Best Casual Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

265 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Peanut Park Trattoria restaurant

1. Peanut Park Trattoria

4.7

Exceptional(230)

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!

2. Pompei - Taylor

4.1

Excellent(7)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy / University Village

Pompei, on Taylor Street, is a fast casual “counter service” restaurant. It has a long-standing history throughout the Chicago area ever since it was first established in 1909. When first opened, Pompei served only baked bread and cheese pizzas. Over the years, the restaurant has expanded its menu to include many delectable dishes that have quickly become favorites for many of the locals while remaining true to its original roots.The dine-in menu features Italian sausage, hand rolled pizzas like the Signature Pizza Pompei or the Four Cheese and Tomato, plenty of house made pasta like the gnocchi and cheese ravioli and an array of pizza strudels like the Beef Angelo and the Pompei Italiano. Pompei also features incredible, freshly made desserts like the chocolate cannoli, "Italian chocolate sheet cake", bread pudding and the Taylor street cheesecake. Enjoy Pompei's seasonal outdoor seating for a true Al Fresco experience. Pompei offers (3) private banquet rooms and catering.

3. Rose Mary

4.7

Exceptional(3238)

Price: Expensive

• Croatian • West Loop

Booked 162 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 Pizzeria Portofino restaurant

4. Pizzeria Portofino

4.7

Exceptional(1469)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 213 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.

5. Alla Vita

4.8

Exceptional(2255)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Italian • West Loop

Booked 151 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.

6. Girl & the Goat

4.8

Exceptional(14817)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • West Loop

Booked 175 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.

7. Elina's

4.7

Exceptional(139)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • West Town

Booked 35 times today

Fine Italian cooking served by two chefs in an intimate space.Reservations are released 30 days in advance at midnight. Parties of 7 or more must contact Reservations@elinaschicago.com to book. Parties of this size are required to participate in a $75 per person family style prix fixe menu, drinks are charged based on consumption and a 20% gratuity will be added to the final bill. If you cancel within 24 hours of your reservation time you will incur a $30 per person cancelation fee.

A photo of Sunda New Asian - Fulton Market restaurant

8. Sunda New Asian - Fulton Market

4.6

Exceptional(202)

Price: Expensive

• Asian • West Loop

Booked 73 times today

Located in Chicago’s culinary destination, Fulton Market, Sunda offers a vibrant Southeast Asian dining experience, blending the flavors of Japan, China, the Philippines, Thailand, and beyond. We elevate culturally significant dishes using high-quality ingredients and modern techniques. Our beverage program includes signature handcrafted cocktails, a robust sake and wine selection, and Asian whiskies and beers. Our venue hosts private events for occasions from corporate outings to rehearsal dinners, and we also offer catering services.

9. Elske

4.7

Exceptional(1197)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • West Loop

Booked 23 times today

PLEASE NOTE: **We can accommodate vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten free, dairy free, nut/peanut free & shellfish free diets. Before booking, please email us at info@elskerestaurant.com regarding any restrictions that are not listed above. We may be unable to accommodate certain restrictions, or diners with multiple restrictions.** Elske means love in Danish, a nod to both David Posey’s Danish mother and the fact that the couple got engaged in Copenhagen. “Our travels in Denmark have really influenced us,” Chef Posey said. “We like that clean, simple aesthetic.” The dining room — all crisp lines, minimalist décor & soft lighting — is anchored by a wide open kitchen on one side & a small patio with a working fireplace on the other. Combined with the friendly service, it creates the impression that you’re eating in a supremely tasteful Scandinavian friend’s weekend home.

10. La Serre

4.6

Exceptional(406)

Price: Expensive

• French • West Loop

Booked 91 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

G
Georgevip
Chicago / Illinois •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Incredible as always. Perfect service and unbelievable food
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Rose MaryPrice: Expensive• Croatian• West Loop
•
4.7
D
Denise
Chicago / Illinois •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Alla Vita never disappoints. The pre fixe menu has perfect portions and pairing options. Our server Monica was delightful and attentive, presentation was beautiful and the food was (as always) delicious!!
More info
Alla VitaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• West Loop
•
4.8
E
Ezgi
Miami - Dade •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Had an amazing dining experience at Portofino today! The food was absolutely delicious, beautifully presented, and full of flavor. The service was attentive and friendly, making the experience even better. I highly recommend this restaurant and will definitely return!
More info
Pizzeria PortofinoPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.7
E
Estefani
Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 15, 2024
Went for a date night, unfortunately we were sat next to a big party who was very loud. Not the fault of the restaurant per se, but the noise does carry. Overall the food was amazing, the service was unbelievably good, and once the big party left, it was much quieter and enjoyable. I’d recommend coming here!
More info
Peanut Park TrattoriaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy / University Village
•
4.7
BC
BridgetC
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 5, 2022
Always love coming here since I was a kid. The food is excellent and authentic.
More info
Pompei - TaylorPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy / University Village
•
4.1

Best Casual Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

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265 restaurants available nearby

1. Peanut Park Trattoria

2. Pompei - Taylor

3. Rose Mary

4. Pizzeria Portofino

5. Alla Vita

6. Girl & the Goat

7. Elina's

8. Sunda New Asian - Fulton Market

9. Elske

10. La Serre

See what locals rave about

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