Gussie's Handmade Italian

227 W North Ave, Chicago
(312) 929-3091

Recent Reviews

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Dorian Allen

bread is next level

Megan Rogers

Server at the bar was very attentive! But in terms of the food, however, the bread was easily the best part of the meal. My friend’s ravioli was very underdone to the point she decided to package it up so she could just cook it more at home. The $35 scallop pasta special in a “garlic cream” sauce was extremely dry - I didn’t even think it came with sauce. They also didn’t have the AC turned on during a hot/humid night which made dining generally uncomfortable the whole time. Pretty disappointing experience overall unfortunately

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 5

Jennifer Vitt

Delicious food and fantastic customer service. The staff were very attentive and a true example of what excellent customer service looks like.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Nathar McConnell

When i read “handmade pasta”, I thought this place might actually be authentic and good. Instead it’s the typical italian american restaurant—you know, the kind with kitschy Sinatra-esque music, excessive garlic and oil, overcooked pasta, and aggressively acidic thick tomato red sauce. Its slightly elevated, but there is zero chance my ravioli was made fresh that day—texture was totally off. The meatballs were decent. The worst though was the complementary bread—it was sooo oily and gross—I cannot believe how people like it—its literally the exact opposite of anything you’d get in Italy. Honestly I regretted my meal here (especially for the price) and wouldnt go back.

And yes before anyone questions it, I spent at least a month or two in Italy every year.

Pass on this place—like every other dime a dozen american italian places

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 4

Arlene Anderson

Our server Brian was so sweet and the care and quality put into the food was apparent! Everything tasted so good!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Signature Garlic Bread

Moe Ali

Party of 3. We ordered the fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp, the Chicken Parm and the chicken pacatta. The food was fresh and really good. The service by all including the host was very attentive and excellent. It took a while to get our food after we ordered (about 50 min) and the tables were very close to each other. Place looks like an old diner converted into a nice Italian place. Would definitely go back for the food.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Some Random Dude

Unfortunately, this was one of the most disappointing date night experiences we’ve had. The meatballs were underwhelming (3/10), and the carbonara was overcooked and didn’t taste quite right (2/10). The seating arrangement was also very uncomfortable — my wife and I were placed directly across from another couple, which made for an awkward dining experience. I do want to say our waitress was lovely and attentive. That said, we don’t plan on returning.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 2

Gaby

had a reservation, was late due to getting rear ended. the host was incredibly understanding and accommodating and said he wanted to give us a reason to smile. we had attentive and lovely service, the food was great, the drinks were strong and the vibes were great. to our surprise, the tiramisu we ordered was complimentary as our server had heard we had a car accident earlier. this was a wonderful experience, especially after such a chaotic start to our evening. will 100% go again and recommend you give this nice place a visit 😊

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Johan Jackson

Highly recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Devin Singh

Overall, Gussie’s was good. Great options for pasta- very unique flavors that they combined. I recommend the chicken parm / chicken piccata. All of the appetizers were excellent. Good flavoring across the table, paired with great service from the waiter/bus boys. Recommend coming here

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Signature Garlic Bread, Classic Spaghetti Carbonara, Grilled Octopus, Tagliatelle with Meatballs, Sandwich, Spanish Octopus

Sarah Burke

Great handmade pastas! I went with my mother without a reservation and we fully enjoyed our experience.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Kristina Bigelow

Delicious!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Gianna Davis

Gussie’s is a legit gem in Old Town. Right across from Second City, it’s the perfect spot for a pre-show bite or a chill dinner. The garlic bread? Straight-up addictive. I had the classic spaghetti carbonara, rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Their ravioli is another standout, fresh and comforting. The staff is friendly and attentive, making you feel right at home. I spent about $50, and every penny was worth it. If you're in the area, don't miss this place.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Signature Garlic Bread, Classic Spaghetti Carbonara

Brady Zim

The food was good. The bread was awesome. I got the wild boar pasta.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Garima Sharma

Tried this place today and was really disappointed.
The food was bland—especially the pasta that was recommended to us. It was dry and flavorless. When we asked for a replacement, the second pasta dish was just as bland, only coated with some olive oil.

The gin martini drink we ordered was so strong it was undrinkable, and not in a good way.

To make things worse, the leftovers were packed in a black plastic bag, and when we got home, we discovered a cup’s worth of olive oil inside the bag. It spilled onto our car seat, soaked into clothing, and even made a mess on our kitchen counter.

Definitely not the experience we were hoping for.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 1

Service: 4

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