Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Chicago / Illinois

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Chicago / Illinois? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Alderman

4.9

4.9 (211)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Pilsen

About the restaurant

Winner of the 2022 Jean Banchet Award for Best Bar, THE ALDERMAN is an intimate, 16-seat cocktail bar tucked away, behind closed doors, within Pilsen Yards. The cocktail list rotates some of its original cocktail features, while the twists on American classics are staples of the cocktail list.

With a plush velvet banquette and a 4-seat counter, it’s the perfect room for a night cap, a date, or a casual evening of one to several astonishingly good cocktails.

Top review

Raul

Dined on Nov 30, 2024

it was a personable experience. Loved it and the drinks

Atwater's in The Herrington

4.8

4.8 (1352)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Geneva

About the restaurant

Atwater's is a waterfront, intimate, fine dining experience in Geneva, IL. Our Executive Chef locally sources our menu and creates classical dishes with a modern touch. Our seasonal menu offers recipes that are nuanced to include ingredients that are at their peak of freshness. Atwater's offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner 7 days a week. Enjoy beautiful water and courtyard views, private dining space, and al fresco dining on our patio in season. Atwater's offers afternoon tea quarterly. We are nestled within The Herrington Inn, which is also a wedding venue, boutique hotel, spa, and corporate meeting venue. Open to the public and hotel guests, 365 days.

Top review

Toni

Dined 2 days ago

Love the ambiance the best!!! Food was good. Tried twice to make a good lemon drop. It was the only disappointment.

High Tea With Gerri

4.8

4.8 (17)

$31 to $50

Afternoon Tea

Long Grove

About the restaurant

Nestled in the historic village of Long Grove, Gerri's Tea Room represents her roots and heritage as a native of Ireland. Opened in 2012, the tea room features a classic experience and introduction to the past time of afternoon tea in an elegant and charming setting.

The high tea is inspired by British classics – an artful array of finger sandwiches, raisin scones, and petite pastries – a menu that represents authenticity. Gerri and her hosts fill delicate antique tea cups with freshly brewed and strained tea from antique silver teapots in Victorian attire.

From ladies’ socials, birthdays and bridal showers to corporate events and wedding receptions, High Tea with Gerri accommodates all occasions, never compromising on quality or intimacy – even for large gatherings!

Top review

Alva

Dined 2 days ago

I had an early reservation during the week and therfore no one else in restaurant. Peaceful, quiet atsmophere listening to Christmas music. Just the kind of place to unwind.

The Omakase Room at Sushi-san

4.9

4.9 (73)

$50 and over

Japanese

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

The Omakase Room at Sushi-san is a culmination of Master Sushi Chefs Kaze Chan and Shigeru Kitano’s combined experience defining the Chicago sushi scene. While the menu and service are informed by tradition, guests can expect a transcendent experience that breaks down the formality and austerity usually accompanying omakase dining. Each dinner in the warm, modern, and intimate ten-seat space features luxury ingredients from around the world. Sophisticated and carefully curated beverage pairings are available to complement the meal.

Top review

Nicole

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

Always an amazing dinner… Michelin please give these people a star!

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Experience

Omakase Reservation Deposit

Geja's Cafe

4.8

4.8 (5569)

$31 to $50

Fondue

Lincoln Park

About the restaurant

For over 59 years, fondue dining at Geja’s Café has been a favorite indulgence for Chicagoans as well as out-of-towners. It’s a perfect way to kindle romance, celebrate a special occasion or simply join family and friends for a fun and unforgettable dining experience.
To start we offer a Swiss Gruyere cheese fondue, served with fresh breads, fruits and vegetables for dipping. Our crisp house salad, dressed with tangy Dijon vinaigrette, offers a counterpoint to the rich, warm cheese fondue appetizer.
Next, you’ll cook your choices of Australian lobster tail, Gulf shrimp, beef tenderloin, fresh sea scallops or boneless chicken breast in a pot of sizzling soybean oil or broth. The main course is served with fresh vegetables and eight gourmet dipping sauces.
Our famous chocolate fondue is flamed table-side, and presented with marshmallows for roasting and other delectable dippers.

A 4 % operational fee is added to all checks to work in concert with Chicago's One Fair Wage Ordinance.

Top review

Jessica

Dined 3 days ago

Thank you for hosting our girls night ❤️ We appreciate the cozy atmosphere to celebrate the Holiday’s! First time visitors but we will be back!

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Popular dish

Belgian Chocolate Fondue

Popular dish

Prince Geja's Combination

Popular dish

Cheese and Chocolate Fondue

Ruthie's Steak & Seafood at Walker's Bluff Casino Resort

4.8

4.8 (216)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Cambria

About the restaurant

Opening on Friday, August 25, 2023. Come visit the new Ruthie's Steak & Seafood at Walker's Bluff Casino Resort.

Top review

Brenda

Dined on Dec 6, 2024

It was our first time at the casino we were very pleased. Our waiter Blake was attentive but not intrusive. The food was prepared perfectly. My steak was seasoned to perfection, and they knew how to prepare a rare steak. My husbands Chilean sea bass was very tender seared and well seasoned. My compliments to the chef. I definitely recommend Ruthie's for any special occasion.

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Filet Medallions & Shrimp

Gamba Ristorante

4.8

4.8 (1176)

$31 to $50

Italian

Merrillville, IN

About the restaurant

The former owners of the Venezia Bar & Grill and Café Venezia, Benito and Hilda Gamba, have combined their efforts into the Gamba Ristorante. Located in Merrillville, this restaurant is housed in an architectural masterpiece, which is hard to miss with its circular design and copper roof. Modeled after upscale restaurants in exotic European locations, the menu offers classic Italian cuisine. The wine room boasts storage space for 1,000 bottles. A banquet hall holds up to 175 people and looks out onto an open courtyard.

Top review

Thomas

Dined 3 days ago

This place is top-notch! My mother and I have been going here for just about a year, and every time, we walk away very satisfied. You are greeted by the bartender as you arrive. Walk through to the hostess station and give your name on the reservation. (I highly recommend you use the Open Table App to set your reservation. This place fills up quickly, and you want to make sure you have a table reserved so you are not waiting.) The waiter and employees are very nice and courteous to you and are very knowledgeable (the server) about the dishes on the menu. Almost always, you see the owner walking around and he engages with you about your food, wait staff, and server, as well as your overall experience there. He is very warm and kind and it makes the meal just that much better.

Eddie V's - Oak Brook

4.8

4.8 (71)

$50 and over

Seafood

Oakbrook Terrace

About the restaurant

Eddie V's Prime Seafood is a luxury dining destination known for the seafood flown in from pristine waters around the world, as well as its premium hand-carved steaks. Dishes are artistically prepared and feature an ever-changing array of seasonal seafood, along with critically acclaimed prime center-cut steaks broiled to perfection. The restaurant's award-wining wine list, which has been recognized by Wine Spectator, has more than 300 wines curated by Eddie V's very own Advanced Sommelier. In the V Lounge, guests can sip classic and creative cocktails, and enjoy signature appetizers against a backdrop of live music trios.

Top review

OmarVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Eddie V’s exceeded all of our expectations and provided an unforgettable dining experience for our entire family. From the moment we arrived, the staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome, especially paying extra attention to our two young daughters. They truly treated us like VIPs! The service was impeccable—our server was attentive, warm, and incredibly accommodating. They made thoughtful recommendations and even brought special treats and small surprises to delight our daughters, which made them feel so special. It’s rare to find a fine dining restaurant that is so family-friendly while maintaining such an elegant atmosphere. As for the food—absolutely incredible! Every dish was perfection. The seafood was fresh and flavorful, the steaks were cooked to perfection, and the sides were unique and delicious. Our daughters couldn’t stop raving about their meals, and the staff even brought out a beautifully presented dessert for them that made their night. Eddie V’s truly made us feel cared for and created a dining experience that we will remember for a long time. This is the kind of place where both the food and service shine, and they clearly go the extra mile to make every guest feel special. We can’t wait to come back!

Nettare

4.7

4.7 (37)

$50 and over

American

West Town

About the restaurant

Nestled in the heart of West Town, Chicago, Nettare celebrates the bounty of the Midwest and Great Lakes region with a menu that showcases seasonal ingredients and artisanal products. From farm-fresh vegetables to locally sourced meats and freshwater fish, every plate and pour is crafted to highlight the region's culinary heritage. Our cocktail and wine program complements these flavors with carefully curated selections, ensuring each sip enhances your experience. By day, our café and bottle shop at the front offer a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy specialty coffees, baked goods, and a thoughtfully curated selection of local wines and craft beers, welcoming both locals and visitors alike to indulge in the flavors of our home. Try our tasting menu with a beverage pairing to indulge in the full experience.

Top review

David

Dined on Dec 7, 2024

Great meal and excellent service and a fun ambience.

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Experience

New Year's Eve First Seating

Experience

New Year's Eve Last Seating

Mariposa at Neiman Marcus - Michigan Avenue

4.8

4.8 (525)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Gold Coast / Streeterville

About the restaurant

Laid-back luxe. Experience delightful dishes in a casual, contemporary atmosphere at the MARIPOSA® CHICAGO. Muted lighting and understated, modern décor create the perfect environment for a midday retreat. Whether dining with a group or simply ordering upscale take-out, expect delectable food and exceptional service that is synonymous with Neiman Marcus.

Let THE MARIPOSA® host your next Baby or Bridal Shower. We pride ourselves on creating the perfect menu and ambience for your event in our chic and inviting atmosphere. Pamper the glowing bride- or mother-to-be in your life with the shower of her dreams or a lavish luncheon.

Top review

Chris

Dined 7 days ago

Great food and experience. We will be back. Nice tasty oasis in downtown Chicago!

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