first time there..and the last. crappy service. overpriced. $23 for a tiny glass of Scotch! we didn't ask as the most it has ever cost is around $12 maximum. downtown Chicago is not this expensive. yet another place in downtown Valpo that I go to and leave fuming because of the price, and the service. loud, crappy music playing. PRETENTIOUS will NEVER be back. in fact, I am avoiding downtown Valpo establishments for now on. the only place I have went and not left p*ssed off is the designer desserts store. OVERRATED RUBBISH
(1)
Adrien B.
I am giving Parea one star because of a very bad experience I just had this evening there. My husband and I have been going to Parea regularly for drinks over the past couple of months. We have always had a very good experience. Tonight, though, a man who I think is the manager was tending the bar. He has never been behind the bar any other time we've been there. I think he is the manager because I have seen him at Parea many times sitting at the bar on a laptop and talking with the bartenders and walking around behind the bar. My husband is allergic to beer and wine and will drink a vodka martini when we go to Parea. Because martinis are (obviously) so strong, my husband has asked twice before if he could order a half martini after he has already had a full one so as to not get too drunk. Parea has accommodated him twice before with this request, and the man who tended bar tonight, who I think the manager, was involved with his request in the past and approved it (the delightfully sweet and friendly bartenders who work there asked this man if it was ok). Tonight when my husband asked this man if he could get a half of a martini, because I wanted to have a third beer, the man behind the bar who I believe is the manager got upset. He said he would not do it. He said, "I've done it before but I can't do it anymore. It takes time to shake the martini." It takes time to shake a martini. He actually said this. I couldn't believe that he said this, and I said so to my husband. The woman sitting next to us said, "I heard that him say that," to which I apologized for complaining loudly enough for her to hear me. She said, "No, you're right. My jaw dropped when he said that," And so we left. I will NEVER set foot in Parea again. Ever. Even though it was my favorite bar in Valparaiso before this experience. And I will tell everyone I know about this experience.
(1)
Sheryl P.
I called to make a reservation with my groupon offer and it was accepted without any problem. The manager changed the policy that I complained about previously. Our food and service were very good. We will definitely go back.
(4)
Lindsey S.
We visit this establishment often and every time we always receive great service and great food. There red pepper roasted feta with pit bread is out of this world! The staff is very friendly and the place is very classy.
(5)
AC E.
I have eaten at Parea on several occasions, but have never had a dining experience better than just okay. I really want to like the place, but the food is nothing great. My final (yes, final--I will not be back) visit was last week. I ordered the swordfish special at $35 and the fish was awful. It tasted overly salty and as if it had been microwaved. For the price, I expected fresh fish, not frozen. Valpo has better restaurants. Patronize them.
(2)
Patrick E.
Went to Parea as a family friend recommended it. The service was TERRIBLE. We sat outside, a few other tables there but not many people. The waiter was unfriendly, slow, and acted "better than us". Took him a good 15 mins to get us water. One person ordered a beer. HShe had to ask him after about 30 mins when the food came (he didnt check in on us unless he was delivering something). He didnt even apologize, just brought the beer a good 10 mins later. He couldnt have been more unfriendly. I did get the Chicken Lemon Rice soup, some of the best Ive ever had and I love this stuff. Lemony, very soft "puffy" rice, not much chicken but a great thick soup. I then got my entree, chicken fettucini which was way overpriced for Valpo. It was pretty taty, until I cut into a raw piece of chicken (see photo). I mean come on, how do you not cook a 1.5" cube of chicken? Thats just unsafe, I wish Robert Irvine would go here... Also to note, I asked the waiter to refill my water, he came about 10 mins later and refilled everyone else's but mine. Asked for salt and pepper (which wasnt even on the table), that neevr came. And the kicker, the waiter cleans up a table next to us, grabs a dirty beer glass, sets it on our table and leaves it. Seriously, dont go here unless you want a bad experience with rude waiters, overpriced food and a good chance of getting food poisoning. This place is just trying to be hip and modern in Valpo, dont waste your time or money. *PHOTO* RAW CHICKEN yelp.com/biz_photos/XwOo…
(1)
Nathan S.
Had a reservation for a group of 8. We were on time and seated immediately. After over an hour and a half and still no food. We left!
(1)
Becky W.
After waiting for well over 30 minutes (I did not time them exactly) for 2 hamburgers my wife and I simply gave up and left.
(1)
Shane C.
Awesome food great environment friendly staff couldnt ask for more. Cajun penne for all wow
(5)
Megan W.
I keep trying Parea because I love the outdoor seating area, but always leave disappointed with the food. On two separate occasions, my husband and I had to send entrees back because they were SO undercooked. We really are not picky people and try to be good patrons, but my steak and husband's hamburger were raw inside.
(2)
Kay J.
The restaurant and lounge are very chic and lovely. The food is okay but pricey. And the service was marginal. We arrived about 5:45pm and there was one other table occupied. Our waitress took drink orders but they took forever. She disappeared for long periods of time. When asked for a beer menu, she brought one for 6 of us to share. Not impressed. The truffle fries (much touted) were ok. At $9 the serving size was okay, not generous. Most of our group had burgers ($11-$13) which were okay, nothing terribly special. A side Caesar salad was $5 and again, nothing special. Beer and wine menu were attractive and within reason. Dinner for 6 with drinks and tax was $170.00 plus tip. Frankly I think Parea is overpriced for what it offers and the service left me uninterested in returning. There are several places on The Square that offer superior food and better value.
(2)
Katy H.
Parea is hands down the best restaurant in Valpo. The food is amazing and inventive. The service is beyond spectacular. Rhea and her family truly understand the value of being friendly and engaging with their customers. Just like at Jimmy's, I always feel welcomed and appreciated at Parea. It's rare to find someone who can cook a steak perfectly, but Parea did just that. And if you're there in the winter make sure you get the Baked Hot Chocolate. It's one of the best desserts I've ever had, but share it between two people because it's incredibly rich. Yes, it's a more expensive place to eat, but the quality of the food makes up for the price. And the atmosphere is lovely. It's a quiet place to eat and enjoy.
(5)
Jerry S.
I just been here once. Food was impressive, kinda expensive. Definitely Greek owned. I was impressed. I would go back.
(4)
Jessica M.
I have been to Parea quite a few times, as I am a frequent Valpo diner. It is an upscale restaurant offering contemporary American food (with some traditional Greek dishes), including seafood and steaks. When you walk in you will be able to sit either in the bar area or the dining room. On the bar side you will find TV's with sports on, a dark wood bar, high tables and windows that slide completely open and over look the patio (no screens, just fresh air). The dining room is quieter with intimate seating. On both sides the decor is contemporary and you may order from either menu. I have dined on both sides, but more often I will sit on the bar side. The dinner menu has many options to choose from (in my opinion the dinner menu is quite pricey...good but, pricey). From the dinner menu I have had the Blackened Sesame Ahi Tuna (yum - perfectly rare) with orange sticky rice (yum), braised bok choy (yum) and coconut curry sauce (meh). I was not a huge fan of the coconut curry sauce. However, I am not a big fan of coconut sauces to begin with. I have also had the Braised Pork Shank which is DELICIOUS! From the Bar (small plate) menu, I have had the Cuban Black Bean Soup which you must have when you visit. It is slightly spicy, so even if you can't handle much spice, you will still enjoy it. Other don't miss dishes are the: Truffled waffle fries, half moon pot stickers, taramasalata spread and the tirokafteri spread. The CROWNING GLORY is the 8 oz. Angus Chuck Burger served on the fresh pretzel roll. I'd say it's the best burger in town. Don't be swayed by the Parea Burger (has a fried egg and tazo ham on it)...it has too much stuff going on. UPDATE - I would avoid the grilled baby octopus - overcooked and chewy. Finally, my favorite cocktail they offer is the Blood Orange Manhatten. Enjoy!
(4)
Athena E.
Parea definitely impressed. Our waiter, Scott, was amazing. He was very attentive and helpful. The food was served quickly and tasted great. My boyfriend ordered the chicken souvlaki and I ordered the Chicken alfredo. The portions were huge.The bread that came with the meal was delicious as well and the olive oil/garlic sauce is wonderful too! I was really impressed with the decor of the restaurant as well. I will definitely be back again!
(4)
Georgia C.
I went to Parea last weekend, honestly, pretty excited to eat in an upscale environment in Valpo. The place is pretty nice on the inside, gorgeously decorated, and very clean. Our waiter was a young girl, that was FANTASTIC. One of the best waiters I've ever had, she was excellent. Our water glasses were never empty, and she was very prompt in checking on us. I ordered the caprese sandwich, and honestly, the check was tough and dry and the bun didn't seem fresh. My husband ordered the lamb, which was very good. But also very expensive. The entire establishment seemed very overpriced. I was also hoping for more options on the menu. I ordered a lemon sorbet for dessert that was inedible and not enjoyable at all. I've been to much better restaurants... but I think Parea could work if they lowered prices and expanded their menu a bit.
(4)
Honest A.
Really enjoyed this place but they need to work on lessening the seasoning on their nioko.
(4)
jen w.
5 star for Valpo for sure! Ok, I am going to be honest. I was not so excited to go here. I kept hearing "It's the new Greek place that also runs the other Greek place". When I think Greek, I think Diner, or Greektown (Parthenon etc) . Both absolutely delicious! But I was going to meet 3 other girlfriends on a gorgeous summer evening and really wanted a.) a fantastic cocktail b.) to sit outside c.) some really fun, delicious appetizers to share d.) a menu that made me want to order an entree even though I was only looking for apps and a drink with the girls. I am so glad we took our friends suggestion. Ok, so here is the thing: instead of it being another "Greek place" it is actually a fabulous upscale restaurant that also has the good fortune of having really well made authentic Greek items on its menu. I am a picky cocktail girl. My personal test is to order a Bourbon Collins. Super easy old school drink, but boy can some places really mess it up using simple syrup, too much soda, not enough lemon etc. My drink was A-ok here, and they had a great liquor stock so they had the exact Bourbon I wanted. Nice. We sat outside on the patio, taking in the street sights/sounds of bustling Valpo. Was great! Nice big patio, not narrow and claustrophobic like some on the main street. We were able to talk, laugh, enjoy ourselves without upsetting others. It was difficult to order because so much looked so good. I couldn't decide! I had shrimp cocktail ( sauce is a little too thick to dip-had to use knife to spread it on shrimp, and prefer more horseradish. But nice sized shrimp), the pork/shrimp potstickers were awesome, the crabcakes were wonderful. I ended up ordering a meal since there were so many great options. I had the fish special, a sea bass with a tomato/olive sauce, broccolini, and linguini with a light lemon sauce. The fish was perfectly cooked, the sauce was seasoned perfectly for my taste against the mild sea bass. The broccolini was cooked well, and simply (so glad there was not some rich sauce or drowned in butter). The pasta side was a great accompaniment, simple and well prepared. Both really let the fish and sauce shine! And the portions were really large. I am a small-ish woman and rarely eat a full plate. But there was no way I was going to be able to eat even 1/3 of what they served. I had plenty to take home and enjoy for supper the next day. Oh! and!... I love a GOOD Greek salad. So they were more than happy to sub a small Greek salad instead of the side salad with my dinner. It was perfect. My friend had the 1/2 roasted herb chicken and said it did not disappoint, super tender and flavorful. Other girls had crab cakes and a large salad and were very pleased. The other girls were very happy with thier martinis too. Just goes to show that you should take a chance and try something new, and leave your preconceptions at home : ) I am glad I did. I will be back, next time with hubby for a sexy date night. Cheers!
(4)
Caden G.
Food wasn't good. Expensive. OK service. Didn't like it. Go spend your money somewhere else.
(1)
David R.
Went to Parea's on a Friday November 16, 2012. What a mistake. My bone in ribeye steak was tasteless, which was unfortunate because it was a really nice cut of meat. My wife ordered pork chops which came out under cooked. She sent the pork chops back and they were no different. All the waitress could say was that is how the new cook prepared them based on his previous job. Food was over priced based on the poor service and the quality / taste received. MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT!!!
(1)
E. O.
My boyfriend and I went back to Parea for the second time since our previous review. The service Saturday night (feb. 21st) was good. However, my food was not up to standard. I ordered the porkchop and polenta with broccoli. The broccoli was the best part. I was presented with two thin boneless pork chops (I have previously had this as a bone-in chop at the same restaurant). Inexplicably, the chops were both cut 1/2 way through the middle (as if my boyfriend had cooked them at home and checked to see if they were done). Also, they ironically were already over-cooked. More than that, the polenta was not cooked properly. It was crunchy. Like raw cornmeal crunchy. When I sent the raw cornmeal polenta back, our server reported to us that the chef said it's supposed to be crunchy. (The manager also nicely parroted this back to us.) So, clearly no one at Parea has ever had polenta (or grits) before. Why is it on the menu? I have no idea. Honestly, I would just like some professional food from Parea. The service was good (nice and attentive) but not great--because the manager should know what's going on in the kitchen. If my boyfriend can make the food better (and he isn't a culinary school grad), then i don't think Parea's sub-par food is worth $20 an entree. I had a bad experience and it was followed by more bad ones. Sorry guys, Parea is not worth the trip.
(2)
Christine A.
This restaurant was average at best. We ate at the bar on a slower weekday night, but the bartender never checked with us which was our largest complaint. I figured on a slow night, there's no reason our drinks should not be refilled. Likewise, our food took forever to arrive, which was odd considering it was a slow night. We ordered side salads which were small and didn't have many toppings. My husband had the cajun shrimp. I would recommend you avoid it unless you like bland seafood. The breading was almost burnt and there was no flavor. We were highly disappointed in that. I got the cajun pasta which was really good. It was a huge portion. We took leftovers home, but I would not do that in the future. When reheated the butter separated from the cream sauce so my noodles were swimming in grease which was very unappetizing. Overall, I would recommend you try it once. The food was hit or miss, but it did have a very nice atmosphere and a lot of potential.
(3)
Crystal R.
I love this place. This is where I got engaged and had my one-year anniversary :) very friendly staff and they brought out a dessert saying congratulations.
(5)
D L.
