Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Oak Forest

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

ChicagoNear WestNorthwest SuburbsSouth SuburbsSouthwest SuburbsWest Suburbs

Neighborhoods

BerwynBolingbrookBridgeportBucktown / Wicker ParkBurbankBurr Ridge

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

139 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Bella Mia

4.8

Exceptional(2490)

$$$$

• Italian • Midlothian

Booked 20 times today

Bella Mia is a neighborhood gem in Midlothian, praised for its delicious food, great service, and wonderful atmosphere. Reviewers call it a 'hidden gem' and a 'favorite place to dine'. It's got that downtown feel right in the suburbs, making it a great spot for a variety of occasions. It's not just the food that's consistently delicious, but the staff's warm and friendly nature, as well as the beautiful decor that makes every visit special.

A photo of The Little Gem Restaurant restaurant

2. The Little Gem Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(1276)

$$$$

• Contemporary American • Oak Park

Booked 19 times today

The Little Gem Restaurant is a gem in Oak Park, known for its cozy atmosphere, great food, and exceptional service. Reviews rave about the 'great variety of brunch dishes', 'delicious' food, and the 'attentive service'. It's a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike, often referred to as a 'hidden gem' and a 'go-to place'. The restaurant's live jazz and intimate ambiance make it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends.

A photo of Francesca's Vicinato restaurant

3. Francesca's Vicinato

4.8

Exceptional(1771)

$$$$

• Italian • Palos Hills

Booked 30 times today

Francesca’s Vicinato is located in vibrant downtown Palos Park. A restaurant with a contemporary, casually sophisticated trattoria ambiance, rustic cooking, friendly service, and fair prices.

A photo of Gene and Georgetti restaurant

4. Gene and Georgetti

4.7

Exceptional(6532)

$$$$

• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)

Booked 46 times today

Gene and Georgetti is Chicago's original steakhouse since 1941. This family-owned establishment housed in Chicago's third oldest building serves the finest prime-aged steaks and chops, pastas, & signature dishes invented here such as The Garbage Salad and Chicken alla Joe. Our curated wine list originates from our roots in Lucca, Tuscany, Italy - we concentrate on Italian varietals that complement our classic Italian steakhouse menu.Securely processed credit card info is required to secure a reservation. No-shows or cancellations within 48 hrs will be charged $25 pp. As a reminder we do have a 15 minute grace period to honor your reservation, past that time your reservation will be forfeit.Valet parking after 3pm is $15 cash.Our dress code is Business Casual- you never know who you might see at G & G!Gene & Georgetti can accommodate your party of up to 100. .Our restaurant has two floors ,and there is no elevator ,please let us know if you require special accommodation.

5. Ada Street

4.9

Exceptional(1216)

$$$$

• American • Bucktown / Wicker Park

Booked 38 times today

Ada Street is a true neighborhood gem, nestled in the Elston Industrial District. Its unique, eclectic menu and excellent service consistently receive high praise in reviews. One reviewer said it's 'definitely a Chicago hidden gem' while another called it 'a little tucked away in terms of location but amazing food & service!' The cozy and intimate vibe, coupled with the outstanding food and drinks, makes it a standout dining spot in the neighborhood.

A photo of Eight Bar at Maple & Ash Chicago restaurant

6. Eight Bar at Maple & Ash Chicago

4.7

Exceptional(94)

$$$$

• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 24 times today

Whether it’s a champagne filled lunch with friends, or just a spontaneous Tuesday night out, our Gold Coast gem is where luxury meets ease. From sushi and chops to unforgettable moments, we’re here to take care of you. Experience relaxed luxury, and make your reservation today. (Seating areas can be requested, but may not be guaranteed.)

A photo of Frankie's Since 1988 restaurant

7. Frankie's Since 1988

4.9

Exceptional(4231)

$$$$

• Italian • Tinley Park

Booked 17 times today

Our family has been in the food service industry since 1988. The Tinley Park location was renovated in 2023. We created a modern Italian feel (no longer a white table cloth old world look), the new name "Frankie's Since 1988" as an ode to our original restaurant on the Southside of Chicago. Energetic music from the 70's, Motown and Italian classics to now that is a compilation of each member of our families favorite styles. Unique craft cocktails and a carefully curated wine list along with house made pastas and signature dishes that have been loved throughout the years from Frankie's. Authentic southern Italian style pizzas from our beautiful Marra Forni oven in the dining room was added as well. Our menu is a combination of old classics from the past 17 years in Tinley Park and new items with the same wonderful service guests have come to know and love from Frankie's.

A photo of Eduardo's Enoteca - Gold Coast restaurant

8. Eduardo's Enoteca - Gold Coast

4.5

Awesome(499)

$$$$

• Italian • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 19 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!

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9. Girl & the Goat

4.7

Exceptional(15815)

$$$$

• Contemporary American • West Loop

Booked 213 times today

Girl & the Goat opened in 2010 with the goal of offering a menu of bold, flavorful dishes designed to share in a fun and lively atmosphere. To complement the experience, we offer a curated selection of wines from around the world, focusing on small producers, along with a rotating list of craft beers and a playful cocktail menu crafted by our bartenders. The ever-changing menu, driven by locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, features favorites like sautéed green beans, roasted oysters, crispy short ribs, and confit goat belly. While reservations are encouraged for the dining room, our bar welcomes walk-ins, adventurers, and those who prefer spontaneity.

10. Osteria Ottimo

4.8

Exceptional(2948)

$$$$

• Italian • Orland Park

Booked 16 times today

You’ve never tasted Italian food like this before. Pasta made by hand every morning; fruits and vegetables sourced from a local farmer - just for us; fresh fish flown in daily and our meats aged to mouth-watering perfection. We have taken old school Italian and added a modern twist.

‘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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
caseyGold
Chicago / Illinois •16 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Excellent food. We enjoyed the dinner. Service was good.
More info
Osteria Ottimo$$$$• Italian• Orland Park
•
4.8
M
Michele
Chicago / Illinois •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The food was DELICIOUS!!!! We were seated promptly. Food was quick. My favorite Italian restaurant in the south suburbs!!!
More info
Frankie's Since 1988$$$$• Italian• Tinley Park
•
4.9
M
Margaret
Chicago / Illinois •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Perfectly executed Italian fare with top notch calamari and vodka rigatoni. I look forward to dinner here as the servers are top-notch keeping attentive touches throughout the service.
More info
Francesca's Vicinato$$$$• Italian• Palos Hills
•
4.8
K
Karen
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Our table was welcomed with a single candle and pink rose for my sister, the birthday girl. The wine was a generous pour, the food delicious and then a surprise birthday cupcake after dinner, Bella Mia never disappoints❤️
More info
Bella Mia$$$$• Italian• Midlothian
•
4.8
D
Diana
Chicago / Illinois •21 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Little Gem is just that, a Gem in Oak Park! I brought a fairly large group of friends (7 of us), most were from out of town, and everyone loved the restaurant and thought the food was delicious and a great value! Thank you Little Gem!
More info
The Little Gem Restaurant$$$$• Contemporary American• Oak Park
•
4.6

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