Binanti’s Taste of Italy

There Is this jerk Shawn S from Basset Wisconsin that give a bad review to everything. Do not know what his problem is, but he does have a agenda. Hope I am not using to big of words Shawn, considering your spelling and grammar. Taste of Italy rocks. Has givin bad reviews to every resturant and small business in area. Go back to Chicago, Shawn. We do not need your attitude in the great community of southern Wisconsin.

I really wish I could give no stars! Unilocal,why is that not an option?
Unfortunately I had a similar experience as Melinda S. Our group too was coming from a horse show nearby and wanted, to try a local place.
We arrived, party of 5, and were treated rudely by the female owner. She was not nice or welcoming just very curt. Although the restaurant was nearly empty she made us wait and hour for the one larger table in the room clear instead of pushing two tables together.
When we were finally seated and ordered we opted for very simple dishes that would mostly be pre prepped so we wouldn’t have to wait much long as by that point we were starving!
It took another hour and fifteen minutes to get us 3 bowls of linguine with garlic and oil and 2 bowls of spaghetti with marinara.
To the point… the food was bad, very bad. The marinara was overly salty and acidic like they didn’t let the tomatoes cook out enough. The garlic on the linguine was raw (as in not even warm never hit the pan).
This was obviously not an acceptable situation. 2 hour + wait for very simple yet gross food. The portions are huge so we had these giant bowls of gross food sitting in front of us and truth be told, it was nauseating.
We asked the very nice but visibly nervous server to please ask the owner to come over to Our table as we wanted to speak to her about our experience.
Needless to say what transpired next was shocking and unacceptable. The owner screamed at our server in the dinning room so loud that the patrons could hear. It was unsettling to say the least. She was literally screaming. The owner never came to speak to us and instead literally hid behind the counter. When I got up to approach the counter she ducked into the kitchen.
What a chicken poop! You can’t face your customers lady?!
It was crazy! The poor server was near tears!

I apologize ahead of time for the lengthy review — I only wish to explain my rating.
We arrived at around 6pm after a long day at a horse show. We were tired and very hungry. A friend had gone along ahead, but had forgotten her wallet and was forced to run back and retrieve it, as the rest of us were nearly to the restaurant. Another friend had visited previously and greatly enjoyed it, so we were looking forward to trying the place. The female owner greeted us and asked if we had already put our names on the list, and we explained we weren’t sure if our friend had a chance before running back to grab her wallet. Rather than concern hoping the wallet was safe, or something nice, she curtly explained they don’t take reservations, you can’t call ahead, and that you must be physically present to hold your spot in line.
Whatever, we ignored her terse tone and put our names on the list.
She told us it would be approximately an hour to an hour and a half wait, as there was one party in front of us for the size table we would need (6). The owner then returned to her spot behind the desk and set about doing something else. Our first waitress, the other lady running the front, took the name of another couple for the list and offered them drinks, so once she was done with them we asked if we could have drinks as well. She happily obliged, and even suggested we sit outside on the patio (sidewalk with garden chairs and small side tables, but cute) and she would even ask if she could give us appetizers. We were delighted with the offer and readily agreed, despite the 80+ degree heat outside. It was only for an hour, right?
We got our drinks and appetizers in an acceptably timely manner. Our current hostess was very nice, so we asked if we could just eat outside rather than waiting for a table. She said she would ask the owner if that would be alright, and returned to say no, with the reason being because they didn’t have anyone to wait on a table outside. Odd, since that’s exactly what she’d been doing, but whatever. The mozzarella sticks had been devoured instantly, the Bruchetta was fantastic and quickly enjoyed with equal fervor, but the stuffed mushrooms are more like some strange pasta dish smothered in white sauce with what tasted like more mushrooms. I was the only one who cared for it, so I ate nearly all of it while the others eagerly awaited the table so they could order their entrees.
At 8 pm I commented on the time. About 20 minutes later we were at long last taken in and led to the greatly anticipated table. Tantalizing aromas of various dishes wafted across the room, making our mouths water and our stomachs growl. We placed our order immediately, as we’d had a menu outside and already decided our orders. Knowing the kitchen would be slowing down after the dinner rush, our table went with easy fare — pastas, lasagna, ravioli, and a salad.
30 minutes later our food arrived. It was good, but not worth a 3 hour wait. We discussed what to do, and decided we would speak to the server about the long wait. She offered to get the owner, and we agreed that we would like to speak to her. The owner never came. Instead, this happened.
«Take their food and tell them to leave.» This was the most memorable quote of what the owner loudly instructed the waitress to do, behind the counter, yelling at the poor waitress, when she’d presented her boss with the dilemma. I sincerely wish I could say I’m making this up. The argument that followed was the waitress attempting to plead our case while the owner ranted at her, shouting, disturbing the entire dining room, the boss speaking to our waitress in a tone that would shame any decent person with any awareness of humanity. It was as though the waitress were some worthless peon that should grovel at her feet as though the owner was some divine goddess, on par with God, who can do no wrong and will smite any who oppose Him. She refused to care, making it clear our business (and money) didn’t matter if we had something «mean» to say. This carried on for roughly ten minutes. We watched the waitress scurry away, stubbornly refusing to cry from the verbal abuse she’d publicly endured at the «hand» of her boss. She is a stronger woman than I.
We stopped eating instantly. All of my group lost our appetites. Mind you I’d had two glasses of wine by now — I was physically shaking with rage. I run my own business. I worked retail for 10 years, doing customer service for most. Never in my life have I seen a business owner verbally abuse staff, much less in such a public way that the entirety of the building could hear. We apologized to the waitress, assuring her she had done nothing wrong and we bore her no ill will.
We finally got to speak with the male owner. Not one apology. Not one attempt to placate us. Not one word about his wife’s actions. Most importantly, no public apology to the verbally assaulted staff member.
Shame on them.

