Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois
  4. Chicago
  5. Little Italy / University Village
Chez Joel, Chicago, IL
Award-winning

Chez Joel

4.7
4.7
2632 Reviews
$30 and under
French

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 17 times today
  • Charming
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Great for outdoor dining
In the midst of Little Italy, Chez Joel creates the tastes and aromas of France for. Featuring traditional favorites, Chef Joel Kazouini offers his straightforward, expertly prepared Southern French cuisine. Chez Joel’s atmosphere is reminiscent of a true French bistro; its walls adorned with French posters and tables covered with butcher paper. The cozy environment makes Chez Joel the perfect spot for any romantic meal, and when weather permits, garden tables offer an open-air experience where you’ll find one of the most divine al fresco dining settings in the city.
Chez Joel Since 1999

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    French
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu 17:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–22:00
  • Phone number
    (312) 226-6479
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Joel Kazouini
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Area
    Little Italy / University Village
  • Cross Street
    May Street
  • Parking details
    Valet at Dinner: $7
  • Public transit
    Racine Blue line..Taylor bus, Number 8 Halsted bus.
  • Additional
    Beer, Beer Garden, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, High Tea, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 2,632 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Chicago / Illinois

    French

2,632 Reviews
  1. Jeffrey

    Detroit

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We have been going to this restaurant for decades. The food quality, ambience and the attentiveness have never changed. The owner never forgets our 95 year old mother and was warm and welcoming. The waiters joined in to sing happy birthday and I feel nothing other than happiness returning to this great venue. Great food.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Robert

    Chicago

    50 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    50 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Nice food options in an improved garden like patio. Very very pleasant

    Is this helpful?

  3. Evan

    Chicago

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a great classical French meal with garden seating which was very relaxing (we used an outdoor heater as it became cooler during the evening).

    Is this helpful?

  4. David

    Chicago

    37 reviews

    4.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on 5 October 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    The steak au poivre was a skinny overdone piece of meat with nary a detectable peppercorn. Something I’d expect at a cheap steakhouse. Look, Chez Joel is adorable and romantic. And it’s outdoor dining a treat (other than idiots driving down Taylor blasting bad music). On a beautiful night it’s a treat). But the food was so disappointing I think we’ll not make the trip again.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Donald

    Chicago

    67 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    67 reviews

    Dined on 5 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We enjoyed a well-prepared and well-served dinner at Chez Joel last evening. We will dine there again soon.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Tom

    Dallas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 5 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was excellent. The only problem was my duck breast, the skin was not crispy (the fat not rendered).

    Is this helpful?

  7. Tom

    Chicago

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 4 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our server Jose was great. We love the outdoor seating. So very inviting. 6 entrees were all delicious. Halibut, lamb chops, steak

    Is this helpful?

  8. J

    Chicago

    85 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    85 reviews

    Dined on 2 October 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 5
    Normally one of the best courtyard dining experiences in the city, quiet and intimate. The appetizers and sea bass entree were excellent. However, the rest of visit was not up to standards. The Bouillabaisse, instead of being a seafood stew, was seafood in an EXTREMELY salty and thin liquid, like a bouillon cube in saltwater. The server did not bring bowls for shells until asked. And water glasses were not refilled, despite the restaurant not being busy during our early visit. Chez Joel, you can do better.

    Is this helpful?

  9. John Anthony

    Chicago

    8 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on 27 September 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful patio dining space with lots of overhanging green - cozy, intimate but accessible to larger groups - food quality is excellent to very excellent

    Is this helpful?

  10. sharon

    Chicago

    84 reviews

    5.0

    84 reviews

    Dined on 27 September 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was our first time here, but it surely will not be our last. We loved it here at every level from our greeting by the host until our departure it was all perfection. The decor and ambiance were superior. The staff and service were excellent. The food was simply supreme. You really should come to this delightful French Bistro in Chicago’s Little Italy because it is indeed first rate!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Chez Joel offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (312) 226-6479.

Chez Joel is rated 4.7 stars by 2632 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 17 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Chez Joel

1119 West Taylor, Chicago, IL 60607

Additional information

  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Cross Street
    May Street
  • Area
    Little Italy / University Village
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu 17:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–22:00
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    French
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Valet at Dinner: $7
  • Public transit
    Racine Blue line..Taylor bus, Number 8 Halsted bus.
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Joel Kazouini
  • Additional
    Beer, Beer Garden, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, High Tea, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable International Ltd. Alphabeta Building, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo