Adalina

We came here to celebrate a birthday and boy was it packed on a Friday night. However, even as busy as they were, the service was exemplary. We started with a round of sparkling wine on the house because the restaurant was celebrating I think 30 years? We then got a round of drinks that were pretty good. All the food especially the pastas were delicious but what I really appreciated about the place was the service. We ordered scallops that were taking a little longer (probably because the kitchen was slammed with all the filled tables) and the staff kept us updated the whole time and even brought us a meatball on the house because of the delay. They really kept checking in with us to make sure we were happy.For the birthday, they brought out a dessert and sang. Honestly, they sang quite a few times that night so there were a lot of celebrations going on.We ended with some cookies that were very good.Just an aside but to give you an idea of how busy they were, there was apparently a pretty long line to the restrooms by the time were paying the check and getting ready to go. Not necessarily the best place for an intimate dinner since the noise level is on the louder side with all the diners.

Service - exquisiteAmbiance - cozyScallops - perfection! Campanelle - light, flavorfulMussels - fresh Location - prime with valet I'd definitely spin the block on this one. ~Christy

It always feels weird to go against the grain, but my mom and I did not have the five-star experience everyone else seems to have had. My mom and I went here on 6/14/2024, we had reservations for outside, but it was too chilly to sit outside. We let the host know and he rudely told us there was a long wait, we said that was fine and told him we would wait at the bar. We grabbed some drinks at the bar and after about 30-minutes we checked in at the host stand, just to get an update and gauge if we should just eat at the bar, the host made us feel like we were bothering and inconveniencing him and with the same rude attitude, he reiterated the long wait and dismissed us. We decided to have another drink at the bar to see if things would change, but ultimately ate at the bar. The bartenders were awesome and quite personable and attentive. I got a couple (several) expresso martinis and the bartender used a machine to create a cute picture on the top of my martini with the foam. For dinner, we got bread service and oysters to start, these were both good. We also got the Lumache (shrimp, scallions, calabrian chili and fennel pollen; a pasta) and the short rib. Despite the positive reviews for the Lumache, it left something to be desired, the pasta was too al dente and the dish lacked flavor, however the short rib was quite good.All in all, the price, the food and inconsistent customer service led us to believe the hype was not worth it for this restaurant.

After my (not so pleasant) first visit at this restaurant the management group did reach out and I decided it was definitely worth giving them a second try. The ambience in the restaurant was lovely as usual.Our waiter this time around was exceptional. Chad was very knowledgeable of the menu items. He was timely with taking food/drink orders and simply put did not miss a beat. Even when the tables started filling up and the restaurant got busier, my husband, and I never felt abandoned. This time around ended up trying the truffle Caesar salad, which was really good however, it had a little too much dressing for my taste. The steak was very well prepared. I am definitely glad I got the mushroom Conserva on the side because it would've been too salty otherwise. The octopus appetizer was quite delicious. However, the horseradish was a little too overpowering for my taste. My favorite dish of the night was the rigatoni. The pasta was prepared al dente and to perfection. Never tried a pasta with this flavor profile before the pepperoncini definitely made it unique and I would highly recommended it. Thank you for making my second visit so much more pleasant.

Came here on a Friday evening for a birthday dinner. Upon walking up, the ambiance gives elegance. You know you're walking into quite the place. Low lightening, soft jazz music and laughter from amongst patrons. We were seated in the back of the restaurant at a Thanksgiving like table. Our server (name not received) was phenomenal. She was quick, attentive and definitely had great memory. She ensured we were all well taken care of. I ordered the Girelle pasta dish for $23. Normally, the pasta dishes are on the smaller side so they encourage you to possible get a side or use it as an app to the bigger plates. However, I felt my dish was perfect for one person to eat and be full. Was I satisfied? Yes, yes I was. You can definitely taste that the pasta is made fresh and in house. The flavors and textures paired well with one another. For the price, portion, and experience, I felt this was well worth it. I do anticipate returning to try other dishes.

The ambiance here is impeccable and the service is fantastic. I came with a group of friends and ordered generously. Stand out dishes were the caesar salad, charred octopus and all the pasta! A great place for special occasions, celebrations, or just a nice night out. Also looooved their cookies but definitely a cookie for dessert/chocolate lovers.

Adalina in Chicago's prestigious Gold Coast offers a dining experience that almost lives up to its ambitious goals under the leadership of Michelin-starred chef Soo Ahn. The menu, a blend of Northern and Southern Italian influences, showcases a delightful array of dishes that cater to both shared dining and singular culinary delights. The standout dish during our visit was the inventive Chicken Parmizza, a successful hybrid of chicken parmigiana and pizza that impressed with its bold flavors. Similarly, the GNOCO FRITTO with its creamy ricotta and honey was a flawless mix of texture and taste, clearly highlighting Chef Ahn's culinary prowess.The venue itself creates an enchanting atmosphere suitable for everything from romantic evenings to business dinners. The well-curated beverage and wine list adds a sophisticated touch, promising to elevate the meal with a suitable accompaniment.However, the service did not match the high standards set by the food and ambiance. The lack of attentiveness from the host and waitress was noticeable and detracted from the overall experience, especially given the premium price point. This aspect of our visit was disappointing and surprising, considering the restaurant's commitment to refined hospitality.Adalina is a gem for its culinary offerings and charming setting, but there is room for improvement in the service department to truly reflect its high-end dining promise.

The space is beautifully designed, in summer the windows open wide, there is bar seating and outdoor In summer. The restaurant is casual classy with tables spaced for privacy and the music isn't overwhelming. Ask to be in Chad's section because he will enhance your meal enjoyment. We started with outstanding oysters and the fried green tomatoes caprese. Great start!We shared the perfectly grilled Branzino and the Campanelle pasta with a light creamy "no pesto"sauce. We finished with the chocolate raspberry and caramel banana gelatos. A delightful meal!

Adalina is a beautiful romantic restaurant perfect to enjoy a cocktail or Italian fare on summer evening opening wide their large paneled windows allowing for the warm breeze to enter. Their service is impeccable and incredibly busy over the weekend.

Adalina hit our radar because we saw Exective Chef Soo Ahn on Top Chef. His creativity on the show was amazing. My husband also went to his previous restaurant Band of Bohemia (closed in 2020), which he also said was a selection of creative imaginative dished which were were amazing.First, we liked the atmosphere and the service was exceptional.Let me premise that our expectation for the food were high. We looked over the menu and saw that it was very traditional and plain. Which is fine if the food is exceptional.We skipped over the appitizers (which might have been a mistake) and started with a pasta course. Girelle Pasta, soooo GOOD, I can't even put into words the depth of flavor in the sauce and the pasta did such a good job holding the sauce and was perfectly cooked.Thats where the exceptional food experience ends. We decided to order the Branzino and the Veal Chop Parmigiana, two popular Italian dishes. The Branzino was fine. The chive oil brightened up the fish. The charre on the Branzino skin verged on bitter, but was very crispy (if that was their objective). The swiss chard was just swiss chard. The Veal Chop Parm was impressive in size and is served with no accompaniments. Also, fine. I've had better Veal Chop Parm.Both dished weren't bad, but they weren't notable. We've had better versions of both.We ordered a side of green beans without the cream, which were tasty, but it was just green beans.Coctails were also good. I ordered the Gangster Paradise, which was basically a blood orange margerita (no salt). Don't get me wrong, it was tasty - a nice combination of sour and sweet. My husband ordered the Jolene, which mimicked a peach flavor sour without the egg whites. Also tasty.THE BOTTOM LINE:We both agreeed we would return for the pasta, maybe try an appitizer next time.