Our Reviews
Marcia S.2/10/2025
This is my favorite Italian restaurant in Chicago. I live downtown but drive eight miles to Andersonville to dine here at least once a month. It's a rustic neighborhood restaurant with authentic Italian cuisine, good service... and complimentary parking across the street. Last night I ordered the rapini with grilled baby squid and cannellini beans... perfection. Other favorites are the lobster ravioli, mushroom risotto and chicken vesuvio. If you have room for dessert, try the yummy apple walnut tart. The entrees and sides are large enough for two people, so my friend and I sometimes split a wedge salad, an entree and side, and a dessert. Wine selection is okay but not remarkable, with affordable options. Highly recommended.
read moreread less
Marissa G.2/03/2025
My boyfriend and I have been coming here for years and it never fails to be the best. Service is exceptional, food is great, never skip the dirty martini. The manager operated the restaurant as a well oiled machine even on the absolute busiest of days. Truly a gem!
read moreread less
Dan A.1/08/2025
I've been coming here since I first moved to Chicago as a young guy. Calo is more than a restaurant... It's a landmark, and a tradition. Full of tradition, never trendy or pretentious, you can count on the quality and consistency of this place. This is the kind of place one goes to celebrate with a large family, but it is equally effective for an intimate dinner. They somehow have the ability to pull off both ends of that spectrum and everything in between. I have met clients here, hosted out of town friends here, entertained family here, gone on dates here. I remember taking my young grade school age son for the first time and watching his face as he experienced a real "grown up" dinner. He discovered that cheese ravioli was his favorite meal that night. He has since learned that ravioli is not the same at just any Italian joint. It's special here. We're lucky to have an institution like this on the far North Side in Andersonville. I encourage you to try it.
read moreread less
Larry B.12/25/2024
I've loved Calo for years. Always great service, amazing food and a welcoming atmosphere. I highly recommend eating here. Parking: Free parking in the lot across the street with a validated ticket. Kid-friendliness: Please do everyone a favor and leave your kid at home (this is me saying this, not the restaurant)
read moreread less
Windy C.12/13/2024
I haven’t been to this restaurant in a long time, but I used to go with my mom back in the early 2000s. For some reason, I just remembered it and thought of how outstanding the food was and how the service and atmosphere were just so welcoming and Everything was absolutely grreat! I highly recommend if you are in the Andersonville neighborhood to stop in here for some of the best Italian food in the city.
read moreread less
Yui B.8/24/2024
Best Italian restaurant! If you are looking for Italian restaurant which is not only sell pizza, here is your best option. Our family visit here so many times. We love all their food and service. The restaurant is quite big. There are 2 rooms and bar seats. They open both lunch and dinner. Lunch is not quite busy you can get the table very easy. Dinner is busier. If you come during peak time, you might have to wait for the table. We went there on Thursday’s night around 8pm. There were 2 tables opened so we got seated right away. Complimentary breads are served right after you arrive at the table. Their bread are soft and delicious. I like to ask for olive oil, balsamic and cheese to eat with bread. Today we ordered 6 dishes for 4 people. All the food is big portions. We know that we are not going to finish them but we like them all. Starting with Polipetti Alla Griglia, it’s grilled octopus. It’s tender, not chewy at all. We finish it very fast. Following with 5 entree’s - Ravioli Di Aragosta Pasta : ravioli filled with lobster served with big shrimp in the white cream sauce. Shrimps are cooked to perfection. It’s my favorite dish. I order every time I visit. - Pappardelle Capesante Pasta : scallops with crimini mushrooms in creamy spinach sauce. Scallops are huge, meaty and yummy. I highly recommend this dish. It’s our family’s favorite dish especially my husband. We also get this dish every time. - Risotto Frutti Di Mare : risotto cooked to al dente with all seafood including big shrimps, huge scallops, squids, clams and mussels. We had this dish for the first time. The huge portion that we got compare with the low price that we paid. Its incredible!! This dish was not our style of risotto. We like it more creamy. However, the taste is good. We ordered 2 dishes from special menu. - Baby back ribs : this dish you can pick the side between pasta and potatoes. There are 3 different kinds of pasta with white or red sauce. Potato can be mashed potatoes or baked potatoes. The ribs are soft. You can pull the meat out of the bone very easy. The side pasta that we picked a little bit blend. - Whitefish : I can’t remember the name of this dish but it’s grilled whitefish with onion rings. This dish you can also pick the side dish. It’s kind of healthy dish but we aren’t so healthy. So, it’s nothing outstanding. I would say it’s ok for us….lol They also have so many options for pizza. I saw many people order pizza. It must be real good. We plan to order it next time. We didn’t get any dessert because we are super full. End up packing all the leftovers home which is we know it’s gonna happen. 😅 Our server is amazing. She is very attentive. They have full bar if you are drinkers. We didn’t get anything drink except root beer for my son. There is free parking offering across the restaurant. It’s so convenient. After everything we ordered, the bill came out less than $200.
