NAIA

OMG sexy, gorgeous delicious fun. ENCHANTING is how I would describe this place. This gorgeous…read morerestaurant is a total standout. it is take your breath away beautiful! You should sit on the gorgeous patio if you can. Have your birthday party here if you can and eat everything off the menu if you can! We had it all! The server said the portions "were small", ummmmm... they are not. You can share the delish skewers between two or even three people. The small plates are not that small. I thought the portions were very, very generous and we came home stuffed! TOO MUCH FOOD! We were so inspired by the menu that we ordered way too much! I love the new app in which you used to pay with, especially for a large group. Fancy! This is one of the most romantic restaurants I have been to. It's perfect for a fun group of people or a really romantic date night. We had so much fun. We didn't want to leave to go to our next destination. GO!

Strong delivery option. Excellent appetizers, solid main…read more Hummus all 4.5/5 Smoky garlic: standard hummus, fun twist with garlic and chili Muhammra: original, spike kick. Charred eggplant: good oil level Green falafel: wife loved, super crispy Crispy potatoes: wife would order again Grilled cauliflower kebab: 3.5/5. Lovely date. super charred. Like the red onion and wished for more. Chicken kefta kebab: 3.5/5. Wild chicken. Per the website: ground chicken, eggs, grated zucchini, green onion, cilantro, mint, and spices. Really fun with tzatziki and rice. Sticky date cake: 4/5. Nice cake texture. combination with whiskey caramel and whipped cream worked great.

Interior

Short rib

See all

Muhammara

Ema

4.3(2k reviews)

0.2 mi•Near North Side

Ema is special…read more It's Mediterranean with a California twist. Everything is very flavorful and each bite is memorable The pumpkin hummus was really good. It tasted almost like a pumpkin pie filling The bhel hummus was great too. With a ton of toppings. It has a citrusy flavor which was really pleasant The baba ghanoush was also incredible. Super smoky and flavorful. The pita that comes with the dips are also incredible. They've got zatar sprinkled on top The Greek salad was great. Tomatoes feta and olives with cucumber The halloumi kebab was really good. I was so full at this point I couldn't eat much but it comes with a really spicy sauce that is outstanding and also perfectly cooked basmati rice

I first tried Ema back in 2022 when I visited Chicago for the first time to attend the Northcoast…read morefestival. For some reason, I overlooked reviewing it then, but I never forgot it, so I was ecstatic when I found out my company's annual offsite team dinner would be hosted at Ema. Our group of 35 was pretty large, so we were split up amongst several tables, but it was nice getting to chat in smaller groups. Our drink orders were taken not long after we were seated, and the food and bevvies started to arrive in short order. I got to try way more during my business trip than I did 4 years ago, but regardless, I noted the quality of food that was served remained consistent over the years. Highlights for me included the salmon, Greek village spread, pita bread, chocolate torte, and honey cake. The salmon was so mild and tender, the Greek village spread taster local and refreshing, and the pita bread was seasoned to perfection and hands down the best I've ever had. The desserts were a surprisingly delicious end to the meal. I didn't think I could stomach more food, but somehow I rallied. I don't even like chocolate that well, but the chocolate torte really hit the spot, and the honey cake was a new-to-me decadent dessert. It reminded me of the flavor of honey grahams but in cake form. I've never had anything quite like it and am really glad I got to try it. Coming back to Ema after 4 years was better than I expected. I love Mediterranean food, and after 5 total trips to Chicago, I must say Ema is so far my favorite restaurant here. I'm not easy to please, but Ema serves up some of the best this city has to offer.

2.7 mi•Wicker Park, West Town

Ema tables and bar

Tuna & Watermelon* june 2026.

See all

Inside

Rumi Middle Eastern Grill

4.5(405 reviews)

This place is beyond welcoming and such a refreshing spot to eat at. The food is delicious,…read morefilling, and so affordable. It's your typical kind of ambiance for a place like this--clean but not at all sterile. A welcome quiet spot in the chaos of Wicker. Aside from the delicious, comforting food, the service is incredible. It is rare to find spots like these nowadays and I sincerely hope the CAVA heads (don't get me wrong, I love CAVA!) try this out, too. We were accidentally charged for two orders of dolma when we ordered one, but I didn't realize. The person who took the order--wearing a propellor hat, by the way (hello whimsy!)--walked over to our table to let us know and asked if we'd like a refund and apologized. This already took me by surprise, so while I was fine without it, I said "sure." Next thing I know, they walk over with still two orders of dolma and the refund. I looked for a tip jar to put it back but couldn't find one. It was such an act of kindness and generosity. The kind of small interaction that reminds you of what being human is all about. Any time I'm in Wicker, I will try and stop at this place. Reminds me so much of Bulgaria and the "" I'd always beg for as a kid. 10/10 -- please support this independent restaurant!

I got delivery from here, interesting take on middle eastern food. I go the falafel wrap, with…read morehummus, it did not come with many veggies on it, the falafel itself was quite dry and the hummus was not very flavorful. My partner got a falafel plate. He liked the meal. He also got a salad, which he reports was good. I also got some French fries with tahini and extra garlic sauce. Overall average.

Wicker Park Platter

See all

The Purple Pig

4.3(9.1k reviews)

0.5 mi•Near North Side

I really enjoyed my visit. The ambiance was good. And the food along with the service was great…read more Please note that they specialize in small plates. So the prices you pay isn't designed to have piles of food hanging off the plate. It's not that type of establishment before you rate it negatively. You should know that beforehand. The Half Duck was to die for. And I don't even eat duck like that. I'd recommend & will certainly go back.

This was a very mixed experience, which surprised me given the overwhelmingly positive reviews that…read morebrought us here. To start, the hostess was rude. It took her a while to acknowledge me standing there, and when she finally asked how she could help, I mentioned I had a reservation and began giving my name. She cut me off with, 'Please wait, I'm very busy.' After another five minutes, she finally took my name and asked my family and me to step fully outside, saying someone would come get us. We were finally seated fifteen minutes later--only after watching another party of three walk in without a reservation and get seated immediately. The appetizers and entrees were good, and our waiter was attentive, even apologizing for the rough start at the host stand. Things seemed to be turning around until we tried to order dessert. Despite being more than forty minutes from closing, our waiter returned to tell us, 'The chef refuses to make any more desserts.' This was that rare restaurant visit where the food itself was solid, but we won't be back. The service made it abundantly clear that our presence was an inconvenience.

The kitchen

Chicago style hot dog

See all

Squid Ink Chitarra

Roti

3.9(454 reviews)

0.4 mi•The Loop

This review / experience is solely dependent on placing an order for delivery... keep that in mind…read more First I have to start off with the portions seemed SIGNIFICANTLY smaller than if you are eating there. Especially the sides, like fries and Roasted Brussels Sprouts. I usually love Roasted Brussels Sprouts but these arrived (obviously) cold and seemed like they shrunk on the way to my home. Unfortunately, if I put them in my air fryer... they would have shriveled up with how small they got (ha). Same thing with the fried, just overall cold & needed reheating. Overall this is to say, i ABSOLUTELY love Roti and it's one of my favorite fast food places and i highly recommend it to anyone and everyone. Unfortunately (x2), i will never order via delivery again haha it still tasted healthy & good though. The only reason for 4 stars is because of the delivery experience vs definitely 5 stars in person restaurant. Thank you Roti, looking forward to seeing you soon! Personal Review (for delivery 5.4/10)

pros: -fast and friendly service…read more-such a yummy meal!! i ordered the harissa chicken bowl -clean tabled and restaurant cons: -none

Salad and rice bowl to-go with all the toppings

See all

Bowl with rice, chicken, onions, tomatoes and cabbage

Kabobi Grill

Love this place for lunch! The lunch specials are great and the portions are huge!…read more This is a pretty good deal. You order at the counter and then sit down. Please know that if you pay with card you pay extra fee, which I didn't know. This is a pretty big portion so I did have leftovers. For one of our lunches we upgraded to the dill rice which wasn't as different from regular rice as I wanted. But when you add sumac it's perfect! This place is bright and airy.

I needed this meal so bad. So delicious and great hospitality. This place is located on a busy…read morestreet but I was able to find street parking no problem during rush hour. When you walk in, you are brought to the dining room to your table but are instructed to order at the counter. The space is big with tons of tables. Vegetarian sampler: We got this to share. Comes with hummus, tahini sauce, falafel x2, persian salad, baba ghanoush, and dolma. Something nice to sample for the table. Everything tasted great. The falafel could've been more crispy. The platter also comes with a basket of pita bread! Combo mix grill #1: For my entree I got the mixed grill and chose both beef and lamb koubideh as my proteins. I really couldn't tell which meat was which since the meat is ground but both were super delicious otherwise. Great flavor. Got the half & half rice (basmati/dill) which is a great choice and I highly recommend. The platter also comes with red onion, a whole roasted tomato, and some butter. If you've been here before, you already know the portion sizes here are massive!!! So great for sharing!

2.3 mi•Wicker Park, West Town

Assorted Kabob Platter

See all

Jujeh Kabob with Dill Rice

Falafel & Grill

4.3(673 reviews)

I ordered the Combination Meat Plate - beef kabob, kifta kabob, chicken kabob, chicken shawarma…read more This combo plate was delicious and enough for two people. Meats and rice were well seasoned. Beef kabob and shawarma were notably tender and chicken kabob was white meat and juicy. No issues with service. No frills interior. I will definitely come back next time I'm seeing a show at the Den Theatre.

Good "bang for buck" would be an understatement when describing this place. The quality of the food…read moreat Falafel & Grill is absolutely OUTSTANDING, and comes at a beyond reasonable price. As typical for a counter serve, this facility is no thrills but it's kept very clean and the service is straightforward and great. We've gone back here a few times and have never had an issues with wait time, which is impressive as it can get pretty busy with orders. We've tried both the Chicken Kabob Plate and the Kifta Kabob Plate and both were fantastic. They truly make the meat here the PERFECT tenderness - probably the softest and juiciest chicken I've had in the city!!! The hummus and falafel that the Plate meals come with are also delicious. 10000% recommend for a casual Mediterranean meal or takeout

See all

Kofta Kabob Plate Baba Ghanoush

Al Bawadi Grill

4.1(1.2k reviews)

13.7 mi

Start with the friendly and helpful service, oooh the food! Nun bread with some sauce very tasty!…read moreThen We had chicken and beef Shawarma , it was delicious, amazing is understatement!!! Then we ordered lamb skewers plater that came with nice spiced medium chicken! Served with rice or a choice of French fries! Best food I have eaten lately! The freshly blended juice is bomb , I had mixed fruits and hubby had Mint lemonade ! It was 17mins from the airport but it's totally worth it! If I lived in Chicago this would be my to go weekend refresh Nice Music by the way

This restaurant was recommended to me recently and I finally had the chance to visit. The staff…read morewere super friendly and helpful in guiding me while placing my carry out order. The decor transports you, very intentionally decorated. I had the chicken shish tawook dinner, the eggplant, falafel, wings, and hummus. This was legitimately some of the best middle eastern food I've ever had. The wings were extremely flavorful, the chicken shish tawook was juicy and beautifully seasoned, and the eggplant was delightfully tangy. I was really looking forward to coming here again.

0.6 mi•West Loop, Near West Side

20 minute wait for two. Food smells delicious though

Kenafah

See all

Lotus cake

Avec - Chicago

4.3(2.7k reviews)

amazing food from avec! i went in knowing nothing and left satisfied :) short rib hummus was my…read morefavorite of the night! lots of flavor in the short rib and the hummus is so smooth! the meat was also soft and tender, easy to pull apart! all the items we ordered were yummy too! the chorizo medjool dates were interesting and great! something different. service was very good. they refilled our waters many times and were attentive and polite! the inside is kinda swanky. dimly lit and a sort of communal seating. very vibey! would come back

Avec is such a cozy and cute spot right along Randolph! We stopped in around dinner time on a…read moreFriday evening and they were able to get us in! We shared some wine carafes and they suggested splitting a few lighter bites and a main. We had the Endive and apple salad which had a light, refreshing flavor, and the chorizo- stuffed medjool dates to start. Both were flavorful and delicious! We also split the Shawarma spiced chicken which was fantastic and filling, the pitas here are to die for. All of the staff were friendly and helpful in suggesting dishes and portions, and we felt perfectly full and brought some home for later too! Definitely a cozy date-night spot to add to your list!

