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Best Casual Restaurants in River West

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266 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Dawson restaurant
1. The Dawson
4.8
Exceptional(2728)
Price: Expensive
• American • River West
Booked 7 times today
The Fulton River District is home to The Dawson, an expansive indoor/outdoor, multi-level space providing a multitude of dining experiences. The Dawson includes one of Chicago’s best patios conveniently found in the middle of the city.
A photo of Rose Mary restaurant
2. Rose Mary
4.8
Exceptional(3299)
Price: Expensive
• Croatian • West Loop
Booked 119 times today
Located in the historic Fulton Market district of Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, Rose Mary is Chef/Owner Joe Flamm’s debut restaurant inspired by his Italian heritage and the bold, bright flavors of Croatian cuisine. The boisterous space—named for Flamm’s grandmothers, Mary and Mary Rose, and the herb rosemary, which grows natively along the Italian and Croatian coastlines—offers a seasonal menu of rustic yet refined dishes that encapsulate what Flamm has coined “Adriatic drinking food”.
A photo of Pizzeria Portofino restaurant
3. Pizzeria Portofino
4.8
Exceptional(1545)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 219 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.
A photo of Club Lago Restaurant restaurant
4. Club Lago Restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(492)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 4 times today
Opening its doors in 1952, Club Lago has anchored the corner of Superior and Orleans since before the neighborhood River North grew up around it. Serving classic Northern Italian specialties from the Garfagnana Valley in Tuscany to steaks, chops and signature sandwiches too, the Lago's staff will recommend the perfect entree for whatever mood you're in. Third generation owners GianCarlo and Guido are pouring the wine or serving the veal--it's a family affair. Time warp back to the fifties with a glass of chianti in a plush booth in the bar or hold court at one of the tables in the back; Club Lago's ideal for the first date, a meal before the theater or a game, or whenever you're looking to relax to great food and be a regular in a family joint. Some call it "retro," we call it home. Benvenuti, come on in!
A photo of Alla Vita restaurant
5. Alla Vita
4.8
Exceptional(2300)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Italian • West Loop
Booked 133 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.
A photo of Elina's restaurant
6. Elina's
4.7
Exceptional(159)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • West Town
Booked 31 times today
Fine Italian cooking served by two chefs in an intimate space.Reservations are released 30 days in advance at midnight. Parties of 7 or more must contact Reservations@elinaschicago.com to book. Parties of this size are required to participate in a $75 per person family style prix fixe menu, drinks are charged based on consumption and a 20% gratuity will be added to the final bill. If you cancel within 24 hours of your reservation time you will incur a $30 per person cancelation fee.
A photo of Sunda New Asian - Fulton Market restaurant
7. Sunda New Asian - Fulton Market
4.6
Exceptional(219)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • West Loop
Booked 51 times today
Located in Chicago’s culinary destination, Fulton Market, Sunda offers a vibrant Southeast Asian dining experience, blending the flavors of Japan, China, the Philippines, Thailand, and beyond. We elevate culturally significant dishes using high-quality ingredients and modern techniques. Our beverage program includes signature handcrafted cocktails, a robust sake and wine selection, and Asian whiskies and beers. Our venue hosts private events for occasions from corporate outings to rehearsal dinners, and we also offer catering services.
A photo of La Serre restaurant
8. La Serre
4.6
Exceptional(435)
Price: Expensive
• French • West Loop
Booked 65 times today
Inspired by the coastal regions of Provence and Saint-Tropez, La Serre, located in Fulton Market, invites guests into a lush and colorful greenhouse setting. The culinary approach highlights the light and vibrant cuisine of Provence, with a focus on native techniques and ingredients, offering lighter takes on the dishes of the French-Mediterranean landscape. Fresh vegetables, seafood, and all-natural Black Angus beef are expertly prepared on the kitchen’s hardwood charcoal hearth, infusing each dish with incredible wood and charcoal flavors, elevating the ingredients without heavy sauces or seasonings.Whether you're enjoying steak, seafood, or Mediterranean-inspired dishes, La Serre is the perfect destination for romantic dinners, dates, birthdays, or fine dining. The bar offers expertly crafted cocktails and drinks, providing the ideal atmosphere for any occasion, from a casual night out to an elegant celebration.
A photo of il Porcellino restaurant
9. il Porcellino
4.7
Exceptional(4227)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 79 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 avec West Loop restaurant
10. avec West Loop
4.8
Exceptional(842)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • West Loop
Booked 60 times today
avec, a wine-focused restaurant in Chicago, features Midwestern takes on Mediterranean classics. Inspired by the sun-drenched wine regions of the Mediterranean, avec West Loop has been a Chicago favorite for over 20 years. Originally conceived as a wine bar, avec is the second concept from celebrated one-off hospitality, with communal and bar seating—it is a high-energy, intimate, and interactive experience.For parties of 6 or more, please call us at 312-377-2002.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • adrienneVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Great food, good service and nice location!! Highly recommend the rigatoni, pepperoni hot pizza and Cesar salad with chicken!
    More info
    Pizzeria PortofinoPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
    •
    4.8
  • SandyB
    Chicago / Illinois •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Everything was wonderful Food, cocktails Recommendations service … The ONLY thing to improve upon and it’s small.. is the restroom experience Pathway to restrooms is downstairs … and Smelled like mildew and felt like a dungeon They Obviously cared enough to make the actual restroom nice and updated, but the hallway is unfinished and needs to be basement proofed and finished to match the level that the restaurant deserves
    More info
    Rose MaryPrice: Expensive• Croatian• West Loop
    •
    4.8
  • Christine
    Seattle / Eastern Washington •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The table bread is a must. The Cacio e Pepe pillows (so fluffy) and Rigatoni (just a little spicy in a good way) were delicious! Fried potatoes and delicate squash were excellent. Roasted chicken was just a little crispy and so flavorful. Soppressata pizza was sweet and salty. So good. Can’t wait for leftovers. Tossed salad was just ok IMO.
    More info
    Alla VitaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• West Loop
    •
    4.8
  • Margaret
    Dallas - Fort Worth •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    My sister and her kids were late and everyone was super accommodating when they got there!
    More info
    The DawsonPrice: Expensive• American• River West
    •
    4.8
  • John
    Chicago / Illinois •24 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Club Lago is a wonderful "neighborhood "restaurant, with a homey vibe and great food. The service was excellent, attentive, friendly. All 10 of us were delighted with our meals. And the lunch prices were excellent (especially compared with other River North restaurants) Highly recommended.
    More info
    Club Lago RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Italian• River North (Chicago)
    •
    4.9

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