The TOP 10 Romantic Restaurants in Chicago

What is it? Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf sits at 218 W Kinzie St, a ten-minute walk from the House of Blues Chicago and less than a half-mile from the Magnificent Mile. The restaurant ranks as no. 66 on the list of The World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants.

Why we love it: This is a place that leans into the gravity of classic French and grill-focused cooking without feeling like a museum piece. The high guest rating of 4.86 reflects a rare consistency for a venue at this luxury price point, balancing an overtly romantic setting with the technical rigor required to command a global ranking.

Good to Know: Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf demands a smart and elegant dress code, so pair your blazer with comfortable shoes for the walk over from the nearby Magnificent Mile.

What is it? Tre Dita is a fine dining restaurant inside The St. Regis Hotel on East Wacker Drive. It holds a Wine Spectator Excellence Award for its program and serves a combination of contemporary and classic Italian cuisine.

Why we love it: While Cloud Gate and the Art Institute of Chicago are both within a comfortable walking distance, the restaurant offers a distinct vantage point for those wanting to stay near the city's landmarks without being in the middle of them. It balances the precision of its wine list against a polished, romantic dining room that justifies its higher price point.

Good to Know: Tre Dita requires a smart and elegant dress code, so plan your attire accordingly for the terrace or the main dining room.

What is it? Kumiko is a fine dining restaurant on W Lake St. It holds the title of best bar in the Midwest according to North America's 50 Best Bars and is ranked among the top 15 bars in the USA by Food & Wine.

Why we love it? While many high-end Chicago spots lean into traditional steakhouse sensibilities, Kumiko carves out a refined lane by focusing on Japanese contemporary fusion. It justifies its luxury price point by balancing a romantic, intimate setting with a precision rarely found this close to the bustle of the State Street Shopping District or the Willis Tower.

Good to Know: The service at Kumiko leans into a highly structured rhythm, so plan for a slower, deliberate pace that demands an evening of focused conversation.

What is it? Monteverde sits on Madison Street, an eleven-minute walk from the Willis Tower. This Italian restaurant merges contemporary techniques with classic preparations in a setting that leans into fine dining.

Why we love it: While many spots in the city offer Italian fare, this restaurant sustains a 4.83 rating across thousands of reviews because it balances upscale luxury with a consistently romantic atmosphere. It commands a premium price point, yet the focus on technical execution justifies the cost for those seeking a polished evening near the city's commercial hubs.

Good to Know: The kitchen at Monteverde treats contemporary Italian pastas with the same rigor as their classic preparations, so opt for a mix of both to understand the range of the menu.

What is it? Smyth is a fine dining restaurant on N Ada St. It holds three Michelin stars and ranks no. 58 on La Liste and no. 89 on The World's 50 Best Restaurants. The venue is a 40-minute walk or short drive from Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago.

Why we love it: The restaurant earns its reputation through a focus on creative, contemporary food that justifies its premium price point. With a guest rating of 4.78 from over 1,200 reviews, Smyth proves that its modern approach succeeds with diners as much as it does with critics. The setting is intentionally romantic, making it a distinct choice for those prioritizing luxury over the tourist-heavy districts near the United Center.

Good to Know: The kitchen’s commitment to creative, contemporary techniques means the menu shifts often; dress in your best smart and elegant attire to match the pacing of this Michelin-starred experience.

What is it? Ever sits on West Fulton Street, a twenty-five-minute walk from the United Center. The restaurant holds two Michelin stars and is ranked no. 17 on La Liste.

Why we love it: This is a destination for those seeking creative, modern cuisine in a highly controlled environment. With 412 guest reviews averaging 4.92, it maintains a consistent level of execution that justifies its position at the highest price tier.

Good to Know: Ever enforces a smart and elegant dress code, so plan your attire to match the formal, luxury setting.

What is it? Oriole sits on West Walnut Street, an eighteen-minute walk from Union Park. This contemporary restaurant holds two Michelin stars and ranks at number 47 on La Liste.

Why we love it: While many venues in the city lean into trends, Oriole justifies its high price point by focusing purely on the mechanics of modern, creative fine dining. The sheer density of positive feedback—a 4.93 rating across hundreds of reviews—reflects a precision that keeps the experience consistent for every guest.

Good to Know: The kitchen’s modern, creative approach to the menu demands a smart and elegant dress code to match the tone of the dining room.

What is it? Asador Bastian is an Argentinian grill located at 214 W Erie St. It is a Michelin-starred venue recognized as no. 13 on the World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants list and noted among the 2024 New York Times 50 Best Restaurants.

Why we love it: This is a serious space for those seeking the precision of South American live-fire cooking in Chicago. While most fine dining establishments in the city prioritize complexity, Asador Bastian succeeds by focusing on the luxury of the grill. It sits less than a mile from the Magnificent Mile and the Museum of Contemporary Art, making it a distinct choice for a quiet, romantic evening away from the denser tourist corridors.

Good to Know: The kitchen’s commitment to the Argentinian grill style is strict, so expect a smart and elegant dress code that matches the high-caliber reputation of this Michelin-starred destination.

What is it? Alinea sits at 1723 N Halsted St, a seven-minute walk from the Steppenwolf Theatre Company. This Michelin-starred restaurant specializes in creative, modern, and contemporary cuisine.

Why we love it: It earns its reputation through an rigorous approach to fine dining that draws from over 2,700 guests, consistently maintaining a high rating. The space manages to feel both romantic and structured, offering a brand of luxury that stays focused on the technical delivery of its contemporary menu rather than mere ambiance.

Good to Know: The smart and elegant dress code at Alinea is strictly enforced, so leave the casual wear for your later stroll through Lincoln Park.

What is it? RPM Seafood is a modern, contemporary restaurant located at 317 N Clark St. It holds a Wine Spectator Excellence Award and sits a six-minute walk from the House of Blues Chicago.

Why we love it: This is a high-priced, luxury destination that prioritizes its connection to the water, offering a rare, expansive terrace view that feels miles away from the nearby bustle of the Chicago Theatre. With a guest rating of 4.86, the kitchen consistently manages the demands of a high-volume contemporary seafood menu without sacrificing the precision required for fine dining.

Good to Know: The modern seafood menu at RPM Seafood is best navigated by opting for a terrace table, where the outdoor setting provides the most distinct atmosphere for their signature contemporary preparations.