Il Vicinato Ristorante

My grandfathers best best friend started this restaurant. My Italian Grandfather and grandmother of 80+ years in chicago vouch for this restaurant. Please visit to support local business and to remember them, Ron Delaquila and Leona Delaquila (who’s photo is on the wall), and all the others who made the neighborhood Italian, and made such great food for generations.

Even though we had a reservation we still had to wait 20 minutes to be seated. It didn't help that 2 couples walked in and went to the bar in order to "jump" the line and 1 couple ended up being seated, that was unfair. It did also take the waitress a while to take our order. If it were not for my date and the fact that this was important to him and that I absolutely love Italian food, I would have opted to leave the restaurant. But we ended up staying and I had my first glass of wine 🍷 ever and it turned out okay.

We happened to find this hidden treasure while I was right across the street getting a flat fixed. Delightful lunchtime surprise. We walked in and were warmly greeted. The servers are attentive and kind, the food is exquisitely bursting with flavor, the decor is cozy and elegant. Definitely worth the drive for the abundant homemade flavors.

February 2024 Let's start with the grilled calamari- they need way much more love...probably need some good soaking overnight in a milk or so. The mussels dish in marinara sauce was very good, but it did not have a proverbial pan grillada.....big minus! Veal vesuvio with potato wedges did not disappoint. The sauce needed much more refinement and a touch of lemon. The selection of wines is nothing to write home about. The service is average just in any other family restaurant. Street parking was easy. The vibe was good...people had a good time, and we did as well! The bomb now....... the in-house bread was a 5*! They should start selling their bread...amazing!

Approximately one week ago, I had the pleasure dining at this restaurant to celebrate my moms birthday. The dishes were exceptional, and wine selection was equally impressive. We were unsure of what to order, but our experience was elevated by our attentive waiter who provided recommendations. Towards the end of our meal, the waiter surprised us with complimentary cannolis in honor of my moms bday. They truly went beyond our expectations and would def eat there again.