Elina's

Review summary

1. M

   M. Stanley

   Chicago

   3 reviews

   2.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 2

   We were excited to try this place, but unfortunately, it didn’t live up to the hype - especially given the price point and service. First, be aware of the 3% service charge that’s added to the bill. It's not disclosed anywhere on the menu, and it feels like a dated practice leftover from the pandemic. If you're someone who’s already tired of seeing extra charges tacked on, this may be a turn-off. Frankly, raising menu prices rather than adding a surprise “service charge” would feel more transparent. On to the seating: if you’re placed next to the window facing the sidewalk, be warned that a very bright outdoor light shines directly in your eyes at night. It’s hard to enjoy your meal when you’re constantly squinting - so definitely avoid that spot if you’re sensitive to light. When it comes to the food, portions are much larger than expected. The recommendation of “3-5 dishes” for two people is over the top—it could easily feed four. If you're looking to avoid waste or an overly stuffed stomach, definitely order judiciously. The Caesar salad was fine, but it didn’t impress—though it’s large enough to be a meal, the romaine was poorly prepped and had some tough, unappealing inner lettuce. The Rigatoni alla Vodka was the standout, with rich, creamy sauce and satisfying pasta. However, the Cherry Bomb Ribs didn’t live up to expectations - they were tougher than promised and lacked the tender, fall-off-the-bone texture we were hoping for. And the Eggplant Agrodolce was a major miss. It tasted overwhelmingly sweet and greasy, like a fried carnival funnel cake. We couldn’t finish it, and it was more of a novelty than a well-executed dish. Overall, this spot feels overrated for the price and quality of food. While it has some potential, it didn’t offer the level of dining experience we were hoping for. With so many better options around Chicago, we won’t be returning.
   

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2. S

   SYMONE

   Chicago

   3 reviews

   4.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 3

   Wonderful wonderful food. Always delicious- always yummy.
   

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3. E

   Emily

   Chicago

   1 review

   vip
   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Love Elina’s and have been often because the vibes, service, and food is top notch. Definitely a great date night. Intimate and cozy!
   

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4. K

   Katy

   Las Vegas

   1 review

   vip
   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Everything was 10/10 highly recommend !!! Food was sooooo good and reasonably priced too. Nicer spot but the food is worth it.
   

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5. C

   Carol

   Chicago

   17 reviews

   5.0

   17 reviews

   Dined on 16 November 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   Great place......Good place to go with 4 people and share food!
   

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6. R

   Robert

   Chicago

   10 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   10 reviews

   Dined on 14 November 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Alex at the bar was AMAZING as our waiter/bartender. He took the time to walk us through the menu, provide a few special treats for my wife who is allergic to tree nuts, and mushrooms... PLUS a vegetarian. The chicken parm was hammered thin, fried perfectly, and had an outstanding flavor to it. Broccoli was unique with the fish sauce, BUT so good My wife LOVED her pasta dish BUT, the star of the show was this fried mozzarella sandwich as a starter... MY GOD, delicious
   

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7. J

   Jessica

   Chicago

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on 11 November 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   One of the best meals I have had in a long time. Would go back over and over again.
   

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8. C

   Clayton

   Los Angeles

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 10 November 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Love this spot! Reminds me of a Chicago Carbone! I will be back
   

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9. F

   Freddie

   Chicago

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on 10 November 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   4 top booth is an excellent experience. See you again soon.
   

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10. D

    David

    Cincinnati

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 6 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5

    We had a great meal, and great service. I would ask the restaurant to consider reviewing their Bolognese. I think there’s opportunity to take it to the next level. The rest of the dishes we had were incredible. 
    

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