La Scarola Reviews

Amazing food in a cozy “packed” restaurant. Luis was so attentive and make great suggestions so we split the dishes. We had the chicken Parmesan and a pasta dish with seafood and INCREDIBLE Vodka sauce! I would love to take a large pot of it home with me. Great bread to start, good selection of wines, bar is tiny but efficient and friendly bartenders. It is hard to get a reservation (and you need to call) but we’ll worth it!

Came here on a whim, waited 45 minutes at a pub down the street. Waited a little longer when we checked back in but totally worth the wait. It's a tiny place; everyone looked happy, tables full of delicious plates and the smell... we couldn't leave!!! Shrimp appetizer had an amazing sauce, the veal entree was perfect and the service was outstanding! This experience was worth the wait and I'd highly recommend!

Last night two of us dined at this wonderful restaurant. This is what great Italian food should be like. Rigatoni Madeira is off the charts! We also enjoyed the Chicken Parmesan. For dessert we had the tiramisu. This is a true Chicago style restaurant that you would love if you love Italian food!

Went on a team dinner with a group of my colleagues. While there the food was fine. However on the way out the owner inexplicably was rude and aggressive toward me. Completely ruined the experience.

Ok, so I lived in Chi town off & on for a number of years, had “My” restaurants that I would visit on returning buissness & family visits, but friends of mine, 3rd generation Italian American restaurant owners took us there tonight: crazy full, loud, BUT: Food — Perfecto, traditional Chi old school Italian, Tastes, Portions simply Rocked, Servers tremendous, Host: a gem, Joe Mondelli you have an Icon of Food, and do the Tiramisu, they soak that baby in coffee for a week, it’s the best I’ve ever had!

This was our first time having dinner here, and it was amazing. From the outstanding service and attention from the owner and waitstaff to the food, I cant believe we have not been here before. Armando made sure my daughters birthday dinner celebration was perfect, without me asking...they just did it. I would definitely come back, and will be recommending to all my family and friends.

Food is stunning! Staff and service are always looking for and anticipating what you may need . My favourite restaurant in Chicago. It's a special place

Absolutely amazing place. Actually visited in January 2022 but never got around to write a review. We visited here with my son (we are both from Scotland) and his wife (from Michigan) and their friend. For me this was my first visit to the US and to find a place like this for your first example of hospitality in this great country only made the first visit even better., (if it could get any better). The food was amazing and the service outstanding. There are photos all over the walls of famous people who have eaten here. The atmosphere was top notch and I loved the decor of the whole place. Not long after Covid restrictions were lifted so still had to show proof of covid vaccine in all restaurants in Chicago. If we get to revisit Chicago again, will definitely go back. Love pasta but didn't know pasta could taste this awesome. Wish we lived in Chicago just so we could become regulars.

The best Italian restr in Chicago Food, service and wine was outstanding Highly recommend the penna pesto or the seafood pasta Great wi e selection and the deserts were excellent.

This place is so good and so much fun. Most of the waiters have been there forever. It's crowded and noisy. There is so much going on. Lots of little nooks and crannies. Food is mostly classic Italian steakhouse dishes. Always handwritten specials. Excellent, moderately priced Italian wine list. Food is always great.

We consider ourselves food critics because of the frequency we go out to eat for dinner. This place definitely is on top of our list in Chicago. Great food. Great prices especially for Chicago. Nice atmosphere. The waiter and manager ( owner ? ) were very helpful. Definitely will be going back.

Not a fashionable building but that doesn't matter. Great Italian food at a very reasonable price. Huge servings.

We go to La Scarola every time we go to Chicago. The appetizers, soup, salads, pastas and meat and fish entrees are about the best one can find anywhere. A short 10 min ride from the Magnificent Mile area. Ask for the back room where it is quieter.

Stopped in for dinner prior to U2 show. As always, excellent in every way. Had the Steak Vesuvio, wow! Huge portions, very reasonable prices.

This was by far the best Italian food I have ever eaten. It was straight up, good tasting, Italian comfort food. I had meatballs that had cheese in the middle of them with red sauce. I think I could eat this meal every day for the rest of my life. My husband ordered The Sinatra Special, and the bite I had of his was likewise delicious. This place is conveniently located to Michigan Avenue; in fact, we walked back to our room after dinner. It was moderately priced considering some of the other places at which we ate while in Chicago. I can't wait to go back and eat some more of those meatballs!

Wow can not say enough wonderful things about this place! The service, the food and the ambience are all on point. 5 stars!

If you want a old fashioned small Italian restaurant off the beaten path in Chicago, this is your pick. The meat lasagna was great!! I heard the Chicken Florentine was good as well!!

Simply excellent! The food, the people, the service. A most if you are visiting Chicago. The veal chop is outstanding!

Terrific atmosphere, food, and service! Good value! A fairly small restaurant with old world charm. Can be a little crowded and noisy, but that’s part of the fun!

We are from New Orleans and know good food and this place is delicioso! Cozy restaurant, photos of hundreds of celebrities who have had a meal here. Terrific wait staff and high energy. Absolutely great Italian food - don’t miss it!

Enjoyed an excellent overall experience - owner greeted us on check-in and made us feel instantly welcomed and genuinely appreciated. The restaurant was packed and it was immediately obvious everyone in the place was having a fun time. Service delivered was among the best I have experienced at any restaurant in a long long time. The food here is truly wonderful - shrimp Armani appetizer, followed by gnocchi, al dente pasta and ricotta meatballs ...added a glass of wine and a couple of desserts. ALL DELICIOUS! Make a reservation and get to this place ASAP - you will not be disappointed!

Very nice Italian restaurant. Very authentic. Food was very tasty. Restaurant is very busy so better to make a reservation ahead. Also main courses are very big so better order less than more))

La Scarola is the authentic Italian Restaurant I am always looking for to have homemade pasta. The wine list is fantastic. The soup is the best !!! Great atmosphere!

Really did not enjoy the atmosphere, service or food. Would not recommend. Wish it was a better experience.

La Scarola is originally an Italian restaurant situated near the intersection of Grand, Milwaukee and Halsted N. A very popular and busy place with plenty of atmosphere and the service is quick. The place is now run by Mexicans and the food reflects their influence with sauces and stacks of cheese on everything. Great value for money with huge plates but expensive wines for what they are. The food is served quickly and once you have finished there is no time to relax before the waiter or the owner is hearding you out of the door, getting ready for the second wave of customers. Not a place to spend an intimate evening but for a quick meal, perfect.

Love this place! Been here several times. Went to celebrate my birthday with my in-laws and husband. I ordered the Peppered Steak! Favorite dish now and will be ordering it every time! We started with Shrimp Armani, Grilled Calamari and Mussels. All exceptional but the grilled calamari was outstanding! Was literally humming yum yum yum while eating it. We ended with limoncello and tiramisu. Love the ambiance in the place too, it’s authentic and 100% original.

I have been to this restaurant on two occasions with large groups each time. The place is classic, old school Italian eatery. The decour, the staff and the food take you back to a simpler time. The daily specials were handwritten on a paper and then photocopied for everyone to view. The quality of all the homemade dishes was outstanding and the size of portions will have the hungriest person, looking for a takeout container afterwards. All dishes were great, and I loved the grilled octopus appetizer...so fresh and tender. After plenty of great food, and wine and more wine, our group of 16 people were treated to trays of appertifs from the restaurant/waiter. Sambucca & Lemoncella, a tasty and welcomed treat. The food and wine selection were great and the service even better. This is not a fancy place, but it will impress anyone and you will get better value for your dollar. Next time in Chicago, I will visit again for sure. A short cab ride from the "Mile".

We recently had dinner at La Scarola and it was delicious! There were six in our group, we went on a Thursday shortly after they opened so we didn’t have trouble getting a table. Two in our party had not been there before and they really enjoyed their first experience there. The restaurant was warm on a cold Chicago evening and the main restaurant smelled delicious. (However, the side room smelled smokey, so I recommend sitting in the main area of possible.) We will definitely go back.

This is a wildly popular Chicago institution and can be a great place to dine if you accept and enjoy the La Scarola experience on its own terms and ambiance. As another reviewer said, “It’s got that New York hole-in-the-wall and tough guy hangout look.” The food is great. The portions are huge. The tables are packed in as close as a sardine tin and the noise level is deafening. The waiters are super efficient and have a great sense of humor. The walls are covered with photographs of visiting celebrities and politicians who have patronized the place over the years. Especially recommended — the Eggplant Parmesan and the Penne alla Vodka.

We come to Chicago twice a year from Atlanta, and La Scarola was recommended to us by a local. From the moment we stepped inside to show proof of vaccination, Armand was cracking jokes, being kind, and going out of his way to accommodate us. We had no reservation as we did not know how popular and lovely this place was, but we made space for us quickly. The service was impeccable, Armand treated us like family, our server was quick and charming, and the food…. To die for. I had the fettuccini special and my fiancé had a pasta with vodka sauce. We also had the broccoli salad. The food was absolutely amazing and slam packed with flavor. We will be recommending this restaurant to everyone we know! 10/10. Also, I’m writing this review from our Lyft back to the hotel because it was THAT good!

Why haven’t I eaten here before!!! On my evening walks, I’ve noted La Scarola’s outdoor seating and many diners. So the other night on my walk, I stopped in for dinner. The “mature d” is a wonderful gentleman - warm, friendly, funny. I did not have a reservation but he told me not worry and I was seated in less than 10 minutes. I was dining solo and the restaurant was full, so I greatly appreciate him working me in. The staff is friendly - the atmosphere is welcoming - like you have been invited into their home in Italy and are part of the family immediately. It was a Friday night, so there were couples on dates, families, mom’s with children, girls night diners, all adding to a lively evening. The FOOD - so GOOD!! My only regret is I don’t know enough about cuisine to describe it properly. The house salad with house dressing is AMAZING! Fresh with light leafy lettuce and a tasty balsamic dressing. I had a pasta special with sausage, peas, sun dried tomatoes, cheese filled pasta, and a Gorgonzola cream sauce. Wow! It was wonderful. No dessert but on another evening walk, I’ll drop in for dessert and coffee (and maybe a to-go dinner : ) They are doing to-go and outside dining. And even though I did not have a reservation, I would recommend them because the maitre d would hate to turn you away 😉

Great food and great staff. Armando Vasquez is very prompt to any request you may have big group or small group. Must try this place if you are in Chicago.

large portions of pasta, decent daily specials, good chicken dishes, excellent sea bass. Pasta made to order. Good service, mid=range prices. Friendly owner and staff.

La Scarola is one of the top-rated Italian restaurants in Chicago. Frank Sinatra and Sophia Loren dined there. But my wife and I hesitated to get dinner reservations because we heard that the venue was so small and noisy and there was no parking available. Well, forget the negatives. There are so many positives. It is as good as advertised, even better. Located at 721 West Grand Avenue, in the River West/West Loop neighborhood, east of the busy Grand/Milwaukee/Halsted intersection, La Scarola is open from 5 to 11 Monday through Friday, from 4 to 11 on Saturday and from 4 to 10 on Sunday. Small and noisy but cozy and cheerful, the dining room features autographed photographs of celebrities on the walls, including an Honorary Frank Sinatra Way street sign overhanging the room, and Chicago Cubs banners. But the food, served on white tablecloth, is exceptional. You know you're dining in a special place when so many dishes are described as "best in town." Like cannoli and pasta & fagioli soup and veal. My wife and I started with minestrone, pasta & fagioli with Cannellini beans, pasta and cheese finished with basil and wine, shrimp Armani with shrimp grilled and sauteed in red spicy sauce set over garlic blended with potatoes garnished with argula, and bruschetta with tomatoes, garlic, romano cheese, basil and extra virgin oil served over toasted Italian bread. For entrees, we chose Veal Marsala with Provimi veal and mushrooms flamed with marsala wine and served with a side of pasta and Veal Chop, a 10-ounce veal chop pounded paper thin, breaded and pan fried and finished with garlic, parsley, lemon and extra virgin olive oil and set over dried Italian potatoes. For dessert, we shared large portions of cannoli and tiramisu. Two reminders: valet parking costs only $8. And be sure to purchase a copy of the book, "The Walls of La Scarola," which details the best stories and moments of the restaurant's 20-year history. A visit to La Scarola is a truly special dining experience with a great atmosphere for a bonus.

Best Italian in Chicago! Great service, food is outstanding. Chicken Vesuvio and Veal were both awesome. Friendly, intimate dining rooms. Service is beyond 5 stars.

Wonderful dinner here. Great food - my spaghetti was exceptional, garlicky, greasy, packed with flavour. Big portions, go hungry! Great service, we were a walk-in and they said it would be 45 minutes. When they realized we were visiting from Canada there put a table in the middle of the room and seated us straight away. Lovely owner, great servers. Casual, noisy, welcoming place with great, comforting food.

Great dinner! We ordered Capellini Fra Diavolo and Pasta Lorenzo. Both dishes were super delicious, and generous portions loaded with plump juicy shrimp. Service was fast and servers attentive, despite being there on a busy Friday night. Five stars all the way.

Horrible experience. Got greated by a very rude man. Said I'm the owner and i don't like you just because I asked why we are waiting so long as we had reservations. Instead of explaining why they are running late he just said you will wait because I said so. This man should not be in Restaurant business. He made a piont to tell me he is rich which I don't know what that was about.

An oldie but goodie. La Scarola is a classic red sauce Italian restaurant. The service is solid with great attention to special allergy requests. My favorite statement regarding side pasta...whatever the chef wants! Very large meals so we three of us shared two meals. Extensive bar options and authentic cannoli for dessert.

I have tried many places in Chicago, but the taste and hospitality of La Scarola is exceptional. Food unmatched. Atmosphere unimagined.

