Convito Cafe and market is a lot of different things. It's a full-service cafe with great wine, a Disneyland of a deli with fresh and unique salads and creative takeout foods, a case of "queso" for the cheese-lovers, and outdoor cafe, a gourmet Italian condiment market, and a convenient rest stop in this stretch of Sheridan Road here on the North Shore. As other stores in this Plaza del Lago shopping center, including the big Crate & Barrel have closed their doors, it's refreshing to see the cafe and deli still here. I've been a Convito fan since the '80's when they had Near North location on Superior, and then what is now the Starbuck's across from their current spot.. Although we were drawn in by the "rest stop" need after a drive up to Glencoe and back, my friend Clifford and I stayed for lunch. I love that Convito has "seefood" in the sense that so many menu offerings are visible in the deli case. So, if you were to choose the salad trio for lunch, you could see what they looked like before you sat down. I am happy to see salads so fresh, and filled with great superfoods like beets, greens and arugula. My own salad trio had an artichoke/mushroom and greens, a pasta with green beans and an Asian chicken with Kale and tomatoes ($9.95) Cliff had a multi-colored beet salad with greens in a vinaigrette ($7.95). The bread they brought to accompany the salads was absolutely wonderful. It was a narrow chewy and moist baguette with a crusty outside. This was a light lunch with iced tea and no wine or cocktails. But those are available. About $25 for two with tax and tip. On a Tuesday at lunch in the cafe and on the terrace, it was an older and probably more local crowd. I felt like the youngster there, at least among the patrons. And there were a lot of walkers and canes about. The staff is young and friendly and attractive. Our server was very sweet, helpful and efficient. I love a place like Convito for picking up great picnic food and wine for takeout, or to take home. The desserts are pretty wunderbar, too. I've always liked their pastas and sauces, and they have special picnic choices for Ravinia, too. So glad we got reacquainted, Convito. And I hope you're around for a long time to come.
(4)
Elizabeth B.
Delicious food, amazing atmosphere, and the friendliest staff! absolutely the best!
(5)
Yanyao N.
I come here to feel special. JN and I are usually the only patrons under 30 in this establishment, though last night I did spot some awkward teens having dinner with their family. Welcome to the North Shore! Though sometimes the older dining crowd can become a little irritating (like, when I overhear them ordering salads: a Waldorf with no apples or mayo?!) but things are so quaint at Convito. No gaggles of ladies having girls night out here. Yay! The food, most of the time, is pretty good. I am a big fan of the pasta dishes. Last night I had the fabulous mussels (and maybe an entire loaf of bread to soak up the broth) and salad that has anchovies and herring on it. Omega-3 win! But, I would probably avoid the steak dishes. Most weeknights, they have a prix-fixe of the day: a glass of wine or dessert, a salad, and a pasta dish among other dinner specials. I'll keep coming back here for weeknight dinners because I live close by, but I wouldn't exclaim to all my friends that they should drive up and try it immediately. Definitely recommend to those who live in the neighborhood. Plus, the market connected to the restaurant looks fun. I've never made it in here while the market is still open, but I want to raid the prepared food displays. Pastas, salumi, salads, desserts, pasta sauces, cheese! One of these days, I will come for a truly geriatric dinner at 4pm and then go shopping afterwards. Service is always friendly and the parking is super easy (hello Plaza del Lago parking lot!). A very crowded patio in the summertime.
(4)
Stacey D.
I have been to Convito many times over the years, and it has always been consistently good, but this visit was disappointing. Two people in our party ordered the escargot app, and it was just mediocre. My husband's chicken pot pie was all crust and very little filling. My pasta was average. I love this restaurant, but maybe I'll stick to lunch.
(3)
Emily H.
After a blissful beach day of sunning along the Wilmette shoreline, we were searching for a place as pretty as we felt ourselves. With a plethora of windows and translucent white curtains, the wealth of natural light makes this a beautiful little cafe to have lunch in. Boasting indoor and outdoor seating, Convito also has a deli and market attached to the cafe, offering the option of ordering delicious foods and absconding off to another adventure if we so desired.The majority of the clientele is certainly on the higher end of the age spectrum, but doesn't wisdom come with age? I love when a restaurant uses quality fresh ingredients and small portions to create a flavorful meal experience rather than serving a mountain of mediocre and counting on quantity to satisfy. The white bean and duck salad featured tender slices of duck beautifully arranged on a bed of spring greens with white beans. The garden eggs benedict blended a mellow hollandaise with the natural tart of fresh tomatoes, spinach and mushrooms. It was an all-around refreshing, tasty experience.
(4)
Olivia Y.
I want to start this review off by saying that I never usually write reviews on restaurants, but I could not pass up the opportunity to write about this one. We stopped in Convitos as a last resort, as other restaurants around the area were jam packed. We called ahead and made sure my party of three would have a decent table. When we got there we were immediately greeted by crying babies and the small cramped placement of the tables. We immediately got to our reserved table and waited 15 minutes to get water. So we had a lot of time to look around, the place was nicely decorated with italian artwork and gave a cozy vibe to the restaurant. However, we immediately noticed that the table was very flimsy. The table top was literally a piece of cork that was unsupported on a stand...Needless to say the table wobbled all around. The menus were another disappointment, I was very surprised by the quality of them. They were printed on a plain piece of paper, and was not in any type of holding. Which was very surprising because the price of the food did not match the quality of the restaurant. Now onto service, it took 15 minutes to get water and another 10 to get our ordered down. We told him our order and also a request for butter and cheese for our bread which took an unreasonable amount of time to get there. We noticed how packed the place was and saw our waiter run to table to table, when we tried to wave him down he blatantly looked at us then went onto another table. It was obvious that he payed more attention to the tables that were buying wine and had larger tickets then us. When it finally came down to getting our food, (45 minutes later) I took a few bites of the multi-grain penne pasta and did not liked it. I had to flag down our waiter a few times after being ignored to take it back. He asked me if there was anything wrong with it, and I simply told him I didn't like it and that I would like another dish instead. He seemed like he understood and took the dish away. Then the manager came to our table and started integrating me about the dish, I told her that there was nothing wrong with it I just didn't like it. Then she confusingly explained her policy which meant that if you sent a dish back, you wouldn't get reimburse for it. I was not clear on that as she kept telling me I could take the dish home. I relentlessly said yes, because she kept asking me. I was not aware that I would have to pay for that dish along with the dish I requested. After we finished our meal and payed the check, which was one hundred and five dollars with tip for three people (no drinks, no dessert, no appetizer and one glass of wine). The manager came up to our table and asked us if everything was ok, my mother then expressed how dissatisfied she was with the restaurant, the service, and most of all the policy. Most places take food back if you don't like it, Convitos isn't a fancy italian restaurant...They don't even have real tables and menus. The manager then started arguing with my mother and after my mother said her peace the manager offered to discount the bill. Which was pretty much a slap in the face, because she offered it after my mother paid for the bill. She only offered it to end the conversation. My mother refused it and said that she was going to leave, the manager at that time did not back down. She kept telling her the policy over and over again and would not listen to what she had to say. Overall this was not a good experience, I would not recommend the food for the price or the portion. You get a bigger portion at Olive garden for HALF the price...And better service at that.
(1)
Rob W.
I've never really sat down to eat here, so my review is more about the market than the dining options at Convito. I've been going there for several years now and enjoy the offerings. Since moving to the other side of Plaza del Lago, the market area seems a little smaller than it was before, with more "knick-knack" candies and the like and fewer wines, pastas and olive oils. Might just be the layout. The food and salads are good - maybe a bit pricey. I like the olive oil bread - though I enjoyed it more in their former quarters. Did the oven they cook it in change with their move? Still good though. Try it if you haven't - one of these days I'll check the restaurant out too!
(4)
R B.
Stopped by here for a Sat pm lunch, outside. Very nice atmosphere despite the shopping center locale. Service was prompt and attentive, and the hot bread was great - though agree with others that the olive oil is bland; better off with butter. The roasted turkey and cheese sandwich with greens on toasted multigrain was great. Served hot and fresh. The crispy chips were sea salt and vinegar kettle chips, also good. Strongly recommend!
(4)
Stephen S.
good fresh food
(4)
Lee P.
This is a wonderful restaurant and market. I visited twice in the past month and the food is delicious both in the restaurant and the market. The bolognese sauce is outstanding, as is the wild mushroom sauce. And the salads-- good variety and freshness. The staff is especially cordial and welcoming, even in the market when it gets busy. Don't forget wines. There's a good selection of well-priced (mostly) Italian wines. I can't wait for the good weather so we can dine on the patio.
(4)
Keiko S.
The place is called "Convito Cafe and Market" so naturally it's split into two sections - a grocery store and an Italian restaurant. Both have this upscale, European ambience. I've never eaten at the restaurant, so can't comment on the food...but I've been fascinated by the market. They carry a huge variety of goods - mostly imported. The highlights are the freshly made sauces from the kitchen, sold in little containers so you can make your own version of Convito pasta/dishes at home. It's a sweet deal! They have other prepared items like chicken (which comes with heating instructions), salad, pasta, pastries, etc. For cold salads, you can pick up their seasonal weekly menu so you'll know what are offered daily. Further, you'll find a small, but exclusive selection of wine and a wide range of dressings, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, pasta, etc. from all parts of the world. When Trader Joe's fails, this might be a good place to go search for some rare items. You won't get the TJ prices, though. In any case, 3.5 stars for now. I plan to update this review as soon as I try their brunch menu! Restaurant hours: Mon - Thurs: 11:30am to 9pm Fri & Sat: 11:30am to 10pm Sun: 11am to 8:30pm (brunch from 11am to 2pm) Market hours: Mon - Fri: 10am to 6:30pm Sat: 9:30am to 6pm Sun: 11am to 5pm
(3)
Peter M.
I only experienced the small grocery/wine shop part, not the restaurant. They had free tasting of two really good and very affordable (around 10 dollar) wines, even though their small selection really focuses on high end, expensive Italian wines (lots of Barolo), although you will find a few cheap but good selections as well. Pretty extensive gourmet deli counter and some decent prices on cheeses and other upscale, antipasti-type items.
(4)
Patricia B.
A weekday lunch at Convito proved to be a relaxing interlude on a cool fall day. The special of egg salad sanwich and butternut squash soup was excellent, but for $13 it seemed a little steep since it was a small sandwich at that. The salads were also good. However, the service really did drag at times. Getting refills on beverages took a while both times they were requested, despite the presence of ample staff. Lovely ambiance and overall a good place to go.
(3)
john w.
Went in for a routine purchase. Turned out they were having a 15% promotion. Bought some pasta sauce. Then the drama began. One sales lady offered me free pound of pasta. Another lady started arguing with first that there was no promotion on pasta and I could not have any. I could care less about paying for one pound of pasta but being caught in cross fire between two sales people was yucky. Are not stores for the benefit of consumer who makes purchases? Not at Convito. This place should invest in some group therapy for its sales personnel.
(1)
Elliott D.
It's just OK. Had a soft shell crab special that I found dreadful. Most dishes are unimaginative and expensive. Unlike other reviewers, I enjoy the staff. I go there for ambiance and convenience. I really miss Betise which used to be in the same location, and which was actually a great restaurant.
(2)
Robert R.
Had an especially nice time at Convito recently. Chef came out to speak to us and was very gracious as was the server. The appetizers were delicious, especially the tomato gazpacho. Entree highlight was the mushroom ravioli . Great fun and we'll be back soon. Enjoy!
(5)
Michael B.
Food was decent. Simple Italian. Nice atmosphere. Good value for the money. Kicked us and another couple out by turning the lights off at 1030p (on a SAT night). Definately put a buzzkill to what otherwise would have been a nice dinner.
(4)
Lynn S.
This restaurant/specialty food shop concentrates on the quality and presentation of food. It also does catering and has wine tasting events. The salads we ordered for lunch were excellent, and we could see by the plates served to nearby tables that everything was served beautifully. In the adjacent deli area, custom basket orders could be made; pasta salads and crusty baguettes could be purchased for home. Tablecloths covered with white paper toppers lent some elegance to the bright dining area. Our only criticism was that service was barely average. Convito's was an excellent restaurant that attracts an appreciative following along the suburban lakeshore.
(5)
N A.
This restaurant, which has long been a favorite of mine, has moved across the plaza and combined with the also popular Betise. While I've been to each restaurant separate a number of times, I recently just went to their new combined location. Food was excellent. I had a ciopino which was wonderfully spicy and flavorful and split some of their crab cakes as an appetizer. I saw that the wonderful Betise salad is still available and highly recommend it. Service was average and was a bit uncomfortable that it seemed our waiter was trying to push us out the door even though his section wasn't full. Still very worthy of a visit.
(4)
Tina T.
Convito Italiano is a combination gourmet market and cafe; being that it is in Wilmette, it is fairly upscale. We did a Lake shore drive ride on the motorcycle this weekend and ended up here for a late breakfast. Although the experience was great (great alfresco dining, great company) I don't think that the food was anything to write home about. Understand that when I go out for breakfast, I do like having a combination of fancy schmancy stuff as well as the good old stand-bys; they tend towards the frou-frou preparation of all things. I had an omelette with shrimp, spinach and goat cheese, which actually sounds much better than it was. But they did have an awfully cute market, filled with some very delicious looking prepared foods - I'd definitely come back here if I was in the area.
(3)
Albert L.
Convito is located in Plaza Del Lago, an elegant Spanish-inspired plaza (also home to Crate & Barrel, Burhops, Long Grove Confectionary) , when the sun's up and there's a cool lake breeze, it feels like you could be in Santa Monica. Al fresco dining is a must. Service is more efficient than friendly. Tables are well spaced. Black umbrellas are a nice touch. Sunglasses a must (for UV protection and people watching). The Cafe BLT was excellent. Succulent bacon slices are garnished with crisp romaine lettuce, just-ripe avocado and a hint of basil. The salmon salad with champagne vinagrette dressing is also quite good. Overall, the food selection and quality are above-average. Its the perfect place for a Sunday brunch. Best to reserve in advance...
(4)
ak a.
Tasty food, very small portions. Locals frequent the restaurant. Spaghetti and meatballs is $16.00. Hot bread!
(2)
Adam W.
Great place for food and gourmet shopping!
(5)
rochelle c.
I've been here several times and the food is always delicious. Most recently I was there on Valentine's Day evening and was expecting not-so-great service because of how busy the dining room was. My server (a tall, slim gentleman whose name escapes me) was attentive, charming, and had the most wonderful suggestions for every course!! I usually get the spaghetti and meatballs--the meatballs are DELICIOUS and never disappoint. This time, my server convinced me to try the lamb instead. I'm so glad he suggested it, because it was DELICIOUS!! Great service makes all the difference when you're out for the evening. Thank you to my server for a wonderful evening!!!
(4)
Matthew C.
Food okay, nothing to rave about, a little foo foo for my taste
(3)
Lauren D.
Average Italian bistro. The new location makes it a little more upscale. I've had pretty snooty service. Good place to pick up some Italian vino.
(3)
Joshua N.
Love it! This is in the quiet little Plaza Del Lago shopping center on Sheridan. Very nice Italian food that is somewhere in between upscale and spaghetti with meatballs. Very cozy and quiet for weeknight dinners. The crowd, like the one at many of the restaurants in the area, is geriatric. The good thing is that the place still manages to seem somewhat vibrant, unlike say, Pensiero. I had the special wild mushroom ravioli and it was terrific. It was served with spinach, goat cheese, smoked prosciutto, and a rich jus. The market in the restaurant closed at 6:30 so I didn't get a chance to buy anything, but I looked around and loved it. They sell all of their sauces (bolognese, red clam, meat, etc.) and uncooked pastas and raviolis. They also have a large case of prepared foods including a sexy looking stuffed manicotti. I'll definitely be back here for the Italian food cravings that would previously have landed me in the third ring of hell, which is reserved especially for the gluttonous and is known colloquially as the Old Orchard parking lot near Maggiano's.
(4)
Jeanette H.
I highly recommend Convito. The restaurant has great food and the specialty food section has an excellent selection. I really love the salad wrapped in slices of cucumber - lovely to eat and to look at. Their soups are wonderful, as is their pasta. They had really good wine by the glass, a friendly and attentive staff, and a light and pretty interior. Plaza del Lago is a nice place to shop a bit as well.
(4)
George D.
If you can fight your way into the Plaza Del Lago parking lot without blowing an axle in the construction on Sheridan road, you can have a really pleasant lunch at Convito. I tried a pretty solid French Onion soup, a bite of a salad wrapped in a slice of cucumber, and half a tuna salad sandwich. The wines they offered by the glass weren't extensive, but we tried a Sauvignon Blanc we'd never heard of and were pleased with it. I think they overreach a little bit - who wants their salad wrapped in a slice of cucumber? They'd be much better off if they kept it "bistro" and did away with the fancy-schmancy. And they claim their tuna salad recipe is "famous", but I didn't think it was anything special. But the bistrot/grocery atmosphere is pretty cute for lunch. I'd go back.
(4)
Lindsey K.
Absolutely the BEST Chocolate Fondant cake I have ever had! It was like a large, rich, dark chocolate truffle wrapped in a soft, but not too dense, chocolate flour cake. As soon as I pressed my fork into the edge to claim a piece, chocolate ganache was flowing out. Aside from dessert, the coffee was also good as well as the food.
(5)
Brent J.
No single element of Convito stands out, but the restaurant still strikes a lovely note by doing a lot of things well. The restaurant offers a warm and relaxed atmosphere that is a touch more elegant than its previous quarters. The food is tasty and well prepared with fresh ingredients. The menu is not particularly imaginative, but it extends beyond the fettucini and lasagna staples of Italian restaurants. Most recently I had a white bean soup, arugula and beet salad, and farfalle with tomato bacon sauce and chicken and mushroom. All tasty without being heavy. There is a changing selection of wines by the glass. Dinner for two with wine runs around $90 with tip.
(4)
Valerie L.
This is about as good as it gets! The food was incredible and the level of service was excellent. The staff went out of their way to accommodate the guests that I was with. One of my friends has a severe allergy. She is always skeptical of dining out. After a wonderful evening full of perfect pairings & elegant ambience, we all agreed that this is our new favorite restaurant! Don't miss it!
(5)
Melissa M.
Perhaps its first fair for me to say that Convito has a very nice market...and a so-so restaurant. The menu is not terribly diverse and whenever I branch out of the pasta section I have an unpleasant meal. The worst being the pizza with prosciutto...dry impossible to chew prosciutto. As far as I know, you should never cook prosciutto. However, the market has some nice items. I love the rich banana cake...and any of the cakes and cookies for that matter. The breads and cheeses are great too, though the cheese selection is a little lacking. Did I mention the wine? Plus they have all sorts of Italian "gifty" items for hostess gifts. I also here they are combining with a nearby French restaurant, which might reinvigorate their boring Italian fare.
(3)
N. S.
Everyone in our party ordered seafood - and while everything was well prepared, the portions were ridiculously small - especially for the price. Presentation is one thing - but unless you're Charlie Trotter's, an entree shouldn't be appetizer-size. The coffee was served lukewarm and when we requested hot coffee, we were stunned when we were told that they wouldn't make a fresh pot because "it was late" -despite the fact that there were a number of people who were still eating. We frequently dine out - and I cannot recall ever being refused a proper 'hot' cup of coffee, and certainly not at a fine dining establishment. This restaurant needs to decide what it is it's trying be. If it's aspiring to be an upscale, quality restaurant, they need to work on improving service. I doubt we'll be back.....
(2)
Kate K.
The restaurant is very cheerful and pleasant. It was a little loud but that was due to the tile floor. It was a small issue. Two of us loved our meals and one was thoroughly disappointed. We came for lunch. The tunafish sandwich was delicious, as was one of the French onion soups. The soup special, gazpacho, was indescribably bad. It looked like cream of carrot soup and tasted like astringent lime. Perhaps they used yellow tomatoes but there was no tomato taste at all. One person had the soup and sandwich combo and the ham sandwich was fine. The gazpacho was awful and it was replaced by an overly salty French onion soup. Curiously, the two bowls French onion soup tasted different. One bowl was too salty but the other one was perfect. There were two kinds of onion, delicious cheese and flavorful broth. The staff was very pleasant, although took a while to get mustard for the ham sandwich and get the soup replaced. I would definitely go back and give it another shot. Convito has a takeout market where you can buy delicious Italian offerings to cook at home.
(4)
Rei M.
I ordered dinner to go. I ordered the whitefish piccata with extra potatoes along with the white bean soup. Let's start out with walking through the door. I walked in and for some reason I got the feeling of 'you don't belong here'. Which is upsetting since that's a first impression. I got my food home and opened it up hoping it was worth the snippy customer service. I opened my fish up, if the amount of potatoes that I got were considered an 'extra amount' I'd hate to see the regular portion. Secondly, they were semi raw. The sauce was watering and pretty tasteless. Fish was fine. Soup was decent. Overall I would not order from here again unfortunately.
(2)
Hannah H.
My friends and I would always come to Convito during lunch as it was so conveniently close by. Situated in Plaza del Lago, they've been around since the early '80s and offers brunch/lunch/dinner in their cafe as well as a little Italian mini market within with pastsa, sauces, wine, cheeses, and prepared food-to-go. I've had their Tarragon Chicken Salad sandwich (with lemon aioli, Romaine lettuce, and provolone cheese, all on a French roll; served with chips; very tarragon-heavy!); Bistro Ham & Cheese (with North Country smokehouse ham and butterkase cheese on a toasted brioche; served with a petite salad; a very simple sammy); the Convito French Dip (with roast beef, provolone cheese, caramelized onions, and roasted red peppers on a French roll; served with a side of roasted rosemary potato wedges; a fresh sandwich, the au jus sauce was a little on the bland side); and, some of their specials like the eggplant parmigiana (which was more of a deconstructed vegetarian option with tomato sauce and slightly fried eggplant slices). Request to sit by the enclosed 'patio' by the window, as it's bright and cheery; service is a hit-or-miss, and the place gets super packed during the lunch rush. An okay option for lunch in the Wilmette/Winnetka area! +Italian cafe and mini market +brunch, lunch, and dinner options +located in Plaza del Lago +plenty of parking in the plaza lot
(3)
Beth M.
Ambiance was warm, bright and cozy. Unique breakfast/brunch options. They also have a nice long and diverse dessert list, and delicious cappuccino-always a plus. Suuuper salty French onion soup, but would still consider eating it again. Please dilute the soup and test before serving. Great wine and to-go deli and sweets selection. Will be back!
(4)
Mike W.
My parents love this place, they are in their 60s. It's the perfect place for north Shore baby boomers. It's also in a strip mall so there's plenty of parking for them. Prices are reasonable and the menu is safe. It's not bad food, just nothing special.
(2)
Dylan M.
This is an establishment I haven't been to in YEARRRZZZ. I wasn't even aware they had move locations across the way. Anywho... I had forgotten how pleasant and charming it is. It's a place that's easy to forget if you aren't in the neighborhood but I have to put it back on my radar after revisiting it this evening. The service was very good, the cute setting is great for conversation and of course eating. The food was fresh and excellently prepared. I meant to check out their prepared food area as I recall them having wondering options to go. I'll have to come back soon and dive deeper into the menu and wine list soon. See ya again soon!
(4)
Michael R.
The lemon butter cale is just not fair. Moist, buttery and perfectly accentuated by the strawberries, sauce and ice cream. I also recommend the Tolouse La Trec Hash and the egg salad on brioche. A beautiful spot. They even carry a small but on point craft beer selection.
(5)
E D.
Great skirt steak and pork tenderloin couldn't make up for two different plates of mushy over cooked pasta. Desserts were good but the cream cheese frosting on the amazing carrot cake was so citrusy I couldn't eat it. Not sure what to think if suck mixed results.
(2)
Steve A.
What lovely place for a al fresco lunch on a nice day! Plentiful patio seating, most of it nicely shaded make this a terrific (and popular) place to enjoy a nice day outside. We particularly likes the salmon flatbread, with its pungent base of boursin cheese. I also enjoyed the trio of cold salads, which featured a particularly tasty chicken salad the day we visited. The blood orange mimosas are a nice midday drink. I thought the ginger beer could have used a bit more kick; its heavy emphasis on citrus made it more like lemonade. Definitely a nice respite from downtown sidewalk dining!
(4)
Steve L.
The duck is amazing! I occasionally stop here for a carb-loaded treat when I'm doing a rare ride-by on a long bicycle ride. Knowing there's a treat ahead makes getting there easier. I've also had the occasional sandwich there. I likes me a good sandwich, and they do a good job on them. But duck holds a special place in my heart. I loves me some duck done well (versus duck well done) and they done did do duck well! Tender, slightly salty, and oh so wonderful. It's all a haze; I have to go back for more as soon as possible. Anyone wanna join me?
Lovely spot! Stopped in for a quick dinner after the movies and enjoyed every bite. The patio is fantastic and Jasmine, our server, was polite and knowledgeable. Grabbed the Escargot, Calamari, and Pork Tenderloin- all winners! Highly recommend as the ambiance and food are great!
(4)
M B.
Ate dinner here last night. Food was awful! We had calves liver, skirt steak and Bouillabaisse. All three were bad! Even the house salad was a disappointment! Dessert also followed the theme The worst part was the waitstaff were standing over us and the minute you put your fork down they took your plate (or at least tried to), whether you were done or not! They were literally reaching over you to get someone else's plate! This restaurant did not used to be this way!
(1)
john h.
Bad olive oil? In this day and age? The bread is fantastic but flavorless (Wesson-like) olive oil ruins it. Such a glaring oversight by an overall solid restaurant is disappointing. I'm sure it will be corrected soon. The eggs Benedict was a 5 out of 5. Service was friendly and attentive.
Lovely cafe and excellent market with a wide array of Italian specialty foods, wines, cheeses, salads and sauces to go. I stopped there for lunch and had Ham & Gruyere Cheese on toasted Brioche bread which was paired with a petit salad of mixed greens. Both were delicious. I left with a coffee to go and a bag full of market food items to take home. Convito is agreat place - I highly recommend it.
(4)
Nihal S.
We arrived at this restaurant as a large group and ordered several different options, which can be seen in the photos. The service is very slow and the waiters are not attentive at all. We lost soo much time waiting for them to pay attention to us or to order food.
(3)
Rob B.
This place was wonderful. I live in New York City, but was visiting family and they took me here. There were 4 of us at dinner and we all thought the food was great and there service attentive but not overbearing. Really cozy vibe too. I had a Lyonnaise salad that was fantastic and Whitefish Piccata that was tender and surprisingly flavorful. My wife had the mussels (which I ate most of) then a pork tenderloin that was also really good. We both think of ourselves as foodies and figured we wouldn't get the same caliber of food as we get at home but were pleasantly surprised at what a terrific meal we had here. Worth visiting the in-laws again for!!!
(5)
Mike P.
Decent little market and cafe on the Wilmette/Kenilworth boarder in the Plaza del Lago shopping center. A good place to grab some grub to fill the picnic basket before heading to the Wilmette beaches. It can get a little crowded on weekends but the cafe and deli staffs are friendly and on their game. What you would come to expect from a classy joint like this. The pasta salads, Italian subs, and flat bread w/ prosciutto are very good.
(4)
Cindy T.
Bad service servers have no personality. Food is ok. Very cute place
(2)
Jennie T.
Kenny O. and I came here for a Sunday brunch. The bread they gave us was a bit too doughy for my taste. It was almost as if they didn't finish baking it. I ordered the croque madame, and he ordered the convito hash. We ended up trading entrees because I didn't like my croque madame. They used deli ham and cheese, and it didn't taste quite like a croque madame I've had in Paris (I supposed I was spoiled). The convito hash was better. We may come back to buy something from the market.
(3)
Christina B.
Bright atmosphere. The food is good. My daughter, 6 yrs old, loves the spaghetti with bolognese sauce! First time eating at this restaurant, we are definitely coming back.
(4)
Stacy T.
Perhaps the best chicken apple sausage hash I've had! The service, ambiance, and food was all excellent. You wouldn't think much of this strip mall eatery, but you'd be remiss to pass it up. The presentation of the food is artful, and tasty as it is lovely to look at. My poached eggs were perfectly done, the hollendaise sauce wasn't too rich, the hash was seasoned just right, and they were generous with the sausage! Winner!
(5)
Kerry C.
Even in a smallish restaurant, they made room for our party of 20 (we had reservations, of course), and we got excellent service. My house red wine was just as expected. My main - "pappardelle bolognese traditional delicate meat sauce drizzled with bechamel" - which I absolutely butchered in the pronunciation, was very good, as were the veal, etc. meatballs I tried off my brother's plate. But things got heavy when it came to the desserts. I had the tiramasu, which was good and pretty much tasted the same as every other time I've gotten it. But two other people at the table got something called a bombe (?). Something like that. It was an egg-shaped frozen dessert consisting of three different kinds of sorbet, covered in white chocolate. This was possibly the most delicious dessert I've ever eaten. Oh, I think there was a raspberry or chocolate drizzle around the plate as well. Amazing. I still dream about this dessert. Anyway, also, the bathrooms were hard to find and are in the market portion of the restaurant. The whole restaurant is very packed in, but that gives it a nice, crowded feeling, which can be desirable sometimes.
(4)
Leslie S.
I have been here many times over many years. The food is better than average. The last few dinners tasted good but the portions are small. I ordered fish which was great but the portion of fish couldn't satisfy a baby's appetite. They also told us they ran out of parmesan cheese- whats that about? When I asked about the parmesan in the cases up front I was told that cheese was too expensive to be used in the restaurant and was only for purchase- I thought this was a bit crass. I would reccommend lunch as a beter deal even tho the food is decent it isn't worth the price for what you get.
(3)
- J - -.
I met a friend here when I was visiting for the weekend and, unfortunately, I was really unimpressed. It took AGES to get them to prep out food. We were the only people there and it was well over 25 minutes to get our to-go orders. And then the ringing up process was a mess and no one really seemed to know what was going on. Seems to be high prices for not super high quality food. Don't get me wrong, the food was decent, but - overall - I wouldn't recommend due to how long everything took for us.
(2)
Eszter H.
A nice place for a midweek lunch or an evening outing. I've gone here with colleagues during the week or with friends for dinner. The atmosphere is nice, the food is consistently good. It's nothing super special, but I've never been disappointed and there are enough options to vary things from one visit to the next. I almost never have steak, but the Steak-Frites here is hard to pass up. I've been going here for years and the service has been consistently good.
(4)
Mr H.
5 stars based on 1 element. The carrot cake !! Served warm, this was honestly the best dessert I have ever had. I'm not sure if it was a seasonal item, or served year round, but man was it amazing.
(5)
Megan H.
The atmosphere is cute, but my food lacked in taste and was on the greasy side.
(3)
Jess B.
I always get excited to get Convito and I wish I could say it lived up to my hype but it just doesn't :( Everything on the menu sounds so good and the dishes they have prepared look so good, but nothing has been worth coming back for and I've just given up. I've tried the roasted vegetables, lasagnas, and the manicotti rolls (i think that's what they're called)- and it's just not good. I've also been for brunch and even the salads and appetizers disappointed. I realize my two bad reviews so far on here are for italian restaurants and I promise I like Italian food- just not from here!
(1)
James G.
Dinner with friends early Sunday evening. Super service and food as good as always. All four of us were pleased and will go back.
(4)
Mark B.
Service, appetizers, desserts, bread, and drinks were all, sadly, unremarkable for a restaurant of this price point, and I was disheartened to spend a good chunk of my dinner chasing flies away from my plate. It gets three stars however, because my wife and I both had absolutely delicious entrees. White fish for me that was stellar and a steak for my wife that I can almost still taste it was so good. Clean up your act you guys! Can the mediocre starters and overpriced (and still lousy, if I'm being honest) drinks, and get rid of the darn flies! You're letting your chef down! You could be great!
(3)
Ami K.
Food was very good, but one can't define it as an Italian restaurant, according to the menu it's more American than Italian... Service was excellent, fast and friendly, food prices were on the upscale but not expensive, and the portions were adequate, not huge. A nice place for a good meal!
(4)
Lisa M.
I went to Convito again last night after having not been in quite a while. This is usually a very reliable place to go for dinner. I ordered my favorite dish, free range chicken with frites. Unfortunately, the chicken was very dry. It is usually so good. Not sure if it was an off night. We also ordered the bruschetta and it was just OK. I don't like the tomato pieces hot on bruschetta. The bread was a little gummy. My experience last night was not good. I will try it again in hopes that they were just off their game last night.
(3)
Jessica K.
This place was terrible. I was pleased when I walked in and saw they served metropolis coffee, yet when I got my coffee it tasted like dirty water. I don't know how that could have been managed with such good coffee! The bread they serve in the beginning was inedible. I took a bite and had to spit it out. My husband sadly munched on a piece of it and claims it was probably frozen. I got the quiche special for brunch and I don't think any fresh ingredients were used to make it. I think they used canned vegetables. The side salad tasted like nothing. Not even the dressing had flavor. My husband got the special omelette. He said it was greasy and over cooked and the sausage was so chewy. It was served with sliced potatoes that come out glued together in one large rubbery mass and were completely flavorless. The service was atrocious. I don't think we got water or coffee refilled the entire time because we didn't even get checked in on once. I got a glass of wine also, and although it was a generous portion, it came out with multiple pieces of cork floating in it. The theme of this place is that they do not care about the quality of food or service. Small details are important, but they couldn't even get the main things right.
(1)
rick c.
nice and relaxing atmosphere.....Service was kinda lousy now that i think about it. Not attentive at all...had to ask for water to be refilled. Waited about 20 minutes to have our drink and appetizer order taken. Entrees were just ok. Lacks that special touch.
(3)
Janet F.
Great food! I have been to Convito multiple times and have never been disappointed. If you don't have time to dine at the cafe, their to go food is still outstanding with the best lasagna! I highly recommend Convito for a great neighborhood Italian restaurant.
(5)
Christie C.
Ate here during the summer months. Nice patio area. Great food & service. Ordered a gift set for Christmas. It was shipped to Louisiana. Recipient said it was very nicely packaged and they enjoyed the contents. (Dine-In gift set)
(4)
Marjorie B.
I am a latecomer to this lovely anchor of the North Shore. The food is always fresh and displayed perfectly. It's a wonderful place for lunch! You cannot go wrong sitting outside on a beautiful day.
(5)
Jane K.
Met a friend here for brunch on a Sunday early afternoon. The restaurant is located in Plaza Del Lago with a beautiful but obscured view of the lake. The indoor dining room is small but quaint, the service is decent. I got excited when I saw that there were Beignets on the menu but it was such a disappointment. They were according to my friend, "glorified munchkins" and that's absolutely accurate. We both had different versions of Eggs Benedict. One was classic and the other was without english muffins but over potatoes. Regardless of the difference, they were both mediocre at best. It's a bad sign when you can't taste the hollandaise sauce. The meal was saved by the carrot cake, which was delicious but at this point, I had already vowed never to return. What really made my conviction concrete was when I sauntered into the market portion and saw that they had divided an approximately $8 bag of Brach's peppermint candy into six $3.50 bags and were selling them! Gasp! Obviously, the owners are playing the patrons for a fool and I will not be played a fool! Bottom line, I don't recommend it but if you lack taste buds and choices, why the heck not!
(2)
Marie M.
I love quality Italian food, and this place has it. Fresh salads with delicious ingredients, fabulous appetizers, amazing pastas, and an extensive wine list. What a wonderful place to dine. I also love the location near the lake and away from the commercial downtown. Service is always great and I love browsing in the market after my meal. One of those favorite places I keep coming back to!!
(5)
rick c.
nice and relaxing atmosphere.....Service was kinda lousy now that i think about it. Not attentive at all...had to ask for water to be refilled. Waited about 20 minutes to have our drink and appetizer order taken. Entrees were just ok. Lacks that special touch.
(3)
Janet F.
Great food! I have been to Convito multiple times and have never been disappointed. If you don't have time to dine at the cafe, their to go food is still outstanding with the best lasagna! I highly recommend Convito for a great neighborhood Italian restaurant.
(5)
Christie C.
