Esperienza - St. Charles

I don’t often give a 5-star rating to anything. And, definitely not to an Italian restaurant as my wife is Italian and cooks better than most. This venue is an old church rehabbed into a restaurant. They did a beautiful job. I had Eggplant Parmesan and my wife had Chicken Vesuvio. Both meals were excellent. We had Minestrone Soup as a starter. Our server doubled as the hostess. She did a great job. What really stood out was the courtesy and attentiveness extended to us by the busboy. I referred to him as “The Man in Motion” We’ll be back soon.

Our party of four had a wonderful dinner. We started with salads and then each couple split an entree since the portions are so large. (There is a charge for this. My husband and I had raviolis and my sister and brother-in-law had lasagna. Really good. Nice wine list. The restaurant is housed in a former church. Warm and beautiful atmosphere. They only had one server working. He was busy but professional and calm.

After a brutally long weekend of work we needed a good dinner. Having tried all the other Italian spots in the valley it was time for Nuova Italia. We'd not been back since it changed hands. The place is beautiful. An attentive server that hustled. I like the extensive wine list, with standard prices. The menu was long and well appointed. The Shrimp, Artichoke and pasta special was amazing. I had the Penne Al Capone, spectacular presentation at the table side and it tasted wonderful. The calamari appetizer was cooked perfectly. This was the dinner we wanted. And it was not over priced. I'd have to say, this is the best place in the Fox Valley for Italian. Can't wait to go back.

Housed in a former church built in 1841 this elegant Italian restaurant makes a believer out of you. In Italian cusine that is. The interior is that of an Italian villa in Tuscany. Dark paneling and coffered ceilings are the theme, suggesting fine dining. And so it is. I had a classic rigatoni with sausage and it was divine. My wife had the chicken marsala and while delicious was most unusual. Instead of noodles it came with assorted vegetables. Carrots, string beans, potato wedges, cauliflower, and zucchini filled in for the customary pasta. The chicken had a different sauce but was mouth watering. Wine menu is extensive, service impeccable. Nice spot for a romantic evening.

The restaurant is located in an old church which has a lot of charm. It has a huge menu and the food is delicious. The prices are reasonable.