Chicago's Best Restaurants Restaurants near University of Chicago

Piccolo Mondo - Hyde Park

Cozy cafe with Italian fare & a full bar in a quaint white-tablecloth setting with adjacent market.

Valois Restaurant

A favorite spot of Pres. Barack Obama's, this venerable cafeteria has been a Hyde Park standby since William Valois opened it in 1921. Its slogan is "See your food," and service is lightning fast

Virtue Restaurant & Bar

MK the Restaurant alums Erick Williams and Jesus Garcia have joined forces to open this upscale Hyde Park eatery specializing in reinvented Southern fare. Virtue Restaurant & Bar boasts Williams as executive chef and Garcia as general manager, and they've assembled a talented team of seasoned and up-and-coming culinary artists.

Two Fish

Seafood boils had been trending for a couple of years before Yasmin Curtis decided to throw her hat into the pot with Two Fish. Located in Bronzeville, the tiny BYOB spices up the concept with original "secret" seasonings, a soulful approach and lines out the door every weekend.

Renaissance Bronzeville

Half sports bar/half entertainment venue, Renaissance Bronzeville was previously the Jokes N Notes comedy club before it merged into this establishment in late 2016. It attracts a mostly neighborhood crowd who likely visit after dining at one of the nearby restaurants.

Cedars Mediterranean Restaurant

Flatbreads, kebabs, steaks and more feature at this Hyde Park mainstay. Cedars was born in the back of a southside grocery store in 1987, introducing much of Chicago to falafel. Cedars' creator, Sudki Abdullah, officially opened its restaurant doors at 53rd & Cornell in November 1992.

Goree Cuisine

The authentic Senegalese eatery is open daily and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in its South Side establishment. Goree Cuisine showcases the best of the West African country's fare, which includes lots of seafood.

Court Theatre

Court Theatre is a professional theatre company located in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, where it was established in 1955. Court Theatre is affiliated with the University of Chicago, receiving in-kind support from the University and operating within the larger University umbrella.

The Medici on 57th

U of Chicago BYO hangout where pizza, burgers & sandwiches figure among the American eats.

Italian Fiesta

President Obama's favorite for thin-crust pizza is this unassuming South Side institution that's famous for its sausage and cheese pies. The mostly carry-out venue has been family-owned-and-operated for more than 60 years.

Norman's Bistro

You'll find a host of house-made dishes on the menu at this Bronzeville restaurant specializing in Southern and South American cuisine. Signature items include shrimp and lobster pot pie, Turducken Chili Mac and a baby back ribs platter.

The Sit Down

A Hyde Park Staple for Over 10 Years Offering Up a Variety of Food from Fresh Prepared Sushi, Sandwiches, Pizza, Soups and Salads. Dine In, Take Out, Catering and Delivery. Drink Specials Available Monday through Thursday. Come by and Sit Down With Us.

Maravilla's (Hyde Park)

Mexican Restaurant

C'est Si Bon!

C’est Si Bon! Ltd. opened in Harper Court for the 1990 Holiday season, specializing in tailor-made gourmet gift baskets and catering. C’est Si Bon!, Ltd. is now a full service catering company and can service from a few to several thousand guests.

The Promontory

The guys behind Michelin-starred Dusek's and Longman & Eagle bring their magic touch to the South Side. The Promontory is their contribution to the Hyde Park neighborhood, and it's located in the center of the area's action at 53rd Street.

la petite folie

La Petite Folie is a Michelin Guide Recommended restaurant featured as a Bib Gourmand recommendation for great cuisine at a reasonable price. From the 2011 Michelin Guide, "the kitchen cooks up classic French fare made with the best seasonal, local ingredients available", where "dinner can be a bargain during the $32 three-course prix-fixe...

5 Loaves Breakfast Cafe

Until 2 p.m. this place is all about eggs, pancakes, french toast and waffles, but it stays open through dinnertime with a menu switch to burgers, sandwiches salads and dinner plates like country fried steak, seared or fried tilapia and daily specials. Weekends offer all-you-can eat soul food. Both halves of the menu are available at lunch.

Jeffrey Pub

One of the oldest black gay bars on the South Side is still going strong after more than 30 years.

Chant

Chant is located in the heart of Hyde Park, 1509 E. 53rd St. Directions from the north, along Lake Michigan, go southbound on Lake Shore Drive (U.S. 41), exit right to 53rd St, continue 0.2 mi, Chant will be on the left.

Ramada Lake Shore Cafe

The dining room of the Ramada offers traditional American menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

Finnigan's Ice Cream Parlor

Old-fashioned Americana sets the pace for this vintage ice cream parlor inside the Museum of Science and Industry.

Daley's Restaurant

John Daley opened this Woodlawn mainstay in 1892, making it the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Chicago, despite a five-year hiatus during the Great Depression. In 1892, Daley sold it to a pair of Greek immigrants, T

Robust Coffee Lounge

Slick Hyde Park lounge focuses on locally sourced ingredients and fair-trade coffees. A full menu includes Belgian waffles, stuffed croissants, sandwiches and salads.

Binny's Express - Hyde Park

A smaller store of the Binny's chain, selling fine wines, premium spirits and imported and domestic beers.

Uncle Joe's Jerk Chicken

Informal Caribbean cafe specializing in jerk chicken, seafood dinners & classic side dishes.

Plein Air Cafe & Eatery

Plein Air Cafe & Eatery bolsters Hyde Park's culinary scene with the help of Kevin Heisner, one half of the team responsible for such hot spots as Trenchermen, Lone Wolf, and Sportsman's Club. Opening this March, the cafe abuts the University of Chicago, filled with food curated by Pleasant House Bakery, a precise coffee selection, and locally sourced art.

Seven Ten Lanes

Seven Ten Lanes is an Art Deco bowling and billiard mecca sure to please even your most discerning of party guests. Seven Ten Lanes has various private party rooms that accommodate many types of private functions, for groups from 20 to 400.

Pizza Capri - Hyde Park

Thin-crust pies & Italian sandwiches, wraps, pastas & salads in a casual setting.

Leona's - Hyde Park

Leona’s Italian catering in Chicago offers a delicious and affordable approach to entertaining. All of our Italian catering buffet packages come complete with place settings, serving utensils and safe, disposable heating ware.

Just Turkey - Kenwood

Casual counter-serve space, part of a small chain, serving turkey-based burgers, "ribs" & barbecue.