I can't stop raving about Avvio after eating here. My boyfriend and I have driven by a few times after moving to the neighborhood and tonight we stopped in. Throughout our meal we just kept looking at each other and going wow. We came for dinner and almost every table was filled, luckily we were able to be seated. The waiter came out with various breads for starters (whole loaf, marinara bread, bruschetta) - some of which we wanted to order as an appetizer like the bruschetta so already we were impressed. We ended up ordering the oysters on half shell as our appetizer and they were a great size for the price. The menu is very thorough and in addition there are specials; it took us a bit to figure out which delicious sounding dish we wanted to order. I settled on the homemade gnocchi de spinach and my boyfriend ordered one of the specials (veal three ways). Both meals came with choice of soup and salad, the veal also came with a side of pasta! My gnocchi was $25 and when it came out, it was a heaping portion that I obviously could not finish tonight after filling up on bread so I brought half home. They also let us take home the leftover half loaf we didn't finish! We did not have room for dessert, but we are already planning our return - I was eyeing the baked Alaska I saw another table get. The staff are so kind, attentive, and fast! They really make you feel taken care of and the service is top notch. I love the decor! Parking is simple, right out front you can find spots. BYOB, too! read more

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This spot is owned by the former chefs at Sabatino's. The food is quite good, but seemed a bit pricey for the spot. The ambiance was so-so, not even close to the old spot. Service was excellent. read more

After learning that this restaurant is owned by a former chef from Sabatino's we decided to give it a try. While the selections were familiar we noticed slight differences in the items we tried. The antipasto meat and cheese selection was a bit different, and the complimentary pizza bread wasn't quite on par from what I recalled at Sabatino's.. Unfortunately we didn't get around to trying desert. The atmosphere is also lacking due to the smaller size and open layout of this location. The food was good, and we'll give them another try. That said, our first impressions are that despite good intentions Avvio is not a faithful substitute for Sabatino's. read more

AVVIO - Grouper fish and mushroom pasta In vodka sauce. Side of mostaccioli. - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I got good time whit my friend Wendy we order burrata & brushutto caprese salad chopped sirloin whit blue cheese & onions meat ravioli tiramisu and cappuchino is byob so we enjoy a bottle of rose is $10 corge fee service on point see you next time read more

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Unfortunately my first experience wasnt good and I never heard back from restaurant to address my issue. Ordered about an hour before closing...bread was so hard it was a struggle to cut. Our side salads were were dripping wet with water and the lettuce was brown. Ordered eggplant parm and gnocchi. Gnocchi was delicious but unfortunately eggplant was barely warm at arrival and excessively soggy. Immediately called the store 3 times and left voice mail...never contacted back and this was 2 weeks ago. Very disappointed in quality and lack of response. Doubtful we will return. read more

AVVIO - Awful salad...lettuce was brown and dropping with water - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Fans of the legendary Sabatino's restaurant will be thrilled because much of the kitchen staff and wait staff have stayed together at this unassuming location. Some great Italian-American cuisine including the complimentary pizza bread you know and love. Some choices you can't find just anywhere, too, such as Steak Diane. Full bar. Great choice for gnocchi, veal or chicken (Parmesan, Vesuvio, Piccata, etc.). Place is not the old school atmosphere and decor of Sabatino's, which to some people felt outdated, but it's very nice. I think they need to add some soft surfaces to absorb sound, however. This is something that they can try to resolve. Not as large as the other place either, but they take reservations. Definitely recommended. read more

good service attitude bad waited 11/2 bours to receive our main course claimed they had so many take out orders four of us all disappointed . food just below average read more

REALLY good. Our waiter wasn't super friendly, but the food was delicious and the wine list thoughtful. There were 3 of us and we split two entrees and a dinner salad - pretty sure that's why he wasn't thrilled. Lol. Each entree comes with soup and salad, which is so old school, I love it. We had the profiteroles for dessert, which were really tasty. My friends who both frequented Sabatino's said the food was definitely on par with that northwest side institution. I'll definitely be back! read more

