Best Fun Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

Great family dinner last night at RPM Seafood… celebrated my wife and daughter’s birthdays with an outstanding evening. Loved the salmon and tuna apps; clam chowder, and Caesar salad. Entrees were excellent: halibut, miso cod, tuna all expertly prepared and seasoned. Whipped potatoes and mushroom sides were very good Loved our server and they comped us for a great chocolate gelato and mousse desserts. We will be back in the future for celebration events!

Restaurant Review: The Girl and The Goat The Girl and The Goat continues to solidify its reputation as one of Chicago’s must-visit dining destinations. With a focus on bold flavors and a playful approach to globally inspired dishes, this restaurant delivers a truly memorable experience. Highlights: •Bread and Pimento: This dish is deceptively simple but executed to perfection. The warm, freshly baked bread pairs beautifully with the creamy, smoky pimento spread. It’s the kind of starter that sets the tone for an indulgent meal, leaving you reaching for seconds (or thirds). •Empanadas: Bursting with flavor, these are a standout. The flaky, golden crust envelops a perfectly seasoned filling that balances savory richness with a touch of spice. Each bite feels like a small, delicious adventure. Drinks to Complement Your Meal: While The Girl and The Goat boasts a full bar menu offering craft cocktails, wines, and beers to suit any palate, the non-alcoholic options are equally impressive. The menu features thoughtfully crafted mocktails, infused with fresh herbs, seasonal fruits, and house-made syrups. Standouts include a refreshing citrus-and-mint blend and a rich hibiscus and ginger cooler, each perfectly balanced to enhance the meal without overpowering the flavors of the food. Dessert Note: •Chocolate and Peanut Butter Dessert: A decadent and satisfying way to end your meal. The harmony of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate creates a nostalgic yet elevated experience. The textures—silky, crunchy, and smooth—make this dessert unforgettable. The Girl and The Goat’s ability to innovate while staying approachable is what makes it a perennial favorite. From small plates to desserts, and a drink menu that caters to every guest, every dish tells a story worth savoring.

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.

Walnut Room Holiday Brunch was fantastic. Of course the Christmas decorations are amazing. Service was very good. The wait staff professional and accommodating. The brunch lines were not long and food fresh. They served the typical breakfast foods with pastries and fresh fruit. All very good. There were complimentary photos with option to purchase others. I have to say photographer Ronit Bezalel did an amazing job capturing my husband and me. I expected the traditional stand in front of the tree type photo, but Ronit was much more creative. Don’t pass this up if offered. A great holiday breakfast. Cheers!

Had a great experience backed by solid service (a server we had before, I believe her name was Visjna? She was fantastic) and hospitable management team who went out of their way to customized a menu header for my guests birthday. Consistent dishes as always. The special however (short rib mushroom sugo) I would recommend adding more salt. Being a fat-rich dish, the meat and sauce screamed for salt. The only callout I would point to is the underhanded 3.5% service charge on the check which instead of adding that towards the end, the restaurant should really just work this into their menu pricing.