Awesome bread and authentic American Italian food. We went there for Valentine’s Day and enjoyed all aspects of the dining experience. The portions were enormous but not at the sacrifice of quality.

What can I say?
This place is amazing
I had the special Braciola and it was delicious
My only complaint is that I ate alone.
I wish I could bring everyone I knew so they could realize how great this place is.
The sauce is great. The bread bowl is unbelievable.
Do not pass by this restaurant

We catered from here for a welcome home party for my Navy son. We ordered a tray of Mostacolli, Italian Beef, their homemade Italian Sausage (WOW), and salad.
Everyone was blown away with the quality and taste. Not your typical Italian. Unique flavors that immediately tell you that this is different.
Looking forward to visiting the restaurant.

One of the best Italian restaurants anywhere in Kenosha — and there are a lot of those around here. It is worth the drive to Silver Lake if you are not close. The food is made there and I believe their red sauce is one of the best in the area. Their cream sauce is out of this world — a treat worth the drive. We have not had their pizza very much as we prefer their food (raviolis, lasagna and spaghetti) to their pizza. The meatball bombers are also great. We have never been disappointed while eating there or getting take out. Great staff and the owners are almost always on site.

Loved it — very small place, very big portions. Food was excellent and everyone was super friendly — I would love to return.

Me and my wife got some food and it was horrible I got the lazgna my wife got ravioli her ravioli was under cooked and my lazanga tasted like a can with like matlic tast witch sucks cause this use to be my favorite place gonna have to find a new place

We eat here quite often and have for the past 12 years. Amazing home made Italian food. Delicious Alfredo and chicken parm.

Beyond fantastic! We get delivery all the time w/​friendly service… try the Fried Calamari., gorgeous golden brown & so tender practically melts in your mouth… the fried mushrooms are never watery when you take a bite & jalapeño poppers are awesome! We keep ordering our fav pizzas because they make it so great we’re hooked. pizza w/​spinach, sausage & bell pepper… trust us it’s nom-​tastic! Also get pepperoni, pineapple & bacon… omg to die! Wouldn’t think of delivery from anyplace else… bought a house here bit over a year ago & they have lifelong customers! =)

Interesting location inside an old bank, with the kitchen inside the vault. Food is fresh and comes in huge portions. The calamari was in massive tasty pieces with actual flavor, instead of the minuscule bits of bread encrusted squid at most places. It’s definitely a casual, family style place (at least when I went) but that’s not a downside in my view.

Unique and fabulous. Home made bread melts in your mouth. Portions are huge and delicious! Will come back again!

Best calzones around. I don’t usually dine, but they are quick and friendly. the atmosphere is dark, calming, and everything an Italian ristorante should be!

We’ve been to Binanti’s several times and have never been disappointed. What many of the other reviewers have said about the bread and the huge portions is true. The restaurant is small, but if you have a group of 6 or more, you can call ahead and make a reservation. On one occasion they were sweet enough to make an exception and let us make a reservation for 4 because my friend’s mother was 93 years old. If you have the good fortune of being served by Silvia, your experience will be even that much more special.

Seriously one of the best meals we have EVER had! The home-​made bread was incredible (they are very generous with their portions for bread and everything else)! This tiny little restaurant offers fresh, authentic, homemade Italian food that shouldn’t be missed. We ordered Calamari, Pizza, Chicken Picanti, Chicken Parrmesan, Veal Scalopini, Pasta di Casa, Fettuccini Alfredo, Spaghetti with Meatballs and Sausage. We will definitely go again and we live almost an hour away. If you are in the area and looking for a place to eat don’t pass this place up!
Oh — the food is no rival to the excellent service!

I have dreams of Binanti’s at night and I wake up eating my pillow…
jk, but I love this place, have yet to have a dish I did not like. Even the more obscure and new dishes I never have tired or hated at other places they have a very special twist on. If eating really has an emmotional response, I’m in love with this place…
Some of the best pizza hands down I have ever had. Sauces are outstanding.
If you are reading this, you need to try it.

What a great little gem in a small town near the border of Wisconsin. A bank converted into a restaurant, it’s not a big place but make for a very intimate setting and a nice atmosphere.
The food was awesome. They start you off with nice warm bread and keep it coming until the entrée arrives. Their portion sizes are huge, I literally ate leftovers for about 4 more meals!
Drinks were delicious too. We had a bottle of Pinot Grigio to start and then later I had a glass of the house Chianti to compliment my dish. Both wines were very good.
The service was excellent, our waitress was very friendly and patient as we weren’t in a hurry and took a long time to decide on our meal. Never felt rushed and she didn’t bat an eye as we made her repeat the specials a few times.
I will definitely be back here and recommend that you stop by if you are anywhere even remotely close, you won’t be disappointed!

I make a pilgrimage here every Fall (without fail) since… well… what feels like forever. Their lasagna and eggplant/​chicken parm rivals some of my favorites here in Chicago. A cozy (teeny– tiny) joint with plastic grapes, sponge-​painted aged walls and small clusters of candlelit tables. Oh, you cheezy monkey! Formerly a bank, the open vault door now leads to a bustling station for bussing tables. The fare: Freakishly fresh: The staff: Positively delightful. I’ve shared many belly-​bustin’ meals with the closest of friends here… and even though it’s always a tight squeeze, Binanti’s will forever be one of my absolute favorites: A pleasant, mellow little slice of the Universe where my boisterous laughter is greeted with contagious smiles… then promptly silenced with noms of warm, crusted bread.
They have hearty Italian cooking down SO well… in the middle of this quiet, lakeside town… that I am utterly convinced somehow the witness protection program was involved at some juncture.

Who would have thought I could find really good Italian food in Silver Lake, Wisconsin!!! This place is a gem just hidden in the back roads.
We last ate here about 6 years ago and we had a really good meal. The other day we were wondering why we never went back. oh yeah having a baby! So we recently ate here again and had a great meal. The fresh flavors of the food really jump out with every bite. The homemade lasagna was very good, I’m so glad I ordered it. Also had the Meatball sandwich too. The meatballs were incredible… they were so juicy and tasty. Three huge meatballs come on the sandwich and it is a meal itself. I highly recommend it.
We just read a story in the newspaper about the owner coming from Italy. He started working in a restaurant in Milan at age 12. Now I know why the food is so good… years of learning from the experts. They also bake their bread here… when you walk into the restaurant you are hit with the fresh smells of bread.
Again this place is a hidden gem and I recommend that you stop by for a great dinner!