We've lived in Logan Square near Buona Terra for two years and somehow never made it in, despite walking by it all the time, and always remarking we should go. Lucky for us, the Italian restaurant down the street was closed on the day my friend came into town to visit, but Buona Terra had reservations open on Tock. I'd browsed the menu beforehand and thought I'd probably get some pasta, and the waiter confirmed that if I like a cream sauce, the rotini with peas, bacon and mushrooms was the way to go. We first started with the burrata, prosciutto and tomato special appetizer, which was served with DELICIOUS warm bread and OUSTANDING roasted garlic spread, which I can't wait to go back and stuff my face with. The burrata was a beautiful and tasty dish. I got the rotini, my friend got the calamari appetizer (expertly fried and flavorful) and the escarole soup special. The pasta was SO good, and I'm glad I took the waiter's recommendation. It was everything I wanted it to be, as was the whole experience, which included a few glasses of red wine and tiramisu for dinner. Buona Terra would be a GREAT place to take visiting parents, out of town friends, or a date night where you can linger over good food in an atmosphere conducive to conversation. The service was wonderful (the waiter preemptively asked us if we wanted more bread - yes!!), the portions are inline with the price, and overall this was a 10/10. We will absolutely be back! read more

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Food was superb. It was a bit loud but had a delicious dinner with the wife. We like booths but got a table and still felt cozy. Good hospitality. read more

You know those places people say are fantastic for a special occasion? This certainly isn't one of them. Tasty food? Sure. Atmosphere? Adequate. Service and overall experience? Laughable. Look elsewhere for a memorable night. read more

The best Italian food I've had in chicago! Very charming place with unbelievable food!! The owners, Cheppe and Eileen, are as welcoming as ever. The garlic Parmesan spread that they serve with hot fresh bread is like crack. Buy a container of it to go!! Fabulous service. Don't miss this gem! read more

This place is a neighborhood gem. They have hearty pasta plates drowning in richness and a pretty extensive wine list. The highlight has to be the roasted garlic cheese spread they give you with the bread though. It is way too easy to fill up on the bread because of this, but it's so delicious is it beyond worth it. read more

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By far, one of our favorite places to hit. The food is always top notch quality and the ambiance is friendly. Rigatoni Buona Terra is crave-worthy. My husband loves their Fruitta di Mare whenever it's available, but also the butternut squash ravioli. My faves are the chicken breast and the Rotini di Nonna. Don't forget to ask for their special burnt jalapeño pepper spread with the bread -- goes amazing with their garlic spread! read more

This is a place that I've passed for months. I was blown away by the food and service. Super fast service and friendly staff. The food was outstanding. Why isn't this place booked up!? Highly recommend if you are looking for great Italian food. Also a great atmosphere. read more

Buona Terra - Front patio - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I was brought here by friends, who said we had to try this Italian American place, being Italian American and us traveling to Italy they wanted to impress us, and they were soo right! The service and experience was fabulous. The Bruschetta is great! very heavy on the tomato but wonderful. The Garlic Parmesan spread is amazing. Calamari light and nice seasoning. The veal ravioli was done very well, nice pasta The Rotini di la Nona was by far my favorite. perfect al dente pasta with great peas and mushrooms. I shall return and make sure my travels take me back here read more

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Always great ambiance and service. Love many of their pasta and seafood dishes. Also, enjoy their cocktails. I've been many times with family and friends and always have enjoyed my time there. read more

I normally don't come up to Wicker restaurants since I live south but glad my friends convinced me to come eat with them. We came on a moderately not freezing day and got to take advantage of the covered outdoor patio that was very warm and spacious. Our servers were super hospitable and patient which was definitely appreciated. We all ordered different things but it was hard to pick a clear winner because all dishes were so great. The portions were generous and we were all able to take some home to enjoy the next day. If you are looking to dine in the winter I'd recommend calling to make a reservation for sure. read more

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We just left; I can't say enough about this restaurant. Every single thing I put in my mouth was delectable. The wine of the night was superb, as was the bread, tapenade, salad, pizza, pasta and dessert. I just want to eat here every night (but alas , I live an hour away). The service was impeccable as well. Cannot wait to come back! read more

We hosted my 60th birthday party at Buona Terra in late April 2024 What made Buona Terra so appealing to us was we could have the entire restaurant to ourselves and the food, of course!Planning the party was so easy with the help of the owner, Eileen. Eileen was helpful and accommodating and walked us through every step from the menu, bar options and different seating options. She emailed sample bar packages and sample lunch and dinner packages. She also said we could create our own menu which was exciting for us. We decided on caesar salad, pasta di la Nona, chicken piccata and tiramisu. When we arrived for the party Eileen had the room set up perfectly for our party of 35. And the weather was so nice she opened the front patio windows. Everyone had a great time! The food was delicious and the staff very friendly. Our family and friends all remarked how great everything was and that they'll all be back, including the Italians;) read more

The owner should learn how to be more courteous when speaking to customers, plain rude to my family and I over seating , I will not be going back. read more

This was such a pleasant surprise and hidden gem for the neighborhood. The whole meal was amazing, portions were good and the flavors were on point. Service was great and they even gave us the most amazing cheesy soft chewy hot out of the pizza oven bread on the house when we asked for extra bread to sop up the sauce in the mussels. Everything at this place is delicious and unique! We would highly recommend Buona Terra Ristorante for a genuinely next level, Italian dining experience. read more

Went here for dinner on a week night. We made a reservation but it didn't seem necessary since there wasn't a lot of people around 6 pm. The food was good and the staff was courteous. read more

Buona Terra - Baked chicken - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This chicken is tender, perfectly grilled and drenched in a lemon herb butter sauce that is simply sublime...served next to a chopped caprese on a mound of fresh arugula and this bread...served with an amazing garlic spread. Wow. So so good. Cute little outdoor patio, perfect for a mild summer night. Love it. read more

Buona Terra - PAILLARD DI POLLO ALLA GRIGLIA - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I'm embarrassed to say that I only today found Buona Terra, which is easy walking distance from my home. We got carry out (Spaghetti Al Gamberetti, Melanzana Alla Emilia Romagna, fire roasted vegetables) and it all was superb. We're now looking forward to a in restaurant meal. This was the best Italian food we've had since moving back to Chicago six years ago. A jewel in Irving Park! read more

This is definitely one of the better Italian places in town. The food was amazing as you can see in the pictures. My favorite part though was the roasted garlic they bring out with the bread I have been to Heath and Crust and I knew I had to try this place as well. I would call ahead to get your name on the list. It can get busy and there's not a lot a room around the bar. read more

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Love the new location on Irving Park road. Food is consistently good. Many entrees I would consider excellent. Service was attentive.

My family and I lived near the previous Buona and it never disappointed. Since their move from Logan to old Irving, we have not had a chance to go to its new location until recently. It was nice to see familiar faces in the staff. Staff was attentive as usual. Ambience was nice and quaint, felt homey and the food reminded me of the old Buona. There was something I always ordered at the old Buona that was not on the menu but when I inquired about it, no questions asked, they made it for me. And it tasted exactly how I remember it. The prices went up significantly and no more Thursday specials but I would definitely be back. read more

I was hoping for more with the good reviews here!! Wine seemed old and flat. Pasta with shrimp for $30 had a nice flavor but had small unimpressive shrimp. Will likely give it another try to support local. Fingers crossed. read more

What a lovely Italian restaurant in Logan Square. You sit down, and they bring you some nice, soft bread with garlic and Parmesan spread. Amazing! Ordered the mussels in tomato broth to share. I don't often order seafood but WOW these mussels were so tasty!!!! They come in a spicy tomato broth with roasted garlic and basil that I honestly could (and did, no shame) drink by itself. The pastas we had were also very good, but the mussels imo were the star of the night. Restaurant is pretty crowded because it's a small space, so expect people to bump into you while you're seated on a Saturday night. That part is definitely made up for with the food and attentive service! read more

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Thank you once again for a perfect meal! Your specials of mahi mahi and veal were absolutely delicious! The mahi mahi was perfectly cooked with a wonderful citrus sauce. Usually I get a hard and overcooked version of this and it's so nice to have mahi mahi perfectly cooked. The veal was delicious with pine nuts and mushrooms in a great sauce . So good! I'm glad you brought back the buratta with prosciutto and pesto was awesome! Glad you brought it back for a special. The regular menu is always amazing per usual. We have loved all you do. Please bring back the duck if only for a special because it one of my favorites! Thank you as always. read more

