Restaurant Review: Eduardo’s Enoteca charms with Italian flair on the Gold Coast
As the self-proclaimed “Best Rated Italian Restaurant in Chicago,” Eduardo’s Enoteca offers a blend of traditional Italian techniques and modern cuisine.
Each dish, from artisanal charcuterie to fresh pastas, as their website notes, is complemented by a curated selection of wines, ensuring a premier dining experience in a warm, inviting atmosphere. From artisanal charcuterie boards to freshly made pastas and pizzas, they were rated as a Diner’s Choice Pick of 2020 by OpenTable.
Start with an appetizer such as Citrus Marinated Olives, or Arancini, with Parmigiano reggiano, roasted butternut squash, and thym. Charred Brussels Sprouts is made with Pancetta, garlic, and olive oil. Polpette alla Napoletana is Hand-rolled pork meatballs, pancetta marinara, basil, and burrata on a toasted baguette. Crostini Funghi is a roasted mushroom medley with whipped ricotta, shallot, and thyme.
A nice, cool salad sounds good as the temperatures rise. Caesar Piccante has shredded kale, pickled chili, parmigiano reggiano, spiced croutons, and spicy caesar dressing. Rucola Avocado has arugula, shaved walnuts, parmigiano reggiano, and white balsamic vinaigrette.
And then, there are the pastas! Fusilli Pesto alla Genovese has basil, pine nuts, and parmigiano reggiano. Orecchiette Puglia is made with Pancetta, broccolini, garlic, chili, and parmigiano reggiano. Pappardelle Bolognese hasEduardo’s famous eight-hour ragu of soffritto, tomato, pork, veal, parmesan, and parsley. Spicy Vodka Gnocchi comes with whipped ricotta and basil. Crispy Goat Cheese Salad is a summer dream with spinach, arugula, strawberries, candied walnuts, pickled shallots, and honey mustard dressing.
Mine is not the only positive review. Google and Open Table reviews are overall, very positive.
“We loved the funghi crostini, the arancini and the pesto pasta!” said the Open Table review. “And the lemon martini was refreshing and delicious.”
“This place is a hidden gem!” said Google. “I work in the area and I had no idea this was here! I came here on a Wednesday night with a friend, and we were pleasantly surprised by how cozy and charming the place is. They have great happy hour options, and the space filled up quickly—which is always a good sign!
“We started with two appetizers: the burrata and the bacon-wrapped dates with goat cheese. The dates were definitely our favorite—so flavorful and delicious—I’ll absolutely be ordering them again next time. For our entrees, my friend had the gluten-free pasta with pesto, and I went with the bolognese. Both dishes were fresh, tasty, and served in very generous portions. We actually had enough to take home leftovers!
To finish off the meal, we shared the pistachio cheesecake. It was incredibly creamy and the perfect sweet ending—highly recommend.”
Eduardo’s Enoteca is located at 1212 N. Dearborn. They are open Sunday – Thursday: 3pm – 9pm, and Friday and Saturday, 3pm –10pm. For reservations, click here.
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
