Macello Cucina di Puglia Reviews

Visiting Chicago for the week and decided to eat here with some friends based on the reviews. It was just outside downtown and wasn't a busy area which worried me at first but it was a great experience. Our waiter was extremely helpful and friendly. Although the menu isn't too big I think they have a good variety of dishes. A few of my friends were looking for dishes that were not on the menu but they made it for us anyway. I had the Braciole Beef Sirloin rolled and it was delicious. Their Red Sauce is great! Very impressed by this place and the service provided.

The restaurant was ok at best a F and L (first and last). Their pizza was decent. Biggest problem was the food was under seasoned with little flavor. Nothing spectacular compared with the other great Italian restaurants in the city. Nice atmosphere expect so r get seated way in the back as there is a strong draft from the doors making it very uncomfortable in the winter.

We went to Macello for Chicago's Restaurant Week, but I ordered the Steak and Lamb Rack Special from their regular menu. The dish was excellent. The sauce over the meat was outstanding, and while I infrequently order lamb, Macello's lamb rack had to rate as some of the best lamb I ever tasted. I will also give the steak portion of the entree high marks. The meat was served with a roseotto dish and green beans. I ended the night a member of the clean plate club. I don't drink, but the rest of my party of 8 managed to knock out 6 bottles of Chianti. Wine was $32 a bottle. Finally everyone seemed extra happy with the dessert menu. We shared several selections from this menu. Everything got high marks. The service was very good, and I thought the Macello's decor was neat. The building looks to be a remolded packing house. The wood burning brick ovens produce great pizza's On a Saturday night, we easily found on street parking right around the corner from the restaurant. As a sidebar, for years, we have gone to Peoria Packing Butcher Shop down the street from Macello's. If you have never been to a meat packing house, it could be an eye opener, but the meat at Peoria Packing is excellent and very reasonably priced. If you at Macello's during the day, you might put Peoria Packing on the agenda.

I picked this restaurant in a rush while looking for places in the area online. When I arrived, I was so glad I happened to chose Macello. The food was incredible. The sea bass entree was absolutely mouth watering. And, it just so happened that a live band plays on Wednesdays. That was a pleasant surprise, and the music made the experience even more enjoyable. I highly recommend this place!

When you walk down the street towards Macello's, you don't expect it to be such a nice place. But as soon as you walk in, you are pleasantly surprised. Macello's has a great atmosphere with a wall lined with wine bottles in rich colored wood, the brick oven adds warmth, and the spacing of the tables make seating very comfortable. I even noted that the napkins were of high quality. Our waiter was from Sardinia. Excellent service and excellent authentic Italian food! Priced right! Delicious - save room for dessert!

Our family celebrated my son's graduation from UIC with a fun dinner at Macello's. My son and his fiancee live in Chicago, and this is one of their favorite restaurants. Our group included 7 adults and 3 kids. Fortunately, we had reservations and were placed at a large table in the back, which was perfect for us. To keep it simple, we ordered several different pizzas, along with some really good salads. We also enjoyed several bottles of excellent and reasonably priced wine! The wait staff was outstanding and so personable. They were very helpful with the kids, including one child with severe dairy allergies. Even the desserts were good! We had a delightful evening and will return again. I love the decor and atmosphere.

Joined a friend for dinner here. They have a great outdoor patio, and we were hoping to dine there, but it was too cold, so we sat inside. The interior was pleasant, with high ceilings and ample distance between the tables to comply with coronavirus restrictions. The menu was ample: a nice selection of hot and cold appetizers, a large section of pizzas, several different pastas, and main courses featuring fish, meat, etc. Many tempting descriptions! The cocktail menu also had options. Our food was excellent. I had a pasta with anchovies, shrimp, etc.; my friend had a cavatelli with sausage. Both portions were huge! A salad with arugula was also delicious. Although this restaurant wasn’t inexpensive, it did not feel unreasonably priced. Service was attentive, and we were offered a glass of limoncello at the end of our meal. That paired well with tiramisu. All in all, a delicious and very classic Italian spot in Chicago’s West Loop. Nothing too modern, etc., but a solid Italian meal. Would definitely return.

From the outside this restaurant looks like an old fashioned meat deli. We were actually on our way to a different place when we saw this restaurant and decided to eat here instead. It has a lot of curb appeal in comparison to a lot of the other surrounding buildings. Inside they have these exposed lofted seatings, and these beautiful lanterns hanging. It really is a cute restaurant and I wish we had gone and just ordered appetizers and a couple of the brick oven pizzas. Nonetheless it was really a nice and pleasant atmosphere, and I would have given a fifth star if they hadn't had the television on during valentines weekend. It was sort of a mood killer. Not sure I would go again as I prefer to try new places, but I would recommend it to my friends.

My parents are both first generation natives of Triggiano Bari , Italy . I was born in the U.S. ; yet have been raised on authentic Italian cuisine all my life . My fondest memory is of my father walking me down a cobblestone street of Bari for a brick oven panzerotto ( or as you may recognize by name of a turnover or calzone ) . One taste of that at age 5 turned me into a brick oven pizza fanatic for life !! Today , my husband and I dine out quite frequently in some of the most well known and lavish restaurants of Chicago & throughout all our travels .Yet, I have in all my 20 years of marriage been trying to find with my husband a authentic brick oven pizza restaurant in Chicago . I have been unsuccessful till coming across Macello!!!! I told my husband on a night out in Chicago that I had a taste for brick oven pizza ; but wanted to try a different place . He looked on open table on line & found Macello . We now finally have found an amazing restaurant with fantastic authentic Italian cuisine & more importantly - the best Italian brick oven pizza & panzerotto I have ever had in the U.S. ; & the closest taste I have had since that time as a little girl in Italy with my father ! Thank you to Macello's and all of the wonderful staff that have done an amazing job in bringing a big piece of Italy to Chicago ; & for helping to bring back the most wonderful memory of my childhood !!! Macello stands for butcher in Italian ( hence the wonderful looking Italian butcher shop that fronts the Cucina di Puglia ( kitchen of Puglia ). The atmosphere is beautiful , romantic, & inviting even for children ( down to even the italian deck of cards joker painting on the wall ) ! The prices are very good , dishes are all wonderful & a true taste of Italy . It's not in the most scenic area of downtown , & it is very easy to pass up on outside appearance . Don't be fooled ! The best jewels are often the hidden ones such as Macello ! My husband had the brick oven halibut with risotto & clams , my son a tasty spaghetti , ricotta & green beans, my daughter & I split the brick oven chicken & panzerotto ! We also had for shared appetizers -- stuffed calamari , speck & mozzarella baked , two amazing brick oven pizzas ( margarita is the best )!!!!! Now of course that is all enough food to feed an army ; and not by any means how much we order out as a family !!! Yet that is exactly how good this food is that we all wanted leftovers for the next day !!!! One taste of that panzerotto & I told my husband if I were in prison & on death row - this would be my last meal request --- YES IT'S THAT AMAZING !!!!! Thank you again to the owners , & wonderful staff of Macello ; & to my wonderful husband for all helping to bring back my fondest memory of childhood & to put a warm feeling in my heart ! Macello is a Chicago must !!!!

Service was excellent, our waiter was very friendly, attentive and made great suggestions. We had special appetizer with pizza bread, fresh soft spreadable moz, prosciutto, arugula, with balsamic drizzle. Moz was exceptional. Had special filet with fig wine reduction sauce that was top notch. My wife had pasta with sausage and truffle sauce that was also very good. Another highlight was complimentary homemade lemon cello (as good as any you can get at Almalfi coast in Italy.

We enjoyed an early sat pm dinner at Macellos. The space is open and simple with a small outdoor seating area as well. We opted not to dine with the Mosquitos and dined indoors. The fire from the wood burning oven added to the warm feel. The food was unique, served family style so we could all sample the various dishes. The wine list was very nice and was reasonably priced. There were families in at the same time so it seemed kid friendly although it probably gets very busy and very loud at peak times. A youthful vibe and great food.

