Best Southwest American Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

319 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Walnut Room - Chicago restaurant

1. The Walnut Room - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(7454)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Downtown / Loop

Booked 367 times today

Nestled in the bustling heart of Downtown Chicago, The Walnut Room offers a truly authentic Vegetarian dining experience that captivates both the palate and the heart. Celebrated as a local tradition since 1907, this iconic venue inside Macy's on State Street shines with its commitment to quality and service. Patrons frequently praise its "delicious" offerings and the "wonderful atmosphere" that make every dining experience memorable. Highlights from the Vegetarian menu include creatively crafted dishes that emphasize freshness and flavor, making it a prime destination for those seeking a culinary delight. As one reviewer enthusiastically noted, "The food is always delicious. The service is always great. And just a lovely place to dine." Whether it’s the charm of the historic setting or the exquisite Vegetarian cuisine, The Walnut Room is a must-visit for those seeking exceptional dining in Chicago.

2. Girl & the Goat

4.8

Exceptional(14907)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • West Loop

Booked 183 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.

A photo of The Oakville Grill & Cellar restaurant

3. The Oakville Grill & Cellar

4.7

Exceptional(1092)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • West Loop

Booked 127 times today

The Oakville Grill & Cellar in Chicago's bustling West Loop is a gem for lovers of authentic Californian cuisine. Celebrated for its fresh, farm-to-table approach, the restaurant showcases the finest ingredients sourced from exclusive partnerships with farms and wineries in California and the Midwest. Diners rave about the "excellent food and wine," with standout dishes like the "branzino with Brussels sprouts" and the "Wagyu hanger steak." The ambiance is described as "always great" and the service "exceptional," making every meal memorable. Whether it's for the "gooey lemon cake" or the "best Caesar salad ever," The Oakville Grill & Cellar is highly recommended for an authentic taste of California right in the heart of Chicago.

4. Swift & Sons

4.7

Exceptional(4591)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mexican • West Loop

Booked 98 times today

Swift & Sons, nestled in Chicago's vibrant West Loop, is a beacon of culinary excellence renowned for its exceptional seafood offerings. Patrons consistently rave about the freshness and quality of the seafood, with one guest highlighting, "The fish was really good, which was the first time I have ordered it there." This sentiment underscores the restaurant's commitment to providing top-tier seafood dishes alongside their famous steaks. The ambiance and stellar service complement the dining experience, making Swift & Sons a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts. As another diner put it, "Loved the filet mignon and oysters; food was phenomenal." This establishment promises not only a meal but an unforgettable seafood adventure.

5. avec West Loop

4.8

Exceptional(844)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • West Loop

Booked 99 times today

Avec West Loop in Chicago's vibrant West Loop neighborhood captures the essence of Contemporary American cuisine with a delightful Midwestern twist on Mediterranean classics. Celebrating over 20 years of culinary excellence, avec is renowned for its wine-focused dining and communal seating, fostering an intimate and interactive atmosphere. Customers rave about the uniquely inventive dishes, with one diner exclaiming, "The food is excellent but the quarters a bit cramped in this location. Don’t miss the short rib hummus and the chorizo dates." Another highlights the exceptional service and unforgettable flavors, stating, "Incredible food and service. Easy going service with loads of knowledge and great direction for first-time diners." Avec continues to impress with its consistent quality and innovative menu, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic Contemporary American dining experience in Chicago.

A photo of Costera Cocina Tulum restaurant

6. Costera Cocina Tulum

4.6

Exceptional(917)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • West Loop

Booked 90 times today

Costera Cocina Tulum brings the vibrant flavors of Tulum's coastal and Mayan cuisine to life, blending land-and-sea principles with traditional Mexican dishes. Step into a lively yet serene atmosphere that captures the essence of Tulum's unique intersection of jungle, beach, and bohemian nightlife. Experience our day-to-night philosophy, where "the jungle has two attitudes," and enjoy a dining experience that transports you to this enchanting Mexican getaway.

7. Elske

4.7

Exceptional(1211)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mexican • West Loop

Booked 35 times today

Elske, nestled in the vibrant West Loop of Chicago, is a haven of Danish culinary excellence where love and tradition meld seamlessly. Named after the Danish word for love, Elske offers a dining experience that resonates deeply with the clean, simple aesthetic of Denmark, influenced by the travels of Chef David Posey to Copenhagen. Guests rave about the "amazing duck liver" and how each dish from the set menu is "incredible," highlighting the restaurant's commitment to authentic and innovative Danish flavors. The minimalist decor and open kitchen contribute to an atmosphere that is both inviting and distinctly Scandinavian. Elske's ability to accommodate various dietary needs while maintaining high culinary standards makes it a standout. As one diner puts it, Elske is "flawless with regard to service and ambiance," making it a must-visit for those seeking a genuine taste of Denmark in the heart of Chicago.

