The future is female. But where in Hyde Park can you grab a meal and support women-owned businesses? Don’t worry, we got you covered. We scoured the Hyde Park, Chicago restaurants scene to find local favorites you’ll love.
HYDE PARK CHICAGO RESTAURANTS: WOMAN-OWNED EATERIES
NELLA PIZZA E PASTA
1125 E 55TH ST, CHICAGO, IL 60615
Image via Nella Pizza e Pasta Website
Did you know there’s a Michelin-star restaurant right here in Hyde Park? Nella Pizza e Pasta is right on 55th and steps from Ivy Villas and Ivy at Sylvan. Nella Grassano, a renowned pizzaiola born in Naples, Italy, infuses tradition, family, and love in each dish served.
There are tons of pizza options in Chicago, and Hyde Park is no exception to that. Here are some great reasons to choose Nella:
- Firewood-cooked pizzas
- True, authentic Italian-style pies
- Enjoy your meal with one of the Italian beer options available
- Dessert options galore: cannoli, nutella pizza, tiramisu, oh my!
Our favorites: Pere & Gorgonzola Salad, Neapolitan Pizza, Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, Tiramisu
SAUCY PORKA
1164 E 55TH ST, CHICAGO, IL 60615
Image by Kim Kovacik via Zagat
Just east of Nella is a fantastic Asian-Latin Fusion restaurant with casual eats and tons of flavor. Don’t believe us? You can trust the mayor of Flavor Town. Guy Fieri has featured Saucy Porka on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.”
Owner Amy Le began her culinary entrepreneurship in 2011 with DucknRoll food truck. Since then, she has opened two restaurants (Saucy Porka and Spotted Monkey) while also co-founding the IL. Food Truck Association. Her newest venture? Expanding Saucy Porka to the St. Louis market.
Reasons we love Saucy Porka:
- Friendly, helpful staff – I think it’s impossible to have a bad dining experience here.
- Tons of diet-friendly options, from vegan to gluten-free.
- All of their homemade sauces are just *chef’s kiss.*
- Latin flare is NOT the easiest to find in Hyde Park, and Saucy Porka brings it to the next level!
Our favorites: Funky Monkey Fries, Asian-Style Paella, Puerto Rican Rice Bowl
MEDICI ON 57TH
1327 E 57TH ST, CHICAGO, IL 60637
Image courtesy of Medici on 57th website
On your way to campus? Stop by Medici on 57th for delicious treats day and night. Medici has been a family-owned staple in Hyde Park for over 50 years and is currently owned by Kathy Morsbach. If you’re headed to UChicago campus from any Ivy Residences communities, this local hotspot is on the way.
Medici, once a gallery and coffeehouse, has expanded beyond drinks to offer delicious American fare in an eclectic atmosphere.
Need an excuse to try Medici? Here are some things to consider:
- A wide offering of food options, from egg scrambles to pizza to skewers and beyond–even vegan & pescetarian options!
- Some of Chicago’s best burgers
- Retractable accordion walls transform the café into an indoor/outdoor oasis perfect for spring and fall study sessions
- BYOB 🙂
Our favorites: Baked Goat Cheese, 57th Street Salad, Garbage Burger, Medici Mocha
JADE COURT
1516 E HARPER CT, CHICAGO, IL 60615
Image via Instagram / @nycreba
While newer to Hyde Park, Jade Court is rooted in family tradition. Renowned restauranteur Eddy Cheung opened the original Jade Court near UIC. Its rave reviews brought the masses to try “the best Chinese food I’ve had in a long, long time” according to the Chicago Tribune.
After Eddy’s passing in 2019, his daughter, Carol Cheung, has brought her iteration of Jade Court to Hyde Park. You can expect the same mouth-watering Cantonese food from the original Jade Court that will delight your taste buds.
Why Jade Court? Why not?!
- They were noted on Eater Chicago’s 38 Essential Restaurants in Winter 2022
- The ambiance inside the restaurant is dreamy and romantic, making this a great date night spot.
- Fantastic wine and cocktail selection
- Owner Carol is notorious for making impeccable menu recommendations, perfect for the indecisive!
Our favorites: Crispy Roast Duck, Jade Shrimp & Spinach Dumpling, Honey Walnut Shrimp, Szechwan Green Beans
