Best Lunch Restaurants in South Side

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

ChicagoNear WestNorthwest SuburbsSouth Suburbs

Neighborhoods

AvondaleBedford ParkBelmont Central / CraginBerwynBridgeportBucktown / Wicker Park

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

325 restaurants available nearby

1. The Gage

4.7

Exceptional(12135)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 124 times today

The Gage has become a perennial favorite of locals and visitors alike for over ten years by effortlessly blending European influence with American style. The restaurant serves refined, rustic cuisine, innovative libations and an award-winning wine list all in a lively, convivial setting. Known as a “must visit” among Chicago’s dining scene, The Gage continues to evolve by serving well-rounded food and beverage menus that feature classic dishes and drinks with contemporary twists rooted in tradition.

A photo of The Walnut Room - Chicago restaurant

2. The Walnut Room - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(7792)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 24 times today

For Large Parties 21 or more: please contact us at http://macysrestaurants.com/contact-us/ For Holiday Questions and Menu: http://macysrestaurants.com/walnut-room/holiday2024/The world famous Walnut Room has been a Chicago tradition since 1907. Located on the 7th floor of Macy's on State Street, the Walnut Room was the first restaurant ever opened in a department store. Conveniently located in the heart of the Chicago theater district, the Walnut Room is an excellent choice to take a break from shopping or for a meal and a glass of wine before the show. Enjoy our Famous Mrs. Herring's Chicken Pot Pie and other well known favorites on the menu.

3. The Marq

4.6

Exceptional(713)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 22 times today

The Marq offers an ever-evolving, globally inspired menu of seasonal fare. Paired with our hand-crafted cocktails & dynamic wine list, we've got everything you deserve. We provide our guests a delicious, upscale, & easily approachable experience. Located in the heart of Chicago's Loop, business, and theater districts while featuring a chic and modern décor with several seating options available. Sit back in our comfortable lounge and enjoy the view of Alexander Calder's Flamingo sculpture or choose to sit at our low, easily accessible tables for a more intimate experience. Or sit at our always friendly bar or selection of high-top tables for a more relaxed visit. Large tables are available for big groups.

4. Alla Vita

4.8

Exceptional(2427)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Italian • West Loop

Booked 164 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.

5. Roanoke

4.4

Awesome(1532)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 82 times today

Roanoke Restaurant, located in the Loop, is a local favorite known for its excellent service and top-tier culinary offerings. The menu highlights artisan comfort food, signature rotisserie dishes, and hand-crafted cocktails. The restaurant's design features luxurious finishes, copper accents, and warm lighting inspired by the rotisserie and brick oven in the open kitchen. Whether you're enjoying happy hour at the bar, dining by the fireplace for a more intimate experience, or joining the vibrant lunch crowd, Roanoke is an ideal spot to gather with colleagues, friends, or family. The restaurant also offers large event spaces that can accommodate up to 250 people.Guests can enjoy parking validation at the 172 W Madison Self-Park Garage. After 4 p.m. on weekends and weeknights, park for free with a $25 meal purchase. Be sure to bring your parking slip for validation. Not valid for valet parking.

6. Bar Mar

4.6

Exceptional(1088)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Spanish • River North (Chicago)

Booked 142 times today

Fresh oysters piled on mounds of sparkling ice. Ceviches that taste of the ocean. Chef José Andrés’ brilliant renditions of iconic seafood classics like fried calamari and lobster rolls. Located at the Bank of America Tower in Chicago, Bar Mar is a true celebration of the bounty of the sea, with modern takes on classics you know and love, festive cocktails, and a bright, beautiful space that interweaves the nautical with the elegant. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.

7. Bandol

4.2

Awesome(283)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary French / American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 16 times today

Bandol blends French and Mediterranean classics with modern seafood, a raw bar, and American influences, inspired by the coastal town of Bandol. Its light-filled, art-deco space is ideal for everything from a morning espresso and pastry to a business lunch, memorable dinner, or late-night digestif. Parisian-style outdoor seating offers a relaxing escape in the heart of the city. Bandol serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekday happy hour, and weekend brunch.The upscale to-go coffee bar and bakery counter offers Lavazza coffee, grab-and-go breakfast items, and house-made pastries, perfect for a quick pick-me-up.Parking validation is available for guests parked at 172 W Madison Self-Park Garage. After 4 p.m. on weekends and weeknights, enjoy free parking with a $25 meal purchase. Bring your parking slip for validation. Not valid for valet parking.

