Best Casual Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

436 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Peanut Park Trattoria restaurant

1. Peanut Park Trattoria

4.8

Exceptional(231)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Little Italy / University Village

Booked 3 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!

2. Pompei - Taylor

4.1

Excellent(7)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy / University Village

Booked 1 time today

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 Pizzeria Portofino restaurant

3. Pizzeria Portofino

4.7

Exceptional(1475)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 198 times today

Pizzeria Portofino is a sun-drenched casual restaurant located directly on the Chicago riverfront offering hand-stretched pizzas, coastal wines, an expansive patio and breezy decor that will instantly transport you to the Italian Riviera.

4. Girl & the Goat

4.8

Exceptional(14834)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • West Loop

Booked 147 times today

Girl & the Goat opened in 2010 with the goal of offering a menu of bold, flavorful dishes designed to share in a fun and lively atmosphere. To complement the experience, we offer a curated selection of wines from around the world, focusing on small producers, along with a rotating list of craft beers and a playful cocktail menu crafted by our bartenders. The ever-changing menu, driven by locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, features favorites like sautéed green beans, roasted oysters, crispy short ribs, and confit goat belly. While reservations are encouraged for the dining room, our bar welcomes walk-ins, adventurers, and those who prefer spontaneity.

5. Alla Vita

4.8

Exceptional(2260)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Italian • West Loop

Booked 194 times today

Serving a casual, family-style menu, Alla Vita is a place to gather and enjoy comfortable Italian cuisine. Alla Vita means “to life” in Italian which recognizes overcoming life's challenges and creating a space for shared meals and memorable experiences. Executive Chef Lee Wolen shares his passion for fresh, delicious Italian food made simply with the best ingredients. Follow @allavitachicago to stay up-to-date with the latest happenings.

6. Cabra - Chicago

4.7

Exceptional(3032)

Price: Expensive

• Peruvian • West Loop

Booked 48 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 Costera Cocina Tulum restaurant

7. Costera Cocina Tulum

4.6

Exceptional(890)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • West Loop

Booked 60 times today

Costera Cocina Tulum brings the vibrant flavors of Tulum's coastal and Mayan cuisine to life, blending land-and-sea principles with traditional Mexican dishes. Step into a lively yet serene atmosphere that captures the essence of Tulum's unique intersection of jungle, beach, and bohemian nightlife. Experience our day-to-night philosophy, where "the jungle has two attitudes," and enjoy a dining experience that transports you to this enchanting Mexican getaway.

8. Café Ba-Ba-Reeba

4.8

Exceptional(9254)

Price: Moderate

• Tapas / Small Plates • Lincoln Park

Booked 157 times today

Cancellation policy: For parties of 5+ you need to cancel by 9am on the day of your reservation, otherwise it is a $25 fee. For smaller parties, please give us one hour in advance, in the event of a last minute cancellation or no show it is a $25 fee. Located in Lincoln Park, the All-Season Courtyard and Dining Rooms at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! are open with our new AIRPHX Air Filtration System. Your health is our top priority in all that we do. Steps we are taking: disposable and digital menus, continuous sanitation procedures & hand washing.

A photo of Miru at The St. Regis Chicago restaurant

9. Miru at The St. Regis Chicago

4.7

Exceptional(1207)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • River North (Chicago)

Booked 75 times today

Miru, Japanese for "view" celebrates the flavors and cuisine of Japan. We invite you to join us for a collection of sharable dishes including tempura and crispy rice, a robust seafood and beef selection, as well as expertly crafted sushi, overlooking the Chicago River and Navy Pier.

10. Elske

4.7

Exceptional(1199)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • West Loop

Booked 22 times today

PLEASE NOTE: **We can accommodate vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten free, dairy free, nut/peanut free & shellfish free diets. Before booking, please email us at info@elskerestaurant.com regarding any restrictions that are not listed above. We may be unable to accommodate certain restrictions, or diners with multiple restrictions.** Elske means love in Danish, a nod to both David Posey’s Danish mother and the fact that the couple got engaged in Copenhagen. “Our travels in Denmark have really influenced us,” Chef Posey said. “We like that clean, simple aesthetic.” The dining room — all crisp lines, minimalist décor & soft lighting — is anchored by a wide open kitchen on one side & a small patio with a working fireplace on the other. Combined with the friendly service, it creates the impression that you’re eating in a supremely tasteful Scandinavian friend’s weekend home.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
Robert
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The staff could not have been friendlier or more attentive. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the food. Highly recommended.
More info
Peanut Park TrattoriaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy / University Village
•
4.8
K
Kenvip
Chicago / Illinois •72 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
I cannot count the number of visits we've had to The Girl and the Goat, but it continues to be a favorite for both personal and professional dining. I brought three colleagues, who have never been, to the restaurant for dinner. One diner is vegetarian, but there are menu offerings and options available to provide them with enough to eat. All three were quite impressed with the food. My only complaint would be our table was right next to the kitchen, which can be loud. However, we made due, and had an enjoyable meal. Service is always very good, and the cocktails are fun. If you're interested in dining, make sure you book way ahead, as there is almost no chance to get a table day of.
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Girl & the GoatPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• West Loop
•
4.8
D
Denise
Chicago / Illinois •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Alla Vita never disappoints. The pre fixe menu has perfect portions and pairing options. Our server Monica was delightful and attentive, presentation was beautiful and the food was (as always) delicious!!
More info
Alla VitaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• West Loop
•
4.8
E
Ezgi
Miami - Dade •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 18, 2024
Had an amazing dining experience at Portofino today! The food was absolutely delicious, beautifully presented, and full of flavor. The service was attentive and friendly, making the experience even better. I highly recommend this restaurant and will definitely return!
More info
Pizzeria PortofinoPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.7
BC
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

Best Casual Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

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436 restaurants available nearby

1. Peanut Park Trattoria

2. Pompei - Taylor

3. Pizzeria Portofino

4. Girl & the Goat

5. Alla Vita

6. Cabra - Chicago

7. Costera Cocina Tulum

8. Café Ba-Ba-Reeba

9. Miru at The St. Regis Chicago

10. Elske

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