The culinary landscape of Chicago is a colorful blend of tastes and traditions. With its famous deep-dish pizza and gourmet hot dogs, this bustling city is a paradise for food lovers. Street food aside, the city boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants that bring you the best fine dining experiences.
Almost every neighborhood in Chicago has top-rated culinary spots, while some others have fabulous hidden gems that offer up the best of local and ethnic cuisines.
Chicago is also known for its many farmers’ markets and local food festivals that draw in food lovers from all over. To complement the amazing food, there are several craft breweries and cocktail bars across the city that offer delicious concoctions.
The best restaurants in the River North neighborhood of Chicago
River North is a chic neighborhood positioned just north of the Chicago River. It is renowned for its lively art scene, high-end dining establishments, and stylish nightspots. Let’s explore some of the best restaurants in the River North area of Chicago.
1. Obelix
Obelix is a fine-dining restaurant on the north side of the Chicago River that’s known for its delicious French-inspired food and romantic ambiance. It’s perfect for date nights or a relaxed evening in town. Some of the popular dishes include Beef Wellington, French Onion Soup, Foie Gras Tacos, Steak Tartare and Baked Alaska. You can also try their impressive selection of wine to complement the delicious French dishes. The seating capacity is moderate, so it’s best to book a table in advance.
Hours:
Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays – 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Address:
700 N Sedgwick St
Chicago, IL 60654
River North, Near North Side
2. Avli River North
This Greek-themed restaurant has multiple locations across Chicago, but their River North establishment truly stands out. The expansive space is adorned with beautiful bougainvillea flowers that paint a pretty picture of Santorini. Some of the most famous dishes here include the Chicken Gyro Sandwich, Saganaki, Chicken Souvlaki, Zucchini Chips, Kataifi Prawns, Greek Salad, Lamb Chops, and Grilled Calamari.
Avli is great for big groups that can wine and dine on the big patio, or even the intimate upstairs dining room. The spot is open daily for lunch and dinner – weekend brunch as well!
Hours:
Monday-Sunday: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Happy Hour: Monday – Friday: 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Brunch: Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Address:
702 N Wells St,
Chicago, IL 60654
3. Indienne
The owners of Indienne aimed to blend Indian and Western cuisines in the best way possible – and they’ve definitely succeeded. Indienne is a hit among Indians and locals alike, offering delectable fares to suit any mood. Some of the bestsellers here include the Passionfruit Pani Puri, Egg Curry, Yogurt Chaat, Lamb Chops, Rasmalai, Chicken Malai Tikka, and Duck Keema.
Indienne is a wonderful fine-dining option for those looking to treat themselves on special occasions or a romantic date night.
Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm.
Address:
217 W Huron St
Chicago, IL 60654
River North, Near North Side
4. Planta Queen
Of course, we’ve not forgotten the lovely vegan community! Many people across the globe have switched to a vegan diet for multiple reasons – but that doesn’t mean their search for some extraordinary food has to stop. Planta Queen is an establishment in River North that is known for curating some of the best vegan food options in all of Chicago. Diners can relish their many Japanese, Thai, and Chinese vegan food options. Some of the best ones include the Bang Bang Broccoli, Crispy Rice, Spicy Tuna Roll, Dragon Roll, Chili Peanut Noodles, and Truffle Fried Rice. Planta Queen is also known to have some excellent drink options to go alongside your meal.
The place is great for a simple date night or even a fun birthday bash!
Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday – 11:30 am to 10:00 pm
Saturday – 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
Sunday – 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Address:
413 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60654
Near North Side
5. RPM Steak
For the meat lovers out there, RPM Steak is definitely one of the must-visit places in Chicago. Having served some notable personalities like President Obama and Lady Gaga, this establishment is a favorite among locals and celebrities. Famous dishes include the Classic Steak Frites, Petite Filets, Kobe Beef, and the mighty Cowboy Steak – cooked to perfection. RPM is also known to have a commendable wine list as well as a very friendly staff.
Bookings may be difficult to secure, but if you plan ahead, you too can enjoy all the wonderful delicacies RPM Steak has to offer.
Hours:
Monday – Thursday – 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Friday – 4:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Saturday – 3:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Sunday – 3:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Address:
66 W Kinzie St
Chicago, IL
Wrapping Up
So, there you have it – some of our best choices for incredible dining experiences in the River North neighborhood of Chicago. Be sure to make bookings and reservations in advance – especially if you’re with a big group. And of course, remember to savor all the amazing delicacies at these hotspots!
New Year’s Eve Chicago