Il Riccio

The food isn't bad, just mediocre. It's really the service that is the deal breaker and in fairness it was one night, but life is too short to go to a nyc italian restaurant twice (even on the upper east side). Owner claims to be italian, but pasta is oversauced. The big issue is service and attitude. Specials--price isn't quoted--somehow manage to be significantly more expensive than the highest priced item on the menu. 3 of 6 dishes had issues -- spaghetti and not-so-much clams, way undercooked rigatoni (i know al dente, this pasta was three minutes from al dente), a spaghetti that was MIA. waiter didn't even realize it was missing when 5/6 entrees were delivered, so we kept waiting... mistakes happen, but issue is how service reacts when they do, which here was to not notice, so do nothing, and then seemingly not caring and acting slowly when mentioned.

What a find! Great authentic Italian food in a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. Try the Gnocchi, which is delicious and quite unique or the pasta primavera which was loaded with lots of great veggies. The serving are quite large. They also have a very nice wine list with lots of great reds from Italy and California. If you are looking for an unpretentious restaurant, with great food, and a friendly wait staff this is the place for you.

The pasta puttanesca is the best. I went there for lunch and it was excellent food and service. The place is clean and neat. The colors inside are very warm and reminded me of a restaurant that I ate in when I was in Italy. It is a place from the outside that first at glance you would not think but the copper door is very inviting and I am glad I went in. I would definitely go again. The portions are just enough.

After reading all the great reviews, we had to try this one. The tuna cappechio appetizer was very pedestrian, and the bass only OK. The grilled chicken was again standard. The bread was cold but the service was excellent.

Everything each of us ordered was outstanding. Wished we could bring this place back to chicago with us. The grilled artichoke appetizer was unlike anything I've ever had--so flavorful that I had to go back over our short weekend trip to have it again--everyone was thrilled I wanted to go back. Our family of 4 had the veal, a pasta (tomato/vodka) dish, and risotto---all some of the best we've ever had. And, we've been to many restaurants in and out of chicago.

I hesitate to tell about this undiscovered gem that generally local people know about. Good atmosphere, value and authentic Italian food.

It's rare to find someone from italy owning a restaurant and watching the cooking at the same time. I find the food to be wonderful. If you get the chance, always order from the specials - you won't be disappointed. The specials represent seasonal cooking at it's best.