The Village
Chicago
At a glance
The Village at 71 W Monroe St in Chicago offers diners a blend of Italian-American classics and Italian specialties. As a fourth-generation family-run establishment, it prides itself on old-school hospitality and a menu catering to varied tastes. Guests can enjoy traditional dishes like Chicken Parmigiana, Chicago tavern-style pizza, and freshly made pasta. The restaurant also boasts an acclaimed wine cellar, offering a selection that complements its culinary offerings.
The Village is set within a historic building, preserving a sense of tradition and the charm of times past. Although the venue does not have elevator access due to its age, the atmosphere invites guests to step into a piece of Chicago's culinary heritage. Regularly hosting events such as wine tastings and cocktail parties, The Village provides a lively option for social gatherings and special occasions.
The venue's interior and menu cater to both intimate meals and larger gatherings, making it a versatile choice for dining whether for personal celebrations or corporate events.
Reviews
Third time visiting The Village and every experience delivers delicious food, outstanding staff, and a romantic/relaxed atmosphere that elevates the whole experience. Starting with homemade mozzarella sticks, the quality cheese, great breading, and marinara go so well together. For the patient, coordinated, and slightly silly, the fresh mozzarella made for a quality cheese pull. Tomato Panzanella is my new summer salad obsession. If you love tomatoes and cucumbers, don’t miss it. Chicken broth and minestrone soups really send home the message they honor ‘low and slow’ cooking methods and breadth of flavor that come along with that patience and care. Eggplant parm threaded the needle of a great crispy crust with plenty of flavor and moisture still in the eggplant. Tomato sauce and penne were also incredible. Basically two meals in one. Take next bit of critique with grain of salt because I’ve never had risotto in Italy or really know what a perfect one should taste like. I wouldn’t reorder the specials menu saffron risotto and shrimp. Not sure I could distinguish any saffron flavor but that could be my own palette’s fault. Mostly tasted lemon and a slight umami flavor, but that could’ve come from the broth? Shrimp well seasoned but would’ve like large gulf shrimp. Still tasted good, just not a home run for me, and the range and quality of the rest of their menu I’ve had over three visits still earn the Village an easy 5 stars all around. Would love to try a mushroom risotto with some cheese folded in to go on the side of a chicken dish. Tiramisu ended dinner on a high note with great cream, coffee, and ladyfinger balance. Even though I typically prefer trying new restaurants out when I visit cities, my fiancé and I have made so many good memories and experiences here, I have no doubt we’ll be returning for years to come.
We came at the off-hour of 3pm. It was quiet and minimally occupied. We had El as our server and he was fabulous. Knew his stuff, a d knew how to attend a table. We didn't request a private room and because the place was so empty, we're glad we didn't... Had it been peak hour, we would have like one though. Food was exactly what we were looking for. A hearty bite, with leftovers for later. Meatballs were great, meat ravioli with arrabiata sauce was delish and pretty spicy. Garlic bread was delicious. Veal parmigiana was fabulous. Pitcher of sangria was soooooo good! Try them all. We loved the small stairway going up to the second floor to this restaurant. It's beautiful and quaint.
Take this with a grain of salt Because I think Olive garden is better so I probably just don't like real Italian food. I got the veal parmesan and the veal was good but the spaghetti was tough and chewy seemed over cooked. The meatballs appetizer was good. The chicken Alfredo was thin and lacking flavor. The lasagna was probably the best dish we had, it was pretty good. The service and atmosphere was great.
We were celebrating the first night of our honeymoon and we were treated to a special table in an alcove with a great view of the restaurant. The food was delicious and the service was attentive and friendly. And a complimentary cannoli for dessert.
My friend and I came here, Chicago’s oldest Italian restaurant, for dinner. We didn’t have a reservation but they found a seat for us. The village and authentic Italian ambiance was such fun. Some people were eating in little “cottages.” Our service was good and my meal was yummy. My friend said hers was fine. It was fun to learn about the history.
