Merlo on MapleOutstanding experienceI had heard very good things about Merlo on Maple. Our experience exceeded our expectations. Everything was really excellent. It is a beautiful restaurant with outstanding food and service. The staff is knowledgeable and extremely helpful. The food was authentic and exceptionally well prepared. We had a truly memorable evening.6/13/2013 12:00:00 AMAbsolutely DeliciousMy favorite italian in Chicago. Little known but worth a try.6/12/2013 12:00:00 AMItaly in ChicagoMerlo is consistently outstanding for cuisine and experience. We have travelled extensively in Italy and the quality of the food is equal to Michelin rated restaurants abroad. We have been dining here since they first came to America to open a restaurant and it is our favorite place to go in Chicago. The service is amazing and personable. There were italian-speaking diners at the table adjacent to us - perfect. The pastas are all outstanding and Chef Sylvia's interest in researching old recipes is really an amazing way to experience the best of Italian cooking.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding meal and service.Outstanding meal and service. Oe of our favorites inChicago.6/3/2013 12:00:00 AMAnniversary dinnerFabulous food!! Harmony was an extremely helpful server - she is really enthusastic and knowledgable about the food and wine and was able to direct us on both as we had a lot of questions (and had trouble deciding!). Everything was a hit but the appetizers and desserts were exceptional (mozarella with proscutto and a tarta for apps; something with mascarpone and a tiramisu-like cake for dessert).5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMTruly outstanding!!! WineTruly outstanding!!! Wine list was excellent, but the food was the high point!5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMMerlo is a very cozy, quietMerlo is a very cozy, quiet place with dining rooms spread over its several levels so one never feels crowded or the need to shout to make oneself heard. The food is excellent. Our waitress, Harmony, was superb - cheerful, helpful, knowledgeable and fun - without being at all intrusive. Overall one of the more pleasurable restaurant experiences available in Chicago.4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMRichard S.Merlo really is fantastic. The service was perfect and the home made food was excellent. This is the second time I've been there and each time I wonder why I don't go back more often.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat for all occasions!I'm embarrassed that it took us this long to try Merlo. I always loved the building and thought they had the cutest outdoor space. At the last minute we decided to dine here on a weeknight. The staff was very gracious and the place had just enough people to make the place feel lively but not crowded.
The space itself is very charming. There were two small groups, a family and several couples in the dining room, and individuals at the first floor bar, and all seemed comfortable there. Our server Todd had just the right amount of attentiveness and friendliness, and the food was authentic. Will definitely be back when I want to get together with friends, have a romantic dinner or just don't want to cook!4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMFoor was wonderful and serviceFoor was wonderful and service was excellent. A bit pricey, but worth a dinner. Would go again.4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMHidden GemThis spot is truly a gem! Service is so wonderful and the restaurant is owned by an Italian family that not only knows great food, but also takes me back to my most precious memories of what true Italian cooking tastes like. The evening might be slightly expensive, but for a special occasion you will never be disappointed!3/25/2013 12:00:00 AMMerlo on Maple is very authenticMerlo on Maple is very authentic Northern Italian fare. We went twice in a week. We are from St. Louis who is rice in Italian traditions and have been to Italy 5 times. An excellent evening. The tortillini with fresh porcini mushrooms in a butter and Parmesan cheese sauce was excellent. The incredible tenderloin in a 15 year old balsamic reduction, topped with black truffles paired great with my Brunello. I will have dreams of that dish until my return this summer. We will make a trip back to Chicago and return to Merlo on Maple. We have already recommended Merlo to several Chucago residents. Don't miss this gem!3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMUsed a Gilt City voucher forUsed a Gilt City voucher for an 8 course tasting menu so the only decision we had to make was what wine to drink. The original selection wasn't available so we got a bottle that was similar based on waiter's recommendation. All of the food was delicious until we got to the last 2 courses. Three pasta courses, all pasta made in house, were fantastic. The 7th course, beef tenderloin, was very good, cooked perfectly with delicious sauce. Menu said squash souffle as the side and instead we got tasteless sauteed spinach. Downgrade. The dessert was a weird chocolate mousse filled angel food cake that was soaked in grenadine. It was my least favorite. Overall the service was very good, the ambiance was great. I love the venue that its an old house3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMWe always enjoy Merlo. ServiceWe always enjoy Merlo. Service and specials are great. Suggestions from staff are spot on. Wine (Gattinara) was incredible. Food is fresh! Pastas are homemade and perfectly done. And, for Chicago, pricing is very reasonable.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was fantastic. My pastaFood was fantastic. My pasta dish was innovative & original; my husband's pork tenderloin was perfectly cooked and seasoned. The Italian Government recognizes Merlo on Maple as an authentic Italian restaurant, of which it is one of only 16 in Chicago. I can't wait to return.2/9/2013 12:00:00 AM