food- this is the reason we go to restaurants. I'm happy to report that the food was very, very good. Appetizer of calamari was light and crisp. We ordered the Pizza Riganato which is a crisp thin crust with olives, onion, green pepper and it was just great. Saw other diners orders which looked terrific. The fries did look a little limp, though - maybe they need to go a little hotter on the oil (I know, everyone thinks they're Gordon Ramsey now) Service. I think they're still trying to figure out how many servers need to be scheduled to handle the load. (2 nights in, I'm not surprised). I think our server was drafted into service from bussing duty because of the sheer volume of customers.He was competent enough, but disappeared for long periods. So all-in-all, very good food. Very reasonable prices. I'd suggest dimming the lights a bit and I'm sure you'll get the staffing / scheduling figured out soon. (Can't wait for warmer weather to sit out on the back patio)
(4)Bob S.
We tried Riganato for lunch. The interior is bright, clean and pleasant. While the dining area is small, the setting is nice for the space restraints. Our server was outstanding, and the owner stopped by the table also. No complaints on the service. We tried 4 appetizers to start. Octopus was outstanding. Saganaki was very good. Smoked salmon & capers is a must order for anyone who likes salmon. The Mediteranean spreads was excellent also, although a little light on pita bread. So far so good. Our entres included: Classic burger - very big and good Bleu cheese burger - same as above with blue cheese chicken riganato sandwich - very good Portobello sandwich - excellent rib eye steak - very good Salami panini - mediocre Everything but the panini were very good to outstanding. The panini was dull, The ingredients were ok, but you can't do much to plain white bread put in a simple panini press without any flavor. I would not recommend a panini here. Desserts were pretty decent too. In addition to the traditional baklava, they offered small chocolate cakes and tiramisu. We enjoyed our visit to Riganato, and will be back.
(4)Mary S.
I have been here numerous times and will be back! I find the food freshly prepared and a variety to choose from. The owners are very nice! It's a good place for lunch that's generally not crowded . The stuffed meatballs are great...you will have a doggy bag! Also enjoy the kebabs!
(4)Eileen F.
Visited on a Wednesday evening to avoid crowds and had no wait for a table although most tables were filled throughout the night. I was expecting an Italian menu but was pleasantly surprised to also find many menu offerings with a Mediterranean flair. The restaurant is small, refined, intimate and comfortable with a lovely fireplace. The bathroom is spotless. Linen napkins and tablecloths add to the ambiance. The staff is informed and friendly and attentive without being intrusive. The owner and son took the time to come to our table and introduce themselves. My friend and I loved the place. First we had warm crusty bread which the waitress replenished when empty. Next we shared the fried zucchini which had a light crusty topping and was served with a flavorful hummus. Followed this with a chopped salad which was crisp and fresh served with an aromatic dressing. I had the citrus-seared pork chops and my friend has the whitefish, both outstanding and quite adequate portions. My chops were moist and tender and covered in a wonderful herb, tomato and white wine reduction and came with perfectly roasted herbed potato wedges. My dining partner had similar praise for the whitefish We finished the meal with coffee and a small baklava and chocolate tart. What a wonderful meal and a relaxing evening. We will definitely be back....intend to try those mega meatballs next visit.
(5)Michael S.
Do you go to a restaurant for the decor or the food? First of all, I spoke to the owner, who is a really nice guy who knows his food. While he isn't necessarily an interior decorator by any means, I'm not grading him on his decor. The food was pretty darn good for a restaurant that had only been open for like 2 weeks before I went in there. It is a smaller joint, and I actually disagree with the other reviews who said that the service was bad. I think they're overstaffed for their size if anything.. My girlfriend is from Greece, and I know Mediterranean food. This guy is good. It's a small restaurant. I don't remember it being that small when it was the Rib House, but that was a long time ago, and I was much younger then. To give people who haven't been there before a feel for it, what these people mean about the decor, it's decorated a little bit more like an upscale breakfast/brunch joint than a dinner restaurant, and while I personally would probably have used a red for the wall paint, that is neither here nor there. Again. The owner is very down to earth, and he's trying to create jobs and is providing patrons with good food in the process, and that's what I went to his restaurant for.
(4)Dan M.
If you want to waste a half-hour of your life agree to wait for a table. After waiting for more than the 20-25 minutes the hostess advised us we watched another party enter and be seated. I thought they were preparing the table for the next party in line, ours. Wrong. No need to do business with people who do not place their customers first. Clearly this eatery needs some instruction on customer protocol and service. No stars for rigor mortis.
(1)Nicole R.
