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Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Little Italy / University Village

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

ChicagoNear WestNorth SuburbsNorthwest Suburbs

Neighborhoods

Albany ParkAndersonvilleAvondaleBelmont Central / CraginBerwynBridgeport

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

276 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Aba - Chicago restaurant

1. Aba - Chicago

4.8

Exceptional(2582)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • West Loop

Booked 212 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 Gibsons Italia restaurant

2. Gibsons Italia

4.8

Exceptional(3872)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 165 times today

Gibsons Italia is built on a tradition & elegance that is relentless in the pursuit of the very best. Chef-driven tastes of Italy are paired with the superiority of Gibsons Steakhouse, creating a restaurant that makes the familiar, exceptional. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.

A photo of Gino & Marty's restaurant

3. Gino & Marty's

4.2

Awesome(586)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • West Loop

Booked 21 times today

A narrative-driven Chicago Italian restaurant that tells a prohibition-era story with a modern luxury twist. Located on Green & Randolph next door to Nobu Hotel at 844 W Randolph. Join us for our Espresso Martini Happy Hour from 4 - 6pm!

A photo of Sepia restaurant

4. Sepia

4.8

Exceptional(5334)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary American • West Loop

Booked 26 times today

Seamlessly melding refined and rustic, vintage and contemporary, Sepia has the feel of an instant classic. The stylish space is warm and inviting, comfortable yet lively. The easy elegance of the room serves as the perfect backdrop for the inventive American cuisine. Chef Andrew Zimmerman's product-driven, seasonal menu showcases the purity and quality of the ingredients, letting both the ingredients and his passion for what he does shine through. Sepia celebrates tradition – with a modern twist.To book reservations of 10 or larger, please email info@sepiachicago.com!

A photo of Girl & the Goat restaurant

5. Girl & the Goat

4.8

Exceptional(14819)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • West Loop

Booked 170 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 Duck Duck Goat restaurant

6. Duck Duck Goat

4.8

Exceptional(5556)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Chinese • West Loop

Booked 128 times today

Chef Stephanie Izard brings her take on Chinese-American cuisine to Chicago's Fulton Market District with Duck Duck Goat, her third venture with Boka Restaurant Group. The menu features hand-pulled noodles, house-made dumplings, wontons, fried rice, and more, ensuring no diner leaves hungry. On weekends, Duck Duck Goat also offers a delightful dim sum brunch menu, perfect for starting the day with a creative twist on classic favorites.

A photo of Costera Cocina Tulum restaurant

7. Costera Cocina Tulum

4.6

Exceptional(884)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • West Loop

Booked 56 times today

Costera Cocina Tulum brings the vibrant flavors of Tulum's coastal and Mayan cuisine to life, blending land-and-sea principles with traditional Mexican dishes. Step into a lively yet serene atmosphere that captures the essence of Tulum's unique intersection of jungle, beach, and bohemian nightlife. Experience our day-to-night philosophy, where "the jungle has two attitudes," and enjoy a dining experience that transports you to this enchanting Mexican getaway.

A photo of SUSHI-SAN - Lincoln Park restaurant

8. SUSHI-SAN - Lincoln Park

4.8

Exceptional(172)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Sushi • Lincoln Park

Booked 88 times today

Serving up the best sushi in Chicago and binchotan roasted meats using the freshest ingredients we can find, all with a side of old-school hip-hop and ice-cold beer.

A photo of Bar Mar restaurant

9. Bar Mar

4.6

Exceptional(922)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Spanish • River North (Chicago)

Booked 96 times today

Fresh oysters piled on mounds of sparkling ice. Ceviches that taste of the ocean. Chef José Andrés’ brilliant renditions of iconic seafood classics like fried calamari and lobster rolls. Located at the Bank of America Tower in Chicago, Bar Mar is a true celebration of the bounty of the sea, with modern takes on classics you know and love, festive cocktails, and a bright, beautiful space that interweaves the nautical with the elegant. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.

A photo of RPM Italian - Chicago restaurant

10. RPM Italian - Chicago

4.7

Exceptional(12170)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 144 times today

Located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, RPM Italian is modern in approach and Italian in spirit, featuring a contemporary menu with dishes meant to be shared. The sister restaurant to RPM Steak and RPM Seafood, RPM Italian marks the first collaboration between partners RJ, Jerrod and Molly Melman of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises and celebrity couple Giuliana & Bill Rancic.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

From verified diners like you

R
Rosemaryvip
Seattle / Eastern Washington •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Our server was excellent. He asked all the right questions to ensure our courses arrived at the right time. Very attentive and yet gave us space. The food was really tasty, fresh and cooked to perfection. Our wine and cocktails were excellent as well.
More info
The GagePrice: Moderate• American• Downtown / Loop
•
4.7
M
Morgan
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •11 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
This was a last minute reservation for a large party on a work trip. I had always wanted to go to an Eataly, so this worked out great that we could have dinner and explore the store. The food was pretty good, and best of all we could hear our conversation.
More info
Vino & - Eataly ChicagoPrice: Moderate• Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.2
OT
OpenTable Diner
Virginia •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Caitlin was great and the food was delicious! Definitely recommend. Give that girl her bottle of wine! :)
More info
Earls Kitchen + Bar - Lincoln ParkPrice: Expensive• American• Lincoln Park
•
4.2
J
JASON
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 15, 2024
Great food and variety. On the spicy side (make sure that works for all members of your party). Would definitely return.
More info
Bar Goa-ChicagoPrice: Moderate• Indian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.2
F
Franklin
Chicago / Illinois •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 11, 2024
Great spot for an authentic Italian meal. Chicken Marsala is the best and Isaac makes some espresso martinis to die for.
More info
Oggi Trattoria- Chicago AvePrice: Moderate• Italian• West Town
•
4.6

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