Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Chicago

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Chicago? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Rollapalooza

5.0

5 (364)

$30 and under

Sushi

Lakeview / East Lakeview

About the restaurant

COZY AND WARM RESTAURANT. FRESH AND DELICIOUS RESTAURANT. WE ARE NOT NO.1 RESTAURANT. HOWEVER WE DO OUR BEST TO SERVE OUR CUSTOMERS.

Top review

Melina

Dined on Dec 28, 2024

Everything was super delicious yesterday. We had a great dinner and we will try to be back soon!

Slightly Toasted

5.0

5 (3)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

West Loop

About the restaurant

Award-winning cocktail and bourbon bar that is home to one of largest whiskey collections in Chicago with over 900 selections, 30+ private barrels, and 200+ vintage and rare bottles. Also home to 18 taps & 80+ cans of craft beer, and chef-driven comfort food.

Top review

DmitriyVIP

Dined on Nov 21, 2024

Great place! Great whiskey selection! John & Tyler (and the rest of the staff) are very knowledgeable and also very helpful and attentive, adding to the welcoming atmosphere!

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Experience

Pappy New Year!!

Experience

Pappy New Year!! Preview Night

Buona Terra

4.9

4.9 (278)

$30 and under

Italian

Irving Park

About the restaurant

As one of the most beloved (and highest-rated) Italian restaurants in Chicago for over 22 years, the historic Buona Terra continues to serve scratch made pastas, brick oven pizza, fresh fish and seafood options as well as chops and steaks. The wine selection is meticulously chosen (and inspired by our yearly trips to Italy for the Vin Italy fair) to pair with our different plates made with the freshest ingredients.
Chef Chepe sources fresh items from the market daily. He butchers our fish and meats daily, makes all of our sauces and soups in house and most of our deserts. You might note that you see familiar faces as our servers have been with us since we opened our doors.
Whether you've been here a hundred times or tonight is the first visit, we think that you'll "Come for the food, leave as a friend".

Top review

William

Dined 6 days ago

Got to go to one of our favorite restaurants to make 20 years with my favorite person, whats not to love? The food is great and its the kind of thing you don't want to make at home, the wine is solid (and the cocktails!), even on a night when they were short-staffed the service was very good (they must have had a call out), you get that incredible garlic paste with hot bread, theres just no reason not to check this off-the-beaten-path gem out.

Dove's Luncheonette

4.9

4.9 (17)

$30 and under

Tex-Mex

Bucktown / Wicker Park

About the restaurant

Drawing inspiration from bygone diners, Dove’s Luncheonette offers southern-inspired Mexican cuisine, alongside a tequila and mezcal-focused bar program.

interested in hosting an event or large group with us?
email vipevents@oneoffhospitality.com to book with us today!

Top review

Mike

Dined on Nov 2, 2024

Staff was great, attentive and fun , food was amazing. Overall, went above and beyond. Beat all expectations.

Franco's Ristorante

4.9

4.9 (655)

$30 and under

Italian

Bridgeport

About the restaurant

If your preferred time is unavailable please call for possible openings.

Franco's Ristorante is the perfect combination of old world Italian classics and your new favorite pasta dishes. We've been around for over 27 years and have perfected our craft. Some of our most famous dishes include whipped ricotta tuffo, sausage and peppers, eggplant parmigiana and gnocchi.

Our great food and atmosphere helped us earn the honor of being named the Chicago Reader's 2016 "best place for a cheap date" and "best local restaurant."

You will be wowed when you step inside our bright, airy and modern restaurant. You can enjoy a drink at our new marble-topped bar or cozy up to tables with bright red-leather chairs and banquettes in the dining room. In the summer we are happy to offer outdoor seating that allows dogs.

Top review

Elizabeth

Dined on Jan 5, 2025

Great spot. Small, local neighborhood spot. Lots of regulars which says a lot. Loved the food. Great service.