read moreread less
Phil G.8/18/2024
OMG!!!,talk about authentic Italian 😋excellent 6⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars,loved the atmosphere you can dress up or casual...the eats is what you're there for!!,been to Chicago numerous times 1st time there,and can assure you won't be the last... Parking: Just across the street no issuses
read moreread less
Jeff S.8/08/2024
Outstanding restaurant!!! My Frutti Di Mare was the best I have had, and it is an entree I usually order when on the menu. My wife ordered the Gorgonzola Gnocchi which was amazing. Like a nice bourbon with a different finish, each bite hit the pallette with 3 different flavors. It was amazing, and I am under selling it. Finally, any restaurant that has almost a dozen different Belgian Ales on the menu gets 4 stars as a baseline. The food should add another 6, but alas, I can only give it 5 stars.
read moreread less
Shawna M.8/04/2024
Calo in Andersonville is a delightful Italian restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and fantastic food. The pasta is fresh and flavorful, the pizzas are perfectly crispy, and the seafood dishes are top-notch. The service is friendly and attentive, making for a great dining experience. Highly recommend!
read moreread less
Dee D.7/14/2024
So my family loves to dine at Calo every meal we’ve had is outstanding from pasta to the pizza you can’t go wrong ! Today was the first time we had the server Gilberto this young man was simply the best so polite and made sure everything was perfect and it was. Every time we return we will be sure to request him !!!!!
read moreread less
Mark E.7/12/2024
Great local spot for Italian food! Family friendly atmosphere with food options for everyone. Portion sizes are large for those who want to share and you can never go wrong with their thin crust pizza. Bar area has TVs for those wanting to catch a game. The dining area is quieter for larger groups or couples. Highly recommend! Parking: Locate across the street with about a dozen parking spots available.
read moreread less
Mitchie (.7/08/2024
My uncle is a regular here and we always go when we visit him! Staff are so sweet and attentive, and food is always delicious. My personal favorite is the Gnocchi Gorgonzola— absolutely fantastic! Their pizza is also great, and they have a wonderful alfredo. Definitely a must have if you’re in Andersonville!
read moreread less
S S.6/17/2024
The heat, hustle and bustle of a streetfest had us all looking for respite. Three adults and five slap happy kids entered and we were treated with kindness and respect. The food and service was top notch, and we left fed and refreshed. Thank you, Calo! Kid-friendliness: They dealt with five kids taking respite during a street fest like champs
read moreread less
Jorge G.6/03/2024
Calo, an Italian restaurant, offers an extraordinary dining experience that blends authentic Italian cuisine with a welcoming ambiance. The menu boasts a wide range of delicious dishes, from classic pasta and pizzas to exquisite seafood and meat options, all prepared with the freshest ingredients. One of Calo's standout features is its ample parking, ensuring a hassle-free visit. The restaurant's commitment to reasonable pricing makes it an ideal spot for both casual dinners and special occasions without breaking the bank. The attentive and friendly staff further enhance the experience, providing top-notch service that complements the delightful food. Whether you're a fan of traditional Italian fare or seeking new culinary adventures, Calo promises a memorable meal in a comfortable and accessible setting.
read moreread less
Erika “.6/03/2024
Lunch. Grilled calamari. Perfect! Huge portion, and I forgot to take a picture. Dang it. 😞 It was my first time here and I'll be back. Great value too. I was stuffed in a good way. Really nice atmosphere. Great for dates or meeting with friends. Vegetarian options: Salads, pasta with vegetables, etc. Parking: I think it's free at lunchtime and maybe a charge at dinner. Kid-friendliness: It's Italian! Italians love kids! Well, good kids anyway.
read moreread less
Parker U.5/27/2024
BLOW OUT 🤯 A DELICIOUS meal set in a FANTASTIC environment. Such a great place it almost made up for the massive disappointment in my dining partner (the Misses). With rich butter and bread, the conversation turned to hunting and she really had some interesting reactions to my thoughts. One glass of fair price Josh and a giant plate of fettuccine later, she’s livid. Whenever I talk about how I love hunting she becomes an absolute grump (to be honest, not the first word that came to mind). The thrill is like nothing else and she’s just likes to tear bridges isn’t of building them. But I’m getting distracted. This place was awesome! Highly recommend. Be prepared for leftovers!! THANKS Kid-friendliness: Yes! I saw one kid 🧒
read moreread less
Alessandra V.5/17/2024
Teresa our food server and Tony the server’s assistant always make us feel so welcome and greatly taken care of! They are both so consistantly very kind, courteous and friendly. We go to Calo very often. I actually come into town from Florida just about every month and Calo is my favorite restaurant and a must dinner visit for me. I will always ask for Teresa to take care of us and always so impressed with the way Tony takes care of us and every table I see him take care of. We just love them both! Oh! The food issssss amazing! We love their pasta fruta di mare, fruiti di mare alla griglia, focaccia bread served at every table, their chicken Marsala , their Pasta alla Barese with the rapini and sausage, linguini carbonara and I can go on and on!! You won’t ever be disappointed! The parking attendant is very courteous as well. Always looking out for our car!
read moreread less
Chris H.5/17/2024
This is our favorite neighborhood restaurant. While there are many great items to choose from on the menu, the real standout is their amazing thin crust pizza. The atmosphere is an eclectic mix of families, neighborhood folks, couples and groups. They have a friendly host, wait staff and bar staff. Reservation recommended if you want to go on a Friday or Saturday. Parking: Free parking lot across the street with validation
read moreread less
Gerald R.5/17/2024
I recently dined at Calo Ristorante and had an incredible experience. The pasta I ordered was absolutely delicious—so much so that I completely forgot its name! Every bite was a delightful burst of flavor, perfectly cooked and seasoned, making for a thoroughly enjoyable meal. Additionally, I tried the calamari, which was wonderfully crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The dipping sauce paired with it complemented the dish perfectly. Calo Ristorante offers a wonderful dining experience, with a warm ambiance, attentive staff, and, most importantly, delicious food that will make you want to come back for more.
read moreread less
Karen R.5/17/2024
We had our son’s wedding rehearsal party at Calo. The food, staff and atmosphere were amazing. All our guest raved about the food and wonderful hospitality. Many out of town guests returned for dinner during their extended stay in Chicago. We were thrilled with service they provided.
read moreread less
Rozina G.5/17/2024
Calo is a very good restaurant very good food very good service and if I ever decide to go eat up to restaurant I would choose Calo they are the best. I’ve been going there for many years. I recommend this restaurant very good atmosphere very clean very nice good service.
read moreread less
Joanna G.4/17/2024
The food is made to perfection. They offer parking across the street which is ideal. The bread they offer as an appetizer is always so fresh, and delicious. There is a wide range of pastas to choose from. They are always made fresh, and so creamy and rich in flavor. Always a great meal, and time when I come here.
