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| - Cafe Notte is an absolute gem! I live in downtown Chicago and I dine at some of the best restaurants in the city (Publican, NEXT, etc.) and Cafe Notte is right up there! Chef Eric is a culinary genius and his ability to highlight flavor nuances is extremely impressive. Anytime I visit my parents in Pittsburgh, we visit Cafe Notte multiple times. One of the best things I've ever eaten (from any restaurant) was Chef Eric's peanut butter and jelly foie gras. OMG, I still have dreams about that dish! His lemon and artichoke fritto misto is perfectly light and airy and the duck confit melts in your mouth without being overly fatty or heavy. Most of the time I order off the specials menu because the dishes are sophisticated and inventive, so I definitely recommend doing that. In the rare occasion I don't want anything on the specials menu, the tempura green beans and Vietnamese shrimp crepe are stellar apps and the eggplant parmesan is easily the best version I've ever eaten. I could go on and on, but really, there's no need - the food is killer and (bonus!) the portions are real-sized, not fine dining tiny. Score!
As for ambiance, don't expect anything stuffy or formal. The relaxed and cozy atmosphere inside (twinkling ceiling lights, high top tables mixed with low tops, old wood bar, and fireplace) add to the charm, in my opinion. It's not overly modern or contemporary, but I love that. Sometimes fine food equates to a stuffy atmosphere, but Cafe Notte does not fall into this trap at all. I've gone in jeans and flip flops and I've gone in a cocktail dress and heels and have been comfortable either way.
The service is incredible and everyone is so nice. Derek is usually our server and I continue to be impressed with his knowledge and memory - even though there can be months in between visits, he remembers dishes I ordered and my wine preference. Heck, I don't get that kind of attention at my local Starbucks even though I'm there every day! Angie, another server, is a sweetie and very attentive. It's also fun being there when they have live music - nothing like eating fine food in jeans listening to Bucky play James Taylor on the guitar! They have a big outdoor area too, but since they allow smoking out there, I've never eaten outside. It'd be nice if there were a smoke-free section outside, but I may be in the minority on that one.
I think the prices are right on point - you certainly get a lot of amazing food for your money and I never leave hungry or unhappy. Even though I'm surrounded by delicious culinary choices in downtown Chicago, I keep going back to Cafe Notte and I miss it when I return to Chicago. I wonder if I can get on some kind of Cafe Notte peanut butter and jelly foie gras mailing list?
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