Authentic, exciting and innovative, Filini is a contemporary Italian restaurant and bar that focuses on the finest fresh ingredients and flavors. The cuisine is uncomplicated but exquisitely prepared and presented to enhance the excellence of the produce. Unpretentious and stylish, the mood of the restaurant is friendly and subtle with memorable Mediterranean overtones. An upscale, contemporary and culinary experience, Filini aims to be one of the hottest spots in Chicago.

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Reservations for Filini Restaurant and Bar-Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

94 Current Reviews

Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews

Overall

(Outstanding) 4 / 5

(94 Reviews)

Rating Breakdown 94 reviews

5 stars

(33)

4 stars

(39)

3 stars

(15)

2 stars

(6)

1 star

(1)

Food

(Outstanding) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

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Diners classify this restaurant as:

fit for foodies(44)
special occasion(38)
good for groups(28)

vibrant bar scene(24)
romantic(21)
neighborhood gem(20)

Filini Restaurant and Bar-Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Reviews List

Review 1 for Filini Restaurant and Bar-Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/12/2013

Food

(Fair) 2 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Would give Filini high marks for service and ambiance but cannot recommend a restaurant that provides a "bunch" menu leaving everyone of 8 guests leaving hungry and unsatisfied.

Filini would be a true neighborhood "gem" if it managed to provide "full" plates of food, not half-portions.

Too bad, because the setting is superb!?!"

Dined on 5/12/2013

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem

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Review 2 for Filini Restaurant and Bar-Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Not Sure

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/26/2013

2013

Dined on 04/26/2013

2013

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"We ate at Filini 3 times over the course of a week-end. The restaurant is up half a level and the bar down half a level. Food is definitely in the high price range. Breakfast was very good - everything cooked perfectly. Servers were somewhat distracted. Food for dinner was very good (taste-wise) but not any better than other 'nice' restaurants in the city. Same server issues. Unless staying at the hotel, I wouldn't make a special trip. Contemporary designed room but the major fail at dinner was the lighting - extremely bright. A higher end restaurant should know how to use lighting to create ambience. Had pizza in the bar later one evening. Service was spotty, pizza was yummy, techno dance music was atrocious."

Dined on 04/26/2013

2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion

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Review 3 for Filini Restaurant and Bar-Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Very much appreciated the

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/23/2013

2013

Dined on 04/23/2013

2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Very much appreciated the assistance in booking a table for a business meeting during the Bio2013 Convention."

Dined on 04/23/2013

2013

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Review 4 for Filini Restaurant and Bar-Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Had a wonderful experience.

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/27/2013

2009

Dined on 04/27/2013

2009

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Had a wonderful experience. Absolutely nothing to complain about. Food, service, atmosphere all will bring us back for more."

Dined on 04/27/2013

2009

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion

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Review 5 for Filini Restaurant and Bar-Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

Last time

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/26/2013

2008

Dined on 04/26/2013

2008

Food

(Fair) 2 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Highly over rated. Very disappointed."

Dined on 04/26/2013

2008

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Review 6 for Filini Restaurant and Bar-Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great service. good food.

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/14/2013

2010

Dined on 04/14/2013

2010

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Great service. good food. reasonable prices. Try the prushutto - it was great appitizer"

Dined on 04/14/2013

2010

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem

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Review 7 for Filini Restaurant and Bar-Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Pricey hotel restaurant with

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/10/2013

2007

Dined on 04/10/2013

2007

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Pricey hotel restaurant with 'showy' but not otherwise special entrees. We thought there might be something special about this place because of its locale in the new 'Aqua' hotel and the truly interesting architecture of the building. But it's not special, actually rather humdrum. And oh yes, pricey."

Dined on 04/10/2013

2007

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Review 8 for Filini Restaurant and Bar-Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

For the second year, I dined

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/05/2013

2008

Dined on 04/05/2013

2008

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"For the second year, I dined at Filini with a large group from an annual conference late in the evening. They happily accommodated the separate checks as we are all on expense accounts, and the service and food were stellar. I recommend this restaurant to everyone I can that attends that conference and this year we had over 4000."

Dined on 04/05/2013

2008

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find

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Review 9 for Filini Restaurant and Bar-Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

A must...BRUSCHETTA CARPACCIO

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/16/2013

2010

Dined on 03/16/2013

2010

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Made reservations as I was staying in the hotel for the weekend. Emily our server shared suggestions with wine, food courses and pairings. Wine was wonderful. Appetizer was so delish! Dinner was cooked perfectly and just when we thought we couldn't eat another bite- the lemon pudding with winter fruit hit the spot! Such a delightful meal and the service was wonderful. Emily also surprised us with a birthday treat! Wonderful food,pleasant and geniune service, will make this a place we will come back to again!"

Dined on 03/16/2013

2010

Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion

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Review 10 for Filini Restaurant and Bar-Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

OpenTable Diner

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch

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Review 11 for Filini Restaurant and Bar-Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I'm still thinking about the

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/16/2013

2004

Dined on 03/16/2013

2004

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"I'm still thinking about the veal dish and the taste test I had from my friend's ravioli and that was four days ago! It was fabulous. The waitstaff did an excellent job. If only I lived closer to Chicago."

Dined on 03/16/2013

2004

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch

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Review 12 for Filini Restaurant and Bar-Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great Food/Bad Service

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/16/2013

2009

Dined on 03/16/2013

2009

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Poor) 1 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"the food was delicious however our waitress was terrible. We had to ask for things more than once before getting it. Also, she was very slow. We would definitely go back but make sure we didn't get the same waitress."

