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Amici Ristorante
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
26 reviews for Amici Ristorante
Review Highlights
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"Its quiet and you can't go wrong with the pasta." In 10 reviews -
"They always checked to make sure that we were accommodated." In 3 reviews -
"We had the lasagne, angel hair, meatballs, stuffed eggplant..." In 3 reviews
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26 reviews in English
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Review from Douglas G.
Park Ridge, IL
2/1/2012
The two recent scathing reviews are highly suspect - a competitor? There is nothing wrong with Amici.
Amici is solid, basic Italian food, a classic neighborhood Italian joint. If you are expecting earth-shattering top-Zagat-rated fare then you will be disappointed, but if you expect good food, prepared well, served well, in a really nice atmosphere, you will be happy. I give them an extra star to counter the slander someone has decided to give them. -
Review from Matthew S.
Skokie, IL
8/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you have a chance to eat at Amici's make sure you eat on the patio. If it's raining put on your rubbers! I took my girlfriend here the other night after she had been on a plan for 12 hours. She was really tired but I think she enjoyed eating something that wasn't falafel. BTW, I love me some falafel.
We started our dinner off with the stuffed artichoke. I have had better but this ain't bad. Then I had the Minestrone soup which was really hot. In case you have never had soup before be careful because it's hot. Guess what else.... dogs don't lay eggs!
We shared the stuffed Gnocchi with Vodka Sauce and it was awesome. All of that and the beautiful sounds of Milwaukee Avenue for only $32!
One last thing....don't fill up on the bread because you won't be able to finish your meal. Also, don't make funny faces because one day it might get stuck like that. -
Review from Matt C.
Chicago, IL
9/22/2011
Good old fashioned italian food. Not very many places offer soup or salad with your meal anymore, so that is a plus for hungry people. Classic italian staples mostly but good service and a nice atmosphere. Would reccomend
Well worth a visit. -
Review from Charles W.
Skokie, IL
6/25/2011
Let's start with the appetizer , Calamari, heavily battered , no seasoning and the texture of rubber.
Then the entrée , Veal Parmesan, small thin slice of over cooked, tuff , veal with what looked looked like a slice of mozzarella cheese and covered in a watered down to tomato sauce that lacked any flavor of garlic, oregano or basil. Served with a tiny side of over cooked pasta with a small amount of the same bland watery sauce.
Nothing authentic here except the patio view of the parking lot.
Save your money for Italian Frozen Dinner at your local grocery store. -
Review from Edward W.
8/25/2010 3 Check-ins Here
The like the way the place looks. Tuscany all the way, inside and out. My mom loves the clam appetizer. The servers are always very friendly.
The first time we tried it I was expecting too much. The food is just so so. Not bad, just so so. We've been here several times, you know, to be fair. My mom likes it. But my final answer is two stars. -
Review from Carolynne M.
Chicago, IL
1/26/2009
As a friend of mine once said about Amici "well, if you need something on the fancy side in that area, thats pretty much your only choice."
I felt the interior was on the stuffy side, and at first our server was taking forever to come by and assist us, but after we finally ordered, she then was constantly by the table and I almost felt rushed. Probably had to do with the fact that we ordered multiple bottles of wine and suddenly we werent deadbeats anymore? Who knows.
The rolled eggplant appetizer's flavour was masked entirely by a very salty tomato sauce, which was a shame. My entree was actually pretty delightful and the only bright spot in the whole meal - crabmeat stuffed ravioli served with a light lobster sauce with sundried tomatoes and pine nuts.
There is an outdoor area, which is rather comical in my opinion. Last time I checked, exhaust fumes from the traffic on Milwaukee does not enhance the dining experience.
Basically, if you need a restaurant "on the fancy side in Niles" you are kind of stuck with Amici. I guess I am glad I have other options available to me! -
Review from Liz M.
Chicago, IL
7/14/2008 1 Check-in Here
I just went to Amici's this past Friday night for cocktails and appetizers.
We have been coming here for years, and they haven't disappointed me yet.
We have celebrated birthdays, a graduation party, romantic date-nights, cocktails with the girls, and have enjoyed them all.
They have a beautiful new garden patio that I have not taken advantage of yet, I'm not sure I would love the view.
(It's of the parking lot and Milwaukee Ave.)
But they have the best Stuffed Artichokes around town.
One of my favorite appetizers is the "Sampler Plate", it consists of Calamari, Rolled-Stuffed Eggplant and Bruschetta.
Pasta dishes are tasty and very generous. My favorite is the "Shrimp Amici".
Warning, make sure your dining partner is also eating garlic, or else you will blow them away!
You can never go wrong with their nightly specials.
Service has always been right on cue.
The decor reminds me of walking into a little Italian Villa, very cozy.
(Not that I've been to Italy....yet)
If you have a romantic occasion that you want to celebrate, I recommend that you call and make a reservation for the "fireplace table". -
Review from Andy M.
1/26/2009
The Pasta was decent, the service was OK, but the wine and the company were fabulous.
Amici's is kind of what I would expect from a place in Niles. The crowd was middle aged, and the atmosphere was nonexistent.
I met Carolynne r. and a good Friend of mine for dinner on Friday. The place was totally dead other than a few of the locals.
Our server tried to rush us, and there was never really any flow to the dinner.
My Chicken Parmesan was pretty good, but you can't really screw that up, can you?
Amici's is a place that I have drove by 100 times, and I have always wanted to give it a try. It was pretty mediocre, and with 1,000 places to eat in the Chicago area, I doubt that I will be back. -
Review from Jacob K.
Chicago, IL
1/25/2010
I wound up here for a business lunch. Its was surprisingly close to a client I had to visit the following day. Amici is a cozy little Italian restaurant. it's not fancy but it does have some charm. Apparently there have been several different restaurant here over the years.
The waitress was friendly and came with our orders promptly. The lasagna was pretty good and reasonably sized. The prices were pretty average and the food was somewhat above average although the person I was eating with said the potatoes with his chicken vesuivo were hard. Apparently there are free refills for ice tea but not soda.
I think this is a good place for a business lunch or a low key date. Its quiet and you can't go wrong with the pasta. -
Review from Carol J.
Chicago, IL
5/21/2010
Any place that reminds me of an Italian villa and saves me a 9 hour flight and a strip search by the TSA deserves a chance in my book. Enter Amici with its faux Italianate facade and theme parkish replication of an authentic Italian trattoria.
Pros: Friendly service, even if they were a little irritated at late comers and tried to push us to the bar area, unaware that we generally prefer to eat at the bar if possible when going super casual.
Decent food as long as you stick to the basics and keep it simple. No, this is not Spiaggia or the late great il Covo or even Trattoria Doc but Olive Garden it isn't.
Cutesy kinda of contrived room that feels homey and warm although a few too many details that seem to have been poached from sales bins at TJ Maxx or World Market home decor departments.
Cons: Service, kind of distracted by the apparently more important regulars surrounding us. Limited knowledge of the wine offerings. Wasn't even sure if we could buy a bottle of something offered by the glass. Huh?
Server didn't know how to course the meal and when we gave a very loose suggestion it was for naught and courses (although not formally ordered) were kind of random with their arrivals. My favorite was the dessert coming before we had the secondi. Classic!
All and all a decent place with tasty food that is more Italian American than authentic Italian. Distracted, yet efficient service and a warm environment. Decent prices and again, decent, not stellar, food. -
Review from Sebastian S.
Bartlett, IL
8/30/2011
Overpriced, low quality food, and downright lousy service.
I went here once with my fiancee and she got sick eating the seafood lasagna. For a dinner that costs $20 per plate, it's got that "Hungry Man" microwavable dinner taste. We each thought that it was not worth another visit, but then again, every restaurant has its good and bad days so we tried it again.
The second time around was even worse than the first. Not only was the food the same lousy crap they served the first time we went there, but the almost non existent waiter just detracted from the experience even more. For my wife and I to eat there cost nearly $60 which for that money, the food is unacceptable at best.
My advice, Just save some money and go to the McDonalds down the street. At least their food tastes good. -
Review from Steve R.
Chicago, IL
12/30/2007
I gotta say not bad at all. The ambiance is very warm and inviting. They have a nice fireplace and currently a quite inviting christmas vibe happening. The food was purty good as well. I wasn't crazy about what they used for marinara sauce (seemed a little bland) but overall my chicken parm was good enough. Wife enjoyed her eggplant as well. Didn't get to try dessert as the little one was starting to raise hell, so we beat a hasty retreat. Service was attentive without being annoying. The prices were, well, sorta pricey considering the fact that it's Niles. It's the same cost as something similar in the city proper.
I give it three stars since I am subconsciously comparing it to some italian faves of mine in Chicago and NYC (Buona Terra and Volare still rock my world), but for where it is and what's around it, it's really quite good. I'll bet the patio is nice as well in the summer. Apparently they have a 4 AM license, though I sure as hell wouldn't put it to the test out in Niles. -
Review from Valerie R.
Chicago, IL
1/20/2010
Amici's has my heart as long as they keep the Penne Portabello on the menu. The cream sauce in this dish is fantastic! It really gets your taste buds dancing and is the perfect balance between gourmet and comfort.
I have been to Amici's many times over the past 10 years or so and generally have a great meal. Based on the appetizers and wine list (both lacking and not too great) I would have bumped this up to 4 stars if the prices were a tad lower. Now, I'll fork over my $16 for my penne any day, however, nothing else has stood out as really that fantastic to me.
I went here last night and my bf got their meat lasagna which he loved. I've never had a problem with their service and will keep returning.
Yay for penne portabello! -
Review from shannon p.
Chicago, IL
7/24/2010
This restaurant is close to home and we had a taste for Italian food, so we tried it.
First of all the place is cute and cozy and looked like it had a nice patio. The service was great, so no complaints there.
However, the dishes were really small. We had calamari as an appitizer and it was served in small bowl. I split the egg plant parm with my friend thinking we'd have more than enough. I was so wrong. While the food was good, I think we only got about 4 bites each of eggplant and a couple bites of pasta on the side. The caprese salad was very, very small and not worth it.
The other two guests had a pasta and shrimp dish and fettucini alfredo with chicken, which looked good, not great.
One friend had two glasses of thier cheapest white wine, and I had a diet coke.
So with an appitizer, 3 small main courses for four people and 3 drinks the bill came to $98.00! Way to expensive for what we ate. -
Review from Rich M.
Chicago, IL
3/30/2011
I use to like this place but the prices are out of control. The food is good old school Italian fare. The atmosphere is nice and the service is reliable but the prices are out of hand. I ordered spaghetti and meatballs at $18.95 and my wife ordered pasta with shrimp at the same price. I am not sure how a meatball cost as much as shrimp. When I asked the waitress, she agreed that they should not be the same price but said I don't control that.
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Review from Marybeth D.
Chicago, IL
2/2/2012
We had our rehearsal dinner here, about 40 guests and they gave us the entire back room off of the patio. It was perfect! The atmosphere is adorable and quaint and the food and service is very good. We were offered an array of options for the party, and chose the Calamari for an ap, and the veal, salmon and lasagna for entrees. Loved the Calamari--not sure what other people are talking about when they bag on the Calamari because each time we had it it was delicious. I had the veal which was pretty good--I've had better, but it was good. The salmon was cooked well and tasty, and my brother had the lasagna and said it was delicious. All in all, a really nice place to be with family and it was perfect for a rehearsal dinner. The guests really enjoyed being out on the terrace after dinner for some wine and good conversation. You don't really notice the traffic at night and they have large planters etc. that block the view of the street and parking lot.
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Review from Emerson C.
Chicago, IL
3/20/2008
It's like visiting little italy. A very welcoming and hospitable place. They greeted me like I was a regular even though it was my first time.
The service was great. They were very informative and very helpful. They always checked to make sure that we were accommodated.
I ordered the shrimp fettuccine alfredo. The pasta was so delicious. The only way I can describe it is that it wasn't too dry, too thicke, too moist, and not too bland. Seemed like the sauce seeped into the pasta to give it a much savoring taste. The sauce was excellent. I could taste the cream cheese and parmesan so I know that the sauce wasn't just from a jar.
I would definitely recommend this place. The prices are just right, food is excellent, and the service is great. You'll feel like you're at home. -
Review from Patricia B.
Chicago, IL
12/6/2005 2 photos
Many locals enjoy visiting this authentic and charming restaurant. The food is prepared fresh, with quality olive oil, real tomatoes, and a lot of homemade touches. The menu is extensive and includes everything from pasta, chicken, steak, seafood and great appetizers. They do catering and serve lunch and dinner. On a recent visit, my family and I (about 7 of us) all had a great meal. Everything we tried was excellent. We had the lasagne, angel hair, meatballs, stuffed eggplant parm and we were all very happy. The cream of tomato rice soup and the turtle dessert were also winners with this happy clan!
Listed in: All My Loving, Twist and Shout
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Review from Mike M.
Park Ridge, IL
Updated - 9/11/2010
Solid food, nice patio, good beer, what else can you ask for??
