10 Best Romantic Restaurants in Chicago for a Perfect Date Night

Chicago, aka Windy City, may be known for the iconic ‘The Cloud Gate’ and far-reaching skylines. But savouring its unique, tasty delights is something you can’t afford to miss when in the city. And by that, we don’t mean to limit your happiness to just local street favourites. Of course, Deep Dish Pizza, Chicago-style Hot Dogs, and Italian Beef in Chicago make you drool for more. However, a cosy dining haven can take the entire culinary experience to another level. More so if you are with the love of your life and are looking for ways to plan one of the most memorable date nights. Whether you prefer peaceful, relaxing hideaways for endless secret chats. Or want grand candlelit dinners, the best romantic restaurants in Chicago won't disappoint. 

Feeling overwhelmed with all the eye-catching choices at your disposal? Well, here is a narrowed-down list of the 10 best date night restaurants in Chicago that you can trust. 

Bavette's Bar & Boeuf

Bavette's is high up on the ladder when it comes to romantic restaurants in Chicago. It is an upscale steakhouse that serves a New American menu.  Every delicacy here has a unique taste and is made with love. The Wedge Salad, West Coast Oysters, Lamb Chops, and Steak Fries are absolute must-haves. On top of that, the restaurant displays a stunning wood and brick setting with dim lights. This evokes an intimate and cosy vibe for a perfect date night. 

The place is based at 218 W Kinzie St. It is open from 3/4 PM to 10.30/11 PM depending on the day you are visiting. Given its popularity, it is necessary to make reservations to avoid heartbreak.

(Image Courtesy: www.chicago.eater.com)

Geja's Cafe

Going strong since 1965, Geja's Cafe is a safe choice to plan a classy romantic dinner. The restaurant is quaint and inviting and promises a delectable and comfy time. It also has a fireplace for chilly nights and outdoor seating to enjoy breezy evenings. The menu is diverse, with many items making it to the customer's favourite list. Fondue Experience, Cheese & Chocolate Fondue, and Prince Geja’s combination, to name a few. The average cost per person goes around $50–100 and may seem pricey for some. However, with the timely service and the lip-smacking dishes, it's money well spent. 

This Fondue restaurant at Armitage Ave. is open daily but requires a reservation. Timings are available from as early as 4 PM to as late as 9.45 PM as per the day. 

(Image Courtesy: www.gejascafe.com)

Boka

Michelin-starred Boka has to be one of the best date night restaurants in Chicago. Nurtured by Chef Lee Wolen, it celebrates American cuisine. And that too with the finest locally produced seasonal ingredients. Making the delicacies shine in every way. From their soulful taste to their innovative presentation. The Dry Aged Beef Tartare and Grilled Hokkaido Scallops here are mega hits. They taste divine, as well as sync well with their signature cocktails and premium wines. The ambience is also very romantic, with a lounge and candlelit back garden patio. As far as rates go, Boka is expensive. The average cost per person is $100+ but there is nothing to complain about.

Visit this Halsted St. restaurant any day with a reservation. It is open 5-10 PM during the weekend and till 9 PM on other days. 

(Image Courtesy: www.bokagroupevents.com)

3 Arts Club Cafe

The list of romantic restaurants in Chicago is incomplete without the 3 Arts Club Cafe. This posh venue inside Restoration Hardware takes your breath away from the get-go. Thanks to the spot-on setting, tailor-made to celebrate a special occasion. High glass ceilings, shining chandeliers, earthy greenery, grey couches, and so much grace. And then, there is the mouthwatering food that comes with pure satisfaction. You can just pick any dish to make your loved one happy. But if you don’t want to take risks, blindly go for Lobster Roll Truffle and Avocado Toast. 

Book a reservation any day between 10 AM to 9 PM. The historic and affluent locale of Gold Coast is great for shopping and sightseeing too. Therefore, you can dedicate a full day here. It also has many top-furnished apartments in Chicago for overnight stays. 

(Image Courtesy: www.opentable.com)

Aba

Whether it’s your first date or your silver jubilee, Aba is a gem of a place to memorialize your special day. Nestled in the historic Fulton Market District, it is a Mediterranean restaurant. This gives you a peek into the flavour profiles of countries like Greece, Lebanon, and Israel. But with a strong Californian influence. Lamb & Beef Kefta, Crispy Short Rib Hummus, Green Falafel, and Whipped Feta taste heavenly and are highly suggested. Aba also has a dream-like arrangement. One of the major reasons why it counts among the best romantic restaurants in Chicago. It is an affluent venue with a lounge-style rooftop patio. 

Aba operates 4-10/11 PM on the majority of days, with Saturday and Sunday hours starting at 10 in the morning. 

(Image Courtesy: www.abarestaurants.com)

Virtue Restaurant

If you are a loyal fan of hearty southern cooking, the Virtue restaurant in Hyde Park should be on your list. It offers you genuine flavour punches that keep customers coming back for more. Be it the Beef Short Ribs, Blackened Catfish, or Collard Greens & Smoked Turkey. There is plenty for sweet lovers too, with Red Velvet Cake and Peach Cobbler major highlights. The lighting is kept dim, providing a sense of privacy for couples. While the amazing array of wines and cocktails makes the air more intoxicating for them. 

Virtue is open from 4 to 9 PM on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays and until 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations are required to dine here. 

(Image Courtesy: www.chicago.eater.com)

RPM Seafood

Want to try out seafood on your date? Then look no further beyond RPM Seafood. This oh-so-fashionable locale has fine-dining seafood delicacies at their very best. As a result, the recommended list of dishes is quite long. Peekytoe Crab De Jonghe, Grilled Spanish Branzino, Spicy Miso Black Cod, RPM Steak Fries, and loads more. The service here is praiseworthy too. So expect quick delivery and excellent table manners from the workers.

And guess what? Situated at River North, the scenic river views amplify the romantic setup. The area also houses many couple-friendly furnished apartments in Chicago. So, you may very well plan a night stop here. Restaurant timing is 4–9.30 PM with weekends stretching till 10 PM. Don't forget to make a reservation.

(Image Courtesy: www.chicago.eater.com)

Bistro Campagne

If you want to go on a culinary ride back to the romantic Paris streets with your better half, then Bistro Campagne is here to help you. With a plethora of French bombs with modern twists, it is one of the best date night restaurants in Chicago. The menu here is cohesive and blends well with their wine offerings. Chenin Blanc is a favourite drink for many. While the main course recommendations are more diverse. There’s French Onion Soup, Steamed Mussels, Steak Frites, and Beef Tartare. For dessert, you can try Pot De Creme Chocolate and Creme Brulee. 

The Lincoln Square eatery also has a delightful interior design, ideal for a cosy dinner date. Wood accents, white tablecloths, and a patio arrangement. It is open 5.30-8.30/9 PM except on Mondays and Tuesdays. 

(Image Courtesy: www.bistrocampagne.com/)

Travelle at The Langham

This luxe lounge & eatery oozes sheer elegance. Something that is very much reflected in their sophisticated menu. Whether it’s the Gazpacho Soup or the Coffee Dessert, the food is extraordinary. People with allergies will also find enough options to meet their dietary needs. For example, Travelle has several gluten-free and dairy-free burgers and bread choices. Coming to the decor, it is chic with stunning river views, which makes the vibe even more cheerful. 

And, if you want to impress your partner, take full advantage of the location. Being situated inside The Langham, Chuan Spa is right across. Book a spa appointment and make the day special for you both. Travelle is open from 6.30 AM to 9 PM, so it's easily pairable. 

(Image Courtesy: www.themagnificentmile.com)

Piccolo Sogno

Italian cuisine lovers! Here’s one of the best romantic restaurants in Chicago for you to go out on a date. Piccolo Sogno is known to deliver flavours that transport you back to your roots. Not only are their pizzas the talk of the town. But so is every other dish. The Bread Basket, Grilled Octopus, Gnocchi, and, of course, Tiramisu. To add to that, the setup almost casts a romantic spell. The private fences, the softly lit trees, and the delicate candles take you far from the city noises. Thus helping you enjoy a warm, intimate dinner with your lover, free from distractions. 

Piccolo Sogno is located on Halsted St. Operating hours vary as per the day. So, check the website before visiting. 

(Image Courtesy: www.piccolosognorestaurant.com)

Final Thoughts

Be it the romantic restaurants in Chicago or the varied hotspots, the city has a lot to offer its guests. 

Are you planning a Chicago tour anytime soon? Well, then book with TheSqua.re and enjoy a lavish stay in the top furnished apartments in Chicago. 

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