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Balena

(Now Closed)

Italian Restaurant$$$$

Lincoln Park, Chicago

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Balena

Has a stamp of approval from Eater and Time Out Chicago

64 Tips and reviews

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EaterAugust 30, 2016
Chef Chris Pandel shows off his rustic Italian side with a breakfast-y selection of dishes including scrambled egg bruschetta, crispy polenta hash with pork ragout and a porchetta sandwich. Read more
EaterMay 31, 2016
Dievole Le Due Arbie 2015 ($11). "It pairs great with all of Balena’s seasonal dishes like the rhubarb bruschetta, grilled asparagus and seafood specials,” says beverage director Keith Whitten. Read more
Cat GaoMay 10, 2014
The rigatoni with pork ragu and porcini mushrooms is amazing, as is the affogato. Easy to find free parking on Clybourn (near its intersection with Halsted) anytime outside of 4-6pm M-F.
TeresaApril 2, 2015
Absolutely delicious and the ambience is great. Skip the pizza and choose pasta (squid ink) and meaty mains (chicken breast was recently added back to the menu!) The tiramisu is to die for!!
Chicago TribuneAugust 1, 2014
Potato gnocchi with beef heart Bolognese: know that the heart, makes for a wonderfully robust, tangy, meat sauce that, spread across a gentle bed of gnocchi, adds up to a soul-warming winter dish. Read more
Kristin LukowskiJune 7, 2015
Extensive wine list; ask for recommendations. Food was delicious, served quickly and accommodated special diets with no hassle. Friendly waiter never rushed us even as we were the night's last diners.
EaterJanuary 28, 2013
Between the rustic Italian fare, heavenly desserts, and fantastic cocktail list, the partnership between the Bristol and Boka groups doesn't show any signs of slowing down. [Eater 38 Member]
Tasting TableJanuary 28, 2016
Still looking for that perfect place to celebrate your birthday? You found it. Balena’s charming wine cellar immediately transports you to Tuscany and the authentic Italian food will do the rest. Read more
BlackboardEatsSeptember 13, 2012
There are many reasons why Balena was named one of Bon Appetit's Top 50 Best New Restaurants, and their Farm Egg Tajarin is one of them. Topped with sage and brown butter, this pasta dish is perfect.
Leslie LulkaMay 31, 2015
Try the sardine.. Awesome... And any pizza, I tried the sausage/mozzarella one and was outstanding,, great balance between flavors...
Raed MansourJuly 14, 2015
Service is impeccable! Great wine selection and food had a rustic, traditional feel. Really enjoyed it but only minor complaint is that music is a little too loud for a restaurant.
Kevin DulinApril 19, 2015
Delicious pizza and pasta. I recommend the pistachio pesto pizza and the rigatoni with pork ragu! The strawberry No1 cocktail is also delicious.
Serious EatsDecember 2, 2013
It's hard to go wrong at this mega Italian joint in Lincoln Park. Both the pizza and pasta are top notch.
Mike GonzalezJune 15, 2013
Mushroom pizza was delicious! Excellent service great date night place! Small plates meant to be shared pastas were excellent specifically the pork shoulder pasta
Molly EJuly 5, 2015
The kale & lemon orecchiette is amazing. The grilled octopus with romesco stands out as well. Great spot for more inventive Italian.
KateFebruary 17, 2013
Upstairs is quieter spot to dine. Great wine list (bottle and by the glass). Mushroom pizza was amazing and make sure to save room for dessert.
Jessica ReynoldsApril 29, 2012
The Strawberry cocktail is a treat, more citrusy than sugary. Try the spicy salami pizza with the special hot sauce and the mini-donuts and vanilla gelato for dessert.
Veronica HMarch 30, 2013
Mortadella pizza with the pistachio pesto was amazing! And the pork ragu was surprisingly out of the box. Enjoy with a glass of barbera
Tasting TableMay 9, 2012
Make a beeline for the bitterness scale’s lone 10: the FIB. It’s a refreshing, botanical-heavy combination of Amaro dell’Erborista, Ransom gin, fresh grapefruit and basil: Read more
Redeye ChicagoAugust 3, 2014
Chris Pandel of Bucktown favorite The Bristol channels the simplicity of Italian cooking with roasted meats, wood-fired pizzas and homemade pastas. Read more
Erika DavisJanuary 15, 2016
I've been here for restaurant week 2015 for a date. Atmosphere is nice and friendly staff. Great choice for a romantic date.
OliviaOctober 31, 2016
Great place for a date! Great pasta. Love the space.
Tatiana F OMay 29, 2013
In my opinion the best dish is the nero spaguetti and for dessert ask for tiramissu. Very good an italian restaurant.
Meg BowesJune 1, 2012
Bread is amazing. Blueberry pie dessert, polenta, and mushroom pizza are very good. Overall, pastas and desserts are the high points
amandaApril 22, 2013
Been here 50+ times
mmmmust haves: 1) smoked mackerel with soft egg starter. 2) pork ragu rigatoni. 3) tagliolini with crab and sea urchin.
Eric MunnOctober 14, 2013
Start the night off with one of their amazing vermouths and order one of their outstanding pizzas
Ashley AckermanFebruary 28, 2013
The brown butter and sage pasta is one of the most flavorful and simple pastas I've ever tasted. Delicious.
Cristina DordasJuly 4, 2013
Lovely restaurant. Don't miss the tagliolini nero and the tiramisu. It is to die for!
Nick HorkOctober 12, 2013
If they still have it, the balena charcuterie board is a perfect mix for drinks and socializing.
ShariMay 6, 2013
Orichette, Hanger Steak, Canoli Sundae, & Mozzarella + Basil pizza with Chili sauce :-) :-)
s h .October 8, 2016
Peach coppetta nicely done - amaretto gelato and almond cake
David SmithJune 3, 2015
Delicious cocktails. Spaghetti Western and Strawberry.
Alex TomasikNovember 29, 2014
Tagliolini with sea urchin. Solid drinks. Pizza is good but rest of menu is great.
Damon SununtnasukMarch 12, 2017
There are two secret seats which overlook the kitchen at the bar.
Dane DeasyAugust 21, 2014
I don't think you can go wrong with anything on the menu.
Esther ShamieSeptember 21, 2014
Orechiette pasta 😍😍 lemony, creamy goodness topped with bread crumbs
Kamilah MOctober 29, 2012
Belly up to the bar and treat yourself to an unforgettable dinner! Every dish better then last.
Chicago magazineMay 1, 2012
We'd go back for the orecchiette alone. Breadcrumbs, kale, and lemon tuck. Yum.
Time Out ChicagoDecember 20, 2013
The tagliolini nero at Balena is one of the 100 best things we ate this year. http://tmout.us/rLOtk Read more
Scot WheelerSeptember 27, 2015
Their barstaff are brilliant with amaro, an Italian herbal liquer. Service was very nice. Food was a bit average.
Kenny HuntSeptember 16, 2013
Amazing!!! Tasty and inviting!
Madhu MalhotraMay 19, 2017
The lamb nest balls and carrot salad were good
PamJuly 24, 2014
The pork ragu rigatoni is delicious.
SaraFebruary 16, 2015
Everything is delicious and the staff are fantastic.
agirl&herfoodApril 29, 2012
The butterball potato and arugula pizza is so forking good!
Dave NathanJanuary 20, 2017
Been here 10+ times
Squid ink pasta (tagliolini nero)
CaraNovember 17, 2013
Ask for Linus....best waiter in the City!
Alan WeedApril 27, 2015
Brussel Sprout Pizza is the best
Matt BentonOctober 22, 2012
Been here 5+ times
Don't leave without getting the bread plate.
Leandro AraujoJuly 23, 2017
Gnocchi with pork... 👌🏻

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