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Best Romantic Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

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130 restaurants available nearby

A photo of BLVD Steakhouse restaurant
1. BLVD Steakhouse
4.3
Awesome(2912)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • West Loop
Booked 64 times today
BLVD Steakhouse is a classic American steakhouse inspired by Hollywood's Sunset Blvd—the golden era's famed strip of dining and entertainment establishments. Our space embodies the glamour and luxury that defined Old Hollywood, offering sophisticated yet approachable service with a chef-driven menu of prime cuts, fresh seafood, and other seasonal favorites from Celebrity Chef/Partner Joe Flamm. Outside, our massive full season patio with a sprawling bar evokes an enchanted ‘secret garden’ look and feel with lush greenery, linen curtains, luxe upholstery, and romantic string lighting.
A photo of Rosebud Rosetta Italian restaurant
2. Rosebud Rosetta Italian
4.5
Awesome(2825)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown / Loop
Booked 45 times today
Rosetta Italian introduces an elegant Italian Restaurant in the heart of the loop, amidst Chicago’s financial district and the finest entertainment venues in the city. Escape the everyday hustle and bustle inside this relaxing dining oasis and enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience. Offering a classic selection of Rosebud's signature Italian dishes, steak, tender chicken entrees, seafood specialties, and a hamburger, voted number one in the city of Chicago by the Chicago Tribune, Rosebud knows a thing or two about the fine art of cooking. Join us for a satisfying lunch before heading back to the office or for a romantic dinner before a show in Chicago’s famed theater district. The inviting atmosphere, impressive wine list and impeccable service at Rosetta Italian encompass the sophistication and style that only Rosetta Italian can deliver. A 3% Surcharge will be added to every check. We will be happy to remove this by request.
A photo of il Carciofo restaurant
3. il Carciofo
new
4.8
Exceptional(76)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • West Loop
Booked 128 times today
Located in the historic Fulton Market district of Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, il Carciofo is a Roman Italian restaurant drawing inspiration from the restaurants and markets in one of Chef Joe's favorite cities, Rome. The restaurant offers a seasonal menu of elevated yet familiar Italian fare with traditional antipasti, Roman-style pizzas, hand-rolled pastas produced daily in a dedicated pasta lab and market-driven mains that highlight the season's bounty.
A photo of Aba - Chicago restaurant
4. Aba - Chicago
4.8
Exceptional(2645)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • West Loop
Booked 324 times today
Aba is a Mediterranean restaurant with locations in Chicago, IL, Austin, TX, and BalHarbour, FL. Aba, meaning father in Hebrew, incorporates Chef CJ Jacobson’s lighter styleof cooking with influences from the Mediterranean, including Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, andGreece. The bar program showcases rare Mediterranean-inspired wines and spirits.Signature dishes include Smoky Garlic Hummus, Muhammara, Heirloom Crispy ChickenThigh, Shawarma-Spiced Skirt Steak, Grilled Salmon Kebab and more. The bar programshowcases rare Mediterranean-inspired wines and spirits.
A photo of Tre Dita restaurant
5. Tre Dita
4.8
Exceptional(794)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 116 times today
Led by Chef Evan Funke, Tre Dita, Italian for "three fingers", pays homage to the precise measurement of bistecca Fiorentina. If booking in the dining room at Tre Dita, you will enjoy a menu of antipasti, handmade pastas, signature entrees and steaks. If booking in the Bar Tre Dita, you will enjoy a smaller menu of stuzzi, antipasti, handmade pastas and entrees. The full cocktail, wine list and dessert menu is available in both locations.Please note that Tre Dita only accepts reservations 7 days in advance.
A photo of Alla Vita restaurant
6. Alla Vita
4.8
Exceptional(2306)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Italian • West Loop
Booked 130 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.
A photo of Nia restaurant
7. Nia
4.2
Awesome(892)
Price: Expensive
• Tapas / Small Plates • West Loop
Booked 1 time today
Mediterranean inspired menu in the heart of Restaurant Row, conveniently located in the West Loop on Randolph St. Extensive Wine List. Intimate Dining Room and Large Cozy Outdoor Patio at Chicago's most Romantic Restaurant. Notable Wine List & amazing food all made from scratch. Great for Groups. Where food is heart and soul.
A photo of Nonnina restaurant
8. Nonnina
4.6
Exceptional(2858)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 68 times today
Nonnina is a romantic spot in Chicago, offering old-school Italian cooking with a retro vibe. Reviews frequently mention the 'cute', 'comfortable', and 'intimate' ambiance, perfect for a date night. One review mentioned a 'romantic dinner for 2' on their anniversary, with 'excellent service'. Another highlighted a 'beautiful red velvet booth' for a 'date night'. The combination of great food, exceptional service, and a cozy atmosphere makes Nonnina an ideal place for a romantic evening.
