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Petite Vie, Western Springs, IL

Petite Vie

4.8 (710)
$50 and over
French
909 Burlington Ave, Western Springs, IL 60558

Make a reservation

A photo of Petite Vie restaurant

Petite Vie

4.8
$50 and over
French
Western Springs

Make a reservation

2 people
8:00 p.m.
Booked 43 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
Nestled in the heart of downtown Western Springs, Petite Vie offers a menu curated with classic French dishes infused with Chef Paul Virant's signature flair. Spending time researching in France for inspiration, Virant has crafted every dish with meticulous attention to detail and a reverence for tradition.

Seating 65 guests, Petite Vie’s intimate space exudes the warmth and comfort of a traditional French brasserie, while seamlessly blending modern design elements. A collaboration between Virant, his wife Jennifer and long-time friend and designer Jody Tate, every detail at Petite Vie tells a story of meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful curation.

Featuring French intricacy and layering, the space is a canvas of artistic expression, with artwork curated from both local talents and treasures acquired during the team's time in Paris. Framed prints, commissioned paintings, and a round antique mirror passed down through generations, adorn the walls, adding layers of intrigue.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    French
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Fri–Sun 11:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Sun 4:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Paul Virant
  • Private party facilities
    Located in the heart of Western Springs, Chef Paul Virant's Petite Vie offers elegant private dining for full or partial buyouts. Each event is tailored to your vision, including a Chef’s Counter experience for 4–8 guests featuring a seasonal, modern French tasting menu.
  • Private party contact
    Paul Solomon: (708) 260-7017
  • Neighbourhood
    Western Springs
  • Cross street
    Burlington Ave. & Lawn Ave.
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    BNSF Metra Train Stop, Western Springs
  • Additional
    Beer, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Wine

Private dining

Concierge
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Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

What 710 people are saying

Petite Vie reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Chicago / Illinois

    French

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Petite Vie is a charming bistro in the western suburbs offering "excellent food and service" with a delightful menu of French classics. Guests adore the brunch, chef's counter, and lively atmosphere, though it can be noisy at times. The "cocktails, wine menu, and food are all incredible," making it a must-visit.
710 Reviews
  1. Thomas

    Chicago1 review

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Awesome experience! 9 courses by 9 chefs celebrating the Aniversary of Paul's restaurants and those who he has worked with at them. A fantastic time!

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  2. Meredith

    Chicago1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    I loved our experience at Petite Vie for my birthday. Food was absolutely outstanding! City quality in the suburbs.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Joanne

    Chicago9 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I was excited for my first visit to this restaurant after reading many great reviews. While I really liked the ambience and received exceptional service, I was disappointed in some of the food. The raw oysters and country pate were good, but I didn’t care for the pickled green beans which replaced the traditional cornichons. I had one of the daily specials, duck a l’orange. I asked if the skin was crispy and was assured it was, but it was not. The vegetables that accompanied it were mushy and not very tasty. Profiteroles for desert were pretty good. I will try a different entree next time I visit.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Kathy

    Chicago11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent in every way-just very loud and hard to hear.

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  5. Bill Gold

    Chicago29 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We loved the steak frites and carrots and oysters. Great cocktails and wine selection. Excellent service. Sat at the chef's counter and really liked talking with the cooks in the kitchen as they did their work. What a great restaurant. Thanks!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Meredith Gold

    Chicago4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Expertly executed French cuisine in a darling bistro setting. We enjoyed immensely the fois gras mousse, scallops, duck confit, and cod fillet. Great French wine offerings. Opera cake was divine. We will definitely be back!

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  7. Gwen Gold

    Chicago14 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Super cute spot! The food and service was great. Can't wait to go back!

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  8. Michael Gold

    Chicago87 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    We enjoyed the food very much. The cocktails were quite small and did not justify the prices.

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  9. Tom

    Chicago9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A bunch of pros. We are so fortunate to have PV in our little town & we will be back for certain. Really enjoyed the chef’s counter seating; not what my wife would go for but it wasn’t her birthday now, was it? Bravo tutti.

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  10. Karen

    Chicago5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food and service, but it is quite noisy!

    Is this helpful?

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    French
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Fri–Sun 11:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Sun 4:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Paul Virant
  • Private party facilities
    Located in the heart of Western Springs, Chef Paul Virant's Petite Vie offers elegant private dining for full or partial buyouts. Each event is tailored to your vision, including a Chef’s Counter experience for 4–8 guests featuring a seasonal, modern French tasting menu.
  • Private party contact
    Paul Solomon: (708) 260-7017
  • Neighbourhood
    Western Springs
  • Cross street
    Burlington Ave. & Lawn Ave.
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    BNSF Metra Train Stop, Western Springs
  • Additional
    Beer, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Wine

FAQs

Yes, Petite Vie is a popular spot for date nights and special occasions. Guests praise the French-brasserie menu, attentive service, creative cocktails and a warm, intimate dining room that makes anniversaries and celebrations feel special. If you prefer a quieter, more romantic vibe, request the back dining room or an early weeknight reservation; the bar and front room are lively and can be noisy on weekend nights. Reservations are recommended for a smooth experience.

Portion sizes are generally moderate and designed for a classic bistro experience, shareable starters and well-sized entrees. Guests often order several small plates or an appetizer plus an entrée; some comment that mains are satisfying while a few expect larger portions for the price. If you’re sharing, ask about sides (some are ordered separately) or plan to split appetizers so everyone gets a taste.

Yes, Petite Vie welcomes families and offers different seating types to suit needs, but its space is intimate. Options include the chef’s counter, bar seating, the lively front room and a quieter back dining room; the restaurant also takes private-party reservations. Because tables are close together and some seating is bench-style, guests with strollers or mobility concerns should call ahead to request appropriate seating or the back room for a more comfortable experience.

For a quieter meal, aim for early weeknights or Sunday evenings and ask for a table in the back dining room. Brunch (Fri–Sun mornings) is frequently praised and can be a less noisy way to experience the menu. If you want the lively, social vibe, the bar/chef’s counter and Friday–Saturday nights deliver high energy and cocktail-focused service, just expect more volume and a bustling room.

Petite Vie offers several seating options: a lively front room and bar, a chef’s counter for an interactive kitchen experience, a cozier back dining room that’s often quieter, and patio seating when available. The space seats about 65 guests and the restaurant accepts private-party bookings, so larger groups can be accommodated with advance notice.

Petite Vie brings a bustling, Parisian brasserie feel with modern design touches, warm, cozy and energetic. Guests love the city-style vibe in the western suburbs, the creative cocktails and the attentive staff. Note that the front room and bar can be loud and sometimes warm, while the back dining room offers a calmer, more intimate atmosphere. Overall, it’s lively, friendly and well suited for celebrations and date nights.

Yes, the team at Petite Vie often accommodates dietary needs, seating requests and celebration touches when asked in advance. Guests report the kitchen adapting dishes for dairy-free or pescatarian diners, and staff commonly help with birthday/anniversary arrangements. Call the restaurant when booking to note allergies, seating preferences (chef’s counter, back room or patio) or private-party needs to ensure a smooth visit.

Generally yes, families and multigenerational groups dine here, and brunch is especially family-friendly. Guests have brought toddlers and older kids for celebrations, and staff are reported as welcoming. Keep in mind the dining room is intimate with closely spaced tables and a lively vibe, so for younger children consider an early seating, the back room or a private table and call ahead to discuss accommodations.

Busiest: Friday and Saturday nights (front room and bar), expect a lively, energetic crowd. Quietest: early weeknights and some Sunday evenings, plus brunches outside peak hours. The back dining room is typically calmer than the bar or chef’s counter, so request it if you prefer a quieter experience.

For a relaxed meal, choose a weeknight (Mon–Thu) or Sunday evening when the restaurant tends to be quieter; brunch Fri–Sun is also highly recommended. If you’re after a buzzy night out with cocktails and chef’s-counter energy, Friday or Saturday will deliver that lively brasserie vibe. Always reserve in advance to secure your preferred seating.

Yes, Petite Vie is part of Chef Paul Virant’s restaurant family. Guests reference the original Vie and other sister concepts (for example, Vistro Prime) in reviews, so this is one of several local projects associated with Chef Virant.

Yes, Petite Vie accepts private parties and can accommodate larger groups with advance planning. The intimate layout (about 65 seats) means private or semi-private gatherings should be arranged ahead of time; call the restaurant to discuss room options, menus and any special requests for celebrations or business events.

Yes, Petite Vie has hosted holiday and special-event dinners (guests mention Bastille Day and Easter service) and often runs special menus for occasions. Because hours or events can vary for holidays, call ahead or check with the restaurant when planning a holiday visit.

Yes, Petite Vie offers outdoor patio seating at times. Guests have moved to the patio for more privacy or a quieter experience, and outdoor seating is a popular alternative when indoor space feels tight. If patio seating is important, request it when you make your reservation or call ahead to confirm availability.

Petite Vie is rated 4.8 stars by 710 OpenTable diners.

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

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois
  4. West Suburbs
  5. Western Springs

Make a reservation

A photo of Petite Vie restaurant

Petite Vie

4.8
$50 and over
French
Western Springs

Make a reservation

2 people
8:00 p.m.
Booked 43 times today
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