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Best Authentic Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

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228 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Peanut Park Trattoria restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(237)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy / University Village
Booked 11 times today
Located in the heart of nostalgic "Little Italy" on Chicago's famed Taylor Street, Peanut Park is a traditional Italian joint brought to you by your friends at Coalfire and Tempesta Market.Chicago Magazine voted Peanut Park One of the Top Restaurants in Chicago February 2022 and Tasting Table said we are " One of the Absolute Best Italian Restaurants in Chicago" this past May 2022. Our menu is simple and we aim to celebrate Italian classics and timeless bistro favorites.We embody passion, integrity, and excellence while striving to provide an authentic dining experience by celebrating tradition and invoking the modern. Don't miss our handmade pastas, pizza and incredible cocktail menu. Join us in our dining room or dine al fresco on the rooftop for a one of a kind experience!
A photo of Pompei - Taylor restaurant
4.1
Excellent(7)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy / University Village
Pompei, on Taylor Street, is a fast casual “counter service” restaurant. It has a long-standing history throughout the Chicago area ever since it was first established in 1909. When first opened, Pompei served only baked bread and cheese pizzas. Over the years, the restaurant has expanded its menu to include many delectable dishes that have quickly become favorites for many of the locals while remaining true to its original roots.The dine-in menu features Italian sausage, hand rolled pizzas like the Signature Pizza Pompei or the Four Cheese and Tomato, plenty of house made pasta like the gnocchi and cheese ravioli and an array of pizza strudels like the Beef Angelo and the Pompei Italiano. Pompei also features incredible, freshly made desserts like the chocolate cannoli, "Italian chocolate sheet cake", bread pudding and the Taylor street cheesecake. Enjoy Pompei's seasonal outdoor seating for a true Al Fresco experience. Pompei offers (3) private banquet rooms and catering.
A photo of il Carciofo restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(78)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • West Loop
Booked 128 times today
Located in the historic Fulton Market district of Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, il Carciofo is a Roman Italian restaurant drawing inspiration from the restaurants and markets in one of Chef Joe's favorite cities, Rome. The restaurant offers a seasonal menu of elevated yet familiar Italian fare with traditional antipasti, Roman-style pizzas, hand-rolled pastas produced daily in a dedicated pasta lab and market-driven mains that highlight the season's bounty.
A photo of Quartino - Chicago restaurant
4.5
Awesome(10995)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 189 times today
Quartino Ristorante is a lively, authentic Italian restaurant and wine bar in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Our menu features Italy's regional specialties including artisanal salumi, Neapolitan thin-crust pizza, house-made pasta, and seasonal dishes. Menu items, served in moderate portions and meant to be shared, are perfect for adventurous diners ready for a unique experience.
A photo of Duck Duck Goat restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5594)
Price: Expensive
• Chinese • West Loop
Booked 143 times today
Chef Stephanie Izard brings her unique twist on Chinese-American cuisine at Duck Duck Goat. Reviews rave about the flavorful food, with one saying, 'The food is very good and sophisticated'. The ambiance is also highly praised, with one review describing it as a 'unique and flavourful' experience. While not all reviews explicitly mention the authenticity of the food, the high ratings suggest a genuine and enjoyable dining experience.
A photo of Elina's restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(163)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • West Town
Booked 49 times today
Fine Italian cooking served by two chefs in an intimate space.Reservations are released 30 days in advance at midnight. Parties of 7 or more must contact Reservations@elinaschicago.com to book. Parties of this size are required to participate in a $75 per person family style prix fixe menu, drinks are charged based on consumption and a 20% gratuity will be added to the final bill. If you cancel within 24 hours of your reservation time you will incur a $30 per person cancelation fee.
A photo of Cabra - Chicago restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3048)
Price: Expensive
• Peruvian • West Loop
Booked 78 times today
Perched atop the Hoxton Hotel in the heart of Chicago’s Fulton Market, Cabra Chicago is a lively rooftop escape, inspired by the bold and vibrant flavors of Peruvian cuisine. Led by James Beard Award and Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard, alongside longtime partners Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm of Boka Restaurant Group, Cabra serves up crave-worthy dishes in a colorful and energetic setting. The restaurant’s airy, plant-filled ambiance, paired with its open kitchen and sweeping city views, creates a dynamic dining experience. Guests can savor a variety of shareable plates, from ceviches to savory meats, all bursting with the rich, fresh flavors of Peru.
A photo of Athena Restaurant restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2828)
Price: Moderate
• Greek • Greektown
Booked 47 times today
Athena Restaurant is widely recognized for its authentic Greek cuisine. Reviews consistently mention its 'authentic' and 'traditional Greek' food. Customers even compare it to the home-cooked meals of Greek heritage. The restaurant's ambience, with its fine Greek architecture, adds to the authenticity. The high ratings for food, ambience, and service further reinforce the authenticity of the restaurant.
A photo of Momotaro restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3873)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • West Loop
Booked 115 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 La Grande Boucherie - Chicago restaurant
4.5
Awesome(959)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • River North (Chicago)
Booked 84 times today
Housed in Chicago’s Belle Époque building, the unique Art Nouveau-inspired space honors the iconic building’s legacy while providing guests with a one-of-a-kind atmosphere and menu. La Grande Boucherie blends the ambiance of an indulgent steakhouse with a refined Parisian brasserie charm, and fuses traditional French cuisine with Chicago’s River North culinary heritage. The two-story restaurant boasts custom curved stained-glass windows overlooking the bustling streets of Chicago. The interior features custom mosaic marble floors, authentic fixtures, and a racetrack bar sourced from France. Guests can lean into the view and take in all that Chicago has to offer.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • DianaVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •89 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    As fans of Rose Mary we were eager to try El Carciofi and willing to take a 4:45 reservation. This is as fun and as delicious as Rose Mary and shares the same approach to dining—shareable small plates. Interesting craft cocktails, sufficient wines by the glass, exceptionally well trained wait staff and very flavorful food. Gus menu was all Rome inspired so it was a little less diverse than Rose Mary. The artichokes were spectacular crisply Rome style. Every inch was edible. Two to an order but they bring you a serrated knife if you want to have them. We had one other appetizer (calamari), one pasta and one seafood main. The portions are great for two to share but if three or four order another something or two and expect to get just a couple bites not full servings. They have $8 servings of gelato and sorbet and a couple amazing deserts they offered to checkout coats.a nice touch in Chicago’s winter. It’s easy to spend $100 per person if you gave two drinks each and desert. We found street parking but forgot to feed the meter since the sign wasn’t obvious so double check
    More info
    il CarciofoPrice: Expensive• Italian• West Loop
    4.8
  • ibtihaleVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Had an excellent time reconnecting with friends! Food is scrumptious and service was excellent! Thank you for your hospitality
    More info
    Duck Duck GoatPrice: Expensive• Chinese• West Loop
    4.8
  • TriciaVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Every bit of our experience was perfection. We were a party of six and enjoyed Caesar salad, arugula salad, fettuccine Alfredo, penne a la vodka, meatballs, quatro formaggi pizze, tiramisu, vanilla gelato/strawberry (can’t remember the name… and espresso martinis… all amazing. Service was great. We will be back.
    More info
    Quartino - ChicagoPrice: Moderate• Italian• River North (Chicago)
    4.5
  • David
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 19, 2024
    The welcome to the restaurant was very pleasant. The service was friendly and very attentive. This was not my first visit to.Peanut Park. They are consistently friendly and attentive. The food is always excellent and reasonably priced. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone.
    More info
    Peanut Park TrattoriaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy / University Village
    4.7
  • BridgetC
    Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on May 5, 2022
    Always love coming here since I was a kid. The food is excellent and authentic.
    More info
    Pompei - TaylorPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy / University Village
    4.1

Discover best authentic restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

Discover the heart of authentic dining in Chicago’s Little Italy / University Village, where a delightful array of restaurants serving genuine, traditional fare awaits you. Immerse yourself in a culinary landscape that captures the essence of the keyword "authentic," offering an array of dishes that are both traditional and innovatively prepared by chefs who are passionate about their craft. These establishments, housed in one of Chicago's most charming neighborhoods, not only promise delectable meals but also a vibrant atmosphere reflective of their cultural heritage. The dining scene in Little Italy / University Village is a bustling hub of culinary excellence, where tradition meets contemporary flair. Each restaurant here is committed to providing an exceptional dining experience, emphasizing the authenticity and quality of their food. Whether you are a local foodie or a visitor seeking to explore the flavors of Chicago, these venues stand out as must-visit destinations. Dive into this rich dining culture where every meal is a celebration of authenticity and culinary artistry.

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