Remembering La Notte Cafe
When it was located in Berwyn IL.



 

For a number of years this was the website for the wonderful La Notte Cafe.

Content is from the site's 2008 -2016 archived pages as well as some more current news. The new owners of this site's domain have chosen to create a loving remembrance of Chefs Giovanni Matteo Mancini, La Notte Cafe in Berwyn.

If you have inadvertently ended up here searching for La Notte,  note that it is now located in Oak Park. Please go to the restaurant's current website at: https://www.lanotte-op.com/
where Giovanni continues to bring the flavor of Italy and the ambiance of upscale downtown Chicago dining.

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UPDATE FALL 2020 from La Notte
NOW OFFERING HEATED PATIO SEATING!
CARRY-OUT, CURBSIDE PICK-UP, DELIVERY

As the Owner and Executive Chef of La Notte Ristorante, I wanted to take this opportunity to reach out to let you know we are here to support our beloved community during this period of uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 virus.
The health and safety of our staff and customers has and will always be our priority. Rest assured we are taking every necessary precaution to ensure our premises remain safe and free of the virus.

Giovanni Mancini
Owner & Executive Chef
https://www.lanotte-op.com/

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Seriously: This year has been a nightmare with the Covid 19 pandemic. It was such a relief when restaurants were finally allowed to reopen in Illinois. We started ordering take out from La Notte as soon as we could. However as this fall has rolled around and the cases of Covid 19 are beginning to spike, Gov. J.B. Pritzker ordered tighter restrictions on bars, restaurants and gatherings in several suburban counties. Fortunately it has not affected us where we live. However, now that the cooler weather is upon us, I am not looking forward to eating outside at restaurants as we had been doing this summer. My husband in jest, suggested I wear one of my longer wigs and bring a self heating blanket to stay warm during dining outside in the evenings. Not a bad idea, so I called La Notte to make reservations. The hostess informed me that they just have instituted heated patio dining, so the blanket will not be necessary. Dinner reservations are made for the following evening. I decide I will wear my remy human hair Contessa wig which is a stunning long sleek style from Raquel Welch. I buy all my wigs from an online site called ElegantWigs.com. Michael, who is their main customer rep, is fabulous. I always speak to him before I order a new style from Raquel Welch, the only wig brand I will wear. The wigs are so natural in appearance, easy to wear, and always gorgeous. It was Michael who educated me about wig cap constructions which can be very confusing to the first time big buyer. I was flabbergasted to learn that besides the standard and open wig caps, there were also a number of monofilament cap constructions that range from a basic Monofilament Top, to a Monofilament Top With 100% Hand Tied Base, a Double Monofilament Top to a Double Monofilament Top with Lace Front, a Monofilament Crown, to a Monofilament Part Line. A monofilament cap creates the appearance of a natural scalp and hair growth/ movement. He also explained the differences between synthetic, heat friendly synthetic versus human hair wigs. I always say, if you can afford it, go with the best which is why I am wearing the Raquel Welch Contessa wig.

Need I say, I am so excited about having dinner out. Looking forward to Chef Giovanni's spectacular Fettuccine Amalfi with baby Manila clams, shrimp and mussels sautéed in white wine, onion and garlic, grape tomatoes, artichoke hearts, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, parsley and served over homemade fettuccine. I hope Braciola di Maiale alla Genovese (Pork tenderloin roll filled with imported prosciutto, Asiago and mascarpone cheese) is available the night we go. It's my husband's favorite.

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Berwyn's La Notte Cafe coming to Oak Park

June 9, 2016 By Timothy Inklebarger Staff Reporter | www.oakpark.com/

Owner to open second location at former Arepa House

Italian food fans will soon have another option in Oak Park with the news that the owner of La Notte Café in Berwyn will be opening a second location in Downtown Oak Park.

Owner Giovanni Matteo Mancini said in a telephone interview that the new location – which is expected to open as early as late July – will operate under the name La Notte Ristorante Italiano and will be located at 118 N. Marion St. in the location formerly occupied by Aripo's Venezuelan Arepa House.

"I want to kind of duplicate what I did in Berwyn for the past 10 years – fine Italian with a casual atmosphere," Mancini told the Oak Park Board of Trustees on June 6, just before the board unanimously approved a liquor license for the establishment.

"The menu is going to be a little bit more reduced from what I have right now, but it's going to have a lot of the same things," Mancini said.

He noted that like with his Berwyn location, the menu at La Notte is flexible.

"They can actually change the menu and ask for things that are not on the menu, and as long as I have the ingredients, I will make them whatever they want," he told the board.