Great place for food, friends, & fellowship I frequent Parea's often & their food is top notch!! They have two sides, a restaurant side (that is very eloquent) and a bar side (where you can just relax & hang out). Order from their full bar or one of the 110+ beers (Draft or bottle, domestic, small craft beers, etc...). You can watch the game on one of 9-10 televisions. The music is loud enough to hear, but not overbearing so conversations are not affected. Great atmosphere! Did I mention that the food is great?! No matter whether you order their steaks, seafood, appetizers, salads, pasta, or the specials~you won't be disappointed! The owner/manager goes the extra mile to make sure you are satisfied and served well! The food is priced well, but may seem on the pricey side, but it is well worth it!!
(5)
chris g.
A classy kind of casual in downtown ValPo. It also has a pretty large bar with a sports bar theme & plenty of TVs to see the Hawks play. Sorry I'm showing my Chicago loca
(5)
Andrea C.
Delicious! Used the Groupon deal on a Wednesday night. It was slow but we got excellent service. I had the ribeye and my husband had the sirloin. Both were cooked to perfection. Loved the bread, pitas, and garlic oil that is given to each table. Definitely will be going back!
(5)
John R.
1 star for location 2 stars for food Other than that nobody running the ship!!! 7/19/14 - horrible service and way too long between courses. A lot of pissed off diners that night. Manager was in kitchen all night and would not come to table when I requested to see him. Sad for such a interesting place.
(3)
Michael T.
Party of 6 on a Sunday night, slow night, seated right away. Great service, friendly and efficient. Food was very good, salmon with mashed potatoes excellent, truffle waffle fries tasty. Everyone else enjoyed their food, burgers and pasta. Manager or owner stopped by twice to check on us. Will be back, very impressed.
(5)
Paula S.
Best service! Great food! Wonderful experience! Husband and i decided to dine here before going to our show at the Memorial Opera House tonight. Husband ordered the Cajun Shrimp Po'Boy with steak fries and I ordered the Scallops from the appetizer menu for my entree. We did order the crab cakes for our appetizer. Everything was hot and tasty when it was served! Our server was very attentive and we had a glass of wine after the meal. It was a good experience from beginning to end. We will return!
(5)
Amy Z.
Tried to give this place at least five tries but it's just not good. Insanely over priced for what you get. I ordered the Beef Stroganoff, only because my filet last time was underwhelming -- Chili's could have done a better job than what I was served. I actually had to add salt to my pasta just to taste anything. My boyfriend got the chicken Alfredo, because his ribeye last time wasn't good -- waaay over done. I could have made better at home with a jar of store bought Alfredo sauce. I'm convinced there are Applebee's reject line cooks back there charging $18 for a bowl of beef stroganoff. Best part of Parea? The waitress. She was a sweetheart. Do yourself a favor and head two doors down to Valley. You'll pay the same amount but get an unbelievable meal out of it.
(1)
Morty Y.
Bad,bad,bad! When you walk into a restaurant and you don't smell anything good cooking just the musty old building smell you should just turn around and leave. The rib eye steak was poorly cooked, tough and full of fat, horrible! The grilled chicken was dry and very salty. No thought or quality ingredients were put into the meal. Will never go back!
(1)
Patty C.
Been coming here for 4 years now and the food still tastes amazing. Steak compares to RPM Italian Chi restaurant from Chicago's River north neighborhood. Food is a little over priced but it's def worth a try!
(4)
Tommy W.
Had the rib eye steak. It was perfectly prepared. Good food, friendly staff.
(4)
Melissa D.
The food and drinks were excellent. Definitely try the mango martini if you have a chance. I had the New York strip, which was perfectly cooked. Also recommend the truffle fries. You get a HUGE basket of them and will need several people to finish them all. The halibut is also great. The server, however, was awful. We visited on a rainy Sunday night when there were only about three full tables in the place, and our server was slow with everything. We'll visit again for the food though. It's worth going back for.
(4)
John S.
My husband and I have eaten at Parea several times over the past year and we've always enjoyed the atmosphere and the service has been very good. The food has been wonderful! We'd go there again in a heartbeat!
(5)
Demetri L.
I added a tip but meant to put a review. I absolutely love this place. Ambience is fun. Looks upscale but without the high cost associated with nice places. Food is amazing. Try the ribeye! Staff are friendly and courteous too. Best place in Valpo.
(5)
Michael R.
We came here after our marriage ceremony across the street at the courthouse. A small group to celebrate. Jimmy was fantastic and very accommodating. The food was AMAZING!!! We will be back..OFTEN
(5)
Jo K.
This has long been our favorite restuarant in Valpo but i have to say their menu has changed and so had their cook. Took some friends their a couple of weeks ago and was dissapointed. We order Calmari and it was rubbery. Then i ordered my usual favorite , the Parmesean crusted Chicken (which was no longer on menu) but they accomodated me. It wasnt the same. Pasta sauce was funny tasting and chicken was little burnt. My husband was very unhappy with his meal also. Sad to say im not sure this place is going to hold on. They do have an awesome bar though!
