Best Spanish Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

12 restaurants available nearby

1. Bar Mar

4.5

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • River North (Chicago)

Booked 57 times today

At Bar Mar, located in the vibrant River North neighborhood of Chicago, Chef José Andrés elevates the tapas dining experience with creations that are as inventive as they are delectable. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality of the small plates, with dishes like the "Pulpa alla Gallega" and the lobster croquetas receiving high praise for their perfect preparation and outstanding flavors. Reviews consistently highlight the restaurant's ability to blend traditional Spanish tapas with unique twists, ensuring every bite is a delight. "Every dish we tried was the best," one reviewer exclaimed, celebrating the variety and the high culinary standards set by the renowned chef. Whether you're enjoying a lively group dinner or a more intimate dining experience, Bar Mar's tapas are a must-try in Chicago.

2. Café Ba-Ba-Reeba

4.8

Exceptional(9310)

Price: Moderate

• Spanish • Lincoln Park

Booked 221 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, Café Ba-Ba-Reeba shines as a beacon of Spanish culinary excellence. Celebrating decades of service, this gem offers an authentic taste of Spain with its delightful tapas and famously delicious paella. Patrons consistently praise the atmosphere and dishes, with one guest exclaiming, "Best tapas in town!" and another affirming, "Absolutely delicious seafood paella! Definitely worth the visit!" The restaurant's dedication to quality is evident, ensuring that "the food never ever disappoints." From the flavorful sangria to the engaging flamenco shows, Café Ba-Ba-Reeba promises a truly Spanish experience, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.

A photo of Bazaar Meat Chicago restaurant

3. Bazaar Meat Chicago

4.7

Exceptional(506)

Price: Very Expensive

• Spanish • River North (Chicago)

Booked 29 times today

Bazaar Meat Chicago redefines the Steakhouse experience, blending traditional and avant-garde Spanish influences under the glow of crimson chandeliers. Praised as "the best steak restaurant in Chicago," Bazaar Meat offers a dynamic tasting menu featuring the prized vaca vieja, or ribeye aged to perfection. Guests consistently celebrate the "exceptional" food and service, highlighting dishes like the Washugyu ribeye that "melted in our mouths" and the innovative jamón preparations. Located in Chicago’s vibrant River North neighborhood, Bazaar Meat provides a "one-of-a-kind meal" in a "bold, playful atmosphere," making every visit uniquely memorable. Whether for a special celebration or a delightful night out, Bazaar Meat promises an unparalleled dining adventure.

4. Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba!

4.8

Exceptional(397)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • River North (Chicago)

Booked 73 times today

Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba! in River North, Chicago, truly captures the essence of Spanish cuisine with its delightful array of authentic small plates and vibrant sangrias. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality, with dishes like the "delicious and perfectly cooked" Beef Tenderloin Toro Skewer and the classic Patatas Bravas receiving high praise. A diner highlighted, "So many dishes whooshed me right back to Spain! Exactly what I needed :)", emphasizing the genuine Spanish experience. The restaurant's atmosphere and service match the excellence of its menu, making every visit memorable. Whether it's the bustling vibe, the attentive staff, or the "best sangrias" that draw you in, Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba! ensures a Spanish dining experience that is both authentic and enchanting.

A photo of Boqueria - Chicago restaurant

5. Boqueria - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(317)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • West Loop

Booked 19 times today

Boqueria in Chicago's vibrant West Loop offers an authentic slice of Spain with its dynamic array of traditional tapas and a pulsating Barcelona-style ambiance. Guests rave about the "fabulous tapas" and the "excellent Sangria," capturing the true spirit and flavor of Spanish dining. The restaurant's dedication to authenticity shines through dishes like the "delicious" paella and "mouthwatering" brunch feast, making every meal a celebration of Spanish culinary excellence. Reviewers consistently laud Boqueria for its "great food and service," with special mentions of the "crispy potatoes" and "amazing bottomless mimosa deal," which add to the lively, enjoyable experience. Whether it's for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Boqueria's contemporary space and lively patio provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience, echoing the vibrant streets of Barcelona right in the heart of Chicago.

6. Asador Bastian

4.7

Exceptional(186)

Price: Very Expensive

• Spanish • River North (Chicago)

Booked 13 times today

At Asador Bastian in River North, Chicago, steak enthusiasts are treated to an unparalleled dining experience that reflects the rich Basque culinary traditions. Chef Doug Psaltis brings the essence of San Sebastián's famed asadors, focusing on the "world’s best boutique beef" without compromise. This historic Chicago chophouse, housed in the iconic "Flair House," serves dishes that have captured the hearts of diners, with one patron exclaiming it's the "best steak we’ve ever had. Hands down." The restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity shines through its meticulous ingredient sourcing and a menu that offers not just exceptional steaks but also Basque-influenced delicacies. The ambiance, combined with knowledgeable and hospitable service, makes Asador Bastian a must-visit destination for both steak aficionados and those looking to indulge in a unique, high-end culinary experience.

7. Jaleo - Chicago

4.5

Awesome(1040)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • River North (Chicago)

Booked 24 times today

Jaleo in Chicago's River North is a beacon for wine enthusiasts, offering a truly authentic Spanish Wine Bar experience. As praised by patrons, the wine pairing with the tasting menu is "phenomenal," highlighting the careful selection that complements the vibrant Spanish dishes perfectly. Jaleo's wine list is thoughtfully curated, featuring a remarkable range of Spanish wines and sherries that are rare finds in the city. As one diner noted, the white wines are "completely delicious," and the knowledgeable staff, including the commendable bartenders, enhance the experience by guiding guests through the diverse selections. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or new to Spanish varietals, Jaleo’s Wine Bar offers an unparalleled journey through Spain's rich viticultural heritage.