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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7/2/2010
They randomly have delirium tremens and weihenstephaner beer here. that and the patio make it A-ok… Read more »
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Review from Robert L.
Los Angeles, CA
9/12/2005 1 photo
There is an outdoor patio that you can dine at in warm months that will looks and feels like you are in Italy. Except when you look toward the street your daydreaming ends fast when you see good old Milwaukee ave.:) The servers are very attentive and the food is authentic.
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Review from Epicure S.
Park Ridge, IL
Updated - 11/20/2010
Have been a patron of this restaurant since it was called the Highway Club and the Back Room. One of the charms is that it has not changed much at all. The decor is simple and plastic grapes vines should set your expectation.
Service is friendly and attentive.
Mixed drinks are good but not generous.
Wines are adequate.
Now the best part....menu is large with many outstanding pastas.
Pasta sauce very good and are an tad away from being outstanding.
Favorite dish is Lasagna Mistomare.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/7/2010
Warm home environment and friendly staff make dining a casual and familiar experience.
Menu items… Read more »
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Review from Erin K.
Chicago, IL
4/23/2010
Come on, guys. 4 stars? Really?
I went here for dinner tonight. The place is decorated like a Tuscan villa. Cute concept, but extended a bit too far. Whatever, decor is not my top priority. Food is.
I ordered calamari as an appetizer. First of all, the calamari was overcooked and rubbery. I understand that cooking calamari can be difficult. But if I've learned anything from Hell's Kitchen, the cook should test if the food is good before sending it out. And even if the calamari had been properly cooked, the sauce was horrible. I don't even know what it was, but it tasted like vinegary ketchup. Ketchup on my calamari? No thanks.
For my entree, I ordered angel hair pasta with vodka sauce. It was fine; nothing was wrong with it. But I've had vodka sauce that made me want to swim in it before, and this was not at that level at all. I will say that the portion size was enormous, so that was good.
My one big complaint about this restaurant is the prices. For two people's entrees, sodas, and appetizer, the check was close to $50. You're paying more than the food is worth, in my opinion. I'm more than willing to drop a few extra dollars if the food is good, but this just was not.
There are better restaurants in the area than Amici. -
Review from Justin L.
Chicago, IL
6/2/2009
Amici is solid. The food is on par with other Italian, so it is nothing to write home about. The service is slightly above average, very inviting/friendly hospitality (like eating in someone's home). Nothing here will blow you away but all will be edible and served efficiently. The best part about Amici is the quiet. unlike so many restaurants, Amici allows you to actually hold a conversation. You don't have to shout to talk to someone over the table. There is not constant state of commotion swirling around you and your table. Also when you get your food the wait staff doesnt hover and pester you will questions. They are perceptive to drink levels and needs just by looking at your table from a distance. All this makes for a very intimate feeling with your company, since you are not being incessantly asked questions about your meal.
I recommend for a date due to the quiet and the ability to have a conversation. The food will suffice, but the intimacy is what makes it different from all the others. -
Review from MK M.
Glen Burnie, MD
1/30/2009
Good Italian food. Very cute place :) Good service.... would definitely recommend
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Review from Tanya B.
Niles, IL
5/1/2010
Boy is this review overdue! We will never ever do business with this place again. We live in Niles and this is really one of few decent places to go for a dinner. Besides it being completely overpriced, this is not why I am so upset with them.
We catered from them for a birthday party and I was embarrassed in front of family and friends. We catered in the past from another place and wanted to give Amici a shot because it's a Niles business and very close. We had about 30 people and paid $400 for food (same number of people, little more than what we paid before at the other italian place). The problem was that first 15 guests that arrived ate most of it because trays were only covered with one piece of meat on the bottom of the tray. So what they called a half of a chicken breast was really a 2x3 piece of thin chicken strips. I know what you are thinking - people ate a lot! No this was not the case, my family consists of tiny people!! I WAS MORTIFIEEED!! We called them and complained and ordered more food. They delivered this time and only wanted $30 for what would have been another $120. They apologized but this was not enough. We will never use them again. Instead we are going back to Nonna Silvia's in Park Ridge for future catering. One embarrassment is one too many... -
Review from Patrick Y.
Chicago, IL
5/16/2010
Wife ordered Zuppa de Pesce, you could smell the spoiled mussels as they brought the dish to the table, teenage servers completely clueless! And to echo another poster, calamari app tough and rubbery. Expensive and mediocre food, dont order the seafood
