Diners' Choice: Romantic restaurants in Near West

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that are the most romantic in Near West? 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!

Citrine Cafe

4.8

4.8 (1279)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Oak Park

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of Oak Park IL, Citrine offers Mediterranean influenced cuisine with American flair. The menu includes seasonal fish and vegetable dishes, braised meats cooked in clay pots and fresh bread from our brick oven.

Top review

Kathy

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

A lovely evening with a great special: risotto with beef cheeks, mushrooms and bell peppers. Our server Matthew was knowledgeable about dishes, wines and so accommodating throughout. It was my 75th birthday and I felt so special there.

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La Notte Ristorante Italiano - Oak Park

4.8

4.8 (725)

$31 to $50

Italian

Oak Park

About the restaurant

La Notte executive chef and owner Giovanni Matteo Mancini has a multitude of recipes which draw on his upbringing in Italy, but also his families ancestral recipes from Rome, Tuscany, and Bari.

Years of experience and creativity allow him to bring the essence and flavor of Italy out in his cooking while creating new and sumptuous dishes.

All of Giovanni's dishes are made to order satisfying every customer’s needs. Accommodating dietary restrictions and allergies when needed, but always providing fresh delectable dishes for every palate.

Giovanni brings the flavor of Italy and the ambiance of upscale downtown Chicago dining to Oak Park's Marion Street district.

His contemporary twist on old favorites of authentic Italian cuisine make you come back for more time and again

Now Offering Valet Service for $8 from 6PM -10PM

Top review

PeterVIP

Dined 3 days ago

We love this place. It is always good. The food rides the line between mom-and-pop and refined dining. They will cook what you wish to order and we have never been disappointed. We will return and return again.

The Little Gem Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1143)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Oak Park

About the restaurant

This Intimate, Stylish Little Restaurant is Elegant and Romantic
With a Warm and Welcoming Atmosphere.
A Relaxed Fine Dining Experience.
Casual or Smart - All Feel At Ease.

Reservations are Recommended - Walkins are always Welcome.
Full Bar with a Speciality Bourbon Collection, Fine Wines and Craft Cocktails.
Newly Expanded to right next door Also Check Out ENCORE! by Little Gem it is just as cosy, warm and inviting.

In addition we have a Private Party Room for up to 70.
Food + Drink Party Packages Available.
Outdoor Dining available weather permitting.
Gift Cards, Private Parties and Customized Menus are available.
Please call (917) 327 8997 or email us : info@thelittlegemcafe.com

We look forward to serving you!

Top review

EdwardVIP

Dined today

Dining experience at The Little Gem was excellent. Service was smooth and appetizers and entrees were spaced nicely. We were a party of six and everything was seamless. Good menu choices and excellent preparation.

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Experience

New Years Eve Dinner 2025

Piacere Mio

4.8

4.8 (315)

$30 and under

Italian

Forest Park

About the restaurant

NOW OPEN FOR LUNCH SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FROM 11 AM TO 4 PM

Modern Italian Restaurant with House Made Pasta, Risotto, Seafood, Meat and House Made Desserts by
Chef J. Marquez
Casual Dining with a Relaxed atmosphere.

Top review

Yoko

Dined 1 day ago

The food and service were excellent as always. The noise level becomes too noisy for conversation at a peek time. If you are looking for a quiet and relaxed dining, I recommend arriving early right after the restaurant is opened.

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Experience

Cocktail Tuesday. 50% off on Cocktails.

Experience

Dessert Wednesday. Free Dessert on us per Table

Experience

Wine Monday. 50% off on any bottle of Wine!

Donny G's Ristorante

4.7

4.7 (150)

$30 and under

Italian

Elmwood Park

About the restaurant

Welcome to Donny G's Ristorante! At Donny G's Ristorante & Bar in Elmwood Park we refuse to compromise on quality in our restaurant. That's why we source our fresh ingredients from local farmers' markets to prepare our menu offerings for you and your loved ones. We have a main restaurant as well as a banquet and entertainment space which holds up to 125 people. We have unique lunch, dinner, catering and banquet menus.

Top review

Sandy

Dined on Nov 24, 2024

My husband and I live in the same town as Donny G's. It was our 1st time there. What a gem. We will be back. The service from the minute we hit the door was outstanding. The drinks and food were so good. We savoured every bite of both our meals. We had the whitefish and rotini w/ meatballs in parm. sauce. The bread and oil/cheese appetizer was yummy. The Pasta Fagioli soup, and Cesar's salad were spot on. We were so pleased and couldn't say enough. It is so hard to get a good meal for the value nowadays. We can't wait to bring our family there. The waitress was warm and friendly. I have a feeling this will become our "go to place" Give it a try, you will be pleasantly pleased.

Crepas Culichi - Oak Park

4.7

4.7 (210)

$31 to $50

Dining Bar

Oak Park

About the restaurant

Our brunch is walkins only, first come first serve, for Brunch. We open daily for Brunch on Mon-Thu at 10 AM and Fri-Sun at 9 AM. Dinner reservations are accepted daily beginning at 4:00 PM.

Relax and unwind at our vintage-inspired restaurant bar. The décor features white marble accents, gleaming gold details, and clear glass fixtures, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Enjoy brunch or dinner in a laid back ambiance and sip on a signature cocktail while savoring delicious fare. Perfect for casual get-togethers or a leisurely weekend treat, our restaurant bar is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy good company and great food.

Top review

SusanVIP

Dined on Nov 24, 2024

Crepas Culichi is the perfect place to have good food in an elegant setting. Every detail from the decor to the beautiful china dishware and crystal glasses make you feel like you are somewhere special. Our server, Fernanda, was attentive and helpful. The support team was efficient in serving our food and removing used plates. Each dish is presented with precision and style. We were also treated to a violinist who stopped at each table entertaining with his own selection or a special request. Treat yourself, friends, and family to a pleasant experience at Crepas Culichi.

Hemmingway's Bistro

4.6

4.6 (1243)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Oak Park

About the restaurant

At Hemmingway's Bistro the menu combines classic French dishes with the freshest Midwest ingredients.
The daily specials reflect the chef's love for fresh seafood. Using mostly East-coast seafood flown in from Boston daily, the chef creates dishes like wild mushroom-crusted halibut on horseradish whipped potatoes and roasted sea bass on Caussoulet beans.
There is also a Parisian seafood bar offering towers of Plateau de Fruit de Mer with fresh oysters, clams, shrimp, and lobster.

Top review

DIANE

Dined 3 days ago

Excellent as usual…delicious, wonderful service and a lovely atmosphere!

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4.4

4.4 (35)

$30 and under

Contemporary European

Oak Park

About the restaurant

Blue Fire is located in Elmwood Park, Illinois, and specializes in serving authentic European cuisine. This restaurant offers catering services and is perfect for family dinners, business meetings, or meeting with friends. Blue Fire also offers packages for private events.

The menu at Blue Fire includes main dishes, salads, pastas, seafood, burgers, shawarma, pizzas, desserts, and much more. We also have a children's menu and vegetarian dishes. Popular dishes include rigatoni alla vodka, Alfredo pasta, pork medallions, steak, beef stroganoff, dark side of the sea, arugula fusion roast beef, and fried calamari. Offered desserts include tiramisu, cheesecake, medovik, and mille-feuille.

Top review

Daryl

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

Great experience. Had a work lunch and everything was great. Our waiter Curiel did a very nice job attending to everyone and answering questions.

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Experience

FREE PIZZA On Your First Visit

TNT Rooftop Restaurant

4.3

4.3 (29)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Cicero

About the restaurant

Perched atop Austin, Chicago's vibrant streets, TNT Rooftop Restaurant offers an upscale dining experience with skyline views. From succulent steaks to vegan options, every dish is crafted with precision. With private party options and a rooftop terrace for 180 guests, guests can indulge in handcrafted cocktails and gourmet meals while enjoying panoramic vistas. Additionally, our date night experience with chauffeur service adds an extra touch of romance—view our experiences for more info. TNT Rooftop Restaurant promises an unforgettable culinary journey paired with unparalleled service and ambiance.

Top review

Ivory

Dined on Nov 24, 2024

First time going...Was a little hesitant about going because of the area, but I will say the greeting was marvelous...that young man showed excellent customer service skills from the time you walk in and over all while you are there...the waitress was very attentive as well...once our time was up we moved to the bar and continued to have drinks and chat with the friendly staff....everything was great I must say...definitely glad I supported this establishment.

The View Restaurant

4.1

4.1 (75)

$31 to $50

American

Riverside

About the restaurant

THE VIEW offers an elite restaurant with a mixture of a dynamic ambiance, unmatched vibe, and impeccable food.

Top review

JESSICA

Dined on Dec 7, 2024

The brunch was awesome. The Dj, KMoon and the gentleman worked the crowd and I love every minute of it. The food was delicious and drinks were strong