Chicago's vibrant heart beats not just on Michigan Avenue, but also along its winding, watery lifeline - the Chicago River. And dining by the water offers unbeatable views of the iconic skyline.
From casual cafes to fine dining, these restaurants cater to every craving—steak, seafood, pizza, or exotic dishes. So, grab your fork, raise a glass, and let the river guide you to your next unforgettable Chicago dining experience.
It is an exotic neighborhood escape with globetrotting cuisine, tropical cocktails, and Bohemian interiors in Chicago's loop.
This restaurant channels the Beatnik Generation's sense of style, to create an exotic escape with maximalist interiors and lush gardens. Beatnik begins from the Eastern Mediterranean, moves westward across Northern Africa, and finishes across the Atlantic with Mexican flavors.
Address: 180 N Wacker Dr, Downtown
O’Briens Café lines the River Walk along the Chicago River. Their food is simple and effective, but the main reason to visit is the spectacular setting, right on the water with your feet.
They also serve delicious and traditional sandwiched, burgers, wraps, and salads, combining fresh fruit, pecans, chicken, and pasta. It is a great place to try the Chicago-style hot dog, invented and served with tomatoes, onions, relish, and pickles.
Address: 45 E Riverwalk S, Theater District
Doc B's Restaurant serves fast, fresh meals for lunch and dinner, including local ingredients, healthful dishes, pizza, sandwiches, salads, and more.
The restaurant also features a variety of salads, including the popular Knife and Fork Cobb and California Salad. For those looking for indulgent options, their brunch menu includes Honey Truffle Chicken Biscuit and Truffle Fries.
Address: 55 E Grand Ave, North Side
Pizzeria Portofino is a sun-drenched casual restaurant, featuring hand-stretched pizzas, coastal wines, an expansive all-weather patio, and breezy decor.
Guests can get instantly transported to the Italian Riviera, with the menu showcasing imported ingredients from Mediterranean and local Chicago artisans. It is open daily for lunch and dinner.
Address: 317 N Clark St, Central Chicago
RPM Seafood features the truest expression of the world's best fish and seafood, showcasing a variety of crudo and tartare, seafood towers, and globally inspired signature pasta and seafood steaks.
They also have an expansive patio and two smaller terraces on the second-floor mezzanine, perfect for open-air dining.
Address: 317 N Clark St, River North
Robert’s features an open kitchen, an 18-seat full-service bar, and a 142-seat restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows that open up onto the riverwalk. Their dock and outdoor patio along the Ogden slip are among the best-kept secrets in the city.
Robert's 20-year quest to fine-tune a dough recipe can be seen in their brick oven-baked, thin-crust artisan pizza, where eating a slice is a journey from first to last bite.
Address: 465 N McClurg Ct, Gold Coast / Streeterville
River Roast offers stunning views of downtown, along the Chicago River. It is a lively social house and gathering spot where the menu features contemporary American Tavern fare with dramatic presentations of whole-roasted chicken, fish, and slow-roasted beef.
The restaurant is nestled within the downtown area with views overlooking the glistening Chicago river, exuding style and comfort.
Address: 315 N La Salle St, River North
City Winery was founded in New York in 2008 to deliver a unique combined culinary and cultural experience to urban wine enthusiasts.
You can experience the best of the Chicago Riverwalk and enjoy the beauty of the Chicago skyline and riverfront paired with lively al fresco dining. Their thoughtfully prepared menu pairs with the award-wining wines with gourmet dishes.
Address: 11 E Riverwalk South, Downtown / Loop
Porter Kitchen features classic American cuisine in an elegant and relaxed setting. Their expansive lunch, dinner, and bar selections include entrees, fresh seafood, and sandwiches including its signature favorites.
Additionally, the bar serves craft beers, wines, and classic cocktails that pairs perfectly with the dishes.
Address: 150 N Riverside Plaza, West Side
It is well known as one of the best Chicago Loop restaurants with river views, nestled among the city's skyline.
The restaurant offers a delightful riverside dining experience, boasting great food and an inviting atmosphere perfect for happy hours. Excellent menu, good scenary, nice decor, excellent drink selection, and attentive staff.
Address: 100 S Wacker Dr, The Loop
This restaurant offers unique and eclectic Mediterranean-inspired food with a pinch of exceptional flavors and cultural influences from around the world.
The restaurant offers a heightened experience of Mediterranean-inspired food with a full wine and craft beer bar which welcomes weary travelers. The original flavors of Pinched Mediterranean are the cornerstone for the eclectic menu.
Address: 443 E Illinois St, North Side
Shore Club offers an unparalleled hospitality experience where guests can enjoy unobstructed views of Lake Michigan while dining in the restaurant, and sitting on the outdoor patio.
Their elevated food menu is inspired by Mediterranean cuisine and beautiful beaches around the world. Also, the restaurant features table-side service including a beautiful array of shared plates and high-end champagne.
Address: 1603 N Lake Shore Dr, Lincoln Park
Caffe Oliva is tucked away on a beautiful part of the Chicago lakefront, allowing guests to take a vacation in their backyard. The restaurant offers an unusual Chicago experience that will keep you wishing for more.
Besides mouthwatering Mediterranean fare, they also serve mean cocktails and their private lake view cabanas are what makes their customers dining experience one of a kind.
Address: 550 E Grand Ave, North Side
Castaways is an iconic boat house on Northern Lake that features the best views of the city, overlooking the lakefront and Chicago skyline.
Their newly reimagined Castaways Beach club is the perfect blend fo old and new. Also, its classic charm has been preserved while incorporating modern design elements, additional seating, and elevated food and beverage offerings.
Address: 1603 N Lake Shore Dr, Lincoln Park
The Lakefront Restaurant is an upscale tavern with seating for 125 at intimate tables, communal seating, and a lounge area. Their skyline patio provides stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline with seating for 80.
You can join and enjoy Midwestern fare made with the freshest choice ingredients, where you can expect an approachable menu alongside breathtaking views of lake and skyline.
Address: 2401 N Lake Shore Dr, Lincoln Park
Lawrence's Fish & Shrimp is a local favorite in Chicago for fried shrimp, fish, and seafood, serving since 1950 the way guests crave.
Their specialty is large fried shrimp, but they also offer oysters, clam strips, popcorn shrimp, catfish, and much more.
Address: 2120 S Canal St, Chinatown
Quartino features handmade pizza and pasta and Italian small plates that focus on regional specialties with the highest respect for Italian culinary traditions.
This spot can be your host for special events, cocktail parties, or large receptions, from intimate private dining to events of all sizes. The menu here features Platinni or small plates of Italian dishes and wines served in quartinos or carafes.
Address: 626 N State St, North Side
Rivers Restaurant provides an ideal mixture of views, style, service, and an incredible dinner menu. Their menu has something for everyone with broad selections of fresh fish, seafood, and stakes.
With the largest covered patio on the river, they are a great choice for either a casual al fresco experience or a private event. Also, their semi-private dining space can accommodate from 20-300 guests.
Address: 10 S Wacker Dr, The Loop
Thie cape is born out of the love for good coffee, good baked goods, and great food. It was first opened in the spring of 2015 in the hip of Wabash Corridor near Millenium Park.
The restaurant creates a warm and inviting meeting place where guests can enjoy a good coffee, breakfast, sandwich, and dessert and then leave with a smile on the faces.
Address: 225 N La Salle St, Downtown
Barrio offers a creative take on traditional Mexican fare with American influences. It is located near the Chicago River, right don't he cusp of downtown in River North.
This restaurant is a 6000 square foot space accommodating 200 guests indoors and throughout 3 private dining spaces and 70 guests amongst the expansive outdoor patio.
Address: 65 W Kinzie St, North Side
