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Pasta Palazzo
Category: Restaurants Italian Italian [Edit]
1966 N Halsted St(between Wisconsin St & Armitage Ave)
Chicago, IL 60614
Neighbourhoods: Lincoln Park, DePaul
(773) 248-1400
- Nearest Transit:
-
Armitage (Brown Line, Purple Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:30 am - 9:30 pm
Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 10:30 pm
Sun 1 pm - 8:30 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
253 reviews for Pasta Palazzo
Review Highlights
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"Love the Jalapeno Gnocchi." In 17 reviews -
"The baked goat cheese appetizer was fantastic too." In 9 reviews -
"Small place and cash only, but a great atmosphere." In 43 reviews
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253 reviews in English
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Review from Erika C.
Boston, MA
4/16/2012
pasta palazzo, i love you.
what a hidden gem this place is.
my boyfriend and i ventured out today for lunch today to find you, and we were not disappointed.
the food made us feel like we died and went to heaven.
and not to mention the prices and location!
everything on the menu (for the most part) was 10 and under.
this place has an open kitchen and bar stool high top seating. very casual atmosphere, we really enjoyed it.
for starters, i tried the bruschetta (four pieces of amazing)
and my boyfriend tried the small (which was not small at all) ceaser salad.
for our entrees we both had the gnocchi w/ alfredo sauce. so fluffy and filled with ricotta cheese. delicious! something about it makes this place really memorable.
although we came here today, on a Monday, and were the only ones eating, i would assume this place gets pretty busy on the weekends. (only about 12 tables)
highly recommend.
will be back! :) -
Review from Rebecca B.
Chicago, IL
4/25/2012
Pasta Palazzo manages to fill my belly without emptying my wallet. They have a menu filled with delicious pasta, salads, and appetizers, and their specials board is always worth checking out as they have some seasonal items that are out of this world (their Pumpkin Ravioli keeps me coming back every week during the fall).
My personal favorites include the delightfully decadent Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Sauce (plump, flavorful gnocchi covered with a sauce so delicious that I have been known to lick my plate), the tasty Cavatappi Pollo (corkscrew pasta in a cream sauce with chicken, sun dried tomatoes, and mushrooms), amazing Grilled Asparagus (perfectly grilled and drizzled with a tasty lemon vinaigrette), and a truly delightful Caprese Salad.
Despite what other reviews have said, Pasta Palazzo is no longer cash only. They do accept credit cards and have been taking them for a couple of years. In fact, I used a card at Pasta Palazzo yesterday to pay for lunch. -
Review from Allison H.
Chicago, IL
4/2/2012
As far as quick, cheap pasta places go this one I'm definitely a fan of.
It usually gets pretty busy and it's small so there really isn't much room to wait anywhere. I recommend going for an early or late dinner to avoid a long wait since they don't take reservations.
They do take credit card - some people here said it's cash only but that is not true anymore.
The menu consists of a bunch of different pasta dishes - nothing more than $10. I went with the jalapeno gnocchi and my husband got the shells with italian sausage. The gnocchi was good and very flavorful with just enough spice. I thought my husband's shell's were a bit bland. We also got the grilled calamari for an appetizer. It was very good and cooked perfectly. One other time I came here I got the Cavatappi Pollo - definitely my favorite thing I've had here.
Overall, if you're not looking to spend to spend a ton and want a simple, quick meal this is a good bet since nothing I've had here is bad. Try the cavatappi pollo! -
Review from J S.
Arlington Heights, IL
5/16/2012
I had to try this place out since I always passed this place on my daily walks and boy was the food delicious. I went there during the week and the place had no waiting. The food was hot when it was served, the portions they serve was enough to take home and the place was clean. I am glad I stopped in and ate.
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Review from Colleen R.
Chicago, IL
5/13/2012
The Gorgonzola sauce was to die for! It's a little place but the food was amazing and the wait staff was friendly and helpful! Can't wait to go back again!
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Review from Josh V.
3/13/2012
Big-a meat-a ball-a! Is not what I had, but I felt like trying to sound Italian and that's what popped into my head. Don't ask why. I wouldn't call Pasta Palazzo an authentic Italian restaurant, but I would call it darn tasty!