8. Tapas Valencia

4.8

Exceptional(2467)

Price: Moderate

• Spanish • South Loop

Booked 23 times today

Tapas Valencia, nestled in Chicago's vibrant South Loop, is a beacon of Spanish culinary excellence, celebrated for its authentic tapas and spirited atmosphere. Drawing inspiration from Spanish greats like Miro and Gaudí, the restaurant's decor complements an array of dishes that transport diners straight to Spain. Reviewers rave about the quality and variety, with one guest exclaiming, "IMHO this is the best Tapas Restaurant in Chicago." The array of options, from the paella acclaimed as "the best anywhere" to creative cocktails and live music, ensures a dining experience that is both delightful and memorable. Perfect for any occasion, Tapas Valencia stands out as a gem in Chicago's dining scene, making every visit a festive and flavorful celebration of Spanish cuisine.

9. Mama Delia

4.0

Excellent(21)

Price: Moderate

• Spanish • Bucktown / Wicker Park

Booked 10 times today

Nestled in Chicago's vibrant Ukrainian Village, Mama Delia offers an unparalleled experience of modern, traditional Spanish cuisine. Celebrated for its authenticity and innovation, the restaurant under Chef Marcos Campos, brings the heart of Spain to Chicago with its meticulously curated dishes. As one delighted diner shared, "Absolutely perfect! Ordered half the menu to share tapas and it was just an explosion of flavor! Definitely recommend!" The restaurant's commitment to authenticity is highlighted by its frequent sourcing trips to Spain, ensuring that every ingredient speaks of its Spanish roots. From the Basque cheesecake that has been described as "life-changing" to the diverse sherry selections, every aspect of Mama Delia celebrates the rich, culinary traditions of Spain. Whether you're there for a romantic evening or a festive gathering with friends, Mama Delia promises a memorable dining experience that keeps patrons returning for more.

10. Pigtail

4.8

Exceptional(117)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • River North (Chicago)

Booked 3 times today

Pigtail, nestled in the vibrant River North neighborhood of Chicago, is a gem for cocktail enthusiasts. This intimate bar, located in the lower levels of Jaleo, offers an unparalleled libation experience that celebrates the fusion of exquisite jamón ibérico and expertly crafted cocktails. Revered for its innovative and drinkable creations, Pigtail has garnered rave reviews for both its atmosphere and its drinks. Patrons particularly recommend the "Melon Cloud" and "Andres & Cooper" cocktails, praising them as "phenomenal" and noting the engaging and knowledgeable bartenders who add to the experience. Whether you're starting your evening with a creative cocktail or indulging in their small plates like the divine Basque cheesecake, Pigtail promises a memorable outing with every visit.

‘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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
Karolina
Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
This place truly wows you the moment you step inside. The food, drinks, and atmosphere were nothing short of exceptional. We started with an espresso martini and white sangria, both of which were outstanding. For food, we couldn’t resist trying the brunch paella (definitely order it early—it takes some time) along with the mushrooms and ham croquettes, which were absolutely delicious. While those dishes alone would be enough to make us want to return, there’s so much more to explore here. The only minor disappointment was that, despite noting my husband’s birthday in the reservation, there wasn’t any special acknowledgment of the occasion.
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Boqueria - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Tapas / Small Plates• West Loop
•
4.6
D
DavidVIP
Chicago / Illinois •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Very fun. Mixed Paella is the best, dates, goat cheese, Iberian Ham and cheese, Patatas Bravas, Red sangria, La Gilda martinis all excellent. Server Josh P excellent, timed everything out well. We are ready to do it all over again!
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Café Ba-Ba-ReebaPrice: Moderate• Tapas / Small Plates• Lincoln Park
•
4.8
A
Ashley
Chicago / Illinois •21 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
If you’re a foodie, ever looking for an amazing food experience or a unique fun place for a special occasion I HIGHLY recommend Bazaar Meat by José Andrés - Chicago We celebrated Brandon Harpe with a fix priced menu and man everything was mind blowing 🤯💗 Service was impeccable, cocktails delicious I’ve never had a dining experience like it. 💯 out of 10 Best margarita ever not a salted rim, but a salted foam
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Bazaar Meat ChicagoPrice: Very Expensive• Spanish• River North (Chicago)
•
4.7
L
LeslieVIP
Chicago / Illinois •37 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Another fantastic night! There are no words to express how much we love everything about this place! Salvo is such an incredible human! I’ve never seen a manager like him. He runs food, he cleans tables, & he happily greets people. He jumps in with his staff. He makes the Experience feel like we are with family eating together. We always get the best service with Slam and wow does he know his cocktails and his food! The Chef’s are top notch for sure! We drive over a hour as often as we can to be at our favorite restaurant!
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Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba!Price: Expensive• Tapas / Small Plates• River North (Chicago)
•
4.8
J
JamesVIP
New York City •41 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Bar Mar was a great experience for us. Stunning visually. Fun drinks and top notch food. The staff made us including our 4 yr old granddaughter very comfortable.
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Bar MarPrice: Expensive• Spanish• River North (Chicago)
•
4.5

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Little Italy / University Village

Spanish

Best Spanish Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

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Award-winning

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12 restaurants available nearby

1. Bar Mar

2. Café Ba-Ba-Reeba

3. Bazaar Meat Chicago

4. Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba!

5. Boqueria - Chicago

6. Asador Bastian

7. Jaleo - Chicago

8. Tapas Valencia

9. Mama Delia

10. Pigtail

See what locals rave about

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