Il Vicinato

We ate here recently and the food was not acceptable, especially for this restaurant. Now I understand it has been under new ownership for a year. This may explain why so many corners are being cut now. A few examples-waterlogged lame antipasto salads, mounds of salty Italian-type US ham on my veal saltimbocca, undercooked then overcooked sausage, near sauceless pasta's, being offered bottles of wine for sale, stored in an old milk carton under the sink area I think they were wine salesmen freebies or old owner bottles, very tacky. It was so bad we didn't stick around for our planned dessert treats. Not worth the chance. What a shame as this was a destination for us.

IL Vicinato
2435 South Western
Chicago

That IS a shame, as Il Vicinato was my second choice when in the 'hood to Bruna's at 2424 S. Oakley, which BTW is still fabulous in its own way. Luciano Silvestri's run the joint going on 30 years now, and although some people can't understand the love, certain signature dishes like bone-in chicken Vesuvio & penne alla puttanesca are still tops in the city IMO.

Very sad to hear. This was the long-time family celebration destination for a good friend of mine and a place I was looking forward to getting to know. Good to hear Bruna's is still what it has been. They are also a favorite of my friend and his family.

I dunno. An owner's stash of wine bottles being sold from a milk carton under the bar? Very lightly sauced pastas? I'm gonna rush over to this place ASAP.

I had a problem at Vicinato's last week with my food. The bartender/waiter was useless so I asked to see the manager. After a half hour wait a man I believe to be the dishwasher came out and gave me a hard time. This made up my mind not to return, although I did notice a major negative change in food quality and quantity. I am sorry this place changed hands, but that explains alot to me.