Whether you want a beautiful outdoor dining experience, a fantastic steak, craft cocktails, or a white tablecloth atmosphere, Chicago has it all. Here is a roundup of the most romantic restaurants in Chicago for your next date night or anniversary celebration.
Elske
Elske (1350 W Randolph St) is a quiet but beautiful date night spot for creative American fare with Danish influences.
This warm space boasts exposed brick, natural light, a fantastic patio, and lots of candles.
Elske offers a set tasting menu, with unique offerings such as roasted lamb saddle and sausage with cauliflower and smoked dates.
This restaurant also has an a la carte menu with specialties like celeriac risotto and roasted lobster.
Aba
Aba (302 N Green St 3rd Floor), an upscale Mediterranean restaurant, provides delicious cuisine inspired by Turkey, Israel, Lebanon, and Greece.
Menu highlights include a variety of kebabs, short rib hummus, and black garlic shrimp scampi.
Located in the historic Fulton Market District, Aba’s gorgeous rooftop patio, complete with an abundance of greenery, unique lighting, and comfortable seating, is a picturesque scene for your next date. It’s heated and enclosed during the winter as well.
Gibsons Italia
Gibsons Italia (233 N Canal St) offers three different levels of dining space, two fireplaces, and a roof deck.
With floor-to-ceiling windows, you will enjoy the views of the city whether you’re here for lunch or dinner.
This Italian-inspired steakhouse serves handmade pasta, USDA-certified beef, seafood, and Japanese cuts of meat.
Maple & Ash
With white tablecloths, a martini lounge, and excellent food, Maple & Ash (8 W Maple St) is a lovely spot for an upscale and romantic dinner.
This steakhouse not only serves high-quality cuts of meat, but also offers a fire-roasted seafood tower, a brunch menu, an extensive wine list, specialty cocktails, and a spirits menu that might be longer than the actual food menu.
Ocean Prime
Located on the iconic Magnificent Mile, Ocean Prime (87 E Wacker Dr) serves a variety of seafood specialties, such as sushi, lobster bisque, ahi tuna, and crab cakes.
This restaurant also has a variety of signature cocktails and a sizeable dessert menu.
Elegant chandeliers, city views, the fantastic location, and a vibrant atmosphere make Ocean Prime the ultimate spot for your next night on the town or special occasion.
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Next on this list of Best Romantic Restaurants in Chicago is Eddie V’s Prime Seafood (521 N Rush St) – an elegant chain that provides a fine-dining experience, serving seafood and steaks.
Stop in for happy hour, order takeout, or enjoy a romantic date night.
After dinner, order cocktails and dessert, or stick around for live music that happens nearly every night.
Mastro’s Steakhouse
From the elegant atmosphere to the nightly live music, Mastro’s Steakhouse (520 N Dearborn St) is an outstanding restaurant to spend a romantic evening.
Mastro’s serves a variety of entrees, including wagyu chops, sushi, lobster, and standard cuts of steak.
This restaurant enforces a strict dress code, so be sure to wear your Sunday best.
Torali Italian-Steak
Located on top of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Torali Italian-Steak (160 E Pearson St 12th Floor) specializes in handmade pasta and dry-aged steaks.
Torali’s menu is also highly inclusive, with vegetarian and gluten-free options.
On a summer evening, enjoy the charming and romantic atmosphere of this restaurant with a craft cocktail on the rooftop lounge.
Steak 48
Steak 48 (615 N Wabash Ave) also makes this roundup of Best Romantic Restaurants in Chicago.
They are a trendy spot with a diverse menu and a great place to enjoy a night on the town.
In addition to fresh steak and seafood, this joint serves meatloaf, short ribs, and pork chops to name a few.
Steak 48 also offers a diverse selection of seating areas, from the indoor dining rooms to the outdoor firepit.
Brindille
Brindille (534 N Clark St) provides a French fine dining experience in the River North neighborhood.
With clean and simple decor, this Parisian-inspired eatery currently offers French staples such as caviar, duck, ratatouille, and high-quality cuts of steak.
Be sure to order dessert while you are here; Pastry Chef Craig Harzewski creates gourmet desserts such as lemon madeleines and baked clafoutis.
You can also take home a pint of Brindille’s homemade ice cream.
Coco Pazzo
Coco Pazzo (300 W Hubbard St) is considered to be a romantic Italian restaurant in Chicago.
Specializing in Tuscan-Italian cuisine, they are a favorite amongst celebrities and politicians.
Draped in velvet curtains, the walls of exposed brick and the quaint street-side patio create an enchanting date-night setting.
Menu highlights include fresh pasta, homemade pizza, and a variety of craft cocktails.
Marchesa
Why go all the way to Paris when you can go to Marchesa (535 N Wells St)? Gold chandeliers, vibrant colors, and elegant table settings make this art-deco-inspired space an excellent spot for a romantic evening.
This French restaurant serves caviar, escargot, and charcuterie, along with standard entrees like steak and risotto.
Enjoy the live DJ, cocktails, and dancing from Wednesday through Saturday.
Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf
Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf (218 W Kinzie St) provides an ideal atmosphere for your next romantic date night with dim lighting, fantastic service, and delicious food.
This steakhouse embraces a French-inspired menu, offering fresh oysters, steak, and seafood.
In addition to an extensive wine and cocktail list, Bavette’s also has an impressive dessert and coffee menu.
After a delicious steak dinner, guests can order dessert martinis, pie, or organic tea.
Geja’s Cafe
Geja’s Cafe (340 W Armitage Ave) is a fondue restaurant that is a beautiful spot for your next birthday dinner, anniversary, or night out.
In 2015, Geja’s was named America’s Most Romantic Restuarant by USA Today poll, and for a good reason.
The intimate, candle-lit dining room offers live classical and flamenco music, where you can taste premier fondue dinners which include Gruyere cheese fondue, chocolate fondue, along with an assortment of meats, bread, vegetables, and fruit for dipping.
North Pond
Looking for one of the best romantic restaurants in Chicago with a view?
Visit North Pond ( 2610 N Cannon Dr) which is located in the iconic Lincoln Park neighborhood and overlooks the breathtaking Chicago skyline.
This restaurant specializes in creating dishes made from ingredients sourced by local farmers.
The seasonal tasting menu includes ocean trout, wagyu beef, mushroom congee, and more.