First visit (take out) since 2019. Food was ready in 25 minutes & it was delicious! Can’t wait to visit in person next time
In 2011, Vito Tufano founded Il Vicolo Trattoria restaurant in Oak Park, Illinois, one of Chicago's leafy western suburbs that spawned Ernest Hemingway. Located at 116 North Oak Park Avenue, near Oak Park-River Forest High School, in the Hemingway District, it is an intimate, brick-walled Italian ristorante with outdoor seating, an extensive wine list, full bar and a menu filled with classic dishes. Tufano specializes in traditional Neapolitan cuisine, from home-made pasta to pizza to fresh seafood. My wife and I started with minestrone, fresh mozzarella wrapped with prosciutto and served over arugula and drizzled with a balsamic glaze, a thinly sliced assortment of Italian meats, cheeses and olives served with tomato bruschetta and Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, tomatoes and croutons topped with shaved parmigiano cheese. For an entree, my wife chose Lake Superior whitefish fillet in a lemon caper white wine sauce and served with vegetables and roasted potatoes. I couldn't resist veal scaloppine al Saltimbocca, veal medallions sauteed in white wine, topped with prosciutto and mozzarella and served with mixed vegetables, roasted potatoes and home-made meatballs. For dessert, what else? If it's Italian, it has to be tiramisu. Tufano's version is among the best we've tasted over the years.
Had a reservation for 5 at 7 pm for my 22nd Birthday. Was seated immediately by the host but didn’t get a food or alcohol menu. We also were not greeted by the server for 25 minutes. This was by far the slowest service I have ever received. I would not blame the servers but more of the management team. Either the servers were not properly trained or they ended up giving the servers too many tables to handle. However, the espresso martini was great.
This place is not good, sorry. For the cost you would expect high-quality Italian food, but it tastes like bar-quality pre-frozen, microwaved. I’m not sure why it has so many good reviews.The server was very polite, but after ten minutes of waiting I had to walk to the kitchen to ask for service to order.The dinner bread was dry and stale, and they gave us diner-style salt and pepper (like for eggs and bacon) not a fresh grinder.Started with calamari. It was bar/pub grade, store-bought frozen, and the sauce was bad.We ordered a pizza, risotto, and penne pasta. The pizza was very dry and mostly potatoes and cheese (is that Italian?).The risotto was really bad - WAY too much sauce, which was very greasy and salty. My wife makes much better risotto at home.The penne pasta was similar, way too much sauce, greasy and salty.Portions were gigantic.We did not have desert. We were scared to try it.We got to-go boxes for our leftovers, but decided to leave them. I felt bad wasting the containers but it was better for our health.Don’t spend your money here, there are much better options.
Food was fresh and service was great? Clam spaghetti? & lobster ravioli were delicious! Can't wait to go back and try something new from the menu? Authentic Italian food and all the vibes.
Service was good. I made a bad choice with my short ribs entree. Presentation was nice and sides were good. The meat was cooked to mush and it was greasy. My companions liked the fish entrees but though it was too pricey for what it was.
Met my girlfriend here for the 1st time 4 years ago. Had the most amazing 1st date ever! We have enjoyed many wonderful meals with friends and family since. Recently came back to have our 4 years of dating Anniversary dinner. The owner, Vito, is such a great man. He makes everyone feel at home.
love the Italian music..service is friendly..always greeted with a hello. drinks are delicious
Go here for sure! The service is wonderful and the decor is lovely. To top this off, the food is beyond excellent and the mixed drinks too. The owner came to our table and introduced himself. I felt like I was eating with my family. In the summer, they have a lovely outdoor space. I highly recommend eating here. You will not be disappointed.
My husband and I love this restaurant! The food and service is always perfect and they have amazing GF options. One of our favs in oak park.