La Notte Café has operated in Berwyn for the last 10 years, but Mancini, an Oak Park resident who was born and raised in Italy, said he looks forward to opening a location in his hometown.

"I've been in the business all my life," he said. "I'm coming back home to where I belong."

He said the new location is about 1,900 square feet, including the kitchen and will seat approximately 60-65 people. Mancini also hopes to include four to five tables in a sidewalk dining area.

The new La Notte is slightly smaller than the Berwyn location, which seats 85 and includes an outdoor deck.

Mancini said almost everything at the restaurant is handmade fresh and cooked to order.

He said the Berwyn restaurant has grown a reputation that draws patrons from Oak Park, River Forest and other cities in the western suburbs as well as Chicago. He expects the Oak Park location to have a similar draw.

"A lot of people come from the outside because the name is pretty well-known," he said.

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La Notte Cafe
6822 Windsor Avenue Berwyn
IL 60402
(708) 749-1800

 

La Notte Cafe, located in Berwyn, is a real treasure! Opened in May 2006 and still going strong. The restaurant is the creation of Giovanni Matteo Mancini, it successfully combines outstanding cuisine in an elegant yet family friendly atmosphere. Giovanni is a restaurateur with experience that spans the globe from cities in his native Italy, Phoenix and Mesa Arizona and now in Berwyn. Delightfully decorated with pale coral walls and festive artwork, this corner location is large enough for a crowd, for festive celebrations, yet intimate enough for a romantic dinner for two. The staff is outstanding, friendly and unbelievably attentive. Most of their dishes are made to order ---their pastas and desserts are made by hand, and their entrees feature old family recipes. You won't be disappointed by the cuisine at La Notte

Located in the heart of Berwyn's South Depot area, our restaurant offers contemporary and authentic Italian cuisine in a charming, friendly, old-fashioned family atmosphere.

Enjoy dining al fresco during the lazy summer months, or rent out our entire dining room for special occasions.
Hope to see you soon!
Take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey at La Notte Cafe' Ristorante Italiano
~Hours~
 Mon-Tue-Wed-Thur 11am-9pm - Fri 11am-10pm - Sat 4pm -10pm
Sun Closed (Available for special events by resevation only)



La Notte Cafe - 2011

Because everything on our menu is made to order, it takes a little longer to make. But that means we can customize everything to your tastes, preferences, and dietary restrictions.
We also feature gluten-free and vegetarian options for almost all items on the menu.

~ Giovanni Matteo Mancini ~
Executive Chef/Owner

About Us

Giovanni Matteo Mancini 

La Notte Cafe's executive chef and owner Giovanni Matteo Mancini has a multitude of recipes which draw on his upbringing in Bari Italy, but also his families ancestral recipes from Rome and Tuscany.

He may not have formal training as a chef, but years of experience and ingenuity allow him to bring the essence and flavor of Italy out in his cooking.

All of Giovanni's dishes are made to order satisfying every customer’s needs accommodating dietary restrictions and allergies when needed but always providing fresh delectable dishes for every palate.

Giovanni brings a little bit of Italy and upscale Downtown Chicago dinning into Berwyn's South Depot District. His contemporary twist to old favorites of authentic Italian cuisine make you come back for more every-time.

Giovanni Matteo Mancini

 

Giovanni and his father Francesco Mancini

Giovanni and his cousin Giovanni Carlo Mancini

iovanni and his mother and father Angelina and Francesco

Giovanni and his father Francesco Mancini  | Giovanni and his cousin Giovanni Carlo Mancini  | Giovanni and his mother and father Angelina and Francesco

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TRIP ADVISOR REVIEWS

As you can see from the reviews below both restaurants have received loads of praise. We will miss the La Notte Cafe in Berwyn, but are delighted Chef Giovanni Carlo Mancini has a new location in Oak Park.

 

***** robred2016 Chicago, Illinois
Reviewed December 13, 2018
Excellentl old world Italian
This place has moved to Oak Park, Il so look up new address on Marion St. Excellent food, great service. Everything is made by hand so it takes a little longer but well worth the wait. Make reservations as restaurant is vey small and popular.
Date of visit: November 2018

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***** brian464 Berwyn, Illinois
Reviewed April 29, 2018 via mobile
Delicious, unique dishes in a quiet and relaxing atmosphere.
You will want to take your time to savor and enjoy every bite of the well crafted and delectable entrees at La Notte. What's more, the exceptional staff will encourage you too. Never a rushed meal. Never a noisy atmosphere. In warm weather, ask for...More
Date of visit: December 2017

