Volare

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201 E Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60611

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(312) 410-9900
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Volare - Chicago, IL
Volare - Chicago, IL
Volare - Chicago, IL
Volare - Chicago, IL
Volare - Chicago, IL
Volare - Chicago, IL
Volare - Chicago, IL
Volare - Chicago, IL
Volare - Chicago, IL
Volare - Chicago, IL
Volare - Chicago, IL
Volare - Chicago, IL
Volare - Chicago, IL
Volare - Chicago, IL
Volare - Chicago, IL
Volare - Chicago, IL
Reviews
( 31 )
( 19 )
( 3 )
( 5 )
( 8 )

Best

Always amazing and usually much faster than posted

Worst

Better than expected. Whitefish perfectly cooked. Calamari could use lemons on the side.

Tastiest Italian in the Loop 6/4/2006

Loved this place. We came here for the first time right after my husband had proposed to me and toasted the occasion with really good wine and pasta that tasted fresh and interesting. Then kept coming back with family and discovered their wonderful fish with mustard sauce and other things. One downside is that it gets a little loud. Also, it doesn't seem to be open for lunch--we came by around 12 on a weekday and it was closed, much to our regret. Reservations recommended. more
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Great vibe 1/9/2006

Volare was a perfect stop for dinner, especially on a cold night. The service was laid back, but very professional. We would definitely take friends back to Volare. more
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Bustling 12/1/2005

We are not from Chicago and wanted to eat somewhere that reflected unique Chicago dining. We were hoping for a place that seemed alive and exciting and we found it at Volare. The gentleman that was the host seemed very proud of the restaurant. This was displayed in all the workers' attitudes and service. They were professional but friendly. The food was wonderful - we liked the ability to choose the type of pasta and the type of sauce making for many possible variations. My house salad was reasonably priced and delicious. The bread was delicious - there were two types included. Pros: service, atmosphere, food Cons: close seating, small waiting area more
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Great Chicago Atmosphere and Fresh Food 10/9/2005

I've been here over and over again, and still never tire of the fresh pasta and sauces! It's the only Italian restaurant where I actually bring home the leftovers, because it is that delicious. It is noisy, and that is precisely why I take out of town guests here to let them see the bustling restaurant scene at a non-chain place on lower Grand. Unfortunately, I've never had room for dessert, so I can't share that experience. Make reservations at peak dining time to avoid the wait -- the bar area is not large. Pros: Attentive Wait Staff, Fresh Food, Not a chain Cons: Crowded at Peak more
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Great Restaurant 9/2/2005

Absolutely great food, service, and atmosphere. We'll be back with friends. Pros: Awesome Service, Menu Selection, Food with Taste more
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Great experience 8/15/2005

I am in Chicago on business and went to Volare for dinner last night on the recommendation from a couple who were having drinks in my hotel bar. They sent me over after calling Benny at Volare, and I was given star treatment. Benny sat me outside and introduced me to some regulars who were dining nearby. I had the osso buco, which was delicious. I had the risotto milanese on the side, which had been highly recommended by the couple I met. That was scrumptious too with just the right amount of saffron and complemented the risotto perfectly. The service was attentive but not overbearing. I will definitely be frequenting this place when I am in town. more
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The best Gnocchi 5/12/2005

My husband and I used to live downtown and frequently ordered from Volare. When I come downtown now from the western burbs, I always come to Volare for a meal. I have never had better gnocchi. It is as light as a pillow and with the alfredo sauce it is to die for. My husband loves the seafood dishes, especially the risotto. The helpings are very large, so plan on taking some home. The only negatives are that it is very loud and can be extremely crowded. Pros: food, service, valet parking Cons: loud more
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Not impressed! 3/29/2005

We have friends that swear by this place and have taken us hear for dinner several times. The bar/waiting area has a tendency to become so crowded you can hardly move. On both occasions, the restaurant has been very noisy, the service mediocre at best and the food just so-so. Not worth the money. There are much better Italian restaurants in Chicago. Cons: Average food, crowded, poor service more
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Eat Early 8/11/2004

Go early and you can be seated outside, otherwise the wait is quite long. Reservations are your best bet. The service was excellent the food was even better, and the desert was to-die for. I wish the prices were alittle lower, but I will go back for sure. Pros: People, Food, Service more
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Miserable 5/21/2004

My husband went here on the night he proposed to me. Not only was the food horrible (the ravioli consisted of 4 apettizer sized ravilol's ) in size and in flavor, but the waitor was rude and very slow. Also, my husband had informed the staff that he was planning on proposing later that night. Most restaraunts, would have went out of there way to make the night more memorable, but they did nothing. We ended up going over to Cheesecake factory for some real food later that night. If you want good Italian food, go to La Vita in littile Italy. Fortunatly, our marriage has been a lot better :) Cons: , Small Portions, Band service more
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What is the big deal? 4/8/2004

While visiting the city, my husband and I decided to go to Volare based on the recommendation of a friend who used to live in Chicago. The place was a scene with diners waiting to be seated. This crowded the small bar area. We found the food to be mediocre. We walked away scratching our heads and wondering what all the fanfare was about because we certainly didn't find it here. Cons: , Mediocre food more
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Wonderful 4/1/2004

In a frantic attempt to find a ""decent"" restraunt, my party of four came across Volare. With no reservation we were put on the list and waited less than 30min. The outdoor seating was wonderfull, service was prompt and attentive. The food was beautiful and the Tiramisu was heavenly. A memorible and remarkable first experience. Quite a bit more than ""decent"", decadent is more fitting. Pros: Great Pasta, Outdoor Ambiance, Nice wine list more
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M & M in Chicago 1/23/2004

This is the best Italian food I have ever had. My husband and I dine out alot and have visited many restaurants in many cities and Volare by far is the best. You will have to wait to be seated even with a reservation, but it is well worth the wait. If you want great food at reasonable price this is the place. Pros: Food, Service more
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Great Food! 11/13/2003

We had reservations, yet still had to wait for 1/2 hour. But, the food was amazing! The homemade pasta is great! And the prices are very reasonable! Pros: Great Food, Inexpensive, Valet Cons: Crowded, Location more
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Great Italian Food 10/17/2003

We love Volare. Everything is almost absolutely delicious. I think the prices are reasonable as well. Every dish I have ever ordered has been great. The pasta (so they tell me) is fresh and the ingredients are never a day old. A nice wine selection. I would recommend taking out of town guests here. I tried to reserve 3 weeks in advance for family and it was booked! A testament to this restaurant. Pros: Wonderful Food, Service more
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Impressive and good value 9/21/2003

Competent, cheerful, rapid service (ask for Monique). The interior is noisy, crowded, and you may leave the restaurant with your clothes needing an airing out from the smoke and the food. Still - an enjoyable meal. The portions are obscenely huge - esp the aforementioned lasagne (unusual, but tasty). How one person could eat a whole serving escapes me... be smart, take 1/2 home, save room for dessert. Pros: service, food quality, value for money Cons: a bit crowded, a bit smoky, portions too big more
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jl 8/6/2003

I have been there twice and both times was not dissapointed. I wish I could find somewhere in KVC that can make shrimo bisque like Volare. The Pasta is amazing and the service is good. The last time we were there it was before christmas and we called late for a reservation. Even at 1000p.m. there was standing room only. Wish they could expand more
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Boston's North End in Chicago 7/29/2003

The North End in Boston is famous for fabulous Italian restaurants. VOLARE'S was recommended by the W concierge who I would trust with my stomache any day. Our waitperson was outstanding - she helped with suggestions on portions, recommended dinners after talking with us and asking a few questions about our likes and dislikes instead of just taking an order - she hit the mark each time. The food was excellent and dining outside completed the experience. From Boston's best Italian - I recommend Volare's when in Chicago. Pros: FOOD, STAFF/SERVICE, OUTSIDE DINING more
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YUM 2/7/2003

After having a wonderful meal here over the summer, we stopped in during a visit with family. Should have thought to make reservations first, but we came back 3 hours later for our new reservations, which they forgot to write down. Good thing they remembered me (I must have looked cold and miserable), and they seated us quickly and had the food ready minutes later. The meat lasagne is to die for! One of my friends has even said it's better than sex. I may have to agree. Pros: food, food, food Cons: small space, long wait more
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Matt in Streeterville 10/16/2002

This is a consistently good restaurant. Dependable service and food quality. Not flashy, but, solid execution of the basics. The lasagne is superb, the veal and chicken dishes are divine. You won't get the trendy dishes available elsewhere, but, you will get great food at a great price, in a friendly setting. Pros: Inexpensive, Consistent, Quality Cons: Crowded more
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Menu for Volare


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Editorial

  • In Short
    Volare means ""to fly,"" and this Streeterville restaurant has earned its wings with attentive, friendly service, a pleasant atmosphere and reliable Italian fare. Regulars fill...

  • 10/7/2004 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Monday To Friday From 11:00 AM To 11:00 PM Saturday From 04:00 PM To 11:00 PM Sunday From 04:00 PM To 10:30 PM
  • Payments: Discover, Diner's Club, Master Card, Visa, American Express
  • Neighborhoods: Central, Near North Side
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