Gaetano's & Ristorantino Mediterraneo

Gaetano is a treasure! The chef is so intent on providing the freshest items. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming and patrons are upbeat. Frequently service staff and diners exchange greetings showing their familiarity with each other. The authentic Italian food is creative and flavorful. The chef's choice menu is definately worth ordering, especially for a special occasion. And add the wine pairing for amazing wine. The courses are served with multiple small plates in each category. Generally three plates come to share. They are very attractively presented and appealing. Watching my son eat his first bite of a dish, I could see his eyes widen as the first taste amazed him. It is so worth the drive. Happily I live close by. Don't miss this restaurant.

We absolutely love chef Gaetano and his food!

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Gaetano is a great chef. He likes to experiment beyond traditional Italian cuisine, as for example serving an
appetizer of fried vegetables and potato croquettes that was more like tempura than anything Italian. Also, the wine list is exceptional. One does pay for his talents, though; it is expensive.

Loved the food! The bread was extra special, but we had to ask for it. We splurged and got two orders of mussels, one with red sauce, one garlic. I don’t even think the buttery, garlic mussels were on the menu and I liked those the best. Our waiter was very accommodating. I got the beet salad, which was very unique and tasty. The guys in our group had the gumbo soup and said it was terrific, almost a meal in itself. Our main courses were also delicious, though a bit pricey. All the sauces were to die for. Our bill came to $500 with tip for 5 people, but our bar bill alone took up $125-plus, so it was our own fault! We had a great time, so well worth it. Our waiter was a hoot, too. Very fun.

I really enjoyed Gaetanos, we were in the area for another event later and chose it at random. It was a wonderful pick, the food was great and the restaurant is charming. The service was top notch as well. We will be back!

The best food I have ever eaten hands down, and it is not fussy food! Everything is so tasty. Our favorite restaurant hands down.

Don’t usually write these but after having plenty of good experiences here, this one will probably prevent us from coming again- which is sad since we’ve enjoyed our waiter’s company.
Last time we did a tasting menu, it probably took a couple hours from start to finish. This time we were probably here for four hours. It got almost to the point where we were going hungry between portions. Wasn’t exactly busy either. Also getting sat in the back must mean your service becomes lacking since it such a distance from the window for the waiters, so not sure who’s exactly at fault there.
Also, I had to go on a journey to find a chair that wasn’t falling apart. Someone should tighten the screws on those every once in a while..
Anyways, it was fun while it lasted but will probably seek out new experiences. Bye Greg.
P.S., don’t get that GH. Nothing but issues these days. I regret suggesting it.

We had the tasting menu. Everything was delicious.

We had a party of seven and had a wonderful time. The food was outstanding as well as the service. Thank you Greg !

As usual the food and service was top notch. The food was fresh and delicious. Our server was courteous and personable. Fantastic evening!

Always a satisfying visit! Everything was superb from the politeness of the hostess, the relaxing environment, the pleasant server and staff ... and most importantly the food...fantastic! If you want to have authentic Italian food.. this is the place to be!!

We have been to Gaetano's many times, but we brought two out-of-town friends this time, and both thoroughly enjoyed the food and the friendly service.

Very nice, cozy restaurant. My wife and friends went there after many people have recommended the place. It is more for a special occasion than an everyday place to go. The appetizers were amazing. The pasta was just ok. Nothing that you couldn't get at another place for half the price. There are many other Italian restaurants in the area that I will visit before going back again. Nevertheless, give this place a try.

Service and food were both beyond amazing! Francesco’s recommendations were all on point.

First time customer. Had heard positive things about Gaetanos and with family visiting from out of town, thought this would be a good time to try it out. We were not disappointed! Lovely ambience, terrific server, wonderful food...it was hit a on all counts. It was a bit pricey, but that can be overlooked when the food/experience was this good. What more can I say?....Loved the place!

Will be going back for dinner again.Food was amazing service was good.Was a enjoyable evening.

Gaetano's is innovative with many interesting twists to its cuisine but at the same time delicious and still hitting the "comfort food" buttons. A delightful upscale Italian restaurant with a very accessible menu.
We highly recommend it to anyone.

Gaetano never disappoints and our waiter, Frank, relatively new to the restaurant made the evening even more enjoyable is that is possible.

Good food.. ok service...very small for a restaurant...if your looking for a romantic setting this isn't the place...overall ok

We have been going to Gaetano's (and Piazza before that) and always always our meals have been delicious. We usually go for especial occasions (birthday, anniversary, promotions, religious events, special date nights or just because) and always relish the experience, the amazing meals and the service. One of the top restaurants in the area (and even Chicago). Grazie

The food and service were superb. My only knock would be the extremely loud guest, who was seated in very close proximity to us, really made our dinner unpleasant.

Literally THE BEST DATE NIGHT with my new fiancée because of our dinner at this restaurant. Dave was our server and I’m so glad he was!!! He treated us like we were his first guests, although we were his last. He was committed to giving us an authentic experience. It was our first time dining here, and now we’re strongly considering having our engagement party here. Dave showed us the event room which would be perfect for us. The food was divine!!! Hats off to the chef for exquisite food preparation. From appetizers to dessert, everything was spot on. Dave helped me with wine pairing, my fiancée with entree selection, and an overall fantastic evening....even though we were his last guests. We are definitely recommending this to our friends, even though we wanted to keep the gem for our own personal enjoyment....we just can’t. Service, food, and ambiance is exceptional here, and I/we can’t wait to come back over and over again!!!!!!!! Thank you to the entire staff for the hospitality!!!!!!!

It’s been years since my Italian husband was thoroughly satisfied with the quality of an Italian restaurant. Gaetano’s is a gem!!

Found this place on yelp while looking for Italian restaurants in the Chicagoland area. My wife and I were celebrating our 1yr Anniversary and she was 8 months pregnant. This place had all the feel and flavor of a downtown Chicago restaurant without the difficulty of having to navigate through the busy city streets, which I’m sure she appreciated. We will definitely be back and will be bringing friends!

Fabulous food!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great food, wonderful service. Simply outstanding. Highly recommended.

The food was fantastic. Excellent wine list. Great service. A neighborhood gem.

They have an extensive menu. Came with 5 other friends and everyone loved their selections. Risotto, salmon and butternut squash gnocchi were the main highlights. Our waiter was excellent and knew the menu. He has great recommendations for us. Definitely we all agreed to come again. (Several had already been there a couple times).

Always great food. Extensive menu. Wait staff is friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, especially Greg. We like the quieter back room.

Very good restaurant. Tried many new dishes. Enjoyed them all. Service was outstanding. Will definitely go back.

Really great food, everyone of the dishes I have had were great.
More importantly the staff is wonderful. I especially want to thank Bella, Greg, Dave and Franco the new one,for there great service, prompt attention and just being the best humane being ever.

Friends mentioned this years ago and we finally got back to Chicago to try it out. The ambiance is fantastic and the wait staff friendly. Gaetano himself was out in front gabbing with the patrons, so many repeat customers.... The food is based on wonderful Sicilian recipes and techniques, Sicilian with unusual ingredients, flavours and textures....it was all fabulous. Wine and staff were great and fun. Meats and risottos are especially good.

Dessert too was fab.

Worth the drive and a real treasure.

Lovely dinner! Food was very good but I thought the portions were very small for the price!!!

Excellent food and service

Every time we go to Gaetanos Forest Park the food & service is exceptional! Will never disappoint and always deliciouso!

The best food I have ever had! So much flavour and creativity: pear poached in Chianti with a gorgonzola fondue (insalate); scallops dusted with cocoa powder and plated with aged balsamic vinegar (antipasti); porchetta (carne); caramelised phyllo with custard and peaches (dolce).

I have never met anyone more passionate about his job than Francesco, our Sicilian server! His wine suggestions with the food were outstanding! His personality and love to please his guests were an excellent pairing with the fine cuisine.

Many regular menu servings and daily specials. We loved the golden beet carpaccio salad and
butternut squash gnocchi with mushrooms and beef rib meat.

This is our go to spot for great Italian cuisine. Service is outstanding and friendly. Food is creative and delicious. Bravissimo!!

Food was amazing and the service even better

My soul rests, my taste buds rejoice. Excellent food, excellent service, excellent place. I will come back again and again and again.