Tucked into a tiny corner at 2700 N. Western in Logan Square, across the street from a large Regal Movie Theater, is a delightful Italian restaurant called Il Girasole Trattoria. This restaurant is a lovely gem and a new addition to the always bustling Chicago dining scene, where opening and maintaining a restaurant establishment is always cut-throat competition. Since opening in July 2024, Il Girasole Trattoria has quickly become a neighborhood favorite, while providing an authentic and delicious taste of Italy, along with midwestern culinary fusion.
Il Girasole Trattoria is co-owned by chefs Rodolpo Hernandez and GM Christian Hernandez, who have both contributed their decades of experience from various beloved Chicago Italian restaurants such as Coco Pazzo, Ricardo’s, Bice, and Piccolo Sogno. Il Girasole Trattoria recently participated in Chicago Restaurant Week (January 24 – February 25), and offered a delectable three course tasting menu, which allowed the owners to showcase what the restaurant offers to its diners: vibrant, authentic Italian food that is made with lots of love. “Il Girasole” means sunflower in Italian, which symbolizes happiness, vibrance, warmth, and life.
Il Girasole Trattoria offers the following exciting specials:
- First Responders (police, fire) receive a 10% discount for their party (maximum four people).
- Ladies Night Every Tuesday. $10 Cocktails and Beer all evening.
- 3 Course Early Bird Menu Daily 4 PM to 6 PM, $39 per person plus tax and gratuity.
Private Dining is also offered with a spacious second floor dining room, with its own bar, Il Girasole Trattoria, which is an excellent venue for private parties and events. The restaurant provides catering orders for party planning.
My fiance and I had a delightful dining experience at Il Girasole Trattoria recently. We simply loved the contemporary, yet warm, inviting, and comfortable atmosphere of the restaurant. I would definitely recommend this restaurant for date night, out with friends, or family. The warm and cozy dining interior is long and narrow, yet everything was nicely spread out. Italian movie posters and local, colorful art covered the walls. The seats at our tables were comfy, tan leather.
Another notable factor of Il Girasole Trattoria that helped it stand out was the top-notch service. Everyone there was friendly, professional, and came by our table to check in with us throughout our meal. The overall ambiance was refreshing, as low music was played, yet we were able to hear each other and have a conversation, which can be challenging to do in many bars and restaurants nowadays. For me, this can result in a less pleasant dining experience.
We had wonderful drinks to start off our dinner. I had a crisp, dry prosecco and my fiance had a Super Tuscan red wine (well rounded with bold flavor notes). Our drinks were served with bread sticks, and warm, fluffy bread, olive oil, and parmesan cheese. Portion sizes of everything we ate were very generous. Antipasti consisted of scrumptious Arancini Milanese (saffron rice balls with mozzarella and green peas), and a delicious Cozze e Vongole in Guazzetto Livornese (mussels and clams in light spicy tomato broth and capers). The spicy tomato had a slight heat that complemented the dish. We also had truffle fries with parmesan, which we thought could have had a bit more seasoning.
For our second course (Secondi), my fiance ordered their popular Chicken Parmesan, which was perfectly crispy and cheesy, and I had the Spinach and Gorgonzola Risotto with Shrimp. The dish was well cooked, though it could have used a bit more seasoning. I added some salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese, which helped the flavors to pop out more.
Our last course (Dolce) was pure heaven: Classic tiramisu with perfectly brewed espresso, and two scoops of creamy cinnamon and chocolate gelato. What a grand ending to our delightful Italian dinner. Round out the dessert with a strong espresso and everything is complete.
The overall menu at Il Girasole Trattoria is quite large with several other delicious looking dishes to try. One would need to dine here quite often just to try everything once! It was a wonderful experience, and I hope to return soon to sample the other exquisite-looking dishes. I highly recommend this restaurant if you are looking for a nice evening of great food, drink, service, and just an enjoyable, relaxing time.
Photos: Jennifer Lunz (Featured Image: Cindy Kurman)
For reservations, please visit the website or call 872-315-2928.
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