Best Restaurants for Handcrafted Cocktails in Little Italy / University Village

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Elia Chicago with my family and it was an unforgettable experience!

This is my second time going here this year and I will recommend it to anyone. The food and cocktails are excellent and unique. The environment is quite loud but really beautifully decorated.

First time going for my birthday and they didn’t disappoint! Food was delicious. Truffle Baked Mac n Cheese was the best I’ve ever had. Service was good, never had to ask the waiter for anything. I definitely recommend this place if you’re looking for something more business casual.

We ordered the Jampong Mussels, Chef’s Meat Sampler, Doeng Jang Jjgae, and Banchan.. everything tasted good. I mean it tasted as Korean food should, the meat was buttery soft and while I thought it odd to have to order banchan separately… it is unlimited, so there is that. The Jampong Mussels tasted good, but it wasn’t Jampong soup really, it was more Kimchee Jjgae broth with pork (so if you are pescatarian you might want to ask if they can omit or it may not work for you). The cocktails were lovely though (as many people commented… ) I had a Matcha Sour, I believe it was called, so good if you like sweet cocktails and the expresso martini was fantastic. In terms of the ambiance, it’s a nice moody sort of interior. It is dark at night, but because it is a corner restaurant it was nice to see all the night lights come through the windows. All adds to the vibe. All in all would I recommend? If you want to have a Korean experience, but in an elevated atmosphere then yes. The food is good, but was it phenomenal? No… it wasn’t like a Benu (from SF) experience, but could be a nice date night, special occasion, or somewhere you would bring a special guest… that maybe isn’t Korean? Honestly I think the bad reviews were mostly from fellow Koreans, (or at least those who are in the know about Korean food) but like I said it’s very good food, just not anything new or quantity wise, satisfying for the natives.

My family and I had the pleasure of dining at SUNDA West Loop to celebrate my husband's birthday recently, and it was an unforgettable experience. This Asian fusion gem masterfully blends traditional flavors with modern culinary creativity, creating dishes that are as innovative as they are delicious. From the moment you step inside, the sleek, contemporary design of the restaurant sets the tone for an upscale yet approachable dining experience. The ambiance strikes the perfect balance between trendy and cozy, making it an ideal spot for both casual dinners and special occasions. The menu is a delightful journey through Asia, with inspired twists that make each dish unique. Standouts included the crispy Tiger Shrimp Tempura, which were bursting with rich, savory flavor, and the Tom Yum Chilean Sea Bass, perfectly cooked and paired with mushrooms, bamboo shoots, baby bok choy, tom yum sauce, and kaffir lime oil. Other dishes we enjoyed are the Miso Cauliflower and the crispy Szechuan Chicken. The drink menu was equally impressive, offering a selection of innovative cocktails with Asian-inspired elements like ume. The attentive and knowledgeable staff were eager to offer pairing suggestions, enhancing the overall experience. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Asian cuisine or looking for something adventurous and modern, SUNDA is sure to impress. I can’t wait to return and explore their sushi and sake offerings next time!