Before we get to the food, a few words on the place in general. It's a small space and can get kind of noisy. It's a pretty casual atmosphere. Most the tables are high, and there is a long counter/bar along one side. There isn't a lot of space for waiting for tables; if you're seated in front people might get all up in your business while they wait. This is a table service spot, and the staff seems pretty nice and efficient. They serve alcohol (at least wine, I didn't really look closely).
Now to the fun stuff. The food is really darn good! We shared the baked goat cheese and grilled asparagus appetizers and they were both excellent! For my dinner I ordered one of the specials of the day: a risotto with chicken, broccoli, mushrooms in sun-dried tomato cream sauce. It was delicious! Super tasty. I had to stop myself from eating it all so I wouldn't explode. I took the rest home and it was just as yummy left over. We were too stuffed for dessert, unfortunately.
The prices here are pretty reasonable. I think our two apps (plus garlic bread), four entrees, a couple wine drinks and a couple non-boozy drinks was around $80 and we were all very fully when we left.
Gratzi, Pasta Palazzo!
P.S. Some older reviews mention cash only, but they now take credit cards. -
Review from Christine J.
Chicago, IL
3/23/2012
For Lincoln Park, this place is a steal. Where else can you have a sit down meal with wine for $9-10 an entree? The restaurant, located at the busy Halsted/Armitage intersection, is pretty small. It's an open kitchen with a bar around it along with tables along the wall. They don't take reservations, and it's cash only. The menu is comprised of simple $9-10 pastas where you can add meat, veggies, etc for a couple bucks more. It's seriously no frills Amer-italian place that is affordable good eats. It's got some neighborhood charm as well. Along the wall ledge are some pictures of who I can only assume to be the owner's kids. I think it's the owner who answers the phone and greets people from behind the cash register.
My go to dish here is the housemade gnocchi with gorgonzola sauce. It's probably one of the richest dishes I ever had. For 13 little nuggets of potatoey pasta, I'm fall over full. The sauce is rich. I once watched them make it and saw the cook pour a whole lot of heavy cream into the pan. But it's more than that - the gorgonzola gives it an earthy funk, which makes it stand out from any alfredo sauce. It tastes a little toasted too, like what happens when pasta sticks to a pan, even though there's no crunchy bits. The gnocchi is plump and chewy.
The tiramisu dessert is pretty good. For $5, it's a huge portion. The cream is light and not too sweet, the coffee flavor is distinct but not overwhelming. The ladyfingers are spongy. -
Review from julie l.
Chicago, IL
2/7/2012
I love Pasta Palazzo. I'll make this easy:
Always weekly specials like mushroom risotto or roast chicken ravioli, mmmmm. The standard menu items are also good- the corkscrews with chicken are awesome.
Tip: Don't overlook the sandwiches on the back of the menu. If your like me, all those tempting pastas might steer you away from a sandwich, but their really good.
The open kitchen means you will be eyeing what to order next time.
My only critique is the close seating. It's a small place and the tables are pushed together. But considering the quick service and surprisingly reasonable prices, I can easily overlook this. -
Review from Peter g.
Chicago, IL
2/9/2012
If you have not tried this place yet, what are you waiting for????
I have made some good and some bad quick choices in the first time catageory, but this was one of the best first timer choices I think I have ever made.
For a quick serve pasta place, the menu has a lot to offer, bigger and more tasty choices to add on to your dish then other places I have been. The garlic bread is a must try, it melted in my mouth and was not crusty or hard at all, very tasty.
The caprese was great, the pasta was fast and hot, and you get plenty to choose from in sauces, pastas, and add ons, this is a Must vist. Its small, quaint, and not fancy by any stretch, but for what this place is, its acces.
Badda Bing- You gotta try dis, it's an offer you can't refuse... -
Review from Rick T.
1/9/2012
Sign me up! I live by a restaurant with a similar concept over on Clark...and I love that place. So, I went into Pasta Palazzo ready to hate everything. Imagine my "disappointment" in being completely satisfied!
