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Volare



201 East Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611

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(312) 410-9900

  • Sun - 11:00am - 10:00pm
  • Mon - Thu 11:00am - 10:30pm
  • Fri - Sat 11:00am - 11:00pm

Cuisine: Italian Restaurants

View more restaurants at exit 51a on I-94.


4.7 of 5.0 from 98 reviews


price range:$11 to $25

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Blogger Reviews of Volare

  • Eating For Sanity on Oct 20, 2013

    A veal cutlet was pounded thin, breaded, and pan-fried before being topped with a pomodoro sauce and a healthy helping of mozzarella cheese. It came with a side of spaghetti to make this dish just as large as the other entrees.

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Volare Reviews

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  • rrriverrun reviewVERY 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.

    44444 by rrriverrun


  • centralstickney reviewThis 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!!

    55555 by centralstickney


  • rudy7 reviewWe 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.

    55555 by rudy7


  • rudy7 reviewWe 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.

    11111 by rudy7


  • rudy3 reviewLunch 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.

    22222 by rudy3


  • spanishguy reviewI 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.

    44444 by spanishguy


  • terri reviewReservations 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.

    11111 by terri


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

    44444 by lbm


  • lee1 reviewBest salad I've had the pleasure of eating!The Grouper was an excellant main course.

    44444 by lee1


  • rudy7 reviewMy wife and I experienced Volare last year and are planning a trip back to Chicago just to come back and eat!!!

    55555 by rudy7


  • rudy7 reviewMy wife and I experienced Volare last year and are planning a trip back to Chicago just to come back and eat!!!

    11111 by rudy7


  • nurse_ratched reviewI 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.

    55555 by nurse_ratched


  • og1corpchef reviewI 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.

    44444 by og1corpchef


  • spanishguy reviewI 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!

    44444 by spanishguy


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

    33333 by Elba E


  • Max W.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.

    55555 by Max W.


  • Heidi AWe 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

    55555 by Heidi A


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

    55555 by Kevin O.


  • Laura NRestaurante bom, mas nada excepcional.

    55555 by Laura N


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

    55555 by Glen Murphy


  • Tim H.Salmon was terrific!

    55555 by Tim H.


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

    55555 by ABDELKADER A


  • Louis SAmazing bolognese

    55555 by Louis S


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

    33333 by Athena C.


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

    55555 by Athena C.


  • Kevin O.Lasagna with vodka sauce top!

    55555 by Kevin O.


  • Sara YOld-school sauce joint with the friendliest bartender around.

    55555 by Sara Y


  • BrandonGood wine and great service

    55555 by Brandon


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

    55555 by Sofia P.


  • Sue M.Awesome food

    55555 by Sue M.


  • Michelle PThe pasta and wine were impeccable

    55555 by Michelle P


  • Victoria ALinguini with clams was amazing!! Garlic version ;)

    55555 by Victoria A


  • Blake JTry the gnocchi, it's fantastic.

    55555 by Blake J


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

    55555 by Ross D.


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

    55555 by Dan P.


  • Spencer B.Huge portions! Great service. Good food.

    55555 by Spencer B.


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

    55555 by Taylor K.


  • Jia LiBlack spaghetti is delicious

    55555 by Jia Li


  • Randy WongSquid ink pasta and gnocchi

    55555 by Randy Wong


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

    55555 by Tota A.


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

    55555 by Uwe S.


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

    55555 by Annie Foster


  • Alicia J.Just go and make an experience.

    55555 by Alicia J.


  • Roberto L.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.

    55555 by Roberto L.


  • Sri V.Tiramisu is heavenly

    55555 by Sri V.


  • Jeff C.Really good Italian sausage and peppers. Good vesuvio

    55555 by Jeff C.


  • Kevin O.Beat lasagna in my life sorry mom

    55555 by Kevin O.


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

    55555 by Brent Gatewood


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

    55555 by Loni F.


  • Ana Claudia AGood food and good value!

    55555 by Ana Claudia A


  • Ellie H.Robbie is a GREAT server!!!

    55555 by Ellie H.


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

    55555 by Cesar G.


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

    55555 by Akbar A.


  • Julian B.Lamb Chops were Amazing !

    55555 by Julian B.


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

    55555 by Alex J


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

    55555 by Aubre


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

    55555 by Zhanara B.


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

    55555 by Joe G.


  • Christine M.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!!!

    55555 by Christine M.


  • Pauline JGnocchi incredible

    55555 by Pauline J


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

    55555 by Justin A


  • Sven SThe amarone of 2009 is excellent!

    55555 by Sven S


  • Andrew D.The black spaghetti with seafood is to die for

    55555 by Andrew D.


  • Steven S.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.

    55555 by Steven S.


  • Lisa MFood and service was exceptional

    55555 by Lisa M


  • Patsy D.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.

    55555 by Patsy D.


  • Zeynep Y.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...

    55555 by Zeynep Y.


  • Phoebe V.Seafood risotto and bruschetta are must-haves.

    55555 by Phoebe V.


  • AsalMeansHoneySquid ink spaghetti is unreal! Get it!

    55555 by AsalMeansHoney


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

    55555 by Fernando S.


  • Kim H.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.

    55555 by Kim H.


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

    55555 by Jessica Z


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

    55555 by Fabio C


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

    55555 by Serious Eats


  • Doris B.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! ;)

    55555 by Doris B.


  • TerrenceBest Chicken Parm I've ever had

    55555 by Terrence


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

    55555 by Lisa R


  • Alex G.Gnocchi alla vodka: excellent!

    55555 by Alex G.


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

    55555 by Beth S


  • Jimmy M.Great food get the linguine and clams white wine sauce

    55555 by Jimmy M.


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

    55555 by Erik C.


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

    55555 by Michael R.


  • Bernardo KAmazing food and great wine. Great service!

    55555 by Bernardo K


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

    55555 by mary z.


  • JewelMintTry the Arancini all Bolognese!

    55555 by JewelMint


  • Luca AAmazing food. Farfale with salmon is really good

    55555 by Luca A


  • AndyHatThe seafood risotto is huge and amazing!

    55555 by AndyHat


  • Jessica💋 G.Bruschetta is amazing! Order it!

    55555 by Jessica💋 G.


  • 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

    33333 by Jessica💋 G.


  • Matthew V.Click here to read the Urbanspoon reviews.

    33333 by Matthew V.


  • Ricardo T.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!

    55555 by Ricardo T.


  • dara lynneExcellent Italian. Mediocre service but highly recommended.

    55555 by dara lynne


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

    55555 by Rob T


  • Andrea W.The Risotto Volare is a seafood feast!

    55555 by Andrea W.


  • Julie A.Best Italian in Chicago!

    55555 by Julie A.


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

    55555 by Rebecca M.


  • Bradford L.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.

    55555 by Bradford L.


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

    55555 by Esteban G.


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