La Bocca Della Verita

We have eaten at La Bocca Della Verita countless times in the last five or so years. The decor and atmosphere remind us of many restaurants we have been to in Italy, the service is friendly and consistently good, and best of all, the food is terrific. We recently had a wonderful dinner there with the entire family; the homemade spinach and duck ravioli were favorites, along with the Rigatoni D, made with mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes,garlic and olive oil. For appetizers the antipasto mista ( melt in your mouth marinated vegetables) and calomari were standouts. A white chocolate mousse cake was especially good, as were the tiramisu and the homemade gelato. Thanks to the owner and staff for creating and serving one great meal after another! more

I have given you chance after chance after chance. What the hell Bocca? This weekend was the last time I will ever act like I even consider you as an option for Italian in *this* city. Your service (as in servers) are......strange and discriminating. Sorry, all you "actors" but you are more painful to deal with than a tooth ache. On to the food, what gives? Can you get anything right? The duck in the duck ravioli could have been pizza sausage (which I'm pretty sure it was) and would have tasted better. The pear salad was boring even though it should have been a party. The pizza was great; the spinach ravioli was hopefully made by a child of one of the actor wait staff. I don't give a damn about decor, but since this place has the balls to open its doors every night, I should state that everything is f**king awful about their decor/crap. Looks like a closed hotel threw up in there. Maybe if I were friends of the owner, people who worked there, maybe someone would point out some dish that works but every server I have had has never suggested one thing when I go out of my way to ask. "i dont know" is not an answer to a question about food at a resturant. Good bye, I hope you close and some normal people move in. Pros: Seating avail all times of day/season, prices, bus boy Cons: food, service, decor more

Waited 45 minutes for our food and when we finally got it, was sub par. Tasted like it came out of a can. When we complained about the wait, our waitress wasn't very apologetic. She reluctantly (like pulling teeth) took off our drinks from our bill and then added "You know, you weren't the only ones who had to wait." We looked around at the almost empty restaurant and waitstaff standing around. Way to convince us into coming back! I will recommend to you and all of our friends not to go there! more

Went with two girlfriends. We thought the food was just alright. Have had better and have had worse. Maybe it was just a busy night because the kitchen was a bit slow. May go back on a different night. more

Being 1/4 Italian, I never imagined finding a restaurant that could compete with my Grandma's famous gnocchi dish. La Bocca Della Verita didn't disappoint. Nor did its quaint Lincoln Square location with patio dining and overly friendly service. I strangely enough had the urge to eat some more gnocchi the day after my dining experience. The takeout version showed no difference in deliciousness. As applicable, you can turn your Lincoln Square adventure into the perfect date night - Enjoy dinner at La Bocca Della Verita, catch a movie next door at the Davis Theater, and cap things off by a visit to 1 of the many nearby coffee/ice cream cafes. Pros: Wonderful Italian Food, Extensive/Affordable Wine List, Ideal Neighborhood for a Date Night! more

this restaurant has a very homey feel to it, and three very distinct and comfortable rooms. the arrabiata is just right and the wine selection is g... more

I always enjoy coming to Bocca and bringing friends. The staff is friendly and warm, and the atmosphere is casual and laid-back. This place is perfect for an intimate date or a large group. My favorites are the Spaghetti Carbonara and the Rigatoni with mozzerella and spicy red sauce special (which is not always on the menu, though if they're not busy and you request it, they will make it!). Pros: Great food, Good wine list, Friendly waitstaff, Movie theater nearby Cons: Parking - take the train instead more

Best Linquine Carbonara Ive ever had. I took my 2 teen aged sons there and they loved the food and were treated very nicely by the staff. NO pretensiousness here, just good food and friendly waitstaff. Friendly Italian country decor. Pros: decor, good food more

My date took me to La Bocca last week, and confirmed what I suspected about him all along- he's a food snob! This is the type of menu that appeals to lovers of the authentic Italian meals. We had this fabulous salad made with REAL water buffalo fresh water mozzarella (yes, there's a difference...), crisp green apple slices and fresh arrugula. Unbelievable. The duck ravioli covered in a creamy tomato sauce was simply delightful. Our home made gelato sampler finished us off with style. Our server was friendly and the pace was just right. This is a real find for diners who aren't gun shy about price and are willing to try something new. Check it out! Pros: Fresh everything, great martinis, bright room more

This is one of the most unique restaurants in Chicago these days. They welcome smokers, eaters, and party people! We went there after a late movie at the Davis and ended up in the middle of a birthday party! Everyone there feels welcome and like a part of the family. Oh yeah- by the way- the food is friggin' unbelievable! I always eat way too much when I go there, and I can't wait to go back again. The music is very Euro- the room is bright and lively- the servers are beautiful. What else could you possibly want? Pros: authentic Italian, lively room, close to the action Cons: none more

I have been to this restaurant a few times now and held two business meetings there as well, and so far Bocca has never let me down. Food quality was great...the Gnochetti and the duck stuffed ravioli were to die for. Service was very friendly and professional and the price was very nice. All around good quality dining in an 'interesting' ambience. more

The food is out of this world. We had four appetizers two entrees, three deserts between 5 of us and could not decide which one was the best. the ambience is so inviting. So Chicago. And the service was great. My group of girlfriends that have a Christmas dinner together every year, will be making reservations there!! There are ten of us. more

What a wonderful place to eat! The decor is bright and casual, but don't be fooled. This is a restaurant for serious lovers of Italian food. Don't go there if you're in a hurry. Great Italian food and wine should be savored. The owners are true to their vision of a unique menu. You'll find great homemade gnocchi that are fluffy, shrimp and artichoke hearts that are tender, and specials that are worth considering. Although the wines are limited, there's something there for everyone. Leave room for their home made gelato- it's worth the extra calories! Overall, a great restaurant that has survived the trendy test of time. Pros: Unique Menu, Casual ambience, Good Service Cons: No Parking, Reservations needed more

La Bocca Della Verita is modeled after local trattorias of Rome, not the tourist traps. The decor -eccentric and the pace - inconsistent, but it's all about the food. They serve real Roman food, prepared with authentic ingredients- not the "American" version of what most consider Italian. Try the salt encrusted Sea Bass. The fish is served tableside, and it melts in your mouth. The broiled Octupus is outstanding. Duck filled ravioli is consistently wonderful. Home made desserts and great assortment of after dinner liquers set off the meal with style. No spaghetti and meatballs here. Nor will you find staff that's willing to spoon feed you. Those of us who have been to Rome, will pick up on that subtle superiority that has sets the Romans apart. Go there when you're not in a hurry and be open to suggestions from the staff. It's a little slice of Rome! Pros: Fresh seasonal menu, Bright & upbeat pace, Great desserts Cons: Can be pricey, Hard to park more