The Little Gem Restaurant

4.7

1177 Reviews

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Make a booking

2 people

16 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 15 times today

Neighbourhood gem
Good for special occasions
Charming

This Intimate, Stylish Little Restaurant is Elegant and Romantic
With a Warm and Welcoming Atmosphere.
A Relaxed Fine Dining Experience.
Casual or Smart - All Feel At Ease.

Reservations are Recommended - Walkins are always Welcome.
Full Bar with a Speciality Bourbon Collection, Fine Wines and Craft Cocktails.
Newly Expanded to right next door Also Check Out ENCORE! by Little Gem it is just as cosy, warm and inviting.

In addition we have a Private Party Room for up to 70.
Food + Drink Party Packages Available.
Outdoor Dining available weather permitting.
Gift Cards, Private Parties and Customized Menus are available.
Please call (917) 327 8997 or email us : info@thelittlegemcafe.com

We look forward to serving you!

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Bistro, European
Hours of Operation
Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00–15:00 Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 15:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 15:00–21:30 Happy Hour Tue–Thu, Sun 15:30–18:30 Bar + Lounge Tue–Sun 16:00–22:00
Phone number
(708) 613-5491
Website
https://thelittlegemcafe.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive Chef
Jonathan Vukelich
Catering
Our Wonderful Chef Loves to Cook! We can cater events up to 100 Guests On + Off Premises Menus offer Hot + Cold Appetizers, Entrees and Desserts. Select Canapes, Hors d'oeuvres, Cheese Boards, Fresh Fruit, Charcuteries, French Crudite's and more. Fresh Seafood : Beef : Pork : Poultry : Vegetarian : Vegan : Gluten Free. Email today us for more info
Private party facilities
Unique, Customized, Party Packages Available in Little Gem + Right Next Door in Encore! by Little Gem. (A Beautiful Party Private and Events Space).Dining : Dancing : Cocktails : Live Music : Formal Dinners : Casual Mixers This Elegant Little Gem is Perfect for Any OccasionParties Fully Customizable to Suit Your Vision, Our Food is Delicious!

Location
189 N Marion St., Oak Park, IL 60301
Area
Oak Park
Cross Street
Lake St.
Parking details
$1 for 1 Hour Metered Street Parking Also two parking lots on this blockFree Street Parking after 8:00pm and Free on Sundays!
Public transit
Green Line Train Harlem Stop just 2 blocks awayBus Transportation along Lake Street, Harlem Avenue Junction is just a Block away.
Entertainment
Live Jazz : Vintage Jazz Recordings : World Music : Euro Instrumentals
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Crudite and OlivesUS$15.00
crudite of fresh vegetables, kalamata olives
Fig and Honey Brie CrostiniUS$12.00
triple cream mascarpone, black mission fig
Spanish Meatballs (3)US$17.00
tomatoes, shishito peppers, panko garlic breadcrumbs
Burrata Cheese PlateUS$16.00
roasted heirloom tomatoes, petite green salad, french baguette garlic crostini, basil pesto, balsamic
Sea Scallops au GratinUS$24.00
creamy gruyère cheese, garlic breadcrumb topping
Seared Ahi Tuna (3)US$18.00
sashimi grade tuna, sesame seeds, fried wonton, mango salsa, wasabi aioli
Fried CalamariUS$17.00
sweet chili sauce, tempura lemon, basil oil
Prince Edward Island MusselsUS$22.00
fresh herbs, garlic, white wine, shallots, toasted crostini

Soups

Todays SoupUS$10.00
Gems Classic Baked French OnionUS$14.00

Salads

add: shrimp $14, salmon $15, chicken $10

The Little Gem Wedge SaladUS$18.00
lettuce wedge, heirloom cherry tomatoes, red onions, crumbled bacon, house made bleu cheese dressing
Citrus Beet SaladUS$16.00
roasted red and gold beets, avocado, citrus dressing, queso blanco
Caesar SaladUS$15.00
heart of romaine, fresh parmesan cheese, toasted croutons, signature caesar dressing
Chopped SaladUS$18.00
field greens, avocado, heirloom tomatoes, crispy bacon, hard boiled egg, bleu cheese
Local Greens SaladUS$12.00
spiced pecans, shaved apple, english cucumber, sweet bermuda onions, champagne vinaigrette

Chicken

Boneless Roast Half ChickenUS$28.00
roast potatoes, peas and carrots, natural chicken gravy

Seafood

BranzinoUS$35.00
whole fish roasted and deboned, fennel parsley lemon gremolata, roasted fingerling potatoes, cherry tomato cucumber arugula salad, roasted garlic citrus caper vinaigrette
Seared ScallopsUS$40.00
baby carrots mirepoix, purple rice, yuzu habanero beurre blanc
PaellaUS$42.00
saffron risotto, green peas, andouille sausage, shrimp, fish, mussels, clams, poached lobster
Salmon FiletUS$32.00
ratatouille, baby arugula pesto
Shrimp ScampiUS$26.00
pan seared shrimp, tomato concasse, spinach, mushrooms, white wine, garlic, herb butter sauce

Risotto & Pasta

Braised Short RibsUS$34.00
home made ricotta cavetelli pasta served with roasted mushrooms, cream truffle butter sauce
Fregola SardanaUS$24.00
roasted vegetables, tahini, herbs
Orecchiette PastaUS$24.00
crumbled italian sausage, basil arugula pesto

Steaks & Chops

make any entree a surf and turf add: lobster tail - mp, shrimps (3) - $12, scallops (3) - $24

28 Day Dry Aged Ny Strip
hijiki butter, home made potato croquet
- 12ozUS$58.00
Petite Filet MignonUS$44.00
herb butter, broccoli, red wine reduction
New Zealand Lamb ChopsUS$42.00
roast potatoes, peas and carrots, rosemary jus
Stuffed Pork ChopUS$32.00
smoked gouda, crispy potato, chimichurri, honey brussel sprouts
Skirt SteakUS$38.00
creamed spinach, home made potato croquet, chipotle bearnaise sauce

Small Plates & Sides

Roasted Seasonal VegetablesUS$14.00
Honey Glazed CarrotsUS$10.00
Creamy Mashed PotatoesUS$10.00
Mac and CheeseUS$15.00
Honey Brussels SproutsUS$14.00
Hand Cut FriesUS$12.00
Truffle FriesUS$14.00

What 1,177 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.6Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Near West
Great for brunch
Near West
Healthy
Near West
Romantic
Near West
Good for special occasions

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Little Gem Restaurant is a delightful spot in Oak Park, praised for its "fantastic food," "attentive service," and "great ambiance." It's a popular choice for date nights, brunches, and live music events, offering a variety of dishes from brunch staples to "amazing" dinner options. While some found the prices high and noise levels energetic, the restaurant's charm, "cozy atmosphere," and "wonderful dining experience" keep patrons coming back.

1,177 Reviews

A
Adrianne
Chicago2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
What a perfect place for a special occasion. Everything was yummy & the service was on point!
Is this helpful?
M
Mals48
Chicago15 reviews
2.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Service was good, ambiance lovely. Unexpected live music was well done and enjoyed but added to the noise level when we wanted to visit. Food was on the higher priced end, tended to be spicy or peppery and generally not to our taste palettes.
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m
michele VIP
Chicago72 reviews
4.0
Dined on 8 March 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
We had reserved a table in the Encore room but were advised they were fully booked even though the room was empty except for one table. Very disappointing.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago3 reviews
2.0
Dined on 2 March 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Living nearby we’ve been to Little Gem many times. Hoping for a quiet Sunday evening meal, the Sea Bass was inedible. The salmon over done and heavily seasoned. At just under $100 for no appetizers, two entrees, two cocktails and no dessert, we were disappointed. It’s doubtful we’ll be back anytime soon.
Is this helpful?
PW
PeterW
Miami6 reviews
5.0
Dined on 22 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Too bad we live out of town or we would return every week. Excellent experience.
Is this helpful?
M
Mike
Chicago1 review
5.0
Dined on 16 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This spot truly lives up to it’s name. It can be pricey after a few cocktails, but the service and quality are very high. Great ambience, and the staff are incredibly kind. We’ll be back!
Is this helpful?
R
ROBERT
Chicago35 reviews
3.0
Dined on 16 February 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Food was good. Service was rushed to get us out of the restaurant in 70 minutes. As it turned out, not a good choice selection to meet with an old friend
Is this helpful?
B
Burt VIP
Chicago18 reviews
5.0
Dined on 15 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Who is a great meal and the staff is top-notch! Knowledgeable and know how to pair your wine with your meal. Never a dull moment-always a great ambience.
Is this helpful?
B
Brad VIP
Chicago6 reviews
5.0
Dined on 15 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent 4 course Vdays experience. Delicious! We were on the bar side w the live jazz singer band. Atmosphere/decorating top notch. Service was excellent. Met the owner who couldn't have been nicer.
Is this helpful?
E
Emerlita
Jackson Hole2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 15 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything is good. Food, ambiance and the service. The men's bathroom did not lock though. The 4 course menu for valentines is perfect. Appetizer, salald, steak for my hubby and chicken for me. Strawberry creme brulee is not my favorite but the chocolate mousse is very good for the desert.
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FAQs

