Best Casual Restaurants in Lower West Side

264 restaurants available nearby

1. Rose Mary

4.7

Exceptional(3247)

Price: Expensive

• Croatian • West Loop

Booked 135 times today

Located in the historic Fulton Market district of Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, Rose Mary is Chef/Owner Joe Flamm’s debut restaurant inspired by his Italian heritage and the bold, bright flavors of Croatian cuisine. The boisterous space—named for Flamm’s grandmothers, Mary and Mary Rose, and the herb rosemary, which grows natively along the Italian and Croatian coastlines—offers a seasonal menu of rustic yet refined dishes that encapsulate what Flamm has coined “Adriatic drinking food”.

A photo of Pizzeria Portofino restaurant

2. Pizzeria Portofino

4.7

Exceptional(1478)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 193 times today

Pizzeria Portofino is a sun-drenched casual restaurant located directly on the Chicago riverfront offering hand-stretched pizzas, coastal wines, an expansive patio and breezy decor that will instantly transport you to the Italian Riviera.

3. Alla Vita

4.8

Exceptional(2262)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Italian • West Loop

Booked 178 times today

Serving a casual, family-style menu, Alla Vita is a place to gather and enjoy comfortable Italian cuisine. Alla Vita means “to life” in Italian which recognizes overcoming life's challenges and creating a space for shared meals and memorable experiences. Executive Chef Lee Wolen shares his passion for fresh, delicious Italian food made simply with the best ingredients. Follow @allavitachicago to stay up-to-date with the latest happenings.

4. Elina's

4.8

Exceptional(141)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • West Town

Booked 36 times today

Fine Italian cooking served by two chefs in an intimate space.Reservations are released 30 days in advance at midnight. Parties of 7 or more must contact Reservations@elinaschicago.com to book. Parties of this size are required to participate in a $75 per person family style prix fixe menu, drinks are charged based on consumption and a 20% gratuity will be added to the final bill. If you cancel within 24 hours of your reservation time you will incur a $30 per person cancelation fee.

5. Girl & the Goat

4.8

Exceptional(14834)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • West Loop

Booked 158 times today

Girl & the Goat opened in 2010 with the goal of offering a menu of bold, flavorful dishes designed to share in a fun and lively atmosphere. To complement the experience, we offer a curated selection of wines from around the world, focusing on small producers, along with a rotating list of craft beers and a playful cocktail menu crafted by our bartenders. The ever-changing menu, driven by locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, features favorites like sautéed green beans, roasted oysters, crispy short ribs, and confit goat belly. While reservations are encouraged for the dining room, our bar welcomes walk-ins, adventurers, and those who prefer spontaneity.

6. RL Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(7213)

Price: Expensive

• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 101 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.

A photo of Sunda New Asian - Fulton Market restaurant

7. Sunda New Asian - Fulton Market

4.6

Exceptional(203)

Price: Expensive

• Asian • West Loop

Booked 49 times today

Located in Chicago’s culinary destination, Fulton Market, Sunda offers a vibrant Southeast Asian dining experience, blending the flavors of Japan, China, the Philippines, Thailand, and beyond. We elevate culturally significant dishes using high-quality ingredients and modern techniques. Our beverage program includes signature handcrafted cocktails, a robust sake and wine selection, and Asian whiskies and beers. Our venue hosts private events for occasions from corporate outings to rehearsal dinners, and we also offer catering services.

8. La Serre

4.6

Exceptional(412)

Price: Expensive

• French • West Loop

Booked 76 times today

Inspired by the coastal regions of Provence and Saint-Tropez, La Serre, located in Fulton Market, invites guests into a lush and colorful greenhouse setting. The culinary approach highlights the light and vibrant cuisine of Provence, with a focus on native techniques and ingredients, offering lighter takes on the dishes of the French-Mediterranean landscape. Fresh vegetables, seafood, and all-natural Black Angus beef are expertly prepared on the kitchen’s hardwood charcoal hearth, infusing each dish with incredible wood and charcoal flavors, elevating the ingredients without heavy sauces or seasonings.Whether you're enjoying steak, seafood, or Mediterranean-inspired dishes, La Serre is the perfect destination for romantic dinners, dates, birthdays, or fine dining. The bar offers expertly crafted cocktails and drinks, providing the ideal atmosphere for any occasion, from a casual night out to an elegant celebration.

9. Elske

4.7

Exceptional(1199)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • West Loop

Booked 31 times today

PLEASE NOTE: **We can accommodate vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten free, dairy free, nut/peanut free & shellfish free diets. Before booking, please email us at info@elskerestaurant.com regarding any restrictions that are not listed above. We may be unable to accommodate certain restrictions, or diners with multiple restrictions.** Elske means love in Danish, a nod to both David Posey’s Danish mother and the fact that the couple got engaged in Copenhagen. “Our travels in Denmark have really influenced us,” Chef Posey said. “We like that clean, simple aesthetic.” The dining room — all crisp lines, minimalist décor & soft lighting — is anchored by a wide open kitchen on one side & a small patio with a working fireplace on the other. Combined with the friendly service, it creates the impression that you’re eating in a supremely tasteful Scandinavian friend’s weekend home.

10. Siena Tavern

4.7

Exceptional(6002)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 103 times today

Entirely Rooted In A "From Scratch" Approach, We Present Upscale, Classic Italian Fares, Straight From Top Chef Alum, Fabio Viviani. Siena Tavern'S Extensive Wine List And Our Highly Contemporary Design, Interspersed With Rustic Details, Elevates The Genuine Italian Dining Experience While Simultaneously Maintaining Authenticity. Farm To Fork, Refined And Redefined.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

P
Patrycjavip
Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Wonderful experience. The food was delicious and great price for the quality
More info
Alla VitaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• West Loop
•
4.8
R
Rachel
Hawaii •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Delicious food, great service, all around great time!
More info
Rose MaryPrice: Expensive• Croatian• West Loop
•
4.7
R
Ritu
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Pizza Portofino is one of my favorite spots in the city. The garlic bread and truffle pizza (request hot honey, trust me) are GAME CHANGER. I went with a few friends and we all agreed that they both redefined garlic bread and pizza (at least in Illinois) respectively. Great service and great vibes!
More info
Pizzeria PortofinoPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.7
E
Emilyvip
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Love Elina’s and have been often because the vibes, service, and food is top notch. Definitely a great date night. Intimate and cozy!
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Elina'sPrice: Expensive• Italian• West Town
•
4.8
K
Kenvip
Chicago / Illinois •72 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
I cannot count the number of visits we've had to The Girl and the Goat, but it continues to be a favorite for both personal and professional dining. I brought three colleagues, who have never been, to the restaurant for dinner. One diner is vegetarian, but there are menu offerings and options available to provide them with enough to eat. All three were quite impressed with the food. My only complaint would be our table was right next to the kitchen, which can be loud. However, we made due, and had an enjoyable meal. Service is always very good, and the cocktails are fun. If you're interested in dining, make sure you book way ahead, as there is almost no chance to get a table day of.
More info
Girl & the GoatPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• West Loop
•
4.8

Best Casual Restaurants in Lower West Side

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264 restaurants available nearby

1. Rose Mary

2. Pizzeria Portofino

3. Alla Vita

4. Elina's

5. Girl & the Goat

6. RL Restaurant

7. Sunda New Asian - Fulton Market

8. La Serre

9. Elske

10. Siena Tavern

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