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Best Californian Restaurants in Lower West Side

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4 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Aba - Chicago restaurant
1. Aba - Chicago
4.8
Exceptional(2630)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • West Loop
Booked 225 times today
Aba in Chicago's vibrant West Loop is a gem for Mediterranean cuisine enthusiasts. The restaurant shines with Chef CJ Jacobson’s unique, light culinary approach, drawing rich flavors from regions like Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, and Greece. Guests are consistently amazed, describing the experience as "astounding" with flavors that are "entertaining to eat" and a setting that immediately sets the tone for a delightful Mediterranean meal. Signature dishes like the Smoky Garlic Hummus and Shawarma-Spiced Skirt Steak are crowd favorites, often highlighted in reviews as "phenomenal" and "to die for." The carefully curated bar program complements the dining experience with rare Mediterranean-inspired wines and spirits, enhancing the authenticity and quality of the meal. Whether it's the impeccable service, the stunning decor, or the mouth-watering cuisine, Aba offers a Mediterranean dining experience that is truly unforgettable.
A photo of The Oakville Grill & Cellar restaurant
2. The Oakville Grill & Cellar
4.7
Exceptional(1085)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • West Loop
Booked 109 times today
The Oakville Grill & Cellar in Chicago's bustling West Loop is a gem for lovers of authentic Californian cuisine. Celebrated for its fresh, farm-to-table approach, the restaurant showcases the finest ingredients sourced from exclusive partnerships with farms and wineries in California and the Midwest. Diners rave about the "excellent food and wine," with standout dishes like the "branzino with Brussels sprouts" and the "Wagyu hanger steak." The ambiance is described as "always great" and the service "exceptional," making every meal memorable. Whether it's for the "gooey lemon cake" or the "best Caesar salad ever," The Oakville Grill & Cellar is highly recommended for an authentic taste of California right in the heart of Chicago.
A photo of Summer House - Chicago restaurant
3. Summer House - Chicago
4.6
Exceptional(7887)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Lincoln Park
Booked 330 times today
Nestled in the heart of Lincoln Park, Chicago, Summer House stands out as a beacon of Californian cuisine, transporting diners straight to the sunny West Coast with its beach house décor and seasonal specialties. Chef Ben Goodnick’s menu, bursting with market-driven pasta, artisan pizzas, and fresh antipasti, captures the essence of California’s vibrant flavors. Patrons rave about the "amazing" food and "splendid ambiance," noting that the "atmosphere felt like we were in CA." Summer House isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, where the retractable glass ceiling and all-season courtyard enhance each visit, making it a must-visit for an authentic Californian dining experience right in Chicago.
A photo of Ema - River North restaurant
4. Ema - River North
4.7
Exceptional(4545)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 107 times today
Ema, nestled in Chicago's vibrant River North, is a culinary gem that brilliantly fuses Mediterranean flavors with the essence of Californian cuisine. Praised for its "always fresh high-quality food" and "fantastic cocktails," Ema stands out for its commitment to authenticity and excellence. Diners rave about the innovative dishes like the "Bhel" hummus and the "delicious" chicken kebab, highlighting the creative twist Ema brings to Californian dining. The restaurant's ambiance, described as "beautiful airy space," complements its stellar service, ensuring a dining experience that is both delightful and memorable. Whether it's the "impeccable service" or the "outstanding evening sharing small plates," Ema consistently delivers a top-tier gastronomic experience, making it a must-visit for anyone craving Californian cuisine in Chicago.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Mark
    Chicago / Illinois •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    An outstanding lunch in every way. Our server was friendly, knowledgeable , and efficient. The food was great. We had delicious hummus, 3 different varieties, a Greek salad and brussels sprout and apple salad were fresh and tasty, crispy potatoes with tzatziki sauce were unique and left us wanting more, and lamb and beef, and salmon kabobs were seasoned in a way that was different than the usual Mediterranean restaurant kabobs and we loved them. We finished with a honey pie and vanilla bean panna cotta deserts. It was a fabulous experience.
    More info
    Ema - River NorthPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• River North (Chicago)
    •
    4.7
  • EvelynVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •66 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Overall good/great. A little on the pricey side for salads and chicken. $20 for a martini - not a full glass is a bit over the top.
    More info
    Summer House - ChicagoPrice: Moderate• American• Lincoln Park
    •
    4.6
  • AlexVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    One of the best places I’ve visited in Chicago! Delicious food, great service and cozy ambiance. My server Alysia was super helpful and had made our anniversary celebration absolutely special! It was really nice and thoughtful of her. Will definitely be back!
    More info
    Aba - ChicagoPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• West Loop
    •
    4.8
  • Jill
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Great service and food! Rob was very welcoming and celebrated my bother in laws birthday, they brought out a candle and cake so we could sing for him!
    More info
    The Oakville Grill & CellarPrice: Expensive• American• West Loop
    •
    4.7

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