Best Romantic Restaurants in Chicago [2024]

When it comes to finding the perfect spot for a romantic evening out in Chicago, there are plenty of options to choose from. From cozy Italian eateries to upscale fine dining restaurants with stunning city views, the Windy City has it all. In this blog article, we’ll explore some of the best romantic restaurants in Chicago that are sure to set the mood for a memorable night out with your significant other. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to enjoy a romantic dinner for two, these restaurants are not to be missed.

Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf

Address: 218 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: +1 (312) 624-8154
Details: $$$$, Restaurant

Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf is an elegant and romantic restaurant located in Chicago that provides a unique and intimate atmosphere for a special night out. The restaurant features dimly lit interiors with velvet, leather, delicate floral china, and candles everywhere, creating a 1920’s Parisian vibe that’s perfect for a romantic dinner or a girls’ night out. The ambiance is complemented by an extensive wine and cocktail list, making it a great place to enjoy drinks and food.

The food at Bavette’s is outstanding, with a varied menu that caters to both meat eaters and vegetarians. The steaks are enormous and outstanding, with the king crab and Brussels sprouts being a favorite among diners. The loaded baked potato is the size of a football, and the corn is excellent. The appetizers, such as the crab-stuffed avocado, are amazing, and the sides, including the charred Brussels sprouts, are delicious. The service is attentive and excellent, with servers keeping glasses full and providing great recommendations on the menu.

In addition to the food and ambiance, Bavette’s also features a basement bar that’s especially neat and worth checking out. Overall, Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf is a must-visit restaurant for anyone looking for an upscale yet not stuffy dining experience in Chicago. The restaurant is perfect for celebrating special occasions or having a romantic dinner with your significant other. The food, drinks, and service are all outstanding and are sure to make for an unforgettable dining experience.

Boka Restaurant

Address: 1729 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: +1 (312) 337-6070
Details: $$$, American restaurant

Boka Restaurant is an elegant and romantic dining destination in Chicago that offers an exquisite culinary experience, excellent service, and a charming atmosphere. The restaurant features an indoor garden that creates a romantic and charming ambiance perfect for a special night out. The staff is attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu and wine list, making the dining experience a memorable one.

The food at Boka is delicious and beautifully presented. The menu offers a range of unique and flavorful dishes, such as the grilled octopus, ricotta dumplings, and short ribs, that are sure to satisfy any palate. The restaurant also offers a tasting menu that allows diners to try a variety of dishes, paired with wine or cocktails. The chicken, an uncommon dish in fine dining restaurants, is highly recommended and perfectly cooked.

Boka Restaurant is an ideal place for a romantic dinner or special occasion, with an upscale casual atmosphere that’s perfect for a relaxing and enjoyable meal. The restaurant is perfect for those who appreciate excellent food, exceptional service, and a charming ambiance. Whether for a birthday celebration or a romantic date night, Boka Restaurant is a must-visit dining destination in Chicago.

Oriole

Address: 661 W Walnut St, Chicago, IL 60661
Phone: +1 (312) 877-5339
Details: $$$$, Fine dining restaurant

Oriole is a stunning and luxurious restaurant in Chicago that offers an unforgettable dining experience. From the moment you enter the restaurant till you leave, the staff at Oriole ensures that every moment spent there is perfect. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a regular night out, Oriole makes sure that every diner feels special and enjoys the perfect dining experience.

The multi-course tasting menu at Oriole is Kaiseki-inspired and offers a range of unique and flavorful dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. Each dish is presented beautifully and the portions are just right to allow diners to savor every flavor. The food is creative, innovative, and delicious, making it one of the best meals that diners have ever had. The wine list is also impressive, with a good selection of properly-aged wines that complement the flavors of the dishes perfectly.

The staff at Oriole is professional, knowledgeable, and attentive, making sure that every detail is taken care of. The service is impeccable, and the staff is friendly and welcoming. The restaurant’s ambiance is elegant and sophisticated, with a low to moderate noise level and tables spaced apart to provide privacy. Oriole offers a dining experience that is larger than the sum of its parts, from the cool entry to the chic lounge, the synchronized action in the kitchen, and the energetic yet private-feeling dining room.

