Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois

Best Open Kitchen Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

26 restaurants available nearby

A photo of il Carciofo restaurant
1. il Carciofo
4.5
Awesome(222)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • West Loop
Booked 91 times today
Located in the historic Fulton Market district of Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, il Carciofo is a Roman Italian restaurant drawing inspiration from the restaurants and markets in one of Chef Joe's favorite cities, Rome. The restaurant offers a seasonal menu of elevated yet familiar Italian fare with traditional antipasti, Roman-style pizzas, hand-rolled pastas produced daily in a dedicated pasta lab and market-driven mains that highlight the season's bounty.
A photo of Fioretta restaurant
2. Fioretta
4.7
Exceptional(943)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steak • West Loop
Booked 62 times today
Fioretta is reminiscent of a new-age Copacabana, celebrating old-world Italian cuisine with an opulent twist, a steady flow of impressive cocktails and wine, world-class live entertainment, and a glamorous vibe cast over the entire experience.Seamlessly blending steakhouse fare with elevated versions of old-world Italian cuisine with help from Italian-American Chef, Joe Rizza. The menu pays homage to the Italian immigrants who graciously first introduced Americans to southern Italian classics. Fioretta’s custom-built solid-fuel hearth and open kitchen allows Rizza and his culinary team to impart superb flavor, char and texture to each dish. The menu strives to strike the perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation.
A photo of Leña Brava restaurant
3. Leña Brava
4.7
Exceptional(1021)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • West Loop
Booked 15 times today
Located in Chicago's West Loop, Leña Brava is a culinary gem celebrating the dynamic flavors of Baja California Norte. Our kitchen, devoted to the art of live-fire cooking, breathes life into dishes that embody the essence of Mexican culinary traditions and the diverse tastes of Baja. Influenced by a fusion of Mexican, Mediterranean, and Asian cuisines, our menu transcends conventional boundaries, offering an array of vibrant ceviche, tantalizing agua chiles, succulent flame-kissed Pacifico seabass, and hearty steaks.Under the skilled guidance of Chef Brian Enyart, with over two decades of innovation in Mexican cuisine, we showcase seasonal ingredients, capturing the essence of Mexico and Baja Norte's culinary landscape. Complemented by our open-plan kitchen and curated beverage program, spotlighting an immense mezcal collection and an array of Baja, New and Old World wines, Leña Brava invites guests on a culinary journey, where Mexican tradition harmonizes with innovation.
A photo of Cabra - Chicago restaurant
4. Cabra - Chicago
4.6
Exceptional(3095)
Price: Expensive
• Peruvian • West Loop
Booked 60 times today
Perched atop the Hoxton Hotel in the heart of Chicago’s Fulton Market, Cabra Chicago is a lively rooftop escape, inspired by the bold and vibrant flavors of Peruvian cuisine. Led by James Beard Award and Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard, alongside longtime partners Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm of Boka Restaurant Group, Cabra serves up crave-worthy dishes in a colorful and energetic setting. The restaurant’s airy, plant-filled ambiance, paired with its open kitchen and sweeping city views, creates a dynamic dining experience. Guests can savor a variety of shareable plates, from ceviches to savory meats, all bursting with the rich, fresh flavors of Peru.
A photo of Cira restaurant
5. Cira
4.6
Exceptional(1831)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • West Loop
Booked 91 times today
Cira is a modern, Mediterranean restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as weekend brunch. The menu is made up of shareable plates designed to fill your table and your stomach, inspired by the countries that make up the Mediterranean Basin. Set in the lobby of the Hoxton Hotel in Chicago’s Fulton Market District, the restaurant boasts a sun-soaked full-service lounge and coffee bar, and is transformed into an ambient, moody hub of dining and drinking as the sun sets.
A photo of Elske restaurant
6. Elske
4.8
Exceptional(1234)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • West Loop
Booked 20 times today
PLEASE NOTE: **We can accommodate vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten free, dairy free, nut/peanut free & shellfish free diets. Before booking, please email us at info@elskerestaurant.com regarding any restrictions that are not listed above. We may be unable to accommodate certain restrictions, or diners with multiple restrictions.** Elske means love in Danish, a nod to both David Posey’s Danish mother and the fact that the couple got engaged in Copenhagen. “Our travels in Denmark have really influenced us,” Chef Posey said. “We like that clean, simple aesthetic.” The dining room — all crisp lines, minimalist décor & soft lighting — is anchored by a wide open kitchen on one side & a small patio with a working fireplace on the other. Combined with the friendly service, it creates the impression that you’re eating in a supremely tasteful Scandinavian friend’s weekend home.
A photo of Akahoshi Ramen restaurant
7. Akahoshi Ramen
4.8
Exceptional(395)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Logan Square
Booked 10 times today
