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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Little Italy / University Village

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65 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Alla Vita restaurant
1. Alla Vita
4.8
Exceptional(2305)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Italian • West Loop
Booked 149 times today
Serving a casual, family-style menu, Alla Vita is a place to gather and enjoy comfortable Italian cuisine. Alla Vita means “to life” in Italian which recognizes overcoming life's challenges and creating a space for shared meals and memorable experiences. Executive Chef Lee Wolen shares his passion for fresh, delicious Italian food made simply with the best ingredients. Follow @allavitachicago to stay up-to-date with the latest happenings.
A photo of Summer House - Chicago restaurant
2. Summer House - Chicago
4.6
Exceptional(7898)
Price: Moderate
• American • Lincoln Park
Booked 320 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.
A photo of Mon Ami Gabi restaurant
3. Mon Ami Gabi
4.8
Exceptional(8088)
Price: Moderate
• French • Lincoln Park
Booked 105 times today
Honoring classic French cuisine, Mon Ami Gabi is a traditional French bistro located in the heart of Lincoln Park. Our menu features simple French food including Steak Frites, fresh seafood, exquisite bites, and French rolling wine carts. Valet is located at the corner of Lincoln Park West and Belden for $17 cash or Zelle. During the holiday season, for all parties of 9 or more, we ask our guests to call the restaurant directly to book a reservation.Did you know that you can use Lettuce gift cards for carryout and delivery? Just place your order through Lettuce website, the LettuceEats app or any Lettuce restaurant website.
A photo of Chez Joel restaurant
4. Chez Joel
4.7
Exceptional(2656)
Price: Moderate
• French • Little Italy / University Village
Booked 10 times today
Chez Joel is the real deal when it comes to French cuisine. This cozy restaurant in the heart of Little Italy has been serving up authentic French delicacies since 1999. Reviews rave about its warm, inviting ambiance, with one reviewer stating it brought back memories of Paris. The food is consistently praised for being expertly prepared, with one diner even saying it was 'authentic (frites a little over done) and very tasty'. The service is also frequently mentioned as being friendly and efficient. Whether you're looking for a romantic meal or a casual dining experience, Chez Joel is definitely worth the drive.
A photo of Guinness Open Gate Brewery - Chicago restaurant
5. Guinness Open Gate Brewery - Chicago
4.5
Awesome(108)
Price: Expensive
• Brewery • West Loop
Booked 76 times today
Where 260 years of Irish Brewing expertise meets American beer creativity. Inspired by Chicago, crafted by Guinness. Look out, Chicago.The Guinness Open Gate Brewery Chicago features a Taproom, Restaurant, and the first ever Guinness Bakery, all located right in the heart of Chicago's West Loop. Come indulge both your curiosity and your tastebuds, while experimenting with a new world of flavor.
A photo of Tzuco restaurant
6. Tzuco
4.7
Exceptional(813)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • River North (Chicago)
Booked 62 times today
Located in the bustling River North neighborhood of Chicago, Tzuco, helmed by the Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán, offers a blend of authentic Mexican flavors and sophisticated French techniques. Named after Chef Gaytán’s hometown, Huitzuco, the restaurant boasts a menu rich in ceviche, seafood, and traditional Mexican dishes, served in a spacious dining room, lively bar, lounge, and an all-weather outdoor terrace.Tzuco’s captivating interiors, designed by the acclaimed Cadena + Asociados Concept Design, tell a story of Chef Gaytán's heritage with preserved materials from Mexico and handcrafted furnishings, ensuring guests not only savor exquisite dishes but also relish an immersive cultural experience.
A photo of Vela restaurant
7. Vela
4.6
Exceptional(128)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • River North (Chicago)
Booked 47 times today
Vela Bar y Cocina, located in the heart of River North, Chicago, brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico City to life. Our menu showcases authentic Mexican cuisine with a modern twist, from flavorful tacos to traditional dishes crafted by Chef Jorge Angulo. Sip on expertly curated cocktails featuring a vast selection of tequila and mezcal, including rare pours. Vela offers the perfect venue for private dining and events, with intimate spaces like our Private Dining Room and the stylish Zona Rosa. Whether you're enjoying a casual night out or hosting a private event, Vela delivers a warm and cosmopolitan experience infused with Mexican spirit. Join us for an unforgettable evening of food, drinks, and culture in one of Chicago's most energetic neighborhoods.
A photo of Dearly Beloved restaurant
8. Dearly Beloved
4.5
Awesome(90)
Price: Expensive
• Dining Bar • River North (Chicago)
Booked 25 times today
Dearly Beloved is a beautiful mixture of cocktail bar, restaurant and journey of the senses. The new venture from Machine Hospitality Group aims to challenge your taste buds through textures, scents, and a symphony of flavors with unconventional, globally inspired ingredients. With a beverage program curated by master mixologist, Aneka Saxon and a vegetable-forward menu from Executive Chef Kristofer Lohraff, Dearly Beloved is ideal for an intimate evening with friends or a unique date night spot. The stylistically sinister ambience puts the guest experience at the forefront for a memorable night.
A photo of Fogo de Chao - Chicago restaurant
9. Fogo de Chao - Chicago
4.1
Excellent(4685)
Price: Moderate
• Brazilian • Downtown / Loop
Booked 174 times today
Fogo de Chão is an internationally-renowned steakhouse from Brazil that allows guests to discover what's next at every turn. Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo elevates the centuries-old culinary art of churrasco - roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame - into a cultural dining experience of discovery. Please join us in our dining room, in our more casual Bar Fogo, or bring the Fogo Experience to you with Fogo To-Go or Catering. Visit our website to make a reservation or place an order.
A photo of Osteria Via Stato restaurant
10. Osteria Via Stato
4.7
Exceptional(3480)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 40 times today
Osteria Via Stato, a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant follows the Italian tradition of seasonally prepared dishes featuring local ingredients and artisanal producers paired with an all Italian wine list. Open for Lunch, Tuesday - Friday at noon - 2PM.Join us for Happy Hour everyday for 1/2 priced pizzas and glasses of wine, Sunday - Thursday at 5PM - 6PM, Friday - Saturday at 4:30PM - 5:30PM.

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Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

Discover the best dining experiences that are "worth the drive" in Chicago's charming Little Italy / University Village. This vibrant culinary destination offers an array of restaurants that stand out not just for their unique flavors but also for their commitment to providing a memorable dining experience. Each establishment in this locale brings a touch of authenticity and culinary excellence, making them a must-visit for both locals and travelers seeking exceptional meals. The restaurants here often feature a combination of traditional and innovative dishes, prepared with high-quality ingredients and presented with impeccable service. The dining scene in Little Italy / University Village is renowned for its eclectic mix of eateries that cater to various tastes and preferences, ensuring every visit is both delightful and satisfying. Whether you're in the mood for gourmet dining or a cozy meal, these restaurants promise an enriching experience that truly is "worth the drive."

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