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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

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149 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Peanut Park Trattoria restaurant
1. Peanut Park Trattoria
4.8
Exceptional(256)
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 The Walnut Room - Chicago restaurant
2. The Walnut Room - Chicago
4.6
Exceptional(7792)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Loop
Booked 23 times today
For Large Parties 21 or more: please contact us at http://macysrestaurants.com/contact-us/ For Holiday Questions and Menu: http://macysrestaurants.com/walnut-room/holiday2024/The world famous Walnut Room has been a Chicago tradition since 1907. Located on the 7th floor of Macy's on State Street, the Walnut Room was the first restaurant ever opened in a department store. Conveniently located in the heart of the Chicago theater district, the Walnut Room is an excellent choice to take a break from shopping or for a meal and a glass of wine before the show. Enjoy our Famous Mrs. Herring's Chicken Pot Pie and other well known favorites on the menu.
A photo of Girl & the Goat restaurant
3. Girl & the Goat
4.8
Exceptional(15081)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • West Loop
Booked 223 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 The Franklin Room restaurant
4. The Franklin Room
4.9
Exceptional(1934)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • River North (Chicago)
Booked 18 times today
The Franklin Room celebrates the sense of connection one can only find in the neighborhood taverns of Chicago. Offering classic American tavern fare and no shortage of whiskey flair, our sophisticated speakeasy is your local go-to for quality meat dishes, fresh seafood, classic cocktails and the neighborhood tavern experience our city has perfected.Our menu of delectable turn-of-the-century inspired American tavern fare starts there, then elevates the experience with a modern twist that creates a culinary experience you simply have to taste to believe. It's perfectly complimented by our beverage program, which showcases creative cocktails and a meticulous selection of spirits, wine and beer with a strong focus on independent distillers and limited-edition rare releases. Bring them together and you've got a uniquely Chicagoan experience, centuries in the making.
A photo of BLVD Steakhouse restaurant
5. BLVD Steakhouse
4.3
Awesome(3006)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • West Loop
Booked 71 times today
BLVD Steakhouse is a classic American steakhouse inspired by Hollywood's Sunset Blvd—the golden era's famed strip of dining and entertainment establishments. Our space embodies the glamour and luxury that defined Old Hollywood, offering sophisticated yet approachable service with a chef-driven menu of prime cuts, fresh seafood, and other seasonal favorites from Celebrity Chef/Partner Joe Flamm. Outside, our massive full season patio with a sprawling bar evokes an enchanted ‘secret garden’ look and feel with lush greenery, linen curtains, luxe upholstery, and romantic string lighting.
A photo of Daisies Chicago restaurant
6. Daisies Chicago
4.8
Exceptional(343)
Price: Expensive
• American • Logan Square
Booked 95 times today
Midwest Italian restaurant focusing on house made pastas, utilizing vegetables from Chef Joe Frillman’s family farm. Our bakery and cafe serves La Colombe Coffee alongside an array of pastries and sandwiches crafted by Chef Leigh Omilinksy.Dinner reservations are available Tuesday - Sunday; we are closed for dinner service on Mondays. Our cafe operates from 7:00am - 3:00pm every day. Lunch is available from 11:00am - 2:00pm every day. We do not take lunch or cafe reservations, it is first come first served. Please note that there will be a 25% service charge applied to all bills. This goes to pay our staff equitably as well as provide health and other benefits not typically offered in restaurants.
A photo of The Palm Court restaurant
7. The Palm Court
4.6
Exceptional(5138)
Price: Very Expensive
• Afternoon Tea • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 37 times today
For those who love their afternoon teas fresh, fragrant and steeped in history, Palm Court at The Drake Hotel serving tea for over a century. Even the Queen and Princess Diana have made their royal visits here. Your afternoon tea begins with Palais de Thes menu, which features 15 tea blends including classic selections like the English Breakfast to modern yet delightful twists like the Mélange du Cap.Tea is served in individual tea pots accompanied by the traditional three tiered tea tray filled with an arrangement of gourmet finger sandwiches and scones; and dainty petit fours with complements of preserves, lemon curd and English double Devon cream.And let’s not forget about our little tea. The Prince & Princess Afternoon tea service, suitable for children between 3 and 12 years of age is available throughout the duration of afternoon tea service.Reservations are heavily encouraged. Tea service seating duration is 90minAdults $78 / Kids $35 (3-12)
A photo of Le Colonial - Chicago restaurant
8. Le Colonial - Chicago
4.8
Exceptional(8005)
Price: Very Expensive
• Vietnamese • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 114 times today
Le Colonial is a celebration of seductive spirit and vivid flavors reminiscent of Saigon in the 1920s. With locations in Atlanta, Denver, Delray Beach, Houston, Lake Forest, and Naples, the famed Vietnamese restaurant is designed to capture a bygone era of sophistication and opulence. Celebrated restaurateurs Rick Wahlstedt and Joe King deliver exquisite attention to detail in the luxurious, classic, and romantic atmosphere perched on Oak Street in Chicago’s Gold Coast. For special occasions, our private dining space provides a bespoke setting for unforgettable celebrations.
A photo of Mercadito - River North restaurant
9. Mercadito - River North
4.6
Exceptional(6366)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • River North (Chicago)
Booked 91 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 Summer House - Chicago restaurant
10. Summer House - Chicago
4.7
Exceptional(8030)
Price: Moderate
• American • Lincoln Park
Booked 318 times today
Located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, Summer House is the place for sunshine all year round. Enjoy seasonal specialties, market-driven pasta, artisan pizzas, and fresh antipasti from Chef Ben Goodnick’s California-inspired menu. Reserve your table today and be transported to the West Coast by the beach house decor, retractable glass ceiling, and all-season courtyard. For parties of 9 or more, email shsbparties@lettuce.com. Carryout and delivery are available, or visit The Cookie Bar for a selection of fresh-baked goods, sourdough English muffins, Summer House's renowned oversized cookies, small-batch coffee, and specialty espresso drinks.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • MiraKleVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Check this place out!! Everything was good. Great Happy Hour, wonderful staff and enjoyed the ambiance. The Limoncello cocktail and mushroom pizza I will be coming back for. Cool vibe of locals.
    More info
    Peanut Park TrattoriaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy / University Village
    •
    4.8
  • JoeVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •47 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The Franklin Room is a fabulous restaurant. I went with a pal in town from Melbourne, Australia. The atmosphere is very cool. The Franklin Room is 1 of those restaurants that flies under the radar. But if you know, you know. Drink options are fabulous. Whether you're drinking wine, cocktails, bourbon, scotch the options are top drawer. We ate the lamb chop appetizer which was cooked to perfection. The chicken roulade was again very well cooked. So much so that my pal finished the dish then told me how good it was. He did not share! I had the Spicy Bourbon Mussels, which as always are my favorite dish on the menu at The Franklin Room. A selection of amazing single malts washed down our meal. I highly recommend going to The Franklin Room. Book a table as the restaurant is small. Awesome!!
    More info
    The Franklin RoomPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• River North (Chicago)
    •
    4.9
  • angela
    Tahoe / Reno Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Wonderful, knowledgable wait person who made ecellent recommendations,, amazing food.
    More info
    Girl & the GoatPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• West Loop
    •
    4.8
  • OpenTable DinerVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    I always love visiting this iconic restaurant when i am in Chicago. While dining and drinking a delicious latte there are great views of the city! The food is delicious and we especially enjoy the homemade cinnamon rolls on Sunday!
    More info
    The Walnut Room - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Loop
    •
    4.6
  • EveVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Mar 5, 2025
    I finally had the opportunity to eat here with my boyfriend for his birthday on Tuesday Night. It's such a beautiful restaurant; it reminds me of "OLD HOLLYWOO". The food was great and the service was everything. Will definitely return.
    More info
    BLVD SteakhousePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• West Loop
    •
    4.3

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

Discover the hidden treasures of Little Italy / University Village in Chicago through its collection of neighborhood gem restaurants. This area is renowned for its vibrant dining scene that beautifully blends traditional charm with modern culinary innovation, offering a unique experience for every palate. Each restaurant in this locale prides itself on delivering not only exceptional cuisine but also a warm, inviting atmosphere that reflects the historic and cultural richness of the neighborhood. Patrons can expect top-notch service and a truly local dining experience that often exceeds expectations. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot for a romantic dinner or a lively venue to enjoy with friends, Little Italy / University Village promises an unforgettable gastronomic journey. Embrace the opportunity to explore a variety of menus, each featuring dishes crafted with passion and flair, ensuring every visit is distinctively delightful. This neighborhood's restaurants are a culinary nod to both the past and the present, making it a must-visit for food lovers in search of genuine, high-quality dining options.

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