Chicago Reader
Bacchanalia
2413 S. Oakley | 773-254-6555
$$
For me, it was love at first bite of lobster
ravioli: hand-rolled by a local gentleman, enfolding creamy crustacean,
and transcending the cliche vodka sauce to achieve a fine balance of
richness and acidity. "Seafood and Pasta" is a delicious dish of
noodles, calamari, lobster, and shrimp with an encircling crown of
mussels, in a light but intensely flavorful tomato broth. The veal
saltimbocca pleased with thin slices, particularly hammy prosciutto,
popping-fresh rosemary, and just a touch of cheese. The only weak link
in the chain was Chicago's own chicken Vesuvio, but even it packed more
flavor than you might find elsewhere. Pork chops Lugana are grilled,
seasoned with Provencal herbs in the style of Lombardy, and draped with
lightly sauteed herb-flecked peppers, onions, and potatoes. A Milanese
Fernet-Branca was recommended as a postprandial digestive, and with a
house-made cannoli, it proved a perfect way to "settle up." I liked the
food here so much I literally busted a button on my trousers, a sad
though strangely satisfying sensation. This is a cozy neighborhood
place, with a bar and booths up front and a big old room in back. The
friendly owner was tending bar, and service was simpatico, making us
feel like regulars though we'd never stopped in before. —David Hammond
From Menupages.com
Best Chicken Vesuvio in Chicago
I went on south Oakley avenue because I heard all the restaurants there are family owned and the food is very authentic. There were several older Italian men sitting on the bench in front of an Italian-American men's club. They suggested I go to Bacchanalia. I ordered the baked clams chicken vesuvio and a side order of spinach. The meal was a treat. It reminded me of my grandmothers cooking. The chicken and potatoes were a ten. I thanked the men on the way out. Try it you'll love it.
Write Up from: The Chicago Reader
This restaurant is probably the most popular of all the places situated in the Heart of Chicago neighborhood's Heart of Italy area--'on famous Oakley Avenue,' as the proud Italian-American community that lives here likes to say. The clientele is mostly made up of young professionals who come here all the way from the North Side. At lunch, businesspeople from downtown (about 15 minutes away) show visitors from other cities Chicago's true Taste of Italy. Bacchanalia offers daily specials. The Heart of Italy is not only famous for its restaurants but also for its bakeries. From one of those local bakeries come the great fresh bread and the popular tiramisu dessert served at Bacchanalia.
From Chicago Tribune Metromix Reviewers
Bob Bogoletti
willowbrook, IL
Went there before Sox game Saturday May 6. Once again, I can't get enough of their cooking! The veal Bientina was to die for and the sautéed spinach with fresh garlic was outstanding. Baked clams in butter wine sauce a TEN. Capelini marinara topped with large scampi delightful. TIME & TIME again you just can't go wrong here! LOVE THE PLACE-Hope they don't move location. A hidden GEM
meatdowntown
Chicago, IL
Very good food. Amazing STUFFED GNOCCI!! Simply the best! The food is very good and the portions are very big. Nothing fancy, but very good Italian food. Expect a delightful experience.
Bob Food Lover
Willowbrook, IL
This Friday night my wife & I brought my boss out to dinner. We chose Bacchanalia because I remembered their fresh whitefish is outstanding. It was better outstanding! We also had the scampi Romano and Chilean sea bass all so delicious. GREAT SEAFOOD FOR LENT. We highly recommend this restaurant it is worth the trip. Bob
From Citysearch.com
"Bacchanalia's brings to mind memories of the traditional Italian restaurant. The food is great and plentiful; service second to none. You feel like your part of the family by the time you leave. The staff are warm and inviting and the food never disappoints."
