Fornetto Mei

Recently I was walking by Fornetto's and it appeared interesting. I went inside and asked to see a dinner menu. It was around 3 PM and pretty much empty so the bartender took time to explain some of their unique dishes along with a welcome glass of wine. That night my wife and I dined there. While enjoying a very generous cocktail we observed that the ladies next to us were making a dinner out of 3 different very fresh and appeitizing looking salads. They said the salads were icredibly good and they do this often. On our other side the people were obviously enjoying several Asian dishes. So we started by splitting what turned out to be one of the best salads I have had and then we split an order of potstickers (made with Berkshire pork) and an entree order of pork fried rice. Both were to rave about. The entire meal with the drinks and two glasses of fine wine was about $75 plus a generous tip for the outstanding service. We eat out in Chicago at least five nights a week at the most highly rated restaurants and we can tell you that there is none better than Fornetto's including the ambiance and absolutely none that compare in value. They will now be on our most regular list and next week we will return and try the other side of the menu which consists of pizza and Italian dishes. They all sounded interesting and good. One last commet is we oberved 2 other tables of 4 who when leaving commented on how fine were their meals! Pros: Finest food ingredients well prepared. Generous cocktails and excellant wine by the glass at reasonalbe prices. more

The absolut worst service I've ever had for the price. I eat at home maybe once a week which leaves me to many dining experiences!! I never mind paying a high tab but when the service is this poor and food served cold....... I say take your money elsewhere....... more

While traveling through Chicago on Business & Leisure recently, I had the displeasure of staying at one of the poorest run hotels I have ever experienced; The Whitehall. To add insult to injury, while dining in their ""restaurant"", I was ignored (no host / Hostess / Greeter), served very slowly (understaffed), served the wrong bottle of wine TWO TIMES, served cold appetizers, overdone entree, and never offered a dessert menu. And all this for $2206.48 (room bill) and $238.66 (dining tab - 1 meal, 2 pl.). Seems the Lady and Gentleman at the bar, which I believe to be ownership, were more interested in the entire staff, General Manager included, to fuss over them and their Guests that were drinking with them. What little staff that was there (8:40 pm arrival on a weeknight), this eatery needs to be rethought; either it's a private club for the pompous Owner and General Manager, or it is open to the public, offering the public top-notch service with serious Management looking over the staffing, wine cellar and kitchen with the kit gloves deserving of the location, name on the hotel and the prices expected to be paid. I see this restaurant, hotel, ownership and General Manager failing very, very soon. Chicago - they're doing you an injustice - rally them out before Michigan Ave. eateries and high-end hotels get a bad rap for their ignorance. Pros: It is in Chicago, with many alternative nearby places to eat at. Cons: The entire experience more

In a neighborhood riddled with steak houses and crowded ""in"" spots is this gem. My wife and I were just walking by when we noticed this little place. Stopped in a for a drink and stayed for dinner. Great cocktails from their list and a HUGE wine-by-the-glass list. Best pizza and dumplings I've had in Chicago. Can't wait to go back!!! Pros: location, Date Friendly, staff Cons: No Parking, small more