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Forno Rosso Pizzeria - Dunning

4.9

4.9 (365)

$30 and under

Pizzeria

Dunning

About the restaurant

Forno Rosso Pizzeria in Chicago offers its guests top-notch service and Italian dishes that are hard to beat. Boasting a plentiful menu of salads, appetizers, sandwiches, countless pizza varieties and decadent desserts, Forno Rosso should have something on the menu for everyone.Popular menu items include traditional margherita pizza, the "locale" pizza with fresh mozzarella and locally made sausage, and fried calamari. Forno Rosso's menu also hosts children's items, inviting guests of all ages to enjoy traditional Italian dishes and fresh pizzas. The team at Forno Rosso Pizzeria prides itself on quality service and cultivating an experience the whole family will enjoy.

Top review

ChristopherVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Great family run restaurant and food. Highly recommended

Centennial Crafted Beer & Eatery

4.9

4.9 (403)

$30 and under

Gastro Pub

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

At Centennial, our passion is craft beer and our focus is simple: to celebrate craft beer. Beer can bring people together on a common ground and has the ability to create a community. Beer can elevate food. Beer is culture.

We feature 56 taps with a selection of 36 rotating craft beers. In addition to our taps, we feature a high volume of beers available in bottles and cans, as well as a curated selection of craft spirits and wines.

Centennial also features chef-driven food with an emphasis on craft beer. The menu focuses on beer pairings and incorporating beer as an ingredient. Centennial also features smoked, char grilled, and wood-fired ingredients.

Top review

Elizabeth

Dined 5 days ago

Such a beautiful restaurant! We loved how cozy it was. The food and service were both fantastic as were the drinks. We will be back!

Avli Taverna - Lincoln Park

4.8

4.8 (87)

$31 to $50

Greek

Lincoln Park

About the restaurant

Avli Taverna, located on a quiet tree-lined street in Lincoln Park, offers contemporary and classic Greek small plates, mains, and desserts as well as approachable Greek wines and inventive cocktails.

Enjoy our inviting dining room, lively bar, and seasonal outdoor patio that’s dog-friendly for dinner, lunch, and brunch! We look forward to having you in to experience our core philosophies of Philoxenia (hospitality), Meraki (passion) and Kefi (joy).

For parties of 8 or fewer, book online with OpenTable.
For parties of 9 or greater, please call the restaurant directly at (773) 857-5577.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 1 day ago

Came for a birthday celebration and it was wonderful! The service was so great and everyone working was kind and generous. Will be coming back for brunch!

Frida Room - Pilsen

4.8

4.8 (67)

$30 and under

Breakfast

Pilsen

About the restaurant

A LOCALLY-OWNED CAFÉ OFFERING AN ARRAY OF MODERN MEXICAN & AMERICAN BREAKFAST AND LUNCH FAVORITES. A PREFERRED WEEKEND BRUNCH SPOT WITH STAPLES LIKE CHILAQUILES, PANCAKES, AND PANINIS.

Top review

Victoria

Dined 3 days ago

I absolutely loved the food! I ordered the Enchiladas Verdes with sunny side up eggs and chicken. The salsa verde was delicious. I would definitely recommend to anyone!

Sushi Hall

4.8

4.8 (152)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Lincoln Park

About the restaurant

At Sushi Hall, we are focused on serving the freshest sushi in Lincoln Park at reasonable prices in a beautifully designed neighborhood restaurant.

Every component of Sushi Hall is designed to make you feel completely at home and ultimately, become your favorite go-to spot for delicious sushi.

At the helm of our cuisine is acclaimed Head Chef Mitch Kim.

For nearly 20 years, Mitch has gained a large and loyal following in Lincoln Park serving his signature rolls paired with his engaging personality and relentless commitment to providing the best dining experience for all guests.

Top review

Marissa

Dined on Jan 5, 2025

Mitch is a great sushi chef. Lots of tasty roll up n the menu

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Experience

Restaurant Week - Lunch

Experience

Early bird saves HALF OFF sushi

Experience

Half-off Wine

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