Some really good Italian food!! Everything was truly wonderful, and the service was unbeatable. The Veal Chop was cooked to perfection and the Carbonara was made special for our table. Our meal with so authentic that it made me think of my times on vacation in Italy. Absolutely, every time I come back to Chicago, I’m coming back here. I can’t recommend a better italian restaurant than this one!

This is as good as it gets folks. There's a reason the place is constantly jampacked -- the food is beyond measure. There really isn't anything else that needs to be said, just get the heck into La Scarola for dinner, pronto!

A real Italian experience should feel like you are eating in the dining room with family and that’s exactly what you get here. While the restaurant is dated and cramp, I felt like I was at my noni’s. The food was the best Italian I’ve had since I was in Venice, Italy 22 months ago. The seafood gnocchi and veal marsala was extremely flavorful, fresh and the priced very reasonably. Others commented on problems with reservations. I mad a reservation for 2 for 630 and was seated within 5 minutes of arrival. It will be a regular stop for me while in Chicago.

The place has a nice bustle to it......excellent service and a warm greeting from the host/owner? Would certainly return. Unfortunately I did not keep track of the items we had, but everything was good. The best dish for me was Spaghetti Loquercio (Al Dente Pasta) With onions, fresh tomatoes, bacon and basil, little spicy tossed with lite Romano cheese topped with crumble sausage. I would definitely order that as it is unique and delicious. My wife had spaghetti marinara that she enjoyed. The grilled calamari was not as good as I had anticipated. Think the fried would have been better? One lady in my party of 3 had the pasta nero.....wished she had ordered what I had. The total bill including appetizers and three entrees was $180 including a glass of wine for each of us.

A friend of our group highly recommended this establishment and he definitely didn't guide us incorrectly. Were met by hostess at told they were running about 20 minutes behind so to go to The Pearl to get a drink. Came back and table was ready. Small establishment but boy do they hustle. A really fun dining experience and the staff make it that way. Food was absolutely incredible. Large portions, plenty of hot bread, good salads and entrees that would keep you coming back. We had such a good time and were made to feel like family.

If you like the taste and feel of "old school traditional Italian" you will love this place. Food and service is excellent and the entire evening was fun and enjoyable. So glad we tried this place and would definitely go back. Added bonus was the Richard's Bar which is a dive bar next door. You should expect to wait for a table at this restaurant and I happen to love dive bars so this was a real find. $7.50 martini's, great juke box and restaurant comes and gets you when your table is ready.

La Scarola has become one of our favorite Italian restaurants to dine at in the city. Chicago has a plethora of great Italian restaurants but what sets La Scarola apart from the rest is not only the fantastic menu but the hospitality and service. Armando and Joey have welcomed many celebrities to their restaurant throughout the years. With this type of notoriety, the owners remain humble and grateful to all their patrons. They treat our family like celebrities and are so gracious and welcoming! We love the vibrant atmosphere and the attentive staff. We've introduced family and friends to La Scarola and they rave about their food. Some of our favorite dishes have been the bruschetta (fresh and flavorful), Pasta Sinatra which isn't on their regular menu but if you ask nicely they will make it for you 😁, Pollo a la Mancow, Veal Mondelli and most recently the ricotta stuffed meatballs (another special). Armando personally greets you at the door, has a great sense of humor and takes great care to make sure havhis patrons have a memorable experience. We are looking forward to our next visit! Thank you La Scarola for making us happy 😁

This is a must do restaurant in the city of Chicago. Food is authentic and of the highest quality. We eat here on a regular basis and are never disappointed. Service is top notch by all staff. Definitely recommend reservations to ensure you get a table. Stop by Richards on your way for a drink with some great people.

Came here while in town for a tradeshow. Small but extremely busy Italian restaurant with real authentic menu and food. Prices reasonable for downtown Chicago. They send you to a bar next door if you have to wait for $3 beers. Menu pretty standard. We all got chicken and veal parm with a side salad. Chicken very tender and the sauce was very good. Large portions. Good homemade bread served. Service good.

You just need to eat here. Whether you want a fancy dinner date, casual family dining or tequila night with friends, make it a point to go! The food, the atmosphere and the people are incredible. It will not disappoint!

There are a lot of positives....the only negative that brought the rating down from a 5 was the meat-less lasagna......in the opinion of my brother-in-law (of Italian descent) it had TOO much mozzarella and the lasagna was not layered. As an ignorant observer, I would agree with him based on what I saw. Service was good and fast, but not over-bearing. The place is loud, as has been reported in other reviews and the reservation "system" is not a system......you can make reservations, but it appeared that that had no bearing on whether or not they would be honored. Other than the one "problem" cited above, the food was wonderful....and specifically the chicken marsala was about the best we have ever had.....maybe tied for #2!!!!

Looking for an authentic dish served with a whole lot of ma che caz attitude, in the best way. I recommend the Spaghetti Loquercio dish for a unique flavor that totally represents this place. Grab a glass of red wine and settle in for interesting & lively evening. If you're lucky, you'll grab the owner's attention and be invited to join him for a shot of tequila (don't ask)...Mangia!

I have been to LaScarola many times., Have had everything on the menu & for me there is no better place to eat in a town full of great restaurants than LaSarola...

Went on the recommendation of a friend and we were not disappointed! Food was great, portions were large and everything was fresh. Be sure to make a reservation well in advance! I don’t think anyone coming in without one was seated while we were there. It’s not much from the outside but it’s the tasty food that counts! And Guy Fieri has been there! That’s always a great sign for our family.

We had reservations for 3 and sat right down. Our waiter was good and suggested the grilled calamari. This was some of the best calamari I’ve had. Was in balsamic vinegar. My daughter had the lasagna and said it was the best she’s had. I had bites from her dish and also my husband which was the spaghetti and meatballs. The meatballs, so good!! I had the chicken dish with spinach, Roma tomatoes and provolone cheese. My chicken breast was very moist and flavorful. I’m not typically a lasagna eater when out to eat, but after trying my daughters, i wished that I had ordered the lasagna. After dinner, we knew we had to try dessert after our meals being so good. The tiramisu it was and it didn’t disappoint. The outside is unassuming but isn’t the best places to eat really the places that, looks wise on the exterior, make you question if you should go in and try it?

Homey, Italian restaurant with generous portions and celeb cred. A coworker from Chicago recommended I try this place as “this is the place where the mayor of Chicago takes presidents to eat at”. The restaurant does take reservations by phone and so we had one at 6pm on a Thursday. We actually arrived there early at 5:30 but since there was no wait, we got seated immediately. If you do end up having to wait, there is a bar right next door however where you could hang out. The vibe was very homey and very Italian. The waiters were quick and made sure our waters were filled. We split the Spaghetti Loquercio which was a hearty portion for two people, although there is a split plate charge of $5. The pasta was cooked perfectly al dente and came with chopped up bacon, sausages, and vegetables like chopped onions. It was a bit on the oilier side but tasted homemade and fresh. The portion of meat was generous and coated the pasta evenly. They do give you white bread in the beginning with butter but I recommend using the olive oil if you’re feeling peckish to dip your bread into. There is no basalmic vinegar however so just use the oil. The oil is light and airy. There are single room bathrooms available in the left hand side of the restaurant and it’s a pretty cozy place. The walls are decorated with framed photos of celebrities who’ve visited the restaurant. Overall, I had a positive experience at this restaurant. It’s an authentic Italian restaurant that was quite cozy. Come here for a date night or intimate dinner where you want to have hearty portions of carbs, carbs, and more carbs.