A photo of Bar La Rue restaurant
9. Bar La Rue
4.6
Exceptional(193)
Price: Expensive
• French American • West Loop
Booked 48 times today
Bar La Rue celebrates French-American cuisine with an inventive cocktail program in the heart of Fulton Market. The stylish space boasts a beautiful all-season, street-side, walk-in-friendly pergola bar and dining area, perfect for a cozy patio experience. The menu incorporates French plays on approachable American comfort foods, offering an inviting setting for lunch, brunch, or dinner. Whether you're enjoying cocktails at the bar, celebrating birthdays, or planning a romantic date, Bar La Rue provides a Mediterranean-inspired atmosphere perfect for any occasion.
A photo of Le Colonial - Chicago restaurant
10. Le Colonial - Chicago
4.8
Exceptional(7898)
Price: Very Expensive
• Vietnamese • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 96 times today
Le Colonial is a celebration of seductive spirit and vivid flavors reminiscent of Saigon in the 1920s. With locations in Atlanta, Denver, Delray Beach, Houston, Lake Forest, and Naples, the famed Vietnamese restaurant is designed to capture a bygone era of sophistication and opulence. Celebrated restaurateurs Rick Wahlstedt and Joe King deliver exquisite attention to detail in the luxurious, classic, and romantic atmosphere Perched on Oak Street in Chicago’s Gold Coast. For special occasions, our private dining space provides a bespoke setting for unforgettable celebrations.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • SteveVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •19 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    The food was incredible as was the service. We had our waitperson order for us and each dish was better than the previous one. Lastly, the space was one of the most beautiful that I have ever been to anywhere in the world!!
    More info
    Tre DitaPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
    •
    4.8
  • Katie
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined today
    Food was fantastic and our server (I believe Nico?) was so kind and quick with his service. Will be back again! Highly recommend the vodka rigatoni.
    More info
    Rosebud Rosetta ItalianPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown / Loop
    •
    4.5
  • Alicia
    New York City •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Ambiance is lively, fun, warm. Service was good. The pesto gnocchi and carbonara alone are worth going back for. We split the 24oz dry aged NY strip and very much enjoyed it, also a great value. The patata larda and sautéed mushroom sides were lackluster. Mushrooms cooked in scorched oil, not even a pinch of salt. Overall kind of disappointed with the sides. But we'll definitely be back for the pastas, maybe try the steak with the bitter green salad next time. Although we didn't try the pizza they looked and smelled delicious.
    More info
    il CarciofoPrice: Expensive• Italian• West Loop
    •
    4.8
  • Alex
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Love the atmosphere and the food is excellent. Jules was a great server!
    More info
    BLVD SteakhousePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• West Loop
    •
    4.3
  • Brenda
    Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    From the friendly and welcoming reception staff to the awesome waitress my experience was wonderful! It was my first visit and my server gets an A+ for her recommendations! I dined alone and the atmosphere and ambiance was welcoming and un rushed. And my meal was scrumptious! I’ll definitely return!
    More info
    Aba - ChicagoPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• West Loop
    •
    4.8

Discover best romantic restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

Discover the enchantment of romantic dining in Chicago's Little Italy / University Village area, where culinary passion meets intimate ambiance. This charming neighborhood is renowned for its vibrant dining scene that beautifully blends Italian heritage with modern culinary innovation, making it a perfect destination for couples seeking a memorable dining experience. Each restaurant in this locale offers a unique atmosphere, from cozy, candlelit settings to elegant outdoor terraces, ideal for those special moments with a loved one. Patrons can expect a variety of gourmet menus featuring both traditional Italian dishes and contemporary global cuisine, all crafted with love and attention to detail. Exceptional service and a commitment to creating a warm, inviting dining environment are hallmarks of these establishments. Whether celebrating an anniversary, planning a proposal, or simply enjoying a romantic evening out, Little Italy / University Village promises a magical culinary adventure that caters to the desires of all seeking romance in the heart of Chicago.

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