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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

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99 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Girl & the Goat restaurant
1. Girl & the Goat
4.8
Exceptional(14837)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • West Loop
Booked 114 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 Momotaro restaurant
2. Momotaro
4.6
Exceptional(3845)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • West Loop
Booked 93 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 Gibsons Italia restaurant
3. Gibsons Italia
4.8
Exceptional(3896)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 124 times today
Gibsons Italia is built on a tradition & elegance that is relentless in the pursuit of the very best. Chef-driven tastes of Italy are paired with the superiority of Gibsons Steakhouse, creating a restaurant that makes the familiar, exceptional. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.
A photo of Duck Duck Goat restaurant
4. Duck Duck Goat
4.8
Exceptional(5559)
Price: Expensive
• Chinese • West Loop
Booked 129 times today
Chef Stephanie Izard brings her take on Chinese-American cuisine to Chicago's Fulton Market District with Duck Duck Goat, her third venture with Boka Restaurant Group. The menu features hand-pulled noodles, house-made dumplings, wontons, fried rice, and more, ensuring no diner leaves hungry. On weekends, Duck Duck Goat also offers a delightful dim sum brunch menu, perfect for starting the day with a creative twist on classic favorites.
A photo of El Che Steakhouse & Bar restaurant
5. El Che Steakhouse & Bar
4.7
Exceptional(2064)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • West Loop
Booked 42 times today
Located just beyond the West Loop’s famed “restaurant row,” El Che Steakhouse & Bar is Chicago's go-to destination for steak, seafood, and live-fire cooking. The restaurant is modeled after Executive Chef/Partner John Manion’s fascination with Argentinean asados: traditional backyard barbecues surrounding the flame. A 12-foot custom-built grill serves as the centerpiece for this downtown asado which embraces South American-tinged meats, seasonal vegetables, fresh seafood, and of course, steak. The hearth also serves as the heart of the restaurant’s experiences such as dining at the Hearth Table. Join us for happy hour at our cocktail bar, featuring signature cocktails and fiery bar bites or indulge in a glass of wine from the country’s only South American wine list. No matter what you choose, El Che brings the heat seven nights a week.For large groups, private events, birthdays, or celebrations, email us info@elchechicago.com.
A photo of Prime & Provisions Steakhouse restaurant
6. Prime & Provisions Steakhouse
4.7
Exceptional(5559)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 66 times today
In A World Of All-Natural Cleanses, Organic Stores And Paleo Diets, Prime & Provisions' Beef Program Contributes To The Clean-Eating Lifestyle By Serving 100% All Natural Linz Heritage Usda Prime Black Angus Beef. We Are Proudly The First Steakhouse In Chicago To Offer Beef From The "Never-Ever" Program Which Linz Heritage Angus Prides Itself On.
A photo of Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago restaurant
7. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago
4.7
Exceptional(8851)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 99 times today
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse has been a Chicago icon since partners Hugo Ralli and Steve Lombardo opened its doors in May 1989. The classic American steakhouse serves Gibsons Prime Angus Beef and Gibsons Grassfed Australian Beef. Gibsons also features fresh fish, classic cocktails, an extensive wine list and exceptional service. Celebrities, Chicago visitors and loyal neighborhood residents enjoy three distinct locations: Chicago, Rosemont and Oak Brook. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.
A photo of Swift & Sons restaurant
8. Swift & Sons
4.7
Exceptional(4554)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • West Loop
Booked 65 times today
Swift & Sons is an American Steakhouse brought to you by Boka Restaurant Group. The stunning multi-room space was designed by the world-renowned design firm AvroKO and is located in the heart of the Fulton Market District — the birthplace of Chicago meatpacking. Executive Chef Chris Pandel's menu is based in traditional ideas and elevated with a modern approach that makes it unique in the Chicago steakhouse landscape. Signature dishes include the Beef Wellington, a staple of traditional steakhouse dining showcased with expertise in the Swift dining room.
A photo of The Izakaya at Momotaro restaurant
9. The Izakaya at Momotaro
4.7
Exceptional(826)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • West Loop
Booked 48 times today
The Izakaya is located on the subterranean level of Momotaro. The Izakaya and its shared-plates pub-inspired menu echoes the Yokocho street scene of Tokyo. Narrow lounge-inspired ‘alleys’ around a central bar bedecked with hand-painted Japanese menus, moody neon lights, and vintage Tokyo street signs set the scene for the Izakaya’s direct nod to Tokyo’s most famous post-war black markets. Dark, energetic, and ripe with expectation, the Izakaya additionally offers a 30-seat bar featuring crafted cocktails, sakes, and a quality selection of Japanese whiskeys. Parties and programming are no strangers to the Izakaya, where a rotating selection of events, including Monday Night Karaoke, feel right at home in this lively lower-level atmosphere.
A photo of RL Restaurant restaurant
10. RL Restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(7225)
Price: Expensive
• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 74 times today
If you do not find availability online, please call the restaurant directly at 312-475-1100.Located adjacent to the Ralph Lauren Chicago flagship store on Michigan Avenue, RL Restaurant features the vision and décor of Ralph Lauren in a modern club atmosphere. RL Restaurant offers classic American cuisine inspired by Ralph Lauren’s personal favorites. Seasonal dishes range from a chopped vegetable salad to a lobster roll sandwich, grilled fish of the day and steaks. On the cocktail list, guests can choose from classic drinks and a diverse selection of wines and other fine spirits.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Ethanvip
    Wisconsin •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Obviously the sushi was amazing, but the most surprising dish was the mushroom skewers. Thanks to our waiter Phil for the rec!
    More info
    MomotaroPrice: Expensive• Japanese• West Loop
    •
    4.6
  • Oscarvip
    Chicago / Illinois •51 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The Girl and the Goat always exceeds expectations, even when my expectations are sky high! Thank you! We had the Pig Face, String Beans, Goat Belly, and Steak. The dishes all exploded with flavors. The balance of seasonings, use of citrus, vinegar and other elements of the dishes played well and makes the culinary experience here amazing. The cocktails were yummy as well. The Peach-Te-quilla was light and refreshing. The Spicy Fat Boy had a ton of flavor. To finish the night, we had the Toffee Pumpkin cake and a neat pour of the Pappy Family Reserve. The Pappy was a treat and made a great night even more special! Thanks to Stephanie and all the team at the Goat. You are all AMAZING!
    More info
    Girl & the GoatPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• West Loop
    •
    4.8
  • Luis
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Not one dish disappointed. Everything was incredible! Would recommend to everyone.
    More info
    El Che Steakhouse & BarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• West Loop
    •
    4.7
  • Chrisvip
    Jacksonville / Northeast Florida •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Always have dinner at a Gibsons restaurant, usually the Rosemont location. It’s not that the ambience in Rosemont is bad, but we fell in love with Gibsons Italia. A bit more modern in its decor with the same excellent food and a fabulous view! My new favorite Chicago restaurant!
    More info
    Gibsons ItaliaPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
    •
    4.8
  • Kevin
    Chicago / Illinois •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Great ambiance and very delicious food made for a terrific experience.
    More info
    Duck Duck GoatPrice: Expensive• Chinese• West Loop
    •
    4.8

Discover best hot spot restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

Discover the culinary gems of Little Italy / University Village in Chicago, where each restaurant serves as a vibrant hot spot for both locals and visitors. This neighborhood is renowned for its eclectic dining scene that perfectly blends traditional Italian fare with modern culinary innovations. Whether you're in the mood for rustic Italian pizzas, contemporary American cuisine, or exotic fusion dishes, the area's restaurants cater to a wide range of tastes and dining experiences. The ambiance across these venues varies from intimate and cozy settings ideal for romantic dinners to lively, bustling atmospheres perfect for group gatherings. Each establishment not only promises a unique gastronomic journey but also consistently delivers high-quality service and an inviting atmosphere. The dining scene in Little Italy / University Village is a bustling hub of culinary excellence, attracting food lovers who seek both authenticity and creativity in their dining choices. Engage with this vibrant community and make your next meal memorable by reserving a spot at one of these top-rated hot spots.

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