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Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

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188 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Peanut Park Trattoria restaurant
1. Peanut Park Trattoria
4.7
Exceptional(253)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy / University Village
Booked 10 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!
A photo of The Walnut Room - Chicago restaurant
2. The Walnut Room - Chicago
4.6
Exceptional(7772)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Loop
Booked 14 times today
For Large Parties 21 or more: please contact us at http://macysrestaurants.com/contact-us/ For Holiday Questions and Menu: http://macysrestaurants.com/walnut-room/holiday2024/The world famous Walnut Room has been a Chicago tradition since 1907. Located on the 7th floor of Macy's on State Street, the Walnut Room was the first restaurant ever opened in a department store. Conveniently located in the heart of the Chicago theater district, the Walnut Room is an excellent choice to take a break from shopping or for a meal and a glass of wine before the show. Enjoy our Famous Mrs. Herring's Chicken Pot Pie and other well known favorites on the menu.
A photo of Girl & the Goat restaurant
3. Girl & the Goat
4.8
Exceptional(15037)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • West Loop
Booked 137 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 The Franklin Room restaurant
4. The Franklin Room
4.9
Exceptional(1925)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • River North (Chicago)
Booked 11 times today
The Franklin Room celebrates the sense of connection one can only find in the neighborhood taverns of Chicago. Offering classic American tavern fare and no shortage of whiskey flair, our sophisticated speakeasy is your local go-to for quality meat dishes, fresh seafood, classic cocktails and the neighborhood tavern experience our city has perfected.Our menu of delectable turn-of-the-century inspired American tavern fare starts there, then elevates the experience with a modern twist that creates a culinary experience you simply have to taste to believe. It's perfectly complimented by our beverage program, which showcases creative cocktails and a meticulous selection of spirits, wine and beer with a strong focus on independent distillers and limited-edition rare releases. Bring them together and you've got a uniquely Chicagoan experience, centuries in the making.
A photo of Duck Duck Goat restaurant
5. Duck Duck Goat
4.8
Exceptional(5676)
Price: Expensive
• Chinese • West Loop
Booked 101 times today
Chef Stephanie Izard brings her take on Chinese-American cuisine to Chicago's Fulton Market District with Duck Duck Goat, her third venture with Boka Restaurant Group. The menu features hand-pulled noodles, house-made dumplings, wontons, fried rice, and more, ensuring no diner leaves hungry. On weekends, Duck Duck Goat also offers a delightful dim sum brunch menu, perfect for starting the day with a creative twist on classic favorites.
A photo of Boka restaurant
6. Boka
4.8
Exceptional(7269)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Lincoln Park
Booked 56 times today
Michelin-starred Boka Restaurant has been a cornerstone of Chicago’s dining scene since 2003. In 2014, following a major renovation, Chef Lee Wolen joined as Executive Chef and Partner, quickly gaining critical acclaim. Named “Chef of the Year” by both Phil Vettel of the Chicago Tribune and Eater Chicago in 2014, and again in 2015, Lee has helped elevate Boka to new heights. The restaurant offers contemporary American cuisine that highlights seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms. The sophisticated yet inviting ambiance sets the stage for an exceptional dining experience, with daily-changing tasting menus that showcase timeless and seasonal American flavors.
A photo of El Che Steakhouse & Bar restaurant
7. El Che Steakhouse & Bar
4.7
Exceptional(2164)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • West Loop
Booked 65 times today
Located just beyond the West Loop’s famed “restaurant row,” El Che Steakhouse & Bar is Chicago's go-to destination for steak, seafood, and live-fire cooking. The restaurant is modeled after Executive Chef/Partner John Manion’s fascination with Argentinean asados: traditional backyard barbecues surrounding the flame. A 12-foot custom-built grill serves as the centerpiece for this downtown asado which embraces South American-tinged meats, seasonal vegetables, fresh seafood, and of course, steak. The hearth also serves as the heart of the restaurant’s experiences such as dining at the Hearth Table. Join us for happy hour at our cocktail bar, featuring signature cocktails and fiery bar bites or indulge in a glass of wine from the country’s only South American wine list. No matter what you choose, El Che brings the heat seven nights a week.For large groups, private events, birthdays, or celebrations, email us info@elchechicago.com.
A photo of The Palm Court restaurant
8. The Palm Court
4.6
Exceptional(5126)
Price: Very Expensive
• Afternoon Tea • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 49 times today
For those who love their afternoon teas fresh, fragrant and steeped in history, Palm Court at The Drake Hotel serving tea for over a century. Even the Queen and Princess Diana have made their royal visits here. Your afternoon tea begins with Palais de Thes menu, which features 15 tea blends including classic selections like the English Breakfast to modern yet delightful twists like the Mélange du Cap.Tea is served in individual tea pots accompanied by the traditional three tiered tea tray filled with an arrangement of gourmet finger sandwiches and scones; and dainty petit fours with complements of preserves, lemon curd and English double Devon cream.And let’s not forget about our little tea. The Prince & Princess Afternoon tea service, suitable for children between 3 and 12 years of age is available throughout the duration of afternoon tea service.Reservations are heavily encouraged. Tea service seating duration is 90minAdults $78 / Kids $35 (3-12)
