Best Lunch Restaurants in River West

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

ChicagoNear WestNorth SuburbsNorthwest Suburbs

Neighborhoods

AndersonvilleAvondaleBelmont Central / CraginBerwynBridgeportBucktown / Wicker Park

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

James Beard AwardMICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

356 restaurants available nearby

1. Recess

4.7

Exceptional(1467)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • West Loop

Booked 1 time today

Located in Chicago’s West Loop, Recess (838 W. Kinzie St.) offers a vibrant, playful, escape to the daily grind. Home of Chicago’s largest patio, Recess encourages guests to adult…like a kid, while serving up delicious American food and drink. The Recess menu taps into the cravings of everyday life, offering casually elevated dishes with playful Chicago swagger, while our beverage program takes a bright, ingredient-driven approach with cocktails both classic and original. In addition to the energetic adult playground vibes and menu offerings, Recess also offers a nostalgic array of indoor and outdoor activities including giant Jenga and Connect 4, all of your favorite board games.Recess is a 21+ establishment.

2. Piccolo Sogno

4.6

Exceptional(7025)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • River West

Booked 49 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.

A photo of Guinness Open Gate Brewery - Chicago restaurant

3. Guinness Open Gate Brewery - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(135)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Brewery • West Loop

Booked 38 times today

Where 260 years of Irish Brewing expertise meets American beer creativity. Inspired by Chicago, crafted by Guinness. Look out, Chicago.The Guinness Open Gate Brewery Chicago features a Taproom, Restaurant, and the first ever Guinness Bakery, all located right in the heart of Chicago's West Loop. Come indulge both your curiosity and your tastebuds, while experimenting with a new world of flavor.

4. Erie Cafe

4.8

Exceptional(181)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)

Booked 8 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 PERILLA fare - West Loop restaurant

5. PERILLA fare - West Loop

4.7

Exceptional(435)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Korean • West Town

Booked 23 times today

Located in the West Loop of Downtown Chicago, PERILLA fare offers Korean American cuisine centered around a communal dining experience inspired by classic Korean flavors and traditional ingredients. With an emphasis and focus on quality and premium selection of meats for Korean BBQ, Chef Andrew Lim and the team proudly works with local farms and quality importers to provide our guests with an adventurous culinary experience. We offer an expansive beverage list which includes handcrafted cocktails, craft beers, a curated wine list, and hand selected imported sojus and makgeolli. Our menu accommodates all dietary restrictions with a focus on vegetarian options including locally sourced mushrooms. We are excited to welcome you in to our warm and inviting space featuring artwork from local artists. Located in River West / Fulton Market area

6. RL Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(7408)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 52 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.

7. Ema - River North

4.7

Exceptional(4588)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • River North (Chicago)

Booked 120 times today

A Mediterranean & California-inspired restaurant featuring small plates & Chef CJ Jacobson's lighter style cooking in Chicago's River North.

A photo of Mercadito - River North restaurant

8. Mercadito - River North

4.6

Exceptional(6346)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • River North (Chicago)

Booked 60 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 The Walnut Room - Chicago restaurant

9. The Walnut Room - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(7773)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 18 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.

10. The Gage

4.7

Exceptional(12098)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 127 times today

The Gage has become a perennial favorite of locals and visitors alike for over ten years by effortlessly blending European influence with American style. The restaurant serves refined, rustic cuisine, innovative libations and an award-winning wine list all in a lively, convivial setting. Known as a “must visit” among Chicago’s dining scene, The Gage continues to evolve by serving well-rounded food and beverage menus that feature classic dishes and drinks with contemporary twists rooted in tradition.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

T
Tina
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Cannot thank the staff at piccolo sogno enough for the evening we shared. Had an amazing Valentine's day dinner with my partner. When we related we wanted to share our courses, the staff were so thoughtful and brought them out pre-portioned for each of us. We had the octopus, the black truffle mezzalune, the spaghetti neri, and the hazelnut cake. Ended this wonderful evening with an espresso and digestif. The wine was amazing and the ambiance was perfect. Everything was delicious and my partner commented multiple times how happy he would be if this was his last meal. Can't wait for the next "last meal" we get to share there!
More info
Piccolo SognoPrice: Moderate• Italian• River West
•
4.6
N
NVIP
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The food was absolutely delicious. We ordered the lasagna, white fish, sautéed spinach, and thick cut bacon.
More info
Erie CafePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• River North (Chicago)
•
4.8
K
Ken
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Excellent service. Excellent environment. Valet parking and people working on site were so helpful.
More info
Guinness Open Gate Brewery - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Brewery• West Loop
•
4.6
J
Jackie
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Lovely first experience dining here! Great, attentive staff helped us navigate the menu and show us how to Korean bbq. Great ambiance and delicious food that left us satisfied and not over-stuffed.
More info
PERILLA fare - West LoopPrice: Expensive• Korean• West Town
•
4.7
M
Melissa
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined on Jan 25, 2025
Delicious and kid-friendly with a fun vibe. Games on all the tables. Highly recommend!
More info
RecessPrice: Expensive• American• West Loop
•
4.7

Explore OpenTable

Neighborhood
Lunch

River West

Warrenville
Little Italy / University Village
Evanston
Riverside
Bloomingdale
Rosemont
Schaumburg
Wilmette
Hoffman Estates
Lincolnshire
Mokena
Albany Park
Palatine
Itasca
South Loop
Gold Coast / Streeterville
Edison Park
Carol Stream
Blue Island
Glendale Heights