Iconic Italian restaurant in Chicago. Always busy so plan ahead. Chicken Vesuvio is a must.
Trina K.
I absolutely love everything about La Scarola except the limitations with getting in. Simply put, reservations must be placed by phone during restaurant hours. Showing up without run is likely to result in an hour plus wait or being turned around. If you overcome this hurdle, you'll understand why it's a staple that keeps patrons returning whenever they can. I've never ordered an item that I didn't enjoy and I dream about their vodka sauce and grilled octopus. Add to that pricing is reasonable and they're usually a handful of featured items to keep things interesting. In terms of ambiance, the walls are filled with photos to celebrity and notable diners. Thank me later.
Dustin Dodge
Hands down favorite Italian meals! Great staff
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
francisco moreno
Came in town for Expo Chicago and ended up with an original drawing by the owner. 10/10. Food and vibes were on point.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Todd E.
I have called at least 20 times to order to go and they basically hang up on you. If you don't want to take carry out business than maybe you should put that on your website. I live right down the street from there and there are much better options around. So I am done trying.
Jeff M.
My very favorite Italian spot in Chicago! Great people, excellent food, service and ambiance. If it's packed and I am solo - they always find a place for me either at the bar or in the kitchen.
Anthony Bisceglie
Was there last Friday for the 100th time best Italian food in Chicago the veal DiFranco is to die for
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Annie TePoel
This place was amazing! The staff was very kind and attentive. The food was delicious and filling. I had the salmon mondelli and my boyfriend had the pasta alla vodka, with grilled calamari as an appetizer. All of it was delicious!! For dessert we had the tiramisu with some coffee, a cappuccino and espresso, and it was all so good! We will definitely be coming back!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tiramisu, Grilled Calamari, Panne Alla Vodka
Cristina E.
Everything you want in an authentic Italian restaurant- loud and busy and delicious food! Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time as the serving time is likely to get pushed back particularly later in the evening. Definitely worth the wait though!
Nicole Celiscar
Incredible Italian food, massive portions, amazingly vibrant, loud, and buzzing atmosphere.
We have been going here for years. Always accepted the fact the "reservations" are somewhat loose and you will likely be seated at least a half hour after your reservation you made weeks ago. Also accept it is super loud. Unacceptable is to be asked to leave your too small table for 4 (really a two-top) where you were bumped into continuously after two hours (45 mins past our reservation) and ordered after dinner drinks (including martinis) and yet still asked to leave. Spent close to $300 in two hours and when we asked the short man who is maybe the manager he simply said "you have been here too long". They had a line out the door which was clearly driving this yet there were tables whose $/person was clearly less than ours and yet they asked us to leave (we were on our way out anyway). After many years the (lack of) customer focus will mean this is likely the last time we come here. Many GREAT Italian restaurants in the area. Dont waste your time.
ED C
Showed up 25 minutes before they close, ask for something to go and they said no and I live right upstairs.Honestly you guys have roaches I know this because I live on top of you and I have to deal with your smell and your roaches all the time your smell is great but your roaches are horrible and it's because of you guys
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Tiramisu, Chicken Vesuvio, Panne Alla Vodka
Adam Hasan
Very accommodating, and the food was phenomenal. The owner I believe was seating people and he helped calm my daughter down when she was being fussy. He was very kind and funny.
DANIEL SKLAR
Wonderfully
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ricky irakoski
Delicious Italian food!It is a well know place so I guess it is booked most of the time.However, the portions are big and unfortunately I did not have a feeling that I can be enjoying them in piece, because I felt a little bit rushed by the stuff.That is the only reason why I’m giving4 stars.Overall, It was a great experience.
Iconic Italian restaurant in Chicago. Always busy so plan ahead. Chicken Vesuvio is a must.
I absolutely love everything about La Scarola except the limitations with getting in. Simply put, reservations must be placed by phone during restaurant hours. Showing up without run is likely to result in an hour plus wait or being turned around. If you overcome this hurdle, you'll understand why it's a staple that keeps patrons returning whenever they can. I've never ordered an item that I didn't enjoy and I dream about their vodka sauce and grilled octopus. Add to that pricing is reasonable and they're usually a handful of featured items to keep things interesting. In terms of ambiance, the walls are filled with photos to celebrity and notable diners. Thank me later.
Hands down favorite Italian meals! Great staff
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Came in town for Expo Chicago and ended up with an original drawing by the owner. 10/10. Food and vibes were on point.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I have called at least 20 times to order to go and they basically hang up on you. If you don't want to take carry out business than maybe you should put that on your website. I live right down the street from there and there are much better options around. So I am done trying.
My very favorite Italian spot in Chicago! Great people, excellent food, service and ambiance. If it's packed and I am solo - they always find a place for me either at the bar or in the kitchen.
Was there last Friday for the 100th time best Italian food in Chicago the veal DiFranco is to die for
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place was amazing! The staff was very kind and attentive. The food was delicious and filling. I had the salmon mondelli and my boyfriend had the pasta alla vodka, with grilled calamari as an appetizer. All of it was delicious!! For dessert we had the tiramisu with some coffee, a cappuccino and espresso, and it was all so good! We will definitely be coming back!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tiramisu, Grilled Calamari, Panne Alla Vodka
Everything you want in an authentic Italian restaurant- loud and busy and delicious food! Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time as the serving time is likely to get pushed back particularly later in the evening. Definitely worth the wait though!
Incredible Italian food, massive portions, amazingly vibrant, loud, and buzzing atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
We have been going here for years. Always accepted the fact the "reservations" are somewhat loose and you will likely be seated at least a half hour after your reservation you made weeks ago. Also accept it is super loud. Unacceptable is to be asked to leave your too small table for 4 (really a two-top) where you were bumped into continuously after two hours (45 mins past our reservation) and ordered after dinner drinks (including martinis) and yet still asked to leave. Spent close to $300 in two hours and when we asked the short man who is maybe the manager he simply said "you have been here too long". They had a line out the door which was clearly driving this yet there were tables whose $/person was clearly less than ours and yet they asked us to leave (we were on our way out anyway). After many years the (lack of) customer focus will mean this is likely the last time we come here. Many GREAT Italian restaurants in the area. Dont waste your time.
Showed up 25 minutes before they close, ask for something to go and they said no and I live right upstairs.Honestly you guys have roaches I know this because I live on top of you and I have to deal with your smell and your roaches all the time your smell is great but your roaches are horrible and it's because of you guys
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Tiramisu, Chicken Vesuvio, Panne Alla Vodka
Very accommodating, and the food was phenomenal. The owner I believe was seating people and he helped calm my daughter down when she was being fussy. He was very kind and funny.
Wonderfully
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious Italian food!It is a well know place so I guess it is booked most of the time.However, the portions are big and unfortunately I did not have a feeling that I can be enjoying them in piece, because I felt a little bit rushed by the stuff.That is the only reason why I’m giving4 stars.Overall, It was a great experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Tiramisu, Gnocchi, Grilled Calamari