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Best Date Night Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

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410 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Peanut Park Trattoria restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(231)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy / University Village
Booked 3 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 Tre Dita restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(708)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 138 times today
Led by Chef Evan Funke, Tre Dita, Italian for "three fingers", pays homage to the precise measurement of bistecca Fiorentina. If booking in the dining room at Tre Dita, you will enjoy a menu of antipasti, handmade pastas, signature entrees and steaks. If booking in the Bar Tre Dita, you will enjoy a smaller menu of stuzzi, antipasti, handmade pastas and entrees. The full cocktail, wine list and dessert menu is available in both locations.Please note that Tre Dita only accepts reservations 7 days in advance.
A photo of Aba - Chicago restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2584)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • West Loop
Booked 222 times today
Aba is a Mediterranean restaurant with locations in Chicago, IL, Austin, TX, and BalHarbour, FL. Aba, meaning father in Hebrew, incorporates Chef CJ Jacobson’s lighter styleof cooking with influences from the Mediterranean, including Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, andGreece. The bar program showcases rare Mediterranean-inspired wines and spirits.Signature dishes include Smoky Garlic Hummus, Muhammara, Heirloom Crispy ChickenThigh, Shawarma-Spiced Skirt Steak, Grilled Salmon Kebab and more. The bar programshowcases rare Mediterranean-inspired wines and spirits.
A photo of Alla Vita restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2260)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Italian • West Loop
Booked 189 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.
A photo of Pizzeria Portofino restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1475)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 195 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 Rose Mary restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3245)
Price: Expensive
• Croatian • West Loop
Booked 153 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 Girl & the Goat restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(14833)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • West Loop
Booked 148 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 La Serre restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(412)
Price: Expensive
• French • West Loop
Booked 81 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.
A photo of Elina's restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(141)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • West Town
Booked 31 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 Fioretta restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(800)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steak • West Loop
Booked 77 times today
Fioretta is reminiscent of a new-age Copacabana, celebrating old-world Italian cuisine with an opulent twist, a steady flow of impressive cocktails and wine, world-class live entertainment, and a glamorous vibe cast over the entire experience.Seamlessly blending steakhouse fare with elevated versions of old-world Italian cuisine with help from Italian-American Chef, Joe Rizza. The menu pays homage to the Italian immigrants who graciously first introduced Americans to southern Italian classics. Fioretta’s custom-built solid-fuel hearth and open kitchen allows Rizza and his culinary team to impart superb flavor, char and texture to each dish. The menu strives to strike the perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Steven
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined today
    Server (Raul) was extremely helpful with great recommendations and friendly. We had a really nice evening.
    More info
    Tre DitaPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
    4.7
  • Robert
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 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
  • Lynda
    Montreal / Quebec •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Staff, food, ambiance… everything was perfect. We were lucky enough to get 2 seats at the counter overlooking the kitchen. The ballet was spectacular with all those chefs working together. We had an early reservation and when we left, we could see that it was a trendy place as lot of young preppy looking were coming in. I highly recommend 🥰
    More info
    Rose MaryPrice: Expensive• Croatian• West Loop
    4.7
  • Kristin
    Washington, D.C. Area •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    My branzino and my friend’s truffle pasta were excellent. Our appetizers were delicious and the waiter was very patient as it took us a long time before we were ready to order. He had to come back several times. The atmosphere is lively. I’d recommend it!
    More info
    The Oakville Grill & CellarPrice: Expensive• American• West Loop
    4.7
  • Kenvip
    Chicago / Illinois •72 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    I cannot count the number of visits we've had to The Girl and the Goat, but it continues to be a favorite for both personal and professional dining. I brought three colleagues, who have never been, to the restaurant for dinner. One diner is vegetarian, but there are menu offerings and options available to provide them with enough to eat. All three were quite impressed with the food. My only complaint would be our table was right next to the kitchen, which can be loud. However, we made due, and had an enjoyable meal. Service is always very good, and the cocktails are fun. If you're interested in dining, make sure you book way ahead, as there is almost no chance to get a table day of.
    More info
    Girl & the GoatPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• West Loop
    4.8

Discover best date night restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

Discover the perfect setting for a romantic date night in Chicago's charming Little Italy / University Village area. This vibrant neighborhood boasts an array of restaurants that cater to those special evenings out, where ambiance and fine dining converge. Each venue offers a unique blend of culinary experiences, from intimate European-inspired bistros to cozy, modern American eateries, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience tailored to romantic occasions. The dining scene here is renowned for its eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary flavors, making it a favorite destination for couples seeking a memorable meal. Whether you're looking for a candlelit dinner under the stars or a sophisticated indoor setting, Little Italy / University Village provides an idyllic backdrop. Delight in the expertly prepared cuisine and the warm, welcoming service that characterizes this delightful culinary enclave. Make your next date night extraordinary by exploring the romantic dining options available in this picturesque part of Chicago.

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