Convito Cafe & Market

Category:	European Restaurant
Address:	1515 Sheridan Rd #5, Wilmette, IL 60091, USA
Phone:	+1 847-251-3654
Site:	convitocafeandmarket.com
Rating:	3.9
Working:	10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–10PM 10AM–10PM 10AM–9PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 8

Stephanie

I want to start this review off by saying that I never usually write reviews on restaurants, but I could not pass up the opportunity to write about this one. We stopped in Convitos as a last resort, as other restaurants around the area were jam packed. We called ahead and made sure my party of three would have a decent table. When we got there we were immediately greeted by crying babies and the small cramped placement of the tables. We immediately got to our reserved table and waited 15 minutes to get water. So we had a lot of time to look around, the place was nicely decorated with italian artwork and gave a cozy vibe to the restaurant. However, we immediately noticed that the table was very flimsy. The table top was literally a piece of cork that was unsupported on a stand...Needless to say the table wobbled all around. The menus were another disappointment, I was very surprised by the quality of them. They were printed on a plain piece of paper, and was not in any type of holding. Which was very surprising because the price of the food did not match the quality of the restaurant. Now onto service, it took 15 minutes to get water and another 10 to get our ordered down. We told him our order and also a request for butter and cheese for our bread which took an unreasonable amount of time to get there. We noticed how packed the place was and saw our waiter run to table to table, when we tried to wave him down he blatantly looked at us then went onto another table. It was obvious that he payed more attention to the tables that were buying wine and had larger tickets then us. When it finally came down to getting our food, (45 minutes later) I took a few bites of the multi-grain penne pasta and did not liked it. I had to flag down our waiter a few times after being ignored to take it back. He asked me if there was anything wrong with it, and I simply told him I didnt like it and that I would like another dish instead. He seemed like he understood and took the dish away. Then the manager came to our table and started integrating me about the dish, I told her that there was nothing wrong with it I just didnt like it. Then she confusingly explained her policy which meant that if you sent a dish back, you wouldnt get reimburse for it. I was not clear on that as she kept telling me I could take the dish home. I relentlessly said yes, because she kept asking me. I was not aware that I would have to pay for that dish along with the dish I requested. After we finished our meal and payed the check, which was one hundred and five dollars with tip for three people (no drinks, no dessert, no appetizer and one glass of wine). The manager came up to our table and asked us if everything was ok, my mother then expressed how dissatisfied she was with the restaurant, the service, and most of all the policy. Most places take food back if you dont like it, Convitos isnt a fancy italian restaurant...They dont even have real tables and menus. The manager then started arguing with my mother and after my mother said her peace the manager offered to discount the bill. Which was pretty much a slap in the face, because she offered it after my mother paid for the bill. She only offered it to end the conversation. My mother refused it and said that she was going to leave, the manager at that time did not back down. She kept telling her the policy over and over again and would not listen to what she had to say. Overall this was not a good experience, I would not recommend the food for the price or the portion. You get a bigger portion at Olive garden for HALF the price...And better service at that.

Meghan christine

My friend and I have enjoyed dining at Convito for many years. The last couple of times that we have visited Convito, we have felt unwelcomed. Last night we enjoyed a wonderful meal, but the wait staff was anything but friendly. Our water was "set" down on our table in the same fashion as a dead fish would be slapped down on a meat counter. This would be the last time that our water glasses were touched. Our bread was tossed onto our table in the same way. No smile, no greeting and certainly no eye contact. This treatment definitely came from the male waiters. Our waitress was very kind and actually saved me from begging my friend to go elsewhere for dinner...perhaps Olive Garden?? We tip well and are VERY low maintenance, so I am extremely confused as to why the waiters need to be so....... snobby??? If I want this kind of treatment Ill eat at Ed Debevics where it is actually funny. The food was good, but I dont care to ever go back.

Ian Firestone

Ive only ever been during lunch time, and if you get there before 12 youll have no trouble getting a table. It does fill up, mostly with septuagenarians, but the service does not suffer. The food is good and their special, the "Trio" of cold salads and mixes is quite good and changes regularly. Their beginners and entrees are always satisfying and the soups are nice on a cold day. The market portion has great, high-quality items but at a premium. I generally only try to buy their house-made raviolis even though they, too, are expensive, as anything else can mostly be gotten elsewhere for less. Worth a visit to see the charming, italian-style shop and have a nice meal.

Heather Schonberg

Had not been back in awhile after a few unmemorable meals, but glad we gave it another shot. Our dinner was fantastic tonight! Great bread, drinks, service, portions and atmosphere. The pasta special with brisket was absolutely delicious. The muscles were so fresh and tasty in a not-too-garlicy sauce that we loved so much, we sopped up with foccacia, not leaving a drop behind. Also loved the lemoncello on the rocks and strawberry mojito, and, of course, the Betise salad!

Patricia Lane

First visit, and food was delightful. White bean soup just right, tarragon chicken very tasty. Waiter was attentive to our group and we were served promptly. When ordering, note that portions are on the large side, justifying the price. My only hesitation was the noise level hindering conversation, but that may vary in different parts of the room as well as with how crowded the place gets. Definitely will consider a return trip if I am in the area.

Bill lamb

My wife and I stopped here on a beautiful sunny Sunday. The atmosphere was very nice, the food was good. The service was terrible! No butter for the bread, no salt/pepper on the table. The waitress was not seen but twice. One young couple with two children waited and no one ever bothered to wait on them. If you are on the north shore and want lunch, keep driving!

Nicholas Rumas

The food is not that bad, but its not that good either. Overpriced and annoyingly uppity. The kind of place that pretends to be far higher class than it really is. Could have fit the entire order of so-so fried calamari in the palm of my hand -- that kind of speaks to the entire experience. Entrees were pretty good.

Julie Berg

Weak drinks and adequate service. Went there for parents anniversary and no acknowledgement of the celebration. Size of wine pour us extremely small. Food was okay.