15 Romantic Restaurants in Chicago (Date-Night Spots)
The windy city is known for its incredible restaurants, and you will be spoiled for choice with James Beard award winners and Michelin stars.
With so many superb options, you will have your choice of romantic restaurants in Chicago. From French and Italian to Asian fusion and sushi, Chicago’s restaurants are innovative and intimate.
Romantic Restaurants in Chicago
1. Boka
Prices: $$$$
Best for: Couples who enjoy fine dining
Location: 1729 N Halsted St
A great dating app opener could be: have you ever eaten at a Michelin-star restaurant because I would love to experience Boka with you?
Boka is an award-winning restaurant with one of the best-tasting menu options, making it a memorable first-date restaurant in Chicago.
The exquisite menu is expensive, but when you eat at Boka, you get a sophisticated and romantic experience that will certainly leave an impression.
Make a reservation to avoid disappointment, and be sure to take a selfie with the incredible green living wall.
2. Ciccio Mio
Prices: $$$
Best for: Italian food lovers
Location: 226 W Kinzie St
If you are looking for a romantic Italian restaurant in Chicago, then look no further than Ciccio Mio.
The moody, vintage aesthetic is sumptuous and offers couples a romantic first-date dinner. The food is perfect if you are craving Italian, but be sure to book because this place is popular.
Ciccio Mio even has a patio option, so you can include your pooch on date night. The staff are knowledgeable and can help you pair your meal and wine.
3. Bistro Campagne
Prices: $$$
Best for: French cuisine enthusiasts
Location: 4518 N Lincoln Ave
If you are looking for romantic dining in Chicago with French flair, then try Bistro Campagne.
You can choose to sit inside and dine by candlelight or enjoy the twinkling fairy lights in the courtyard for a romantic dinner with a view.
They also offer brunch, which makes it perfect for a more casual first date while still pulling out all the stops with fantastic French food and wine.
It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and also accepts reservations.
4. Virtue Restaurant
Prices: $$$
Best for: Couples wanting Southern comfort food
Location: 1462 E 53rd St
If you are looking for a date night restaurant in Chicago that offers romance and the comfort of home, then try Virtue.
From gumbo to key lime pie, this nice restaurant in Chicago is ideal for a relaxed first date that offers Southern comfort dishes.
With generous portions, you can share a selection of dishes with your date for a cozy and romantic dinner in Chicago.
Be sure to make a reservation to enjoy this James Beard award-winning restaurant with your love.
5. 3 Arts Cafe
Prices: $$$
Best for: An aesthetic experience
Location: 1300 N Dearborn
3 Arts Cafe is a romantic lunch date restaurant if you manage to snag a coveted reservation.
The domed courtyard is filled with chandeliers, fountains, and trees, making this restaurant an aesthetic feast. Not to mention the incredible food which caters to every taste.
There is not much parking, so you may need to valet or do garage parking which can be tricky if you decide to shop at restoration Hardware after lunch.
6. Alinea
Prices: $$$$
Best for: Fine dining experience
Location: 1723 N Halsted St
Alinea is more than just a fancy restaurant in Chicago. If you want to impress your date or have a special evening planned, then this sensory spectacle is worth the cost.
You have to book months in advance, especially if you want a 2-person Gallery experience.
With breathtaking surroundings and a sneak peek at the kitchen preparing a course, the wait is worth it if you are a foodie.
7. Cindy’s
Prices: $$
Best for: Cocktails with a view
Location: 12 S Michigan Ave
Cindy’s is a romantic rooftop restaurant in Chicago boasting spectacular views. Cindy’s is ideal for casual first-date drinks and has a festive ambiance.
If you are wanting to try some of the amazing food, whether brunch, lunch, or dinner, be sure to make a reservation on Resy a couple of weeks in advance.
Cindy’s is always busy and can be quite loud, but the sweeping views of Millenial Park and delicious cocktails make it a romantic date night option.
8. S.K.Y
Prices: $$$
Best for: Casual fine dining
Location: 1239 W 18th St
One of the best date night restaurants in Chicago, S.K.Y is Asian-inspired food made for sharing.
What is more romantic than savoring a shared meal in a quiet restaurant in Chicago? The industrial-chic space keeps things casual, which contrasts well with the superb food.
The fried chicken with fermented hot sauce is a fan favorite, and for some extra romance, request a standalone two-top table and enjoy a refreshing cocktail.
Parking can be tricky so give yourself enough time before your reservation.
9. The X Pot
Prices: $$$$
Best for: Sensory dining experience
Location: 1147 S Delano Ct E
The X Pot is a beautiful restaurant in Chicago that creates a sensory gastronomic experience.
What sets this restaurant apart is the special performance of the face-changing ceremony and a noodle dance where hand-pulled noodles are made in front of you.
The hot pot meal is great to share, and the mood lighting and strategic layout make this one of the best romantic restaurants in Chicago.
For a night of theatre, good food, and music, you can’t go wrong with The X Pot.
10. Andros Taverna
Prices: $$$
Best for: Daytime date
Location: 2542 N Milwaukee
If you are looking for the best date restaurant in Chicago for brunch, then try Andros Taverna.
With big windows, lush plants, and beautiful lighting, this romantic date spot will make you feel like you are on a Greek holiday.
The Greek food is top-notch and you can share the dishes for a more intimate meal.
Brunch times are only available from Friday to Sunday, but you could make a reservation and enjoy the ambiance for a weeknight dinner as well.
11. Gilt Bar
Prices: $$$
Best for: Intimate date
Location: 230 W Kinzie St
Gilt Bar might be the most romantic restaurant in Chicago with its moody lighting and private booths.
From chandeliers and cut glass to sexy cocktails by candlelight, the Gilt bar offers a romantic and glamorous date night experience.
The food is hearty yet refined, and you will leave feeling satisfied and charmed. The vintage-inspired decor transports you to another time, making for a unique dining experience.
You don’t have to book if you are happy with a high-top table but for a romantic date night, make a reservation for a booth.
12. Beatnik
Prices: $$
Best for: Cocktail date
Location: 1604 W Chicago Ave
Beatnik is a fantastic Chicago date night restaurant because it is a vibrant and dynamic setting.
You will be transported to the sultry shores of Morocco, France, and Italy with eclectic cocktails and fusion dishes.
The beautiful decor and tapas-style sharing plates make for a cozy and romantic date night, and the cocktails are eclectic and unique.
The portions are quite small so either be prepared to spend more on a selection of dishes or make a stop for a cocktail date instead of dinner.
13. Beatrix
Prices: $$
Best for: Breakfast date
Location: 519 N Clark St
With iconic coffee and a bakery counter, Beatrix is a great breakfast date option. Nothing says romance quite like a steaming cup of jo and a blueberry muffin.
The bakery is open from 6:00 AM Monday to Friday, so you could even squeeze in a quick date before work.
With valet and on-the-street parking, you can pop around for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even happy hour.
Beatrix is a versatile date restaurant with good food and plenty of romance.
14. Kai Zan
Prices: $$$
Best for: Sushi lovers
Location: 2557 W Chicago Ave
If you love sushi and want an affordable omakase experience, then make a reservation at Kai Zan.
The beautiful and tranquil setting, combined with fresh and delicious food, will make for an enjoyable date night.
Every table is a booth which makes the experience more intimate and romantic. Be prepared for some spicy dishes and because the omakase runs on a 90-minute schedule, be on time for your reservation.
15. Bavette’s Bar and Boeuf
Prices: $$$
Best for: Steak lovers
Location: 218 W Kinzie St
Bavette’s Bar and Boeuf is like no steakhouse you have been to before and will set the scene for your romantic date night.
With low lighting, velvet chairs, and a vintage aesthetic, Bavette’s provides the perfect backdrop to a delicious meal for two.
The downstairs parlor has a more intimate feeling, while the bar offers a trendy vibe. Reservations are difficult to come by, so book in advance.
The generous portions are ideal for sharing, adding a level of intimacy to the meal.