Restaurant view from bar

Whole roasted branzino

See all

Roasted Corn & Freekeh Tabbouleh

Avaspi

4.8(115 reviews)

3.9 mi•Lakeview

If you only know of the Kurdish people or culture through the news, it's time to remedy that-- head…read moreover to Avaspi for drinks and snacks at the generous Happy Hour or for a full dinner. The beautiful bar is set back in the glowingly dining room that has a painting of the Kurdish area in Turkey from where the owner comes from. Remixes of contemporary tunes gives a kind of clubby feeling inside, and the large sidewalk patio (on the side street) to enjoy the season is a completely different vibe. It's not just another variant on Mediterranean/Middle Eastern/ Persian cuisine, though you'll find familiar salads, spreads and cuts of meat. The presentations and flavors are different. The friendly (and easy on the eyes) staff will guide you through the menu. Very nice wine list as well as creative takes on standard cocktails (some mocktails too) complement the meal. Come in a group so you can sample many things; I assure you it'll all be good. Loved the calamari and the meze plate on this last visit. Grilled haloumi and shrimp were great previously. Easy to get to so get going!

An absolutely standout meal, each dish better than the next. The stuffed dates, however, were about…read moreas spectacular as anything I've had. A perfect place to go with a group to try as many different things as possible. And don't sleep on their happy hour, which makes the experience even better!

Avaspi bar

Bread

See all

Cool bar

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

12 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Mike B.

5 months ago

Great Riverfront Real Estate, but the Mediterranean Glamour Feels a Bit "Mid" With all the opening week hype surrounding NAIA, the expectations for DineAmic's massive new Riverwalk spot were sky-high. But after actually sitting down and experiencing it, the reality is a bit more grounded: it's perfectly fine, but it's probably not going to win any major awards. The absolute best part of the experience is the outdoor seating. Being right on the water with those river views is fantastic, and it's easily going to be one of the prime patio spots in the city this summer. On the plate, the food holds its own--the swordfish skewers were a major highlight, perfectly cooked, flavorful, and delicious. The letdown comes more from the design and layout. Despite the massive 12,000-square-foot billing and the promise of Mykonos-meets-Ibiza resort style, the actual decor feels surprisingly mid. It checks the boxes for a modern Mediterranean aesthetic, but it doesn't totally wow you once you're inside. It honestly seems a little "outdated hotel lobby" to me. Furthermore, if you're looking to just pop in for a casual drink, the bar area is surprisingly small with limited seating. For a space this hyped and this large, you'd expect a much grander, high-energy bar scene to anchored the room, but it feels tight. Ultimately, NAIA is a decent addition to the Riverwalk if you want a solid bite and a great view by the water, but don't expect to be blown away by the design or the indoor vibe. It's a good, standard riverfront option--just maybe not the game-changer it wants to be. read more

Alexis D.

3 months ago

From the moment we started planning our wedding dinner at NAIA, Robyn made us feel like we were her top priority. She went so far above and beyond anything we could have expected. Every email, every question, every little detail was handled with so much care, kindness, and professionalism. Planning a wedding from out of state can be stressful, but Robyn made the entire process feel effortless. Our wedding dinner was absolutely perfect. The food was incredible, the atmosphere was beautiful, and every single detail came together seamlessly because of her. She anticipated things before we even had to ask and genuinely cared about making our day special. It's rare to meet someone who pours so much heart into what they do, and it showed in every interaction. Our family and friends are still talking about how amazing the dinner was, and it truly became one of our favorite parts of our wedding day. Robyn didn't just help coordinate a dinner. she helped create memories we'll cherish for the rest of our lives. If you're considering NAIA for a special event, do yourself a favor and ask for Robyn. She is an absolute gem, and we are so incredibly grateful for everything she did for us. Thank you for making our wedding celebration more perfect than we ever imagined. read more

Jacyln G.

21 days ago

I wish I could give it negative stars. You could tell the managers in the suits and the host with orange hair were doing an amazing job with the guest even with the amount of people in the lobby, however this review is solely based on the host with black hair and an attitude . She was super dismissive, she didn't greet us at all. She pretended to be busy but she wasn't doing anything. She had a conversation with the other host which really alerted us with how disrespectful she was being towards her. She politely told us to move to side to have a conversation with her but you can tell something was up. We wanted to just enjoy our Friday on the river. We really need to work on training, the way the host with black hair was incredibly rude towards the other host, I've never seen that sort of behavior in restaurants. It really had us in an awkward position. Needless to say, we did get a patio seat but at what cost? I know the girl in the orange hair was doing her best to recover from the incident so I applaud her for that. We definitely did talk to her to see if she was okay. I'll come back just for her because even with the disrespect she received not from a guest but from a coworker I can tell she just wanted us to have a great lunch. read more

Jesse M.

Elite 26

132

174

412

1 month ago

Such a beautiful dining experience! We had an amazing time at NAIA on the River. The restaurant itself is absolutely beautiful, and the atmosphere is upscale without feeling stuffy. The river views and overall ambiance make it a perfect spot for a date night or special occasion. We started with the tableside hummus, which was such a fun presentation and absolutely delicious. For our entrees, we ordered the branzino and lamb chops, and both were fantastic. The branzino was cooked perfectly, and the lamb chops were tender, flavorful, and definitely one of the highlights of the meal. The service was excellent as well. Everyone was friendly, attentive, and made us feel well taken care of throughout the evening. Between the food, atmosphere, views, and service, NAIA really delivers a great overall experience. It's definitely on our list of places to come back to the next time we're in Chicago. Highly recommend! read more

Stephanie H.

108

571

4 months ago

NAIA on the River was one of the highlights of our visit to Chicago! The location along the river provides beautiful views and creates the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing dinner. The ambiance is stylish, vibrant, and welcoming, making it a great spot for a date night, celebration, or gathering with friends. The food was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The cocktails were equally impressive and paired perfectly with the meal. What truly made the experience stand out was the exceptional customer service. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made us feel welcomed from the moment we arrived. They were knowledgeable about the menu and ensured we had everything we needed throughout our visit. If you're looking for delicious Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, scenic riverfront views, and outstanding hospitality, NAIA on the River is definitely worth visiting. read more

Ellaine D.

2 months ago

This was our very first experience at NAIA, I've heard so much through social media so obviously I wanted to come in and try it out myself ! check in - probably the easiest and smoothest . Erica at the host stand was so bubbly , it really lived up to what I knew the restaurant would be walking in. I'm coming from Michigan and well let's just say I'll definitely be back for the food but the hospitality was the highlight for me , Erica really made me feel at home . We asked her about recommendations for other restaurants and she told us about Prime & Provisions for a great steak and also Siena Tavern if we wanted a pasta night with the girls. She was such a blessing especially with us not knowing much about Chicago. Thank you again Erica , we'll see you again NAIA ! read more

Crystal R.

109

5 months ago

NAIA along the Riverfront absolutely exceeded expectations. The food was incredible, the ambiance was beautiful, and the entire experience felt effortless from start to finish. What really stood out was the staff--they were beyond accommodating and made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. Every detail was on point, from the service to the atmosphere to the quality of the meal. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I'm already planning to come back next week with my girlfriends to check out their lunch service. Whether you have a reservation or are stopping by on a whim, do yourself a favor and add this spot to your list. Great food, great vibes, and exceptional hospitality. Can't wait to return. BTW - the Tableside Hummus is a must! read more

Nicole Rose O.

2 months ago

I dined in on a Thursday night with a reservation which wasn't even honored . I still had to wait an extra 25 mins. I booked the booth experience and yet I was seated inside . The host , Addy rolled her eyes when we explained we had done everything on our end correctly and she still proceeded to be combative . I'm not really sure how this place is so popular but this isn't what dining on the Chicago River should feel like. Highly disappointed. read more

Resha O.

9 days ago

The drinks were great, the restaurant is gorgeous, and the service was awesome. The food was a bit hit-or-miss for me. I loved the tuna carpaccio and the tableside hummus, but the salad was nothing special and the crispy rice came out a little cold. I'd still go back--it's a fun spot for a night out. Just make a reservation, since it fills up fast, especially in such a touristy area. read more

Marissa L.

3 months ago

absolutely zero stars. extremely disappointed. I had already heard the food was not good, but wanted to try it for myself. I had a reservation for 6:00, received a confirmation the day before. When I got there, they said they did not have a reservation for me, although I had a confirmation. They refused to seat me. Do NOT go here. read more

Saffron O.

2 months ago

Overpriced, overrated, and completely forgettable. The food is no better than what you'd get at any average Mediterranean restaurant. There's absolutely nothing special about this place and no reason to come back. The food isn't very good, and the hype is impossible to understand. read more

NaywriChi W.

Elite 17

169

1205

15451

5 months ago

This is from the Dinenamic group, the folks behind Siena Tavern, Bar Siena, Barrio, Bandit, Fioretta and etc. I had Tuna Crudite, Strawberry Fizz & Smoke On The Water cocktails. The staff and service are naiariffic. read more

NAIA - mediterranean - Updated October 2026

Browse Nearby

BEST of Chicago, Illinois Restaurants near NAIA

BEST of Chicago, Illinois Coffee near NAIA

BEST of Chicago, Illinois Lunch near NAIA

BEST of Chicago, Illinois Things to Do near NAIA

BEST of Chicago, Illinois Desserts near NAIA

BEST of Chicago, Illinois Parking near NAIA

BEST of Chicago, Illinois Cocktail Bars near NAIA

BEST of Chicago, Illinois Shopping near NAIA

BEST of Chicago, Illinois Gyro near NAIA

BEST of Chicago, Illinois Thrift Stores near NAIA

Related Cost Guides

Boat Charters

Golf Cart Rentals

Karaoke Rental

Officiants

Party & Event Planning

Photo Booth Rentals

Valet Services

Venues and Event Spaces

Best of Chicago

Things to do in Chicago

Browse Brands

Brands by name

Browse Articles

Articles by date

People who viewed NAIA also viewed

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!

4.3

(5.2k reviews)

One of the best restaurants in Chicago. Been going here for decades. Love this place so much! Best…read moretapas restaurant I've ever been to. Great value too. It's pretty squished in there though. Lots of tables because they want to seat as many as they can, because it's so popular! Highly recommend reservations.

Great HH specials, ensure you sit at the bar…read more This place is huge. There's multiple sections and I made the mistake of grabbing a table at the back instead of the bar area for the HH. A nice mistake, since I ordered the espresso martini. It's beautifully done. Great foam, taste is gorgeous. Would get it again when I come. The HH foods unpictured were delish as well. Multiple options. Nothing bad, everybody had their favorite. Carbs to meats to veg. Staff understand if you arrive early that you're waiting for the Hh and seat you promptly. Great place to relax after a work day

Formento's

4.1

(897 reviews)

Went with my friend to have an early birthday celebration for me! It was both of our first time…read morehere and we have no complaints. Out server was very nice and attentive to us. We were surprised the inside area was pretty empty (more people sitting outside) on a Saturday night. Anywho the complimentary bread 10/10 soo good. Our food was delicious as well and they even brought me a little birthday treat which was light and not too sweet. I didn't know my dish (canestri) came with a meatball and sausage on the side. I figured it was coming in the same bowl lol but I don't eat Italian much so that's on me. Overall the staff made a great start to my birthday !!

Located in Chicago, finding parking in this busy area was a challenge. I was taken here for my…read morebirthday an a Saturday night. I knew nothing about this restaurant but found the service and quality to be upscale. Labeled an Italian Steakhouse, I was torn between choosing an entree or a pasta dish since the pasta is made in house and it's suppose to be great. I ordered a cocktail first and left the selection up to the bartender. A nice sweet fruity drink was sent to the table. I ended up ordering Strozzapretti which is a lamb ragu dish. It came out hot and the pasta was of course fresh. It had good flavors, but the portion was on the lighter side and my taste buds were wanting just a little more flavor from the lamb. My wife had a kale salad that she absolutely loved. My dessert was fantastic. I had a strawberry rhubarb crostata. The crust was flaky, light, and flavorful. The fruit was sweet with the rhubarb adding a slight tartness that all balanced out well with a scoop of vanilla gelato. I was happy with the food and service. I would definitely come back to try an entree and more of that crostata!

La Storia Ristorante

4.5

(578 reviews)

La Storia is a charming Italian restaurant. We stopped in for brunch and had carbonara and olive…read moreoil cake, both delicious. The carbonara was rich and flavorful, while the olive oil cake was moist, lemony, and a great way to finish the meal. The atmosphere is cozy, intimate, and upscale, with plenty of character, and the service was friendly and attentive. Thank you, Ivo! Next time I'm in Chicago, I'll come by for dinner service.

I have dined many, many times at La Storia, which is housed in a lovely historic two story…read moreVictorian house with two patios located in the Gold Coast neighborhood. Zone in the front and the other in the back. First off the staff are friendly and professional and provide too notch service. Sometimes when dining out, if you're lucky, you will have an experience where a staff member makes the experience because of not only their service, but because their charm, personality and clever conversation made your evening so much better. Danny, the bartender is that person, and bonus, he also makes great cocktails. The ambiance of the cozy and upscale with a fireplace and the most comfortable bar stools that I ever sat on. On Saturday I met at friend for Brunch. Our server Allie was attentive and delightful. I didn't drink, but my friend had a few Aperol Spritzes which they said were excellent. To start out with we shared the Mediterranea Salad with arugula spinach, sliced peaches, bite sized fresh mozzarella pearls and walnuts with a balsamic honey dressing. It was so fresh and tasty. It comes highly recommend. There are two Eggs Benedict on the menu and my friend had Benedict Pugliese which is two fried eggs on toasted grain bread with arugula, basil pesto and cream buratta with a drizzle of saba which they enjoyed immensely. I had the Benedetto Prosciutto which is two poached eggs on top of sautéed spinach with shallots, prosciutto, a toasted English Muffin with hollandaise sauce and a side of tasty breakfast potatoes. My dish was fabulous with everything cooked perfectly.We did not have dessert, but I have had most, if not all of them. The gelatos are made in house with the flavors being chocolate, vanilla and blueberry. Incidentally, the blueberry gelato is the perfect foil for the lemon olive oil cake. The tiramisu strikes the perfect balance of mascarpone to chocolate, sweet but not cloyingly sweet. Last but not least is their chocolate cake, not too heavy and rich, but perfectly balanced to cap off your evening. The dinner menu is not overwhelming. I feel there is something for everyone on their menus. The provide freshly baked plain foccacia with extra virgin olive oil for the table. As far as appetizers are concerned, my personal favorites are the Arancini, Beet Salad, Salumi Plate, Polpette(meatballs,) and Roasted Octopus for an appetizer. The Bolognese Lasagne and Paparelle Alla Bolognese are my favorites of the traditional pastas. However, if you are feeling adventurous the Malloradeus Chingale is outstanding and is not an easy dish to find elsewhere. The Branzino Livornese is the best Branzino I have ever had so it is a top favorite for me. Some other dishes that come recommended are Spalla Maiale(pork shoulder,) Costelette di Agnello(rack of lamb,) and the Filetto Mignon. So if you're seeking excellent Italian cuisine, with a classy ambiance in charming historical house and fabulous service you cannot go wrong with La Storia.

Hawksmoor

4.2

(313 reviews)

•$$$$

Steaks were the best I've ever had, charcoal is the way to go. Dillion was also the best server…read moreI've ever had 10/10.

Alina was a great waitress! she was very kind of knowledgeable about the menu. the food was very…read moregood, steaks cooked well! and the sticky toffee pudding was delicious. will for sure be back!

Beatnik On The River

3.7

(1.1k reviews)

Beatnik on the River is easily one of the prettiest places I've dined in Chicago. The restaurant is…read moredecorated from floor to ceiling with an eclectic mix of colors, textures, greenery, and vintage-inspired details, but the real showstopper is the location--you're dining right along the Chicago River with some incredible views. I stopped in specifically for happy hour and absolutely loved the fattoush salad and handmade fries. It's a great spot to grab drinks and a few bites without committing to a full dinner, especially if you can snag a table overlooking the water. Whether you're looking for a date-night spot, happy hour with coworkers, a girls' night out, or somewhere beautiful to grab a bite while exploring downtown Chicago, Beatnik on the River is definitely worth adding to your list.

I went to a very fun retirement party last night at Beatnik on the River…read more I was a little concerned about some of the reviews. I had read on Yelp, but none of that materialize for me at all. I arrived a bit early and was escorted to the standing bar downstairs, where you can watch the boats go by on the Chicago river and have a cocktail. Lovely! The service was incredibly fast, and Ryan, who brought me my cocktail later realized I had left my gift bag at the bar and followed me upstairs to give it back to me! (Thanks, Ryan!) The party was in a private room and adjacent to a bar where multiple bartenders were working and making loads of cocktails and cocktails for the crowd. Nobody had to wait long, and the cocktails were outstanding. Another nice thing was that they had passed hors d'oeuvres-- The space was kind of small, so it was really nice to have the waiters bringing food around so you didn't have to elbow your way to the main table! We sampled fried chicken sliders, steamed potstickers, beef sliders, grilled halloumi, shawarma cauliflower, plus charcuterie. Literally everything was just delicious! (The fried chicken sliders were my favorite...) As every other reviewer notes, the decor is very cool--lots of (fake) flowers, luxurious seating and a fun vibe. Definitely more of a party vibe than a serious meal--but highly recommend and would go back for sure!

