The Top List of Romantic Restaurants - Chicago, IL
Share a special evening with the one you love. by Tiffany Paulsen
What better way to celebrate romance then by sharing a special evening with the one you love? From obvious elegance, to quiet and sensual, these Windy City restaurants all share a flare for romance.
AMBRIA 2300 Lincoln Park West, Chicago, IL 60614 (773) 472-5959 Hours: (Mon-Thur) 6 pm-9:30 pm; (Fri & Sat) till 10:30; (Sun) Closed Ambria has long been a Chicago favorite, frequently mentioned with the country's finest restaurants. Located in the former Belden-Stratford hotel, its calm lighting and intimate decor make it optimum for special occasions. The unique menu changes frequently, but you can be assured of the freshest ingredients, used in exotic and unexpected creations.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $60 - $70
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
LE COLONIAL 937 North Rush Street, Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 255-0088 Hours: (Mon-Sat) 12 pm-2:30 pm/5 pm-11 pm; (Sun) till 10 Just south of Oak Street, hidden in a vintage townhouse, you'll find one of Chicago's most chic surprises. With its rattan and bamboo interior, Le Colonial echoes back to 1920's Saigon. For a special lunch or dinner, diners can feel transported to another time and country. The French-Vietnamese menu is expansive and tempting, and the cocktail lounge upstairs is the perfect place to start your evening.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $25 - $35
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
TOPO GIGIO RISTORANTE 1516 North Wells Street, Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 266-9355 Hours: (Mon-Sun) 11:30 am-3 pm/4 pm-11 pm There is no shortage of Italian Restaurants in Old Town Chicago, but Topo Gigio is one that's extra special. Perfect for dinner before catching a show at Second City, it's also a great beginning to a casual romantic evening. Three separate floors make for comfortable dining, and don't miss the incredible hand painted dome mural. Also, an outside patio is a wonderful change of pace for warm summer evenings. The menu is classic Southern Italian, with no shortage of old favorites, and creative originals. To heighten the romance factor, an impromptu serenade from a strolling string quarter is a likely scenario.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $25 - $35
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
THE SIGNATURE ROOM AT THE 95TH 875 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 787-9596 Hours: (Mon-Sat) 11 am-2 pm; (Mon-Thur) 5 pm-10 pm; (Fri & Sat) till 11 pm; (Sun) Brunch 10 am-2 pm Tourists and locals alike flock to the John Hancock Building to enjoy one of Chicago's most spectacular views. The Signature Room on the 95th floor is where you go to immerse yourself in the beauty of the city, or to impress a special someone. The contemporary American cuisine features fresh, organic produce, and the freshest healthy seafood and meat creations. Known for fabulous food, and an incredible Sunday brunch, this restaurant is an experience not to be missed.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $45 - $55
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
VIVERE 71 West Monroe Street, Chicago, IL 60603 (312) 332-4040 Hours: (Mon-Fri) 11:30 am-2:30 pm; (Mon-Thur) 5 pm-10 pm; (Fri & Sat) till 11 pm; (Sun) Closed This restaurant is simply beautiful. The atmosphere is Italian baroque, contemporary without being cold. The lighting creates a feeling of warm elegance, enhanced by a tempting menu and award winning wine list. Recognized by Wine Spectator, the Chicago Tribune and Sun Times, it has been called one of America's top ten Italian restaurants. Vivere can get very busy, so plan a later meal, unless you're off to the theater.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $35 - $45
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
A LA TURKA - TURKISH KITCHEN 3134 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60657 (773) 935-6101 Hours: (Sun-Thur) 11 am-10 pm; (Fri & Sat) 11 am-11 pm Want to try something different? Why not consider going Turkish? Chicago's most authentic Turkish restaurant is also one of its best. If you're among the romantic adventurous, A La Turka is the place for you. Hypnotic music and intimate lighting welcome you, and window alcove seating, and exquisite murals relax and awaken the senses. If the menu offerings of Albanian-style liver, mixed grill, or lahmacan seem confusing, trust the guidance of your friendly wait staff and be brave. You won't be disappointed.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $20 - $30
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
RITZ-CARLTON DINING ROOM 160 East Pearson Street, Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 266-1000 Hours: (Mon-Sun) 6 pm-10 pm If you want to dress to the nines, and go all out, there's no better place to impress than dinner at the Ritz Carlton. Long considered one of Chicago's finest, the lavish dining room and perfect service continues to enchant all who experience it.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $60 - $70
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Open, New Years Eve-Open
CROFTON ON WELLS 535 North Wells Street, Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 755-1790 Hours: (Mon-Thur) 11:30 am-2:15 pm/5:30 pm-9:45 pm; (Fri & Sat) till 10:45 pm; (Sun) Closed For a menu that feels like haute cuisine, without the pretentiousness often associated with it, enjoy a visit to Crofton on Wells. This subdued yet classy Regional American dining room is one of the few female owner/chef restaurants in Chicago. Suzy Crofton earned her experience as head chef of several fine local eateries, and is applying it here in top form. The place is usually quiet, and dimly lit, making it optimum for a special romantic evening. Her menu changes seasonally, but diners can look forward to some of the freshest creations in the city, including completely vegan options.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $35 - $45
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
CHICAGO PIZZA AND OVEN GRINDER CO. 2121 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60614 (773) 248-2570 Hours: (Mon-Thur) 4 pm-11 pm; (Fri & Sat) till midnight; (Sun) 12 pm to 11 pm What is more romantic than authentic Chicago pizza, shared with a special someone in a cozy private both? Try visiting the Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder, and you'll enjoy a sweet pizza surprise: Pizza in a bowl. That's right. A new twist on an old favorite. The ingredients of choice are mixed with sauce and cheeses, and poured into a thick clay pot. The dough is then placed over the top, and the concoction bakes in the hearth oven. At your table, the server 'flips' the bowl and there you have pizza like you've never experienced. Even better when shared, for a perfect and casual date.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $15 - $25
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
BLACKBIRD 619 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60606 312-715-0708 If your idea of romantic is close quarters, and a chic designer atmosphere, Blackbird is the place. The hippest couples in the city enjoy the sleek feel of one of the West Side's best restaurants. The French/American cuisine is unusual and delicious. The wine list is extensive, and desserts are out of this world. Topped off by some of the best service in the city, you've got the makings of a very special evening.
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $35 - $45
Estimated cost per person for dinner is based upon one entrée, one beverage, and 20% gratuity.
The Top List of Romantic Restaurants - Chicago, IL