15 Best Chicago Date Night Restaurants

Looking for the best Chicago date night restaurants? Here you go!

With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, I thought this post about the best date night restaurants in Chicago could use a little update! Whether you’re looking for somewhere to go on your 1st, 5th or 200th date – Chicago has plenty of options for you!

Since my Top 15 Date Night Spots are always changing, and tend to revolve around what’s most convenient for me, make sure you scroll down to see some favorites from readers after you read through mine. And to make it all a little bit less overwhelming, there’s a map at the very bottom so you can decide where to go based on what’s walking distance or closest to your go-to train line. And lastly, let me know in the comments if you try any of these, or if you have any others to add to the list!

Best Chicago Date Night Restaurants

1) The Warbler

If you live on the North side, you MUST try The Warbler. Adam and I have grown to love this little Lincoln Square hotspot so much, because the food is just as good as places downtown. If we forget to make a reservation, we usually just snag seats at the bar, order a glass of wine or the Purple Martin cocktail (whiskey and beet juice – trust me on this one!), and put an order of crispy cauliflower in before we even look at what else to eat. In short, everything we’ve ever had there is beyond delicious. We’re such huge fans!

2) Rose Mary

Okay okay I know it can be really hard to get a reservation at RoseMary, but if you see one available – get it! Top Chef alum, Joe Flamm, has created an incredible menu inspired by Croatian and Italian cuisines… plus the restaurant decor is SO dreamy. Don’t miss the stracciatella, tortellini djuvec, and pork ribs pampanella. All of them are out of this world.

3) Andros Taverna

We finally went on a double date to Andros Taverna a few weeks ago and WOW. This contemporary Greek restaurant in Logan Square totally blew us away. We mostly took advantage of the specials when we went but I can confirm that they know how to cool seafood REALLY WELL. I’m also still thinking about their fresh pita and spicy feta dip. Yummmm.

4) Ada Street

Ada Street is a hidden gem…. no, but really, it’s actually hidden! If you weren’t actively looking for this restaurant, you wouldn’t find it. But you should look for it, because the food is delicious and the cozy interior is the perfect escape on a winter night.

5) Spacca Napoli

If you love authentic wood fired pizza, nothing compares to Spacca Napoli – besides actually going to Italy. It’s owned by the sweetest Italian man, it’s always packed (make a res!), and nothing about it is pretentious. It’s perfectly neighborhoody, and who doesn’t want to be comfortable while eating pizza?! Also, if you go on a weekend, you’ll get a free cannoli as you walk out. Whatever you do, DO NOT turn it down. It’s the perfect post-dinner treat!

6) Le Colonial

The original Le Colonial was beautiful, but their new location is next level. Because they’re on the third floor, you can dine while overlooking Oak Street, which is especially pretty when the trees are lit up at night around the holidays. But beyond the ambiance, they serve the best Vietnamese food in the city. You can’t go wrong!

7) Café Ba Ba Reeba

Adam and I love sharing plates, which makes tapas at Cafe Ba Ba Reeba perfect for us! We actually went to Cafe Iberico on one of our first dates, but since then we’ve both agreed that Cafe Ba Ba Reeba has better food. The last time we were there, we were going to meet friends but they had to cancel last minute… don’t worry, Adam still asked for multiple orders of bacon wrapped dates, and we had the best time ordering slowly with multiple rounds of drinks. It might not be anything groundbreaking, but you’re bound to have a great time.

8) Beatnik

Firstly, Beatnik is GORGEOUS! Everything about the decor is goals and the food is awesome, too! I haven’t been for dinner in a while, but I remember loving the wild mushrooms, broccolini, and halloumi (similar to my recipe, actually!)!

9) Gilt Bar

I’ve only ever been to Gilt Bar once, but I understand why it’s so popular with you guys. It feels like a little romantic hideaway in the middle of bustling River North. Moreover, the pasta dishes and wine list are really impressive, too! 

10) Mon Ami Gabi

We went to Mon Ami Gabi for Restaurant Week last year and absolutely loved it. Amazing french bread, delicious entrees and escargot so good we almost placed a 2nd order. If you like french food and a classy dining experience, this place is a must!

11) Virtue Restaurant & Bar

Virtue is a gem in Hyde Park that serves Southern American favorites. Chef owner Erick Williams opened this as his first solo concept, combining his background in fine dining with southern cuisine. I actually discovered this restaurant because it was featured in the Chicago episode of Somebody Feed Phil on Netflix, and then their Chef de Cuisine, Demarr Brown, was on Top Chef!

12) Swift & Sons

I don’t eat steak, so I normally avoid steakhouses… but Swift & Sons is different. Everything on the menu is top notch, so he can order a steak, you can order some seafood, and you’re both happy!

13) Ema

I just took Adam to Ema for the first time recently and he LOVED it. I swear, I dream about the Toasted Almond & Garlic Spread – so good! I also love Aba, and they have similar menus, but I find it’s much harder to get into.

14) Bavette’s

Bavette’s definitely isn’t a cheap option, but that’s because it’s swanky AF! Think dimly light, exposed brick, leather seats and a huge Le Boeuf section for the meat lover in your life. Perfect for a special occassion!

15) Tango Sur

Tango Sur is a Latin American Steakhouse up in Lakeview that literally everyone raves about. A cute neighborhood spot with amazing food that’s also BYOB? Jackpot.

Reader Favorites: 

Bar Siena (West Loop)
Beatrix (River North and Fulton Market)
Coda di Volpe (Italian food on Southport)
Cafe Robey (Plus, drinks on the 13th floor!)
Ella Elli (Delicious menu off Southport)
Gemini Bistro (Lincoln Park)
GT Prime (Steakhouse)
Kai Zan (Sushi bar + omakase menu)
Momotaro (Japanese in the West Loop)
Monteverde (Everyone says this is the best Italian food!)
The Bristol (Upscale American food in Bucktown)
The Hampton Social (Happy hour and oysters)
The Press Room (Come here for drinks while you wait for a table at Monteverde)
RPM Italian (Order Mama DePandi’s Bucatini)
Siena Tavern (Comfort food for cold nights)
Sushi San (River North)

Did I leave any of your favorites off of these Best Chicago Date Night Restaurants lists?

Are you adding any to your personal lists? Also, was this post way too long or do you like seeing all of the reader favorites? Let me know!!

PS. If you liked Best Chicago Date Night Restaurants, you might also like The Best North Center/Ravenswood/Lincoln Square Restaurants, The Best Patios, and The 12 Best Rooftops!

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