Volare

Volare Reviews

Add your review for Volare.

• VERY AUTHENIC ITALIAN WITH WONDERFUL WAITSTAFF. EVERYONE WAS VERY HELPFUL IN MAKING CHOICES. ONLY DOWNSIDE WAS THE WAIT. HAD RESERVATIONS BUT DIDNT GET IN AT TIME WE WERE TOLD.

  by rrriverrun

  
  

• This restaurant has it all, great food, great service, great atmosphere. It is one of our favorite restaurants in Chicago or suburbs. It is noisy and crowded, which we normally wouldn't like, but at Volare we love it!!

  by centralstickney

  
  

• We passed by when they were setting up, (3: 45), and decided to wait until they were 'rolling',(4:30). Well, they never really got rolling; Every little thing took what was apparently a conference between the server and the manager, and the wine list was organized in a confusing manner. This all added up to wine not being served for about 30 minutes. The wine, at least, was good,(California Pinot Noir), which is more than I can say for the food. All I can imagine is that they cater to old-school mid-America taste for salt and cheese: Marinara sauce isn't supposed to have cheese in it unless specially requested, yuck. I'll admit the spaghetti was `al dente`, but the sauce still made it inedible, (although probably not for the homeless man we gave it to on our walk to the `River Bus`). Ironically, the greens weren't properly salted to steam out the bitterness. The mushroom side,(not on the menu), was the only the complete success, while the Gnochi in vodka sauce was passable. This place is is not expensive, but certainly not the cheapest fare in the area. If you like large portions the way `Mamma used to make`, this will be your place only if Mamma was not Italian.

  by rudy7

  
  

• We passed by when they were setting up, (3: 45), and decided to wait until they were 'rolling',(4:30). Well, they never really got rolling; Every little thing took what was apparently a conference between the server and the manager, and the wine list was organized in a confusing manner. This all added up to wine not being served for about 30 minutes. The wine, at least, was good,(California Pinot Noir), which is more than I can say for the food. All I can imagine is that they cater to old-school mid-America taste for salt and cheese: Marinara sauce isn't supposed to have cheese in it unless specially requested, yuck. I'll admit the spaghetti was `al dente`, but the sauce still made it inedible, (although probably not for the homeless man we gave it to on our walk to the `River Bus`). Ironically, the greens weren't properly salted to steam out the bitterness. The mushroom side,(not on the menu), was the only the complete success, while the Gnochi in vodka sauce was passable. This place is is not expensive, but certainly not the cheapest fare in the area. If you like large portions the way `Mamma used to make`, this will be your place only if Mamma was not Italian.

  by rudy7

  
  

• Lunch is typically a much better experience than dinner, where it is way overcrowded (even with reservations, expect to wait.) I continue to frequent this place because of the food, but I'm not crazy about the management. I had a birthday event and requested a cake to the manager and he seemed to have forgotten. Needless to say, it was a disappointment. But if you want good food and are in the area, definitely a recommend for lunch time.

  by rudy3

  
  

• I had a reservation and was seated in 5 minutes.the service was great. The food was the best I have had. An excelant dinning experiance.

  by spanishguy

  
  

• Reservations appear to be useless, since I waited over 20 minutes past the appointed time, with no table in sight. Additionally, the maitre 'd was very uncaring and discourteous when politely questioned about the delay.

  by terri

  
  

• Amazing italian affordable price!! Chicago's best kept secret for great food.

  by lbm

  
  

• Best salad I've had the pleasure of eating!The Grouper was an excellant main course.

  by lee1

  
  

• My wife and I experienced Volare last year and are planning a trip back to Chicago just to come back and eat!!!

  by rudy7

  
  

• My wife and I experienced Volare last year and are planning a trip back to Chicago just to come back and eat!!!

  by rudy7

  
  

• I was so pleased with my visit, the food and service was outstanding. I am a concierge and this is one of the BEST restaurants that I have been to. My family is italian and here I was able to taste the Italian flavors!!! I will send my guests to this restaurant for sure.

  by nurse_ratched

  
  

• I had the good fortune to accept the suggestion of a friend at a conference last year to try Volare. My wife, a colleague, and I had a wonderful dinner at a fantastic price. Our wait was brief, and our dining experience was both pleasant and enjoyable. Highly recommended.

  by og1corpchef

  
  

• I have had the good fortune of living in Italy for 9 years, and visit there frequently, and I can honestly say that Volare has the best, most authentic Italian food in Chicago hands-down, possibly the best in the country. Yes it can be crowded and yes, reservations don't always assure you'll get your table when you show up, but then, show me ONE thing that does run smoothly in Italy! Go with the flow, chill out and enjoy an awesome meal!

  by spanishguy

  
  

• Food was amazing! But there is a pee smell inside the restaurant, I don't know if they had an issue with the toilet today.

  by Elba E

  
  

• Very good Italian food. Chicken Parmesan was made well, can easily split between two people. Wait staff are a little intense, but would return for the food.

  by Max W.

