Ventrella's Caffe (b/w Andersonville & Lincoln Square)

I stopped into this new cafe today which is just next door to Over Easy. They have a handful of tables and offer maybe 5 varieties of paninis, coffee and 5-6 flavors of gelato.

I tried the nocciola (hazelnut) gelato (about $3 for a single-serving sized cup) which was really quite good. The flavor of fresh roasted hazelnuts was unmistakable and the gelato was very smooth and creamy. The owner told me he gets it from a place in Saugatuck and based upon my recollection of the name he mentioned and a quick internet search, I'm pretty sure the place is Palazzolo's(I'll have to verify this on my next trip). While I can't remember all of the flavors Ventrella's is offering, I recall seeing the nocciola, pistachio and stracciatella.

So if you're looking for some pretty good gelato, this would not be a bad place to check out. As for the paninis and the coffee, I'll have to report back another day.

Ventrella's Caffe
4947 N. Damen
773.506.0708