I don't remember how we ended up at this restaurant, but somebody suggested it. I didn't have very high expectations, but when I got there, I was pleasantly surprised. This place has a happy and warm atmosphere, and nice welcoming waiters. The menus are simple standard Italian fare, but very well done, and they don't skimp on anything. The first thing the waitress brought was a free fresh homemade loaf of bread and butter and olive oil. I was impressed with how generous they were. Then suddenly, there were 2 musicians popping up from nowhere, performing Godfather rendition and other pretty songs. They were very entertaining, and funny too. I can't wait to go back there. read more

To all my fellow Sabatino's devotees, I am pleased to inform you that not every Resurrection is a myth. Avvio is the Genuine Article. Kelly and I ordered carry out from Avvio on a Saturday night. We were quoted a 2 hour wait but to our delight a mere hour later our food was ready, and delicious. Beginning with the minestrone and stracciatella soups, the blue cheese salad and the crusty loaf; continuing through the tortellini Bolognese and manicotta; and finishing with the chocolate tartufo, the Sabatino's flavors you know and love thrive unchanged. Highly recommended! This is a lovely bright spot in a difficult time and I urge you to reward their hard work with your patronage. read more

We had high hopes for this place given the chef came from our old favorite Sabatino's. Sadly this place doesn't come close to measuring up. No ambiance IMO and the waiter was not helpful with directing us to dishes we might like. Got the usual "everything is good here". Uh hard stop for me. Food was just okay. Not bad, but nothing I'd rush back for. And we had to send back the mussels twice bc they smelled and tasted very fishy. Just awful. We won't be going back. read more

No social distancing. The place was filled to capacity! When we first arrived, the restaurant wasn't so crowded. One hour into dinner, we were regretting our reservation. Not only was the restaurant full by 7pm on a Thursday, but there were numerous tables hosting more than six people. A clear violation of Chicago's Covid restrictions. As former Sabatino's patroons, my family and I were looking forward to having this meal. We were very disappointed. Even though the food we ordered was good, for the most part, we were very uncomfortable because of the large number of guests. It was very difficult to enjoy dinner. Will not return until after the pandemic. The place does not feel safe. read more

AVVIO - Overcrowded restaurant during Covid. - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Avvio is excellent! Great American-Italian Kitchen, their service was great and their interior atmosphere is nice. As well as their food of course. Their staff was very friendly, the menu is very impressive and easy to navigate. We ordered Tiramisu and Cannoli. We had a very awesome dine here and everything was so tasty and big portions. This is definitely the best American-Italian restaurant I have been in Chicago . Their dining area was a bit dark as it was dinner time, but still could see and has a good ambiance. We really had a great time! The tiramisu was delicious, and I was able to taste the coffee. Will definitely recommend this place to all of the people I know. Thank you, Avvio! read more

Exactly the same as former Sabatino's.  Was so happy to confirm.  Same wonderful chef, staff & authentic  Italian menu.   I can never duplicate their flavors. read more

The mussels were frozen new Zeland from a box tiny like my baby nail white wine garlic saucy salty so I couldn't as usual sop up sauce with my stale loaf of bread/ wasn't out of the oven. Caesar wine list iffy The soup was great It was fabulous when they first opened but, now I'll stick with Carducci and Calo read more

This place is great! It is our local Italian restaurant. My best friend & I went last Saturday for dinner. They start you off with a whole loaf of bread & cheese bread sticks. We had the crab shrimp appetizer which was great. The Minnestrone & Stracciatella soups were flavorful & served hot not luke warm which is important to me. I had a tri colored garlic pasta with chicken breast & my friend had a mushroom pasta in a vodka sauce. We both enjoyed our entrees. And the tiramisu was scrumptious. Our server Russell was very helpful in explaining the menu, very attentive, & very friendly. I will definitely be back! read more

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The meal started off great with good bread, old school environment with an accordion player. However, the main meals were not good. My butter sauce was watery and nobody loved their meal read more

We chose Avvio for a family dinner. The restaurant has serious acoustics problems which make having a conversation with anyone other than the person adjacent to you a screaming contest. We only ordered main courses (no starters) and it took nearly 2 hours for our food to arrive! Needless to say the kids at the table were even more unhappy than the adults. When the food finally did arrive it was anywhere from mediocre to poor. We literally returned the homemade ravioli it was so inedible. I feel generous giving it a single star. read more

Was an accidental find. Once I looked at the menu I realized there was a connection to Sabatinos. Some of my old favorites were on the menu. Excellent food and service. My experience was a throwback to the Original Sabatinos. If you were a die hard client of Sabatinos it's a must try. If you weren't I would go just because the food is excellent. Great find! read more

Awful. The food is amazing. But with the accordion and violin players randomly roaming the dining room - that is smaller than your average McDonald's - you're lucky if you can hear the person sitting next to you. Forget about having a conversation with your table mates. They played the entire time that we were there, which was quite awhile because the service was slow. This place used to be great. After this, I won't be back. read more

So glad to have found this neighborhood spot. Such great service and very solid food. You will not leave hungry, that's for sure! We'll definitely be back. read more

AVVIO - Placed at our table within minutes of sitting down. Come hungry! - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great food Great service No school like the old school! Great value for the money We truly enjoyed it read more

Very pleased with my choice. We ordered a pick up and the food was on time piping hot. Also tried the fried calamari along with bruschetta but the loaf of fresh bread was the best warm and ready for butter Everything was very fresh and delicious read more

AVVIO - Shrimp and pasta noodles - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Amazing food and nice atmosphere in a modern space! The oysters are the freshest in Chicago , and the tiramisu just melts.... read more

First time here. Good quality Italian food. Closed at 7pm on a Sunday which I thought was somewhat early. They give you a lot of food including bread, pizza bread and bruschetta. Meal came with soup, salad and side of pasta. The parking situation is not very easy. It's street parking only and took us a while to find a spot. read more

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Where can one go sit on a patio and eat good food in Albany Park on a Wednesday night? We found this place on Yelp. We had never been before. Called and made a reservation. Got there and they said it's BYOB. (Say what? Why didn't they tell us that when we made the reservation? Mistake #1.) Loved the back patio but didn't like our food. The cheesy garlic bread they brought out was a nice thought but it was too soft - needed to be crispier. The load of bread was hard and dry. No salt or pepper on the table. We got the salmon ("OK") with Vesuvio potatoes (dry) & white fish (barely edible). Neither of us finished our meals. (Mistake #2) Then they turned on some bright lights. Now I love me some ambiance on a pretty summer night - like some little white lights strung up above my head, but not bright ones and not too many. It would have been great if the lights could have been a little smaller and/or a little dimmer. (Mistake #3) We weren't there long. Very disappointing and very expensive. We will not be back. read more

Avvio picks up where the late, great Sabatino's left off! Like Sabatino's, Avvio offers an extensive menu, large portions, a full bar, strolling musicians, "Richard's Special," and excellent service! Not a large room, so it can get a bit noisy, but that is part of the charm of this fantastic American-Italian neighborhood eatery. Everyone there is obviously enjoying themselves. If you're in the mood for a cocktail, try the Black Manhattan! read more

Absolutely amazing food and service!! We had a great server, I believe his name is Oscar. We stumbled upon this place trying to escape traffic and thought hey why not. No wait to be seated but I think we got lucky because it was packed! Great ambiance, cozy feeling with a pianist in the background. Prepare to eat!! Portions are huge. Our new fav spot! read more

This is one of my top 5 favorite restaurants in all of Chicago! The food is extraordinary and the service is excellent. I come here very often! I've tried the veal, the chicken parm, the whitefish, and several of their pastas. They were all very good. The appetizers are also to die for! I love the lobster artichoke dish and the "pizza bread." And the desserts!! They have an incredible dessert menu, including tiramisu, baked Alaska, and gelato. The portion sizes are VERY generous, and most of the entrees come with a soup and a big salad. I always leave with a bag of leftovers! Can't recommend enough! read more

