Best Tapas Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

21 restaurants available nearby

1. Tapas Valencia

4.8

Exceptional(2467)

Price: Moderate

• Tapas • South Loop

Booked 22 times today

Tapas Valencia, nestled in Chicago's vibrant South Loop, is a beacon of Spanish culinary excellence, celebrated for its authentic tapas and spirited atmosphere. Drawing inspiration from Spanish greats like Miro and Gaudí, the restaurant's decor complements an array of dishes that transport diners straight to Spain. Reviewers rave about the quality and variety, with one guest exclaiming, "IMHO this is the best Tapas Restaurant in Chicago." The array of options, from the paella acclaimed as "the best anywhere" to creative cocktails and live music, ensures a dining experience that is both delightful and memorable. Perfect for any occasion, Tapas Valencia stands out as a gem in Chicago's dining scene, making every visit a festive and flavorful celebration of Spanish cuisine.

2. Café Ba-Ba-Reeba

4.8

Exceptional(9310)

Price: Moderate

• Tapas • Lincoln Park

Booked 216 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, Café Ba-Ba-Reeba shines as a beacon of Spanish culinary excellence. Celebrating decades of service, this gem offers an authentic taste of Spain with its delightful tapas and famously delicious paella. Patrons consistently praise the atmosphere and dishes, with one guest exclaiming, "Best tapas in town!" and another affirming, "Absolutely delicious seafood paella! Definitely worth the visit!" The restaurant's dedication to quality is evident, ensuring that "the food never ever disappoints." From the flavorful sangria to the engaging flamenco shows, Café Ba-Ba-Reeba promises a truly Spanish experience, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.

3. Girl & the Goat

4.8

Exceptional(14910)

Price: Moderate

• Tapas • West Loop

Booked 135 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 Boqueria - Chicago restaurant

4. Boqueria - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(317)

Price: Expensive

• Tapas • West Loop

Booked 19 times today

Boqueria in Chicago's vibrant West Loop offers an authentic slice of Spain with its dynamic array of traditional tapas and a pulsating Barcelona-style ambiance. Guests rave about the "fabulous tapas" and the "excellent Sangria," capturing the true spirit and flavor of Spanish dining. The restaurant's dedication to authenticity shines through dishes like the "delicious" paella and "mouthwatering" brunch feast, making every meal a celebration of Spanish culinary excellence. Reviewers consistently laud Boqueria for its "great food and service," with special mentions of the "crispy potatoes" and "amazing bottomless mimosa deal," which add to the lively, enjoyable experience. Whether it's for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Boqueria's contemporary space and lively patio provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience, echoing the vibrant streets of Barcelona right in the heart of Chicago.

5. Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba!

4.8

Exceptional(397)

Price: Expensive

• Tapas • River North (Chicago)

Booked 73 times today

Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba! in River North, Chicago, truly captures the essence of Spanish cuisine with its delightful array of authentic small plates and vibrant sangrias. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality, with dishes like the "delicious and perfectly cooked" Beef Tenderloin Toro Skewer and the classic Patatas Bravas receiving high praise. A diner highlighted, "So many dishes whooshed me right back to Spain! Exactly what I needed :)", emphasizing the genuine Spanish experience. The restaurant's atmosphere and service match the excellence of its menu, making every visit memorable. Whether it's the bustling vibe, the attentive staff, or the "best sangrias" that draw you in, Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba! ensures a Spanish dining experience that is both authentic and enchanting.

A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Chicago, IL | Streeterville (Magnificent Mile) restaurant

6. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Chicago, IL | Streeterville (Magnificent Mile)

4.7

Exceptional(2332)

Price: Expensive

• Tapas • River North (Chicago)

Booked 77 times today

Gyu-Kaku in Chicago's vibrant River North district offers a unique and delightful dining experience that brilliantly captures the essence of Tapas/Small Plates cuisine with a Japanese BBQ twist. Known for its interactive dining, Gyu-Kaku allows guests to become chefs at their own table, grilling premium meats to personal perfection. Highly praised by diners, the restaurant's atmosphere is perfect for both intimate gatherings and large groups, with reviews frequently highlighting the "delicious" quality of the meats and the "excellent service." The signature dishes like the Harami Skirt Steak and Prime Kalbi Short Rib are must-tries, ensuring an unforgettable meal which many describe as "heavenly...fresh, high quality meat" and "absolutely elite" service. For a truly unique Tapas experience, Gyu-Kaku Chicago is a standout choice.

7. Proxi

4.7

Exceptional(2399)

Price: Expensive

• Tapas • West Loop

Booked 17 times today

At Proxi in Chicago’s vibrant West Loop, the art of Tapas/Small Plates is elevated through a dazzling array of global flavors and meticulous presentation. Celebrated for its innovative approach, Proxi delights diners with its "spectacular meal" experiences and "brilliant menu," drawing inspiration from multicultural street foods. The restaurant's commitment to quality is echoed in reviews, with guests praising the "unique and surprising menu" and "every bite was better than the last!" Notably, the tempura elotes and foie gras buns receive special mentions, showcasing the chef’s skill in blending diverse, exotic ingredients into harmonious, bite-sized delights. Whether you're a local or visiting, Proxi offers a culinary journey that makes it a standout destination for Tapas/Small Plates in Chicago.

8. Ada Street

4.9

Exceptional(1051)

Price: Expensive

• Tapas • Bucktown / Wicker Park

Booked 18 times today

Ada Street, nestled in the eclectic Elston Industrial District between Bucktown and Lincoln Park in Chicago, serves up an exquisite selection of Tapas/Small Plates that have captivated diners with their authenticity and flair. The restaurant has garnered glowing reviews for its "incredibly flavorful" and "beautifully prepared" dishes such as Thai steak tartare, gnocchi, and shrimp ceviche, making it a culinary gem in the city. Patrons rave about the "fantastic flavors" and the creative twists on traditional dishes, ensuring a dining experience that is both unique and memorable. Adding to the charm is the cool, cozy ambiance complemented by a "cool vibe" and exceptional service, making Ada Street a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-notch Tapas experience in Chicago.

9. Bar Mar

4.5

Awesome(982)

Price: Expensive

• Tapas • River North (Chicago)

Booked 60 times today

At Bar Mar, located in the vibrant River North neighborhood of Chicago, Chef José Andrés elevates the tapas dining experience with creations that are as inventive as they are delectable. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality of the small plates, with dishes like the "Pulpa alla Gallega" and the lobster croquetas receiving high praise for their perfect preparation and outstanding flavors. Reviews consistently highlight the restaurant's ability to blend traditional Spanish tapas with unique twists, ensuring every bite is a delight. "Every dish we tried was the best," one reviewer exclaimed, celebrating the variety and the high culinary standards set by the renowned chef. Whether you're enjoying a lively group dinner or a more intimate dining experience, Bar Mar's tapas are a must-try in Chicago.

A photo of Bazaar Meat Chicago restaurant

10. Bazaar Meat Chicago

4.7

Exceptional(506)

Price: Very Expensive

• Tapas • River North (Chicago)

Booked 27 times today

Bazaar Meat Chicago redefines the Steakhouse experience, blending traditional and avant-garde Spanish influences under the glow of crimson chandeliers. Praised as "the best steak restaurant in Chicago," Bazaar Meat offers a dynamic tasting menu featuring the prized vaca vieja, or ribeye aged to perfection. Guests consistently celebrate the "exceptional" food and service, highlighting dishes like the Washugyu ribeye that "melted in our mouths" and the innovative jamón preparations. Located in Chicago’s vibrant River North neighborhood, Bazaar Meat provides a "one-of-a-kind meal" in a "bold, playful atmosphere," making every visit uniquely memorable. Whether for a special celebration or a delightful night out, Bazaar Meat promises an unparalleled dining adventure.

‘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

D
Diana
Indiana •25 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Wonderful, creative menu with lots of options and daily specials. The cold mixed seafood and the bacon wrapped dates were my favorite. The mango margarita was beautiful and delicious!
More info
Tapas ValenciaPrice: Moderate• Tapas / Small Plates• South Loop
•
4.8
D
DavidVIP
Chicago / Illinois •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Very fun. Mixed Paella is the best, dates, goat cheese, Iberian Ham and cheese, Patatas Bravas, Red sangria, La Gilda martinis all excellent. Server Josh P excellent, timed everything out well. We are ready to do it all over again!
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Café Ba-Ba-ReebaPrice: Moderate• Tapas / Small Plates• Lincoln Park
•
4.8
L
LeslieVIP
Chicago / Illinois •37 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Another fantastic night! There are no words to express how much we love everything about this place! Salvo is such an incredible human! I’ve never seen a manager like him. He runs food, he cleans tables, & he happily greets people. He jumps in with his staff. He makes the Experience feel like we are with family eating together. We always get the best service with Slam and wow does he know his cocktails and his food! The Chef’s are top notch for sure! We drive over a hour as often as we can to be at our favorite restaurant!
More info
Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba!Price: Expensive• Tapas / Small Plates• River North (Chicago)
•
4.8
C
Cara
Chicago / Illinois •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Wow! Amazing! So glad I was able to snag reservations! Want to go back and try more. Tried the Green beans, poke, goat belly and pork belly. We loved it all. Amazing textures and flavors.
More info
Girl & the GoatPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• West Loop
•
4.8
J
JamesVIP
New York City •41 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Bar Mar was a great experience for us. Stunning visually. Fun drinks and top notch food. The staff made us including our 4 yr old granddaughter very comfortable.
More info
Bar MarPrice: Expensive• Spanish• River North (Chicago)
•
4.5

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Little Italy / University Village

Tapas

Best Tapas Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

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21 restaurants available nearby

1. Tapas Valencia

2. Café Ba-Ba-Reeba

3. Girl & the Goat

4. Boqueria - Chicago

5. Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba!

6. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Chicago, IL | Streeterville (Magnificent Mile)

7. Proxi

8. Ada Street

9. Bar Mar

10. Bazaar Meat Chicago

See what locals rave about

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