Nesrly everytime I’ve dined here, something has gone wrong. So after several years, we tried again. Walking in the door, immediately I was put off. The few seats of a “bar” area and two high top tables were literally the only space to wait to be seated. (We were on time, if not a few minutes early.) The main restaurant was cram-packed with tables and stuffed with diners, and the noise level was ridiculously high. (No acoustics.) And I’d somehow forgotten that the restrooms are located across from the kitchen/server window! (Pretty unappetizing.) Then there’s the service. Reservation at 6pm. Seated at 6:10. Took 20 minutes to order drinks and appetizers. One drink was completely missed. Ten minutes to fix it. Almost 20 minutes to get appetizers. Plates cleared from those and we waited to order dinner. And waited. It was now well over an hour since we walked in the door and we were waiting for our main entrees. And waiting. At least thirty-five minutes later, dinner came out… well three out of four! (No clue what happened!) That took another 20 minutes to correct. The food was fabulous! However, this was a birthday celebration for our eldest adult son. It’s difficult to eat a meal with one person sitting in front of you with no food! For 20 minutes! Three of us sat with our food getting cold, waiting for one entree to arrive. What a disaster! The restaurant didn’t charge us for the re-fired entree. The wait staff offered us dessert, which we declined because we had birthday cake at home. And yet, our server still showed up with one piece of tiramisu for our son! It was a guilt-driven, last ditch effort to fix an incredibly awful dining experience … with a piece of desert! (Quite dismissive.) Every time I’ve been to Bottaio (lived nearby for many years), I’ve had a poor experience, usually service related. The food was always good. Early dinner service was somewhat better. However, my best dining experience there was over a decade ago with my husband and two of his VPs from work. We ordered bottles of wine and got much more attention… Make of that what you will.

It wasn't that great like it used to be. I had bad service for a couple of times and I think there is no reason to go back.

I was really looking forward to this restaurant all week, but unfortunately was disappointed. I went with my boyfriend for date night. I got a pasta, and he got steak. The food was subpar and lacking flavor. Not to mention we waited for over an hour for our food. Our waitress was nice and attentive, but the other factors ruined our much-awaited experience. Other tables that were seated after us received their food before us, which was frustrating to see. They did order wine bottles, making me realize the reason for their speedy service. I definitely will not be returning here.

This was our first visit here. Our hostess was welcoming and professional. Our server was friendly, professional, and attentive. I order a chocolate martini before dinner , and it was delicious! The shrimp bisque was amazing! For my meal, I had the fettuccine alfredo with chicken/mushrooms/broccoli... WONDERFUL! The young man at the valet was pleasant and we had a nice conversation with him before leaving.

Party of 7. Shared appetizers, calamari excellent. All entrees delicious! Prices fair, extensive menu, ate in main dining room that was a little noisy. Will definitely be back.

Food was great, but the speed of service was slow. Not sure if it was because we didn't order a bottle of wine, as the tables that ordered wine had much faster service. Also, they don't have a place to wait if waiting for party members.

Restaurant, service, food - everything was excellent as always. Unfortunately we had very loud ans selfish company next to our table and they just ruined our evening by yelling and screaming. But it's OK. We'll come some other time and will stay longer. ;)

Great restaurant. Chicken vesuvio was excellent. They brought out desserts for my daughters’ birthdays. I recommend this restaurant. Parking on site but fills up when busy. Were told cars get towed on street.

Very good. The waiter was very attentive. I believe his name was Israel. The hostess came over at the correct time to check how dinner was. Two people two entrees two desserts and a soda apiece came out to 72 bucks. Not too bad.

This place is definitely worth it. Absolutely among the best for Italian food in the area. Owner and staff was incredible attentive, food, drinks and service was spectacular. Bottaio is a must-try if you're ever in Libertyville.

A solid option for Italian food, the service was great, and a friendly atmosphere. The food was really reasonably priced and generous portions! I especially enjoyed the brick oven neapolitan style pizza and the Pollo Fiorentina (chicken, spinach and cheese topped with a marsala cream sauce) was delicious! My only negative was the tortellini soup consisting of a boring broth and several very lonely pastas floating around. Otherwise, good wine list and a fun place to eat.

I went to dinner here last night and oh my god. the food was amazing, the service was perfect, the place was gorgeous. could not have asked for a better dinner. i got some fancy pasta ravioli dish and all the main dishes come with a side so i had a caesar salad which was literal heaven. the dessert. omg. my family and me split the limoncello gelato, which has alcohol in it, the chocolate pound cake, and the carrot cake. all three were amazing but i personally loved the carrot cake. our server, tyler, was so nice and one of the best waiters i’ve ever had. the hostess was so nice too. i highly recommend this place.

Best Italian place in downtown libertyville! Cozy and comfortable with great service. Food including pasta is made from scratch and so delicious. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. I cannot wait to go back. If you are looking for a place for a romantic dinner and evening, this is the place!!

Nice ambiance, attentive staff, and a diverse menu make the restaurant a favorite

The service was great. I did expect the food to be better, don't get me wrong the food was good but was just missing that wow factor that you would expect from a place like this. All in all I would definitely go back.

Bottaio is not flashing or inventive, it's just solidly good food. Staff friendly. Normal Italian menu well executed. Chicken Marsala was moist and tasty. The nice surprise was the Pasta Prosciutto special that was delicious. If I could improve 1 thing it would be to upgrade the wine by the glass selections a bit. Overall a very enjoyable meal.

Flavors were totally on point! Fresh and fabulous. Our waiter was courteous, polite, and resourceful with suggestions. Can't wait to have my leftovers for lunch tomorrow!

Great food and our waiter was very nice even though he was serving multiple tables. The portions are big, and worth it.