Akahoshi Ramen is a humble ramen shop in the city of Chicago. Everything is made in the restaurant, including all soups, seasonings, toppings, and noodles. We are not an authentic ramen shop, though we value the history of ramen, and our ramen is influenced by its past and its future potential. The dish, popularized in Japan after World War 2, is symbolic of both struggle and perseverance. It is both a simple dish, and a fantastically complex one that we treat with reverence and respect. Roughly translating to “Red Star,” the name “Akahoshi” is a love letter to two cities; Sapporo, Hokkaido, where red stars adorn city monuments, and Chicago, Illinois, where the red star decorates the city flag. Our ramen is influenced by Japanese and American ideals in cooking. We hope you will join us to enjoy a bowl of ramen, made with the respect and passion it deserves.
A photo of Olio e Più - Chicago restaurant
8. Olio e Più - Chicago
4.4
Awesome(1053)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 80 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.
A photo of Roanoke restaurant
9. Roanoke
4.4
Awesome(1497)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown / Loop
Booked 106 times today
Roanoke Restaurant, located in the Loop, is a local favorite known for its excellent service and top-tier culinary offerings. The menu highlights artisan comfort food, signature rotisserie dishes, and hand-crafted cocktails. The restaurant's design features luxurious finishes, copper accents, and warm lighting inspired by the rotisserie and brick oven in the open kitchen. Whether you're enjoying happy hour at the bar, dining by the fireplace for a more intimate experience, or joining the vibrant lunch crowd, Roanoke is an ideal spot to gather with colleagues, friends, or family. The restaurant also offers large event spaces that can accommodate up to 250 people.Guests can enjoy parking validation at the 172 W Madison Self-Park Garage. After 4 p.m. on weekends and weeknights, park for free with a $25 meal purchase. Be sure to bring your parking slip for validation. Not valid for valet parking.
A photo of Tzuco restaurant
10. Tzuco
4.7
Exceptional(878)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • River North (Chicago)
Booked 59 times today
Located in the bustling River North neighborhood of Chicago, Tzuco, helmed by the Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán, offers a blend of authentic Mexican flavors and sophisticated French techniques. Named after Chef Gaytán’s hometown, Huitzuco, the restaurant boasts a menu rich in ceviche, seafood, and traditional Mexican dishes, served in a spacious dining room, lively bar, lounge, and an all-weather outdoor terrace.Tzuco’s captivating interiors, designed by the acclaimed Cadena + Asociados Concept Design, tell a story of Chef Gaytán's heritage with preserved materials from Mexico and handcrafted furnishings, ensuring guests not only savor exquisite dishes but also relish an immersive cultural experience.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • KristinaVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •46 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    The food was incredibly good and my guests were SO impressed with the dishes for being so fresh and tasty! The beer selection is great too along with wine choices. The chef was friendly when we called him over to our table and they decorated the birthday desert with a sparkler. Lastly, the FLAN was the BEST we've ever enjoyed!
    More info
    Leña BravaPrice: Expensive• Mexican• West Loop
    •
    4.7
  • GailVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Amazing flavors! What a lovey place with a small but mighty menu. Great service and some really yummy drinks.
    More info
    Cabra - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Peruvian• West Loop
    •
    4.6
  • RenneVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Had a wonderful time. We checked in for a birthday dinner, and the hostess inquired whose birthday it was and greeted the birthday boy warmly, as did our server when she came to our table to greet us. Everything was delicious. We had the Prosciutto and warm bread, fried artichokes, rigatoni amatriciana, the NY strip and the roasted romanesco. Highly recommend the artichokes and the rigatoni, just outstanding. We had 2 cocktails, both delicious, and the pistachio gelato (one serving is enough for 2 people to share). They had 2 glasses of prosecco brought out for a birthday toast. We will definitely be back. The pricing is standardly high on the food side, but that is to be expected these days.
    More info
    il CarciofoPrice: Expensive• Italian• West Loop
    •
    4.5
  • Alexa
    San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Ordered the Cesar, meatballs, delmonico ribeye and king crab linguine; Everything was delicious!Phenomenal steak (I liked it better than Bavettes!) Julian made our night, he’s definitely the ‘vibes’ guy and we appreciated his full service dining. Will definitely come back.
    More info
    FiorettaPrice: Very Expensive• Steak• West Loop
    •
    4.7
  • Cynthia
    Chicago / Illinois •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Went for restaurant week dinner with 3 others. The appetizer mezze platter was amazing. For the main course, 2 others and I had the ocean trout agreed it was delicious. One had the Tunisian rice bowl and said it was also delicious. We also ordered the pistachio ravioli for the table--it was very tasty but so rich that none of us would want it as a main course. We tried all three desserts. Consensus was that the pavlova was best, the tiramisu brownie had a delicious espresso gelato but the brownie was meh, and the hazelnut cake was good. The portions for all three courses were generous. The service was excellent. The vibe was energetic. All in all, we'd recommend Cira and go there again.
    More info
    CiraPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• West Loop
    •
    4.6

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo