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Chez Joel, Chicago, IL
Award-winning

Chez Joel

4.8
4.8
2668 Reviews
$30 and under
French

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 22 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • 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

Order delivery or takeout

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
    (312) 226-6479
  • 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 2,668 people are saying

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
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Chicago / Illinois

    French

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Chez Joel offers an enchanting French bistro experience in the heart of Little Italy. Guests rave about the "excellent food" and "attentive staff," highlighting the charming patio as a perfect setting. With a classic menu featuring dishes like steak frites and bouillabaisse, it's ideal for intimate dinners or special celebrations.

2,668 Reviews
  1. Jeanne

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Four of us were celebrating birthdays, and it was the perfect place - lovely atmosphere, beautifully prepared dishes which were all delicious - definitely one of my favorite Chicago restaurants. We so enjoyed the warm, cozy atmosphere and the friendly staff.

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  2. Courtney

    Indiana

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 4
    The food and ambience at Chez Joel was amazing. Our table was perfect and was impressed by the value and quality of the dishes. We went for a significant anniversary which I noted when making the reservation and was not expecting anything for putting down that celebration, but it was not acknowledged. The service we experienced was disappointing. We were without water for half the meal and we had to flag down our server if we wanted anything. We shared a bottle of wine and ended up pouring it ourselves. We also had our main dishes on our table for a good amount of time after finishing them. I had high hopes for the service but was left feeling a bit ignored.

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  3. Robert

    VIP

    Chicago

    44 reviews

    5.0

    44 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A culinary oasis - every dish is flavorful and prepared to perfection. A wonderful experience.

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  4. Leila

    VIP

    Chūgoku

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on January 3, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It’s always a treat to dine here. The braised lamb was perfect. We enjoyed a pleasant dinner before watching the Blackhawks win!

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  5. Eugene

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    An excellent intimate French Bistro style Restaurant with friendly efficient staff and a well prepared diverse menu. The wine selection is excellent with a wide range of prices and choices.

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  6. LAURA

    VIP

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Lovely spot for New Year’s Eve dinner. Classic French menu with many delicious starters and main dishes to choose from. Rack of lamb was delicious. Steak with thin crispy frites was amazing! Desert did not disappoint. Hostess and wait staff all happy and attentive. We will look forward to coming back.

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  7. Jeff

    Chicago

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent service and food. At a reasonable chicago price.

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  8. Jacqui

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely beautiful meal and ambience. The staff are so friendly and encourage you to try something new. Great for a special occasion.

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  9. Romina

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 31, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Incredible as always 💜 Absolutely obsessed with every little thing, and the specials were delicious.

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  10. Tremell

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 31, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Good food, great vibe. Perfect for a exquisite dinner date.

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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 4.8 stars by 2668 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 22 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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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