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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in River North (Chicago)

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65 restaurants available nearby

A photo of il Porcellino restaurant
1. il Porcellino
4.7
Exceptional(4244)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
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 Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba! restaurant
2. Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba!
4.8
Exceptional(396)
Price: Expensive
• Tapas / Small Plates • River North (Chicago)
Booked 88 times today
Welcome to Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba! in River North. The little sister of Cafe-Ba-Ba-Reeba! in Lincoln Park, Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba! stays true to its Spanish roots serving a wide variety of iconic small plates like Patatas Bravas, Bacon-Wrapped Dates, and our signature Beef Tenderloin Toro Skewer. Of course, no celebration would be complete without our classic Sangria. ¡Salud!
A photo of Osteria Via Stato restaurant
3. Osteria Via Stato
4.7
Exceptional(3480)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 43 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 Vermilion restaurant
4. Vermilion
3.6
Very Good(2260)
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 The Berkshire Room restaurant
5. The Berkshire Room
4.6
Exceptional(50)
Price: Moderate
• Cocktail Bar • River North (Chicago)
The Berkshire Room is a standout cocktail bar in Chicago. With its upscale lounge ambiance and a team of talented bartenders, it's a must-visit for cocktail lovers. The 'dealers' choice' feature, where guests can customize their drinks, has received rave reviews. Plus, the reviews praise the perfect cocktails, the cool and relaxed environment, and the knowledgeable staff. It's a perfect place to unwind and enjoy great drinks before or after dinner.
A photo of Alla Vita restaurant
6. Alla Vita
4.8
Exceptional(2308)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Italian • West Loop
Booked 117 times today
Serving a casual, family-style menu, Alla Vita is a place to gather and enjoy comfortable Italian cuisine. Alla Vita means “to life” in Italian which recognizes overcoming life's challenges and creating a space for shared meals and memorable experiences. Executive Chef Lee Wolen shares his passion for fresh, delicious Italian food made simply with the best ingredients. Follow @allavitachicago to stay up-to-date with the latest happenings.
A photo of Summer House - Chicago restaurant
7. Summer House - Chicago
4.6
Exceptional(7900)
Price: Moderate
• American • Lincoln Park
Booked 340 times today
Located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, Summer House is the place for sunshine all year round. Enjoy seasonal specialties, market-driven pasta, artisan pizzas, and fresh antipasti from Chef Ben Goodnick’s California-inspired menu. Reserve your table today and be transported to the West Coast by the beach house decor, retractable glass ceiling, and all-season courtyard. For parties of 9 or more, email shsbparties@lettuce.com. Carryout and delivery are available, or visit The Cookie Bar for a selection of fresh-baked goods, sourdough English muffins, Summer House's renowned oversized cookies, small-batch coffee, and specialty espresso drinks.
A photo of Tzuco restaurant
8. Tzuco
4.7
Exceptional(815)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • River North (Chicago)
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 Mon Ami Gabi restaurant
9. Mon Ami Gabi
4.8
Exceptional(8088)
Price: Moderate
• French • Lincoln Park
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 Dearly Beloved restaurant
10. Dearly Beloved
4.5
Awesome(90)
Price: Expensive
• Dining Bar • River North (Chicago)
Booked 28 times today
Dearly Beloved is a beautiful mixture of cocktail bar, restaurant and journey of the senses. The new venture from Machine Hospitality Group aims to challenge your taste buds through textures, scents, and a symphony of flavors with unconventional, globally inspired ingredients. With a beverage program curated by master mixologist, Aneka Saxon and a vegetable-forward menu from Executive Chef Kristofer Lohraff, Dearly Beloved is ideal for an intimate evening with friends or a unique date night spot. The stylistically sinister ambience puts the guest experience at the forefront for a memorable night.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • AnthonyVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    I've been eager to try this place since it opened just a few blocks away, and it did not disappoint! I had the Rigatoni Con Salsiccia, and it was absolutely delicious—I can't wait to have it again. The upstairs seating was cozy and perfect for conversation, while downstairs was a bit louder and more crowded. The service was good, though not quite excellent. On the plus side, parking in the nearby cinema garage is only 75¢ an hour, which is a great deal. Overall, a fantastic experience, and I'll definitely be back!
    More info
    IL GIRASOLE TRATTORIAPrice: Moderate• Italian• Logan Square
    •
    4.5
  • PhyllisVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •69 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    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
  • Christel
    Montreal / Quebec •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 22 Nov 2024
    Good time, great choislce, good service from John.
    More info
    Angry Crab - Wicker ParkPrice: Moderate• Creole / Cajun / Southern• Bucktown / Wicker Park
    •
    4.6
  • 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 River North (Chicago)

Explore the vibrant dining scene in River North, Chicago, where each restaurant offers a unique experience that's "worth the drive." Renowned for its eclectic food offerings and exceptional service, this area promises a memorable culinary journey. From the comfort of upscale lounges to the exciting flavors of global cuisines, River North boasts a variety of dining spots that cater to all tastes and occasions. Whether you're in the mood for meticulously crafted cocktails, prime steaks, authentic Spanish tapas, or innovative sushi and barbecue blends, you'll find establishments here that exceed expectations with their food quality and dining ambiance. The area is praised not only for its diverse food options but also for the engaging atmosphere and attentive service that make each meal special. Ideal for both casual outings and special celebrations, River North's restaurants ensure a delightful dining experience that justifies the trip. Come and discover why each meal here is truly "worth the drive," making every visit a gastronomic highlight.

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