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Best Restaurants for Foodies in Little Italy / University Village

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73 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Fioretta restaurant
1. Fioretta
4.6
Exceptional(811)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steak • West Loop
Booked 85 times today
Fioretta is reminiscent of a new-age Copacabana, celebrating old-world Italian cuisine with an opulent twist, a steady flow of impressive cocktails and wine, world-class live entertainment, and a glamorous vibe cast over the entire experience.Seamlessly blending steakhouse fare with elevated versions of old-world Italian cuisine with help from Italian-American Chef, Joe Rizza. The menu pays homage to the Italian immigrants who graciously first introduced Americans to southern Italian classics. Fioretta’s custom-built solid-fuel hearth and open kitchen allows Rizza and his culinary team to impart superb flavor, char and texture to each dish. The menu strives to strike the perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation.
A photo of Girl & the Goat restaurant
2. Girl & the Goat
4.8
Exceptional(14842)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • West Loop
Booked 164 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 Mercadito - River North restaurant
3. Mercadito - River North
4.5
Awesome(6260)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • River North (Chicago)
Booked 65 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 Momotaro restaurant
4. Momotaro
4.6
Exceptional(3849)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • West Loop
Booked 128 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 River Roast restaurant
5. River Roast
4.5
Awesome(3301)
Price: Expensive
• American • River North (Chicago)
Booked 49 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 Bar Siena - West Loop restaurant
6. Bar Siena - West Loop
4.6
Exceptional(3260)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • West Loop
Booked 68 times today
Perfectly Centralized In Chicago's West Loop 'Restaurant Row', The Two-Story, 8,000-Square-Foot Restaurant Is The Sibling Of DineAmic Hospitality'S River North Staple Eatery, Siena Tavern. Bar Siena Offers Diners The Perfect & Approachable Setting To Enjoy Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, And Weekend Brunch. The Menu Features An Expansive Italian Street Food And Pizza Bar Selection, All Served Within The Streets Of Fulton Market. Our Team Of Hospitality Professionals Are Thrilled And Dedicated To Host Your Next Dining Experience, Private Event Or Catering Function!
A photo of Duck Duck Goat restaurant
7. Duck Duck Goat
4.8
Exceptional(5562)
Price: Expensive
• Chinese • West Loop
Booked 118 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
8. Bar Mar
4.6
Exceptional(936)
Price: Expensive
• Spanish • River North (Chicago)
Booked 115 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 The Izakaya at Momotaro restaurant
9. The Izakaya at Momotaro
4.7
Exceptional(827)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • West Loop
Booked 61 times today
The Izakaya is located on the subterranean level of Momotaro. The Izakaya and its shared-plates pub-inspired menu echoes the Yokocho street scene of Tokyo. Narrow lounge-inspired ‘alleys’ around a central bar bedecked with hand-painted Japanese menus, moody neon lights, and vintage Tokyo street signs set the scene for the Izakaya’s direct nod to Tokyo’s most famous post-war black markets. Dark, energetic, and ripe with expectation, the Izakaya additionally offers a 30-seat bar featuring crafted cocktails, sakes, and a quality selection of Japanese whiskeys. Parties and programming are no strangers to the Izakaya, where a rotating selection of events, including Monday Night Karaoke, feel right at home in this lively lower-level atmosphere.
A photo of Daisies Chicago restaurant
10. Daisies Chicago
4.7
Exceptional(181)
Price: Expensive
• American • Logan Square
Booked 83 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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Ahnicia
    Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The manager Christian was very nice and accommodating. The front staff were so nice and very helpful. They explained everything and accommodated our entire party. The waiter was a little aggressive but overall handled our tables to the best of his ability.
    More info
    Mercadito - River NorthPrice: Expensive• Mexican• River North (Chicago)
    •
    4.5
  • Ethanvip
    Wisconsin •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Obviously the sushi was amazing, but the most surprising dish was the mushroom skewers. Thanks to our waiter Phil for the rec!
    More info
    MomotaroPrice: Expensive• Japanese• West Loop
    •
    4.6
  • Stephanie
    Los Angeles •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We had the most wonderful Thanksgiving dinner at Fioretta. The service and atmosphere were top notch. It was the first time my parents and I had ever been out for Thanksgiving dinner and we were so impressed. The staff was also incredibly kind and attentive. We really had a night to remember. Thank you, Jose and Fioretta!!
    More info
    FiorettaPrice: Very Expensive• Steak• West Loop
    •
    4.6
  • Paula
    Chicago / Illinois •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    After watching Chicago's Thanksgiving Day parade, our family went for our Turkey feast on Thanksgiving Day at River Roast. The Thanksgiving buffet menu had all delicious choices from salads, veggies, stuffing, turkey and desserts. Service was impeccable (Witche was our waitress, and thank her for the great service). The restaurant and location and views of the Chicago River were spectacular. Our family left feeling we definitely made the right choice in choosing River Roast for our Thanksgiving meal. We are looking forward to going back to River Roast in the summer to try their regular menu and enjoy the outdoor terrace.
    More info
    River RoastPrice: Expensive• American• River North (Chicago)
    •
    4.5
  • Oscarvip
    Chicago / Illinois •51 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    The Girl and the Goat always exceeds expectations, even when my expectations are sky high! Thank you! We had the Pig Face, String Beans, Goat Belly, and Steak. The dishes all exploded with flavors. The balance of seasonings, use of citrus, vinegar and other elements of the dishes played well and makes the culinary experience here amazing. The cocktails were yummy as well. The Peach-Te-quilla was light and refreshing. The Spicy Fat Boy had a ton of flavor. To finish the night, we had the Toffee Pumpkin cake and a neat pour of the Pappy Family Reserve. The Pappy was a treat and made a great night even more special! Thanks to Stephanie and all the team at the Goat. You are all AMAZING!
    More info
    Girl & the GoatPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• 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.

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