Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois

Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Near North

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Areas
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating options
Award-winning
Accessibility

31 restaurants available nearby

A photo of il Porcellino restaurant
1. il Porcellino
4.7
Exceptional(4265)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 114 times today
Il Porcellino, located in the heart of River North in downtown Chicago, is a neighborhood restaurant offering classic Italian-American comfort food in a casual setting. Our seasonal menu focuses on housemate pastas, vegetable antipasti and daily specials, all crafted with ingredients sourced from quality artisans, purveyors, and local farmers. The fun and approachable wine program encourages sharing with selections primarily from Italy. As a way to offset rising costs associated with the restaurant (food, beverage, labor, benefits, supplies), we have added a 3% surcharge to all checks. We do this in lieu of increased menu prices. You may request to have this taken off your check, should you choose.
A photo of Tzuco restaurant
2. Tzuco
4.7
Exceptional(827)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • River North (Chicago)
Booked 68 times today
Located in the bustling River North neighborhood of Chicago, Tzuco, helmed by the Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán, offers a blend of authentic Mexican flavors and sophisticated French techniques. Named after Chef Gaytán’s hometown, Huitzuco, the restaurant boasts a menu rich in ceviche, seafood, and traditional Mexican dishes, served in a spacious dining room, lively bar, lounge, and an all-weather outdoor terrace.Tzuco’s captivating interiors, designed by the acclaimed Cadena + Asociados Concept Design, tell a story of Chef Gaytán's heritage with preserved materials from Mexico and handcrafted furnishings, ensuring guests not only savor exquisite dishes but also relish an immersive cultural experience.
A photo of Osteria Via Stato restaurant
3. Osteria Via Stato
4.7
Exceptional(3484)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 31 times today
Osteria Via Stato, a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant follows the Italian tradition of seasonally prepared dishes featuring local ingredients and artisanal producers paired with an all Italian wine list. Open for Lunch, Tuesday - Friday at noon - 2PM.Join us for Happy Hour everyday for 1/2 priced pizzas and glasses of wine, Sunday - Thursday at 5PM - 6PM, Friday - Saturday at 4:30PM - 5:30PM.
A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Chicago, IL | Streeterville (Magnificent Mile) restaurant
4. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Chicago, IL | Streeterville (Magnificent Mile)
4.7
Exceptional(2333)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • River North (Chicago)
Booked 61 times today
Founded in Tokyo in 1996, Gyu-Kaku has become the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand! Thanks to our devoted fans we have reached over 700 locations worldwide. Each day, hundreds of thousands of people gather around the table-top smokeless grill, a centerpiece of our dining concept, enjoying selections of premium meats, just off the grill, and other freshly prepared foods from our kitchens, inspiring laughter, conversation, and a magical dining experience.Our authentic yakiniku (grilled barbeque) dining experience crowns you the chef. Share a variety of delicious appetizers and premium cooked meats over a flaming grill, paired with Japanese sake, frosty cold beers, or other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options of your choice. We're the perfect spot to enjoy time with friends and family, organize an office party, or to spend quality time with your significant other!Before you go, don't forget to taste our best-seller Harami Skirt Steak or Prime Kalbi Short Rib among other must-try dishes!
A photo of Vermilion restaurant
5. Vermilion
3.7
Very Good(2261)
Price: Expensive
• Indian • River North (Chicago)
Advocating unabashed intrepid Indian cuisine since 2003. Feast on the best of our fare: our new Chaat Bar, Indian-Latin flagship dishes & newer Indian-Chinese fare. A sensual space with dramatic accents of lights, fire, art & metal. Best Restaurants Travel & Leisure, Bon Appetit, Esquire, Town & Country, Chicago magazine, 3 stars Chicago Tribune. Unpretentious, bold flavors, with substantive real food. No precious overpriced bites. Botanic "Herb & Spice" & "Ode to Chicago" cocktails, nonalcoholic drinks. boutique global wines. Omnivore fare galore & over 15 vegetarian/vegan dishes. Vermilion is woman-led & champions women as the founder of Let's Talk Womxn, an action movement of 900+ women restaurateurs across 15 cities. Founder/Chair of the James Beard Foundation Women's Program for a decade.
A photo of Mon Ami Gabi restaurant
6. Mon Ami Gabi
4.8
Exceptional(8106)
Price: Moderate
• French • Lincoln Park
Booked 126 times today
Honoring classic French cuisine, Mon Ami Gabi is a traditional French bistro located in the heart of Lincoln Park. Our menu features simple French food including Steak Frites, fresh seafood, exquisite bites, and French rolling wine carts. Valet is located at the corner of Lincoln Park West and Belden for $17 cash or Zelle. During the holiday season, for all parties of 9 or more, we ask our guests to call the restaurant directly to book a reservation.Did you know that you can use Lettuce gift cards for carryout and delivery? Just place your order through Lettuce website, the LettuceEats app or any Lettuce restaurant website.
A photo of McCormick & Schmick's Seafood - Chicago (Wacker Dr.) restaurant
7. McCormick & Schmick's Seafood - Chicago (Wacker Dr.)
4.4
Awesome(4373)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Downtown / Loop
Booked 32 times today