Ate here during the summer months. Nice patio area. Great food & service. Ordered a gift set for Christmas. It was shipped to Louisiana. Recipient said it was very nicely packaged and they enjoyed the contents. (Dine-In gift set)
(4)
Elizabeth B.
Delicious food, amazing atmosphere, and the friendliest staff! absolutely the best!
(5)
Lee P.
This is a wonderful restaurant and market. I visited twice in the past month and the food is delicious both in the restaurant and the market. The bolognese sauce is outstanding, as is the wild mushroom sauce. And the salads-- good variety and freshness. The staff is especially cordial and welcoming, even in the market when it gets busy. Don't forget wines. There's a good selection of well-priced (mostly) Italian wines. I can't wait for the good weather so we can dine on the patio.
(4)
Jack P.
Convito Cafe and market is a lot of different things. It's a full-service cafe with great wine, a Disneyland of a deli with fresh and unique salads and creative takeout foods, a case of "queso" for the cheese-lovers, and outdoor cafe, a gourmet Italian condiment market, and a convenient rest stop in this stretch of Sheridan Road here on the North Shore. As other stores in this Plaza del Lago shopping center, including the big Crate & Barrel have closed their doors, it's refreshing to see the cafe and deli still here. I've been a Convito fan since the '80's when they had Near North location on Superior, and then what is now the Starbuck's across from their current spot.. Although we were drawn in by the "rest stop" need after a drive up to Glencoe and back, my friend Clifford and I stayed for lunch. I love that Convito has "seefood" in the sense that so many menu offerings are visible in the deli case. So, if you were to choose the salad trio for lunch, you could see what they looked like before you sat down. I am happy to see salads so fresh, and filled with great superfoods like beets, greens and arugula. My own salad trio had an artichoke/mushroom and greens, a pasta with green beans and an Asian chicken with Kale and tomatoes ($9.95) Cliff had a multi-colored beet salad with greens in a vinaigrette ($7.95). The bread they brought to accompany the salads was absolutely wonderful. It was a narrow chewy and moist baguette with a crusty outside. This was a light lunch with iced tea and no wine or cocktails. But those are available. About $25 for two with tax and tip. On a Tuesday at lunch in the cafe and on the terrace, it was an older and probably more local crowd. I felt like the youngster there, at least among the patrons. And there were a lot of walkers and canes about. The staff is young and friendly and attractive. Our server was very sweet, helpful and efficient. I love a place like Convito for picking up great picnic food and wine for takeout, or to take home. The desserts are pretty wunderbar, too. I've always liked their pastas and sauces, and they have special picnic choices for Ravinia, too. So glad we got reacquainted, Convito. And I hope you're around for a long time to come.
(4)
R B.
Stopped by here for a Sat pm lunch, outside. Very nice atmosphere despite the shopping center locale. Service was prompt and attentive, and the hot bread was great - though agree with others that the olive oil is bland; better off with butter. The roasted turkey and cheese sandwich with greens on toasted multigrain was great. Served hot and fresh. The crispy chips were sea salt and vinegar kettle chips, also good. Strongly recommend!
(4)
Stephen S.
good fresh food
(4)
Yanyao N.
I come here to feel special. JN and I are usually the only patrons under 30 in this establishment, though last night I did spot some awkward teens having dinner with their family. Welcome to the North Shore! Though sometimes the older dining crowd can become a little irritating (like, when I overhear them ordering salads: a Waldorf with no apples or mayo?!) but things are so quaint at Convito. No gaggles of ladies having girls night out here. Yay! The food, most of the time, is pretty good. I am a big fan of the pasta dishes. Last night I had the fabulous mussels (and maybe an entire loaf of bread to soak up the broth) and salad that has anchovies and herring on it. Omega-3 win! But, I would probably avoid the steak dishes. Most weeknights, they have a prix-fixe of the day: a glass of wine or dessert, a salad, and a pasta dish among other dinner specials. I'll keep coming back here for weeknight dinners because I live close by, but I wouldn't exclaim to all my friends that they should drive up and try it immediately. Definitely recommend to those who live in the neighborhood. Plus, the market connected to the restaurant looks fun. I've never made it in here while the market is still open, but I want to raid the prepared food displays. Pastas, salumi, salads, desserts, pasta sauces, cheese! One of these days, I will come for a truly geriatric dinner at 4pm and then go shopping afterwards. Service is always friendly and the parking is super easy (hello Plaza del Lago parking lot!). A very crowded patio in the summertime.
(4)
Stacey D.
I have been to Convito many times over the years, and it has always been consistently good, but this visit was disappointing. Two people in our party ordered the escargot app, and it was just mediocre. My husband's chicken pot pie was all crust and very little filling. My pasta was average. I love this restaurant, but maybe I'll stick to lunch.
(3)
Emily H.
After a blissful beach day of sunning along the Wilmette shoreline, we were searching for a place as pretty as we felt ourselves. With a plethora of windows and translucent white curtains, the wealth of natural light makes this a beautiful little cafe to have lunch in. Boasting indoor and outdoor seating, Convito also has a deli and market attached to the cafe, offering the option of ordering delicious foods and absconding off to another adventure if we so desired.The majority of the clientele is certainly on the higher end of the age spectrum, but doesn't wisdom come with age? I love when a restaurant uses quality fresh ingredients and small portions to create a flavorful meal experience rather than serving a mountain of mediocre and counting on quantity to satisfy. The white bean and duck salad featured tender slices of duck beautifully arranged on a bed of spring greens with white beans. The garden eggs benedict blended a mellow hollandaise with the natural tart of fresh tomatoes, spinach and mushrooms. It was an all-around refreshing, tasty experience.
(4)
Rob W.
I've never really sat down to eat here, so my review is more about the market than the dining options at Convito. I've been going there for several years now and enjoy the offerings. Since moving to the other side of Plaza del Lago, the market area seems a little smaller than it was before, with more "knick-knack" candies and the like and fewer wines, pastas and olive oils. Might just be the layout. The food and salads are good - maybe a bit pricey. I like the olive oil bread - though I enjoyed it more in their former quarters. Did the oven they cook it in change with their move? Still good though. Try it if you haven't - one of these days I'll check the restaurant out too!
(4)
Keiko S.
The place is called "Convito Cafe and Market" so naturally it's split into two sections - a grocery store and an Italian restaurant. Both have this upscale, European ambience. I've never eaten at the restaurant, so can't comment on the food...but I've been fascinated by the market. They carry a huge variety of goods - mostly imported. The highlights are the freshly made sauces from the kitchen, sold in little containers so you can make your own version of Convito pasta/dishes at home. It's a sweet deal! They have other prepared items like chicken (which comes with heating instructions), salad, pasta, pastries, etc. For cold salads, you can pick up their seasonal weekly menu so you'll know what are offered daily. Further, you'll find a small, but exclusive selection of wine and a wide range of dressings, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, pasta, etc. from all parts of the world. When Trader Joe's fails, this might be a good place to go search for some rare items. You won't get the TJ prices, though. In any case, 3.5 stars for now. I plan to update this review as soon as I try their brunch menu! Restaurant hours: Mon - Thurs: 11:30am to 9pm Fri & Sat: 11:30am to 10pm Sun: 11am to 8:30pm (brunch from 11am to 2pm) Market hours: Mon - Fri: 10am to 6:30pm Sat: 9:30am to 6pm Sun: 11am to 5pm
(3)
Kerry C.
Even in a smallish restaurant, they made room for our party of 20 (we had reservations, of course), and we got excellent service. My house red wine was just as expected. My main - "pappardelle bolognese traditional delicate meat sauce drizzled with bechamel" - which I absolutely butchered in the pronunciation, was very good, as were the veal, etc. meatballs I tried off my brother's plate. But things got heavy when it came to the desserts. I had the tiramasu, which was good and pretty much tasted the same as every other time I've gotten it. But two other people at the table got something called a bombe (?). Something like that. It was an egg-shaped frozen dessert consisting of three different kinds of sorbet, covered in white chocolate. This was possibly the most delicious dessert I've ever eaten. Oh, I think there was a raspberry or chocolate drizzle around the plate as well. Amazing. I still dream about this dessert. Anyway, also, the bathrooms were hard to find and are in the market portion of the restaurant. The whole restaurant is very packed in, but that gives it a nice, crowded feeling, which can be desirable sometimes.
(4)
Eszter H.
A nice place for a midweek lunch or an evening outing. I've gone here with colleagues during the week or with friends for dinner. The atmosphere is nice, the food is consistently good. It's nothing super special, but I've never been disappointed and there are enough options to vary things from one visit to the next. I almost never have steak, but the Steak-Frites here is hard to pass up. I've been going here for years and the service has been consistently good.
(4)
Mr H.
5 stars based on 1 element. The carrot cake !! Served warm, this was honestly the best dessert I have ever had. I'm not sure if it was a seasonal item, or served year round, but man was it amazing.
(5)
Christina B.
Bright atmosphere. The food is good. My daughter, 6 yrs old, loves the spaghetti with bolognese sauce! First time eating at this restaurant, we are definitely coming back.
(4)
Stacy T.
Perhaps the best chicken apple sausage hash I've had! The service, ambiance, and food was all excellent. You wouldn't think much of this strip mall eatery, but you'd be remiss to pass it up. The presentation of the food is artful, and tasty as it is lovely to look at. My poached eggs were perfectly done, the hollendaise sauce wasn't too rich, the hash was seasoned just right, and they were generous with the sausage! Winner!
(5)
Megan H.
The atmosphere is cute, but my food lacked in taste and was on the greasy side.
(3)
Jess B.
I always get excited to get Convito and I wish I could say it lived up to my hype but it just doesn't :( Everything on the menu sounds so good and the dishes they have prepared look so good, but nothing has been worth coming back for and I've just given up. I've tried the roasted vegetables, lasagnas, and the manicotti rolls (i think that's what they're called)- and it's just not good. I've also been for brunch and even the salads and appetizers disappointed. I realize my two bad reviews so far on here are for italian restaurants and I promise I like Italian food- just not from here!
(1)
James G.
Dinner with friends early Sunday evening. Super service and food as good as always. All four of us were pleased and will go back.
(4)
Mark B.
Service, appetizers, desserts, bread, and drinks were all, sadly, unremarkable for a restaurant of this price point, and I was disheartened to spend a good chunk of my dinner chasing flies away from my plate. It gets three stars however, because my wife and I both had absolutely delicious entrees. White fish for me that was stellar and a steak for my wife that I can almost still taste it was so good. Clean up your act you guys! Can the mediocre starters and overpriced (and still lousy, if I'm being honest) drinks, and get rid of the darn flies! You're letting your chef down! You could be great!
(3)
Elliott D.
It's just OK. Had a soft shell crab special that I found dreadful. Most dishes are unimaginative and expensive. Unlike other reviewers, I enjoy the staff. I go there for ambiance and convenience. I really miss Betise which used to be in the same location, and which was actually a great restaurant.
(2)
Olivia Y.
I want to start this review off by saying that I never usually write reviews on restaurants, but I could not pass up the opportunity to write about this one. We stopped in Convitos as a last resort, as other restaurants around the area were jam packed. We called ahead and made sure my party of three would have a decent table. When we got there we were immediately greeted by crying babies and the small cramped placement of the tables. We immediately got to our reserved table and waited 15 minutes to get water. So we had a lot of time to look around, the place was nicely decorated with italian artwork and gave a cozy vibe to the restaurant. However, we immediately noticed that the table was very flimsy. The table top was literally a piece of cork that was unsupported on a stand...Needless to say the table wobbled all around. The menus were another disappointment, I was very surprised by the quality of them. They were printed on a plain piece of paper, and was not in any type of holding. Which was very surprising because the price of the food did not match the quality of the restaurant. Now onto service, it took 15 minutes to get water and another 10 to get our ordered down. We told him our order and also a request for butter and cheese for our bread which took an unreasonable amount of time to get there. We noticed how packed the place was and saw our waiter run to table to table, when we tried to wave him down he blatantly looked at us then went onto another table. It was obvious that he payed more attention to the tables that were buying wine and had larger tickets then us. When it finally came down to getting our food, (45 minutes later) I took a few bites of the multi-grain penne pasta and did not liked it. I had to flag down our waiter a few times after being ignored to take it back. He asked me if there was anything wrong with it, and I simply told him I didn't like it and that I would like another dish instead. He seemed like he understood and took the dish away. Then the manager came to our table and started integrating me about the dish, I told her that there was nothing wrong with it I just didn't like it. Then she confusingly explained her policy which meant that if you sent a dish back, you wouldn't get reimburse for it. I was not clear on that as she kept telling me I could take the dish home. I relentlessly said yes, because she kept asking me. I was not aware that I would have to pay for that dish along with the dish I requested. After we finished our meal and payed the check, which was one hundred and five dollars with tip for three people (no drinks, no dessert, no appetizer and one glass of wine). The manager came up to our table and asked us if everything was ok, my mother then expressed how dissatisfied she was with the restaurant, the service, and most of all the policy. Most places take food back if you don't like it, Convitos isn't a fancy italian restaurant...They don't even have real tables and menus. The manager then started arguing with my mother and after my mother said her peace the manager offered to discount the bill. Which was pretty much a slap in the face, because she offered it after my mother paid for the bill. She only offered it to end the conversation. My mother refused it and said that she was going to leave, the manager at that time did not back down. She kept telling her the policy over and over again and would not listen to what she had to say. Overall this was not a good experience, I would not recommend the food for the price or the portion. You get a bigger portion at Olive garden for HALF the price...And better service at that.
(1)
Robert R.
Had an especially nice time at Convito recently. Chef came out to speak to us and was very gracious as was the server. The appetizers were delicious, especially the tomato gazpacho. Entree highlight was the mushroom ravioli . Great fun and we'll be back soon. Enjoy!
(5)
Michael B.
Food was decent. Simple Italian. Nice atmosphere. Good value for the money. Kicked us and another couple out by turning the lights off at 1030p (on a SAT night). Definately put a buzzkill to what otherwise would have been a nice dinner.
(4)
Lynn S.
This restaurant/specialty food shop concentrates on the quality and presentation of food. It also does catering and has wine tasting events. The salads we ordered for lunch were excellent, and we could see by the plates served to nearby tables that everything was served beautifully. In the adjacent deli area, custom basket orders could be made; pasta salads and crusty baguettes could be purchased for home. Tablecloths covered with white paper toppers lent some elegance to the bright dining area. Our only criticism was that service was barely average. Convito's was an excellent restaurant that attracts an appreciative following along the suburban lakeshore.
(5)
Tina T.
Convito Italiano is a combination gourmet market and cafe; being that it is in Wilmette, it is fairly upscale. We did a Lake shore drive ride on the motorcycle this weekend and ended up here for a late breakfast. Although the experience was great (great alfresco dining, great company) I don't think that the food was anything to write home about. Understand that when I go out for breakfast, I do like having a combination of fancy schmancy stuff as well as the good old stand-bys; they tend towards the frou-frou preparation of all things. I had an omelette with shrimp, spinach and goat cheese, which actually sounds much better than it was. But they did have an awfully cute market, filled with some very delicious looking prepared foods - I'd definitely come back here if I was in the area.
(3)
Albert L.
Convito is located in Plaza Del Lago, an elegant Spanish-inspired plaza (also home to Crate & Barrel, Burhops, Long Grove Confectionary) , when the sun's up and there's a cool lake breeze, it feels like you could be in Santa Monica. Al fresco dining is a must. Service is more efficient than friendly. Tables are well spaced. Black umbrellas are a nice touch. Sunglasses a must (for UV protection and people watching). The Cafe BLT was excellent. Succulent bacon slices are garnished with crisp romaine lettuce, just-ripe avocado and a hint of basil. The salmon salad with champagne vinagrette dressing is also quite good. Overall, the food selection and quality are above-average. Its the perfect place for a Sunday brunch. Best to reserve in advance...
(4)
ak a.
Tasty food, very small portions. Locals frequent the restaurant. Spaghetti and meatballs is $16.00. Hot bread!
(2)
Adam W.
Great place for food and gourmet shopping!
(5)
rochelle c.
I've been here several times and the food is always delicious. Most recently I was there on Valentine's Day evening and was expecting not-so-great service because of how busy the dining room was. My server (a tall, slim gentleman whose name escapes me) was attentive, charming, and had the most wonderful suggestions for every course!! I usually get the spaghetti and meatballs--the meatballs are DELICIOUS and never disappoint. This time, my server convinced me to try the lamb instead. I'm so glad he suggested it, because it was DELICIOUS!! Great service makes all the difference when you're out for the evening. Thank you to my server for a wonderful evening!!!
(4)
Matthew C.
Food okay, nothing to rave about, a little foo foo for my taste
(3)
Joshua N.
Love it! This is in the quiet little Plaza Del Lago shopping center on Sheridan. Very nice Italian food that is somewhere in between upscale and spaghetti with meatballs. Very cozy and quiet for weeknight dinners. The crowd, like the one at many of the restaurants in the area, is geriatric. The good thing is that the place still manages to seem somewhat vibrant, unlike say, Pensiero. I had the special wild mushroom ravioli and it was terrific. It was served with spinach, goat cheese, smoked prosciutto, and a rich jus. The market in the restaurant closed at 6:30 so I didn't get a chance to buy anything, but I looked around and loved it. They sell all of their sauces (bolognese, red clam, meat, etc.) and uncooked pastas and raviolis. They also have a large case of prepared foods including a sexy looking stuffed manicotti. I'll definitely be back here for the Italian food cravings that would previously have landed me in the third ring of hell, which is reserved especially for the gluttonous and is known colloquially as the Old Orchard parking lot near Maggiano's.
(4)
Jeanette H.
I highly recommend Convito. The restaurant has great food and the specialty food section has an excellent selection. I really love the salad wrapped in slices of cucumber - lovely to eat and to look at. Their soups are wonderful, as is their pasta. They had really good wine by the glass, a friendly and attentive staff, and a light and pretty interior. Plaza del Lago is a nice place to shop a bit as well.
(4)
N A.
This restaurant, which has long been a favorite of mine, has moved across the plaza and combined with the also popular Betise. While I've been to each restaurant separate a number of times, I recently just went to their new combined location. Food was excellent. I had a ciopino which was wonderfully spicy and flavorful and split some of their crab cakes as an appetizer. I saw that the wonderful Betise salad is still available and highly recommend it. Service was average and was a bit uncomfortable that it seemed our waiter was trying to push us out the door even though his section wasn't full. Still very worthy of a visit.
(4)
George D.
If you can fight your way into the Plaza Del Lago parking lot without blowing an axle in the construction on Sheridan road, you can have a really pleasant lunch at Convito. I tried a pretty solid French Onion soup, a bite of a salad wrapped in a slice of cucumber, and half a tuna salad sandwich. The wines they offered by the glass weren't extensive, but we tried a Sauvignon Blanc we'd never heard of and were pleased with it. I think they overreach a little bit - who wants their salad wrapped in a slice of cucumber? They'd be much better off if they kept it "bistro" and did away with the fancy-schmancy. And they claim their tuna salad recipe is "famous", but I didn't think it was anything special. But the bistrot/grocery atmosphere is pretty cute for lunch. I'd go back.
(4)
Lindsey K.
Absolutely the BEST Chocolate Fondant cake I have ever had! It was like a large, rich, dark chocolate truffle wrapped in a soft, but not too dense, chocolate flour cake. As soon as I pressed my fork into the edge to claim a piece, chocolate ganache was flowing out. Aside from dessert, the coffee was also good as well as the food.
(5)
Brent J.
No single element of Convito stands out, but the restaurant still strikes a lovely note by doing a lot of things well. The restaurant offers a warm and relaxed atmosphere that is a touch more elegant than its previous quarters. The food is tasty and well prepared with fresh ingredients. The menu is not particularly imaginative, but it extends beyond the fettucini and lasagna staples of Italian restaurants. Most recently I had a white bean soup, arugula and beet salad, and farfalle with tomato bacon sauce and chicken and mushroom. All tasty without being heavy. There is a changing selection of wines by the glass. Dinner for two with wine runs around $90 with tip.
(4)
Patricia B.
A weekday lunch at Convito proved to be a relaxing interlude on a cool fall day. The special of egg salad sanwich and butternut squash soup was excellent, but for $13 it seemed a little steep since it was a small sandwich at that. The salads were also good. However, the service really did drag at times. Getting refills on beverages took a while both times they were requested, despite the presence of ample staff. Lovely ambiance and overall a good place to go.
(3)
john w.
Went in for a routine purchase. Turned out they were having a 15% promotion. Bought some pasta sauce. Then the drama began. One sales lady offered me free pound of pasta. Another lady started arguing with first that there was no promotion on pasta and I could not have any. I could care less about paying for one pound of pasta but being caught in cross fire between two sales people was yucky. Are not stores for the benefit of consumer who makes purchases? Not at Convito. This place should invest in some group therapy for its sales personnel.
(1)
Lauren D.
Average Italian bistro. The new location makes it a little more upscale. I've had pretty snooty service. Good place to pick up some Italian vino.
(3)
Valerie L.
This is about as good as it gets! The food was incredible and the level of service was excellent. The staff went out of their way to accommodate the guests that I was with. One of my friends has a severe allergy. She is always skeptical of dining out. After a wonderful evening full of perfect pairings & elegant ambience, we all agreed that this is our new favorite restaurant! Don't miss it!
(5)
Melissa M.
Perhaps its first fair for me to say that Convito has a very nice market...and a so-so restaurant. The menu is not terribly diverse and whenever I branch out of the pasta section I have an unpleasant meal. The worst being the pizza with prosciutto...dry impossible to chew prosciutto. As far as I know, you should never cook prosciutto. However, the market has some nice items. I love the rich banana cake...and any of the cakes and cookies for that matter. The breads and cheeses are great too, though the cheese selection is a little lacking. Did I mention the wine? Plus they have all sorts of Italian "gifty" items for hostess gifts. I also here they are combining with a nearby French restaurant, which might reinvigorate their boring Italian fare.
(3)
N. S.
Everyone in our party ordered seafood - and while everything was well prepared, the portions were ridiculously small - especially for the price. Presentation is one thing - but unless you're Charlie Trotter's, an entree shouldn't be appetizer-size. The coffee was served lukewarm and when we requested hot coffee, we were stunned when we were told that they wouldn't make a fresh pot because "it was late" -despite the fact that there were a number of people who were still eating. We frequently dine out - and I cannot recall ever being refused a proper 'hot' cup of coffee, and certainly not at a fine dining establishment. This restaurant needs to decide what it is it's trying be. If it's aspiring to be an upscale, quality restaurant, they need to work on improving service. I doubt we'll be back.....
(2)
Peter M.
I only experienced the small grocery/wine shop part, not the restaurant. They had free tasting of two really good and very affordable (around 10 dollar) wines, even though their small selection really focuses on high end, expensive Italian wines (lots of Barolo), although you will find a few cheap but good selections as well. Pretty extensive gourmet deli counter and some decent prices on cheeses and other upscale, antipasti-type items.
(4)
Marie M.
I love quality Italian food, and this place has it. Fresh salads with delicious ingredients, fabulous appetizers, amazing pastas, and an extensive wine list. What a wonderful place to dine. I also love the location near the lake and away from the commercial downtown. Service is always great and I love browsing in the market after my meal. One of those favorite places I keep coming back to!!
(5)
Leslie S.
I have been here many times over many years. The food is better than average. The last few dinners tasted good but the portions are small. I ordered fish which was great but the portion of fish couldn't satisfy a baby's appetite. They also told us they ran out of parmesan cheese- whats that about? When I asked about the parmesan in the cases up front I was told that cheese was too expensive to be used in the restaurant and was only for purchase- I thought this was a bit crass. I would reccommend lunch as a beter deal even tho the food is decent it isn't worth the price for what you get.
(3)
- J - -.
I met a friend here when I was visiting for the weekend and, unfortunately, I was really unimpressed. It took AGES to get them to prep out food. We were the only people there and it was well over 25 minutes to get our to-go orders. And then the ringing up process was a mess and no one really seemed to know what was going on. Seems to be high prices for not super high quality food. Don't get me wrong, the food was decent, but - overall - I wouldn't recommend due to how long everything took for us.
(2)
Kate K.
The restaurant is very cheerful and pleasant. It was a little loud but that was due to the tile floor. It was a small issue. Two of us loved our meals and one was thoroughly disappointed. We came for lunch. The tunafish sandwich was delicious, as was one of the French onion soups. The soup special, gazpacho, was indescribably bad. It looked like cream of carrot soup and tasted like astringent lime. Perhaps they used yellow tomatoes but there was no tomato taste at all. One person had the soup and sandwich combo and the ham sandwich was fine. The gazpacho was awful and it was replaced by an overly salty French onion soup. Curiously, the two bowls French onion soup tasted different. One bowl was too salty but the other one was perfect. There were two kinds of onion, delicious cheese and flavorful broth. The staff was very pleasant, although took a while to get mustard for the ham sandwich and get the soup replaced. I would definitely go back and give it another shot. Convito has a takeout market where you can buy delicious Italian offerings to cook at home.
(4)
Rei M.
I ordered dinner to go. I ordered the whitefish piccata with extra potatoes along with the white bean soup. Let's start out with walking through the door. I walked in and for some reason I got the feeling of 'you don't belong here'. Which is upsetting since that's a first impression. I got my food home and opened it up hoping it was worth the snippy customer service. I opened my fish up, if the amount of potatoes that I got were considered an 'extra amount' I'd hate to see the regular portion. Secondly, they were semi raw. The sauce was watering and pretty tasteless. Fish was fine. Soup was decent. Overall I would not order from here again unfortunately.
(2)
Hannah H.
My friends and I would always come to Convito during lunch as it was so conveniently close by. Situated in Plaza del Lago, they've been around since the early '80s and offers brunch/lunch/dinner in their cafe as well as a little Italian mini market within with pastsa, sauces, wine, cheeses, and prepared food-to-go. I've had their Tarragon Chicken Salad sandwich (with lemon aioli, Romaine lettuce, and provolone cheese, all on a French roll; served with chips; very tarragon-heavy!); Bistro Ham & Cheese (with North Country smokehouse ham and butterkase cheese on a toasted brioche; served with a petite salad; a very simple sammy); the Convito French Dip (with roast beef, provolone cheese, caramelized onions, and roasted red peppers on a French roll; served with a side of roasted rosemary potato wedges; a fresh sandwich, the au jus sauce was a little on the bland side); and, some of their specials like the eggplant parmigiana (which was more of a deconstructed vegetarian option with tomato sauce and slightly fried eggplant slices). Request to sit by the enclosed 'patio' by the window, as it's bright and cheery; service is a hit-or-miss, and the place gets super packed during the lunch rush. An okay option for lunch in the Wilmette/Winnetka area! +Italian cafe and mini market +brunch, lunch, and dinner options +located in Plaza del Lago +plenty of parking in the plaza lot
(3)
Beth M.
Ambiance was warm, bright and cozy. Unique breakfast/brunch options. They also have a nice long and diverse dessert list, and delicious cappuccino-always a plus. Suuuper salty French onion soup, but would still consider eating it again. Please dilute the soup and test before serving. Great wine and to-go deli and sweets selection. Will be back!
(4)
Mike W.
My parents love this place, they are in their 60s. It's the perfect place for north Shore baby boomers. It's also in a strip mall so there's plenty of parking for them. Prices are reasonable and the menu is safe. It's not bad food, just nothing special.
(2)
Dylan M.
This is an establishment I haven't been to in YEARRRZZZ. I wasn't even aware they had move locations across the way. Anywho... I had forgotten how pleasant and charming it is. It's a place that's easy to forget if you aren't in the neighborhood but I have to put it back on my radar after revisiting it this evening. The service was very good, the cute setting is great for conversation and of course eating. The food was fresh and excellently prepared. I meant to check out their prepared food area as I recall them having wondering options to go. I'll have to come back soon and dive deeper into the menu and wine list soon. See ya again soon!
(4)
Michael R.
The lemon butter cale is just not fair. Moist, buttery and perfectly accentuated by the strawberries, sauce and ice cream. I also recommend the Tolouse La Trec Hash and the egg salad on brioche. A beautiful spot. They even carry a small but on point craft beer selection.
(5)
E D.
Great skirt steak and pork tenderloin couldn't make up for two different plates of mushy over cooked pasta. Desserts were good but the cream cheese frosting on the amazing carrot cake was so citrusy I couldn't eat it. Not sure what to think if suck mixed results.
(2)
Steve A.
What lovely place for a al fresco lunch on a nice day! Plentiful patio seating, most of it nicely shaded make this a terrific (and popular) place to enjoy a nice day outside. We particularly likes the salmon flatbread, with its pungent base of boursin cheese. I also enjoyed the trio of cold salads, which featured a particularly tasty chicken salad the day we visited. The blood orange mimosas are a nice midday drink. I thought the ginger beer could have used a bit more kick; its heavy emphasis on citrus made it more like lemonade. Definitely a nice respite from downtown sidewalk dining!
(4)
Steve L.
The duck is amazing! I occasionally stop here for a carb-loaded treat when I'm doing a rare ride-by on a long bicycle ride. Knowing there's a treat ahead makes getting there easier. I've also had the occasional sandwich there. I likes me a good sandwich, and they do a good job on them. But duck holds a special place in my heart. I loves me some duck done well (versus duck well done) and they done did do duck well! Tender, slightly salty, and oh so wonderful. It's all a haze; I have to go back for more as soon as possible. Anyone wanna join me?
Lovely spot! Stopped in for a quick dinner after the movies and enjoyed every bite. The patio is fantastic and Jasmine, our server, was polite and knowledgeable. Grabbed the Escargot, Calamari, and Pork Tenderloin- all winners! Highly recommend as the ambiance and food are great!
(4)
M B.
Ate dinner here last night. Food was awful! We had calves liver, skirt steak and Bouillabaisse. All three were bad! Even the house salad was a disappointment! Dessert also followed the theme The worst part was the waitstaff were standing over us and the minute you put your fork down they took your plate (or at least tried to), whether you were done or not! They were literally reaching over you to get someone else's plate! This restaurant did not used to be this way!
(1)
john h.
Bad olive oil? In this day and age? The bread is fantastic but flavorless (Wesson-like) olive oil ruins it. Such a glaring oversight by an overall solid restaurant is disappointing. I'm sure it will be corrected soon. The eggs Benedict was a 5 out of 5. Service was friendly and attentive.
Lovely cafe and excellent market with a wide array of Italian specialty foods, wines, cheeses, salads and sauces to go. I stopped there for lunch and had Ham & Gruyere Cheese on toasted Brioche bread which was paired with a petit salad of mixed greens. Both were delicious. I left with a coffee to go and a bag full of market food items to take home. Convito is agreat place - I highly recommend it.
(4)
Nihal S.
We arrived at this restaurant as a large group and ordered several different options, which can be seen in the photos. The service is very slow and the waiters are not attentive at all. We lost soo much time waiting for them to pay attention to us or to order food.
(3)
Rob B.
This place was wonderful. I live in New York City, but was visiting family and they took me here. There were 4 of us at dinner and we all thought the food was great and there service attentive but not overbearing. Really cozy vibe too. I had a Lyonnaise salad that was fantastic and Whitefish Piccata that was tender and surprisingly flavorful. My wife had the mussels (which I ate most of) then a pork tenderloin that was also really good. We both think of ourselves as foodies and figured we wouldn't get the same caliber of food as we get at home but were pleasantly surprised at what a terrific meal we had here. Worth visiting the in-laws again for!!!
(5)
Mike P.
Decent little market and cafe on the Wilmette/Kenilworth boarder in the Plaza del Lago shopping center. A good place to grab some grub to fill the picnic basket before heading to the Wilmette beaches. It can get a little crowded on weekends but the cafe and deli staffs are friendly and on their game. What you would come to expect from a classy joint like this. The pasta salads, Italian subs, and flat bread w/ prosciutto are very good.
(4)
Cindy T.
Bad service servers have no personality. Food is ok. Very cute place
(2)
Jennie T.
Kenny O. and I came here for a Sunday brunch. The bread they gave us was a bit too doughy for my taste. It was almost as if they didn't finish baking it. I ordered the croque madame, and he ordered the convito hash. We ended up trading entrees because I didn't like my croque madame. They used deli ham and cheese, and it didn't taste quite like a croque madame I've had in Paris (I supposed I was spoiled). The convito hash was better. We may come back to buy something from the market.
(3)
Ami K.
Food was very good, but one can't define it as an Italian restaurant, according to the menu it's more American than Italian... Service was excellent, fast and friendly, food prices were on the upscale but not expensive, and the portions were adequate, not huge. A nice place for a good meal!
(4)
Lisa M.
I went to Convito again last night after having not been in quite a while. This is usually a very reliable place to go for dinner. I ordered my favorite dish, free range chicken with frites. Unfortunately, the chicken was very dry. It is usually so good. Not sure if it was an off night. We also ordered the bruschetta and it was just OK. I don't like the tomato pieces hot on bruschetta. The bread was a little gummy. My experience last night was not good. I will try it again in hopes that they were just off their game last night.
(3)
Jessica K.
This place was terrible. I was pleased when I walked in and saw they served metropolis coffee, yet when I got my coffee it tasted like dirty water. I don't know how that could have been managed with such good coffee! The bread they serve in the beginning was inedible. I took a bite and had to spit it out. My husband sadly munched on a piece of it and claims it was probably frozen. I got the quiche special for brunch and I don't think any fresh ingredients were used to make it. I think they used canned vegetables. The side salad tasted like nothing. Not even the dressing had flavor. My husband got the special omelette. He said it was greasy and over cooked and the sausage was so chewy. It was served with sliced potatoes that come out glued together in one large rubbery mass and were completely flavorless. The service was atrocious. I don't think we got water or coffee refilled the entire time because we didn't even get checked in on once. I got a glass of wine also, and although it was a generous portion, it came out with multiple pieces of cork floating in it. The theme of this place is that they do not care about the quality of food or service. Small details are important, but they couldn't even get the main things right.
(1)
Marjorie B.
I am a latecomer to this lovely anchor of the North Shore. The food is always fresh and displayed perfectly. It's a wonderful place for lunch! You cannot go wrong sitting outside on a beautiful day.
(5)
Jane K.
Met a friend here for brunch on a Sunday early afternoon. The restaurant is located in Plaza Del Lago with a beautiful but obscured view of the lake. The indoor dining room is small but quaint, the service is decent. I got excited when I saw that there were Beignets on the menu but it was such a disappointment. They were according to my friend, "glorified munchkins" and that's absolutely accurate. We both had different versions of Eggs Benedict. One was classic and the other was without english muffins but over potatoes. Regardless of the difference, they were both mediocre at best. It's a bad sign when you can't taste the hollandaise sauce. The meal was saved by the carrot cake, which was delicious but at this point, I had already vowed never to return. What really made my conviction concrete was when I sauntered into the market portion and saw that they had divided an approximately $8 bag of Brach's peppermint candy into six $3.50 bags and were selling them! Gasp! Obviously, the owners are playing the patrons for a fool and I will not be played a fool! Bottom line, I don't recommend it but if you lack taste buds and choices, why the heck not!
(2)
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Address :Plaza del Lago,1515 Sheridan Rd
Wilmette, IL, 60091
Takes Reservations : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Upscale Noise Level : Quiet Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
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.
Jack P.
Convito Cafe and market is a lot of different things. It's a full-service cafe with great wine, a Disneyland of a deli with fresh and unique salads and creative takeout foods, a case of "queso" for the cheese-lovers, and outdoor cafe, a gourmet Italian condiment market, and a convenient rest stop in this stretch of Sheridan Road here on the North Shore. As other stores in this Plaza del Lago shopping center, including the big Crate & Barrel have closed their doors, it's refreshing to see the cafe and deli still here. I've been a Convito fan since the '80's when they had Near North location on Superior, and then what is now the Starbuck's across from their current spot.. Although we were drawn in by the "rest stop" need after a drive up to Glencoe and back, my friend Clifford and I stayed for lunch. I love that Convito has "seefood" in the sense that so many menu offerings are visible in the deli case. So, if you were to choose the salad trio for lunch, you could see what they looked like before you sat down. I am happy to see salads so fresh, and filled with great superfoods like beets, greens and arugula. My own salad trio had an artichoke/mushroom and greens, a pasta with green beans and an Asian chicken with Kale and tomatoes ($9.95) Cliff had a multi-colored beet salad with greens in a vinaigrette ($7.95). The bread they brought to accompany the salads was absolutely wonderful. It was a narrow chewy and moist baguette with a crusty outside. This was a light lunch with iced tea and no wine or cocktails. But those are available. About $25 for two with tax and tip. On a Tuesday at lunch in the cafe and on the terrace, it was an older and probably more local crowd. I felt like the youngster there, at least among the patrons. And there were a lot of walkers and canes about. The staff is young and friendly and attractive. Our server was very sweet, helpful and efficient. I love a place like Convito for picking up great picnic food and wine for takeout, or to take home. The desserts are pretty wunderbar, too. I've always liked their pastas and sauces, and they have special picnic choices for Ravinia, too. So glad we got reacquainted, Convito. And I hope you're around for a long time to come.
(4)Elizabeth B.
Delicious food, amazing atmosphere, and the friendliest staff! absolutely the best!
(5)Yanyao N.
I come here to feel special. JN and I are usually the only patrons under 30 in this establishment, though last night I did spot some awkward teens having dinner with their family. Welcome to the North Shore! Though sometimes the older dining crowd can become a little irritating (like, when I overhear them ordering salads: a Waldorf with no apples or mayo?!) but things are so quaint at Convito. No gaggles of ladies having girls night out here. Yay! The food, most of the time, is pretty good. I am a big fan of the pasta dishes. Last night I had the fabulous mussels (and maybe an entire loaf of bread to soak up the broth) and salad that has anchovies and herring on it. Omega-3 win! But, I would probably avoid the steak dishes. Most weeknights, they have a prix-fixe of the day: a glass of wine or dessert, a salad, and a pasta dish among other dinner specials. I'll keep coming back here for weeknight dinners because I live close by, but I wouldn't exclaim to all my friends that they should drive up and try it immediately. Definitely recommend to those who live in the neighborhood. Plus, the market connected to the restaurant looks fun. I've never made it in here while the market is still open, but I want to raid the prepared food displays. Pastas, salumi, salads, desserts, pasta sauces, cheese! One of these days, I will come for a truly geriatric dinner at 4pm and then go shopping afterwards. Service is always friendly and the parking is super easy (hello Plaza del Lago parking lot!). A very crowded patio in the summertime.
(4)Stacey D.
I have been to Convito many times over the years, and it has always been consistently good, but this visit was disappointing. Two people in our party ordered the escargot app, and it was just mediocre. My husband's chicken pot pie was all crust and very little filling. My pasta was average. I love this restaurant, but maybe I'll stick to lunch.
(3)Emily H.
After a blissful beach day of sunning along the Wilmette shoreline, we were searching for a place as pretty as we felt ourselves. With a plethora of windows and translucent white curtains, the wealth of natural light makes this a beautiful little cafe to have lunch in. Boasting indoor and outdoor seating, Convito also has a deli and market attached to the cafe, offering the option of ordering delicious foods and absconding off to another adventure if we so desired.The majority of the clientele is certainly on the higher end of the age spectrum, but doesn't wisdom come with age? I love when a restaurant uses quality fresh ingredients and small portions to create a flavorful meal experience rather than serving a mountain of mediocre and counting on quantity to satisfy. The white bean and duck salad featured tender slices of duck beautifully arranged on a bed of spring greens with white beans. The garden eggs benedict blended a mellow hollandaise with the natural tart of fresh tomatoes, spinach and mushrooms. It was an all-around refreshing, tasty experience.
(4)Olivia Y.
I want to start this review off by saying that I never usually write reviews on restaurants, but I could not pass up the opportunity to write about this one. We stopped in Convitos as a last resort, as other restaurants around the area were jam packed. We called ahead and made sure my party of three would have a decent table. When we got there we were immediately greeted by crying babies and the small cramped placement of the tables. We immediately got to our reserved table and waited 15 minutes to get water. So we had a lot of time to look around, the place was nicely decorated with italian artwork and gave a cozy vibe to the restaurant. However, we immediately noticed that the table was very flimsy. The table top was literally a piece of cork that was unsupported on a stand...Needless to say the table wobbled all around. The menus were another disappointment, I was very surprised by the quality of them. They were printed on a plain piece of paper, and was not in any type of holding. Which was very surprising because the price of the food did not match the quality of the restaurant. Now onto service, it took 15 minutes to get water and another 10 to get our ordered down. We told him our order and also a request for butter and cheese for our bread which took an unreasonable amount of time to get there. We noticed how packed the place was and saw our waiter run to table to table, when we tried to wave him down he blatantly looked at us then went onto another table. It was obvious that he payed more attention to the tables that were buying wine and had larger tickets then us. When it finally came down to getting our food, (45 minutes later) I took a few bites of the multi-grain penne pasta and did not liked it. I had to flag down our waiter a few times after being ignored to take it back. He asked me if there was anything wrong with it, and I simply told him I didn't like it and that I would like another dish instead. He seemed like he understood and took the dish away. Then the manager came to our table and started integrating me about the dish, I told her that there was nothing wrong with it I just didn't like it. Then she confusingly explained her policy which meant that if you sent a dish back, you wouldn't get reimburse for it. I was not clear on that as she kept telling me I could take the dish home. I relentlessly said yes, because she kept asking me. I was not aware that I would have to pay for that dish along with the dish I requested. After we finished our meal and payed the check, which was one hundred and five dollars with tip for three people (no drinks, no dessert, no appetizer and one glass of wine). The manager came up to our table and asked us if everything was ok, my mother then expressed how dissatisfied she was with the restaurant, the service, and most of all the policy. Most places take food back if you don't like it, Convitos isn't a fancy italian restaurant...They don't even have real tables and menus. The manager then started arguing with my mother and after my mother said her peace the manager offered to discount the bill. Which was pretty much a slap in the face, because she offered it after my mother paid for the bill. She only offered it to end the conversation. My mother refused it and said that she was going to leave, the manager at that time did not back down. She kept telling her the policy over and over again and would not listen to what she had to say. Overall this was not a good experience, I would not recommend the food for the price or the portion. You get a bigger portion at Olive garden for HALF the price...And better service at that.
(1)Rob W.
I've never really sat down to eat here, so my review is more about the market than the dining options at Convito. I've been going there for several years now and enjoy the offerings. Since moving to the other side of Plaza del Lago, the market area seems a little smaller than it was before, with more "knick-knack" candies and the like and fewer wines, pastas and olive oils. Might just be the layout. The food and salads are good - maybe a bit pricey. I like the olive oil bread - though I enjoyed it more in their former quarters. Did the oven they cook it in change with their move? Still good though. Try it if you haven't - one of these days I'll check the restaurant out too!
(4)R B.
Stopped by here for a Sat pm lunch, outside. Very nice atmosphere despite the shopping center locale. Service was prompt and attentive, and the hot bread was great - though agree with others that the olive oil is bland; better off with butter. The roasted turkey and cheese sandwich with greens on toasted multigrain was great. Served hot and fresh. The crispy chips were sea salt and vinegar kettle chips, also good. Strongly recommend!
(4)Stephen S.
good fresh food
(4)Lee P.
This is a wonderful restaurant and market. I visited twice in the past month and the food is delicious both in the restaurant and the market. The bolognese sauce is outstanding, as is the wild mushroom sauce. And the salads-- good variety and freshness. The staff is especially cordial and welcoming, even in the market when it gets busy. Don't forget wines. There's a good selection of well-priced (mostly) Italian wines. I can't wait for the good weather so we can dine on the patio.
(4)Keiko S.
The place is called "Convito Cafe and Market" so naturally it's split into two sections - a grocery store and an Italian restaurant. Both have this upscale, European ambience. I've never eaten at the restaurant, so can't comment on the food...but I've been fascinated by the market. They carry a huge variety of goods - mostly imported. The highlights are the freshly made sauces from the kitchen, sold in little containers so you can make your own version of Convito pasta/dishes at home. It's a sweet deal! They have other prepared items like chicken (which comes with heating instructions), salad, pasta, pastries, etc. For cold salads, you can pick up their seasonal weekly menu so you'll know what are offered daily. Further, you'll find a small, but exclusive selection of wine and a wide range of dressings, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, pasta, etc. from all parts of the world. When Trader Joe's fails, this might be a good place to go search for some rare items. You won't get the TJ prices, though. In any case, 3.5 stars for now. I plan to update this review as soon as I try their brunch menu! Restaurant hours: Mon - Thurs: 11:30am to 9pm Fri & Sat: 11:30am to 10pm Sun: 11am to 8:30pm (brunch from 11am to 2pm) Market hours: Mon - Fri: 10am to 6:30pm Sat: 9:30am to 6pm Sun: 11am to 5pm
(3)Peter M.
I only experienced the small grocery/wine shop part, not the restaurant. They had free tasting of two really good and very affordable (around 10 dollar) wines, even though their small selection really focuses on high end, expensive Italian wines (lots of Barolo), although you will find a few cheap but good selections as well. Pretty extensive gourmet deli counter and some decent prices on cheeses and other upscale, antipasti-type items.
(4)Patricia B.
A weekday lunch at Convito proved to be a relaxing interlude on a cool fall day. The special of egg salad sanwich and butternut squash soup was excellent, but for $13 it seemed a little steep since it was a small sandwich at that. The salads were also good. However, the service really did drag at times. Getting refills on beverages took a while both times they were requested, despite the presence of ample staff. Lovely ambiance and overall a good place to go.
(3)john w.
Went in for a routine purchase. Turned out they were having a 15% promotion. Bought some pasta sauce. Then the drama began. One sales lady offered me free pound of pasta. Another lady started arguing with first that there was no promotion on pasta and I could not have any. I could care less about paying for one pound of pasta but being caught in cross fire between two sales people was yucky. Are not stores for the benefit of consumer who makes purchases? Not at Convito. This place should invest in some group therapy for its sales personnel.
(1)Elliott D.
It's just OK. Had a soft shell crab special that I found dreadful. Most dishes are unimaginative and expensive. Unlike other reviewers, I enjoy the staff. I go there for ambiance and convenience. I really miss Betise which used to be in the same location, and which was actually a great restaurant.
(2)Robert R.
Had an especially nice time at Convito recently. Chef came out to speak to us and was very gracious as was the server. The appetizers were delicious, especially the tomato gazpacho. Entree highlight was the mushroom ravioli . Great fun and we'll be back soon. Enjoy!
(5)Michael B.
Food was decent. Simple Italian. Nice atmosphere. Good value for the money. Kicked us and another couple out by turning the lights off at 1030p (on a SAT night). Definately put a buzzkill to what otherwise would have been a nice dinner.
(4)Lynn S.
This restaurant/specialty food shop concentrates on the quality and presentation of food. It also does catering and has wine tasting events. The salads we ordered for lunch were excellent, and we could see by the plates served to nearby tables that everything was served beautifully. In the adjacent deli area, custom basket orders could be made; pasta salads and crusty baguettes could be purchased for home. Tablecloths covered with white paper toppers lent some elegance to the bright dining area. Our only criticism was that service was barely average. Convito's was an excellent restaurant that attracts an appreciative following along the suburban lakeshore.
(5)N A.
This restaurant, which has long been a favorite of mine, has moved across the plaza and combined with the also popular Betise. While I've been to each restaurant separate a number of times, I recently just went to their new combined location. Food was excellent. I had a ciopino which was wonderfully spicy and flavorful and split some of their crab cakes as an appetizer. I saw that the wonderful Betise salad is still available and highly recommend it. Service was average and was a bit uncomfortable that it seemed our waiter was trying to push us out the door even though his section wasn't full. Still very worthy of a visit.
(4)Tina T.
Convito Italiano is a combination gourmet market and cafe; being that it is in Wilmette, it is fairly upscale. We did a Lake shore drive ride on the motorcycle this weekend and ended up here for a late breakfast. Although the experience was great (great alfresco dining, great company) I don't think that the food was anything to write home about. Understand that when I go out for breakfast, I do like having a combination of fancy schmancy stuff as well as the good old stand-bys; they tend towards the frou-frou preparation of all things. I had an omelette with shrimp, spinach and goat cheese, which actually sounds much better than it was. But they did have an awfully cute market, filled with some very delicious looking prepared foods - I'd definitely come back here if I was in the area.
(3)Albert L.
Convito is located in Plaza Del Lago, an elegant Spanish-inspired plaza (also home to Crate & Barrel, Burhops, Long Grove Confectionary) , when the sun's up and there's a cool lake breeze, it feels like you could be in Santa Monica. Al fresco dining is a must. Service is more efficient than friendly. Tables are well spaced. Black umbrellas are a nice touch. Sunglasses a must (for UV protection and people watching). The Cafe BLT was excellent. Succulent bacon slices are garnished with crisp romaine lettuce, just-ripe avocado and a hint of basil. The salmon salad with champagne vinagrette dressing is also quite good. Overall, the food selection and quality are above-average. Its the perfect place for a Sunday brunch. Best to reserve in advance...
(4)ak a.
Tasty food, very small portions. Locals frequent the restaurant. Spaghetti and meatballs is $16.00. Hot bread!
(2)Adam W.
Great place for food and gourmet shopping!
(5)rochelle c.
I've been here several times and the food is always delicious. Most recently I was there on Valentine's Day evening and was expecting not-so-great service because of how busy the dining room was. My server (a tall, slim gentleman whose name escapes me) was attentive, charming, and had the most wonderful suggestions for every course!! I usually get the spaghetti and meatballs--the meatballs are DELICIOUS and never disappoint. This time, my server convinced me to try the lamb instead. I'm so glad he suggested it, because it was DELICIOUS!! Great service makes all the difference when you're out for the evening. Thank you to my server for a wonderful evening!!!
(4)Matthew C.
Food okay, nothing to rave about, a little foo foo for my taste
(3)Lauren D.
Average Italian bistro. The new location makes it a little more upscale. I've had pretty snooty service. Good place to pick up some Italian vino.
(3)Joshua N.
Love it! This is in the quiet little Plaza Del Lago shopping center on Sheridan. Very nice Italian food that is somewhere in between upscale and spaghetti with meatballs. Very cozy and quiet for weeknight dinners. The crowd, like the one at many of the restaurants in the area, is geriatric. The good thing is that the place still manages to seem somewhat vibrant, unlike say, Pensiero. I had the special wild mushroom ravioli and it was terrific. It was served with spinach, goat cheese, smoked prosciutto, and a rich jus. The market in the restaurant closed at 6:30 so I didn't get a chance to buy anything, but I looked around and loved it. They sell all of their sauces (bolognese, red clam, meat, etc.) and uncooked pastas and raviolis. They also have a large case of prepared foods including a sexy looking stuffed manicotti. I'll definitely be back here for the Italian food cravings that would previously have landed me in the third ring of hell, which is reserved especially for the gluttonous and is known colloquially as the Old Orchard parking lot near Maggiano's.
(4)Jeanette H.
I highly recommend Convito. The restaurant has great food and the specialty food section has an excellent selection. I really love the salad wrapped in slices of cucumber - lovely to eat and to look at. Their soups are wonderful, as is their pasta. They had really good wine by the glass, a friendly and attentive staff, and a light and pretty interior. Plaza del Lago is a nice place to shop a bit as well.
(4)George D.
If you can fight your way into the Plaza Del Lago parking lot without blowing an axle in the construction on Sheridan road, you can have a really pleasant lunch at Convito. I tried a pretty solid French Onion soup, a bite of a salad wrapped in a slice of cucumber, and half a tuna salad sandwich. The wines they offered by the glass weren't extensive, but we tried a Sauvignon Blanc we'd never heard of and were pleased with it. I think they overreach a little bit - who wants their salad wrapped in a slice of cucumber? They'd be much better off if they kept it "bistro" and did away with the fancy-schmancy. And they claim their tuna salad recipe is "famous", but I didn't think it was anything special. But the bistrot/grocery atmosphere is pretty cute for lunch. I'd go back.
(4)Lindsey K.
Absolutely the BEST Chocolate Fondant cake I have ever had! It was like a large, rich, dark chocolate truffle wrapped in a soft, but not too dense, chocolate flour cake. As soon as I pressed my fork into the edge to claim a piece, chocolate ganache was flowing out. Aside from dessert, the coffee was also good as well as the food.
(5)Brent J.
No single element of Convito stands out, but the restaurant still strikes a lovely note by doing a lot of things well. The restaurant offers a warm and relaxed atmosphere that is a touch more elegant than its previous quarters. The food is tasty and well prepared with fresh ingredients. The menu is not particularly imaginative, but it extends beyond the fettucini and lasagna staples of Italian restaurants. Most recently I had a white bean soup, arugula and beet salad, and farfalle with tomato bacon sauce and chicken and mushroom. All tasty without being heavy. There is a changing selection of wines by the glass. Dinner for two with wine runs around $90 with tip.
(4)Valerie L.
This is about as good as it gets! The food was incredible and the level of service was excellent. The staff went out of their way to accommodate the guests that I was with. One of my friends has a severe allergy. She is always skeptical of dining out. After a wonderful evening full of perfect pairings & elegant ambience, we all agreed that this is our new favorite restaurant! Don't miss it!
(5)Melissa M.
Perhaps its first fair for me to say that Convito has a very nice market...and a so-so restaurant. The menu is not terribly diverse and whenever I branch out of the pasta section I have an unpleasant meal. The worst being the pizza with prosciutto...dry impossible to chew prosciutto. As far as I know, you should never cook prosciutto. However, the market has some nice items. I love the rich banana cake...and any of the cakes and cookies for that matter. The breads and cheeses are great too, though the cheese selection is a little lacking. Did I mention the wine? Plus they have all sorts of Italian "gifty" items for hostess gifts. I also here they are combining with a nearby French restaurant, which might reinvigorate their boring Italian fare.
(3)N. S.
Everyone in our party ordered seafood - and while everything was well prepared, the portions were ridiculously small - especially for the price. Presentation is one thing - but unless you're Charlie Trotter's, an entree shouldn't be appetizer-size. The coffee was served lukewarm and when we requested hot coffee, we were stunned when we were told that they wouldn't make a fresh pot because "it was late" -despite the fact that there were a number of people who were still eating. We frequently dine out - and I cannot recall ever being refused a proper 'hot' cup of coffee, and certainly not at a fine dining establishment. This restaurant needs to decide what it is it's trying be. If it's aspiring to be an upscale, quality restaurant, they need to work on improving service. I doubt we'll be back.....
(2)Kate K.
The restaurant is very cheerful and pleasant. It was a little loud but that was due to the tile floor. It was a small issue. Two of us loved our meals and one was thoroughly disappointed. We came for lunch. The tunafish sandwich was delicious, as was one of the French onion soups. The soup special, gazpacho, was indescribably bad. It looked like cream of carrot soup and tasted like astringent lime. Perhaps they used yellow tomatoes but there was no tomato taste at all. One person had the soup and sandwich combo and the ham sandwich was fine. The gazpacho was awful and it was replaced by an overly salty French onion soup. Curiously, the two bowls French onion soup tasted different. One bowl was too salty but the other one was perfect. There were two kinds of onion, delicious cheese and flavorful broth. The staff was very pleasant, although took a while to get mustard for the ham sandwich and get the soup replaced. I would definitely go back and give it another shot. Convito has a takeout market where you can buy delicious Italian offerings to cook at home.
(4)Rei M.
I ordered dinner to go. I ordered the whitefish piccata with extra potatoes along with the white bean soup. Let's start out with walking through the door. I walked in and for some reason I got the feeling of 'you don't belong here'. Which is upsetting since that's a first impression. I got my food home and opened it up hoping it was worth the snippy customer service. I opened my fish up, if the amount of potatoes that I got were considered an 'extra amount' I'd hate to see the regular portion. Secondly, they were semi raw. The sauce was watering and pretty tasteless. Fish was fine. Soup was decent. Overall I would not order from here again unfortunately.
(2)Hannah H.
My friends and I would always come to Convito during lunch as it was so conveniently close by. Situated in Plaza del Lago, they've been around since the early '80s and offers brunch/lunch/dinner in their cafe as well as a little Italian mini market within with pastsa, sauces, wine, cheeses, and prepared food-to-go. I've had their Tarragon Chicken Salad sandwich (with lemon aioli, Romaine lettuce, and provolone cheese, all on a French roll; served with chips; very tarragon-heavy!); Bistro Ham & Cheese (with North Country smokehouse ham and butterkase cheese on a toasted brioche; served with a petite salad; a very simple sammy); the Convito French Dip (with roast beef, provolone cheese, caramelized onions, and roasted red peppers on a French roll; served with a side of roasted rosemary potato wedges; a fresh sandwich, the au jus sauce was a little on the bland side); and, some of their specials like the eggplant parmigiana (which was more of a deconstructed vegetarian option with tomato sauce and slightly fried eggplant slices). Request to sit by the enclosed 'patio' by the window, as it's bright and cheery; service is a hit-or-miss, and the place gets super packed during the lunch rush. An okay option for lunch in the Wilmette/Winnetka area! +Italian cafe and mini market +brunch, lunch, and dinner options +located in Plaza del Lago +plenty of parking in the plaza lot
(3)Beth M.
Ambiance was warm, bright and cozy. Unique breakfast/brunch options. They also have a nice long and diverse dessert list, and delicious cappuccino-always a plus. Suuuper salty French onion soup, but would still consider eating it again. Please dilute the soup and test before serving. Great wine and to-go deli and sweets selection. Will be back!
(4)Mike W.
My parents love this place, they are in their 60s. It's the perfect place for north Shore baby boomers. It's also in a strip mall so there's plenty of parking for them. Prices are reasonable and the menu is safe. It's not bad food, just nothing special.
(2)Dylan M.
This is an establishment I haven't been to in YEARRRZZZ. I wasn't even aware they had move locations across the way. Anywho... I had forgotten how pleasant and charming it is. It's a place that's easy to forget if you aren't in the neighborhood but I have to put it back on my radar after revisiting it this evening. The service was very good, the cute setting is great for conversation and of course eating. The food was fresh and excellently prepared. I meant to check out their prepared food area as I recall them having wondering options to go. I'll have to come back soon and dive deeper into the menu and wine list soon. See ya again soon!
(4)Michael R.
The lemon butter cale is just not fair. Moist, buttery and perfectly accentuated by the strawberries, sauce and ice cream. I also recommend the Tolouse La Trec Hash and the egg salad on brioche. A beautiful spot. They even carry a small but on point craft beer selection.
(5)E D.
Great skirt steak and pork tenderloin couldn't make up for two different plates of mushy over cooked pasta. Desserts were good but the cream cheese frosting on the amazing carrot cake was so citrusy I couldn't eat it. Not sure what to think if suck mixed results.
(2)Steve A.
What lovely place for a al fresco lunch on a nice day! Plentiful patio seating, most of it nicely shaded make this a terrific (and popular) place to enjoy a nice day outside. We particularly likes the salmon flatbread, with its pungent base of boursin cheese. I also enjoyed the trio of cold salads, which featured a particularly tasty chicken salad the day we visited. The blood orange mimosas are a nice midday drink. I thought the ginger beer could have used a bit more kick; its heavy emphasis on citrus made it more like lemonade. Definitely a nice respite from downtown sidewalk dining!
(4)Steve L.
The duck is amazing! I occasionally stop here for a carb-loaded treat when I'm doing a rare ride-by on a long bicycle ride. Knowing there's a treat ahead makes getting there easier. I've also had the occasional sandwich there. I likes me a good sandwich, and they do a good job on them. But duck holds a special place in my heart. I loves me some duck done well (versus duck well done) and they done did do duck well! Tender, slightly salty, and oh so wonderful. It's all a haze; I have to go back for more as soon as possible. Anyone wanna join me?
(5)Jackie H.
Been here twice and I really enjoyed it both times. I love the atmosphere and our server tonight was so sweet and helpful and patient as our group took a long time deciding what we wanted to eat. My fiancé and dad shared the mussels for an appetizer and both said that they were wonderful and surprisingly not sandy, which I know is why I usually stay away from them. For dinner I had the Pappardelle Bolognese, which was very good. The portion size was perfect, and the Bolognese has a lot of flavor. Added a little parmesan and that makes it all the better. My fiancé had the bacon wrapped pork tenderloin, which I tasted and loved as well. For dessert we ordered the Chocolate Fondant, which took about 25 minutes to come out...which was a little frustrating, but the manager came out and said that there was a small kitchen issue that caused some back up in the entire restaurant, which is already extremely small to begin with. They made the dessert on the house, and it was INCREDIBLE. Again, perfect portion, and it was literally an explosion of chocolate. Overall a really great experience. I really want to come back and try more things on the menu!
(4)Teddy H.
Lovely spot! Stopped in for a quick dinner after the movies and enjoyed every bite. The patio is fantastic and Jasmine, our server, was polite and knowledgeable. Grabbed the Escargot, Calamari, and Pork Tenderloin- all winners! Highly recommend as the ambiance and food are great!
(4)M B.
Ate dinner here last night. Food was awful! We had calves liver, skirt steak and Bouillabaisse. All three were bad! Even the house salad was a disappointment! Dessert also followed the theme The worst part was the waitstaff were standing over us and the minute you put your fork down they took your plate (or at least tried to), whether you were done or not! They were literally reaching over you to get someone else's plate! This restaurant did not used to be this way!
(1)john h.
Bad olive oil? In this day and age? The bread is fantastic but flavorless (Wesson-like) olive oil ruins it. Such a glaring oversight by an overall solid restaurant is disappointing. I'm sure it will be corrected soon. The eggs Benedict was a 5 out of 5. Service was friendly and attentive.
(3)Bonnie S.
Wonderful intimate room. Fresh pasta, warm bread and olive oil, terrific wine selection. Desserts wonderful. Don't miss!
(5)Charles B.
Lovely cafe and excellent market with a wide array of Italian specialty foods, wines, cheeses, salads and sauces to go. I stopped there for lunch and had Ham & Gruyere Cheese on toasted Brioche bread which was paired with a petit salad of mixed greens. Both were delicious. I left with a coffee to go and a bag full of market food items to take home. Convito is agreat place - I highly recommend it.
(4)Nihal S.
We arrived at this restaurant as a large group and ordered several different options, which can be seen in the photos. The service is very slow and the waiters are not attentive at all. We lost soo much time waiting for them to pay attention to us or to order food.
(3)Rob B.
This place was wonderful. I live in New York City, but was visiting family and they took me here. There were 4 of us at dinner and we all thought the food was great and there service attentive but not overbearing. Really cozy vibe too. I had a Lyonnaise salad that was fantastic and Whitefish Piccata that was tender and surprisingly flavorful. My wife had the mussels (which I ate most of) then a pork tenderloin that was also really good. We both think of ourselves as foodies and figured we wouldn't get the same caliber of food as we get at home but were pleasantly surprised at what a terrific meal we had here. Worth visiting the in-laws again for!!!
(5)Mike P.
Decent little market and cafe on the Wilmette/Kenilworth boarder in the Plaza del Lago shopping center. A good place to grab some grub to fill the picnic basket before heading to the Wilmette beaches. It can get a little crowded on weekends but the cafe and deli staffs are friendly and on their game. What you would come to expect from a classy joint like this. The pasta salads, Italian subs, and flat bread w/ prosciutto are very good.
(4)Cindy T.
Bad service servers have no personality. Food is ok. Very cute place
(2)Jennie T.
Kenny O. and I came here for a Sunday brunch. The bread they gave us was a bit too doughy for my taste. It was almost as if they didn't finish baking it. I ordered the croque madame, and he ordered the convito hash. We ended up trading entrees because I didn't like my croque madame. They used deli ham and cheese, and it didn't taste quite like a croque madame I've had in Paris (I supposed I was spoiled). The convito hash was better. We may come back to buy something from the market.
(3)Christina B.
Bright atmosphere. The food is good. My daughter, 6 yrs old, loves the spaghetti with bolognese sauce! First time eating at this restaurant, we are definitely coming back.
(4)Stacy T.
Perhaps the best chicken apple sausage hash I've had! The service, ambiance, and food was all excellent. You wouldn't think much of this strip mall eatery, but you'd be remiss to pass it up. The presentation of the food is artful, and tasty as it is lovely to look at. My poached eggs were perfectly done, the hollendaise sauce wasn't too rich, the hash was seasoned just right, and they were generous with the sausage! Winner!
(5)Kerry C.
Even in a smallish restaurant, they made room for our party of 20 (we had reservations, of course), and we got excellent service. My house red wine was just as expected. My main - "pappardelle bolognese traditional delicate meat sauce drizzled with bechamel" - which I absolutely butchered in the pronunciation, was very good, as were the veal, etc. meatballs I tried off my brother's plate. But things got heavy when it came to the desserts. I had the tiramasu, which was good and pretty much tasted the same as every other time I've gotten it. But two other people at the table got something called a bombe (?). Something like that. It was an egg-shaped frozen dessert consisting of three different kinds of sorbet, covered in white chocolate. This was possibly the most delicious dessert I've ever eaten. Oh, I think there was a raspberry or chocolate drizzle around the plate as well. Amazing. I still dream about this dessert. Anyway, also, the bathrooms were hard to find and are in the market portion of the restaurant. The whole restaurant is very packed in, but that gives it a nice, crowded feeling, which can be desirable sometimes.
(4)Leslie S.
I have been here many times over many years. The food is better than average. The last few dinners tasted good but the portions are small. I ordered fish which was great but the portion of fish couldn't satisfy a baby's appetite. They also told us they ran out of parmesan cheese- whats that about? When I asked about the parmesan in the cases up front I was told that cheese was too expensive to be used in the restaurant and was only for purchase- I thought this was a bit crass. I would reccommend lunch as a beter deal even tho the food is decent it isn't worth the price for what you get.
(3)- J - -.
I met a friend here when I was visiting for the weekend and, unfortunately, I was really unimpressed. It took AGES to get them to prep out food. We were the only people there and it was well over 25 minutes to get our to-go orders. And then the ringing up process was a mess and no one really seemed to know what was going on. Seems to be high prices for not super high quality food. Don't get me wrong, the food was decent, but - overall - I wouldn't recommend due to how long everything took for us.
(2)Eszter H.
A nice place for a midweek lunch or an evening outing. I've gone here with colleagues during the week or with friends for dinner. The atmosphere is nice, the food is consistently good. It's nothing super special, but I've never been disappointed and there are enough options to vary things from one visit to the next. I almost never have steak, but the Steak-Frites here is hard to pass up. I've been going here for years and the service has been consistently good.
(4)Mr H.
5 stars based on 1 element. The carrot cake !! Served warm, this was honestly the best dessert I have ever had. I'm not sure if it was a seasonal item, or served year round, but man was it amazing.
(5)Megan H.
The atmosphere is cute, but my food lacked in taste and was on the greasy side.
(3)Jess B.
I always get excited to get Convito and I wish I could say it lived up to my hype but it just doesn't :( Everything on the menu sounds so good and the dishes they have prepared look so good, but nothing has been worth coming back for and I've just given up. I've tried the roasted vegetables, lasagnas, and the manicotti rolls (i think that's what they're called)- and it's just not good. I've also been for brunch and even the salads and appetizers disappointed. I realize my two bad reviews so far on here are for italian restaurants and I promise I like Italian food- just not from here!
(1)James G.
Dinner with friends early Sunday evening. Super service and food as good as always. All four of us were pleased and will go back.
(4)Mark B.
Service, appetizers, desserts, bread, and drinks were all, sadly, unremarkable for a restaurant of this price point, and I was disheartened to spend a good chunk of my dinner chasing flies away from my plate. It gets three stars however, because my wife and I both had absolutely delicious entrees. White fish for me that was stellar and a steak for my wife that I can almost still taste it was so good. Clean up your act you guys! Can the mediocre starters and overpriced (and still lousy, if I'm being honest) drinks, and get rid of the darn flies! You're letting your chef down! You could be great!
(3)Ami K.
Food was very good, but one can't define it as an Italian restaurant, according to the menu it's more American than Italian... Service was excellent, fast and friendly, food prices were on the upscale but not expensive, and the portions were adequate, not huge. A nice place for a good meal!
(4)Lisa M.
I went to Convito again last night after having not been in quite a while. This is usually a very reliable place to go for dinner. I ordered my favorite dish, free range chicken with frites. Unfortunately, the chicken was very dry. It is usually so good. Not sure if it was an off night. We also ordered the bruschetta and it was just OK. I don't like the tomato pieces hot on bruschetta. The bread was a little gummy. My experience last night was not good. I will try it again in hopes that they were just off their game last night.
(3)Jessica K.
This place was terrible. I was pleased when I walked in and saw they served metropolis coffee, yet when I got my coffee it tasted like dirty water. I don't know how that could have been managed with such good coffee! The bread they serve in the beginning was inedible. I took a bite and had to spit it out. My husband sadly munched on a piece of it and claims it was probably frozen. I got the quiche special for brunch and I don't think any fresh ingredients were used to make it. I think they used canned vegetables. The side salad tasted like nothing. Not even the dressing had flavor. My husband got the special omelette. He said it was greasy and over cooked and the sausage was so chewy. It was served with sliced potatoes that come out glued together in one large rubbery mass and were completely flavorless. The service was atrocious. I don't think we got water or coffee refilled the entire time because we didn't even get checked in on once. I got a glass of wine also, and although it was a generous portion, it came out with multiple pieces of cork floating in it. The theme of this place is that they do not care about the quality of food or service. Small details are important, but they couldn't even get the main things right.
(1)rick c.
nice and relaxing atmosphere.....Service was kinda lousy now that i think about it. Not attentive at all...had to ask for water to be refilled. Waited about 20 minutes to have our drink and appetizer order taken. Entrees were just ok. Lacks that special touch.
(3)Janet F.
Great food! I have been to Convito multiple times and have never been disappointed. If you don't have time to dine at the cafe, their to go food is still outstanding with the best lasagna! I highly recommend Convito for a great neighborhood Italian restaurant.
(5)Christie C.
Ate here during the summer months. Nice patio area. Great food & service. Ordered a gift set for Christmas. It was shipped to Louisiana. Recipient said it was very nicely packaged and they enjoyed the contents. (Dine-In gift set)
(4)Marjorie B.
I am a latecomer to this lovely anchor of the North Shore. The food is always fresh and displayed perfectly. It's a wonderful place for lunch! You cannot go wrong sitting outside on a beautiful day.
(5)Jane K.
Met a friend here for brunch on a Sunday early afternoon. The restaurant is located in Plaza Del Lago with a beautiful but obscured view of the lake. The indoor dining room is small but quaint, the service is decent. I got excited when I saw that there were Beignets on the menu but it was such a disappointment. They were according to my friend, "glorified munchkins" and that's absolutely accurate. We both had different versions of Eggs Benedict. One was classic and the other was without english muffins but over potatoes. Regardless of the difference, they were both mediocre at best. It's a bad sign when you can't taste the hollandaise sauce. The meal was saved by the carrot cake, which was delicious but at this point, I had already vowed never to return. What really made my conviction concrete was when I sauntered into the market portion and saw that they had divided an approximately $8 bag of Brach's peppermint candy into six $3.50 bags and were selling them! Gasp! Obviously, the owners are playing the patrons for a fool and I will not be played a fool! Bottom line, I don't recommend it but if you lack taste buds and choices, why the heck not!
(2)Marie M.
I love quality Italian food, and this place has it. Fresh salads with delicious ingredients, fabulous appetizers, amazing pastas, and an extensive wine list. What a wonderful place to dine. I also love the location near the lake and away from the commercial downtown. Service is always great and I love browsing in the market after my meal. One of those favorite places I keep coming back to!!
(5)rick c.
nice and relaxing atmosphere.....Service was kinda lousy now that i think about it. Not attentive at all...had to ask for water to be refilled. Waited about 20 minutes to have our drink and appetizer order taken. Entrees were just ok. Lacks that special touch.
(3)Janet F.
Great food! I have been to Convito multiple times and have never been disappointed. If you don't have time to dine at the cafe, their to go food is still outstanding with the best lasagna! I highly recommend Convito for a great neighborhood Italian restaurant.
