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Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in River West

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92 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Piccolo Sogno restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(7025)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River West
Booked 43 times today
Our name, which means “little dream” in Italian, was chosen by partners Tony Priolo and Ciro Longobardo because it had always been their dream to open a restaurant of their own. “The restaurant fits our personal goal to get to the heart of Italian wine and food,” says executive chef Priolo. “You go to Italy for simple food prepared by hand with local ingredients. We wanted to bring that experience to Chicago.”Piccolo Sogno features a menu of seasonally fresh rustic Italian cuisine. The impressive all-Italian wine list boasts over 400 selections to pair with your meal.When the weather allows, enjoy al fresco dining in the hidden garden patio-regularly recognized as one of the best in the city.Starting December 1, Monday-Thursday we'll open at 5 pm rather than 4 pm-just for the winter. You are welcome to bring a cake to celebrate. If you do, we will charge a $3 fee per person cake-cutting fee. Beginning January 1, all credit card transactions will be charged a 3% fee.
A photo of Erie Cafe restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(180)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 12 times today
Erie Cafe is a premier destination of River North for steaks, chops, and homestyle Italian favorites since 1994. The 1940s club-like atmosphere, elegant bar, and lush outdoor dining is the gem of the neighborhood. Erie Cafe serves the finest aged steaks butchered daily from whole primal cuts, homemade ravioli, specials, and desserts daily for both lunch and dinner. This Chicago Classic is 3rd generation family-owned and operated.
A photo of Pizzeria Portofino restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1679)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 201 times today
Pizzeria Portofino is a sun-drenched casual restaurant located directly on the Chicago riverfront offering hand-stretched pizzas, coastal wines, an expansive patio and breezy decor that will instantly transport you to the Italian Riviera.
A photo of Gibsons Italia restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4140)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 139 times today
Gibsons Italia is built on a tradition & elegance that is relentless in the pursuit of the very best. Chef-driven tastes of Italy are paired with the superiority of Gibsons Steakhouse, creating a restaurant that makes the familiar, exceptional. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.
A photo of RL Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(7405)
Price: Expensive
• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 51 times today
If you do not find availability online, please call the restaurant directly at 312-475-1100.Located adjacent to the Ralph Lauren Chicago flagship store on Michigan Avenue, RL Restaurant features the vision and décor of Ralph Lauren in a modern club atmosphere. RL Restaurant offers classic American cuisine inspired by Ralph Lauren’s personal favorites. Seasonal dishes range from a chopped vegetable salad to a lobster roll sandwich, grilled fish of the day and steaks. On the cocktail list, guests can choose from classic drinks and a diverse selection of wines and other fine spirits.
A photo of Quartino - Chicago restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(11080)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 118 times today
Quartino Ristorante is a lively, authentic Italian restaurant and wine bar in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Our menu features Italy's regional specialties including artisanal salumi, Neapolitan thin-crust pizza, house-made pasta, and seasonal dishes. Menu items, served in moderate portions and meant to be shared, are perfect for adventurous diners ready for a unique experience.
A photo of BLVD Steakhouse restaurant
4.2
Awesome(2983)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • West Loop
Booked 79 times today
BLVD Steakhouse is a classic American steakhouse inspired by Hollywood's Sunset Blvd—the golden era's famed strip of dining and entertainment establishments. Our space embodies the glamour and luxury that defined Old Hollywood, offering sophisticated yet approachable service with a chef-driven menu of prime cuts, fresh seafood, and other seasonal favorites from Celebrity Chef/Partner Joe Flamm. Outside, our massive full season patio with a sprawling bar evokes an enchanted ‘secret garden’ look and feel with lush greenery, linen curtains, luxe upholstery, and romantic string lighting.
A photo of Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(9036)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 99 times today
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse has been a Chicago icon since partners Hugo Ralli and Steve Lombardo opened its doors in May 1989. The classic American steakhouse serves Gibsons Prime Angus Beef and Gibsons Grassfed Australian Beef. Gibsons also features fresh fish, classic cocktails, an extensive wine list and exceptional service. Celebrities, Chicago visitors and loyal neighborhood residents enjoy three distinct locations: Chicago, Rosemont and Oak Brook. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.
A photo of Mon Ami Gabi restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(8208)
Price: Moderate
• French • Lincoln Park
Booked 74 times today
Honoring classic French cuisine, Mon Ami Gabi is a traditional French bistro located in the heart of Lincoln Park. Our menu features simple French food including Steak Frites, fresh seafood, exquisite bites, and French rolling wine carts. Valet is located at the corner of Lincoln Park West and Belden for $17 cash or Zelle. During the holiday season, for all parties of 9 or more, we ask our guests to call the restaurant directly to book a reservation.Did you know that you can use Lettuce gift cards for carryout and delivery? Just place your order through Lettuce website, the LettuceEats app or any Lettuce restaurant website.
A photo of LUXBAR restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2917)
Price: Moderate
• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 78 times today
The quintessential American bar, LUXBAR features seasonal and classic cocktails made from freshly pressed juices, premium ice, house made shrubs, and an extensive selection of spirits that runs especially deep in whiskey and bourbon. A "Build Your Own Manhattan" menu, thoughtful, approachable wine list, and beer menu with vintage and local options make the bar a go-to for casual, mid-week drinks and bites with friends, watching weekend sports and post-shopping. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Raymond
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    I recently dined at Pizza Portofino, and I was beyond impressed! The food was absolutely delicious, with every bite bursting with fresh, authentic flavors. The pizza had the perfect balance of a crisp crust, rich sauce, and high-quality toppings. What really stood out, though, was the staff—they were amazing! From the moment we walked in, everyone was friendly, attentive, and incredibly quick. Our food arrived much faster than expected, and the service was seamless throughout the meal. If you’re looking for a great dining experience with fantastic food and top-notch service, Pizza Portofino is the place to go!
    More info
    Pizzeria PortofinoPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
    4.8
  • OpenTable DinerVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We had a great dinner at piccolo sogno. The food was excellent (especially the gnocchi) and the ambience was lively but not loud— so you felt like you could have a conversation at your table. I also really enjoyed that they pre-split the salad and entrees for my partner and me to share. I would absolutely come again!
    More info
    Piccolo SognoPrice: Moderate• Italian• River West
    4.6
  • Gayle
    Phoenix / Arizona •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Service was outstanding, especially considering our reservation was at 9pm and the staff was working the dinner service for many hours. Unbelievably service oriented. Food was exceptional, as always. The place was packed, and as a result the decibel level was high. It was expensive, but we really enjoyed being taken care of on the night before Valentine’s Day.
    More info
    RL RestaurantPrice: Expensive• American• Gold Coast / Streeterville
    4.8
  • Elizabeth
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The whole experience exceeded our expectations. Joshua, our server, was phenomenal and had great recommendations. The grilled broccolini salad was mind-blowing! The atmosphere within the restaurant was personal and warm. It was not too loud or too quiet. Every table has a gorgeous view of the city and river. Definitely a splurge experience, but so worth it.
    More info
    Gibsons ItaliaPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
    4.8
  • Bill
    Chicago / Illinois •102 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 7 Feb 2025
    It’s one of my favorite places to go to The staff and the food is always amazing
    More info
    Erie CafePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• River North (Chicago)
    4.8
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