My boyfriend and I have walked by this place dozens of times, and have been meaning to try it for a while. We finally went yesterday. They were running a little behind, but it was honestly worth the wait. The portions were large, the quality of the ingredients were on point. The tomato sauce reminds me of my grandmother's. If you are looking for a taste of southern Italy you gotta try this place. My boyfriend and I both agreed we will only order pizza from here. A true neighborhood gem! ♥️
If you are looking for a Lincoln Square neighborhood restaurant that serves really tasty Italian food including crispy crusted pizzas, then you are in luck! Chef Vittorio who is from the Naples area of Italy has a lengthy background in the restaurant business. They've also been featured in Check Please.
I Monelli is legit. The food is incredible and if you can go in good weather to sit outside, I highly recommend it. If you are looking for some quick dining, don't bother here, but if you have the time to have a leisurely dinner, do it. The food is absolutely worth waiting for. Bring a bottle of wine or a six-pack of beer and just enjoy the company of the people with whom you are dining.
My family come here from time to time, and I do not plan on stopping anytime soon.
We are regulars for picking up their pizza. It's the best pizza I've ever tasted. The crust is crisp and buttery, the sauce is flavorful, the toppings are fresh...all leading to a fantastic pizza. Try their potato topping. Sounds strange, but you won't be disappointed. Also, it's almost better the next day. Heat your slices in a frying pan covered with aluminum foil on medium heat for 5-6 minutes until the top of the slice is warm. It crisps up really nicely.
Boyfriend and I went here for a nice dinner and got exactly that. Calamari was incredible. The best I’ve had in years!!!! The fettuccine and rigatoni monelli were spot one. I also recommend the homemade desserts. The chocolate moose was delightful. Light and fluffy. Perfect ending to a great meal. Compliments to the chef.
A very favorite! I Monelli’s food is delicious and the setting sweet and cozy. Let’s support them with take out orders so we may all keep enjoying this family-run, true neighborhood gem! ❤️
I love this place. The food is fantastic, and the family are great people. It's as close to eating in Italy as you can get for a reasonable price. Totally authentic home cooking with no frills, just delicious pasta and meats with EVERYTHING made to order. The take out is not a good idea, as it takes a while to prepare and take it to you. Good to have as an option I guess, but I would only recommend the take out for pizza that is not a rush. Don't like that? Then go order worse pizza.
The Tagliatelle Panoramica is a simple dish that the owner's grandfather served at their restaurant back home, Il Panoramica. I try to make it at home but it never comes out right. All the pasta is killer, but the carbonara and rustica really stand out. Authentic Italian made by real Italians. 10/10 always.
Love their Pizza. I've had it a few times (including the day I moved to the neighborhood) and it has been my go-to pizza place ever since. I especially like the Margarita Pizza. The crust is just what I like and the toppings are fantastic.
Tiny place with great food. Started (and continues to be) basic pizza delivery, but has become a very nice, romantic little trattoria with interesting specials. Park on Western Avenue, side street parking is restricted to local residents.
Highly recommend for dine in. Not great take out. I guess that's true of most italian food. Atmosphere is great. Great date place.
Downside is not great value for money. you're paying top dollar for decent italian food.
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