"Living down the street from the original DaVanti Enoteca on Taylor Street, I was happy to walk in their doors when they first opened. The great staff, fun atmosphere and delicious food because a staple for me, my friends, and my family. At a point in time when it became so popular that the wait would be nearly 3 hours (reservations were not available at this time), the manager and staff were always welcoming and accommodating to me and my guests. Moving to LA in 2012, I spoke to their management to discuss franchising it there. I was pleasantly surprised to find out they had opened one in San Diego recently. I would venture the 2.5 hours drive down there on occasion and always introduced DaVanti to many others. When I would return to Chicago, I'd stop in to enjoy the dining experience it offered. After the Taylor Street location closed, I found the last remaining location in Chicago area in Western Springs, IL. I've dined at this location numerous times and every time it has declined in all aspects. Today was the last visit I'll ever make and the last day I'll even recommend this restaurant. It's 78° out with the sun shining and I had relatives in town who frequented DaVanti every time they visited. We went for dinner and wanted to sit outside under the sun and beautiful weather. We were told they were not seating outside at all. All surrounding restaurants (Hillgrove Tap, Guac N Taco, and Ella's ALL had patronage sitting outside. We were then sat in the bar area by windows which we requested to open for fresh air. The menu was very recently changed and many staples were removed and lackluster items were added. After watching patron after patron come in and request outdoor seating only to be denied, the manager approached our table and asked how things were. We explained our disappointment in everything that had gone down. He had no sympathy or acknowledgment of our experience. Instead, he walked over and closed the windows in front of us, cutting off the fresh air. Between the change of menu and addition of lackluster food items, terrible service and overall decline of this restaurant, I do not recommend dining here or supporting DaVanti Enoteca at all."
