There are 3 dining rooms, but I only go to the one upstairs where I fell in love with a tuxedo'd waiter who kissed my hand and brought me a dozen cherries in my kiddy cocktail (when I was 4)! Open since 1927, this is a place loved by many generations.

The Capitanini brothers will meet you at the door with that devilsih twinkle in their brown eyes! To this day I am mesmerized by the illuminated star ceiling and the recreation of a Tuscan Piazza that is strung with festive white lights. The stucco walls are a rich senna and rose hiding the private rooms of the convent and the mill. These side rooms used to have long curtains that closed so you couldn't see who was eating with whom! Guess the escapades behind the curtains got out of hand, so they have now been removed. (So Behave yourselves!)

I almost always order the special grilled Swordfish sauteed in wine with pinenuts, garlic, and fresh tomatoes. It isn't always available, so my second choice is the Petto Di Pollo Con Fontina- chicken with fresh spinach, garlic, and cheese.($15.75 or $ 17.75)

My husband orders the Tuscan fish stew--"Cacciucco" ($17.95) or the Wonderful Linguine Con Fruitta Di Mare which is scallops, fish, squid, shrimp over a spicy tomato sauce and noodles. ($ 17.50 or $ 19.50).

For those of you who like veal, there are 6 classic dishes to mull over! The Decoration on the main floor restaurant is very Chic Milan-style. I love the inlaid floor at the entrance shaped in a spiral pattern that reminds me of the Florentine art form called " Pietre Dure".

Downstairs is the " Enoteca" or wine room. The Italian Village has a wine list of over 1000 choices....too overwhelming for me...so just ask your Cameriere (Waiter) for a suggestion.

This is a great place for pre or post theater/concert dining, and arrangements can often be made here for you to leave your car parked by the valet, so you don't get dinged for parking fees twice!

Italian Village, the top floor of a trio of Italian restaurants at 71 W. Monroe, has been a Loop institution since 1927. It attracts locals, tourists, shoppers and theater patrons. Ask to be seated in the actual village - the decor replicates an outdoor villa, complete with an illuminated skyscape that looks like a Tuscan sky at dusk. Private areas are also available for larger groups to reserve. The food is basic Italian with pasta, veal and chicken choices. The chicken parmesan is very good. Diners can order a complete dinner that includes the entree, soup, salad and dessert. We did this with a moderately-priced bottle of Chianti for about $75 with tip and tax. The service is very professional. It is probably one of the best traditional Italian restaurants in the city - especially now that the Como Inn is gone to make way for more loft condos.

I have dined here before and have always had first rate food, service and the Wine List is TOPS ! The romantic booths are great for dates and business meetings. I think this place has been around for over 100 years. The servers are well versed and the Wine Server recommends a great bottle for me every time. I would suggest this place for friends from out of town to get a glimpse of the way Chicago was in the old days. I order several different dishes but my favorite ones are the Chicken Vesuvio the Beef Toscanini and the Agnolotti pasta. My guests enjoy the privacy they give you and they even have buttons for the waiters if you need to call them. For pre-theatre it is convenient and close to Millenium Park.
Great Place !

The first thing to know is that this is just a charming restaurant. It's like eating in an Italian village, hence the name. Service is fantastic. Finished dishes didn't stay on our table for more than 2 minutes.

The food is out of this world. The Pollo al Limone chicken breast was done perfectly. Italian antipasto is just tasty.

Lastly, the Italian Rum Cake was the best I've ever had.

Enjoy!