  
  

• We had the worlds best gnocchi in Venice many years ago and have been searching for its match for over 10 years. In Volare we found its match! Try the Gnocchi, it is amazing

  by Heidi A

  
  

• Seriously the nicest people and these best food. Lasagna and ask for it covered in vodka sauce.

  by Kevin O.

  
  

• Restaurante bom, mas nada excepcional.

  by Laura N

  
  

• Try the braciole. Fantastic! You also want Fabio as your waiter.

  by Glen Murphy

  
  

• Salmon was terrific!

  by Tim H.

  
  

• L'acceuil,nous avons meme eté recu par le proprio Benny un italien

  by ABDELKADER A

  
  

• Amazing bolognese

  by Louis S

  
  

• Try the Spiral Pasta With Mushroom and meatball - (via @Foodspotting)

  by Athena C.

  
  

• Try the Black Spaghetti With Scallops, Shrimp, & Lump Crab in a Rose Sauce - (via @Foodspotting)

  by Athena C.

  
  

• Lasagna with vodka sauce top!

  by Kevin O.

  
  

• Old-school sauce joint with the friendliest bartender around.

  by Sara Y

  
  

• Good wine and great service

  by Brandon

  
  

• Pasta dishes were all delicious. I recommend the seafood squid-ink pasta.

  by Sofia P.

  
  

• Awesome food

  by Sue M.

  
  

• The pasta and wine were impeccable

  by Michelle P

  
  

• Linguini with clams was amazing!! Garlic version ;)

  by Victoria A

  
  

• Try the gnocchi, it's fantastic.

  by Blake J

  
  

• Love, love, LOVED my fettuccine and bolognese! The atmosphere and the food was spectacular. I only wish I were better dressed to dine there.

  by Ross D.

  
  

• Appetizers, filet mignon special was melt in your mouth awesome!

  by Dan P.

  
  

• Huge portions! Great service. Good food.

  by Spencer B.

  
  

• Salmon grilled in their pizza oven is a total winner. Their grilled calamari was also delish, nice treat! Wine list is rather impressive, too.

  by Taylor K.

  
  

• Black spaghetti is delicious

  by Jia Li

  
  

• Squid ink pasta and gnocchi

  by Randy Wong

  
  

• Arrabiata pasta & truffle pasta are the best! So delicious & tasty. The service is good here too but come early to avoid waiting.

  by Tota A.

  
  

• Einrichtung wie in einem italienischen Restaurant aus den alten Chicagofilmen mit eigenem, sehr netten und authentisch wirkenden Flair. Nur zu empfehlen !

  by Uwe S.

  
  

• Authentic and fantastic Italian restaurant. Be sure to make a reservation!!

  by Annie Foster

  
  

• Just go and make an experience.

  by Alicia J.

  
  

• Unassuming Italian restaurant. Food is delicious. Wine bottles are not too ridiculously priced. The linguine con vongole well done. The sea bass was impeccably prepared.

  by Roberto L.

  
  

• Tiramisu is heavenly

  by Sri V.

  
  

• Really good Italian sausage and peppers. Good vesuvio

  by Jeff C.

  
  

• Beat lasagna in my life sorry mom

  by Kevin O.

  
  

• Great menu, I still often order off menu - great kitchen, never disappointed.

  by Brent Gatewood

  
  

• Great food! The homemade ravioli was on point and so yummy!

  by Loni F.

  
  

• Good food and good value!

  by Ana Claudia A

  
  

• Robbie is a GREAT server!!!

  by Ellie H.

  
  

• The vodka gnocchi was the best I have ever had!

  by Cesar G.

  
  

• Pollo alla Parmigiana. Go for it. You're welcome!

  by Akbar A.

  
  

• Lamb Chops were Amazing !

  by Julian B.

  
  

• The gnocchi a la vodka is one of the best dishes I've ever had!

  by Alex J

  
  

• Insalata di mare all day everyday. It's unbelievable!

  by Aubre

  
  

• Great atmosphere:) friendly staff!! And the food is soo delish!!!!

  by Zhanara B.

  
  

• Great atmosphere, packed on a Wednesday night, and the lasagna is righteous! All good things.

  by Joe G.

  
  

• Chilean sea bass feature was the best! Very sanitary and delish dirty martini , if I lived in this neighborhood, this would be my hangout! The staff speak Italian!!!

  by Christine M.

  
  

• Gnocchi incredible

  by Pauline J

  
  

• My meal was absolutely fantastic! The service and atmosphere were great as well. I would definitely come back here next time I'm in Chicago.

  by Justin A

  
  

• The amarone of 2009 is excellent!

  by Sven S

  
  

• The black spaghetti with seafood is to die for

  by Andrew D.

  
  

• Really liked the food. The Volare Pizza was fantastic. The Braciole which was their special of the day was also very very good. I'd love to come back for another meal.

  by Steven S.

  
  

• Food and service was exceptional

  by Lisa M

  
  

• My daughter liked their spaghetti. I just got a house salad. Didn't care for it. St. Louis hill Italian restaurants are better. Nice atmosphere though. I guess it depends on what you are used too.

  by Patsy D.

  
  

• The ambiance is really nice and the food is pretty good. Vanilla creme brulee is to die for, but they had run out of the tiramisu by the time we ordered dessert - I was sad...

  by Zeynep Y.

  
  

• Seafood risotto and bruschetta are must-haves.

  by Phoebe V.

  
  

• Squid ink spaghetti is unreal! Get it!

  by AsalMeansHoney

  
  

• Best Italian in town! The service is outstanding! The wait is worth it!

  by Fernando S.

  
  

• The wine selection is amazing...and the food is fabulous, had a wonderful experience and will be back!!! Need to try the linguine and clams next time.

  by Kim H.

  
  

• The linguine alla vongole was fabulous. The best linguine and clams I've had.

  by Jessica Z

  
  

• Excelente tudo! Entradas, pratos e sobremesa. Além do atendimento de primeira. Os garçons falam italiano se vc preferir.

  by Fabio C

  
  

• The perfect place for some reprieve from the crowds on the pier with an unmistakable atmosphere.

  by Serious Eats

  
  

• GREAT Italian in Chi Town! Blanch our waitress was wonderful. She led us down the perfect path for what we were craving. Wine was really good too! ;)

  by Doris B.

  
  

• Best Chicken Parm I've ever had

  by Terrence

  
  

• Best Italian food in Chicago! Also best service-always ontop of there game!

  by Lisa R

  
  

• Gnocchi alla vodka: excellent!

  by Alex G.

  
  

• Fabulous food. The gnocchi with vodka sauce and meatballs is delicious and all the desserts are to die for. Great service, great wine, great food!

  by Beth S

  
  

• Great food get the linguine and clams white wine sauce

  by Jimmy M.

  
  

• The food here is amazing!! Get a side of meatballs and the sausage appetizer while you're at it!

  by Erik C.

  
  

• Must order the gnocchi alla vodka & any of the risotto's! This place is a must, when in Chicago

  by Michael R.

  
  

• Amazing food and great wine. Great service!

  by Bernardo K

  
  

• Amazing food - the only downside is that they pack people in like sardines and it is so loud. Can't have a conversation.

  by mary z.

  
  

• Try the Arancini all Bolognese!

  by JewelMint

  
  

• Amazing food. Farfale with salmon is really good

  by Luca A

  
  

• The seafood risotto is huge and amazing!

  by AndyHat

  
  

• Bruschetta is amazing! Order it!

  by Jessica💋 G.

  
  

• We were late for our reservation and it wasn't on purpose but they were very accommodating and got us a table in 10 mins

  by Jessica💋 G.

  
  

• Click here to read the Urbanspoon reviews.

  by Matthew V.

  
  

• The linguini frutti di mare is very, very good. Also get the bruschetta for starters, one of the best I ever had. Excellent price for what you get!

  by Ricardo T.

  
  

• Excellent Italian. Mediocre service but highly recommended.

  by dara lynne

  
  

• Absolutely delicious dinner tonight - Volare is the best Italian in the city...

  by Rob T

  
  

• The Risotto Volare is a seafood feast!

  by Andrea W.

  
  

• Best Italian in Chicago!

  by Julie A.

  
  

• sit in Julie's section if she's working; she's amazing! And don't forget to look up, and enjoy the clouds.

  by Rebecca M.

  
  

• Get the sea bass if they have it. The gnocchi is amazing as is the vodka sauce. Trust the waiters. They will take care of you.

  by Bradford L.

  
  

• like lots of grilled octopus, calamari, shrimp, balsamic? mediterranean salad here, yum!

  by Esteban G.