The Alston

4.0

(95 reviews)

The Best Steakhouse in Chicago, Can't wait to have their 36 oz Tomahawk for 2 and a fantastic…read morebottle of wine from their great wine cellar with my wife. I been to all of the Chicago Steakhouses and THe Alston is the greatest restaurant for Food, Service and Ambiance.

A French-influenced steakhouse? Sign us up!…read more Our party of 4 had a beautiful booth table on a Saturday night. It felt private but we were able to see all the dining room action. It's so pretty in here! * Fried Prawn Sandwich - this was super tasty. The pickled fennel added such a bright flavor * Pork Belly Rillettes - tender, melt-in-your mouth good * Pigs in a Blanket - not your 1980's version! * French dip sandwich - off menu but if you know, you know! * Filet Mignon - cooked perfectly Pittsburgh medium * Frites - can't go wrong here! Service was stellar - attentive and personable. Ryan was our sommelier and he nailed it. His wine pairings were perfect. It was such a pleasure meeting him! If you arrive early, be sure to visit their cozy and swanky bar area for a pre-dinner cocktail. Espresso Martinis all-the-way!

LÝRA

4.1

(624 reviews)

An amazing team meal at Lyra, wouldn't change a thing…read more The servers managed a large party with two food allergies and lots of food preferences with ease and attentiveness. Cocktails to start were delicious - we also started with the Breads and Spreads platter, that had most of their dips (all were amazing) with crudite, pita and lavash. Other starters included the charred octopus, crispy calamari and crispy zucchini and eggplant. The octopus was so good we ordered another one! For mains, we shared the chicken souvlaki, branzino, deconstructed pastitsio and lamb. All the flavors and dishes were beautiful and delicious. It's been two days since our dinner and I still have people raving about that meal. The table side Branzino was awesome and fun to introduce to a few that had never had it before. Will definitely be back, what a gem!

Only grabbed drinks here on a Friday night!…read more Music was great - fun to dance to although I will say, I think I was one of the few busting a move! Sparkler presentation was very pretty & cute moment!

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden

4.0

(854 reviews)

I was immediately greeted and seated ,the bartender was especially nice, welcoming me and my party…read moreas we sat down. The restaurants lighting gives a very cozy/comforting vibe.I started off with the beignets and a cinnamon roll both were amazing ,the cinnamon roll notably tastier. I then ate the Ceces Three Mac n Cheese with bacon and chicken, which was the best item I indulged in during my experience. I ended off with a the blueberry cheesecake that had delicious Oreo crumble underneath. Overall my experience at Blue Door Kitchen And Garden was one I won't forget and I'll definitely have to revisit .5 stars

Had a mishap with a reservation I made, but they turned the situation around quickly and invited me…read moreback for a do over. I truly love great customer service and appreciate them making things right. I always come for the crab cakes, which have never disappointed me. This time, we were treated exceptionally well and beyond what I expected. They definitely have a repeat customer in me!

Monteverde

4.5

(1.6k reviews)

We had an incredible dinner at Monteverde! Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious. We tried…read morethe Wagyu beef skewer, tortelloni di zucca, duck cacciatore corzetti, gnocchetti con pesto, and lamb chops. The lamb chops were absolutely spectacular and easily one of the highlights of the meal, although it's hard to pick a favorite because everything was so good! We finished with the banana dark chocolate tart, which was the perfect ending to a fantastic dinner. Every dish was beautifully prepared and full of flavor. Our waitress was wonderful, and everyone else we interacted with was just as friendly and attentive. The service made an already amazing meal even better. We felt welcomed and well taken care of throughout the evening. We left extremely happy with our experience. Monteverde absolutely lived up to the hype, and we would love to come back!

I've been wanting to try Monteverde for the longest time, but getting a reservation here is SO…read morehard. Finally got to try it, and honestly, the food was just okay. Maybe my expectations were a little too high. My favorite was definitely the burrata with the homemade bread, prosciutto, jam, and butter. That was really good, and I could've eaten so much of the bread lol. We also tried a few of their pastas, but I found them a bit too salty and honestly, they were kind of lacking in flavor. The tomato mozzarella shooter was interesting, though! The ambiance was nice and service was good, so no complaints there. Overall, I'm glad I finally got to try it, but considering how hard it is to get a reservation, I was expecting more. Not bad by any means, but I don't think the food was anything too crazy.

Tzuco

4.2

(840 reviews)