Merlo’s adorably hospitable and warm interior and outstanding cuisine make this restaurant a local favorite in the trendy Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago.
The intimate-sized restaurant has only enough seating for 90, so reservations are a must if you want to ensure that you’ll have a table. On the plus side, the cozy nature of Merlo not only creates a romantic atmosphere, but also allows staff to be more attentive than larger restaurants.
The aptly named Merlo is split between a restaurant and enoteca wine bar that features a number of bottles available by the glass, as well as special reserve list and dinner menu. Friendly peach colored walls are adorned with scenic pastoral Italian artworks that give the restaurant a charming, rustic look.
Executive Chef Luisa Silvia Marani takes pride in her use of only the freshest seasonal products to create authentic Bolognese recipes with a complex mixture of flavors and techniques that leave you feeling thankful you didn’t have to go through the trouble yourself.
Choose from made-to-order traditional Italian entrees such as:
Add a little dolce to your dinner with finishing touches such as angel bread cake dipped in “espresso” coffee and Grand Marnier, with a mascarpone cream and dark chocolate crunch; or meringue with whipped cream, chocolate blossoms, almonds and seasonal berries.
Diners heading to a show at the nearby Steppenwolf Theater should consider taking advantage of Merlo’s pre-theater dining menu, which features 3-courses and 1 glass of house wine for the bargain price of $35 per person.
Click here to make a reservation.
Merlo Ristorante is located at 2638 N. Lincoln Ave. in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago.
A sister restaurant, Merlo on Maple, is located in the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago.
Reservations are highly recommended.
Merlo Ristorante
2638 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
Make a Reservation
(773) 529-0747
www.merlochicago.com