Buona Terra was definitely a gem for us to find in that we're not from the area and rarely get to Logan Square. We're very glad we did find it, and we will be back. We started with some wine and the Octopus special. We tend to gravitate towards all Octopus dishes. We love the crunchy tentacles and this one didn't disappoint - especially with the balsamic dressing. I then got the daily special of Linguine pasta with seared sea scallops, tomatoes, garlic and basil....and of course added more of the garlic paste that came with the bread to the dish. I thought the dish was really good and while the scallops were a nice addition - I was happily content with the tomato/garlic/basil sauce! My husband got the Grilled pork T-bone with roasted potatoes in a spicy garlic white wine sauce. He thought the pork was cooked perfectly and loved the spicy garlic sauce. It's a relatively small place, but will accommodate larger groups - but reservations are a must for everyone. We sat in the back room - which I would recommend on a cold day so you don't get a breeze when the front door opens. read more

So friendly and delicious food. Ambiance could be slightly better but the service and food are what really matter. I like when the big window in front is open. It's our go to neighborhood Italian restaurant. Consistent every time. read more

Yummy! Got take out and everything was delicious. The mussels were my fave, the red sauce was a smidge spicy (in a good way) with tons of flavor. And lots of it to dip the bread in, which was also delicious and very fresh. The bowtie with asparagus, spinach and ricotta was really good. And the chicken with tomato, fresh mozz and arugula was also delicious-although I didn't love the raw red onion mixed in the veg. The dressing on it was really good though. My friend raved about the garlic spread for the bread. Overall, definitely a great dinner spot. read more

McDreamy who? Forget Grey's Anatomy...Buona Terra is the place to be on Thursday nights! A big thanks to the prix fixe king, Edward H, for arranging a fabulous meal for myself and 20 other yelpers at Buona Terra. Many of the other reviews say this already, but the Thursday night deal is so amazing that I'm going to say (write) it again...any appetizer,any entree, and any dessert from the menu for $19.99. Amazing! I'm a pasta lover, but in an attempt to be healthy (bathing suit season is coming up...ahhhh) I went the fish route tonight. I started with the grilled calamari (delish!), the tilapia special (it was so good that I couldn't help but eat the entire dish), and then for dessert the chocolate pecan tart. Ok, so maybe the pecan tart wasn't so healthy, but 2 out of 3 isn't bad! A group of 20 people is any waiter's nightmare, but Louis did an amazing job of moving the meal along. Sign me up for next Thursday night! read more

Buona Terra - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

A wonderful little Italian spot with a very nice atmosphere, authentic Italian feel, excellent service, and very good food Location: 5/5 - A nice location, nothing spectacular, but probably very nice in the summer. Parking can be tough, but we found some rather quickly across the street. Atmosphere: 5/5 - Some people may not agree with me on this because it is a tighter space and can get very crowded. But it feels wonderfully authentic with pretty exposed brick, unique paintings for sale on the walls, and warm colors. There is also an outside patio that I am sure is very nice in the summer Service: 5/5 - Attentive, responsive, polite, and our water never ran out. Food: 5/5 - Very different from a chain like Maggiano's or one of our other favorites Topo Gigio. But excellent nonetheless. Yes, as everyone else has said, the bread with the garlic spread is a true delicacy and it's free. They could get 5 stars just for this potentially. I had the almond crusted eggplant with goat cheese and carmelized onions and it was outstanding. I was very hesitant, but could not have been more impressed. It was light, but also had the eggplant Parmesan taste I hoped for. My wife's Chicken was also excellent, very tender and you could really taste the smoked bacon. The pesto mashed potatoes were good, not my favorite. We also had their special dessert of the day which was a raspberry flan of some sort. We were not sure how we felt at first, but soon realized it was really refreshing and tasty Price: 5/5 - Not Maggiano's in terms of bang for your buck, but good portions and you are paying for the authenticity and atmosphere read more

