Merlo La Salumeria

I visited this restaurant with a friend, the last time I was in Chicago.  It has excellent Italian food, and I plan on returning the next time I go to Chicago.

Merlo La Salumeria is easily one of the best Italian meals I have ever had.

While on business in Chicago, we hooked up with Roberson the manager who is the most gracious gentleman and host.

Roberson ordered our meals that started with a simple but perfectly balanced salad, two pastas - a bolognese, and another with morelle mushrooms, followed by a tender beef dish that was rolled with something, and another with a tender half lobster tail on top.   Each portion was perfectly complemented with the other on its dish, and though it seemed like a lot of food, not one morsel was sent to waste.

I commend Roberson and Merlo for a top notch dining experience and service level.  Being a business traveller, I certainly appreciate being treated like a human being once in a while.

A bit on the pricey side, but well worth it.

Yum, yum, yum, yum!  Merlo was delightfully delicious, and I didn't leave feeling like I wanted to die from over-eating.

We came here for dinner at the recommendation of my bf's aunt, and were not disappointed!

The restaurant is very cute and rustic, and much larger than I thought it would be!  We were seated in the front area, but could see that it stretched all the way back.

Our server and the manager were both very friendly and attentive.  Wine and water glasses were never empty, and empty dishes did not linger on the table.  Our server even offered to run to the 7eleven next door to grab some Advil for my bf.  So awesome.

The food was just as exceptional as the service.  We shared their special appetizer for the day, which was a buratta (soft fresh mozzarella cheese) appetizer, which also came with a little salad.  We also split the braciola appetizer, which was like a cured carpaccio with arugala salad and fresh shaved pecorino romano cheese.

For our entrees, I had their tagliatelle with mushrooms, and he had the special pasta which was spinach ravioli filled with buratta cheese, sautéed in butter and topped with a few different types of mushrooms.  His definitely had a much higher flavor profile than mine, but both were fantastic.  I always appreciate a stuffed pasta that has something OTHER than ricotta, because I can't stand the stuff.

We were hesitant to order dessert, so settled on the biscottini and cappuccinos.

BIG PLUSSES:
+ Service, ambiance, and food were all exceptional.
+ Prices of the specials were disclosed as the server was explaining them.
+ Service was not pushy or rushed.  We were asked if we were in a hurry to get to the theatre, as they have many diners who do a quick meal before going to the Apollo, we said no, and had a great relaxed meal.

ONLY MINUS
There can be a draft from the front door in winter months.  If they change the entryway, which would be easy to do, it would eliminate the majority of the draftiness.

Would DEFINITELY return and recommend to anyone!