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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in River North (Chicago)

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172 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Ema - River North restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4531)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • River North (Chicago)
Booked 124 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
4.6
Exceptional(6255)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • River North (Chicago)
Booked 39 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 Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(17491)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • River North (Chicago)
Booked 158 times today
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab is a neighborhood gem in River North, Chicago. With rave reviews mentioning its 'excellent food, service and atmosphere', it's a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The restaurant is renowned for its extensive seafood menu, freshly flown in daily, and its signature prime steaks. The restaurant's ambiance, described as 'classy, old school' and 'beautiful atmosphere', is complemented by a friendly and knowledgeable staff. It's the perfect place for a special celebration or a casual dinner with friends.
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 SUSHI-SAN - River North restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1280)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • River North (Chicago)
Booked 102 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 Beatrix - River North restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(5315)
Price: Moderate
• American • River North (Chicago)
Booked 81 times today
Beatrix in River North is a neighborhood gem, loved by locals and visitors alike. The restaurant boasts a cozy, modern atmosphere, with a menu that's 'healthy meets delicious.' One review gushes, 'An absolute gem! Delicious fresh food, great service, and beautiful space!' and another lauds the 'cool ambiance' and 'great food.' Beatrix is a favorite for special occasions, group gatherings, and cute dates, and their 'reasonably priced' food is consistently described as 'great.'
A photo of Gene and Georgetti restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5990)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 65 times today
Gene and Georgetti is Chicago's original steakhouse since 1941. This family-owned establishment housed in Chicago's third oldest building serves the finest prime-aged steaks and chops, pastas, & signature dishes invented here such as The Garbage Salad and Chicken alla Joe. Our curated wine list originates from our roots in Lucca, Tuscany, Italy - we concentrate on Italian varietals that complement our classic Italian steakhouse menu.Securely processed credit card info is required to secure a reservation. No-shows or cancellations within 48 hrs will be charged $25 pp. As a reminder we do have a 15 minute grace period to honor your reservation, past that time your reservation will be forfeit.Valet parking after 3pm is $15 cash.Our dress code is Smart Business/Cocktail Chic - you never know who you might see at G & G!Gene & Georgetti can accommodate your party of up to 100. We look forward to welcoming you to G&G, where classic never goes out of style.
A photo of il Porcellino restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4171)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 94 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 Barrio restaurant
4.3
Awesome(2875)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • River North (Chicago)
Booked 25 times today
Located In The Heart Of River North, At 65 West Kinzie Street, Dineamic Hospitality Added Its First Mexican Restaurant, Barrio, To The Hospitality Group'S Culinary Roster In 2017. A Creative Take On Traditional Mexican Fare With American Influences, Barrio Is A 6,000-Square-Foot Space Accommodating 200 Guests Indoors And Throughout Our 3 Private Dining Spaces And 70 Guests Amongst Our Expansive Outdoor Patio. Barrio Is Located Near The Chicago River, Right On The Cusp Of Downtown In River North.
A photo of Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse - Chicago restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(9098)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 86 times today
Riverfront dining in the heart of the Windy City. Join us for a magnificent meal on the water and let the good times flow. Ideal for gatherings of all sizes with easy access to parking, major hotels, and convention centers.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Katie
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Excellent service, great selection, very clean, very fresh.
    More info
    SUSHI-SAN - River NorthPrice: Moderate• Japanese• River North (Chicago)
    4.8
  • Janetvip
    Chicago / Illinois •38 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    I can't say enough good things about our experience at Joe's! We went there expecting a very special dinner and celebration for our daughter's 21st birthday and it did not disappoint. I'd especially like to point out our service, as service can make or break an experience. Our server was EXCELLENT. He was so attentive, knowledgeable, kind and went out of his way to make sure our daughter felt celebrated. Our daughter also has Celiac Disease, and he was so in step with what she could/could not have even double checking with the kitchen on the squash casserole--which it turned out she could have and was one of the food winners of the night! Joe's is a special restaurant with very high prices, yet when the service and quality of the food were like they were last night, it was priceless to us! Wish I could remember the name of our waiter, as I'd like to thank him again for making our night memorable.
    More info
    Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone CrabPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• River North (Chicago)
    4.9
  • Marc
    Chicago / Illinois •16 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The bass was excellent, and the Kofta was tasty. However, the humus was a disappointment—not better than what one can buy in a grocery store. The cauliflower/broccoli dish was a good surprise. Overall, the food was good, but not surprising. The place was full (on a Friday night) -- crowded and noisy. Service was slow.
    More info
    Ema - River NorthPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• River North (Chicago)
    4.7
  • csnyder023
    Cincinnati / Dayton •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 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
  • tonyvip
    Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    I had great experience there. The food was top tier and the waitress was excellent. I’ve been there a few times and every time I go back the food is good. I would recommend this place to friends. I give this place a 10/10. The drinks was so good too.
    More info
    Mercadito - River NorthPrice: Expensive• Mexican• River North (Chicago)
    4.6

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in River North (Chicago)

Discover the culinary treasures of River North, Chicago, where each restaurant shines as a neighborhood gem, offering unique dining experiences that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. The dining scene in this vibrant area is characterized by a rich variety of cuiseties, from authentic Japanese BBQ at Gyu-Kaku to innovative health-focused dishes at True Food Kitchen, ensuring an unforgettable gastronomic journey for every palate. Each establishment is celebrated for its exceptional service, cozy ambiance, and commitment to quality, making them local favorites and must-visit spots for both residents and visitors. Whether you're in the mood for the energetic vibes and creative sushi of Blue Sushi Sake Grill or the southern charm and live music of House of Blues Restaurant & Bar, River North promises a delightful dining experience. These neighborhood gems are perfect for a casual dinner, a special occasion, or a fun night out, embodying the spirit of Chicago's culinary excellence. Indulge in the expertly crafted dishes and vibrant atmospheres that make River North a standout destination for food enthusiasts.

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