Best Authentic Restaurants in Belmont Central / Cragin

First timer. The menu was tantalizing, the service was extraordinary, the food was great - especially the ricotta appetizer, and the red sauce on our pasta and gnocchi was amazing - the Italian bread served us well, ensuring that every drop of that sauce was consumed. The staff are a team, and there are many and they are all working - it was fun to watch. The one "mistake" we made is sitting near the kitchen, because we were forced to see all of the dishes we didn't order come out - I am pretty sure I would find a way to eat here several times per month if I lived nearby.

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba never disappoints! It’s been a few years since we’ve dined here and it was just as delicious as I remembered! We love tapas style dining - we got the opportunity to try so many things on the menu. The seafood paella was the highlight. We also enjoyed the bacon wrapped dates, brussel spout salad, patatas bravas, hanger steak, and Iberico pork. A pitcher of passion fruit sangria was a great complement.

As fans of Rose Mary we were eager to try El Carciofi and willing to take a 4:45 reservation. This is as fun and as delicious as Rose Mary and shares the same approach to dining—shareable small plates. Interesting craft cocktails, sufficient wines by the glass, exceptionally well trained wait staff and very flavorful food. Gus menu was all Rome inspired so it was a little less diverse than Rose Mary. The artichokes were spectacular crisply Rome style. Every inch was edible. Two to an order but they bring you a serrated knife if you want to have them. We had one other appetizer (calamari), one pasta and one seafood main. The portions are great for two to share but if three or four order another something or two and expect to get just a couple bites not full servings. They have $8 servings of gelato and sorbet and a couple amazing deserts they offered to checkout coats.a nice touch in Chicago’s winter. It’s easy to spend $100 per person if you gave two drinks each and desert. We found street parking but forgot to feed the meter since the sign wasn’t obvious so double check

The atmosphere and vibe of Elina's was terrific. Sophisticated and felt like a New York neighborhood restaurant. The service was attentive and friendly. The food was fine but nothing very memorable. The fritto misto was way over-breaded (couldn't taste the seafood) and our pasta dish was average. Steak Limone was simple but good and flavorful.

When I want to go to Paris, I'lll go to Le Bouchon...service, fppd ambiance ...it's almost like being in Paris..