read moreread less
Patrick P.3/17/2024
CALOS IS ALWAYS ON POINT. The manager treats you like he's known you for years. Great care and service. You can see him at work, working the room, making sure his ship is TIGHT. So funny bcs I literally called my best friend last week and said, "hey... we gotta do Calos again soon"... 😳😳🤣🤣😳😳🤣🤣 true story.
read moreread less
Kathleen E.3/17/2024
My family and friends have been meeting up at Calo’s for a lifetime. It’s a lively atmosphere with great food and service consistently. I dine in often and always enjoy the food, drinks and vibe. Parking: Parking lot across the street with an attendant is great asset to the restaurant in this neighborhood. Busy lively Andersonville.
read moreread less
Felicia M.1/17/2024
Deep dish pizza was good. Ribs were average. Good flavor but definitely not fall off the bone. Whitefish was very nice. Spinach noodles in Alfredo was definitely outstanding as was the carbonata. Fabulous service. Very nice atmosphere. Good for both family dinners and intimate dates. Complimentary bread basket was wonderful. I've never been compelled to say those words before so trust me! If you haven't been here before it's definitely worth a try. There's something on the menu for everyone. Great cocktail selection as well with generous pours.
read moreread less
Wyatt W.1/17/2024
Best Italian restaurant around! The food is delicious, I love their lasagna. I’d def make a reso if can, it gets packed a lot of times. I also like that there is parking available across the street. Parking: Parking lot across the street is free. I’ve never had trouble finding a spot.
read moreread less
Roi T.11/17/2023
We were pleasantly surprised with everything, from the moment we walked in the staff was attentive and welcoming. Brought menus immediately after we were seated. Gave us a few minutes to read the menus and came back to answer any questions and take our drink orders. Our waitress was great. All was well timed, from the fresh baked bread to their fabulous ribs and pastas. Our Margaritas couldn't have been better. We look forward to our next visit. 🙏 We were so engaged, we forgot to take photos.
read moreread less
Courtney W.10/17/2023
We have been coming to Calo for many, many years from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We adore it. So many of our important life moments and celebrations have happened there. And this past weekend, my uncles held their wedding rehearsal dinner there - as it was the place of their first date 10 years ago. Huge, extra special thanks for preparing something gluten free for me, including the most delicious and fudgiest flourless cake!
read moreread less
Derrick10/17/2023
Our first time here and love this neighborhood gem! Sandy was our amazing server! She could not have been better and more welcoming. The menu is extensive and inviting. My wife has an issue with salt and ordering can be difficult. This restaurant can accommodate diet issues. We will be back. A lovely dining experience.
read moreread less
Sauteed G.9/17/2023
I've eaten at this place for years and have had many different items on the menu. Everything is good, fresh, and full of flavor. Whether you dine in or eat out, the food will be great. Eating in the restaurant provides a professional sit-down experience. Can't go wrong with this place. Food is worth the price.
read moreread less
Laura Ŵ.9/17/2023
Great, authentic Italian fare, and featured on PBSs "Check Please", this food did not disappoint. We each ordered different dishes as it was our first time. Rotolo di Melanzana (Rolled eggplant parmesian) was delicious and beautifully presented. Grilled Octopus, one of the specials, was good and interesting, but just a tad overdone and chewy. Bucatini Diavola, a spicy red sauce, was divine. Generous portions as well as large martinis made this a plus on our checklist.
read moreread less
Carlos d.9/17/2023
I have now been here twice this year. I had the Calo special thin crust. Excellent! I will be back I'm looking forward to try their deep dish and regular crust pizza. My family had other dishes. My wife had a creamy pesto, pasta and chicken dish. Recommended by our waitress. She loved it and so did I and I don't like pesto. This was very very yummy. My son had a vodka pasta. He really enjoyed. What I liked the best so far is the pasta is cooked perfectly. Al dente. I almost forgot, you are given free bread service. Be careful you'll stuff yourself with the warm pizza bread and freshly baked bread. Butter at the ready. The bread is served warmed and the butter soft so you will not get frozen hard butter and tear up your bread. Little details. High end decor and extremely clean washrooms. Long review but it is worth visiting. The staff seemed happy and very attentive. Easy easy free parking across the street. Prices are good and the portions very generous. Easily two meals maybe even 3. Enjoy.
