Little Italy / University Village

Why we love it

The Little Italy neighborhood is a living legacy of Chicago’s Italian-American past, with homes, restaurants, and shops that have been part of the community for generations.

It’s also home to the University of Illinois at Chicago, infusing the area known as University Village with youthful energy.

Explore like a local

• Create a picnic with fresh sandwiches and salads from Conte de Savoia, a neighborhood staple since 1948.
• Hunt for deals at 100-year-old Maxwell Street Market, the city’s oldest open-air market.
• In the summer, join the line for a sweet treat at charming Mario’s Italian Lemonade, a local favorite for generations.

Insider tips

Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine: The true heart of the neighborhood is Taylor Street, where you’ll find long-time restaurants and delis that span generations. You can dig into homemade lasagna, stock up on freshly made breads, enjoy traditional dishes in a classic white-tablecloth joint, and order Italian baked goods by the bagful.

To get your fix of Italian fare, check out these top local picks:

• The Rosebud, a classic white-tablecloth joint
• Bruna’s Ristorante, known for its intimate space and large portions
• Old-school Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap, a James Beard Award winner
• Pompei, family-owned for four generations

Check out local history: The streets of Little Italy/University Village are lined with eye-catching architecture and historic spaces, from The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii and the Notre Dame de Chicago.

The free Jane Addams Hull House Museum is a dynamic memorial to social reformer Jane Addams, the first American woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

Also nearby, the first-of-its-kind National Public Housing Museum offers free admission and a fascinating look into the past, present, and future of public housing.

After you fill up on authentic Italian fare, take a stroll along Lexington Street for an eyeful of Italianate architecture, including the John Coughlan House built in 1871. The neighborhood is also known for its many churches, like Saint Basil and Holy Family.