Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Riverdale

I have been going to RL since they first opened. Always lovely, comfortable, clubby, excellent. It is a joy to be there. It is hard not to have the Dover sole. My favorite. And tonight. Joseph was our waiter. He was superb. Attentive but not too much. Classy. Friendly. But not too much. Works on the west side of the restaurant. I would ask for him. Can’t wait to go back.

We have high tea at the Palm Court every year between Christmas and New Year’s. It is our way of setting aside a special treat time for our family once the Christmas buying rush is over and The Palm Court does not disappoint. The choice of teas is broad and the scones warm. Each edible was well presented, fresh and tasty. Service was attentive but not intrusive. Loved the harpist and singers in old world garb. And don’t miss the 50% off Christmas baubles in the downstairs gift shop. Our only quibbles were with the closeness of the tables and noise level. The room was packed, a tribute to its popularity. Best high tea in Chicago.

Wow! Amazing! So glad I was able to snag reservations! Want to go back and try more. Tried the Green beans, poke, goat belly and pork belly. We loved it all. Amazing textures and flavors.

I had a delightful lunch at Gibsons Italia with my friend, and it was an experience to remember! From the moment we arrived on the 3rd floor, we were treated to excellent service. The staff was attentive, friendly, and ready to answer all our questions—including explaining what gold-extruded pasta meant, which we found fascinating. The food was absolutely delicious! The salads were fresh and flavorful, the portions were just right, and the baked potato was a standout—so good that I’ll be thinking about it for a long time. The ambiance, paired with the gorgeous riverside view, made it hard to leave after our meal. Instead of heading out right away, we decided to continue our stay at the bar, and I’m so glad we did! PJ, the bartender, was exceptional. His service, engaging conversations, and the memorable baked Alaska he recommended truly elevated our experience. He even crafted some amazing drinks that were the perfect finish to our visit. From start to finish, Gibsons Italia exceeded our expectations, and I can’t wait to return—especially to see PJ again for another round of his amazing hospitality. Highly recommend!

We came over to check in about 15 mins before our reservations and we were seared immediately. Everyone was so friendly and polite. The place was decorated beautifully. We love the fairies that come around to the table no matter how old you are. They were so sweet and make the experience even more enjoyable. Our waiter was wonderful so attentive, never having to look for him, always refilling our glasses and providing prompt and friendly service. Food came out quick and was very good. We never felt rushed. We were able to go by the tree and take pictures. It was just a fabulous time. We had our first experience there last year and now we’ve made this an annual tradition. We look forward to many more years to come.