The Little Gem Restaurant offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (708) 613-5491.

The Little Gem Restaurant is rated 4.7 stars by 1177 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

16 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 15 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The Little Gem Restaurant

189 N Marion St., Oak Park, IL 60301

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
Lake St.
Area
Oak Park
Hours of Operation
Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00–15:00 Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 15:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 15:00–21:30 Happy Hour Tue–Thu, Sun 15:30–18:30 Bar + Lounge Tue–Sun 16:00–22:00
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Bistro, European
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
$1 for 1 Hour Metered Street Parking Also two parking lots on this blockFree Street Parking after 8:00pm and Free on Sundays!
Public transit
Green Line Train Harlem Stop just 2 blocks awayBus Transportation along Lake Street, Harlem Avenue Junction is just a Block away.
Payment Options
AMEX, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Jonathan Vukelich
Entertainment
Live Jazz : Vintage Jazz Recordings : World Music : Euro Instrumentals
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://thelittlegemcafe.com/
Phone number
(708) 613-5491
Catering
Our Wonderful Chef Loves to Cook! We can cater events up to 100 Guests On + Off Premises Menus offer Hot + Cold Appetizers, Entrees and Desserts. Select Canapes, Hors d'oeuvres, Cheese Boards, Fresh Fruit, Charcuteries, French Crudite's and more. Fresh Seafood : Beef : Pork : Poultry : Vegetarian : Vegan : Gluten Free. Email today us for more info
Private party facilities
Unique, Customized, Party Packages Available in Little Gem + Right Next Door in Encore! by Little Gem. (A Beautiful Party Private and Events Space).Dining : Dancing : Cocktails : Live Music : Formal Dinners : Casual Mixers This Elegant Little Gem is Perfect for Any OccasionParties Fully Customizable to Suit Your Vision, Our Food is Delicious!

The Little Gem Restaurant

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Stuffed Pork Chop

Fig and Honey Brie Crostini

Shrimp Scampi

Appetizers

Crudite and OlivesUS$15.00

Fig and Honey Brie CrostiniUS$12.00

Spanish Meatballs (3)US$17.00

Burrata Cheese PlateUS$16.00

Sea Scallops au GratinUS$24.00

Seared Ahi Tuna (3)US$18.00

Fried CalamariUS$17.00

Prince Edward Island MusselsUS$22.00

Soups

Todays SoupUS$10.00

Gems Classic Baked French OnionUS$14.00

Salads

The Little Gem Wedge SaladUS$18.00

Citrus Beet SaladUS$16.00

Caesar SaladUS$15.00

Chopped SaladUS$18.00

Local Greens SaladUS$12.00

Chicken

Boneless Roast Half ChickenUS$28.00

Seafood

BranzinoUS$35.00

Seared ScallopsUS$40.00

PaellaUS$42.00

Salmon FiletUS$32.00

Shrimp ScampiUS$26.00

Risotto & Pasta

Braised Short RibsUS$34.00

Fregola SardanaUS$24.00

Orecchiette PastaUS$24.00

Steaks & Chops

28 Day Dry Aged Ny Strip

Petite Filet MignonUS$44.00

New Zealand Lamb ChopsUS$42.00

Stuffed Pork ChopUS$32.00

Skirt SteakUS$38.00

Small Plates & Sides

Roasted Seasonal VegetablesUS$14.00

Honey Glazed CarrotsUS$10.00

Creamy Mashed PotatoesUS$10.00

Mac and CheeseUS$15.00

Honey Brussels SproutsUS$14.00

Hand Cut FriesUS$12.00

Truffle FriesUS$14.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does The Little Gem Restaurant offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Little Gem Restaurant restaurant rated?

Is The Little Gem Restaurant currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information