I was very excited about celebrating my birthday here with husband in April 2021. I am also Italian American I might add. Businesses just opening up after pandemic. Wanted a nice romantic meal outside. Italian owner (?) kept running outside back and forth and talking loudly on cell phone. We wanted a nice quiet meal but were disturbed by his actions. Bothered husband more than me. I guess he was watching us so that we would not walk out on expensive meal. Also outdoor heater did not have propane which he blamed on Junction City. This would be my last birthday celebration with Joe as he passed in September 2021. Have been to some good Italian restaurants in Chicago and beyond (not to mention my Nonna's as child). Hello Is this restaurant still open?
Rachel Banaszewski
Overall nice restaurant but not worth the price. The food was really good but the portions were rather small. Salmon was cooked perfectly. It’s a nice small restaurant and you can tell they make each order just for you, made in house, but know it will take time. The music was rather loud and even had some man talking which was rather distracting while trying to hold a conversation. Later the music was completely off and you could hear everyone’s conversation. Overall nice meal but not planning on visiting again.
John W.
First time going to Vero so this is our first impression on the quest for a very good authentic Italian restaurant. Unfortunately Vero did not hit the mark. First of all when an Italian restaurant puts butter on the table and grocery store bread it's the first strike against them. Where is the olive oil and good Italian bread? We ordered two appetizers fried calamari and rice balls. First the rice balls basically had no rice in them, was mostly mozzarella.. they should actually call them some type of mozzarella ball. The fried calamari, which the waitress said was home made, had no tentacles. Only parts of the squid body .. where is the rest of the squid? The two entrées we had were chicken Parm and Fra-Diavolo pasta with shrimp and scallops. I'll first start with the Fra-Diavolo dish. I think there were only two shrimp in the dish and as far as the scallops they had filleted them into thin slices like the size of a quarter. Why would you fillet a scallop when the whole idea of a sea scallop is to be plump and moist. Maybe they did it to make you think you were getting more scallops. I'd rather have one good scallop than four pieces that were not good. The fettuccine noodles in the dish to me were not homemade noodles. Disappointing since I think they claim to make their own pasta. When my wife ordered the chicken Parm the waitress asked if she would like a salad, said yes. We waited for the salad (thought it was a side dish). Then the entrées came and her chicken Parm came with the chicken and salad plopped on the side of it. Could be our mistake but she thought that it automatically came with pasta. Usually when the waitress is giving you a choice she will say would you like pasta or a salad. Since the waitress only said would you like a salad we thought the dish came with pasta. The chicken was tough dry and had almost no sauce on it. We we're really hoping to like this place but unfortunately our first impression was not good.. and at their price level. the quality is not there. I see some good reviews so give it a try if you want. I guess we will keep on searching for a good authentic Italian restaurant.
Sheri C.
The food wasn't good. I'm pretty sure my panchetta was burnt and the sauce was watery. Fettuccine had no flavor dry sauce.
Elisabeth Lectka
Awesome local restaurant. Fresh pasta, classic and creative dishes, friendly service. Get the dessert. It is absolutely worth it!
fnu LNU
Great food. I had the truffle pasta and if you like mushroooms, this was wonderful. My partner had alfredo. Both of us agree it's very close to real italian food i.e not frowning in sauce. 3 stars only because service was slow - alomist 1 hour
Eric and Jennifer Miller
Great authentic Italian food! From the appetizers to our scallops everything was amazing. We will be returning. The pretzel with our charcuterie board was the best ?
Kari B.
Great food and great service!! My husband had the chicken parm and I opted for the chicken salad, it was so good and our waitress was incredibly nice and quick! we will definitely be coming back!
Richard Serrano
Right from the get go atmosphere was a 10/10. We got the jalapeño whiskey cocktail, again 10/10. For our appetizer we got the HUGE pretzel charcuterie board.. you guessed it, 10/10. Complementary bread with the sweet but flavorful garlic butter, 10/10. For our entrees we had the pesto a la pasta with shrimp and the penne la vodka, 10/10!!!! Portions were perfect size and the flavor, chefs kiss. We had sides of asparagus and risotto, 10/10!! We topped her off with the tiramisu, 9/10. Only wished there were a little more espresso tang in it but you best believe we finished quick! Service was awesome, company was awesome, and will definitely be going back. Cheers!
Kathy F
Went with another couple on the recommendation of yet another couple. Dined inside because weather was threatening and extremely hot. Restaurant is narrow but wisely arranged with tables placed such that one set of diners are seated on a cushioned bench along the wall with their companion diners in chairs facing a beautifully papered wall with spaced large, round mirrors. We were fortunate to get the one table closest to the window. Our server Trinity was fast, friendly, and attentive. She was serving tables and also mixing bar drinks, but she did it all without seeming frazzled or rushed. All four of us had different dishes: Pasta Alla Toto (my entree: delicious!) -- Spaghetti & Meatballs -- Totoletta Alla Milanese (which I tasted and to which I am treating myself next time) -- Swordfish. The side salad and green leaf orzo salad were both tasty as well. Everyone was happy to delighted with their food. We shared a Zeppole and Flourless Italian Torte for desserts, both of which were delicious. I recommend the torte, which was accompanied by drizzled ice cream scoops. Portions are welcomingly moderate vs. the midwestern tendency toward large plates of mediocre food. Prices are typical for fine dining. One possible improvement: the bread. We received as many bread refills as we wanted, but we would have preferred larger pieces of crusty, substantial Italian. I'm looking forward to returning to this white tablecloth restaurant and hope others will try it too!
My wife and I Went to Vero’s for lunch today. The server (Meghan) was very helpful and the food was excellent. We will be back
Kevin N.
It was okay. Service was fine. Music was too loud. Dark inside. Food was okay but frankly overpriced. Avantis is better. Won't be back.
Dianne Applegren
Very dissatisfied. We were served food that was lukewarm, the portions were extremely small, our water glasses were never filled, and both my husband’s and my food was tasteless.
Stella Khazzam
If you’re out to dinner and you’re not at Vero, you’re at the wrong restaurant. The food here is so delicious, we order to eat and take some bolognese home for later! This is authentic Italian in a quaint and romantic atmosphere made even more hip with modern Italian music. How amazing to be able to have a taste of Italy in the heart of Illinois. Great food and service, outstanding team, and all around a delicious experience - thanks Vero!
Wash Your Hands
Went with some friends expecting a pretty upscale experience for the price point. Food was alright, service was a bit slow, the place was nice enough, the wine was vastly overpriced, portions were small and overpriced. Can't say I'll be going back but it was pretty good food.I will say we tried to set a reservation for 6:30, told 7:45 at the earliest and arrived to find a mostly empty restaurant. Not sure what happened there?
I was very excited about celebrating my birthday here with husband in April 2021. I am also Italian American I might add. Businesses just opening up after pandemic. Wanted a nice romantic meal outside. Italian owner (?) kept running outside back and forth and talking loudly on cell phone. We wanted a nice quiet meal but were disturbed by his actions. Bothered husband more than me. I guess he was watching us so that we would not walk out on expensive meal. Also outdoor heater did not have propane which he blamed on Junction City. This would be my last birthday celebration with Joe as he passed in September 2021. Have been to some good Italian restaurants in Chicago and beyond (not to mention my Nonna's as child). Hello Is this restaurant still open?
Overall nice restaurant but not worth the price. The food was really good but the portions were rather small. Salmon was cooked perfectly. It’s a nice small restaurant and you can tell they make each order just for you, made in house, but know it will take time. The music was rather loud and even had some man talking which was rather distracting while trying to hold a conversation. Later the music was completely off and you could hear everyone’s conversation. Overall nice meal but not planning on visiting again.
First time going to Vero so this is our first impression on the quest for a very good authentic Italian restaurant. Unfortunately Vero did not hit the mark. First of all when an Italian restaurant puts butter on the table and grocery store bread it's the first strike against them. Where is the olive oil and good Italian bread? We ordered two appetizers fried calamari and rice balls. First the rice balls basically had no rice in them, was mostly mozzarella.. they should actually call them some type of mozzarella ball. The fried calamari, which the waitress said was home made, had no tentacles. Only parts of the squid body .. where is the rest of the squid? The two entrées we had were chicken Parm and Fra-Diavolo pasta with shrimp and scallops. I'll first start with the Fra-Diavolo dish. I think there were only two shrimp in the dish and as far as the scallops they had filleted them into thin slices like the size of a quarter. Why would you fillet a scallop when the whole idea of a sea scallop is to be plump and moist. Maybe they did it to make you think you were getting more scallops. I'd rather have one good scallop than four pieces that were not good. The fettuccine noodles in the dish to me were not homemade noodles. Disappointing since I think they claim to make their own pasta. When my wife ordered the chicken Parm the waitress asked if she would like a salad, said yes. We waited for the salad (thought it was a side dish). Then the entrées came and her chicken Parm came with the chicken and salad plopped on the side of it. Could be our mistake but she thought that it automatically came with pasta. Usually when the waitress is giving you a choice she will say would you like pasta or a salad. Since the waitress only said would you like a salad we thought the dish came with pasta. The chicken was tough dry and had almost no sauce on it. We we're really hoping to like this place but unfortunately our first impression was not good.. and at their price level. the quality is not there. I see some good reviews so give it a try if you want. I guess we will keep on searching for a good authentic Italian restaurant.
The food wasn't good. I'm pretty sure my panchetta was burnt and the sauce was watery. Fettuccine had no flavor dry sauce.
Awesome local restaurant. Fresh pasta, classic and creative dishes, friendly service. Get the dessert. It is absolutely worth it!
Great food. I had the truffle pasta and if you like mushroooms, this was wonderful. My partner had alfredo. Both of us agree it's very close to real italian food i.e not frowning in sauce. 3 stars only because service was slow - alomist 1 hour
Great authentic Italian food! From the appetizers to our scallops everything was amazing. We will be returning. The pretzel with our charcuterie board was the best ?
Great food and great service!! My husband had the chicken parm and I opted for the chicken salad, it was so good and our waitress was incredibly nice and quick! we will definitely be coming back!
Right from the get go atmosphere was a 10/10. We got the jalapeño whiskey cocktail, again 10/10. For our appetizer we got the HUGE pretzel charcuterie board.. you guessed it, 10/10. Complementary bread with the sweet but flavorful garlic butter, 10/10. For our entrees we had the pesto a la pasta with shrimp and the penne la vodka, 10/10!!!! Portions were perfect size and the flavor, chefs kiss. We had sides of asparagus and risotto, 10/10!! We topped her off with the tiramisu, 9/10. Only wished there were a little more espresso tang in it but you best believe we finished quick! Service was awesome, company was awesome, and will definitely be going back. Cheers!
Went with another couple on the recommendation of yet another couple. Dined inside because weather was threatening and extremely hot. Restaurant is narrow but wisely arranged with tables placed such that one set of diners are seated on a cushioned bench along the wall with their companion diners in chairs facing a beautifully papered wall with spaced large, round mirrors. We were fortunate to get the one table closest to the window. Our server Trinity was fast, friendly, and attentive. She was serving tables and also mixing bar drinks, but she did it all without seeming frazzled or rushed. All four of us had different dishes: Pasta Alla Toto (my entree: delicious!) -- Spaghetti & Meatballs -- Totoletta Alla Milanese (which I tasted and to which I am treating myself next time) -- Swordfish. The side salad and green leaf orzo salad were both tasty as well. Everyone was happy to delighted with their food. We shared a Zeppole and Flourless Italian Torte for desserts, both of which were delicious. I recommend the torte, which was accompanied by drizzled ice cream scoops. Portions are welcomingly moderate vs. the midwestern tendency toward large plates of mediocre food. Prices are typical for fine dining. One possible improvement: the bread. We received as many bread refills as we wanted, but we would have preferred larger pieces of crusty, substantial Italian. I'm looking forward to returning to this white tablecloth restaurant and hope others will try it too!
Restaurantji Recommends
My wife and I Went to Vero’s for lunch today. The server (Meghan) was very helpful and the food was excellent. We will be back
It was okay. Service was fine. Music was too loud. Dark inside. Food was okay but frankly overpriced. Avantis is better. Won't be back.
Very dissatisfied. We were served food that was lukewarm, the portions were extremely small, our water glasses were never filled, and both my husband’s and my food was tasteless.
If you’re out to dinner and you’re not at Vero, you’re at the wrong restaurant. The food here is so delicious, we order to eat and take some bolognese home for later! This is authentic Italian in a quaint and romantic atmosphere made even more hip with modern Italian music. How amazing to be able to have a taste of Italy in the heart of Illinois. Great food and service, outstanding team, and all around a delicious experience - thanks Vero!
Went with some friends expecting a pretty upscale experience for the price point. Food was alright, service was a bit slow, the place was nice enough, the wine was vastly overpriced, portions were small and overpriced. Can't say I'll be going back but it was pretty good food.I will say we tried to set a reservation for 6:30, told 7:45 at the earliest and arrived to find a mostly empty restaurant. Not sure what happened there?