With decades in the family restaurant business, Dario Vullo has brought his family's legacy to the United States to share the great traditions of food in Italy to Chicago with the help of his fiancé and co-owner, Amy Yetasook. Amy is a newly proclaimed Chicagoan and med student studying to become a surgeon.
Executive Chef/brother Alessio Vullo and restaurant namesake Nando (a dignified Italian dachshund) complete the restaurant family. Chef Alessio holds the Vullo family secrets, instructing the team every morning in making fresh pasta, breads, and desserts to the highest Italian standards.
We hope you will stop in and experience our cozy Italian world.
"We felt so welcome at this little gem! Our group was on a tight timeline to make a painting party after dinner and the staff was so accomodating and was able to get our orders out in less than 30 minutes. Even with one member of our group sending back the crab ravioli because the sauce tasted too fishy. They staff was very understanding and handled the situation perfectly. The pasta was fresh and tasted like quality ingredients. Purely delicious. We'll definately be back."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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"1 mediocre salad + 1 rubbery grilled octopus/squid on cous cous + 1 beer + 1 campari = $75? That's an expensive lunch in any restaurant. But the food was so lack-luster it was a shame. If the food had been better, I wouldn't complain about the money, but wow, this place should be shut down for the terribly bland food that they consider to be Italian fare. DO NOT eat here if you want a taste of Italian."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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"The food was pretty good, though not as good as reviews had suggested. The crab ravioli was very very buttery..the sauce looked like velveeta. The seafood risotto was also okay, nothing special. The fried calamari was probably the best thing we had. The restaurant was very noisy. Also, a few minutes after paying our bill, the waitress told us we had to leave because they had another reservation. We still had half full glasses of wine and beer. The table next to us had been there for longer and was not asked to leave (and it was not because of anything we had done). The valet took a long time to bring our car back. We have a manual car and when he brought it back, the car/air smelled terrible (from the clutch not being used properly)"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2012
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"Probably the only review I'll ever write. Nando Milano is one of the best Italian restaurants in the city. As good as Ricardo's Trattoria! You will not be disappointed!!"
Dined on 04/22/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Loved Nando! It's intimate, with candles on every table. Very reminiscent of a little trattoria in Italy. We received a warm welcome from the owner upon arrival, and the entire staff ( all Italian) were knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Great menu and great wine made for a great evening!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, hot spot
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"In a word: awful. Starting with the service, we could not even understand the waiter - he was from a skit on SCTV. THe maitre d used his patronizing Italian accent and fake charm in an attempt to overcome the restaurant's many failings. Ordered the veal scallopine - it was rubbery and gelatinous, akin to Spam. Friend ordered gnochhi, had no flavor whatsoever. The worst "Italian" meal I have ever had. I will never go back to this dive."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2009
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"Very crowded space. We were seated at 2 top near entrance and both Customers and staff were constantly bumping into our chairs. The staff and owners mean well but their constant buzzing of tables and inquiries was disruptive not helpful. They jammed a few too many tables into their space. Better suited for parties of 4 or more, very loud with just 20 or so people in restaurant. Nice neigborhood spot, but with so many great italian restaurants nothing makes this place stand out."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2010
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"We were absolutely blown away with how amazing and outstanding the food here is! EVERY bite was incredible and beyond delicious! This is probably one of the best Italian restaurants I have EVER been too! And I am part Italian and my boyfriend is 100% Italian, and we LOVE our Italian food! This was like walking into Italy itself! Now I don't speak Italian, wish I did, so I can't even remember the Italian names of the food, but we had an appetizer with beans and sausage in a tomato broth that was incredible. Perhaps the best sausage we have ever eaten! Then the spinach and pear salad with pine nuts...incredible! For our entrees, my boyfriend had the linguine bolagnese and oh my lord! unbelievable taste! Simply the BEST!!!!"
