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Best Date Night Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

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424 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Peanut Park Trattoria restaurant
1. Peanut Park Trattoria
4.8
Exceptional(240)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy / University Village
Booked 7 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 Alla Vita restaurant
2. Alla Vita
4.8
Exceptional(2337)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Italian • West Loop
Booked 216 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.
A photo of Aba - Chicago restaurant
3. Aba - Chicago
4.8
Exceptional(2692)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • West Loop
Booked 283 times today
Aba is a Mediterranean restaurant with locations in Chicago, IL, Austin, TX, and BalHarbour, FL. Aba, meaning father in Hebrew, incorporates Chef CJ Jacobson’s lighter styleof cooking with influences from the Mediterranean, including Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, andGreece. The bar program showcases rare Mediterranean-inspired wines and spirits.Signature dishes include Smoky Garlic Hummus, Muhammara, Heirloom Crispy ChickenThigh, Shawarma-Spiced Skirt Steak, Grilled Salmon Kebab and more. The bar programshowcases rare Mediterranean-inspired wines and spirits.
A photo of il Carciofo restaurant
4. il Carciofo
new
4.6
Exceptional(143)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • West Loop
Booked 238 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 Girl & the Goat restaurant
5. Girl & the Goat
4.8
Exceptional(14965)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • West Loop
Booked 200 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.
A photo of Rose Mary restaurant
6. Rose Mary
4.8
Exceptional(3333)
Price: Expensive
• Croatian • West Loop
Booked 248 times today
Located in the historic Fulton Market district of Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, Rose Mary is Chef/Owner Joe Flamm’s debut restaurant inspired by his Italian heritage and the bold, bright flavors of Croatian cuisine. The boisterous space—named for Flamm’s grandmothers, Mary and Mary Rose, and the herb rosemary, which grows natively along the Italian and Croatian coastlines—offers a seasonal menu of rustic yet refined dishes that encapsulate what Flamm has coined “Adriatic drinking food”.
A photo of Pizzeria Portofino restaurant
7. Pizzeria Portofino
4.8
Exceptional(1611)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 212 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.
A photo of PIZZ'AMICI restaurant
8. PIZZ'AMICI
new
4.8
Exceptional(18)
Price: Expensive
• Pizza Bar • West Town
Booked 24 times today
Nothing brings people together more than pizza. Serving up the best Chicago thin crust pizza and classic American Italian dishes for sit down or carry-out, PIZZ'AMICI is the perfect spot for a date night, special celebration or a fine glass of wine. No matter where you come from or who you come with, we guarantee you'll feel at home here and leave with few more friends.
A photo of Fioretta restaurant
9. Fioretta
4.7
Exceptional(882)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steak • West Loop
Booked 125 times today
Fioretta is reminiscent of a new-age Copacabana, celebrating old-world Italian cuisine with an opulent twist, a steady flow of impressive cocktails and wine, world-class live entertainment, and a glamorous vibe cast over the entire experience.Seamlessly blending steakhouse fare with elevated versions of old-world Italian cuisine with help from Italian-American Chef, Joe Rizza. The menu pays homage to the Italian immigrants who graciously first introduced Americans to southern Italian classics. Fioretta’s custom-built solid-fuel hearth and open kitchen allows Rizza and his culinary team to impart superb flavor, char and texture to each dish. The menu strives to strike the perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation.
A photo of Asador Bastian restaurant
10. Asador Bastian
4.6
Exceptional(203)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 42 times today
Asador Bastian is a Chicago chophouse with Basque influences from acclaimed ChefDoug Psaltis. Located in the iconic “Flair House” originally built in 1883, this historictownhouse has been revived and brought back to life with culinary inspiration from thegreat asadors of San Sebastián, Spain to serve the world’s best boutique beef withoutcompromise. The most remarkable dining experience comes from the purest ingredientsdelivered in the supremely thoughtful, welcoming and hospitable manner. This ethoshas directed every aspect of the experience at Asador Bastian, whether you’re joiningus for small bites and libations in our Bar Room or for a more intimate experience in ourDining Room.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Jorrin
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined today
    Without a doubt in my mind, the best dining experience I have personally had to date. Not only was the food astounding, but the service was next level. Far too frequently do I notice the lack of quality in our day to day society, but this experience truly gave me hope that quality is making a comeback. Keith was next level with his enthusiasm and overall knowledge regarding all of our comments. 11/10, making this place our exclusive special occasion establishment.
    More info
    Pizzeria PortofinoPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
    •
    4.8
  • RebeccaVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    The food was delicious. The service was outstanding. Our family truly appreciated the care that they took in serving food that worked around my niece’s gluten allergy.
    More info
    Aba - ChicagoPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• West Loop
    •
    4.8
  • GraceVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We had a great dinner at Girl and the Goat! We had the chickpea fritters and the pomegranate was a great touch of flavor. We also loved the sea bass, and will come back for it! Other favorites included the peanut butter mousse and chocolate dessert. Shout out to nick (I think) in the kitchen who gifted us mini beans (green beans) and the miso maple budino (if you like pralines you’ll love this), both were phenomenal.
    More info
    Girl & the GoatPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• West Loop
    •
    4.8
  • Dan
    Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Excellent across the board. My colleague was 30 mins late for the reservation and I was seated and they were patient. I will be going back to the Oakville!
    More info
    The Oakville Grill & CellarPrice: Expensive• American• West Loop
    •
    4.7
  • 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
    •
    4.8

Discover best date night restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

Discover the perfect setting for a romantic date night in Chicago's charming Little Italy / University Village area. This vibrant neighborhood boasts an array of restaurants that cater to those special evenings out, where ambiance and fine dining converge. Each venue offers a unique blend of culinary experiences, from intimate European-inspired bistros to cozy, modern American eateries, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience tailored to romantic occasions. The dining scene here is renowned for its eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary flavors, making it a favorite destination for couples seeking a memorable meal. Whether you're looking for a candlelit dinner under the stars or a sophisticated indoor setting, Little Italy / University Village provides an idyllic backdrop. Delight in the expertly prepared cuisine and the warm, welcoming service that characterizes this delightful culinary enclave. Make your next date night extraordinary by exploring the romantic dining options available in this picturesque part of Chicago.

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