For people that knew this building before it was the Rib House, a beloved local place that closed suddenly about five years ago. Locals watched as slowly the run down facade of the restaurant took shape and excitedly, we waited for the new place. Those of us close to the Rib House were eager to see Riganato. We went the first night, knowing there would be some kinks and issues. The service moved like molasses and not because of first night jitters, they looked like there was just no fire under them to hurry. If your familiar with the building, its a very small place, there's not a lot of tables. But they didn't seem to be rushed or apologetic in any way for the delays. It took about 15 minutes for a waiter to come to our table. Our drinks took about 15 minutes. Dinner took about 20-25 minutes, and getting the check and paying took a surprising 15 minutes. For burgers, dinner lasted 2 full hours. I decided to play it safe on the food and ordered a blue cheese burger. it was fine - I couldnt taste the meat, it lacked seasoning, but I love the flavor of bluecheese and there was plenty of that. The fries were soggy. My husband ordered the horseradish burger. he said it was flavorless. His fries were also soggy. Our friends ordered a the Marie G pizza (I believe it was called that?) and the "chicken" on the pizza was actually lunchmeat!! So weird! Flavorless, too. The other friend ordered tortellini - they definately had that store bought bland quality and the sauce was rich and flavorless. Ok, So i can forgive the lack of flavor in the food - the kitchen is probably getting used to cooking the menu. one would assume it will improve. But what will actually keep us from ever returning is the owner's lack of responsbility and welcome to the patrons who were not her friends and family. For the entire evening I watched the owner chat with tables she clearly new on a personal level and for a good chunk of time they sat with what I believe was immediate family - at a table. I spilled an entire glass of water on the table - the clutz I am, and though its noone's responsbility to clean it but my own, it went unacknowledged by any staff member until we flagged down the "bread and water" guy who didn't understand I needed towels to soak the water up and at first brought us linen napkins (which dont absorb anything). Finally, he brought the towels and I was able to clean it up. The owner was just two tables down from us and I felt a little surprised that she didnt acknowledge or offer to help. Later in our evening another family she knew came in with a baby a little younger than my own. While my baby's carseat sat on the floor the whole time while I held her, the owner immeidately offered a high chair flipped over where the carseat for her friend could sit - I was never offered assistance for my child. I guess I could try to forgive all of that, but the overall lack of acknowledgement for those patrons that they weren't familair with was an indication of poor business practice to me. I expected at a grand opening that the owner of the place would greet everyone and check in on the tables (especially since there arent that many!) But we never met her or her husband. I was insulted that it appeared to me that her friends and family were more important. My husband was familair with the old Rib House and looked forward to talking with the new owners. They just never came over to say hello.
(1)Craig R.
My wife ANSI have been to Riganato's twice. The food is reasonably priced and there are definitely some yummy choices. Their spaghetti and meatballs is exceptional. The meatballs are the size of softballs and stuffed with cheese. The pizza is good. I had chicken Riganato's and lamb chops. It was done well. This isn't high cuisine but rather solid satisfying food. I have read other reviewers comments on the service and we have not experienced any issues with service either time we have been. The most recent times tried a dessert. They bring a tray of desserts that are all very small portions which is a nice twist. So get a taste of something sweet. I tried the red velvet cake and it was delicious. My wife has tried the baklava and a lemon custard cake. Both were good. We enjoyed out time and everyone seemed friendly and relaxed so the atmosphere was good. We will definitely return.
(4)Jessica S.
I live just a few blocks away from Riganato, so I desperately wanted to like this place. We did a carryout order the first week they opened. I ordered the Horseradish Cheddar Burger with fries. The actual burger patty was great. I would compare it to a Country House Patty. The onions were greasy and the bread was dry. After eating half of the greasy fries and half of the greasy burger I threw the rest of my meal in the trash. My husband ordered the Black Angus Ribeye Kebob which he thought was flavorful, but they forgot the Tzatziki sauce and he missed out on the freshness a sauce like that usually brings. We understood that a restaurant usually needs some time to work out the kinks so we decided to try it again today. I ordered the Pesto Chicken Panini with fries. I have eaten half of the fries and half of the sandwich and I feel similar to how I felt the first time. It was a greasy mess. My husband ordered the Gyros with the lemon oregano roasted potatoes that were $1 extra. He said the gyro was fine, but they put the meat on top of all the fresh veggies so it just wilted them. The potatoes were nothing special, just another way of making the meal greasy. All in all I may try Riganato again in a pinch, but I won't have high expectations.
(2)Dave M.
Started out poorly, finished well. Sat on the deck on a beautiful evening. Water came instantly, bread soon after. No waitress came to our table for almost 10 minutes, although the hostess and another waitress appeared several times but failed to acknowledge us. Just about ready to scream for service or leave altogether when our server Sarah appeared. She profoundly and sincerely apologized (several times) for an assignment mixup. We got our drinks and appetizer immediately and ordered dinner. Mine was very good, but my wife's was not spicy as advertised. The service was excellent once we were found. We'll go back and try this place again. Will report then.
(3)Emily W.
Great service and great food! Every time I go I like to try something new and I'm almost never disappointed! My favorites our the cheese tortellini with shrimp, jalapeño gnocchi, and the salmon with garlic mashed potatoes! A must visit if you haven't been. They even have coupons in the weekly clipper mags for dinning in and coupons for take out on their To Go menus. Score!
(5)Stephen M.
Our day found us in St. Charles and we were looking for a relaxed, enjoyable, Italian eatery. Moseyed on to Geneva. Found it! We were in vacay mode just for the fun of it, plus we had a little birthday celebration attitude going as well. It turns out, if an overheard conversation is true, that the restaurant is celebrating its third anniversary. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor dining. We chose indoor. Wood floors, simple table settings. Fresh food pictures on the wall. (For good reason). The menu is a single sheet with the usual categories. I carefully studied the food that was at other tables--the pizza looked very tempting--so I ordered the pizza with spinach, fresh basil and fresh garlic. For the pizza, they don't fool around, making sure that it's understood that they are the thin crust folks--great! thin crust folks I'd say. The sauce was rich in flavor with each ingredient seemingly freshly harvested that day, within the hour. The birthday one ordered gluten free pasta--the sausage and tomato that came with the order, causing a bit of light sauce that looked great. And positively reviewed. Reasonable prices, great, fresh food! I'd say wander on over, enjoy a meal, relax and enjoy more. All is possible at this very enjoyable find.
