Viaggio in Italian translates to "journey" and this ristorante intends to take their guests on a culinary journey of the regions of Italy, while incorporating the familiarity of American dining.
Executive Chef Victor Purdue moved from Vic's on Main to open this new Italian-American casual dining restaurant with “fresh” being the key component to his concept. Purdue is delivering on his promise to bring fresh authentic Italian cuisine to Madison street, a few blocks from the United Center. Inspired by his love for Southern Italian culture and over thirty years of cooking in Italian restaurants, Purdue has very specific requirements for his food and cooking methods at Viaggio. "Using simple, fresh and high quality ingredients are the most important components to the dishes I create," says Purdue. Making everything to order, Purdue concentrates on perfecting each dish. "I change the water for each pasta order. I don’t cut an eggplant until it’s ordered.
"They took my reservation notes and ran with them. Wished my mom a happy brithday as she walked in. Wished my wife congratulations for being pregnant. I am very impressed."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"First, our server was very good. We all enjoyed our entrees, split a large Ceasar - that was good too. The peppers they serve with with the bread are delicious. We'll be back because we enjoyed the food and there are more items on the menu that we're eager to try. But, the tables are very close together and the noise level got extremely loud by 7:00. I don't think I would consider it again for a Saturday evening unless we could go early. I had checked beforehand that there weren't Bulls or Hawks games at the United Center -- I would certainly avoid it then too! And the wine prices were unreasonably on the high side. Only one glass was available for $9 and they were out of that, everything else was more expensive."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Great food. Truly outstanding italian food. The issue is we were seated at 9 for an 8:30 reservation and our waitor was not always around. I would highly recommend and would go back again if simply for the good food. A little more consistent service and this would be a five star recommendation."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"I love this restaurant--the food is always good and the staff is friendly and helpful. The only downside is the noise level. It's too noisy if you're wanting to talk to anyone not seated directly next to you."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2009
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Hidden gem in Chicago. Great service and great food. Went on Friday when the Hawks were in town. My reservations were at 7:30. perfect time. Cleared out just before then as many went to the game. Got busy again a little after that. The eggplant stack appetizer is great. So is the calamari. Not like any calamari I have ever had before. The veal chop is also great. Service was wonderful as well. I had ordered the wrong veal disk. I wanted the one with arugula. When I asked my waiter about it he sent arugula to the table. I woudl highly recommend this place and will be going again."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We showed up 5 minutes late and they had already given our table away and we had to wait almost 30 minutes for another table. That happened despite them confirimng with me via email and also that morning via phone that we will be there. Pretty poor way of handling reservations."
Dined on 04/15/2013
2008
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"This is our go to place when going to the United Center. The downside to this trip was I think it is becoming every bodies go to. Food great service a little slow since being over crowded."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"I had heard Viaggio was good, but I had no idea how good. My friend and I both had a baked clams appetizer and eggplant parmesan and both were excellent. The service was great, very attentive, but not overly so, and we never felt rushed, even though the place packed on the night of a concert at UC. We will return."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We go out for Italian quite a bit...this was some of the best food we've had. The meatballs can't be beat, the portions were substantial and can be shared, the appetizers where the same. I'm sure the new Lincoln Park location will be every bit as good...but this west loop locale is very easy to get to from any part of Chicago. Comfortable and authentic."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We have been to Viaggio many times and come back because of the food. This visit, however, was a big disappointment. Except for the eggplant stack appetizer, our food was mediocre at best. The restaurant was packed, which may have been an excuse for the kitchen to be not at it's best, but it has always been crowded. The broccoli in my dish was barely cooked and must thrown on top of the cavatelli. The shrimp tasted fishy. My husband's seafood dish was bland. We will go back, but the cost of the meal did not make for a good experience. Ome more visit will tell us whether things have slipped for good."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2005
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Great place, cool atmosphere. I ordered the Vesuvio Sea Bass, I thought it was a bit overpriced, too much seasoninging. My husband had a bolognese pasta and wasn't much impressed either. Great to seat at the bar and have drinks!"
Dined on 03/22/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"My girlfriend and I ate here for the first time during our trip to Chicago and we were nothing short of impressed. We came to celebrate our anniversary and my girlfriend's birthday; we were initially seated at a small table near the back hallway, which was a bit noisy. However, we requested to have our seats switched and were moved to a terrific, romantic table right at the front of the restaurant, which meant alot to us. The restaurant was clean, the waiting staff and service were both terrific, and the food was phenomenal. The calamari and eggplant stack appetizers and pork chop parmesan were outstanding. Overall, it was a terrific experience and we will DEFINITELY be coming back next time we are in Chicago."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"This is an amazing place in that they consistently execute on every level.They are very proud of what they do and it shows! Gets hoppin' and hard to get in on game days for Hawks or Bulls, but grab an off night and you will be treated to a really great meal!"
