Ristorante Bottaio
| Address: | 946 N Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville, IL 60048, USA |
| Phone: | +1 847-573-1800 |
| Site: | bottaio.com |
| Rating: | 4.1 |
| Working: | 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–10PM 4–10PM 4–8PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 12
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A Private User
At first it seemed like a sweet, authentic place. We were already put off that the foccacia bread was way over seasoned with rosemary. The mussels were over cooked and gritty. My husband ordered a veal special while I stuck to what I thought was a simple light dish based off the menu. He found his tolerable but could not finish it and Mine tasted like chef boyardee! I am pretty sure it was just canned tomato paste and tomato chunks on plain noodles with a couple of chunks of ham like meat. We decided to chance dessert just in case, but no luck there. The tirami su was so bland my husband did not want to waist the calories on eating more than a bite and my spumoni was freezer burned and had vanilla in it. I also think it was strawberry not cherry so more like a napoleon ice cream wedge. Our server tried, but he almost put his tie in my husbands olive oil and never noticed and once we got our antipasto he was moving EVERYTHING around the table for what seemed 5 min when we were fine where with things were to start with. All in all, we will NOT be returning here again, but at least we know!
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Thomas Chlebek
I have been here an handful of time:two medium (~20 person) set-menu parties and a few times for regular dinner service (4-6 people, regular menu). The service is always phenomenal, especially for the private parties. Great selection of appetizers, soups, and salads/antipastos.The fried calamari is one of the best Ive ever had: lightly breaded, lightly fired, and high quality squid inside. Lots of pastas and main entrees including meets and seafood....all which are very large portions. Extensive spirit and wine selection. While the food and drink is excellent, its really the service that makes this place wonderful. Only improvement would be to have humanely raised meats like grass fed beef, pasture pork, free range chicken, etc. Currently, as far as I know, all/most of their meet is conventional. There is a small parking lot which is (complimentary) valet on some nights. There is/was additional parking at the oil change shop across the street.
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Julie S
What an exquisite dining experience! We were immediately greeted and seated, with our coats checked and fresh, warm bread on the table all within minutes of entering that it felt like we walked into a home with an Italian family in Italy! The scent of olive oil, fresh bread, and garlic wafted through the air upon entering. The spacious restaurant is so inviting, it really makes you feel like youre home! The food was as amazing as the ambiance and staff, who were so attentive and helpful with my Celiac diet/Lactose intolerance. My meal was the finest cut of wild salmon grilled to perfection with a light garlic citrus marinade, while my guest enjoyed the egg penne pasta with veal ragu! The portions were more than enough but too delicious not to finish. As I looked around, there were so many plate finishers! The wines are perfectly paired with the meals and the vegetables; all fresh and made to order. You will not be disappointed!
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A Private User
We have been there several times with and without family members that require a gluten free diet. Tonight, they received gluten free pasta that had been drained in a strainer that had been used to drain regular pasta. The manager didnt seem to think it was a problem because "they always do it that way and gluten free diners come back." Well, he doesnt have to stay up with the sick people all night, nor does he need to worry about the long term effects gluten can have on those with Celiac Disease. If you are looking for a "safe" place to eat gluten free, go elsewhere. I suggest any of the Lettuce Entertain You restaurants, as at least they stand behind their claims.
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A Private User
Went there for a dinner. The valet guy from the restaurant had blocked the free parking with the blocks, and was looking to do valet parking only. Once inside, looked cheap, but nobody seems to bother about two people who just entered (us). Finally had to ask a waiter who seems to be just standing there. He says there would be a manager coming, nobody comes for a while, then we grab another waiter who says 45 mins waiting time. Pretty much most seats were empty, so couldnt figure out if they were short of waiters or just somebody who can organize things for them. Good thing we bailed out. Dont care how the food tastes like if this is how they start.
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Rob W
My girlfriend and I went there last Saturday to celebrate her birthday and had a wonderful experience. The food was delicious and the staff was gracious and very accommodating. We ordered their antipasto selection followed by two delicious pasta dishes with vegetables and Italian sausage. The sauce was a perfect blend of spices and tomatoes and the pasta was cooked to perfection. The service was excellent and we had the opportunity to have a pleasant chat, at the bar, with one of the owners. Weve already made plans to return in two weeks!
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Gary Tyranski
Dinner was just ok (nothing special) but waiter was not. After dinner we waited and waited for him to ask us about coffee and desert. After about 20 minutes he brought the check and while setting it down he stated he could get coffee if we wanted it in a tone which was rather rude. We were really put out as this was our anniversary. Based on this experience we will never go back. I guess they just wanted our table. Really, really poor.
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Theresa Lukasik
My husband and I went here to celebrate out 2nd anniversary. The food wasnt that great. Ive had better Italian food at Olive Garden. The service was extremely slow given the restaurant wasnt even full. I brought that up to the manager who didnt seem to care. In my opinion the food was expensive for what we had. The restrooms were small and messy. Really surprised - I expected alot better from a small business in Libertyville.
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A Private User
I have moved to the burbs from the city and have found Ristorante Bottaio to be my saving grace. We go there whenever we are in the mood for rustic, authentic, delicious food. The staff and the Chef are all wonderful and greet us as family. This is our favorite place to be each weekend. If you have not gone yet, you are missing out! Get the homemade wide noodles with bolognese - it cannot be beat.
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MA Potter
Disappointed - I usually love this place but most recent experience was not great. The service was slow - I like to take time eating but I dont want to wait exceedingly long when we were obviously all done. Food was sub par - I like al dente pasta but this was starchy (under-cooked) and they skimped on the sauce so it was even more noticeable. I was not the only one at our table with this issue.
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A Private User
Service = 5 Stars Food Quality = 5 Stars Comfort = 5 Stars Like being in Italy. I highly recommend this fabulous restaurant! Not only are all of the menu items superb, you can order off the menu to your hearts desire. My recommendations 1. Veal Chop – Top Flight 2. Any dish with Porcini – usually off menu 3. Pizza 4. Lava Cake and an Espresso – Makes Starbucks Espresso seem like Folgers
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A Private User
Excellent! Great place for tasty food and outstanding service. Weve been here at least a dozen times and have never been disappointed... The eggplant is the best Ive ever had. Only negative is the parking. They have valet but Im one of those guys that doesnt like others driving my car. You can find self parking but its a minor challenge. You will not be disappointed.