(5)Christie C.
Ate here during the summer months. Nice patio area. Great food & service. Ordered a gift set for Christmas. It was shipped to Louisiana. Recipient said it was very nicely packaged and they enjoyed the contents. (Dine-In gift set)
(4)Elizabeth B.
Delicious food, amazing atmosphere, and the friendliest staff! absolutely the best!
(5)Lee P.
This is a wonderful restaurant and market. I visited twice in the past month and the food is delicious both in the restaurant and the market. The bolognese sauce is outstanding, as is the wild mushroom sauce. And the salads-- good variety and freshness. The staff is especially cordial and welcoming, even in the market when it gets busy. Don't forget wines. There's a good selection of well-priced (mostly) Italian wines. I can't wait for the good weather so we can dine on the patio.
(4)Jack P.
Convito Cafe and market is a lot of different things. It's a full-service cafe with great wine, a Disneyland of a deli with fresh and unique salads and creative takeout foods, a case of "queso" for the cheese-lovers, and outdoor cafe, a gourmet Italian condiment market, and a convenient rest stop in this stretch of Sheridan Road here on the North Shore. As other stores in this Plaza del Lago shopping center, including the big Crate & Barrel have closed their doors, it's refreshing to see the cafe and deli still here. I've been a Convito fan since the '80's when they had Near North location on Superior, and then what is now the Starbuck's across from their current spot.. Although we were drawn in by the "rest stop" need after a drive up to Glencoe and back, my friend Clifford and I stayed for lunch. I love that Convito has "seefood" in the sense that so many menu offerings are visible in the deli case. So, if you were to choose the salad trio for lunch, you could see what they looked like before you sat down. I am happy to see salads so fresh, and filled with great superfoods like beets, greens and arugula. My own salad trio had an artichoke/mushroom and greens, a pasta with green beans and an Asian chicken with Kale and tomatoes ($9.95) Cliff had a multi-colored beet salad with greens in a vinaigrette ($7.95). The bread they brought to accompany the salads was absolutely wonderful. It was a narrow chewy and moist baguette with a crusty outside. This was a light lunch with iced tea and no wine or cocktails. But those are available. About $25 for two with tax and tip. On a Tuesday at lunch in the cafe and on the terrace, it was an older and probably more local crowd. I felt like the youngster there, at least among the patrons. And there were a lot of walkers and canes about. The staff is young and friendly and attractive. Our server was very sweet, helpful and efficient. I love a place like Convito for picking up great picnic food and wine for takeout, or to take home. The desserts are pretty wunderbar, too. I've always liked their pastas and sauces, and they have special picnic choices for Ravinia, too. So glad we got reacquainted, Convito. And I hope you're around for a long time to come.
(4)R B.
Stopped by here for a Sat pm lunch, outside. Very nice atmosphere despite the shopping center locale. Service was prompt and attentive, and the hot bread was great - though agree with others that the olive oil is bland; better off with butter. The roasted turkey and cheese sandwich with greens on toasted multigrain was great. Served hot and fresh. The crispy chips were sea salt and vinegar kettle chips, also good. Strongly recommend!
(4)Stephen S.
good fresh food
(4)Yanyao N.
I come here to feel special. JN and I are usually the only patrons under 30 in this establishment, though last night I did spot some awkward teens having dinner with their family. Welcome to the North Shore! Though sometimes the older dining crowd can become a little irritating (like, when I overhear them ordering salads: a Waldorf with no apples or mayo?!) but things are so quaint at Convito. No gaggles of ladies having girls night out here. Yay! The food, most of the time, is pretty good. I am a big fan of the pasta dishes. Last night I had the fabulous mussels (and maybe an entire loaf of bread to soak up the broth) and salad that has anchovies and herring on it. Omega-3 win! But, I would probably avoid the steak dishes. Most weeknights, they have a prix-fixe of the day: a glass of wine or dessert, a salad, and a pasta dish among other dinner specials. I'll keep coming back here for weeknight dinners because I live close by, but I wouldn't exclaim to all my friends that they should drive up and try it immediately. Definitely recommend to those who live in the neighborhood. Plus, the market connected to the restaurant looks fun. I've never made it in here while the market is still open, but I want to raid the prepared food displays. Pastas, salumi, salads, desserts, pasta sauces, cheese! One of these days, I will come for a truly geriatric dinner at 4pm and then go shopping afterwards. Service is always friendly and the parking is super easy (hello Plaza del Lago parking lot!). A very crowded patio in the summertime.
(4)Stacey D.
I have been to Convito many times over the years, and it has always been consistently good, but this visit was disappointing. Two people in our party ordered the escargot app, and it was just mediocre. My husband's chicken pot pie was all crust and very little filling. My pasta was average. I love this restaurant, but maybe I'll stick to lunch.
(3)Emily H.
After a blissful beach day of sunning along the Wilmette shoreline, we were searching for a place as pretty as we felt ourselves. With a plethora of windows and translucent white curtains, the wealth of natural light makes this a beautiful little cafe to have lunch in. Boasting indoor and outdoor seating, Convito also has a deli and market attached to the cafe, offering the option of ordering delicious foods and absconding off to another adventure if we so desired.The majority of the clientele is certainly on the higher end of the age spectrum, but doesn't wisdom come with age? I love when a restaurant uses quality fresh ingredients and small portions to create a flavorful meal experience rather than serving a mountain of mediocre and counting on quantity to satisfy. The white bean and duck salad featured tender slices of duck beautifully arranged on a bed of spring greens with white beans. The garden eggs benedict blended a mellow hollandaise with the natural tart of fresh tomatoes, spinach and mushrooms. It was an all-around refreshing, tasty experience.
(4)Rob W.
I've never really sat down to eat here, so my review is more about the market than the dining options at Convito. I've been going there for several years now and enjoy the offerings. Since moving to the other side of Plaza del Lago, the market area seems a little smaller than it was before, with more "knick-knack" candies and the like and fewer wines, pastas and olive oils. Might just be the layout. The food and salads are good - maybe a bit pricey. I like the olive oil bread - though I enjoyed it more in their former quarters. Did the oven they cook it in change with their move? Still good though. Try it if you haven't - one of these days I'll check the restaurant out too!
(4)Keiko S.
The place is called "Convito Cafe and Market" so naturally it's split into two sections - a grocery store and an Italian restaurant. Both have this upscale, European ambience. I've never eaten at the restaurant, so can't comment on the food...but I've been fascinated by the market. They carry a huge variety of goods - mostly imported. The highlights are the freshly made sauces from the kitchen, sold in little containers so you can make your own version of Convito pasta/dishes at home. It's a sweet deal! They have other prepared items like chicken (which comes with heating instructions), salad, pasta, pastries, etc. For cold salads, you can pick up their seasonal weekly menu so you'll know what are offered daily. Further, you'll find a small, but exclusive selection of wine and a wide range of dressings, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, pasta, etc. from all parts of the world. When Trader Joe's fails, this might be a good place to go search for some rare items. You won't get the TJ prices, though. In any case, 3.5 stars for now. I plan to update this review as soon as I try their brunch menu! Restaurant hours: Mon - Thurs: 11:30am to 9pm Fri & Sat: 11:30am to 10pm Sun: 11am to 8:30pm (brunch from 11am to 2pm) Market hours: Mon - Fri: 10am to 6:30pm Sat: 9:30am to 6pm Sun: 11am to 5pm
(3)Kerry C.
Even in a smallish restaurant, they made room for our party of 20 (we had reservations, of course), and we got excellent service. My house red wine was just as expected. My main - "pappardelle bolognese traditional delicate meat sauce drizzled with bechamel" - which I absolutely butchered in the pronunciation, was very good, as were the veal, etc. meatballs I tried off my brother's plate. But things got heavy when it came to the desserts. I had the tiramasu, which was good and pretty much tasted the same as every other time I've gotten it. But two other people at the table got something called a bombe (?). Something like that. It was an egg-shaped frozen dessert consisting of three different kinds of sorbet, covered in white chocolate. This was possibly the most delicious dessert I've ever eaten. Oh, I think there was a raspberry or chocolate drizzle around the plate as well. Amazing. I still dream about this dessert. Anyway, also, the bathrooms were hard to find and are in the market portion of the restaurant. The whole restaurant is very packed in, but that gives it a nice, crowded feeling, which can be desirable sometimes.
(4)Eszter H.
A nice place for a midweek lunch or an evening outing. I've gone here with colleagues during the week or with friends for dinner. The atmosphere is nice, the food is consistently good. It's nothing super special, but I've never been disappointed and there are enough options to vary things from one visit to the next. I almost never have steak, but the Steak-Frites here is hard to pass up. I've been going here for years and the service has been consistently good.
(4)Mr H.
5 stars based on 1 element. The carrot cake !! Served warm, this was honestly the best dessert I have ever had. I'm not sure if it was a seasonal item, or served year round, but man was it amazing.
(5)Christina B.
Bright atmosphere. The food is good. My daughter, 6 yrs old, loves the spaghetti with bolognese sauce! First time eating at this restaurant, we are definitely coming back.
(4)Stacy T.
Perhaps the best chicken apple sausage hash I've had! The service, ambiance, and food was all excellent. You wouldn't think much of this strip mall eatery, but you'd be remiss to pass it up. The presentation of the food is artful, and tasty as it is lovely to look at. My poached eggs were perfectly done, the hollendaise sauce wasn't too rich, the hash was seasoned just right, and they were generous with the sausage! Winner!
(5)Megan H.
The atmosphere is cute, but my food lacked in taste and was on the greasy side.
(3)Jess B.
I always get excited to get Convito and I wish I could say it lived up to my hype but it just doesn't :( Everything on the menu sounds so good and the dishes they have prepared look so good, but nothing has been worth coming back for and I've just given up. I've tried the roasted vegetables, lasagnas, and the manicotti rolls (i think that's what they're called)- and it's just not good. I've also been for brunch and even the salads and appetizers disappointed. I realize my two bad reviews so far on here are for italian restaurants and I promise I like Italian food- just not from here!
(1)James G.
Dinner with friends early Sunday evening. Super service and food as good as always. All four of us were pleased and will go back.
(4)Mark B.
Service, appetizers, desserts, bread, and drinks were all, sadly, unremarkable for a restaurant of this price point, and I was disheartened to spend a good chunk of my dinner chasing flies away from my plate. It gets three stars however, because my wife and I both had absolutely delicious entrees. White fish for me that was stellar and a steak for my wife that I can almost still taste it was so good. Clean up your act you guys! Can the mediocre starters and overpriced (and still lousy, if I'm being honest) drinks, and get rid of the darn flies! You're letting your chef down! You could be great!
(3)Elliott D.
It's just OK. Had a soft shell crab special that I found dreadful. Most dishes are unimaginative and expensive. Unlike other reviewers, I enjoy the staff. I go there for ambiance and convenience. I really miss Betise which used to be in the same location, and which was actually a great restaurant.
(2)Olivia Y.
I want to start this review off by saying that I never usually write reviews on restaurants, but I could not pass up the opportunity to write about this one. We stopped in Convitos as a last resort, as other restaurants around the area were jam packed. We called ahead and made sure my party of three would have a decent table. When we got there we were immediately greeted by crying babies and the small cramped placement of the tables. We immediately got to our reserved table and waited 15 minutes to get water. So we had a lot of time to look around, the place was nicely decorated with italian artwork and gave a cozy vibe to the restaurant. However, we immediately noticed that the table was very flimsy. The table top was literally a piece of cork that was unsupported on a stand...Needless to say the table wobbled all around. The menus were another disappointment, I was very surprised by the quality of them. They were printed on a plain piece of paper, and was not in any type of holding. Which was very surprising because the price of the food did not match the quality of the restaurant. Now onto service, it took 15 minutes to get water and another 10 to get our ordered down. We told him our order and also a request for butter and cheese for our bread which took an unreasonable amount of time to get there. We noticed how packed the place was and saw our waiter run to table to table, when we tried to wave him down he blatantly looked at us then went onto another table. It was obvious that he payed more attention to the tables that were buying wine and had larger tickets then us. When it finally came down to getting our food, (45 minutes later) I took a few bites of the multi-grain penne pasta and did not liked it. I had to flag down our waiter a few times after being ignored to take it back. He asked me if there was anything wrong with it, and I simply told him I didn't like it and that I would like another dish instead. He seemed like he understood and took the dish away. Then the manager came to our table and started integrating me about the dish, I told her that there was nothing wrong with it I just didn't like it. Then she confusingly explained her policy which meant that if you sent a dish back, you wouldn't get reimburse for it. I was not clear on that as she kept telling me I could take the dish home. I relentlessly said yes, because she kept asking me. I was not aware that I would have to pay for that dish along with the dish I requested. After we finished our meal and payed the check, which was one hundred and five dollars with tip for three people (no drinks, no dessert, no appetizer and one glass of wine). The manager came up to our table and asked us if everything was ok, my mother then expressed how dissatisfied she was with the restaurant, the service, and most of all the policy. Most places take food back if you don't like it, Convitos isn't a fancy italian restaurant...They don't even have real tables and menus. The manager then started arguing with my mother and after my mother said her peace the manager offered to discount the bill. Which was pretty much a slap in the face, because she offered it after my mother paid for the bill. She only offered it to end the conversation. My mother refused it and said that she was going to leave, the manager at that time did not back down. She kept telling her the policy over and over again and would not listen to what she had to say. Overall this was not a good experience, I would not recommend the food for the price or the portion. You get a bigger portion at Olive garden for HALF the price...And better service at that.
(1)Robert R.
Had an especially nice time at Convito recently. Chef came out to speak to us and was very gracious as was the server. The appetizers were delicious, especially the tomato gazpacho. Entree highlight was the mushroom ravioli . Great fun and we'll be back soon. Enjoy!
(5)Michael B.
Food was decent. Simple Italian. Nice atmosphere. Good value for the money. Kicked us and another couple out by turning the lights off at 1030p (on a SAT night). Definately put a buzzkill to what otherwise would have been a nice dinner.
(4)Lynn S.
This restaurant/specialty food shop concentrates on the quality and presentation of food. It also does catering and has wine tasting events. The salads we ordered for lunch were excellent, and we could see by the plates served to nearby tables that everything was served beautifully. In the adjacent deli area, custom basket orders could be made; pasta salads and crusty baguettes could be purchased for home. Tablecloths covered with white paper toppers lent some elegance to the bright dining area. Our only criticism was that service was barely average. Convito's was an excellent restaurant that attracts an appreciative following along the suburban lakeshore.
(5)Tina T.
Convito Italiano is a combination gourmet market and cafe; being that it is in Wilmette, it is fairly upscale. We did a Lake shore drive ride on the motorcycle this weekend and ended up here for a late breakfast. Although the experience was great (great alfresco dining, great company) I don't think that the food was anything to write home about. Understand that when I go out for breakfast, I do like having a combination of fancy schmancy stuff as well as the good old stand-bys; they tend towards the frou-frou preparation of all things. I had an omelette with shrimp, spinach and goat cheese, which actually sounds much better than it was. But they did have an awfully cute market, filled with some very delicious looking prepared foods - I'd definitely come back here if I was in the area.
(3)Albert L.
Convito is located in Plaza Del Lago, an elegant Spanish-inspired plaza (also home to Crate & Barrel, Burhops, Long Grove Confectionary) , when the sun's up and there's a cool lake breeze, it feels like you could be in Santa Monica. Al fresco dining is a must. Service is more efficient than friendly. Tables are well spaced. Black umbrellas are a nice touch. Sunglasses a must (for UV protection and people watching). The Cafe BLT was excellent. Succulent bacon slices are garnished with crisp romaine lettuce, just-ripe avocado and a hint of basil. The salmon salad with champagne vinagrette dressing is also quite good. Overall, the food selection and quality are above-average. Its the perfect place for a Sunday brunch. Best to reserve in advance...
(4)ak a.
Tasty food, very small portions. Locals frequent the restaurant. Spaghetti and meatballs is $16.00. Hot bread!
(2)Adam W.
Great place for food and gourmet shopping!
(5)rochelle c.
I've been here several times and the food is always delicious. Most recently I was there on Valentine's Day evening and was expecting not-so-great service because of how busy the dining room was. My server (a tall, slim gentleman whose name escapes me) was attentive, charming, and had the most wonderful suggestions for every course!! I usually get the spaghetti and meatballs--the meatballs are DELICIOUS and never disappoint. This time, my server convinced me to try the lamb instead. I'm so glad he suggested it, because it was DELICIOUS!! Great service makes all the difference when you're out for the evening. Thank you to my server for a wonderful evening!!!
(4)Matthew C.
Food okay, nothing to rave about, a little foo foo for my taste
(3)Joshua N.
Love it! This is in the quiet little Plaza Del Lago shopping center on Sheridan. Very nice Italian food that is somewhere in between upscale and spaghetti with meatballs. Very cozy and quiet for weeknight dinners. The crowd, like the one at many of the restaurants in the area, is geriatric. The good thing is that the place still manages to seem somewhat vibrant, unlike say, Pensiero. I had the special wild mushroom ravioli and it was terrific. It was served with spinach, goat cheese, smoked prosciutto, and a rich jus. The market in the restaurant closed at 6:30 so I didn't get a chance to buy anything, but I looked around and loved it. They sell all of their sauces (bolognese, red clam, meat, etc.) and uncooked pastas and raviolis. They also have a large case of prepared foods including a sexy looking stuffed manicotti. I'll definitely be back here for the Italian food cravings that would previously have landed me in the third ring of hell, which is reserved especially for the gluttonous and is known colloquially as the Old Orchard parking lot near Maggiano's.
(4)Jeanette H.
I highly recommend Convito. The restaurant has great food and the specialty food section has an excellent selection. I really love the salad wrapped in slices of cucumber - lovely to eat and to look at. Their soups are wonderful, as is their pasta. They had really good wine by the glass, a friendly and attentive staff, and a light and pretty interior. Plaza del Lago is a nice place to shop a bit as well.
(4)N A.