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Belinda L.
first time there..and the last. crappy service. overpriced. $23 for a tiny glass of Scotch! we didn't ask as the most it has ever cost is around $12 maximum. downtown Chicago is not this expensive. yet another place in downtown Valpo that I go to and leave fuming because of the price, and the service. loud, crappy music playing. PRETENTIOUS will NEVER be back. in fact, I am avoiding downtown Valpo establishments for now on. the only place I have went and not left p*ssed off is the designer desserts store. OVERRATED RUBBISH
(1)Adrien B.
I am giving Parea one star because of a very bad experience I just had this evening there. My husband and I have been going to Parea regularly for drinks over the past couple of months. We have always had a very good experience. Tonight, though, a man who I think is the manager was tending the bar. He has never been behind the bar any other time we've been there. I think he is the manager because I have seen him at Parea many times sitting at the bar on a laptop and talking with the bartenders and walking around behind the bar. My husband is allergic to beer and wine and will drink a vodka martini when we go to Parea. Because martinis are (obviously) so strong, my husband has asked twice before if he could order a half martini after he has already had a full one so as to not get too drunk. Parea has accommodated him twice before with this request, and the man who tended bar tonight, who I think the manager, was involved with his request in the past and approved it (the delightfully sweet and friendly bartenders who work there asked this man if it was ok). Tonight when my husband asked this man if he could get a half of a martini, because I wanted to have a third beer, the man behind the bar who I believe is the manager got upset. He said he would not do it. He said, "I've done it before but I can't do it anymore. It takes time to shake the martini." It takes time to shake a martini. He actually said this. I couldn't believe that he said this, and I said so to my husband. The woman sitting next to us said, "I heard that him say that," to which I apologized for complaining loudly enough for her to hear me. She said, "No, you're right. My jaw dropped when he said that," And so we left. I will NEVER set foot in Parea again. Ever. Even though it was my favorite bar in Valparaiso before this experience. And I will tell everyone I know about this experience.
(1)Sheryl P.
I called to make a reservation with my groupon offer and it was accepted without any problem. The manager changed the policy that I complained about previously. Our food and service were very good. We will definitely go back.
(4)Lindsey S.
We visit this establishment often and every time we always receive great service and great food. There red pepper roasted feta with pit bread is out of this world! The staff is very friendly and the place is very classy.
(5)AC E.
I have eaten at Parea on several occasions, but have never had a dining experience better than just okay. I really want to like the place, but the food is nothing great. My final (yes, final--I will not be back) visit was last week. I ordered the swordfish special at $35 and the fish was awful. It tasted overly salty and as if it had been microwaved. For the price, I expected fresh fish, not frozen. Valpo has better restaurants. Patronize them.
(2)Patrick E.
Went to Parea as a family friend recommended it. The service was TERRIBLE. We sat outside, a few other tables there but not many people. The waiter was unfriendly, slow, and acted "better than us". Took him a good 15 mins to get us water. One person ordered a beer. HShe had to ask him after about 30 mins when the food came (he didnt check in on us unless he was delivering something). He didnt even apologize, just brought the beer a good 10 mins later. He couldnt have been more unfriendly. I did get the Chicken Lemon Rice soup, some of the best Ive ever had and I love this stuff. Lemony, very soft "puffy" rice, not much chicken but a great thick soup. I then got my entree, chicken fettucini which was way overpriced for Valpo. It was pretty taty, until I cut into a raw piece of chicken (see photo). I mean come on, how do you not cook a 1.5" cube of chicken? Thats just unsafe, I wish Robert Irvine would go here... Also to note, I asked the waiter to refill my water, he came about 10 mins later and refilled everyone else's but mine. Asked for salt and pepper (which wasnt even on the table), that neevr came. And the kicker, the waiter cleans up a table next to us, grabs a dirty beer glass, sets it on our table and leaves it. Seriously, dont go here unless you want a bad experience with rude waiters, overpriced food and a good chance of getting food poisoning. This place is just trying to be hip and modern in Valpo, dont waste your time or money. *PHOTO* RAW CHICKEN yelp.com/biz_photos/XwOo…
(1)Nathan S.
Had a reservation for a group of 8. We were on time and seated immediately. After over an hour and a half and still no food. We left!
(1)Becky W.
After waiting for well over 30 minutes (I did not time them exactly) for 2 hamburgers my wife and I simply gave up and left.
(1)Shane C.
Awesome food great environment friendly staff couldnt ask for more. Cajun penne for all wow
(5)Megan W.
I keep trying Parea because I love the outdoor seating area, but always leave disappointed with the food. On two separate occasions, my husband and I had to send entrees back because they were SO undercooked. We really are not picky people and try to be good patrons, but my steak and husband's hamburger were raw inside.
(2)Kay J.
The restaurant and lounge are very chic and lovely. The food is okay but pricey. And the service was marginal. We arrived about 5:45pm and there was one other table occupied. Our waitress took drink orders but they took forever. She disappeared for long periods of time. When asked for a beer menu, she brought one for 6 of us to share. Not impressed. The truffle fries (much touted) were ok. At $9 the serving size was okay, not generous. Most of our group had burgers ($11-$13) which were okay, nothing terribly special. A side Caesar salad was $5 and again, nothing special. Beer and wine menu were attractive and within reason. Dinner for 6 with drinks and tax was $170.00 plus tip. Frankly I think Parea is overpriced for what it offers and the service left me uninterested in returning. There are several places on The Square that offer superior food and better value.
(2)Katy H.
Parea is hands down the best restaurant in Valpo. The food is amazing and inventive. The service is beyond spectacular. Rhea and her family truly understand the value of being friendly and engaging with their customers. Just like at Jimmy's, I always feel welcomed and appreciated at Parea. It's rare to find someone who can cook a steak perfectly, but Parea did just that. And if you're there in the winter make sure you get the Baked Hot Chocolate. It's one of the best desserts I've ever had, but share it between two people because it's incredibly rich. Yes, it's a more expensive place to eat, but the quality of the food makes up for the price. And the atmosphere is lovely. It's a quiet place to eat and enjoy.
(5)Jerry S.
I just been here once. Food was impressive, kinda expensive. Definitely Greek owned. I was impressed. I would go back.
(4)Jessica M.
I have been to Parea quite a few times, as I am a frequent Valpo diner. It is an upscale restaurant offering contemporary American food (with some traditional Greek dishes), including seafood and steaks. When you walk in you will be able to sit either in the bar area or the dining room. On the bar side you will find TV's with sports on, a dark wood bar, high tables and windows that slide completely open and over look the patio (no screens, just fresh air). The dining room is quieter with intimate seating. On both sides the decor is contemporary and you may order from either menu. I have dined on both sides, but more often I will sit on the bar side. The dinner menu has many options to choose from (in my opinion the dinner menu is quite pricey...good but, pricey). From the dinner menu I have had the Blackened Sesame Ahi Tuna (yum - perfectly rare) with orange sticky rice (yum), braised bok choy (yum) and coconut curry sauce (meh). I was not a huge fan of the coconut curry sauce. However, I am not a big fan of coconut sauces to begin with. I have also had the Braised Pork Shank which is DELICIOUS! From the Bar (small plate) menu, I have had the Cuban Black Bean Soup which you must have when you visit. It is slightly spicy, so even if you can't handle much spice, you will still enjoy it. Other don't miss dishes are the: Truffled waffle fries, half moon pot stickers, taramasalata spread and the tirokafteri spread. The CROWNING GLORY is the 8 oz. Angus Chuck Burger served on the fresh pretzel roll. I'd say it's the best burger in town. Don't be swayed by the Parea Burger (has a fried egg and tazo ham on it)...it has too much stuff going on. UPDATE - I would avoid the grilled baby octopus - overcooked and chewy. Finally, my favorite cocktail they offer is the Blood Orange Manhatten. Enjoy!
(4)Athena E.
Parea definitely impressed. Our waiter, Scott, was amazing. He was very attentive and helpful. The food was served quickly and tasted great. My boyfriend ordered the chicken souvlaki and I ordered the Chicken alfredo. The portions were huge.The bread that came with the meal was delicious as well and the olive oil/garlic sauce is wonderful too! I was really impressed with the decor of the restaurant as well. I will definitely be back again!
(4)Georgia C.
I went to Parea last weekend, honestly, pretty excited to eat in an upscale environment in Valpo. The place is pretty nice on the inside, gorgeously decorated, and very clean. Our waiter was a young girl, that was FANTASTIC. One of the best waiters I've ever had, she was excellent. Our water glasses were never empty, and she was very prompt in checking on us. I ordered the caprese sandwich, and honestly, the check was tough and dry and the bun didn't seem fresh. My husband ordered the lamb, which was very good. But also very expensive. The entire establishment seemed very overpriced. I was also hoping for more options on the menu. I ordered a lemon sorbet for dessert that was inedible and not enjoyable at all. I've been to much better restaurants... but I think Parea could work if they lowered prices and expanded their menu a bit.
(4)Honest A.
Really enjoyed this place but they need to work on lessening the seasoning on their nioko.
(4)jen w.
5 star for Valpo for sure! Ok, I am going to be honest. I was not so excited to go here. I kept hearing "It's the new Greek place that also runs the other Greek place". When I think Greek, I think Diner, or Greektown (Parthenon etc) . Both absolutely delicious! But I was going to meet 3 other girlfriends on a gorgeous summer evening and really wanted a.) a fantastic cocktail b.) to sit outside c.) some really fun, delicious appetizers to share d.) a menu that made me want to order an entree even though I was only looking for apps and a drink with the girls. I am so glad we took our friends suggestion. Ok, so here is the thing: instead of it being another "Greek place" it is actually a fabulous upscale restaurant that also has the good fortune of having really well made authentic Greek items on its menu. I am a picky cocktail girl. My personal test is to order a Bourbon Collins. Super easy old school drink, but boy can some places really mess it up using simple syrup, too much soda, not enough lemon etc. My drink was A-ok here, and they had a great liquor stock so they had the exact Bourbon I wanted. Nice. We sat outside on the patio, taking in the street sights/sounds of bustling Valpo. Was great! Nice big patio, not narrow and claustrophobic like some on the main street. We were able to talk, laugh, enjoy ourselves without upsetting others. It was difficult to order because so much looked so good. I couldn't decide! I had shrimp cocktail ( sauce is a little too thick to dip-had to use knife to spread it on shrimp, and prefer more horseradish. But nice sized shrimp), the pork/shrimp potstickers were awesome, the crabcakes were wonderful. I ended up ordering a meal since there were so many great options. I had the fish special, a sea bass with a tomato/olive sauce, broccolini, and linguini with a light lemon sauce. The fish was perfectly cooked, the sauce was seasoned perfectly for my taste against the mild sea bass. The broccolini was cooked well, and simply (so glad there was not some rich sauce or drowned in butter). The pasta side was a great accompaniment, simple and well prepared. Both really let the fish and sauce shine! And the portions were really large. I am a small-ish woman and rarely eat a full plate. But there was no way I was going to be able to eat even 1/3 of what they served. I had plenty to take home and enjoy for supper the next day. Oh! and!... I love a GOOD Greek salad. So they were more than happy to sub a small Greek salad instead of the side salad with my dinner. It was perfect. My friend had the 1/2 roasted herb chicken and said it did not disappoint, super tender and flavorful. Other girls had crab cakes and a large salad and were very pleased. The other girls were very happy with thier martinis too. Just goes to show that you should take a chance and try something new, and leave your preconceptions at home : ) I am glad I did. I will be back, next time with hubby for a sexy date night. Cheers!
(4)Caden G.
Food wasn't good. Expensive. OK service. Didn't like it. Go spend your money somewhere else.
(1)David R.
Went to Parea's on a Friday November 16, 2012. What a mistake. My bone in ribeye steak was tasteless, which was unfortunate because it was a really nice cut of meat. My wife ordered pork chops which came out under cooked. She sent the pork chops back and they were no different. All the waitress could say was that is how the new cook prepared them based on his previous job. Food was over priced based on the poor service and the quality / taste received. MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT!!!
(1)E. O.
My boyfriend and I went back to Parea for the second time since our previous review. The service Saturday night (feb. 21st) was good. However, my food was not up to standard. I ordered the porkchop and polenta with broccoli. The broccoli was the best part. I was presented with two thin boneless pork chops (I have previously had this as a bone-in chop at the same restaurant). Inexplicably, the chops were both cut 1/2 way through the middle (as if my boyfriend had cooked them at home and checked to see if they were done). Also, they ironically were already over-cooked. More than that, the polenta was not cooked properly. It was crunchy. Like raw cornmeal crunchy. When I sent the raw cornmeal polenta back, our server reported to us that the chef said it's supposed to be crunchy. (The manager also nicely parroted this back to us.) So, clearly no one at Parea has ever had polenta (or grits) before. Why is it on the menu? I have no idea. Honestly, I would just like some professional food from Parea. The service was good (nice and attentive) but not great--because the manager should know what's going on in the kitchen. If my boyfriend can make the food better (and he isn't a culinary school grad), then i don't think Parea's sub-par food is worth $20 an entree. I had a bad experience and it was followed by more bad ones. Sorry guys, Parea is not worth the trip.
(2)Christine A.
This restaurant was average at best. We ate at the bar on a slower weekday night, but the bartender never checked with us which was our largest complaint. I figured on a slow night, there's no reason our drinks should not be refilled. Likewise, our food took forever to arrive, which was odd considering it was a slow night. We ordered side salads which were small and didn't have many toppings. My husband had the cajun shrimp. I would recommend you avoid it unless you like bland seafood. The breading was almost burnt and there was no flavor. We were highly disappointed in that. I got the cajun pasta which was really good. It was a huge portion. We took leftovers home, but I would not do that in the future. When reheated the butter separated from the cream sauce so my noodles were swimming in grease which was very unappetizing. Overall, I would recommend you try it once. The food was hit or miss, but it did have a very nice atmosphere and a lot of potential.
(3)Crystal R.
I love this place. This is where I got engaged and had my one-year anniversary :) very friendly staff and they brought out a dessert saying congratulations.
(5)D L.
Great place for food, friends, & fellowship I frequent Parea's often & their food is top notch!! They have two sides, a restaurant side (that is very eloquent) and a bar side (where you can just relax & hang out). Order from their full bar or one of the 110+ beers (Draft or bottle, domestic, small craft beers, etc...). You can watch the game on one of 9-10 televisions. The music is loud enough to hear, but not overbearing so conversations are not affected. Great atmosphere! Did I mention that the food is great?! No matter whether you order their steaks, seafood, appetizers, salads, pasta, or the specials~you won't be disappointed! The owner/manager goes the extra mile to make sure you are satisfied and served well! The food is priced well, but may seem on the pricey side, but it is well worth it!!
(5)chris g.
A classy kind of casual in downtown ValPo. It also has a pretty large bar with a sports bar theme & plenty of TVs to see the Hawks play. Sorry I'm showing my Chicago loca
(5)Andrea C.
Delicious! Used the Groupon deal on a Wednesday night. It was slow but we got excellent service. I had the ribeye and my husband had the sirloin. Both were cooked to perfection. Loved the bread, pitas, and garlic oil that is given to each table. Definitely will be going back!
(5)John R.
1 star for location 2 stars for food Other than that nobody running the ship!!! 7/19/14 - horrible service and way too long between courses. A lot of pissed off diners that night. Manager was in kitchen all night and would not come to table when I requested to see him. Sad for such a interesting place.
(3)Michael T.
Party of 6 on a Sunday night, slow night, seated right away. Great service, friendly and efficient. Food was very good, salmon with mashed potatoes excellent, truffle waffle fries tasty. Everyone else enjoyed their food, burgers and pasta. Manager or owner stopped by twice to check on us. Will be back, very impressed.
(5)Paula S.
Best service! Great food! Wonderful experience! Husband and i decided to dine here before going to our show at the Memorial Opera House tonight. Husband ordered the Cajun Shrimp Po'Boy with steak fries and I ordered the Scallops from the appetizer menu for my entree. We did order the crab cakes for our appetizer. Everything was hot and tasty when it was served! Our server was very attentive and we had a glass of wine after the meal. It was a good experience from beginning to end. We will return!
(5)Amy Z.
Tried to give this place at least five tries but it's just not good. Insanely over priced for what you get. I ordered the Beef Stroganoff, only because my filet last time was underwhelming -- Chili's could have done a better job than what I was served. I actually had to add salt to my pasta just to taste anything. My boyfriend got the chicken Alfredo, because his ribeye last time wasn't good -- waaay over done. I could have made better at home with a jar of store bought Alfredo sauce. I'm convinced there are Applebee's reject line cooks back there charging $18 for a bowl of beef stroganoff. Best part of Parea? The waitress. She was a sweetheart. Do yourself a favor and head two doors down to Valley. You'll pay the same amount but get an unbelievable meal out of it.
(1)Morty Y.
Bad,bad,bad! When you walk into a restaurant and you don't smell anything good cooking just the musty old building smell you should just turn around and leave. The rib eye steak was poorly cooked, tough and full of fat, horrible! The grilled chicken was dry and very salty. No thought or quality ingredients were put into the meal. Will never go back!
(1)Patty C.
Been coming here for 4 years now and the food still tastes amazing. Steak compares to RPM Italian Chi restaurant from Chicago's River north neighborhood. Food is a little over priced but it's def worth a try!
(4)Tommy W.
Had the rib eye steak. It was perfectly prepared. Good food, friendly staff.
(4)Melissa D.
The food and drinks were excellent. Definitely try the mango martini if you have a chance. I had the New York strip, which was perfectly cooked. Also recommend the truffle fries. You get a HUGE basket of them and will need several people to finish them all. The halibut is also great. The server, however, was awful. We visited on a rainy Sunday night when there were only about three full tables in the place, and our server was slow with everything. We'll visit again for the food though. It's worth going back for.
(4)John S.
My husband and I have eaten at Parea several times over the past year and we've always enjoyed the atmosphere and the service has been very good. The food has been wonderful! We'd go there again in a heartbeat!
(5)Demetri L.
I added a tip but meant to put a review. I absolutely love this place. Ambience is fun. Looks upscale but without the high cost associated with nice places. Food is amazing. Try the ribeye! Staff are friendly and courteous too. Best place in Valpo.
(5)Michael R.
We came here after our marriage ceremony across the street at the courthouse. A small group to celebrate. Jimmy was fantastic and very accommodating. The food was AMAZING!!! We will be back..OFTEN
(5)Jo K.
This has long been our favorite restuarant in Valpo but i have to say their menu has changed and so had their cook. Took some friends their a couple of weeks ago and was dissapointed. We order Calmari and it was rubbery. Then i ordered my usual favorite , the Parmesean crusted Chicken (which was no longer on menu) but they accomodated me. It wasnt the same. Pasta sauce was funny tasting and chicken was little burnt. My husband was very unhappy with his meal also. Sad to say im not sure this place is going to hold on. They do have an awesome bar though!
(2)