Overall, Oriole is a must-visit dining destination in Chicago for anyone looking for a luxurious and unforgettable dining experience. The food is superb, the service is excellent, and the staff is friendly and welcoming, making it a perfect dining destination for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, or just looking for a romantic night out, Oriole is the perfect place to indulge in fine dining and enjoy an unforgettable experience.

Tortoise Supper Club

Address: 350 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: +1 (312) 755-1700
Details: $$$, American restaurant

Tortoise Supper Club is a cozy and romantic restaurant in Chicago that offers great food and excellent service. The staff is friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable, making sure that every diner feels at home. The atmosphere is clubby, warm, and romantic, with lots of woodwork and cozy seating areas throughout. The live jazz music adds to the ambiance and makes it a perfect place for a romantic dinner.

The menu at Tortoise Supper Club is excellent, with a delicious offering of great food that is sure to satisfy any palate. The short ribs and meatloaf are highly recommended, and the creamed spinach is excellent. The Tortoise pie with creamy chocolate and walnuts is a must-try. The food is prepared perfectly, and the portions are generous. The service is excellent, and the staff is attentive and friendly, making sure that every detail is taken care of.

Tortoise Supper Club is also known for its Easter brunch buffet, which offers a spectacular selection of fresh seafood, hot entrees, breakfast selections, and decadent cakes. The valet parking is available, and the drinks are generously served. The soft jazz music played in the background adds to the ambiance and makes it a perfect place for a relaxing brunch. Overall, Tortoise Supper Club is a must-visit dining destination in Chicago for anyone looking for a cozy and romantic atmosphere, great food, and excellent service.

Le Colonial

Address: 57 E Oak St, Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: +1 (312) 255-0088
Details: $$$, Vietnamese restaurant

Le Colonial is a must-visit dining destination in Chicago that offers excellent food and a romantic atmosphere. The restaurant has an intimate, romantic, and classy feel to it, with a setting designed for the flavors of the menu and nothing more. The beautifully placed orchids, potted bamboo, designer au dai’s and mandarin-collar jackets on the service staff create the perfect ambiance to slip into a pose as movie extras in a romantic adventure movie.

Located on the third floor of a Gold Coast row house with balcony seating and an outdoor patio, Le Colonial is better than ever. The restaurant has a strong French influence with classic palms, and the upstairs is perfect for a cocktail, as it’s very relaxing. The Vietnamese-French cuisine is excellent, and the signature dishes, crispy whole red snapper with spicy garlic glaze, garlic green beans, and Wok-sautéed garlic egg noodles, and roasted Scottish salmon with mushrooms, coconut lobster broth, jasmine rice, and crispy Brussels sprouts are highly recommended.

The service at Le Colonial is excellent, with ring-kissing welcoming and uniformed servers with mandarin-collared jackets. The staff ensures that every diner feels comfortable and is attentive to their needs. The location is perfect, situated in the city’s fashionable shopping district, and the restaurant is popular among the Beautiful People. Overall, Le Colonial is a perfect place for a romantic dinner or a business meeting, with excellent food, a romantic atmosphere, and attentive service.

NoMI

Address: Seventh Floor, 800 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: +1 (312) 239-4030
Details: $$$$, American restaurant

NoMI is an exquisite restaurant that offers an exceptional dining experience with outstanding service and romantic views of the city. The menu is intriguing and expansive, and the wine list is abundant with reasonable options. The food is infused with a mix of Japanese and American cuisine, with each dish handled with delicacy. The rack of lamb and scallop entrees are highly recommended, and the tomahawk steak is a must-try item.

