Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in River West

181 restaurants available nearby

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.

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 The Walnut Room - Chicago restaurant

3. The Walnut Room - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(7712)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 56 times today

For Large Parties 21 or more: please contact us at http://macysrestaurants.com/contact-us/ For Holiday Questions and Menu: http://macysrestaurants.com/walnut-room/holiday2024/The world famous Walnut Room has been a Chicago tradition since 1907. Located on the 7th floor of Macy's on State Street, the Walnut Room was the first restaurant ever opened in a department store. Conveniently located in the heart of the Chicago theater district, the Walnut Room is an excellent choice to take a break from shopping or for a meal and a glass of wine before the show. Enjoy our Famous Mrs. Herring's Chicken Pot Pie and other well known favorites on the menu.

4. 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.

5. Duck Duck Goat

4.8

Exceptional(5614)

Price: Expensive

• Chinese • West Loop

Booked 168 times today

Chef Stephanie Izard brings her take on Chinese-American cuisine to Chicago's Fulton Market District with Duck Duck Goat, her third venture with Boka Restaurant Group. The menu features hand-pulled noodles, house-made dumplings, wontons, fried rice, and more, ensuring no diner leaves hungry. On weekends, Duck Duck Goat also offers a delightful dim sum brunch menu, perfect for starting the day with a creative twist on classic favorites.

6. Momotaro

4.6

Exceptional(3889)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • West Loop

Booked 155 times today

Momotaro is a multi-level Japanese restaurant located in the West Loop. Led by Executive Chef Gene Kato, Momotaro has had the honor of being named Restaurant of the Year in both Chicago Magazine and Chicago Social. Under Kato’s leadership the restaurant has come to define the balance between traditional values and modern technique, blending the two in a science and art that has resulted in an authentic, innovative menu. The restaurant, designed by the world renowned AvroKO, also contains the subterranean Izakaya at Momotaro (a laid back, lively lower-level bar and restaurant reminiscent of the neon-lit haunts of trendy Tokyo neighborhoods) and an elegant second floor private space that overlooks the main dining room.

7. The Palm Court

4.6

Exceptional(5092)

Price: Very Expensive

• Afternoon Tea • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 77 times today

For those who love their afternoon teas fresh, fragrant and steeped in history, Palm Court at The Drake Hotel serving tea for over a century. Even the Queen and Princess Diana have made their royal visits here. Your afternoon tea begins with Palais de Thes menu, which features 15 tea blends including classic selections like the English Breakfast to modern yet delightful twists like the Mélange du Cap.Tea is served in individual tea pots accompanied by the traditional three tiered tea tray filled with an arrangement of gourmet finger sandwiches and scones; and dainty petit fours with complements of preserves, lemon curd and English double Devon cream.And let’s not forget about our little tea. The Prince & Princess Afternoon tea service, suitable for children between 3 and 12 years of age is available throughout the duration of afternoon tea service.Reservations are heavily encouraged. Tea service seating duration is 90minAdults $78 / Kids $35 (3-12)

8. RL Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(7344)

Price: Expensive

• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 121 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 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.

10. Boka

4.8

Exceptional(7188)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Lincoln Park

Booked 105 times today

Michelin-starred Boka Restaurant has been a cornerstone of Chicago’s dining scene since 2003. In 2014, following a major renovation, Chef Lee Wolen joined as Executive Chef and Partner, quickly gaining critical acclaim. Named “Chef of the Year” by both Phil Vettel of the Chicago Tribune and Eater Chicago in 2014, and again in 2015, Lee has helped elevate Boka to new heights. The restaurant offers contemporary American cuisine that highlights seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms. The sophisticated yet inviting ambiance sets the stage for an exceptional dining experience, with daily-changing tasting menus that showcase timeless and seasonal American flavors.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
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
OT
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
R
Rosy
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Lex our server was fabulous from start to finish! He explained the starters and entrees beautifully. We got the braised short ribs which were flavorful and tender just as described. It was our first time, from the host warmly greeting us while they gave the kids a stuffie each. The girls ordered from the kids menu which gave them a beautiful mug to take home! The fairy that went our granting wishes was truly magical! And to top it all off they took complimentary family photo to remember the outing. Definitely will be back and start a new family Christmas tradition! Thank you again Lex and staff for making it a very special and memorable evening!
More info
The Walnut Room - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Loop
•
4.6
L
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
M
MerinVIP
Los Angeles •37 reviews
5.0
Dined on 3 Jan 2025
Service was great. They got us in early when we arrive too early before our reservation. Food was outstanding. We would go back again. love the vibe of this restaurant.
More info
Duck Duck GoatPrice: Expensive• Chinese• West Loop
•
4.8

Explore OpenTable

River West

Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in River West

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Areas

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

181 restaurants available nearby

1. Piccolo Sogno

2. Erie Cafe

3. The Walnut Room - Chicago

4. Girl & the Goat

5. Duck Duck Goat

6. Momotaro

7. The Palm Court

8. RL Restaurant

9. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago

10. Boka

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable