Isacco Kitchen
210 Cedar St, Saint Charles, IL, 60174
Isacco Kitchen Menu
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Start
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Mangia
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Dolci
Healthy Meal suggestions for Isacco Kitchen
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Start
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Mangia
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Dolci
Visit below restaurant in Saint Charles for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Saint Charles for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
210 Cedar St
Saint Charles, IL, 60174 - Phone (630) 444-0202
- Website https://www.isaccokitchen.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street, Private Lot, Validated
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
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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Robert B.
Isacco Kitchen has become my favorite go-to restaurant around St. Charles. The staff is warm, welcoming, and focused on service. The food is always top quality, fresh ingredients, and a beautiful presentation. Even on the few occasions something has not met an expectation, the team handles things courteously and tries to rectify. My family and I have been here countless times over the past few years and have had some great great meals. The soups are always a highlight, changing seasonally. Currently they are serving a minestrone but I always look forward to the butternut squash and others. When my wife and I go there, we find ourselves focusing on sharing a number of appetizer plates. Recently we have had some great oysters, the meat and cheese platter is always a fun assortment, stuffed dates with salad, and the mini meatballs with polenta are some favorites for us. Always a great variety. We have had some great pasta dishes. My newest favorite is the mushroom risotto with foie gras. A little sweet, served with a fried egg adding richness to this decadent treasure!! The lamb osso bucco is always a hit. And I could go on. Fabio has turned me on to some great wines at a great price. He has a knack for picking some real winners!! We have eaten inside, outside, and at the bar. We have gone for date night, birthday celebrations, family get togethers, and just to grab a great meal. This is a great place!! Thanks for all your hospitality!!!
(5)Luront U.
Very pricey, but in this case, you do get what you pay for. The food is all very high quality and the service is excellent. If you are looking for a restaurant to splurge on for a special occasion, I would highly recommend Isacco's. The food is top-notch, the atmosphere is very intimate, and if you ask about how they source their ingrediants, I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
(5)jim v.
Just ate at Isacco for the first time and I must totally disagree with Sabrina. I think your problems are obvious: just came from Riverfest, code for we had brats and chili cheese fries for lunch, cotton candy & ice cream for dessert. Taste buds were tortured. Secondly, you take pictures of your food? Save it for Facebook, are you 14? I had the veal ravioli myself and will tell you it was perfect, 10 out of 10. If you wanted more meat, order a steak or pork scaloppini like my wife did(fantastic as well). The fresh ingredients, perfect balance of flavors, just magnificent. There is a reason this restaurant was just named a Top 5 in St. Charles...there is not one thing I would change about our meal tonight. Oh, last thing Sabrina, there is a reason a chef does not put salt or pepper( or ketchup!) on the table. They want you to enjoy their preparation, not have a salt lick.
(5)Sabrina C.
Eh. We went based on the number of stars because we were nearby for Riverfest and ready for dinner, but I wish I would have read the reviews more closely. I'm truly baffled by the glowing reviews, and I can absolutely see the similarities in experiences reported that were not so positive. Service was ok; server was nice enough. The appetizers we ordered - the zucchini blossoms and the Brussels sprouts - were pretty good. Not the best we've had, but we were hungry and they were decent. They did bring bread and butter - bread was hot but served in a paper bag, which I guess is supposed to be kitschy but we found strange. The butter was loaded with garlic flavor but didn't appear to have garlic in it - it had an odd oily consistency. It was soft, at least, so there's that. The entrees, however, were BLAND. Like someone had come in and just stripped all taste from them. Both the gnocchi (which was undercooked, and the chicken that accompanied it was a bit tough) and the veal ravioli were severely lacking in actual flavor. And calling the veal ravioli "veal" would imply that there was enough veal in the (also undercooked) pasta to taste it... but there wasn't. (Don't get me started on the lack of salt and pepper on the table, too. It never did arrive, and it might have helped make the meals at least palatable.) The food was presented well (and I've posted pics... someone like me will probably breeze through and go "oooooh yum" but keep reading... because it didn't taste like much of anything.) We had it boxed up to go (why, I don't know, we weren't really going to eat it again) and when we got home we discovered the to-go bag they prepared was leaking butter sauce from the ravioli all over our SUV. Packing fail. So, basically... we spent $100 for mediocre food and one cocktail (which wasn't even what my husband wanted because despite the "full bar," they don't carry Jameson. First world problem, I realize, but when you're told they have a full bar and they can't make the first two drinks you request... maybe stop calling it a full bar.) I love local businesses, I love trying out new places, I'm ALL for spending money on great food (and do it quite often)... but I wouldn't dine here again.
(2)Mary M.
FOOD AND SERVICE GREAT GREAT GREAT! Totally worth the money and am going back again! Great wines from Italy- we ordered the zucchini tempura and it was wonderful it took us back to when I was a child eating my grandma's stuffed zucchini flowers. The Prime Rib was flame grilled giving that Tuscan flavor. hubby ordered the Seafood casserole which was delicious! LOADS of flavor.
(4)John T.
As of tonight this place is closed. Seems to be moving and will reopen(?) in the fall of 2015.
(1)Tina E.
I've been getting behind on my reviews, but this needs to be said- Absolutely one of the best restaurants in the Fox Valley area!!! Seasonal menu offers mini meatballs over creamy poloenta, Short rib manicotti is outstanding. Chef also brought me a warm loaf of freshly baked bread w/ herbed butter & oil. Top notch foodie experience. Can't wait to go back!!
(5)Eddie C.
Went on a date this friday night to Isacco based on the great reviews. We walked in and were greeted by a hostess that invited us to pick our table. I thought that was a little weird since its basically her job to find us a table, but whatever. The decor is a bit interesting with random modern art pieces on the wall and basically spray paint graffiti on the ceiling. The music was a mix of early to late 2000s alternative rock music, which i thought was strange, but whatever. So the waiter comes to take our drink order. We both aren't wine drinkers so we declined and it seems like he checked out at that point as he really wasnt as engaging or attentive as other tables. 2/5. They bread came out and was served to us cold in a paper bag. Like a little sandwich paper bag that homeless people hide bottles of liquor in. It didnt have a bad taste and was fresh but would have preferred it hot. 3/5. We ordered the meatball appetizer ($12). 6 little meatballs came on a bed of mashed potatoes and marinara sauce. The meatballs were dry and over cooked. They crumbled when putting a fork in them. 2/5. I ordered the flank steak toscano ($26) medium rare, and my date had the seafood risotto ($29). My steak came more medium than medium rare which was fine but it was tough. I didnt feel like it was seasoned at all and that was masked by a mushroom sauce/glaze they poured over it. The ends of the steak were pretty fatty as well. The polenta underneath was pretty delicious though. 2/5. I didnt try my dates risotto. She wasnt a huge fan of it and left most of it. Her complaints were that the calamari was chewy, but liked the sauce and scallops in it. Check was $73 after tax. I would probably give it another shot based on the stellar reviews, perhaps they were just off tonight. 2/5.
(2)Aris K.
delicious handmade bread and pasta dishes...simple ,down to earth, no fancy decoration and such ,on a small space where you know that the food is going to be great...the good reviews are spot on ! had the change to meet the owner/chef/server him self tonight, a Thursday ,quiet nite at the kitchen...and...his Italian temperamento/personality and the food and wine , all made our evening one to remember... ..got sat right away and all went perfect after that...quality ingredients make up for great tasting food at very reasonable prices...bon appetit :-)...ps..two very nice bottles of wine and four large appetizers and three decent size entrees later and my wallet was lighter by a hundred and eighty singles...first time I enjoyed lamp and grouper and risotto and handmade pasta so much all in one place in this country !!
(5)Ellen K.
Like another customer said, if you do not order wine or entrees, they could care less about you. Let me also preface this by saying that I HATE writing negative reviews about small local businesses, but the service was so bad that I feel compelled to lend my constructive criticism so they cease treating their REPEAT customers this way. We were in-between shopping trips & wanted to stop by for some appetizers. They had just opened for dinner so only about 5 other customers were in the restaurant. We ordered 3 appetizers, and as always, they were delicious. After we received our plates, we didn't see anyone again for 40 minutes. I had to ask the hostess, no joke, TWICE to find our waiter to bring our bill. At this point, there were still only 8 other customers in the restaurant. When the bill finally arrived, it was $40, for 3 appetizers. I checked the menu on the way out: the waiter had up-charged us $3 extra dollars for each plate we received.
(1)Frank B.
I don't like to give bad reviews either, but sorry it has to be said. First, got a martini with an olive that had mold on it. Told the waiter and he laughed it off. Then got calamari and the plate had a hair on it. Asked to see the manager but after 30 minutes he never came out. Sorrry Issaco but that's it. You do NOT treat customers like this. Bye Bye and shame on you. Future customers beware.
(1)P K.
Fantastic night here! We had delicious appetizers (bruschetta and antipasto plate with the most tender, flavorful prosciutto), warm crusty house made bread with whipped herb butter (!) while the chef taught us how to make fresh potato gnocchi. Then we had an amazing salad of mixed greens, soft, fluffy fresh cheese, fried dates, fennel and all kinds of other goodness. Then a gnocchi and chicken dish that was KILLER, mushroom risotto that made me swoon. Last, insanely delicious balsamic gelato with two perfect little brownies resting on mango purée dusted with crushed pistachios. I am in a divine food coma! Can't wait to go back. Bravo, Chef. And excellent service from Fabio. Grazie!!!
(5)Sheri C.
Great resteraunt!!!!! Went here with a friend and sat at table outside. Dillon was our sever and was top notch. He explained how they grow some of their own tomatoes and spices. We ordered some fresh pasta and the wine he recommended went well with our dinner. The food was amazing. Yes, it is pricy, but the pasta is fresh and delicious so well worth it.
(5)Jon P.
I've eaten at isacco many times. Each experience was different but excellent. Always phenomenal, unique food creations. Service always perfect. But what sets this place apart is the owners. I have yet to eat at Isacco and not talk with the chef and his wife . They take such pride in what they do and that is what separates a great experience from an EXCEPTIONAL one! I recently moved from St Charles and Isaac and is wife's establishment is a place I miss dearly! I highly recommend, you won't be disappointed!
(5)James F.
Dates wrapped in bacon. If that was the extent of my trip to Isacco, it would be everything all the reason you need to head there immediately. But it's not - there are other, also-delicious menu options for you to try. I dined here with some other folks from my company - we sampled many different appetizers (all outstanding), and were treated to several excellent wine suggestions. The hospitality and food quality were both top notch, and i only wish that i was in St. Charles more often so that i could be a more frequent guest of Isacco.
(4)Ashley R.
Food and Service get two big thumbs up. My husband and I loved our meals! The crab ravioli and duck ravioli were delicious. The crab ravioli had just the right amount of heat; the scallops seemed to melt in mouth. I give it 4 stars because the portions were on the smaller side in my opinion. I typically get full quickly. So if I finish my entire meal and still have room for more, I know the portion could have been bigger. The dishes are pricey but that's fine as long as the meals are quality, which they are. I just wish there was a bit more food included in that pricey cost. Our server was very nice and helpful! Isacco's is a very nice dining experience.
(4)Punisher J.
Well we thought we would try this place out! Seeing it as we always bike past here and it looked very inviting! Everyone was very nice and friendly! Well we sat there for a very long time and our waiter Fabio finally arrived and we mentioned that we were real thirsty and he went into his scripted wine routine. We informed him that we needed another minute to decide on our drinks and asked if he could bring us a little more water please and we saw him roll his eyes like we bothered him with that! Not to mention it was very hot and humid on Friday night and our water glasses were already empty due to our extreme thirst! Lol When he came back we ordered a couple appetizers a salad and our entrées and then he asked us if we would like something other then our waters and we decided to pass on anything with alcohol because of 30 miles bike ride a little earlier. We chose different beverages and as Fabio walked away we heard him mumbling something rude. Like other reviews we read, this must be the waiter that checks out as soon as he realizes that we are not having wine and he really was not attentive and it kinda seems like he's in love with himself and only the tables who he could sell wine to! The food was very good! Nice presentation! Fabio was a flop! 4 stars for the restaurant 1 star for Fabio only because he probably thinks he's one! Nice place if you are drinking wine? Well let's fast forward to the next day Saturday night. We went out with friends and guess where they wanted to go. Isaccos! This time we got Zac , he was nice and polite. The Short rib Manicotti and the Halibut were great. The OssoBucco and the Zuccini blossoms looked great also. The Tuscan blend taste like it was filtered threw a cowboy boot. Yuk. Took a long time to get food. Guess we will try this place again. The bald guys tables looked like they were having fun. We asked him his name and he said Andy but we heard another table calling him Mike. So who knows. The food took a real long time. We recommend you go on a slower night. Same thing happened on Friday night.
(3)Eric R.
I love this place. Northern italian cooking at its finest. My wife and I have been there 5 times. Never had a bad meal or bad service. Love the bread "in a bag." Love the fig appetizer, and the buratta appetizer. Fish dishes and pasta dishes have always been great! I rarely have room for dessert, but if you do, get the cannolis and eat them fast - they are awesome!
(4)Lindsay S.
Being Italian, I'm a "bit" particular in my expectations of Italian food. Isacco was a last minute family dinner on a Sunday evening (two weeks ago) and sat on the patio. The food tasted as if it came from the Old Country! From the moment we walked in, we felt like we were at home. Our server, Fabio felt like family and treated us as if we were at his dining room table. I cannot speak highly enough of the food... I had the Crab Ravioli and each taste was absolutely perfectly put together. My husband had the lamb shank and risotto and compared it to the food on our honeymoon. Every guest in our party was extremely happy with the food and the service. We will be frequenting this restaurant!! (Side note, below I marked "Good for kids and average noise level, due to us sitting outside on the large patio. I do not believe this restaurant is good for small kids on the inside as it is very small.)
(5)Lucas C.
I had really high hopes for this place, but it was just disappointing. Appetizers- The reason this place gets it's two stars was because of the tempura battered zucchini flowers. It was one of the best things I've tasted. We had sausage eggplant rolls and the eggplant was all soggy and the sausage was just decent. Dinner- crab ravioli- the worst dish I've ever tasted. It had so much fishy taste and lemon that I couldn't even eat it. Practically inedible. Chicken something something- chicken was bland and not juicy. Spinach was overpowering and bitter. Short rib manicatti- again, practically inedible, it was just a soggy mess Flank steak- the steak was decent but not that great Service- it was great but couldn't make up for the food I had high hopes for this place after reading the reviews and hearing about the freshness and the handmade-ness but it just wasn't good.
(2)Anne L.
We stopped by during river fest and there was no one, and I mean, NO ONE there. Oddly, that was mildly appealing as we wanted some small plates and wine. We sat on the patio, right next to where they grow their own basil and rosemary. The server was pleasant, albeit, a little unrefined. Not a deal breaker. The bread was delivered in a brown paper lunch sack, presumably because we were outside? The bread was warm, but I found the herbed butter to be overwhelming. Bottles of wine were reasonably priced, with a heavy emphasis (naturally) on Italian wines We started with the antipasto and cheese plate, of which 90% was winner. The green British Stilton seemed out of place. For apps, their sausage stuffed mini tri-colored peppers over creamy polenta rocked. It was so good I had to try and recreate it for Father's Day. I'm fairly certain we ordered more apps to share, but I was so hooked on this one, i wasn't paying attention to anything else.
(3)Shelley L.
Had a wonderful meal here this evening. Our first visit and we were impressed by the intimacy of the dining room and the attentiveness of the staff. Fabio, our server, was friendly and made great suggestions. My husband had beef ravioli and I had seared grouper. Both were outstanding. For dessert we had nutella crepes. I can die happy. There was a little bit of a "glitch" when we tried to use a coupon when we were settling up (the restaurant no longer accepts WBIG coupons) but to their credit, the restaurant accepted our coupon because it was our first visit and they wanted us to leave happy. Which we did! We will definitely be back! This restaurant is not inexpensive but we felt it was well worth the price. It's not an "every Friday night" place--at least not for us--but we look forward to many future visits. In a word....'OUTSTANDING'!
(5)Jennifer D.
This is currently our favorite restaurant in St. Charles! Great food. Wonderful service. Woohoo!
(5)Carolina B.
Another wonderful dining experience in the western suburbs. We made a last minute reservation for four on a Saturday evening and luckily they had availability. The restaurant has a great atmosphere, pretty fountain out front, bright colors, unique and classy graffiti style art. Staff was wonderful and welcoming. There is a small, intimate dining room with dim lighting, I loved it! The menu was small about 10 appetizers and 10 entrées. My boyfriend is a beer drinker and there were not a lot of options for him, but the wine selection was wonderful! We started with fried date stuffed with chorizos, served with an herb and beet salad. This was one of THE BEST salad/stuffed dates I've ever had. Each bite was delicious and fresh, I never wanted it to end. For my entree I ordered the lobster ravioli with shrimp, I am not a big pasta girl but for this dish I was! Every bite melted in my mouth and was bursting with flavors, I'll be honest, I licked the plate clean (with my bread ). This is a wonderful choice for dinner with friends. Good wine, hot bread, fresh pasta, and not Terribly over priced, come here! Chao Bella's.
(4)Drew P.
To keep it simple, fantastic service. My only issue was the price compared to the flavor of the food. It didn't match up, and I was left wanting more.
(3)Meg B.
I am ashamed that it took my fiancé and I four years to try this restaurant. We had the best dining experience after hitting a couple brick walls as far as restaurants are concerned. Small and detailed, so much care in each dish that came out of the kitchen. We cannot say enough good things about this place, you MUST try it!!!
(5)Mike D.
Found Isacco's on Yelp and very glad we stopped in. We had an early 5pm dinner so it was empty when we arrived. By the time we left it was full and there were people waiting in the bar. The seating area is fairly small so make a reservation. Every dish we tried was excellent. Started with the warm homemade bread, then grilled calamari, which had a great sauce. The crab tortellini in a vodka sauce was very good and then the large tiger shrimp really made the entree special. The butternut squash ravioli also had an excellent sauce and the crumbled sausage almost melted in your mouth. We finished with a unique tiramisu that had more cream than normal recipes and we loved it. We'll be back!
(5)R B.
I have seen this restaurant repeatedly, knew it was there, but wasn't sure what it was all about. On a whim, a local friend and I went to check it out this week. WOW! We were both blown away by the exceptional menu, the quality of the food, the service, the decor and ambience. Give this place a try. It's worth the extra investment in a truly exceptional food experience. According to Fabio, the menu changes every few days in order to accommodate the freshest foods. The have homemade pastas and very fresh seafood.
(5)Jimmy G.
Overall fantastic experience. Wonderful food and service! Go check it out. They make their pasta fresh in the morning. Items are all made to order. Good wine selection. Don't be fooled by the simple decor and small size, this restaurant is worth stopping in.
(5)Kathy G.
You have to try this place, quaint, warm and inviting, wonderful service, ask for Dylan, he's adorable. The food is superb. We ordered calamari that was incredible, not fried but grilled in a wonderful sauce, the flank steak was delicious and the pork saltimbocco was excellent. I will return to this very lovely restaurant for their wonderful cuisine.
(5)Mark B.
Overall decent food. Our server was fantastic and the wine snob we needed. Home made pasta and freshness you could really taste. Excellent mussels and seafood "Stew". Moderate pricing.
(4)Frank D.
Great quaint restaurant. Small menu but that typically means everything is scratch made from fresh ingredients. Been there several times and never disappointed. A bit pricy in my opinion as the decor certainly didn't scream of 5 star. Certainly would recommend.
(4)Mark L.
By far, the best Italian in the area. I have read other reviews and would say to those who question the flavors to go back to Olive Garden so you can please your second rate processed food palate. Fresh, quality ingredients with top quality know how result in complex flavors to which are often unappreciated by most Americans. I have been to Italy and would say this is as close as you will get. I am compelled to write a long dictation as to how Isaaco's is a drastic improvement over other choices in the area, but rather just suggest that you got there and try it out, really wonderful food.
(5)Tract E.
My 3rd visit and again...did not disappoint! This time we brought a group with us. we ordered two of the meat and cheese platters...wow! Loved them! I ordered the halibut and it was phenomenal ! We also had their crab ravioli, and a few others! I must say, I am not a fan of the decor, but the attention to detail and quality of food far surpass any distaste I have to the decor.
(5)Kristina U.
Isacco's has the best Tiramisu cake and vodka sauce, for their pasta, I have ever had, ever! Also, the homemade bread, pasta and fresh ingredients are amazing! I am now making it an anniversary and "special" occasion place because they are just fantastic; the grilled octopus salad is a must try as well!
(5)Kate H.
Great food, EXCELLENT charcuterie platter (best I've had). Chef/owner is clearly passionate and this place is authentic fine dining Italian. One of our go-tos.
(5)Matt R.
Beware the Bermuda Triangle! I have to be honest... I'm not usually the one to write a review, but after our unfortunate experience I felt the need to vent and share with others the story of our short stay. We were looking quite forward to a nice modern Italian dinner this past Friday (8/29/14) and thought we'd give Isacco a shot since it was within close walking distance from our home and we'd be looking for a place to frequent that appeared to have good food and ambiance. We arrived at approximately 7:15pm and noticed there were quite a few spots to sit outside. The young hostess was quite lovely and was able to accommodate us with our outside request rather quickly. There were a few surrounding tables that were being serviced by attentive staff. Three servers in fact, two male and one female working a total of five tables. We were the sixth in the cluster. We received water right away as we scanned the menu. The food actually looked quite good and we were looking forward to a nice dinner. We picked out a fancy bottle of wine to order and an appetizer to start with. After a few minutes went by with no one making their stop at our table we thought it might be best to decide on what to order for dinner. A few more minutes went by and still no one stopped to take our drink order. However the busboy that brought our water did bring us bread in a bag. We thought is was bread anyway... truthfully we never opened it. At the very least, you would think after ten minutes of sitting down a waiter/tress would introduce themselves and honor a request for a beverage other than water. All the while, the other tables within earshot are being attended to with great care. We seriously thought we had entered the Bermuda Triangle and were lost or invisible to all the staff... with the exception of the busboy. After (just about) 20 minutes of NOT ONE member of the waitstaff stopping to take (at the very least) a drink order we had decided to leave. I walked up to the hostess and politely explained to her that she could give our table to some other diner as we were done. She was very kind in her apology, but at that point the damage was already done. It's not up to the customer to grab the attention of the waitstaff... that's their job. It's too bad really. I'm a lifelong resident of St. Charles and work at a local business that has thrived for over 20 years. I like to support local businesses and the local economy and would have loved to find a new restaurant option to visit on a somewhat frequent basis. However I cannot recommend Isacco and sadly will NEVER make another attempt in going there. The evening wasn't a total loss however. After leaving Isacco empty-handed (and stomached) we walked down to Francesca's by the River and had an amazing meal. We were seated right away and our waiter (whom we've had on a few occasions) was very accommodating and also got a kick out of our story. At that point we could all laugh about it knowing we would never make that mistake again with Isacco. Just like the saying goes... if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Francesca's has always had amazing food and excellent service. We will always consider that our #1 choice for fine local Italian food... and I'll make sure to let my opinion be known to all.
(1)Burbalicious X.
Well, bummer. We've been here a handful of times now, and the first two experiences were very good. This past weekend we had a really lackluster experience. Had a 7:15 reservation on a Saturday night. Place wasn't packed, just "normal crowded". Server was slow to acknowledge us (very busy chatting with other tables, though). Drink order was slow, wine refills were even slower. The food is great, but the portions are questionable for the price. My husband's $26 scallops on risotto included THREE scallops. Come on. Considering it's a bit of a drive for us coming from Batavia, I don't think we'll go back. Too bad.
(3)Cheryl T.
Everything I've eaten at Isacco has been delicious!! I've probably dined at Isacco about 6 times and I have never been disappointed. We sat outside on a beautiful summer night and were thrilled with both the service and the food. Our server Fabio was very friendly and since there were only 2 of us dining, he suggested the half-sized meat/cheese platter that was not on the menu. Since so many of the appetizers looked good, we ordered 4 of them to share which turned out to be the perfect amount of food. We had the oysters, ahi tuna which was perfectly cooked, a house salad and the cheese/meat plate. Everything was fresh and delicious and I can't wait to go back this summer to enjoy the patio again.
(5)J. S.
Wow! I didn't expect this place to be so good! I've parked and walked by this place many times, but finally stopped to enjoy dinner. I was so impressed! The food was amazing and the staff was VERY friendly and attentive. I will go back for sure, and I highly recommend going here.
(5)Jennifer M.
Isacco we love you! AMAZING Northern Italian cuisine. Chef Isacco is from Milan and cooks traditional dishes from that region of Italy. He is a brilliant self-trained chef who truely cares about his customers. Always a wonderful meal! Try the outdoor seating in nicer weather, it makes for a beautiful evening. Thank you Isacco!
(5)J B.
Review is for a meal that we had some months ago, but we had great service and excellent food, and thought that this place is worth promoting. Would definitely go here again.
(4)Sara B.
Very odd place but really good food. The starters are huge and I would say order one as a meal. We had: Stuffed peppers and polenta Trio of Brushetta Canneloni Sea Bass Scallops Canolli Pecan Pie Gellato Between the three of us we like 95% of the food and really liked it. The Sea bass was a little sad b/c it was laying in a pool of butter and oil. The flavors were intense and interesting for everything that we ate! Would for sure go again....just a little weird vibe and decor int he place.
(4)Andrew W.
Super weird experience from the parking lot to the signage (why is one letter on it's side, you can't read the name at all!) to the waiter to the spray painted decor... Food was really tasty for the most part. Complete miss on a couple items but when you are trying weird stuff a couple blunders are bound to occur. Give it a try!
(4)D. W.
Great food at this local favorite. Try the antipasto platter and the Super Tuscan wine. Can't wait to get back for the next meal.
(5)Lindsay B.
We enjoyed a lovely meal on the patio of this restaurant during our first visit. Somehow we had missed this fun place in all of our trying new restaurants in the area. The menu here was really interesting, with a great variety of dishes. We started with a great eggplant appetizer with sausage which we all loved. Everyone also loved the entrees- ranging from duck to steak to chicken. All entrees were well plated and tasted delicious. We ended our meal with dessert- the semifreido (which I had never had before) was lovely. Service was good throughout the meal, and our water glasses were filled regularly. The only thing that was a bit of a bummer was that they didn't give us a drink menu when we got there- only the wine list. We will definitey be back again in the future for a special occasion. I'm excited that the menu changes regularly as I enjoy new things!
(5)Michael R.
The butternut squash and apple soup is delicious. The homemade bread comes in little paper bags and is warm and soft. The chef added butternut squash aoli to the brussel sprout appetizer to pair them even better. A nice touch. The ciopinno was massive in size and flavor. Perfectly cooked and spicy. Wonderful. The service and ambiance of the patio were just right. We were very happy and will be back often.
(5)Jennifer G.
Hours have been updated again: Monday to Thursday from 4pm-10pm Friday and Saturday from 4pm-11pm Sunday from 4pm-9pm They are also taking reservations again. My husband and I went on Sunday to celebrate Valentines - great as always. Although the menu changes regularly, if they have mozzarella on grilled veggie and tartlet topped with shaved parm and prosciutto, I highly recommend it - amazing cheese. I have been getting the shrimp diablo with crab ravioli - good, spicy. I have also had the pork osobucco - sooo tasty. My husband is a fan of the chef's bolognese with fresh pasta - all of the pasta and gnocchi are fresh made.
(5)Dennis P.
My wife and I have been going here for years and we are yet to be disappointed. While the staff has changed over time, we are always pleased with the service. The food is what constantly brings us back. We have taken numerous people here with us and, other than a few comments about price (and I always pay), no complaints. Many of the dishes are not what you would traditionally expect, but the flavor combinations are always great. Even my young grandchildren have come to love this place, they are usually prepared to make Mac & Cheese with homemade pasta and wonderful blend of cheeses on request to satisfy the little ones.
(5)Robert K.
I travel a lot & have young kids. Flights shifted my arrival on 2/14 too late for dinner. I called Isacco on 2/15 & He made me a perfect carry-out dinner. Fresh Pasta w/Veggies + Seafood Risotto + Butternut Squash soup. We will be back.. - THANKS
(5)Gerry A.
As good as Italian gets in St. Charles. I actually had THREE bookmarks to try Isacco Kitchen after Jennifer G had highly recommended them over three years ago. Best Italian meal we have had in Illinoiz this year. We got lucky with a surprisingly nice Fall night that let us eat outside at one of the maybe 8 tables outside right next to a little babbling architectural pond/stream, magical. Was excited to see East Coast oysters on the menu, but then not so excited (too small) when I saw some on the way to wash my hands, went with the Calamari appetizer that was perfectly NOT overcooked with an interesting mango salsa. Fabio our fantastic server helped us pick from our top 4/5 choices and we went with the homemade duck ravioli with sage butter and smoked prosciutto, and short ribs cannellloni baked with mariana, asiago and ratatouille. with a delicious huge side of roasted brussel sprouts with bacon, walnuts and orange zest. Delicious. No time for desert on the way to a show at the Arcada but we saw a couple chocolate desserts go by that 4 people could share. The by the glass wine looked better than average and there was a better than average smallish bottle list with a lot of fairly priced Super Tuscans and even a couple Barberas, really good food wine list. Portions were not large or small, service quiet and unobtrusive, and we did have small leftovers of everything. Most expensive appetizer was $16 and a couple lobster main courses topped at $28, very reasonable we thought for the level of quality and service. Eating inside would have been a much different experience, smaller and more private, and it's not big in there, can be very Loud. Easy free parking. Lunch also looks very reasonable. Do it.
(5)Steve B.
We came 45 minutes before our reservation and ordered drinks. We had to to go the bar to get service and walk the drinks to our table myself. At our reservation time they said they had a table and it would be 10 minutes, but they chose to pass two walk in parties ahead if us, clearly meaning to pass us over. They are rude, unprofessional and irresponsible. I have no idea about the food since I was not honored enough to dine. Not not bother with this poorly organized and run establishment.
(1)Mark K.
3 and a half. Food: Sea bass was excellent. Cooked and seasoned to perfection. Only negative is it was probably 4 ounces, max. Kind of small. The veal ravioli wasn't very good at all. Very strong, rich flavor that was overwhelmed by the pancetta bacon on top and the super rich sauce. Veal stuffing was sparse and didn't dominate the dish at all. I would not recommend this dish. Which leads me to service. My pet peeve when I ask a server for suggestions is when they respond "what they like". Honestly, I don't really care what you like, but I do care about feedback from customers. When I asked our server about the veal his first response was I don't eat veal, so not sure. But, no customer complaints. I should have known better when he couldn't offer some advice or even a description of the dish - btw, it's about 15 small raviolis covered with a rich sauce and pancetta bacon. Good flavors, just too rich for me. Did I mention the sauce is rich?
(3)Steve G.
If I'd reviewed this place before we went there last night, it would have been a solid 4 star review, but... Last night my wife and I took a foodie friend of ours who was visiting from out of town. We think the charcuterie starter that Isacco serves is simply without parallel. It beats Neo's Salumi bar in terms of value, if not quality! Enough meat and cheese for 4 and too much for 2 people... After that, things got a little weird. We decided to just go with starters instead of entrees, our friend got the shrimp with gnocchi, I got the mussels, and my wife got the fried beet salad. The shrimp/gnocchi was delicious, if a little small on the gnocchi bits, my mussels were perfect with a great bread for sopping up the slightly spicy juice left in the bowl (yes!), but my wife's beet salad arrived with kind of a duck confit mixed in.?!?! WTF? Duck? We were confused since the menu definitely doesn't mention this. Our waiter offered that Isacco had taken the night off, and the "kitchen help" were being a little creative tonight... Needless to say, that was a surprise, and not altogether welcome... Menu descriptions should be pretty darn close to describing what will arrive -- and any additions should be discussed with customer before hand. What if my wife was vegan? So I'm docking a point for adding meat to a dish that obviously shouldn't have any. I suggest you double-check with the waiter to be sure you're surprises are limited... The warm bread was delicious as always, and service was fine. TIP: Check out the bathrooms when you go, they look like something straight out of Banksy's house!
(3)meg l.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this place! Isacco is straight from Italy and the food tastes that way too. Love everything on the menu. Handmade pasta and braised shortrib are the best in a 20 mile radius. They also have great drinks. I particularly like the grapefruit martini made with freshly squeezed grapefruit juice. They also have a great patio for outdoor dining in the summer.
(5)Christine A.
I'll give them a star for the Bruchetta, which was very good and my husband said his steak was good. I did NOT like the pasta at all, it was fettuccine MUSH, seriously it was so overcooked it was a pile of mush and I didn't like the flavor of the sauce. Even the bread in the bag I thought was just okay, although the garlic butter was good. I don't know why it was so cramped in here, the outside the building is big, but there are a dozen or so tables and a small bar. The prices were ridiculous and overall- I was thoroughly unimpressed and will not return.
(2)J S.
We walked into Isaccos's early (5:30 or so) on a Saturday and quickly felt a bit under dressed, we where seated in the small dinning area, I think there was only 1 other table seated and a few folks at the bar. We where told that the menu changes almost completely every week, selections where limited but a good mix of pasta, seafood and poultry so just about everybody should be happy. I had the crab ravioli with vodka sauce and grilled chicken and my wife had the sea bass. The food quality was excellent, dare I say my best dining experience in quite a while, service was also top notch. For desert I would recommend the gelato sampler, the black pepper gelato was interesting. It is on the pricier side of what we tend to lean to but we will be back I'm sure for those times we need a special treat.
(4)Gaby F.
I walked into the restaurant and immediately saw the chalkboard above the bar which read Fois Gras Risotto. That's for me! We seemed to be off to a good start. Four of us sat in an attractive room, with a bizarre meeting happening next to us. It was a cold night, and the room was drafty. In the summer, I'm sure it's more pleasant. We were asked if we wanted cocktails so I asked for the list. There isn't one and none were suggested. Strike One. I asked for the specials and was told that the menu changes daily. OK...fair enough. Can I have the Fois Gras risotto? No. The board is for show. It hasn't been changed in ages. If I owned a showroom, would I place the most enticing, non-available item in the window? No I would not. Strike Two. We ordered three appetizers and a bottle of wine. Two of the appetizers were served after 5 minutes. No wine. I found the waiter serving the bar tables. I asked for the wine and it came; my appetizer did not. Strike Three. So I asked for my salmon and crab appetizer and when it finally came, it was good. The salmon was better than the watery crab. I wanted to order the veal saltimbucco but was told it was stuffed and covered with cheese - in other words, it isn't that veal saltimbucco at all, which should be served with sage, prosciutto, white wine and lemon, with no cheese anywhere near. Strike Four (like it matters now). The bolognese was good, with a rich, meaty, red wine and tomato based sauce. It was served with love by the chef (owner?) to the table, a nice touch I thought. The chocolate soufflé, however, was dry . As a side note, a local wine merchant was hard selling his wines to a guy with a baby, his wife and another woman at the table next to us. He kept disappearing into the kitchen and coming out with half-drunk bottles of red wine. Now, I could tell they were Italian because they had the DOC label around the neck, yet the merchant's loud description didn't match the wine. I asked if I could have a taste (well, don't ask, don't get) and was treated to an average glass of I'm guessing Montepulciano. As soon as the wine merchant left, there was a general shrugging of shoulders and a diaper change (not in the room). It was very odd. Other diners, by the way, were dressed in either jackets or sports attire. If only folks could show some respect for the restaurant, it might help it reciprocate. I suspect if Isacco found the passion, they could bring this place up to a decent level. The food is still better than Villa Verone in Geneva, but compared with the innovation going on in Chicago or the classic Roman dishes of the cheaper Celeste in New York, it's just not good enough. It's not difficult to sound like a snob here, but just because your diners can't pronounce your dishes, do you have to let standards drop? Does living in the suburbs have to relegate one to a consistently subpar experience?
(2)Sharon K.
Excellent dining experience. Nothing was just ordinary, down to the bread and butter and iced tea. Everything we tried had a special flavor. The Brussels Sprouts appetizer made the Brussels Sprouts taste like candy--no strong "cabbagy" taste at all. I had the butternut squash ravoli and my companion had the pork tenderloin. Both were wonderful with a complexity of flavors. Nothing like you would find in any "chain" eatery. Think Italy, and be ready for a new experience!
(5)Dawn R.
My husband and I felt that Isacco was overpriced in relationship to what was delivered .We shared a winter salad ($9.00) and had sea bass and risotto (26.00) and shrimp diablo (28.00) both of which were good but not worth the price. The wait staff was slow. We will not be back.
(2)Steven J.
I have been here with my wife, clients and friends and am always pleased. The food is very creative, presented well and above all delicious. It has become my favorite restaurant in the area. Pricing is more than fair. The menu seems to never be the same and I love this. Its always a tasty adventure. Great wine list and knowledgeable wine pairing reccomendations have always been spot on. The starters are high volume.... My wife and I save through the meal as a side. She is a fan and would suggest his brussel sprouts offering. There is not multiple choice of hard liquor or beer or unusual cocktails. Wine choices are the opposite .... numerous - but typical less choice of "by the glass" offerings. Wine is served in the ideal glassware. Isaaco's is a very comforting relaxing fine dining gem. I am glad to see they are now accepting reservations. I hope they revert back to serving at lunchtime.
(5)Emily P.
My boyfriend and I dined at Isacco on New Year's eve and I can't believe we never knew about this place. Isacco got recommend to us so we decided to take a chance and try it out. I do not think I have ever had such a great impression of a restaurant on the first try. I adored the building from the outside, a cute, quaint building, with what looks to be like a fantastic outdoor patio. We will definitely be back in the warmer months to enjoy, that's for sure. The restaurant was small, the decor was modern, and they had awesome music.The food was phenomenal to say the least. I think that they had a really creative but simplistic menu. The bread came out in a paper bag which is something I have never seen before but I like it! Something different and it kind of makes you anticipate what's to come. We had the gnocchi and the scallop appetizers, veal and lobster for dinner. To our surprise the portions sizing was very decent, worth the price (which was not out of the ordinary). We also had dessert, the tiramisu and the chocolate peanut butter semi-fredo. TO DIE FOR! I could go on and on about each dish and how marvelous they all were but I think this sums it up. Isacco has blown me away, my overall experience on New Year's has left me wanting more. Bravo Isacco! Also I would like to mention the 2 lovely ladies a the front door, decked out in great attire and topped with New Year's Eve tiaras. It's so nice to see people getting into the spirit of the holiday. They both had great personalities and they set the tone of the evening from the very beginning.
(5)Jeff K.
Very good choices. Great wine list. Helpful severs. Loved sitting on the porch. Ate baked figs - delicious, gazpacho - to die for and the brussels sprouts.... Well if you are going to eat them...eat them here.
(4)Claudia C.
This was indeed a breath of fresh air, and sexy as someone else here mentioned. We used to dine frequently, since the kids came along we don't get to the city anymore and only occasionally can sneak out for a fine meal in the burbs (that used to be an oxymoron, but I'm happy to say that is changing!) We consider ourselves to have pretty high standards when it comes to food quality and Isaaco's made the mark. We arrived spontaneously one night at about 7pm and were able to be seated almost right away. The place has a romantic, intimate feel of someone's den, candlelight and all... but not so dim you can't see what you're eating. There is a wonderful bookcase that includes the chef's favorite cookbooks, and after our dinner we were able to thumb through a few. The prices are reasonable and the food very fresh and finely prepared and presented - the music was fun - not stuffy, good rock and roll but not too loud - a great, edgy combination of fine and casual. I was feeling particularly daring that night and tried the beef tongue appetizer. My husband was skeptical - a French native, he had only had beef tongue in the old country prepared in a different way that wasn't very appealing - we were both blown away by how tender and deliciously prepared it was! He had the octopus and was equally pleased. We also had the antipasto and it was as good as everyone else said. As for the duck mishaps mentioned by other reviewers - no excuse for not divulging the duck content in the beet salad, agreed - I'm certain that had Isaaco been present this liberty-taking would never have been done . However, Ryan ("Elite"), I'm sorry to tell you, but in the culinary world, it is entirely acceptacle and appropriate to have duck cooked to your desired doneness - it does not have the same disease risk as chicken or other poultry - duck is at its best served medium-rare to medium, as the texture is similar to a red meat and toughens from overcooking..do your research and you will see - and if you dine frequently enough you will find this to be so at any finer restaurant. We were fortunate enough to meet the chef after our meal, a delightful gentleman and very down to earth. We are considering returning this weekend for our anniversary, so I am looking forward to another experience at this hidden suburban gem!
(5)Renata M.
My husband and I dine at Isacco Kitchen frequently. As others have mentioned, the charcuterie is incomparable and one of the best values on the menu. (Warning, don't get it as an appetizer for two! You will be full before dinner even begins!) Although the interior of the restaurant is small, the atmosphere is intimate and can be romantic. But in the summer, sitting outside is the best option. (My only complaint is that they outdoor patio furniture could use some cushions! That would encourage me to linger a little longer.) The menu is heavy on the seafood dishes but the options are unique and delicious. All of the pasta dishes are fantastic and have a homemade warmth to them without being too heavy. The portion sizes are very adequate and you can feel satisfied having finished your meal, rather than gorging yourself. Let's face it, restaurant meals are notoriously gigantic and overindulgent. If you're dining to leave stuffed or to take home leftovers for another meal, Isacco Kitchen isn't for you. Also, other reviewers have commented/complained that the bread arrives stale and in a small paper bag. We found the presentation charming and rustic and the taste delicious, especially served with the soft herb butter, it was absolutely fantastic. Occasionally Chef Isacco will come out of the kitchen to chat or on a weeknight even serve your meal! Our experience with him has always been friendly and pleasant and we will continue to return here frequently.
(4)Heather S.
This is a favorite spot when I am in town. The food is always fresh and superb! The staff is quite knowledgeable and attentive (thank you Ryan & Tommy), and the regulars that frequent here are always happy to suggest their favorite dishes! This is a fun local hot spot if you happen to be stuck in the burbs. The decor is modern and clean - and the ambiance inviting. Although the restaurant seating is limited, they will accommodate larger parties. Last spring I had my birthday dinner here with 12 guests and all were pleased. Also - when the Illinois weather permits, the patio is a beautiful, spacious place to dine and sip on Prosecco. Must try: Lump crab salad with avocado, mango-papaya relish Sautéed brussel sprouts, brown sugar, bacon Zucchini flower tempura stuffed with goat cheese mousse Caprese with Burrata mozzarella (made in Italy), Prosciutto di Parma Warm chocolate soufflé, wild berry gelato OR have Isacco whip up some of his favorite dishes for you!
(4)Critic D.
Went to lunch with the girls, what a find! First the service was friendly, attentive and professional. The risotto was to die for. Artichoke raviolis - yum!! Salads were a good size and tasty. We all decided we would go back for dinner. Pasta tasted homemade!! Please, please let dinner be good. After disasters at Milanos and ZaZas I want to find a good Italian place that really cares about their food and their customers!!
(4)Ryan H.
I was out to dinner with some friends, one of which recommended we try Isacco. As mentioned in other reviews, this location was previously a Texas BBQ restaurant. It was interesting to see how the interior of the restaurant morphed from "West Texas" to "Cosmopolitan chic". For some reason, it seems like the interior space is much smaller than before. Perhaps they are using more space for the kitchen, but it felt somewhat cramped to me. Despite the interior accoutrement, we decided to sit outside and enjoy the nice evening. Our server Billy greeted us and took drink orders. Everyone else had wine but I ordered an iced tea. One of my pet peeves is cloudy iced tea and wouldn't you know it ... Billy delivers a smallish glass of cloudy brown liquid that looked like something a doctor would drain out of a cyst. Fortunately, it was actually decent tea. It seemed to be a home brew tea infused with mint and honey. Unique. Different. But still cloudy. Any worthy chef knows that if you don't slowly cool tea first to room temperature and then slowly down to refrigerated temperature, it will be cloudy. Tsk tsk. On to the entrees. I ordered a duck dish as did another person at my table. The other two ordered pasta. I was quite surprised when Billy asked me how I wanted my duck cooked? Poultry is only cooked one way -- DONE. You never serve medium rare poultry unless you want your customers in the hospital getting their stomach pumped. Sort of a strange question which I answered with an equally odd answer. "I'd like it to be DONE please." He didn't argue. :) A bread basket arrived tableside along with a few pats of butter. Well, it really wasn't a bread basket per se, but rather, a brown paper lunch bag, just like what mom used to pack for me in 3rd grade, top cut off, with an assortment of stale breadsticks and a few slices of bread. Which brings me to another pet peeve of mine ... Since when do we call stale bread "an assortment of artisan bread" or anything else besides STALE BREAD? The breadsticks were hard as a rock and clearly not fresh as I know fresh to be. Moving right along, our entrees arrived in a timely fashion and I could see everyone at our table was a bit surprised with the size of the meals -- SMALL! My duck dish was actually served in what I would consider to be a morning cereal bowl ... about 6-8 round "medallions" of duck meat atop a bed of mostly red cabbage tossed in a uniquely flavored dressing of sorts. Definitely NOT what I was expecting. I am used to fresh ingredients when dining at a restaurant positioned at this price point and I have never once seen a perfectly round duck about the diameter of the core from a roll of toilet paper. The meat was obviously from some sort of duck roll, not unlike a small pork tenderloin in a way, but certainly not the type of duck dish I was expecting. On the plus side, the flavor was great and the entire thing, cabbage and all was wolfed down in a matter of minutes. One of the other guests at my table also commented on the size of the entrees and he immediately added a salad to supplement his equally small entree. Dinner came and went and then the mosquitoes came out so we scurried inside to settle up our tab in the somewhat uncomfortably small entry area by the counter. Well over $100 for our group of four ... and at least three of us left hungry. In summary ... The ambiance of the dining area is very nice. The flavors found in the entrees were all very good as well. Portion size was surprisingly small. And finally, the little details like cloudy iced tea, stale breadsticks, etc. were obviously overlooked (but shouldn't be at this price point in the fashionable St. Charles market). Reading all of the 4 and 5-star reviews, I was sure hoping that I would be able to write a 5-star review of my own, but sadly, that was just not in the cards. It is interesting to note that a majority of the 5-star reviews here are from people with only one or two other reviews posted. Maybe they need to get out a little bit more and see what quality dining is all about. Just food for thought. The food is 3-stars on a good day, but I don't think I'll rush back. I predict this restaurant will not be a long-timer in the west suburban restaurant scene. Using the Yelp scale, I have to assign 2-stars to this venue because, well, Meh, I've experienced better.
