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The Little Gem Cafe in Oak Park

The Little Gem Cafe in Oak Park

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4.3 (551)

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The Little Gem Cafe is a bar in Oak Park, IL.

The Little Gem Cafe Review Summary

The summary is generated by AI, based on reviews.

Reviews & Ratings

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4.3

(551 Reviews)

5

4

3

2

1

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Nadia D -Google user

2 months ago

Cute little whole in the wall, the service was impeccable, the food is to die for! Chef's kiss!! I wanted Sangria, but they didn't have it and my server whipped up something that tastes exactly like Sangria and I was surprised! Great suggestion from the...Read More

Dinner$50–100Atmosphere: 5Creme Brulee, Truffle FriesQuiet, easy to talk

Kisha Johnson-Smith -Google user

a year ago

**NEIGHBORHOOD GEM ALERT**We a party of 12, the restaurant was ready when we arrived. We did not have to wait for the entire party to arrive, we were seated immediately as we arrived. The staff was very accommodating. The manager came over and introduced herself...Read More

Dine inDinner$50–100Atmosphere: 5

Sereniti Phoenix -Google user

9 months ago

My husband and I have visited this charming spot twice—once for Valentine’s Day and again for our anniversary—and it’s quickly become one of our favorite restaurants in Oak Park. The orecchiette pasta is a standout favorite, and the braised short rib pasta is absolutely incredible!...Read More

Dine inLunch$30–50Atmosphere: 5

Susan Ramos -Google user

a year ago

I truly love this Gem in the heart of Oakpark, and absolutely recommend them! The service was exceptional, the food absolutely delicious, the wine was also amazing, thank you for the recommendation! The ambiance perfect enough to savor the food, enjoy the wine, and enthralling conversation. I...Read More

Dine inDinner$50–100Atmosphere: 5

Eileen Lopez -Google user

a year ago

We came here for a date-night. It's a cute spot with some beautiful French decor, gold, and fresh flowers. Our waitress was very nice and attentive. We started off with the prosecco. They brought out this garlic, buttery, crusty bread. It was so good. Next, we...Read More

Dine inDinner$30–50Atmosphere: 5Soup, Baked French Onion Soup, Soup of the Day

Eric Blazek -Google user

a year ago

Little Gem is an absolute treasure. The cuisine is French and the kitchen really knows what they're doing. The baked onion soup is wonderful and the brie & fig crostini are a nice shareable plate. For entreés I'd recommend the steak frites and the pan...Read More

Dine inDinner$20–30Atmosphere: 5Baked French Onion Soup, Fig and Honey Brie Crostinis, Salmon Filet

Lydia S -Google user

Edited 3 years ago

Adding to my previous review from a few years ago. We hosted my sister in law’s baby shower at The Little Gem this weekend. It was lovely! We got so many compliments on the food and the space. We had about 26 people and the space...Read More

Blake Kirkland -Google user

Edited 5 months ago

Last Thursday was my husband's and my wedding anniversary and although this visit was only our second time, we celebrated at our favorite restaurant The Little Gem Cafe and they did not disappoint. The staff was so wonderful and accomodating and the food...Read More

Atmosphere: 5

Sabrina Crawford -Google user

Edited 2 years ago

Something that I love more than finding a good happy hour- is discovering hidden gems wherever I go! The Little Gem Cafe is located in the Chicago/Oakpark area and is definitely a treasure in the area! I sat on the side that has live jazz and...Read More

Dine inDinner$30–50Atmosphere: 5New Zealand Lamb Chops, Salmon Filet

Nique Christian -Google user

3 years ago

This restaurant is indeed a little gem! My mother, grandmother & I enjoyed our impromptu lunch date after celebrating the loss of a love one. We were greeted by staff and a owner I believe( definitely all the warm fuzzy feelings from that). We order...Read More

Dine inLunch$30–50

laurie taggart -Google user

a year ago

Went for lunch midweek-excellent food! Very impressive!! From the beet salad to the honey brussel sprouts, short ribs with ricotta cavatelli, scallops with black rice & carrots-outstanding! Well done!

Dine inLunch$30–50Atmosphere: 5Honey Brussel Sprouts

Alonzo Z -Google user

Edited 3 years ago

Accidents happen and some for a reason; a good reason. I was Googling something ordinary and mundane and totally unrelated to dining and this place came up as part of my online search. I took a brief look at the Little Gem Cafe...Read More

Accidents happen and some for a reason; a good reason. I was Googling something ordinary and mundane and totally unrelated to dining and this place came up as part of my online search. I took a brief look at the Little Gem Cafe in Oak Park because I never heard of it and what I saw sounded interesting, but I had to get back to my original search but I put the Little Gem Cafe in the back of my mind. Now to the the review: Perfection. Everything was perfect to me and I am presuming by the droves of customers that came in during our Date Night. Our reservation was at 5pm but we were a little early and had to wait for the switch over from lunch service to dinner so we wandered around on Marion Street for about ten minutes. What's charming about Little Gem is that it is off the beaten path of dow town Oak Park. The interior of the restaurant is quai t and old school like how a person (me) would imagine an intimate dining establishment. We stared date night with soup. My husband had the French Onion Soup and I had the soup of the day which was Lobster Bisque which was smooth as silk with junks of lobster. The French Onion soup tasted like time, techniques, taste; the broth was beefy and the onions well caramelized I thought there were like little cubes of gelatin and was delicious. We also ordered the Truffled Fries the nibble before deciding on our main courses. The fries were abundant and tasty, perfectly seasoned and were not overly truffle tasting like a lot of places do with overusing truffle oil. For our entrees we both ordered the Angus Hanger steak that was presented with roasted carrots and cauliflower; the steak was juicy and the vegetables perfect and not overcooked although my husband wished his carrots were softer (don't worry, this wasn't a Date Night argument). Dessert which is my favorite part of the meal was difficult to decide at least for me but decisions were made. Wayne had the Creme Brulee with seasonal fruit and I had the Godiva Chocolate Mousse. Both were great choices and we sampled each others' pick. The brulee came with strawberries, sliced and fanned across the tip. A bite of the Creme brulee with a slice of strawberries (which were obscenely ripe and flavorful and when tasted together reminded me of an upscale strawberry milk shake in all its creamy. Their chocolate mousse is now what I will judge all other chocolate mousse. I tried to get every last bit scraping and clanking the spoon on the inside of the dish. I wouldn't classify the cuisine as French but rather Continental if that's even a real thing diningwise. The food was better than the French restaurant we generally frequent and we spent less money and got more quality. The host and the waitstaff were extremely friendly and answered all questions I had about the restaurant and the dishes I chose. On a less sexy topic but one I care about was the bathroom. The men's room was clean and nicely decorated which I appreciate. Little Gem Cafe has part of the restaurant a spot next door for dining with live music which some people were attending. We've already decided that this will be a regular part of our dining.

Dinner$50–100

SPICY -Google user

5 years ago

The little Gem cafe feels like place located in southern Europe and convincing with elements of warm feeling and welcome. Food also right on point not overwhelming. Mussels and lamb dish was Perfect for cold night. Cocktails was good as well but more like classic...Read More

Joseph Uhrich -Google user

3 years ago

Like it's name suggest, is a Gem. Service was slow but worth the wait. The brussel sprouts looked and smelled delicious. Table next to ours had them. We had lunch but any of the entrees were available. Was a good find choosen randomly.

Alyssa Hart -Google user

4 years ago

My favorite restaurant in Oak Park. Charming interior, live music, delicious food, attentive servers. I wish I could give more than 5 stars. We had calamari, brie crostinis, rib eye steak and cheesecake. All spectacular.

rebecca Harris -Google user

2 years ago

This impromptu birthday celebration was a delight. We had the best server. I can't remember his name; but he was great. Patient, and accommodating.

chad svastisalee -Google user

Edited 4 years ago

Winter's coming and the snow is piling on but our bartender Madeline had kept us not only feeling warm and cozy... but relaxed and welome. The bar menu features many whiskey and bourbons that rival the greats. Ask her to pour the New Old …

Denver Joseph Basuel -Google user

2 years ago

My wife and I went on a date. Food was good. Calamari is the best. Steak and lamb chops were cooked perfectly. It was a great experience.

CRAFTY GENES -Google user

a year ago

Had brunch after my breast cancer awareness walk on 9/28/24. The little gem omelet and cornbeef hash was a hit with the group. The food was amazing! The atmosphere was spot on! And the service was impeccable! Even got a sweet treat on the house!...Read More

Dine inBrunch$30–50Atmosphere: 5Paid street parking

Kevin Lynch -Google user

2 years ago

Rarely do my girlfriend and I go to the same place more than once. This "Little Gem" is the exception, and its really 2 restaurants. Theres a quiet side and a live music side. Excellent food and service every time.

Dine inDinner$20–30Atmosphere: 5New Zealand Lamb Chops, Baked French Onion Soup, Chocolate Mousse

Nin -Google user

2 years ago

I recently had the pleasure of dining at this remarkable establishment, and I must say, the experience was nothing short of exceptional. The atmosphere exuded a sense of tranquility and sophistication, providing a truly relaxing ambiance that set the tone for a wonderful evening. From the...Read More

Dine inDinner$30–50Atmosphere: 5

Stephanie Lovell -Google user

2 years ago

Came in for dinner on Wednesday evening. We shared the fig and brie crostini as our starter. …

jade correggio -Google user

a year ago

Food was amazing! Very attentive staff and a great place for brunch/dinner with friends!

Mermaid HD -Google user

3 months ago

We went for an early dinner right after 3pm, we told the server we only had 40 minutes before Frank Lloyd Wright home and studio tour nearby. The service was very quick and we got out around 3:45pm without feeling rushed. The food...Read More

Dinner$30–50Atmosphere: 4Suitable for all group sizesSomewhat difficult to find parkingPaid street parking

Elliott Soto -Google user

5 months ago

Ordered from the date menu and what a deal! The food was delicious. I added the French onion soup and was soooo good.

Dinner$50–100Atmosphere: 5No special eventNo wait

Frederick Fret -Google user

3 months ago

What a great spot off of Main Street. It definitely is a little gem but shines brightly for the whole neighborhood. Great food. Great service. Five star service every time we go there. Thank you to the owners and staff for such a great experience.

Lunch$20–30Atmosphere: 5Suitable for all group sizesUp to 10 min

Swati Saxena -Google user

3 weeks ago

A nice, sit down place in a great location that offers lunch (yes, fancy lunch place is a bit rare in Oak Park!). Extremely vegan friendly - multiple vegan/adaptable options on the regular menu.

Lunch$30–50Atmosphere: 5Quiet, easy to talkNo waitHighly recommendVegan friendly!Plenty of parkingPaid parking lot, Paid street parking, Paid parking garage

Tia Daniels -Google user

3 months ago

Food and service was amazing . We took our dad here for Father’s Day . Our waitress was such a sweetheart . I didn’t get her name . We got the salmon , half chicken , steak and frites , calamari and Cobb salad ....Read More

Dinner$100+Atmosphere: 5Quiet, easy to talkNo wait

Neville Mistri -Google user

Edited 5 months ago

We've enjoyed our dining experience and food every time we've come here. The wait staff has always been friendly, the food is good to delicious and the atmosphere is very nice. 4.3 stars is too low!

Darrin Logan (Dblack) -Google user

10 months ago

First let me say wow this place was fantastic and I usually don't give high scores but I'm going to give this a 10! Let me tell you why! It's a nice quiet restaurant small where you can have good conversations and not be drowned...Read More

Features

From the business

Identifies as women-owned

Service options

Outdoor seating

No-contact delivery

Delivery

Takeout

Dine-in

Highlights

Fast service

Great beer selection

Great cocktails

Great coffee

Great dessert

Great wine list

Live music

Popular for

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Solo dining

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible entrance

Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Wheelchair accessible restroom

Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings

Alcohol

Beer

Cocktails

Coffee

Comfort food

Happy hour drinks

Happy hour food

Hard liquor

Healthy options

Vegetarian options

Wine

Dining options

Breakfast

Brunch

Lunch

Dinner

Catering

Dessert

Seating

Amenities

Bar onsite

Restroom

Wi-Fi

Atmosphere

Casual

Cozy

Romantic

Trendy

Upscale

Crowd

Groups

LGBTQ+ friendly

Tourists

Transgender safespace

Planning

Dinner reservations recommended

Accepts reservations

Payments

Credit cards

Debit cards

Parking

Paid parking lot

Paid street parking

Other

LGBTQ+ friendly

Identifies as women-owned

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