A photo of CH Distillery | Jinsei Motto | Jōtō restaurant

8. CH Distillery | Jinsei Motto | Jōtō

4.9

Exceptional(340)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Sushi • West Loop

Booked 39 times today

Starting April 6, all reservations will be for Joto, our incoming sushi concept - book now to be among the first to experience what’s next!CH Distillery | Jinsei Motto in Chicago's West Loop – where expertly distilled spirits meet exquisite sushi. Enjoy our seasonal cocktails and a standout Omakase experience featuring dry-aged fish from Japan. Choose your ambiance: the lively front lounge with a beautifully lit bar and historic distilling tanks, or the serene back dining room with eclectic décor and an Omakase bar. Daily happy hour, whiskey/sake flights, and a patio setting provide diverse experiences. Open for lunch and Sundays, we cater to all occasions. Join us for unmatched culinary excellence and spirited adventures.

A photo of Kindling | Downtown Cookout & Cocktails restaurant

9. Kindling | Downtown Cookout & Cocktails

4.5

Awesome(626)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)

Booked 52 times today

Located in Willis Tower at the corner of Franklin and Adams, Kindling offers a captivating steakhouse diningexperience. Chef Partner is James Beard Award-winning Jonathon Sawyer, who brings a worldlyperspective and decades of wood-fired cooking. With our live-fire show kitchen, prime steaks, fresh seafoodand handcrafted cocktails, Kindling brings the warmth of the hearth to the heart of the city. It's the idealsetting for pre-theatre dinner, a large group business lunch, and after-work happy hour at the bar.Follow us on social @kindlingchicago & @chefsawyer!

10. Grill on 21

4.5

Awesome(231)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • River North (Chicago)

Booked 7 times today

A modern interpretation of the classic American Grill, Grill on 21 is an elevated dining experience within The LaSalle Hotel, an Autograph Collection hotel by Marriott.Our menu celebrates quality, seasonality, locality, responsibility, health, and authenticity. As a cohesive blend of classic style, contemporary cuisines, and highly personalized service, Grill on 21 turns the daily breakfast, lunch, or dinner into a moment worth savoring. Celebrate the holiday season with our exceptional buffets, coursed dinner and party options, available in the experience section below. Parking Validation is available for guests parked at 211 S Wells Self-Park Garage. Please bring your parking slip with you to be validated at the restaurant. On weekends and weeknights after 4pm park for FREE at 211 S Wells Self-Park Garage with a meal purchase of $25 or more. Please bring your parking slip with you to be validated at the restaurant. Not valid for valet parking.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

OT
OpenTable Diner
St. Louis •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Fun dinner experience! Service was great and engaged. Four cheese ravioli and lobster noodle dish were well prepared albeit slightly salty. Black Manhattan was an exceptional cocktail and desserts are excellent as proven by our shared cast iron chocolate chip cookie and ice cream. Booth next to us raved about the skillet apple pie they had.
More info
RoanokePrice: Moderate• American• Downtown / Loop
•
4.4
TS
ThomasS
Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Gage is always great food and service.A very enjoyable experience .
More info
The GagePrice: Moderate• American• Downtown / Loop
•
4.7
J
JoelVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •26 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The food and service were outstanding! This dining experience exceeded our expectations. We were celebrating a very special occasion and the entire staff made this a very personal and meaningful evening. It was memorable and we won’t wait for another special occasion to come back. Our thanks to everyone at Alla Vita!
More info
Alla VitaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• West Loop
•
4.8
OT
OpenTable DinerVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
I always love visiting this iconic restaurant when i am in Chicago. While dining and drinking a delicious latte there are great views of the city! The food is delicious and we especially enjoy the homemade cinnamon rolls on Sunday!
More info
The Walnut Room - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Loop
•
4.6
R
Ray
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined on Feb 25, 2025
Great food, surprised how crowded it was for lunch
More info
The MarqPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown / Loop
•
4.6

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