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Baffo - Eataly Chicago - Permanently Closed, Chicago, IL

Baffo - Eataly Chicago - Permanently Closed

4.3
4.3
287 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian
Launched under the Eataly chain, Baffo is a fine-dining restaurant that serves authentic interpretation of traditional Italian recipes in an elegant space. Chef Samuel De Los Santos brings his culinary experience to bear on an expansive menu that features Northern Italian and other regional classics. Flip open the menu and choose through an appealing raneg of appetizers, salad, rice, pasta, rabbit, veal and pork dishes. Each dish is made from scratch using fresh ingredients and spices for a mouthful of flavor. Nestled in downtown Chicago, this restaurant is an ideal choice for a romantic date or special occasion. The restaurant boasts an extensive wine collection that is likely to appeal to most wine enthusiasts. Baffo is also famous for its artisanal cocktail program, which changes to complement the restaurant's seasonal menu. Baffo is open for lunch and dinner, Monday through Sunday.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Fine Dining

  • Cuisines

    Italian

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch: Saturday - Sunday: 12pm-3pm Dinner: Monday - Saturday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm Sunday 5:00pm-9:30pm

  • Phone number

    (312) 521-8701

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Executive chef

    Samuel De Los Santos

  • Private party facilities

    We invite you to host your next event at Baffo, Eataly Chicago's formal dining room. Seated group reservations are available for a four-course, prix-fixe menu. Baffo is also available for a full restaurant buyout. Host a luxurious lunch, dinner, or standing reception in our elegant space.

  • Private party contact

    Eataly Chicago Events: (312) 521-8696

  • Neighborhood

    River North (Chicago)

  • Cross street

    BETWEEN WABASH & RUSH

  • Parking details

    Valet parking is $14 for 1-3 hours; $18 3-4 hours; $28 for 4+ hours<br /><br />Garage Parking at 10 E. Grand Ave with a $20 purchase at Eataly (including restaurants; validated at Guest Relations or Baffo Host): - 0-60 minutes - Free<br />- 61 minutes-3 hours - $10<br />- 3 hours or more - Regular Prices Apply (No Discount Offered)

  • Public transit

    Train-Red Line Station at Grand Avenue and State Street. Bus- 29 State, 65 Grand, 125 Water Tower Express, 143 Stockton/Michigan Express, 146 Inner Drive/Michigan Express, 147 Outer Drive Express, 148 Clarendon/Michigan Express, and 151 Sheridan. Divvy Bike Station is located on Grand Avenue at Wabash Avenue.

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar Dining, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 287 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.3
4.3 based on all time ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4Value

NoiseModerate

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Filters

  1. nyasp

    New York Area

    30 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on June 3, 2016

    overall4food3service3ambience4
    Way too little sauce and the servers was no where in sight.
  2. RonnyV

    San Francisco

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was one of the best restaurants in Chicago. A real shame it has closed its doors. It should have been advertised separately from Eataly. Too bad, Sam and Mark are great chefs. We have been regulars for two and a half year and eat there a couple of times a week. this place should open again - deserves much better . Real bad management decision. Food was consistently outstanding and modern take on Italian. Please bring the restaurant back.
  3. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Don't close! 😔
  4. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is a gem that unfortunately is closing and I am very disappointed as the food and service is top notch!
  5. HealthyFoodie

    Chicago

    24 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2016

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Extensive wine list and all the dishes we ordered were amazing. The staff were very attentive and helpful.
  6. Diner

    New England

    44 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was an amazing dining experience! Every dish was so good...great taste and creative. Bruschetta was the best I've ever had, the pasta was cooked perfectly, the risotto with foie gras was unbelievable! We were celebrating our third anniversary with close friends and it was a memorable experience!!
  7. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Our server was very helpful and knew his wines. The chef is creative without being weird -- think charred orange and ricotta salad -- and the portions are satisfying without being excessive. I'm vegetarian, not an easy thing to be in Chicago, and although this is anything but a vegetarian restaurant I was able to find plenty on the menu without having to ask for a special meal. Still, the service was such that I am sure I'd have been given one -- and an excellent one at that -- had I asked.
  8. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Have the chefs tasting menu with wine pairings! It won't disappoint.
  9. Daniela

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything about our dining experience at Baffo was delightful. From assistance selecting a bottle of wine from endless options to the kitchen graciously accommodating food allergies, the service and food were wonderfully lovely. The intimate dining room is private and comfortable. The entire service team took great care of us without being overbearing or bothersome. Antipasti was light, balanced and makes simple look easy. With such an impressive menu, I'd typically skip salad but the insalata's charred orange and ricotta salata were perfect compliments. The polpo was tender, perfectly cooked, and may be the best I've had in the city! Pastas were delicious - don't miss the rabbit orecchiette, it instantly makes you feel warm & fuzzy on the inside. Even after all the food, we nearly licked the chocolate hazelnut dessert plate clean. With tons of restaurants to frequent and try, I'm certain I'll be back at Baffo soon!
  10. RoseA

    Los Angeles

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2016

    overall5food4service5ambience3
    What a find right in the heart of downtown Chicago. We had a great experience here from the moment we walked in until the moment we left. The service was impeccable and the food fabulous; and do not pass up the dessert! The sommelier was a gem. She was tuned in, asked a few questions and recommended a nice wine in our price range. Oh how I would have loved to be able to order something more decadent. The all Italian wine list is amazing.
  11. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I recently read a Zagat article where Baffo was listed as a restaurant that needed more love and, after dining there, I couldn't agree more! Definitely get the tasting menu for the full experience. Hands down one of best Italian wine lists in the city.
  12. foodguy47

    San Francisco

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My first meal (octopus and porchetta) was so good I went back the next night for the tasting menu. Each dish (crude, pate, lamb...) was extraordinarily flavorful. The staff was attentive, and there was a great wine list. I'll be back next time I'm in town.
  13. Outnaboutinandout

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Ended up at Baffo for an early Mother's Day outing and this turned out to be a real treat. None of us could decide what to eat -- as it all looked so good on paper -- so we requested a "family style" order for our table. The waitress was wonderfully accommodating and consulted the chef to figure out an order sequence and pacing once we decided on three antipasti (with great recommendations from our waitress) and all six of the primi entrees. Each entree was better than the one prior, the pacing was perfect, and the wait staff extremely attentive. The variety of flavors and presentations as we moved from entree to entree was phenomenal. The offered breads and even the bottles of the lowest cost Pinot Grigio for which we opted were superb. The room's ambiance is simple and understated and not particularly a contributor to the dining experience. For us, on this particular evening, it was all about the food and service. Baffo...highly recommended.
  14. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 3, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    In my first visit to Baffo I had a very delightful experience. It was clear that the whole restaurant holds themselves to very high standards. The chefs tasting menu with wine pairing was absolutely wonderful!! I would definitely recommend Baffo to anyone looking for an upscale dining experience that will not disappoint.
  15. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2016

    overall2food2service5ambience5
    Tha ambiance, wine, and service was fabulous. Food was over salted, scallops very fishy, lamb over cooked. Possibly a bad day for the kitchen but would not return nor recommend to others v
  16. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    58 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    58 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best restaurants in the City! Get food and perfect date place.
  17. OpenTable Diner

    Montreal

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 29, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went with my mother for a girls weekend to Chicago and had one of the best dinners at Baffo. Waiters were amazing and the food was delicious! Definitely a highlight of our weekend together and would return if we get the chance.
  18. MarkS

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very inventive food creations that were expertly prepared and served!
  19. Wloopeating2

    Chicago

    47 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    47 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2016

    overall3food3service5ambience4
    Tried Baffo on a date night. Service was impeccable and accommodating. Starters and pasta were fantastic. Entrees were fine, but not worth the price point. Make sure to save time to explore Eataly before or after!
  20. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2016

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    A great rotating menu with seasonal items and some reliable staples. This was our first time here, and we will definitely be back.
  21. SiavashS

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 22, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We got the chief's menu and paired it ourselves with some nice wine selection they have. Food was perfect in portion and rich in all sorts of new flavor. Elegant Italian contemporary food!
  22. OpenTable Diner

    Kansas City

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on April 18, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved the tasting menus.
  23. NicoleH

    Chicago

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on April 17, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    I have yet to be disappointed by one of Mario Batali's restaurants. Baffo was exceptional, and I will be back to do the tasting menu. The octopus starter and arancini starters were delicious. The monkfish was a little under-seasoned and cooked for my liking, but the spring-inspired ravioli with brown butter was delectable.
  24. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Truly outstanding service by an attentive staff coupled with an incredible wine selection and unique first and second course offerings - highly recommend it!
  25. Kippy

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on April 13, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food is outstanding and service is wonderful. Great wine selection, also. I love taking friends or business guests - I've had 100% success with guests really loving this place.
  26. Michael

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 13, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service and a fantastic meal! Space the tasting menu was well done with a variety of textures and flavors! The wine menu was expensive and highly complementary of the menu. I'll be on was there it felt like a modern,hip restaurant.
  27. AmyR

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 8, 2016

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    The waitstaff was very knowledgable and attentive. The food was very good. My only complaint was the lack of valet.
  28. Sccn

    Las Vegas

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very friendly employees, wonderful food! Highly recommended. Good definitely go back again.
  29. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 6, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and service by all staff.
  30. RS1999

    Chicago

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on April 1, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went here with my kids (12/14) and fiancee, the service was excellent, customizing things for my anti-mushroom daughter, making suggestions on the menu and the wine, and very nice. The meal was fabulous, including the recommendations. A bit pricey for a regular family dinner out, but definitely worth it for an an occasion or a date.
  31. Bonana

    Chicago

    71 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    71 reviews

    Dined on March 8, 2016

    overall3food3service5ambience3
    I love Italian food but these preparations seemed antiquated to me. We were 5 and every single preparation was extremely heavy...pork belly and fat were present in almost all selections including 3 pasta dishes we selected as appetizers to share. I just don't know many individuals who eat like this anymore. Food was artfully presented. My phone confirmation I felt was a bit condescending , making sure I was aware that this was an upscale restaurant.
  32. NaddiasFavorites

    Miami

    143 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    143 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2016

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    This is the more classy and elegant restaurants of Eataly, the food is good and I would go back.
  33. PaulZ

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 27, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    If you like first class dining Baffos is the place to go. The atmosphere and the staff were fantastic and they really made sure that your dining experience was excellent. We had the Chef's Taste option, we felt this would give us the best overall food experience. We were not disappointed. My wife and I would definitely return to this restaurant and would highly recommend it to others.
  34. BRinOP

    Kansas City

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best tasting menus I've experienced. Get the wine pairing as well.
  35. Yummy

    Chicago

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2016

    overall5food5service4ambience3
    The food is incredible! Not terribly inventive, but really high quality, classic Italian. Loved everything except for the atmosphere, which is a bit dull. Would have preferred a more trendy or young crowd.
  36. Mark

    Cleveland

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 20, 2016

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The pasta dishes we got were absolutely fantastic. The Monkfish however left a lot to be desired. The portions were very small and thus very expensive for the quantity...not a great value but as said above, the pasta was some of the best we have ever enjoyed.
  37. KGRuns

    Chicago

    80 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    80 reviews

    Dined on February 20, 2016

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    The tasting menu was great. You should eat here. You'll leave happy.
  38. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My girlfriend and I went on a Friday night after work. Immediately after walking in, we could tell the ambiance was going to be perfect for date night. The music added to the upscale-casual atmosphere, and was soft enough to enjoy conversation. We both did the tasting menu. The food was incredible, with each component very well thought out. The pastas were beautifully plated, and tasted even better. The ribeye secondi dish was phenomenal. The cocktails were great, and the wine selection outstanding. The sommelier did a wonderful job pairing wines with our dishes, especially given how many items we enjoyed. We capped it off with an incredible dessert if gelato, semifreddo, and crispy cake crumble. We enjoyed it so much that we returned a week later. Definitely check this place out!
  39. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We regularly watch Mario Batali on The Chew and for my wife's birthday we decided to try Baffo at Eataly Chicago. The menu had a number of interesting choices but we decided to be a little adventurous and try the 6 course tasting menu, which had no further description of the food to come. What followed was one of the most interesting and enjoyable meals we have ever had in a fine dining restaurant. The portions were small but by the time the meal was finished we were well satisfied. A sashimi course had two kinds of fresh fish with subtle but tasty garnishes. A course of squid and octopus was very flavorful and accompanied by a dollop of squid ink - with a surprising taste and texture. But our favorite course was the pasta. Small squares of pasta were formed into pockets containing a mixture of butternut squash and a mild soft cheese. With so many courses we felt well attended to as staff brought each to our table. We hightly recommend Baffo and if you are up for an adventure you will enjoy the tasting menu.
  40. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dined here with friends before a musical performance. Vino, our waiter, was exceptionally gracious & knowledgeable, offered recommendations, & made sure we made it to the show. The chef personally brought us complimentary starter of fresh mini-cannoli with fluffy cheese filling. Wonderful menu, loved every dish we ordered, especially the liver mousse with cherries... Definitely returning for a repeat!

FAQs

Baffo - Eataly Chicago - Permanently Closed is rated 4.3 stars by 287 OpenTable diners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Additional information

  • Cross street

    BETWEEN WABASH & RUSH

  • Neighborhood

    River North (Chicago)

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch: Saturday - Sunday: 12pm-3pm Dinner: Monday - Saturday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm Sunday 5:00pm-9:30pm

  • Cuisines

    Italian

  • Dining style

    Fine Dining

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Parking details

    Valet parking is $14 for 1-3 hours; $18 3-4 hours; $28 for 4+ hours<br /><br />Garage Parking at 10 E. Grand Ave with a $20 purchase at Eataly (including restaurants; validated at Guest Relations or Baffo Host): - 0-60 minutes - Free<br />- 61 minutes-3 hours - $10<br />- 3 hours or more - Regular Prices Apply (No Discount Offered)

  • Public transit

    Train-Red Line Station at Grand Avenue and State Street. Bus- 29 State, 65 Grand, 125 Water Tower Express, 143 Stockton/Michigan Express, 146 Inner Drive/Michigan Express, 147 Outer Drive Express, 148 Clarendon/Michigan Express, and 151 Sheridan. Divvy Bike Station is located on Grand Avenue at Wabash Avenue.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Samuel De Los Santos

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar Dining, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (312) 521-8701

  • Private party facilities

    We invite you to host your next event at Baffo, Eataly Chicago's formal dining room. Seated group reservations are available for a four-course, prix-fixe menu. Baffo is also available for a full restaurant buyout. Host a luxurious lunch, dinner, or standing reception in our elegant space.

  • Private party contact

    Eataly Chicago Events: (312) 521-8696

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