Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

81 restaurants available nearby

1. Girl & the Goat

4.8

Exceptional(14957)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • West Loop

Booked 176 times today

Girl & the Goat, nestled in Chicago's vibrant West Loop, is a must-visit for tapas enthusiasts seeking a truly memorable dining experience. Known for its bold and inventive small plates, the restaurant celebrates locally sourced, seasonal ingredients with flair and creativity. Diners rave about standout dishes like the "goat empanadas with their perfectly flaky crust and savory filling" and the "crispy, flavorful chickpea fritters." The lively atmosphere and friendly service only enhance the experience, making it an excellent choice for groups or adventurous foodies. With each dish designed to share, every visit promises a delightful culinary adventure.

2. HIDE + SEEK

4.4

Awesome(356)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • West Loop

Booked 57 times today

HIDE + SEEK in West Loop, Chicago, is a vibrant Cocktail Bar that elevates the art of drink-making to new heights. Known for its "awesome cocktails" and "top-notch drinks," this establishment is a haven for cocktail enthusiasts. Diners rave about the expertly crafted drinks like the Shadow Play and Midnight in Madrid, which boast "incredible flavor profiles" that cater to diverse palates. The innovative beverage program offers fresh takes on classic cocktails, ensuring each sip is both refreshing and memorable. With a lively atmosphere and attentive service, HIDE + SEEK promises a cocktail experience that's both sophisticated and playful, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.

3. Boka

4.8

Exceptional(7190)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Lincoln Park

Booked 101 times today

Boka, nestled in the heart of Lincoln Park, Chicago, offers an exquisite take on contemporary American cuisine that is nothing short of a revelation. With its Michelin-star status, Boka crafts each dish as a "miniature masterpiece," highlighting seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms. Executive Chef Lee Wolen, celebrated as “Chef of the Year,” ensures a dining experience that is both innovative and deeply satisfying. Diners rave about the "impeccable service" and "phenomenal" food, making it a must-visit destination. The restaurant’s elegant yet inviting ambiance, combined with its artful presentations and "spectacular" wine pairings, guarantees an unforgettable culinary journey.

4. Sepia

4.8

Exceptional(5390)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • West Loop

Booked 26 times today

Sepia in Chicago's West Loop masterfully captures the essence of authentic American cuisine with a modern flair. "One of the best meals I've ever had," says a delighted diner, and it's easy to see why. Chef Andrew Zimmerman’s seasonal menu celebrates the purity of ingredients, delivering dishes that are both inventive and delicious. The restaurant's ambiance, described as "elegant, understated," perfectly complements the culinary experience, making it an instant classic. Standout dishes like the duck breast and short rib are praised for their thoughtful presentation and flavor, while the wine pairing is deemed a "must." Sepia promises a memorable dining experience that beautifully honors American culinary tradition.

5. Terrace 16

4.4

Awesome(2209)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Near North

Booked 22 times today

Terrace 16 in Chicago is a beacon of authentic American cuisine, beautifully capturing the essence of New American flavors. Located on the 16th floor of Trump International Hotel & Tower, it offers diners an "amazing experience" enriched by breathtaking city views. Reviews consistently celebrate the "fabulous views" and "outstanding food," making it a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. The vibrant menu, crafted from fresh ingredients, speaks powerfully for itself, while the extensive craft cocktail program and thoughtful wine list complement the flavorful offerings. With a warm ambiance and exceptional service, Terrace 16 promises an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Chicago.

6. Andy's Jazz Club

4.7

Exceptional(5111)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • River North (Chicago)

Booked 88 times today

Andy's Jazz Club, nestled in the vibrant River North neighborhood of Chicago, is a gem for lovers of authentic American cuisine paired with the soulful sounds of live jazz. This unique venue offers a "fabulous time" with "incredible music and great food," making it a staple for a true Chicago experience. Diners rave about dishes like the "lobster ravioli" and "NY Strip steak," which are crafted to perfection. The atmosphere is described as "warm and inviting," providing a perfect backdrop for enjoying world-class jazz performances. For an evening that "exceeds expectations," Andy's Jazz Club is an American culinary delight you won't want to miss!

7. Elske

4.8

Exceptional(1226)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • West Loop

Booked 34 times today

Elske, nestled in Chicago's vibrant West Loop, offers an exquisite Contemporary American dining experience that is both unique and memorable. This culinary gem has captivated diners with its "delicious, unfussy and creative" dishes, blending premium and unexpected ingredients with a Danish-inspired minimalist aesthetic. Chef David Posey's creations are praised for their "complex but simple" flavors that elevate the essence of each component, making every dish a masterpiece. The tasting menu is particularly celebrated, with patrons describing it as the "best gastronomic experience" of their lives. Elske's friendly and professional staff enhance the experience, ensuring every meal is a delightful journey.

8. Brasero

4.8

Exceptional(357)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • West Town

Booked 107 times today

Brasero, located in West Town, Chicago, is a vibrant celebration of South American cuisine, where Chef John Manion's mastery of wood-fired Latin cooking shines. Recognized by the Robb Report as one of the Top 10 Best New Restaurants in the country, Brasero brings "authentic Argentinian flavors" to life with dishes like flame-roasted young chickens and sumptuous moqueca. Diners rave about the "tender pork shank" and the exquisite "Black Cod in banana leaf," describing their experiences as "beyond spectacular." With a lively ambiance, attentive service, and a selection of 100 wines under $100, Brasero is a must-visit destination for all food lovers.

9. The Franklin Room

4.9

Exceptional(1905)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • River North (Chicago)

Booked 32 times today

The Franklin Room in Chicago’s River North neighborhood is a must-visit for lovers of authentic American cuisine. Renowned for its "phenomenal cuisine" and "world-class service," this hidden gem offers a modern twist on turn-of-the-century American tavern fare. Diners rave about its "delicious food" and "extensive bourbon list," making it a paradise for serious whiskey enthusiasts. The atmosphere is described as "cozy, classy," and reminiscent of a sophisticated speakeasy, perfect for any occasion. With standout dishes like the "butcher steak" and "sea bass," and a staff that consistently goes "above and beyond," The Franklin Room promises a memorable dining experience.

10. Roanoke

4.3

Awesome(1468)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Downtown / Loop

Booked 43 times today

Roanoke, nestled in Chicago's vibrant Loop, is a shining example of Contemporary American cuisine at its finest. The restaurant takes pride in offering "artisan comfort food" with a modern twist, delighting palates with dishes such as the "roasted carrots with whipped feta and pistachios." Guests rave about the "fantastic" burgers and signature rotisserie creations, ensuring a memorable dining experience. The inviting ambiance, featuring luxurious finishes and cozy, warm lighting, complements the exquisite meals perfectly. Roanoke’s commitment to quality and service makes it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking authentic and innovative Contemporary American cuisine in downtown Chicago.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

Y
YewandeVIP
Chicago / Illinois •54 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Amazing food and service was excellent. Diego was great. Thank you and will be back!
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BokaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Lincoln Park
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4.8
L
Lu
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Overall it was a great dinner. Service was excellent and Sepia accommodated us with a nice quiet area to enjoy our dinner. Food was great, although one dish was a bit salty. Everything else was good. We’ve been going to Sepia over the last few years. Never disappoints. We will be back.
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SepiaPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• West Loop
•
4.8
OT
OpenTable DinerVIP
Canberra •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
I really enjoyed dining at girl & the goat. Their menu selections were spectacular, and they were able to accommodate those with dairy intolerance (which most restaurants are unable to do). Their food selections were great and flavorful, and their staff was friendly. I would definitely recommend the chicken or steak dishes.
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Girl & the GoatPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• West Loop
•
4.8
C
CamilaVIP
Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
I went back to try lunch dishes and they were fenomenal, fried chicken sandwich it's really tasty, Francisco took care of me again and he was fenomenal as always I'll be back soon ! Thanks Francisco
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Terrace 16Price: Expensive• Contemporary American• Near North
•
4.4
A
AnthonyVIP
Chicago / Illinois •9 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jan 4, 2025
Stopped by to catch up with a friend, and it was such a great spot! The vibe is super cozy with dim lighting, which made it feel really inviting. We sat by the windows, and there was a bit of a draft, but they were on it with a heater right next to our table—nice save! It started a little slow, probably because of a shift change, but once Paul took over, things were great. We told him we weren’t in a rush, and he totally got it—super friendly and made sure we were well taken care of. We tried a couple of Happy Hour martinis and shared some apps, and everything was delicious. Definitely want to come back to try some entrees and will for sure be back for Happy Hour!
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HIDE + SEEKPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• West Loop
•
4.4

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Little Italy / University Village

Contemporary american

Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

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81 restaurants available nearby

1. Girl & the Goat

2. HIDE + SEEK

3. Boka

4. Sepia

5. Terrace 16

6. Andy's Jazz Club

7. Elske

8. Brasero

9. The Franklin Room

10. Roanoke

See what locals rave about

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