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Antico Posto
Category: Restaurants Italian Italian [Edit]
118 Oakbrook CenterOak Brook, IL 60523
(630) 586-9200
Announcement
Join us for our Fall Wine Down!
Tuesday, November 15th from 6-8 taste 20 wines for $25!
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:30 am - 8:30 pm
Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 9:30 pm
Sun 12 pm - 8 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Classy
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
146 reviews for Antico Posto
Review Highlights
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"The pasta is so fresh, and they specialize in gnocchi." In 40 reviews -
"oh and their wine list is outstanding." In 11 reviews -
"I cannot get over how good the bread and olive oil was." In 4 reviews
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146 reviews in English
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Review from Amanda L.
Arlington Heights, IL
3/19/2012
Antico Posto was one of the mainstay lunch places when I used to work at Oakbrook Mall, and now I love going back there for dinner whenever I'm in the area!
First of all, the oil and giardiniera they put on the table is the best stuff I've ever had, hands down. I could order that and have a meal of it! WOW!
The chopped salad is great, so are the flatbreads. The butternut squash ravioli was so creamy and delicious, and all the pasta is so hearty and delicious, I could be wrong but it tastes homemade.
Don't even get me started on how amazing the gelato is, but if you're full from the huge portions (enough to take home for sure), they have these $1 mini-desserts which are the perfect size to have just a little bite to satisfy your sweet tooth without making you sick and hurting your wallet. (Although the one dessert...can't remember the full name but it has "inglese" in the title I think, it's basically a white layer cake with some sort of custard or cream and cherries is absolutely to die for.)
The waitstaff is so friendly, there have been several times I've been in there with friends who know them by name, and by the end of the meal they will make a point to know me by name too! And it's so nice, they'll remember me and stop by my table the next time I'm in! You really feel like you're family when you're there...what Olive Garden is going for but really just can't achieve, this place genuinely does! -
Review from Wes W.
Why I'll be damned, I did not expect such a place at the Oakbrook mall. I think its such a downplayed joint for what it can serve up. Most importantly, its price range not proportional to the level of satisfaction one receives. I think I've been to this place four times in a matter of weeks. Jesus I need help.
The most memorable dishes are the simpler ones - spagetti bolognese and carbonara. First off, their pasta is made fresh...the texture and chewiness reflects such. Drives me nuts every time. Portions are considerable - I would recommend ordering two dishes and asking them to split it so that you and your lady (or man, whatever moves you) has a plate of each.
They also have this gnocchi (their's are filled with fluffy ricotta cheese). It's ridiculous. I can't tell you how many times I've been turned off by an incredibly disappointing gnocchi. Anyway, the gnocchi was in a buttery mushroom sauce with some truffle oil. YES I'M IN HEAVEN.
I don't want to forget the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, parm cheese, pickled veg and olive concoction that they serve with warm bread. Pretty good. Just don't eat too much of it or you'll feel naughty.
Ignore that this place is in a freaking mall and pay it a visit sometime. -
Review from Taylor M.
3/5/2012
I went here with a girlfriend and her infant son. They were very accommodating for us. They set us up at a table that we could comfortably pull a high chair up to. Everything on the menu sounded amazing. Especially the appetizers and salads. We decided to just order a salad and a bunch of appetizers. We were afraid this might annoy the waitress, but she was totally fine with it. We ordered the spinach avocado salad to start and it was fantastic. My other two favorite dishes were the fried calamari and the baked provolone. I really enjoyed everything I ate here. The service was also great.
My only problem with the place was trying to find it. Antico Posto is kind of hidden inside of Oak Brook Mall and can be difficult to spot. Also, you have to park in the parking garage which makes it a bit of a hike to actually get to the restaurant. However, the fact that it is locate in the mall makes for a nice leisurely walk to burn off some of the after dinner calories!Listed in: Date Night, Basta Pasta!, Craving Calamari
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Review from Ahmad N.
Near North Side, Chicago, IL
5/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
The place was really nice, but the food was slightly above average at best.
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Review from Saba S.
GREAT PLACE TO CELEBRATE AN OCCASION!!
