Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of West Town

Salad and dessert spots

Made for those who balance their commitment to fresh greens with a non-negotiable requirement for a sweet finish.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
JJ Thai Street Food image 1
JJ Thai Street Food image 2
JJ Thai Street Food image 3
View all
Thai restaurant

Small, intimate space with authentic Thai street food vibe and upbeat Thai music creates a lively atmosphere. Limited seating suits cozy dining and BYOB policy adds flexibility. Popular spot often requires reservations and fits well for fun date nights.

Salads here pack a punch with the beef salad and papaya salad standing out for their bold flavors. The grilled mushroom salad delivers a rich, intense taste that complements the lighter options well.

Taro dessert stands out with its warm, sweet coconut milk flavor. Other notable sweets include coconut pudding and mango sticky rice, both rich and satisfying.

People are saying

"The Thai food here is so authentic, like eating street food in Thailand."

"The papaya salad here is spicy and flavorful."

"You should try the coconut pudding dessert; it's a must-try."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

2

Expect long wait times, especially during peak hours and rainy weather.

3

Street parking is the only option available.

02
Dēliz Italian Steakhouse image 1

Elegant steakhouse with a darker aesthetic and thoughtfully curated spaces including a stylish main dining room and lounge. Music features a live DJ that enhances the atmosphere without overpowering conversation. Exceptional cocktails and excellent steak define the dining experience.

Ice cream and sorbet stand out as fantastic desserts. The owner, Steve, often sends extra desserts on the house and staff explain each item in detail with personal recommendations.

People are saying

"The steak here is seasoned and charred beautifully."

"The desserts here are light, not too sweet, and uniquely presented."

"The Caesar salad here has a nice, punchy dressing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required as the restaurant is often fully booked.

2

Street parking is available, but valet service is also offered.

3

The restaurant has a full menu available at the bar.

03
Shokolad Pastry & Cafe image 1
Ukrainian restaurant

Small, bright space offers authentic Ukrainian cuisine with a cozy, calm atmosphere and light jazz music in the background. The setting feels warm and homey, inviting for leisurely meals or relaxing breaks away from busy surroundings.

Fresh and flavorful carrot and cabbage salads stand out here. The cucumber salad and a fresh salad with tarragon dressing add variety. The so-called Caesar salad comes with lemon, crackers, and Parmesan but lacks traditional dressing.

Desserts include a drunken cherry cake and a cherry-filled dumpling. Honey pecan cake and chocolate coconut desserts offer rich, sweet options. Coffee pairs smoothly with these treats.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really great and delicious."

"The desserts here are delicious and delightful."

"The carrot and cabbage salads were so fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The cafe is BYOB, allowing guests to bring their own drinks.

2

Expect slow service during busy brunch hours, especially on weekends.

3

There are only two vegetarian options available on the menu.

04
Segnatore image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers hip, cozy decor with ethereal lighting and mismatched chairs creating an intimate vibe. Atmosphere stays lively and friendly with a strong presence of hip hop music. Large bar and varied seating accommodate a neighborhood crowd seeking quality pasta and drinks.

Beet and burrata salad stands out as a delicious appetizer. Citrus salad offers a fresh, vibrant option worth ordering.

Light and delicious desserts include a chocolate cake. An espresso from the coffee machine is offered as a dessert option. Desserts are good but not the meal's highlight.

People are saying

"The Italian food here, especially the pasta, is cooked to perfection."

"The desserts here are light and delicious, especially the chocolate cake."

"I found the lasagna to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during lunch and dinner rush hours.

2

Happy hour runs until 7:00 PM with various drink options.

3

Brunch specials are available on weekends, offering great deals.

05
Hiro Bar Izakaya image 1
Japanese restaurant

Hip and funky interior with house music and a huge bar sets a lively tone. Atmosphere suits dates and groups seeking vibrant energy, though noise and warmth can be intense. Signature cocktails feature unique presentations, enhancing the overall experience.

Brussels sprouts appear in a chopped cabbage salad but taste like cold fry oil since they are not fried fresh. The cucumber salad offers a fresh contrast among the salad options.

Banana foster with toasted coconut changes the usual dessert game. The lychee crème brûlée and smoked caramel coconut gelato stand out with rich, balanced flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is tasty with unique, rich flavors."

"The desserts, like the Toki Tres Leches, are amazing and not too sweet."

"I loved the brussel sprouts salad; it was really good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are easy to get on Wednesday nights with plenty of space available.

2

Happy hour food portions are smaller but priced the same as regular menu items.

3

Expect higher prices for small portions, like $17 for two chicken robata skewers.

06
Chengdu Bistro West Town 蓉小馆 image 1

Chinese restaurant offers a cozy, beautiful space with cramped tables and a busy, loud atmosphere where conversation can be challenging. A large, dog-friendly patio provides casual outdoor seating with live music. The vibe suits groups looking to share dishes in a lively setting.

Spicy cucumber salad offers a perfect crunch and bold flavors that balance heat well. Garlic cucumber salad stands out as a notable small dish that complements the meal.

Brown rice syrup rice cake stands out as a traditional dessert here. Desserts lean toward authentic flavors and are worth trying for those who enjoy rice cake treats.

People are saying

"I loved the Chinese food, especially the Dan Dan noodles."

"The cucumber salad was loaded with flavors and added the perfect crunch."

"These soup dumplings are the best in Chicago."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for peak dining hours.

2

A small bowl of Dan Dan noodles costs $6.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of vegan options, including Mapo Tofu.

07
PIZZ'AMICI image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small, cozy space with dim lighting and tiled floor decor creates an intimate setting. Loud atmosphere with obnoxious music and shouting makes conversation difficult. The place fills quickly, attracting a lively crowd that values thin crust pizza and a casual vibe.

Caesar salad stands out as phenomenal and the house salad impresses with its rich flavors. Salads consistently serve as a highlight of the meal.

Gelato serves as a common dessert choice, often presented as a trio. Some orders get mixed up, causing guests to receive and pay for desserts they did not request.

People are saying

"The pizza crust is ultra-thin and crispy."

"The pizza crust here is amazingly thin and crisp."

"The pizza here is cracker thin and crispy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant fills up quickly.

2

Expect long wait times without a reservation, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant is BYOB, but there's a $20 corkage fee.

08
Bloom Plant Based Kitchen image 1

Vegan restaurant with beautiful decor and a hipster vibe offers outdoor dining and modern, inviting atmosphere. The space feels immaculate and lively, though music volume can be high. It suits both casual nights and romantic dates.

Salads feature a Nicoise with rich flavors and an Endive Salad combining pickled onion, caramelized pecans, raisins, apples, kale, dill, and a lemon coconut dressing for a crisp, tangy, and slightly sweet taste.

Desserts feature fresh fruit and deliver very flavorful tastes. Options suit both vegan and non-vegan preferences.

People are saying

"The Ube Panna Cotta is heavenly and my favorite dessert anywhere."

"I experienced the best vegetarian dining I've had in a while."

"Their plant-based dishes are creative and delicious, even for carnivores."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger parties to ensure seating.

2

Happy Hour offers discounted appetizers and drinks from 4-6pm on weekdays.

3

The restaurant accommodates gluten allergies with a variety of options.

09
Kama Bistro - Wicker Park image 1
Modern Indian restaurant

Modern Indian restaurant with contemporary lounge vibe and beautiful architectural design creates an upscale atmosphere. Music leans toward Afrobeats, contributing to a lively, sometimes loud energy. Unique Indian fusion cocktails stand out alongside highly praised dishes like lamb vindaloo and paneer.

Beet and goat cheese salad offers a refreshing sweetness with decadent spiced walnuts and an unexpected kick. Flavors come together in a complex, light dish perfect for hot weather.

Chai spiced bread pudding stands out as a dessert worth noting. Seasonal kulfi also offers a unique treat that feels like a special indulgence.

People are saying

"The food here is packed with flavor and seasoned to perfection."

"The beet and goat cheese salad has decadent spiced walnuts."

"I was impressed the desserts were worth cheating on my diet for."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs on Saturdays with special pricing on drinks and appetizers.

2

A pop-up Italian menu is available for lunch on Mondays.

3

There is an additional charge for dining in that is not clearly communicated.

10
Folklore | Argentine Restaurant image 1
Argentinian restaurant

Indoor space features candlelit tables and a romantic atmosphere with live acoustic guitar music at times. The mood is warm and inviting, suited for formal occasions or celebrations. Large portions and varied drinks complement the polished, spacious setting.

Generous portions highlight the salads, with the standard tomato salad and folklore salad standing out. The steak salad pairs well with empanadas, offering a solid choice among dishes.

Flan stands out as a delicious dessert here, often enjoyed in full portions. Desserts consistently complement the meal with perfect seasoning and satisfying flavors.

People are saying

"It's so romantic with dim lights and candles."

"I found the steak salad to be delicious."

"You have to try the flan for dessert; it's delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy events like street festivals.

2

Expect larger portions, making it ideal for sharing entrees.

3

Prices are reasonable, with a skirt steak priced at $48 for one person.

11
Nikko Sushi Izakaya image 1
Japanese restaurant

Multi-level Japanese restaurant combines sleek modern decor with traditional elements and offers a fun, inviting vibe highlighted by EDM house music. The atmosphere feels upscale yet lively, with attentive service and a clean, elegant interior. Fresh sushi and a diverse drink menu complement the energetic setting.

Fresh options include an octopus salad, tuna carpaccio, and a house salad. The seaweed salad has very little seaweed. Avocado wraps add a tasty twist to the salad choices.

Desserts focus on quality matcha ice cream with a flavor-forward, not too sweet profile. Hand rolls extend to desserts, allowing unlimited orders.

People are saying

"I thought the sushi here was the best in the city."

"The matcha soft serve ice cream has a great texture and taste."

"Their vanilla and matcha soft serve was amazing."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat option is available on weekends only.

2

Reservations are recommended for the all-you-can-eat service.

3

They charge extra for any leftover food from the all-you-can-eat menu.

12
Cafe Istanbul image 1
Turkish restaurant

Coal-fired grill for spit-roasted lamb defines the dining experience with authentic Turkish flavors. Warm, cozy atmosphere fills tight indoor and outdoor spaces, enhanced by an open kitchen and lively bar. Close tables and spirited vibe create an intimate, bustling setting reminiscent of Istanbul meyhanes.

Arugula salad stands out with its fresh peppery flavor and pairs well with doner. Turkish salad and the daily soup complement the meal with simple, fresh ingredients.

Flan stands out as a rich, creamy dessert here. Staff often offer desserts with a thoughtful, caring touch.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is full of flavor, especially the kebabs."

"You can't skip the desserts; the Pear Delight is amazing."

"The Turkish salad here was a great starter."

Good to know

1

The buffet costs $50 per person, offering unlimited meats, salads, drinks, and desserts.

2

Expect an 18% service fee added to your bill automatically.

3

A 3% charge applies for credit card payments.

Discover more

West Town, Chicago

Area guide
Loading Map...