Taverna on Division

We visited the taverna in February and regretfully overlooked posting our review. I had eagerly anticipated dining at this establishment and was pleased with the experience. Although the outdoor patio was closed due to winter, the indoor ambiance was inviting. Our server was courteous and attentive.

We were a party of four, two adults and two children under 12. While the taverna exudes a sophisticated atmosphere, it remains welcoming for families. For starters, we had the bruschetta; although the children found the flavors unfamiliar, they greatly enjoyed their chicken alfredo. The portions were generous, allowing for leftovers.

I opted for the filet mignon accompanied by potatoes and broccoli. It was perfectly cooked, tender with a balanced pinkness. My husband chose the pork chops, which came with potatoes. The portion was unexpectedly generous, and he managed to finish it all.

We also sampled some wines. The Mionetto Prosecco was dry and not to my preference. Conversely, the Gemma Di Luna moscato offered a delightful blend of fresh and sweet flavors.

In summary, our experience was positive, and we look forward to returning, particularly to enjoy the outdoor patio when it reopens.

5 stars is not enough!

I hosted my daughters communion party at Taverna yesterday and it was beyond AMAZING.

My family and I enjoy dining at Taverna often because we know we are guaranteed a phenomenal meal. Any time I host an event, my #1 priority is great food. If you feed someone a great meal, they will always leave satisfied and will always remember your event. This is why I knew selecting Taverna was the right choice for such a special celebration.

My party was spectacular not just because the food was outstanding but because the party ran so well. Everything from start to finish was on point. Not one hiccup. The owners and staff at Taverna really have it down to a science and have perfected their craft both in taste and service.

Thank you all again for making such a memorable day just PERFECT.

First time coming in here and they definitely make you feel like family right away great atmosphere and amazing food the bartender Kim is terrific will definitely be back ❤❤

I give Taverna on Division 5 stars! The restaurant was cozy and festive. We especially liked the friendly atmosphere and the live music with a chance to do some dancing. We had a large group of 14 and the management was very accommodating and welcoming. With a group this size obviously we ordered many many entrees. And I can say that everything was served hot, and quickly, and our orders were all done correctly. Their food is authentic Italian and absolutely worth it. The service and the wait staff were very attentive to our needs and brought our drinks, appetizers and entrees correctly. We look forward to coming back and many more occasions! Highly recommended.

Taverna on Division St has quickly become one of the area’s top places to visit regularly. Although upscale it has managed to keep prices very reasonable. The fare is leaning towards primarily Mediterranean with an emphasis on authentic Italian items. Everything is quite impressive including the actual establishment. It really is a beautiful and classy place to experience on all levels. Try it once. You’ll be back.

Great neighborhood place! Love going here with friends and the staff is always friendly. Sadly the secret will get out so make sure you stop in soon!

Great food, great cocktails, wonderful staff and entertainment

This little spot is definitely a hidden gem! Amazing service, Mike is a true master of his craft and a great mixoligist and extremely attentive server. I never noticed him fill my water once and my glass was never empty. Its the little things that count especially with everything going on now a days.. So this is defiantly the place to go for great service and food. Fillet sliders are a must!

If I can give it a 20 star I would, the food, the service and the atmosphere was amazing and Spectacular! I will definitely come back here again! We got the lamb chops and one item specials which was the Ribeye with mashed potatoes and god it was definitely delicious I wish I didn’t get so full so fast. We got calamari as an app and that was very good and tasty as well. For desert we finished off with homemade tiramisu and the chef treated us with some homemade cannoli. I was truly amazed with the service we got, definitely worth all the money. This place is very nice and everyone is friendly and amazing makes you want to go back!

The food was amazing !!!!
The staff is great and on top of things , very friendly feels like home . We will be coming back !!!

Came here for mother's day and the food was good. Lots of food I say. It kinda busy so it's I understandable. The front of the restaurant your able to sit outside and it's open patio. It's best to make reservation because it is small inside when it's colder weather.

We had a great experience. The food was delicious and the service provided was amazing.

Went there 2/11. My sister's bday. Great food & service. Met the owners. Very personable. Got to talking "Melrose Park". Small world stories. Great server. We will be back for the Sunday dinner!! Please get N/A beer if possible...

One of the best Italian restaurants in Chicagoland. I know a statement like this can be overlooked as biased, jaded or just plain wrong to some. You may even say, "this guy doesn't get out much." You may be right, but all I can tell you is what I believe and speak to my experiences. For background, I grew up in Uptown Chicago, then as an adult lived in Elmwood Park, River Forest and Melrose Park. I've been to many, many Italian restaurants all over Chicago and burbs. I also travel the country for work, so my experience is pretty substantial.

Now, I'm not claiming to be an expert, but in my experience Taverna on Division can go up against most of the Italian restaurants around. The dining rooms and bar are well done. They have a full outdoor area for summer, a covered heated area that even works in winter and the restaurant and bar. The restaurant feels premium, but not pretentious. I love that. It has a new school feel with an old school atmosphere in a good way. The service is always great, no matter who is there. At a glance it looks like they don't have a ton of people in the front of the house at any given time, but it feels like they have more than it looks - teams taking care of you (if that makes sense). The location for me is greatsince I'm not too far, so it keeps coming up as my go to, but if you're not close, the food makes it worth the trip and should make this a destination for anyone. I have not had a bad meal here. I have never gotten bad service and something that I never thought would make a difference in the restaurant business, they make you feel appreciated for going. Great food, great atmosphere, great staff, great owners. Turning into my go to place. Check it out if you can. For what it's worth, I love it. Cheers!

I really look forward to coming back here again soon with my wife for a meal. Everything that came out of the kitchen looked tremendously delicious. It was a Saturday night, so there was LIVE music which is nice, which they also have on Fridays as well. The bartender, Michael, was very knowledgeable and my wife says the owner and his wife are really nice folks. Can't wait to come back

Greg, Jen and their staff from the FOH to BOH do an excellent job, food and spirits you won't be disappointed!!

Great food and service..highly recommended!

I came here with my family. It was one of the best experiences I have had with Italian cuisine in a while. The staff was warm and friendly. Michelle was our waitress and she did a great job serving us. The food was fantastic. I had the sausage and peppers, my husband had the halibut and the kids had pizza. Everything was delish. Portion size was perfect. I was very impressed with this establishment. We'll definitely be coming back for more.

They greeted us immediately. Waitress was very friendly, helpful, smiling n came a couple times to ask how were we doing. Hot fresh buttered bread.Had the boneless chicken vesuvius, delicious & excellent. Good size portions, shared with my husband. Nice open space patio if you want to seat outside. Very clean, cozy, tables not crowded. Beautiful decor, welcoming atmosphere
planning on returning

I absolutely LOVE this restaurant! My mom lives near Kankakee and I live on the far south side of Chicago! We drive to Melrose Park just to eat here! The wedge salad is to die for, the calamari too! The people are so friendly and welcoming and the service is very good! I wish Taverna was closer, I’d eat out more!