(4)Brian B.
This has to be one of best hidden gems in the area. The food is fresh and the staff is great. I love their meat balls/spaghetti, steak panini and hamburgers . This is a very friendly place for the whole family we bring our 7 months and 3 year old everyone and the staff and patrons are friendly and loving. Bottom line. .. if you want great food, friendly service, fun atmospher (with family or with a group of friends) this is the place. I hope you enjoy as much as we do. . There was one review i wanted to comment on, someone posted something like "you can't be Italian and Greek, make up your mind" all we have to say if you can cook both great, then please continue do so, as you do.
(5)Barb B.
Our second time back was not as good as our first... The atmosphere is cozy but the food lacked distinction. Pricey pasta and soggy bread with my sandwich disappointed.
(3)Emily H.
A classy-looking house on State street hides a welcome surprise - Riganato's! Riganato's has one of the most extensive gluten-free menus I've seen in the western suburbs. There was a nice selection of chicken, seafood, pizza and roasted entrees for the non-wheaties among us and the menu also included some simpler fare (burgers/sandwiches) for those obstinate family members who refuse to eat fancy. That alone guarantees we will be back, being that my family has Celiacs and picky eaters a-plenty. Their otherwise glutinous fare was middle of the road Italian-ish food. I feel like they erred on the side of caution with spicing their sauces, because when things were called "spicy" and "garlic" there were very few hints of those adjectives actually tasted in the food. Be brave with flavor Riganato's, you have the potential for greatness! The wine selection was decent, though I was a little put off by the server's inexperienced at pouring wine. I would rather have poured it myself than watch her maneuver around the table dribbling wine on the bread plates, cutlery and bread. The only place Riganato's let us down was the dessert menu. No gluten free desserts. They don't actually have a dessert menu and instead bring around a dessert tray where nothing is labeled and everything kind of looks the same in Riganato's mood lighting. Due to the lack of gluten-free options and the server's complete lack of interest in selling us on the available options, we all opted to skip dessert. We are probably coming back for the pizza at some point.
(3)Calab N.
Service- very nice people and great hospitality Decor- cozy, quaint, and also simple Food- When the bread came out it was freshly baked and had a little bit of a charred flavor, which was delightful. I ordered two appetizers: 1. The meatballs were amazing and filled with ricotta cheese. They were perfectly cooked, a delight to the senses. 2. The fried zucchini was very light considering it was a fried dish and I enjoyed it. I Also ordered a chicken rice with vegetable soup and it was very flavorful. For dinner I had a pizza. It consisted of Italian sausage, green peppers, olives, and a nice blend of cheeses. It was to die for and I was very impressed with the sauce especially with a perfect combination if spicy, sweet, and salt. I know it sounds like a fairly heavy meal, but it was extremely light. My desert, a chocolate mouse, was on point and refreshing.
(5)Liliana S.
Absolutely hands downs great food and service!! Great lunch menu not pricey at all!! I highly recommend it!
(5)Holli B.
I've been driving by this place for several years and finally decided to go. So glad we did! We were very happy. The meatballs were big, lasagna was good and the spicy penne pasta was spectacular! The family was happy!
(4)Z C.
Best fresh Italian food we have enjoyed in a while. Ambience was relaxed and intimate. Even provided a kid choice for my eleven year old. Loved the tilapia and garlic mashed. We will be back!!
(5)Ben C.
The staff were pleasant, the waitress was great and kept asking if there was anything else we needed. However, the food was disappointing. The flavor on the meat was good, yet it seemed like there is a lack of experience on the grill. My wife ordered the lamb chops, I got the trio where I had three different meats. My wife had one chop that was not medium rare, yet very raw where the outside was touched with the heat. One chop was over cooked and dry and one was just right. I had the same issue with mine. The grill should have even heat and all the food should be cooked evenly, either all rare or raw, all cooked just right or all over cooked. This along with the potatoes and rice not tasting right, I had to give it 2 stars.
(2)Cindy K.
We stopped in here because we had a gift card. We were not disappointed! The menu has a variety of options and there is something for everyone. I started with the red sangria and it was delicious and quite large! My husband had the spaghetti and meatballs which they are known for and he loved them. The meatballs are stuffed with ricotta cheese. They are the best! I had the Caesar salad and then the lemon oregano kabob. It was tasty but the chicken was a little dry. Our two younger sons were with us. One had the pizza was was really good and the other had a burger. My only complaint was that the kids menu is limited to chicken fingers or grilled cheese. So we had to buy adult entrees for them which they couldn't finish. That made the dinner out quite pricey. I gave them 4 stars because of the limited kids menu. The service was great!! We will definitely go back.
(4)Michael L.
Visited 6-14-2015 with extended family. Great service from Stacy! Appetizers of calamari (The specialty one) was good, if a little under done. Had hot peppers. Good portion size. Two had pesto with farfale pasta with artichoke hearts - huge portion - pesto was good. Others had tortellini and squash Gnocchi. Again, massive portions but very heavy handed, dripping in butter presentation. Had trout special, smallish filet prepared in too much oil. Excellent side of grilled vegetables. Another diner had the steak kebab which was a good value of around $10 - came with very good Greek, lemon cream chicken soup. Food more like 3.5 stars but service made it 4 stars overall.
(4)Troy H.
Not sure why I hadn't been here sooner but I am sure glad I went. I was so impressed with the food and service I went back the next day. Nice, small, cozy and run by very friendly engaging people who know about their food and are willing to share their thoughts is how I would describe this place. Char Grilled Octopus Up there with the best I have ever had. Don't change this dish. Jalapeno Gnocchi I am not sure who is responsible for their Gnocchi but they are very talented. I have had Gnocchi all over and even make it at home and this was the best I have ever had. Love the take on the Pesto with Jalapeno. Don't change this dish! Fresh Beets Great salad course. Tortellini Alla Panna Great texture and Flavor. Butternut Squash Gnocchi See Gnocchi review above. Great dish! We also had 2 make your own pizza's I am a pizza lover and like lots of different styles of pizza. While the pizza was good, I probably wouldn't order it here again. Too many other great thing on the menu and these pizza's didn't WOW me like the rest of the food did. Sampled one of the soups and it was delicious. All made in house. Owner and Son are very hands on and very engaging as well as the servers. Love this place and can't wait to go back and try something different.
(4)Erika P.
This is one of our favorite hidden gems and go to restaurants. Love the friendliness of the owners. Food is always great! It's nice to be away from the hustle & bustle of third street, although we love downtown Geneva. Get the Nick's calamari! It won't let you down. We've tried many different dishes. Loves their soups. Everything seems to be made from scratch. Can't go wrong here.
(5)Stacy J.
My husband and I came here for his 30th birthday. Service was great and even though we did not have a reservation, we were able to be seated immediately. I'd definitely recommend a reservation though, it's not a large dining room. It was cozy and the tables were quite close together, but the atmosphere was great. Our server was the sweetest person ever and she took great care of us. The food was amazing and very fresh, well seasoned, and everything smelled and tasted as good as it looked. Presentation was fantastic. For a special night out for us, it was well priced and both the food and alcohol menus were varied and extensive. It was a bit difficult to decide what to order, but our waitress was super patient and made sure our experience was top notch. While it could possibly be kid friendly, I would probably not drag the kids along unless they were older (at least 10+).
(5)Nancy M.
We recently moved to Geneva and found this nearby restaurant and sooo glad we have. We have been there a number of times now and never have been disappointed. Every time I've gone, I've had the chicken oreganato sandwich -- absolutely delish! Luckily, the people I eat with try different things so I get to taste test other things. We've had their pastas, burgers, shish-k-bobs, salads, homemade soups, meatball sandwiches, calamari and breaded zucchini as appetizers and rice pudding and amazing desserts too. Everything is well seasoned, freshly made and piping hot when you get the food. You just can't go wrong. The servers are always very friendly and attentive and the owners have always been on site as chefs (I think). They stop by to thank us for coming back and are very friendly too. I can't say enough good things about this restaurant. Try it for yourself!
(5)Mark M.
My family plus my parents recently dined here and had a wonderful night! The menu has a slightly Mediterranean feel to it but there are burgers, pizza, spaghetti and other dishes available. The spaghetti and meatballs that I ordered was exceptional, my wife ordered the sea bass and loved it! My kids ordered a pizza and it was the best pizza I've ever had, the crust was amazing! If you're looking for tasty dinning in the west suburbs there is no place better than Riganato's...
(5)Candy T.
Went here last weekend with a group of friends - none of us had ever been here, but we wanted to try something new. WOW. AMAZING. The sangria is out of this world (yes, I simply had to try both the red and white) and the pasta is perfection. We all ordered something different and no one had a single complaint!!! The server was friendly and attentive. This is one of my new favorite restaurants - I can't say enough good things about this little gem!!!
(5)Susan A.
Finishing our day out shopping, we were looking for a restaurant to eat a quick bite at 6:30 Saturday evening. We walked in to a bustling restaurant with a wait list. The proprietor assured us we would be seated in 10 minutes. We were. I ordered the chicken with lamb chops It was very good. The lamb was cooked perfectly and the chicken came home for tomorrow's dinner. A busy place with lots of people. The dessert selections were good. The wine prices reasonable. We will go back.
(4)Martha M.
The dining room at Riganato's is small; it's an old house that's been converted into a restaurant, however it's quaint and charming. The service is always top-notch. The staff is warm and friendly. I've taken their advice on several food selections, and they've always been spot-on. The food is made to order, fresh, tasty, and bountiful. The menu is extensive, and their prices are reasonable. Our favorite dish is the lamb chops. We occasionally go for lunch, and in nice weather I enjoy sitting outside on their small deck. On weekends I recommend calling ahead for a reservation. Otherwise you might have to wait for a table.
(5)Damon C.
