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Best Bistros in Little Italy / University Village

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10 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Coquette restaurant
1. Coquette
3.9
Excellent(11)
Price: Moderate
• Bistro • West Loop
Step into Coquette in Chicago’s trendy West Loop, and discover a true gem of modern French cuisine. This charming bistro and wine bar, described as a "pink Parisian dream," offers a delightful fusion of traditional French dishes with contemporary flair under the expert guidance of Executive Chef Marcos Campos and his team. Coquette takes pride in its unique live-fire cooking and state-of-the-art dry aging system, ensuring each dish, from duck to steak, bursts with unmatched flavor and tenderness. Patrons rave about the "top-notch" service and the ambiance that’s "immediately transporting you to France." The eclectic menu paired with a playful wine list celebrating France's bold winemakers makes Coquette an irresistible spot in Chicago. As one diner put it, it’s "the single best meal I've had in the last three years," making Coquette a must-visit for an authentic and exquisite French dining experience.
A photo of Miss Ricky's Trattoria restaurant
2. Miss Ricky's Trattoria
4.6
Exceptional(807)
Price: Moderate
• Bistro • Downtown / Loop
Booked 29 times today
Miss Ricky's Trattoria in Downtown Chicago stands out as a beacon of authentic Pizzeria cuisine. Nestled in a historic building on N. Wabash, this vibrant eatery delights with its fresh, from-scratch Italian dishes crafted by Executive Chef Mike Alaridi. Diners consistently rave about the "top-notch" Italian sausage pizza and the "incredible" prosciutto and mushroom pizza, highlighting the quality and authenticity that Miss Ricky's brings to the table. One reviewer exclaimed, "The food was absolutely delicious! We had the lasagna, seafood pasta, and prosciutto and mushroom pizza and every dish was incredible." Whether you're seeking a casual brunch or a lively dinner, Miss Ricky's Trattoria promises an exceptional dining experience with fantastic service in the heart of Chicago.
A photo of Americano restaurant
3. Americano
4.3
Awesome(132)
Price: Expensive
• Bistro • Lincoln Park
Booked 7 times today
Americano in Lincoln Park, Chicago, is a culinary gem that pays tribute to global cuisine with a sophisticated twist. The restaurant is celebrated for its exceptional use of high-quality ingredients and its dedication to crafting dishes that resonate with authentic international flavors. Guests rave about the unique dining experience, mentioning the “Layover in Trinidad” cocktail and the Sea Bass as particularly memorable offerings. The ambiance, a blend of a brass-rail cocktail lounge and marble bar, complements the textured dining room and expansive patio, making it a vibrant community hub. Americano not only delivers on its promise of global culinary delights but also excels in creating a welcoming atmosphere where every meal is an occasion. "The food was scrumptious," and the service is consistently praised as attentive and exceptional, making Americano a must-visit for anyone craving a taste of the world in the heart of Chicago.
A photo of Pinstripes - Chicago restaurant
4. Pinstripes - Chicago
4.3
Awesome(574)
Price: Moderate
• Bistro • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 2 times today
Pinstripes in Chicago's chic Gold Coast / Streeterville neighborhood redefines the essence of Bistro cuisine with its delightful fusion of Italian-American flavors and sophisticated fun. The restaurant's ambiance, described as "pleasant and classy," complements the high-quality, scratch-made dishes such as the "best flavor of any steak" and the "perfect blend of fresh vegetables" in their salads. Celebrated for its "best lunch deal in the city" and a "delicious menu of American classics," Pinstripes impresses with its diverse offerings from tenderloin sliders to lobster pizza, all served in a vibrant, welcoming setting. As one reviewer puts it, this place is "always a good time," making it a must-visit for those seeking a top-notch Bistro experience in Chicago.
A photo of The Ambassador Room restaurant
5. The Ambassador Room
3.9
Excellent(58)
Price: Expensive
• Bistro • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 1 time today
Located in the heart of the Chicago's Gold Coast. Featuring Crafted cocktails and limited menu.
A photo of Port & Park Bistro and Bar restaurant
6. Port & Park Bistro and Bar
4.7
Exceptional(231)
Price: Moderate
• Bistro • Lakeview / East Lakeview
Booked 2 times today
Discover the heart of American cuisine at Port & Park Bistro and Bar, nestled in Lakeview's lively Southport Corridor, Chicago. This family-owned gem shines with its commitment to New American dishes, all crafted from scratch with the freshest ingredients. Patrons rave about the "amazing, amazing, amazing" quality of both the food and service, with highlights like the "best-ever Shrimp & Grits" and "fabulous brunch experiences." Complement your meal with handcrafted cocktails or a selection from their fine wines and craft beers. As a beloved local hotspot, Port & Park guarantees a memorable dining experience with "excellent food" and a "warm, inviting atmosphere" that keeps guests returning.
A photo of The Little Gem Restaurant restaurant
7. The Little Gem Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1145)
Price: Expensive
• Bistro • Oak Park
Booked 7 times today
The Little Gem Restaurant, nestled in the heart of Oak Park, epitomizes the essence of European cuisine with its intimate and stylish setting. This cozy establishment has garnered glowing reviews for its authentic European dishes, making it a beloved neighborhood favorite. Diners rave about their experiences, with one guest mentioning, "The food was delicious and my guest was a first-time diner who was very impressed and left with a FULL BELLY!" Another diner highlighted the quality of specific dishes, exclaiming, "The French onion soup and Fig & Honey Crostini were amazing!" From the warm, inviting ambiance to the carefully curated menu that features everything from Mussels to Burrata, The Little Gem offers an unparalleled dining experience that celebrates the best of European culinary traditions. Whether you're enjoying a casual brunch or a romantic dinner, The Little Gem ensures a memorable meal with exceptional service and a touch of European flair.
A photo of The Lanzaga restaurant
8. The Lanzaga
4.8
Exceptional(11)
Price: Moderate
• Bistro • Wrigleyville
After spending a lot of time in the area, we had notice that our love of South American food was not only underrepresented but nearly nonexistent. There are some wonderful restaurants in the area, but none that offer authentic food from the southern continent. We made it our mission to create a menu that not only introduces this cuisine to the locals but give the South American population in the area a taste of home. We made sure to use authentic and fresh ingredients, sometimes with a little artistic license, and create dishes not from one country but many. We want to invoke memories of celebrations of past and create new memories for a lifetime.In addition, we are dedicated to pleasing our coffee loving cult.Flavors, blends, single origin, cold brews, you name it, we have it.From Indonesia, Africa, Costa Rica, Mexico, Sumatra, Columbia, Guatemala, and Brazil, we roast the best beans from all around the world for the best coffee to start your day.
A photo of Encore! by Little Gem restaurant
9. Encore! by Little Gem
4.1
Excellent(8)
Price: Expensive
• Bistro • Oak Park
Encore! by Little Gem in Oak Park, Chicago, is a delightful treasure where the essence of authentic Bistro cuisine comes to life. This charming spot is celebrated for its "tasty and the service great" offerings, from the "juicy and tasty" scallops to the perfectly cooked hanger steak and "amazing" French onion soup, as noted in glowing reviews. Patrons rave about the "perfectly seasoned" Brussels sprouts and the "magical" Salted caramel cookie skillet. The speakeasy vibe, coupled with live jazz, enhances the dining experience, making it a perfect blend of culinary excellence and cozy ambiance. Whether it's for a romantic date or a casual outing, Encore! by Little Gem guarantees a memorable meal with its impeccable service and top-notch Bistro fare.
A photo of La Notte Ristorante Italiano - Oak Park restaurant
10. La Notte Ristorante Italiano - Oak Park
4.8
Exceptional(725)
Price: Expensive
• Bistro • Oak Park
Booked 6 times today
Indulge in the true essence of Italian cuisine at La Notte Ristorante Italiano in Oak Park, where Chef Giovanni Matteo Mancini brings his Italian heritage to life with recipes handed down from generations. Delighting diners with a mix of traditional flavors from Rome, Tuscany, and Bari, and inventive new dishes, Giovanni ensures every plate is a work of art, customized to meet all dietary needs. Guests rave about the "delicious, generous buffet" and the "perfect" meatballs and sauce, emphasizing the freshness and authenticity that make La Notte a gem. Experience the upscale ambiance and heartfelt hospitality that make every visit memorable. Whether it's a family dinner or a special occasion, La Notte promises an exceptional Italian dining experience.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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