This restaurant, which has long been a favorite of mine, has moved across the plaza and combined with the also popular Betise. While I've been to each restaurant separate a number of times, I recently just went to their new combined location. Food was excellent. I had a ciopino which was wonderfully spicy and flavorful and split some of their crab cakes as an appetizer. I saw that the wonderful Betise salad is still available and highly recommend it. Service was average and was a bit uncomfortable that it seemed our waiter was trying to push us out the door even though his section wasn't full. Still very worthy of a visit.
(4)George D.
If you can fight your way into the Plaza Del Lago parking lot without blowing an axle in the construction on Sheridan road, you can have a really pleasant lunch at Convito. I tried a pretty solid French Onion soup, a bite of a salad wrapped in a slice of cucumber, and half a tuna salad sandwich. The wines they offered by the glass weren't extensive, but we tried a Sauvignon Blanc we'd never heard of and were pleased with it. I think they overreach a little bit - who wants their salad wrapped in a slice of cucumber? They'd be much better off if they kept it "bistro" and did away with the fancy-schmancy. And they claim their tuna salad recipe is "famous", but I didn't think it was anything special. But the bistrot/grocery atmosphere is pretty cute for lunch. I'd go back.
(4)Lindsey K.
Absolutely the BEST Chocolate Fondant cake I have ever had! It was like a large, rich, dark chocolate truffle wrapped in a soft, but not too dense, chocolate flour cake. As soon as I pressed my fork into the edge to claim a piece, chocolate ganache was flowing out. Aside from dessert, the coffee was also good as well as the food.
(5)Brent J.
No single element of Convito stands out, but the restaurant still strikes a lovely note by doing a lot of things well. The restaurant offers a warm and relaxed atmosphere that is a touch more elegant than its previous quarters. The food is tasty and well prepared with fresh ingredients. The menu is not particularly imaginative, but it extends beyond the fettucini and lasagna staples of Italian restaurants. Most recently I had a white bean soup, arugula and beet salad, and farfalle with tomato bacon sauce and chicken and mushroom. All tasty without being heavy. There is a changing selection of wines by the glass. Dinner for two with wine runs around $90 with tip.
(4)Patricia B.
A weekday lunch at Convito proved to be a relaxing interlude on a cool fall day. The special of egg salad sanwich and butternut squash soup was excellent, but for $13 it seemed a little steep since it was a small sandwich at that. The salads were also good. However, the service really did drag at times. Getting refills on beverages took a while both times they were requested, despite the presence of ample staff. Lovely ambiance and overall a good place to go.
(3)john w.
Went in for a routine purchase. Turned out they were having a 15% promotion. Bought some pasta sauce. Then the drama began. One sales lady offered me free pound of pasta. Another lady started arguing with first that there was no promotion on pasta and I could not have any. I could care less about paying for one pound of pasta but being caught in cross fire between two sales people was yucky. Are not stores for the benefit of consumer who makes purchases? Not at Convito. This place should invest in some group therapy for its sales personnel.
(1)Lauren D.
Average Italian bistro. The new location makes it a little more upscale. I've had pretty snooty service. Good place to pick up some Italian vino.
(3)Valerie L.
This is about as good as it gets! The food was incredible and the level of service was excellent. The staff went out of their way to accommodate the guests that I was with. One of my friends has a severe allergy. She is always skeptical of dining out. After a wonderful evening full of perfect pairings & elegant ambience, we all agreed that this is our new favorite restaurant! Don't miss it!
(5)Melissa M.
Perhaps its first fair for me to say that Convito has a very nice market...and a so-so restaurant. The menu is not terribly diverse and whenever I branch out of the pasta section I have an unpleasant meal. The worst being the pizza with prosciutto...dry impossible to chew prosciutto. As far as I know, you should never cook prosciutto. However, the market has some nice items. I love the rich banana cake...and any of the cakes and cookies for that matter. The breads and cheeses are great too, though the cheese selection is a little lacking. Did I mention the wine? Plus they have all sorts of Italian "gifty" items for hostess gifts. I also here they are combining with a nearby French restaurant, which might reinvigorate their boring Italian fare.
(3)N. S.
Everyone in our party ordered seafood - and while everything was well prepared, the portions were ridiculously small - especially for the price. Presentation is one thing - but unless you're Charlie Trotter's, an entree shouldn't be appetizer-size. The coffee was served lukewarm and when we requested hot coffee, we were stunned when we were told that they wouldn't make a fresh pot because "it was late" -despite the fact that there were a number of people who were still eating. We frequently dine out - and I cannot recall ever being refused a proper 'hot' cup of coffee, and certainly not at a fine dining establishment. This restaurant needs to decide what it is it's trying be. If it's aspiring to be an upscale, quality restaurant, they need to work on improving service. I doubt we'll be back.....
(2)Peter M.
I only experienced the small grocery/wine shop part, not the restaurant. They had free tasting of two really good and very affordable (around 10 dollar) wines, even though their small selection really focuses on high end, expensive Italian wines (lots of Barolo), although you will find a few cheap but good selections as well. Pretty extensive gourmet deli counter and some decent prices on cheeses and other upscale, antipasti-type items.
(4)Marie M.
I love quality Italian food, and this place has it. Fresh salads with delicious ingredients, fabulous appetizers, amazing pastas, and an extensive wine list. What a wonderful place to dine. I also love the location near the lake and away from the commercial downtown. Service is always great and I love browsing in the market after my meal. One of those favorite places I keep coming back to!!
(5)Leslie S.
I have been here many times over many years. The food is better than average. The last few dinners tasted good but the portions are small. I ordered fish which was great but the portion of fish couldn't satisfy a baby's appetite. They also told us they ran out of parmesan cheese- whats that about? When I asked about the parmesan in the cases up front I was told that cheese was too expensive to be used in the restaurant and was only for purchase- I thought this was a bit crass. I would reccommend lunch as a beter deal even tho the food is decent it isn't worth the price for what you get.
(3)- J - -.
I met a friend here when I was visiting for the weekend and, unfortunately, I was really unimpressed. It took AGES to get them to prep out food. We were the only people there and it was well over 25 minutes to get our to-go orders. And then the ringing up process was a mess and no one really seemed to know what was going on. Seems to be high prices for not super high quality food. Don't get me wrong, the food was decent, but - overall - I wouldn't recommend due to how long everything took for us.
(2)Kate K.
The restaurant is very cheerful and pleasant. It was a little loud but that was due to the tile floor. It was a small issue. Two of us loved our meals and one was thoroughly disappointed. We came for lunch. The tunafish sandwich was delicious, as was one of the French onion soups. The soup special, gazpacho, was indescribably bad. It looked like cream of carrot soup and tasted like astringent lime. Perhaps they used yellow tomatoes but there was no tomato taste at all. One person had the soup and sandwich combo and the ham sandwich was fine. The gazpacho was awful and it was replaced by an overly salty French onion soup. Curiously, the two bowls French onion soup tasted different. One bowl was too salty but the other one was perfect. There were two kinds of onion, delicious cheese and flavorful broth. The staff was very pleasant, although took a while to get mustard for the ham sandwich and get the soup replaced. I would definitely go back and give it another shot. Convito has a takeout market where you can buy delicious Italian offerings to cook at home.
(4)Rei M.
I ordered dinner to go. I ordered the whitefish piccata with extra potatoes along with the white bean soup. Let's start out with walking through the door. I walked in and for some reason I got the feeling of 'you don't belong here'. Which is upsetting since that's a first impression. I got my food home and opened it up hoping it was worth the snippy customer service. I opened my fish up, if the amount of potatoes that I got were considered an 'extra amount' I'd hate to see the regular portion. Secondly, they were semi raw. The sauce was watering and pretty tasteless. Fish was fine. Soup was decent. Overall I would not order from here again unfortunately.
(2)Hannah H.
My friends and I would always come to Convito during lunch as it was so conveniently close by. Situated in Plaza del Lago, they've been around since the early '80s and offers brunch/lunch/dinner in their cafe as well as a little Italian mini market within with pastsa, sauces, wine, cheeses, and prepared food-to-go. I've had their Tarragon Chicken Salad sandwich (with lemon aioli, Romaine lettuce, and provolone cheese, all on a French roll; served with chips; very tarragon-heavy!); Bistro Ham & Cheese (with North Country smokehouse ham and butterkase cheese on a toasted brioche; served with a petite salad; a very simple sammy); the Convito French Dip (with roast beef, provolone cheese, caramelized onions, and roasted red peppers on a French roll; served with a side of roasted rosemary potato wedges; a fresh sandwich, the au jus sauce was a little on the bland side); and, some of their specials like the eggplant parmigiana (which was more of a deconstructed vegetarian option with tomato sauce and slightly fried eggplant slices). Request to sit by the enclosed 'patio' by the window, as it's bright and cheery; service is a hit-or-miss, and the place gets super packed during the lunch rush. An okay option for lunch in the Wilmette/Winnetka area! +Italian cafe and mini market +brunch, lunch, and dinner options +located in Plaza del Lago +plenty of parking in the plaza lot
(3)Beth M.
Ambiance was warm, bright and cozy. Unique breakfast/brunch options. They also have a nice long and diverse dessert list, and delicious cappuccino-always a plus. Suuuper salty French onion soup, but would still consider eating it again. Please dilute the soup and test before serving. Great wine and to-go deli and sweets selection. Will be back!
(4)Mike W.
My parents love this place, they are in their 60s. It's the perfect place for north Shore baby boomers. It's also in a strip mall so there's plenty of parking for them. Prices are reasonable and the menu is safe. It's not bad food, just nothing special.
(2)Dylan M.
This is an establishment I haven't been to in YEARRRZZZ. I wasn't even aware they had move locations across the way. Anywho... I had forgotten how pleasant and charming it is. It's a place that's easy to forget if you aren't in the neighborhood but I have to put it back on my radar after revisiting it this evening. The service was very good, the cute setting is great for conversation and of course eating. The food was fresh and excellently prepared. I meant to check out their prepared food area as I recall them having wondering options to go. I'll have to come back soon and dive deeper into the menu and wine list soon. See ya again soon!
(4)Michael R.
The lemon butter cale is just not fair. Moist, buttery and perfectly accentuated by the strawberries, sauce and ice cream. I also recommend the Tolouse La Trec Hash and the egg salad on brioche. A beautiful spot. They even carry a small but on point craft beer selection.
(5)E D.
Great skirt steak and pork tenderloin couldn't make up for two different plates of mushy over cooked pasta. Desserts were good but the cream cheese frosting on the amazing carrot cake was so citrusy I couldn't eat it. Not sure what to think if suck mixed results.
(2)Steve A.
What lovely place for a al fresco lunch on a nice day! Plentiful patio seating, most of it nicely shaded make this a terrific (and popular) place to enjoy a nice day outside. We particularly likes the salmon flatbread, with its pungent base of boursin cheese. I also enjoyed the trio of cold salads, which featured a particularly tasty chicken salad the day we visited. The blood orange mimosas are a nice midday drink. I thought the ginger beer could have used a bit more kick; its heavy emphasis on citrus made it more like lemonade. Definitely a nice respite from downtown sidewalk dining!
(4)Steve L.
The duck is amazing! I occasionally stop here for a carb-loaded treat when I'm doing a rare ride-by on a long bicycle ride. Knowing there's a treat ahead makes getting there easier. I've also had the occasional sandwich there. I likes me a good sandwich, and they do a good job on them. But duck holds a special place in my heart. I loves me some duck done well (versus duck well done) and they done did do duck well! Tender, slightly salty, and oh so wonderful. It's all a haze; I have to go back for more as soon as possible. Anyone wanna join me?
(5)Jackie H.
Been here twice and I really enjoyed it both times. I love the atmosphere and our server tonight was so sweet and helpful and patient as our group took a long time deciding what we wanted to eat. My fiancé and dad shared the mussels for an appetizer and both said that they were wonderful and surprisingly not sandy, which I know is why I usually stay away from them. For dinner I had the Pappardelle Bolognese, which was very good. The portion size was perfect, and the Bolognese has a lot of flavor. Added a little parmesan and that makes it all the better. My fiancé had the bacon wrapped pork tenderloin, which I tasted and loved as well. For dessert we ordered the Chocolate Fondant, which took about 25 minutes to come out...which was a little frustrating, but the manager came out and said that there was a small kitchen issue that caused some back up in the entire restaurant, which is already extremely small to begin with. They made the dessert on the house, and it was INCREDIBLE. Again, perfect portion, and it was literally an explosion of chocolate. Overall a really great experience. I really want to come back and try more things on the menu!
(4)Teddy H.
Lovely spot! Stopped in for a quick dinner after the movies and enjoyed every bite. The patio is fantastic and Jasmine, our server, was polite and knowledgeable. Grabbed the Escargot, Calamari, and Pork Tenderloin- all winners! Highly recommend as the ambiance and food are great!
(4)M B.
Ate dinner here last night. Food was awful! We had calves liver, skirt steak and Bouillabaisse. All three were bad! Even the house salad was a disappointment! Dessert also followed the theme The worst part was the waitstaff were standing over us and the minute you put your fork down they took your plate (or at least tried to), whether you were done or not! They were literally reaching over you to get someone else's plate! This restaurant did not used to be this way!
(1)john h.
Bad olive oil? In this day and age? The bread is fantastic but flavorless (Wesson-like) olive oil ruins it. Such a glaring oversight by an overall solid restaurant is disappointing. I'm sure it will be corrected soon. The eggs Benedict was a 5 out of 5. Service was friendly and attentive.
(3)Bonnie S.
Wonderful intimate room. Fresh pasta, warm bread and olive oil, terrific wine selection. Desserts wonderful. Don't miss!
(5)Charles B.
Lovely cafe and excellent market with a wide array of Italian specialty foods, wines, cheeses, salads and sauces to go. I stopped there for lunch and had Ham & Gruyere Cheese on toasted Brioche bread which was paired with a petit salad of mixed greens. Both were delicious. I left with a coffee to go and a bag full of market food items to take home. Convito is agreat place - I highly recommend it.
(4)Nihal S.
We arrived at this restaurant as a large group and ordered several different options, which can be seen in the photos. The service is very slow and the waiters are not attentive at all. We lost soo much time waiting for them to pay attention to us or to order food.
(3)Rob B.
This place was wonderful. I live in New York City, but was visiting family and they took me here. There were 4 of us at dinner and we all thought the food was great and there service attentive but not overbearing. Really cozy vibe too. I had a Lyonnaise salad that was fantastic and Whitefish Piccata that was tender and surprisingly flavorful. My wife had the mussels (which I ate most of) then a pork tenderloin that was also really good. We both think of ourselves as foodies and figured we wouldn't get the same caliber of food as we get at home but were pleasantly surprised at what a terrific meal we had here. Worth visiting the in-laws again for!!!
(5)Mike P.
Decent little market and cafe on the Wilmette/Kenilworth boarder in the Plaza del Lago shopping center. A good place to grab some grub to fill the picnic basket before heading to the Wilmette beaches. It can get a little crowded on weekends but the cafe and deli staffs are friendly and on their game. What you would come to expect from a classy joint like this. The pasta salads, Italian subs, and flat bread w/ prosciutto are very good.
(4)Cindy T.
Bad service servers have no personality. Food is ok. Very cute place
(2)Jennie T.
Kenny O. and I came here for a Sunday brunch. The bread they gave us was a bit too doughy for my taste. It was almost as if they didn't finish baking it. I ordered the croque madame, and he ordered the convito hash. We ended up trading entrees because I didn't like my croque madame. They used deli ham and cheese, and it didn't taste quite like a croque madame I've had in Paris (I supposed I was spoiled). The convito hash was better. We may come back to buy something from the market.
(3)Ami K.
Food was very good, but one can't define it as an Italian restaurant, according to the menu it's more American than Italian... Service was excellent, fast and friendly, food prices were on the upscale but not expensive, and the portions were adequate, not huge. A nice place for a good meal!
(4)Lisa M.
I went to Convito again last night after having not been in quite a while. This is usually a very reliable place to go for dinner. I ordered my favorite dish, free range chicken with frites. Unfortunately, the chicken was very dry. It is usually so good. Not sure if it was an off night. We also ordered the bruschetta and it was just OK. I don't like the tomato pieces hot on bruschetta. The bread was a little gummy. My experience last night was not good. I will try it again in hopes that they were just off their game last night.
(3)Jessica K.
This place was terrible. I was pleased when I walked in and saw they served metropolis coffee, yet when I got my coffee it tasted like dirty water. I don't know how that could have been managed with such good coffee! The bread they serve in the beginning was inedible. I took a bite and had to spit it out. My husband sadly munched on a piece of it and claims it was probably frozen. I got the quiche special for brunch and I don't think any fresh ingredients were used to make it. I think they used canned vegetables. The side salad tasted like nothing. Not even the dressing had flavor. My husband got the special omelette. He said it was greasy and over cooked and the sausage was so chewy. It was served with sliced potatoes that come out glued together in one large rubbery mass and were completely flavorless. The service was atrocious. I don't think we got water or coffee refilled the entire time because we didn't even get checked in on once. I got a glass of wine also, and although it was a generous portion, it came out with multiple pieces of cork floating in it. The theme of this place is that they do not care about the quality of food or service. Small details are important, but they couldn't even get the main things right.
(1)Marjorie B.
I am a latecomer to this lovely anchor of the North Shore. The food is always fresh and displayed perfectly. It's a wonderful place for lunch! You cannot go wrong sitting outside on a beautiful day.
(5)Jane K.
Met a friend here for brunch on a Sunday early afternoon. The restaurant is located in Plaza Del Lago with a beautiful but obscured view of the lake. The indoor dining room is small but quaint, the service is decent. I got excited when I saw that there were Beignets on the menu but it was such a disappointment. They were according to my friend, "glorified munchkins" and that's absolutely accurate. We both had different versions of Eggs Benedict. One was classic and the other was without english muffins but over potatoes. Regardless of the difference, they were both mediocre at best. It's a bad sign when you can't taste the hollandaise sauce. The meal was saved by the carrot cake, which was delicious but at this point, I had already vowed never to return. What really made my conviction concrete was when I sauntered into the market portion and saw that they had divided an approximately $8 bag of Brach's peppermint candy into six $3.50 bags and were selling them! Gasp! Obviously, the owners are playing the patrons for a fool and I will not be played a fool! Bottom line, I don't recommend it but if you lack taste buds and choices, why the heck not!
(2)