Merlo'sGreat FoodWe have eaten here a few times since it has opened and have ordered a variety of different items and I have to say everyone was pleased with what they ordered. The food is very good. I suggest if you want to go on a Saturday night you make a reservation well in advance.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMYumWe've been to Merlo's twice now and have really enjoyed it both times. We're looking forward to warmer weather so we can sit outside. Some of our favorite dishes so far have been the gamberetti (shrimp and broccoli over linguini in an aglio olio, the brick chicken, and the mussels. Appetizers not to be missed are the grilled calamari and roasted brussel sprouts. Service is wonderful to a person; everyone there wants to make sure the customers have a positive dining experience. We'll be back- there are so many more dishes we want to try!4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMGood Italian comfort foodGood Italian comfort food with a fresh brightness.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMMerlo's is a MustThis Ravinia gem is drawing crowds from all over the metro area. Reservations are a must, even mid-week. Noise level is extreme, but the food and energy is worth it. Nice delicate touch to many Italian favorites. "Nana's Gravy" is a particular favorite of mine and exemplifies the definition of Comfort Food. Good wine list. Chalkboard specials can get slightly pricey, particularly on the seafood and fish items. Portions are generous. Spot-on service which is helpful, informed, and attentive but not rushed. Host John Merlo works the room well while overseeing his thriving operation. Summer outdoor dining is sure to be a hit. Parking in Ravinia is an issue.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMWe all loved our entrees.We all loved our entrees. The Calamari was wonderful. Our waiter was very attentive and helpful.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMWe have been there only aWe have been there only a couple of times. The Restaurant is always busy and the foot is outstanding.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMSuper Yummy.There are pros for this restaurant and a few cons. The food was excellent. We had the Merlo's salad, brick chicken, salmon, and a shrimp pasta. All were wonderful. Our wine choice was very affordable and delicious. We would definitely recommend this restaurant. The cons the restaurant is very noisy on a Saturday night, it was very loud and hard to hear. We also never get our Brussel sprouts delivered and had some problems with overcharges on the bill.In the end we got it all fixed and still feel that we would be back. Just wish they could buffer the Noise level.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was very good. ServiceFood was very good. Service was excellent. Restaurant was very loud!3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMvery high quality food...mealvery high quality food...meal was delicious. Just a little too noisy.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat place!Great Italian food! Huge portions! Laid back but really nice atmosphere. Good for kids early.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMTrixie and BevoA great addition to the area. Great food, outstanding service, great selections from the menu and daily specials.
The newly renovated space is wonderful.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMReally enjoyed our dinner.Really enjoyed our dinner. The Brussel Sprouts were outstanding!!! We will be back!3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMBeen to Merlo's 4 or 5 times.Been to Merlo's 4 or 5 times. Absolutely love the food, great wait staff, but way too noisy!!3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMHuge portions of very goodHuge portions of very good food and an owner who is very hands on.2/8/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent new restaurant.Excellent new restaurant. Loved the place and everything the three of us ordered was delicious. We will definitely make a return visit .1/31/2013 12:00:00 AM