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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Little Italy / University Village

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55 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of The Rosebud - Taylor restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2877)
$$$$
• Italian • Little Italy / University Village
Booked 18 times today
The food was great! We had stuffed mushrooms and home made pasta. Reasonably priced wines.
A photo of avec West Loop restaurant
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4.8
Exceptional(1424)
$$$$
• Mediterranean • West Loop
Booked 83 times today
Lovely experience, food, service and atmosphere was wonderful
A photo of Bar Tutto restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(240)
$$$$
• Italian • West Loop
Booked 31 times today
Lovely restaurant with excellent food and great service!
A photo of Mariscos San Pedro restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(363)
$$$$
• Mexican • Pilsen
Booked 33 times today
The wait staff was outstanding! The food was terrific!
A photo of bar avec restaurant
4.4
Awesome(160)
$$$$
• Mediterranean • River North (Chicago)
Beautiful atmosphere with great atmosphere. Beautiful view of Chicago!
A photo of Siena Tavern restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(6694)
$$$$
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 91 times today
We sat outside and everything was wonderful. Inside was very loud but our request to sit outside was immediately granted, and it was quiet and lovely out there. Food was great, service was cordial and efficient. All around a wonderful experience.
A photo of The L Station restaurant
3.7
Very Good(277)
$$$$
• Soul food • River North (Chicago)
Booked 26 times today
Fantastic food & vibes, great service as well. Will definitely return
A photo of Sepia restaurant
Icon
4.8
Exceptional(5776)
$$$$
• Contemporary American • West Loop
Booked 23 times today
An extraordinary meal. Can’t wait to go back. Everything. Perfect.
A photo of Acanto restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4508)
$$$$
• Italian • Downtown / Loop
Booked 58 times today
The unusual menu selections were great. Our second visit on trips to Chicago. The papardelle and cacio e pepe were outstanding. Wine selection is great. To top it off, dessert of raspberry granita and peach gelato was heavenly. Noise level increased by the end of our meal, but was a fun atmosphere and still conducive to conversation. Best meal of our trip.
A photo of Osteria Via Stato restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3694)
$$$$
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 17 times today
Love this place. We sit at the bar and love the bartender! Love the happy house too!! All the food is excellent!

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • WadeGold
    Chicago / Illinois •96 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    It was probably the best Dover Sole I have ever had!
    More info
    Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House - Chicago$$$$• Seafood• Gold Coast / Streeterville
    •
    4.7
  • SteveGold
    New York City •36 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 22, 2026
    Good drink, good food, good service. Can’t ask for anything more
    More info
    Tuscany on Taylor$$$$• Italian• Little Italy / University Village
    •
    4.8
  • LauraGold
    Columbus •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 20, 2026
    Excellent start to finish as akways! Caleb ( Kaleb?) provided exceptional service! Can’t wait to return!
    More info
    Lula Cafe$$$$• Contemporary American• Logan Square
    •
    4.9
  • DeborahGold
    Chicago / Illinois •57 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 15, 2026
    Really tasty! The 4 of us all really enjoyed 3 spreads, zucchini chips and our souvlaki dishes. Drinks also were great. Dessert menu was uninspiring and we declined. Service was friendly, helpful, fast and efficient.
    More info
    Avli Taverna - Lincoln Park$$$$• Greek• Lincoln Park
    •
    4.7
  • Aracelli
    Dallas - Fort Worth •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Mar 8, 2026
    I came to Nellie’s for the first time to enjoy their brunch buffet. The selection of food was great and I couldn’t help but sample a little bit of everything! I believe we got there a little early into service as there were some areas of the buffet station unattended when I first walked into the back, but the gentleman at the egg station was very friendly and helpful with any questions I had. Our server was very busy and unable to stop by the table as often as we needed, so there was a few gaps of time where my guest and I had to wait for drinks and/or necessary condiments, but not enough to deter me from going back. Buffets get busy and the support staff was quick to step in to grab our server when they noticed we’d been waiting a little long. The ambiance of the restaurant felt very homey and I would love to go back with more people and perhaps sit on the patio to really take in the Full atmosphere of this Humboldt Park staple! If the food served at their brunch buffet is this good, I can’t wait to see how great their dinner is!
    More info
    Nellie's Restaurant$$$$• Puerto Rican• Bucktown / Wicker Park
    •
    4.5

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

Discover the best dining experiences that are "worth the drive" in Chicago's charming Little Italy / University Village. This vibrant culinary destination offers an array of restaurants that stand out not just for their unique flavors but also for their commitment to providing a memorable dining experience. Each establishment in this locale brings a touch of authenticity and culinary excellence, making them a must-visit for both locals and travelers seeking exceptional meals. The restaurants here often feature a combination of traditional and innovative dishes, prepared with high-quality ingredients and presented with impeccable service. The dining scene in Little Italy / University Village is renowned for its eclectic mix of eateries that cater to various tastes and preferences, ensuring every visit is both delightful and satisfying. Whether you're in the mood for gourmet dining or a cozy meal, these restaurants promise an enriching experience that truly is "worth the drive."

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