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Best Lunch Restaurants in River West

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331 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Recess restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1463)
Price: Expensive
• American • West Loop
Booked 8 times today
Located in Chicago’s West Loop, Recess (838 W. Kinzie St.) offers a vibrant, playful, escape to the daily grind. Home of Chicago’s largest patio, Recess encourages guests to adult…like a kid, while serving up delicious American food and drink. The Recess menu taps into the cravings of everyday life, offering casually elevated dishes with playful Chicago swagger, while our beverage program takes a bright, ingredient-driven approach with cocktails both classic and original. In addition to the energetic adult playground vibes and menu offerings, Recess also offers a nostalgic array of indoor and outdoor activities including giant Jenga and Connect 4, all of your favorite board games.Recess is a 21+ establishment.
A photo of Piccolo Sogno restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(6946)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River West
Booked 83 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 Guinness Open Gate Brewery - Chicago restaurant
4.5
Awesome(83)
Price: Expensive
• Brewery • West Loop
Booked 53 times today
Where 260 years of Irish Brewing expertise meets American beer creativity. Inspired by Chicago, crafted by Guinness. Look out, Chicago.The Guinness Open Gate Brewery Chicago features a Taproom, Restaurant, and the first ever Guinness Bakery, all located right in the heart of Chicago's West Loop. Come indulge both your curiosity and your tastebuds, while experimenting with a new world of flavor.
A photo of Erie Cafe restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(160)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 33 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.
A photo of PERILLA fare - West Loop restaurant
4.5
Awesome(409)
Price: Expensive
• Korean • West Town
Booked 24 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
A photo of RL Restaurant restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(7209)
Price: Expensive
• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 109 times today
If you do not find availability online, please call the restaurant directly at 312-475-1100.Located adjacent to the Ralph Lauren Chicago flagship store on Michigan Avenue, RL Restaurant features the vision and décor of Ralph Lauren in a modern club atmosphere. RL Restaurant offers classic American cuisine inspired by Ralph Lauren’s personal favorites. Seasonal dishes range from a chopped vegetable salad to a lobster roll sandwich, grilled fish of the day and steaks. On the cocktail list, guests can choose from classic drinks and a diverse selection of wines and other fine spirits.
A photo of Ema - River North restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4530)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • River North (Chicago)
Booked 117 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 Mercadito - River North restaurant
4.5
Awesome(6254)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • River North (Chicago)
Booked 97 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 The Gage restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(11919)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown / Loop
Booked 146 times today
The Gage has become a perennial favorite of locals and visitors alike for over ten years by effortlessly blending European influence with American style. The restaurant serves refined, rustic cuisine, innovative libations and an award-winning wine list all in a lively, convivial setting. Known as a “must visit” among Chicago’s dining scene, The Gage continues to evolve by serving well-rounded food and beverage menus that feature classic dishes and drinks with contemporary twists rooted in tradition.
A photo of The Hampton Social - River North restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2590)
Price: Expensive
• American • River North (Chicago)
Booked 34 times today
The Hampton Social - River North is the perfect place to imbibe and enjoy the feeling of summer days. Located in the River North Neighborhood of Downtown Chicago, our flagship location and first restaurant in the group, boasts our signature "Rosé All Day lounge", a lively bar, main dining area and private dining spaces. Known for our lively dining experiences featuring exceptional coastal-inspired food, cocktails and live music in a beautifully designed atmosphere. Open for Lunch, Dinner, and Weekend Brunch

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Patti
    Chicago / Illinois •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Indeed the diamond nestled in the middle of Chicago! From entering the front door, the staff at Piccolo Sogno make you feel like family...their family. Everything on the menu is delicious, flavorful, authentic Italian cuisine (the lasagna is my fav!). Dining here is ALWAYS a treat for us. Tony, Ciro and Alfredo are the BEST of the BEST! Thank you for another wonderful dining experience!
    More info
    Piccolo SognoPrice: Moderate• Italian• River West
    4.7
  • Julia
    Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We ordered the Jampong Mussels, Chef’s Meat Sampler, Doeng Jang Jjgae, and Banchan.. everything tasted good. I mean it tasted as Korean food should, the meat was buttery soft and while I thought it odd to have to order banchan separately… it is unlimited, so there is that. The Jampong Mussels tasted good, but it wasn’t Jampong soup really, it was more Kimchee Jjgae broth with pork (so if you are pescatarian you might want to ask if they can omit or it may not work for you). The cocktails were lovely though (as many people commented… ) I had a Matcha Sour, I believe it was called, so good if you like sweet cocktails and the expresso martini was fantastic. In terms of the ambiance, it’s a nice moody sort of interior. It is dark at night, but because it is a corner restaurant it was nice to see all the night lights come through the windows. All adds to the vibe. All in all would I recommend? If you want to have a Korean experience, but in an elevated atmosphere then yes. The food is good, but was it phenomenal? No… it wasn’t like a Benu (from SF) experience, but could be a nice date night, special occasion, or somewhere you would bring a special guest… that maybe isn’t Korean? Honestly I think the bad reviews were mostly from fellow Koreans, (or at least those who are in the know about Korean food) but like I said it’s very good food, just not anything new or quantity wise, satisfying for the natives.
    More info
    PERILLA fare - West LoopPrice: Expensive• Korean• West Town
    4.5
  • John
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Great time with a group of friends. Great ambience, service, and massive portion sizes!
    More info
    Erie CafePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• River North (Chicago)
    4.8
  • Ana Cristina
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    The brewery is so awesome. The food was excellent, especially the cheese curds. I got the burger is it delicious! The beer was good too! I got the sorry about the parking which the name was hilarious due to them not having a parking lot
    More info
    Guinness Open Gate Brewery - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Brewery• West Loop
    4.5
  • Ismail I
    Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 10, 2024
    Great experience at Recess !!! Good food , drinks , atmosphere and the service was impeccable.
    More info
    RecessPrice: Expensive• American• West Loop
    4.5
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