The Little Gem Restaurant

4.7

1135 Reviews

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 23, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 29 times today

Experiences are available.

Charming
Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions

This Intimate, Stylish Little Restaurant is Elegant and Romantic
With a Warm and Welcoming Atmosphere.
A Relaxed Fine Dining Experience.
Casual or Smart - All Feel At Ease.

Reservations are Recommended - Walkins are always Welcome.
Full Bar with a Speciality Bourbon Collection, Fine Wines and Craft Cocktails.
Newly Expanded to right next door Also Check Out ENCORE! by Little Gem it is just as cosy, warm and inviting.

In addition we have a Private Party Room for up to 70.
Food + Drink Party Packages Available.
Outdoor Dining available weather permitting.
Gift Cards, Private Parties and Customized Menus are available.
Please call (917) 327 8997 or email us : info@thelittlegemcafe.com

We look forward to serving you!

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Bistro, European
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–9:30 pm Happy Hour Tue–Thu, Sun 3:30 pm–6:30 pm Bar + Lounge Tue–Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(708) 613-5491
Website
https://thelittlegemcafe.com/
Payment options
AMEX, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Jonathan Vukelich
Catering
Our Wonderful Chef Loves to Cook! We can cater events up to 100 Guests On + Off Premises Menus offer Hot + Cold Appetizers, Entrees and Desserts. Select Canapes, Hors d'oeuvres, Cheese Boards, Fresh Fruit, Charcuteries, French Crudite's and more. Fresh Seafood : Beef : Pork : Poultry : Vegetarian : Vegan : Gluten Free. Email today us for more info
Private party facilities
Unique, Customized, Party Packages Available in Little Gem + Right Next Door in Encore! by Little Gem. (A Beautiful Party Private and Events Space).Dining : Dancing : Cocktails : Live Music : Formal Dinners : Casual Mixers This Elegant Little Gem is Perfect for Any OccasionParties Fully Customizable to Suit Your Vision, Our Food is Delicious!

Location
189 N Marion St., Oak Park, IL 60301
Neighborhood
Oak Park
Cross street
Lake St.
Parking details
$1 for 1 Hour Metered Street Parking Also two parking lots on this blockFree Street Parking after 8:00pm and Free on Sundays!
Public transit
Green Line Train Harlem Stop just 2 blocks away Bus Transportation along Lake Street, Harlem Avenue Junction is just a Block away.
Entertainment
Live Jazz : Vintage Jazz Recordings : World Music : Euro Instrumentals
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Date Night Dinner for 2 w/Bottle of Wine $99
$99.00 per party
Multiple dates available
A 3 Course Dinner for 2 with a Bottle of Wine 1 Appetizer and 1 Dessert, 2 Salads and 2 Entrees App: Fig and Honey Brie Crostini Salads: Caesar Salad or Mixed Greens Salad Entrees: Angus Hanger Steak flavorful and tender steak, roasted potatoes, vegetables cabernet red wine reduction Boneless, Slow Roasted Half Chicken roast potatoes, carrots, natural chicken gravy Salmon Filet pan seared salmon filet, ratatouille, baby arugula pesto Vegetarian Risotto seasonal roasted vegetables, imported aborio rice Dessert: Godiva Chocolate Mousse ~ blueberries and fresh cream (exclusive of tax and gratuities)
THANKSGIVING 2024
$55.00 - $85.00 per person
Nov 28, 2024 only
Our Thanksgiving Menu has Multiple Choices 4 Course Dinner Includes Soft Drinks, Tea + Coffee Choose From : Prime Rib, Roast Turkey, Double Cut Pork Chop or Seafood Paella with all the trimmings. Fixed Price $85 per Adult, $55 for Guests 12yrs and under. Tax and Gratuities Not Included. Guests are required to reserve with a Credit Card that will be charged $40 per person Only in the event a reservation is cancelled within 48 hours of the reservation date Or for No Shows. Reservations must be cancelled by 5:00pm on Monday 11/25 at 5:00pm There Are 2 Seatings: 1st: Guests Arrive Btw 11:00am - 12:00pm 2nd: Guests Arrive Btw 2:00pm - 3:00pm Each Seating Allows Guests 2 1/2 hours to Enjoy Dinner. See Our Menu https://thelittlegemcafe.com/tgm

Popular dishes

Crudite and Olives$15.00
crudite of fresh vegetables, kalamata olives
Fig and Honey Brie Crostini$12.00
triple cream mascarpone, black mission fig
Spanish Meatballs (3)$17.00
tomatoes, shishito peppers, panko garlic breadcrumbs
Burrata Cheese Plate$16.00
roasted heirloom tomatoes, petite green salad, french baguette garlic crostini, basil pesto, balsamic
Sea Scallops au Gratin$24.00
creamy gruyère cheese, garlic breadcrumb topping
Seared Ahi Tuna (3)$18.00
sashimi grade tuna, sesame seeds, fried wonton, mango salsa, wasabi aioli
Fried Calamari$17.00
sweet chili sauce, tempura lemon, basil oil
Prince Edward Island Mussels$22.00
fresh herbs, garlic, white wine, shallots, toasted crostini

Soups

Todays Soup$10.00
Gems Classic Baked French Onion$14.00

Salads

add: shrimp $14, salmon $15, chicken $10

The Little Gem Wedge Salad$18.00
lettuce wedge, heirloom cherry tomatoes, red onions, crumbled bacon, house made bleu cheese dressing
Citrus Beet Salad$16.00
roasted red and gold beets, avocado, citrus dressing, queso blanco
Caesar Salad$15.00
heart of romaine, fresh parmesan cheese, toasted croutons, signature caesar dressing
Chopped Salad$18.00
field greens, avocado, heirloom tomatoes, crispy bacon, hard boiled egg, bleu cheese
Local Greens Salad$12.00
spiced pecans, shaved apple, english cucumber, sweet bermuda onions, champagne vinaigrette

Chicken

Boneless Roast Half Chicken$28.00
roast potatoes, peas and carrots, natural chicken gravy

Seafood

Branzino$35.00
whole fish roasted and deboned, fennel parsley lemon gremolata, roasted fingerling potatoes, cherry tomato cucumber arugula salad, roasted garlic citrus caper vinaigrette
Seared Scallops$40.00
baby carrots mirepoix, purple rice, yuzu habanero beurre blanc
Paella$42.00
saffron risotto, green peas, andouille sausage, shrimp, fish, mussels, clams, poached lobster
Salmon Filet$32.00
ratatouille, baby arugula pesto
Shrimp Scampi$26.00
pan seared shrimp, tomato concasse, spinach, mushrooms, white wine, garlic, herb butter sauce

Risotto & Pasta

Braised Short Ribs$34.00
home made ricotta cavetelli pasta served with roasted mushrooms, cream truffle butter sauce
Fregola Sardana$24.00
roasted vegetables, tahini, herbs
Orecchiette Pasta$24.00
crumbled italian sausage, basil arugula pesto

Steaks & Chops

make any entree a surf and turf add: lobster tail - mp, shrimps (3) - $12, scallops (3) - $24

28 Day Dry Aged Ny Strip
hijiki butter, home made potato croquet
- 12oz$58.00
Petite Filet Mignon$44.00
herb butter, broccoli, red wine reduction
New Zealand Lamb Chops$42.00
roast potatoes, peas and carrots, rosemary jus
Stuffed Pork Chop$32.00
smoked gouda, crispy potato, chimichurri, honey brussel sprouts
Skirt Steak$38.00
creamed spinach, home made potato croquet, chipotle bearnaise sauce

Small Plates & Sides

Roasted Seasonal Vegetables$14.00
Honey Glazed Carrots$10.00
Creamy Mashed Potatoes$10.00
Mac and Cheese$15.00
Honey Brussels Sprouts$14.00
Hand Cut Fries$12.00
Truffle Fries$14.00

What 1,135 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Near West
Best Service
Near West
Great for brunch
Near West
Romantic
Near West
Good for special occasions
Near West
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Little Gem Restaurant truly lives up to its name with "excellent service" and "amazing food." Guests rave about the "intimate setting" and diverse menu options, including standout dishes like shrimp scampi and grilled branzino. Ideal for special occasions or a cozy date night, this spot promises a delightful dining experience.

1,135 Reviews

T
Tracy
Chicago
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The Date Night menu is perfect. Solid choices, great value. We go a couple of times a year to this friendly little place.
Is this helpful?
R
Regina
Chicago
102 reviews
vip
5.0
102 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Pablo provided excellent, friendly service throughout our meal. All 4 of our entrees were beautifully prepared, nicely portioned and delicious. This is a neighborhood favorite of ours and it can always be relied upon for excellent food and wonderful service.
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m
marilyn
Chicago
26 reviews
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on November 14, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Absolutely love this restaurant!!!! Charming atmosphere, friendly service, delicious food, good music ——- what’s not to like! My guest and I shared a local greens salad which was more than ample. The delicate, crisp greens, paper thin apple slices, and crunchy toasted pecans were dressed with a light vinaigrette. I love when simple food is served to perfection! We each had the sea bass which was accompanied by roast potatoes and sweet carrots and a creamy buttery sauce. Best roasted potatoes I have ever had! The fish was buttery and flaky. Desserts were crème brûlée and tiramisu. We would have passed on dessert but we were so glad that we didn’t! Each dessert was light and not overly sweet. Tara our server was very accommodating, friendly and knowledgeable! We had scheduled an early dinner and all the tables were occupied by about 6:00. It would be wise to have a reservation. We were not rushed and were able to spend a very leisurely time together. Pleasant jazz music fills the restaurant at a level that makes us easy for conversation. By then end of our meal the noise level of normal conversation was pretty high but it was fun to see do many people enjoying their food and companions. Prices are a bit high —- entrees between $28 and $48 —— the quality of food, the atmosphere, the service make it an experience not to miss. The Little Gem is on my short list of favorites!!
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J
Josh
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We love the Little Gem. It's become our go-to dinner spot in Oak Park. We've done date nights, birthdays, and anniversaries here and never had cause to complain. The food is always excellent, the cocktails are always interesting, and the ambiance simply can't be beat. We also love how often they feature live music. The performers are always excellent, and they elevate the dining experience to something beyond a mere meal. We can't wait to go again!
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J
John
San Francisco
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 7, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had the Date Night dinner for two for $99. The food was great. Quite a bargain.
Is this helpful?
C
Christine
Chicago
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 3, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My husband and I own deed the Date Night special and everything was amazing, delicious food and great service!!! We will definitely be back:)
Is this helpful?
M
Madeline
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 3, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My fiance and I have been coming here since we were in college and continue to come back and always have the best time!
Is this helpful?
M
Michael
Indiana
21 reviews
4.0
21 reviews
Dined on October 22, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The Date Night package for $99.00 was a great value - large appetizer, salads, choice of one of four entrees, shared desert, and a bottle of wine. Next time I won’t order the flank steak - a bit tough, not a good cut of meat. The Little Gem is a wonderful spot.
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A
Andrea
Chicago
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on October 20, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food and service was superb. But our waiter went above and beyond at my request. I asked for something that was probably a bit unusual and it was graciously accommodated. I highly recommend and will be back!!
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C
Carol
Chicago
40 reviews
5.0
40 reviews
Dined on October 20, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It's great to have a place for dinner after 8pm in Oak Park. Little Gem is just that--a charming restaurant with good food and wine that stays open later on the weekend. The menu included a nice selection of appetizers and small plate, several salad options, and main course selections of fish, pasta, and meat. The dessert menu also included some classics like vanilla gelato, creme brulee, chocolate mouse, and tiramisu. The after dinner drink selection was also varied and plentiful. We will definitely be back.
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FAQs

The Little Gem Restaurant offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (708) 613-5491.

The Little Gem Restaurant is rated 4.7 stars by 1135 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 23, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 29 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The Little Gem Restaurant

189 N Marion St., Oak Park, IL 60301

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Lake St.
Neighborhood
Oak Park
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–9:30 pm Happy Hour Tue–Thu, Sun 3:30 pm–6:30 pm Bar + Lounge Tue–Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Bistro, European
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
$1 for 1 Hour Metered Street Parking Also two parking lots on this blockFree Street Parking after 8:00pm and Free on Sundays!
Public transit
Green Line Train Harlem Stop just 2 blocks awayBus Transportation along Lake Street, Harlem Avenue Junction is just a Block away.
Payment options
AMEX, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Jonathan Vukelich
Entertainment
Live Jazz : Vintage Jazz Recordings : World Music : Euro Instrumentals
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://thelittlegemcafe.com/
Phone number
(708) 613-5491
Catering
Our Wonderful Chef Loves to Cook! We can cater events up to 100 Guests On + Off Premises Menus offer Hot + Cold Appetizers, Entrees and Desserts. Select Canapes, Hors d'oeuvres, Cheese Boards, Fresh Fruit, Charcuteries, French Crudite's and more. Fresh Seafood : Beef : Pork : Poultry : Vegetarian : Vegan : Gluten Free. Email today us for more info
Private party facilities
Unique, Customized, Party Packages Available in Little Gem + Right Next Door in Encore! by Little Gem. (A Beautiful Party Private and Events Space).Dining : Dancing : Cocktails : Live Music : Formal Dinners : Casual Mixers This Elegant Little Gem is Perfect for Any OccasionParties Fully Customizable to Suit Your Vision, Our Food is Delicious!

The Little Gem Restaurant

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Date Night Dinner for 2 w/Bottle of Wine $99

THANKSGIVING 2024

Stuffed Pork Chop

Fig and Honey Brie Crostini

Shrimp Scampi

Appetizers

Crudite and Olives$15.00

Fig and Honey Brie Crostini$12.00

Spanish Meatballs (3)$17.00

Burrata Cheese Plate$16.00

Sea Scallops au Gratin$24.00

Seared Ahi Tuna (3)$18.00

Fried Calamari$17.00

Prince Edward Island Mussels$22.00

Soups

Todays Soup$10.00

Gems Classic Baked French Onion$14.00

Salads

The Little Gem Wedge Salad$18.00

Citrus Beet Salad$16.00

Caesar Salad$15.00

Chopped Salad$18.00

Local Greens Salad$12.00

Chicken

Boneless Roast Half Chicken$28.00

Seafood

Branzino$35.00

Seared Scallops$40.00

Paella$42.00

Salmon Filet$32.00

Shrimp Scampi$26.00

Risotto & Pasta

Braised Short Ribs$34.00

Fregola Sardana$24.00

Orecchiette Pasta$24.00

Steaks & Chops

28 Day Dry Aged Ny Strip

Petite Filet Mignon$44.00

New Zealand Lamb Chops$42.00

Stuffed Pork Chop$32.00

Skirt Steak$38.00

Small Plates & Sides

Roasted Seasonal Vegetables$14.00

Honey Glazed Carrots$10.00

Creamy Mashed Potatoes$10.00

Mac and Cheese$15.00

Honey Brussels Sprouts$14.00

Hand Cut Fries$12.00

Truffle Fries$14.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does The Little Gem Restaurant offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Little Gem Restaurant restaurant rated?

Is The Little Gem Restaurant currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information