Chicago's Rosebud Restaurants

For years, the Rosebud Restaurant has been a staple in downtown Chicago along the city's famous Taylor Street, also known as Little Italy. I even remember my own parents escaping us and the western suburbs to celebrate special occasions at this romantic Italian bistro.

Opened in 1977 by Alex Dana, Rosebud was named for the flower of Sicily. Dana, who successfully owned other establishments in the city, transformed a run down grocery store into this famed Chicago eatery visited by loyal locals as well as well known celebrities like: Oprah Winfrey, Robert DeNiro, Tony Bennett and Jimmy Buffet, to name just a few.

Throughout time, Rosebud Restaurants have blossomed all over the city and now into the suburbs as well. We recently visited the Naperville location, which is situated along the quaint and scenic Riverwalk in one of America's most desirable and family-friendly towns. This eatery is a long and narrow building set amid the hustle and bustle of trendy, downtown Naperville. This venue even presents outdoor dining atop a small deck overlooking the graceful river. Dana's daughter, Angela, oversees this suburban establishment.

On the evening that we visited the Rosebud Restaurant, it was a tad cool outside so we opted for indoor seating, but were still able to enjoy the pleasing view from a window table. The ambiance inside was enriched with honey and gold lighting and glimmering hardwood floors. Candlelit tables with white tablecloths were also warm and welcoming while our server, Jimmy, was courteous and funny.

Jimmy started us off with an antipasto appetizer delivered on one of the restaurant's huge trademark platters. For $10.95, we enjoyed this pre-dinner feast layered with zesty Italian meats and cheeses and dressed with olive oil, garlic, vegetables and artichoke hearts. Next, my father-in-law and my husband shared the fish salad. Their plates were soon overflowing with fresh octopus, calamari and shrimp lightly tossed in a smooth vinaigrette.