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Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in River West

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100 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Piccolo Sogno restaurant
1. Piccolo Sogno
4.6
Exceptional(6988)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River West
Booked 92 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
2. Erie Cafe
4.7
Exceptional(176)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 22 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 Girl & the Goat restaurant
3. Girl & the Goat
4.8
Exceptional(14957)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • West Loop
Booked 211 times today
Girl & the Goat opened in 2010 with the goal of offering a menu of bold, flavorful dishes designed to share in a fun and lively atmosphere. To complement the experience, we offer a curated selection of wines from around the world, focusing on small producers, along with a rotating list of craft beers and a playful cocktail menu crafted by our bartenders. The ever-changing menu, driven by locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, features favorites like sautéed green beans, roasted oysters, crispy short ribs, and confit goat belly. While reservations are encouraged for the dining room, our bar welcomes walk-ins, adventurers, and those who prefer spontaneity.
A photo of Pizzeria Portofino restaurant
4. Pizzeria Portofino
4.8
Exceptional(1602)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 153 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
5. Gibsons Italia
4.8
Exceptional(4041)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 141 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 Blue Door Kitchen & Garden restaurant
6. Blue Door Kitchen & Garden
4.6
Exceptional(2404)
Price: Moderate
• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 53 times today
Blue Door Kitchen & Garden, home to celebrated Chef Art Smith, is a farm-to-table oasis in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast and deeply rooted in the philosophy of letting the seasons dictate the menu. From its inception, the Blue Door brand has become synonymous with sustainability and responsible sourcing. We pride ourselves in showcasing dishes made from fresh, local ingredients sourced from Midwest farms. Experience a chef-driven menu featuring everything from pierogis and market fresh salads, to Chef Art Smith’s famous buttermilk fried chicken. Walk-ins are always encouraged. Be sure to join us during the warmer weather months when the beautiful outdoor patio is open. While visiting, be sure to enjoy one of Blue Door Kitchen’s garden-to-glass cocktails, local beers or perfectly paired wines from our extensive list.For reservations eight or larger, please call the restaurant 312-573-4000.
A photo of RL Restaurant restaurant
7. RL Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(7344)
Price: Expensive
• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 116 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
8. Quartino - Chicago
4.5
Awesome(11035)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 145 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 Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago restaurant
9. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago
4.7
Exceptional(8990)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 124 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 Ema - River North restaurant
10. Ema - River North
4.7
Exceptional(4560)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • River North (Chicago)
Booked 122 times today
A Mediterranean & California-inspired restaurant featuring small plates & Chef CJ Jacobson's lighter style cooking in Chicago's River North.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • OpenTable DinerVIP
    Northwest Florida •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    3rd time coming. Always a great experience. My girlfriend loves the Rigatoni Vodka. The prosciutto appetizer is amazing. Decided to try the spagetti limone and it was a bit underwhelming, wouldn’t get again. We didn’t get it this time but the honey pepperoni pizza is amazing as well. Always a great ambiance and service is great. If you can get a reservation I would definitely recommend and we will be back. Thanks
    More info
    Pizzeria PortofinoPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
    •
    4.8
  • Richard
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Birthday dinner with my fiancée, great experience food and drinks. Desert was awesome.
    More info
    Piccolo SognoPrice: Moderate• Italian• River West
    •
    4.6
  • OpenTable DinerVIP
    Canberra •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    I really enjoyed dining at girl & the goat. Their menu selections were spectacular, and they were able to accommodate those with dairy intolerance (which most restaurants are unable to do). Their food selections were great and flavorful, and their staff was friendly. I would definitely recommend the chicken or steak dishes.
    More info
    Girl & the GoatPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• West Loop
    •
    4.8
  • LawrenceVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •83 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Great verity of food and excellent service. A perfect place for a meeting, family or just quiet place to eat and visit
    More info
    Erie CafePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• River North (Chicago)
    •
    4.7
  • Samantha
    Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The best dinner and experience I’ve ever had in Chicago and I’ve had my share being here for 8 years! The view was amazing! The service was impeccable! The food was so good everything was good from the drinks to the starters to our entrees. We canceled Asador reservations to come here instead, based on their menu options. So glad we did! Adam was great and funny. This was my good friends bday and I couldn’t have asked for more! I had the branzino…chefs kiss great portions too. EThe lobster bisque so good. Sides are shareable and those brussel sprouts were everything. My friend had the rigatoni and Adam gave him a filet mignon on the house it was the bomb lol. Everything had so much flavor! Very busy for a Tuesday and I see why. The vibe in there is superb! Definitely coming back for the rooftop for my birthday in the summer lol. Price point 👌🏾! We’ve been to places so expensive and the food sucked. It kills you lol. This made up for all those experiences, and we’ve had our share! It’s 6:30 in the morning and this my first review on open table in 2 years lol.
    More info
    Gibsons ItaliaPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
    •
    4.8

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