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Chez Joel, Chicago, IL
Chez Joel, Chicago, IL
Chez Joel, Chicago, IL
Chez Joel, Chicago, IL
Chez Joel, Chicago, IL
Award-winning

Chez Joel

4.9
4.9
2691 Reviews
$30 and under
French
1119 West Taylor, Chicago, IL 60607

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
10:00 PM
Booked 17 times today

About this restaurant

  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighborhood gem
In the midst of Little Italy, Chez Joel creates the tastes and aromas of France for. Featuring traditional favorites, Chef Joel Kazouini offers his straightforward, expertly prepared Southern French cuisine. Chez Joel’s atmosphere is reminiscent of a true French bistro; its walls adorned with French posters and tables covered with butcher paper. The cozy environment makes Chez Joel the perfect spot for any romantic meal, and when weather permits, garden tables offer an open-air experience where you’ll find one of the most divine al fresco dining settings in the city.
Chez Joel Since 1999

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    French
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Joel Kazouini
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Neighborhood
    Little Italy / University Village
  • Cross street
    May Street
  • Parking details
    Valet at Dinner: $7
  • Public transit
    Racine Blue line..Taylor bus, Number 8 Halsted bus.
  • Additional
    Beer, Beer Garden, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, High Tea, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 2,691 people are saying

Chez Joel 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

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

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Chicago / Illinois

    French

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Chez Joel is a charming French bistro in Little Italy, Chicago, known for its "absolutely phenomenal" food and "superb" service. Patrons rave about the "conversation-friendly" ambiance, generous portions, and exquisite dishes like the "crème brûlée" and seafood specials. Despite occasional noise, its "delicious" menu and attentive staff make it a "must-stop" restaurant.
2,691 Reviews
  1. SKathleen VIP

    Chicago28 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a special treat to come to Chez aJoel. The food, service and ambience all are superb

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  2. Paula VIP

    Chicago14 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Absolutely fabulous! Everything was delicious! The salmon was even topped with caviar! Each dish from appetizers to entrees to desserts was beautifully presented. The server was a lovely girl from Italy going to college in Chicago. They also provide valet parking. Chez Joel is a gem!

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  3. Linda VIP

    Richmond68 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 28, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is a must stop restaurant for me every time I visit Chicago. The scallops and seafood special were outstanding as were the salads and the appetizers (calamari, ceviche, and brie). The Apple tart is the best I’ve had outside of France. The crème brûlée melts in your mouth.

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  4. Mary Pat VIP

    Chicago192 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 28, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had an unexpected outdoor dinner on March 28! Excellent evening with great food and service on the patio!

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  5. Audrey

    Chicago9 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on March 18, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    My friend and I enjoyed Chez Joel. It's a small, cozy French restaurant in Little Italy. We had the escargots and tuna tartar special for appetizers, we shared a beet salad and had the fish special and duck for the entrees. We also shared a blueberry tarte for dessert. The food was very good and the serving size is generous. They have a good selection of wines by the bottle and glass and at a reasonable price. I had a special cocktail with gin and limoncello that was light and refreshing. We shared a bottle of Vouvray which went well with our meal. It was very relaxing and we never felt rushed even though we were there 3 hours as we were talking as much as we were eating. The service is unobtrusive but efficient. It is definitely conversation friendly and while the space is small you are not sitting elbow to elbow. We would definitely return to try other items on their menu.

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  6. Tex

    Chicago33 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on March 10, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Wide variety of delicious menu choices. Due to the music system and the architecture, it is noisier than I would like.

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  7. JimH944t

    Chicago35 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 9, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food, service, and ambience are always consistently great. Mussels and escargot appetizers are standouts. Coq au vin is excellent, as are the duck and any of the steak dishes. Halibut special was perfectly prepared. Don’t miss the crème brûlée dessert!

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  8. ronnie VIP

    Chicago9 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on March 8, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Always wonderful experience!! Look forward to returning soon!!

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  9. SharonB VIP

    Chicago3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food and service were top notch. Chez Joel’s ambiance is just right and each time I’ve dined there I leave very satisfied!

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  10. Jennifer

    Chicago39 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on February 22, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Very tasty food and very good service! The burger was exceptional. The endive salad was also tasty and the French onion soup was classic and very tasty.

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FAQs

Chez Joel offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (312) 226-6479.

Chez Joel is rated 4.9 stars by 2691 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
10:00 PM
Booked 17 times today
Google Map for Chez Joel

1119 West Taylor, Chicago, IL 60607

Additional information

  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Cross street
    May Street
  • Neighborhood
    Little Italy / University Village
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    French
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Valet at Dinner: $7
  • Public transit
    Racine Blue line..Taylor bus, Number 8 Halsted bus.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Joel Kazouini
  • Additional
    Beer, Beer Garden, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, High Tea, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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