It's like you've stepped back in time when you go to La Scarola and you will not regret it. This is a real red-sauce Italian restaurant. Note that even though it is not listed on the menu, you can order chicken parmesan. As our waiter said, "we can parmesan anything." Gotta love it!

The best Italian we’ve ever had ... and we’ve been to Rome! We enjoyed chicken parmigiana, pollo ponzia, salmon & risotto, penne vodka, and gelato plus cannolis for dessert. Huge portions and great service too.

A true Old School Italian restaurant. We recently dined here with out of town family. The food was outstanding. My niece, who lived on Boston’s North End for 2 years, said this was the best Italian meal she’d ever had. My linguine and clams were top notch as well. Portions are huge and pricing is reasonable. Reservations on the weekend are an absolute must. Even then, Armando, the host/owner, may tell you to come back in a bit if they are running behind. It is a limited space. However, there are a couple of other bar/restaurants nearby to grab a drink while you wait. We were fine with this and actually joked a bit with Armando upon our return. For us, it was just part of the experience. Definitely will return.

It doesn’t look like much when you walk in the door, but don’t let that fool you!!! It’s AMAZING! The place is always packed but I recommend reservations. Well worth the wait either way. The food is like eating at Grandmas but better ( sorry Grandma) the servers are very knowledgeable and the specials are always my choice. Worth the drive from the Burbs.

The food at this restaurant is fine. ...typical old school Italian. However, what bothers me about this restaurant is that it looks dirty and shabby. That atmosphere does nothing to enhance the dining experience. I cant really complain about the food and I cant really say that there is something I ate there that really is exceptional. If they woul clean up the joint I might go back. Otherwise, I can take it or leave it. There are other similar Italian restaurants that I enjoy more.

Visited here on a Sunday evening with a friend. Food was excellent - probably the best I've had in years. The wait staff was very professional and attentive. Would definitely come here again when in Chicago. Prices are right on the mark.

Great food. Very friendly staff make you feel like your part of the family. Place has a great vibe. It is loud inside and that is because it is always packed with people. Prices are amazing. Portions are huge. Decent wine list. One of the best Italian restaurants I have ever eaten at.

I am from London uk and was suggested this beautiful place by my mum and I must say it did not disappoint the welcome we had when entering was amazing great customer service and the staff were the most loveliest people ever the food was the best I had ever tasted had such a fantastic time there 100% recommend the meatballs

What a delight to finally visit this wonderful restaurant. The food was great. Big crowd! I understand why. Great daily atmosphere. The menu is extensive and appealing. The pasta fagioli is a meal in itself and a perfect fit on a cold night. Every dinner was given a giant thumbs up by the person enjoying it. Can't wait to return!

I rarely write reviews but I must here. Avoid this place at all costs. Valet parking is a nightmare. Cars lined up on busy Grand Avenue and no parker in sight. Then, when car is taken, no ticket is given and I have to beg for one. Then, a reservation fiasco. I called several days in advance, gave my name to the gentleman who answered, and the greeter insisted my name was not on the list. Finally seated at cramped table where I could barely move my legs. Food--TERRIBLE! Lasagna is basically overcooked mush drowned in cheese and sauce. Likewise, the Pasta with arugula and shrimp was a sauce-laden disaster. I only went here because an accompanying friend claimed this was one of his "Old School Italian" faves. I would never set foot gain in this faux Italian place. Positive reviewers must be fans of Chef Boyardee.

Wall to wall packed table, strong scent of garlic, and rude service makes this the quintessential Italian restaurant with overpriced food, long waits (even with reservations), standard Italian food. In fact, the baked clams were burnt and horrible. I guess you should try it once…but only once. Check it off your list and walk away.

Awesome dinner and wonderful service. Lots of regulars there and food did not disappoint. Recommend making reservations

I heard it was going to be good, but THIS was an unexpected experience! Where to start? Who's this guy at the door? It turns out it was Armando Scarola, the owner! He is very in touch with all aspects of this restaurant - yet in a very light hearted manner! (I would be stressed) Firm yet professional, and you can tell he loves people - respects everyone! The atmosphere was cozy, happy, joyful, loud and cool! The food was awesome...my wife and I only order a few items off the menu - they were GREAT - my guess is everything on that menu was GREAT! Our server was so helpful! (forgot her name as it was 6 days ago - transaction number was 1206525 if someone at the restaurant wants to look her up) This was our PEREFECT evening of our 1 week long trip! yep going back! Thanks Armando and staff!

la Scarola Restaurant is a Fabulous place to really enjoy a great Dining experience You will be treat like you are Family. The selection of Dishes is unsurpassed! We repeated for THree evening and each was Superb! Their waiters are also extremely Friendly!

How refreshing to eat at a restaurant with excellent service and memorable Italian entrees. Reservations are necessary. We ordered the mussels in red sauce, meat lasagna, penne vodka that had asparagus, soup, and spumoni for dessert. We have been to Italy many times and to be honest this is one of the best meat lasagnas I have ever eaten! The same could be said for the penne vodka as well. Service was very attentive and several times were asked if we needed anything or how we liked the food. We will definitely return!

When we walked in the place felt just like the small Italian restaurants we visited in Florence and Venice. The food was excellent. The staff is attentive. A great dining experience.

Special attention, quality customer Service and respect. Excellent food. His owner very friendly, attentive and humble.

We came to this restaurant as we had been there 10 years ago. My husband has earlly Alzheimer’s and I would advise you not to go with anyone with a disability. They were very rude to us both… probably good food but you need to put some heart into it

Our family was in Chicago for Thanksgiving and chose La Scarola for Wednesday dinner. What a great choice! The space is as delightfully crowded as it is comfortable and inviting. The staff is outstanding and the food is superb. La Scarola is now my favorite Italian restaurant in Chicago!!

We loooooooooved coming here!! It's been awhile since we visited, so when family was in town, we thought hey lets go here! Food was good, my usual go to is the penne it never disappoints, this time I tried the chicken parm, very big portion, but didn't stand out from anything else I've tried. My cousin had the gnocchi w/sausage and spinach, and LOADS of garlic, so heads up on that if you order it. The problem with this experience though, is that within minutes of getting/paying our bill, we were asked to get up and leave because others needed our table. I was very taken aback- we were there for maybe an hour..? Still had a drink left- very ridiculous and very rude. This used to be our go to italian place, but after this rushed experience, no more.

Reserved a table for our pre Chicago Marathon dinner. Arrived 10-15 minutes early at 5.45 and it was very busy. Had to hang around in the bar area for about 30 minutes before being seated. Once seated the service was excellent: fast (but not rushed!) and friendly with the waiter responding positively to all questions and requests. Be happy to return

Everything you have read is true. The reservation system is rough. The service is quick and not super polished. BUT the pace has a great old time feel, it is loud and fun, and the food is simply fantastic. I miss these types of restaurants. Where the food is the star and you feel like you are in a family dining room. What a gem. Hope it’s open for another 100 years.

We’re from Nashville TN visiting Chicago for the weekend. La Scarola popped up on my Google search for :Best Italian Restaurants in Chicago”. And we were not disappointed, In fact - it was good that i felt compelled to write a review. La Scarola is an authentic Italian restauant, on par with meals we’ve had throughout Italy. The atmosphere was warm & cozy, the service was excellent and you really feel like the staff is delighted you’re there. Armando (the owner) personally greets and checks-in on his diners’ meals. In fact, because taxi cabs were scarce while we were there ~ he personally hailed us one. And as our driver dropped us off at our downtown Chicago hotel, we found out that Armando had picked up our taxi fare. He’s a class act and runs an awesome restaurant.

The most obnoxious and rude reservations personnel I have ever encountered so far. Despite the fact that we are in the 21st Century they still insist on phone reservations. However they do not respond (10 calls at different hours), they also do not respond to E-mails. On my final attempt after many rings, this afternoon I got someone that said: We can only take you after 9:30 PM, I tried politely to ask about other times in other days, but he simply hang up... Talk about arrogance.... Not even in the Michelin places I have been too all over the world they treat customers this way. Imagine their customer service once at the table ... There are plenty of other very fine places to enjoy in Chicago, surely with a much friendlier atmosphere and no doubt with great food ,,, to remember the experience... We are going to one such place tonight!!

This is by far the best Italian in Chicago. The food was delicious, the staff were very friendly and personal. There was a great atmosphere in the restaurant and it was reasonably priced compared to other restaurants in Chicago. We visited from Ireland, but we definitely plan to visit again. We received a very warm welcome from Armando, absolutely would recommend.

I have relied on trip advisor to find places to eat all around the world. I have never been let down until last night. This was one of the worst dinners in Chicago. The ravioli was not edible. We got it taken off the bill. Everything was too salty. The room smelled moldy when we sat down. The bread was so dry, you couldn’t eat the crust. Why is this place popular? Please don’t waste your time and money. I would give a zero if I could.

I highly recommend this restaurant. The food is to the wall. It is not fine dining on atmosphere but is a lot of fun. We tried most of the appetizers and they were magnificent. The homemade Pasta Figoli soup is amazing. Sausage and Peppers were also very good. The mussels in red sauce were a specialty that night. Excellent!! We had a variety of entrees between the six of us. The seafood pasta Capalllini Fra Diavollo was good although the Veal Chop Alla Gala was a bit over powering in spices. We had a great time and the owner took his time to greet us at the table.

Never a visit to Chicago without going to La Scarola! If you’re wanting quiet and romantic this isn’t the place. If you’re wanting the best Italian in town, loud and most likely cramped and great service and fun this is THE place!! The chicken parm is the BEST and my wife loves, loves, loves their roasted salmon with risotto!!!

Awesome food, attentive wait staff and great environment! Armando the owner is engaging and makes folks feel like family!

Legendary place in the west river neighborhood of Chicago. Amazing classic style Italian food and one of my favorites. Very packed on weekend nights so your best bet is to try a weeknight or just hit up one of the local bars on the block and have a drink while you wait for your table.

Definitely have to make a reservation for this great hidden gem! The food was delicious and the portions are outrageous in a good way! The only feedback is that I wish the crusty bread was served warm, ours was served almost refrigerator cold. The sauce with so much Cheesy goodness definitely made up for it! This was not my husband's favorite because he encountered shells in his clam and pasta dish, unfortunately it happens. They did however take it off our bill which I appreciate but that did kinda dampen the dinner after that. Service was great and very fast which was surprising since it was so busy. I personally would crave this deliciousness and return! Definitely leave room for dessert, the tirimasu was delicious even if it was made from a local bakery down the street. I can appreciate the fellowship for local business especially in these times. Give it a try I promise you will have leftovers!!

Eating in la Scarola is like eating in a trattoria in Italy. The quality ingredients speak for themselves and don’t have to be ‘disguised’ with trendy, pretentious sauces. It’s a proper family place where kids are welcome and the portions large. Yes, it’s noisy but in a good way. People are there having fun and enjoying delicious, reasonably priced food and wine. The staff are friendly and efficient and the atmosphere is great. Almost worth our trip from U.K. on its own! Loved it.

Traditional Italian. Awesome restaurant. Attentive staff. Good wine selection. Not overly priced. Italian they way we like it. Mussels Caesar salad and veal. Very tender veal. We made a great choice with la scarola . I will return when in Chicago.

What a great Italian restaurant, full of character, filled with characters and fantastic service and food. An excellent recommendation from our concierge, and would certainly go back here again. Place was busy and buzzing so guess you need to book.

La Scarola is a venerated, family atmosphere, Italian restaurant in River West in Chicago. It’s bustling, with tremendous energy and much of that translates into the food. A descent wine list with a variety of selections and price points. Appetizers are generous and are designed for sharing. The shrimp Armani was delightful with delicious shrimp and a spicy red sauce. The Pasta fagioli soup was piping hot, full of richness and homemade goodness. Entrees are likewise generous and will leave you filled with plenty of extra for leftovers. Generally the execution was there with the exception of the red sauce - it was watery with an off taste. All of the other entrees whether the eggplant, Pasta Vesuvio, etc. were yummy. As others have observed, this is not the place to linger over an espresso or limoncello as the check will be presented before you’re ready. A rushed dinner to say the least. If red sauces are your forte, La Scarola is not for you, otherwise if you enjoy homemade Italian dishes in a high energy setting, it’s a great throwback.

We had the lasagna, pasta and meatballs, calamari. And mussels. Everything was fantastic. The sauce the mussels came in was too good not to sop up with the crusty Italian bread. The meatballs were tender and flavorful, and the lasagna super cheesy. We had early reservations because we didn’t plan far enough ahead. Don’t make that mistake. You can tell there are a lot of regulars.

Try the pasta fagioli soup. You will think you have died and gone to Italian Heaven. Armando, the co-owner, is a prince of a host. Ken and Maureen Green, attorneys at law.

Easy one of the best Italian meals I have ever had if not THE best! Really cool atmosphere as well. A lot of history to the place.

The linguini and clams in white sauce was excellent. The others in our party also enjoyed their meal. The grilled octopus and fried calamari as an appetizer was excellent. Looking forward to our next visit.

Very very busy on a Saturday night...reservations for 11 were made and kept..service very good...at end there was a feeling of pay your bill and leave...but..the food was just super. The appetizers were first class...calamari..spinach..brushetta..mussels.. The main courses were also fantastic...pasta mare...eggplant parmigiana...chicken parmigiana !! So delicious...Wine by glass menu was limited but good choices...Valet parking a must. Would return but not on a Saturday night. A line had formed waiting to be seated. Make early reservations...!

Loved the vibe of this place! You could tell people were there to have a great time. Is it quiet? No, but in the best way possible! At La Scarola, you are treated like family. The portions are large and the personality of the owner is larger! He was so fun! Be sure to make reservations and check this place out for yourself. You won’t regret it.

The best Italian meal we've had. Great service and atmosphere. Pasta, risotto, antipasto, veal, clams all first class. Lovely Sicilian wine to wash it all down. A highlight of our trip to Chicago!

Loved the salad, the bread is authentic and wonderful, the meals were delicious...the pictures on the wall and the ambiance in the place is awesome. Busy, energetic and a great place...some of the best Italian food I have had.

I have arrived with some of my friends who are visiting from Italy. We ordered a full bottle of wine, and from the time we sat down, we were harassed as to when we were leaving as they had to turn the table over. No concern for the amount of money that we were spending, or the fact that we were trying to enjoy our meal. We finally had to leave and get takeout as they consistently pressured us to leave saying that we had been there more than one hour. Horrible. I would never recommend for anyone ever!

Wonderful cuisine! The ambiance was cozy and welcoming, and the personnel was really pleasant. Every meal at this restaurant was bursting with flavor and exquisitely presented, making it the best in Bristol. The service was prompt, amiable, and really concerned. We had a great experience and are genuinely looking forward to returning soon. I heartily suggest it to anyone searching for excellent Italian food!

I visited Chicago 10 years ago for business and ate at La Scarola and have been telling my family about the experience since then! We have returned as a family and this restaurant did not disappoint! The owner is the true essence of true Chicago Italian family restaurant! From the moment you walk in they make room for you to sit closely amongst others and then they serve you the most amazing food and so much of it! We were treated like family by the owner himself and he made sure we had enough to eat, were having a good time and-in true Italian style served us cordials and then even fruit as we were getting ready to leave! Would recommend this restaurant over and over again! Thank you for our true Italian family experience! Mangia!

My wife and I had dinner here last night. We called ahead for reservations. It was a Wednesday night, so not entirely necessary on a weekday. The place was bustling. We both ordered a pasta dish. She had shrimp and arugula, while I got the meatballs. It was what seemed to be a long wait. We both had a glass of wine. Wish we could have sent it back. Both tasted stale. Both were good, hers was too salty while my meatballs seemed to contain more filler than meat. Service was very good. Decent place. Unlikely to return.

Charming old place that's O.K. for everyone. Basic menu at very good prices for downtown and generous portions. I have been here twice with big parties and everything is very good. Very friendly service also.

My husband and I had dinner for the first time last night at La Scarola. We were seated promptly, the wait staff was attentive and fun, the atmosphere was vibrant and the food was wonderful. We tried the mussels appetizer, the Chicken Vesuvius and Eggplant Parmigiana entrees and a cannoli for dessert. Everything was fabulous!! We highly recommend!

I love a great Italian restaurant and this is one. I consider myself a really good cook of Italian food, so I’m very critical. I ordered their Veal Marsala which was outstanding. The veal was paper thin, lightly breaded, and smothered in mushrooms and a very flavorful Marsala sauce. My granddaughter ordered their meatballs which were pretty good. I had to sneak a bite :) One thing that stuck out was that their grilled calamari was served with a side of cocktail sauce instead of a marinara. The calamari was done nicely, not over-cooked, but the sauce really took away from it. I look forward to eating there again when I’m in Chicago.

Omg Favorite place to eat in Chicago. Love to get my steak Vesuvio. Family gets to order their favorite pasta dishes. Great service. If you want to visit make sure to make reservations. Always packed.

Food was good. However I couldn’t get past the smell of cigarettes as soon as I walked in the door and throughout the meal. Getting 3rd hand smoke as we speak

Just an excellent, old school italian restaurant. Service is excellent, prices are reasonable. Decor is fun and old school but not extravagant in any manner. Get the escarole appetizer, get any of the eggplant dishes on the menu, and get the pasta with meatballs. The meatballs are to die for.

5 stars. We were wondering aimlessly down the streets of Chicago because we got off at a train stop too early. A young Italian man invited us into this restaurant. Amazing experience! This might be the best Italian food I’ve ever had. It is definitely the best service at a restaurant I’ve ever encountered in my entire life! Definitely want to suggest the gnocchi! Also the tiramisu was off the charts! We feel so fortunate to have stumbled accidentally upon this place. But we will definitely visit here every time we visit Chicago in the future!

The food at this place is absolutely delicious. We were celebrating my husband's 50th had reservations walk right in and the owner tells us to wait at the bar. He comes to join us and has a shot with my husband. The food was incredible. The calamari had a garlic taste. My husband had chicken vesuvio and I had the linguini with zupo di mari.all I can say is. If you are in the neighborhood. You need to try this place. Enjoy!

Probably one of the best pastas I've ever had (in Italy included) -- the one, strangely, with vodka. Was aldente, stayed hot unbelievably long, large portion which I devoured. Atmosphere is of a local trattoria full of cordial people who enjoy a simple evening meal. Service was attentive and friendly. The place is informal, and a little loud. Limited choice of wine (and a little primitive). The prices are quite moderate. If you would like a home-style dinner to indulge in Italian fare, in a friendly atmosphere, this is an excellent place to go.

DO NOT CONSIDER IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A RELAXING DINNER WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY. food is good…not extraordinary. Reservations for 6:30 and you had to shout to order. Seated on top of large parties(wewere4) but literally could not speak to the person across. By the time we left, there were at least 20 people waiting outside. This is OFF the list!

We had such a great dinner here! I recommend calling for a reservation. We walked right past a waiting crowd to our seats (they don’t take online reservations). We ended up seated next to locals who loved the restaurant too. It feels like an Italian family restaurant. Bruschetta was some of the best I’ve ever had! Pasta portions are very large. Neither my husband or I finished even half our plates, but both were delicious.

I thought that La Scarola was average. My three companions enjoyed their food (gnocci, risotto primavera, cappelini), byt my chicken vesuvio was bland and tasteless. I tried it because it's supposedly a Chicago specialty. Very disappointing. Atmosphere was ok, standard urban restaurant; crowded and a bit loud. I wouldn't return.

Everything from the service, the ambiance and of course the food excellent. From the moment I walked in felt like it was 50 years ago as kid walking into the local Italian restaurant. If a place serves escarole and beans you know it’s authentic. And yes the eggplant parm is the best. Haven’t tried every Italian restaurant in Chicago so I can’t say it’s the best but it has to be right up there. If you are looking for the food you grew up with make a reservation.

Came tonight for my birthday with hubby to this super authentic, old favorite, friendly and warm comfort Italian place, and the owner Armando was there. He came over, sat down talked and joked with us, brought us shots of Tequila to celebrate and made us laugh so hard... Also, as we did not have cash, only credit card (yikes) and got concerned about paying the valet which is another company, he assured it was not a problem (phew) so we put what would have been for valet in the tip. Server Mauricio was wonderful and all of the staff who waited on us treated us like family. My seafood with Vodka sauce was soooo yummy and hubby loved his capellini angel hair with pomodoro, basil, garlic. Escarole with garlic was tasty though a bit salty. Tiramisu was of course delectable. Stuffed and very satisfied! This felt like Home :)

Wonderful food with an old school feel. The service and attentiveness of the staff was top notch. The Pasta E Fagioli Soup is enough to warrant a visit to this wonderful restaurant. We had a group of seven and sampled a bit of everything. The owner stopped by several times to visit and made all of us feel welcome. Will definitely have a return trip to this wonderful Chicago gem.

I am from out of town and have visited here 3 times. Love the food & the vibe of the quaint LITTLE place. This last trip I was very disappointed in our seating placement. There were 9 of us squeezed in the front section. 1 guest was seated in the aisle of a cramped area, 2 people had 2 eat with an opposite hand because the other had to be wrapped around the person next to them... No room! We even had reservations. The business is doing great, don't need to back in like sardines. Made this trip not as pleasurable, that's was 3 🌟, otherwise it would have been 5.

Went for a dinner with friends during the week at 6pm. Charming restaurant, old school which was very nostalgic. Good news is that the food is very good and the prices were reasonable - nothing fancy or over the top. Bad news is that the place was very noisy and that almost ruined our evening. Tables were too close (it’s a small place with a couple of rooms) and we were seated in a room with 2 large after work parties. Noise made it impossible for us to talk across our table. I don’t think we’ll be back.

From the street you would never guess this is a great Italian restaurant. It has a very unassuming entrance, but once inside you feel like you have been transported to Italy! The food was really good and the service was great as well. Our group had many dishes and everyone liked what they ordered. The portions are large and the prices are very reasonable. I will definitely come here again when in Chicago.

I swear when I tried their food I thought I just traveled to Italy. BY FAR the best Italian food I have ever eaten in Chicago! This was just outstanding. Service was good, food was great.

Great local restaurant with a classic feel. Walls of photos feature a great celebrity crowd. I had the penne alla vodka which was outstanding. Always busy so go early or make a reservation.

We were recommended this great restaurant by friends and we we not disappointed. Only a 10 minute taxi ride from downtown you will find this gem of a restaurant. They could take us at 19 minutes notice which was great as the place was hopping. Great buzz in the place and even better food with a huge menu. Don’t go expecting to find pizza. Large family style portions so order wisely or not and bring it home. 6 or 7 specials are available daily which we chose from and were both very happy. The tiramisu is excellent and served with real coffee. Well worth the visit and very reasonably priced.

Recommended to La Scarola by our hotel's concierge, 8 girls embarked upon La Scarola. We were greeted by a packed house and accommodating staff. We had about a 5 minute wait for our table, which we didn't mind. We made ourselves at home at the bar and in no time we were sat. The restaurant is small and filled with boisterous, happy customers. This was perfect for our group of 8 who can tend to be loud ourselves. We ordered appetizers, entrees and dessert. All of the food was incredible. The portions were large enough to share and all of the meals were

Wonderful meal with great ambiance. The best decision for Italian was this. Greeted by an owner felt at home and a regular , celebrated my 35 anniversary. The mussels to die for, bread warm and crisp, olive oil fresh. The portions were so large, I ate every bite. Pesto with seafood, spaghetti and meat balls, penne ala vodka, wine, “vin rose Della casa”. Please my only regret not having enough room for dessert and express. Sure there are fancy places, but for great food and wonderful ambiance this is it. I’ll be back... GRAZIE PER IL PASTO MERAVIGLISO. GIUDICE MELLON

What a great time we had at La Scarola. Cozy restaurant decorated with pictures of celebrities who’ve visited the place. Felt very welcomed and comfortable. Wait staff was terrific. Very attentive. Great selection of entrees. Make sure to check out what’s on special. I really enjoyed the salmon. I’d recommend doing family style and sharing some of the pasta dishes. They load up your plate. Good wine selection. Must have the tiramisu. Highly recommended

My husband and I️ went there on a recommendation of a friend. We were visiting Chicago for a few days and I️ checked out some places nearby to our hotel on Trip Advisor. We probably wouldn’t have traveled across town during rush hour to go to this restaurant but we are so glad we did. This gem doesn’t look like much from the outside but the food and service were great. My hubby had the Chicken Vesuvio and I️ had the Shrimp Fra Diavolo. Both were excellent and large portions. We also had a bottle of Federalist Cabernet. Would recommend this place for a great authentic Italian meal.

Armando Greg’s you at the door and is the typical local owner/greeter. Our bread and olive oil. Delicious. I ordered clams. Wow as good as mine and that’s saying a lot. Each time we eat here is a new and wonderful experience. I’m a visiting judge and the service is worthy of an alderman

Well what can I say about this place , first of all I love all the pictures on the wall of all the famous people who have been there and the Italian music playing in the background makes you feel as if your in a scene of The Godfather movie .. I found this place through Chicago’s best .. and while the service is absolutely outstanding I feel that the food to be honest is just average , not bad ,but just average . I love Italian food that does not lack flavor ,this one didn’t but I just feel that they have the potential to do better I know they can I want them too actually . For example I ordered the penne a la vodka with shrimp which was like 25 $it was tasty but I feel that the shrimp was a little over cooked and I don’t think it was necessary to really add asparagus as well as mushrooms I feel that it compromises the flavor . But I’ll tell you this much the other half that I left tasted delicious the next day .. my husband had a dish with chicken and pasta which was like 20 bucks in which he said it needed more garlic more sauce or just a little more flavor .. but on the positive side the calamari was cooked well but just ask for marinara sauce . The sauce that came with it that tasted funny . But the sausage with potatoes and peppers were delicious .. but hey it’s a pretty cool place I say still go and create your own opinion on this place .. the owner who’s name I forgot is a pretty nice guy .. and our waiter Mauricio was very attentive ..

The food here was unbelievable. The pollo alla pasquinella was one of the best chicken dishes I have ever eaten. The chicken saltimbocca with vodka sauce, special was just as good. The manager/owner was quite a character that made the evening all the better. Recommend very highly.

This is a bustling place with very good food. The grilled octopus appetizer was excellent, but the asparagus salad was so-so. Linguini with (white) clam sauce was splendid, and the huge portion was ample for two of us. There are some very decent wines at reasonable prices. Service was somewhat even. We waited awhile for menus, but our wine and appetizer appeared fairly quickly. After that, things slowed down, with a noticeable delay before our entree appeared. The noise level was almost deafening, so this is not a place for easy conversation.

La Scarola is a great Italian restaurant with good size portions and the home style family dinner feel. The place is small, and at times can be loud but overall you will enjoy yourself at an affordable price.

