Cafe Bionda

I could not wait to try this tableside pasta and it was definitely a great dish and presentation but first I had to try their burrata. This was a larger portion than what I was expecting but their burrata di bufala was creamy and complimented well with the salty prosciutto; tart arugala and the sweet balsamic glaze on nice pillowy focaccia bread. Great start of the meal!! But their tableside truffle cacio e pepe is amazing!! Creamy aged parmesan wheel cheese with the al dente bucatini in truffle sauce was perfectly prepared. Black truffle shaving added that earthy tone. The presentation was first class and masterfully prepared. The staff was super friendly and accommodating during this early dinner service!! Ill definitely be back to try their other menu items.

My love for Italian food in Chicago is restored. The last few trendy Italian restaurants we have tried have just been okay, but this place really blew us away. The service was outstanding, our waters never made it more than 3/4 full before they were promptly refilled by the smiling friendly staff. We got A LOT of food so that’s why it was more expensive, but overall the prices are on par with other Italian restaurants in Chicago. The spicy chicken rigatoni was out of this world. Normally, I can take or leave chicken cutlets, but these were outstanding. Very delicate, lemony and refreshing which was a nice way to cut through the heaviness of the spicy vodka sauce. The cheese wheel pasta was also fire, but a bit expensive so kind of a splurge entree. My wife got the lemon shrimp pasta which she said was the best pasta dish she has had since we were in Italy. Also got the whipped ricotta appetizer which was solid as well. I will be dreaming of those chicken cutlets for days! 🤤

Adore this place! Visited Chicago for my birthday weekend and was surprised to have one of the most enjoyable dinners of my life! The pasta. The calamari. The espresso martini’s! Cozy and unpretentious, absolutely impeccable!