The 2 woodburning ovens used for the mouthwatering pizza and for some of the main dishes add both to the ambiance and the quality of the food. Do not be fooled by this Chicago location under the Lake Street 'L" tracks in the near west side neighborhood. You could easily pass by the restaurant which looks a bit like a local meatmarket. Inside, however, the room with the huge colored ball lights and wonderful wood is warm and inviting. Be sure to try the pizza (thin crust) and the Puglia wines. Portions are large enough to share, unless you want leftovers for another wonderful meal at home.

Recently went to Macello's Italian Restaurant. Food and service were great. Wine list is quite nice. The braciolle was very good and the Sea Bass was exceptional! We did not have the brick oven pizza but patrons there said it is awesome. Try it. I don't think you will be disappointed.

On a recent trip to Chicago, we happily found two of the best moderately priced restaurants we've experienced anywhere in recent years. This was one of them. The menu was full of intriguing possibilities you seldom see in most restaurants (something for all tastes), and the wine list (especially on half-price nights) was really a treat with lots of Italian wines you seldom see in most restaurants. We concentrated on the seafood, which was simply outstanding. A first course of grilled broccolini with grilled octopus, prawns, and calamari was one of the best primi piatti I have ever been served. That was followed by a beautiful fillet of fresh fish on a shrimp risotto -- out of this world. The place is certainly not high end in atmosphere, but who cares. And as a bonus, the servings are more than generous. A terrific find.

The salad was very fresh and the dressing lite. Our pizza was the best I've had in a very long time and I"m from the Philadelphia area.

So. I'm 57. The kids are grown and my wife and I can finally enjoy the incredible dining experiences available in Chicago. We walked in on a Thursday night. No reservations, no problems. Our waiter was Gustavo. He was excellent. He knows the menus and we ordered based on his recommendations. The food was perfect in all areas. The wine list was complete but not overwhelming. The service was out standing. The feel of the restaurant was comfortable. I am sure it becomes a little loud with a packed house but the numbers of tables seemed correct for the size of the room. The risotto was some of the best have ever eaten. I look forward to returning. We shared a app and shared an entree. 1 bottle of wine and desert - $ 150.00 with a generous tip. Good value for a West Loop restaurant and a great meal.

First time visitors - were told about this place the night before at Lyric Opera by strangers. Good food - interesting selection. Not your usual Italian restaurant. It says it is the food from Puglia but I don’t know that region. However we were not disappointed.

We had dinner here on a busy Saturday night. They were very accommodating of seating us where my cousin, who is 37 weeks pregnant with her first baby, would not be jostled by other patrons or staff walking by. Our server Magalia (I hope I didn't butcher the spelling!) was absolutely wonderful. Lovely personality, knowledgeable about the menu and offered great suggestions. She informed us about items that were not on the menu and my cousins ended up having a delicious seafood soup that was generously portioned for two people. I was able to order their Macello cocktail without the simple syrup so that it was like having a a mildly sweet lemonade with a strong alcoholic kick :)

Was visiting friends who took me to this place the first night in the city. I kept thinking to myself where are they taking me. With all the pretty parts of the city this place was in a dumpy area. When we walked in I was pleasantly surprised. The interior was a very modern italian feeling place. I got the chicken which was very tasty. The only negative I had was our waiter. He was horrible in every way possible. He was brand new and it showed. He didn't know the menu at all and service was slow. If you get a different waiter it would be a great experience.

I hosted another wonderful holiday party at Macello's last evening. The calamari was tender and lightly breaded, the salad was perfect and we enjoyed two great pizzas - one traditional margherita and a pizza blanca. After thoroughly enjoying the appetizers, salad & pizza, our group of 20 women dug into the gelato with gusto. The service was terrific, the price right and the evening a success.

We were blown away! A true hidden gem that’s been there for years. Located under the “El” train tracks, west of restaurant row, Macello is one of the most beautiful restaurants in the West Loop with skylights across the whole roof. Everyone is the restaurant was family friendly and the food was out of this world! My husband had the filet and I got a mushroom truffle pasta dish and both were amazing!! The tiramisu was also delicious and homemade. And they finish the Neal with house limoncello. We will be back for sure!!

Macello's ambiance, service and food are absolutely outstanding! This place has 2 wood burning ovens where they cook their pizzas and some of the baked pastas, yum! My absolute favorite pizza is the Macello pizza. The cavatelli cozze e fagioli is to die for and the homemade desserts unmatchable! Please, do yourself a favor and visit this place! #traditionalitalian #puglia #moladibari

We had no complaints--but we experienced nothing spectacular either. There are better options in the West Loop, but if you are in the mood for pizza, this is a good choice.

We had dinner with family at this uniquely located restaurant with overhead train nearby and a wonderful garden. A casual setting gave a warm feeling right away. I had the lamb chop casserole that was superb and literally finger licking good. The menu has many choices and one of our party was a Vegan. Everyone left very full and content. Grat place.

We walked here (about a 20 min walk) from United Center. Great wine, good pasta and pizza! Cute decor and nice & helpful server as well. Highly recommend the Marcello Pizza!

We went here before a concert. The inside is nicely decorated snd very clean. The service was great. Our food was piping hot and delicious. Hope to go back one day.

Don't miss this West Loop Italian restaurant. You wouldn't expect the vast interior, high ceilings and wood burning oven inside Macello's unassuming store front facade on West Lake Street. The ceiling is adorned with pastel balloon fixtures and the east wall houses hundreds of wine bottles. It is a welcoming setting for the meal to come. The pizzas are outstanding; Neapolitan, thin crust. The Macello is my favorite. The pasta dishes are solid. The pork Milanese and chicken breast with arugula salad are consistently good. The best entree, however is typically a seafood special. I have tried swordfish Vesuvio and a mixed seafood stew which were terrific. If you are in the west loop and in the mood for Italian, give this place a try. You won't be disappointed.

The atmosphere is whimsical and lively. I loved the hand painted details.The service was perfectly timed and exceptional. The menu reflects a region of Italy that offers different flavors and wines. The wine was exceptional. The appetizer pizza bread with procuttio was amazing. The seafood pasta had a little spice and was very good. The tiramisu and coffee margarita exceptional.

We had a lovely dinner here. The food was pretty good, as was the wine & the atmosphere. A good recommendation for authentic, rustic Italian food.

Lovely atmosphere and great service. If you want to try an authentic south real italian cuisine, well this the place. I’ve been visiting this restaurant multiple times and never disappointed. Great wine selection and great food.

Since discovering this hidden gem, under the "L" on Lake Street 5 years ago, it has become our go to place every month. It's in a wonderful cavernous space, with giant hanging illuminated painted globes...... just fantastic! Authentic Pugliese food, wood fired ovens, great pizza, pasta, oven roasted seafood casseroles, and many dishes you won't find anywhere else in Chicago. The owner is from Puglia, and really does his best to make you feel welcome. We ate there last night, and the bonus was the Gypsy-Jazz band, "La Tosca" who were outstanding.......musical stylists you won't hear anywhere else in town. It's worth the trip!

We had a lovely dinner at Macello! We both ordered cocktails and decided to skip the appetizer in favor of dessert. For entrees we had the Gamberi Pomodorini - absolutely delicious and would order again, and the Crudaiola, which was great, but we might try something new next time. Desserts were the chocoalte lava cake special which was excellent. The place has such a great vibe with the low light and festive fixtures. Such a fun dinner!

We enjoyed a relaxing evening and good meal in this deli/restaurant on Lake St. in Chicago. No problem getting a reservation on Friday night. Interesting decor with the large, fun lighting fixtures. I ordered a pizza Barese (artichokes and olives). It was one of the best pizzas I've had in a long time! The olives were not the standard black olive slices but whole tasty olives! My husband had the pasta dish with swiss chard and cannelloni beans. He said that it was lacking in taste. My daughter-in-law had a pasta dish with tomato sauce and sausage. Her meal was good and the left-overs the next day were even better! The meal was topped off with complimentary house-made limoncello! It was delicious! The service was very good. In fact the waiter accidentally tipped my husband's wine glass and a bit splashed out and they replaced the whole glass (even though it was nearly empty.) They were most apologetic.

I really wanted to find a good Italian restaurant that wasn't a huge tourist trap and had something more to offer than spaghetti and meat balls. Macello was a win on all levels. Our waiter provided excellent service - a super wine recommendation and was on it the entire meal. Our kids ordered pizza off the kids menu, and it was affordable and they LOVED it. (My husband, who is pizza picky, loved it too). We each enjoyed a pasta dish, both were fresh, hot and delicious. As a final bonus - they brought us each a limoncello to cap off the meal. YUM! Ambiance was great as well, all around a great experience.

This was a great restaurant to visit before we went to the Black Hawks game. We had a great dinner with great service! I highly recommend it for leisure or business. Great people and food.

I just had an amazing lunch, my first visit here, and had to tell somebody! I work right around the corner, but never thought to give them a try until today. It looks from the outside to be more of a sit-down restaurant, that might make me stretch my one-hour lunch. I decided it was worth a try for something new. The exterior of the restaurant/small shop is unassumingly charming, just under the el tracks. The shop is tiny yet appealing, showing off artisanal sausages and cheese, which I intend to go back for. There's a neighborhood-appropriate meat rack hanging from the ceiling, indicating to me this is one of many local converted warehouses. This Union Stockyards used to be just around the corner, after all! Greeted casually by the host and led into the main restaurant, I found the décor masculine but comfortable. I was pleasantly surprised by streaming natural light let in through the glass roof. Exposed brick walls and dark wood abound, and the floor is concrete flecked with colorful tile shards. Painted globe lights lend an ever-so-slight feeling of Carnevale to the atmosphere. It feels totally Chicago, with a little Italy thrown in. Soft modern Italian music played, giving me the feeling of being transported to the Continent for lunch. I ordered from the lunch menu, which seems to recommend paninis pretty heavily. I'm not a panini gal, so I ordered the Bucatini alla Boscaiola (with mushroom, sausage, red wine, and a touch of cream, $11). To keep it cheap, water was my drink. Warm, homemade bread was brought to my table, along with a nice olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan for dipping. I didn't go hungry while I was waiting, and I wasn't disappointed when the main course appeared. An enormous round pasta bowl arrived with steaming hot, slightly wine-purple, creamy, perfectly al dente noodles, hunks of homemade sausage, and wild mushrooms. A scoop of cold tapenade sat atop the noodle mountain, adding a welcome acidity and textural contrast. The aroma was rich wine and earth, but it wasn't heavy. I barely held myself back from eating it all in one massive snarf. The service was attentive, filling my water, and whisking my leftovers to a little box when I had to leave. There was no rush or fuss, but my server was there when I was ready to go. I couldn't resist a double espresso for dessert, which was necessary to ward off a food coma at work. The mug was warmed prior to pouring the coffee, so it arrived Vesuvio-hot. I couldn't have been happier with my lunch today, and I'm certain I'll go back again. For under twenty dollars, including tip, I had a delightfully indulgent feast. In this neighborhood, it's nice to have a gourmet option that isn't impossibly expensive. I can't wait to go for after-work wine and appetizers!

Macello specializes in food from a special area of Italy: Puglia, located in the southeast of Italy (the heel-area of the country). Macello offers the sea-food of this area - in both appetizers and entrees. Outstanding shell fish and shell fish stews ! The service is friendly and welcoming - with the warmth and hospitality of Italy, Absolutely Italian - and absolutely wonderful !

I really find this restaurant to be warm and cozy. They really did a nice job to make it feel so welcoming and home like considering it's location and building. The food was only OK, I just feel there are so many other restaurants in the Chicago with better Italian food than here. I mean it wasn't terrible, but it could have been so much better.

i was there last week with some friends, i m very upsad. it was too expensive for the portion, i also had the worse pizza in chicago, u can spend less money wth better food.

This place is a bit out of the way in the west loop but the food is fabulous. The pizza is thin crust and cooked in a wood fired oven. The wine list is diverse and order anything with burrata cheese.

Celebrated my son's 21st birthday at Macello on a recent Saturday night with family after a fun Escape Room experience across the street . Shared appetizers first, which everyone enjoyed. The scallops were delicious and perfectly prepared. All six of us were later happy with our entrees and several of us ordered specials which were suggested by our waiter, Gustavo. I might add that the food quality was only exceeded by Gustavo's excellent service and warm personality. Afterwards, we shared a very tasty tiramisu with Limoncellos. We could not have asked for a more delightful dining experience. No one ordered the popular pizza, but I plan to when returning to Chicago and this restaurant. Hightly recommended!

Two weeks ago, we were visiting downtown Chicago, and decided to have dinner at Macello Cucina di Puglia. It was a good choice. We received excellent service from Gustavo. The food was outstanding. My husband especially enjoyed his salmon entree. All the ingredients were very fresh, right down to the bread and grated Parmesan. We highly recommend this place. My only suggestion would be different music. We were perplexed by the choice of loud rock and roll music in a cozy Italian restaurant.

Very good Italian food. Delicious stuffed mussels, filet a la caprese, and snapper. The cannolis and flourless chocolate cake were equally delicious. Very comfortable atmosphere and the wood burning oven is a great focal point. The house made limoncello is very good too.

I have been there many times and always been great. The store front is small and is actually a deli, but go through the dividing doors and it 0pens up into a great restaurant. It is Italian but not just pizza. Pizzas are wonderful but so is the Burratta salad and I have had Sea Bass there 6 times and think it is awesome. Call ahead if you are going to have a big group. They do groups well,Service can sometimes be slow but worth the wait. builiding is brick inside and out. Wood fired oven. Wine selection is interesting with many unusual southern itlaian wines. Very reasonablly priced for Chicago. Street parking.

We loved this restaurant! From the minute we walked in, smelled the smokey wood aroma, and felt the energetic vibe of the place, along with waitstaff carrying dishes to be put into the wood burning oven, we knew we were going to have a great dinner. The service was wonderful- everyone was very attentive without being pesky, dirty dishes were cleared promptly when we were finished, and our food came out hot and fresh. We ordered delicious drinks off the specialty menu, then ordered a stuffed artichoke and a pizza bianca for appetizers. The pizza was very fresh and tasty but the artichoke was outstanding. Hearts were sprinkled with cheese, then put into the oven. The result- a super hot, superbly cooked dish. For dinner we ordered the sea bass which also was baked in the wood burning oven. We asked for different sides than it came with which the waiter gladly substituted. We got the spinach and the rosemary potatoes. The fish dish was scrumptious. We could not believe how inexpensive our bill was. For great food, great service, and great value, you cannot beat Macello.

The place is not bad, they have a small patio on the back and, sometimes they have live music. Last Wednesday we went there to have dinner while listening the Tosca band but they suddenly cancelled the concert. No the restaurant either the band announced this decision on their website. It has been not very professional. Food is just ok, nothing special. Pizza is edible. It suppose to be an Italian restaurant but the cheese they bring you on the table is not real Parmigiano and the EVOO is not a real good Italian one. Disappointing.

We went for a business dinner and had a great time. We had never been and were a little taken back by the front entrance, but as we progressed into the main restaurant, the space opens up with high ceilings and a great warehouse (slaughter house) vibe. We started with several appetizers: stuffed mussels, stuffed eggplant, and speck. 2/3 were excellent - the stuffed mussels were perhaps a little too stuffed as the breading (while tasty) was really too much and overwhelmed the poor little mollusk. For dinner, we had a range as well: farro frutti di mare; a chicken special; and two pizzas. The farro was outstanding; I didn't get to try the chicken but it disappeared quickly; and the two pizzas (barese; molese) were both very good. Throughout, the service was excellent. The wine list was also surprisingly reasonable (so we had 2 bottles) and we were very happy with our Italian selection. To wrap up, the tiramisu was enormous and needs to be shared with a minimum of 2 (and perhaps 4) people. Great night - certainly worth checking this place out.

A friend invited my wife and I for dinner at this out of the way place on Lake street. We loved it. Beautiful decor, very village Italian. Server and staff couldn't be more welcoming and knowledgeable. The food was outstanding. Pizza Pugliese to die for. Reasonably priced.

This place continues to put out excellent food at a very reasonable tariff.We have been for lunch on 4 or 5 occasions and enjoy the selection of 1/2 price wins on Wednesday. Last visit,we had a very meaty and filling lasagna bolognese and a nice pasta vongele- with clams. Consider sharing a salad- more than adequate at lunch.

We had a family gathering of 19 from all over the country. Food was very good based upon everyone's comments. I had Cavatelli IL Forno and it was outstanding. Server could not have been more helpful or accommodating especially so when there were 6 children under the age of 10.

I met a friend here for an early dinner on Saturday night and we got right in! My newborn baby was also welcomed by the staff with a high chair available with no hassle. Street parking in this area was easy and we parked right in front. The food was really great and their pasta tasted like it was made in house- everything had great flavor! The tiramisu dessert is amazing here.

Went before a show at the United Center. Good service, prices and food. Good kids menu w/ affordable prices. Kids menu could've easily served two kids.

We enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Macello with our Chicagoan friends. It was great to try a restaurant off the tourist path. This West Loop restaurant is great for food/ambiance and we enjoyed sitting out on the patio. The service was warm and friendly as if we had been invited to someone's home for dinner. We enjoyed the pizza, seafood, Burrata salad and pork chops. Great wine menu too! Thank you Macello for a lovely evening with good friends.

We were here for a party( the host rented the entire restaurant for the afternoon). First the decor is wonderful...fun friendly and a place you want to be at. Second, service over the top. Couldn't do enough for us. Felt very welcoming. Another reason to come back. Third, fixed menu. They just kept bringing different dishes. I though everything was great except the chicken. Wasn't bad, just ordinary. I bet their Chicken Versuvio would be great. I can't imagine that anyone wouldn't like this place. I did read other reviews and often wonder what people want. When I saw that Blaze pizza and Giordono's is rated higher I scratch my head. Guess it takes all kinds to make a world. Why not a 5. Because it was a fixed menu I didn't get to try what I would to have really judged this place

Been underwhelmed with Italian restaurants of late, but this one has renewed my faith that a decently priced place serving exceptional food can exist! The sea bass was the best prepared in our experience. The Al Forno (Umberto's suggestion for me) vastly exceeded my expectations in both quality and quantity. Loved the atmosphere--the rumbling of the El was a fun addition.......looking forward to our next visit.

Everything about Macello was enjoyable. The service was excellent. The atmosphere, sort of converted warehouse space, was pleasant without removing the ability to hold a conversation. But the food was the real attraction! We started with the pizza bread appetizer which was delicious but not overly filling. This was important because the four of us each ordered a different pasta dish. I had the Al Forno which featured big chunks of meat and melted cheese and a fantastic Bolognese sauce. I also sampled my friend's Braciole Beef which was similarly delicious. All of us agreed that Macello was a definite stop on our next trip to Chicago!

The salade and the pasta as well as the pizza are a must at this out of Center location Restaurant , as well as the SESSANTANNI Red Wine 2006 !

This authenticity of this restaurant begins with its tasteful entrance and market deli within. I was reminded of wonderful similar facilities visited in Minori or Almalfi as well as in Bari on the Adriatic coast if Italy. We were seated in front of the wood burning ovens and could watch the preparation of specialty pizzas. Crusty warm bread was served immediate with a dish of freshly grated Parmesan for dipping in olive oil. Our appetizer of stuffed artichokes was perfection and we ordered a margherita pizza to share as well. The crust was light and crispy, with tasty sauce and fresh mozzarella ! Pasta dishes featured homemade Trofiette served with shrimp and tomato or vegetable and meat options. However, the amazing special this night was the Laganelle pasta with Barese sausage, mushrooms and truffles, and topped with a smooth goat cheese! This is possibly the best pasta dish I have ever eaten! A wall mounted TV had an Italian game show on for bar patrons as well as another one tuned to a sport channel, so that even on a Saturday night this place could easily accommodate groups or locals who just wanted Good food at reasonable prices. The building itself had been renovated from a meat packing warehouse and offered charm with its open beam ceilings but rustic floor that might have easily resembled sea glass found along beaches in Italy. When we passed on dessert and asked for the check our server brought complimentary shots of limoncello and I was totally hooked!!

Just west of downtown under the Lake Street tracks, Macello’s is a casual friendly place that attracts a mixed clientele for a good meal. Steamed mussels were good (don’t get the stuffed mussels...too much breading filler), thin crust pizzas from the wood burning oven make a nice appetizer, langanelle pasta with prawns was excellent, as was the lamp chop entree. Gelato was a good finish after a big meal. You can bring your own wine (corkage fee of $20 is very reasonable for a downtown location). On street parking or valet...but only a short cab or Uber ride from downtown. Service was terrific...everyone was friendly and it made for a nice experience all around.

Step into Macello and you are into an old style, southern Italian butcher shop! You can stop there and just buy Italian food specialties(mostly from Puglia), but few more steps will bring you inside a warm eclectic space where you can actually have a taste of their food. We shared "pizza Molese" as an appetizer and it was delicious, liked "orecchiette cime di rapa", really enjoyed the mussels and the fish of the day. Good wine selection!

My friends and I had dinner there a few weeks back. I have the task of finding new places or old favorites, and I thought this place was a good choice. Was I right! Dimly lit yet very colorful. Smallish room, but not overly noisy. And the food...might be the best prosciutto I have had outside of Italy. Great pasta and a more than reasonably priced wine list featuring wines of Puglia. Put this place on your list to try. I will be back.

I hosted a Holiday party at Macello's last evening. We were 14 women and really enjoyed the seating in the back room. We had a wide range of options for food and beverage. We selected the simplest which featured delicious fried calamari, one of Macello's house salads (with the lightest and freshest dressings), a choice of pizzas and a gelato sampler (everyone agreed that the chocolate was the best, though all were lovely). The service was impeccable, the food very good and the pricing great. We had a discount that Macello's honored graciously. We shared our appreciation with the fine service staff. Happy Holidays!

Since 2012, I have submitted more than 6,500 reviews to TripAdvisor. Nearly all have rated five stars. So I have been criticized for overrating some hotels or restaurants or attractions? My response is that I do considerable research before going to most venues. I shun one-star restaurants or hotels. I expect the best and usually get it. If not, I offer the benefit of a doubt. But there are no excuses necessary for Macello Cucina di Puglia. Without a doubt, it's one of the finest Italian restaurants in Chicago. It certainly earns an endorsement from my wife, who is half-Italian and knows osso bucco from saltimbocca. Me? I'm satisfied with a plate of spaghetti and meatballs. Located at 1235 West Lake Street, in the West Loop neighborhood, east of Ogden Avenue, Macello is open from 3 to 10 Tuesday through Saturday and 3 to 8 on Sunday. It's a rustic ristorante with two wood-burning ovens that serves upscale and classic Italian fare, thin crust pizza and wine. This is Italian at its best. We started with minestrone, cheese tortellini, spinach salad with baby spinach, mushrooms, pine nuts and goat cheese and grilled shrimp, calamari and octopus over sauteed rapini and cannellini beans. For entrees, we had Chilean sea bass with sauteed spinach and roasted rosemary potatoes and saltimbocca, butterflied and pounded pork chop topped with prosciutto, saga sauteed in white wine and served with porcini mushroom risotto and grilled asparagus. For dessert, we shared tiramisu and cannoli.

