Best Lunch Restaurants in River West

338 restaurants available nearby

1. Recess

4.6

Exceptional(1465)

Price: Expensive

• American • West Loop

Booked 9 times today

Located in Chicago’s West Loop, Recess (838 W. Kinzie St.) offers a vibrant, playful, escape to the daily grind. Home of Chicago’s largest patio, Recess encourages guests to adult…like a kid, while serving up delicious American food and drink. The Recess menu taps into the cravings of everyday life, offering casually elevated dishes with playful Chicago swagger, while our beverage program takes a bright, ingredient-driven approach with cocktails both classic and original. In addition to the energetic adult playground vibes and menu offerings, Recess also offers a nostalgic array of indoor and outdoor activities including giant Jenga and Connect 4, all of your favorite board games.Recess is a 21+ establishment.

2. Piccolo Sogno

4.7

Exceptional(6966)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • River West

Booked 69 times today

Our name, which means “little dream” in Italian, was chosen by partners Tony Priolo and Ciro Longobardo because it had always been their dream to open a restaurant of their own. “The restaurant fits our personal goal to get to the heart of Italian wine and food,” says executive chef Priolo. “You go to Italy for simple food prepared by hand with local ingredients. We wanted to bring that experience to Chicago.”Piccolo Sogno features a menu of seasonally fresh rustic Italian cuisine. The impressive all-Italian wine list boasts over 400 selections to pair with your meal.When the weather allows, enjoy al fresco dining in the hidden garden patio-regularly recognized as one of the best in the city.Starting December 1, Monday-Thursday we'll open at 5 pm rather than 4 pm-just for the winter. You are welcome to bring a cake to celebrate. If you do, we will charge a $3 fee per person cake-cutting fee. Beginning January 1, all credit card transactions will be charged a 3% fee.

A photo of Guinness Open Gate Brewery - Chicago restaurant

3. Guinness Open Gate Brewery - Chicago

4.5

Awesome(102)

Price: Expensive

• Brewery • West Loop

Booked 46 times today

Where 260 years of Irish Brewing expertise meets American beer creativity. Inspired by Chicago, crafted by Guinness. Look out, Chicago.The Guinness Open Gate Brewery Chicago features a Taproom, Restaurant, and the first ever Guinness Bakery, all located right in the heart of Chicago's West Loop. Come indulge both your curiosity and your tastebuds, while experimenting with a new world of flavor.

4. Erie Cafe

4.8

Exceptional(170)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)

Booked 9 times today

Erie Cafe is a premier destination of River North for steaks, chops, and homestyle Italian favorites since 1994. The 1940s club-like atmosphere, elegant bar, and lush outdoor dining is the gem of the neighborhood. Erie Cafe serves the finest aged steaks butchered daily from whole primal cuts, homemade ravioli, specials, and desserts daily for both lunch and dinner. This Chicago Classic is 3rd generation family-owned and operated.

A photo of PERILLA fare - West Loop restaurant

5. PERILLA fare - West Loop

4.6

Exceptional(417)

Price: Expensive

• Korean • West Town

Booked 24 times today

Located in the West Loop of Downtown Chicago, PERILLA fare offers Korean American cuisine centered around a communal dining experience inspired by classic Korean flavors and traditional ingredients. With an emphasis and focus on quality and premium selection of meats for Korean BBQ, Chef Andrew Lim and the team proudly works with local farms and quality importers to provide our guests with an adventurous culinary experience. We offer an expansive beverage list which includes handcrafted cocktails, craft beers, a curated wine list, and hand selected imported sojus and makgeolli. Our menu accommodates all dietary restrictions with a focus on vegetarian options including locally sourced mushrooms. We are excited to welcome you in to our warm and inviting space featuring artwork from local artists. Located in River West / Fulton Market area

6. RL Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(7286)

Price: Expensive

• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 81 times today

If you do not find availability online, please call the restaurant directly at 312-475-1100.Located adjacent to the Ralph Lauren Chicago flagship store on Michigan Avenue, RL Restaurant features the vision and décor of Ralph Lauren in a modern club atmosphere. RL Restaurant offers classic American cuisine inspired by Ralph Lauren’s personal favorites. Seasonal dishes range from a chopped vegetable salad to a lobster roll sandwich, grilled fish of the day and steaks. On the cocktail list, guests can choose from classic drinks and a diverse selection of wines and other fine spirits.

7. Ema - River North

4.7

Exceptional(4549)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • River North (Chicago)

Booked 87 times today

A Mediterranean & California-inspired restaurant featuring small plates & Chef CJ Jacobson's lighter style cooking in Chicago's River North.

A photo of Mercadito - River North restaurant

8. Mercadito - River North

4.6

Exceptional(6286)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • River North (Chicago)

Booked 50 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 The Walnut Room - Chicago restaurant

9. The Walnut Room - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(7379)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 291 times today

For Large Parties 21 or more: please contact us at http://macysrestaurants.com/contact-us/ For Holiday Questions and Menu: http://macysrestaurants.com/walnut-room/holiday2024/The world famous Walnut Room has been a Chicago tradition since 1907. Located on the 7th floor of Macy's on State Street, the Walnut Room was the first restaurant ever opened in a department store. Conveniently located in the heart of the Chicago theater district, the Walnut Room is an excellent choice to take a break from shopping or for a meal and a glass of wine before the show. Enjoy our Famous Mrs. Herring's Chicken Pot Pie and other well known favorites on the menu.

10. The Gage

4.7

Exceptional(12001)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 86 times today

The Gage has become a perennial favorite of locals and visitors alike for over ten years by effortlessly blending European influence with American style. The restaurant serves refined, rustic cuisine, innovative libations and an award-winning wine list all in a lively, convivial setting. Known as a “must visit” among Chicago’s dining scene, The Gage continues to evolve by serving well-rounded food and beverage menus that feature classic dishes and drinks with contemporary twists rooted in tradition.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Molly
Chicago / Illinois •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Really enjoyed our trip to the Guinness Factory in Chicago. There is gift shop, coffee shop and dining/bar area. Great ambiance . We went for brunch and the food variety was great. The 5 of us all ordered something different and all enjoyed our meals-don’t pass up the brown bread, too. We had Guinness. Guinness zero and coffee drinks . It wasn’t too crowded but parking is very limited. We will be back.
More info
Guinness Open Gate Brewery - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Brewery• West Loop
•
4.5
M
Maggie
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Amazing good, knowledgeable waitstaff, def try the scallion pancakes, kimchi fried rice, soondubu stew, and self-grill a meat in the table inset grill (rec’d heritage pork belly)
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PERILLA fare - West LoopPrice: Expensive• Korean• West Town
•
4.6
K
kristinVIP
Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Fun restaurant love the aesthetic, it's a dark and dark wooded place so candles on the tables would be ideal and make the dining experience elevated --- Our waiter(s) were great, comfy booth and frank sinatra era vibey Kristin :)
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Erie CafePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• River North (Chicago)
•
4.8
B
Barbara
Wisconsin •69 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Loved this restaurant. Food is delicious and good size portions. Wait staff friendly efficient and not intrusive. Have a Negroni coattail. Best around. Calamari bit salty but good and very generous portion. Very wide menu for all Italian food lovers. We shared entree after large calamari appetizer. Very graciously split dish for us Love the dining experience here.
More info
Piccolo SognoPrice: Moderate• Italian• River West
•
4.7
G
Gabrielle
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined on 30 Nov 2024
Had a lot of fun! It was our first time there and we didn’t know what to expect but it was definitely worth it! We’ll be back again for more brunch and possibly a happy hour or two.
More info
RecessPrice: Expensive• American• West Loop
•
4.6

Best Lunch Restaurants in River West

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338 restaurants available nearby

1. Recess

2. Piccolo Sogno

3. Guinness Open Gate Brewery - Chicago

4. Erie Cafe

5. PERILLA fare - West Loop

6. RL Restaurant

7. Ema - River North

8. Mercadito - River North

9. The Walnut Room - Chicago

10. The Gage

See what locals rave about

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