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Chez Joel, Chicago, IL
Award-winning

Chez Joel

4.8 (2723)
$30 and under
French
1119 West Taylor, Chicago, IL 60607

Make a reservation

2 people
11:00 PM
Booked 18 times today

About this restaurant

  • Charming
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
In the midst of Little Italy, Chez Joel creates the tastes and aromas of France for. Featuring traditional favorites, Chef Joel Kazouini offers his straightforward, expertly prepared Southern French cuisine. Chez Joel’s atmosphere is reminiscent of a true French bistro; its walls adorned with French posters and tables covered with butcher paper. The cozy environment makes Chez Joel the perfect spot for any romantic meal, and when weather permits, garden tables offer an open-air experience where you’ll find one of the most divine al fresco dining settings in the city.
Chez Joel Since 1999

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    French
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Joel Kazouini
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Neighborhood
    Little Italy / University Village
  • Cross street
    May Street
  • Parking details
    Valet at Dinner: $7
  • Public transit
    Racine Blue line..Taylor bus, Number 8 Halsted bus.
  • Additional
    Beer, Beer Garden, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, High Tea, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 2,723 people are saying

Chez Joel reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Chicago / Illinois

    French

  • Chicago

    French

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Chez Joel is a charming French bistro known for its "fabulous food, service, and ambiance." The outdoor patio is a "rare treat," offering a cozy oasis amidst the city. Regulars praise the "consistently excellent" dishes, from classic French cuisine to delightful desserts. A truly "special gem" in Chicago.
2,723 Reviews
  1. Donovan VIP

    Greater Boston1 review

    4.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Great overall- love the spot. Our server seems a little out of it though. For a 5 year anniversary celebration, would’ve expected a little more than we got.

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  2. Debbi

    Detroit / Eastern Michigan13 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Such a charming restaurant Very welcoming Our waitress Giovanna was outstanding I would come back to Chicago just to come here for dinner

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  3. Melody

    New Orleans / Louisiana5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely excellent experience. We’ll be back! The patio is such a vibe.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Paul VIP

    Chicago / Illinois19 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    A go to French bistro with very good food at good a good price. One issue---this is 2nd or 3rd time we've dined there that the fries came cold. No problem--the waiter promptly had them replaced with hot frites.

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  5. Jackie VIP

    Philadelphia County32 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    Amazing ratatouille and completely a new take on a familiar dish. Service was spotty and felt like I needed to flag the server down constantly.

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  6. William

    Chicago / Illinois9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Giovanna was wonderful as well as the food. The outdoor patio was beautiful.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Judith VIP

    Chicago / Illinois27 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent atmosphere food and the best service . Highly recommended !

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  8. Lisa

    Chicago / Illinois53 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Everything was great except it was a little warm in the restaurant. We had reservations for 5 pm so maybe the AC hadn't kicked in yet. Otherwise, I couldn't ask for a better dining experience. Our server recommended the beef wellington and it was outstanding.

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  9. Jill VIP

    Chicago / Illinois25 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A gem of a restaurant with fabulous food, service, and ambiance. First time dining on the patio and it was a rare treat!

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  10. Shawna

    Unspecified1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 13, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    What an enjoyable experience!! The patio was divine, like an oasis in the city. Service was excellent and food couldn't be better!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Chez Joel offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (312) 226-6479.

Chez Joel is rated 4.8 stars by 2723 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois
  4. Chicago
  5. Little Italy / University Village

Make a reservation

2 people
11:00 PM
Booked 18 times today
Google Map for Chez Joel

1119 West Taylor, Chicago, IL 60607

Additional information

  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Cross street
    May Street
  • Neighborhood
    Little Italy / University Village
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    French
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Valet at Dinner: $7
  • Public transit
    Racine Blue line..Taylor bus, Number 8 Halsted bus.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Joel Kazouini
  • Additional
    Beer, Beer Garden, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, High Tea, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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