The Little Gem Restaurant

4.7

1169 Reviews

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Make a booking

2 people

16 Feb 2025

19:00

Booked 9 times today

Experiences are available.

Charming
Good for special occasions
Neighbourhood gem

This Intimate, Stylish Little Restaurant is Elegant and Romantic
With a Warm and Welcoming Atmosphere.
A Relaxed Fine Dining Experience.
Casual or Smart - All Feel At Ease.

Reservations are Recommended - Walkins are always Welcome.
Full Bar with a Speciality Bourbon Collection, Fine Wines and Craft Cocktails.
Newly Expanded to right next door Also Check Out ENCORE! by Little Gem it is just as cosy, warm and inviting.

In addition we have a Private Party Room for up to 70.
Food + Drink Party Packages Available.
Outdoor Dining available weather permitting.
Gift Cards, Private Parties and Customized Menus are available.
Please call (917) 327 8997 or email us : info@thelittlegemcafe.com

We look forward to serving you!

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Bistro, European
Hours of Operation
Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–9:30 pm Happy Hour Tue–Thu, Sun 3:30 pm–6:30 pm Bar + Lounge Tue–Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(708) 613-5491
Website
https://thelittlegemcafe.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive Chef
Jonathan Vukelich
Catering
Our Wonderful Chef Loves to Cook! We can cater events up to 100 Guests On + Off Premises Menus offer Hot + Cold Appetizers, Entrees and Desserts. Select Canapes, Hors d'oeuvres, Cheese Boards, Fresh Fruit, Charcuteries, French Crudite's and more. Fresh Seafood : Beef : Pork : Poultry : Vegetarian : Vegan : Gluten Free. Email today us for more info
Private party facilities
Unique, Customized, Party Packages Available in Little Gem + Right Next Door in Encore! by Little Gem. (A Beautiful Party Private and Events Space).Dining : Dancing : Cocktails : Live Music : Formal Dinners : Casual Mixers This Elegant Little Gem is Perfect for Any OccasionParties Fully Customizable to Suit Your Vision, Our Food is Delicious!

Location
189 N Marion St., Oak Park, IL 60301
Area
Oak Park
Cross Street
Lake St.
Parking details
$1 for 1 Hour Metered Street Parking Also two parking lots on this blockFree Street Parking after 8:00pm and Free on Sundays!
Public transit
Green Line Train Harlem Stop just 2 blocks awayBus Transportation along Lake Street, Harlem Avenue Junction is just a Block away.
Entertainment
Live Jazz : Vintage Jazz Recordings : World Music : Euro Instrumentals
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Experiences

DATE NIGHT Dinner For 2 W/Bottle of Wine 3 Courses
US$99.00 per party
Multiple dates available
DATE NIGHT Dinner For 2 W/Bottle of Wine 3 Courses Friends or Loved Ones ~ Our Superb 3 Course Date Night Menu is Delicious and Comes with A Bottle of Wine. $99 Per Couple. Select : 1 Appetizer, 2 Salads, 2 Entrees and 1 Dessert. Wine options: California Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, French Chardonnay, Rose or Italian Pinot Grigio. Available Sunday thru Thursday in Little Gem Cafe and Encore! by Little Gem.

Popular dishes

Crudite and OlivesUS$15.00
crudite of fresh vegetables, kalamata olives
Fig and Honey Brie CrostiniUS$12.00
triple cream mascarpone, black mission fig
Spanish Meatballs (3)US$17.00
tomatoes, shishito peppers, panko garlic breadcrumbs
Burrata Cheese PlateUS$16.00
roasted heirloom tomatoes, petite green salad, french baguette garlic crostini, basil pesto, balsamic
Sea Scallops au GratinUS$24.00
creamy gruyère cheese, garlic breadcrumb topping
Seared Ahi Tuna (3)US$18.00
sashimi grade tuna, sesame seeds, fried wonton, mango salsa, wasabi aioli
Fried CalamariUS$17.00
sweet chili sauce, tempura lemon, basil oil
Prince Edward Island MusselsUS$22.00
fresh herbs, garlic, white wine, shallots, toasted crostini

Soups

Todays SoupUS$10.00
Gems Classic Baked French OnionUS$14.00

Salads

add: shrimp $14, salmon $15, chicken $10

The Little Gem Wedge SaladUS$18.00
lettuce wedge, heirloom cherry tomatoes, red onions, crumbled bacon, house made bleu cheese dressing
Citrus Beet SaladUS$16.00
roasted red and gold beets, avocado, citrus dressing, queso blanco
Caesar SaladUS$15.00
heart of romaine, fresh parmesan cheese, toasted croutons, signature caesar dressing
Chopped SaladUS$18.00
field greens, avocado, heirloom tomatoes, crispy bacon, hard boiled egg, bleu cheese
Local Greens SaladUS$12.00
spiced pecans, shaved apple, english cucumber, sweet bermuda onions, champagne vinaigrette

Chicken

Boneless Roast Half ChickenUS$28.00
roast potatoes, peas and carrots, natural chicken gravy

Seafood

BranzinoUS$35.00
whole fish roasted and deboned, fennel parsley lemon gremolata, roasted fingerling potatoes, cherry tomato cucumber arugula salad, roasted garlic citrus caper vinaigrette
Seared ScallopsUS$40.00
baby carrots mirepoix, purple rice, yuzu habanero beurre blanc
PaellaUS$42.00
saffron risotto, green peas, andouille sausage, shrimp, fish, mussels, clams, poached lobster
Salmon FiletUS$32.00
ratatouille, baby arugula pesto
Shrimp ScampiUS$26.00
pan seared shrimp, tomato concasse, spinach, mushrooms, white wine, garlic, herb butter sauce

Risotto & Pasta

Braised Short RibsUS$34.00
home made ricotta cavetelli pasta served with roasted mushrooms, cream truffle butter sauce
Fregola SardanaUS$24.00
roasted vegetables, tahini, herbs
Orecchiette PastaUS$24.00
crumbled italian sausage, basil arugula pesto

Steaks & Chops

make any entree a surf and turf add: lobster tail - mp, shrimps (3) - $12, scallops (3) - $24

28 Day Dry Aged Ny Strip
hijiki butter, home made potato croquet
- 12ozUS$58.00
Petite Filet MignonUS$44.00
herb butter, broccoli, red wine reduction
New Zealand Lamb ChopsUS$42.00
roast potatoes, peas and carrots, rosemary jus
Stuffed Pork ChopUS$32.00
smoked gouda, crispy potato, chimichurri, honey brussel sprouts
Skirt SteakUS$38.00
creamed spinach, home made potato croquet, chipotle bearnaise sauce

Small Plates & Sides

Roasted Seasonal VegetablesUS$14.00
Honey Glazed CarrotsUS$10.00
Creamy Mashed PotatoesUS$10.00
Mac and CheeseUS$15.00
Honey Brussels SproutsUS$14.00
Hand Cut FriesUS$12.00
Truffle FriesUS$14.00

What 1,169 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

Near West
Great for brunch
Near West
Romantic

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Little Gem Restaurant offers a "totally pleasant experience" with "excellent food" and "attentive service." Guests love the cozy atmosphere complemented by "live jazz music." The menu features standout dishes like pesto pasta and sea bass, making it a "favorite" spot for "special occasions" and "date nights."

1,169 Reviews

B
Brad
VIP
Chicago
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent 4 course Vdays experience. Delicious! We were on the bar side w the live jazz singer band. Atmosphere/decorating top notch. Service was excellent. Met the owner who couldn't have been nicer.
Is this helpful?
E
Emerlita
Jackson Hole
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything is good. Food, ambiance and the service. The men's bathroom did not lock though. The 4 course menu for valentines is perfect. Appetizer, salald, steak for my hubby and chicken for me. Strawberry creme brulee is not my favorite but the chocolate mousse is very good for the desert.
Is this helpful?
D
Daniel
Chicago
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a wonderful dinner at The Little Gem last night. Food was fabulous and the ambience was perfect for a date night. Great service too. My wife and I can't wait to go again!
Is this helpful?
R
Richard
Chicago
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Absolutely wonderful. The meal was incredibly delicious as were the raspberry martinis. They really made it a special Valentines Day dinner with rose petals and little red gems on the tables. We had the mixed greens salad with champagne vinaigrette and the hangar steak. For dessert I had the crème brûlée and my companion the chocolate mousse. Both were excellent. Highly recommend this neighborhood “gem”.
Is this helpful?
B
Breanne
VIP
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great place and food was really delicious! Had brunch with my family and they were very accommodating. Will be back for sure!
Is this helpful?
J
James
VIP
Chicago
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on 2 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
First time here. Had an overall great experience. Service was fantastic. Nice ambiance. Food was mostly great - we had ceviche & calamari appetizers, then the shrimp linguini which was amazing. The only disappointing item was the seafood paella. It wasn’t bad but was more of a risotto with seafood than paella. My only complaint. Would def go back & recommend.
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C
Cindy
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 1 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food, nicely presented. Attentive service. Great. live, jazz guitar music - at the perfect volume. Totally pleasant experience.
Is this helpful?
S
Sherry
VIP
Chicago
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on 1 February 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
The food at the Little Gem is fabulous. The French onion soup never disappoints. The ambiance is very nice. It's cozy and warm. The exposed brick walls and the lighting make for a very nice dining experience. Everything about our dinner was perfect, but our server seemed a little out of it. She kept on running around like she wasn't sure what she was doing.
Is this helpful?
L
Luwanda
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 30 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
John was an exceptional waiter. He made my husband and I 14th wedding anniversary great! Not only was it exceptional but the food was as well. Totally recommended.
Is this helpful?
S
Steven
VIP
Chicago
13 reviews
3.0
13 reviews
Dined on 26 January 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 4
Make sure to ask if they are about to run out of an entree, otherwise you might miss on your first choice!
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FAQs

The Little Gem Restaurant offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (708) 613-5491.

The Little Gem Restaurant is rated 4.7 stars by 1169 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

16 Feb 2025

19:00

Booked 9 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The Little Gem Restaurant

189 N Marion St., Oak Park, IL 60301

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
Lake St.
Area
Oak Park
Hours of Operation
Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–9:30 pm Happy Hour Tue–Thu, Sun 3:30 pm–6:30 pm Bar + Lounge Tue–Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Bistro, European
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
$1 for 1 Hour Metered Street Parking Also two parking lots on this blockFree Street Parking after 8:00pm and Free on Sundays!
Public transit
Green Line Train Harlem Stop just 2 blocks awayBus Transportation along Lake Street, Harlem Avenue Junction is just a Block away.
Payment Options
AMEX, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Jonathan Vukelich
Entertainment
Live Jazz : Vintage Jazz Recordings : World Music : Euro Instrumentals
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Website
https://thelittlegemcafe.com/
Phone number
(708) 613-5491
Catering
Our Wonderful Chef Loves to Cook! We can cater events up to 100 Guests On + Off Premises Menus offer Hot + Cold Appetizers, Entrees and Desserts. Select Canapes, Hors d'oeuvres, Cheese Boards, Fresh Fruit, Charcuteries, French Crudite's and more. Fresh Seafood : Beef : Pork : Poultry : Vegetarian : Vegan : Gluten Free. Email today us for more info
Private party facilities
Unique, Customized, Party Packages Available in Little Gem + Right Next Door in Encore! by Little Gem. (A Beautiful Party Private and Events Space).Dining : Dancing : Cocktails : Live Music : Formal Dinners : Casual Mixers This Elegant Little Gem is Perfect for Any OccasionParties Fully Customizable to Suit Your Vision, Our Food is Delicious!

The Little Gem Restaurant

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

DATE NIGHT Dinner For 2 W/Bottle of Wine 3 Courses

Stuffed Pork Chop

Fig and Honey Brie Crostini

Shrimp Scampi

Appetizers

Crudite and OlivesUS$15.00

Fig and Honey Brie CrostiniUS$12.00

Spanish Meatballs (3)US$17.00

Burrata Cheese PlateUS$16.00

Sea Scallops au GratinUS$24.00

Seared Ahi Tuna (3)US$18.00

Fried CalamariUS$17.00

Prince Edward Island MusselsUS$22.00

Soups

Todays SoupUS$10.00

Gems Classic Baked French OnionUS$14.00

Salads

The Little Gem Wedge SaladUS$18.00

Citrus Beet SaladUS$16.00

Caesar SaladUS$15.00

Chopped SaladUS$18.00

Local Greens SaladUS$12.00

Chicken

Boneless Roast Half ChickenUS$28.00

Seafood

BranzinoUS$35.00

Seared ScallopsUS$40.00

PaellaUS$42.00

Salmon FiletUS$32.00

Shrimp ScampiUS$26.00

Risotto & Pasta

Braised Short RibsUS$34.00

Fregola SardanaUS$24.00

Orecchiette PastaUS$24.00

Steaks & Chops

28 Day Dry Aged Ny Strip

Petite Filet MignonUS$44.00

New Zealand Lamb ChopsUS$42.00

Stuffed Pork ChopUS$32.00

Skirt SteakUS$38.00

Small Plates & Sides

Roasted Seasonal VegetablesUS$14.00

Honey Glazed CarrotsUS$10.00

Creamy Mashed PotatoesUS$10.00

Mac and CheeseUS$15.00

Honey Brussels SproutsUS$14.00

Hand Cut FriesUS$12.00

Truffle FriesUS$14.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Diners' Choice Awards

Review summary

FAQs

Does The Little Gem Restaurant offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Little Gem Restaurant restaurant rated?

Is The Little Gem Restaurant currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information