Best Tapas Restaurants in Old Irving Park

21 restaurants available nearby

1. Ada Street

4.9

Exceptional(1040)

Price: Expensive

• Tapas • Bucktown / Wicker Park

Booked 21 times today

Ada Street, nestled in the eclectic Elston Industrial District between Bucktown and Lincoln Park in Chicago, serves up an exquisite selection of Tapas/Small Plates that have captivated diners with their authenticity and flair. The restaurant has garnered glowing reviews for its "incredibly flavorful" and "beautifully prepared" dishes such as Thai steak tartare, gnocchi, and shrimp ceviche, making it a culinary gem in the city. Patrons rave about the "fantastic flavors" and the creative twists on traditional dishes, ensuring a dining experience that is both unique and memorable. Adding to the charm is the cool, cozy ambiance complemented by a "cool vibe" and exceptional service, making Ada Street a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-notch Tapas experience in Chicago.

A photo of Little Madrid Tapas Cafe restaurant

2. Little Madrid Tapas Cafe

4.5

Awesome(237)

Price: Expensive

• Tapas • Andersonville

Booked 12 times today

Nestled in Chicago’s charming Andersonville neighborhood, Little Madrid Tapas Café stands out as a beacon of authentic European cuisine, specifically offering an exquisite Spanish dining experience. Since its opening in January 2020, it has captivated locals and visitors alike with its vibrant and cozy ambiance reminiscent of Old Madrid. Patrons rave about the "over-the-top good" food and the tapas that are "executed perfectly," highlighting dishes like the succulent octopus and the flavorful paella. The café’s commitment to authenticity is so profound that even visitors from Spain find the quality on par with, if not better than, local eateries in Madrid. With glowing reviews praising its "wonderful, flavorful food" and "very friendly, helpful, and fun" service, Little Madrid is a must-visit for anyone seeking a true taste of Spain in the heart of Chicago.

A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Chicago, IL | Lakeview restaurant

3. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Chicago, IL | Lakeview

4.6

Exceptional(527)

Price: Expensive

• Tapas • Lakeview / East Lakeview

Booked 34 times today

Gyu-Kaku in Chicago's vibrant Lakeview neighborhood offers a truly unique Tapas/Small Plates experience, bringing authentic Japanese BBQ right to your table. Patrons are raving about the variety and quality of the dishes, with special mentions of their "delicious meats" and "tasty sauces" that make each bite exceptional. The restaurant's interactive dining setup allows guests to grill their own selections of premium meats, complemented by a variety of appetizers like "Pork dumplings," which are a crowd favorite. Reviewers consistently highlight the excellent service, with one guest noting, "The food was soooo good. I will definitely be coming back." Whether you're looking for a fun group outing or a romantic date night, Gyu-Kaku provides a memorable and engaging dining experience that stands out in the world of Tapas/Small Plates.

4. La Perla Chicago

4.5

Awesome(21)

Price: Expensive

• Tapas • Lake View

Booked 3 times today

La Perla Chicago, located in the lively Lake View neighborhood, is a beacon of Latin American culinary excellence. As a newly opened venue, it has already captivated diners with its perfect blend of traditional flavors and modern flair. Patrons rave about the authenticity and innovation in dishes like the Argentina churrasco and the grilled seafood platter, which are described as "out of this world" with bold, fresh flavors. The atmosphere is equally praised, with reviews highlighting the vibrant, chic setting ideal for any occasion—from a casual happy hour to a festive night out. The staff’s attention to detail and personalized service further enhance the dining experience, making La Perla a must-visit for anyone seeking the finest in Latin American cuisine in Chicago.

A photo of Royal Highness Zhu restaurant

5. Royal Highness Zhu

4.5

Awesome(15)

Price: Moderate

• Tapas • Lincoln Park

Booked 1 time today

Royal Highness Zhu, nestled in the vibrant Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, is a culinary gem celebrated for its authentic Szechuan Tapas. This award-winning restaurant, lauded as the "best heritage restaurant" by Jean Bancheet, offers an un-Americanized taste of Chengdu street food. The skillful blend of chilies, ChengDu peppercorns, and other seasonings creates a spectrum of flavors that dance on the palate, showcasing the essence of Szechuan cuisine through its small plates. Diners rave about the "electrifying use of chilies" and the harmonious balance of spices in dishes like the Fiery Spicy Fries Delights and the Tempting Bon Bon Chicken. According to one review, "the Hot & Sour Fern Root Noodles were the best I've ever tasted," underscoring the restaurant's commitment to authenticity and quality. Royal Highness Zhu is a must-visit for anyone seeking a genuine taste of Chengdu in the heart of Chicago.

6. Café Ba-Ba-Reeba

4.8

Exceptional(9263)

Price: Moderate

• Tapas • Lincoln Park

Booked 169 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, Café Ba-Ba-Reeba shines as a beacon of Spanish culinary excellence. Celebrating decades of service, this gem offers an authentic taste of Spain with its delightful tapas and famously delicious paella. Patrons consistently praise the atmosphere and dishes, with one guest exclaiming, "Best tapas in town!" and another affirming, "Absolutely delicious seafood paella! Definitely worth the visit!" The restaurant's dedication to quality is evident, ensuring that "the food never ever disappoints." From the flavorful sangria to the engaging flamenco shows, Café Ba-Ba-Reeba promises a truly Spanish experience, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.

7. Girl & the Goat

4.8

Exceptional(14837)

Price: Moderate

• Tapas • West Loop

Booked 119 times today

Girl & the Goat in Chicago's vibrant West Loop is a treasure trove of comfort food that transcends the ordinary. Since its opening in 2010, this bustling eatery has mastered the art of crafting dishes that are as soul-satisfying as they are innovative. Patrons rave about the unique twists on traditional comfort dishes, like the unforgettable goat empanadas and the indulgent pork shank, which one diner described as the "star of the show." The atmosphere is described as fun and lively, perfect for both casual diners and culinary adventurers alike. Reviewers consistently highlight not only the food's exceptional quality but also the top-notch service and welcoming vibe. One glowing testimonial said it best: "Seriously the best meal I’ve ever had. I wake up from a dead sleep thinking about this food." Girl & the Goat stands out as a must-visit destination for anyone seeking comfort food with flair in Chicago.

8. Bar Mar

4.6

Exceptional(933)

Price: Expensive

• Tapas • River North (Chicago)

Booked 72 times today

At Bar Mar, located in the vibrant River North neighborhood of Chicago, Chef José Andrés elevates the tapas dining experience with creations that are as inventive as they are delectable. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality of the small plates, with dishes like the "Pulpa alla Gallega" and the lobster croquetas receiving high praise for their perfect preparation and outstanding flavors. Reviews consistently highlight the restaurant's ability to blend traditional Spanish tapas with unique twists, ensuring every bite is a delight. "Every dish we tried was the best," one reviewer exclaimed, celebrating the variety and the high culinary standards set by the renowned chef. Whether you're enjoying a lively group dinner or a more intimate dining experience, Bar Mar's tapas are a must-try in Chicago.

9. Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba!

4.8

Exceptional(379)

Price: Expensive

• Tapas • River North (Chicago)

Booked 57 times today

Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba! in River North, Chicago, truly captures the essence of Spanish cuisine with its delightful array of authentic small plates and vibrant sangrias. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality, with dishes like the "delicious and perfectly cooked" Beef Tenderloin Toro Skewer and the classic Patatas Bravas receiving high praise. A diner highlighted, "So many dishes whooshed me right back to Spain! Exactly what I needed :)", emphasizing the genuine Spanish experience. The restaurant's atmosphere and service match the excellence of its menu, making every visit memorable. Whether it's the bustling vibe, the attentive staff, or the "best sangrias" that draw you in, Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba! ensures a Spanish dining experience that is both authentic and enchanting.

10. Proxi

4.7

Exceptional(2379)

Price: Expensive

• Tapas • West Loop

Booked 22 times today

At Proxi in Chicago’s vibrant West Loop, the art of Tapas/Small Plates is elevated through a dazzling array of global flavors and meticulous presentation. Celebrated for its innovative approach, Proxi delights diners with its "spectacular meal" experiences and "brilliant menu," drawing inspiration from multicultural street foods. The restaurant's commitment to quality is echoed in reviews, with guests praising the "unique and surprising menu" and "every bite was better than the last!" Notably, the tempura elotes and foie gras buns receive special mentions, showcasing the chef’s skill in blending diverse, exotic ingredients into harmonious, bite-sized delights. Whether you're a local or visiting, Proxi offers a culinary journey that makes it a standout destination for Tapas/Small Plates in Chicago.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
Joelle
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Chicago, do not sleep on this gem! With the chef’s background of having worked in Miami and Italian restaurants here, the menu has a delightful variety of Latin classics and fresh pasta. Our table ordered all of the above and every detail was extremely well crafted. I had the churrasco which was cooked to perfection. Staff is super friendly and hospitable. La Perla treats their guests like they’re welcoming friends into their home. Do not skip it!
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La Perla ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Latin American• Lake View
•
4.5
K
KRISTA
Pittsburgh / Western PA •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Our server, Grey, was absolutely fantastic! We had a dietary restriction due to religion, and he went above and beyond to make sure we were taken care of. He was also extremely kind and we just appreciated him so so much. Grey truly make us feel welcomed and we will be coming back for the excellent food and the wonderful service.
More info
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Chicago, IL | LakeviewPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Lakeview / East Lakeview
•
4.6
J
Joycevip
Chicago / Illinois •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Fantastic! Can not rave enough how tasty the food is and how fast the service is too.
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Royal Highness ZhuPrice: Moderate• Sichuan• Lincoln Park
•
4.5
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Exceptional everything! Atmosphere, service and cuisine!
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Ada StreetPrice: Expensive• American• Bucktown / Wicker Park
•
4.9
E
Erika
Nebraska •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 22, 2024
Everything about Little Madrid Tapas Cafe was perfect. Having spent many years in Spain, this place is the real deal. They have a fabulous selection of wine and a wide array of traditional tapas and pintxos from anchovies and croquetas to morcilla and queso de cabra. The service was perhaps my favorite part. Our waiter went above and beyond for us and our requests and was very attentive to our needs and experience while also giving us plenty of space to catch up without too many interruptions. This is a gem of a cafe that can serve as both a great date night spot or a place for a casual happy hour with friends or colleagues.
More info
Little Madrid Tapas CafePrice: Expensive• Tapas / Small Plates• Andersonville
•
4.5

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Best Tapas Restaurants in Old Irving Park

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21 restaurants available nearby

1. Ada Street

2. Little Madrid Tapas Cafe

3. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Chicago, IL | Lakeview

4. La Perla Chicago

5. Royal Highness Zhu

6. Café Ba-Ba-Reeba

7. Girl & the Goat

8. Bar Mar

9. Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba!

10. Proxi

See what locals rave about

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