Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois

Best Restaurants for Foodies in Little Italy / University Village

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

70 restaurants available nearby

A photo of il Carciofo restaurant
1. il Carciofo
new
4.6
Exceptional(122)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • West Loop
Booked 154 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 Girl & the Goat restaurant
2. Girl & the Goat
4.8
Exceptional(14954)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • West Loop
Booked 242 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
3. Momotaro
4.6
Exceptional(3889)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • West Loop
Booked 146 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 Bazaar Meat Chicago restaurant
4. Bazaar Meat Chicago
4.8
Exceptional(510)
Price: Very Expensive
• Spanish • River North (Chicago)
Booked 36 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.
A photo of Duck Duck Goat restaurant
5. Duck Duck Goat
4.8
Exceptional(5614)
Price: Expensive
• Chinese • West Loop
Booked 167 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 Bar Mar restaurant
6. Bar Mar
4.6
Exceptional(994)
Price: Expensive
• Spanish • River North (Chicago)
Booked 79 times today
Fresh oysters piled on mounds of sparkling ice. Ceviches that taste of the ocean. Chef José Andrés’ brilliant renditions of iconic seafood classics like fried calamari and lobster rolls. Located at the Bank of America Tower in Chicago, Bar Mar is a true celebration of the bounty of the sea, with modern takes on classics you know and love, festive cocktails, and a bright, beautiful space that interweaves the nautical with the elegant. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.
A photo of Daisies Chicago restaurant
7. Daisies Chicago
4.8
Exceptional(238)
Price: Expensive
• American • Logan Square
Booked 151 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 Mercadito - River North restaurant
8. Mercadito - River North
4.6
Exceptional(6305)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • River North (Chicago)
Booked 58 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 River Roast restaurant
9. River Roast
4.5
Awesome(3329)
Price: Expensive
• American • River North (Chicago)
Booked 42 times today
Situated on the iconic Chicago River with stunning views of downtown, River Roast is a lively social house and gathering place. The menu features contemporary American tavern fare with dramatic presentations of whole roasted chicken, whole roasted fish and slow roasted beef; all carved table-side. The food is handcrafted, yet rustic, with many plates designed for sharing. The bar offers a large selection of local beer, craft cocktails, beer, and wine. With one of the best patios in Chicago, River Roast is a great place to enjoy dining outside on a hot summer afternoon or a crisp fall evening. River Roast Private Events offers six spaces, all with spectacular views, for parties from 10 to 1,000. Saturday and Sunday features our Brunch menu from 11:00AM-3PM. We are open Mon-Fri for lunch and daily for dinner.
A photo of Le Colonial - Chicago restaurant
10. Le Colonial - Chicago
4.8
Exceptional(7924)
Price: Very Expensive
• Vietnamese • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 95 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.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Jennie
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    One of the best meals and food experiences I've ever had. Everything was prepared to perfection, servers were knowledgeable and friendly, and the vibe was on point.
    More info
    Bazaar Meat ChicagoPrice: Very Expensive• Spanish• River North (Chicago)
    •
    4.8
  • JamesVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Great dinner. The food and wine were sooooooo good and the wine was a great value. We got the artichoke, a zucchini pizza and two pastas. All were unreal. Our server was super attentive and not overbearing. We were originally seated near a door that was drafty and it was a cold night, I said something and we were immediately seated somewhere else that I wasn’t cold. Great service. Great restaurant. Will be back.
    More info
    il CarciofoPrice: Expensive• Italian• West Loop
    •
    4.6
  • OpenTable DinerVIP
    Canberra •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    I really enjoyed dining at girl & the goat. Their menu selections were spectacular, and they were able to accommodate those with dairy intolerance (which most restaurants are unable to do). Their food selections were great and flavorful, and their staff was friendly. I would definitely recommend the chicken or steak dishes.
    More info
    Girl & the GoatPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• West Loop
    •
    4.8
  • JulieVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Loved the many tasty vegetarian options. Everything our table had was excellent. Will definitely return.
    More info
    MomotaroPrice: Expensive• Japanese• West Loop
    •
    4.6
  • MerinVIP
    Los Angeles •37 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 3, 2025
    Service was great. They got us in early when we arrive too early before our reservation. Food was outstanding. We would go back again.  love the vibe of this restaurant.
    More info
    Duck Duck GoatPrice: Expensive• Chinese• West Loop
    •
    4.8

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.

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo