Shout out to Christian & the crew for an amazing time. Gorgeous interior, very warm & inviting. All of the staff stopped by our table during service to ensure everything was alright, big win for that. Got here early enough to enjoy the happy hour special the blood orange margarita was our favorite. Beet salad was beautiful as it was delicious & The ossobucco w/ risotto was sensational as well as the lemon pasta, cooked to perfection. Huge portions too for ourbuck... double win!
Marianne
The food here is exceptional. We have eaten here 4-5 times the past few months, always ordering something different. Never have we been disappointed. The pasta is so fresh and the main courses are very delicious. I recently had the short rib special with pasta and it was mouth watering. The special margarita I had was also very good. The service is prompt and efficient and the space comfortable and inviting. The outdoor dining area is also a plus in the summer months. I highly recommend!
Joan
Run do not walk and make your reservation today. Exceptional food, attentive, Weight staff, and they make a very good cocktail.!
Giovanni
Fantastic food, nice fun atmosphere of an Italian trattoria. And legit delicious italian dishes with really good flavor and execution
Melanie Gamble
From the moment I walked in, I knew I was in for a treat—but I had no idea just how satisfying it would be.
Let’s start with the French toast: golden, fluffy, and kissed with just the right amount of cinnamon and sweetness. It was perfection on a plate—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and topped with fresh fruit and syrup that made each bite better than the last.
Next up? A wholesome egg white omelette that didn’t skip a beat on flavor. Packed with vibrant veggies and just the right amount of seasoning, it was light, fresh, and oh-so-satisfying.
And that’s just scratching the surface. The service was warm, the vibe was cozy yet elevated, and every dish was crafted with care. From start to finish, this brunch felt like a hug on a plate.
Whether you’re a fellow foodie, a brunch aficionado, or just looking for your next go-to spot, add this one to your list. Trust me—your taste buds will thank you.
Jocelyn
Came here to celebrate a birthday and everything was amazing! Hands down the best Italian food in Chicago. The Pappardelle Al Telefono pasta is a must try so good. The drinks were on point, and dessert was incredible too. Can't wait to come back!
Jennifer
Went with a party of 4 on a Monday night. Service was friendly. We found the food to be mediocre— two pasta dishes, risotto, chicken Milanese, soup, Caesar salad, and 3 desserts. There are too many great Italian restaurants in the city for us to revisit this one.
Paul
We got to the restaurant and our table was waiting. We are a bit early for dinner at 5:30 in the evening, but the restaurant was already 3/4 full on a Thursday evening. The atmosphere was bustling, yet not too noisy. The restaurant has large stately windows which makes the room seem open and larger. A nice touch. A variety of bread appeared immediately with evoo and graded Parmesan cheese. We both started with appetizers and cocktails; I with the carpaccio and my dining companion with the daily soup. Both were incredibly outstanding. After our appetizers we shared a beautifully constructed Caesar salad. For entrées, we both wanted pasta, I had the spaghetti di Mari, and my dining partner had pasta as well, however, I don't remember the type. Again, both were very memorable, mine with large juicy pieces of seafood, each tastier than the next. After our entrees my dining companion had one of his favorite crème brûlée's ever in Chicago. We both house white wines with our dinners, both adding to the flavors of our entrees. The service was very attentive and humble. Dinner for two with tip for us was $175, a very good value for all the food and drinks we consumed. As far as an Italian restaurant in Chicago, I can't think of a better restaurant. I definitely recommend this place to others to have a lovely meal.
Erin
Food was o.k. The risotto was not cooked very well and the pasta seemed like the sauces had been sitting for a bit. The service was very slow but they were nice.
Eric
Very good overall. Nice variety in the menu and everything tasted fresh and home made. Excellent server. We will be back soon
came here on a date and WOW—I can’t stop raving about it! From the dreamy ambience to the stellar service and absolutely drool-worthy food, this place nailed it.
We kicked things off with the carpaccio, and let me tell you—it was so buttery and tender, it practically disappeared the moment it hit your tongue. Pure magic.
Then came my main dish: the spaghetti di mare. Picture a vibrant, slightly spicy red sauce bursting with fresh flavor, draped over perfectly cooked pasta and loaded with scallops, shrimp, clams, mussels, and squid—all melt-in-your-mouth tender.
My date went for the pork chop special, and it was a total showstopper—thin, crispy, golden, topped with prosciutto and sage. Absolute flavor bomb.
We wrapped things up with a crème brûlée that had the most satisfying crackly top and silky custard underneath. Oh—and even the espresso was on point.
Safe to say, I’m obsessed. I’ll be coming back again… and again… and again!
Timothy
Every time we've Ben to IL Girasole the food, service and atmosphere has been great. It's become one of our favorites!
joseph
Great new find. The food was awesome and some unique things on the menu. Service was spectacular. Definitely coming back
Marisol
Second time here, love the ambiance. Friendly and welcoming staff, Alex took great care of us! Food and drinks were delicious. Highly recommend the lobster gnocchi and custard for dessert.
Michael
The service was wonderful, the blood orange margarita was a stand out, as were the fried zucchini flowers appetizer, and the strudel de mele. Unfortunately, I did not care for my main course, a braised short rib, which was smothered in an unappealing sauce with noodles.
Shout out to Christian & the crew for an amazing time. Gorgeous interior, very warm & inviting. All of the staff stopped by our table during service to ensure everything was alright, big win for that. Got here early enough to enjoy the happy hour special the blood orange margarita was our favorite. Beet salad was beautiful as it was delicious & The ossobucco w/ risotto was sensational as well as the lemon pasta, cooked to perfection. Huge portions too for ourbuck... double win!
The food here is exceptional. We have eaten here 4-5 times the past few months, always ordering something different. Never have we been disappointed. The pasta is so fresh and the main courses are very delicious. I recently had the short rib special with pasta and it was mouth watering. The special margarita I had was also very good. The service is prompt and efficient and the space comfortable and inviting. The outdoor dining area is also a plus in the summer months. I highly recommend!
Run do not walk and make your reservation today. Exceptional food, attentive, Weight staff, and they make a very good cocktail.!
Fantastic food, nice fun atmosphere of an Italian trattoria. And legit delicious italian dishes with really good flavor and execution
From the moment I walked in, I knew I was in for a treat—but I had no idea just how satisfying it would be. Let’s start with the French toast: golden, fluffy, and kissed with just the right amount of cinnamon and sweetness. It was perfection on a plate—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and topped with fresh fruit and syrup that made each bite better than the last. Next up? A wholesome egg white omelette that didn’t skip a beat on flavor. Packed with vibrant veggies and just the right amount of seasoning, it was light, fresh, and oh-so-satisfying. And that’s just scratching the surface. The service was warm, the vibe was cozy yet elevated, and every dish was crafted with care. From start to finish, this brunch felt like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re a fellow foodie, a brunch aficionado, or just looking for your next go-to spot, add this one to your list. Trust me—your taste buds will thank you.
Came here to celebrate a birthday and everything was amazing! Hands down the best Italian food in Chicago. The Pappardelle Al Telefono pasta is a must try so good. The drinks were on point, and dessert was incredible too. Can't wait to come back!
Went with a party of 4 on a Monday night. Service was friendly. We found the food to be mediocre— two pasta dishes, risotto, chicken Milanese, soup, Caesar salad, and 3 desserts. There are too many great Italian restaurants in the city for us to revisit this one.
We got to the restaurant and our table was waiting. We are a bit early for dinner at 5:30 in the evening, but the restaurant was already 3/4 full on a Thursday evening. The atmosphere was bustling, yet not too noisy. The restaurant has large stately windows which makes the room seem open and larger. A nice touch. A variety of bread appeared immediately with evoo and graded Parmesan cheese. We both started with appetizers and cocktails; I with the carpaccio and my dining companion with the daily soup. Both were incredibly outstanding. After our appetizers we shared a beautifully constructed Caesar salad. For entrées, we both wanted pasta, I had the spaghetti di Mari, and my dining partner had pasta as well, however, I don't remember the type. Again, both were very memorable, mine with large juicy pieces of seafood, each tastier than the next. After our entrees my dining companion had one of his favorite crème brûlée's ever in Chicago. We both house white wines with our dinners, both adding to the flavors of our entrees. The service was very attentive and humble. Dinner for two with tip for us was $175, a very good value for all the food and drinks we consumed. As far as an Italian restaurant in Chicago, I can't think of a better restaurant. I definitely recommend this place to others to have a lovely meal.
Food was o.k. The risotto was not cooked very well and the pasta seemed like the sauces had been sitting for a bit. The service was very slow but they were nice.
Very good overall. Nice variety in the menu and everything tasted fresh and home made. Excellent server. We will be back soon
Restaurantji Recommends
came here on a date and WOW—I can’t stop raving about it! From the dreamy ambience to the stellar service and absolutely drool-worthy food, this place nailed it. We kicked things off with the carpaccio, and let me tell you—it was so buttery and tender, it practically disappeared the moment it hit your tongue. Pure magic. Then came my main dish: the spaghetti di mare. Picture a vibrant, slightly spicy red sauce bursting with fresh flavor, draped over perfectly cooked pasta and loaded with scallops, shrimp, clams, mussels, and squid—all melt-in-your-mouth tender. My date went for the pork chop special, and it was a total showstopper—thin, crispy, golden, topped with prosciutto and sage. Absolute flavor bomb. We wrapped things up with a crème brûlée that had the most satisfying crackly top and silky custard underneath. Oh—and even the espresso was on point. Safe to say, I’m obsessed. I’ll be coming back again… and again… and again!
Every time we've Ben to IL Girasole the food, service and atmosphere has been great. It's become one of our favorites!
Great new find. The food was awesome and some unique things on the menu. Service was spectacular. Definitely coming back
Second time here, love the ambiance. Friendly and welcoming staff, Alex took great care of us! Food and drinks were delicious. Highly recommend the lobster gnocchi and custard for dessert.
The service was wonderful, the blood orange margarita was a stand out, as were the fried zucchini flowers appetizer, and the strudel de mele. Unfortunately, I did not care for my main course, a braised short rib, which was smothered in an unappealing sauce with noodles.
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