Dined on 04/14/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Food was excellent. A little too loud for my taste but the manager came up to our table no fewer than three times to see how we were doing. If it was a little less loud it would've been five stars"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2006
Special Features: notable wine list, hot spot
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"Most delicious pasta outside of Italy. We all cleaned our plates. Small, intimate, but can get noisy. The service was impeccable. Our waiter took extra measures to ensure I had a dairy free meal. The host offered a glass of wine next door when our table wasn't ready. We are already looking forward to our return visit."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"The Baccala was delicious, fish was perfect and the gravy was awesome. The pasta with bolognese couldn't have been any better. The homemade noodles were done just right and the meats in the sauce were full of flavor. The staff was very friendly. Highly recommend ."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Nando Milano Trattoria, was wonderful, from the hostess all the way through to the meal. I have never been to Italy, but I would imagine the restraunts would be just like this. All of there food was excellent! There pasta's are all handrolled and fresh for you, there selections of meat are home graised and organic, there sauces superb and euthentic. It was wonderful the food was delicious and very fullfilling. I didnt try the wine or cocktails, but there was a great list of wine and cocktails sure to please. Although its small its the perfect spot for a date that will be sure to impresss and its a great spot for a few close friends."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2012
Special Features: kid-friendly, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"As charming a spot that I've dined at in a while. Luca, the server, was out of a romantic comedy, as was the owner who visited our table. A definite keeper for the future."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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"After reading reviews and it being recommended, I was very disappointed. Our polipo calamari appetizer was extremely tough and tasteless. The waiter asked how is it and told him; his reply: "thank you". The caprese salad was OK- for $16 it should be very good.Our main course linguini portofino was fair. Maybe we ordered the wrong items but something should have been good."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2004
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"I love Nando Milano. They have a great outdoor space in the summer and a cozy, romantic indoor space as well. Dario and Alessio are gems, they will make you feel like you're dining in Italy. I love Nando Milano, and I'm picky with my Italian cuisine. Go there!"
Dined on 02/20/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"We went to Nando Milano for a birthday dinner - 18 people, family style sharing and paired wines. We went back on a Wednesday night for new menu additions. The staff, owern and chefs proved they can produce exceptional food every night of the week - not just special occasions! "Suberb!" my foodie friend said; "Wow, this is amazing and light - and do you know how challenging that is to make right? I want more!" said another friend. We'll be back!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Another great evening at Nando Milano. We had the crab cakes, orange salad, beet ravioli, and pasta/sausage dish. All of it was very very delicious and fresh. We received great wine recommendations. The food here is not typical American-style Italian (in huge portions and soaked in tons of sauce). The food was delicate and sauced perfectly. We didn't get dessert but I will have to try next time. This is a hidden gem. I am excited that it came to my neighborhood."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"I went with my husband for Valentine's Day. It was a very romantic spot, candelight on every table. The owner was very gracious and attentive, and every woman got a rose on their departure. The Veal medallions were scrumptious, and loved the rice balls! :) I'd go back and soon!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Maybe it was an off night for kitchen but none of us in our party of 5 was too impressed. Mushroom appetizer was drowning in a red sauce surrounded by extra chewy calamari. Grilled calamari appetizer also extremely chewy. We didn't finish either dish. Of the entrees, the risotto was solid but the brown sauce that accompanied the veal scallopine and mashed potatoes, as well as the veal ravioli, seemed like it was made using a store bought gravy packet! Both wines we had were reasonably priced and good. But overall, we were disappointed and would not return."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2008
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"Fabulous food! The gnocchi Della nonna was amazing! The only compliant is a minor one, where they must have been having lighting issues because the lights kept going lighter then darker. Otherwise service was so friendly and attentive."
Dined on 02/07/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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"Daria is great. Friendly and inquisitive about your meal. Wants you to enjoy the food & experience which we did. Our waiter seemed very timid or tired. Never smiled, and I had to prompt him about the restaurant week menu and if they had any specials which he had trouble remembering. The R. Week menu was no deal, which you would think it would be. Less money and coax you try some of the things they are known for. But it acutally came out higher and doesn't mention a free limoncello unless you ask. Took us a long time to figure it and when comparing reg. menu prices which were better so we did that. Food was good, but not exceptional. Topo Gigio is better. The crab ravioli, but drowned in sauce, spinach salad garlicky and calamari oily."
Dined on 02/06/2013
2004
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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"Great Italian food, not your typical dishes that you have had a million times. The owner is at the location and oversees everything. While you eat its hard not to notice how well run everything is, which is due to the owner makeing sure things are perfect. If you go try the TRIS DI ARANCINI DI RISO and the RAVIOLI DI VITELLO AI FUNGHI."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"Great food. Unbelievable service. Happening small space...you get a bit jostled but it's worth it. Burratta was a tad too cold...only mild complaint. Can't wait to go back."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"Overall just OK, unfortunately. Great ambiance, very cute restaurant. We had an 8:30 reservation, they seated us after 9 pm after we noticed they seated other people that came in after us. They seemed to not be sure of the reservation flow/process. The food was good. Deserts were not great. Given the competitive Chicago restaurants not sure I would recommend or return."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2008
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"Went to Nando Milano for an anniversary dinner. Our server said he was direct from the old country -- came to the US from Milano 9 months ago. Still working on his English. Slightly pricier, but the food is a solid level above what you find at most Italian restaurants, including at some great restaurants in Little Italy. Recommend!"
Dined on 01/21/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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