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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in River North (Chicago)

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176 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(17587)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • River North (Chicago)
Booked 182 times today
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab is a neighborhood gem in River North, Chicago. With rave reviews mentioning its 'excellent food, service and atmosphere', it's a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The restaurant is renowned for its extensive seafood menu, freshly flown in daily, and its signature prime steaks. The restaurant's ambiance, described as 'classy, old school' and 'beautiful atmosphere', is complemented by a friendly and knowledgeable staff. It's the perfect place for a special celebration or a casual dinner with friends.
A photo of Mercadito - River North restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(6288)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • River North (Chicago)
Booked 139 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.
A photo of Ema - River North restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4550)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • River North (Chicago)
Booked 123 times today
A Mediterranean & California-inspired restaurant featuring small plates & Chef CJ Jacobson's lighter style cooking in Chicago's River North.
A photo of Quartino - Chicago restaurant
4.5
Awesome(10989)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 217 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 Gene and Georgetti restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(6061)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 65 times today
Gene and Georgetti is Chicago's original steakhouse since 1941. This family-owned establishment housed in Chicago's third oldest building serves the finest prime-aged steaks and chops, pastas, & signature dishes invented here such as The Garbage Salad and Chicken alla Joe. Our curated wine list originates from our roots in Lucca, Tuscany, Italy - we concentrate on Italian varietals that complement our classic Italian steakhouse menu.Securely processed credit card info is required to secure a reservation. No-shows or cancellations within 48 hrs will be charged $25 pp. As a reminder we do have a 15 minute grace period to honor your reservation, past that time your reservation will be forfeit.Valet parking after 3pm is $15 cash.Our dress code is Smart Business/Cocktail Chic - you never know who you might see at G & G!Gene & Georgetti can accommodate your party of up to 100. We look forward to welcoming you to G&G, where classic never goes out of style.
A photo of SUSHI-SAN - River North restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1315)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • River North (Chicago)
Booked 148 times today
Sushi-San serves up the best sushi in Chicago made with the freshest ingredients they can find, all served with a side of old-school hip-hop and ice-cold beer. The bar is kept stocked with rare Japanese whisky, sake, wine and inventive cocktails. Join them for lunch and dinner.
A photo of Beatrix - River North restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(5346)
Price: Moderate
• American • River North (Chicago)
Booked 166 times today
Beatrix in River North is a neighborhood gem, loved by locals and visitors alike. The restaurant boasts a cozy, modern atmosphere, with a menu that's 'healthy meets delicious.' One review gushes, 'An absolute gem! Delicious fresh food, great service, and beautiful space!' and another lauds the 'cool ambiance' and 'great food.' Beatrix is a favorite for special occasions, group gatherings, and cute dates, and their 'reasonably priced' food is consistently described as 'great.'
A photo of il Porcellino restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4242)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 130 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 Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse - Chicago restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(9180)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 90 times today
Riverfront dining in the heart of the Windy City. Join us for a magnificent meal on the water and let the good times flow. Ideal for gatherings of all sizes with easy access to parking, major hotels, and convention centers.
A photo of Andy's Jazz Club restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(5080)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • River North (Chicago)
Booked 116 times today
Admission is charged to all guests entering the venue and goes toward the musical entertainment that all will be enjoying while inside the club. All dining tables are good for 1 musical performance only. Please choose your reservation time according to your desired performance time. Andy's Jazz Club is a unique as a Jazz Room that offers full dining. We hope for a quiet room during all performances. We do ask that all guests be courteous to the artists while performing and keep conversation volume down during shows.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Andrew
    Chicago / Illinois •40 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Love it here! Our first round of pita was cold and they quickly fixed that. The classic hummus is very pricey and there wasn’t much in the bowl but it is so good! The almond and garlic spread is superb. Waiter was awesome.
    More info
    Ema - River NorthPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• River North (Chicago)
    4.7
  • TracyHenderson
    Dublin •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Dom the moment e arrived we knew we’d picked a great place for our first night in Chicago. We had a mocktail and a glass of red whilst waiting for our table. Lovely decor and ambience. Our waiter was very helpful and talked us through the menu. Food was outstanding. We had calamari, fried shrimp and crab linguine. They gave us a complimentary slice of key lime pie. Oh my god this dessert was amazing. We were so full after dinner we were going to skip dessert and this arrived!! It would have been rude not to eat it. The whole experience has made a great start for our 4 nights stay.
    More info
    Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone CrabPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• River North (Chicago)
    4.9
  • Brett
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Another wonderful meal at Gene and Georgetti! This restaurant is consistently fantastic every time we’ve dined there over the last 20 years. The wait staff and hosts are always warm and helpful and professional. I have always loved the old school ambience and the menu. With all the steak house options in Chicago, this has always been my go-to. The food is delicious and the wine selection and cocktails are similarly wonderful.
    More info
    Gene and GeorgettiPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• River North (Chicago)
    4.7
  • Celeste
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Happy Hour was a nice treat. Fabulous margaritas and guacamole. Delicious food in a fun place. Attentive, but not overbearing service.
    More info
    Mercadito - River NorthPrice: Expensive• Mexican• River North (Chicago)
    4.6
  • TriciaVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Every bit of our experience was perfection. We were a party of six and enjoyed Caesar salad, arugula salad, fettuccine Alfredo, penne a la vodka, meatballs, quatro formaggi pizze, tiramisu, vanilla gelato/strawberry (can’t remember the name… and espresso martinis… all amazing. Service was great. We will be back.
    More info
    Quartino - ChicagoPrice: Moderate• Italian• River North (Chicago)
    4.5

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in River North (Chicago)

Discover the culinary treasures of River North, Chicago, where each restaurant shines as a neighborhood gem, offering unique dining experiences that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. The dining scene in this vibrant area is characterized by a rich variety of cuiseties, from authentic Japanese BBQ at Gyu-Kaku to innovative health-focused dishes at True Food Kitchen, ensuring an unforgettable gastronomic journey for every palate. Each establishment is celebrated for its exceptional service, cozy ambiance, and commitment to quality, making them local favorites and must-visit spots for both residents and visitors. Whether you're in the mood for the energetic vibes and creative sushi of Blue Sushi Sake Grill or the southern charm and live music of House of Blues Restaurant & Bar, River North promises a delightful dining experience. These neighborhood gems are perfect for a casual dinner, a special occasion, or a fun night out, embodying the spirit of Chicago's culinary excellence. Indulge in the expertly crafted dishes and vibrant atmospheres that make River North a standout destination for food enthusiasts.

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