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Merlo on MapleReservations
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Italian Restaurant Reviews
Merlo on Maple Reviews List
Merlo on Maple
Merlo features authentic Bolognese Italian and serves the freshest ingredients possible, many imported directly from Italy. Executive Chef, Luisa Silvia Marani, takes great pride in her handmade pastas, homemade sauces and her ability to acquire the freshest truffles available anywhere. Each course is made to order and requires accurate preparation time. Merlo is a slow-dining establishment; so come for romance, or for an important business dinner. Merlo will accommodate private dining with prix-fixe menus for any special occasion. Italy is known for more than just the cuisine, which is why Merlo also offers the finest Italian wines to compliment the food. Along with regular wine selections, a Reserve List is available for those wine enthusiasts with a taste for something special. Along with the cuisine, comes the heart and soul of generations before this chef and her husband, Proprietor, Giampaolo Sassi. Bon Appetito!!
See more Merlo on Maple details
130 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 130 reviews
5 stars
(53)
4 stars
(49)
3 stars
(13)
2 stars
(12)
1 star
(3)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- romantic(81)
- special occasion(72)
- fit for foodies(66)
- neighborhood gem(54)
- notable wine list(38)
- good for groups(7)
Merlo on Maple Reviews List
Review 1 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Wine list
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I am surprised that they do not have a more extensive wine list."
Dined on 5/11/2013
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Review 2 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Truly outstanding!!! Wine list was excellent, but the food was the high point!"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 3 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Not as good as hoped
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was ordinary. Mozzarella appetizer was bland, my soup was tepid and the tortellini in it were chewy. My husband's lamb shank was cooked well, but also no real flavor. Gelatos were ordinary. Nothing special at all.
Server was efficient, but almost impatient with us as if we were her last table to get out so she could go home.
I would not pick this place again out of all the great places to eat in Chicago."
Server was efficient, but almost impatient with us as if we were her last table to get out so she could go home.
I would not pick this place again out of all the great places to eat in Chicago."
Dined on 5/04/2013
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Review 4 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 5 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Merlo is a very cozy, quiet
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Merlo is a very cozy, quiet place with dining rooms spread over its several levels so one never feels crowded or the need to shout to make oneself heard. The food is excellent. Our waitress, Harmony, was superb - cheerful, helpful, knowledgeable and fun - without being at all intrusive. Overall one of the more pleasurable restaurant experiences available in Chicago."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 6 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Richard S.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Merlo really is fantastic. The service was perfect and the home made food was excellent. This is the second time I've been there and each time I wonder why I don't go back more often."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 7 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food was very good but
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was very good but our waiter was very bizarre, very aloof and didn't seem to care about us, took his time, was overly social, rude at times, generally made us uncomfortable and therefore the experience not enjoyable. It's a shame because the atmosphere was lovely, the food was quality and thoughtful, and the potential was there. The service just didn't match up."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 8 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Foor was wonderful and service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"Foor was wonderful and service was excellent. A bit pricey, but worth a dinner. Would go again."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 9 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great for all occasions!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I'm embarrassed that it took us this long to try Merlo. I always loved the building and thought they had the cutest outdoor space. At the last minute we decided to dine here on a weeknight. The staff was very gracious and the place had just enough people to make the place feel lively but not crowded.
The space itself is very charming. There were two small groups, a family and several couples in the dining room, and individuals at the first floor bar, and all seemed comfortable there. Our server Todd had just the right amount of attentiveness and friendliness, and the food was authentic. Will definitely be back when I want to get together with friends, have a romantic dinner or just don't want to cook!"
Dined on 04/04/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 10 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Hidden Gem
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This spot is truly a gem! Service is so wonderful and the restaurant is owned by an Italian family that not only knows great food, but also takes me back to my most precious memories of what true Italian cooking tastes like. The evening might be slightly expensive, but for a special occasion you will never be disappointed!"
Dined on 03/25/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 11 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Used a Gilt City voucher for
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Used a Gilt City voucher for an 8 course tasting menu so the only decision we had to make was what wine to drink. The original selection wasn't available so we got a bottle that was similar based on waiter's recommendation. All of the food was delicious until we got to the last 2 courses. Three pasta courses, all pasta made in house, were fantastic. The 7th course, beef tenderloin, was very good, cooked perfectly with delicious sauce. Menu said squash souffle as the side and instead we got tasteless sauteed spinach. Downgrade. The dessert was a weird chocolate mousse filled angel food cake that was soaked in grenadine. It was my least favorite. Overall the service was very good, the ambiance was great. I love the venue that its an old house"
Dined on 03/21/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 12 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
All good, cost a bit high
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Quality food, romantic but just slightly over priced."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2005
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 13 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Merlo on Maple is very authentic
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Merlo on Maple is very authentic Northern Italian fare. We went twice in a week. We are from St. Louis who is rice in Italian traditions and have been to Italy 5 times. An excellent evening. The tortillini with fresh porcini mushrooms in a butter and Parmesan cheese sauce was excellent. The incredible tenderloin in a 15 year old balsamic reduction, topped with black truffles paired great with my Brunello. I will have dreams of that dish until my return this summer. We will make a trip back to Chicago and return to Merlo on Maple. We have already recommended Merlo to several Chucago residents. Don't miss this gem!"
Dined on 03/21/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 14 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Nice atmosphere, but left hungry
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Although the food was good, portions where disappointing for the price. Small-plates should be called mini-plates. Left hungry after an eight course meal, as each selection served about 2-3 bite size samples. Enjoy the concept and history, however patrons should never leave an Italian restaurant hungry."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2013
Special Features: notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 15 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We always enjoy Merlo. Service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We always enjoy Merlo. Service and specials are great. Suggestions from staff are spot on. Wine (Gattinara) was incredible. Food is fresh! Pastas are homemade and perfectly done. And, for Chicago, pricing is very reasonable."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 16 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The atmosphere is very romantic
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The atmosphere is very romantic & it is one of the few restaurants that you can have a conversation in, very quiet."
Dined on 03/06/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 17 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Consistently excellent tasting
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Consistently excellent tasting recipes well executed. Pricey for "Italian food" (we're not talking pizza and baked pastas here though), even with lots of black truffles (tis the season). Atmosphere is very dated but could also be considered cozy or intimate. I find the basement a bit claustrophobic. Very helpful, knowledgeable, enthusiastic staff can help with food and wine selections. If you're hosting, you'd really impress your guests!"
Dined on 03/04/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 18 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent service, food' and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Excellent service, food' and atmosphere. The only issue we had was our reservation was for 5: 30 p.m. and we did not get seated right away. This was important to us as we had show time of 8:00 p.m. and we really do like to take our time dining. Overall however it was great. I will be back and I would highly recommend."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 19 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Outstanding restaurant - the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Outstanding restaurant - the only drawbacks are the stairs to enter and another set of stairs to the lower dining room where we were seated even though I had requested limited stairs because a family member walks with braces on both legs and stairs are difficult for her."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2013
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Review 20 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The special $30 salad of burreta
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The special $30 salad of burreta mozzarella on greens (shared between the 2 of us) had no flavor and could have used some balsamic vinegar or at a minimum some salt, but the special pasta dish at $36 (also shared) with proscuitto and sweatbreads was absolutely fabulous. My husband had the $62 special Waygu beef, which was half inedible due to grissles and tough...literally half of the beef was left on the plate because he could not cut it with a knife. My veal cutlets were good. Pretty hard to pay this much when 2 of the 4 dishes were mediocre. The atmosphere is lovely, and quiet setting for easy conversation. Service was very good. Just wish the food had been up to the price and hype."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2000
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Review 21 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
a lovely meal. nice portion
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"a lovely meal. nice portion sizes and excellent choices."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 22 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
GREAT service and lovely decor.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"GREAT service and lovely decor. We took my parents, and although we loved the food, they were not thrilled. My dad had a pork dish, and it was quite dry. Too bad as I had high expectations."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2010
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Review 23 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Italian Pride Justified
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We've lived here 3 years and just discovering this charming place. Merlo now gets pride of place among the very top of our fave list!!
A. Spencer"
A. Spencer"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 24 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! Will keep going back. Try the artichoke tart! Service was great."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 25 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good Italian food with a different
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Good Italian food with a different twist. I would go back."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 26 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Went here for Valentine's
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Went here for Valentine's Day and we both loved it. The food was excellent and the overall experience was just great. Will definitely return and would definitely recommend for a romantic night out."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2009
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 27 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
This place has seen better days
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Did not like. The server let us a order a giant ball of burrata that was not meant for two people. A good server would have guided us toward a better selection for two people. The hand made pasta was ok but not superfantastic. We didn't stay after dessert. Honestly after the softball size ball of burrata was placed in front of me, I lost my appetite. The wine list is overpriced and snooty. I don't think this place gets what current foood is. They are lost in time, circa 1988. There are much better Italian meals to be had in this city. Even the bread was boring and indistinct. And at this price point and level of service, details need to be attended to."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2007
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Review 28 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Authentic Italian
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"authentic northern Italian (and my wife is Italian). Food was super and service was also very good.
We will definitely go back."
We will definitely go back."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2010
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Review 29 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Small portions
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The portion sizes are extremely small for the money. The server needs to explain this to diners when it is there first time dining. Also you can't put in an order for appetizers before your meal, so strange. Robert irvine of restraunt impossible would not approve. I will not be going back!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2010
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic
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Review 30 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My husband and I loved our
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My husband and I loved our dining experience at Merlo on Maple! It was such a cozy and romantic spot. The service was great and the food delicious! I couldn't get over the homemade pasta (I had the ravioli) and the eggplant appetizer. It was a great place to take your time and talk as the restaurant environment was very conducive to that. The woman from Bologna who I believe is one of the chefs and owners, was so charming. Great place!!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 31 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Very boring food - taste was
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Very boring food - taste was excellent - but presentation was lacking. No innovation. I was told that this is an old fashioned restaurant.
I received a veal dish with a squared off piece of veal 3X3 inches, flat with a side of spinach, nothing interesting."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2008
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Review 32 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
One of the few restaurants
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"One of the few restaurants that gives you a small glimpse of what the restaurant is like & the food they serve. On the pricey side if it wasn't for restaurant week but nice mom & pop shop for good homemade Italian cuisine"
Dined on 02/10/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 33 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
We thought the food was average,
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We thought the food was average, but the worst part was that there was a special appetizer that we ordered, and the waiter never told us what the price of the appetizer was. We get our bill and it was a $28 appetizer. Seems like that might be something you would want to let the customer know. Also, the appetizer was burrata which was good, but they give you 2 pieces of bread to share that are tiny. I would think for $28 we could have gotten a loaf of bread. Nothing super memorable about the food and the prices are over priced."
Dined on 02/10/2013
2010
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Review 34 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food was fantastic. My pasta
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was fantastic. My pasta dish was innovative & original; my husband's pork tenderloin was perfectly cooked and seasoned. The Italian Government recognizes Merlo on Maple as an authentic Italian restaurant, of which it is one of only 16 in Chicago. I can't wait to return."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 35 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
One of the best restaurants
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"One of the best restaurants in Chicago. The food is outstanding. The service incredible."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 36 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Boring...Saturday Night @
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Boring...Saturday Night @ 8pm...could have had any table in the house, and way over priced for what it is."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2008
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Review 37 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Took my fiance out for our
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Took my fiance out for our anniversary dinner during restaurant week. It was a great night. Great food, great service, great setting."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 38 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Attended for restaurant week.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Attended for restaurant week. The food was jus ok. Some of the pastas were very dry, and some just had no taste. Salad was ok, nothing special. Happy we attended during restaurant week so we did not have to pay full price."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2008
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Review 39 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We so enjoy both the food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We so enjoy both the food & the ambiance at Merlo on Maple! A drink before dinner at the charming bar is a must-do. Both times we've been there, the bartender was the same, & he is a delight. The hostess was very accommodating: when I told her that my husband has a bad knee, she sat us on the lower level - with an entry to the outside! Of course, the overall ambiance & food cannot be beat. My husband & I both had the braised lamb shank, which was fall-off-the-bone delicious, & our friend had ravioli which were unbelievably light. She was also pressed by how many dishes worked for her vegetarian diet. Thank you!"
