Best Casual Restaurants in Lower West Side

449 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Pizzeria Portofino restaurant

1. Pizzeria Portofino

4.7

Exceptional(1478)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 191 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.

2. Girl & the Goat

4.8

Exceptional(14834)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • West Loop

Booked 158 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.

3. Alla Vita

4.8

Exceptional(2262)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Italian • West Loop

Booked 183 times today

Serving a casual, family-style menu, Alla Vita is a place to gather and enjoy comfortable Italian cuisine. Alla Vita means “to life” in Italian which recognizes overcoming life's challenges and creating a space for shared meals and memorable experiences. Executive Chef Lee Wolen shares his passion for fresh, delicious Italian food made simply with the best ingredients. Follow @allavitachicago to stay up-to-date with the latest happenings.

4. Cabra - Chicago

4.7

Exceptional(3033)

Price: Expensive

• Peruvian • West Loop

Booked 30 times today

Perched atop the Hoxton Hotel in the heart of Chicago’s Fulton Market, Cabra Chicago is a lively rooftop escape, inspired by the bold and vibrant flavors of Peruvian cuisine. Led by James Beard Award and Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard, alongside longtime partners Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm of Boka Restaurant Group, Cabra serves up crave-worthy dishes in a colorful and energetic setting. The restaurant’s airy, plant-filled ambiance, paired with its open kitchen and sweeping city views, creates a dynamic dining experience. Guests can savor a variety of shareable plates, from ceviches to savory meats, all bursting with the rich, fresh flavors of Peru.

A photo of Costera Cocina Tulum restaurant

5. Costera Cocina Tulum

4.6

Exceptional(890)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • West Loop

Booked 42 times today

Costera Cocina Tulum brings the vibrant flavors of Tulum's coastal and Mayan cuisine to life, blending land-and-sea principles with traditional Mexican dishes. Step into a lively yet serene atmosphere that captures the essence of Tulum's unique intersection of jungle, beach, and bohemian nightlife. Experience our day-to-night philosophy, where "the jungle has two attitudes," and enjoy a dining experience that transports you to this enchanting Mexican getaway.

6. Café Ba-Ba-Reeba

4.8

Exceptional(9255)

Price: Moderate

• Tapas / Small Plates • Lincoln Park

Booked 144 times today

Cancellation policy: For parties of 5+ you need to cancel by 9am on the day of your reservation, otherwise it is a $25 fee. For smaller parties, please give us one hour in advance, in the event of a last minute cancellation or no show it is a $25 fee. Located in Lincoln Park, the All-Season Courtyard and Dining Rooms at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! are open with our new AIRPHX Air Filtration System. Your health is our top priority in all that we do. Steps we are taking: disposable and digital menus, continuous sanitation procedures & hand washing.

A photo of Miru at The St. Regis Chicago restaurant

7. Miru at The St. Regis Chicago

4.7

Exceptional(1207)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • River North (Chicago)

Booked 69 times today

Miru, Japanese for "view" celebrates the flavors and cuisine of Japan. We invite you to join us for a collection of sharable dishes including tempura and crispy rice, a robust seafood and beef selection, as well as expertly crafted sushi, overlooking the Chicago River and Navy Pier.

8. Mirra

4.7

Exceptional(84)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Bucktown / Wicker Park

Booked 71 times today

Mirra is centered around the excitement of exploring the South Asian and Mexican culinary and collaboration that is really an unknown story up north. A la carte service, wine-focused with a small curated cocktail menu. Our chef's counter will offer a casual prix fixe experience for guests to enjoy. Mirra is a space that is warm, cozy, and comforting, whilst simultaneously executing a bold and vibrant food and beverage program. Mirra is a unique representation of how 2 different cultures can be 1 presented to you by Rishi Kumar, Zubair Mohajir, and David Mor.

A photo of Summer House - Chicago restaurant

9. Summer House - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(7839)

Price: Moderate

• American • Lincoln Park

Booked 197 times today

Located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, Summer House is the place for sunshine all year round. Enjoy seasonal specialties, market-driven pasta, artisan pizzas, and fresh antipasti from Chef Ben Goodnick’s California-inspired menu. Reserve your table today and be transported to the West Coast by the beach house decor, retractable glass ceiling, and all-season courtyard. For parties of 9 or more, email shsbparties@lettuce.com. Carryout and delivery are available, or visit The Cookie Bar for a selection of fresh-baked goods, sourdough English muffins, Summer House's renowned oversized cookies, small-batch coffee, and specialty espresso drinks.

10. Elske

4.7

Exceptional(1199)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • West Loop

Booked 30 times today

PLEASE NOTE: **We can accommodate vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten free, dairy free, nut/peanut free & shellfish free diets. Before booking, please email us at info@elskerestaurant.com regarding any restrictions that are not listed above. We may be unable to accommodate certain restrictions, or diners with multiple restrictions.** Elske means love in Danish, a nod to both David Posey’s Danish mother and the fact that the couple got engaged in Copenhagen. “Our travels in Denmark have really influenced us,” Chef Posey said. “We like that clean, simple aesthetic.” The dining room — all crisp lines, minimalist décor & soft lighting — is anchored by a wide open kitchen on one side & a small patio with a working fireplace on the other. Combined with the friendly service, it creates the impression that you’re eating in a supremely tasteful Scandinavian friend’s weekend home.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

P
Patrycjavip
Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Wonderful experience. The food was delicious and great price for the quality
More info
Alla VitaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• West Loop
•
4.8
O
Omar
Chicago / Illinois •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Second time coming back, just as good as the first time.
More info
Costera Cocina TulumPrice: Moderate• Mexican• West Loop
•
4.6
R
Ritu
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Pizza Portofino is one of my favorite spots in the city. The garlic bread and truffle pizza (request hot honey, trust me) are GAME CHANGER. I went with a few friends and we all agreed that they both redefined garlic bread and pizza (at least in Illinois) respectively. Great service and great vibes!
More info
Pizzeria PortofinoPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.7
D
davidvip
New Orleans / Louisiana •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Excellent dining experience along with superb service - a hidden gem in Chicago
More info
Cabra - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Peruvian• West Loop
•
4.7
K
Kenvip
Chicago / Illinois •72 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
I cannot count the number of visits we've had to The Girl and the Goat, but it continues to be a favorite for both personal and professional dining. I brought three colleagues, who have never been, to the restaurant for dinner. One diner is vegetarian, but there are menu offerings and options available to provide them with enough to eat. All three were quite impressed with the food. My only complaint would be our table was right next to the kitchen, which can be loud. However, we made due, and had an enjoyable meal. Service is always very good, and the cocktails are fun. If you're interested in dining, make sure you book way ahead, as there is almost no chance to get a table day of.
More info
Girl & the GoatPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• West Loop
•
4.8

Best Casual Restaurants in Lower West Side

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449 restaurants available nearby

1. Pizzeria Portofino

2. Girl & the Goat

3. Alla Vita

4. Cabra - Chicago

5. Costera Cocina Tulum

6. Café Ba-Ba-Reeba

7. Miru at The St. Regis Chicago

8. Mirra

9. Summer House - Chicago

10. Elske

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