Best Cozy Restaurants in Hyde Park

I had a girls’ night out with one of my besties Arianna, we had such a fabulous time! We were at Cantina Rosa in Hyde Park, a black owned Mexican restaurant. The food was delicious, the food is more appetizer, non-entreé, I got full off of their shrimp cocktail & a lamb inspired tortilla; the drinks are delightful, but strong. They have alcohol & non-alcoholic beverages. I’m going to give you a warning, that spirit free Vertida with jalapeño ingredient has some kick. The ambiance was beautiful, dim lighting, the waitress told me they remodeled the restaurant, and it looked really picturesque. Also, that playlist they were playing was a mixture of 90’s R & B with Latino music, we were jamming and eating. Cantina Rosa had amazing customer service, and I recommend it for a girls’ night, a date, solo outing for yourself, and you can also have private events there as well. I hope you try it out, and enjoy it like I did! 😉

Very good food just wished it was a bit warmer inside other than that no complaints

My recent visit to this celebrated establishment was nothing short of exceptional, from the food to the service and overall ambiance. From the moment we were seated, the hospitality was evident. Our waiter was a standout—a consummate professional who exuded warmth and friendliness. He not only made us feel at home but also demonstrated an impressive knowledge of the menu, offering recommendations that turned out to be some of the best dishes of the evening. His attention to detail and genuine enthusiasm elevated our dining experience, setting a high bar for service. We began our meal with three outstanding appetizers. The biscuits with pimento cheese were a revelation—flaky, buttery, and paired perfectly with the creamy, tangy cheese spread. The salad with crispy pig ears was a bold and delightful contrast of textures, combining the crunch of the pig ears with the freshness of greens. The chicken liver pâté was rich, velvety, and perfectly complemented by its accompanying garnishes. Each dish demonstrated a balance of flavors and a deep respect for traditional Southern ingredients. For our main courses, we chose a variety of dishes to sample the breadth of Virtue’s offerings. The salmon was cooked to perfection, its flaky texture enhanced by a flavorful glaze. The short ribs were tender beyond belief, practically melting in the mouth and paired with sides that accentuated their richness. Finally, the fish and grits was a standout—a creamy, comforting dish that showcased the restaurant’s ability to elevate a Southern staple. We couldn’t resist sampling Virtue’s desserts, and we were so glad we did. The banana pudding was a nostalgic treat, executed with a refined twist that elevated this Southern staple. Meanwhile, the red velvet cake was everything you want from this classic dessert—moist, flavorful, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. A very special shoutout to Chef Damarr of Top Chef fame who stopped by our table to chat briefly.

Service was great very kind and warm. Mentioned all the specials that we definitely took advantage of. Nice and quiet and food was great.

Delicious, and completely underrated! Sushi was fresh and they have a great gluten free menu!