Activate map
Yes | |
No | |
No | |
Yes | |
Dinner | |
Valet, Street | |
Yes | |
Yes | |
No | |
Yes | |
Dressy |
Romantic | |
Quiet | |
Full Bar | |
Yes | |
No | |
No | |
No | |
Yes | |
Yes | |
No |
Specialties
Merlo features authentic Bolognese Italian and serves the freshest ingredients possible, many imported directly from Italy. Executive Chef, Luisa Silvia Marani, takes great pride in her handmade pastas, homemade sauces and her ability to acquire the freshest truffles available anywhere. Each course is made to order and requires accurate preparation time. Merlo is a slow-dining establishment; so come for romance, or for an important business dinner. Merlo will accommodate private dining with prix-fixe menus for any special occasion. Italy is known for more than just the cuisine, which is why Merlo also offers the finest Italian wines to compliment the food. Along with regular wine selections, a Reserve List is available for those wine enthusiasts with a taste for something special. Along with the cuisine, comes the heart and soul of generations before this chef and her husband, Proprietor, Giampaolo Sassi. Bön Appetito!
History
Established in 2004.
Merlo on Maple is an Italian family owned and operated business established 10 years ago. Silvia, our executive chef, is applying the «Slow Food» concept, combining traditional, authentic recipes from Bologna, Italy, with the best local and imported ingredients to prepare classic dishes. Giampaolo selects the best wines from Italy to complement the cuisine and enhance your dining experience.
Meet the Business Owner
Giampaolo Sassi S.
Business Owner
Giampaolo Sassi and his wife, Chef Silvia, came to Chicago and the restaurant business later in life. They might tell you they’re making up for lost time.
Giampaolo visited his son, Marcello, in Chicago. The trip was meant to be a brief repose before getting back to work, but he came away struck by the lack of classic Bolognese cuisine in the city.
And so, Merlo on Maple was born. «It was a great opportunity for Silvia to show her passion for Bolognese culinary traditions,» he says. The restored townhome at 16 W Maple is the perfect spot for each of them. Silvia was born to cook, and Giampaolo is a gifted storyteller and businessman. Their dedication and passion for serving delicious, authentic Italian grows every day.