I honestly didn’t like the food at all, the menu is too complicated, don’t have the pasta I wanted, don’t even offer similar options. I ended up ordering a pasta with shrimps.
1. The pasta was too thick 2. Shrimps were too small, it’s tasted like the cheapest shrimps ever. 3. The sauces was disappointing, a little sour😬
I don’t know, I wouldn’t go there again for the price that’s not worth it.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 2
alexandra gomez
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 – Beautiful Spot, But the Food Didn’t Hit for Me
I wanted to love Formento’s—I really did. It’s beautiful inside, spacious, and the ambiance is on point. But unfortunately, the food? It just didn’t do it for me.
The Good:
🍸 Martinis – 5/5: Strong, smooth, and absolutely delicious. If I were coming back, it would be for the drinks alone. 🍽 Meatballs – 4.5/5: Solid, well-seasoned, but not enough to carry the menu. 👥 Service – 5/5: Welcoming, professional, and attentive—no complaints there. 📍 Location – 5/5: Right in the heart of everything. If you’re looking to continue the night, there are plenty of spots nearby for drinks or dancing.
The Not-So-Great:
🍝 The Pasta – 3/5: I had high hopes, but it was just… okay. Nothing stood out. For a spot that looks this good, I expected more from the food.
Parking & Tips:
🚗 Street parking available if you’re lucky. No valet that I saw, so plan ahead.
Would I Go Back?
🚫 Not for the food. Unfortunately, it just didn’t live up to the hype for me. ✔ Maybe for drinks and ambiance, but that’s about it.
That said, if you want to try it for yourself, go for it! At the end of the day, it’s your experience, and maybe you’ll love it more than I did. But for me? This one’s a pass.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Debra Louise
The food was amazing. The service was impeccable. I’d highly recommend. Parking is difficult so I’d recommend valet.
I have eaten at this restaurant about 5 times, every time I go back it slowly creeps up my list of favorite Italian restaurants. Their food is delicious, the carbonara is probably my favorite carbonara from any Italian restaurant I’ve tried so far in Chicago. When the meat melts in your mouth it is just so divine. Their potatoes side dish is always amazing. Crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside. The flavor reminds me of potatoes I find at restaurants that serve tapas, and I love it. The ricotta and honey appetizer was delicious. I’ve had their chocolate cake and an apple dessert before, both yummy but I preferred other places, and it just depends how stuffed I felt at the time. However both were good. Every time I’ve eaten here with my partner and friends, everyone loves the food. But to go beyond that, the customer service has been phenomenal. One time I went with my friend who is notorious about having low battery on her phone. A waiter was very kind and helped charge her phone. The most recent time I was here, our waitress was very nice and personable. She even walked me to the restrooms, when I asked where they were. Sometimes you will find restaurant staff at other places who will just point and say “go down that hallway and take a right through the door” or something like that. She went out of her way to walk me there, and that was very appreciated. Something to note, they do have valet, but I think it is a one man show, so in the West Loop it can get a bit hectic around the restaurant as cars wait to valet. Very nice man, just something to note. Sometimes you can find street parking but if you were interested in valet and do not see someone outside, it could be because he is helping another person with parking their car.
I have been to Formentos many times, for big occasions and for date night, and I have to say that it is one of the most consistent restaurants in town that we attend. They always nail it. Incredible food, great service, lovely vibes, super friendly staff. Everytime we go there, we remark on needing to come more often because it simply always hits the mark.
Highly recommend to anyone. Chicken parm, fennel sausage pasta, meatballs, brussel sprouts, gem salad. So many items worth devouring.
(My only quibble is that the service staff (water filling and plate clearing) hover a bit too much. We were feeling a bit bothered by the pressure of them always attending to us, but a better problem to have than being ignored!)
A surprise find with great service and good food. I definitely want to return to try more of their menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Hsueh Yu
Great restaurant with an amazing bar tender. We started our happy hour there and just stayed there for dinner. We had oysters that tasted very fresh, bucatini carbonara that’s rich and creamy, octopus, and hamachi crudo that were both delicious. We sat at the bar area that’s lively with a tv.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bucatini Carbonara
Kady Lam
I’m so sad to write a bad review about this place but I specifically asked the server if there were eggs in their Caesar salad because my partner is vegetarian (religiously). They specifically looked it up and then asked us again for dietary restrictions and I answered that he was vegetarian. We ordered the Caesar salad after confirming there were no eggs then halfway into the salad, he stabbed into an anchovy. We asked the server about this and he just said “there are always anchovies in Caesar salads.” I’m really disappointed that I basically told them twice that he was vegetarian and didn’t eat meat but they failed to tell us there were anchovies in a salad.
Take note: Formentos Chicago Sit at the bar for dinner Order what the staff recommends Watch Travis the bartender work ( he has 2 bar backs ) Amazing! Travis is a gem and will not forget your name! Amazing meal & experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lori Buckman
Delicious fresh food, and they totally accommodated my gluten free dietary restrictions. Our server was very knowledgeable about all of the dishes.
Dietary restrictions: Gluten free pasta available, gluten free bread, some gluten free dessert options
Kid-friendliness: I wouldn't take small children, but OK for tweens and teens.
Wheelchair accessibility: Accessible, and large one-person 1st floor restroom.
Oysters are good cause they don’t have to cook them. Pasta looks good, but that’s about it. Carbonara was way to salty and fried calamari was terrible. Anyone can open an Italian restaurant nowadays.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Shauna P
We had an incredible dining experience at Formento’s for dinner! A big shout to our server for the evening, Erik, who was super attentive and had great recommendations. Every dish was a standout. We loved the Whipped Ricotta, Fritto Misto (best fried calamari I’ve had) Bucatini Carbonara, and the Duroc Pork Chop. Huge wine list. We were too full for dessert but definitely recommend their Espresso Martini if you find yourself in the same position!
The restaurant itself was lovely as well. We dined on the second floor and the ambiance was great, super cozy. Exposed brick, candle light, you get the vibe. We were seated quickly and every staff member was so kind. Highly recommend this place for anyone looking for exceptional Italian cuisine in a beautiful setting. Can't wait to return!!
Went for my birthday and spent A BAG! Food was amazing! I didn’t like that egg yolk pasta BUT THAT RAVIOLI!!?? Best i ever had! Shrimp cocktail was very good too. Crispy potatoes were dry, should be cooked with a sauce. Broccolini was very good!
Excellent steak, one of the best. Great menu, lots of choices. Expensive, but worth it. Great bar too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grilled Octopus, Nonna’S Meatballs, Bucatini Carbonara, Brussels Sprouts, Calamari
I honestly didn’t like the food at all, the menu is too complicated, don’t have the pasta I wanted, don’t even offer similar options. I ended up ordering a pasta with shrimps.
1. The pasta was too thick
2. Shrimps were too small, it’s tasted like the cheapest shrimps ever.
3. The sauces was disappointing, a little sour😬
I don’t know, I wouldn’t go there again for the price that’s not worth it.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 2
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 – Beautiful Spot, But the Food Didn’t Hit for Me
I wanted to love Formento’s—I really did. It’s beautiful inside, spacious, and the ambiance is on point. But unfortunately, the food? It just didn’t do it for me.
The Good:
🍸 Martinis – 5/5: Strong, smooth, and absolutely delicious. If I were coming back, it would be for the drinks alone.
🍽 Meatballs – 4.5/5: Solid, well-seasoned, but not enough to carry the menu.
👥 Service – 5/5: Welcoming, professional, and attentive—no complaints there.
📍 Location – 5/5: Right in the heart of everything. If you’re looking to continue the night, there are plenty of spots nearby for drinks or dancing.
The Not-So-Great:
🍝 The Pasta – 3/5: I had high hopes, but it was just… okay. Nothing stood out. For a spot that looks this good, I expected more from the food.
Parking & Tips:
🚗 Street parking available if you’re lucky. No valet that I saw, so plan ahead.
Would I Go Back?
🚫 Not for the food. Unfortunately, it just didn’t live up to the hype for me.
✔ Maybe for drinks and ambiance, but that’s about it.
That said, if you want to try it for yourself, go for it! At the end of the day, it’s your experience, and maybe you’ll love it more than I did. But for me? This one’s a pass.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
The food was amazing. The service was impeccable. I’d highly recommend. Parking is difficult so I’d recommend valet.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bucatini Carbonara, Calamari, Lobster Mezzaluna
I have eaten at this restaurant about 5 times, every time I go back it slowly creeps up my list of favorite Italian restaurants. Their food is delicious, the carbonara is probably my favorite carbonara from any Italian restaurant I’ve tried so far in Chicago. When the meat melts in your mouth it is just so divine. Their potatoes side dish is always amazing. Crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside. The flavor reminds me of potatoes I find at restaurants that serve tapas, and I love it. The ricotta and honey appetizer was delicious. I’ve had their chocolate cake and an apple dessert before, both yummy but I preferred other places, and it just depends how stuffed I felt at the time. However both were good. Every time I’ve eaten here with my partner and friends, everyone loves the food. But to go beyond that, the customer service has been phenomenal. One time I went with my friend who is notorious about having low battery on her phone. A waiter was very kind and helped charge her phone. The most recent time I was here, our waitress was very nice and personable. She even walked me to the restrooms, when I asked where they were. Sometimes you will find restaurant staff at other places who will just point and say “go down that hallway and take a right through the door” or something like that. She went out of her way to walk me there, and that was very appreciated. Something to note, they do have valet, but I think it is a one man show, so in the West Loop it can get a bit hectic around the restaurant as cars wait to valet. Very nice man, just something to note. Sometimes you can find street parking but if you were interested in valet and do not see someone outside, it could be because he is helping another person with parking their car.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bucatini Carbonara, Crispy Potatoes, Whipped Ricotta
I have been to Formentos many times, for big occasions and for date night, and I have to say that it is one of the most consistent restaurants in town that we attend. They always nail it. Incredible food, great service, lovely vibes, super friendly staff. Everytime we go there, we remark on needing to come more often because it simply always hits the mark.
Highly recommend to anyone. Chicken parm, fennel sausage pasta, meatballs, brussel sprouts, gem salad. So many items worth devouring.
(My only quibble is that the service staff (water filling and plate clearing) hover a bit too much. We were feeling a bit bothered by the pressure of them always attending to us, but a better problem to have than being ignored!)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Nonna’S Meatballs, Sausage, Brussels Sprouts, Tiramisu Parfait
A surprise find with great service and good food. I definitely want to return to try more of their menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Great restaurant with an amazing bar tender. We started our happy hour there and just stayed there for dinner. We had oysters that tasted very fresh, bucatini carbonara that’s rich and creamy, octopus, and hamachi crudo that were both delicious. We sat at the bar area that’s lively with a tv.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bucatini Carbonara
I’m so sad to write a bad review about this place but I specifically asked the server if there were eggs in their Caesar salad because my partner is vegetarian (religiously). They specifically looked it up and then asked us again for dietary restrictions and I answered that he was vegetarian. We ordered the Caesar salad after confirming there were no eggs then halfway into the salad, he stabbed into an anchovy. We asked the server about this and he just said “there are always anchovies in Caesar salads.” I’m really disappointed that I basically told them twice that he was vegetarian and didn’t eat meat but they failed to tell us there were anchovies in a salad.
Amazing food and service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Nonna’S Meatballs, Broccolini
Restaurantji Recommends
Take note:
Formentos Chicago
Sit at the bar for dinner
Order what the staff recommends
Watch Travis the bartender work ( he has 2 bar backs ) Amazing!
Travis is a gem and will not forget your name!
Amazing meal & experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious fresh food, and they totally accommodated my gluten free dietary restrictions. Our server was very knowledgeable about all of the dishes.
Dietary restrictions: Gluten free pasta available, gluten free bread, some gluten free dessert options
Kid-friendliness: I wouldn't take small children, but OK for tweens and teens.
Wheelchair accessibility: Accessible, and large one-person 1st floor restroom.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gelato, Bucatini Carbonara, Toast, Brussels Sprouts, Crispy Potatoes, Beef and Truffle Carpaccio, Tiramisu Parfait
Oysters are good cause they don’t have to cook them. Pasta looks good, but that’s about it. Carbonara was way to salty and fried calamari was terrible. Anyone can open an Italian restaurant nowadays.
Food: 1
Service: 1
We had an incredible dining experience at Formento’s for dinner! A big shout to our server for the evening, Erik, who was super attentive and had great recommendations. Every dish was a standout. We loved the Whipped Ricotta, Fritto Misto (best fried calamari I’ve had) Bucatini Carbonara, and the Duroc Pork Chop. Huge wine list.
We were too full for dessert but definitely recommend their Espresso Martini if you find yourself in the same position!
The restaurant itself was lovely as well. We dined on the second floor and the ambiance was great, super cozy. Exposed brick, candle light, you get the vibe. We were seated quickly and every staff member was so kind. Highly recommend this place for anyone looking for exceptional Italian cuisine in a beautiful setting. Can't wait to return!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bucatini Carbonara, Fried Calamari, Beef and Truffle Carpaccio, Calamari
Went for my birthday and spent A BAG! Food was amazing! I didn’t like that egg yolk pasta BUT THAT RAVIOLI!!?? Best i ever had! Shrimp cocktail was very good too. Crispy potatoes were dry, should be cooked with a sauce. Broccolini was very good!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Brussels Sprouts, Broccolini, Calamari
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