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Cafe Ciao
Rating Details »
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
16 reviews for Cafe Ciao
We stopped in for an afternoon lunch today. The staff was attentive and friendly, although we were alone in the cafe given an odd lunchtime, which allows for more attention.
A fun but classy cartoon, something about Bellville, was playing on their flatscreen. My wife and I shared the bacon-wrapped date and spicy tomato chevre appetizers, as well as the prosciutto and fig flatbread and tiramisu. It was the perfect amount of food for us. The tomato sauce with the chevre was surprisingly spicy. The flatbread is about the right size for a single lunch without an appetizer. The figs are more intact than at most other places and it was plated with grapes, a nice touch. We'll be back.
Cute and cozy space. Definitely has a nice vibe going with the fireplace. It's pretty small. Good wine and drinks, reasonably priced for where it is. Tuesdays $20 special is a good deal. Pizza is OK, pasta is mediocre, spinach artichoke dip is excellent. The Italian meats and cheeses used in the appetizers didn't seem particularly fresh. Service was average and the wait for the food was long; It wasn't even busy the night I went.
Stopped in many times, b/c the food is damn good! So are the drinks! So is the service! I have tried all of the pasta dishes, but my favorite is the Rigo w/spicy Italian sausage...mmm! Try it!
Julie has wine tastings that are awesome and pairs them with tasty cheeses and fruits. She is always welcoming, gives excellent recommendations, and mixes things up by offering different food and drink specials.
This is also a great place to host a private party, as I did for my sister's birthday/bachlorette bash and have been here for a baby shower. Since they changed the interior to more of a lounge atmosphere, the place has only improved!
One week night when I wasn't feeling like cooking, I thought I would try out Ciao since I had driven by so much. It also happened to be a Wednesday when I noticed they have 25% off.
I'm glad I did. The sauces on their pasta were AMAZING. Neither my fiance or I could tell which one of our dishes we liked better, so we just shared it all.
Its also refreshing to go to an Italian restaurant with a simple, straight forward menu.
We recently moved to the area and have been to Cafe Ciao twice, and have really enjoyed the place. The food has been consistently tasty, the wine selection is varied, and the friendly staff round out the experience. In particular, there are a couple of great pasta dishes--the angel hair and one with gorgonzola cheese (think its a ravioli but not totally sure)--which really hit the spot. I'd recommend it to anyone who is looking for a tasty meal in a low-key environment. The one thing I'd say is missing is dessert!
I threw a surprise party for my Wife here at Cafe Ciao. I looked for a nice place and I was leaning towards a banquet hall or a nice hall at one of the many available upscale hotels. I found this reviews for Cafe Ciao and decided to pay a visit and if it was a good fit. It seemed small but cozy. I had about 45 guests there and although just little crowded it was comfortable. It was nice because all our friends were close and not a long table or seperated at round banquet tables. It was perfect for mingling.
The food was really good and everyone at the party loved the food. I got many compliments. I am sure Julie (the owner) did also. The food just kept coming and coming. It seemed at first there would not be enough to eat but I did order plenty and everyone had their fill and then some. Good party food, good quality good taste, good price! Don't worry about what to order it's all good.
I save allot of money choosing Cafe Ciao over a hall or other options.
Julie was wonderful and the service was outstanding. Julie is so friendly and a pleasure to do business with. Many thanks Julie. We'll be back for more parties and just nights out. See you again soon and God Bless!
Dropped by for a latte and to spend some time out of the rain. It's a cozy little cafe in the west loop. My latte was one of the best I've had in a while. They also have a great selection of board games available and their food menu didn't seem to bad. Next time I'm in the west loop, I wouldn't mind trying this place out.
Enjoyed a great dinner here tonight; actually we were surprised by how good the food was. I agree that the service was a bit slow, but the food made up for it. Try the rigatoni, it was delicious! We will definitely be back, hopefully to sit outside with our dog next time (rained tonight).
I was always a bit confused with Cafe Ciao because leaning on its glass window are a ton of board games ranging from Battle Ship to Connect Four and then when you walk in, you are greeting with an arcade game similar to Pacman. Walk further in and it is indeed a cafe with the usual espresso machine and ceramic mugs but then you open the menu and find that is has a full bar plus a variety of Italian fare. I had a glass of Chianti and a Ravioli dish...superb! The portions are not over the top and the meat as well as pasta was cooked very well. I sat at a table next to the window overlooking Madison but also noticed a couch that would be great for a couple on a date who want to play board games over coffee after a nice meal. Very relaxing and enjoyable experience.
I went there after someone just mentioned it and thought I try a sandwich. I always try to find the ultimate sandwich.
Anyways, I ordered the veggie one. It was ok but pretty blend. I could see the balsamic vinegare on the bread but not taste it. weird.
Service was awsome. The atmosphere confusing. I walked in and there were some wrapped silverware by the enterence. I wasn't sure If i get those myself or what. I didn't know there was a waitress.
Their beers were mostly domestic. And kind confusing since this is suppose to be inspired by italy. I've heard about their wine tastings but have never been myself.
Bathrooms were so clean and pretty.
No dessert that I could find. Which was kinda sad.
I think they have espresso.
Ok and when I walked by starbucks just a block away it was packed. I was one of 2 customers in this cafe. Don't really know what it says about it. It basically looks like a cafe with a bar.
We just went to a birthday party at this place. And it was a perfect choice.
A buddy of mine rented the whole place out. From what I hear, it was a great deal compared to getting the party room at other bars/restaurants in Chicago.
The space was great for a party. Lot's of table's and chairs for everyone. Part of the package was appetizers and they were delicious. It was all sorts of stuff, but the memmorable bites were little paninis of sorts of varieties: chicken pesto was my favorite. They even served chocolate fondue afterwards.
So I loved the place and the food. But there was definitely something off about it: the bar service.
They have a very full bar. Which is crazy and awesome for this type of place. It's like Starbucks, and yet there it is, a full liquor bar! They even have a little martini menu to help people looking to be inspired. My wife, who is a chocolate martini addict, got one, and was very happy with it. But man, it was hard to get a drink.
The owner was there with 2 employees, and this was the first day for both of these new employees. That's kinda crazy to bring 2 brand new people who don't seem like they've ever worked in a restaurant before to work a party of people at night.
I ordered 2 drinks at one point. I got one and after 10 minutes, realized they had forgotten the other drink. On another occasion, they made me 2 drinks and the guy put the drinks on the other side of the bar 15 feet away thinking someone over there had ordered them, until I'm like "Is my drink order still being worked on?". But everyone understood. It's their first day, and it's a party :)
So we didn't give them a hard time at all. But you might want to expect that going in, you'll have an awesome place with great food and drinks, great service pretty much all around and personal help from the owner. But drink orders might be a little slow.
For $35.75 you get:
1) a warm coke
2) the worst-looking prosciutto-wrapped melon (didn't taste that great either)
3) average bruschetta
4) ravioli that tasted like Chef Boyardee made it
5) tortellini garnished with withered and browning basil
I was interested in trying this place out because I'm new to the neighborhood and thought it had a cute vibe- plus, despite a really small menu, the choices seemed good. However, once our food ( finally) came out after waiting about 15 minutes after we ordered our appetizers, I was sorely disappointed in the quality of the food, although service was good.
I won't really bad-mouth the place, because it seems they are trying, but I definitely won't recommend it either. Maybe if the paninis are so good, they should just stick to that.
The quality of the food for the price I paid is amazing. I had the caprese panini, with really fresh mozzerella and vinegarette--which also came with chips and a soda--for $3.30 after tax. It was part of this week's specials (the other awesome special--$1 import brews), so I don't know if it will stick around. The dining area's a bit smallish, and I can't quite make up my mind about the atmosphere, but they do have free wireless for customers. I want to go back and try the pasta. Maybe I'll see you there.
A hidden Gem, and hopefully with the completion of the construction next door it can get more traffic. The food is great, and the prices are reasonable. Lots of good specials, and a wonderful place for a casual date or watch the occasional sporting event. The owner has put her time and heart into this place, and it fits well into the neighborhood.
I love this place! I went in with my Mom who was visiting, and we had the most enjoyable lunch! Julie, the owner, is sweet and friendly. She made us feel welcome and came by to ensure that we were having a good meal. The panini's are great - and they often have specials that make them really affordable. The space is small, so I wouldn't recommend it for large groups. Other than that - it is a great spot. Oh - and the tiramisu was fabulous as well :)
This is a great casual dining spot. Its still fairly new but thats whats so great about it! Everything is brand new and the owner definitely wants to make everyone's experience enjoyable so she is very personable and friendly! They have good paninis too!
