Il Vicolo Trattoria - Oak Park

Absolutely wonderful! My lobster ravioli was absolutely perfect; the accompanying rich tomato sauce was near enough to sauces I enjoyed in Italy that I couldn?t help smiling with nearly every bite. While the menu is mostly central, and southern, Italian,my partner found a splendid mushroom white sauce did that they couldn?t stop raving about. The salad selection was fabulous, aswell. We had a Caesar and a concoction with strawberries, apples, and walnuts (with a vinegar reduction! that was incrediblyflavorful, yet simplistically fresh. The bottomless bread is excellent (perhaps just a *touch* too much toasting . Service wason point: ever present, but not stiflingly so. The portion size was really good enough to sate my hunger but not so much thatI couldn?t move (or consider dessert . The kitchen is not experimental; most of the dishes are traditional, or close enough,that some minor unexpected flourishes while welcomed and tasty are not what I?d describe as New Italian. But, it?s exactlywhat I craved! This is a neighborhood gem, and a place not to miss if you adore solid, mostly traditional, mostly southernItalian food. Note: I dined here in early Oct 2022 in case the menu doesn?t look like what I?m describing at a later date .

Enjoyed the mussels and scallop risotto. Servers are attentive and the ambience is warm and inviting

Great food. Great service. Everything fresh and full of flavor.

This is a staple Italian experience me and my fiancé go to on a monthly basis. We have toured the menu several times and it never gets old. We have had pasta, risotto, pizza, salads and we still come back for more! Our favorite is to begin dinner witha Caesar salad and/or their minestrone soup the BEST! The only negative is that we are usually too full to enjoy their deliciousdesserts :

I love the large outdoor patio in summer. While I appreciate outdoor eating option anywhere, sometimes I feel am crammed in on the sidewalk with lot of people moving by but this is completely private and spacious. I ordered the mushroom risotto and my sonordered the basic pizza both delicious. They have a nice range of pastas and salads, and full drinks menu. Some of my favoriteclothing stores are nearby (Lively, Filoni) so make a whole afternoon of it.