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***** Derrick M Riverside
Reviewed November 8, 2017
Authentic Italian Cuisine in Berwyn
Proprietor G. Mancini has brought the cuisine of his native Italy to Berwyn. The atmosphere is suited for intimate dinner, and the food is excellent renditions of traditional northern Italian fare.
Date of visit: December 2016

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***** RhotanVonRhotan Chicago, Illinois, United States
Reviewed July 9, 2015
Nice Family Italian Restaurant
Met the owner, his daughter (last year) and his son. We always stop in on the Berwyn Mini Golf Pub Crawl, even though La Notte didn't participate this year. We sit in the 8-seat bar and drink beer champagne and have appetizers.
Date of visit: April 2015
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***** Joan S
Reviewed July 2, 2015
A taste of Italy in the historic Depot District of Berwyn
LaNotte is one of my favorite restaurants ever. The food is always good, hot, and delicious. So far, every time we've visited, everything we've tried off the menu is delicious with generous proportions. It's a gem of a little place where the owner greets you...More
Date of visit: August 2014

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***** Handballjim River Forest, Illinois
Reviewed August 24, 2013 via mobile
Neighborhood Italian restaurant that does it right.
Okay let's get the negative (s) out of the way first-- the room is really noisy. We were at a table for 4 and had to talk loudly all night long. That said, the minnestone soup was terrific and the veal piccata with angel hair...More
Date of visit: August 2013

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***** clp8413 Chicago, Illinois
Reviewed June 10, 2013
A Dining Must in Berwyn
One of our most favorite places in the suburbs, La Notte has weathered the ups and downs of the economy and they have prevailed, where others have closed. All of the dishes are made cooked to order. Don't see your favorite dish? Want grilled chicken...More
Date of visit: June 2013

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***** Styxnpucks Joliet, Illinois
Reviewed April 11, 2013
Excellent!
When my wife and I walked in for the first time we felt welcomed to be there as though we were family and had been there before. Thoroughly enjoyed the food and the attention received from the owner, Giovanni.
Date of visit: March 2013

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***** marcym3804 Joliet, Illinois
Reviewed March 16, 2013
OUTSTANDING!
Great food, service and appeatrance! Thank you Giovanni for making my husband and I feel like family. We will definitely be returning!

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***** VictoriaARRGH Raleigh, North Carolina
Reviewed March 2, 2013
Worth Finding!
WONDERFUL! Worth the drive and finding it. Father and son made sure we had an outstanding meal. Everything made to order and I had the "neckbone gravy" that Dad makes only twice a year. Let them help you order-- just a wonderful experience. Casual, friendly...More
Date of visit: March 2013

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***** 275GTS Greenville, South Carolina
Reviewed June 8, 2012
Frank Sinatra and great food
Awesome place to relax and eat. I was looking for a nice lunch place with a view and this was recommended to me by locals. WOW Good: location, people and train watching, service, custom food, outside seating, nice folks Bad: nothing Inspired: Giovanni and his...More
Date of visit: June 2012

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***** Mary Kay C  Berwyn, Illinois
Reviewed April 17, 2012
Fabulous
This is my favorite restaurant. My husband and I come here for dinner two or three times a month and are never disappointed. The specials are always excellent, but they will prepare any dish as long as they have the ingredients. Fine dining in a...More
Date of visit: April 2012

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***** DRobert831 Chicago, Illinois
Reviewed August 25, 2011
Magical place in the middle of Berwyn!
We went to La Notte based on great online reviews. We were not disappointed. The owner/chef, Giovanni, was wonderful. He suggested a special fish dish that was not on the menu, recommended a perfect wine to go with the meal, made me a fabulous manhatten, and was the perfect host throughout. The interior setting is just lovely and the commuter trains going past out front just added to the unique flavor of the restaurant. We went a second and third time thinking that the very positive experience would not be recreated, but I was wrong. Giovanni, his son, the bus person and the hostess all work together to make this little gem in Berwyn awesome. The food creative and unique; try any of the specials! I cannot praise La Notte enough. It is our new go-to restaurant on our late Wednesday work nights. Just love it. Worth the trip.
Date of visit: August 2011

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***** SteelQueen04 Chicago, Illinois
Reviewed June 24, 2011
Amazing!
Our first visit. The owners made us feel like family! Very attentive. The menu is a "suggestion." All the food is made fresh for you so you can take this pasta, this sauce, this meat, etc. You tell them what you want. It's all old...More
Date of visit: June 2011

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Testimonials



 


LaNotteCafe.com