Gave this restaurant a second chance after a not so great take out order over a year ago. We decided to dine in on a Friday evening and we were of to a great start. Drinks were served quick, the bread that they serve is fresh and I couldn't stop eating it. Our dinner of white fish and chicken Parmesan were delicious. One of the better means we've had in a long time. read more

This place is Sabatino's reincarnated, and I'm so happy to say that and mean it. Outstanding all around, tremendous value for your money. Great atmosphere and delicious. If you were luckily enough to try Sabatino's before it closed, this really fills the void. We'll absolutely be back. A must try if youre in Chicago and looking for Great Italian American. read more

As Sabatinos lovers, we went with very high expectations and we were not disappointed! Service was great and the food had the familiar flavors that we love. For Covid - the tables were well spaced and they seem to be following all guidelines. Very pleased and excited to go back soon! read more

The menu here is very extensive with both old school and more modern Italian dishes. Every single dish I have tried here on my four visits has been delicious. Ample portions and wonderful flavors. Your meal begins with both pizza bread, bruschetta and a full loaf of Italian bread and each entree comes with both soup and salad. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and service very attentive. The only downside is that there is no dedicated parking lot for the restaurant, just street parking. But I have always found a spot within a block. Definitely recommend! read more

Wow, just wow! Phenomenal authentic Italian cuisine!! The food at Avvio is absolutely delicious! The smells, the flavors, the dishes are solid classic Italian real deal food. Excellent food, wonderful service, great prices, a must try if you are in the area and if you aren't then you need to make the drive to this new Chicago gem! The ambiance is nice, the colors of the walls, the lights, and the decor is beautiful. A+++ read more

I love going to this place. It's the closest thing to Sabatinos since they closed. The chef that ran Sabatinos opened Avvio. I have yet to eat anything that I didn't love . The service was top notch and anytime I go there it's always busy which is a great sign . The food is always fresh. read more

My sister and I picked up food last Sunday. Everything was delicious and fed us for the whole week. We had pizza bread, calamari, shrimp deJonge, linguine with white clam sauce, pepper steak and a side of eggplant Parmesan. Entrees come with both soup and salad which were also delicious. Check Instagram for their daily specials. It's important with the pandemic and no inside seating allowed to order via pickup and delivery. Remember to TIP generously. read more

Great Chef & food. Been there several time and the quality is always the same. If you liked Sabatinos you'll love this restaurant. The only problem is there isn't any private parking. OH well. read more

Excellent food. Best in Chicago Land for Classic Chicago fanfare. Just like old Sabbitinos! Decor lacking, very small luster lacking 5 seater bar. However, service is Great!!! Hopefully as success grows they will be able to expand and upgrade. read more

The former chef of the beloved Sabatino's opened this restaurant with his step-son and let me tell you - it is AMAZING! There was absolutely nothing that disappointed! The decor is beautiful and inviting. The service was friendly and paced well; we did not feel rushed, but we were not left without a course for too long. Soup and salad are included with the meal. We loved the chicken parmigiana and the spaghetti with meat sauce. We finished our meal with tiramisu & coffee! It was a wonderful dining experience and we will be regulars. Highly recommend stopping in! read more

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Dinner was fantastic! Started with Burrata w/ Prosciutto di Parma & Bruschetta..both very good. My main course was Linguine with Black Mussels, lite red sauce, mussels were cooked perfectly (highly recommend). Hubby had the bone-in Ribeye - again cooked perfectly. Dessert...Tiramisu. I am a Tiramisu snob, you either nail it or you don't with me... Avvio nailed it! It was fresh, decadent....I was a little sad when it was gone. Our first time at Avvio and we are definitely going back; great atmosphere, awesome service, great food. If you haven't been I highly recommend making a reservation immediately. read more

AVVIO - Linguine and Black Mussels - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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