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Best Date Night Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

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419 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Peanut Park Trattoria restaurant
1. Peanut Park Trattoria
4.8
Exceptional(237)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy / University Village
Booked 6 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 Alla Vita restaurant
2. Alla Vita
4.8
Exceptional(2309)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Italian • West Loop
Booked 123 times today
Serving a casual, family-style menu, Alla Vita is a place to gather and enjoy comfortable Italian cuisine. Alla Vita means “to life” in Italian which recognizes overcoming life's challenges and creating a space for shared meals and memorable experiences. Executive Chef Lee Wolen shares his passion for fresh, delicious Italian food made simply with the best ingredients. Follow @allavitachicago to stay up-to-date with the latest happenings.
A photo of Aba - Chicago restaurant
3. Aba - Chicago
4.8
Exceptional(2649)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • West Loop
Booked 308 times today
Aba is a Mediterranean restaurant with locations in Chicago, IL, Austin, TX, and BalHarbour, FL. Aba, meaning father in Hebrew, incorporates Chef CJ Jacobson’s lighter styleof cooking with influences from the Mediterranean, including Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, andGreece. The bar program showcases rare Mediterranean-inspired wines and spirits.Signature dishes include Smoky Garlic Hummus, Muhammara, Heirloom Crispy ChickenThigh, Shawarma-Spiced Skirt Steak, Grilled Salmon Kebab and more. The bar programshowcases rare Mediterranean-inspired wines and spirits.
A photo of il Carciofo restaurant
4. il Carciofo
new
4.8
Exceptional(82)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • West Loop
Booked 124 times today
Located in the historic Fulton Market district of Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, il Carciofo is a Roman Italian restaurant drawing inspiration from the restaurants and markets in one of Chef Joe's favorite cities, Rome. The restaurant offers a seasonal menu of elevated yet familiar Italian fare with traditional antipasti, Roman-style pizzas, hand-rolled pastas produced daily in a dedicated pasta lab and market-driven mains that highlight the season's bounty.
A photo of Rose Mary restaurant
5. Rose Mary
4.8
Exceptional(3307)
Price: Expensive
• Croatian • West Loop
Booked 152 times today
Located in the historic Fulton Market district of Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, Rose Mary is Chef/Owner Joe Flamm’s debut restaurant inspired by his Italian heritage and the bold, bright flavors of Croatian cuisine. The boisterous space—named for Flamm’s grandmothers, Mary and Mary Rose, and the herb rosemary, which grows natively along the Italian and Croatian coastlines—offers a seasonal menu of rustic yet refined dishes that encapsulate what Flamm has coined “Adriatic drinking food”.
A photo of Girl & the Goat restaurant
6. Girl & the Goat
4.8
Exceptional(14910)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • West Loop
Booked 129 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 Pizzeria Portofino restaurant
7. Pizzeria Portofino
4.8
Exceptional(1566)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 180 times today
Pizzeria Portofino is a sun-drenched casual restaurant located directly on the Chicago riverfront offering hand-stretched pizzas, coastal wines, an expansive patio and breezy decor that will instantly transport you to the Italian Riviera.
A photo of PIZZ'AMICI restaurant
8. PIZZ'AMICI
new
4.8
Exceptional(12)
Price: Expensive
• Pizza Bar • West Town
Booked 6 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 Asador Bastian restaurant
9. Asador Bastian
4.7
Exceptional(186)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 12 times today
Asador Bastian is a Chicago chophouse with Basque influences from acclaimed ChefDoug Psaltis. Located in the iconic “Flair House” originally built in 1883, this historictownhouse has been revived and brought back to life with culinary inspiration from thegreat asadors of San Sebastián, Spain to serve the world’s best boutique beef withoutcompromise. The most remarkable dining experience comes from the purest ingredientsdelivered in the supremely thoughtful, welcoming and hospitable manner. This ethoshas directed every aspect of the experience at Asador Bastian, whether you’re joiningus for small bites and libations in our Bar Room or for a more intimate experience in ourDining Room.
A photo of La Serre restaurant
10. La Serre
4.6
Exceptional(441)
Price: Expensive
• French • West Loop
Booked 62 times today
Inspired by the coastal regions of Provence and Saint-Tropez, La Serre, located in Fulton Market, invites guests into a lush and colorful greenhouse setting. The culinary approach highlights the light and vibrant cuisine of Provence, with a focus on native techniques and ingredients, offering lighter takes on the dishes of the French-Mediterranean landscape. Fresh vegetables, seafood, and all-natural Black Angus beef are expertly prepared on the kitchen’s hardwood charcoal hearth, infusing each dish with incredible wood and charcoal flavors, elevating the ingredients without heavy sauces or seasonings.Whether you're enjoying steak, seafood, or Mediterranean-inspired dishes, La Serre is the perfect destination for romantic dinners, dates, birthdays, or fine dining. The bar offers expertly crafted cocktails and drinks, providing the ideal atmosphere for any occasion, from a casual night out to an elegant celebration.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • FloVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    I dropped by this restaurant for a late snack after a day of festivities, and I was blown away by how delicious the food was. The experience far exceeded my expectations. I am looking forward to coming back for dinner!
    More info
    The Oakville Grill & CellarPrice: Expensive• American• West Loop
    •
    4.7
  • Jackie
    Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The atmosphere / vibe / ambiance was definitely a 10 out 10. The service was incredible as well. But let’s talk about the sushi itself. While the quality of every fish we had was excellent, I wasn’t too crazy about the fish to rice ratio. IYKYK. I definitely thought the amount / cut of fish could have been a little more generous for the overall price I paid. I also thought it was interesting that they ended the omakase with a nigiri as opposed to a light dessert. But that’s just me. While my friend and I had an absolutely wonderful time, we probably won’t be coming back for a second time.
    More info
    Sushi by Bou - Fulton Market Chicago @ Emily HotelPrice: Very Expensive• Sushi• West Loop
    •
    4.5
  • KellyVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Love Pizzeria Portofino's riverfront location & we were seated on the enclosed "patio" which was very nice but a little chilly. Also a bit loud. But the cocktails & food more than made up for that. I highly recommend the limoncello spritz - it's amazing! We had charred pepperoni pizza, vodka pasta pasta, octopus & arugula salad. All were good but the pizza was the star of our meal. Our server was excellent. We'll be back without a doubt.
    More info
    Pizzeria PortofinoPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
    •
    4.8
  • Marc
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Incredible vibes, service, and food. We wouldn’t change a thing about our visit.
    More info
    Maple & AshPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Gold Coast / Streeterville
    •
    4.7
  • David
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 19, 2024
    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
    •
    4.8

Discover best date night restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

Discover the perfect setting for a romantic date night in Chicago's charming Little Italy / University Village area. This vibrant neighborhood boasts an array of restaurants that cater to those special evenings out, where ambiance and fine dining converge. Each venue offers a unique blend of culinary experiences, from intimate European-inspired bistros to cozy, modern American eateries, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience tailored to romantic occasions. The dining scene here is renowned for its eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary flavors, making it a favorite destination for couples seeking a memorable meal. Whether you're looking for a candlelit dinner under the stars or a sophisticated indoor setting, Little Italy / University Village provides an idyllic backdrop. Delight in the expertly prepared cuisine and the warm, welcoming service that characterizes this delightful culinary enclave. Make your next date night extraordinary by exploring the romantic dining options available in this picturesque part of Chicago.

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