Trattoria Gemelli - Brookfield

I have looked on this forum for anyone posting about Trattoria Gemelli in Brookfield, and as no one has posted anything, I thought I would.

This place opened up across from the Brookfield Metra station (Across the tracks from Irish Times). As disclosure, I know the owner, so this review may be biased, but every single person I've recommended the place to has LOVED it.

It's like a cozy city restaurant plopped conveniently into the suburbs. The chef lovingly makes every dish by hand, and you can tell. Everything we've ever tried there has been phenomenal, though I admit I am partial to ordering the ravioli with cream sauce and pistachios almost every time I'm there as I want to lick the sauce off the plate at the end of the meal. My husband is far more adventurous, and has enjoyed several seafood dishes there - said everything was incredibly fresh and well made (he's a culinary student, and has a discerning palette. Unlike me, the plate licker).

The place is small, and jumping on most weekend nights. It's really cozy and in a neat space (corner building - like a pie wedge), and the servers are incredibly knowledgeable and nice. The owner is always on-site and greets customers like they are old friends - I think he very quickly established himself as a fixture in the community.

This restaurant is exactly what the Brookfield area needed - it is like a favorite cozy corner restaurant in the city, but right here! And easy enough for the city folk to get to via the BNSF Metra line - it is right outside the train station (Brookfield).

To make a night of it, you can also enjoy the Salt Creek Wine Bar across the street (also good to kill time if there's a long wait at Trattoria Gemelli) - also has great service and modestly priced flights. And down the street there's a fun little joint called the Sandbar where you can usually find swing or rockabilly bands and tureens of rum set afire (aka tiki drinks).

Who thought you could have a really fun night out in Brookfield (well, that includes a great meal)?? And all on the same block!?

Also, the owner is opening (has opened?) an Italian deli on the same block - Toscanino. I have yet to go there, but I believe it will be a small Italian grocery/deli with some catering available? I will repost any info after I go, hopefully this week.

What she said.

I grew up in Brookfield and I wish that place has been there during that time. My family and I have been there a few times and enjoyed it everytime. I noticed the calzones are very traditional - which is basically a pizza folded in half. The desserts are good also.

I haven't been there in a few months but the only bad thing I can really say about the place is that their olive oil was bland the last time we were there. If you are going to serve olive oil with bread the olive oil should stand out. Either serve good oil or serve butter.