Powered By OpenTable: Restaurant Reservations. Right this way.
Restaurant Reservations - Free • Instant • Confirmed

  • Convito Cafe and Market

  • Online Reservations

Reserve at Convito Cafe and Market

Date

mm/dd/yyyy

Time
Party Size
Convito Cafe and Market
Convito Cafe and Market

Convito Cafe and Market Details

  • Dining Style: Casual Elegant
  • Website: http://www.convitocafeandmarket.com/
  • Phone: (847) 251-3654
  • Hours of Operation: Lunch: Monday - Saturday: 11:30am - 5:00pm; Dinner: Monday - Thursday: 5:00pm - 9:00pm, Friday & Saturday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm, Sunday: 3:00pm - 8:30pm; Sunday Brunch: 11:00am - 3:00pm
  • Payment Options: AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
  • Cuisine: European, Italian
  • Executive Chef: Nancy Brussat
  • Dress Code: Casual Dress
  • Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
  • Additional Details: Beer, Fireplace, Full Bar, Non-Smoking Area, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Smoking Area, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Catering: Convito Cafe offers an on site Gourmet Food & Wine Market which provides a delicious array of foods, wines and beverages for a wide variety of functions. The catering menu includes dishes from Italy as well as from other corners of the world. In addition to selections for your everyday enjoyments, Convito provides many special dishes available for holidays such as Easter, Passover, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. Please call the restaurant directly for further information.
  • Private Party Facilities: Through the years, Convito Cafe has been successful in creating memorable occasions for their customers by planning rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, bar/bat mitzvahs, baptisms, birthday parties and many other types of special events. Convito Café pays great attention to detail, meeting the expectations of their customers' needs by supplying them with incredible food and professional service.

    Convito Cafe has the ability to screen off a lovely area for your party or offers the option to "rent" out the restaurant, depending on number of guests. Please call or email with any questions.
  • Private Party Contact: Sarka Kalocajova/Oscar Suarez (847) 251-3654

Getting there

  • Cross Street: Sheridan Rd
  • Parking: Private Lot
  • Parking Details: Plenty of free parking is available in the Plaza del Lago parking lot.
A word from Convito Cafe and Market
Convito Café features dishes from both Betise Bistro and Convito Italiano that best reflect the homey flavors of the French and Italian countryside. The menus include steak, chicken, veal, daily fish and meat specials, earthy pasta dishes and an array of delicious appetizers and salads. Lunch… includes a variety of sandwiches, pizza, salads and more.

We have a beautiful outdoor cafe, however it is first come first serve. If you make a reservation, you will be guaranteed a table inside, and if there is a table available outside, we will accommodate you.

A full bar will serve mixed drinks as well as wines from Italy, France and beyond. Continued
Foodspotting photos
See all photos >
Awards voted by OpenTable diners
  • Diners' Choice WinnerGreat for Lunch
  • Diners' Choice WinnerNeighborhood Gem
Diner Reviews
  • "Hadn't been there for awhile, and was really looking forward to returning. After getting a drink we sat for 45 minutes without being asked if we might like an starter or want to order. Lots of staff went by, but no one even said they'd be there soon. When dinner did arrive it was OK, but not any form of Italian I would bother to repeat. Had to ask for a little more water. All in all, not such a great experience, and one we won't repeat soon."
    Dined on 7/9/2014
  • "What a wonderful time we had at Convito when 5 former neighborhood friends got together for lunch after 9 years....One had moved to Germany. The food was delicious and the service was friendly and helpful. The atmosphere was colorful, energetic and most pleasing. Several of us picked-up selections at the deli counter for taking home. There are also frozen sauces to take home.....Yummy! I plan to return for soft shelled crabs very soon for dinner. Cant wait! Great place! Easy to find and plenty of parking."
    Dined on 7/6/2014
  • "The food was awesome. We shared several appetizers and they were all great. Everyone loved their entrées and several desserts were shared and enjoyed. Unfortunately we were there to visit with relatives from out of town and it was so loud you could only hear the person right next to you. The waiter could barely hear our orders. The waitstaff was spread a little thin. Our waiter was practically running from table to table. I had to walk up to the bar to order drink refills, which they brought to our table."
    Dined on 7/5/2014
  • " While the food is always good, portions always very small !!!"
    Dined on 6/22/2014
  • "Excellent menu, attentive service, reasonable pricing"
    Dined on 6/21/2014
  • "Dine at Convito fairly often. Our waiter had too many tables and we were neglected. Had to flag down someone to ask for everything from water to main course. Our soft shell crabs were lacking in flavor. Would have ordered dessert but got tired of waiting for order to be taken. Too expensive to give then another chance in the near future."
    Dined on 6/18/2014
  • "Convito is a neighborhood treasure. It is also a Chicagoland treasure -- worth a trip from the Gold Coast for an excellent eclectic menu, in a very interesting atmosphere. The market selections are as impressive as the cafe menu offerings. Bjd"
    Dined on 6/17/2014
  • "Convito Café has a wonderful menu and excellent food and service. The chef came to our table and our daughter loved that! Highly recommend this restaurant!"
    Dined on 6/13/2014
  • "Always a place to look forward to going. Good dining and take out."
    Dined on 6/12/2014
  • "We dined for lunch, having a sandwich and salad. Both tasty, fresh, and enjoyable."
    Dined on 6/9/2014
  • "Everything was good. Everyone at our table of 4 liked their meal. Server was quick to respond when a steak arrived too rare. Interesting selection of non-alcohol beverages."
    Dined on 6/10/2014
  • "The ambience at Convito is a warm, homelike restaurant to one side, and a fantastic italian market and wine shop to the right. The menu was full of excellent choices, and focusing on pasta dishes, there were so many to consider. We had pasta with a four-cheese sauce and one with a sausage with onion gravy. Both were amazing! We both started with white bean soup, which was outstanding. The wine list was adequate, but could have been bolstered by the selections in the store! Service was prompt and freindly, and the prices were very good. Easy to come back to!!"
    Dined on 6/8/2014
  • "Alway good food, service and ambiance. For special occasions in that area we always dine there."
    Dined on 6/8/2014
  • "The owner/manager is great, always attentive and friendly. Service is typically good. Beware that some soups are served chilled but may not say that on the menu. Any dish you have will be tasty, and the bread is great too!"
    Dined on 6/4/2014
  • "Convito is in my neighborhood, and is the place I most often meet friends and business associates for lunch because the food and service are consistently good. The menu is simple, but interesting at the same time. Staff is always friendly, though at times could be more attentive. And there are tables outside for nice summer days. "
    Dined on 6/4/2014
  • "Stopped by for lunch after viewing Open Table recommendations. Food was very good. The onion soup was particularly good and not too salty."
    Dined on 6/2/2014
  • "I adore Convito and smile instantly when I think of it. I now live in Chicago but when I get a chance, I come back to Convito. The food is so fresh, the soups are superb (a cold asparagus soup to die for) and the entrees are exceptional. I took a friend there this weekend and, as usual, we were treated so very well. I left smiling, of course! "
    Dined on 6/1/2014
  • "Everything about Convito Cafe is wonderful. We are never disappointed in the service or the good. 5 Stars on all accounts! "
    Dined on 5/11/2014
  • "Our group of 3 was not impressed with the menu; it seemed limited and we chose our entrees by process of elimination. The server was just a little slow at each point that we were looking for her. We all agreed the food was mediocre. Overall, we were disappointed and probably won't go back."
    Dined on 5/4/2014
  • "Food is always good, portions are always very small ! Wish portions were a bit larger. Had cup of soup & sandwich (mozzarella w/ tomato on small roll), was still feeling a bit hungry when I left. "
    Dined on 5/4/2014
  • "The food is great (maple glazed duck breast was amazing, beet salad with bourbon vanilla dressing is another great choice.) Wine pours are more than generous, great wines. The setting and decor is classy and cozy at same time. I especially want to give a shout out to our awesome waitress. I don,t know her name but we have been lucky enough to have her several times. She works Fridays and Sundays and is a school teacher too. She is so incredibly kind, and sweet, knowledgable and professional. convito's is incredibly lucky to have her and I am very glad to have convito's to count on as always being a special treat."
    Dined on 4/27/2014
  • "We've been to Convito twice now, and have really enjoyed our meals. They have an extensive gluten free menu, and they seem to be very conscientious in their preparation. The White Bean soup is simply amazing. You can even have Chicken Pot Pie (albeit with mashed potatoes instead of crust). Great wine selection. We will definitely return."
    Dined on 4/26/2014
  • "Our reservation was on-time, but we were seated in a passage-way to the outdoor area. Every time a server would go through the door (every 30 seconds), we experienced an unpleasant gust of air. We asked to be reseated, which took about a half an hour, although there were ample open tables for a a party of three, and we were rewarded thereafter with incredibly poor service: no water re-fills, improper order of serving up dishes, and general chilliness. Speaking of which, although warm for the date, the table we were at should never have been placed where it was if the door to the outside area was going to be used. "
    Dined on 4/20/2014
  • "Con into is a cafe off the side of a gourmet food market. Small menu with daily specials offers a fair amount of variety. Chicken pit pie tasted like a bad frozen menu. My husband's pork loin looked beautiful but tasted fair. Wild mushroom soup garnished was excellent. When full noise is overwhelming even though we were seated in the corner. Like the concept of the menu but would have liked food quality to be better."
    Dined on 4/13/2014
  • "I had the Hash. I never pass up hash of any kind. The seasoning was well-chosen by the chef and the dish as a whole was filled with flavor. My dining companion had Eggs Benedict and she said the dish was very well prepared. For dessert, I chose the Bread Pudding. It was drizzled with just the right amount of delicious sauce and it stayed nicely hot during the entire time that I was eating it. My companion chose the crème brulee and she said it had been chilled, whereas all of the other crème brulees she eaten at other establishments had been served warm. So, guess that dish did not pass muster."
    Dined on 4/6/2014
  • "Delicious salads, soup and decadent flourless chocolate cake for dessert...does it get any better?"
    Dined on 4/4/2014
  • "We have enjoyed Convito, in all of it's illiterations, over the past 20+ years. Every dish we have tried has always been delicious, comforting and creative with a lovely presentation. We return several times a month, frequently meeting for lunch, and thoroughly enjoy every experience. The deli is a wonderful place for my husband to stop on his way home, and pick up a wonderful dinner. I've also had them create lovely gift baskets of both packaged and prepared foods."
    Dined on 4/2/2014
  • "Did a business lunch there. the clientele at lunch is pretty much "ladies doing lunch" which is in line with the Wilmette location and certainly OK. What is lacking is attentive service. The servers weren't objectionable, just absent. They are seemingly oblivious to routine table attention and follow up. The food was nice but I'd avoid it going forward."
    Dined on 3/18/2014
  • "Well rounded Italian menu with shockingly good gravy (tomato basil pasta sauce). Whole grain pasta was a nice option and the grilled calamari was really tasty."
    Dined on 3/15/2014
  • "Stopped in for lunch with a friend as it is located midway between our offices. Have been in for dinner once before and enjoyed that so gave lunch a try. Friend said his BLT sandwich was fine, I thought my Pork Milanese sandwich was more like a breaded pork chop, when I was expecting a thinner, pounded pork cutlet. Flavor was OK, but breading got soggy and the focaccia seemed not so fresh. Server was friendly and prompt."
    Dined on 3/11/2014
  • "Nice and cheery place. Service was attentive. Salads were good -- but pretty expensive for the size and what you get. A mixed green salad with a LIGHT sprinkling of blue cheese -- NO MEAT/PROTEIN for $9.50???"
    Dined on 2/21/2014
  • "Flat bread with smoked salmon and truffle oil was soggy and returned to the kitchen for a redo. A Bêtise salad was blah. Worst were the uncomfortable chairs, low and tipped back. We swapped for better ones. One good thing was the whole wheat pasta with butternut squash."
    Dined on 2/15/2014
  • "Convito is an enduring favorite. On a crowded Valentine's eve, I forgave the opening rush our server put on us. We had onion soup, mussels, rack of lamb and skirt steak, all very nicely done with great style. But we did not get either butter or oil to go with our terrific bread until we asked, we were given tiny glasses for our red wine (replaced promptly when we asked) with a very generous pour, we were brought our check before being given an opportunity for either coffee or dessert (we had the fabulous chocolate), and the coffee refill was room temperature (seriously, not even tepid). Stuff happens, but not once did our waitress (very efficient and obviously quite experienced) offer an apology. My bill identifies her as Estefani."
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "We always enjoy Convito. The staff is friendly and helpful. They have specials which make it even more interesting as they really offer some variety. They also include whole grain pasta and a gluten free menu and no matter what you order, it is perfectly prepared and delicious. I always find it worthwhile to abandon the no carbs and go for the pasta at Convito."
    Dined on 2/8/2014
  • "Good food at reasonable prices in a very quiet setting."
    Dined on 1/23/2014
  • "We have dined at Convito for years and have never been disappointed. If anything the food is better than ever and the service is attentive without being pushy. I had the parmesan encrusted cod and it was so tasty yet delicate that it nearly melted in my mouth. My wife had the Tortellini (Tortellini Tuesdays) with meat sauce. The flavor was hearty without being too spicy. The only negative was the vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce (not on the menu, so I shouldn't complain) but the sauce was like a chocolate shell which my grandchildren might have loved but I didn't."
    Dined on 1/20/2014
  • "Lots of wonderful choices.Ample portions. Nice presentation. Had to ask for refills on the iced tea and needed to ask for butter for the bread. Sitting by the window in this kind of weather wasn't the best choice. Fabulous dessert choices that are not to be missed."
    Dined on 1/20/2014
  • "A little overpriced for what we got. My wife's dish was good. I ordered the spaghetti and meatballs and it was pretty bland. Service was good"
    Dined on 1/18/2014
  • "Consistently great food and exceptional service! Lunch or dinner menus offer a nice variety of healthy choices. Dinner portions are surprisingly generous. Appreciate that this little gem accepts reservations."
    Dined on 1/17/2014
  • "The chef maintains high quality and consistently good food.. The service is friendly and experienced."
    Dined on 1/16/2014
More reviews ›
Larger map ›
Smaller map ›
Diners' Choice Awards
  • North Suburbs Winners
  • Great for Lunch
  • Neighborhood Gem
Learn more ›