Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Chicago

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Chicago? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Alderman

4.9

4.9 (211)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Pilsen

About the restaurant

Winner of the 2022 Jean Banchet Award for Best Bar, THE ALDERMAN is an intimate, 16-seat cocktail bar tucked away, behind closed doors, within Pilsen Yards. The cocktail list rotates some of its original cocktail features, while the twists on American classics are staples of the cocktail list.

With a plush velvet banquette and a 4-seat counter, it’s the perfect room for a night cap, a date, or a casual evening of one to several astonishingly good cocktails.

Top review

Raul

Dined on Nov 30, 2024

it was a personable experience. Loved it and the drinks

The Omakase Room at Sushi-san

4.9

4.9 (73)

$50 and over

Japanese

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

The Omakase Room at Sushi-san is a culmination of Master Sushi Chefs Kaze Chan and Shigeru Kitano’s combined experience defining the Chicago sushi scene. While the menu and service are informed by tradition, guests can expect a transcendent experience that breaks down the formality and austerity usually accompanying omakase dining. Each dinner in the warm, modern, and intimate ten-seat space features luxury ingredients from around the world. Sophisticated and carefully curated beverage pairings are available to complement the meal.

Top review

Nicole

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

Always an amazing dinner… Michelin please give these people a star!

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Experience

Omakase Reservation Deposit

Geja's Cafe

4.8

4.8 (5569)

$31 to $50

Fondue

Lincoln Park

About the restaurant

For over 59 years, fondue dining at Geja’s Café has been a favorite indulgence for Chicagoans as well as out-of-towners. It’s a perfect way to kindle romance, celebrate a special occasion or simply join family and friends for a fun and unforgettable dining experience.
To start we offer a Swiss Gruyere cheese fondue, served with fresh breads, fruits and vegetables for dipping. Our crisp house salad, dressed with tangy Dijon vinaigrette, offers a counterpoint to the rich, warm cheese fondue appetizer.
Next, you’ll cook your choices of Australian lobster tail, Gulf shrimp, beef tenderloin, fresh sea scallops or boneless chicken breast in a pot of sizzling soybean oil or broth. The main course is served with fresh vegetables and eight gourmet dipping sauces.
Our famous chocolate fondue is flamed table-side, and presented with marshmallows for roasting and other delectable dippers.

A 4 % operational fee is added to all checks to work in concert with Chicago's One Fair Wage Ordinance.

Top review

Aniyah

Dined 4 days ago

The service was impeccable. Murphy killed it. The place was so great my group has made it a monthly thing to do. Recommend it to anyone!

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Popular dish

Belgian Chocolate Fondue

Popular dish

Prince Geja's Combination

Popular dish

Cheese and Chocolate Fondue

Nettare

4.7

4.7 (37)

$50 and over

American

West Town

About the restaurant

Nestled in the heart of West Town, Chicago, Nettare celebrates the bounty of the Midwest and Great Lakes region with a menu that showcases seasonal ingredients and artisanal products. From farm-fresh vegetables to locally sourced meats and freshwater fish, every plate and pour is crafted to highlight the region's culinary heritage. Our cocktail and wine program complements these flavors with carefully curated selections, ensuring each sip enhances your experience. By day, our café and bottle shop at the front offer a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy specialty coffees, baked goods, and a thoughtfully curated selection of local wines and craft beers, welcoming both locals and visitors alike to indulge in the flavors of our home. Try our tasting menu with a beverage pairing to indulge in the full experience.

Top review

David

Dined on Dec 7, 2024

Great meal and excellent service and a fun ambience.

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Experience

New Year's Eve First Seating

Experience

New Year's Eve Last Seating

Mariposa at Neiman Marcus - Michigan Avenue

4.8

4.8 (525)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Gold Coast / Streeterville

About the restaurant

Laid-back luxe. Experience delightful dishes in a casual, contemporary atmosphere at the MARIPOSA® CHICAGO. Muted lighting and understated, modern décor create the perfect environment for a midday retreat. Whether dining with a group or simply ordering upscale take-out, expect delectable food and exceptional service that is synonymous with Neiman Marcus.

Let THE MARIPOSA® host your next Baby or Bridal Shower. We pride ourselves on creating the perfect menu and ambience for your event in our chic and inviting atmosphere. Pamper the glowing bride- or mother-to-be in your life with the shower of her dreams or a lavish luncheon.

