Best Casual Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

264 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Peanut Park Trattoria restaurant

1. Peanut Park Trattoria

4.8

Exceptional(240)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Little Italy / University Village

Booked 12 times today

Located in the heart of nostalgic "Little Italy" on Chicago's famed Taylor Street, Peanut Park is a traditional Italian joint brought to you by your friends at Coalfire and Tempesta Market.Chicago Magazine voted Peanut Park One of the Top Restaurants in Chicago February 2022 and Tasting Table said we are " One of the Absolute Best Italian Restaurants in Chicago" this past May 2022. Our menu is simple and we aim to celebrate Italian classics and timeless bistro favorites.We embody passion, integrity, and excellence while striving to provide an authentic dining experience by celebrating tradition and invoking the modern. Don't miss our handmade pastas, pizza and incredible cocktail menu. Join us in our dining room or dine al fresco on the rooftop for a one of a kind experience!

2. Rose Mary

4.8

Exceptional(3333)

Price: Expensive

• Croatian • West Loop

Booked 229 times today

Located in the historic Fulton Market district of Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, Rose Mary is Chef/Owner Joe Flamm’s debut restaurant inspired by his Italian heritage and the bold, bright flavors of Croatian cuisine. The boisterous space—named for Flamm’s grandmothers, Mary and Mary Rose, and the herb rosemary, which grows natively along the Italian and Croatian coastlines—offers a seasonal menu of rustic yet refined dishes that encapsulate what Flamm has coined “Adriatic drinking food”.

3. Elina's

4.8

Exceptional(172)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • West Town

Booked 39 times today

Fine Italian cooking served by two chefs in an intimate space.Reservations are released 30 days in advance at midnight. Parties of 7 or more must contact Reservations@elinaschicago.com to book. Parties of this size are required to participate in a $75 per person family style prix fixe menu, drinks are charged based on consumption and a 20% gratuity will be added to the final bill. If you cancel within 24 hours of your reservation time you will incur a $30 per person cancelation fee.

A photo of Pizzeria Portofino restaurant

4. Pizzeria Portofino

4.8

Exceptional(1599)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 167 times today

Pizzeria Portofino is a sun-drenched casual restaurant located directly on the Chicago riverfront offering hand-stretched pizzas, coastal wines, an expansive patio and breezy decor that will instantly transport you to the Italian Riviera.

5. Alla Vita

4.8

Exceptional(2334)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Italian • West Loop

Booked 199 times today

Serving a casual, family-style menu, Alla Vita is a place to gather and enjoy comfortable Italian cuisine. Alla Vita means “to life” in Italian which recognizes overcoming life's challenges and creating a space for shared meals and memorable experiences. Executive Chef Lee Wolen shares his passion for fresh, delicious Italian food made simply with the best ingredients. Follow @allavitachicago to stay up-to-date with the latest happenings.

6. Girl & the Goat

4.8

Exceptional(14955)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • West Loop

Booked 246 times today

Girl & the Goat opened in 2010 with the goal of offering a menu of bold, flavorful dishes designed to share in a fun and lively atmosphere. To complement the experience, we offer a curated selection of wines from around the world, focusing on small producers, along with a rotating list of craft beers and a playful cocktail menu crafted by our bartenders. The ever-changing menu, driven by locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, features favorites like sautéed green beans, roasted oysters, crispy short ribs, and confit goat belly. While reservations are encouraged for the dining room, our bar welcomes walk-ins, adventurers, and those who prefer spontaneity.

A photo of Club Lago Restaurant restaurant

7. Club Lago Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(494)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 1 time today

Opening its doors in 1952, Club Lago has anchored the corner of Superior and Orleans since before the neighborhood River North grew up around it. Serving classic Northern Italian specialties from the Garfagnana Valley in Tuscany to steaks, chops and signature sandwiches too, the Lago's staff will recommend the perfect entree for whatever mood you're in. Third generation owners GianCarlo and Guido are pouring the wine or serving the veal--it's a family affair. Time warp back to the fifties with a glass of chianti in a plush booth in the bar or hold court at one of the tables in the back; Club Lago's ideal for the first date, a meal before the theater or a game, or whenever you're looking to relax to great food and be a regular in a family joint. Some call it "retro," we call it home. Benvenuti, come on in!

8. Cira

4.7

Exceptional(1793)

Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • West Loop

Booked 89 times today

Cira is a modern, Mediterranean restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as weekend brunch. The menu is made up of shareable plates designed to fill your table and your stomach, inspired by the countries that make up the Mediterranean Basin. Set in the lobby of the Hoxton Hotel in Chicago’s Fulton Market District, the restaurant boasts a sun-soaked full-service lounge and coffee bar, and is transformed into an ambient, moody hub of dining and drinking as the sun sets.

A photo of Sunda New Asian - Fulton Market restaurant

9. Sunda New Asian - Fulton Market

4.6

Exceptional(234)

Price: Expensive

• Asian • West Loop

Booked 73 times today

Located in Chicago’s culinary destination, Fulton Market, Sunda offers a vibrant Southeast Asian dining experience, blending the flavors of Japan, China, the Philippines, Thailand, and beyond. We elevate culturally significant dishes using high-quality ingredients and modern techniques. Our beverage program includes signature handcrafted cocktails, a robust sake and wine selection, and Asian whiskies and beers. Our venue hosts private events for occasions from corporate outings to rehearsal dinners, and we also offer catering services.

10. La Serre

4.6

Exceptional(459)

Price: Expensive

• French • West Loop

Booked 119 times today

Inspired by the coastal regions of Provence and Saint-Tropez, La Serre, located in Fulton Market, invites guests into a lush and colorful greenhouse setting. The culinary approach highlights the light and vibrant cuisine of Provence, with a focus on native techniques and ingredients, offering lighter takes on the dishes of the French-Mediterranean landscape. Fresh vegetables, seafood, and all-natural Black Angus beef are expertly prepared on the kitchen’s hardwood charcoal hearth, infusing each dish with incredible wood and charcoal flavors, elevating the ingredients without heavy sauces or seasonings.Whether you're enjoying steak, seafood, or Mediterranean-inspired dishes, La Serre is the perfect destination for romantic dinners, dates, birthdays, or fine dining. The bar offers expertly crafted cocktails and drinks, providing the ideal atmosphere for any occasion, from a casual night out to an elegant celebration.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

F
Fábio
New York City •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We are celebrating our anniversary and the whole experience was just as perfect! As soon as we stepped in the door the hostess came to us politely and kindly with a big smile on her face In 5 minutes we were seated and the waitress came to greet us very nicely and with a big smile as well, and the lady that poured us some wine also very nice A+ for the entire Team! A+ for the ambience! A+ for the food!
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Alla VitaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• West Loop
•
4.8
P
Prima
Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Our table had mussels and crunchy brussels sprouts pizza, both of which were amazing -- fresh ingredients, delicious, perfect portion, beautiful presentation. For appetizer we ordered fried calamari and they were to die for! Perfect lunch for business and pleasure. I've gone with my family here a couple of times and we had consistently great meals. Highly recommend.
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Pizzeria PortofinoPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.8
D
Dale
Seattle / Eastern Washington •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Wonderful food and service. We will definitely return!
More info
Rose MaryPrice: Expensive• Croatian• West Loop
•
4.8
M
MorganVIP
Toledo / Northwest Ohio •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
EXCEPTIONAL. Wonderful server that was so kind and attentive. Food was coursed out flawlessly and everything was flavorful and exceeded all my expectations. This place is a five minute drive away from me, and I cannot believe it took me so long to get in and have a meal. Already eagerly awaiting my next visit to Elina’s.
More info
Elina'sPrice: Expensive• Italian• West Town
•
4.8
D
David
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined on 19 Dec 2024
The welcome to the restaurant was very pleasant. The service was friendly and very attentive. This was not my first visit to.Peanut Park. They are consistently friendly and attentive. The food is always excellent and reasonably priced. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone.
More info
Peanut Park TrattoriaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy / University Village
•
4.8

Best Casual Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

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264 restaurants available nearby

1. Peanut Park Trattoria

2. Rose Mary

3. Elina's

4. Pizzeria Portofino

5. Alla Vita

6. Girl & the Goat

7. Club Lago Restaurant

8. Cira

9. Sunda New Asian - Fulton Market

10. La Serre

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