Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois
  4. Chicago
  5. West Town
Elina's, Chicago, IL
Icon

Elina's

$31 to $50
Italian

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 34 times today
  • Charming
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
Fine Italian cooking served by two chefs in an intimate space.

Reservations are released 30 days in advance at midnight.

Parties of 7 or more must contact Reservations@elinaschicago.com to book. Parties of this size are required to participate in a $75 per person family style prix fixe menu, drinks are charged based on consumption and a 20% gratuity will be added to the final bill. If you cancel within 24 hours of your reservation time you will incur a $30 per person cancelation fee.

Why they're an Icon

From the OpenTable editors: You'll find the ultimate versions of old-school red-sauce favourites like rigatoni alla vodka and dover sole piccata at Elina's, thanks to veterans of MICHELIN-starred spots like New York City’s Restaurant Marc Forgione. The inviting West Town joint serves these classics in a cosy, brick-walled dining room or on the lush, Amalfi Coast-inspired patio.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, American, Mediterranean
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Mon–Wed, Sun 17:30–22:00 Thu–Sat 17:30–23:00
  • Phone number
    (312) 929-2249
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Area
    West Town
  • Cross Street
    Grand and Racine
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    CTA Grand Ave Blue Line, CTA Chicago Ave Blue Line,<br />65 Grand Ave Bus (Racine Stop)
  • Additional
    Patio/Outdoor Dining

What 143 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Chicago

    Italian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Elina's is a charming Italian spot in Chicago, offering "amazing food and service" in a cozy, intimate setting. Known for its "vodka pasta" and classic Italian dishes, the restaurant's "great ambiance" and friendly staff enhance the dining experience. However, some patrons noted service inconsistencies and high noise levels.

143 Reviews
  1. Sheryl

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We loved the bread and were told no refills as they only make enough for the day-very disappointing. Never had that happen before anywhere. Asked for the steak medium rare and it was more like medium-medium well. Spicy rigatoni was not spicy at all. The food was good, just not great. Would not go back.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Whitney

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Loveky waitress, lovely food. went for a small birthday dinner and it was perfect

    Is this helpful?

  3. Jessica

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was amazing and cute little restaurant! Food was served quickly and high quality service.

    Is this helpful?

  4. M. Stanley

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 22 November 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    We were excited to try this place, but unfortunately, it didn’t live up to the hype - especially given the price point and service. First, be aware of the 3% service charge that’s added to the bill. It's not disclosed anywhere on the menu, and it feels like a dated practice leftover from the pandemic. If you're someone who’s already tired of seeing extra charges tacked on, this may be a turn-off. Frankly, raising menu prices rather than adding a surprise “service charge” would feel more transparent. On to the seating: if you’re placed next to the window facing the sidewalk, be warned that a very bright outdoor light shines directly in your eyes at night. It’s hard to enjoy your meal when you’re constantly squinting - so definitely avoid that spot if you’re sensitive to light. When it comes to the food, portions are much larger than expected. The recommendation of “3-5 dishes” for two people is over the top—it could easily feed four. If you're looking to avoid waste or an overly stuffed stomach, definitely order judiciously. The Caesar salad was fine, but it didn’t impress—though it’s large enough to be a meal, the romaine was poorly prepped and had some tough, unappealing inner lettuce. The Rigatoni alla Vodka was the standout, with rich, creamy sauce and satisfying pasta. However, the Cherry Bomb Ribs didn’t live up to expectations - they were tougher than promised and lacked the tender, fall-off-the-bone texture we were hoping for. And the Eggplant Agrodolce was a major miss. It tasted overwhelmingly sweet and greasy, like a fried carnival funnel cake. We couldn’t finish it, and it was more of a novelty than a well-executed dish. Overall, this spot feels overrated for the price and quality of food. While it has some potential, it didn’t offer the level of dining experience we were hoping for. With so many better options around Chicago, we won’t be returning.

    Is this helpful?

  5. SYMONE

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 20 November 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    Wonderful wonderful food. Always delicious- always yummy.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Emily

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 20 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Love Elina’s and have been often because the vibes, service, and food is top notch. Definitely a great date night. Intimate and cozy!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Katy

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 20 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was 10/10 highly recommend !!! Food was sooooo good and reasonably priced too. Nicer spot but the food is worth it.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Carol

    Chicago

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on 16 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Great place......Good place to go with 4 people and share food!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Daniel

    Kansas City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 15 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Vodka pasta and lamb chops were ridiculously delicious. Booked another reservation immediately after! Highly recommended

    Is this helpful?

  10. Robert

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on 14 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Alex at the bar was AMAZING as our waiter/bartender. He took the time to walk us through the menu, provide a few special treats for my wife who is allergic to tree nuts, and mushrooms... PLUS a vegetarian. The chicken parm was hammered thin, fried perfectly, and had an outstanding flavor to it. Broccoli was unique with the fish sauce, BUT so good My wife LOVED her pasta dish BUT, the star of the show was this fried mozzarella sandwich as a starter... MY GOD, delicious

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Elina's is rated 4.8 stars by 143 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 34 times today
Google Map for Elina's

1202 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642-6415

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Grand and Racine
  • Area
    West Town
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Mon–Wed, Sun 17:30–22:00 Thu–Sat 17:30–23:00
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, American, Mediterranean
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    CTA Grand Ave Blue Line, CTA Chicago Ave Blue Line,65 Grand Ave Bus (Racine Stop)
  • Additional
    Patio/Outdoor Dining
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable International Ltd. Alphabeta Building, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo