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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

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173 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Peanut Park Trattoria restaurant
1. Peanut Park Trattoria
4.8
Exceptional(231)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy / University Village
Booked 10 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 The Walnut Room - Chicago restaurant
2. The Walnut Room - Chicago
4.6
Exceptional(6791)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Loop
Booked 403 times today
For Large Parties 21 or more: please contact us at http://macysrestaurants.com/contact-us/ For Holiday Questions and Menu: http://macysrestaurants.com/walnut-room/holiday2024/The world famous Walnut Room has been a Chicago tradition since 1907. Located on the 7th floor of Macy's on State Street, the Walnut Room was the first restaurant ever opened in a department store. Conveniently located in the heart of the Chicago theater district, the Walnut Room is an excellent choice to take a break from shopping or for a meal and a glass of wine before the show. Enjoy our Famous Mrs. Herring's Chicken Pot Pie and other well known favorites on the menu.
A photo of Girl & the Goat restaurant
3. Girl & the Goat
4.8
Exceptional(14835)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • West Loop
Booked 123 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 Gibsons Italia restaurant
4. Gibsons Italia
4.8
Exceptional(3894)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 121 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 Duck Duck Goat restaurant
5. Duck Duck Goat
4.8
Exceptional(5559)
Price: Expensive
• Chinese • West Loop
Booked 102 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 Momotaro restaurant
6. Momotaro
4.6
Exceptional(3844)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • West Loop
Booked 91 times today
Momotaro is a multi-level Japanese restaurant located in the West Loop. Led by Executive Chef Gene Kato, Momotaro has had the honor of being named Restaurant of the Year in both Chicago Magazine and Chicago Social. Under Kato’s leadership the restaurant has come to define the balance between traditional values and modern technique, blending the two in a science and art that has resulted in an authentic, innovative menu. The restaurant, designed by the world renowned AvroKO, also contains the subterranean Izakaya at Momotaro (a laid back, lively lower-level bar and restaurant reminiscent of the neon-lit haunts of trendy Tokyo neighborhoods) and an elegant second floor private space that overlooks the main dining room.
A photo of Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago restaurant
7. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago
4.7
Exceptional(8847)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 111 times today
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse has been a Chicago icon since partners Hugo Ralli and Steve Lombardo opened its doors in May 1989. The classic American steakhouse serves Gibsons Prime Angus Beef and Gibsons Grassfed Australian Beef. Gibsons also features fresh fish, classic cocktails, an extensive wine list and exceptional service. Celebrities, Chicago visitors and loyal neighborhood residents enjoy three distinct locations: Chicago, Rosemont and Oak Brook. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.
A photo of El Che Steakhouse & Bar restaurant
8. El Che Steakhouse & Bar
4.7
Exceptional(2064)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • West Loop
Booked 46 times today
Located just beyond the West Loop’s famed “restaurant row,” El Che Steakhouse & Bar is Chicago's go-to destination for steak, seafood, and live-fire cooking. The restaurant is modeled after Executive Chef/Partner John Manion’s fascination with Argentinean asados: traditional backyard barbecues surrounding the flame. A 12-foot custom-built grill serves as the centerpiece for this downtown asado which embraces South American-tinged meats, seasonal vegetables, fresh seafood, and of course, steak. The hearth also serves as the heart of the restaurant’s experiences such as dining at the Hearth Table. Join us for happy hour at our cocktail bar, featuring signature cocktails and fiery bar bites or indulge in a glass of wine from the country’s only South American wine list. No matter what you choose, El Che brings the heat seven nights a week.For large groups, private events, birthdays, or celebrations, email us info@elchechicago.com.
A photo of RL Restaurant restaurant
9. RL Restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(7224)
Price: Expensive
• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 79 times today
If you do not find availability online, please call the restaurant directly at 312-475-1100.Located adjacent to the Ralph Lauren Chicago flagship store on Michigan Avenue, RL Restaurant features the vision and décor of Ralph Lauren in a modern club atmosphere. RL Restaurant offers classic American cuisine inspired by Ralph Lauren’s personal favorites. Seasonal dishes range from a chopped vegetable salad to a lobster roll sandwich, grilled fish of the day and steaks. On the cocktail list, guests can choose from classic drinks and a diverse selection of wines and other fine spirits.
A photo of Daisies Chicago restaurant
10. Daisies Chicago
4.7
Exceptional(176)
Price: Expensive
• American • Logan Square
Booked 79 times today
Midwest Italian restaurant focusing on house made pastas, utilizing vegetables from Chef Joe Frillman’s family farm. Our bakery and cafe serves La Colombe Coffee alongside an array of pastries and sandwiches crafted by Chef Leigh Omilinksy.Dinner reservations are available Tuesday - Sunday; we are closed for dinner service on Mondays. Our cafe operates from 7:00am - 3:00pm every day. Lunch is available from 11:00am - 2:00pm every day. We do not take lunch or cafe reservations, it is first come first served. Please note that there will be a 25% service charge applied to all bills. This goes to pay our staff equitably as well as provide health and other benefits not typically offered in restaurants.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Oscarvip
    Chicago / Illinois •51 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The Girl and the Goat always exceeds expectations, even when my expectations are sky high! Thank you! We had the Pig Face, String Beans, Goat Belly, and Steak. The dishes all exploded with flavors. The balance of seasonings, use of citrus, vinegar and other elements of the dishes played well and makes the culinary experience here amazing. The cocktails were yummy as well. The Peach-Te-quilla was light and refreshing. The Spicy Fat Boy had a ton of flavor. To finish the night, we had the Toffee Pumpkin cake and a neat pour of the Pappy Family Reserve. The Pappy was a treat and made a great night even more special! Thanks to Stephanie and all the team at the Goat. You are all AMAZING!
    More info
    Girl & the GoatPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• West Loop
    •
    4.8
  • Chrisvip
    Jacksonville / Northeast Florida •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Always have dinner at a Gibsons restaurant, usually the Rosemont location. It’s not that the ambience in Rosemont is bad, but we fell in love with Gibsons Italia. A bit more modern in its decor with the same excellent food and a fabulous view! My new favorite Chicago restaurant!
    More info
    Gibsons ItaliaPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
    •
    4.8
  • Kevin
    Chicago / Illinois •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Great ambiance and very delicious food made for a terrific experience.
    More info
    Duck Duck GoatPrice: Expensive• Chinese• West Loop
    •
    4.8
  • Debora
    Phoenix / Arizona •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We were seated 10 minutes early for our 1pm reservation. Out server arrived at our table immediately and greeted us. We put in drink orders then when she came with those we ordered our appetizer and meal. We thought it might take a bit of time as the place was full but it was all out quickly. Ordered thr pot pie and braised beef and both good. This is where service got slow but I think they seated 3 or 4 new tables in her area at once so she was busy. Ordered thr mint cheesecake and that was amazing. Bill was $80 plus tax so not really bad for 2 people to have a nice meal with drinks and dessert. The tree and Christmas decorations were beautiful and we lucked out and were seated near the tree. Will make it a tradition each year to go back. Lucked out on the reservation because we missed it when it opened. So glad we got one!
    More info
    The Walnut Room - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Loop
    •
    4.6
  • Robert
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    The staff could not have been friendlier or more attentive. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the food. Highly recommended.
    More info
    Peanut Park TrattoriaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy / University Village
    •
    4.8

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

Discover the hidden treasures of Little Italy / University Village in Chicago through its collection of neighborhood gem restaurants. This area is renowned for its vibrant dining scene that beautifully blends traditional charm with modern culinary innovation, offering a unique experience for every palate. Each restaurant in this locale prides itself on delivering not only exceptional cuisine but also a warm, inviting atmosphere that reflects the historic and cultural richness of the neighborhood. Patrons can expect top-notch service and a truly local dining experience that often exceeds expectations. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot for a romantic dinner or a lively venue to enjoy with friends, Little Italy / University Village promises an unforgettable gastronomic journey. Embrace the opportunity to explore a variety of menus, each featuring dishes crafted with passion and flair, ensuring every visit is distinctively delightful. This neighborhood's restaurants are a culinary nod to both the past and the present, making it a must-visit for food lovers in search of genuine, high-quality dining options.

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