Dined on 03/20/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Viaggio's was great. Casual atmosphere, good old school Italian. Portions are large, especially the appetizers. Bread and peppers brought to the table right away. Server was knowledgeable, friendly and attentive. My daughter is a vegetarian and she was very happy with everything she had. Caprese had something I'd never seen before, thin slice of red onion. Nice touch. I had the shrimp and lobster penne, which was one of the specials of the day. Fantastic. Took half home and ate it happily the next day. Wish I had more. Will go back. Might move our family Christmas dinner there. Yum."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2005
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"friendly staff and consistently delicious authentic Italian dishes. Whether you are a vegetarian, seafood lover, or meat eater, you will not be disappointed!"
Dined on 03/12/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"This restaurant is the ideal spot to dine before an event at United Center. The staff was attentive and knowledgeable. The food was delicious and served in a timely manner. Nice ambiance, more casually upscale than the usual sports bar. We valet parked and took their convenient shuttle bus to the Blackhawks game. Afterward, we returned on the shuttle to find our car waiting for us outside the restaurant. Perfect! We'll be back to Viaggio and we highly recommend you visit this west-end neighborhood gem!"
Dined on 03/05/2013
2006
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We always go to Viaggios before a Hawks game. Very energetic and the food is exceptional. Love their meatballs!Their red sauce is also very good. We were seated way in the back of restaurant and I did not care for the atmosphere back there-pretty cramped and it was very hectic with the pre game rush. Could have probably used a few more servers."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The ambiance of Viaggio is vibrant, which may excite one upon entry. The service staff is very welcoming and all staff members are interested in your overall comfort. As far as the food, I regret that there was not a WOW factor or even satisfaction beyond any local (more economical) Italian eatery in the city. The age old trick of extra salt and butter, can be spotted a mile away by any foodie... The only reason I would ever return is for drinks and maybe for a bite with friends, as it did appear to be a very nice establishments for groups. Just wish the taste of the food match the ambiance."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Wow - just tried this place for Valentine's Day. The meatball salad is really that good, although you will be half full after the app. great martini as well."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2007
Special Features: special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"As always, food is delicious, fresh & hot and service is top notch. Waiter was very knowledgeable of the menu and many specials of the day. We were there on a night of a Blackhawks Game and it was exciting. We ordered the special Salmon and Steak, both were melt in your mouth awesome."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Viaggio is in my neighborhood. I love this place. Great staff and great food. You get a warm and welcoming feeling the moment you step through the door. Seriously, it's like you're part of the family. Good Booze, Good Food, Friendly Staff."
Dined on 02/07/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We had read great reviews from TripAdvisor and YELP...and the restaurant certainly lived up to our very high expectations. Our waiter, Hugo, was fabulous. Knowledgeable, friendly, efficient and very enthusiastic about the food he was about to serve you. The food arrived hot and DELISH! The calamari was different than I'd ever had...but in a good way. And, the Cosmopolitans (as Hugo promised) were some of the best we've ever had. If we lived nearby, we'd be there all the time. It's an upscale experience without all the intimidation and patronization you often encounter. Great experience. (Oh. And our Open Table experience was also great. Thanks so much for taking such good care of us.)"
Dined on 02/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Honored reservation. Lively atmosphere. Excellent friendly service. Excerpt food. Loved the fried zucchini and eggplant appetizer which was large enough for an entree. Can't wait to return."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2009
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"I have been meaning to get to Viaggio for awhile now as I have heard very good things about their food. The restaurant itself is your basic simple italian place. We only experienced a few items from the menu but here is a rundown;
penne bolognese - outstanding meatball salad ...outstanding calamari - surprisingly awful - very soggy and almost not edible - don't order as there are plenty of other apps to choose from...
I will definitely be back to Viaggio. Outside of the calamari the other food was very good and in viewing other dishes coming out they also looked very tasty......overall a good experience"
Dined on 01/25/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"I have dined at Viaggio many times, and I will say that the experience last week is not representative of my previous experiences. I love the restaurant's food and the knowledgable, authentic Italian staff. However, last week we brought a large group from out of town. An hour later, we still had not received our drinks (simple bottles of wine), our appetizers, nor had we ordered our main courses. The food was excellent, however, I think everyone's experience was marred by our server and the delay in service. The staff recognized that the dinner was a celebratory event and brought complimentary desserts, which was much appreciated. Overall, I will definitely continue to visit Viaggio, however I will avoid bringing large groups."
Dined on 01/18/2013
2010
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"A friend invited me to a Bulls game and since it was a late start, we decided to have dinner first. I asked him what he wanted to eat and he said he would "kill for Italian". So I looked around and found Viaggio at 1330 W. Madison, just a few blocks from the UC, and with Valet parking for the game. Bingo. Never been there before, but it's Italian and close. The service was friendly, pleasant, companionable. It felt like I was a good customer returning for the 100th time. The food was great (and lots of it). Try the meatball salad. I know, it sounds odd, but it's terrific. Will I go back? You bet. Even if I'm not going to a Bulls game."
Dined on 01/21/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.