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Best Californian Restaurants in Gold Coast / Streeterville

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4 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Aba - Chicago restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2588)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • West Loop
Booked 230 times today
Aba in Chicago's vibrant West Loop is a gem for Mediterranean cuisine enthusiasts. The restaurant shines with Chef CJ Jacobson’s unique, light culinary approach, drawing rich flavors from regions like Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, and Greece. Guests are consistently amazed, describing the experience as "astounding" with flavors that are "entertaining to eat" and a setting that immediately sets the tone for a delightful Mediterranean meal. Signature dishes like the Smoky Garlic Hummus and Shawarma-Spiced Skirt Steak are crowd favorites, often highlighted in reviews as "phenomenal" and "to die for." The carefully curated bar program complements the dining experience with rare Mediterranean-inspired wines and spirits, enhancing the authenticity and quality of the meal. Whether it's the impeccable service, the stunning decor, or the mouth-watering cuisine, Aba offers a Mediterranean dining experience that is truly unforgettable.
A photo of Ema - River North restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4532)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 115 times today
Ema, nestled in Chicago's vibrant River North, is a culinary gem that brilliantly fuses Mediterranean flavors with the essence of Californian cuisine. Praised for its "always fresh high-quality food" and "fantastic cocktails," Ema stands out for its commitment to authenticity and excellence. Diners rave about the innovative dishes like the "Bhel" hummus and the "delicious" chicken kebab, highlighting the creative twist Ema brings to Californian dining. The restaurant's ambiance, described as "beautiful airy space," complements its stellar service, ensuring a dining experience that is both delightful and memorable. Whether it's the "impeccable service" or the "outstanding evening sharing small plates," Ema consistently delivers a top-tier gastronomic experience, making it a must-visit for anyone craving Californian cuisine in Chicago.
A photo of Summer House - Chicago restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(7843)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Lincoln Park
Booked 265 times today
Nestled in the heart of Lincoln Park, Chicago, Summer House stands out as a beacon of Californian cuisine, transporting diners straight to the sunny West Coast with its beach house décor and seasonal specialties. Chef Ben Goodnick’s menu, bursting with market-driven pasta, artisan pizzas, and fresh antipasti, captures the essence of California’s vibrant flavors. Patrons rave about the "amazing" food and "splendid ambiance," noting that the "atmosphere felt like we were in CA." Summer House isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, where the retractable glass ceiling and all-season courtyard enhance each visit, making it a must-visit for an authentic Californian dining experience right in Chicago.
A photo of The Oakville Grill & Cellar restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1061)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • West Loop
Booked 84 times today
The Oakville Grill & Cellar in Chicago's bustling West Loop is a gem for lovers of authentic Californian cuisine. Celebrated for its fresh, farm-to-table approach, the restaurant showcases the finest ingredients sourced from exclusive partnerships with farms and wineries in California and the Midwest. Diners rave about the "excellent food and wine," with standout dishes like the "branzino with Brussels sprouts" and the "Wagyu hanger steak." The ambiance is described as "always great" and the service "exceptional," making every meal memorable. Whether it's for the "gooey lemon cake" or the "best Caesar salad ever," The Oakville Grill & Cellar is highly recommended for an authentic taste of California right in the heart of Chicago.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Dawnvip
    St. Louis •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We loved our dinner at Aba!! Everything we ordered came out hot and absolutely delicious!! I 100% recommend Aba for an elegant and amazing experience!
    More info
    Aba - ChicagoPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• West Loop
    4.8
  • sallyvip
    Chicago / Illinois •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The food was delicious, and our server was wonderful! 
    More info
    Ema - River NorthPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• River North (Chicago)
    4.7
  • Michelevip
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    This is a challenging review to write. The food and cocktails were excellent. Truly the best French dip that I have ever had and a wonderful, creative Harvest Salad with Brussels sprouts and squash and bacon in a lovely, creamy lemon vinaigrette. Well-made, tasty cocktails led by an olive-oil infused martini which I will promptly try to replicate at home. Now for the bad part—The service was terrible and colored the entire experience. Our server would simply disappear for long periods of time. Poof—gone. Nowhere to be seen. And I mean long periods…..Like 20 minutes. Our drink order sat on the bar for at least 15 minutes, maybe longer. I could see it from where I was sitting and almost went up to pick it up myself. Our drinks finally were delivered about 30 seconds before our food, which was delivered by a runner, not our server. At this point, our server again disappeared and we had to ask another server for our check. We did notice other tables that were assigned to him asking other servers for help. In retrospect, the problem started at the very beginning of our visit. We waited a long time for a greeting, and then lets just say he set a leisurely pace for both our drink and food orders. And, this was a late lunch on a weekday. The first floor was maybe half full and the top floor was totally closed, so the mystery remains of where our server could possibly have been stealing off to. And I should add that there was not one acknowledgement from our server, or anyone else, that there was a problem. Guess this is the experience that you are going for? Net effect is that my dining mate will not return. I may try again—The food was that good. Overall, a great experience to remind one that the service really does matter.
    More info
    The Oakville Grill & CellarPrice: Expensive• American• West Loop
    4.7
  • OpenTable Dinervip
    Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Loved the sunshine pouring through the ceiling! It is such a fabulous vibe! Food & service were terrific! Definitely going back!
    More info
    Summer House - ChicagoPrice: Moderate• American• Lincoln Park
    4.6
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