Dined on 03/16/2013

2009

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot

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Review 13 for Filini Restaurant and Bar-Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

great italian. booths look

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/09/2013

2011

Dined on 03/09/2013

2011

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"great italian. booths look like fun"

Dined on 03/09/2013

2011

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, special occasion

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Review 14 for Filini Restaurant and Bar-Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great Osso Buco!

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/13/2013

2009

Dined on 03/13/2013

2009

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Every week-day there is a special dish. We purposely went on Wednesday for lunch, when the special was Osso Buco. It was a large delicious portion with excellent risotto rice. The meat was extremely tender and full of flavor. The ambiance is delightful and the wait staff very professional and helpful. On another occasion I had brunch there which was excellent. Eggs and bacon and potatoes done to perfection."

Dined on 03/13/2013

2009

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch

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Review 15 for Filini Restaurant and Bar-Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Despite the beautiful contemporary

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/10/2013

2006

Dined on 03/10/2013

2006

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Despite the beautiful contemporary decor Filini is beautifully cozy with it's high back booths. The food is delicious and the special tasting menu is great for large groups. The server was very helpful in making suggestions. Highly recommend going to the Radisson Blu Aqua whether you are staying there or not. It is a beautiful hotel with a great setting."

Dined on 03/10/2013

2006

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

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Review 16 for Filini Restaurant and Bar-Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

The food was very good at

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/16/2013

2003

Dined on 02/16/2013

2003

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"The food was very good at Filini. We were a party of four and everyone enjoyed their selections. The desert selections were very good and we shared two of the options between the four of us. The decor of the restaurant is very modern and it blends very well with the style of the hotel and condos above. Take a moment to see the twenty foot long fire place just outside the entrance to the restaurant off the lobby.

The bar is one level below the restaurant and was very energetic and appears to be very popular with a wide selection of cocktail offerings. The weather was very cold on our visit so we did not have an opportunity to determine out door seating or types of views that might have been enjoyed in warmer weather. We will return."

Dined on 02/16/2013

2003

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

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Review 17 for Filini Restaurant and Bar-Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Intimate dining experience.

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/14/2013

2003

Dined on 02/14/2013

2003

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Intimate dining experience. We had a wonderful time and will definitely return."

Dined on 02/14/2013

2003

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, hot spot

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Review 18 for Filini Restaurant and Bar-Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Thoroughly enjoyable and solid.

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/15/2013

2005

Dined on 02/15/2013

2005

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"The clean lines are definitely something straight out of Europe. If you're looking for the homey Chicago experience, this ain't it. More modern Nordic in layout, it is modern Europe. They're trying to stand out from the hotel and be their own top notch restaurant. I ate there when it opened. So-so. Now, they've got a chef who cares deeply for what he's does, and hopefully they'll get some experienced barstaff to match. Solid food, not your standard Italian, good range beef to vegetarian, excellent service. Highly recommend."

Dined on 02/15/2013

2005

Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

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Review 19 for Filini Restaurant and Bar-Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

The Porcini pasta was very

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/09/2013

2003

Dined on 02/09/2013

2003

Food

(Poor) 1 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"The Porcini pasta was very good. However, the special fish of the night featured for "Restaurant Week" was very disappointing."

Dined on 02/09/2013

2003

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Review 20 for Filini Restaurant and Bar-Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

The food is way overpriced

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/08/2013

2012

Dined on 02/08/2013

2012

Food

(Fair) 2 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"The food is way overpriced for what it is. I had a soup and salad for $24, $31 with tax and tip. I wasn't impressed. The soup didn't have a lot of flavor and the shrimp on my salad was mushy and tasted fishy.

I don't feel a need to go back anytime soon."

Dined on 02/08/2013

2012

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Review 21 for Filini Restaurant and Bar-Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

The food was very good and

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/09/2013

2011

Dined on 02/09/2013

2011

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"The food was very good and the service was excellent. The menu has a wide variety of entree's, both in terms of selection and price. The wine list is equally as diverse.
The chestnut soup is worth a trip by itself. The chocolate dessert was one of the best.
Our waiter was humorous, helpful and gracious. A very pleasant experience."

Dined on 02/09/2013

2011

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, special occasion

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Review 22 for Filini Restaurant and Bar-Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

The food was good but temperature

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/05/2013

2011

Dined on 02/05/2013

2011

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"The food was good but temperature issues. Although the soup was poured at the table it was luke warm, my fish entree was also warm to cool. I did enjoy the sorbet dessert option which was nice and light for lunch. The orange slice decor on it was pretty but so bitter it was not edible. In addition, we were never offered coffee prior to receiving our check. The server we started with who was very attentive did not finish out or meal. We ended up having several servers during the end."

Dined on 02/05/2013

2011

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch

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Review 23 for Filini Restaurant and Bar-Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Risotto needs lots of work

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/02/2013

2006

Dined on 02/02/2013

2006

Food

(Fair) 2 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Tried it for restaurant week. Food was well presented, but as a fine Italian restaurant they should be able to make a risotto that's not so lumpy and overlooked."

Dined on 02/02/2013

2006

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Review 24 for Filini Restaurant and Bar-Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Give your review a title (optional)

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 01/25/2013

2006

Dined on 01/25/2013

2006

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Undiscovered Chicago gem. Love, Love this restaurant!"

Dined on 01/25/2013

2006

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch

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Review 25 for Filini Restaurant and Bar-Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Amazing experience here!!

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 01/25/2013

2012

Dined on 01/25/2013

2012

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Amazing experience here!! Food was really great everything was cooked perfectly. I love that they offer the half bottle of wine and the doughnut dessert was really pleasing. The waitress was good but seemed to overlook us as she conversed with other staff members. Overall great experience we will be back."

Dined on 01/25/2013

2012

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion

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Review 26 for Filini Restaurant and Bar-Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5