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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Near North

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71 restaurants available nearby

A photo of il Porcellino restaurant
1. il Porcellino
4.8
Exceptional(4345)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 132 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 Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba! restaurant
2. Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba!
4.8
Exceptional(439)
Price: Expensive
• Tapas / Small Plates • River North (Chicago)
Booked 53 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(3497)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 33 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 Doc B’s Restaurant - River North restaurant
4. Doc B’s Restaurant - River North
4.6
Exceptional(872)
Price: Moderate
• American • River North (Chicago)
Booked 28 times today
Set in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, Doc B's Restaurant + Bar serves food made from scratch daily. Incorporating the highest-quality ingredients, the menu includes a variety of entree-sized salads,"very special” entrees, crave-worthy burgers and sandwiches, signature Wok Out Bowls™, indulgent desserts and so much more. Doc B’s also impresses with an extensive craft beer, wine and spirits selection in addition to signature cocktails. No matter what occasion, the expansive menu truly offers something for everyone. With each location having its own personality, Doc B’s Chicago (River North) is located next to Nordstrom on the corner of Grand and Wabash and offers an expanded selection of house cocktails as well as a weekday happy hour.
A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Chicago, IL | Streeterville (Magnificent Mile) restaurant
5. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Chicago, IL | Streeterville (Magnificent Mile)
4.7
Exceptional(2349)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • River North (Chicago)
Booked 40 times today
Founded in Tokyo in 1996, Gyu-Kaku has become the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand! Thanks to our devoted fans we have reached over 700 locations worldwide. Each day, hundreds of thousands of people gather around the table-top smokeless grill, a centerpiece of our dining concept, enjoying selections of premium meats, just off the grill, and other freshly prepared foods from our kitchens, inspiring laughter, conversation, and a magical dining experience.Our authentic yakiniku (grilled barbeque) dining experience crowns you the chef. Share a variety of delicious appetizers and premium cooked meats over a flaming grill, paired with Japanese sake, frosty cold beers, or other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options of your choice. We're the perfect spot to enjoy time with friends and family, organize an office party, or to spend quality time with your significant other!Before you go, don't forget to taste our best-seller Harami Skirt Steak or Prime Kalbi Short Rib among other must-try dishes!
A photo of The Berkshire Room restaurant
6. The Berkshire Room
4.5
Awesome(59)
Price: Moderate
• Cocktail Bar • River North (Chicago)
Booked 14 times today
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 Sanctuary restaurant
7. Sanctuary
new
4.2
Awesome(2)
Price: Expensive
• Global, International • River North (Chicago)
Booked 5 times today
Sanctuary is a bold cocktail den and restaurant with unfettered conversations. This vibrant space in lush black and gold showcases the best of comfort fare across cuisines. Come in for the best lomo saltado, mezze platter, fish & chips, empanadas, charcuterie, pakoras, butter chicken, mac and cheese, aguachile, fried chicken, chow mein. Or for the wines and pisco/tequila/vodka artisan craft cocktails by Chicago's Let's Talk Womxn makers. Track the innovative programs with partners on our IG @sanctuary_2025. From the weekly Let Loose Retro Thursdays with Europe's DJ BesB. To cerebral and provocative conversations in keeping with the needs of our times. Apart from its own dishes, Sanctuary features dishes and drinks by Chicago's 130 Let’s Talk Womxn restaurateurs & entrepreneurs. Follow happenings @sanctuary_2025. Our sanctuary covenant is flavor, zero pretentiousness & principles.
A photo of Prime & Provisions Steakhouse restaurant
8. Prime & Provisions Steakhouse
4.6
Exceptional(5777)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 69 times today
In A World Of All-Natural Cleanses, Organic Stores And Paleo Diets, Prime & Provisions' Beef Program Contributes To The Clean-Eating Lifestyle By Serving 100% All Natural Linz Heritage Usda Prime Black Angus Beef. We Are Proudly The First Steakhouse In Chicago To Offer Beef From The "Never-Ever" Program Which Linz Heritage Angus Prides Itself On.
A photo of Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago restaurant
9. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago
4.8
Exceptional(9097)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 159 times today
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse has been a Chicago icon since partners Hugo Ralli and Steve Lombardo opened its doors in May 1989. The classic American steakhouse serves Gibsons Prime Angus Beef and Gibsons Grassfed Australian Beef. Gibsons also features fresh fish, classic cocktails, an extensive wine list and exceptional service. Celebrities, Chicago visitors and loyal neighborhood residents enjoy three distinct locations: Chicago, Rosemont and Oak Brook. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.
A photo of Elina's restaurant
10. Elina's
4.8
Exceptional(221)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • West Town
Booked 64 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.

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Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Near North

Discover a curated selection of dining gems in Near North, Chicago that are truly "worth the drive." Nestled in one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods, these eateries stand out for their unique culinary experiences and exceptional service. Whether you’re seeking innovative dishes, classic comfort foods, or exquisite fine dining, the restaurants in this area cater to every taste and occasion. Each establishment boasts a distinct ambiance, from cozy, intimate settings to lively, upscale venues, making them perfect spots for both casual outings and special celebrations. The dining scene in Near North is characterized by its eclectic mix of cuisines and its ability to offer both trendy new spots and cherished, longstanding favorites. These restaurants not only provide memorable meals but also embody a commitment to quality and creativity, ensuring every visit is more than just a meal—it’s a culinary adventure. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these dining destinations in Near North, Chicago are guaranteed to provide an unforgettable gastronomic experience that's absolutely worth the drive.

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