Restaurant Review: Che Figata Naperville

Growing up with an Italian Grandma, I remember her food the most. We would get together monthly (I'm talking 17 of us) and sit around the table eating, laughing, and drinking. The food was always authentic Italian recipes passed down for generations, the best aromas you can imagine as you walked into her house, and these meals we would have are some of my favorite childhood memories. That is exactly the feeling I had as my husband, children, and I sat at our table and ate at Che Figata in Naperville, laughing, eating, and drinking some of the best tasting food we have had at a restaurant ever. Yes, ever! Don't even get me started on the amazing service...OK, let me back up and start at the beginning. 

I was recently asked to visit Che Figata in Naperville, which just opened in Spring 2018, for a complimentary meal in exchange for an Instagram post. Being big foodies we were all over this. What I didn't expect was to be so blown away that I couldn't just do an IG post. This place deserved a full blog post! Everything was homemade, fresh, and simple yet so amazing...as all Italian food should be!

So, how do you say the name and what does it mean? (/ kay / fah • gah • tah /) Italian phrase 1. That's cool! 2. That's awesome! I have to say, I literally said "that's so cool" at least ten times while we were here. The more I learned about the menu, kitchen set up, the market, and the decor, the more impressed I was with how much thought went into every detail! They have a beautiful outdoor space that is dog friendly, yes they even have a "Puppy Patio Menu" and even a monthly events calendar. What events are coming up this month? There is a chef's demo (pizza making) on August 8th and a wine tasting on August 9th! For more information on their events, check out their website. 

"An Italy-To-Table Restaurant- In Italy, Che Figata means you’ve just discovered something awesome, and we’re all about Italy-to-table delivering the freshest ingredients prepared simply and authentically. From house-made pastas, wood-fired meats and Mediterranean seafood, to the open grill kitchen and warm modern atmosphere, Che Figata is a feast for the senses.

We pride ourselves in bringing robust flavors prepared simply, straight to your plate from the streets of Italy. Offering an ever-changing seasonal menu that’s as healthy and fresh as it is enticing and delicious, we deliver a restaurant experience you can't get anywhere else."

"What's For Dinner?

Our philosophy is that good eating and shopping should not be limited to connoisseurs. Every day, at Che Figata, our Market will be stocked with the finest products at the peak of freshness, including house-made pastas and sauces; to-go salads, sandwiches and dinners; hard-to-find Italian ingredients; traditional breads, cheeses, and meats; authentic seasonings and spices; and a cellar overflowing with the finest Italian wines. We’ll even feature a Recipe of the Day, with all the ingredients ready to be plucked for a “Take Che Figata Home” dining experience.

When you support the Che Figata market, you support small, independent farmers, fishermen, butchers, bakers, and cheesemakers who tackle their specialty using old-world methods and the guiding hand of a master craftsman. The Market will open every day at 7 am."

OK, now for my favorite part, all the yummy food my family ate. I can say without hesitation, there are no wrong menu decisions! Every item that came to the table, all of us gushed over. My son was even able to order gluten free homemade pasta! That my friends is not something that happens at restaurants often. We are lucky to get a burger with no bun for him most places. 

 SALUMI CHE FIGATA, side of mozzarella cheese

 RAGU DELLA DOMENICA STILE CHE FIGATA (minus meatballs so it's gluten free)

 CACIO E PEPE

 Sea Bass with Roasted Cauliflower and Brussel Sprouts

 LASAGNA DI 16 PIANI

 BLOOD ORANGECELLO AND CREMA DI LIMO

CANNOLI DELLA CASA, CHOCOLATE GELATO, TORTA ALL’OLIO DI OLIVA

This was easily our favorite dinner out to date. Everyone was raving about their dishes and my 10 year old used the word phenomenal to describe his main course. I mean, you see my daughters eyes roll back in her head after her first bite on the video...we just can't say enough great things about our experience last night! 

On a personal note, I want to thank the owner Mark for such a wonderful night. He took me on a tour of the kitchen and I was beyond impressed with the set up and how they have very little waste they produce (they use everything...even the rind from the cheese). I love that they work with local farmers, fishermen, butchers, bakers, and cheesemakers to bring us the best quality food. I was also very impressed to hear they had a garden right out back that they use as well. Talk about smart!

If you have the opportunity to visit Che Figata, I highly recommend you ask if Aaron can be your server. He was, as my husband would tell you, one of the best servers we have ever had! So knowledgeable and the truly such a kind person. The service was exceptional...which along with beautiful decor, and food that I would drive hours to get my hands on, made our overall experience that much better. 

Have you ever tried Che Figata? Do you want to now? Thank you so much for stopping by my blog today, I hope you make it a great day! xoxo

*Although my meal was gifted, the opinions and thoughts written in this post are truly how I feel.