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Interior - The Little Gem Restaurant, Oak Park, IL

The Little Gem Restaurant

4.3 (1317)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
189 N Marion St., Oak Park, IL 60301

Make a booking

A photo of The Little Gem Restaurant restaurant

The Little Gem Restaurant

4.3
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Oak Park

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 12 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Charming
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
An Intimate, Stylish Little Restaurant In Oak Park. Elegant and Romantic With a Warm and Welcoming Atmosphere.
An Upscale Casual Dining Experience serving Lunch, Brunch, Dinner and Drinks.
Private Events Space in Addition with parking.
DINERS CHOICE AWARD Every Year
CHEF STAS drives our menu with fresh, seasonal dishes that are creative, delicious & always beautifully presented.
Reservations Recommended - Walkins Always Welcome.
Full Bar Speciality Bourbon Collection, Fine Wines, Craft Cocktails.

DATE NIGHT SPECIAL Sunday - Thursday 3 Course Dinner For 2 w/Bottle Wine $125 per couple.

Additional Private Dining Next Door Just as cosy, warm & inviting, delicious menu, shareable small plates.
Cool Cocktail Lounge w/High Tops, Table and Lounge Seating.
PRIVATE PARTIES for up to 75 Guests Little Gem or Encore! Events Call : Call (917) 327 8997

Visit https://thelittlegemcafe.com
Gift Cards Available
Located Downtown Oak Park known as Frank Lloyd Write Architectural District.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Bistro, European
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–9:30 pm Happy Hour Tue–Thu, Sun 3:30 pm–6:30 pm Bar + Lounge Tue–Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (708) 613-5491
  • Website
    https://thelittlegemcafe.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive Chef
  • Catering
    Our Wonderful Chef Loves to Cook!<br />We can cater events up to 100 Guests On + Off Premises<br />Menus offer Hot + Cold Appetizers, Entrees and Desserts.<br /><br />Select Canapes, Hors d'oeuvres, Cheese Boards, Fresh Fruit, Charcuteries, French Crudite's and more.<br />Email today us for more info. Info@thelittlegemcafe.com or Call Judith 917 327 8997
  • Private party facilities
    Unique, Customized, Party Packages Available in our Beautiful Private Party and Events Space right next door.Formal Dinners : Casual Mixers.This Elegant Little Gem is Perfect for Any Occasion, Parties Fully Customizable to Suit Your Needs,Dining : Dancing : Cocktails : DJ / Live Music Available.
  • Location
    189 N Marion St., Oak Park, IL 60301
  • Area
    Oak Park
  • Cross street
    Lake St. We are 2 blocks North of Lake Street 189 N. Marion
  • Parking Details
    $1 for 1 Hour Metered Street Parking Also two parking lots on this blockFree Street Parking after 8:00pm and Free on Sundays!
  • Public transport
    Green Line Train Harlem Stop just 2 blocks awayBus Transportation along Lake Street, Harlem Avenue Junction is just a Block away.
  • Entertainment
    Live Jazz : Vintage Jazz Recordings : World Music : Euro Instrumentals
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • THANKSGIVING MENU

    USD 55.00 - USD 85.00 per person

    1 - 14 people

    26 Nov 2026 only
    We look forward to serving you at Thanksgiving. Chef has prepared a beautiful menu that includes soft drinks, tea and coffee. there are two seatings available: First Seating Arrive anytime between 11am and 2pm. Second Seating Arrive between 3:00pm and 5pm. Visit our website: https://thelittlegemcafe.com/menus-1
    THANKSGIVING MENU photo

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Menu

This menu from The Little Gem Restaurant.

View menu on restaurant's website (opens in a new tab)

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at The Little Gem Restaurant.

4.3

4.3
(1317)
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Near West

    Great for brunch

  • Near West

    Healthy

  • Near West

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Near West

    Good for special occasions

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Little Gem Restaurant shines with "wonderful date nights" and a "great menu selection." Patrons enjoy "delicious food and wine," particularly the "mussels and salmon." Despite occasional noise, the "cozy atmosphere" and "attentive service" earn praise. Seasonal dishes and a "fantastic wine list" keep customers returning to this charming spot.
1,317 Reviews

  1. Jennifer

    Chicago / Illinois1 review

    3.0

    Dined on 30 October 2026

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    This place is definitely overrated. It was a Friday night and they had one server for the entire time we were there, roughly 6:30-8:30. It’s a small space so every table was booked at that time. Not surprisingly, service was not what it should be. The food was very average; not horrible and not great. Drinks were also mid. My friend ordered a dirty martini, which she said tasted like straight vodka and she had to ask for olive juice. I had a cosmopolitan, which was just OK. My friend ordered a glass of red wine, she did not drink as she said it tasted terrible. The decor was a little funny; they used runners that one might pick up at a big box hardware store, only instead of on the floor, these runners were actually the wall decor. Honestly, it was an odd attempt at …soundproofing? Decor? I don’t know what. Overall, it earns a C, maybe C+.

    Is this helpful?

  2. David

    Chicago / Illinois23 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 30 October 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Excellent and patient service for a party of 5. Very good food. A little pricey. And a little noisy for conversation. Will definitely return.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Susan Gold

    Chicago / Illinois30 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 25 October 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Went for brunch. Menu excellent. Must remember to go more often.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Elizabeth Gold

    Chicago / Illinois24 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 24 October 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We always have a wonderful date at Little Gem. Great wine list, incredible seasonal dinner selections, attentive wait staff. We loved the winter squash soup and the Mediterranean cod!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Mark

    Charlotte1 review

    4.0

    Dined on 17 October 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    We did attend. Don’t know why they said we didn’t. I have the receipt

    Is this helpful?

  6. Kent

    Minneapolis - St. Paul1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 17 October 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Little Gem has become one of our go to locations. Three great meals off a menu that changes often and never disappoints. Wonderful!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Susan Gold

    Chicago / Illinois20 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on 16 October 2026

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Service was great until I pointed out to the server he brought me Mushroom Rigatoni vs. a Mushroom Risotto. Either he or the chef made a mistake, but it was a good 5 minutes before he appeared and said there was Mushroom Risotto. So, by the time I started eating the food had cooled off. It was very good and the server did comp the meal and dessert which was very generous.

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  8. Robert

    Unspecified1 review

    3.0

    Dined on 14 October 2026

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    The quality of the food we had was not nearly as high as the price. The dining room is a good place to have a business conversation but that’s about it.

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  9. Lisa Gold

    Chicago / Illinois24 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 10 October 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Always tasty, and a good menu selection. One of my favorite spots in Oak Park.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Jean

    Chicago / Illinois8 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on 8 October 2026

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 2
    I specifically asked to dine outside since we had a dog with us. Upon arrival we found out that the patio had been closed, but that was not mentioned on Open Table. Our waiter very kindly set up a table on the sidewalk for the two of us and brought water for my son’s dog. We both ordered Steak Frites…very disappointed that the fries were not the type of fries that normally accompany this entree. I left about half of my steak…the flavor was good, but it was very fatty.

    Is this helpful?

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Bistro, European
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–9:30 pm Happy Hour Tue–Thu, Sun 3:30 pm–6:30 pm Bar + Lounge Tue–Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (708) 613-5491
  • Website
    https://thelittlegemcafe.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive Chef
  • Catering
    Our Wonderful Chef Loves to Cook!<br />We can cater events up to 100 Guests On + Off Premises<br />Menus offer Hot + Cold Appetizers, Entrees and Desserts.<br /><br />Select Canapes, Hors d'oeuvres, Cheese Boards, Fresh Fruit, Charcuteries, French Crudite's and more.<br />Email today us for more info. Info@thelittlegemcafe.com or Call Judith 917 327 8997
  • Private party facilities
    Unique, Customized, Party Packages Available in our Beautiful Private Party and Events Space right next door.Formal Dinners : Casual Mixers.This Elegant Little Gem is Perfect for Any Occasion, Parties Fully Customizable to Suit Your Needs,Dining : Dancing : Cocktails : DJ / Live Music Available.
  • Location
    189 N Marion St., Oak Park, IL 60301
  • Area
    Oak Park
  • Cross street
    Lake St. We are 2 blocks North of Lake Street 189 N. Marion
  • Parking Details
    $1 for 1 Hour Metered Street Parking Also two parking lots on this blockFree Street Parking after 8:00pm and Free on Sundays!
  • Public transport
    Green Line Train Harlem Stop just 2 blocks awayBus Transportation along Lake Street, Harlem Avenue Junction is just a Block away.
  • Entertainment
    Live Jazz : Vintage Jazz Recordings : World Music : Euro Instrumentals
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

FAQs

For a relaxed date-night, visit The Little Gem Sunday–Thursday to enjoy the Date Night three-course-for-two offer; if you prefer a quieter room, ask about the Encore lounge when it’s open.

Yes, families do bring children to The Little Gem; guests have hosted large family gatherings like Thanksgiving, and special menus have included kids’ items such as mac & cheese on Mother’s Day.

Yes, guests mention a dog-friendly outdoor area, so the restaurant’s outdoor seating is welcoming to diners with dogs.

Yes, The Little Gem has an outdoor seating area: guests mention dining outside and a dog-friendly outdoor area where people enjoy meals al fresco.

Yes, the restaurant lists customized menus and private parties and asks guests to call to arrange details; reservations are recommended and you can call (917) 327 8997 to discuss special requests.

The Little Gem feels intimate, stylish and warmly romantic, soft lighting, exposed‑brick warmth, and pleasant jazz or live music in the Encore lounge create a cozy, welcoming dining experience.

Guests report dogs on the outdoor area, The Little Gem has a dog‑friendly outdoor area where diners have enjoyed meals with their pets.

Smart casual is the guide, polished but relaxed; the restaurant’s materials note both casual and smart guests feel at ease, and many visitors treat it as a date‑night or special‑occasion spot.

Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm. Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 3:00 pm–9:00 pm; Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–9:30 pm. Happy Hour Tue–Thu, Sun 3:30 pm–6:30 pm. Bar + Lounge Tue–Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm.

Sunday through Thursday is a great pick, The Little Gem runs a Date Night special (3-course dinner for two with a bottle of wine for $125).

Portions tend to satisfy, guests describe items like the short rib as a "good-sized" portion and say pasta dishes often come generously.

Yes, The Little Gem is intimate and romantic, and guests regularly celebrate anniversaries there; the restaurant also offers a dedicated Date Night special.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois
  4. Near West
  5. Oak Park

Make a booking

A photo of The Little Gem Restaurant restaurant

The Little Gem Restaurant

4.3
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Oak Park

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 12 times today
Experiences are available.
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