LAGO by Fabio Viviani

"A great new place for dinner in Lake Zurich!"

"Dined here for the first time ever this past early evening! YES: I would definitely RECOMMEND and RETURN to Lago! The menu was huge, lavish and mind-blowingly DELICIOUS! I couldn’t make up my mind, so I ordered 3 appetizers— “Steak & Eggs” (wagyu tartar with caviar on top), Grilled Bone Marrow, and Goose Foie Gras! (I was also going to order the Kaluga Caviar, but they did not have caviar service this night.) For entrees, I had the Lobster Linguini and the Ribeye “Cap” Filet Butchers Cut, with a side of broccolini! For dessert, I had the carrot cake cheesecake! For drinks, I just had a cocktail— the Romeo XXIII. My AWESOME server - Kevin - did a spectacular job giving me his invaluable and detailed input and recommendations on the huge, varied rock star menu selections! (FYI: He was my FAVORITE (and the most-requested server— at nearby venerable French restaurant, D&J Bistro, by the way!) So, it was for me, a GREAT (and telling) sign that he switched over to Lago, since he has been in the restaurant industry for about a decade or so, and has very high standards when it comes to food and service! Kevin, along with Lago’s bussers and overall team members, spoiled me silly this past night with their professional, attentive and efficient service! Lago’s ambience was dark, cosmopolitan and sexy as all get-out! The restaurant is immaculate, plus well-appointed: they’ve got an incredible bar and outdoor patio. In addition, they’ve got about 5 or 6 individual gender neutral bathrooms which were clean and private! As for the restaurant’s ambience: Picture yourself in a high-ceilinged, industrial loft-type setting with fantastic EDM playing overhead! (It was at the right volume, so it did not drown out any conversations!) Overall, I would DEFINITELY come back to Lago! I think I’ve found my new FAVORITE restaurant!!!"

"Fantastic food, outstanding service, and a great addition to the area. The staff couldn’t have been more accommodating and attentive, the cocktails were creative and delicious, the ambience was trendy and inviting. Compliments to the chef and staff, welcome to the neighborhood and you will certainly be seeing my family there often!"

"Perfectly cooked steaks with awesome contemporary takes on classic Italian steakhouse favorites, lovely staff, great ambience. Table side prep on a caprese is great presentation was very cool! The 24 hour French onion soup is insanely satisfying for a Chicago winter’s night! The vibe is high-energy city steak house scene with beautiful bar and DJ booth. Wine list is super fairly priced- varied enough, approachable for a novice. Tried the wagu bolognese- while I (thought) I’d prefer traditional/classic style bolognese, this was a hearty, rich, dish that did not disappoint, very meaty- not stingy on the wagu! Fun contrail menu doing the cool smoked drinks, great little menu of espresso martini concoctions. While the place is on trend with its mixology program, it’s innovative enough that it’s not just a copy cat drink menu. They really put thought and heart into the entire operation- design, food, desserts, music, service….while I wouldn’t mind if the music started a little more chill early and built up as the room filled in…this is a small issue and the place is brand new, so I have no doubt given a very little time any little kinks will be ironed out (not that there were many regardless). This place has everything you’d get from the hottest spots downtown, without the two hour commute, inflated prices, and inability to wear your favorite watch or have your wife in fine jewelry! They nailed what’s missing on the dining scene here and it’s going to be huge hit."