My fiance and I had an engagement dinner for us two, here! Why? Because this is the first place we met! This place is romantic, good prices, best service, and well cooked, delicious Italian food located in the heart of Oak Brook. I'm glad he had he chose this place for us a little bit more than a year ago. :o)
I called the day before I wanted to book a dinner between my fiance and I and talked to Patricia. PATRICIA IS AWESOME!! I told her how I wanted to do something special for my fiance as he had just proposed to me in Miami the weekend before, and she was sooo super happy for us! She made my next night perfect! She created an individualized menu for us two by her unique, creative, hand crafting style! We had veal meatballs for appetizers, two pasta dishes, and an apple dessert (like the one we got when we first met). It was set with candles on the table where me and him also first met!
The night was perfect, as it was a surprise for him (even though he knew something was up) and the staff was amazing. Patricia wasn't there that night, but she charged us nothing extra. She was so happy for us, what a blessing.
Picture is posted and we can't wait to go back for a return, as well as meet Patricia!
Thank you, Antico Posto, for continuing our celebration with us!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/8/2011
I went on a Thursday night and it was packed. I'm glad reservations were made for 7:30!
It's… Read more »
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Review from Robyn C.
1/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
Went here last night with the family. I called in and the hostess was pretty pretentious and rude. I asked for a reservation for 5 and she said the earliest was 7pm. (I was calling at 5:40PM). I was looking for a 6pm reservation so I asked her if they are accepting walk-ins and she said yes. I told her that I lived a mile away from the mall so I would be there in 5 minutes she said that she can't tell me if there will be seats available for 5 even though there was no one waiting at the moment..?? Really lady, the restaurant that you work for is good, but you didn't have to be snobby about it. So we get there before 6PM and the restaurant is EMPTY! HA, so thanks lady for leaving an extremely rude impression of yourself and now you've been yelped about!
Service was fantastic though. Our waitress was fast efficient, knowledgeable and genuinely friendly. She checked on us several times and since it was my daughters first birthday, she even brought over some ice cream with a candle and sang to my baby girl.
The food was fantastic. I usually go with the angel hair pomodoro since I am a huge sucker for their freshly made noodles, but I went with the eggplant parmigiana and it was deliciously crisp and cooked perfectly. The sauce was fantastic as well. I had a bite of their squash risotto and that was fantastic as well. Their children's menu is great, only 5.50 for an entree. I ordered the homemade gnocchi for her and she liked it, I think her dad liked it more though!
I would come here again when I want more upscale Italian food and nothing to take home. Portions are perfectly sized, even a bit big, but if you're expecting a huge plate like Maggianos you will be disappointed. -
Review from Jennifer S.
Dallas, TX
1/27/2012
Delicious restaurant hidden at the Oak Brook Center! Even though this place is tucked away, it gets extremely busy. I quickly figured out why when the food came out...it is quite good. Not a surprise since it is a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant though.
The lunch duo was a great choice and I thoroughly enjoyed my pizza and tomato basil soup. Everyone enjoyed their food, so definitely a hit! -
Review from Cj Q.
Schaumburg, IL
2/17/2012
Cozy little place located in Oak Brook mall. Nicely laid out, they have wine on tap!
Modest wine selection for dine in and carry out.
The pasta portions are very generous and tasty. Nthe pizzas are a nice medium size for individual consumption.
Not too pricey, everything is in the middle.
Definitely try this place out :) -
Review from Matthew H.
Elmhurst, IL
2/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is absolutely one of my favorite restaurants and have been here countless times. The staff (especially Mimo and Adan) are some of the best I have ever had the pleasure to be served by. Best service in Oak Brook. All of the food on the menu is outstanding. My favorites are the Salmon, Calamari and Margarita Pizza's. There dollar deserts the perfect portion and don't leave you feeling guilty.
Try this place. You won't be disappointed! -
Review from Emily B.
12/29/2011
This is one of my consistent favorites. It's a great alternative to what you typically think of when you hear "suburban Italian restaurants" (i.e., Buca di Beppo, Maggianos, etc.).
The service is attentive and accommodating. It starts with a basket of fresh breads and a unique olive-oil based dipping sauce. They have a great wine list and are flexible when you ask for substitutions or special favors when you place your order. Plus, the ambiance is quiet and comfortable -- oerfect for dinner with a date, or your family.
There isn't anything that I haven't liked off their menu: I love their cavetelli - it's pillowy and light, not dense and doughy. I also like their ravioli. Their sauces are fresh and light. They also have a great lunch special if you find yourself at the mall during that hour. -
Review from Cornelius T.
Darien, IL
4/5/2012
Best Italian food.
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Review from Michelle S.
St Louis, MO
2/3/2012
Be still my heart. This was the best meal I've had in 2011 coupled with great ambiance and service. Great work!
I chose grilled salmon, steamed spinach with roasted butternut squash cubes was to die for. They have an excellent wine selection, all by the 3 oz or 6 oz pour. I sat at the bar since I was traveling on business and Rachel took great care of me. I highly recommend this place. -
Review from Paul S.
Orland Park, IL
1/2/2012
The bread and oil mixture was incredibly delicious. And that was the free part of the meal and I could have totally made a meal of that with some nice wine! Mmmmmmm I am still drooooling and it has been several weeks since my visit.
Next up was "the combo" with our choices of gnocchi and ravioli. Delicious. Last, but not least, we had a beef with risotto dish. The beef was soooo tender - melt in your mouth - and the risotto was AWESOME!
I am not a big fan of chain restaurants and this is part of the Lettuce Entertain You chain. But - with that said - I WILL BE BACK!
FINAL NOTE: THIS PLACE IS HARD TO FIND IN OAK BROOK MALL - BUT WORTH THE EFFORT! -
Review from Vicky C.
12/8/2011
I need to say Antico Posto is the best Italian restaurant ever, at least in the burbs
If you like pasta, you should go there, homemade spaghetti was so good, very traditional style but very high quality of food, I ordered Shrimp and octopus linguine, the best part is hand made linguine, perfectly done! Simply delicious again, highly recommend for this restaurant, good service, good wine...good price! I love this place! -
Review from Jenna D.
1/4/2012
Coming from an Italian girl... This is good Italian food.
Their complimentary bread, oil, and giardiniera is fantastic. The bread is delicious and goes well with the slightly spicy oil.
For my entree, I had the fettuccine with smoked chicken, baby spinach, and mushrooms, in a garlic-cream sauce. I asked for it to be a little spicy, so they added some red pepper flakes in as well. It. Was. Delicious. I'm not a big creamy sauce kind of girl, but this meal has me thinking about it days later!
For dessert, we got a complimentary chocolate and ice cream birthday dish, which was great. I also ordered their lemon cheesecake, which was absolutely fabulous. Great wine here as well, with plenty of selections.
We came on a Thursday night, and it was packed! Make a reservation, or expect a decently long wait. Service was good, not great, but I'm guessing that is a cause of their busy-ness. I can't wait to head back to this restaurant! -
Review from Farida B.
11/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Okay 5 stars seems a little excessive, but I really can't think of a reason to dock Antico Posto any points!
The food is DELICIOUS!!! You MUST try the gnocci. It's superb. The raviolis are also really good. I enjoyed everything I tried and I only wish I had more time in Chicago to try other dishes.
Service is excellent, food is excellent, prices are excellent, and even the decor/ambience (despite being in the middle of a mall) is excellent. -
Review from Michelle D.
Downers Grove, IL
One of my favorite restaurants!!!
Their bread, oil, & giardiniera is amazing! Can't stop eating it...their grilled calamari is the BEST i've ever had, we get it every single time we go.
Any of their entrees with butternut squash are for sure winners, their pizza is great, and their pappardelle with goat cheese is yummy. Their pasta is homemade which is a definite plus (GET THE GNOCCHI). The gnocchi bolognese is one of those "can't stop eating till the plate is completely clean" sort of dishes. And the chicken parmesan. I could go on and on...
I also love love love their desserts! If you get lunch before 4pm they offer mini-desserts for $1 a piece. So cute & delicious. I always get the vanilla pane cotta and chocolate budino.
Antico Posto is located in Oakbrook Mall which is very upscale, and there's a short walk to the restaurant if you park in the parking structure.
Servers are very friendly and recognize my husband and I since we have been eating here for 4 years.
I would definitely recommend this place!!! -
Review from Marisa W.
San Francisco, CA
12/27/2011
Great service and food! I came back home from San Francisco and did not anticipate to get good quality, fresh pasta and impeccable service from a restaurant at the mall.
The minor annoying thing was the waitress was on the phone trying to work out her schedule without acknowledging my friend and I waiting there; however the waitress noticed and immediately helped us. -
Review from Howard L.
