Valentino’s is a slice of Italy brought to Illinois. From the appetizer to entree all was surreal, while still on the pricey side, the food and quality speaks for itself.
On June 30, 2025, Valentino’s opened their doors to the public in the building that was formerly JJ’s Pub at 104 West Main Street. As of now, the current goal for the restaurant is to transform the service and the meal into a long-lasting memory. Owner Joe Porretta had been an executive chef for over 25 years. After he graduated from culinary school, he specialized in Italian restaurants and high-end steak houses.
To start off the meal, we were provided bread and oil mixed with pepper and other spices. While the oil did not add much to the bread, it was a decent touch with the spices at the bottom. The bread itself was chewy, felt homemade and simply had no taste though it did taste good with marinara sauce.
For the entrees the presentations were beautiful, from the dishes to the way the food itself was served. The large portion sizes were incredible for the price. All the flavors of each dish complement each other well. While some flavors stick out more, the fresh ingredients used still manage to stand out. “The marinara tastes like the scene in Ratatouille where the guy drops his fork,” sophomore Connor Gray said.
As for the service, it was quick and very welcoming. From the time the waitress took our order to the time we got our food took approximately fifteen minutes. The server made sure that we were welcomed and had what we needed at appropriate times. The waitresses were quite receptive to our requests and had no issue fulfilling them in a timely manner.
The atmosphere inside of Valentino’s was a mix of a Greek and Roman historical vibe. The photos displayed around the restaurant added a touch of Italy and a warm look to the walls. Another aspect that contributed to the atmosphere was the many wine barrels. The cash register was on top of two wine barrels, which is a unique look compared to other local restaurants. The tin ceiling, along with the exposed brick, gives Valentino’s a traditional, old-fashioned look.
Walking into the restaurant in casual clothes felt wrong as the establishment was fancy and isn’t a casual spot. Valentino’s is a go-to for fancy date nights or special occasions. Expect quick and welcoming service along with a cozy meal that melts right in your mouth.
