River North is busy, bustling, and diverse, offering some of the city’s most beautiful riverside views. Needless to say, we love it. Some people complain that it’s too busy on Fridays, but you really can’t beat the opportunities for people-watching. And the restaurants? Well, River North has it all. From your classic velvet-seat steakhouses, to exciting new fusion cooking hotspots, to fine dining establishments, the choices are endless.
Don’t want to get overwhelmed by all the possibilities? We selected the best restaurants in River North for you. Start with these special spots, and you won’t be disappointed.
Top Restaurants in River North, Chicago
Ciccio Mio
Address: 226 W. Kinzie St.
Cost: $$
An Italian institution with an elegant, intimate vibe, Ciccio Mio is perfect for any occasion. From birthdays to romantic dinners to family nights out, you’ll love the authentic, old school Italian feel, with wood paneling, low lighting, and beautiful wall art.
What to Eat:
Instead of what to eat, the question should be what not to eat here? Apart from the amazing selection of classic pasta dishes, the chef offers specialties, such as Vodka Rigatoni (our favorite), Parmesan Chicken, and, of course, the homemade Tiramisu dessert.
Bavette’s
Address: 218 W. Kinzie St.
Cost: $$
Another fantastic restaurant on Kinzie Street, Bavette’s is quite possibly the best steakhouse in Chicago, full of French influence, but minus any stuffiness. There’s no other way to put it — the atmosphere at this place is classy, with its red leather banquettes, cozy lighting, and a jazz soundtrack that’ll help you unwind after a long week.
What to Eat:
You probably already guessed the star attraction. If you eat meat, you can’t pass up the excellent steaks. Add some of the gorgeous sides (the Truffle Mac and Cheese is our fave), and you’ll never want to leave. If you don’t want steak, though, don’t worry. You’ll find plenty of great dishes here. Try one of the seafood platters — you won’t regret it.
Le Select
Address: 504 N. Wells St.
Cost: $$
A bustling, joyful place, Le Select is a classic French brasserie in all its glory. From red velvet seats, to glowing chandeliers and dazzling mirrors, it has everything you want from a big, European-style restaurant. It can get noisy, so be prepared to speak up!
What to Eat:
The classics, of course. Duck Breast à l’Orange is a staple that Le Select has perfected, but we also love the canapé selection that comes up in its own cart (very dramatic and fun). And, don’t get us started on the classic in-house desserts (tarte tatin, anyone?).
Planta Queen
Address: 413 N. Clark St.
Cost: $
Who says Chicago is all about steakhouses? If you don’t eat meat, but still want to enjoy a great night out in Chicago, you can’t miss Planta Queen. And, even if you’ve never tried vegan food before, it’s worth a visit for the beautiful Asian-inspired decor, with wall murals and intimate seating.
What to Eat:
For us, all of the noodle dishes are worth trying, especially the comforting Udon Noodles with Truffle Mushroom Cream. Or, how about Jackfruit Wings? They’re “chicken wings” made with jackfruit, and believe us when we say you’ll forget it’s not meat.
Obelix
Address: 700 N. Sedgwick St.
Cost: $$
Obelix is the rarest of restaurants, a superbly successful fusion cuisine restaurant. Drawing its inspiration from France, Japan, Mexico, and other culinary traditions, it offers a unique ambiance that’s modern and clean, yet cozy. It’s new too, so you might find it doesn’t get as booked up as some of the old-time favorites in this part of town.
What to Eat:
How about a Foie Co — a foie gras taco? Or, Steak Tartare with Green Garlic Aioli? You won’t find these dishes anywhere else, so add Obelix to your list if you want to discover why Chicago ranks at the top of America’s most innovative and creative food cities.
Looking for more Chicago food options? Try the best dim sum in town, or start your weekend with some superb brunch spots. You can also check out a few other neighborhoods, such as the dining establishments in Fulton Market and South Loop.
Find Your Dream Apartment Near the Best Restaurants in River North
As you can see, River North has a lot to offer for an excellent dinner night out. Whether you want to impress a date, enjoy a night out with family, or just try something completely different, you can choose from lots of great restaurants. So, if one of your criteria for choosing an apartment to rent is that it should be close to good restaurants, River North is a great place to consider. Ready to rent here? Get in touch with us at AptAmigo. We’ll make finding your perfect apartment and signing a lease as easy as ordering a pizza pie!