A photo of RL Restaurant restaurant
9. RL Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(7404)
Price: Expensive
• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 52 times today
If you do not find availability online, please call the restaurant directly at 312-475-1100.Located adjacent to the Ralph Lauren Chicago flagship store on Michigan Avenue, RL Restaurant features the vision and décor of Ralph Lauren in a modern club atmosphere. RL Restaurant offers classic American cuisine inspired by Ralph Lauren’s personal favorites. Seasonal dishes range from a chopped vegetable salad to a lobster roll sandwich, grilled fish of the day and steaks. On the cocktail list, guests can choose from classic drinks and a diverse selection of wines and other fine spirits.
A photo of BLVD Steakhouse restaurant
10. BLVD Steakhouse
4.2
Awesome(2982)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • West Loop
Booked 78 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.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Joe
    Memphis / West Tennessee •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Our meal at Girl & the Goat was wonderful! The service was friendly and helpful. He knew the menu and ensured our experience delicious. We began our dinner with the naan. The dips served alongside were excellent. Next we enjoyed the chickpea fritters that we crisp with creamy inside, accented by pomegranate. We definitely wanted to try the goat empanadas, and were glad that we did. Our next course that we enjoyed were the wood-fired mussels. The broth was delicious. We ended with the roasted pig face. Our server enticed us with dessert. We finished our meal with the apple hand pie. Overall, we loved this place.
    More info
    Girl & the GoatPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• West Loop
    •
    4.8
  • JonVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Absolutely incredible, food was amazing, service was on point, loved this place and will definitely go back!
    More info
    Peanut Park TrattoriaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy / University Village
    •
    4.7
  • RachelVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    My husband and I grabbed a last minute Valentine’s Day reservation at the Franklin Room and had the best meal we’ve had in a long time. Seriously spectacular! The cocktails were delicious and the bartender was fantastic, but the food was the star of the night. We shared the steak tartare and spicy mussels, and devoured every bit. He had the pasta al pesce and I had the Bristol Bay scallops, and I just know I will be dreaming about the scallops for weeks.
    More info
    The Franklin RoomPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• River North (Chicago)
    •
    4.9
  • Laura
    Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Best meal I've had in a long time. We ordered everything off the vegan menu and it's so refreshing to have options that are so full of flavor and don't rely on faux meats. One of my favorite places to come in the city. And best green beans in the world!
    More info
    Duck Duck GoatPrice: Expensive• Chinese• West Loop
    •
    4.8
  • Ryan
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    I took my mom for a Valentine's Day lunch. We went around 3 PM, and even though my reservation was at 3:30 PM the staff were nice enough to let me in. Granted it was a low volume of people eating at the time. We were sat near the windows which added to the ambience of our visit. The music made it feel like we were in an old fancy jazz club. I had the French onion soup and the chicken sandwich while my mom had the Walnut turkey club sandwich. Both sandwiches came with well seasoned fries. The food was delicious and our waitress, Annette, was very attentive and sweet. Overall we had a great experience and would definitely go again. I would highly recommend the Walnut Room.
    More info
    The Walnut Room - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Loop
    •
    4.6

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

Discover the hidden treasures of Little Italy / University Village in Chicago through its collection of neighborhood gem restaurants. This area is renowned for its vibrant dining scene that beautifully blends traditional charm with modern culinary innovation, offering a unique experience for every palate. Each restaurant in this locale prides itself on delivering not only exceptional cuisine but also a warm, inviting atmosphere that reflects the historic and cultural richness of the neighborhood. Patrons can expect top-notch service and a truly local dining experience that often exceeds expectations. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot for a romantic dinner or a lively venue to enjoy with friends, Little Italy / University Village promises an unforgettable gastronomic journey. Embrace the opportunity to explore a variety of menus, each featuring dishes crafted with passion and flair, ensuring every visit is distinctively delightful. This neighborhood's restaurants are a culinary nod to both the past and the present, making it a must-visit for food lovers in search of genuine, high-quality dining options.

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