We knew it was going to be great when we were met at the door. Animated waiters. DELICIOUS food. Lovely assortment of entrees and apps. High energy place with lots of laughter and lively conversations being had all around. The risotto was creamy and flavorful. The grilled octopus was perfect. So glad we went. Reservations are highly recommended because it is a popular spot.

I’m reluctant to write this review, because any publicity will make this place more popular than it already is. This is one of the best restaurants in Chicago- Italian or not. Fantastic food, an owner who is always present, wait staff that is as experienced as any. Armando , the owner and host at the door, treats everyone like an old friend and clearly runs a tight ship. Best items are the Pasta Fagioli (share it!), linguine w clams, lasagne, but it’s all good. One catch is you can’t get reservations online, you need to call the old-school way, which probably helps keep down the demand somewhat.

Absolutely fantastic experience here. The entire staff was so welcoming and accommodating. Food was amazing! I can’t say enough good things about this place and would recommend it in a heartbeat.

What a great recommendation for a dinner with family and friends. Wonderful food, cozy but not over crowded. We will go back here every time we come to Chicago!

We had dinner here the night before the Chicago to Mackinac sailboat race. The restaurant is compact and packed. The atmosphere is very fun and friendly. The owner was in the restaurant, and I am told he is there almost every night. The wait staff was helpful with food recommendations and wine. The food was delicious – the lasagna was out of this world. I was told the gnocchi was fantastic, but I did not taste it. Linguiini with clams was delicious. We had fried calamari and sautéed octopus as appetizers - both were delicious.

Omg!!!! This place was OUTSTANDING!!!! No words can describe how great of an experience we had. My husband and I came to Chicago on holiday from New Jersey. We found this restaurant online and called and made a same day reservation. Upon entering the restaurant the place was packed by locals. Armando one of the owners immediately greeted us. He welcomed us and sat us immediately. This place must of been at 95% capacity. We felt at home. Our waitress Anya was also great. Armando kept coming to check on us. Such an amazing staff. Best Italian food I ever had. The portions were huge. Armando also shared a couple of tequilas with us. I’ve traveled around the world and we never felt more welcomed at a food establishment. I can’t rave enough about this place. After dinner Armando shook our hands and we bid farewell. 💕💕💕💕

We brought a friend here to celebrate her birthday because she likes the food - classic Italian- which I agree is very good. It was a Monday night. We enjoyed the dinner, and our server was quite good. But toward the end of our meal - before we were even finished - we started getting the bum’s rush. The busboy started grabbing our plates, then cleared almost everything off the table (cups, plates, silverware) to the point that we had to ask him to leave certain items which we were still eating. The server then asked us if we wanted dessert. When we said no, he brought the check right away, and the manager followed him in about three minutes and started to pick up the check. When I told him we hadn’t looked at it or paid yet, he said, “Well, are you going to?” We then paid with a credit card, which was returned to us for signature in about three seconds. And as soon as I signed, the manager swooped by to pick it up, and the busboy started clearing everything left from the table, including drinks we had not yet finished. He did bring back containers to go, for which we had asked. However, It was clear we were no longer welcome and they wanted the table to serve others. Our dinner lasted an hour and a half at the most, so we were not lallygagging. And we left a very nice tip. As I mentioned, the food was very good, but this treatment was uncalled for. Would they have treated us so if there was a man at our table? My guess is no.

LA SCAROLA was an excellent choice for dinner. We took a 5:30 reservation because it was the only time slot available for a Saturday night. The restaurant was surprisingly crowded when we arrived at that hour. Despite the crowds, the service was excellent, and the food was prepared perfectly. Portions are plentiful, I even turned away the side dish of pasta, as the appetizer was getting me full. Leftovers the next day were good too.

We ordered scarola with beans, eggplant parmigiana and penne alla vodka. Every single dish was outstanding. The eggplant permigiana is the best I have ever had, by a mile. As others have said, portions are huge so you could easily share an entrée with someone else,you may need to add an appetizer but that should be enough. Service wasn't great and neither was the bread, and we left smelling like food, but that's not enough to drop the 5 star rating because the food was spectacular

Wow! So amazing from the bustling energy in the room to the heavenly aromas coming from the kitchen. My eggplant parm excellent but my husband’s rigatoni mandera was some of the best pasta we ever tasted.

For those like me who grew up in the southern suburbs of Chicago and remember the glory days of Tivoli and Cipriani's restaurants, La Scarola will be one of those experiences of gustatory recognition - you know, when you taste something and immediately recognize a taste that you have not had for 20 years but remember exactly where it was that you had that taste before. The food is excellently made with authentic flavors and ingredients - no over-sugared marinara sauce here. Also no lack of butter and cream, so watch out! That is worth noting - the portion sizes are Rosebud-esque and so share with a friend or expect to bring half home. If you want an appetizer or wish to enjoy the excellent bread (served with great olive oil and parmesan for dipping), then that entree might be require a change to the belt loop. The eggplant parmesan was enormous, with cheese and sauce spilling over the edge of the plate. The sublime gnocchi (this version with sausage, asparagus and tomato in a a light butter sauce), was a mound of delight (see nearby picture). The decor is a throwback too - Italian- or Chicago-themed celebrity pictures from floor to ceiling, tables piled on top of each other, friendly waiters. Quite a different feel from nearby (also excellent) Piccolo Sogno. NOT Covid-friendly however!!! Highly recommended.

Nice place. The food is great. The service is excellent. Because it's super popular, make sure you have reservations.

Great Roman Italian options within an old school setting. Tropical Roman Italian dishes, excellent marinara sauce, perfectly cooked pasta. Great place to appreciate Italian dinning. One of the best within the city...

The food here is delicious. Loved the Penne Vodka and my wife liked her Chicken Vesuvio she didn't want to part with the leftovers. But like most restaurants in Chicago, the portions are huge, we box the leftovers, and give them to the homeless. First time I saw her hesitate giving away her leftovers - they were that good.

My mother and I dined here for Mother's Day 2023. We were seated quickly and noticed the restaurant was very full. Nice menu and a lot of variety. We had a tough time deciding on our entrees as everything sounded delicious! We shared the burrata salad which was fantastic. The tomatoes were ripe and the cheese was flavorful. For our meals she had the eggplant parmesan and I had the risotto primavera. I really enjoyed the garlic flavors in the food. The portions were large. We shared the tiramisu cake for dessert which was more than enough for two people. The value is good, especially for Chicago. We both had leftovers to take home so for the price I think it was great. I enjoyed the meal and overall I think it was an exceptional evening. Bathroom was small with one stall and a little unkept. Was not a huge deal though.

this place was over the top. The food was classic Italian with plenty of menu choices. But the atmosphere is pretty hard to describe. We were there on New Years Eve and there was never a dull moment. Reservations are a must. But, be prepared that they will not be ready for you when you show up. If they send you to the bar next door, Richards, unless you are a cigarette smoker don't go! Step across the street to Clover until your table is ready.

Service, food and atmosphere was great. Have someone order the pasta fagioli so everyone can try it.