Dined on 02/06/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 40 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
I was really looking forward
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I was really looking forward to trying Merlo on Maple for Restaurant Week, but we never were offered the Restaurant Week menu! I was with a group of four women and we were the youngest guests (~28 years old)in the restaurant; which the waiter made sure to point out when he said the balsamic was about our age (aged 25 years).
We decided to forgo having to ask for the pre fixe menu and just ordered some apps and entrees. The food was good, but the service was SLOW. It was obvious that we were low on our waiter's priority list that evening. Also, when asked for recommended things to try on the menu, everything he suggested was their priciest options.
All in all, it wasn't a bad experience, but we certainly didn't feel very welcome.."
Dined on 02/05/2013
2012
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Review 41 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We had a very mixed experience
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had a very mixed experience at Merlo. All of my dishes were fabulous (artichoke torte, lamp shank), as was the eggplant appetizer. The mixed seafood over pasta was not good at all, and we had to send the tuna back. They had also run out of the dessert with fresh berries, which was a disappointment! The wine was great, as was the bartender!"
Dined on 02/02/2013
2008
Special Features: notable wine list
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Review 42 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Okay.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Not offered the option of restaurant week menu, and charging $36.00 for an ice cream scooper sized portion of risotto even though it had truffle oil is ridiculous."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2005
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Review 43 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
30 minutes until we got our
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"30 minutes until we got our soup? Enough said."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2007
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Review 44 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Harmony, our server, was awesome.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Harmony, our server, was awesome. She was very knowledgable and efficient. She was quadruple sat within 5 minutes and already had a 8 top, 5 top and two 2 tops. She still episodes awesome service and didn't rush us. She explained all the specials and helped pick and pair food and wine. She did the same for all her tables and could tell she genuinely was interested in making it a 5 diamond dining experience. Food was very good but one pasta dish was cold."
Dined on 01/31/2013
2012
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 45 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Warm atmosphere; great food.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Warm atmosphere; great food. I had the Snapper, which was a special, and it was delicious. The salad was also excellent. Just right portion sizes."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 46 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicate Italian Fine Dining
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"AMAZING!!! BLOWN AWAY!! We did the 8 course Chef's tasting and each dish was better than the next! This is fine dining Italian with white linen table cloths, very intimate. The food is delicate and authentically prepared by Italian Chef Silvia from Bologna. Located steps from the busy "Triangle" in a Victorian building, this gem restaurant offers attentive and knowledgeable service. Never once did the server have to go and ask the answer to our questions. The bus boys are polite, not overbearing and dressed in very nice crisp white jackets, not tuxedo. It is VERY ROMANTIC. I have always refused to eat out for Valentine's Day, but I think for the first time in 20 years we are making an exception and running back here!!!!"
Dined on 01/25/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 47 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
I would say none of the above
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I would say none of the above apply.The peoeple were very nice. We had an excellent bottle of wine. Apetizer and second course (pasta) were very good, not excellent. Main course was uneventful, ok tasting, dish presentation was terrible, except for fish, which looked and tasted good."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2011
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Review 48 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was excellent. The
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was excellent. The portions are a little smaller, but full of flavor. Interesting menu and excellent service. It was a nice quiet atmosphere in an intimate setting. Great for conversation with since there was no competing background noise. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to those that want the authentic Italian food experience. I understand that they have outdoor dining in the summer, and would love to try that out."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 49 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was excellent...but skip
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was excellent...but skip dessert."
Dined on 01/18/2013
2002
Special Features: romantic
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Review 50 for Merlo on Maple
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A nice surprise.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"A great evening! We took advantage of a gilt voucher for an eight course tasting menu which was a delightful experience and a good way to famlarize ourselves with their menu. It was clear the ingredients were selected with care. From the simplicity of our first course to the complexity of the dessert, it was all an affair of the palette. The service was knowledgable about the wine selection and the cuisine. The atmosphere is quaint and the evening, memorable."
Dined on 01/18/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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