(2)Vivian Y.
It's like Blackbird (minus the foam) landed in St. Charles. James and I ended up here after a very long morning of doing kitchen renovations in our new house and pulled up at 2 in the afternoon. We just caught the last service for lunch and I am so happy chef Isacco didn't turn us away. Truly one of the BEST meals I have had in a long time (probably since my visit to Macku earlier this year). all fresh organic ingredients and beautiful presentation. Try the beef tartare - super yummy. Diver scallops were a deal for $11 (huge, sweet and fresh). Rack of lamb also a steal at $15 and my handmade fresh pasta with oxtail and truffle oil was simply to die for. My new favorite restaurant in the area. Forget about Francesca's.
(5)Marc O.
Went here for dinner a few weeks ago. A couple of reasons we hadn't been there before now: -The awful thought of the barbecue place that used to be in the same building... -My wife couldn't figure out how to say the name based on the sign... ...and there you have it. We were met by the owner and chef's wife who allowed us to pick out our table on the patio. This has one of the best outdoor patios in St. Charles...especially for a restaurant (not a bar). However, we are looking forward to coming back and sitting indoors when the weather turns as what they've done with the interior is nothing short of an amazing transformation. It's got a very hip, modern style which is not expected from the outside. We'll be coming here for cocktails if for nothing else but to enjoy the ambiance and think we're downtown Chicago but can walk home. We ordered drinks, she wine, me the usual vodka. Was pleased with the wine but must say my cocktail was a little small. I was going to be disappointed until I saw the final bill. Drinks were accompanied by fresh bread and what seemed to be homemade bread sticks. They were both very nice. We got the meat and cheese appetizer. In full disclosure, I had to ask what it was as I had never seen the word before used to describe what it was. I'm not even going to try and fake like I remember it either. Massive amounts of cheese and fresh cut Italian meats. Almost too much for the both of us-and that's saying a lot for those of you who know me. Entrees were terrific. I had the frutti di mare and was pleased with the light sauce it was in and the amount of seafood in the dish. Karyn had something she really liked and I'm completely blanking what is was. Thus, I should be writing these reviews more quickly. The bill came in at about $80 which I though was great given I had about 4 drinks as did the wife. We'll be back again soon!
(4)Kermit K.
Modern Northern Italian menu. Great selection priced right. We had baked figs and sautéed brussel sprouts for starters. a main courses were pappardelle with great bolognaise and chicken puttanesca. They were all great. Service was excellent. Good wine selection. We had an Italian wine that was decanted for us. Noise level was high in the dining area. Enjoyed the evening out. Definitely will return.
(4)Gerald K.
Great meal and experience. Sat in bar side. Enjoyed very nice martini's as we eased into the evening. Had a great dinner tonight. Party of 4. Enjoyed gnocci and mussels app, and also seared tuna app. Nice relaxed and non-rushed. After app, I had a great veal and wife enjoyed seafood risotto. Others in our party had duck and also the veal. Everyone very happy with selections. First time there. Will definitely go back.
(5)Jim K.
A recent "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" show whetted our appetites for some Italian, but with the heat and mugginess of summer upon us, the thought of heavy food didn't appeal. After reading the many Yelpful reviews, my wife and I had our first dinner here last night. After getting a rock star parking spot, we were cheerfully greeted at the door and seated immediately for our 7:00pm reservation. And am I ever glad we had that reservation because this is a smallish place indoors (but a nice sized patio outside) and it filled up quickly. I have a feeling that come colder weather, it might be a problem getting a seat. Our server took our drink orders, and now I have another spot in the tri-cities that knows how to make a decent Vodka Negroni. Our choices included the Caprese with heirloom tomatoes (large serving and the tomatoes were luscious), Crab Ravioli, Pork Tenderloin Scallopini (with figs!), the mini cannoli and mini Souffle. Everything was fresh, fresh, FRESH and was exactly the Italian we were looking for on a hot summer night. Staff was friendly, courteous and spot on when we asked for suggestions and descriptions of the dishes. Definitely adding Isacco Kitchen to our Tri-Cities dining favorites!
(5)ROSIE V.
Was fancier than we expected. We were looking for some relief from the heat at the Scarecrow Fest. The kids had Mac n Cheese which was very bland. Now my normally good eater didn't care much for it. He TRIED to add salt. That didn't help. He TRIED to add hot sauce . . . that didn't help. He ended up ordering a $9 burger. They were only $3 outside . . . ??? My picky eater, ate it without a fight. Anyhow, my father wasn't satisfied w/just one burger. Ordered a second to be satisfied. S-I-L had a grilled chicken which seemed to be good. The Tiramisu cup was DE-LISH. The Gelato sampler . . . meh! PEPPER flavored gelato? NO THANK YOU. One of the 'samples' tasted like hand lotion.
(3)Angela H.
The food is pretty good and the prices very reasonable. If I lived in the area I would be back. Would I travel 30 min to dine here again? meh, not really. Grilled calamari - octopus was tender, not rubbery, well flavored, but a bit chewy. Pork scallopini - tender, perfectly cooked pork. articokes were a bit stringy and inedible. the peaches were not ripe and did not provide the contrast I think the cook was looking for. the gnocchi was a nice touch. well made! Homemade linguine and seafood - linguine was great! sauce had great depth and flavor - garlic, wine, butter. seafood was cooked well. Mini Souffle - HANDS DOWN best part of the meal. this just blew me out of the water. It was like eating warm, gooey chocolate cake batter. DELISH.
(4)Martha M.
I am in LOVE with this restaurant! My favorite! Isacco is a wonderful chef and I have never been disappointed. Ever. It's quaint, friendly, not too expensive, and the food is AMAZING. It's a very small dining room, so I wouldn't recommend a group, but for a night out with a special someone, or a few friends, I highly recommend it.
(5)Vicky J.
AMAZING cuisine! When the Owner takes the time to personally confirm reservations..well that's just icing on the cake! This is a restaurant that we go to again and again when we want to trst ourselves to delicious food! In fact the food is so wonderful, it is worth the wait!
(5)Jeff M.
Fabulous experience. Aside from the hostess who couldn't find our reservation on the list for what seemed like forever, (even though I could see it on the list the entire time she was looking) everything was wonderful. I felt bad trying to help her do her job, but it seriously took her over a minute to locate the name. Party of six, martinis and wine were flowing. Our waiter was superb and everything was paced perfectly. Meat and cheese plate for appetizer, more than enough for our group. I would have been happy to have it as a meal for myself, and I may go back sometime and actually do that. I had the foie-gras risotto. It was great, above my expectations. At the table we also had the flank steak (good), chicken and shrimp skewers (good), crab ravioli (very good), meat ravioli (very good), and pan fried sturgeon (excellent). Somehow we had room to have 4 different desserts. All of them were more than yummy. The bill was an eye opener but well worth it. Small room, can get loud, very good food, good wine, excellent wait staff, worth the price you pay.
(5)Alison K.
Yum! Went there for the first time tonight & will definitely be back. Try the fried dates....mmmmm!
(5)Craig R.