The staff at NoMI is very professional and personal, ensuring that every diner feels comfortable and attended to. The atmosphere is relaxed, with various age groups, and the separate elevator to the lounge adds to the exclusivity of the experience. The furniture and bar stools are modern but comfy, and the ambiance in the lounge is very romantic. The view from the outside lounge or inside area is one of the most gorgeous lounge areas in town, with a spectacular view of the Water Tower.

NoMI is a place that possesses the best view of the most iconic symbol in the city, the Water Tower, and the friendly environment welcomes people from all angles, tourists, businesspeople, and romantic couples. The presentation of the food is amazing, and the desserts are a perfect finish to the meal. The restaurant is a must-experience, and the service and food are excellent. The setting is perfect for a lovely romantic dinner, with a great view of the city, and the staff is top-notch, ensuring that every diner has an unforgettable dining experience.

Catch 35

Address: 35 W Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: +1 (312) 346-3500
Details: $$, Seafood restaurant

Catch 35 is an elegant and romantic seafood restaurant located in the heart of Chicago, offering a very special dining experience. The atmosphere is beautiful and perfect for a romantic dinner, and the service is outstanding. The waitstaff is very professional, knowledgeable, and attentive, ensuring that every diner feels comfortable and attended to.

The food at Catch 35 is amazing, with an extensive wine selection that complements the flavors perfectly. The menu offers a mix of seafood and steaks, with fresh fish caught within the last 24 hours. The Chilean sea bass, tuna sashimi, and scallops are highly recommended, and the buffalo shrimp and Maryland crab cakes are wonderful appetizers. The desserts, including the blueberry cheesecake and bourbon pecan pie, are also exceptional.

The restaurant has a jazz lounge and piano bar featuring the Eric Hochberg Trio and other jazz musicians, adding to the exclusivity of the experience. The Catch 35 in Naperville is also a great option for suburbanites. Overall, Catch 35 is a must-visit restaurant for seafood lovers, and the service, food, and atmosphere are excellent. Whether you’re in town for a conference or looking for a romantic dinner near the river, Catch 35 is the perfect choice.

Cherry Circle Room

Address: 12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: +1 (312) 792-3515
Details: $$$, American restaurant

Cherry Circle Room is an outstanding and romantic restaurant located in a cool building right across from the park in Chicago. The atmosphere is dimly lit with plush furnishings, giving it a fancy and romantic feel. The restaurant has an almost speakeasy vibe, with old-school wood paneling, a great bartender, and an almost club-like atmosphere.

The food at Cherry Circle Room is phenomenal, with every item perfectly prepared and innovative leading up to the Chateaubriand and dessert. The cocktails are also exceptional, with many wonderful options to choose from. The waitstaff is subtly formal and friendly, ensuring that every diner feels comfortable and attended to. The service is truly memorable, with personalized menus and a cocktail waitress with a trolley that is informative and lots of fun.

Cherry Circle Room is a great choice for both romantic evenings and family dinners, with exceptional food, service, and a beautiful and romantic room. The restaurant is truly memorable, and the waiters are always there when needed, ensuring that every diner has an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for Valentine’s Day or a luxurious brunch, Cherry Circle Room is the perfect choice.

Steak 48

Address: 615 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: +1 (312) 266-4848
Details: $$$, Steak house

Steak 48 is an exceptional steakhouse located in River North, Chicago, that simply exceeds the expectations of fine dining. The atmosphere is perfect for a romantic evening or even a business dinner, with varied ambience depending on where you sit. There is definitely something for everyone at this steakhouse. The waitstaff is exceptionally knowledgeable and friendly, giving diners the full experience of what fine dining is all about.

The food at Steak 48 is simply divine, with standout dishes including the custom seafood tower, wagyu beef, and bone-in ribeye. The sides, such as the brussels sprouts and chef au gratin potatoes, are also exceptional. The desserts, including warm caramel cake and chocolate chip bread pudding, are the perfect way to top off the night. The cocktails, such as dry martinis and Johnny Black on the rocks, are also highly recommended.

The service at Steak 48 is excellent, with attentive and professional waiters who ensure that every diner feels taken care of. The restaurant also goes above and beyond for special occasions, with handwritten birthday cards and surprise birthday treats. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for an exceptional dining experience, Steak 48 is the perfect choice. With excellent food, experience, and service, this steakhouse is highly recommended for a truly memorable meal.

The Lobby

Address: 108 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: +1 (312) 573-6760
Details: $$$, American restaurant

The Lobby at the Peninsula Hotel in Chicago is a perfect choice for a special occasion or a relaxing getaway. The restaurant offers an interesting menu that is delicious, and the service is exceptional. The staff is very attentive and courteous, ensuring that every diner feels taken care of. The restaurant also offers a Traditional Afternoon Tea, which is a special experience that is perfect for a birthday celebration or a gathering with friends.

The highlight of The Lobby is the amazing chocolate bar, which is available every Friday and Saturday night. The bar features three large tables of every kind of chocolate treat and dessert you can imagine, along with coffee and cappuccino. The atmosphere is relaxed, with live music and no rush, making it the perfect getaway for couples. While the cost is not inexpensive, it is worth the trip, especially if you love chocolate.

The food at The Lobby is stupendous, with standout dishes including the carrot salad and the chocolate bar. The ricotta tortellini is also highly recommended, and every dish is lick-your-plate-clean good. The restaurant also offers a relaxed and gentle ambiance, perfect for a date night or a special occasion. While the windows can be a concern during cold and breezy weather, the overall dining experience at The Lobby is exceptional and will leave you wanting to come back for more.

Piccolo Sogno

Address: 464 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60642
Phone: +1 (312) 421-0077
Details: $$$, Italian restaurant

Piccolo Sogno is an Italian gem located in the heart of Chicago that rivals any Italian restaurant in the country. The restaurant offers an extensive wine list that the waiters can more than help with, ensuring that every diner finds the perfect wine to accompany their selections. The service is prompt, professional, and attentive, without being intrusive, and the atmosphere is more comfortable than romantic, with many families including kids.

The restaurant offers creative dishes prepared from common ingredients that produce a variety of uncommon flavor combinations. The crab ravioli and the calamari served in an artichoke are some of the standout dishes, while the Branzino fish and the Pappardelle Cinghiale are highly recommended. The roasted pineapple with coconut and caramel dessert is also a must-try. The outdoor seating area is surrounded by lush trees and beautiful lighting, creating a perfect ambiance for a romantic dinner.

The food at Piccolo Sogno is outstanding, with the pasta being the freshest that diners can find outside of Northern Italy. The portion sizes are perfect, and each dish is skillfully prepared, making the food better than what they have enjoyed at other restaurants at twice the price. The staff is prompt, professional, and makes a point not to rush diners. Although the tables are close together and it can be relatively loud, the restaurant has a nice vibe and is perfect for a romantic evening, business dinner, or elegant family meal.

Sepia

Address: 123 N Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60661
Phone: +1 (312) 441-1920
Details: $$$, Fine dining restaurant

Sepia is a restaurant in Chicago that offers an exceptional dining experience, with an incredible collection of French, Italian, and American wines, and a knowledgeable sommelier who is always on hand to help diners choose the perfect wine to accompany their meal. The Tasting Menu is an excellent way to enjoy the fare at Sepia, allowing diners to try several of the various entrees, including the rabbit, the pasta, and the trout. The ambiance is great, with a nice chic vibe, and the staff is incredibly nice, making every diner feel like royalty.

The restaurant is perfect for a romantic dinner, a group celebration, or a business meeting, with a lovely atmosphere and a well-informed and helpful staff. The hostess is the sweetest and a delight to have as the first interaction with the restaurant. The menu is perfectly balanced, with exceptional combinations that offer complex flavors mixing in diners’ mouths, making them swoon. The strip steak is particularly recommended, and the mashed potatoes are an extraordinary dish that diners should not miss.

Sepia’s dining room is beautiful and perfect for a romantic dinner or a group celebration. The cocktails are beyond delicious and can hold their own with any specialty cocktail bar in town. Emmanuel, the owner, is an incredibly gracious host, making every diner feel welcome and special. The chocolate mousse for dessert is a must-try, and the prices are fair, considering the quality of the food and the wine selection. Sepia remains a favorite restaurant for many diners, who keep returning for the exceptional food, the lovely ambiance, and the friendly staff.

Kinzie Chophouse

Address: 400 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: +1 (312) 822-0191
Details: $$$, Steak house

Kinzie Chophouse is a steakhouse in Chicago that offers an exceptional dining experience, with fantastic food, excellent service, and a warm and romantic atmosphere. The menu not only offers many cuts of steak, but also chicken and pork chops, pasta, salads, and more. The prime rib is the best diners can find, with perfect seasoning and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and the blackened scallops are a must-try. The side dishes are large enough to share, and diners are meant to enjoy them together.

The service is fantastic, with servers who are incredibly educated and friendly, treating diners incredibly well and embracing any challenge. The restaurant is perfect for a special occasion, with a low-lit and elegant setting that creates a romantic ambiance. The waiters are attentive, and the staff is knowledgeable and helpful, handling any allergies with ease.

The value is pretty good for the quality of the food and the service, although the prices can be a little high for some diners. The tables are close together, and the noise level can be high as the restaurant fills to capacity, but this does not detract from the overall dining experience. Kinzie Chophouse is not an ideal location for a business or romantic dinner, but it is perfect for a special meal experience, and diners will leave feeling satisfied and happy.

RPM Steak

Address: 66 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: +1 (312) 284-4990
Details: $$$$, Steak house

RPM Steak is a top-notch steakhouse located in Chicago with exceptional food, service, and decor. The restaurant has a hot River North location and is already popular with foodies. It takes a while to nail down a reservation, but the experience is worth the wait. The dining room is spacious, and the staff is energetic and attentive, dressed in sharp uniforms. The decor is contemporary, at once casual and elegant, with subdued lighting that creates a romantic ambiance.

The food is outstanding, with top-quality ingredients and exceptional flavors. The menu offers many mouth-watering options, including thick-cut bacon with Bourbon-vanilla bean glaze, cheddar poppers, filet mignon, Japanese A5 Kobe beef, and Millionaire’s potato and onion rings. The wine recommendation is extraordinary, and the gin and tonics are a must-try. The sommelier knows his wines and is always available to help diners choose the perfect wine to accompany their meal.

The service is impeccable, with servers who are attentive and knowledgeable. They make diners feel welcome and special, and they are always available to answer any questions and make recommendations. The restaurant is perfect for a romantic evening or a business entertaining, and the ambiance is beautiful. It is a pricier restaurant, but worth every penny. RPM Steak is a top contender in a crowded field of Chicago steakhouses, with a Lettuce Entertain You pedigree evident in its scrupulous attention to detail, swagger, and allure.

Goosefoot

Address: 2656 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Phone: +1 (773) 942-7547
Details: $$$$, Fine dining restaurant

Goosefoot is a small, intimate restaurant in Chicago that offers a unique and unforgettable dining experience. The restaurant takes COVID precautions very seriously, with temperature checks, clear partitions between tables, and a fancy gadget to take particles out of the air. The woodstock theme is appropriate for the age of the patrons, and the interior is beautifully decorated with edible flowers on every plate. The plating is beautiful, and every dish is a work of art.

The staff is personable and professional, treating diners like old friends. Nina, the hostess, is a wonderful guide to the restaurant and its dishes. The chef, Chris, creates some of the best food in Chicago, with a tasting menu that is superb. The menu changes regularly, and every dish is delicious and beautifully presented. The cheese course is piped in an eggshell, and the yuzu palate cleanser is presented with mini replicas of the bandshell at Millennium Park. The desserts are so good that diners have to take them home.

The service is impeccable, with servers who are thorough in their descriptions of each course. The restaurant provides a great opportunity to pair your own wines with their delicious food. The music and theme change regularly, adding to the unique experience of dining at Goosefoot. Overall, Goosefoot is one of the best dinner experiences in Chicago, and it is a must-visit for anyone who loves great food and a unique dining experience.

3 Arts Club Cafe

Address: 1300 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: +1 (312) 475-9116
Details: $$, Restaurant

3 Arts Club Cafe is a beautiful and elegant restaurant located in the RH building in Chicago. The main value of the restaurant is its fantastic ambiance, making it a great spot to sit down with family and friends and have a coffee or a glass of wine. The staff are extreme professionals, offering flawless service that is attentive and knowledgeable. The food is slightly on the pricier side, but it is worth it for the delicious taste and beautiful presentation.

The dining space is simply stunning, with a light-flooded atrium and surrounded by fountains, trees, and chandeliers. The restaurant features a fairly concise menu of light bites, with a good selection of wine, cocktails, and fantastic coffee. The restaurant also has adjacent rooms that showcase their retail collection of fine furnishings, lighting, and more, which is a temple of design perfection. The staff takes COVID-19 precautions very seriously, ensuring that diners are safe while enjoying their meals.

The restaurant is busy and often totally committed, so reservations on Open Table are highly recommended. The service is impeccable, with servers who are knowledgeable about everything on the menu and are a pleasure to meet. The food is just terrific, with every detail of the experience being simply impeccable. The grilled cheese is a must-try, and the bellini is delicious, better than a mimosa. The restaurant is perfect for memory-making events filled with laughter and enjoying top-quality food with attentive service that is not overbearing.

Overall, 3 Arts Club Cafe is a beautiful space with surprisingly delicious food. The atmosphere is awesome, and the setting is in a big patio with the stamp of RH. The limited but delicious menu fits everyone, and the presentation of the meals is very nice. The restaurant is a little on the pricey side, but the ambiance makes it worth it. If you are looking for a great meal in a fabulous location to remind you of what good is, 3 Arts Club Cafe is the perfect spot.

RPM Italian

Address: 52 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: +1 (312) 222-1888
Details: $$$, Restaurant

RPM Italian is a popular restaurant in Chicago that offers a beautiful and romantic ambiance, excellent service, and a broad selection of starters, mains, and desserts. The restaurant has a modern and elegant dining room that is a bit crowded and noisy, making it great for people watching. The service is professional and attentive, with the staff being friendly, knowledgeable, and personable.

The menu features a variety of dishes, including the 600-day aged prosciutto, grilled prawns, Caesar salad, short rib pasta, and grilled octopus salad. The portions are on the smaller side, but they are packed with flavor and creativity. The wine list is impressive, and the garlic bread, pumpkin agnolitti, and dessert donuts are particularly tasty. The restaurant is trendy, and the ambiance and lighting make everyone look great.

Reservations are a must, and the restaurant can accommodate somewhat larger groups, but 2 or 4 work best for getting seated. The restaurant is kid accommodating, and it is not recommended if looking for a quiet romantic dinner. The restaurant is always busy, so it is a good idea to make reservations in advance. The truffled garlic bread and Brussels sprouts salad are must-try dishes that are sure to impress.

Overall, RPM Italian is an excellent choice for a celebratory or romantic type of occasion. The restaurant is pricey, but it is worth it for the quality of the food, service, and ambiance. The restaurant is a must-visit when in Chicago, and the experience is delightful, with everything down to the last bite of the cheese sampler plate being enjoyable. The restaurant is highly recommended by both locals and visitors alike.

Acanto

Address: 18 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: +1 (312) 578-0763
Details: $$$, Italian restaurant

Acanto is a classic and elegant restaurant located in the Loop area of Chicago that offers a wonderful intimate atmosphere, excellent food, and exceptional service. The restaurant is frequented by locals and regular customers who enjoy the friendly and welcoming staff, including the owner who takes the time to chat with his guests. The restaurant is perfect for a romantic evening or a leisurely lunch with friends or family, and it offers both indoor and outdoor seating.

The menu features a variety of dishes, including large and tasty homemade pastas, oysters, short rib rigatoni, lobster pasta, and risotto. The entrees are reasonably priced and of high quality, with perfectly cooked meat/fish and solid portion sizes. The wine list is extensive, but it is a bit expensive, and the cocktails are delicious. The restaurant also accommodates dietary needs and restrictions and offers creative and flavorful dishes that are fresh and well-prepared.

The service is exceptional, with the staff being efficient, polite, and friendly. The waiters give the guests enough time to have some conversation before ordering, and they are there when needed. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and wine list and makes excellent suggestions. The restaurant also offers happy hour specials, and the seed crackers that come with the bread are delicious. Overall, Acanto is a solid Italian restaurant that offers a great dining experience for all occasions, whether it is a quick lunch, a romantic dinner, or a family gathering.

riccardo trattoria

Address: 2119 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: +1 (773) 549-0038
Details: $$$, Italian restaurant

Riccardo Trattoria is a small and cozy Italian restaurant located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago. The restaurant offers a romantic atmosphere, excellent service, and authentic Italian cuisine that is both delicious and fresh. The menu is extensive and features a variety of dishes, including house-made pastas, veal ossobuco, veal saltimbocca, lobster risotto, and zucchini blossom appetizer. The wine list is also impressive and has a variety of lush Italian wines to choose from.

The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, making guests feel welcome and at home. The restaurant is family-owned and operated, giving it a homemade feeling that adds to the overall dining experience. Reservations are a must, and even with a reservation, there may be a little wait, but it is well worth it. The restaurant also has a sister restaurant, Riccardo Innoteco, directly across the street, which offers delicious pizza and many of the same items as Riccardo Trattoria.

The restaurant is perfect for a romantic dinner for two or a family gathering, with multi-generational families and romantic couples enjoying the bustling yet intimate room. The restaurant is not an Italian-American restaurant, but it offers authentic Italian cuisine that is sure to please even the most discerning palate. The prices are reasonable, and the value is excellent, making the restaurant a great choice for any occasion. Overall, Riccardo Trattoria is one of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago, offering a wonderful dining experience that is sure to be unforgettable.

Gibsons Italia

Address: 233 N Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: +1 (312) 414-1100
Details: $$$, Italian restaurant

Gibsons Italia is a luxurious Italian restaurant located in Chicago that offers outstanding service, delicious food, and stunning views of the river and city. The restaurant is known for its impeccable service and knowledgeable staff, who make guests feel welcome and special from the moment they walk in the door. The menu is extensive and features a variety of dishes, including seafood towers, steaks, sea scallops with risotto, and roasted beet salad. The red sauce is also fantastic and complements the dishes perfectly.

The restaurant has a luxurious and inviting ambiance, making it perfect for romantic dinners, family gatherings, or business meetings. The restaurant is bright and clear, with glass walls that offer stunning views of the city. The music is an upbeat jazzy collection that adds to the overall dining experience. The staff is courteous and thoughtful, and the waiters are some of the best in the business, making great recommendations that guests are still talking about.

Gibsons Italia is one of the best dining experiences you can have in Chicago, offering outstanding food, excellent service, and a luxurious ambiance that is sure to impress. The restaurant is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a meal with friends or family. The restaurant is also known for its complimentary Happy Birthday desserts, which are the icing on the cake for any birthday celebration. Overall, Gibsons Italia is a must-visit restaurant for anyone looking for a luxurious dining experience in Chicago.

Bistronomic

Address: 840 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: +1 (312) 944-8400
Details: $$$, Restaurant

Bistronomic is a charming French bistro located in the heart of Chicago that offers excellent food, good service, and a lovely atmosphere. The restaurant is known for its warm welcome and friendly staff, who are knowledgeable about the menu and happy to offer recommendations. The menu is extensive and features a variety of dishes, including braised lamb shanks, beef bourguignon, chicken liver mousse, and steak frites. The food is well prepared and delicious, with large portions that are perfect for sharing.

The restaurant has a casual and unpretentious atmosphere, making it perfect for a romantic dinner, family gathering, or business lunch. The decor is contemporary with a touch of Napoleon III, and the lighting is great, not harsh. The wine list is extensive and filled with select vintages, grapes, and origins, and the staff is always happy to help guests select the perfect wine to complement their meal. The restaurant also offers outdoor/enclosed dining, which is perfect for enjoying the lovely ambiance.

Overall, Bistronomic is a delightful restaurant that offers authentic French cuisine at a reasonable price. The menu has so many options that it can be difficult to choose, but everything is delicious and well-prepared. The service is prompt but not rushed, and the staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to help. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a great dining experience in Chicago.

North Pond

Address: 2610 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: +1 (773) 477-5845
Details: $$$$, American restaurant

North Pond is a charming and romantic restaurant located in Lincoln Park, Chicago, offering a wonderful dining experience to both locals and visitors alike. The restaurant is set in a tranquil park with stunning views of the city, making it a perfect place for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. The ambiance and decor are perfect for a romantic evening, and the staff makes guests feel special throughout the entire evening.

The menu is natural and local, featuring fine products that are lovingly prepared and bursting with flavor. The dishes are inventive, and the small portions are perfect, allowing guests to enjoy them all without feeling too full. The chef’s complimentary tastings are thoughtful and outstanding, and the service is warm and friendly, with many special touches for a birthday dinner. The staff is very informative, and they pay deep attention to fine dining without pretense.

North Pond is known for taking care of the little things, which separates them from being just a good place to being on top. They care about every little detail, and they get it right. The restaurant is pricey, but it is worth every penny for those special occasions. The rooms are cozy and are an orgy of Frank Lloyd Wright inspired architecture and woodwork. The menu changes with the seasons, and guests can always expect something new and exciting.

In conclusion, North Pond is one of the best dining experiences and romantic settings in all of Chicago. Although the restaurant is hard to find and rather pricey, it is an excellent place for a memorable evening. The food is excellent, the service is outstanding, and the ambiance is perfect. North Pond is highly recommended for anyone looking for a wonderful dining experience in Chicago.

Maple & Ash

Address: 8 W Maple St, Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: +1 (312) 944-8888
Details: $$$$, Steak house

Maple & Ash is a beautiful and romantic restaurant in Chicago, perfect for a special occasion or a business dinner. The ambiance is dark yet pleasing to the eye, with candles on each table gently illuminating the room. The staff is friendly, professional, and not overbearing, making guests feel comfortable and valued.

The menu is expensive but offers excellent value, with large portions that can easily be shared. The food is cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor, making every dish a delight to the taste buds. The restaurant offers an excellent wine list, with sommeliers who can pick out fantastic wines to pair with the meal.

The service is impeccable, with staff members who know what they are supposed to do and do it well. The restaurant is buzzing with activity, but the acoustics are good, making it easy to hear and converse with companions. Maple & Ash is not just a steakhouse; it offers a variety of food items that are great in flavor, portion size, and presentation.

In conclusion, Maple & Ash is a hidden jewel box restaurant that offers exquisite wines, cocktails, and steaks. It is a perfect location for a romantic date night or a special event while in the windy city. The restaurant is busy and full of people dressed up and ready for the evening, making it a great place to see what Chicago has to offer. The staff is excellent, the food is delicious, and the atmosphere is fantastic, making it a dining experience that guests will never forget.

In conclusion, Chicago is home to some of the most romantic restaurants in the country, with a wide range of options to suit any taste or budget. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot for a first date or an elegant setting for a special occasion, the city has it all. From Italian classics to contemporary American cuisine, each of these restaurants offers a unique and unforgettable dining experience. So why not plan your next romantic evening out and discover all that Chicago’s dining scene has to offer?