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Best Authentic Restaurants in River North (Chicago)

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235 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Quartino - Chicago restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(11080)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 117 times today
Quartino Ristorante is a lively, authentic Italian restaurant and wine bar in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Our menu features Italy's regional specialties including artisanal salumi, Neapolitan thin-crust pizza, house-made pasta, and seasonal dishes. Menu items, served in moderate portions and meant to be shared, are perfect for adventurous diners ready for a unique experience.
A photo of La Grande Boucherie - Chicago restaurant
4.3
Awesome(1120)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • River North (Chicago)
Booked 52 times today
Housed in Chicago’s Belle Époque building, the unique Art Nouveau-inspired space honors the iconic building’s legacy while providing guests with a one-of-a-kind atmosphere and menu. La Grande Boucherie blends the ambiance of an indulgent steakhouse with a refined Parisian brasserie charm, and fuses traditional French cuisine with Chicago’s River North culinary heritage. The two-story restaurant boasts custom curved stained-glass windows overlooking the bustling streets of Chicago. The interior features custom mosaic marble floors, authentic fixtures, and a racetrack bar sourced from France. Guests can lean into the view and take in all that Chicago has to offer.
A photo of Mercadito - River North restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(6346)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • River North (Chicago)
Booked 82 times today
We are the city’s top Mexican restaurant for authentic modern cuisine, specialty tequila and mezcal cocktails, located in the heart of River North. Our culinary team features popular Mexican dishes, including our signature tacos, as well as fresh salsa and guacamole, ceviche, esquites and more.Mercadito's lounge is nestled in the lower level of Mercadito. It offers a speakeasy-style experience with a chic and exclusive ambiance. The space features banquet-style booths and dim lighting that enhances the elegant wood furniture, creating an inviting and intimate atmosphere. Once inside, guests can enjoy the full Mercadito menu, with the same delectable cuisine and beverages that our restaurant is known for.
A photo of RPM Italian - Chicago restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(12346)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 99 times today
Located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, RPM Italian is modern in approach and Italian in spirit, featuring a contemporary menu with dishes meant to be shared. The sister restaurant to RPM Steak and RPM Seafood, RPM Italian marks the first collaboration between partners RJ, Jerrod and Molly Melman of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises and celebrity couple Giuliana & Bill Rancic.
A photo of Olio e Più - Chicago restaurant
4.4
Awesome(1060)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 58 times today
OLIO E PIÙ brings Italian tradition and true sense of Mediterranean liveliness to the vibrant neighborhood in Chicago.As an authentic trattoria, its cuisine is based on classic Italian dishes. As you dine at OLIO E PIÙ, you’ll be transported not just by the flavors of Italy but also by the authentic atmosphere that surrounds you. It’s a place where time slows down, and conversations flow freely, just as they do in a true Italian household. Here, the spirit of 1970s Italian elegance lives on, and every meal is a celebration of life, love, and the joy of shared moments, especially with the open kitchen concept.OLIO E PIÙ is more than just a restaurant; it’s a portal to a different time and place, where the essence of Italy’s rich culinary and cultural heritage is captured in every detail.
A photo of Asador Bastian restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(232)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 19 times today
Asador Bastian is a Chicago chophouse with Basque influences from acclaimed ChefDoug Psaltis. Located in the iconic “Flair House” originally built in 1883, this historictownhouse has been revived and brought back to life with culinary inspiration from thegreat asadors of San Sebastián, Spain to serve the world’s best boutique beef withoutcompromise. The most remarkable dining experience comes from the purest ingredientsdelivered in the supremely thoughtful, welcoming and hospitable manner. This ethoshas directed every aspect of the experience at Asador Bastian, whether you’re joiningus for small bites and libations in our Bar Room or for a more intimate experience in ourDining Room.
A photo of Tanta restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(5101)
Price: Expensive
• Peruvian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 48 times today
Tanta is a well-loved Peruvian restaurant in Chicago that brings the flavors and culture of Peru to life. The menu, crafted by renowned chef, Acurio, and Chicago Chef Tito Rocha, takes guests on a culinary journey across Peru. Reviewers consistently praise the authenticity of the food, and the knowledge and attentiveness of the staff. One reviewer who is from Peru even confirmed the food's authenticity. The restaurant's commitment to sustainable farming and fishing practices also adds to its authenticity.
A photo of TAO Asian Bistro - Chicago restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3277)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 50 times today
TAO Chicago offers guests a sensual trip through the cuisines of Asia. The design-driven restaurant and adjoining nightclub is inspired by the original TAO locations in New York City, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. TAO Chicago features multiple levels, creating dynamic spaces within the historic building’s shell, while adding TAO’s Asian-influenced DNA to the restaurant, lounge and nightclub including murals by artist Hush and TAO’s signature 16-foot-tall Quan Yin statue anchoring one end of the dining room. TAO Chicago’s restaurant menu, created by TAO Group Partner and Chef Ralph Scamardella , is complete with Pan-Asian offerings from the sea, sky and land including signature dishes like Satay of Chilean Sea Bass, Crispy Rice Tuna and a Wagyu Rib-Eye.
A photo of SUSHI-SAN - River North restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1357)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • River North (Chicago)