THis is a cozy restaurant with friendly and helpful staff. The food is good - i had a seafood dish - clams, mussels, shrimp and calamari over pasta. My wife had the short rib marinara over pasta. It was all good. I think in the summer this place would be very cool to hang on the front patios and share some good food and wine. If you are in the area it is worth checking this fine place out.
(4)Stephanie M.
My husband and I LOVE Isacco Kitchen and have been there several times - the food is always delicious - I would recommend this for a romantic couples dinner, or dinner with a group of friends....wine list is great by the bottle, as well as by the glass...Go here - you will not be disappointed!!
(5)Mike E.
Great food and a eclectic wine selection. Price was great. Very small place, so reservations are recommended. Menu does change, which makes it nice to visit monthly.
(4)Linda R.
Amazing food. Extremely well prepared with beautiful presentation. Will come back again. Well priced. Scallop appetizer absolutely wonderful. Five of us each had different entrees and all liked theirs. Chocolate souffle wonderful. Well worth the visit. Service was a little uneven and the only reason I don't rate it 5 stars.
(4)Mary B.
Always superb. Staff treats you like a regular even if your first visit. Were there with friends for a birthday and Isacco came out from the kitchen with a special dessert trio and tasty Italian after-dinner liqueur. Always a special time at Isacco Kitchen. Understated outside, IKEA-Italian light inside. Save me a seat at the bar.
(5)Gia D.
My mother's nickname is "the professional diner", being her daughter, I like to think I took right after her. I have been going to some of the most exclusive 5 star restaurants ever since the day I was born, and my mother being born in Northern Italy and my father being from that of Hungary, have a wide range of tastes and food that they most desire. My experience at Isacco's was none other than a breath of fresh air....... FINALLY, something sexy has arrived to the burbs. When I first walked in to this golden morsel of a spot, I noticed that the bar area was quite small, and then realized it goes the same for the whole restaurant. My initial reaction wasn't to leave more so then to stay and snuggle up closer to my honey. We started out with two glasses of Italian red wine, which were delicious, and the bartender was extremely knowledgeable and helpful finding us a good one. I also am a huge wine connoisseur, so I can usually tell when they are bullshitting you. Soon enough my sister and boyfriend met us and we decided to sit outside in their cute courtyard/lounge area. If you need more room and the weather permits, I definitely recommend having your dinner or lounge experience outside, it was absolutely PERFECT!!! So after we were seated under the heaters and our table was lit up beautifully with candlelight, we proceeded with ordering a wonderful Italian white wine, a delicious antipasti platter which consisted of the most decadent cheeses and meats, not to mention the healthy sized portions. Now I tend to eat more like a European, not like an American, so considering they gave us about 5 slices of prosciutto, 5 slices of bresola, and 5 slices of ham, and about 5 more slices of cappicola, on top of that 5 different types of cheeses, crackers, grapes, a fig spread, and a cup of soup sized bowl filled with homemade girdinera, this was a lot of food for only $14. Now if you are looking to eat BBQ this is probably not your cup of tea, you will not find BBQ here my friends, you will only find the best of quality here. Now as for our meals, we didn't actually order entrees because we wanted to experience as many small plates as possible. The risotto with the braised oxtail is something that I dream about every night at some point in my sleep, the texture and flavor was absolutely out of this world!!!! Not too salty, but just tasty enough, I swore I died and went to heaven after eating my first bite. The seared scallops wrapped with prosciutto and topped with something that looked like a pi co DE gallo salad was out of this world!! The scallops were so thick and meaty, and again not too salty, you could taste all the natural flavors and juices. This is what I am starting to gather from Isacco's, I noticed that Isacco himself allows all the natural flavors come out in his dishes, even with his salads, its basically salt, pepper, olive oil and perhaps a squirt of lemon, just fresh and delicious and you can actually taste the greens!!!!!! This is now one of my favorite restaurants, actually its in my top 3 of West Suburban restaurants, and it has been a long time since I can say this. I hope Isacco's is here for many more years to come!!! TWO THUMBS UP!!!!
(5)Jillian V.
Great food. Something for everyone, including the vegetarians in our group. The staff was knowledgable and ready to serve. The wine list was extensive and THE BREAD IS AMAZING!!!
(5)Andrew D.
Isacco Kitchen is by far THE BEST fresh, gourmet fare offered in the St. Charles area. Not far from Batavia, Geneva, or Campton Hills, one does not have to travel more than a few minutes to experience this one-of-a-kind seasonal menu. Chef Isacco shops daily for the finest, freshest ingredients available, and he makes everything from scratch. Diners can always look forward to a warm bag of fresh bread served with herb-infused butter, while the she staff know exactly how to make you feel at home. My personal favorite item from the appetizer menu is the fried squash blossoms stuffed with goat cheese, and the tilapia as an entree is the perfect compliment to the blossoms and a nice red wine. The value and quality meal you get for your money is without comparison, and you will always leave there feeling like a million bucks even though you didn't spend anywhere near that. -Andrew Driscoll
(5)Gracie L.
I came here with some family members for lunch, and at the recommendation of an Italian friend of the family. I ordered the prime rib sandwich, and it was very good. Portions are just right. I also got to taste one of my family member's fusilli pasta with chicken, and that was one of the best pasta dishes I've ever tasted. The fusilli itself was just right. Not too tough, not too soft. The fresh herbs was what made this the best tasting dish. All the scents and flavors combined just makes you salivate even before taking that first bite. Don't pass this place up if you're in the area!! Bon appetito!!
(4)Joe M.
I took a friend there for her birthday dinner. Two entrees, 2 glasses of wine apiece and dessert + tip came to just under $100.00. Worth it? Absolutely not. The spaghetti entree I had was miserly on pasta, and - although the seafood with it was fresh and perfectly cooked - the "sauce" was soupy and terribly salty. My first visit will, unfortunately, also be my last.
(2)Don P.
I have had the pleasure of dining at Isacco Kitchen several times. The restaurateurs did an excellent job transformation this former BBQ restaurant into a modern, chic, and inviting atmosphere. When the weather is nice, their outdoor patio second to none in St. Charles. Chef Vitali's creations are superb and the prices can't be beat for the quality of food. Their pasta is homemade---and delicious! The wait staff is knowledgeable and prompt, yet not overbearing. Give Isacco Kitchen a shot---you won't be disappointed!
(5)Mary A.
I spent and enjoyable Saturday night at Isacco. The short ribs were fantastic and I am still dreaming about the chocolate soufflé. Our waiter Ryan was a master at translating the wishes of 2 vegetarians and 2 carnivores who wanted to taste and share several dishes. There is no better server around. Bravo Isacco.
(5)Daniel C.
I just dined here with my wife & my folks to celebrate my birthday, and everything was fantastic!! We didn't like our initial table, but the staff was more than accommodating in moving the 4 of us to a different table. After that was settled, I looked over the menu and the wine list, and realized this was a place I would have to visit more than a few times, there are so many great options! We started with the charcuterie plate, and that is something I will have a hard time staying away from next time! There was a plethora of tasty cured meats, a nice variety of cheeses and accoutrements [the pickled shallots were a great palate cleanser]. I then had the Foie Gras Risotto with fried egg and mushrooms. I don't think I've ever had something that rich in my life!! It was incredible, the blend of egg yolk and foie gras should be illegal! I can't wait to go back and try the quail, too. My wife had the braised lamb, which was a winner, my father highly enjoyed the veal, and my mother wanted to share her meat ravioli with the world. I was offered a wine/cocao mixed cordial for my birthday, as I did not have time to order dessert, and that was even worth coming back for! Our server was attentive, and answered my questions without hesitation and with conviction, making decisions that much easier. I recognized some great familiar faces within the wait/bar staff of some of the upper tier talent in the Tri-Cities, and I know their guests will be very well taken care of. The place was buzzing with life in a vibrant, yet cozy atmosphere, and I swear I saw Jan Hooks at the table next to us, but I could have been mistaken...I guess I'll just have to go back another night to find out.
(5)