11/6/2011 6 photos
I really liked this place. Great servings, and great value. They also tightly pack us in here, as seems typical for an LEY restaurant, but I guess that comes with popularity and value. They open at noon on Sunday, and at 12:30pm, it was almost all filled up. Daughter had their Italian beef panino sandwich, wife had mushroom pizza, and I had their spaghetti bolognese - all freshly made and top notch. The bread was also hot and fresh. We were last here maybe 10 years ago, and did not remember it well, but we will definitely be back soon. At lunch, they also have the mini desserts for $1, which were just right for sampling.
If not familiar, their place is not that easy to find, but look for the ~ 6 story Professional Building, and it is on the ground level Northeast comer of building, and is located away from most of the other restaurants in Oak Brook. I found the Mall maps useless for getting there efficiently! -
Review from Melissa P.
Chicago, IL
4/4/2012
I love Antico Posto. Wish I would have eaten there again instead of the other place my friend and I went to the last time we were at the Oak Brook mall. Their pasta is so good. I love their desserts too. This is such a nice restaurant for being at the same location as a mall. The interior is very classy and pristine. It's a good place to go for a casual lunch or an intimate dinner. They have many appetizers to choose from but I have only tried the caprese and bruschetta. For the main course I have had the three cheese ravioli, fettuccine with smoked chicken, and salmon. The pasta is done just right and their sauces are divine. I think it is very reasonably priced for what you get there too. The waiters and waitresses are always nice and prompt with their service. I've never had any bad service there. If fact, I don't think it has ever been that busy when I have been in there but I still think it is a popular place to go if you are in the Oak Brook area.
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Review from Jamie O.
Chicago, IL
2/20/2012
This Lettuce Entertain You restaurant knows how to deliver on service but lacks character and memorable food. Tucked next to Macy's in the Oak Brook mall, my family tried plates from ricotta gnocchi to cavatelli to angel hair pasta, all 'homemade'. The gnocchi was the best dish as it tasted like cheese balls. Their mozzarella is also good. At the end of the day is was decent food at a good value.
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Review from Guiseppe D.
Schiller Park, IL
10/24/2011
Came across this place while shopping around Oakbrook Mall with a friend, and I'm glad I did. The place is hard to find as it is in a small corner of the mall, but if you're willing to look for it, it's worth the treat.
Exactly what I would like out of a small, Neopolitan style restaurant. The decor fits perfectly with pictures and sayings of Napoli descent. A large, extensive collection of red and white wines.
The menu seemed kind of small for my liking but maybe I didn't pay attention enough. But that's because the waiter had me stuck on the gnocchi and the pizza.
As I was informed by the waiter, their gnocchi isn't make how typical/traditional gnocchi is prepared. Theirs is made with ricotta cheese! As if I wasn't obsessed with ricotta enough, they had to go and make their gnocchi from ricotta. So I got the gnocchi combination which is gnocchi separated in three small sections for three different types of sauces. It was delicious! But then again, anything with ricotta is delicious :)
Unfortunately me and my friend were in a rush to meet up with friends in the city and didn't have time to order the pizza (I had contemplated blowing off our friends just to try this pizza). But purely based off of the descriptions, I'd have to say the pizza will definitely be a reason for my return.
Service was quick and friendly, very informative. -
Review from Dana B.
Lisle, IL
12/13/2011
I had received a gift certificate from a friend for my wedding. My husband and I went here for dinner on a Thursday night. The place was full, but there was not a long wait. there is ample seating, but the atmosphere was cozy.
The waiter was very professional, and knew what he was talking about. He told us about special items that were just on the menu for the day. My husband got the Italina Pot Roast. I opted for the ravioli. We also tried the bruschetta for an apetizer. The food was amazing. The tomatoes were tangy and flavorful. The pot roast was so tender. -
Review from Moe N.
Orland Park, IL
1/1/2012 1 photo
Was there on 12-22-11. It was really good. The pizzas were delicious. The calamari was super crispy. The gnocchi was good but lacked flavor. Overall, I would come back in a heartbeat.
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Review from Clifford S.
Frankfort, IL
6/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great food with superb service. I had never been here before but I will definitely be back. It is not down by the other restaurants so I did not realize it was here.
The bread was fresh, the bruschetta delicious and the pasta outstanding. Then I was really glad to have such a great dessert - the Pistachio Gelato was great.
Check it out next time you are in Oakbrook - it's a less crowded alternative to the more popular restaurants and a great place to eat.Listed in: Out to dinner with my wife
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Review from Kathleen M.
Frankfort, IL
6/5/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I always forget about this place because it's not in restaurant row in the lower mall.
