Tramonto's service, food worth the price
The extra attention you get at Osteria di Tramonto starts immediately when you make your reservation and the hostess asks if you will be celebrating a special occasion on your visit.
Once you sit down inside the restaurant, which is tucked at the north end of Wheeling's slew of eateries that line Milwaukee Avenue, the above-and-beyond service doesn't stop.
Your server might present a taste-test salad at your table.
Staff members point out which dishes will be prepared in the wood burning oven.
Red wines are poured over a candle flame, just to make sure they're served at the correct temperature.
And while our panel of readers were wowed with their five-star treatment, Tramonto's upscale decor and even it's special Farmer's Market menu options - which also come with equivalent prices - what's most important is how they rated their meals. Here's what they had to say:
Franci Maurici, 26, Northbrook
What I ordered: Wood roasted whole branzino, $29.95
Taste and presentation: The mussels we had for an appetizer ($14.95) were perfect. They were all open and really fresh, and there were enough to share between all of us. I was really impressed with my entree, even though I was a little nervous when it came out and you could see the entire fish. But I could really taste the pepper, and the whole dish was really light but still satisfying. The complimentary taster salad was also a nice touch.
Atmosphere and service: I can honestly say I can't remember the last time I had such good service. Our waiter was attentive but not overbearing. He knew exactly what he was talking about when we asked questions about the menu and he answered them with no pressure to upgrade to a pricer item.
Good if you want ...
... a great date place or a sophisticated place to celebrate an anniversary or birthday with your family.
Megan Livingston, 26, Chicago
What I ordered: Grilled filet 8 oz., $28.95
Taste and presentation: All of our dishes came with a good amount of food that wasn't overwhelming. The mussels appetizer was delicious. My steak was prepared very well, and my Chianti was delicious and went well with my meal. I also liked that they immediately presented us with a complimentary small salad to share, which balanced the meal. Our Turtle Mi Su dessert ($7.95, and similar to tiramisu) was light and large enough to share.
Atmosphere and service: I basically asked our waiter to choose my entree and wine, so he did very well and should be proud of himself. Our service was very good and, since our waiter was so attentive, perhaps there were too many people like managers and bus staff checking if we were OK.
Good if you want ...
... to impress someone.
Jennie Johnson, 26, Northbrook
What I ordered: Sauted Alaskan halibut with vegetables, $26.95
Taste and presentation: I loved the sauce on our mussels appetizer, as well as the toasted bread that came with it, and there was plenty to share. My entree was cooked well, had a wonderful texture that was crisp on top and I only wish it had more sauce. Our dessert had a good taste to it, wasn't too filling and there was also enough to share.
Atmosphere and service: The service was excellent. From the minute we came in and sat down, we were greeted and chairs were pulled out for us. The staff was also very conscious of the time we wanted to spend at the restaurant, making sure our dishes came at the intervals we preferred. They were also willing to answer the many questions we had, and I liked that a manager checked on us (in addition to our server).
Good if you want ...
... a romantic dinner for couples or a place for business people to have professional meals.