Cheap eats, great tasting, quick, and casual. They kept the soft drinks topped off and handled a lunch time rush with aplomb. Pasta Palazzo even offers extra bread upon request with olive oil and Parmesan on the table (HEY! My place over on Clark doesn't offer extra bread. Or olive oil. Or Parmesan. Harumph.)
I can't just dump my neighborhood joint. I've known her too long, she's convenient, and she knows me inside and out. But Pasta Palazzo has become the "other woman."Listed in: Good'n'cheap
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Review from Nimit P.
Chicago, IL
4/19/2012
One of my favorite spots in the neighborhood. Pasta Palazzo offers tasty pasta dishes and appetizers that will fit just about any budget. Most of the entrees are around $10 and are well worth it. The ingredigents are fresh, the staff friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere comfortable and lively. If you're strolling by and looking to grab a bite, this spot will surely satisfy. For my fellow Lincoln Park dwellers, take out is just as good and usually ready in 15 minutes or less. This is one of my go to spots when I want to skip making dinner. Good for couples or small groups.
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Review from Kathryn W.
Chicago, IL
1/3/2012
This restaurant was recommended to me while eating at another restaurant in the neighborhood. I decided to give it a try, I liked it so much that I went back again in the same week.
The restaurant is small and I am considering doing take out from here on out since if you catch it at the wrong time you could be waiting a while.
I had the grilled asparagus the first time I went and when I went back I made sure to get two orders. On my first visit I ordered the "Healthy Chicken" with whole grain pasta and it was very tasty, the left overs re heated well. The second time I had the shrimp risotto special. I was a little disappointed that the shrimp were those tiny shrimp that you find in cheap Chinese food, not large, fresh shrimp with the tails still on. But I should have known considering the entree only cost about $10.
The service was overall pretty good, although it does slip when they get busy with other tables or take out orders.
Regardless, I will be ordering take out. -
Review from Patrick E.
Oak Lawn, IL
12/12/2011
I haven't been here for a few years (moved out of the 'hood) but when I came back on Saturday, it was as good as I remember it. My GF is a chef and so, she can be picky about how her food is prepared and she's not really a fan of Italian food in general.
However, we both loved the Grilled Calamari. She complimented its tenderness and absolutely loved the sauce (more bread for sopping this up, please?) yeah baby!
My favorite dish is usually the Conch shell with gorgonzola cheese. This time I added Chicken to it and had enough for leftovers. I also get the special when I can if I'm not in the mood for such a rich meal.
Yes, its casual, and its never been loud when I'm there (usually post-hangover, after 2pm on saturdays or sundays) but hey, at least its not a sports bar, or overpriced.
Bonus: hot italian food is great for walking around armitage window shopping! -
Review from Matthew M.
IL
4/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
Been going here for years. Always great, inventive pasta dishes and the price is right.
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Review from Kelly C.
12/13/2011
I got takeout from here one afternoon after reading all the reviews about the Jalapeno Gnocchi and I think all the reviews built it up too much. Don't get me wrong the gnocchi was good and I quite enjoyed the red pepper sauce, I'm just not sure it blew me away as much as I was anticipating.
I also got the polenta and it was okay but nothing to write home about. Probably wouldn't get it again.
The prices were reasonable for the amount of food I got. I would go back again and try more dishes. -
Review from Sonny P.
Morton Grove, IL
3/25/2012
My favorite italian spot in chicago! This place is amazing...Its a small cozy restaurant. menu is very simple to read and they make the dishes right on the spot. The service is great and I have already been here 7-8 times. The portions are big for the amount you pay. An average dish is approx $9-10. They do not take credit card so make sure you have cash or go to an atm before hand.
5 stars! -
Review from Billy W.
Chicago, IL
2/15/2012
I have dined here a couple times with my girlfriend, who is maybe their biggest fan. The main reason this place is top notch is the value, their fresh delicious pastas are all under 10 bucks. You can get wine by the glass or the bottle very affordably. It's always hoppin, it's a little on the small side but it's cozy. We're getting takeout tonight and I'm excited bout it....
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Review from Simeen A.
Chicago, IL
11/8/2011
**Not cash-only anymore! Non-cash-carriers rejoice!
I really enjoy this place-- it's straightforward and GOOD. Don't come expecting a formal meal, this place is casual.
Food is simple and delicious. A couple of times my guy and I have started planning to head somewhere for Italian and after a few options are thrown around, we look at each other and say, "want to just head to Pasta Palazzo?"
The baked goat cheese is good but my favorite appetizer is the polenta. Creamy and delicious, lots of cheese and sauce. I have a hard time not eating it all.
Pastas are all good. The gnocchi is very good, though I don't love the red pepper sauce for the jalapeno gnocchi (only because it's almost too strong a flavor and the gnocchi flavor gets a little lost). Tortellini is tasty and the sauces are all good. The vodka tomato cream is delicious and if you like it spicy, ask them to make it spicy for you-- it's great. Portions are good and we always have leftovers.
I haven't ever had room for dessert so can't speak to that. Overall a solid, consistent casual Italian place. Prices are low (most entrees under $10 or right around there) so it doesn't have to be a splurge. -
Review from Kit G.
Updated - 9/6/2011
I stopped in around 8:30 on a weeknight to grab some takeout. I figured that I might as well grab a beer while I waited. My food was ready before I finished my beer - but they kept it warm for me until I was ready to go. The gnocchi was delicious and it was still hot went I got home.
Pasta Palazzo is definitely the perfect place to grab some quick takeout or have a casual meal. It is far better than other quick takeout options. It is not a fancy gourmet Italian bistro. I think there are so many haters on this page because they have false expectations.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/7/2011
Delicious, inexpensive, and quick. My friend and I went on Saturday night for a quick bite. I was… Read more »
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Review from Kelly R.
Chicago, IL
8/24/2011 4 Check-ins Here
This place is delicious comfort food at a comfy price! You can get a huge pasta dish with meat for about under $10! The food here is so good that after eating here with my family, my parents refuse to go anywhere else when come visit me!
They make their sangria fresh daily and it's very tangy and summery. The food is very fresh, comes quickly, and is always hot. The polenta here is amazing and so are the pasta dishes!! They even have healthier pasta options for those who don't want all the calories usually tacked onto a traditional italian pasta dish.
The decor is very cute and the the open kitchen gives it a great feel. The staff is friendly and the place is family owned. It's small, but very popular so it gets crowded. Call ahead to save a space.
This place is a must do! -
Review from Diego M.
Chicago, IL
10/24/2011
Been here a few times. The place is pretty clean, service is good and you can watch your dish be prepared right in front of you (if you sit at the bar).
I've had a few different plates here, but the one that caught my taste buds was the gnocchi. Very good portion, enough for left overs for sure.
If you don't like what you see on the menu, you can customize your pasta with virtually any ingredient available. Definitely worth a try. -
Review from Ryan F.
Rockville, MD
8/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Such a great local spot. My wife and I are in from DC for Lolla and looked for a great neighborhood yelp. We were not disappointed.
Inexpensive. Good portions (not huge, but large enough for take home).
Cucumber salad was awesome - light vinaigrette, crispy cukes, great greens. Baked goat cheese was good, not great. Balance of creamy and chalky, as it should be, but didn't stand out.
Ordered 3 entrees because we couldn't decide. Jalapeño gnocchi was a total surprise. It looks like Buffalo wing sauce, but tastes delicious. Creamy, ricotta-stuffed gnocchi with a slightly bitey red pepper sauce. Tortellini were tiny, cheesy pockets of goodness tossed with the nice house tomato sauce - excellent flavor and texture. The best was the penne salsiccia - perfectly done penne with well-grilled bits of sausage. Nice spice, great flavor, and tons of meat.
Only knock is the wine list - pretty basic. But with a restaurant so small yet reasonably priced, not sure I should expect much more than they offered. We enjoyed our malbec.
Server Jeff was attentive and friendly. Steered us away from a couple items based on our comments. There were only two servers and the owner on a busy Thursday night, but they covered the place really well.
Great prices for great food served by friendly and efficient staff. Can't ask for much more. -
Review from Sara L.
Chicago, IL
9/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
When we first got here, I was afraid that there would be a long wait due to the people lined up outside. However, we were seated within 10 min.
The environment is very laid back and chill..very casual. There's also an open kitchen, so you can smell all the yummy goodness being cooked.
I ended up getting the gnocchi in bolognese sauce. The gnocchi here is stuffed with ricotta cheese, so you don't get the thick doughy chewy characteristic of traditional gnocchi. I think that is why I didn't really like what I ordered. Also, I normally don't order bolognese sauce, so having the meat made the dish a little too salty for me. This dish could be perfect for someone else, but it wasn't fit for my liking.
Overall, I liked this place, and I will definitely be back to try other things on their menu. -
Review from Ashley R.
Chicago, IL
8/16/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This is me and the boyfriend's favorite date night spot in the city. That's pretty much the highest praise any place can get from me, so that's saying something! It's got so much going for it:
1. A cozy, eclectic interior with candle-lit high tops and beautiful mosaics
2. An open kitchen with bar seating where you can watch cooks prep your dish from scratch, to order
3. Delicious pasta dishes, traditional and creative alike - there's always an interesting special on
4. Really decent prices and generous portions - we always end up with leftovers
Not to mention good service in a city where some things feel like they come at a premium - waitstaff is friendly, and they serve you crusty bread and olive oil as you wait. Our favorites include the Conchiglie Gorgonzola or Classico, Jalapeno Gnocchi, and Pumpkin Ravioli! -
Review from Maryn R.
Chicago, IL
1/18/2012
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. The food is fantastic! It comes out piping hot. The price is also great. Plenty of food! My husband and I usually share a dish and a salad. We have been coming to this place almost every Friday night for the last year. We started coming when our daughter was born. Shayna and Nicole are usually their and we really like them. They have great customer service. they know how order and basically can place it when we arrive. They always ask if we want anything different just in case
The only issue I have with this place is that the bathroom does not have a diaper changing station or counter. There is no place to change a child in diapers. In the winter it is really bad because you cannot even change them on the floor. The bathroom has plenty of space to put one in.
This place is family oriented so I would think they would have one. They even offer booster seats for the high-top tables so the kids can sit at them. The ironic thing is that I believe the owner has kid(s) so I would think it would be a priority for them seeing as they have kids.
Go eat at this local restaurant in LP! You will not be disappointed. The only reason they do not get 5 stars is because of the changing station -
Review from jasmin v.
1/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
I got the Tortellini with Marsala Sauce.
Mmm yum! Super good! I'd get it again.
I wish this place was BYOB though.
$30 for a bottle of pinot wine.
Takes Visa & MasterCard now. -
Review from Matt R.
Chicago, IL
5/8/2011
Like an ash hunter hot on the trail of carved out caverns in Pompeii, Pasta Palazzo is a smoldering gem of a locale recently unearthed. Walk too quickly along the myriad of shops, restaurants and bars on Halsted and you might miss this hole in the wall. The facade is muted and the building on the small side, but that prevents wandering vandals and schoolchildren from hoarding out front and shaking down food-goers for change and artifacts.
There are many fine Italian locales in the city, but what propels this place to prominence is the combination of aesthetically pleasing interior and delectable dishes at prices more picturesque than looking down on Napoli from Mt. Vesuvius. The interior is ideally lit and the brightness of the decor and openness of the space create the feel of an exclusive yet friendly venue for eating stuffed gnocchi or viewing shadows burned on stone. I've made the pilgrimage here multiple times and favorites includes sangria ($5 is a deal), any of the homemade pastas, and the tiramisu.
The only word of caution: seating is somewhat limited so if you do load up the family cruiser for Wally World during prime hours, understand that waiting in line to see the sights may be required.
Pasta Palazzo delivers on food without falling into the all-to-common Lincoln Park (and south into the city) tendency to increase prices simply because one can. Fear not, neither wallet nor stomach will end smoldering in Faustian inferno. -
Review from Andrew H.
Chicago, IL
12/11/2011
Jalapeno gnocchi. It's the only entree I've tried because it's so unique and delicious that I can't bring myself to try anything else. It's kind of tacky that you have to pay extra for any additional ingredients to your dish. In general, it's overpriced, given that it is sort of a glorified noodles and company, but the homemade gnocchi have never disappointed. The $5 sangria is also always satisfying. It's a little cramped, but the do seem to have pretty good service. Good for a casual night out.
