As I walked into Monteverde, I couldn’t resist sneaking a peek into the kitchen—and my jaw dropped. Under the heat lamps at the expediting station was a stunning array of yet-to-be-prepared Italian ingredients. There were sliced meats, cheeses glistening on plates, fresh pasta, a variety of herbs, and a rainbow of vibrant, fragrant sauces. Seeing all that, I knew we were in for a treat.
When the food came, it didn’t disappoint.
My favorite dish of the evening was the prosciutto appetizer. I’ve never seen a cold meat plate served this way. You are offered a few 1/2 English muffin 1/2 pancake savory disk things that you slice in half. You then add the ultra-fresh meat, cheese, and fruit compote to create a little mini-sandwich flavor bomb. Paired with a glass of red wine, it’s probably one of the best things I’ve eaten in recent history.
Just look at it.
The lamb appetizer was cooked perfectly and the seasoning was so strong that you could smell it as soon as the server set the plate down.
The pasta was absolutely delicious and exceeded my expectations. I ordered the spaghetti, aiming for something simple to really appreciate the restaurant’s pasta-making skills. The pasta was perfectly cooked, and the sauce was full of flavor, with just the right balance of seasoning. Every bite was a delight!
They do have hand-made gluten-free pasta. If you have a gluten allergy and like pasta, Monteverde is a definite must-go.
Savory dishes aside, the desserts were ON POINT!
Overall, Monteverde was fantastic. That said, I’d love to give it a few more tries—two or maybe even ten—before deciding if it earns a spot among my other favorites (looking at you, Daisies) in the pantheon of top Chicago Italian restaurants. But it’s definitely well on its way.
