Menu Photos
Related Web Results
Valentino’s – Pasta – Wine | Home
Valentino’s Pasta and Wine | Ottawa IL – Facebook
Valentino’s Pasta and Wine | Ottawa IL – Facebook
Reviews
The pasta is unbelievably fresh and genuinely changed the way I think about pasta… It completely raised my standards. The appetizer menu is just as good; we had the spinach artichoke dip and the calamari, and both were delicious and generously portioned, just like our entrées.
We sat at the bar, which turned out to be a wonderful experience. Our bartender (if I’m remembering correctly, her name was Bentley) was so kind, attentive, and welcoming. I really hope she gets to see this and knows how much my dad and I appreciated her excellent service. We’ll absolutely be back!
The bread board was fun and the bread was good, a nice way to start the meal.
I enjoyed the food very much, but I’m guessing this is more traditional Italian rather than Italian-American. The ricotta in the Eggplant Parmesan was a little heavy for my taste, and both my friend and I felt his noodles in the Pomodoro Basilico were slightly undercooked, though I’m fairly sure that’s how they’re meant to be served. Flavors were excellent. The garlicky marinara sauce in the Pomodoro was delicious. I’d love to try some other dishes.
I believe I noted 3 vegetarian options on the menu, which was nice.
I’ve seen other reviews mention that the acoustics or music can be too loud, but that wasn’t something I noticed at all.
I kind of wish the meals came with a small side salad with a house dressing before the meal, and that bread was served with the main course instead of only at the beginning. That said, I realize I’m probably more used to Italian-American restaurants, so what I’ve grown used to may not be what this restaurant is aiming for.
Overall, I had a great time. The food was delicious, and portions were excellent. It was a lot of fun, and I’ll definitely return.
Our table had a host of appetizers including the Meatball Ricotta, Shrimp Oreganata, Fried Provolone, and Calamari. The meatball was absolutely enormous (enough for four to share easily), and was very well balanced by the sauce and creamy ricotta it was served upon. My personal favorite was the calamari though, which was a combination of the rings and tentacles perfectly salted and fried until delightfully crispy. Don’f forget to dunk those in the sauce they provided!
For entrees, I tried a little bit of the dry aged pork chop (super smoky, immaculately tender, and subtly sweet), but the chicken piccata, was the star of the show for me. Refreshingly bright from the lemon, salty capers, and marinated artichokes, the dish was savory and refreshing when paired with the crispy fried potatoes. So good, and I think the best chicken piccata I’ve ever had!
The tiramisu and lemoncello cake were big hits at the table, but the creme brûlée was so simple yet perfectly sweet and smooth that it would definitely be my go-to choice next time. You truly cannot go wrong at this place, and would certainly make an excellent date or celebration location that I’d recommend in a heartbeat.
I will suggest you call ahead and make a reservation. Unless if you plan to go to the speakeasy upstairs, or sit at the bar (if any open seats) you will be standing in the doorway/guests area for a minute.
Everything was got was amazing. Definitely try the crispy potatoes, you won’t be disappointed. We got the meatball appetizer, it is one giant meatball and we all shared it. The fried cheese triangles were delicious. My chicken parm was so good and the sauce was spot on. The lasagna is a huge helping. Dessert was just as good. I got the cheesecake and couldn’t of been happier. I heard the tiramisu was very good but I was so fill I couldn’t have another bite. If you leave here hungry, you did something wrong can’t wait to go back and try something else.
As for valentinos, the service was exceptional! Atmosphere is a bit loud, but it’s not like its difficult to talk. Had 2 fantastic drinks at the bar and decided to for go our table and eat at the bar. The food, well I can tell you that you will not go home hungry! Hell I wont be hungry tomorrow there’s that much! Started out with the burrata and prosciutto. We devoured that quickly! After I had the giambotta and the flavors melded together beautifully! After that for dessert we split a cheesecake….and after we finished it we ordered 1 to go! Ya it’s that good! When we got the bill…..it cost me a little bit more than portillos!
I was extremely happy with everything about last night, I just wish I wasn’t an hour and a half away from this place.
On a more positive note, the food was excellent.