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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in River West

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199 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Dawson restaurant
1. The Dawson
4.7
Exceptional(2753)
Price: Expensive
• American • River West
Booked 37 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 Piccolo Sogno restaurant
2. Piccolo Sogno
4.6
Exceptional(7025)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River West
Booked 42 times today
Piccolo Sogno is a special occasion restaurant in Chicago, with an Italian flair. Reviews praise the 'amazing dining experience', 'fantastic food', and 'spectacular ambiance', making it perfect for a variety of celebrations. The outdoor patio, described as one of the best in the city, adds to the romantic charm. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just a special dinner, Piccolo Sogno is the place to go.
A photo of Erie Cafe restaurant
3. Erie Cafe
4.8
Exceptional(180)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 12 times today
Erie Cafe is a premier destination of River North for steaks, chops, and homestyle Italian favorites since 1994. The 1940s club-like atmosphere, elegant bar, and lush outdoor dining is the gem of the neighborhood. Erie Cafe serves the finest aged steaks butchered daily from whole primal cuts, homemade ravioli, specials, and desserts daily for both lunch and dinner. This Chicago Classic is 3rd generation family-owned and operated.
A photo of The Walnut Room - Chicago restaurant
4. The Walnut Room - Chicago
4.6
Exceptional(7772)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Loop
Booked 11 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.
A photo of Rose Mary restaurant
5. Rose Mary
4.8
Exceptional(3388)
Price: Expensive
• Croatian • West Loop
Booked 125 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 Gibsons Italia restaurant
6. Gibsons Italia
4.8
Exceptional(4140)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 139 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
7. Asador Bastian
4.7
Exceptional(232)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 19 times today
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 Duck Duck Goat restaurant
8. Duck Duck Goat
4.8
Exceptional(5676)
Price: Expensive
• Chinese • West Loop
Booked 91 times today
Chef Stephanie Izard brings her take on Chinese-American cuisine to Chicago's Fulton Market District with Duck Duck Goat, her third venture with Boka Restaurant Group. The menu features hand-pulled noodles, house-made dumplings, wontons, fried rice, and more, ensuring no diner leaves hungry. On weekends, Duck Duck Goat also offers a delightful dim sum brunch menu, perfect for starting the day with a creative twist on classic favorites.
A photo of Girl & the Goat restaurant
9. Girl & the Goat
4.8
Exceptional(15038)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • West Loop
Booked 141 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.
A photo of Nobu Chicago restaurant
10. Nobu Chicago
4.5
Awesome(2149)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • West Loop
Booked 117 times today
OPEN FOR LUNCH 7 Days a weekCentrally located in Chicago's West Loop, Nobu Chicago playfully blends elements of old world Japanese and new world utilitarian.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Pam
    Chicago / Illinois •18 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I booked this reservation for my daughter and her husband to celebrate her 28th birthday. I sent a note ahead of time letting the restaurant staff know and they were very timely in responding back stating they would make her experience special. Well I’m so very pleased to report back that they both had an AMAZING night! They stated the food was fabulous however, even better was how they were treated by your entire servers/team. Thank you Rose Mary staff as I truly believe she had a very memorable birthday this year all because of your attention to detail and for going above and beyond. Absolutely incredible!! And I will be certain to share out their experience with others so they patronize your place as well. Cheers, Pam
    More info
    Rose MaryPrice: Expensive• Croatian• West Loop
    •
    4.8
  • Robert
    Chicago / Illinois •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We visited on Valentine’s Day and were delighted to find a 4-course tasting menu with optional wine pairings. Every dish was delectable! Our server, Anna, was incredibly warm and welcoming. We had a fantastic evening and will definitely be returning.
    More info
    The DawsonPrice: Expensive• American• River West
    •
    4.7
  • OpenTable DinerVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We had a great dinner at piccolo sogno. The food was excellent (especially the gnocchi) and the ambience was lively but not loud— so you felt like you could have a conversation at your table. I also really enjoyed that they pre-split the salad and entrees for my partner and me to share. I would absolutely come again!
    More info
    Piccolo SognoPrice: Moderate• Italian• River West
    •
    4.6
  • Ryan
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    I took my mom for a Valentine's Day lunch. We went around 3 PM, and even though my reservation was at 3:30 PM the staff were nice enough to let me in. Granted it was a low volume of people eating at the time. We were sat near the windows which added to the ambience of our visit. The music made it feel like we were in an old fancy jazz club. I had the French onion soup and the chicken sandwich while my mom had the Walnut turkey club sandwich. Both sandwiches came with well seasoned fries. The food was delicious and our waitress, Annette, was very attentive and sweet. Overall we had a great experience and would definitely go again. I would highly recommend the Walnut Room.
    More info
    The Walnut Room - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Loop
    •
    4.6
  • Bill
    Chicago / Illinois •102 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 7, 2025
    It’s one of my favorite places to go to The staff and the food is always amazing
    More info
    Erie CafePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• River North (Chicago)
    •
    4.8

Discover best special occasions restaurants in River West

Discover the perfect dining destinations for special occasions in Chicago's vibrant River West neighborhood. This area, known for its eclectic dining scene, offers a variety of restaurants that cater specifically to celebratory events, ensuring every meal is memorable. Whether you're planning an intimate anniversary dinner, a significant birthday celebration, or any other momentous event, River West provides an array of options that combine exquisite food with a festive atmosphere. Each restaurant in this locale has been selected for its ability to deliver not only exceptional cuisine ranging from local to international flavors but also for their outstanding service and ambient settings. Patrons can expect beautifully curated interiors that range from modern elegance to rustic charm, enhancing the overall experience. These establishments prioritize creating moments that are as special as the occasions they commemorate, making them top picks for residents and visitors alike. Explore River West for your next special event and indulge in a culinary journey that promises to delight and impress.

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