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks on Chicago's Wacker Drive is conveniently located in the Loop, just minutes away from Chicago Theater, Oriental Theater, Millennium Park, various shopping areas and some of Chicago's best hotels.From fresh seafood and shellfish to Steak and garden fresh salads, our goal is to exceed your dining expectations.As our guest, you will experience culinary excellence at its best. Our menus reflect seafood from the Pacific Rim, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico. We also source products from local ranches, farms, and wineries to showcase regionally inspired dishes.
A photo of Toro by Chef Richard Sandoval – Chicago restaurant
8. Toro by Chef Richard Sandoval – Chicago
4.5
Awesome(83)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Latin • Downtown / Loop
Booked 64 times today
Toro Chicago, from critically acclaimed Chef Richard Sandoval, is a vibrant Latin restaurant known for seamlessly blending bold Central and South American flavors with the innovative culinary techniques of Chef Sandoval. We offer a bespoke dining experience that celebrates the rich histories of Latin cuisine through a diverse menu, all hosted within a dynamic and lively environment. From tantalizing tapas to inventive entrees, each dish at Toro is crafted with a passion for excellence and a commitment to quality.
A photo of Emerald Loop Bar and Grill restaurant
9. Emerald Loop Bar and Grill
4.5
Awesome(1067)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown / Loop
Booked 10 times today
Located in the Loop in the historic 35 East Wacker Drive Building. The fare is traditional Irish and American favorites. Serving Lunch & Dinner - indoor & outdoor seating available (max 6 guests per table)
A photo of Fogo de Chao - Chicago restaurant
10. Fogo de Chao - Chicago
4.1
Excellent(4695)
Price: Moderate
• Brazilian • Downtown / Loop
Booked 151 times today
Fogo de Chão is an internationally-renowned steakhouse from Brazil that allows guests to discover what's next at every turn. Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo elevates the centuries-old culinary art of churrasco - roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame - into a cultural dining experience of discovery. Please join us in our dining room, in our more casual Bar Fogo, or bring the Fogo Experience to you with Fogo To-Go or Catering. Visit our website to make a reservation or place an order.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Katherine
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Fabulous experience, great food, wonderful server, great atmosphere. Highly recommend!
    More info
    Buona TerraPrice: Moderate• Italian• Irving Park
    •
    4.9
  • Jenn
    New York City •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 27 Dec 2024
    The food was absolutely amazing, the carne asada was literal perfection and so were the ropa vieja plantains, the cochinita pibil and the ceviche. They were able to accommodate our large party of 10 on short notice and the service was wonderful- thank you Chris!!!
    More info
    Maya Del SolPrice: Moderate• Latin American• Oak Park
    •
    4.8
  • PhyllisVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •69 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 24 Dec 2024
    This is one of the best kept little family owned restaurants in Chicago!!! Friendly, festive, good and hearty food!! It’s a ‘Cheers’ kinda place!!! If you don’t know anyone walking in you will most likely know someone walking out! Stuffed artichoke, calamari and oysters always a good start. Caesar salad is cold and crisp Gnocchi Arribiatta, eggplant parm, mart Anthony steak is fabulous!! Tirimisu and Madeline cookies for dessert!!
    More info
    Mart Anthony'sPrice: Moderate• Italian• West Loop
    •
    4.8
  • Neil
    Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 21 Dec 2024
    First time at Chez Joel, confirming it’s never too late to find something wonderful. Comfortable space, good cocktails, great food, I had the special rack of lamb, along with friendly staff and a low keyed atmosphere. Definitely on my list of places to return to.
    More info
    Chez JoelPrice: Moderate• French• Little Italy / University Village
    •
    4.7
  • OpenTable Diner
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 1 Jun 2024
    Very homey, I love coming here for breakfast whenever I'm in the area. Never disappoints
    More info
    Nellie's RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Puerto Rican• Bucktown / Wicker Park
    •
    4.5

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Near North

Discover a curated selection of dining gems in Near North, Chicago that are truly "worth the drive." Nestled in one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods, these eateries stand out for their unique culinary experiences and exceptional service. Whether you’re seeking innovative dishes, classic comfort foods, or exquisite fine dining, the restaurants in this area cater to every taste and occasion. Each establishment boasts a distinct ambiance, from cozy, intimate settings to lively, upscale venues, making them perfect spots for both casual outings and special celebrations. The dining scene in Near North is characterized by its eclectic mix of cuisines and its ability to offer both trendy new spots and cherished, longstanding favorites. These restaurants not only provide memorable meals but also embody a commitment to quality and creativity, ensuring every visit is more than just a meal—it’s a culinary adventure. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these dining destinations in Near North, Chicago are guaranteed to provide an unforgettable gastronomic experience that's absolutely worth the drive.

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Restaurant Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable International Ltd. Alphabeta Building, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo