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Best Restaurants for Foodies in Little Italy / University Village

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55 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Girl & the Goat restaurant
1. Girl & the Goat
4.8
Exceptional(14840)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • West Loop
Booked 157 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 Mercadito - River North restaurant
2. Mercadito - River North
4.5
Awesome(6260)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • River North (Chicago)
Booked 60 times today
We are the city’s top Mexican restaurant for authentic modern cuisine, specialty tequila and mezcal cocktails, located in the heart of River North. Our culinary team features popular Mexican dishes, including our signature tacos, as well as fresh salsa and guacamole, ceviche, esquites and more.Mercadito's lounge is nestled in the lower level of Mercadito. It offers a speakeasy-style experience with a chic and exclusive ambiance. The space features banquet-style booths and dim lighting that enhances the elegant wood furniture, creating an inviting and intimate atmosphere. Once inside, guests can enjoy the full Mercadito menu, with the same delectable cuisine and beverages that our restaurant is known for.
A photo of Momotaro restaurant
3. Momotaro
4.6
Exceptional(3848)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • West Loop
Booked 122 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 Duck Duck Goat restaurant
4. Duck Duck Goat
4.8
Exceptional(5562)
Price: Expensive
• Chinese • West Loop
Booked 127 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 The Izakaya at Momotaro restaurant
5. The Izakaya at Momotaro
4.7
Exceptional(827)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • West Loop
Booked 58 times today
The Izakaya is located on the subterranean level of Momotaro. The Izakaya and its shared-plates pub-inspired menu echoes the Yokocho street scene of Tokyo. Narrow lounge-inspired ‘alleys’ around a central bar bedecked with hand-painted Japanese menus, moody neon lights, and vintage Tokyo street signs set the scene for the Izakaya’s direct nod to Tokyo’s most famous post-war black markets. Dark, energetic, and ripe with expectation, the Izakaya additionally offers a 30-seat bar featuring crafted cocktails, sakes, and a quality selection of Japanese whiskeys. Parties and programming are no strangers to the Izakaya, where a rotating selection of events, including Monday Night Karaoke, feel right at home in this lively lower-level atmosphere.
A photo of Daisies Chicago restaurant
6. Daisies Chicago
4.7
Exceptional(180)
Price: Expensive
• American • Logan Square
Booked 87 times today
Midwest Italian restaurant focusing on house made pastas, utilizing vegetables from Chef Joe Frillman’s family farm. Our bakery and cafe serves La Colombe Coffee alongside an array of pastries and sandwiches crafted by Chef Leigh Omilinksy.Dinner reservations are available Tuesday - Sunday; we are closed for dinner service on Mondays. Our cafe operates from 7:00am - 3:00pm every day. Lunch is available from 11:00am - 2:00pm every day. We do not take lunch or cafe reservations, it is first come first served. Please note that there will be a 25% service charge applied to all bills. This goes to pay our staff equitably as well as provide health and other benefits not typically offered in restaurants.
A photo of Le Colonial - Chicago restaurant
7. Le Colonial - Chicago
4.8
Exceptional(7854)
Price: Very Expensive
• Vietnamese • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 132 times today
Le Colonial is a celebration of seductive spirit and vivid flavors reminiscent of Saigon in the 1920s. With locations in Atlanta, Denver, Delray Beach, Houston, Lake Forest, and Naples, the famed Vietnamese restaurant is designed to capture a bygone era of sophistication and opulence. Celebrated restaurateurs Rick Wahlstedt and Joe King deliver exquisite attention to detail in the luxurious, classic, and romantic atmosphere Perched on Oak Street in Chicago’s Gold Coast. For special occasions, our private dining space provides a bespoke setting for unforgettable celebrations.
A photo of Elske restaurant
8. Elske
4.7
Exceptional(1199)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • West Loop
Booked 19 times today
PLEASE NOTE: **We can accommodate vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten free, dairy free, nut/peanut free & shellfish free diets. Before booking, please email us at info@elskerestaurant.com regarding any restrictions that are not listed above. We may be unable to accommodate certain restrictions, or diners with multiple restrictions.** Elske means love in Danish, a nod to both David Posey’s Danish mother and the fact that the couple got engaged in Copenhagen. “Our travels in Denmark have really influenced us,” Chef Posey said. “We like that clean, simple aesthetic.” The dining room — all crisp lines, minimalist décor & soft lighting — is anchored by a wide open kitchen on one side & a small patio with a working fireplace on the other. Combined with the friendly service, it creates the impression that you’re eating in a supremely tasteful Scandinavian friend’s weekend home.
A photo of Sunda New Asian – River North restaurant
9. Sunda New Asian – River North
4.6
Exceptional(7400)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Asian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 96 times today
Located in the bustling River North dining scene, Sunda offers a vibrant Southeast Asian dining experience, blending the flavors of Japan, China, the Philippines, Thailand, and beyond. We elevate culturally significant dishes using high-quality ingredients and modern techniques. Our beverage program includes signature handcrafted cocktails, a robust sake and wine selection, and Asian whiskies and beers. Join us for weekend brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 2pm, or stop by during happy hour Monday to Friday from 4-6pm featuring $6 bar bites, handrolls, and beer, $9 cocktails and wine, and $10 sake. Our venue hosts private events for occasions from corporate outings to rehearsal dinners, and we also offer catering services.
A photo of El Che Steakhouse & Bar restaurant
10. El Che Steakhouse & Bar
4.7
Exceptional(2066)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • West Loop
Booked 72 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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Markvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We tried quite a few things on the menu and everything was awesome! We will definitely be going back again when we are in town!
    More info
    Duck Duck GoatPrice: Expensive• Chinese• West Loop
    •
    4.8
  • Ahnicia
    Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The manager Christian was very nice and accommodating. The front staff were so nice and very helpful. They explained everything and accommodated our entire party. The waiter was a little aggressive but overall handled our tables to the best of his ability.
    More info
    Mercadito - River NorthPrice: Expensive• Mexican• River North (Chicago)
    •
    4.5
  • Ethanvip
    Wisconsin •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Obviously the sushi was amazing, but the most surprising dish was the mushroom skewers. Thanks to our waiter Phil for the rec!
    More info
    MomotaroPrice: Expensive• Japanese• West Loop
    •
    4.6
  • Harry
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Incredible burger - they even included a happy anniversary message on our menus
    More info
    The Izakaya at MomotaroPrice: Expensive• Japanese• West Loop
    •
    4.7
  • Oscarvip
    Chicago / Illinois •51 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    The Girl and the Goat always exceeds expectations, even when my expectations are sky high! Thank you! We had the Pig Face, String Beans, Goat Belly, and Steak. The dishes all exploded with flavors. The balance of seasonings, use of citrus, vinegar and other elements of the dishes played well and makes the culinary experience here amazing. The cocktails were yummy as well. The Peach-Te-quilla was light and refreshing. The Spicy Fat Boy had a ton of flavor. To finish the night, we had the Toffee Pumpkin cake and a neat pour of the Pappy Family Reserve. The Pappy was a treat and made a great night even more special! Thanks to Stephanie and all the team at the Goat. You are all AMAZING!
    More info
    Girl & the GoatPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• West Loop
    •
    4.8

Discover best foodies restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

Explore the vibrant dining scene of Little Italy/University Village in Chicago, a delightful haven for foodies looking for an array of culinary experiences. This neighborhood, steeped in cultural heritage, offers a variety of dining options that cater to both traditional tastes and modern palates. From cozy bistros serving up comfort food to upscale establishments offering gourmet dishes, each restaurant in this area reflects a commitment to quality and authenticity. Diners can expect to find menus rich in flavorful dishes that creatively incorporate local ingredients, often served in settings that boast unique and inviting atmospheres. Whether you're craving Italian classics, contemporary American cuisine, or innovative fusion dishes, Little Italy/University Village promises an enriching gastronomic journey. The restaurants here not only provide delicious meals but also embody the area's rich history and its continuous evolution as a top food destination in Chicago. Perfect for any food lover, this neighborhood ensures a memorable dining experience with every visit.

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