Amano Bistro

“We have enjoyed brunch at Amano Bistro multiple times, and it’s always a pleasure. Service is outstanding, the chef prepares everything with such care (we always get a smile and a wave, too - he’s so awesome!), and the food DELIVERS. We have worked our way around the menu, and everything has been delicious. I also think it’s a great value with reasonably priced entrees and $22 bottomless mimosas for 2 hours. This time, we split the jerk chicken sandwich, which is perfectly balanced with thigh meat that’s so juicy and flavorful along with slaw on a pretzel bun. It was extra thoughtful for the chef to prepare two plates, something we certainly didn’t request, but greatly appreciate. Two other standouts - the Greek salad is enormous and contains no lettuce. Just a lot of high quality, premium pickled vegetables, olives and a huge portion of feta cheese. While we didn’t get it this time, the side of meatballs for only $10 is also offers a generous portion, and a great add on to take home for another meal. We are so fortunate to have Amano in our North Center neighborhood. Highly, highly recommend!”

“I will live in North Center in a few days so I decided to check out one of the restaurants close to my future home. Amano Bistro was such a great discovery. The interior is not that big but very cozy. The ambiance was nice and people were not loud at all, unlike many others places. I loved that I could see the kitchen and was able to watch the chefs preparing the food. The glass window is a very nice touch. My waitress was welcoming and attentive to my needs from A to Z. Food was excellent, I had a free welcoming appetizer, the ragu pasta, a glass of red wine, a nutella tiramisu, and a café. I will definitely come back because I want my wife to also experience this top-notch restaurant :)”

“Very cozy neighborhood favorite! The restaurant has a very pleasant atmosphere inside, and they also have a patio setup with a heated tent for the winter. The service was phenomenal - they provided recommendations and walked us through some of the menu staples, which vas very helpful. We really enjoyed the food. First, they brought homemade cornbread with feta cheese dip for the table, which we enjoyed. My favorite entree was the short rib pasta, but I'd also recommend the pork chop (which comes with some of the best homemade chips I've ever had). Overall a great experience and I'll be back!”

“I'll start this review by just telling you to go here. If you're on the fence don't be. Everything about this place is amazing; the food, the service, the ambiance, pricing, portions... All great. We ordered specials, the arincini, lamb chops and pasta fruiti di mare. Every piece of seafood was cooked perfectly Calamari was tender not rubbery, which is a feat in itself but especially in pasta. The demi glace on the lamb was glossy and rich, the lamb itself was fresh, sweet and tender, no gamey lamb here. The wine list is phenomenal as well, some great bottles at very reasonable prices (the gruñon was amazing, punching way above its price point). Another point to make was everything we ordered was at the recommendation of our server (Jelica, ask for her!), and everything was great. Again, if you've made it this far, just go.”

“I never feel compelled to leave restaurant reviews but I love this restaurant so much I just have to. My fiancé and I have dined here I’d guess almost 10 times since opening; our first visit was on the second or third day after opening. The experience is wonderful: the inside is cozy and intimate, and the patio is excellent year round. The staff is very friendly and attentive as well. I love the food here. I fell in love with the Pork Chop Athena the first time I went and I’ve ordered it almost every time. The serving is massive and the potatoes are the perfect complimentary side. I’ve also ordered the Veal Scallopini which I loved and would definitely order again. My fiancé has tried most of the pastas: his favorites are the Fettuccine Gorgonzola (the pine nuts add a fabulous sweet flavor) and the irresistible Short Rib Ragu. The Fritto Misto is a must have starter if you enjoy seafood, it instantly transports me back to Italy. Although I don’t personally enjoy Bruschetta, from what my brother and fiancé told me, it’s wonderful as well. This restaurant is the perfect place to go for any occasion. We’ve been for anniversaries, birthday dinners, or just because. When showing our family and friends North Center, this is where we take them, and so far none of them have been disappointed. The best part is the cost of dining here is much cheaper than you’d expect for a restaurant with a similar menu and atmosphere. If I could give Amano 6 stars I would!”