Best Authentic Restaurants in River West

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

ChicagoNear WestNorth SuburbsNorthwest SuburbsSouth Suburbs

Neighborhoods

Albany ParkAndersonvilleAvondaleBerwynBridgeportBucktown / Wicker Park

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

237 restaurants available nearby

1. Piccolo Sogno

4.6

Exceptional(7025)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • River West

Booked 43 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 PERILLA fare - West Loop restaurant

2. PERILLA fare - West Loop

4.7

Exceptional(435)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Korean • West Town

Booked 21 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

3. Erie Cafe

4.8

Exceptional(180)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)

Booked 12 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.

4. Duck Duck Goat

4.8

Exceptional(5676)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Chinese • West Loop

Booked 88 times today

Chef Stephanie Izard brings her unique twist on Chinese-American cuisine at Duck Duck Goat. Reviews rave about the flavorful food, with one saying, 'The food is very good and sophisticated'. The ambiance is also highly praised, with one review describing it as a 'unique and flavourful' experience. While not all reviews explicitly mention the authenticity of the food, the high ratings suggest a genuine and enjoyable dining experience.

5. Cabra - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(3102)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Peruvian • West Loop

Booked 52 times today

Perched atop the Hoxton Hotel in the heart of Chicago’s Fulton Market, Cabra Chicago is a lively rooftop escape, inspired by the bold and vibrant flavors of Peruvian cuisine. Led by James Beard Award and Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard, alongside longtime partners Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm of Boka Restaurant Group, Cabra serves up crave-worthy dishes in a colorful and energetic setting. The restaurant’s airy, plant-filled ambiance, paired with its open kitchen and sweeping city views, creates a dynamic dining experience. Guests can savor a variety of shareable plates, from ceviches to savory meats, all bursting with the rich, fresh flavors of Peru.

6. Elina's

4.8

Exceptional(195)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • West Town

Booked 45 times today

Fine Italian cooking served by two chefs in an intimate space.Reservations are released 30 days in advance at midnight. Parties of 7 or more must contact reservations@elinaschicago.com to book. Parties of this size are required to participate in a $75 per person family style prix fixe menu, drinks are charged based on consumption and a 20% gratuity will be added to the final bill. If you cancel within 24 hours of your reservation time you will incur a $30 per person cancelation fee. Contact reservations@elinaschicago.com for any additional inquiries.

A photo of Quartino - Chicago restaurant

7. Quartino - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(11080)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 117 times today

Quartino Ristorante is a lively, authentic Italian restaurant and wine bar in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Our menu features Italy's regional specialties including artisanal salumi, Neapolitan thin-crust pizza, house-made pasta, and seasonal dishes. Menu items, served in moderate portions and meant to be shared, are perfect for adventurous diners ready for a unique experience.

A photo of Mercadito - River North restaurant

8. Mercadito - River North

4.6

Exceptional(6346)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • River North (Chicago)

Booked 82 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.

9. Asador Bastian

4.7

Exceptional(232)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)

Booked 19 times today

Asador Bastian is a Chicago chophouse with Basque influences from acclaimed ChefDoug Psaltis. Located in the iconic “Flair House” originally built in 1883, this historictownhouse has been revived and brought back to life with culinary inspiration from thegreat asadors of San Sebastián, Spain to serve the world’s best boutique beef withoutcompromise. The most remarkable dining experience comes from the purest ingredientsdelivered in the supremely thoughtful, welcoming and hospitable manner. This ethoshas directed every aspect of the experience at Asador Bastian, whether you’re joiningus for small bites and libations in our Bar Room or for a more intimate experience in ourDining Room.

10. Momotaro

4.6

Exceptional(3933)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • West Loop

Booked 119 times today

Momotaro is a multi-level Japanese restaurant located in the West Loop. Led by Executive Chef Gene Kato, Momotaro has had the honor of being named Restaurant of the Year in both Chicago Magazine and Chicago Social. Under Kato’s leadership the restaurant has come to define the balance between traditional values and modern technique, blending the two in a science and art that has resulted in an authentic, innovative menu. The restaurant, designed by the world renowned AvroKO, also contains the subterranean Izakaya at Momotaro (a laid back, lively lower-level bar and restaurant reminiscent of the neon-lit haunts of trendy Tokyo neighborhoods) and an elegant second floor private space that overlooks the main dining room.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
MichaelVIP
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The food here is amazing!! We order the avocado dip, chorizo queso dip, salchipapas, goat empanadas, salmon ceviche, and steak saltado! Everything was delicious, food exceeded expectations. The ambience and service was great! I felt transported to somewhere warm and out of wintery chicago.
More info
Cabra - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Peruvian• West Loop
•
4.6
OT
OpenTable DinerVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We had a great dinner at piccolo sogno. The food was excellent (especially the gnocchi) and the ambience was lively but not loud— so you felt like you could have a conversation at your table. I also really enjoyed that they pre-split the salad and entrees for my partner and me to share. I would absolutely come again!
More info
Piccolo SognoPrice: Moderate• Italian• River West
•
4.6
J
Jackie
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Lovely first experience dining here! Great, attentive staff helped us navigate the menu and show us how to Korean bbq. Great ambiance and delicious food that left us satisfied and not over-stuffed.
More info
PERILLA fare - West LoopPrice: Expensive• Korean• West Town
•
4.7
L
Laura
Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Best meal I've had in a long time. We ordered everything off the vegan menu and it's so refreshing to have options that are so full of flavor and don't rely on faux meats. One of my favorite places to come in the city. And best green beans in the world!
More info
Duck Duck GoatPrice: Expensive• Chinese• West Loop
•
4.8
B
Bill
Chicago / Illinois •102 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 7, 2025
It’s one of my favorite places to go to The staff and the food is always amazing
More info
Erie CafePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• River North (Chicago)
•
4.8

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