I hosted a family event for 9 at Formentos on a Saturday night in October, 2025. It was a first time visit, but I was optimistic - I wanted to like this place. But it was a bust for us from the very start. We were seated in a booth, but there was a make-shift table placed in front of it that was too short. We looked so awkward, that the manager came by and offered a more appropriate seating arrangement, eventually. Once we were re-seated the real issues snow-balled. From drink mix ups to poorly prepared food - we experienced multiple failures. The appetizers were good ( Yeah, to Mammas Meatballs) but it took the entrees so long to come, that some couldn't help but to fill up on extra bread (for which we were charged an added $24 without our knowledge). So the entrees finally do come, and they were a mess. Meals were being sent back to the kitchen faster than I could count. Watching someone bite into undercooked chicken parm is not pleasant. I even sent my extremely over cooked, over priced bone-in filet back and told them to keep it. By then, I had lost my appetite and faith that I was going to get a quality replacement. This place has no right to demand the prices they do for the food served. Luckily my family found humor in all of the chaos and the management was guilted into comping many of the items. But if I were aiming to impress out of town guests or business clients, it would have been a very embarrassing evening.
Jane
Our early dinner for 10 was perfect. The service, food and beverages were spot on and they were gracious when we lingered a bit after dinner. We love to share the dining treasures of our city with our family from all over the country and they were truly delighted with Formento's.
Tarja
We were a party of five and ordered the crispy pork chops, pasta dishes and a filet mignon. All meals were very good. We also ordered as a side the potato and cauliflower puree and it was superb. Our wine choice was a Sardinian red. We loved it. Service was top notch. I highly recommend that you try their desserts. They are amazing.
Ralph
Great food and service / glad we found this gem as we were in town for softball- will find a way to get back and enjoy all this gem has to offer
Don
Great food, attentive service. It was crowded but we didn't feel like we were piled on top each other. Staff as wonderful. Food was outstanding
Naru
Formento's definitely has some of the best carbonara and cacio e pepe I've ever had! My girlfriend and I went there to celebrate her birthday and our anniversary and this place did not disappoint! Our server, Israel, brought out a glass of champagne each for the occasion and he took really good care of us throughout our time there! 10/10, Highly recommend! Will definitely be back here again!
john
Overall, one of the best dining experiences I've ever had in Chicago born and raised out here and this place will definitely not disappoint
Brad
The food was good and our waitress was very nice But she seemed to disappear for long stretches and We didn't order appetizers for an hr of being at the restaurant. Overall the food was good w/ decent service
Lynsay
Formentos is outstanding! In all the years I have been going, I've never been disappointed. The monthly menu is a nice touch. I had the scallops, and they were delicious. My family was celebrating an anniversary & birthday. The waiter pulled out all the stops and made us feel special. The chef was accommodating to our special requests. I simply can't say enough good things about this restaurant! Thank you for always taking good care of us.
Maisyn
The food and drinks were incredible! Our waitress, Justyne, was amazing as well and took great care of our party of 9.
From start to finish, everything was exceptional. The staff was incredibly attentive — we drank plenty of water, and our glasses were never empty! The food was absolutely amazing, with a warm, homemade Italian feel that truly stood out. Every dish we tried was delicious and full of flavor. Highly recommend!
Vanessa
Food is pretty good but small portions and high prices. Service is fair - our server kinda forgot about us cus we sat out in the patio lol.
Steve
Food was just ok. Had the Carpaccio and Octopus for starters. The Octopus was very soft (not simply tender) for some reason. I liked the truffle with the carpaccio but it overwhelmed the meat. I had the Oriecchiette pasta with shrimp and it lacked flavor. Overall not a great value and not good flavor. Had to have been an off night
Brian
Unfortunately our order was lost. We got our appetizers, but waited over an hour for pasta course. When it arrived food was only lukewarm at best.
Basheer
Great service experience. Dinner was extremely delicious and cooked to perfection. Our waiter was on top of everything we requested and super professional.
I hosted a family event for 9 at Formentos on a Saturday night in October, 2025. It was a first time visit, but I was optimistic - I wanted to like this place. But it was a bust for us from the very start. We were seated in a booth, but there was a make-shift table placed in front of it that was too short. We looked so awkward, that the manager came by and offered a more appropriate seating arrangement, eventually. Once we were re-seated the real issues snow-balled. From drink mix ups to poorly prepared food - we experienced multiple failures. The appetizers were good ( Yeah, to Mammas Meatballs) but it took the entrees so long to come, that some couldn't help but to fill up on extra bread (for which we were charged an added $24 without our knowledge). So the entrees finally do come, and they were a mess. Meals were being sent back to the kitchen faster than I could count. Watching someone bite into undercooked chicken parm is not pleasant. I even sent my extremely over cooked, over priced bone-in filet back and told them to keep it. By then, I had lost my appetite and faith that I was going to get a quality replacement. This place has no right to demand the prices they do for the food served. Luckily my family found humor in all of the chaos and the management was guilted into comping many of the items. But if I were aiming to impress out of town guests or business clients, it would have been a very embarrassing evening.
Our early dinner for 10 was perfect. The service, food and beverages were spot on and they were gracious when we lingered a bit after dinner. We love to share the dining treasures of our city with our family from all over the country and they were truly delighted with Formento's.
We were a party of five and ordered the crispy pork chops, pasta dishes and a filet mignon. All meals were very good. We also ordered as a side the potato and cauliflower puree and it was superb. Our wine choice was a Sardinian red. We loved it. Service was top notch. I highly recommend that you try their desserts. They are amazing.
Great food and service / glad we found this gem as we were in town for softball- will find a way to get back and enjoy all this gem has to offer
Great food, attentive service. It was crowded but we didn't feel like we were piled on top each other. Staff as wonderful. Food was outstanding
Formento's definitely has some of the best carbonara and cacio e pepe I've ever had! My girlfriend and I went there to celebrate her birthday and our anniversary and this place did not disappoint! Our server, Israel, brought out a glass of champagne each for the occasion and he took really good care of us throughout our time there! 10/10, Highly recommend! Will definitely be back here again!
Overall, one of the best dining experiences I've ever had in Chicago born and raised out here and this place will definitely not disappoint
The food was good and our waitress was very nice But she seemed to disappear for long stretches and We didn't order appetizers for an hr of being at the restaurant. Overall the food was good w/ decent service
Formentos is outstanding! In all the years I have been going, I've never been disappointed. The monthly menu is a nice touch. I had the scallops, and they were delicious. My family was celebrating an anniversary & birthday. The waiter pulled out all the stops and made us feel special. The chef was accommodating to our special requests. I simply can't say enough good things about this restaurant! Thank you for always taking good care of us.
The food and drinks were incredible! Our waitress, Justyne, was amazing as well and took great care of our party of 9.
Restaurantji Recommends
From start to finish, everything was exceptional. The staff was incredibly attentive — we drank plenty of water, and our glasses were never empty! The food was absolutely amazing, with a warm, homemade Italian feel that truly stood out. Every dish we tried was delicious and full of flavor. Highly recommend!
Food is pretty good but small portions and high prices. Service is fair - our server kinda forgot about us cus we sat out in the patio lol.
Food was just ok. Had the Carpaccio and Octopus for starters. The Octopus was very soft (not simply tender) for some reason. I liked the truffle with the carpaccio but it overwhelmed the meat. I had the Oriecchiette pasta with shrimp and it lacked flavor. Overall not a great value and not good flavor. Had to have been an off night
Unfortunately our order was lost. We got our appetizers, but waited over an hour for pasta course. When it arrived food was only lukewarm at best.
Great service experience. Dinner was extremely delicious and cooked to perfection. Our waiter was on top of everything we requested and super professional.
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