Booked 115 times today
Sushi-San serves up the best sushi in Chicago made with the freshest ingredients they can find, all served with a side of old-school hip-hop and ice-cold beer. The bar is kept stocked with rare Japanese whisky, sake, wine and inventive cocktails. Join them for lunch and dinner.
A photo of Hawksmoor Chicago restaurant
4.5
Awesome(451)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 33 times today
Welcome to Hawksmoor Chicago, where we bring our acclaimed steakhouse experience from the UK to the iconic LaSalle Powerhouse in River North. Our ethos is simple: ‘Buy the best and let it shine.’ We serve all-natural, pasture-reared, dry-aged beef from US family-run farms, cooked over charcoal and seasoned simply with sea salt. Our seafood, sourced from trusted Northeastern fishermen, is prepared with equal care.In our 16,500 sq ft space, featuring barrel-vaulted ceilings and touches from the Golden Age of Travel, Hawksmoor is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re stopping by for cocktails, a casual lunch or a special celebration, we make sure you leave full and happy. We also offer private dining for groups of 10 to full venue buy-outs for 500—ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and corporate events.And don’t miss our Sunday Roast: dry-aged beef, beef-dripping potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and bone marrow gravy—something like a Thanksgiving dinner every Sunday.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Adina
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We tried this restaurant last night and had the best time. The food was amazing, but what was really amazing was our server Rene and the staff. The staff was so on top of it, and the food came out so fast. It was our friend's birthday, and we were trying to surprise her. We had ordered a cake but needed to figure out a way to get it there without her noticing. When my other friend called the restaurant, they were able to hold the cake for us in the morning and then bring it to the table as a surprise. Rene was already informed by staff, so when we arrived, he was already in on the plan. At the end of dinner, the cake was brought out, and it was such a nice surprise. Special thanks to Rene and the staff at Quartino—you are all amazing.
    More info
    Quartino - ChicagoPrice: Moderate• Italian• River North (Chicago)
    4.6
  • Gordon
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I reserved a special from Mercadito called "Amor y Sabor" and boy it did not disappoint. The ambiance was very chill and the music was not too loud. Our waitress was very nice and attentive with us. The food was fantastic it consisted of a 4 course meal. It began with a shot of tiger de leche (Peruvian cuisine). Then we had a choice of camarones ceviche which was super tasty and flavorful. After that, we had queso Birria tacos with the dip and that was also delicious. Next but not least, we had some nice and tender strip steak which was perfectly cooked and was easy to chew. Our night was capped off with some churro desert and a glass of champagne. Overall an awesome and exciting experience and would highly recommend it!
    More info
    Mercadito - River NorthPrice: Expensive• Mexican• River North (Chicago)
    4.6
  • JenniferVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Beautiful restaurant. Lively atmosphere with attentive service. Bread service is nice with the addition of flaky salt and olives. Cacio e Pepe is tasty but could have even more pepper! The ribeye was cooked well and nicely seasoned! Enjoyed the Parmesan potatoes and salad that accompanied the steak. Service was excellent. It was valentines night and we were in a hurry to get to the theater. The server spaced out our meal perfectly to not feel rushed but also got us out in time for our show!!!
    More info
    Olio e Più - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
    4.4
  • AdamVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •36 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    I had dinner tonight at La Grande Boucherie and it was absolutely spectacular, food was perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire team for their outstanding service. A special thanks to Jonathan, Mathiew, and the lovely hostesses Christina and Madeleine, as well as my attentive server Edgar and his diligent busser Louis. A heartfelt shout out to Chef Taus, who truly deserves high praise for crafting such an extraordinary dinner! Every team member went above and beyond to create a truly memorable experience. If only there were a 6* star option! You really rolled out the red carpet for me!
    More info
    La Grande Boucherie - ChicagoPrice: Very Expensive• French• River North (Chicago)
    4.3
  • SusanVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The service and food were outstanding. We were celebrating a family birthday and the team reached out ahead of time to find out specifics and make the evening even more special!
    More info
    RPM Italian - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
    4.6

Discover best authentic restaurants in River North (Chicago)

Discover the vibrant authenticity of River North's dining scene in Chicago, where the keyword 'authentic' truly comes to life. This bustling neighborhood offers an eclectic array of restaurants that brilliantly reflect the rich culinary diversity of Chicago. Whether you're craving the robust flavors of traditional Spanish tapas, the delicate artistry of Japanese sushi, or the hearty comfort of an American steakhouse, River North caters to all tastes with genuine flair. The restaurants in this area are celebrated not only for their exceptional food but also for their commitment to providing a truly authentic dining experience. Each establishment has been recognized for its unique atmosphere, ranging from the casual elegance of American dining to the festive and stylish vibes of international cuisines. The consistent high ratings for food quality, service excellence, and inviting ambiances underscore their authenticity. Patrons of these restaurants often highlight the knowledgeable staff and the authentic recipes that transport diners to the origins of each dish, whether it's a seafood platter reminiscent of the Florida coast or a Peruvian culinary adventure. River North's dining scene is a testament to Chicago's reputation as a world-class food city, offering an authentic taste of global cultures right in the heart of Illinois. Indulge in a dining experience where each meal is not just eaten, but celebrated.

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