Uploaded on Apr 30, 2025
Are you looking to impress your date with an unforgettable night out? Whether you're celebrating years together or hosting a first date, Chicago is full of gastronomic loves ideal for a romantic night. From candlelit Italian trattorias to sky-high eating with skyline vistas, this list of "best date night dinners in Chicago" offers something for any couple's mood.
Best Date Night Dinners Chicago
Best Date Night Dinners Chicago
Are you looking to impress your date with an unforgettable night out? Whether you're
celebrating years together or hosting a first date, Chicago is full of gastronomic loves ideal for a
romantic night. From candlelit Italian trattorias to sky-high eating with skyline vistas, this list of
best date night dinners in Chicago offers something for any couple's mood.
15 Best Date Night Dinners Chicago
1. Gibsons Italia—Sleek, Scenic, Sophisticated
233 N Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606
Gibsons Italia is a fantastic choice if you want to entice your date with steak and cityscape views.
This place screams luxury with modern decor, a riverside setting, and a rooftop patio with
stunning city views. Perfect for wowing a foodie or steak fanatic, the menu includes USDA Prime
beef, delicious pastas, and a fantastic wine selection.
2. Le Colonial—Vintage Romance in Gold Coast
57 E Oak St, Chicago, IL 60611
Set in a setting that seems straight out of 1920s Saigon, Le Colonial combines French style with
Vietnamese tastes. The atmosphere is cozy and exotic—think soft lighting, woven rattan chairs,
and lit candle nooks. Sample the caramelized black pepper shrimp and crunchy rice crepes.
Extra: The upstairs lounge is perfect for a drink after supper.
3. Geja’s Café—Fondue and Firelight
340 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Few places shout "romantic date night" like Geja's Café. Known for more than 50 years as one of Chicago's most
romantic restaurants, this Lincoln Park treasure has candlelight fondue and snug booths ideal for group talks. Begin
with the Swiss cheese fondue and finish with the chocolate variant—coupled with wine, on its own.
4. RPM Italian—Trendy and Tasteful
52 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654
Where current design meets grace, it's RPM Italian. Perfect for couples who like great cuisine and a buzzing attitude,
this River North hotspot features a modern Italian menu and a clean environment. Standouts are the truffle garlic
bread, homemade pastas, and the tiramisu you'll discuss for days.
5. The Whale Chicago—Speakeasy Vibes & Stellar Plates
2427 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Set in Logan Square, The Whale offers supper with a 1920s casino concept that seems natural rather than fake. Best
date night dinners chicago its sharing meals like lamb lollipops and seared octopus that make it attractive, trendy,
and cool. Mood lighting and cozy leather seats make it an ideal low-key yet opulent dating location.
6. Elske—Scandinavian Cool with a Warm Heart
1350 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
Elske, meaning "love" in Danish, is a Michelin-starred wonder for couples who favor creativity and clean lines.
Beautiful, delicate, and delicious, the tasting menu is a whole experience. For an ideal outside feel even in colder
months, there is also a heated terrace.
7. Beatnik on the River—Global Flavors with a View
180 N Upper Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606
Beatnik on the River offers both if your date likes adventure and ambiance. It's ideal for a nice, Instagram-worthy
night out with globally inspired cuisine, rich vegetation, and retro décor. Especially around dusk, the view of the
Chicago River is a plus.
8. Sepia—Classic Meets Contemporary
123 N Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60661
For the elegant eater, sepia is perfect. Housed in a 19th-century print shop, it mixes luxurious modern dining with
rustic appeal. Their fresh, locally sourced tasting menu delights without overcapacity. For
anniversaries or unique events, the service is excellent.
9. Dawson—Fireplaces, Cocktails, and Cozy Corners
730 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654
Are you looking for a calm yet romantic location with a crackling fireplace and outside seating? Go to The Dawson.
This West Town staple has fantastic drinks, gorgeous lighting, and modern American food. Crowd-pleasers are their
seasonal items and wood-fired entrees.
10. BLVD Steakhouse—Old Hollywood Glamour
817 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607
If drama and glitz are your goals, BLVD provides what you need. Inspired by the Golden Age of Hollywood, it's full of
velvet banquettes, lights, and excellent service. This place is ideal for sophisticated dining experiences and formal
attire. Be sure to try the seafood tower or the short rib ravioli
11. 3 Arts Club Cafe
1300 N Dearborn Pkwy, Chicago, 60610
Though a furniture store may not seem like the most sensible choice for a romantic dinner experience, the
in-house restaurant at RH's Gold Coast site is a delightful surprise. Ignore the furniture and go to an atrium
strewn with lush plants and tables under lights. Contemporary American cuisine, such as steaks, lobster rolls,
and truffle fries, is served in the kitchen. After dark, unwind in the gentle candlelight and pair your meal with
a bottle of wine; don't allow the rich surroundings to take your attention away from your date.
12. Alla Vita
564 W Randolph St, Chicago, 60661
Italian cuisine, especially when paired with a lovely bottle of wine, always seems somewhat romantic.
However, the vibrant decor of Alla Vita can truly elevate the mood. Under rows of flowing drapes hanging
from the ceiling or an indoor pergola adorned with foliage, couples can share a pizza or indulge in the
wonderful chicken parmigiana. While securing a reservation can be challenging, an enjoyable evening spent
with your significant other more than compensates for it.
13. Adalina
912 N State St, Chicago, 60610
Dress to wow at this opulent Italian location—the servers definitely bring the style. While Chef Soo Ahn
offers opulent choices like a truffled Caesar salad, A5 Wagyu, and caviar service, the lovely dining area
features vintage mirrors and crystal chandeliers, among other improved details. After dinner, go down for a
drink at the Rose Lounge, a tiny and exclusive cocktail lounge.
14. Armitage Alehouse
1000 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, 60614
To secure a reservation at Armitage Alehouse, you must arrive promptly at 9am, along with a dash of luck. But if you can
do it, you'll be paid with elegant views of British pub food, from fish and chips to pot pies, as well as mild
Anglo-Indian curries and chutneys.
With a decor covered with ancient oil paintings, elaborate sconces, and other vintage accents, Armitage Alehouse pays
tribute to 1920s British pubs, making it the perfect place for date night.
15. Gilt Bar
230 W Kinzie St, Chicago, 60654
River North's Gilt Bar has lots of timber walls and hidden nooks if you want a dark and strange atmosphere. Under the
gentle light of table lamps, you may enjoy dark drinks such as the 100 Year Old Cigar, a mix of rum, Cynar, and Laphroaig.
Choose from a selection of upscale American cuisine; for a more major dish, try the coal-fired ribeye, or for something
more elegant, the tenderloin steak tartare.
Sneak into The Library, a speakeasy-inspired lounge with chandeliers, velvet seats, and books only accessible via a discreet
side door in the basement, for a nightcap.
Conclusion on Best Date Night Dinners Chicago
Chicago provides the backdrop for some of the most memorable date night dinners in the nation. The Windy City has it all,
whether your tastes are gastronomic exploration in one of the city's many varied cities, candlelight romance in a small
café, or skyline views from a rooftop restaurant. Best date night dinners chicago every pair may discover a perfect fit for
their taste and mood, from world-class steakhouses to intimate Italian trattorias and modern fusion restaurants. The finest
date night supper in Chicago, after all, is about the relationship, the vibe, and the memories you make together, not only
about the food. Please select your location, and allow Chicago to handle the rest.
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