Took some clients here for lunch. Awesome meatballs. They were stuffed with ricotta cheese. Huge portions. Enough for two meals. Noise level was not bad and service was quick. All three of us enjoyed a great meal at a fair price. Want to take my family there in the future. Recommended this place to many people who have all felt the same. A+. Give them a try.
(5)David D.
Really enjoyed dinner. Had Nick's Calamari to start, then the bleu cheese burger, opting for the Moroccan carrot and potato soup instead of the fries. The calamari was good - it could have used some more varieties of peppers, but I liked the spice, and I liked the calamari cut big - and not too heavily breaded - not too crispy. The soup was amazing - great spice to it, and very flavorful. My wife had the Greek rice soup and said it was the best she ever had. Our burgers were both cooked perfectly, and the serving size was very generous. Service - outstanding - our water glasses never got empty, dirty dishes removed promptly, and everyone was very friendly. The place was pretty full, but we never felt rushed. Seems to be a family run business, and felt like it - very welcoming. Definitely will return to Riganato in the future!
(4)Jennifer D.
Very disappointed. Went with my 2 kids and husband. Although the food was average the service and restaurant policies were below average. My waiter acted as I was inconveniencing him in some way. And when my son asked to order a "side or house" salad in addition to his meal the waiter said they didn't have side salads and that if he wanted a salad we would have to order the big "entree" salad along with his meal. So I asked if we could then substitute his side orders for a small salad (since obviously they do have lettuce in hand!). We were told no. Restaurants owners that can't accommodate their patrons with something as simple as a side salad shouldn't be in the service industry.
(2)Tom C.
My wife, daughter, and I went fairly early on a Saturday night (530) after I saw generally good yelp reviews. Overall it was disappointing. Atmosphere was not good - lighting was too bright - felt I was dining in the light level of your average grocery store or Walmart. Not relaxing or inviting at all. The tables were crammed into the dining room and uncomfortably close - difficult to get into your table without nearly asking the adjacent diners to please scoot in. Another weird thing was that the tables by the windows had white tablecloths, but then most of the other tables did not (including ours). Did we not deserve a white tablecloth? The chairs and tables had a dated feel and the decor in the place was very generic and cheap looking, and a white table cloth on all the tables would have classes the place up some. This contributed to a general sense of amateurism and lack of taste in the decor and the general execution of the restaurant. We ordered some white wine and it was ice cold - don't restaurants like this realize that whites need to be served 42-50 degrees in most cases? The food was mediocre. Daughter had to order a full size cheese pizza because they didn't have a kids personal pizza on the menu. I had the signature baked chicken dish that was decent. My wife had some pasta that was bland and uninspired. Service was uneventful and adequate. Price was actually high considering the lack of atmosphere and mediocre food. Overall a giant "meh" and we won't be returning.
(2)Meronda S.
After reading the reviews I wanted to try this place for myself!! Honestly the place was cozy and inviting... The staff were great and the food was simply Aaaamazzing! Hats off to the chef. The place wasn't crowded so I don't know how the seating arrangement or the wait would've been!? I personally had a great experience... Give it a go at least for the great food.
(5)Dan K.
We decided to check this place out one afternoon in addition to roaming around the streets of downtown Geneva. I got the butternut squash gnocchi here. It was pretty delicious and I couldn't believe it was gnocchi. Very rich and flavorful. We initially sat outside but the sun was beating down on us and there wasn't much protection out there so we eventually moved in. The bread was fresh and delicious. I was stuffed from all the bread. The atmosphere is nice and cozy. It's a nice spot but a bit of a walk from the downtown part of Geneva.
(4)Kathryn S.
I took my husband here for his birthday and the food was delicious. He satisfied his meat craving with the Riganato mixed grill. I had the Bleu cheese burger and it easily became one of the best burgers I've had. They have a large menu and it was hard to choose one thing because everything sounded so good. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is inviting- a house turned into a restaurant. I can't wait to go back and try something else from their menu.
(5)Mary Beth I.
We had an awesome experience at Riganato last night. We had 5:45 reservations and I had to call twice to make them later. We added two people to the reservations as well. They were so very accommodating, and never made us feel uncomfortable about all the changes we had made on a very busy Saturday night. The food was fabulous, the server , Nicki, was excellent and we are looking forward to becoming regulars there. Can't recommend enough.
(5)Grant R.
Stopped in for a lazy Sunday lunch. Owner and his son were VERY accommodating. Wait staff was excellent. Food was outstanding. This restaurant should be on your top 2 or 3 in the Tri City area! Everything they touch here is homemade and you can taste the difference. It's true Mediterranean, so you get some great authentic dishes that aren't on anyone else's menu. They also have a very good wine menu and some good craft beers. For a small place, this has more to offer in food, service, wine and beer than any other restaurant in the area.
(5)Denise F.
Let me start wIth the fact we moved to Geneva from California last September. We have tried almost every Italian restaurant in the tri cities area prior to coming to here and now we no longer have to look any further. Everything was delicious! The pizzas are thin, crispy and super flavorful. Our son had the pork tenderloin in the mushroom gravy with capers, yum! My youngest and I split the chicken kebob(the Spicer one) and a pepperoni pizza - both were delicious! My husband had the chicken pesto pizza and he loved it. The restaurant is on the small size so reservations might help although it was Saturday night and we had no wait. Karen our waitress was awesome and the young lady refilling water's kept our water's filled to the top. I am used to restaurant's being hit and miss and it was a very pleasant slam dunk with everything here. So glad we decided to try it.
(5)Kai G.
As a family of four, we've eaten here several times. Always had a wonderful meal at a very reasonable price! It's refreshing to eat at a great family restaurant that's not a chain! Our favorite dishes include Nick's Calamari, Meatball sub, Chicken Riganato (with garlic smashed that are to die for), Ribeye Kebobs, I could keep going... I kept thinking I wanted to write a review, but what finally prompted me to do so was after I held a surprise party for my husband here last week. I emailed Jimmy - chef and owner - about a month before. He handled everything so gracefully and easily over email - helping me pick the menu, seating, etc... We arrived that night to find an extra couple had arrived - Jimmy swooped in like it was no problem and added another table, turning our party of 16 into 18. I arrived with my husband about twenty minutes after everyone else. They were all enjoying hummus, fresh bread and drinks when we arrived. Then the food started flowing - stuffed peppers, calamari, friend zucchini - all amazing! It was all piping hot and fresh. We had two salads come out next - Caesar and the House. Both were phenomenal and I would have been happy to complete my meal at this point. Next up were four amazing entrees. I wish i would have taken photos to show the quantity of food - it was incredible! We had flat iron steak, spaghetti and meatballs, chicken Riganato, and a spicy sausage pasta. Each one was better than the next. We also had mixed veggies and potatoes. Every couple left with at least one container of leftovers - we left with five! We had an assorted tray of desserts - I honestly can't tell you how they were - there was no way I could fit one more bite in but they looked delicious. Bottom line - from start to finish - this was the easiest party I've ever planned. Everyone raved about the food. The service was exceptional. I would not hesitate to recommend Riganato's to anyone - seriously, an A+ experience!
(5)Ari A.
Seriously guys this place is the best!!! I know there's a couple of not so great reviews about this spot but trust me don't believe them. If you want great authentic Italian food this is the spot to come get it at, and it gets better -they are not over priced. They have great customer service. Jimmy is great! Ok so lets get down to the food. I've been here three times since I discovered this gem and I've yet to be disappointed by anything that's been served. Spaghetti and meatballs -to die for!!! I've ordered this all three times. Today they had a special with one meatball, Italian sausage, and penne pasta. My boyfriend loved it so much he asked our server to please keep this on the menu permanently! Lol Lamb chops and chicken- I've never been to crazy about lamb chops but these were awesomely delicious! Chicken was juicy and flavorful. Gnocchi is rich and a must try! Pizza by far the best pizza I've ever had ( no lie) seriously this is the perfect pizza - the crust is so crispy and the sauce is just the perfect flavor! Hmmmmm.... What else.... Oh yea their bread they bring out at the beginning of dinner I can't even describe other than perfect. However be careful , it's so delicious that you may end up filling up on it! Calamari and saganaki are our favorite appetizers . So yea I obviously will definitely be coming back to this place as long as they are in business. If your a fan of great food and awesome friendly service this is a place you definitely want to go to! I know there's a couple of reviews that weren't all that great but who knows what really happened . Give this place a try you won't regret it !!!
(5)Sally N.
What a great little place! Maybe 12-14 tables in a converted home. Very small and intimate with exceptionally friendly service. The Chicken Riganato was a bit salty for me but the pizzas are super thin and outstanding! I would have never ordered the beet appetizer on my own, but once I tried it, I was hooked: marinated with thinly sliced red onions. Yum! Others in my party had the pork chops and spaghetti and meatballs and everyone seemed happy with their pick. Two words of advice: 1. you NEED a reservation over the weekend at least. The restaurant is too small to really accommodate walk-ins and there is no waiting area except for outside. 2. ask for oil and parmesan with the warm bread. They serve it with butter but when we asked for another loaf of bread, they then asked if we would like a plate of olive oil and parmesan. Yes! It's really good olive oil. They also do not offer parmesan when the meal is dropped off, which I would expect with pizza and spaghetti. But they will bring it if you ask. Overall very enjoyable!
(4)Rick S.
Jalapeno gnocchi? Wonderful! Great staples here like calamari and meatballs. Wonderful pizza. The prices are very reasonable. Best of all, we appreciate the warm atmosphere and friendly staff.
(4)Jackie S.
What a wonderful little find. My boyfriend and I just happened to stop in on a Saturday night even though we didn't have a reservation. The owner and his son were both incredibly welcoming. It's nice to go to a restaurant where the owner/chef actually comes out to the dining room to see if you are enjoying your meal. The son was very polite and the woman that was working there offered me a chair to sit on while we were waiting in the lobby. Yes it is tiny and you may have to wait but the food is more than worth it. The meatballs were absolutely delicious as was the Panini. Very reasonably priced for generous portions. We will definitely go back.
(5)Jack T.
Excellent little restaurant! Awesome roasted pepper appetizer. Great blend of cheese. Salmon is fantastic along with garlic mashed potatoes. 2 servings of warm bread was nice! Great wait staff. Nice touch to have a chef walk by and ask us how we liked our food.
(5)J. P.
We had the mussels for an appetizer, which were very tasty. I had the salmon and it was very good, probably one of the best i've ever had. My husband had the primavera pasta and it had some very unique flavors. we both had the house rice pudding and agreed it was some of the best we've ever had. we were very impressed with the menu and wished we could have tried more! the only downside is that the dining area is extremely small. however; we will for sure be back and try something new. they also do carry-out, which is nice.
(4)Doug R.
Second time here with the family. We were again happy with the service and food. One of the specials was a Sea Bass dish which they de-boned right at the table, which I thought was a nice touch. I had the horseradish cheeseburger with fries, and the kids (5 & 4 yrs) split a classic cheeseburger with fries. Overall, the food was above average and my wife told me that the fish was very good without trying it. We did not get dessert and she had the only glass of wine through dinner. The bill was again around $50 for the four of us without really getting any alcoholic drinks, milk, or juice for the kids. We really like this restaurant due to it's small cozy feel. The fireplace was going and the head chef was walking around the restaurant talking to several different tables and taking finished plates away. It's a nice change from going to the regular chain restaurant spots.
(4)R M.
Hands down, best spaghetti & stuffed meatballs I ever had. I give this restaurant high marks on food quality, attentive service, cozy atmosphere and value! This dining experience reminds you of the small family owned restaurants you used to find in Little Italy. Charming, delicious, and affordable. Others in group had filet, burger, Athenian chicken, kebab, all high marks. Dinner for 6 with bottle of nice Cabernet, $105 plus tip, wow! Can't wait to return next time we're in town.
(5)Bryan S.
This is a small restaurant with a fairly small parking lot. It's located in an old home. It was a little bit cramped and tight. However, that never bothers me because it tells me that the restaurant is a good place to eat. We had the small pizza and a ribeye kebob. This is a thin crust pizza. It was very cheesy and an excellent choice. The ribeye kebob was one of the best meals I've ever had. The service was excellent and simply topped off a great dining experience.
(4)Frank D.
Hate to review after just one visit but not sure we'll be back. My preference would be for them to make up their mind and be either Greek or Italian rather than somewhere in between. Very small which offers an element of quaintness. The staff was very friendly and responsive even though the place was full. As mention, they are small, maybe 12 tables so there may be a wait on Fri/Sat night. i had pork chops and rice pilaf. Chops were good but smothered in tomatoes. The odd thing was that the were cut the size of salad tomatores rather than diced so as they would "melt" when cooked. The rice was average at best. I'm not even sure if it was the correct rice for pilaf. My wife had roasted chicken which was over seasoned with salt. It was also more boney than meaty. So as I said, not sure we'd go back. Not so much due to quality but there are other options so nearby that deliver a better experince overall. Torn on giving 2 or 3 stars but since I've only been there once, I'll give benefit of the doubt and give 3.
(3)Melinda R.
Love it! The pizza is fantastic, especially on the porch with a glass of wine.
(4)Jill S.
A cozy and warm place to have dinner. The waitresses and staff were great. Warm and inviting and bending over backward to please. We came because we love grilled octopus, which isn't easy to find on any menus in and around Geneva and St. Charles. We will certainly go back ! The grilled octopus was really good. I also ordered a salad of fresh beets and feta cheese. It was really, really good. Both orders were generous and very fresh. My husband ordered penne pasta, and felt the pasta was a bit over cooked and not as spicy as he would have liked. I ordered the rib eye steak and I was sorry because it wasn't great and I was already full. I won't order so much next time. We both enjoyed the restaurant and will go back.
(4)Jean V.
We had a large group of 32 women who dined in one night. We took up most of the dining room. We all had separate checks as well. We were greeted with smiles. The owner came out to greet us as well. Food was served in a timely manner, waitstaff attentive, and all-in-all, a wonderful experience. PS--we had made reservations ahead of time so they were expecting us!
(5)Amber B.
Excellent authentic Italian food! We recently ate here with some friends who's restaurant opinions we highly regard and are very glad we did. Very small place but you feel very at home with the friendly staff and the fireplace. The meatballs are probably the best Italian meatballs I've ever had. I tried them because of a review I read hear and am very happy I did. I think our entire party rated their food 4 stars or better. I would Highly recommend reservations as the place seems to be very busy on the weekend. I'm not sure how busy they are during the week.
(4)Christine H.
Don't know why my review was deleted I am a real reviewer !!!! My daughter & I ate here she has a gluten allergy & this place was listed on her app so we went She ordered the pasta & I could not tell the difference that's how good it was :) she will try the pizza next time. This restaurant is very good, worth a trip to Geneva & service was great too
(5)Sue B.
This was my first time visiting Riganato's in Geneva, and it won't be my last. The ambience upon entering is very cozy and inviting. While they could have a bigger waiting area, I could see how it pays to have reservations. Based on the recommendations from Yelp, I ordered the spaghetti and meatballs. The food was absolutely delicious. However, simple touches of asking if you'd like parmesan cheese would be welcomed. My friend ordered the tortellini with grilled chicken breast. Since we were going to split the items, our server kindly offered to do this for us in the kitchen. It arrived in two separate bowls - how wonderful. The food portions are generous. My first bite of pasta and meatballs was absolutely divine. The tortellini was just as wonderful and the cream sauce was light and flavorful. The food passing our table looked just as inviting, especially the pizza, hamburgers, salads and lasagna. The hostess/owner was warm and gracious, as was the servers. We ended our meal with the small taste of red velvet cake. It was also delicious and just the right amount of sweet. The prices are very reasonable for the amount of food you get too. I will definitely be back to sample other dishes.
(4)David M.
Half-assed hospitality. I really wanted to like this place, but never had the chance. Let me explain. A friend and I had wanted to try Riganato for a couple of years. Tonight was the night. With spring in the air and a grumbling tummy, everything seemed right. We arrived at 6:20 this evening and an older woman with blond hair told us that it would be a 25-minute wait. I did not relish sitting around. After waiting in the almost nonexistent waiting (cramped and two chairs) area for a couple of minutes, she asked us if we wanted a cocktail and to wait on the deck. We declined the cocktail, but took the deck. After fifteen minutes waiting out there, with blaring music and an ever stronger breeze, I decided to take a brief walk through the adjoining residential neighborhood. My friend is the type of person who thinks nothing of agreeing to wait 45 minutes to an hour for any old type of restaurant. I cap it at 10-15 minutes. I was trying to be compliant and patient. As I made my way back to the deck, I can see the blond woman summoning my friend. She takes us back to the waiting area--not to a table. At this point it becomes clear that SHE IS SEATING PEOPLE NOT BY WHEN THEY ARRIVED, BUT BY MATCHING UP THE WAITING PARTY TO THE SIZE OF THE JUST OPENED APPROPRIATE, AVAILABLE TABLE. My friend politely asked how long it would be and also pointed out that the party just seated had arrived at least twenty-five minutes after we had. She simply admitted that she was matching party size to available table and said "it may be a few minutes more." With that, friend and I decided to get the hell out. Blondie acted surprised. The food smelled great and the menu tempting, but that type of hospitality will not entice me to come back. In addition, seated is limited and with the fireplace roaring on a spring night, it was pretty stuffy with all the bodies in there. Hospitality that horrible does not deserve a second chance. We went back to Gemato's in Naperville. Always a winner.
(1)Tom A.
Great food. Calamari the best we have had. Great bread. Great service. Very fair pricing. Our entrees also was very good. Highly recommended.
(5)Jeff K.
Went here last night with another couple because of the yelp reviews we saw. I can honestly say this was the first time I ever had been disappointed in a "yelp-worthy" journey. The atmosphere was warm and quaint and set the stage for what we thought would be a great meal. First, the staff took forever to get to us...all night...the 4 of them were apparently swamped by the 15 tables. Slow and inattentive is the best description. The menu was varied but no theme, we had read the meatballs and pizza were king. Well the meatballs were good but the pasta tasted like it was chef boy-r-dee. Not rustic, no flavor and overly sweet. The pizza was looked forward to but when it arrived we couldn't taste anything but the oregano, all of the other toppings were drown out...oregano was the flavor...that's it. Finally we were blown away with a check for over $200 because of mistaken entries. When I questioned it the server asked, in honest shock, if I was surprised it was so cheep and not $100 more. What?!?! I may go back, but no over priced drinks and we are going to stick to the sandwich part of the menu. The one bright spot was a complimentary cocktail. The disappointment was great, but perhaps worth a shot again once they work out the bugs.
(2)Susan N.
My friends and I had lunch at Riganato the other day and we all loved the food, the service and the atmosphere. It is really a hidden gem in Geneva. The food is fresh and flavorful. The menu has great options - something for everyone. The building looks like a house and is complete with a big porch on the back with tables and umbrellas for a wonderful outside eating experience. We are definitely coming back!
(5)Ty A.
In a town that is not short on Italian restaurants, Riganato holds its own, both in its food and its service. It's also nice to have a restaurant of its caliber on the East Side of Geneva. Not much at all to write home about east of the river, restaurant-wise. Mom, Dad and I went to Riganato for a Thanksgiving eve dinner, and it was excellent. Being a resident of Chicago, the affordable prices were a welcome change of pace for me. My mom had the huge meatballs, and loved them. Dad ate the pork tenderloin and mushrooms, and I went for the spaghetti with mussels. Delicious all around. Also got a great bottle of red for a reasonable $22. What we appreciated the most was the personal attention we received. The waitress, the manager and the chef all stopped by at different times to ask how we enjoyed our meal. And then the waitstaff allowed us to take our time, continue conversing, and finish our wine while the rest of the restaurant was closing down. We didn't feel rushed, and we felt like our business was truly appreciated. We will definitely be back again.
(4)Max M.
Riganato's Old World Grille is welcome addition to the neighborhood. Generous wine pours. Eclectic mix of Greek and Italian "comfort food". Thin crispy hot pizzas. $25 for 5 perfectly char-grilled Colorado Lamb Rib Chops! Costs $40 in most restaurants. Chef Jimmy greets all the guests. The menu is inspired by Jimmy and his dad. Price value relative to quality here is excellent. Is this place perfect? No place is perfect, but I cannot think of a better place 5 minutes from our home to grab a generous glass of wine, delicious food at affordable prices, and where the owner cooks your food and treats you like he actually values your business. Chef Jimmy- don't take the lamb chops off the menu. Anytime I crave lamb chops, I'll be coming to Riganato's.
(4)