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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Little Italy / University Village

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66 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Summer House - Chicago restaurant
1. Summer House - Chicago
4.6
Exceptional(7839)
Price: Moderate
• American • Lincoln Park
Booked 194 times today
Located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, Summer House is the place for sunshine all year round. Enjoy seasonal specialties, market-driven pasta, artisan pizzas, and fresh antipasti from Chef Ben Goodnick’s California-inspired menu. Reserve your table today and be transported to the West Coast by the beach house decor, retractable glass ceiling, and all-season courtyard. For parties of 9 or more, email shsbparties@lettuce.com. Carryout and delivery are available, or visit The Cookie Bar for a selection of fresh-baked goods, sourdough English muffins, Summer House's renowned oversized cookies, small-batch coffee, and specialty espresso drinks.
A photo of Prime & Provisions Steakhouse restaurant
2. Prime & Provisions Steakhouse
4.7
Exceptional(5548)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 111 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 Dearly Beloved restaurant
3. Dearly Beloved
4.6
Exceptional(86)
Price: Expensive
• Dining Bar • River North (Chicago)
Booked 5 times today
Dearly Beloved is a beautiful mixture of cocktail bar, restaurant and journey of the senses. The new venture from Machine Hospitality Group aims to challenge your taste buds through textures, scents, and a symphony of flavors with unconventional, globally inspired ingredients. With a beverage program curated by master mixologist, Aneka Saxon and a vegetable-forward menu from Executive Chef Kristofer Lohraff, Dearly Beloved is ideal for an intimate evening with friends or a unique date night spot. The stylistically sinister ambience puts the guest experience at the forefront for a memorable night.
A photo of STK – Chicago restaurant
4. STK – Chicago
4.1
Excellent(6346)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 80 times today
STK Steakhouse is “not your daddy’s steakhouse,” offering a high-energy dining experience that artfully combines the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse with a Vibe Dining atmosphere unlike any other. Delectable cuisine, upscale cocktails and an elevated Happy Hour, along with an in-house DJ and chic décor, all come together to offer a memorable fine dining experience that keeps guests enjoying their evening from drinks to dinner to late night. STK’s menu features reimagined classic American cuisine for lunch, brunch and dinner with unique local flair infused into each location’s menu. The brand’s beef program focuses on the highest quality, delicious and craveable steaks while emphasizing transparency and traceable sourcing practices.
A photo of Chez Joel restaurant
5. Chez Joel
4.7
Exceptional(2646)
Price: Moderate
• French • Little Italy / University Village
Booked 12 times today
Chez Joel is the real deal when it comes to French cuisine. This cozy restaurant in the heart of Little Italy has been serving up authentic French delicacies since 1999. Reviews rave about its warm, inviting ambiance, with one reviewer stating it brought back memories of Paris. The food is consistently praised for being expertly prepared, with one diner even saying it was 'authentic (frites a little over done) and very tasty'. The service is also frequently mentioned as being friendly and efficient. Whether you're looking for a romantic meal or a casual dining experience, Chez Joel is definitely worth the drive.
A photo of Tzuco restaurant
6. Tzuco
4.6
Exceptional(757)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • River North (Chicago)
Booked 59 times today
Located in the bustling River North neighborhood of Chicago, Tzuco, helmed by the Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán, offers a blend of authentic Mexican flavors and sophisticated French techniques. Named after Chef Gaytán’s hometown, Huitzuco, the restaurant boasts a menu rich in ceviche, seafood, and traditional Mexican dishes, served in a spacious dining room, lively bar, lounge, and an all-weather outdoor terrace.Tzuco’s captivating interiors, designed by the acclaimed Cadena + Asociados Concept Design, tell a story of Chef Gaytán's heritage with preserved materials from Mexico and handcrafted furnishings, ensuring guests not only savor exquisite dishes but also relish an immersive cultural experience.
A photo of Guinness Open Gate Brewery - Chicago restaurant
7. Guinness Open Gate Brewery - Chicago
4.5
Awesome(84)
Price: Expensive
• Brewery • West Loop
Booked 28 times today
Where 260 years of Irish Brewing expertise meets American beer creativity. Inspired by Chicago, crafted by Guinness. Look out, Chicago.The Guinness Open Gate Brewery Chicago features a Taproom, Restaurant, and the first ever Guinness Bakery, all located right in the heart of Chicago's West Loop. Come indulge both your curiosity and your tastebuds, while experimenting with a new world of flavor.
A photo of The Franklin Room restaurant
8. The Franklin Room
4.9
Exceptional(1873)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • River North (Chicago)
Booked 35 times today
The Franklin Room celebrates the sense of connection one can only find in the neighborhood taverns of Chicago. Offering classic American tavern fare and no shortage of whiskey flair, our sophisticated speakeasy is your local go-to for quality meat dishes, fresh seafood, classic cocktails and the neighborhood tavern experience our city has perfected.Our menu of delectable turn-of-the-century inspired American tavern fare starts there, then elevates the experience with a modern twist that creates a culinary experience you simply have to taste to believe. It's perfectly complimented by our beverage program, which showcases creative cocktails and a meticulous selection of spirits, wine and beer with a strong focus on independent distillers and limited-edition rare releases. Bring them together and you've got a uniquely Chicagoan experience, centuries in the making.
A photo of Fogo de Chao - Chicago restaurant
9. Fogo de Chao - Chicago
4.2
Awesome(4653)
Price: Moderate
• Brazilian • Downtown / Loop
Booked 146 times today
Fogo de Chão is an internationally-renowned steakhouse from Brazil that allows guests to discover what's next at every turn. Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo elevates the centuries-old culinary art of churrasco - roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame - into a cultural dining experience of discovery. Please join us in our dining room, in our more casual Bar Fogo, or bring the Fogo Experience to you with Fogo To-Go or Catering. Visit our website to make a reservation or place an order.
A photo of Osteria Via Stato restaurant
10. Osteria Via Stato
4.7
Exceptional(3472)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 19 times today
Osteria Via Stato, a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant follows the Italian tradition of seasonally prepared dishes featuring local ingredients and artisanal producers paired with an all Italian wine list. Open for Lunch, Tuesday - Friday at noon - 2PM.Join us for Happy Hour everyday for 1/2 priced pizzas and glasses of wine, Sunday - Thursday at 5PM - 6PM, Friday - Saturday at 4:30PM - 5:30PM.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Josh
    Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We used to be huge fans of Owen & Engine & can see now why this is becoming a local favorite.The place is beautifully lit and feels welcoming. Tuna tartare was very fresh as well as their specialty dish Ossobucco veal shank. Blood orange margaritas were definitely the hit of the evening. Christian & Lupe definitely made us feel part of their own family
    More info
    IL GIRASOLE TRATTORIAPrice: Moderate• Italian• Logan Square
    •
    4.5
  • Valerie
    Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    I went with a group of friends for my birthday, and it was the best decision I could’ve made! Although we were all late due to downtown traffic, the restaurant was willing to wait for my entire party to arrive while we waited at the bar. The food portions were outstanding! Everyone said that their food was delicious! The restaurant is beautiful, and it was an energetic vibe, but not too noisy. Our waiter was excellent. He went above and beyond even taking a picture of us outside. Although it is pricey, I would definitely go again. 
    More info
    STK – ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• River North (Chicago)
    •
    4.1
  • Anthony
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    It’s everything you’re looking for. Old-school Italian-American vibes, great food and wine.
    More info
    Mart Anthony'sPrice: Moderate• Italian• West Loop
    •
    4.8
  • Anthony
    Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The place is immaculate. The mussels are second to none. They serve the finest mussels in Chicago! We had two seafood meals that were truly delicious! You should try this place, u will not be disappointed! I sat by the door, its was a little chilly next to the door.
    More info
    Chez JoelPrice: Moderate• French• Little Italy / University Village
    •
    4.7
  • Samantha
    Dallas - Fort Worth •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 27 Oct 2024
    Our server Nikolas was fantastic! He was very attentive, friendly, and made our dining experience even better. Highly recommend!
    More info
    Angry Crab - Wicker ParkPrice: Moderate• Creole / Cajun / Southern• Bucktown / Wicker Park
    •
    4.7

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

Discover the best dining experiences that are "worth the drive" in Chicago's charming Little Italy / University Village. This vibrant culinary destination offers an array of restaurants that stand out not just for their unique flavors but also for their commitment to providing a memorable dining experience. Each establishment in this locale brings a touch of authenticity and culinary excellence, making them a must-visit for both locals and travelers seeking exceptional meals. The restaurants here often feature a combination of traditional and innovative dishes, prepared with high-quality ingredients and presented with impeccable service. The dining scene in Little Italy / University Village is renowned for its eclectic mix of eateries that cater to various tastes and preferences, ensuring every visit is both delightful and satisfying. Whether you're in the mood for gourmet dining or a cozy meal, these restaurants promise an enriching experience that truly is "worth the drive."

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