read moreread less
Pat P.8/17/2023
From the moment we were seated, the wait staff was busy making sure that we had what was needed and answering questions about the menu. The food was excellent and the wine chilled correctly. Desserts were large enough to share, but too good to do so. Highly recommend!
read moreread less
Bob C.8/17/2023
I love this place and visit when I am in Andersonville Chicago. Great with kids and food is terrific. Best Italian food in Chicago Parking: Parking across the street in their lot Kid-friendliness: My granddaughter was nervous the first time I took her and the staff saw this and brought over coloring pages. They were very kind
read moreread less
Yesenia M.7/17/2023
Food was great!! We had a party of 4 and each had very amazing meals. We had the farfella Butera, veal parmesan(ask for it not on menu), veal Marmalade, and a seafood Romano. The food came out piping hot! Just like I enjoy it. Atmosphere was family oriented and intimate. Service was provided by Andrea. Parking: Need to validate for free parking.
read moreread less
Nathaniel J.6/17/2023
Tonight I had a great experience here at this amazing restaurant!! This is Italian at its finest. The food is delicious & the staff is pretty great too!! Tonight we had the fine pleasure of being served by a young man by the name of Gilberto!! Gilberto had such passion for his restaurant & was very knowledgeable of the menu. He also gave great recommendations & catered to us very well. He exceeded our expectations. What I also loved about this family owned dining room is the staff & great team play! I even saw the manager running food to the tables & ensuring the guests were enjoying themselves. My mother & I had a fabulous time!! You must come to this restaurant and ask for Gilberto!! A young man by the name of Brian took pictures for my mom & I. Brian & Gilberto was so hospitable!! If you’re looking for a place where you can come & bring your family, even the babies, this is the place! I saw a party of 12 conveniently dining! This place even has a private dining room! Feel free to call make reservations or go to open table! You will dine well at this fine establishment who knows a thing or two about dining well. Remember to ask for Gilberto & tell them I sent you if you’re inclined!
read moreread less
Eric “.6/17/2023
Comfortable, relaxed, casual. Classy, but not "fancy." Great food, great service, bangin' martinis, top notch Chicago style thin crust pizza. Best fried calamari! Normal large portions (not giant portions like Rosebud etc). Free parking across the street in a pretty hip North side neighborhood. $$$
read moreread less
Tina I.6/17/2023
Excellent food and excellent customer service. Kudos to Gilberto waitstaff this was my second time being served by him. He is knowledgeable and extremely enthusiastic about giving the best service possible. Everything was wonderful ! The parking is a plus! Bravo! Grazie! 👋 Parking: Always a wonderful addition to have when dining out.
read moreread less
Dustin H.6/17/2023
Hot damn this place is special. I can't believe I've never heard of it before or been here before. Wow! Every bite delicious. Generous portions of wonderful food. I'll be back for sure. The wine list is extensive and nothing disappointed. They do have gluten free pasta too! Just ask! Dietary restrictions: They do have gluten free pasta on request
read moreread less
Ryan R.6/17/2023
We’ve now visited this restaurant twice to meet family in Chicago. Both times we were impressed with the delicious food, the many menu options, the clean and comfortable atmosphere, the generous portion sizes, the reasonable prices, and the excellent service. The dedicated parking lot across the street is also a huge plus. Highly recommended.
read moreread less
Jacob H.6/17/2023
First time here and good was ridiculous. I couldn't decide on entree, pasta or pizza so I got 2 of the three and wasn't disappointed. Pizza may have been the best pizza I've had in Chicago, (Got the Italian Beef Pizza), and pasta (Bucatini Diavola) was unreal. The Focaccia and bread beforehand were also spot on. Bartender was attentive, helpful and nice. Can't wait to go back.
read moreread less
Venus P.6/17/2023
I have been coming to this restaurant for the past 8 years and it is always a great meal, great service, and great atmosphere. Having their own parking lot across the street that is FREE is also a plus! Everything you order will be tasty and the cocktails are just as great! If you haven't been do yourself a favor and go!
read moreread less
Dan M.6/17/2023
Great food, generous portions, great service, great prices. Less than a 5 minute wait for Saturday evening dinner rush for a party of 2 in a packed house. Free freshly baked bread, and they boxed our leftovers for us. They even have limited free parking and street parking is available nearby. Best in the city.
read moreread less
Brandon D.6/17/2023
We have come here several times and the food is always on point. They offer GF sauces and pasta. The bar is always on point and the table service is very good. The atmosphere can be loud - but its lively. I wouldn't recommend it for a romantice date night, but it is a fun night out.
read moreread less
Angela O.6/17/2023
I'm ashamed to admit it's been a few years since we've been to Calo's. Lovely vibe, quite busy on a Monday and very generous portions. Easy parking across the street. We will be back, much more often. Parking: Across the street in private lot. Get the ticket stamped. Also go into the neighborhood for street parking.
read moreread less
Scott M.6/17/2023
We have come to Calos for the last 13 years. It's consistently good food, friendly staff and has a great bar too. They know us like family there and always say hello. Great Italian cuisine. Kid-friendliness: They are very kid friendly and make accommodations with height chairs, coloring paper and a kids menu.
read moreread less
Gia D.6/17/2023
My favorite place for seafood and many other dishes. Also, they have great drinks, and if they don't have what you like, they'll make it for you. I've been going there for about 9 years and will continue to do so. However, if you want to go on a weekend, you need a reservation as they're always busy. By far the best in Andersonville.
read moreread less
Will P.6/17/2023
Short and sweet review. Food was delicious and the service was incredible. All around, we had a really great time They have a dedicated parking lot across the street as well which is really nice. Free with stamp at the restaurant. Parking: Dedicated Parking lot across the street.
read moreread less
Cornel H.6/17/2023
Gabi, our waitress, was spot on when she told me the baby back ribs were delicious. She and the wait staff made the meal seamlessly enjoyable. As a woodworker, I feasted on the simple elegance of the cabinetry and decor, which deliver Calo's ambiance. Our party forgot a doggy bag. We called, and the staff found and held the bag until we returned. I'll be back soon. I'll be the diner admiring the food, the service, and the atmosphere, while I bask in the security of the safety of my car and its content. Parking: They have a monitored lot secured by a guy who is serious about his job; very reassuring.
read moreread less
Sharon N.6/17/2023
Love Calos! From the great customer service to the amazing food from start to finish, it's just simply amazing. It gets busy so if you have a large party recommend getting a reservation for a table. Their food portions are always plenty and their homemade tiramisu is just amazing so that is something you need to try. If you haven't gone here so worth it.
read moreread less
Taylor A.6/17/2023
I was here recently celebrating an anniversary with my partner and we had a great time! I loved that the menu was a mix of authentic Italian and Italian-American classics. Plus the drink menu was huge. We were seated right away, the waiter took our drink order quickly and then we then they gave us free bread. One thing I wish I'd known is how big the portions are. We could have shared an app and one entree but we didn't mind going home with 6 servings of leftovers either.
read moreread less
Bruce S.6/17/2023
Everything here was amazing and the waitstaff is so helpful and courteous. The food was so good I forgot to take some pictures. I would recommend the French Martinis. They were just the right amount of fruit and alcohol. Make sure to get reservations. They get busy.
read moreread less
Jenafur S.6/17/2023
LOOOOOVE Calo! Their mussels are to die for!!! I always get them in the red sauce and I could literally drink what's left in the pot! My friend got herels un the white wine sauce and agreed with me re: sauce drinking. hehe. The service is definitely a bit less than desirable but, today was pretty decent! But, again...the food. EVERYTHING I have tried here has been spectacular! Today's pasta with seafood was AMAZING, per usual! YUM YUM!!!!!
read moreread less