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Best Authentic Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

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237 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Peanut Park Trattoria restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(254)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy / University Village
Booked 9 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 Pizzeria Portofino restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1681)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 183 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.
A photo of Duck Duck Goat restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5676)
Price: Expensive
• Chinese • West Loop
Booked 119 times today
Chef Stephanie Izard brings her unique twist on Chinese-American cuisine at Duck Duck Goat. Reviews rave about the flavorful food, with one saying, 'The food is very good and sophisticated'. The ambiance is also highly praised, with one review describing it as a 'unique and flavourful' experience. While not all reviews explicitly mention the authenticity of the food, the high ratings suggest a genuine and enjoyable dining experience.
A photo of Elina's restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(197)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • West Town
Booked 40 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. Contact reservations@elinaschicago.com for any additional inquiries.
A photo of Athena Restaurant restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2857)
Price: Moderate
• Greek • Greektown
Booked 16 times today
Athena Restaurant is widely recognized for its authentic Greek cuisine. Reviews consistently mention its 'authentic' and 'traditional Greek' food. Customers even compare it to the home-cooked meals of Greek heritage. The restaurant's ambience, with its fine Greek architecture, adds to the authenticity. The high ratings for food, ambience, and service further reinforce the authenticity of the restaurant.
A photo of Cabra - Chicago restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3103)
Price: Expensive
• Peruvian • West Loop
Booked 49 times today
Perched atop the Hoxton Hotel in the heart of Chicago’s Fulton Market, Cabra Chicago is a lively rooftop escape, inspired by the bold and vibrant flavors of Peruvian cuisine. Led by James Beard Award and Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard, alongside longtime partners Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm of Boka Restaurant Group, Cabra serves up crave-worthy dishes in a colorful and energetic setting. The restaurant’s airy, plant-filled ambiance, paired with its open kitchen and sweeping city views, creates a dynamic dining experience. Guests can savor a variety of shareable plates, from ceviches to savory meats, all bursting with the rich, fresh flavors of Peru.
A photo of Quartino - Chicago restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(11080)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 105 times today
Quartino Ristorante is a lively, authentic Italian restaurant and wine bar in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Our menu features Italy's regional specialties including artisanal salumi, Neapolitan thin-crust pizza, house-made pasta, and seasonal dishes. Menu items, served in moderate portions and meant to be shared, are perfect for adventurous diners ready for a unique experience.
A photo of Momotaro restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3935)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • West Loop
Booked 101 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 Mercadito - River North restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(6346)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • River North (Chicago)
Booked 67 times today
We are the city’s top Mexican restaurant for authentic modern cuisine, specialty tequila and mezcal cocktails, located in the heart of River North. Our culinary team features popular Mexican dishes, including our signature tacos, as well as fresh salsa and guacamole, ceviche, esquites and more.Mercadito's lounge is nestled in the lower level of Mercadito. It offers a speakeasy-style experience with a chic and exclusive ambiance. The space features banquet-style booths and dim lighting that enhances the elegant wood furniture, creating an inviting and intimate atmosphere. Once inside, guests can enjoy the full Mercadito menu, with the same delectable cuisine and beverages that our restaurant is known for.
A photo of La Grande Boucherie - Chicago restaurant
4.3
Awesome(1124)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • River North (Chicago)
Booked 57 times today
Housed in Chicago’s Belle Époque building, the unique Art Nouveau-inspired space honors the iconic building’s legacy while providing guests with a one-of-a-kind atmosphere and menu. La Grande Boucherie blends the ambiance of an indulgent steakhouse with a refined Parisian brasserie charm, and fuses traditional French cuisine with Chicago’s River North culinary heritage. The two-story restaurant boasts custom curved stained-glass windows overlooking the bustling streets of Chicago. The interior features custom mosaic marble floors, authentic fixtures, and a racetrack bar sourced from France. Guests can lean into the view and take in all that Chicago has to offer.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Morgan
    Southwest Florida •1 review
    5.0
    Dined today
    My husband and I came here as part of our wedding anniversary trip and they were all so sweet. We had a reservation (definitely recommend) and unfortunately we had to wait a little bit after our reservation time. But they were very attentive to us & even gave us a free appetizer & dessert. The food & drinks were absolutely delicious. I could not recommend the food enough!!! They were so kind & so generous!!
    More info
    Pizzeria PortofinoPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
    4.8
  • JasonVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    This place is an amazing Italian hole in the wall in West Town that offers delicious food at a great price. It’s cozy environment is perfect for a date night or a fun but filling get together!
    More info
    Elina'sPrice: Expensive• Italian• West Town
    4.8
  • Karen
    Chicago / Illinois •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The food was delicious. Services excellent. There was a problem with the lighting which would cycle by itself from acceptably dimmed to very bright. We will come again. Great experience.
    More info
    Athena RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Greek• Greektown
    4.6
  • JonVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Absolutely incredible, food was amazing, service was on point, loved this place and will definitely go back!
    More info
    Peanut Park TrattoriaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy / University Village
    4.7
  • Laura
    Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Best meal I've had in a long time. We ordered everything off the vegan menu and it's so refreshing to have options that are so full of flavor and don't rely on faux meats. One of my favorite places to come in the city. And best green beans in the world!
    More info
    Duck Duck GoatPrice: Expensive• Chinese• West Loop
    4.8

Discover best authentic restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

Discover the heart of authentic dining in Chicago’s Little Italy / University Village, where a delightful array of restaurants serving genuine, traditional fare awaits you. Immerse yourself in a culinary landscape that captures the essence of the keyword "authentic," offering an array of dishes that are both traditional and innovatively prepared by chefs who are passionate about their craft. These establishments, housed in one of Chicago's most charming neighborhoods, not only promise delectable meals but also a vibrant atmosphere reflective of their cultural heritage. The dining scene in Little Italy / University Village is a bustling hub of culinary excellence, where tradition meets contemporary flair. Each restaurant here is committed to providing an exceptional dining experience, emphasizing the authenticity and quality of their food. Whether you are a local foodie or a visitor seeking to explore the flavors of Chicago, these venues stand out as must-visit destinations. Dive into this rich dining culture where every meal is a celebration of authenticity and culinary artistry.

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