Two friends and I arrived without reservations on a Friday afternoon about 4:00 PM. We were seated on the covered patio which is open air but protected from the sun and wind. We were the only guests in the patio but the tables seemed well spaced. We ordered 2 appetizers (stuffed artichoke hearts and stuffed calimari). Both were delicious. We also ordered a farro mushroom dish and a small pizza. The farro dish was similar to a risotto. The thin pizza was light and crisp with fresh ingredients. The servers wore masks and were attentive. There was nearby free street parking. Good quality food and service in a safe. pleasant outdoor setting but at a relatively high price.

Was in Chicago for business and a native brought me here. A little off the beaten path, but totally worth it. Best pizza I have had in a long time. Beautiful building with unique architecture and history.

I've eaten at a few Italian restaurants both here in the states and abroad, but let me tell you, this place really took the cake, the decor was fabulous, and the smell of the food was just wonderful, then they brought my order, and it looked so good and smelled even better that I forgot to take a picture before i ate it all, and afterwards the homemade limoncello and Tiramisu. If your plans take you to the chicago, you must have a dinner here, just so you will have something to compare all other italian restaurant to.

Food was good, but our waiter Gustavo was rude, unprofessional and had a bad attitude. When he came to take our drink order my sister asked if they had sangrias, he rudely answered NO! And walked away. He then can back and told my sister maybe you should look at the menu first. Just rude and unacceptable. But still wanted a 20% tip. Hopefully the owner or manager reads this and makes some changes.

Street parking. Attractive interior. Excellent service. Puglia Italian cuisine with varied choices. Pay attention to the negroamaro wine that comes exclusively from this southern Italian location. Very attentive service. Try the Italian wedding soup, the orecchiette cime di repe with sausage, and finish with limone ripieno. No Wi-Fi.

We were surprised with the ratings of this restaurant. We love Italian food and really the original one. We were so excited to find this one. It looked really authentic as we entered it. However, as we started ordering and tasting the food it was an unfortunate disappointment. We do not know why. Is it the day or some of the ingredients or the olive oil they use but clearly we did not enjoy it. Even after we left the restaurant our stomachs were not comfortable at all. I would definitely choose another Italian next time.

This restaurant bills itself as Puglian. If you know Italian regional food, this is nothing of the sort. The pizza was mediocre at best. Crust was flavorless. A simple Margherita came with a slick of canned sauce, barely visible mozarella and ONE basil leaf. Really? Pasta way, way over cooked and sauces were gelatinous and undistinguished. The fish special was returned untouched by both in our party who ordered it. It too was criminally ovecooked, coated with viscous wet flour, mushy and flavorless. Interestingly, our waiter was not interested enough to ask why two of four entrees were returned virtually untouched. Service was not entirely attentive and sometimes arrogant. The place does itself no favors by a T.V. blaring over the bar which makes the noise level in this large, industrial space so high as to make conversation difficult. We paid $70 per person - for one course each, no dessert, and for that price one expects better. A competent chef schooled in the uniquely fresh, flavorful, and lighthandedness that distinguishes food from Puglia would be huge improvement.. as it is now, Macello just reinforces the unfortunate reputation of Italian food in much of the US as being over cooked, over sized, over sauced and over priced. There is simply no excuse for this anymore.

I have been coming here for years, but the experience only gets better and better every time I go in. I usually order whatever they have on special because it's always amazing! I can't go there without ordering a brick oven pizza! If you want an excellent seafood option, then going with the sea bass is a must! Just an incredible place, and the environment is completely different from everything in Chicago! It truly is Chicago's hidden gem!

The baby clams au gratin and the gamberino are out of this world. Best italian I've had in years--maybe since my trip to Italy. Great and prompt service.

tucked behind a deli is a beautiful little Italian place with a wood fired oven - great thin crispy pizza made right in front of you - we sat at the bar and the barmaid was super nice and friendly! Highly recommend.

This restaurant is located under the L tracks on Lake street just off Restaurant row on Randolph. I have been here 3 x in the last 2 months and the food is exceptional. Don't let the obscure location fool you.

What a find but apparently we were the only ones that didn't know about it. Fun atmosphere, really good food, some live Italian music and awesome service (Christian?). I have been talking this up and we will definitely be back, which is unusual for us as we like to try new restaurants. Best new discovery for us in a while.

Nice owner. Good food. Not too busy. They make really good pizza in wood-fired ovens. Service is attentive. You get the sense that everyone there really cares about all aspects of the restaurant.

The service was knowledgeable and courteous. Food was outstanding! Felt like I was in a quaint Italian village restaurant that also happened to have its own deli. If you are looking for something off the beaten path, I highly suggest making the trip.

Had dinner here with 2 friends on a Friday night. The food was good, but the pizza was fantastic. Service at the bar and for dinner was very good. Nice variety on the menu and the wine list. There was a Blackhawks game so the restaurant was full early and filled up again as the evening progressed. Valet parking is available.

Food was excellent (I highly recommend the bracciole)! Beautiful decor - dark wood, soft lighting, bright colors.

Authentic Italian dishes made with fresh ingredients! Our waiter who is from Italy made the experience enjoyable. He was Friendly and knowledgeable in all the dishes and region of food. He also informed us of future events , such as live Italian music! Which we will definitely go back for!

Some friends took us to Macello on a recent visit to Chicago and this place is fantastic! The food is delicious, the portions are generous, the service was attentive and helpful, the ambiance is creative and inviting and the pricing was definitely fair. This is a rare combination in a big city. I read another review indicating the fare was average, but our party was blown away. I had seafood pasta, my husband had pasta bolognese. Our friends had the sea bass and a wood fired pizza. I sampled everything and each dish was tasty. I'm a bit of a foodie and I appreciate good presentation and creativity. Macello didn't disappoint. It will definitely be on our list to revisit during our next trip to Chicago.

Been here a couple of times recently. It's a little off the beaten path, on the west side of the West Loop, and it feels, in atmosphere and clientele, like classic Chicago. There's a lot to like about that! Great back patio that's perfect for a summer evening. Huge menu. Salads, pizza, pasta, proteins. It features cuisine from Puglia, which offers a nice change of pace from your standard red sauce joint without feeling hard to recognize. Service is genuine, if a little slow on the second visit. Overall, a great spot!

Nestled in an industrial district, Macello provides a great atmosphere and awesome food. My steak had great sides, risotto and asparagus, and wedding soup was good. Open brick and leftover industrial equipment give it a gritty Chicago feel. Make no mistake, it is quite elegant.

I go out fine dining about four nights a week. I usually spend two of them at Macello. This is my favorite restaurant with the most authentic Italian food you will find in America. Every dish is a blend of four, five, or six flavors. No soggy pasta with some sauce spread on top here. The pastas are real Italian "al dente" and they are mixed with wine sauces, white beans, cherry tomatoes, muscles, etc. You won't find these dishes anywhere else. The prices and portions are most reasonable. Forget location, location, location. Macello's is in an old butcher shop on Lake Street just west of Racine. It is an oasis under the el tracks and light industry surroundings. This place would be an ideal set for a film. The main supports of the roof are exposed wooden arch trusses with skylights. There are gears and shafts attached to the trusses as a remembrance of times past. With wood tables, chairs, and shelves, an immaculate concrete floor decorated with splashes of coloring, balloon lighting, some modern art and the wood burning oven in the background you get all the ambiance of a Rocky Mountain ski resort. The owner, Joe (from Bari, Italy) is almost always on the premises riding heard over everything that is going on in the place from the cooking to the serving, to the bar tending, to the greetings - you name it; he's involved and readily accessible. It's an all male European style server cast who know their business and how to make your evening a delight. The charming and sexy females attend to the bar. Joe is from the old school - he makes sure his customers get more than they pay for and he is rather liberal with an on the house, after dinner, homemade limoncello. Joe loves what he does and it is reflected in his product, his staff, and the atmosphere. The wine list is superb and there is one wall with shelves loaded with wine bottles. I have taken others to Macello and they all return to dine there on their own.

Have gone twice in last month since service and food were so good first time. Excellent winter spot with warm, wood burning ovens where they cook many of the items. The lamb casserole is outstanding. Wild steelhead was excellent.

This is hands-down my favorite restaurant in Chicago. Go hungry. Go with a group so you can order a bunch of things to share. Order the calamari--it is awesome. Definitely get the pizza pugliese. I'm salivating just thinking about it.

I'm so sad I did not like this restaurant! My friend from Italy said this was closest to Italian pizza I could find so I decided to bring some friends try it out. We got there for an early dinner on a Wednesday so the crowd was light when we sat down. The server was attentive. We ordered a bottle of wine and happily ate our bread and oil and cheese. My friend ordered the Cavatelli Al Forno and I ordered a Margherita Pizza. This is when things took a turn. The server disappeared. He never checked to see if we were enjoying our entrees or if we needed anything to go with our meals. I wish he had because I had never seen a Margherita Pizza like this. It looked like something I would order from Lou Malnati's, not an Italian Pizzeria. There wasn't even basil on the pizza! I was shocked. I ate it anyway because it was clear the server was more interested in the big party that came in than our measly table. He could tell we were unhappy so he brought us two shots of limoncello. While that was kind, I would have preferred a better meal and more attentive service. Its possible that I came on an off night but sadly I won't know because I have no desire to return. I would suggest a better pizza and excellent service from the Northside joint, Spacca Napoli.

Our favorite home style Italian restaurant in Chicago!! And last night didn’t disappoint. We went for our daughter’s birthday and they not only delivered great food but made it a special night for her as well. Their wood fire oven makes amazing pizza ... this time we got the wood fire cooked sea bass and it was amazing! The steak was perfectly cooked and handmade pasta perfect. The inside atmosphere is beautiful with large colorful glass balls hanging from the ceiling, an old barn feel, sound of the el every few minutes.

party of around 16 dined as part of a conference. The atmosphere and food are excellent as I have come to expect in Chicago. Very good seafood offering very well executed. Wine selection (by a colleague) superb accompaniment to a tasty meal. Will visit again if chance arises.

We were pleasantly surprised by this hidden gem. The decor is very welcoming and the smell from the wood burning stove just delicious. We tried a variety of foods and everything was delicious. Very few restaurants actually take the time to make a true risotto, but they do here. Great place to eat prior to any event at the United Center for sure!

We went here as part of a Chicago Pizza Tour, and it was clearly in a class all of its own. This is not a 45-min wait deep dish pizza. It is a thin crust with incredible ingredients. Recommend the Pizza Macello...you will be wowed by the burrata cheese and tri-colored olives. The decor is super fun, and rest of the menu looked great too.

We stopped by here for a work lunch, choosing it for want of something "different" than the standard city fare. We joked on the cab ride out that this was certainly an off the beaten path place - it took 10 minutes and more than $15 to get there! SIDE NOTE if you took a taxi to get here!!!! When you're done eating, you're out in the boon docks. Be prepared to walk a ways to find another cab. ATMOSPHERE: Interesting. They invested a mint for a stone pizza oven which is located right on the dining floor, and it was interesting to watch the chef make the pizza right in front of us. One wall of the dining area is an elaborate display of wines, which is lovely, but I didn't get the amateur paint job on the remaining walls and the overhead globes. It felt like a high school art project, and I'm not sure how the effect ties in to an italian eatery. I found it a bit weird. Additionally, the chairs are solid wood and weren't comfortable to sit in, another drawback for me. FOOD: Good. The restaurant boasts they are open for lunch, and yet there was no lunch menu. There were 3 of us dining (work colleagues), and we uncomfortably agreed to share a couple of dishes (our waiter insisted the portions were huge and we do this). We chose: 1) Margherita Pizza as an appetizer - Paid full price for the pizza. It was decent, but frankly I expected more, as it was their highlight. The crust was very good, but the flavors were missing. The pizza sauce was flavorless, not nearly enough garlic or spice, and the cheese just mediocre as there wasn't enough. As for basil, there was one VERY large leaf in the middle of the pie, but apparently none on the rest of the slices, which was a dissapointment. If this is their claim to fame, they've a way to go. 2) Barese Sausage and Fava Bean Risotto - the menu and the server neglected to mention this was a red wine risotto (which I do not care for because of the almost sour taste it leaves). The sausage was a bit overwhelmed in the dish, when it should have been the star, and the fava beans were slightly mushy, as was the risotto itself. Either the dish had been premade and sat too long (which I find odd because it was lunch), or the chef overcooked it, but either way another "just miss" for me. 3) Gamberi Pomodorini (with shrimp) - An elegant dish, my suprise favorite as I normally don't care for seafood and pasta dishes. The flavors were vibrant, the pasta perfectly cooked, and the shrimp large and fresh. This dish was the clear winner, although another shrimp or two would have been a smart choice. SERVICE: Fair. We could not really understand our server, he was quiet and had a thick accent. We had to ask him to repeat something more than 3 times even though the restaurant was empty save for us. He also didn't seem to have strong menu preferences even though we asked, and did his best to "undersell" us (get us to order less) which I find odd, given they are in need of profit to survive. VALUE: Slightly expensive. I get the whole "authentic" vibe, and the artsy way they've set up the dining floor, but frankly the food fell short on execution, and therefore the prices weren't acceptable. At $24, my risotto had better be perfection on a plate, and this wasn't. I'm hoping with time and experience they will improve. It was a nice break from the mainstream, but this place is too far out of the loop with only mediocre food to survive with these prices unless they raise the bar REALLY far.

Pizza was good. The al Forno was good but had to wait to eat it as it was too hot when served. Pork was served a bit too rare and took forever to cook to temp. Service was very slow. Not sure if I would go back.

My sister held her wedding reception here and the food was so delicious we ate here on a return trip to Chicago. The food and service were just as delicious as we remembered and we will definitely eat at this restaurant again.

Lovely restaurant with a very impressive oven and a great menu to match. We sat outside and celebrated my niece's graduation from UIC. The food was great and the service was also solid. This is a very nice restaurant and I would return.

We ordered two types of pasta and they were great. The orecchiette with braciola was to die for. Pizza was also a winner. Next time I will order some is the side veggies. We ordered wine by the glass and it was simple but good. Love the store in the front and the mortadella looked so good. Come with friends and families. Staff was super attentive

The Best Italian Restaurant Ever! All Fresh Ingredients, everything you order will be a bit of Heaven in your mouth!!! A Must Go!

Italian dinners seem everywhere and I'm certain there are many good ones which doesn't make "doing Italian" very ambitious. Macello is the West Loop is not only a hidden gem but ranks with the best. Whether something from the wood fired oven or a staple, its all done very well. I don't know anything here is the "best ever", but you'll enjoy the ambience and know you have that secret place just around the corner that never disappoints.

Highly recommended and did not disappoint. Would not expect the atmosphere looking from the outside but excellent and very inviting. Live music the night I was there. Worth the drive for sure.

This West Loop small Italian restaurant, is walking distance to City Winery. Aesthetically pleasing, it provides wonderful ambience before a concert. Oh, and the food is outstanding! My wife, who is gluten-free, had the chilean Seabass, that is baked in the brick oven that is used for pizza. I sampled it, wow! I was very pleased with my cavatelli Al Forno. Really nice portion size, very tasty. I would definitely have that again, especially if my wife offered me a piece of the Chilean sea bass! We used valet parking from City Winery 4 minute walk.

We visited for a group dinner (10 adults and 1 toddler) and had an absolute blast! The servers were friendly, the kitchen was fast, and the food was excellent. Three of us split a pasta dish and a pizza, and we had leftovers to take home. The entrance of the restaurant is past the deli, although I assume the deli closes when the restaurant opens.

My two daughters and I ate here before attending an early concert. At 4 pm, it was crowded! That's a good sign. I made a reservation on Open Table. Our server, Catalin, was wonderful. The atmosphere is cozy and with the XMas decorations and the wood oven fired up, it was a delightful place to be in frigid weather. We started with the daily appetizer special which was a fresh mozzarella stuffed with ricotta drizzled with balsamic on a bed of arugula served with flat bread. It was sinful! My oldest daughter had a daily sea bass special with HUGE prawns, mussels, clams and calamari rings over risotto. It was a huge helping and absolutely delicious. Daughter # 2 chose a large salad Pugliata which was also delicious. I had the wood oven Margherita pizza. I am a huge fan of these traditional Sicilian pizzas having first enjoyed them in Lugano in ancient ovens. This one was just so so. The crust didn't have any char and it was a bit too thick. Also, the pizza usually has "pools" of fresh mozza and this one rather melted evenly over a mild sauce which could have used a little more seasoning, IMO. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't as good as Castel Gandalfo or A Mano. I would return, however, and try other dishes as they looked delicious.

This place is just perfect. We went for restaurant week and the menu was an amazing deal. Every item we had was good and a few were truly amazing! The ambiance is so cute. I just LOVED everything about this meal. I can't wait to go back and they said on Wednesday's they have free, live music.

Oaky, this place had me with the aroma when I walked in the door. The nicely edited menu offered a good selection of pastas, meats, and pizza from the wood fired oven and some decent wines. We started with tasty a burrata, prosciutto, and arugula and toasted flatbread appetizer, and the grilled seafood. Both were excellent. The pasta dishes and seafood risotto were equally tasty, and, while we didn't order dessert, we did finish the meal with the finest limoncello I've ever had.

While the location is not in the best neighborhood, the food, service and atmosphere make up for it. Wonderful pizzas, nice Italian dishes, and the sea bass is fantastic! Great place at dinner and with groups.

Macello was fantastic! We chose to eat here before a City Winery show on a Thursday evening. The service and food were both outstanding. I was so pleasantly surprised when we received the bill that the margherita pizza was 1/2 off because it was "pizza Thursday". Woo!! I am definitely going to remember that! Will definitely return.

Very disappointing. We have been going here for several years and although it was never a 5 star restaurant, it was generally good food and a pleasant atmosphere. Sunday night was a far different story. We ordered beer and an appetizer but the drinks didn't come until we were done eating the appetizer. I guess it takes a long time to open a bottle of Peronni. And of course the waitress was no where to be found to even attempt to get her attention and remind her. Then we ordered a couple of pizzas, in addition to other entrees for the main course, and the pizzas came out burnt. They were delivered by a bus boy, not our waitress and by the time she came by several minutes later -- Everyone was more than halfway through their meal -- and we had to leave shortly to go to a Blackhawks game. We complained about the pizza, and they did make another one that we took to go -- but no manager ever came up to apologize, and they did nothing else to try to make up for the poor service and poor food. By the way the images below are of the less-burnt of the two pizzas. The totally burnt one they took away Forno Rosso just a couple of blocks away on Randolph is a far, far better option for pizza -- as well as good service.

The food was excellent. The server was friendly and very knowledgeable about the menu--he helped us a lot with recommendations. We went for a business lunch on a Friday and the place was almost empty. We had an excellent experience, so not sure why they don't have a bigger crowd. It could be because parking in the area can be a challenge during the day.

So much quicker and easier to get to from Chicago than a trip to Puglia in the heel of Italy. Two wood burning ovens are the basis of many of the items on the menu. If you are intimidated by the location under the L in a warehouse district, don't be. A block away from all the restaurants on Randolph and Greektown. I had mussels with cavettelli and beans in a rich slightly spicy broth that I want for my last meal when the time comes. A simple but fun wine list featuring wines of Campania, Puglia, Calabria and Sicily. If you are not a wine snob you can find many enjoyable wines for $30-$40. Pizzas and flatbreads from the ovens are great. Roast chicken is as good as anything you will get anywhere in Southern Europe. Small and simple with a small deli in front to add character.

This is by far the best restaurant in the west loop. The service is fantastic (ask for Gustavo) and the food is delicious. The chef will make your dish exactly how you want it. I highly recommend this place for a casual dinner or a large party celebration. They work hard and they care about their customers.

Great atmosphere and awesome food.Been there a couple of times now and will be back many more. Thanks

If you want a great Italian meal for a reasonable price, check out Macello's on Lake Street. The food was fabulous, the service was excellent. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday's certain wines are half price. Their mushroom risotto was so good, that I can't wait to have it again. Rated Chicago's "Best Pizza's" by Chicago Magazine in July of 2010.

Had a great time at Macello last night. Started with their fantastic pizza as an appetizer. SO yummy. Followed that up with the skate special. The fish was a tad overcooked, which is not unusual with Skate. However, the taste was out of this world. Fantastic scallop risotto topped of the dish. Had the flourless chocolate lava cake. It wasn't quite as advertised, though still very good. They took a small bundt cake, flipped it over and added in the hot fudge into the middle. VERY good thought. Overall, great service, great food. I'm excited to go back!

Wow what a place! It seemed to be way out from our hotel but was in fact in the old "meat packing district". Greeted with a wine tasting of new Italian wines the staff were friendly and helpful. The food is authentic Italian from the Veneto and Puglia areas complimented with little American touches. We experienced a great little band on the Wednesday night who played Italian music adding even more atmosphere to the evening. I won't go into all the food choices but I would say that it would be hard to chose badly. Enjoy and relax.

My girlfriend and I went with another couple to Macello to watch the Eurocup final (Italy v. Spain), so being an authentic Italian restaurant, you can imagine that service was strained to say the least. Aside from everything taking a long time to get to us, this place was fantastic. I imagine that service would be better on a different day though. They have a full Italian menu, but since we were there in the middle of the day, we stuck with the pizzas and antipastas...they were fantastic. Real italian meats and cheeses made these pizzas anything but ordinary. I loved every single bit I took. The pizzas are cooked in a wood burning stove and tasted amazing. The antipasta was similarly out of this world too. While Macello was not cheap, it is not going to break the bank if you are looking for a great Italian meal. Centered in the Westloop (aka Chicago's up and coming restaurant district), this place is a great find. I highly recommend Macello to anyone looking for a break from Chicago/New York style greasy, bloated pizza. The restaurant atmosphere is fantastic and the decor is really classic, but stylish all at the same time. This is not to be missed. Finally, since the restaurant took a reservation for the event that soccer game, but then upon arrival said they were not taking reservations that day, they sent us a coupon via email for a free appetizer and bottle of wine upon return, nice gesture if you asked me. Do not miss this... oh, and if you speak Italian and are looking for a place where you can go and order and converse with the waitstaff in Italian, this is the place.

This unique, urban neighborhood spot is a must-visit for our suburban family. The front of the space has a white-tile butcher shop appearance and the dining area has rich wood tones and interesting lighting throughout, but what draws you in is the scent of the wood-burning oven that is set in the center of the rear of the space. All of the food, from the appetizer pizzas to the seafood entrees is excellent. On our most recent visit, I enjoyed the halbiut special...wood burning oven grilled and served with asparagus on a bed of safron-infused seafood risotto. The homemade pastas are all excellent. The interesting, Puglia-inspired wine list is well-priced and extensive..

This restaurant is a bit off the beaten path for us, but we were going to an event in the neighborhood and were looking for someplace new to try for dinner beforehand. Glad we checked it out! Beautiful décor, decent prices considering the huge portion sizes, great service, and an interesting historical building (a former slaughterhouse in the meatpacking district). I started with the spinach salad which was quite tasty with pine nuts, goat cheese and a nice light dressing. We then split 2 pastas for our entrée, both of which were quite good, but the big winner of the night was the one made with Trofiette pasta….absolutely perfect! To top off the meal, a complimentary Limoncello as a digestif. If we return, I’d like the whole table to eat family style so we could sample more dishes, including the pizza. All in all, a lovely dinner.

I was surprised by how good this restaurant is. A little hidden by the Green line train tracks, when one walks in you are greeted with a festive atmosphere. We were their attending a large party for an art opening. Everyone enjoyed their dishes, and we went back a second time for lunch.

Two friends had recommended we eat at Macello. WOW!!! Fabulous service, fantastic atmosphere and terrific homemade pasta!! The gnocchi was some of the best we've tasted!! Calimari was excellent. I had the sea bas special over a bed of home made linguini. It melted in my mouth!! We had a party of 9 and our waiter was fantastic, attentive and fast!!! We'll definitely return again and again!!!

A jewel hidden on lake st. Among warehouses and the EL tracks. The moment you walk in your taken to a piece of rural Italy, the service is prompt and friendly. We walked in from a stressful job situation and ended up so relaxed. The food is amazing from the oven fired pizza to the delicious pasta. We need up sharing all of the entrees they were so fabulously created! Make sure to leave room for the desserts. Also on your way out check out the fresh deli! I will be back even asked for cards to pass out.

We are from Dayton Ohio, bought two pies last night and they where fantastic. Going to but two more to take home with us.

The service was always very prompt, without being overwhelming. Our glasses were never empty. The mixed drinks were very well done. My wife said her pizza was the best she had ever eaten. I had the pasta dish with sausage. It was absolutely delicious. We went here prior to a show at City Winery. Short walk to the show. We relied on other reviews to go here. The other reviewers were right on the money.

It took a cousin from Cali to make the referral to this wonderful southern Italian restaurant right in my hometown of Chicago! There were so many great food choices that we will definitely return to try something else! I loved my seafood farro dish and my husband thought his seafood pasta was just perfect! The meat sauces and choices were excellent as well! Service was efficient and the atmosphere festive!

We enjoyed our dinner on a busy Friday night after initially being concerned about availability. It was no problem making a reservation that same day, however. The restaurant has a casual and attractive atmosphere, and diners were obviously having a good time, with lots of laughter and animated conversation. We were seated immediately upon arrival and cordially greeted by our server. We sat at the only available table, which was near a front prep area/deli counter. The glare of the area's lighting unfortunately prohibited us from enjoying what was a more dimly lit experience for the other diners. The warm bread and olive oil was a nice way to begin, and our server was patient with us as we made our ways through the menu. We began with some cocktails that were generally good, but my dirty martini was far from dirty. I opted to ignore the lack of dirtiness and enjoyed what I received. The flatbread appetizer was tasty, but the crispy flatbread could have used some warming up. Our main courses were excellent. All the pasta was al dente and perfect. The farro dish with seafood was exemplary. We finished with some desserts to share. The hazelnut ice cream stole the show. Overall, a great experience with some minor hiccups.

AMAZING Italian food and experience. Great place to kick back and have a bottle of wine on a date or with friends. The staff is very helpful when it comes to the wine choices. The grilled salmon is a MUST if you are into seafood. I really appreciated the live music as well. Highly recommended!

Fun place. Excellent waiter and wait staff! Cozy with really cool decor. My sister had the Tartufata which was Truffle Paste, Barese Sausage, Shiitake & Porcini Mushrooms, finished with a touch of Goat Cheese, & Truffle Oil yummy yummy! lots of food thou and staff split it between two along with splitting a delicious salad.. Insalata spinach Baby Spinach, Mushrooms, Pine Nuts, Goat Cheese excellent we also had the artichoke appetizer that was delicious. others had the Speck and Mozeralla appetizer but others like ours better down the table one sister had the Farro AI FRUTTI DI MARE ( fresh seafood) Fresh Seafood & White Wine Sauce included a lobster, we think, but not sure as she could never open it or get any of the meat out. I had the IZZA AMERICANA Pizza Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato Sauce, Sopressata, Mushrooms & Roasted Red Peppers the red peppers were not roasted but it was cibo delizioso! will visit this place again when I come back to the WIndy City. Only complaints are ...the wine pour for one glass was maybe just maybe 5 oz and $12 dollars and the noise level was very high so could not converse with anyone beside who sat next to me or lean forward to hear the person across from me. but food outstanding!

Wow! Having traveled all over the USA and born in Bari Italy. This is one of the Best Barese Reataurant I have ever eaten dinner at outside of Puglia Italy. Being a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America you just need to dine and enjoy the true favors of southern Italian food in Chicago!! Go and enjoy !!

Macello's menu is authentic, interesting, and delicious. As an appetizer, our table tried a burrata arrangement, barese sausage in fava beans, and stuffed eggplant, all of which were marvelous. Seafood is prominent on the menu, as well as assorted pizzas. The wine list offered a nice selection, and the service was attentive without being over-bearing. I highly recommend this Italian restaurant as something different from the normal "red sauce & pasta" places.

Charming, authentic southern Italian restaurant. Some of the best seafood I have had in Chicago. Impeccable and friendly service from Renee. Superb! We will be back.

Visiting Chicago in January is challenging - esp. during a pandemic! We booked on OpenTable. We were seated in an “ancillary” tent. It felt safe (COVID-wise). Our service was excellent and the food was amazing. Despite COVID, they have figured it out - via patio, tents, heaters, etc. The heater was nice but didn’t cut 100% of the chill. It was a wet 30 degrees when we visited for reference. They were so nice, though - even allowed us to adjust our reservation time to an earlier sitting. A great experience. The sea bass was awesome (I am pescatarian)

Dined here pre-theater You enter Macello trough a deli - and then to the restaurant. A wonderful mix of rustic and modern (the lighting that hangs from the ceiling is "fun" and hip) Some complain about it being under the L - but I loved it. Added to the "ambiance" Only two other tables were full, so we had our choice of location - and chose in the back, close to the brick oven. Service was attentive throughout the entire meal. Started with fresh bread, olive oil and grated parm cheese. Shared the Arugula Salad - well dressed and tasty. Both of us had a Cavatelli dish - one with mussels & canneloni beans, the other was a bolognese. Both were excellent - came out in very, very hot clay pot-like dishes. While I'd rather have hot food as opposed to cold food - we had to wait a good 3 or 4 minutes before we could really "taste" it. I really liked my mussel dish very much. Flavor was good - a little spicy, but not overpowering. The special of the night sounded delicious, but I didn't want a meat dish (it was a stuffed pork chop, with side of mushroom risotto... yum) Pinot Grigio was good @ $7/glass. I would go back again - $66 - pre-tip. 2 glasses of wine 1 app 2 entrees Used the bathroom - and it was squeaky clean Plenty of off-street parking Only a 5 minute drive over to the Cadillac theater parking garage

I held a group dinner here and Angela was a dream to work with. She was able to accommodate my group on very short notice for a wonderful dinner. I was fortunate to find Macello's by doing some research online. The decor was colorful and tasteful and our private room - the tasting room was perfect for our event. The Family Style dinner worked well and our servers were attentive and professional. Every course was delicious and the gelato/sorbets were amazing for dessert. Wood burning oven smelled divine when we entered and the pizzas were wonderful. Nice selection of moderately priced Italian wines. That night there was live music which was not too loud and added a nice touch. A bit away from the main downtown area, but very accessible via Uber or a cab. Highly recommended!