I shouldn't neglect it, it's a great little place! Our waitress was super friendly and efficient as were the bus boys. I appreciate a clean table - I love it when I don't have to look over the corpses and remain of what I have just consumed.
We split the Bruschetta which was a bit spicy for me but my hubby loved it. We also split the asparagus Caesar salad which is a fabulous combination. I had the pistachio encrusted white fish which was divine and my hubby devoured his pasta with shrimp and broccoli.
We LOVED the mini desserts, ok, I had two. I just love the whole concept of a fun small sweet at the end. I wish more places did it.
Add in coffee and we left Anitco Posto as fans. I know, you miss us, don't worry, we'll be back! I promise we won't wait so long next time.Listed in: Oakbrook eateries and more
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Review from Jordan K.
Clarendon Hills, IL
7/29/2011
Of all the italian restaurants in this area, Antico posto takes the cake, or maybe I should say gelato!
Your meal here always starts with bread and the best little oil concoction along with giardiniera I have ever had! Its unique and much tastier than the usual oil with cheese most italian restaurants bring you. I could make an entire meal out of this its sooo delicious.
Antico has great specials, 10 entrees for $10 on Monday nights, half price wine bottles on Tuesday...check their website for details! In addition, each night they have a feature special dish which never disappoints. I am partial to their three cheese ravioli. Its not too heavy and not an overwhelming portion you will bring home and never finish.
For dessert, they have $1 desserts which are fantastic...just a little bite of sweetness to finish your meal and you can't beat the price! I am in love with the panna cotta, holy delicious! As I mentioned earlier, they have delicious gelato as well with a different flavor featured each day of the week.
The staff is always friendly and a manager is always visible and visiting tables to make sure everyone had an enjoyable experience. -
Review from Jen M.
6/8/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I have not been here since I was a little kid, and I don't think I ever realized how awesome it was! This is now my go-to Italian restaurant in Oakbrook. Maggiano's is dependable and delicious, but Antico Posto is fresher and a little more risky!
For appetizers, we had the grilled calamari and bruschetta. The grilled calamari was excellent! Much healthier and flavorful than typical fried calamari. I did not eat the bruschetta but everyone at the table thought it was great.
For entrees, I had the gnocchi special with prosciutto and asparagus. They are famous for the gnocchi, as it is made with ricotta cheese and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. I was very pleased. At my table other orders included the chicken parmesan, spaghetti bolognese, the shrimp special, and lasagnetti arrabiata. We all tasted each other's, and it was all perfect.
I'm not even gonna mention the desserts, as I'm sure you can guess what I would say...Listed in: Suburb Favorites
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Review from Dan Y.
Sylvania, OH
1/14/2012
Fantastic!!! Amazing Ravioli, but the Gnocchi is the definite winner!!! Oh, and the bread/truffle oil/parm is AMAZING!!!
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Review from Gerri H.
Chicago, IL
5/9/2011
Went to Antico Posto with two friends on a Saturday afternoon. The place was easily accesible, as it is in the center of the Oak Brook mall. The interior was very inviting with dark wood and comfortable booths. However, I was disappointed with the food.
We were given bread with a type of gardinera. The gardinera was excellent, but the bread was salty. I also tried their caprese salad. Inexplicably, the mozzarella was quite salty. My entree, whole wheat pasta with meatball (chicken) had potential, but the meatball itself was cold in places. One of the few highlights of the meal was the dessert. We shared a sampler of five different mini desserts, most of them quite tasty and in a nice portion.
I'm not sure if we came at an off-time (2 pm), but I was somewhat disappointed with my meal. Probably won't be back. -
Review from David H.
Columbus, GA
Are you kidding me? This place was off the chart good. Arnold was a great sever (I ate in the bar and he was the bartender, too)
Awesome gnochi combo, awesome raioli, save some bread to finish off the sauces! Wow! I'll be back - as long as it is not
snowing! -
Review from Dan N.
Elmhurst, IL
1/23/2012
Really good food, but don't go on a weekend when it's really busy. We went on a Saturday night and the waitress forgot our order twice. It was nice that she bought us a desert but we were sitting there awkwardly for a very long time. It seems like the waiting staff can't handle itself when there are a large volume of people in the restaurant.
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Review from samantha b.
Berwyn, IL
1/15/2012
What a great hidden little restaurant! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because it is hard to find, but other than that the food is great! If you are familiar with the mall, it is right in the square area by Bloomingdale's, next to Urban Outfitters so if you find yourself looking all over, park by the parking garage behind Nordstrom.
As for the food, it is great! Although they do not give you the portions of Maggiano's, it isn't necessary because it is just the right amount of food! The gnocci is TO DIE FOR and melts right in your mouth. The wine list is a decent amount. The service is also great!
The way it is set up for waiting is slightly weird because you stand at the door and people are eating at the small bar and 2 small tables around you and it can be slightly awkward, so I recommend going to lunch or an earlier dinner (4:30-5:30 pm) -
Review from Julie J.
Phoenix, AZ
12/21/2011
This is the kind of neighborhood cafe that should get a 5 star rating, rather than the fancy $100/plate special occasion restaurant that usually gets them.
Every time I go here, I am continually surprised that the servers and management are really this nice. I mean, every time. And not just Midwest nice, but above and beyond legitimately care about your dining experience and your evening nice. This isn't just the one slow night a month occurence when it's easy, but in the middle of the Holiday season, when there is a 30-45 minute wait for a table and the hostess gives you a heads up on which people at the bar she will be seating next so you can snag their chairs while you wait. Or better yet, stay in the bar area and order dinner instead of waiting and have your server/bartender (Stephanie) be extra diligent about checking to make sure you have hot water for your tea, as you are sitting 3 feet from the door and it's pretty cold outside. She also got a lot of other little things right, that we didn't ask for, even though she was terribly busy.
I'm not huge on chain restaurants or restaurants owned by huge restaurant companies like LEYE. I am more of a mom and pop shop kind of girl, but I make the exception for Antico Posto.
Food favorites: Spinach & Avocado Salad, Veal Meatballs, Risotto Specials (all of them) , and maybe my favorite, sadly, the free oil, parmesan, balsamic, and giardiniera plate they hand over before you eat with some freshly baked bread. -
Review from Jalon Z.
Manassas, VA
4/5/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I have been here four times so far. Each was as good as the last. The service, ambiance and quality of food at Antico Posto is impeccable. And the prices are in an entire bracket lower than you would expect.
The daily specials are amazing, though some co-workers have said that some of the gnocchi varieties do not have as much flavor as they would like.
This restaurant is quite busy, and has grown through word-of-mouth recommendations. It is hidden in the back of an outdoor mall, making the search a challenge, but the food is worth the effort! -
Review from Melissa B.
Oak Lawn, IL
12/20/2010
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked this place! Normally I can only handle running in and out of anything in Oak Brook as quickly as possible. We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner here the other night.
For starters, I loved the 2 different kinds of olive oil they serve with the bread. I felt bad enough about having pasta during the week, so we skipped appetizers. We had the gnocchi with tomato cream and pesto and the seafood risotto that was on special. Both were excellent choices!
Tuesday they offer a selection of half price bottles of wine which is nice. Our server was great. She even brought us dessert on her just because it was my first time there! It was a Blonde tiramisu, very good!
The place was jumping on a Tuesday night, so I would make reservations. Great choice when you are in Oak Brook! -
Review from Jerome H.
Oak Park, IL
3/16/2011
Told someone we were going here for the first time and he smiled, put his hand on his chest, and said "oh, you'll love it."
He was right. Good wine selection, knowledgeable and friendly staff, and delicious food. The bread and oil are delicious and very good in an area most Italian restaurants can deliver. What set Antico Posto above similar places in my mind was the dish I had.
Gnocchi bolognese. Yum. The gnocchi is soft and airy, almost like a whipped dough. I believe it's because they mix ricotta cheese in with the gnocchi dough. It gives the pasta a lighter taste than heavier egg pastas or traditional gnocchi and allowed me to avoid that "I feel stuffed because I ate a plate of pasta feel." Frankly, even though I'm kind of a pasta snob, I have absolutely no idea if they ever put heavy amounts of ricotta in their gnocchi (I know this isn't the only place to have this) and I don't even care. It's just flat-out good here and I would order it again.
I'm a sucker for bolognese sauce. I've found it's not terribly hard to make a good one (let's just say I can make one at home that makes me love the chef even more), and this one certainly didn't disappoint. Normally, I would think it to be a bit too heavy to put with something as light as gnocchi with ricotta in it, but here the dish just works well.
I really want to try other items on the menu. If I found that the rest of the menu was up to par with what I've had so far, I could easily see raising this to 5-star territory.
With respect to wine, one of my companions is extremely finicky regarding wine and the server was able to identify the best candidate on their list to meet his taste. As I'm only a casual wine-drinker (as in ["Yes, I'll have another glass of whatever that is," Jerome casually said.]), I have no idea how standard his request was, but I found it good service that she was able to address it rather quickly.
The atmosphere is louder and slightly more causal than I expected. This isn't blue-collar territory, but it's not your grandpa's white tablecloths either. It's fun, contemporary, and - oh yeah - delicious. Would recommend reservations.
High four-star for now. If I return and am wowed, may raise to five. -
Review from Jane E.
Plainfield, IL
3/13/2012
This restaurant would earn a higher rating if I relied on the food quality and pricing, but I take exception with the sub-standard service. Maybe my lunch party of three - that included an 85 and 90 year old - appeared to be interested in leisurely dining and we were! When tables surrounding us were seated after us, served before us, and issued a check while we waited, there is a problem. Maybe the server had to make a decision as to which tables would take priority. The good stuff: The food is quite good. Between the three of us, we had a house salad, minestrone soup, gnocchi Bolognese, chicken parmesan entrée, spaghetti Bolognese (special of the day with Italian sausage and meatball), dessert sampler, and cappuccino. We loved it all and had plenty to take home. My 85-year old mother thought the soup was a little bland - This coming from a woman that thinks salt and pepper shakers are useless items on a table. Now for the service: We waited. And then we waited some more. I had to raise my water class in the air to get someone's attention that I needed a refill. When I asked for the dessert sampler, possibly our service did not understand. He walked away, calling on two tables and returning to the server's station before returning with an example of the dessert sampler - 5 bite size luscious treats. He then proceeded to describe the items, and I ordered again. What seemed like an eternity later, we caught his eye, and I mentioned that service was slow. He apologized and stated "she was understaffed." After waiting even longer, the dessert sampler finally arrived. It was delicious! Maybe the wait between courses was intentional as we certainly had found room to eat every bit of it. Our waiter offered an additional apology for the slow service when he brought the check. I do love Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, but I will go to the other options when in the Oak Brook area, such as Maggiano's, Wild Fire, or Mon Ami Gabi. My experience with service at these other establishments has been far superior to my brief encounter at Antico Posto. Too bad. This place has great food and a wonderful ambiance.
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Review from Foster R.
Chicago, IL
10/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
My wife and I tried Antico Posto and the food wasn't bad, but I have experienced better. I had the chicken parmesan and my wife had the spaghetti, the entree I had was simply,, okay. The chicken was not cooked thoroughly and the pasta was kind of bland. The atmosphere was classy and the waitress was very nice and attentive. I loved the bread and the olive oil which was also served with giardiniera, I couldn't get enough of it. Overall its a nice restaurant but I wasn't too impressed with the food, I don't think I'll be back.
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Review from carrie w.
2/13/2011
I am personally having a really hard time with this review.
My husband and I usually love this place. How could you not love the atmosphere... love "most" of the staff... and the food.
We came in to celebrate an early Valentine's Day celebration.... plus it's always great when you get a LUEY gift certificate for Christmas (Thank you Karen, Pawel & Matt).... gotta love those things.
We got in early.. and got sat immediately, which was nice. Got a booth, which is even nicer. But then our server came.... we had her before... and she was the worst, we had her once before and it was bad. I will only refer to her "C".
The busser came and was there with water, oil and bread... always good. It took another 10 minutes for our waitress to stop by. She was rushed... I think she had too many tables. We ordered a great bottle of vino... and then she dropped off the special listing. Everything looked great and I thought I would go off of the regular menu and would order the special risotto of the evening. The HB ordered the Sunday Gravy over Spaghetti... C came back and said they were out of the risotto. How are you out of risotto? So I went to my fall back and went gnocchi... ahhhh... how I love it! The waitress after the fact was never there... never there to pour more wine... never there to ask how is your food.... never there for more cheese for the entrees..... she was never there. As a former server... I was getting mad.
Then we decided no desert... C knew we were never gonna have it... and the she decided to wait to drop off our check.....
She killed us.
The food was great... the service was horrible.
We will be back. But when we walk in the door next time... we will ask not to have "C" as our server. That's how bad the service was.
So service.... 1 star
Food... 4 star