Top review

Chris

Dined 7 days ago

Great food and experience. We will be back. Nice tasty oasis in downtown Chicago!

North Pond

4.8

4.8 (4773)

$50 and over

American

Lincoln Park

About the restaurant

Inspired by the market, Chef César Murillo utilizes exceptional ingredients at the height of their season. His tasting menu reflects the Arts & Crafts approach of the dining room - complex layers of subtle craft beneath a simple decorative style.

We offer a four-course tasting menu with optional wine pairings. The menu is not á la carte, however, it provides options for each of the courses.

North Pond is open for dinner Thursday through Sunday beginning at 5:30pm.
Sunday Brunch begins at 10:30am and is three-course prix fixe.

We do not offer valet parking.
Tables in the front room or patio, overlooking the pond, are seated first come, first serve. We do not hold tables.
All tables for more than 4 people are seated in our main dining room.
We accept reservations for a maximum of 8 people at one table.
A cancellation charge of $25 per person is applied to all same day cancellations.

Top review

Amy

Dined 6 days ago

Went for my aunt's birthday. Amazing. Excellent service, wonderful atmosphere, and the food was amazing.

Lips - Chicago

4.9

4.9 (972)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

South Loop

About the restaurant

JOIN US AT LIPS CHICAGO FOR THE #1 DRAG SHOW
CHICAGO'S ONLY TRUE LA CAGE DRAG SHOW PALACE EXPERIENCE
Lips is the Ultimate in Drag Dining! Dinner, Drinks, and Fabulous Entertainment!

SHOW SCHEDULE
Thursdays - Dinner with the Divas
Fridays & Saturdays - Glitz & Glam La Cage Show
Saturday Afternoon - Dragalicious Brunch
Sunday Afternoon - Dragalicious Gospel Brunch

PER PERSON

Thursday - $36.95
(3 Course Dinner & Show Package)

Saturday Brunch - $42.95
(Includes All-You-Can-Drink Mimosas, Champagne, or Bloody Mary's and Entrée)

Friday & Saturday - $49.95
(3 Course Dinner & Show Package)

Sunday Brunch - $42.95
(Includes All-You-Can-Drink Mimosas, Champagne, or Bloody Mary's and Entrée)

*Pricing above does not include drinks, tax, or tip.

Top review

LenaVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Highly recommend for Amy event or just catching up With a friend. We always have a good time!!!

3 Arts Club Cafe at RH Chicago

4.8

4.8 (3559)

$31 to $50

American

Gold Coast / Streeterville

About the restaurant

The 3 Arts Club Café resides in the grand central garden courtyard of RH Chicago, the Gallery at the Historic Three Arts Club, a 70,000-square-foot design gallery in Chicago's famed Gold Coast neighborhood. We invite you to enjoy our menu of timeless classics for brunch and dinner, and a selection of wines from esteemed vintners in the United States and Europe. RH Chicago also features the 3 Arts Club Wine Vault.

For group dining inquiries, please email: chicagohospitality@rh.com

Top review

JonBVIP

Dined 5 days ago

A wonderfully relaxing and quiet retreat from the city. The food is terrific and the staff are dedicated to providing the very best service.

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4.9

4.9 (1048)

$31 to $50

American

Bucktown / Wicker Park

About the restaurant

Located in the Elston Industrial District--not quite Bucktown, not quite Lincoln Park--Ada Street offers dinner service five days a week.

Top review

DylanVIP

Dined 1 day ago

So so amazing! Every bite was absolutely delicious and balanced and thoughtful. Top notch service and perfect pacing. Dessert was so good too. Do not miss!

Paradise Park | Pizza + Patio

4.8

4.8 (1329)

$30 and under

Pizzeria

Bucktown / Wicker Park

About the restaurant

Trendy bar and pizzeria in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood, Paradise Park brings you the fun and the flavor! From the team that brought you Homeslice in Lincoln Park and Happy Camper in Old Town/Wrigley, we invite you to indulge in our creative cocktails and extensive beer selection, paired with specialty pizzas and mouth-watering appetizers. All can be enjoyed on our kitschy trailer park themed patio open year-round! Come for the food. Stay for the vibes.

Minors must be accompanied by parent or guardian.

We only accept Credit Card. No Cash.

Top review

Aaron

Dined on Dec 7, 2024

They had the best holiday decorations! Every inch was covered, so festive!

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Experience

Bottomless Brunch Experience

Experience

Happiest Hour On The Patio

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