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Best Fun Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

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30 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Pizzeria Portofino restaurant
1. Pizzeria Portofino
4.8
Exceptional(3072)
$$$$
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 248 times today
Pizzeria Portofino is a sun-drenched casual restaurant located directly on the Chicago riverfrontoffering hand-stretched pizzas, coastal wines, an expansive patio and breezy decor that willinstantly transport you to the Italian Riviera.For guaranteed seating, reservations are required. While we do not have a waitlist, we would love to have you join us as a walk-in at our bar top, which offers full dining service on a first-come, first-served basis.
A photo of Piccolo Sogno restaurant
2. Piccolo Sogno
4.8
Exceptional(7329)
$$$$
• Italian • River West
Booked 122 times today
Piccolo Sogno is a blast! With its fresh, rustic Italian cuisine, it's like a taste of Italy in Chicago. Customers rave about the outstanding service and wonderful ambiance. The al fresco dining in the hidden garden patio is a particular hit. It's the perfect place for a fun, casual dining experience with friends or family. Plus, their impressive all-Italian wine list is a treat!
A photo of Olio e Più - Chicago restaurant
3. Olio e Più - Chicago
4.5
Awesome(1591)
$$$$
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 92 times today
OLIO E PIÙ brings Italian tradition and true sense of Mediterranean liveliness to the vibrant neighborhood in Chicago.As an authentic trattoria, its cuisine is based on classic Italian dishes. As you dine at OLIO E PIÙ, you’ll be transported not just by the flavors of Italy but also by the authentic atmosphere that surrounds you. It’s a place where time slows down, and conversations flow freely, just as they do in a true Italian household. Here, the spirit of 1970s Italian elegance lives on, and every meal is a celebration of life, love, and the joy of shared moments, especially with the open kitchen concept.OLIO E PIÙ is more than just a restaurant; it’s a portal to a different time and place, where the essence of Italy’s rich culinary and cultural heritage is captured in every detail.*Please note that kitchen hours may differ.
A photo of Benihana - Chicago, IL restaurant
4. Benihana - Chicago, IL
3.8
Excellent(2897)
$$$$
• Japanese • Downtown / Loop
Booked 72 times today
Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.To make your experience even more rewarding, don’t miss out on our new loyalty program, Friends With Benefits! Instantly unlock member status and get a free appetizer reward to enjoy during your next dining visit. Register today by visiting our website or ask your server for more details.
A photo of JoJo's ShakeBAR - River North restaurant
5. JoJo's ShakeBAR - River North
3.9
Excellent(2908)
$$$$
• American • River North (Chicago)
Booked 16 times today
JoJo’s ShakeBAR is a next-generation restaurant and bar, and River North’s next go-to spot for hangouts, first dates, and family affairs. Its’ modern, yet familiar, diner experience is grounded in nostalgia and focuses on creative desserts and elevated diner favorites.Both the inside and outdoor dining areas of JoJo's are decked out in holiday decor. Our JoJo's Winter Wonderland Outdoor Patio Seating is available for reservations and walk-ins. Although our Winter Wonderland Outdoor Patio is covered and heated, please come dressed for the weather, as everyone's temperature preferences are different. In the case of inclement weather, our team will do our best to accommodate outdoor patio reservations inside, but indoor seating is not guaranteed. All JoJo's Winter Wonderland Outdoor Patio reservations may be subject to an additional fee. Reservations Are Highly Recommended & Walk Ins Are Available Based Upon Availability.
A photo of Eduardo's Enoteca - Gold Coast restaurant
6. Eduardo's Enoteca - Gold Coast
4.5
Awesome(501)
$$$$
• Italian • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 30 times today
Nestled away in the adorable Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago, Eduardo’s Enoteca offers authentic Italian fare in an intimate setting, akin to the bistros and cafes of Italy itself. Located at the bustling intersection of Dearborn and Division, Eduardo’s serves as a cozy escape from the busy city streets. This romantic Italian wine bar offers a small-batch boutique wine selection, craft cocktails, handmade pizzas and pastas, charcuterie boards, decadent desserts, and seasonally rotating specials.We ask that each party maintains a 90 minute time limit to accommodate and respect reservations of other guests. Tables will be held for 10 minutes after their reservation time. If you are running late please feel free to call us at (312) 337-4490 to let us know and we will push back your reservation time!
A photo of La Storia restaurant
7. La Storia
4.5
Awesome(1147)
$$$$
• Italian • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 23 times today
La Storia is a genuine Italian experience where guests share in the rich culture of the Italian table. Join us in Chicago’s historic gold coast neighborhood and enjoy faithful renditions of beloved regional dishes. Indulge in our specialty handcrafted pastas, made in house, daily in the Sardinian style.Patio seating is first come, first serve. In order to be seated, we ask that you arrive early and with your complete party. We ask guests to assist us by limiting the table times for parties: 2ppl (1hr 30mins), 3-4ppl (1hr 45mins), 5-6ppl (2hrs).
A photo of Ghost Donkey - River North restaurant
8. Ghost Donkey - River North
4.5
Awesome(87)
$$$$
• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • River North (Chicago)
Booked 8 times today
A lively and vibrant mezcal and tequila bar that embodies the heart and soul of Mexican Hospitality.
A photo of Celeste restaurant
9. Celeste
4.1
Excellent(212)
$$$$
• Cocktail Bar • River North (Chicago)
Booked 12 times today
**Our Rooftop Garden is open for Happy Hour with all seating on a first come first served basis. For nightlife reservation, please visit our website at celestedisco.com**Celeste is a modern, refined interpretation of the classic American drinking establishment. Our four levels are each inspired by nuances in architecture, art movements, social clubs, and a breakdown of the barriers between art and life. A carefully curated space, upscale cuisine, and imaginative cocktails create the essence of Celeste.Reservation Types:Whiskey Bar:Our first floor Whiskey Bar is a nod to classic neighborhood bars. The space offers a casual atmosphere, perfect for gathering with friends during happy hour while indulging in elevated spirits, modern American cuisine, and an expanded whiskey collection.Open Wed-SatDeco Supper Club:On this floor we pay homage to the glamorous architectural history of Chicago at the turn-of-the-century with a drink menu spotlighting craft cocktails.Open Fri-Sat
A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Chicago, IL | Streeterville (Magnificent Mile) restaurant
10. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Chicago, IL | Streeterville (Magnificent Mile)
4.6
Exceptional(2309)
$$$$
• Japanese • River North (Chicago)
Booked 45 times today
Founded in Tokyo in 1996, Gyu-Kaku has become the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand! Thanks to our devoted fans we have reached over 700 locations worldwide. Each day, hundreds of thousands of people gather around the table-top smokeless grill, a centerpiece of our dining concept, enjoying selections of premium meats, just off the grill, and other freshly prepared foods from our kitchens, inspiring laughter, conversation, and a magical dining experience.Our authentic yakiniku (grilled barbeque) dining experience crowns you the chef. Share a variety of delicious appetizers and premium cooked meats over a flaming grill, paired with Japanese sake, frosty cold beers, or other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options of your choice. We're the perfect spot to enjoy time with friends and family, organize an office party, or to spend quality time with your significant other!Before you go, don't forget to taste our best-seller Harami Skirt Steak or Prime Kalbi Short Rib among other must-try dishes!
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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