Che Figata
NapervilleFood Editor
Local team review
Most hotel restaurants coast on a captive audience, so the branzino here felt like a quiet act of rebellion. Roasted whole with lemon and capers, deboned tableside, it was the best fish dish I've eaten in Naperville — simple enough to let the quality of the ingredient speak. The weekend brunch shakshuka, eggs trembling in spiced tomato with warm pita on the side, is reason enough to drive to CityGate on a Saturday morning. Chef Dahl is clearly cooking for himself as much as for his guests, and that makes all the difference.
About the Restaurant
Che Figata could coast on its captive hotel audience, but chef Jason Dahl chose ambition instead. The handmade pastas, particularly the cacio e pepe and wild boar pappardelle, stand with the best in the western suburbs. Housed inside Hotel Arista at CityGate, the dining room is sleek and Euro-modern, while the weekend brunch draws non-hotel guests from across Naperville for ricotta pancakes and shakshuka. The breakfast service on weekday mornings is a quieter affair and equally worth the visit.
Insider Tip
The weekend brunch is exceptional value, the shakshuka and ricotta pancakes are the standouts, and reservations fill fast by Thursday.
Photos
Hours
Details
2155 CityGate Ln, Ste 103, CityGate
Open in Maps → (opens in new tab)Best For
A date night that feels like a mini getaway
Weekend brunch in an upscale setting
Business travelers staying at Hotel Arista who refuse to eat room service
Amenities
What this restaurant offers
Dine-In
Takeout
Outdoor Seating
Full Bar
Catering
Private Dining
Reservations: Recommended
Menu Highlights
Signature dishes worth trying
Cacio e Pepe
Handmade tonnarelli tossed in Pecorino Romano and cracked black pepper, simple, perfect.
Wild Boar Pappardelle
Slow-braised wild boar ragu over wide ribbons of fresh pappardelle.
Shakshuka
Eggs poached in spiced tomato sauce with feta, herbs, and warm pita, a brunch essential.
Ricotta Pancakes
Fluffy ricotta pancakes with lemon curd, blueberry compote, and maple syrup.
Branzino
Whole Mediterranean sea bass, roasted with lemon, capers, and olive oil.
Tiramisu
Classic espresso-soaked ladyfingers with mascarpone cream and cocoa dust.
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