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Best Restaurants for Foodies in Little Italy / University Village

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64 restaurants available nearby

A photo of il Carciofo restaurant
1. il Carciofo
4.5
Awesome(232)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • West Loop
Booked 111 times today
Located in the historic Fulton Market district of Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, il Carciofo is a Roman Italian restaurant drawing inspiration from the restaurants and markets in one of Chef Joe's favorite cities, Rome. The restaurant offers a seasonal menu of elevated yet familiar Italian fare with traditional antipasti, Roman-style pizzas, hand-rolled pastas produced daily in a dedicated pasta lab and market-driven mains that highlight the season's bounty.
A photo of avec West Loop restaurant
2. avec West Loop
4.8
Exceptional(897)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • West Loop
Booked 85 times today
avec, a wine-focused restaurant in Chicago, features Midwestern takes on Mediterranean classics. Inspired by the sun-drenched wine regions of the Mediterranean, avec West Loop has been a Chicago favorite for over 20 years. Originally conceived as a wine bar, avec is the second concept from celebrated one-off hospitality, with communal and bar seating—it is a high-energy, intimate, and interactive experience.For parties of 6 or more, please call us at 312-377-2002.
A photo of Proxi restaurant
3. Proxi
4.6
Exceptional(2447)
Price: Expensive
• Global, International • West Loop
Booked 17 times today
Proxi offers Modern American Cuisine with cooking that reflects the diversity, innovation, and openness of American culture. Proxi showcases seasonal ingredients in an elegant setting, emphasizing open-fire cooking. Located in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood along Restaurant Row, Proxi, designed by award-winning Meyer Davis, unites an award-winning team to transport its guests around the world, beginning with cuisine and extending to an eclectic beverage program focused on worldly inspirations and diverse, exotic ingredients. Casual, yet fast-paced service guides Proxi’s international culinary experience, with fine-dining standards and in-depth product knowledge leading the charge, balanced by genuine energy and enthusiasm.
A photo of HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen restaurant
4. HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen
4.7
Exceptional(462)
Price: Expensive
• Vietnamese • Pilsen
Booked 36 times today
Experience elevated Vietnamese Cuisine in a an atmosphere that is chic, approachable, warm & inviting. Chef Thai & Danielle Dang’s critically acclaimed restaurant celebrates Vietnamese cuisine in the heart of a vibrant Chicago neighborhood, Pilsen. Five times recognized MICHELIN Bibb Gourmand & four James Beard nominations.Enjoy Chef Thai's famous Caramelized Fish Sauce Wings, his signature Whole Fried Fluke and one of the New York Times favorite dishes, HaiSous' Grilled Oysters ! Guests may also enjoy a special and seasonal Grand Tasting Tour, 3 curated courses with the option of an optional wine pairing or join us at the bar for Happy Hour.The more guests you bring, the more dishes you get to try! Great for groups.
A photo of il Porcellino restaurant
5. il Porcellino
4.8
Exceptional(4316)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 111 times today
Il Porcellino, located in the heart of River North in downtown Chicago, is a neighborhood restaurant offering classic Italian-American comfort food in a casual setting. Our seasonal menu focuses on housemate pastas, vegetable antipasti and daily specials, all crafted with ingredients sourced from quality artisans, purveyors, and local farmers. The fun and approachable wine program encourages sharing with selections primarily from Italy. As a way to offset rising costs associated with the restaurant (food, beverage, labor, benefits, supplies), we have added a 3% surcharge to all checks. We do this in lieu of increased menu prices. You may request to have this taken off your check, should you choose.
A photo of Mercadito - River North restaurant
6. Mercadito - River North
4.6
Exceptional(6346)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • River North (Chicago)
Booked 81 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 Girl & the Goat restaurant
7. Girl & the Goat
4.8
Exceptional(15038)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • West Loop
Booked 135 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 Hubbard Inn - River North restaurant
8. Hubbard Inn - River North
3.9
Excellent(191)
Price: Expensive
• American • River North (Chicago)
Booked 20 times today
Located among an ever growing number of River North restaurants in Chicago, Hubbard Inn creates a unique dining experience with delicious options for brunch, dinner, late night dining and everything in between.Whether you're looking for an intimate dinner for two, a table for a large group, or a late night restaurant, Hubbard Inn is the perfect option for out-of-town guests and locals on the hunt for dinner and drinks or a quick bite to eat!
A photo of Sunda New Asian – River North restaurant
9. Sunda New Asian – River North
4.6
Exceptional(7462)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Asian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 64 times today
Located in the bustling River North dining scene, Sunda offers a vibrant Southeast Asian dining experience, blending the flavors of Japan, China, the Philippines, Thailand, and beyond. We elevate culturally significant dishes using high-quality ingredients and modern techniques. Our beverage program includes signature handcrafted cocktails, a robust sake and wine selection, and Asian whiskies and beers. Join us for weekend brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 2pm, or stop by during happy hour Monday to Friday from 4-6pm featuring $6 bar bites, handrolls, and beer, $9 cocktails and wine, and $10 sake. Our venue hosts private events for occasions from corporate outings to rehearsal dinners, and we also offer catering services.
A photo of Bazaar Meat Chicago restaurant
10. Bazaar Meat Chicago
4.8
Exceptional(562)
Price: Very Expensive
• Spanish • River North (Chicago)
Booked 21 times today
STEAKHOUSE, REDEFINEDA carefully curated theater of shared plates, The Bazaar consistently wows its guests with ingeniously innovative cuisine, thoughtfully created cocktails, theatrical presentations, and attentive yet unfussy service. The Bazaar takes guests on a wild sensory adventure born of José’s Spanish roots, both traditional and avant-garde, in a bold, playful atmosphere where anything is possible. Each location is completely unique, adding a fresh, ever-evolving intrigue to the world of The Bazaar.Underneath sparkling crimson chandeliers designed to mimic the flames of a volcano, sit for a curated tasting menu that weaves from raw preparations to the prized vaca vieja, or ribeye aged to perfection. As the flames in the fire kitchen flicker, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind meal, from inventive takes on carpaccio to the most tender rotisserie-style meat. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Eric
    Detroit / Eastern Michigan •3 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Food is excellent. I was hoping for a bit more from the front of house. Valentine’s Day is a busy night and there I am happy to receive service from the bartender. I also could have navigated the menu better on my own end, but above and beyond service might have helped deliver an elite dining experience.
    More info
    avec West LoopPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• West Loop
    •
    4.8
  • milo
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    we went to celebrate our anniversary and valentine’s day, and it was an incredible experience. our waiter was hilarious and attentive, we were gifted glasses of prosecco in celebration as well. the ambience was incredible and the food was delicious, we’re already planning on coming back !!
    More info
    il PorcellinoPrice: Moderate• Italian• River North (Chicago)
    •
    4.8
  • John
    Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Proxi's food is not only outstanding but memorable. It is rare to experience such a level of care and quality. We are grateful to have such a restaurant in Chicago.
    More info
    ProxiPrice: Expensive• Global, International• West Loop
    •
    4.6
  • Emily
    San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    What a delight! Our party of 4 came to HaiSous on a snowy evening while we were in town for work and wanting to explore Chicago beyond the downtown core. We got a wonderful meal in an interesting location. We ordered the set menu—two of the vegetarian option and two of the regular—and that was absolutely the way to go, as it got us tastes of nearly everything on the menu and saved us from having to choose. The dishes were incredibly creative and truly delicious. Hard to pick a favorite, but if I had to, it'd be a showdown between the eggplant and the veggie curry.
    More info
    HaiSous Vietnamese KitchenPrice: Expensive• Vietnamese• Pilsen
    •
    4.7
  • RenneVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Had a wonderful time. We checked in for a birthday dinner, and the hostess inquired whose birthday it was and greeted the birthday boy warmly, as did our server when she came to our table to greet us. Everything was delicious. We had the Prosciutto and warm bread, fried artichokes, rigatoni amatriciana, the NY strip and the roasted romanesco. Highly recommend the artichokes and the rigatoni, just outstanding. We had 2 cocktails, both delicious, and the pistachio gelato (one serving is enough for 2 people to share). They had 2 glasses of prosecco brought out for a birthday toast. We will definitely be back. The pricing is standardly high on the food side, but that is to be expected these days.
    More info
    il CarciofoPrice: Expensive• Italian• West Loop
    •
    4.5

Discover best foodies restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

Explore the vibrant dining scene of Little Italy/University Village in Chicago, a delightful haven for foodies looking for an array of culinary experiences. This neighborhood, steeped in cultural heritage, offers a variety of dining options that cater to both traditional tastes and modern palates. From cozy bistros serving up comfort food to upscale establishments offering gourmet dishes, each restaurant in this area reflects a commitment to quality and authenticity. Diners can expect to find menus rich in flavorful dishes that creatively incorporate local ingredients, often served in settings that boast unique and inviting atmospheres. Whether you're craving Italian classics, contemporary American cuisine, or innovative fusion dishes, Little Italy/University Village promises an enriching gastronomic journey. The restaurants here not only provide delicious meals but also embody the area's rich history and its continuous evolution as a top food destination in Chicago. Perfect for any food lover, this neighborhood ensures a memorable dining experience with every visit.

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