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Best Authentic Restaurants in River North (Chicago)

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220 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Quartino - Chicago restaurant
4.5
Awesome(10915)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 124 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 La Grande Boucherie - Chicago restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(856)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • River North (Chicago)
Booked 72 times today
Housed in Chicago’s Belle Époque building, the unique Art Nouveau-inspired space honors the iconic building’s legacy while providing guests with a one-of-a-kind atmosphere and menu. La Grande Boucherie blends the ambiance of an indulgent steakhouse with a refined Parisian brasserie charm, and fuses traditional French cuisine with Chicago’s River North culinary heritage. The two-story restaurant boasts custom curved stained-glass windows overlooking the bustling streets of Chicago. The interior features custom mosaic marble floors, authentic fixtures, and a racetrack bar sourced from France. Guests can lean into the view and take in all that Chicago has to offer.
A photo of Mercadito - River North restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(6256)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • River North (Chicago)
Booked 61 times today
We are the city’s top Mexican restaurant for authentic modern cuisine, specialty tequila and mezcal cocktails, located in the heart of River North. Our culinary team features popular Mexican dishes, including our signature tacos, as well as fresh salsa and guacamole, ceviche, esquites and more.Mercadito's lounge is nestled in the lower level of Mercadito. It offers a speakeasy-style experience with a chic and exclusive ambiance. The space features banquet-style booths and dim lighting that enhances the elegant wood furniture, creating an inviting and intimate atmosphere. Once inside, guests can enjoy the full Mercadito menu, with the same delectable cuisine and beverages that our restaurant is known for.
A photo of Tanta restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(5056)
Price: Expensive
• Peruvian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 49 times today
Tanta is a well-loved Peruvian restaurant in Chicago that brings the flavors and culture of Peru to life. The menu, crafted by renowned chef, Acurio, and Chicago Chef Tito Rocha, takes guests on a culinary journey across Peru. Reviewers consistently praise the authenticity of the food, and the knowledge and attentiveness of the staff. One reviewer who is from Peru even confirmed the food's authenticity. The restaurant's commitment to sustainable farming and fishing practices also adds to its authenticity.
A photo of Asador Bastian restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(171)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 20 times today
NOW ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS FOR CHRISTMAS EVE!Asador Bastian is a Chicago chophouse with Basque influences from acclaimed ChefDoug Psaltis. Located in the iconic “Flair House” originally built in 1883, this historictownhouse has been revived and brought back to life with culinary inspiration from thegreat asadors of San Sebastián, Spain to serve the world’s best boutique beef withoutcompromise. The most remarkable dining experience comes from the purest ingredientsdelivered in the supremely thoughtful, welcoming and hospitable manner. This ethoshas directed every aspect of the experience at Asador Bastian, whether you’re joiningus for small bites and libations in our Bar Room or for a more intimate experience in ourDining Room.
A photo of TAO Asian Bistro - Chicago restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3197)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 25 times today
TAO Chicago offers guests a sensual trip through the cuisines of Asia. The design-driven restaurant and adjoining nightclub is inspired by the original TAO locations in New York City, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. TAO Chicago features multiple levels, creating dynamic spaces within the historic building’s shell, while adding TAO’s Asian-influenced DNA to the restaurant, lounge and nightclub including murals by artist Hush and TAO’s signature 16-foot-tall Quan Yin statue anchoring one end of the dining room. TAO Chicago’s restaurant menu, created by TAO Group Partner and Chef Ralph Scamardella , is complete with Pan-Asian offerings from the sea, sky and land including signature dishes like Satay of Chilean Sea Bass, Crispy Rice Tuna and a Wagyu Rib-Eye.
A photo of SUSHI-SAN - River North restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1281)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • River North (Chicago)
Booked 114 times today
Sushi-San serves up the best sushi in Chicago made with the freshest ingredients they can find, all served with a side of old-school hip-hop and ice-cold beer. The bar is kept stocked with rare Japanese whisky, sake, wine and inventive cocktails. Join them for lunch and dinner.
A photo of Olio e Più - Chicago restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(912)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 81 times today
OLIO E PIÙ brings Italian tradition and true sense of Mediterranean liveliness to the vibrant neighborhood in Chicago.As an authentic trattoria, its cuisine is based on classic Italian dishes. As you dine at OLIO E PIÙ, you’ll be transported not just by the flavors of Italy but also by the authentic atmosphere that surrounds you. It’s a place where time slows down, and conversations flow freely, just as they do in a true Italian household. Here, the spirit of 1970s Italian elegance lives on, and every meal is a celebration of life, love, and the joy of shared moments, especially with the open kitchen concept.OLIO E PIÙ is more than just a restaurant; it’s a portal to a different time and place, where the essence of Italy’s rich culinary and cultural heritage is captured in every detail.
A photo of il Porcellino restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4173)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 110 times today
Il Porcellino, located in the heart of River North in downtown Chicago, is a neighborhood restaurant offering classic Italian-American comfort food in a casual setting. Our seasonal menu focuses on housemate pastas, vegetable antipasti and daily specials, all crafted with ingredients sourced from quality artisans, purveyors, and local farmers. The fun and approachable wine program encourages sharing with selections primarily from Italy. As a way to offset rising costs associated with the restaurant (food, beverage, labor, benefits, supplies), we have added a 3% surcharge to all checks. We do this in lieu of increased menu prices. You may request to have this taken off your check, should you choose.
A photo of La Pizza & La Pasta - Eataly Chicago restaurant
4.2
Awesome(2141)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 58 times today
La Pizza & La Pasta features two of the best-loved Italian dishes: Napoli-style pizza and al dente pasta. Enjoy our seasonal selection just steps away from our expert pasta chefs and dough-slinging pizzaioli (pizza makers). To create our traditional but innovative dishes, our chefs cook with both fresh pasta made daily in-house and air-dried, bronze-extruded pasta from Campania, Italy. Eataly has teamed up with the experts at Rossopomodoro, a Napoli-based pizza company, to bring you traditional Neapolitan pizza. Creamy mozzarella, charred yet elastic crust, and sweet San Marzano tomatoes are the basis for the most traditional Pizza.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Evelyn
    New Orleans / Louisiana •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Everyone at Mercadito was very kind and accommodating. We enjoyed our experience. Great food for everyone.
    More info
    Mercadito - River NorthPrice: Expensive• Mexican• River North (Chicago)
    4.6
  • Jennifer
    Detroit / Eastern Michigan •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    What a true and absolute delight! My daughters and I loved La Grande Boucherie! It was one of the highlights of our recent Chicago visit. The food was wonderful, as were the wine selections (and mocktails!) and the beautiful holiday decor. We had oysters, the fromage board, a beautiful salmon, French Onion soup, salads and more. I had a lovely Sancerre, and we topped everything off with profiteroles. But the best part of the experience was the impeccable service. From the moment we left our coats at the front hosted stand to the last moments after dessert and a quick personal tour of the gorgeous second level, we were enchanted. A special thank you to Rachid from Paris for his terrific recommendations, allowing us to practice French and being a bright spot of our entire trip. Attentive, funny, kind! A server can make or break a restaurant experience, and in this case, the service shined bright! We would love to come back when we’re in the city again! Highly enjoyed!
    More info
    La Grande Boucherie - ChicagoPrice: Very Expensive• French• River North (Chicago)
    4.6
  • Jenny
    Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Went to brunch with the girls. It was a great experience overall. The food was absolutely delicious. The only thing is the wait staff kept coming to our table repeatedly making it seem like they wanted us to leave, while we were the only ones at this restaurant. Other than that, it was great and it was amazing. Will definitely go back for dinner.
    More info
    TantaPrice: Expensive• Peruvian• River North (Chicago)
    4.7
  • csnyder023
    Cincinnati / Dayton •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Lulu was very knowledgeable and attentive. We loved her guidance throughout the meal and would absolutely request her again! The food was divine and the wine selection was vast. I haven’t been back since 2018 and am so glad we got to visit this trip! We will be back :)
    More info
    Quartino - ChicagoPrice: Moderate• Italian• River North (Chicago)
    4.5
  • OpenTable Diner
    Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 18, 2024
    What a gem! Asador Bastian totally knocked it out of the park. Our server, Yousef ( potentially spelling his name wrong), was fantastic - super friendly and really knew his stuff. His recommendations were perfect for our dinner. We started with their Tortilla Española, which was a great way to kick things off - light but packed with flavor. The arroz cremoso that came next was incredible - the flavors were spot on. But the real showstopper was the Akaushi beef, cooked exactly how we wanted it, paired with these amazing bone marrow potato purée that I'm still thinking about. We wrapped up with a delicious cheesecake that hit all the right notes. The whole experience, from walking in to walking out, was just perfect. Can't wait to come back and try more dishes! If you're thinking about going - just do it. You won't regret it!
    More info
    Asador BastianPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• River North (Chicago)
    4.7

Discover best authentic restaurants in River North (Chicago)

Discover the vibrant authenticity of River North's dining scene in Chicago, where the keyword 'authentic' truly comes to life. This bustling neighborhood offers an eclectic array of restaurants that brilliantly reflect the rich culinary diversity of Chicago. Whether you're craving the robust flavors of traditional Spanish tapas, the delicate artistry of Japanese sushi, or the hearty comfort of an American steakhouse, River North caters to all tastes with genuine flair. The restaurants in this area are celebrated not only for their exceptional food but also for their commitment to providing a truly authentic dining experience. Each establishment has been recognized for its unique atmosphere, ranging from the casual elegance of American dining to the festive and stylish vibes of international cuisines. The consistent high ratings for food quality, service excellence, and inviting ambiances underscore their authenticity. Patrons of these restaurants often highlight the knowledgeable staff and the authentic recipes that transport diners to the origins of each dish, whether it's a seafood platter reminiscent of the Florida coast or a Peruvian culinary adventure. River North's dining scene is a testament to Chicago's reputation as a world-class food city, offering an authentic taste of global cultures right in the heart of Illinois. Indulge in a dining experience where each meal is not just eaten, but celebrated.

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