A photo of The Allis- Soho House Chicago restaurant

8. The Allis- Soho House Chicago

4.3

Awesome(357)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • West Loop

Booked 76 times today

At The Allis in SoHo House Chicago, located in the vibrant West Loop, you'll discover a gem serving authentic European cuisine with a modern twist. Known for its superb ambiance and exceptional service, The Allis brings a slice of European flair to Chicago. Guests rave about the "delicious" European dishes that are "perfectly decorated to fit the ambiance." The standout afternoon tea experience, highlighted by tasty sandwiches and pastries, is a must-try, described as "so delicious" by delighted visitors. Whether you're there for a casual meeting or a special occasion, The Allis encapsulates the essence of European dining with "great food, beautiful facility, great service, and an elegant feel."

9. Bar La Rue

4.6

Exceptional(192)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • West Loop

Booked 55 times today

Bar La Rue celebrates French-American cuisine with an inventive cocktail program in the heart of Fulton Market. The stylish space boasts a beautiful all-season, street-side, walk-in-friendly pergola bar and dining area, perfect for a cozy patio experience. The menu incorporates French plays on approachable American comfort foods, offering an inviting setting for lunch, brunch, or dinner. Whether you're enjoying cocktails at the bar, celebrating birthdays, or planning a romantic date, Bar La Rue provides a Mediterranean-inspired atmosphere perfect for any occasion.

10. Elina's

4.8

Exceptional(163)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • West Town

Booked 33 times today

Elina's in West Town, Chicago, is a beacon of Mediterranean excellence, offering an intimate dining experience that consistently delights patrons. Celebrated for its "amazing food" and "perfect ambiance," Elina's captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on Italian culinary traditions. Guests rave about dishes like the "best pasta and calamari I’ve ever had" and the "fantastic" rigatoni vodka, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to authentic flavors and high-quality ingredients. The cozy setting, complemented by "great music and service," creates an unforgettable atmosphere, making every meal a special occasion. Whether it's the "mouthwatering croutons" of the Caesar salad or the "deliciously sweet" limoncello spritz, Elina's stands out as a must-visit for Mediterranean cuisine lovers 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

M
MattVIP
Indiana •29 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
First time visiting and we were impressed. The guac and tacos were great, as was the service. Was not very crowded for lunch but I suspect very popular for dinner
More info
Broken English Taco Pub - Lake StreetPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Downtown / Loop
•
4.6
G
Greg
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
First time at Ceiba, will not be the last. Fantastic presentation and service and loved the food. That’s a pretty good trifecta. 👍
More info
CeibaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Mexican• Lincoln Park
•
4.9
M
Matthew
Chicago / Illinois •14 reviews
4.0
Dined 7 days ago
Overall our experience here was a good one. Does feel like some items are a little overpriced (the margarita pitcher for example). Our server was quite pleasant but it seemed like maybe they were a bit understaffed as we had to wait quite some time for an initial greeting, getting our bill, etc. We'd probably eat here again if someone suggested it but not somewhere I'd make a special trip for.
More info
Big Star - WrigleyvillePrice: Moderate• Mexican• Wrigleyville
•
4.4
D
Devon
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 14 Dec 2024
Antonio was awesome. He took excellent care of us. Great chips and salsa. Great margaritas. Great vibes.
More info
Big Star Wicker ParkPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Bucktown / Wicker Park
•
4.6
A
Angelica
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined on 11 Dec 2024
Jeremy was a great host! He was very welcoming, the food, drinks and ambience were all great! Will return!
More info
Pilsen YardsPrice: Moderate• Latin American• Pilsen
•
4.7

Explore OpenTable

Little Italy / University Village

Mexican

Best Southwest American Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

Price

Regions

Areas

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

319 restaurants available nearby

1. The Walnut Room - Chicago

2. Girl & the Goat

3. The Oakville Grill & Cellar

4. Swift & Sons

5. avec West Loop

6. Costera Cocina Tulum

7. Elske

8. The Allis- Soho House Chicago

9. Bar La Rue

10. Elina's

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable