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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

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17 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Peanut Park Trattoria restaurant
1. Peanut Park Trattoria
4.7
Exceptional(237)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy / University Village
Booked 1 time today
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Little Italy in Chicago, Peanut Park Trattoria has quickly become a beacon of contemporary Italian cuisine. Celebrated by Chicago Magazine as one of the Top Restaurants in February 2022 and hailed by Tasting Table as "One of the Absolute Best Italian Restaurants in Chicago," this gem offers a culinary experience that skillfully blends Italian traditions with modern flair. Patrons rave about the handmade pastas and inventive pizzas, describing them as "absolutely delicious" and lauding the friendly and welcoming atmosphere. With its commitment to quality, authenticity, and excellent service, Peanut Park Trattoria is a must-visit for anyone seeking a truly exceptional Italian dining experience in Chicago.
A photo of Alla Vita restaurant
2. Alla Vita
4.8
Exceptional(2303)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • West Loop
Booked 57 times today
Alla Vita, nestled in Chicago's vibrant West Loop, is a beacon of contemporary Italian cuisine that delights with its casual, family-style dining. Celebrating life's triumphs, Alla Vita offers a menu bursting with authenticity and flavor. Executive Chef Lee Wolen's passion is evident in every dish, from the heavenly Whipped Ricotta with orange blossom honey to the exquisite burrata with hazelnuts. Patrons rave about the unforgettable "burrata app with toasted bread," and the "rigatoni alla vodka," describing them as "mouth-watering" and "incredible." The ambiance, described as "vibrant and beautiful," complements the culinary experience, making Alla Vita a must-visit for anyone seeking the finest in contemporary Italian fare in Chicago.
A photo of PIZZ'AMICI restaurant
3. PIZZ'AMICI
new
4.8
Exceptional(12)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • West Town
Booked 34 times today
Nothing brings people together more than pizza. Serving up the best Chicago thin crust pizza and classic American Italian dishes for sit down or carry-out, PIZZ'AMICI is the perfect spot for a date night, special celebration or a fine glass of wine. No matter where you come from or who you come with, we guarantee you'll feel at home here and leave with few more friends.
A photo of Prosecco restaurant
4. Prosecco
4.5
Awesome(2763)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 8 times today
Prosecco, nestled in Chicago's vibrant River North Gallery District, is a culinary gem renowned for its exceptional seafood offerings. Diners consistently rave about the freshness and quality of dishes, with one patron describing the seafood pasta as "full of flavor" and another exclaiming that they had the "best cooked scallops of my life." The authenticity of Prosecco's seafood cuisine shines through in every dish, from the seared halibut to the frutti di mare pasta, all masterfully prepared to highlight the natural tastes and textures. Seafood lovers looking for an unforgettable dining experience will find Prosecco the perfect spot to indulge in the true flavors of the ocean.
A photo of Ummo restaurant
5. Ummo
4.3
Awesome(499)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 22 times today
UMMO is a contemporary Italian restaurant that unlocks the vibrant flavors of regional Italian cuisine in a colorful, beautifully imagined space.At UMMO, we present contemporary Italian cuisine that seamlessly combines his passion for Italian and American cultures. With a focus on simplicity and quality ingredients sourced from around the globe, UMMO offers fine, house-made pastas, decadent cheese and meat selections, vibrant vegetables, hearty proteins, delicate seafood, and more. As the menu changes frequently to reflect seasonal and new discoveries, guests can experience the full breadth of what Italy has to offer.Join us at UMMO for an unforgettable culinary journey.
A photo of Mano a Mano restaurant
6. Mano a Mano
4.7
Exceptional(102)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Logan Square
Booked 19 times today
Mano a Mano in Logan Square, Chicago, is a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine that has captivated the neighborhood with its exceptional culinary offerings. Celebrated for its "perfectly balanced" dishes that make flavors "play a concert on your tastebuds," this restaurant stands out for its commitment to quality and authenticity. The rave reviews highlight the "delightful" prosciutto ravioli and the "divine" zucchini flowers, underscoring the restaurant's ability to turn classic Italian ingredients into contemporary masterpieces. The ambiance, described as a "sexy Porto Fino bar from the 70s," complements the dining experience, making Mano a Mano not just a meal, but a memorable event. With a wine list exclusively featuring Italian grapes and a menu that promises an "absolute home run," this spot is a must-visit for anyone seeking the best of Italian dining in Chicago.
A photo of The Florentine restaurant
7. The Florentine
4.3
Awesome(1305)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Downtown / Loop
Booked 23 times today
Nestled in the heart of Chicago's vibrant Loop Financial district within the JW Marriott, The Florentine stands out as a paragon of Contemporary Italian cuisine. Its menu, celebrated for its simplicity and emphasis on superior ingredients, features top-notch imported Italian pastas, cheeses, salts, and meats alongside finely sourced local farm produce. Patrons consistently praise its offerings, with one noting, “The grilled octopus appetizer was FANTASTIC!” and another lauding the “absolute quality service, food, and libations.” Whether it's for an intimate dinner or a large gathering, The Florentine delivers an exquisite dining experience that captures the essence of authentic Italian fare with a modern twist.
A photo of Sapori Trattoria restaurant
8. Sapori Trattoria
4.7
Exceptional(4434)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Lincoln Park
Booked 38 times today
Sapori Trattoria, nestled in the vibrant neighborhoods of Lincoln Park and Lakeview in Chicago, is your go-to destination for exceptional seafood. This cozy Italian restaurant is renowned for its authentic dishes, including the must-try Lobster Ravioli and the exquisite seafood risotto. Patrons rave about the quality, with one diner mentioning, "The fried branzino special was delicious, and the seafood risotto was perfect." The attention to freshness and quality shines through in every dish, making it a beloved spot for seafood lovers. As one reviewer put it, "Best Italian food I have had in a long time. Fresh and very good flavor combos." At Sapori Trattoria, every seafood dish is a celebration of Italian culinary excellence right in the heart of Chicago.
A photo of etta Bucktown restaurant
9. etta Bucktown
new
4.4
Awesome(6)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Belmont Central / Cragin
Booked 4 times today
At etta Bucktown, we’re proud to be a local favorite for neighborhood Italian dining. Known for our wood-fired dishes and relaxed, welcoming vibe, we’re open daily for lunch and dinner, plus we offer a lively brunch every Saturday and Sunday. Whether you're here for a casual meal or a celebratory gathering, Etta is where Bucktown comes to eat, drink, and connect.
A photo of Exchequer Restaurant & Pub restaurant
10. Exchequer Restaurant & Pub
4.5
Awesome(58)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Downtown / Loop
Booked 5 times today
Nestled in the heart of downtown Chicago, Exchequer Restaurant & Pub, affectionately known as "The Ex," is a true gem for Pizzeria enthusiasts. Celebrated for its #1 Deep Dish Pizza by the Chicago Tribune, the restaurant offers a slice of authentic Chicago with every bite. Regulars rave about the perfect crust and rich flavors, describing the pizza as "definitely the best value meal I’ve had in this area of Chicago" and "the best pizza I’ve had no joke." With its cozy pub ambiance and a history of satisfying diners since 1969, Exchequer stands out as a must-visit for anyone craving a genuine taste of Chicago's famed deep-dish pizza. Whether it's your first visit or you're a returning aficionado, Exchequer promises a delightful dining experience with its top-notch service and a hearty, flavorful menu.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Kim
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Love Prosecco. Neighborhood restaurant that makes dining feel like special event. Bread is fresh and warm served with fresh olive oil and olive tampa ade. We had the delicious bufala appetizer and special was shrimp appeti34 cooked perfectly. My daughter ordered the carbonara and side of asparagus, my husband the fettuccini al granchi and I had the tartufate which is my usual dish that I cannot get enough of (truffle, mushroom, asparagus, sun dried tomatoes) We come often. Meals and ambience always perfect. Easy for conversation. Excellent service and food is divine
    More info
    ProseccoPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• River North (Chicago)
    •
    4.5
  • Carrie
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Best staff. Best food. Best vibes. Will return over and over.
    More info
    Mano a ManoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Logan Square
    •
    4.7
  • Christine
    Seattle / Eastern Washington •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The table bread is a must. The Cacio e Pepe pillows (so fluffy) and Rigatoni (just a little spicy in a good way) were delicious! Fried potatoes and delicate squash were excellent. Roasted chicken was just a little crispy and so flavorful. Soppressata pizza was sweet and salty. So good. Can’t wait for leftovers. Tossed salad was just ok IMO.
    More info
    Alla VitaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• West Loop
    •
    4.8
  • David
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    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
    •
    4.7
  • HannahVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Excellent pizza. Meatballs and salad were also very good! Can’t wait to go back when they have a liquor license.
    More info
    PIZZ'AMICIPrice: Expensive• Pizza Bar• West Town
    •
    4.8

Discover best Contemporary Italian restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

Discover the essence of contemporary Italian cuisine in Chicago's vibrant Little Italy/University Village. This area, known for its rich cultural heritage and culinary diversity, serves as a perfect backdrop for exploring innovative Italian dining experiences. Restaurants here skillfully blend traditional Italian flavors with modern culinary techniques, creating dishes that are both authentic and inventive. Diners can expect a variety of options, from handmade pastas and artisan pizzas to sophisticated seafood dishes, all prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The dining scene in this historic neighborhood offers a charming mix of old-world ambiance and contemporary sophistication, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts. Each restaurant strives to provide a memorable dining experience, characterized by meticulous service and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're seeking a casual meal or a refined evening out, Little Italy/University Village is the place to indulge in the best of contemporary Italian cuisine in Chicago.

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