The Little Gem Cafe

“Absolutely great restaurant.”

Absolutely great restaurant. The Little Gem Cafe had a great, cozy atmosphere with a dapper look. The dessert was delicious. We had the tiramisu and creme brulé. For my entire I had the monk fish which was a special and enjoyed it. For appetizers we had the calamari (couldn't eat because allergy), the hummus and olive (my favorite) and some bread with cheese and figs if I recall correctly(?) which was also amazing. The drink menu was well crafted and offered a variety of specials. I would definitely return.

Joseph Kizior

Nov 2025

“Wonderful early lunch today.”

Wonderful early lunch today. Great service and value for the price.

Fred Doane

Oct 2025

“Cute little whole in the wall, the service was impeccable, the food is to die for.”

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 server. We had the appetizers Calamari-cooked to perfection, and the crispy Eggplant with tomato, cheese and balsamic glaze that was amazing. The entrees we absolutely loooove were the cheese stuffed pork chop, roasted chicken, and beef braised ribs. It was all cooked to perfection, nothing left on our plates! Would absolutely go again!

Nadia D

Jul 2025

“We went for an early dinner right after 3pm, we told the server we only had 40 minutes before Frank...”

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 is delicious, the server is very professional. Wish we had more time to get some drink and enjoy more. Cash is preferred for tips.

Mermaid HD

Jun 2025

“Last Thursday was my husband's and my wedding anniversary and although this visit was only our...”

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 as always was exceptional from the calamari appetizer, the honey Brussels sprouts down to the main courses that included the Gouda stuffed pork chop and the sausage orecchiette; but the sleeper super rock star was those Brussels Sprouts which were crispy, sweet, flavorful and perfectly done. As always the desserts were fantastic and I would like to thank our server Carlos for being so attentive.

Blake Kirkland

May 2025

“My husband and I have visited this charming spot twice—once for Valentine’s Day and again for our...”

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! I also fell head over heels for their cappuccinos; they were so good, I’m now tempted to buy an espresso machine just to recreate them at home!

Sereniti Phoenix

Dec 2024

“Had brunch after my breast cancer awareness walk on 9/28/24.”

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! Thank you so much, The Little Gem,for making this day a bit more special.

CRAFTY GENES

Sep 2024

“We came here for a date-night.”

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 tried the soup du jour, which was the French onion. It was a cute little crock with the cheese melty and crusty. It was everything that a French onion soup should be. We also tried the tomato bisque. I have to say with confidence that this was the best tomato bisque I've ever had. It was rich and creamy and so flavorful. Each spoonful was like a meal. Next up was the short ribs with the cavatelli pasta. The meat was juicy and tender and full of body and flavor. The pasta was perfect and it had these amazing mushrooms in it. Last, we had the tiramisu with an espresso spot and a cappuccino. The dessert was decadent, we really enjoyed it. I loved that they used Julius Meinl coffee and espresso. I haven't had this coffee from Vienna in a very long time. We will be back. This is a perfect anniversary or romantic date-night.

Eileen Lopez

Aug 2024

“**NEIGHBORHOOD GEM ALERT**We a party of 12, the restaurant was ready when we arrived.”

**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 to us and welcomed us to the restaurant. The restaurant is intimate but festive. They have live entertainment on the weekend so that was nice. I recommend the braised short rib. No one complained about their food, but the prime rib needed to be cooked a bit more before it was enjoyable. All in all, it was a good time and I look forward to returning!

Kisha Johnson-Smith

Apr 2024

“I truly love this Gem in the heart of Oakpark, and absolutely recommend them.”

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 made a reservation and was running very late, i am most grateful to them for accommodating me either way. I have been here numerous times and will definitely return. I sure recommend them!!!

Susan Ramos

Feb 2024

“Little Gem is an absolute treasure.”

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 seared salmon. Creme brûleé is a must for dessert! The ambiance is perfect for date night and the live music really completes the experience. I'd 100% recommend this restaurant.

Eric Blazek

Jan 2024

“Went for lunch midweek-excellent food.”

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!

laurie taggart

Nov 2023