We had no plans for NYE, so I figured we would stay home with the girls and have a nice home-cooked meal. But then I saw a giveaway on Instagram hosted by ChicagoGoodLife and Eataly that looked like it would be perfect for us: a family-friendly NYE dinner at Eataly for four (two adults, two children). I won! We were able to have a lovely last meal of 2019 by spending a part of New Year’s Eve at Eataly Chicago.
The event was held at La Pizza & La Pasta on the second floor of Eataly Chicago, which is at 43 E. Ohio St. While we don’t live in the area, I figured it was worth it for delicious food and a fun family event. We had the 5 p.m. seating, which is perfect if you have young toddlers, because you can still have them in bed by 8. Seatings were offered as early as 3 p.m.
As soon as we sat we were given party hats and necklaces to ring in the new year, which was such a fun touch. The staff was super friendly and accommodating throughout the dinner, too.
Tickets were normally $40 per adult and $20 per child for a family-style meal, but we ate for free! The menu featured antipasto (housemade mozzarella, red barn Cheddar, prosciutto di parma, prosciutto cotto, suppli); margherita pizza; spaghetti al pomodoro; lasagna emiliana (with beef); penne con burro. It was more than enough food for the four of us and we had leftovers to enjoy the next day. The tickets also included unlimited wine for adults and Italian soda for kids.
A balloon artist also walked around making creations for the kiddos, and after dinner you could walk over to a nearby area where gelato was being served in three flavors: strawberry, chocolate and vanilla. The tables were set up for arts and crafts that the children could make while you eat.
We had a lovely last meal of 2019 and can’t wait to go back and check out more of Eataly’s offerings in 2020. We only scratched the surface of all the good eats and drinks in our first visit. If they repeat this event in the future I would recommend New Year’s Eve at Eataly Chicago for families. (There was also an adults celebration from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.)
Have you explored Eataly? What did you like most?