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Best Cozy Restaurants in River West

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299 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Piccolo Sogno restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(6966)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River West
Booked 68 times today
Piccolo Sogno is cozy due to its warm and inviting ambiance. Reviews consistently highlight the restaurant's 'amazing ambiance', 'beautiful atmosphere', and 'lovely outdoor environment'. The 'intimate' setting, 'wonderful patio', and 'quiet, nice ambience' all contribute to the cozy feel. As one reviewer put it, 'The best Italian restaurant in the city! The food was exceptional, the ambiance was so cozy and romantic.'
A photo of The Dawson restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2728)
Price: Expensive
• American • River West
Booked 22 times today
The Fulton River District is home to The Dawson, an expansive indoor/outdoor, multi-level space providing a multitude of dining experiences. The Dawson includes one of Chicago’s best patios conveniently found in the middle of the city.
A photo of Aba - Chicago restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2633)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • West Loop
Booked 275 times today
Aba is a Mediterranean restaurant with locations in Chicago, IL, Austin, TX, and BalHarbour, FL. Aba, meaning father in Hebrew, incorporates Chef CJ Jacobson’s lighter styleof cooking with influences from the Mediterranean, including Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, andGreece. The bar program showcases rare Mediterranean-inspired wines and spirits.Signature dishes include Smoky Garlic Hummus, Muhammara, Heirloom Crispy ChickenThigh, Shawarma-Spiced Skirt Steak, Grilled Salmon Kebab and more. The bar programshowcases rare Mediterranean-inspired wines and spirits.
A photo of Pizzeria Portofino restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1542)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 195 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.
A photo of Elina's restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(159)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • West Town
Booked 30 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.
A photo of RL Restaurant restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(7286)
Price: Expensive
• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 79 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 Fioretta restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(843)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steak • West Loop
Booked 88 times today
Fioretta is reminiscent of a new-age Copacabana, celebrating old-world Italian cuisine with an opulent twist, a steady flow of impressive cocktails and wine, world-class live entertainment, and a glamorous vibe cast over the entire experience.Seamlessly blending steakhouse fare with elevated versions of old-world Italian cuisine with help from Italian-American Chef, Joe Rizza. The menu pays homage to the Italian immigrants who graciously first introduced Americans to southern Italian classics. Fioretta’s custom-built solid-fuel hearth and open kitchen allows Rizza and his culinary team to impart superb flavor, char and texture to each dish. The menu strives to strike the perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation.
A photo of Gibsons Italia restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3983)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 133 times today
Gibsons Italia is built on a tradition & elegance that is relentless in the pursuit of the very best. Chef-driven tastes of Italy are paired with the superiority of Gibsons Steakhouse, creating a restaurant that makes the familiar, exceptional. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.
A photo of Asador Bastian restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(183)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 10 times today
NOW ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS FOR CHRISTMAS EVE!Asador Bastian is a Chicago chophouse with Basque influences from acclaimed ChefDoug Psaltis. Located in the iconic “Flair House” originally built in 1883, this historictownhouse has been revived and brought back to life with culinary inspiration from thegreat asadors of San Sebastián, Spain to serve the world’s best boutique beef withoutcompromise. The most remarkable dining experience comes from the purest ingredientsdelivered in the supremely thoughtful, welcoming and hospitable manner. This ethoshas directed every aspect of the experience at Asador Bastian, whether you’re joiningus for small bites and libations in our Bar Room or for a more intimate experience in ourDining Room.
A photo of Cira restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1781)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • West Loop
Booked 68 times today
Cira is a cozy Mediterranean restaurant in Chicago's West Loop. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with many reviewers praising its vibrant and trendy vibe. The ambiance is described as perfect for a first date, a business lunch, or a casual brunch. Despite being busy, the restaurant is noted to be quiet enough for a nice conversation, making it a great spot for a relaxed dining experience.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Margaret
    Dallas - Fort Worth •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    My sister and her kids were late and everyone was super accommodating when they got there!
    More info
    The DawsonPrice: Expensive• American• River West
    4.8
  • Parker
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Elina’s is always amazing! However towards the end of our meal we ended up having a ton of food left and they took it back to wrap it up for us and never gave it back. We had 2 days worth of food in there 😂. Oh well! Anyways, great meal. Will be returning of course.
    More info
    Elina'sPrice: Expensive• Italian• West Town
    4.7
  • AlexVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    One of the best places I’ve visited in Chicago! Delicious food, great service and cozy ambiance. My server Alysia was super helpful and had made our anniversary celebration absolutely special! It was really nice and thoughtful of her. Will definitely be back!
    More info
    Aba - ChicagoPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• West Loop
    4.8
  • Barbara
    Wisconsin •69 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Loved this restaurant. Food is delicious and good size portions. Wait staff friendly efficient and not intrusive. Have a Negroni coattail. Best around. Calamari bit salty but good and very generous portion. Very wide menu for all Italian food lovers. We shared entree after large calamari appetizer. Very graciously split dish for us Love the dining experience here.
    More info
    Piccolo SognoPrice: Moderate• Italian• River West
    4.7
  • DanielVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Had a great experience backed by solid service (a server we had before, I believe her name was Visjna? She was fantastic) and hospitable management team who went out of their way to customized a menu header for my guests birthday. Consistent dishes as always. The special however (short rib mushroom sugo) I would recommend adding more salt. Being a fat-rich dish, the meat and sauce screamed for salt. The only callout I would point to is the underhanded 3.5% service charge on the check which instead of adding that towards the end, the restaurant should really just work this into their menu pricing.
    More info
    Pizzeria PortofinoPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
    4.8

Discover best cozy restaurants in River West

Nestled in the vibrant River West neighborhood of Chicago, our selection of cozy restaurants offers a unique dining experience that captures the essence of warmth and intimacy. These eateries are perfect for those seeking a tranquil escape from the bustling city life, where the ambiance sets the mood for a memorable meal. Each restaurant in this curated list prides itself on creating a welcoming atmosphere, emphasized by soft lighting, comfortable seating, and thoughtful decor, making them ideal spots for both romantic dinners and relaxed gatherings. The dining scene in River West is diverse, yet these cozy restaurants stand out by blending expert culinary skills with genuinely heartwarming environments. Visitors can expect a variety of cuisines, each prepared with the utmost care and served in settings that exemplify comfort and charm. Whether it's a casual catch-up with friends or a special occasion, these establishments ensure a delightful dining experience that resonates with both locals and tourists alike. Discover your next favorite spot in Chicago's River West for a cozy dining adventure that promises both exceptional food and an inviting atmosphere.

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