La Piazza

I was really looking forward to going to La Piazza. Despite it's Forest Park location, I had heard that it's one of the best Italian restaurants in all of Chicago. When we arrived we were told that they ""were out"" of most of their wines. Hmmmm kind of strange. We found one that worked and it was mediocre. Then the waitress told us that they were also out of a couple things on the menu. At this point we were feeling like we had better order quickly or else something else might disappear from the menu. The avocado, arugula, hearts of palm salad arrived and was such a disappointment. There was one very thin slice of avocado with a bruise in part of it. The hearts of palm were average and the lettuce was actually rubbery and did not taste like fresh arugula. The entrees were very good. We tried the pasta with sausage & pink sauce, and the gnocchi with squash. Both very good. The desserts were also good. Defnitely not a meal worth $62 per person! I will try other restaurants within Chicago before ever returning to this one. Pros: decor, entrees Cons: salad, out of many wines and food dishes, too expensive for what you get more

The chef's tasting menu was absolutely amazing. Each of the 4 courses included multiple things. I was full before I even got to the main course, but couldn't stop eating because the food was so good. If you care about such things, the food presentation was also very nice. The waitress was fantastic. She recommended the wine, which was very good, and was back to check on us quite often. Along with the 3 or 4 desserts we received, she also brought shots of limoncello. The huge meal, with all the little extras reminded me of a really good meal I had in Florence. Not an unpleasant association! Pros: food, service Cons: my stomach's not big enough more

YOU ABSOLUTELY GET IT ALL HERE: AMBIANCE, MUSIC, PERFECT SERVICE, REASONABLE PRICES, AND THE ABSOLUTE BEST ITALIAN FOOD ANYWHERE. I AM CONSTANTLY AMAZED HOW EVERY MEAL I HAVE AT LA PIAZZA CAN BE COOKED PERFECTLY, AND I AM THERE ONCE A WEEK. GAETANO IS NOT ONLY AN INCREDIBLY TALENTED AND CREATIVE CHEF, HE TREATS EVERY CUSTOMER IN THE SAME SINCERE WARM MANNER, MAKING YOU FEEL THAT YOU ARE SITTING DOWN AT HIS MOTHER'S DINNER TABLE FOR A SUNDAY MEAL. THIS IS A CAN'T MISS RESTAURANT. Pros: FOOD, FOOD, FOOD more

I love, love , love this place. The food, the staff, the setting, just amazing. Great wine list, great menu, staff is so helpful. And the Chef is brillant and he offers cooking classes. A must try. In the summer months, they offer unique outdoor seating. They have a great jazz bar, with live music on a handful of nights. Will not be disappointed with this place Pros: wine list, chef paired meals with wine, anbience Cons: not open Sundays more

I had heard tones of great things about this place, I wish I would have listened sooner. Our server was top notch, she knew her menu and her wines inside and out. I was feeling a little under hte weather and she accomadated all of my needs. The food was beyond words, I wish I felt a little better to take in the jazz club downstairs. Next time. Pros: food, service, atmosphere Cons: no online reservations, not open on sunday more

We've been to La Piazza now several times, and have only had really great experiences. Having been to some of Italy's finest restaurants, I can say that the food I've sampled has been authentic and delicious. One difference might be that the portions and courses are appropriately Americanized, as most Americans don't do several courses, but eat one main meal with perhaps an appetizer/salad, etc. One of the times we visited the restaurant looking to avoid gluten and Chef Benedetto visited our table personally with recommendations. Also, it's always comforting to see Chef Benedetto otherwise in the kitchen helping to prepare the very food you will be served. In the lower level, you'll find a jazz club, with surprisingly good jazz ensembles and only a 2-drink minimum suggested in lieu of a cover. Pros: Excellent Food, Jazz Club, Nice Atmosphere more

I was at La Piazza a while ago and my experience was not what I would call a good one. I were seated at a very small table that was wabbling, a waiter had to come and literally put a piece of cardboard under the table's leg. As for the ambience, well I suppose it was alright. I was more concerned with the food itsef. Food was what I'd like to call pseudo-Italian food, because I'm sorry but I'm not used to being served hanging prosciutto on some kind of house plant. And as for the main course, veal I believe it was, all I can say is ""pillar of salt"". And in addition, the chef was a very rude man. I mean I thought the customer is always right, anyway it was a bad experience, one that I would not want to repeat. more