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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

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97 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Walnut Room - Chicago restaurant
1. The Walnut Room - Chicago
4.6
Exceptional(7711)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Loop
Booked 52 times today
For Large Parties 21 or more: please contact us at http://macysrestaurants.com/contact-us/ For Holiday Questions and Menu: http://macysrestaurants.com/walnut-room/holiday2024/The world famous Walnut Room has been a Chicago tradition since 1907. Located on the 7th floor of Macy's on State Street, the Walnut Room was the first restaurant ever opened in a department store. Conveniently located in the heart of the Chicago theater district, the Walnut Room is an excellent choice to take a break from shopping or for a meal and a glass of wine before the show. Enjoy our Famous Mrs. Herring's Chicken Pot Pie and other well known favorites on the menu.
A photo of il Carciofo restaurant
2. il Carciofo
new
4.6
Exceptional(121)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • West Loop
Booked 158 times today
Located in the historic Fulton Market district of Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, il Carciofo is a Roman Italian restaurant drawing inspiration from the restaurants and markets in one of Chef Joe's favorite cities, Rome. The restaurant offers a seasonal menu of elevated yet familiar Italian fare with traditional antipasti, Roman-style pizzas, hand-rolled pastas produced daily in a dedicated pasta lab and market-driven mains that highlight the season's bounty.
A photo of Girl & the Goat restaurant
3. Girl & the Goat
4.8
Exceptional(14954)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • West Loop
Booked 242 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 Momotaro restaurant
4. Momotaro
4.6
Exceptional(3889)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • West Loop
Booked 152 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 Gibsons Italia restaurant
5. Gibsons Italia
4.8
Exceptional(4040)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 177 times today
Gibsons Italia is built on a tradition & elegance that is relentless in the pursuit of the very best. Chef-driven tastes of Italy are paired with the superiority of Gibsons Steakhouse, creating a restaurant that makes the familiar, exceptional. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.
A photo of Duck Duck Goat restaurant
6. Duck Duck Goat
4.8
Exceptional(5614)
Price: Expensive
• Chinese • West Loop
Booked 172 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 Prime & Provisions Steakhouse restaurant
7. Prime & Provisions Steakhouse
4.7
Exceptional(5657)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 113 times today
In A World Of All-Natural Cleanses, Organic Stores And Paleo Diets, Prime & Provisions' Beef Program Contributes To The Clean-Eating Lifestyle By Serving 100% All Natural Linz Heritage Usda Prime Black Angus Beef. We Are Proudly The First Steakhouse In Chicago To Offer Beef From The "Never-Ever" Program Which Linz Heritage Angus Prides Itself On.
A photo of El Che Steakhouse & Bar restaurant
8. El Che Steakhouse & Bar
4.7
Exceptional(2117)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • West Loop
Booked 73 times today
Located just beyond the West Loop’s famed “restaurant row,” El Che Steakhouse & Bar is Chicago's go-to destination for steak, seafood, and live-fire cooking. The restaurant is modeled after Executive Chef/Partner John Manion’s fascination with Argentinean asados: traditional backyard barbecues surrounding the flame. A 12-foot custom-built grill serves as the centerpiece for this downtown asado which embraces South American-tinged meats, seasonal vegetables, fresh seafood, and of course, steak. The hearth also serves as the heart of the restaurant’s experiences such as dining at the Hearth Table. Join us for happy hour at our cocktail bar, featuring signature cocktails and fiery bar bites or indulge in a glass of wine from the country’s only South American wine list. No matter what you choose, El Che brings the heat seven nights a week.For large groups, private events, birthdays, or celebrations, email us info@elchechicago.com.
A photo of RL Restaurant restaurant
9. RL Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(7343)
Price: Expensive
• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 122 times today
If you do not find availability online, please call the restaurant directly at 312-475-1100.Located adjacent to the Ralph Lauren Chicago flagship store on Michigan Avenue, RL Restaurant features the vision and décor of Ralph Lauren in a modern club atmosphere. RL Restaurant offers classic American cuisine inspired by Ralph Lauren’s personal favorites. Seasonal dishes range from a chopped vegetable salad to a lobster roll sandwich, grilled fish of the day and steaks. On the cocktail list, guests can choose from classic drinks and a diverse selection of wines and other fine spirits.
A photo of Swift & Sons restaurant
10. Swift & Sons
4.7
Exceptional(4612)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • West Loop
Booked 98 times today
Swift & Sons is an American Steakhouse brought to you by Boka Restaurant Group. The stunning multi-room space was designed by the world-renowned design firm AvroKO and is located in the heart of the Fulton Market District — the birthplace of Chicago meatpacking. Executive Chef Chris Pandel's menu is based in traditional ideas and elevated with a modern approach that makes it unique in the Chicago steakhouse landscape. Signature dishes include the Beef Wellington, a staple of traditional steakhouse dining showcased with expertise in the Swift dining room.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • JamesVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Great dinner. The food and wine were sooooooo good and the wine was a great value. We got the artichoke, a zucchini pizza and two pastas. All were unreal. Our server was super attentive and not overbearing. We were originally seated near a door that was drafty and it was a cold night, I said something and we were immediately seated somewhere else that I wasn’t cold. Great service. Great restaurant. Will be back.
    More info
    il CarciofoPrice: Expensive• Italian• West Loop
    •
    4.6
  • OpenTable DinerVIP
    Canberra •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    I really enjoyed dining at girl & the goat. Their menu selections were spectacular, and they were able to accommodate those with dairy intolerance (which most restaurants are unable to do). Their food selections were great and flavorful, and their staff was friendly. I would definitely recommend the chicken or steak dishes.
    More info
    Girl & the GoatPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• West Loop
    •
    4.8
  • Rosy
    Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Lex our server was fabulous from start to finish! He explained the starters and entrees beautifully. We got the braised short ribs which were flavorful and tender just as described. It was our first time, from the host warmly greeting us while they gave the kids a stuffie each. The girls ordered from the kids menu which gave them a beautiful mug to take home! The fairy that went our granting wishes was truly magical! And to top it all off they took complimentary family photo to remember the outing. Definitely will be back and start a new family Christmas tradition! Thank you again Lex and staff for making it a very special and memorable evening!
    More info
    The Walnut Room - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Loop
    •
    4.6
  • Samantha
    Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The best dinner and experience I’ve ever had in Chicago and I’ve had my share being here for 8 years! The view was amazing! The service was impeccable! The food was so good everything was good from the drinks to the starters to our entrees. We canceled Asador reservations to come here instead, based on their menu options. So glad we did! Adam was great and funny. This was my good friends bday and I couldn’t have asked for more! I had the branzino…chefs kiss great portions too. EThe lobster bisque so good. Sides are shareable and those brussel sprouts were everything. My friend had the rigatoni and Adam gave him a filet mignon on the house it was the bomb lol. Everything had so much flavor! Very busy for a Tuesday and I see why. The vibe in there is superb! Definitely coming back for the rooftop for my birthday in the summer lol. Price point 👌🏾! We’ve been to places so expensive and the food sucked. It kills you lol. This made up for all those experiences, and we’ve had our share! It’s 6:30 in the morning and this my first review on open table in 2 years lol.
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    Gibsons ItaliaPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
    •
    4.8
  • JulieVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Loved the many tasty vegetarian options. Everything our table had was excellent. Will definitely return.
    More info
    MomotaroPrice: Expensive• Japanese• West Loop
    •
    4.6

Discover best hot spot restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

Discover the culinary gems of Little Italy / University Village in Chicago, where each restaurant serves as a vibrant hot spot for both locals and visitors. This neighborhood is renowned for its eclectic dining scene that perfectly blends traditional Italian fare with modern culinary innovations. Whether you're in the mood for rustic Italian pizzas, contemporary American cuisine, or exotic fusion dishes, the area's restaurants cater to a wide range of tastes and dining experiences. The ambiance across these venues varies from intimate and cozy settings ideal for romantic dinners to lively, bustling atmospheres perfect for group gatherings. Each establishment not only promises a unique gastronomic journey but also consistently delivers high-quality service and an inviting atmosphere. The dining scene in Little Italy / University Village is a bustling hub of culinary excellence, attracting food lovers who seek both authenticity and creativity in their dining choices. Engage with this vibrant community and make your next meal memorable by reserving a spot at one of these top-rated hot spots.

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