Buona Terra - Eggplant in front, chicken on the right - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It's been a couple years since my last visit, and on that one, there was plastic in my friend's ravioli. I won't be back after last night's dinner either. For starters, the service was slow. It took over 5 minutes for the waiter to come by and greet us and take our drink orders. It was also only until we asked for bread that it was served. You receive a dish of garlic puree to enjoy with your bread, but here's an insider tip: ask for the jalapeno olive oil. The combo is so tasty! The kitchen must have been behind, but it took a good while before our prosciutto wrapped cheese and beef carpaccio arrived, both of which don't seem to take that long to prep. When my veal cerafino (with wine sauce and CANNED mushrooms, roasted potatoes, and bland broccoli) arrived, there was a folded light colored hair on my plate. My bald waiter's joke about it probably not being his did not make the situation better. My entree was taken away and a new plate prepared, but overall, this capped off a disappointing experience and meal. read more

Amazing food, casual atmosphere. Everything here tasted outrageously fresh. The basil in my pasta literally crunched between my teeth. They must have a basil plant in the kitchen or something. That freshness really made a difference. Once you order, you get a basket of hot bread, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. It comes with this *heavenly* spread made of garlic, olive oil and parmesan. You could eat that all night and walk away happy. * Pennine al'Arabiata ($14.95) - Pennine pasta tossed with fresh herbs, garlic and a touch of spicy tomato sauce. Very, very good. I loved the spicy kick. Spicier, I think, than other arabiata sauces I've had. That ultra-fresh basil was key. Slices of fresh garlic take it up a notch. This is heaven on a plate. * Pollo Al Afumicatto ($18.95) - Sauteed chicken breast with smoked mozzarella, in a smoked tomato and bacon sauce served with pesto mashed potatoes. Quite good, though I preferred my pasta. The pesto mashed potatoes were delicious. The smoked tomato/bacon sauce was an interesting flavor combo. I'm not sure it worked 100% with the chicken and mozzarella, but I enjoyed it. I drank a glass of the house pinot noir. Not super impressed. I wish I could give Buona Terra five stars, but the atmosphere is really way too casual for food this good. If you're looking for a romantic night out, this isn't the place. The paper tablecloths, the flat screen TV and the very loud sounds from the bar really put a damper on the mood. We also felt kinda rushed as plates were removed before we were asked if we were finished. This food is so good, it deserves to be savored. I wish the place were quieter, dimmer and cozier. Still, the food is some of the best Italian I've had in Chicago. I'll be back for more! read more

Buona Terra - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Our first visit to the new location. We had a 6:30 reservation on a Thursday night and although the place was pretty full we were escorted to a table right away. It seems much smaller than its former Logan Square location but there is another dining area in the back, although it seems to be for special occasions. In a nutshell, the food was very good. I had the veal special, which was tender and tasty; my partner had the Melanzana, which he enjoyed. We thought the sauces for each seemed a bit sweeter than we're familiar with, but thought there might be a regional variation or something. Good wines, great service, and cozy atmosphere. My one negative is about the noise factor. It was almost impossible to hear my partner even though we were sitting next to each other. Hard surfaces everywhere in a narrow space made it feel like we were dining under the El tracks at times when the restaurant was full. That said, we already plan to be back, maybe earlier or later in the evening. read more

For the nine years that I've been living in Logan Square, I had forgotten about the stretch of California Avenue between Logan Boulevard and Fullerton Avenue. Hence, I missed going to Buona Terra. Nice little rustic restaurant with plenty charm, it seems to fill up quickly. That's a good indication of it being a go-to spot for a lot of patrons. I didn't go "big" on my visit. I started with a carpaccio of thin beef with mushrooms, capers, and Parmesan. It was definitely good. The penne all' arrabbiata was full of flavour but not as "angry" as I thought it would have been. I like it a lot, too. For a finale, I had an espresso. I appreciate that my server was not at the table every 15 minutes inquiring as to whether everything was okay. I must admit the server who was not attending my table was more engaging than the server I had. I would have to return in the future to see if there is consistency in flavour of different menu items as well as service. read more

Buona Terra - Bread, Carpaccio, Penne all' Arrabbiata, Espresso - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I love love love this restaurant. It's such a neighborhood gem! The owners are amazing and friendly. The food is delicious.

Wanna know why this place has 4.5 stars? Go eat there, then talk to me, if you don't agree. Went here with two friends for dinner and it was amazing. Small space, with big flavor. First they bring out a nice loaf of bread and a little olive oil to start. Then as you look over the wine menu, you start to feel even better. The selection is amazing. Then we ordered and the food was phenomenal. Great flavor, quality, and quanity. This is one place you can go for Italian and not lose your shirt on the prices. The waiters are great and efficient and the menu is small, but plentiful in selection..not overwhelming. This is a gem of a spot, you have to look for it a little, but is well worth it. I'll definately go back every time I get the craving for Italian. read more

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This is our family's go-to spot - everyone loves it, loves going on Thursdays for the excellent value and food and even had grandma's birthday here along with numerous other family events. My uncle is a dear that hands out gift certificates here like candy at Christmastime. There are items that don't always appear on the menu - my favorite being the Vitello Serafino? - with mushrooms and pine nuts - deliciousness. Perfect carpaccio - pounded out the way it should be, with fresh parm curls and capers and I think a bit of truffle oil. Calamari is always fresh and divine as well as the ravioli - both veal and squash. Their chocolate dessert in a hazelnut crust is my favorite but their panna cotta is pretty bangin' also. Aaaaand - the most perfect Grey Goose cosmo in all of Chicago - yes people it is possible to screw it up. I have had way too many crappy ones, but never ever has it been here. read more

Buona Terra is my and my husband's all time favorite Italian restaurant in Chicagoland. We've been going here for years and I can't believe I haven't reviewed it until now. It's our favorite special occasion place for Italian food in the city. It's high-end quality food away from downtown and the quality and preparation are top-notch. They have an excellent wine list, the customer service is superior and the food is expertly prepared. I've never gotten a bad dish here although I have a few favorite go-to dishes I get everytime which are consistently delicious! We love this place, if you haven't been, please go you won't regret it! read more

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Buona Terra is a no frills, classic Italian spot in the Logan Square Neighborhood. I cherish their $27 prix-fixe menu on Thursdays. You can basically get any appetizer, entree, and dessert on the menu for $27! It's a wonderful deal. The service has been okay but there are always some absolutely delicious items served. I am in love with their roasted garlic in olive oil that they bring out with their complimentary warm bread. I think all Italian restaurants should serve complimentary bread so I appreciate that they do this here. I most recently tried their calamari and it was okay, the breading could have been more flavorful and crispier. It was a bit disappointing. I also tried their Caprese Salad, which tasted refreshing with a smooth mozzarella texture and was served with some nice and salty kalamata olives. While I am in love with their Eggplant Parmesan because of that delicious tomato sauce, I decided to try their fish of the day. It was a lovely whitefish in a kalamata olive sauce. The fish was made perfectly and the kalamata olive sauce was heavenly. It was buttery with a prominent kalamata olive flavor. I was absolutely in love with the sauce. The potatoes that they served with it with were decent but could have been seasoned more. I was disappointed with the flavorless big chunks of broccoli that were served with it. Vegetables need to be seasoned even if they are next to a delicious piece of fish. I just don't understand why the broccoli was so bland, it was such a contrast to the extremely flavorful fish. Their desserts are always amazing though. I can't complain about the tiramisu, it's creamy and fresh without being too overwhelming. Overall, Buona Terra can be hit or miss with some consistently delicious dishes. read more

I can't believe it took me so long to try Buona Terra. This place is fantastic! The service is impeccable, they are so polite and professional. The food was unreal too, perfect combinations to make each dish truly different from your normal traditional Italian. An amazing experience. Can not wait to come back and try more dishes! Definitely a MUST! read more

Buona Terra - Rigatoni Buona Terra - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This place is amazing to me. My favorite thing here is the garlic spread for the bread, everything else is great too. I like the place a lot and will go whenever I get a chance. Everything is fresh and great tasting. read more

I came here yesterday because my friend went to our house. We don't have food to eat so we decided to order some food for take out. We ordered pizza, chocolate brownie, cheesy beef, fries, tuna genovese and parmesan chips. We order a lot because we have five in the house. They are big eaters. While waiting in our order some staff are talking to us. She's so fun to talk to and she's charming. They have good service. We didn't wait long and our order came. It wraps properly in the paper bag. The food that we ordered was so yummy. They like it very much. They also ask where we buy those food and they said that they will definitely come to this place. So I will give five stars for the good food and good service. Luckily we found this place. read more