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Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Chicago / Illinois

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OpenTable
Updated February 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Chicago / Illinois? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of Rollapalooza restaurant
5.0
5 (364)
$30 and under
Sushi
Lakeview / East Lakeview
About the restaurant
COZY AND WARM RESTAURANT. FRESH AND DELICIOUS RESTAURANT. WE ARE NOT NO.1 RESTAURANT. HOWEVER WE DO OUR BEST TO SERVE OUR CUSTOMERS.
Top review
Maria
Dined on Jan 22, 2025
This is a true gem! Especially if you like creative beautifully presented Crudo style appetizers— it’s your place! There is no place with better fresher fish and more interesting sauces — they are amazing
A photo of Dove's Luncheonette restaurant
5.0
5 (20)
$30 and under
Tex-Mex
Bucktown / Wicker Park
About the restaurant
Drawing inspiration from bygone diners, Dove’s Luncheonette offers southern-inspired Mexican cuisine, alongside a tequila and mezcal-focused bar program.

interested in hosting an event or large group with us?
email vipevents@oneoffhospitality.com to book with us today!



Top review
CamilleVIP
Dined 7 days ago
We were able to sit at the counter by the window and watch all the passersby. The pimento spread was amazing and the service was incredible.
A photo of Franco's Ristorante restaurant
5.0
5 (663)
$30 and under
Italian
Bridgeport
About the restaurant
If your preferred time is unavailable please call for possible openings.

Franco's Ristorante is the perfect combination of old world Italian classics and your new favorite pasta dishes. We've been around for over 27 years and have perfected our craft. Some of our most famous dishes include whipped ricotta tuffo, sausage and peppers, eggplant parmigiana and gnocchi.

Our great food and atmosphere helped us earn the honor of being named the Chicago Reader's 2016 "best place for a cheap date" and "best local restaurant."

You will be wowed when you step inside our bright, airy and modern restaurant. You can enjoy a drink at our new marble-topped bar or cozy up to tables with bright red-leather chairs and banquettes in the dining room. In the summer we are happy to offer outdoor seating that allows dogs.

Top review
Sunnette
Dined 4 days ago
This was my first visit for my birthday! 🎂🎁🥳 Food 👍🏾
A photo of Slightly Toasted restaurant
5.0
5 (4)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
West Loop
About the restaurant
Award-winning cocktail and bourbon bar that is home to one of largest whiskey collections in Chicago with over 900 selections, 30+ private barrels, and 200+ vintage and rare bottles. Also home to 18 taps & 80+ cans of craft beer, and chef-driven comfort food.
Top review
William
Dined on Jan 30, 2025
Slightly toasted is your one stop shop for all things craft beer, bourbon and incredible service. By far some of the best tacos I've ever had.
A photo of Buona Terra restaurant
4.9
4.9 (289)
$30 and under
Italian
Irving Park
About the restaurant
As one of the most beloved (and highest-rated) Italian restaurants in Chicago for over 22 years, the historic Buona Terra continues to serve scratch made pastas, brick oven pizza, fresh fish and seafood options as well as chops and steaks. The wine selection is meticulously chosen (and inspired by our yearly trips to Italy for the Vin Italy fair) to pair with our different plates made with the freshest ingredients.
Chef Chepe sources fresh items from the market daily. He butchers our fish and meats daily, makes all of our sauces and soups in house and most of our deserts. You might note that you see familiar faces as our servers have been with us since we opened our doors.
Whether you've been here a hundred times or tonight is the first visit, we think that you'll "Come for the food, leave as a friend".

Closed Super Bowl Sunday, February 9th.

Top review
DakotaVIP
Dined 6 days ago
Great dining experience! Service was excellent- we did restaurant week for dinner and it was a great value. Cacio e Pepe was delicious!
A photo of Riccardo Enoteca restaurant
4.9
4.9 (1183)
$30 and under
Italian
Lincoln Park
About the restaurant
Riccardo Michi comes from a restaurant Family in Milan established since 1943 called Girarrosto, one of the first Tuscan restaurants in town and still operating.

After moving to the US, Riccardo opened Sonny Bono, IL Giardino Ristorante and Madeo Ristorante in Beverly Hills. In 1987 he helped his cousin Roberto Ruggeri open the first Bice restaurant in New York City. Since then, he has worked in the opening of many of the restaurants in the group. In 2002 Riccardo moved to Chicago with his wife Veronica to be the executive chef of Bice on Ontario.

Finally Riccardo and Veronica, also a chef, decided to open their own place and in 2006 called Riccardo Trattoria. Considered by many to be the top Italian restaurant in town, receiving the Bib Gourmand from Michelin in 2011, 2012 and 2013.

Now, Riccardo and Veronica have opened Riccardo Enoteca, right across the street from Riccardo Trattoria on Clark.

Top review
Anastasiia
Dined 5 days ago
Amazing atmosphere, food and the service. We tried restaurant week and will definitely be back.
A photo of Forno Rosso Pizzeria - Dunning restaurant
4.9
4.9 (370)
$30 and under
Pizzeria
Dunning
About the restaurant
Forno Rosso Pizzeria in Chicago offers its guests top-notch service and Italian dishes that are hard to beat. Boasting a plentiful menu of salads, appetizers, sandwiches, countless pizza varieties and decadent desserts, Forno Rosso should have something on the menu for everyone.Popular menu items include traditional margherita pizza, the "locale" pizza with fresh mozzarella and locally made sausage, and fried calamari. Forno Rosso's menu also hosts children's items, inviting guests of all ages to enjoy traditional Italian dishes and fresh pizzas. The team at Forno Rosso Pizzeria prides itself on quality service and cultivating an experience the whole family will enjoy.
Top review
wallyVIP
Dined on Feb 2, 2025
Never disappointed hereAlways a wonderful meal! Just wish it was closer to home.
A photo of Estacion restaurant
4.9
4.9 (111)
$30 and under
Caribbean
Evanston
About the restaurant
Discover a culinary voyage to the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean at Estacion, where every bite brings the soulful essence of Puerto Rico to your plate. Led by acclaimed head chef Mark Mendez, our passionate team takes pride in presenting authentic Puerto Rican cuisine in its purest form, offering a dining experience that pays homage to the rich culinary heritage.
Top review
Pamela
Dined 7 days ago
Lovely restaurant good food good atmosphere good service!
A photo of Angelo's Wine Bar restaurant
4.8
4.8 (588)
$30 and under
Wine Bar
Albany Park
About the restaurant
Founded in 1962, Reinvented 2016. From neighborhood pizzeria to state of the art Wine Bar widely regarded as one of Chicago's best.

Chef Samuel Leal expertly composes fresh, seasonal and meticulously selected ingredients of the best quality available at market. Master Mixologist Meaghan Walsh designs and crafts luxury cocktails by hand, including her innovative collection of wine based "d'Vine Cocktails" prominently listed on the dinner menu. Sommelier Gigi Bredoux thoughtfully curates, and colorfully hosts, one of the most interactive, engaging and customer-centric wine programs in the city, very possibly the entire country.

2022 Wine Spectator Magazine "Award of Excellence" winner, beautifully appointed, exceptionally comfortable, and superbly maintained; Angelo's Wine Bar aspires to provide its northwest side Chicago neighborhood with "destination quality" hospitality, neighborly prices, and service "on a first name basis".

Top review
dawnVIP
Dined 3 days ago
The staff at Angelo’s are fabulous. The food delish, wine list is wonderful and on Wednesdays bottle wine are 1/2 price. The jazz music was fantastic. Such a gem. Love this place.
A photo of Piece Brewery & Pizzeria restaurant
4.8
4.8 (14)
$30 and under
Pizzeria
Bucktown / Wicker Park
About the restaurant
Currently only accepting reservations for parties of 6-16 online. Reservations for parties greater than 8 are very limited and large parties might be split into multiple tables. Please walk-in for small party availability.

At Piece Brewery, the spirit of piece, love, and harmony are infused into every bite and sip. Nestled in a skylit loft, this vibrant establishment seamlessly unites the flavors of award-winning, New Haven-style thin-crust pizza with the the longest continuously-operating and most award-winning brewpub in Chicago, a tradition that has been upheld since 2001.

Whether you're savoring a slice of our renowned pies or sampling our diverse range of house brews, every visit promises a symphony of taste and community. As the sun sets, the atmosphere transforms into a lively sports-bar setting, creating an unforgettable experience where great food, great brews, and great entertainment converge.

Top review
ROBERTVIP
Dined on Jan 5, 2025
Great beer and great pizza. We loved the Hot Doug’s Atomic Sausage and the Honey Butter Fried Chicken pizzas. Also, very happy that they take reservations for larger parties!
Explore Diners' Choice best of Chicago / Illinois
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