- Why is Chicago a great destination for food lovers?
- Chicago is a fun destination for foodies, where you will get to taste delicious culinary creations showcasing flavors from around the world.
- What international cuisines can visitors sample in Chicago?
- Sample dishes from Peru, Italy, Ethiopia, Eastern Europe, Belgium, Brazil, and Japan.
- What types of food are popular in Chicago?
- Order amazing seafood, New American dishes, barbecue, burgers, and creative farm-to-table cuisine.
- Are there both casual and fine dining options in Chicago?
- Some of the restaurants on our list are casual eateries, a perfect lunch stop between sightseeing, while others are elegant establishments where you can celebrate a romantic occasion in style.
- Where can couples find romantic dining in Chicago?
- Here are the best romantic restaurants in Chicago.
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1. Raised
Located in Chicago’s Main Stem river district on the third floor of Renaissance Chicago Hotel, Raised is a rooftop bar with spectacular views of the city and the river. The indoor/outdoor bar occupies what was once the hotel’s meeting space. Decorated in trendy and industrial style, the lounge serves Chicago local craft beers, a nice selection of wines and, both classic and new cocktails. There are six Chicago beers on tap, rotating weekly, and 40 bottled brews, all local. Expect the latest from Off Color Brewing from Logan Square and Local Option from Lincoln Park. There are eight wines on tap and 35 bottles to choose from, by glass or by bottle. Executive Chef Daniel Perez and Specialty Raised Restaurant Chef Timothy Powles offer imaginative shareable plates and bar snacks. The outdoor space has fire pits and space heaters to keep you comfortable.
1 West Upper Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601, Phone: 312-795-3444
2. Celeste
Celeste is a contemporary, chic lounge, restaurant and bar that echoes the glamorous era of turn-of-the-century Chicago. Beautifully designed interiors, stylish décor, and tranquil lighting combine to create an elegant and refined ambiance while three separate dining spaces offer multi-faceted atmospheres. The bar serves a range of classic and inventive cocktails, wines and craft brews, as well as a selection of refined small bites of sophisticated, seasonal American cuisine. The second floor houses the Deco Room, an intimate dining space that serves an upscale and seasonal dining program in an opulent setting, while a beautiful rooftop garden serves as an urban oasis where guests can comfortably relax and dine.
111 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, Illinois, Phone: 312-828-9000
3. The Duck Inn
Resting on the border of Chicago’s booming Pilsen and Bridgeport neighborhoods, The Duck Inn is a friendly local gastropub type tavern that serves New American cuisine. Housed in a century-old inn between Loomis Street and the Chicago River, the eatery features a comfortable front lounge/bar space where small plates and light fare from a snack menu are served, as well as an elegant dining room where guests can enjoy first and main courses and selections from an excellent tasting menu. Accompanying the award-winning cuisine is an extensive beverage program that boasts contemporary cocktails, craft beers, and international wines.
2701 S Eleanor, Chicago, Illinois, Phone: 312-724-8811
4. Ada Street
Located in one of Chicago’s quieter neighborhoods, Ada Street is a stylish and contemporary restaurant that serves New American-Mediterranean cuisine in a refined and elegant setting. Owners Michael Kornick and David Morton provide guests with a menu of Mediterranean-inspired dishes such as pan-seared Arctic char, grilled baby octopus, and agave glazed lamb ribs. Ada Street also has an eclectic selection of handcrafted cocktails, local and imported brews and beers on tap, and fine red and white wines. An intimate and private dining space is available for special events.
1664 North Ada Street, Chicago, Illinois, Phone: 773-697-7069
5. Demera Ethiopian Restaurant
Demera Ethiopian Restaurant brings a touch of Africa to Chicago with authentic Ethiopian cuisine. Located on the corner of Broadway Street and St Lawrence, Demera serves traditional dishes such as sambussa, messob, and Doro Wat, and they also have an excellent selection of cocktails, wine, and hot drinks. Chef Tigist creates an array of dishes that will take you on a culinary journey into the heart of Ethiopia, with tender meat and vegetable combinations soaked in spicy sauces that guests are encouraged to eat by hand. End the meal with a sambussa turnover (a deliciously sweet pastry filled with almonds, walnuts, cardamom, rose water and saffron) and a strong Ethiopian coffee, which is brewed on site.
4801 N.Broadway Street, Chicago, Illinois, Phone: 773-334-8787
6. L H Rooftop
A rooftop venue is the perfect place to take in the remarkable views of Chicago. L H Rooftop invites you to come and enjoy the perfect evening of great food, wonderful views and exceptional service at their un-beatable London House location. Guests have the choice of dining indoors in the sophisticated dining room or alfresco on the roof top terrace. The restaurant is open from 11am to midnight and their all-day menu features innovative American classics, including their take on American Tapas, appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts. Signature dishes include their Kalbi Short Rib, Grilled Octopus Salad and mouth-watering Jamaican Jerk Scallops.
London House, 85 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601, 312 357 1200
7. Eden Chicago
Eden Chicago is a delightful offering on Chicago's West Loop dining scene, opened in 2016 by restaurateur Jodi Fife and her husband, executive chef Devon Quinn. The charming Mediterranean-style eatery serves up excellent brunch and dinner fare from the week, pulling from a variety of regional culinary traditions, including Israeli, Lebanese, and Spanish cuisines. Diners can enjoy delicious selections like baked shrimp paccheri, curried lentil brik, cumin-grilled lamb with couscous and merguez, and mushroom matzo ball soup with miso corn broth. Housemade pastas are also on the menu, highlighting unique selections like sweet pea pierogies with broccoli puree and trumpet mushrooms or red crab and corn agnolotti with peppadew peppers and cherry tomatoes. Full tasting menus are also served up nightly, showcasing selections like wood-grilled skirt steaks, fjord sea trout, and layer cake with whipped vanilla bean ganache and caramelized dark chocolate.
1748 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60612, Phone: 312-366-2294
8. Formento's
Located in the Fulton Market District, Formento's is an authentic Italian restaurant that serves traditional and classic Italian dishes alongside new Italian-American favorites. Inspired by the age-old tradition of an Italian ‘Sunday-supper gathering,’ Chef/Partner Tony Quartaro has created a menu that takes diners into the heart of an Italian Cucina – think porcini bruschetta and Nona’s meatballs for lunch and wood-fired zucchini and pesto Giovanni for dinner. Desserts include handmade gelato and chocolate cake, while a world-class wine menu features over 600 varietals from around the world, ensuring guests will find the perfect accompaniment to the cuisine.
925 W. Randolph St. Chicago, Illinois, Phone: 312-690-7295
9. Wheat’s End Cafe
For people with gluten allergies and sensitivity finding a place where they can eat everything is a true treasure. Wheat’s End Cafe is a delightful, bright, and cozy spot on Chicago’s North Broadway with wooden tables, comfortable chairs, and a long banquette along the wall with a few cushions thrown in for full comfort. The menu is surprisingly rich and diverse and has such delights as prosciutto Benedict on a gluten-free English muffin, pancakes, popovers, honey-butter-cheddar chive biscuits, cinnamon rolls, chocolate doughnuts, and orange-cranberry scones. That would satisfy just about anyone, allergic to gluten or not. Wash it all down with a nice large espresso or mimosa.
2873 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657, Phone: 773-770-3527
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