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Review from John M.
Chicago, IL
12/27/2011
This place is the best. You can usually get a table here within 5-10 minutes. Food comes fast and HOT. Everything is delicious. Very warm and comfortable place to eat in the wintertime.
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Review from Virginia T.
Chicago, IL
10/5/2011
I heard about Pasta Palazzo from Yelp. I love pasta and Lincoln Park isn't too far from J's so we ordered takeout.
The place is SO LOUD- the 1st time we called we were hung up on because they couldn't hear us yelling.
The 2nd time we called they got the order wrong when they repeated it back...bad sign. We corrected them and were quoted 15 min for pickup.
We ordered an appetizer and two entrees. The appetizer (Polenta) was the highlight. Creamy, cheesy-delicious. The entrees....eh. We ordered the gnocchi in bolognese sauce. I've never had mushrooms in my bolognese before, but theirs had them and J's allergic. We didn't notice it on the menu since next to the gnocchi it doesn't describe the sauces- just says to pick. There were more mushrooms than gnocchi. However, the texture was pretty good, light and pillow-y.
The worst part-I ordered the pasta primavera, with whole grain pasta and goat cheese (and paid $2 extra for that). We got it home and it wasn't whole grain and there was no goat cheese. Plus, the veggies were lackluster- some were still crunchy.
We called back and complained. They refunded our money for the messed up primavera but I think this experience has made me want to stay away from Pasta Palazzo in the future. -
Review from James Michael S.
Chicago, IL
11/17/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Great local spot for some in-expensive but delicious italian food!
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Review from Hillary E.
Chicago, IL
3/29/2011
A friend and I set off for an adventure on Monday, and the restaurant where we planned on going happened to be closed - I tried to use my trusty Yelp app but for some reason it kept saying that my location didn't exist or something along those lines...so we ended up eating at Pasta Palazzo because we stumbled upon it.
We awkwardly stood waiting for awhile until someone acknowledged us and told us to sit down. We picked a table that they needed to clean because it was near all the sunlight and didn't want to sit in the back where it was barely lit. They cleaned the table and gave us water promptly - but that was about all they did quickly. We probably sat at least ten minutes with no one acknowledging us and that we were ready to order... finally they got there and we had brief interactions related to what we wanted to order.
The bruschetta was very good - you could definitely taste the balsamic vinegar. We decided to split one of the specials of the day which was only OK - seemed very basic and something I can whip up at home.
Their portion sizes are gigantic, so if you don't feel like eating a few pounds of pasta, I would definitely suggest sharing - or actually, I wouldn't, because I don't recommend this place. The service was apathetic- there were two people working and only a handful of customers on a Monday afternoon - we shouldn't have to ask for bread that we saw you give to every other table...except for us. We also shouldn't feel like we are imposing you when we would like to order. Maybe this place was having an off day - but I wouldn't chance it again. -
Review from Kwoky L.
12/29/2010
It is almost impossible to find a decent dinner at a sit-down restaurant in Lincoln Park these days without spending a fortune. Well, not until you find yourself at Pasta Palazzo.
Most entrees here are less than $10 and the taste is actually pretty decent. I don't suppose they handmade all their pasta and no, there's none of those rustic slow cooked osso buco or ragu that's simmered for hours. We're talking quick pasta, Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dive style. I like their gnocchi with gorgonzola and they had a special one evening, which was a delicious seafood risotto that I like too.
So if you're on a budget, this is a decent place to check out. -
Review from Samantha K.
Downers Grove, IL
3/16/2011
Gnocchi. I normally don't like the stuff. I have no idea what they do here, but it tastes so different from other places that I've tried! My friend got it and I'll admit that I was extremely jealous. I wasn't feeling very adventurous that day and got the healthy scallops.
My dish was pretty basic. Scallops in a tomato, basil white wine sauce. It was good. Nothing too spectacular. I probably wouldn't get it again in the future.
Now... on to the good stuff! Gnocchi!! The jalapeno ones sound really good and I'll probably be ordering that on my next visit and I can't wait!
The service was very good. Drinks were filled right away, the waitress wasn't too nosy on how the food was. (Yeah, you know what I'm talking about... those annoying waitresses that won't stop coming to your table asking the same effing questions over and over again.)
The place itself is small and homey. The walls were pretty and colorful. I'll definitely be back when I'm in the area. :) -
Review from Kate H.
Chicago, IL
1/31/2011
Oh my god. That is the only phrase I can use to describe the dishes at Pasta Palazzo! I cannot get enough of their gnocchi. I stumbled upon this place with a few friends, and now we make it an event to go almost every month and try something new! Their specials are always fantastic. I once got portobello gnocchi with champagne cream sauce and fresh spinach. The best part was that it was inexpensive! My friend got a sandwich and she wasn't very fond of, but I think the creativity and flavor of the rest of the menu makes up for the occasional lousy sandwich! Five stars!
ps: Everytime we go we always get good service! -
Review from Jenn K.
New York, NY
3/11/2012
Penne fungi and the sausage w/ pasta (can't remember name) are the shitz! So annoying that this place only accepts cash, though, the main reason I would not go there more often. Get with the millennium, PP! (oh, and the dill tomato soup, red pepper gnocchi, mmmm.)
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Review from Heather P.
Chicago, IL
2/5/2011
A casual spot like this is easy to overlook among the shops and boutiques that line Halsted, but it's a real shame. Regardless of whether you need a break from shopping or you're looking for a lunch spot that isn't like the rest- here's your best bet.
It's really bright and airy with dark wood tables and colorful mosaic tiled walls. I love the charming touch of daily specials posted on the large chalkboard. The prices are very fair and the food is very fresh. Behind the bar counter is an open kitchen so you can see the chef prepare your food. I don't know about you, but anytime there's an open kitchen, I can't help but feel better about what I'm about to eat.
Enjoy snacking on the fresh bread dipped in parmesan cheese and olive oil while hearing suggestions from the always friendly staff. Personally, I'm all about splurging on the cream based pastas here especially ones that have like five different types of mushrooms in them. The meatball sub also won't disappoint. -
Review from Rachel R.
Chicago, IL
4/23/2011
The perfect quintessential neighborhood Italian joint. Small space, with warm and friendly decor. No reservations accepted, so plan to get there and manage a small wait at popular dinner hours.
As other reviews have mentioned, the jalapeño gnocchi is truly fabulous. (jalapeño stuffed dumplings with roasted red pepper puree) I love the open kitchen and sitting at the bar. You're able to see all of the fresh ingredients being tossed and cooked and perfected just for you. I literally haven't had a bad meal at Pasta Palazzo and I've eaten there (or taken out from there) no less than 30 times.
I recommend this for catching up with friends or a nice family dinner. It isn't a highly romantic setting, so I wouldn't recommend it for a first date. Overall, it's a great experience at a good value. -
Review from Shannon R.
Chicago, IL
11/17/2011
Solid 4 stars. Delicious food, wonderful service, decent price for the area. Honestly, it seems silly, but the only reason it's not 5 stars is because it has all high top tables. It's just so awkward to try and scoot in those chairs! It's a great atmosphere for friends, not too romantic, but could be a good place for a first date.
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Review from John M.
Paradise Valley, AZ
11/14/2010
Went here the other day and while I am sure I will go back someday, it left a lot to be desired.
My friend and I ordered the bruschetta and two of their specials at our waitress' recommendation: the Smoked Chicken ravioli and the pumpkin ravioli.
Bruschetta would have been much better if they used a higher quality and properly browned bread but I really enjoyed it nonetheless (great tomato flavor even though they are out of season). The pumpkin ravioli was a very interesting experience... almost felt like a dessert and I happily ate every piece. My friends smoked chicken was just okay, we couldn't figure it out but it just tasted a little fake and off.
The service was great but a couple of things strongly limited our experience to three stars. First, even though the food was decent, my friend and I did not even come close to getting full (might be because the specials are smaller portions?) and I needed to stop on the way home to get something else to fill me up. Second, I ordered some green tea after our meal and was presented with Lipton's green tea (the type you see for at the grocery store that costs next to nothing). I know it isn't a big deal, but that stuff is honestly trash and I wouldn't dream of selling it in a otherwise nice restaurant... especially for $2!
