- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Piccolo Mondo
Category: Restaurants Italian Italian [Edit]
1642 E 56th St(between Cornell Ave & Hyde Park Blvd)
Chicago, IL 60637
Neighborhood: Hyde Park
(773) 643-1106
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 11:30 am - 9 pm
Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 10 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
51 reviews for Piccolo Mondo
Review Highlights
"The service was great, not overly involved, but the..."
(in 3 reviews)
"...sauce with roasted potatoes and spinach with red peppers."
(in 3 reviews)
"The food was very good -- I absolutely loved the linguine..."
(in 3 reviews)
Loading...
51 reviews in English
-
Review from LuLu R.
9/16/2011
As you walk into this place. you think it is just a deli counter but it had a beautiful restaurant attached to it attached to another building. Located accross the street from the field meuseum, just off lakeshore drive, and nestled in Hyde Park. Whew. What a mouth full.
Its a place that is a bit hard to find but when you do, you wont be disappointed. Standard to the Hyde Park Ambiance, it looked upscale and not overly done up. We went for lunch and our host sat us, gave us menus, spat out the specials, got us waters (with lemon), and fresh bread. Very nice.
We ordered the empanadas. One cheese, one spinach, and one chorizo. All very good. My favorite was the Chorizo one.
I had the cheese and spinach ravioli with a vodka cream sauce and chicken breast. The ravioli just melted on my tongue and the flavors were so delicate. It was soo good. It felt velvety and the ravioli wasnt super dry which was a delight. The Chicken breast complimented that perfectly. My friend had a salad and she was pleased to know that everything tasted fresh and the mozzerella was amazing.
Wanna know something crazy yelp readers? I was enjoying my food so much I don't even remember what my 3rd friend had. Oh well. I am almost positive it was good because wen didnt even handle any business on our "business" lunch. HaHa
The service was excellent and the food was amazing. Its a tad pricey but consistent with the quality. -
Review from Saeed R.
Chicago, IL
8/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Good food. Nice environment. But take out menu is about 20% cheaper for same food.
First time I came in with the family was after we were walking along the beach. Came in with jean shorts and polo shirt but felt a little awkward. We were seated in the far back - not sure if it was because of the dress or the kids (who always behave well when out).
Nonetheless, had an appreciation dinner for my core team at work here (about 12 of us) - good food and wine and the servers really took care of us.
Not to mention that you're not going to find another Italian place in Hyde Park. -
Review from Helena G.
Chicago, IL
8/12/2011
I had dinner in this restaurant in my first visit to Chicago.
I think Piccolo Mondo is a little expensive for an ordinary Italian restaurant!
I tasted the gnocchi, it was good but wasn't worth the price! $15 for a pasta plate it's too much in my opinion! -
Review from Austin K.
Chicago, IL
1/14/2012
You're better off making the drive north to Little Italy for Italian. Like the rest of the restaurants in Hyde Park, Piccolo Mondo is just mediocre.
-
Review from Suzanne E.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 5/7/2011
I thought the deli counter today was trying to combine the practices of slow food and fast food: no one should have to wait about 7 minutes for a small, overpriced empanada, bought on impulse, when they're the only one in line on a Sunday afternoon. I finally just said I had to leave, and resigned myself to the loss of $3 plus tax.
Several minutes later I had already rounded the corner onto 55th Street and heard someone saying loudly and breathlessly "Excuse me" behind me, which I ignored on the assumption that it was one of the local panhandlers, preachers or chronically undermedicated. I went so far as to duck into a doorway and then saw the nice young Latino man in the white apron, panting after having run a long block, offering me my takeaway order.
I guess I should have specified that there was no need to microwave it--the item in question had been in front of me in the case and I had envisioned a swift exchange of money and empanada. Can't fault the customer service in the end, though--I hope he enjoyed getting out for some fresh air and exercise.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
6/5/2008
During the short wait to get your fresh cut hunk of Parmesan cheese at the deli, it's fun to analyze… Read more »
-
-
Review from marco o.
Chicago, IL
1/19/2011
Food is hit-and-miss, but all the servers are very nice and very funny.
Some of the pasta is CLEARLY store-bought then boiled and served at a 5000% mark-up. Some of the other food has much more thought put into it.
I wish they would keep the "fillers" off the menu and concentrate on quality food.
That being said, this is still one of our go-to places for us to bring friends from out of town because it's fairly neutral. -
Review from Kevin D.
Chicago, IL
8/25/2011
The interior is pretty ugly and in need of a refresh, but the food is really good!
-
Review from Tish N.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
8/2/2010
My first time dining there for some my friends' rehearsal dinner. This is a great restaurant to have a dinner party. The staff was kept the glasses full of wine and water all through dinner. The 3 dishes were pretty good. The ravioli were decent. The shrimp,broccoli with pasta dish was something special. It was very simple but sooooooo good. The sauce alone fantastic. Finally we had chicken in a great sauce with roasted potatoes and spinach with red peppers. The chicken was moist and tasty, the spinach was just how i like it...seasoned lightly with color. I enjoyed the cannoli and the coffee was pretty good.
I know I'll definitely return. -
Review from Lauren K.
Chicago, IL
11/28/2010
My husband and I really like this place and used it for our rehearsal dinner.
The soups are good (the minestrone is a nice staple, but the soups of the day are usually great, too). The house salad is very basic but fresh.
He likes the pollo marinato alla griglia (comes with yummy potatoes and spinach) or the pollo limone. We also have had the spaghetti with meatballs (nice spice on the meatballs) and the meat ravioli. All awesome. My favorites are the spaghetti carbonara and the lasagna with spinach and tomato sauce. Hit or miss would be the eggplant parmigiana and the linguine with clams (which has too much sage or something in it lately).
Decent wine list. Tiramisu and sorbet desserts are a must. Great place to take family or visitors. The service is outstanding 9 times out of 10. I'm giving Piccolo Mondo five stars because it is a great neighborhood gem, I usually love the food I get, and Wednesday they have great live guitar player. A reason to eat out in the middle of the week! -
Review from Sarah H.
Chicago, IL
11/12/2006
Despite the unimpressive initial impression based on the minimal decor and the noticeable lack of loud and rowdy patrons I have come to expect in Hyde Park establishments, Piccolo Mondo won my instant favor at the first sip of cappuccino and the first bite of the house salad. The quiet atmosphere, enhanced by barely audible Italian background music and wait-staff who barely speak except to take your order, makes this place a fantastic find for Hyde Parkers looking to forgo the noise and bustle of more popular local restaurants.
As a barrista, I am very finicky when it comes to drinking coffee anywhere other than upscale coffee houses - their espresso drinks are spot on and made by hand and excellent. The wine selection is small, but all the selections are good standard options at reasonable prices.
The menu itself is a pleasant departure from the greasy and tomato-heavy fare that lesser Italian restaurants offer. The menu is predominantly comprised of pasta, chicken, and veal dishes - all of which are portioned generously and come with soup or salad to leave you completely full at the meal's end. The Lemon Chicken, a full chicken breast served in white wine with scallops and lemon butter, is particularly recommended!
Dessert is always a sticking point for me in evaluating a restaurant, and the tiramissu is the primary reason that Piccolo Mondo has moved to the top of my list for Hyde Park restaurants. The heavily rum-soaked ladyfingers give this dessert a fabulous flavor! The profiteroles and cannolis looked great as well, but I was too full to sample anything else.
The final bill for three people was $75 (which included 2 glasses of wine, 2 cappuccinos, 3 entrees, and 3 desserts), making the meal a bit more expensive than can be found elsewhere in Hyde Park - but you'd be hard pressed to duplicate the quiet atmosphere and high quality Italian food.
In short: I consider Piccolo Mondo the Italian equivalent to the French La Petit Folie - as close to upscale dining as Hyde Park gets. -
Review from Maretta J.
Chicago, IL
8/2/2011
We've been there several times and are generally disappointed. It has good atmosphere but the food is tasteless, blah. It seems the tomato sauces are straight from a can! And it's often closed when we want to go out.
-
Review from g r.
Chicago, IL
8/19/2007
Stumbled upon this place by accident, what a nice find.
From the outside it looked like a little cafe, which would of been fine, we were doing house hunting in Hyde Park and I was a bit hungry. Much to my surprise this little spot had a pretty extensive menu, and as I read it over my mouth started to water.
I had the Chicken Vesuvio, which was very good, not great, but good. My husband had the Eggplant Parmigiana, which he liked so much, that he claimed this to be his place to go for Eggplant!
You get a choice of soup or salad with your meal, so prices are reasonable and a good value. They only have one salad dressing, the house Italian, which is more of a balsamic vinaigrette, which worked out better, since I'm not a huge fan of the standard Italian style dressing, but some people don't like balsamic vinaigrette, so if you come upon my review, you have some inside info.
We didn't have any wine, too early for it. Coffee this time of day, and their coffee is pretty darn good.
The real treat was dessert, actually I could of made this my dinner. A slice of some Fruit tart cake, a light pastry with a bit of cream with tart, tart, face puckering berries on it sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Service was friendly and quick for the most part, the main course did take a while to arrive, but seemed freshly prepared and hot.
The atmosphere was pleasant, not overly done, with beautiful views outside of their windows. You had the feeling you were dining just off of Central Park in NYC.
They have a small specialty store as you enter, olive oils and things like that.
The place seemed almost dark as we approached, we questioned if they were open. If it weren't for the one person I spotted dining, we would have turned around. As we were leaving quite a few people were coming in, so if you like it quiet, plan a early dinner.
Bottom line, we'll be back here for sure. -
Review from Sandra B.
Chicago, IL
6/14/2009
Went for lunch with the guys.
Yummy and not too extensive (compliment) menu. Love the setting and the wait staff were very helpful, albeit seemed to be used to just taking orders rather than having knowledge about the dishes. Nice people.
Moderately priced. I had the calamari con spaghetti w/butter garlic sauce ($12) and the calamaris were tender. Pasta al dente. Not too huge portions, not too small. Perfectly priced portions I thought.
Guys had the vodka gnocci (smooth and tasty) and the others w/sandwiches....looked fresh and they liked very much.
Nothing too fancy, but a very sweet spot I'd take anyone back to.
ps: grew up w/a Sicilian grandmother who COOKED authentic stuff. -
Review from Kristin J.
New York, NY
12/11/2007
I had no idea what to expect when I went in here. It doesn't look like too much from the outside. When I stepped inside, the decor was minimal, and it looks like they sell food out of the front counter, like in a grocery store.
Considering it was a Monday around 1:30pm, it was a little crowded. They have a great selection of pasta. My friend and I ordered two different pasta dishes. I didn't think anything was better than my food until I tasted his and vice versa. It was so good. They had quite a few wine glasses for $5, which definitely appealed to me.
The wait staff was perfect. They weren't overly involved, but they didn't disappear after taking our order like most seem to do in every other restaurant. My water glass was full the whole time; I usually have to request water. After eating, the waiter promptly appeared to take our plates and box up the rest of my food. He wasn't overly friendly, but he was respectful.
I loved every minute here and I can't wait to go back!Listed in: Yummy Places to Eat
-
Review from John F.
1/28/2007
Nice Italian eatery in an old hotel. On our visit, we had excellent roasted pepper soup, very tasty gnocchi and and well prepared shrimp fettucine dish with high quality crustaceans. Nice and reasonable selection of wines by the glass. I am not a real veal fan but I did notice that the veal dishes were quite a bit pricier than the seafood ones -- it's usually vice-versa. Not sure whether this indicates something about quality or portion size.
As other reviewers mentioned, the atmosphere, though generally pleasant could use a few pick-me-ups: newer menus and slightly prettier lighting would help. Also, we were attending a concert afterwards and our server was a bit hard to find when we wanted coffee and a check. -
Review from Vincent J.
Chicago, IL
11/17/2006
First off, the service here was very quick, even with almost every seat taken. We were able to get our soup & entrees very quickly. The food was very good for the price and I will be going back.
But as a person who has been searching for something a little more on the fine dinning side, I can't help but think how a few little improvements could make this a very rare & unique experience in the Hyde Park area.
Just replace the white xeroxed menus with some parchment type paper with the menu printed off of a computer. Get the wait staff out of the polo shirt with embroidered name and have them where an all black or black & white combo. Update some of the chalkboard signage so it looks more more restaurant and less deli. And if it's in the budget. Get rid of the drop ceiling. I'm sure there's some nice plaster under there than can be repaired and painted in a unique way. This could be a premier eating establishment in the area, especially given the fact that it's set up right on the park in a vintage hotel.Listed in: Favorite Places to eat in…
-
Review from Matt H.
Chicago, IL
4/25/2011
Can't seem to find a good dinner in Hyde Park. Stopped in Piccolo Mondo with the wife for dinner. We were very disappointed.
The food simply had no taste. From the soup to the salads and the pasta dishes - nothing made an impression - except maybe the slow service.
Ended up paying too much for a bland meal. The search continues.... -
Review from Chrissy N.
Chicago, IL
1/15/2009
People rave about Piccolo Mondo, and I don't see it. The food is good, large portions, fairly extensive menu, good seafood pasta options, but I don't know if I would even consider it a date place. It reminds me of most Hyde Park restaurants, just serving Italian food though.
Small, quaint, small tables, diner-y chairs, white tablecloths. The nicest part is the view across the park and across the street from the Museum of Science and Industry.
You have to leave the restaurant to use the bathroom though which is a little strange. They also offer a catering service which I've used once for work, and nobody had much to say about the food. I see that as a sign as well. But it's a god once-in-a-while casual place in the neighborhood. -
Review from John S.
Chicago, IL
1/14/2007
My favorite Italian restaurant in Chicago and it's only 3 blocks from my apartment!
Amongst locals, Hyde Park has a reputation for bad service and slow, indifferent wait staff. This place is, happily, one of those that makes up for the bad service in other HP establishments. Waiters are quick and friendly, your food isn't delivered to you cold, and the food is very good. Prices are not extortionate, either.
The wine list is smallish, but what they do have is of good quality.
Check the back wall for the specials handwritten on the lightboard.
Bonus points for the fantastic view of the Museum of Science and Industry/Jackson Park from the front windowsListed in: Hyde Park Best-Of, Top Restaurants
-
Review from Juanita G.
4/23/2007
I visited Piccolo based on the reviews I found on Yelp for a place to eat around the MS&I. It is sparsely decorated but the view of the MSI from the windows are beautiful.
The service was good. We just had some wine, a few caprese salads and their antipasto platter. It was at about 4pm on a Sunday. It was a pleasant time but I was disappointed in the shabbiness of the place and the stained menus. The lemonade wasn't fresh lemonade, it seemed to be some sort of mix. Maybe I'd try it for a sandwich the next time I'm in the neighborhood. -
Review from Elizabeth M.
Houston, TX
11/22/2008
How is it that I had no idea this was here until a week ago and I've lived in HP for a year and a half? Maybe because it's not particularly conspicuous and I don't travel that far east on 56th very often. Anyway, the guy who fixed my tire up north said this is his favorite Italian restaurant in the whole city, so I promptly went with my husband and two other family members.
We all found something to eat that we liked. I had the vegetable lasagna. (There are several items for vegetarians on the menu and a couple for vegans- important near UofC). Everyone else ordered a meat or seafood entree and enjoyed it. No swooning at the table, but we all mostly cleared our plates. This is definitely the best Italian I've had in the neighborhood, and it's a cozy place- clearly popular with the community.
They also have a little marketplace in the front room where they sell imported pasta and deserts (etc.) to go.
I'm going to go back. I'll order something different and see if I can figure out what tire-dude's love for this place is about.
Updated! I tried an amazing red pepper stuffed gnocchi with capers in a buttery garlic sauce and swoooooned. This entree was amazing. My husband ordered the same thing as it turned out, and he too was in food heaven. I now understand why people make the effort to come here. Not everything is amazing, but when you get the right dish, you'll be glad you took the time. -
Review from Jessica M.
Western Springs, IL
11/17/2009
My husband and I went here on our first wedding anniversary. We hit up Powell's Book store (just a few blocks away) and headed over here afterwards. We liked it. The space is a bit odd, doesn't seem like it was intended for a restaurant, but it didn't negatively impact our experience at all. The vibe is very casual, and very "Hyde Park" -- lots of older couples and some families. Our waiter was good, although at first he was skeptical about my asking for the free glass of wine I saw on yelp! But after consulting with the manager I got my Malbec. :)
The food was very good -- I absolutely loved the linguine with clam sauce. Very fresh, thoroughly tasty. And my husband loved his spaggetti with meatballs and coconut gelato. -
Review from Alana T.
Chicago, IL
10/25/2009
I went to Piccolo Mondo about 2 weeks ago and got carry out Lasagna with spinach and meat sauce. It was MEDIOCRE to say the least. I mean, what else can I say? The flavor wasn't there and my I prefer to indulge in yummy calories! I was starved too, so, of course, that didn't make it any better.
They also seemed to have a little, "Black people just won't leave Hyde Park" kind of an attitude. -
Review from Gerri H.
Chicago, IL
1/31/2011
This restaurant is just blah. I had the lasagna many years ago, and I still regret ever having it. Please save your money.
-
Review from Jean C.
Chicago, IL
8/24/2008
I think Piccolo Mondo has the best Italian food in Hyde Park. Their wine is good, too. It's more formal than most restaurants in Hyde Park. But it's also just casual enough.
The service is good and the employees are friendly. There are good desserts, too. -
Review from MsHydePark C.
Chicago, IL
5/16/2010
In a nutshell, this is a pretty typical old-school Italian spot. They have all the traditional fare-- spaghetti bolognese, eggplant parmigiana, linguine with clam sauce, lasagna, Chicken Vesuvio, etc. and even some more inventive specials. Every time I've gone (I've been maybe 5 or 6 times), I've had a tasty, fresh meal. I recently brought friends who were visiting (from the southwest suburbs) and they were pretty impressed. All in all, it's a pretty dependable choice for dinner in Hyde Park.
With that being said, I have some issues with the place. First off, the decor is REALLY outdated and the space is just bizarre-- you enter through what looks like a deli, and then you're seated in what feels like a college dining hall or even a basement. The waiters wear suits and the service is pretty upscale, but it just doesn't feel like a really nice restaurant because it looks so blah inside..... This wouldn't be such a big deal for me if it wasn't so expensive (our tab without drinks usually comes to $20 or so per person).
Don't get me wrong, I have no problem dishing out the dough for a really good meal, but there are just so many Italian places in the city with better ambiance and comparable food. All things aside, though, it's definitely great to have a place like this in Hyde Park-- I would just like to see the owners put in a little more effort. If they could invest in a makeover, I'd bump them up to at least 4 stars. -
Review from Maggie F.
Chicago, IL
4/12/2009
If you love your nonna's cooking, or if you've been to Italy even for a few days, you'll be disappointed by Piccolo Mondo's inauthentic and mediocre fare. The pasta comes out too soft, and you'll find very few traditional sauces on the menu. I was hoping to eat penne all'arrabbiata, or alla Norma, but I didn't even see spaghetti alla bolognese or pesto on the menu (there was a dish alla puttanesca, though). My tortellini were the frozen orange-green-white cheese-filled kind, and they were overcooked. My companion's calamari were also overcooked and rubbery.
We liked the dinner salad - no iceberg lettuce here - and the friendly servers. But Italian food eaten outside Italy should always evoke a certain nostalgia, and Piccolo Mondo just didn't taste like Italy to me. -
Review from Tracy K.
Chicago, IL
4/19/2010
My husband and I are on a mission to dine at every place the WBEZ member card gives BOGO meals.. and Piccolo Mondo is one of them.
We came in the middle of the week around 7pm and were seated promptly. The dining room was full, but there was just enough space between tables that we did not feel crowded, but could eavesdrop on the interesting conversation being held a few tables over from us.
To start with, we ordered the potato croquettes, which were nothing short of awesome.
For our entrees, he ordered the gnocchi ripieni with soup and I ordered the rigatoni nocerina with a salad. I thought the dinner salad was great, with just enough dressing. He didn't really care for the soup because it was too heavy for a corn chowder.
When our entrees arrived, he took one bite and made a face. His gnocchi was described as having a "garlic butter sauce" but what was on the plate was more of a briney, vinegary sauce. I would have rather eaten my own meal, but because he despises vinegar, we traded plates. The few bites I had of my rigatoni were good, and infinitely better than the vinegary gnocchi. I love vinegar, just not in my pasta; they should rinse the red peppers before cooking with them if they are going to use jarred roasted red pepper.
I appreciated the waiter not rushing us and giving us our space, but when it came time to get the check, we had to walk over and ask for it because he never came back after dropping the food and then avoided our repeated and maintained looks in his direction.
I might come back here if in the neighborhood & wanting Italian food, but I think I would be just as likely to check out some other place. -
Review from Clare M.
Chicago, IL
8/28/2009
The food is just O.K. There is better Italian food in the city to be had. If good italian is what seek, look elsewhere - like Bella Notte on Grand.
The atmosphere is nice. Definitely a place students take their parents during college visits. Waitstaff are polite, friendly and attentive. It's a shame this place is sub par. It'd be nice to have a good italian joint in the Hizzy Pizzy. -
Review from blake d.
Chicago, IL
3/29/2007
Decent Italian eatery. Family owned.
The space in which Piccolo Mondo occupies has a beautiful view of the Museum of S&I through its large windows. Aside from the windows the decor is a little plain- not cozy.
The service was great, not overly involved, but the experienced staff knew exactly when to come to the table.
Large selection (12 or so) of wines by the glass below $7. That is a nice touch. The menu is tattered and could be better organized. I had the Scampi appetizers. The sauce was very tasty, shrimp was nice, but the scallops were few and far between.
Pasta entree was decent, but not overwhelming. Terimissou was pretty good.
The final bill was pricier than I was hoping. This might be the best for Italian in Hyde Park, but that doesn't warrant a higher rating. -
Review from Gail I.
Chicago, IL
8/10/2010
For the last 5 years or so Piccolo Mondo has been the place i go to in the neighborhood when I want to step out in a low key sort of way. The food is dependably good--and occasionally excellent--the white wine is appropriately chilled--and the dining room is airy and pleasing. To me its not an "old school Italian spot" as one reviewer said. I think that is because I am probably considerably older than she is--and the Italian places that I remember from my youth in Chicago dished out heavy plates of pasta drowned in sauces that tasted mostly of long cooked meat and tomato paste. In contrast, the dishes here tend to be light, carefully prepared, with flavors of fresh herbs, veges, lemon, and cream. This, I know, is no longer a novelty--but it is still delightful.
The service is also very good and sometimes extraordinary. The waiter at a recent family gathering added measurably to our enjoyment with his genial, good humored, and attentive, but not instrusive, service.
Even though we closed down the place we never felt rushed. -
Review from Jess L.
1/11/2009
mmm, I'd definitely come here with the PARENTS.
large portions. the sauces were always kinda thick, kind of blinding the taste of all the other components in the dish.
delicious coconut ice cream - in a nut! -
Review from Poker Bunny Y.
San Francisco, CA
1/17/2007
A little known secret is that the sandwiches they serve at their deli (think fresh mozzarella and prosciutto) are the best in Hyde Park. They even have Italian sodas to go along with your sandwich.
-
Review from Dana C.
Chicago, IL
12/9/2008
Piccolo Mondo is a hyde park staple. I always feel like I'm in Italy when I'm there. The waiters won't rush you at all (which may be interpreted as bad service, but it's not, it's the italian way) - they will wait for you to call them over for them to give you your bill, take your order, etc. The portions are huge, enough for a meal and another meal the next day. They also have a take-out/deli type area where you can order sandwiches + pasta salads to-go. Their desserts always look really good, but i'm always too full to try any.
-
Review from Anne S.
8/19/2008
This probably is one of the best date spots in HP. It's very cute and intimate. It's pretty quiet, so it's also a great place to take the parents or grandparents as well. I didn't care too much for the Salmon dish I had here, but the shrimp with broccoli pasta was so good I ate till I was completely stuffed. I also had a great chicken dish last time. I like the chocolate moose cake, and the lemon sorbet. I haven't tried all of the deserts yet, but those are good enough that I might stop there.
Listed in: Hyde Park, Top Restaurants
-
Review from Meg O.
Saint Louis, MO
10/12/2008
The first time I was ever here, it was freezing outside and I had just sung Bach's B-Minor Mass for at least 4 hours. I wanted to see if my pleasant memories of this place held up over three years, and I was also eager to learn that Piccolo Mondo participates in the Chicago Public Radio Membership card dining deals. One of the least restrictive of the bunch, Piccolo Mondo gives you two-for-one entrees any day, any time.
So Shane agreed that yes, we should eat dinner here before we headed to see "Caroline or Change" at the Court Theatre (wow, we're such good, loyal Hyde Parkers!). We showed up a few minutes before 6 without a reservation to find the place full. However, we were seated under 10 minutes later. Our waiter informed us that nearly everyone in the restaurant was headed to the Court Theatre and he would hurry us along so we had plenty of time to get to our show. Note: diners receive a discount of 10% when they show their Court tickets. This cannot be combined with Chicago Public Radio. Can't be too greedy!
Shane and I split the grilled calamari and a bottle of Trapiche Malbec. I had the gnocchi ripieno, and Shane had the spaghetti frutti del mare. The calamari were good, not too chewy and just enough garlic, lemon, and grill flavor. Our wine was fantastic, and at $22 for the bottle, it didn't seem too extravagant. The spiciness and richness of the Malbec more than made up for the fact that the bottles of Chianti were a little more than we wanted to spend. I realized that I had ordered the gnocchi 3 years ago after the B-Minor Mass dress rehearsal, but that was a pleasant surprise. "Ripienoed" with red peppers and cheese, the gnocchi were then tossed with huge capers, kalamata olives, and roasted red peppers. I can't wait to eat my leftovers for lunch tomorrow! Shane's frutti del mare was tasty, but after the grilled calamari I just wasn't up for more seafood. We would have ordered dessert but we were running out of time. We made it to the Court, walking, with 5 minutes to spare.
It's a good thing the Pledge Drive is soon, because that means that I'll get a new card, and will be able to take advantage of the 2-for-1 again. Perhaps in time for Radio Macbeth! -
Review from Lee-Han H.
Chicago, IL
10/22/2005
You have to go here more than once. It's a tiny Italian hide out but you will like the cozy feel it give you. Bring some cash and friend.
-
Review from Gloria E.
Chicago, IL
12/25/2009
I work nearby, and since Piccolo Mondo was open Christmas day, my workplace ordered from here to carry out. We ordered a bunch of their subs. I'll start with my sub and my feelings, then go on to the others' feelings...
I got a turkey and cheese sub. There was no description on the menu of what was on each sub. However, I trusted that it would be a fairly generic turkey sub- lettuce, tomato, turkey, mayo, maybe mustard. Nope. It's cheese, lettuce, turkey and balsamic. ICK! I don't even know what kind of cheese. It might have been provolone, it might have been white American. The turkey tasted like the honey roasted deli sliced turkey from Oscar Mayer! The bread was DRY DRY DRY. One coworker asked if we got a discount for the day-old bread. It was more like a WEEK old, in taste. Last, who puts Balsamic on a super-plain turkey sub like this? I don't like balsamic to begin with, but on a sub like this where it really has no place, I was just annoyed and wishing they had listed what comes in these subs on the menu. I took probably three, MAYBE four bites over the course of an hour, and then I finally gave up and tossed the thing. It was just so dry and nothing could save it. I tried adding mayo and mustard myself, but that bread was SO DRY!
My coworkers all had pretty much the same feelings. Everyone hated the bread on their subs, and we all tried adding some condiments to add moisture, but it was useless. Perhaps if they started using a different and/or fresher bread, things would have been different. We're probably not ordering from here again. -
Review from Liz E.
Bainbridge Island, WA
8/28/2010
Lovely service, amazing food, very restrained portions, which I enjoyed. Slightly odd atmosphere, but totally worth the food.
-
Review from Jack L.
Chicago, IL
9/17/2008
While it could be argued this is one of the best restaurants in Hyde Park. That's not saying much. There are not alot of good restaurants in Hyde Park period. That being said I did have a great meal here. However the service is not good. I had to chase down the waiter to order a second glass of wine. He never checked on us during the meal, never asked us if we wanted anything else just dropped off the check.
Listed in: Top Restaurants
