15 Best Chicago Date Night Restaurants

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, I thought this post about the best date-night restaurants in Chicago deserved a quick update! Whether you’re looking for a spot for your first, fifth, or two-hundredth date, Chicago has plenty of options for you!

Since my list of the top 15 date spots is constantly changing—and often depends on my own personal preferences—be sure to scroll to the bottom to check out some reader recommendations after reading mine. And to make things a little less overwhelming, I’ve included a map at the end so you can decide where to go based on walking distance or proximity to your usual train line. Finally, let me know in the comments if you try any of these spots or if you have others to add to the list!

The Best Chicago Restaurants for Date Night

1) The Warbler

If you live on the North Side, you *have* to try The Warbler. Adam and I have really grown to love this popular Lincoln Square spot, as the food is just as good as what you’d find at downtown restaurants. If we forget to make a reservation, we usually sit at the bar, order a glass of wine or the Purple Martin cocktail (whiskey and beet juice—trust me, it’s worth it!), and get an order of crispy cauliflower before we even look at the rest of the menu. Bottom line: everything we’ve tried there is absolutely delicious. We’re huge fans!

2) Rose Mary

Okay, okay, I know it can be really hard to get a reservation at Rose Mary, but if you see one available... grab it! Joe Flamm, a former *Top Chef* contestant, has created an incredible menu inspired by Croatian and Italian cuisine... plus, the restaurant's décor is dreamy. Don't miss the stracciatella, the djuvec tortellini, and the pampanella pork ribs. They are all finger-licking good.

3) Andros Taverna

We finally went on a double date at Andros Taverna a few weeks ago and... wow! This contemporary Greek restaurant in Logan Square blew us away. We mostly took advantage of the daily specials, but I can confirm they know how to cook seafood beautifully. I’m also still thinking about their freshly made pita bread and the spicy feta dip. So delicious!

4) Ada Street

Ada Street is a hidden gem... no, seriously, it is actually hidden! If you weren't actively looking for this restaurant, you wouldn't find it. But you *should* look for it, because the food is delicious and the cozy interior is the perfect refuge for a winter night.

5) Spacca Napoli

If you love authentic wood-fired pizza, nothing compares to Spacca Napoli—except going to Italy. It’s owned by a charming Italian, it’s always packed (book in advance!), and it’s completely unpretentious. It has the perfect neighborhood vibe, and who doesn't want to feel comfortable while eating pizza? Plus, if you go on a weekend, you get a complimentary cannoli on your way out. Whatever you do, do NOT turn it down! It’s the perfect after-dinner treat.

6) Le Colonial

The original Le Colonial was beautiful, but the new location is on another level. Being on the third floor, you can dine with a view of Oak Street, which looks especially lovely when the trees are illuminated at night during the holidays. But beyond the atmosphere, they serve the best Vietnamese food in the city. It’s a sure bet!

7) Café Ba Ba Reeba

Adam and I love sharing dishes, so the tapas at Café Ba Ba Reeba are perfect for us! In fact, we went to Café Ibérico on one of our first dates, but we’ve both agreed since then that the food at Café Ba Ba Reeba is better. The last time we were there, we had plans with friends, but they had to cancel at the last minute... no worries, though—Adam ordered several servings of bacon-wrapped dates, and we had a great time ordering bit by bit and enjoying a few rounds of drinks. It might not be revolutionary, but you’re sure to have a great time.

8) Beatnik

For starters, Beatnik is SPECTACULAR! The décor is a dream, and the food is incredible, too. It’s been a while since I’ve had dinner there, but I remember loving the wild mushrooms, broccolini, and halloumi (which, by the way, is very similar to my own recipe!).

9) Gilt Bar

I’ve only been to Gilt Bar once, but I understand why it’s so popular with you all. It feels like a little romantic hideaway in the middle of the bustling River North neighborhood. Plus, the pasta dishes and the wine list are truly impressive!

10) Mon Ami Gabi

We went to Mon Ami Gabi during Restaurant Week last year and loved it. Incredible French bread, delicious entrées, and escargot so good we almost ordered a second helping. If you enjoy French food and an elegant dining experience, this place is a must!

11) Virtue Restaurant & Bar

Virtue is a Hyde Park gem serving up Southern U.S. favorites. Chef-owner Erick Williams opened this spot as his first solo project, combining his fine-dining background with Southern cuisine. In fact, I discovered this restaurant because it was featured in the Chicago episode of the Netflix series *Somebody Feed Phil*, and then their head chef, Demarr Brown, competed on *Top Chef*!

12) Swift & Sons

I don’t eat red meat, so I usually avoid steakhouses... but Swift & Sons is different. Everything on the menu is top-notch: he can order a steak, you can order seafood, and both of you leave happy!

13) Ema

I recently took Adam to Ema for the first time, and he loved it. I swear, I dream about their roasted almond and garlic spread; it’s amazing! I also love Aba—and they have similar menus—but I find it much harder to get a table there.

14) Bavette’s

Bavette’s definitely isn’t a cheap option, but it is so elegant! Picture dim lighting, exposed brick walls, leather seating, and a huge "Le Boeuf" section for the meat lover in your life. Perfect for a special occasion!

15) Tango Sur

Tango Sur is a Latin American steakhouse in Lakeview that everyone raves about. A charming neighborhood spot with incredible food—and you can even bring your own alcohol? It’s the perfect place!

Reader favorites:

Bar Siena (West Loop)

Beatrix (River North and Fulton Market)

Coda di Volpe (Italian cuisine in Southport)

Cafe Robey (Plus, drinks on the 13th floor!)

Ella Elli (Delicious menu near Southport)

Gemini Bistro (Lincoln Park)

GT Prime (Steakhouse)

Kai Zan (Sushi bar and omakase menu)

Momotaro (Japanese cuisine in West Loop)

Monteverde (Everyone says it's the best Italian food!)

The Bristol (Upscale American cuisine in Bucktown)

The Hampton Social (Happy hour and oysters)

The Press Room (Come here for a drink while waiting for a table at Monteverde)

RPM Italian (Order Mama DePandi's Bucatini)

Siena Tavern (Comfort food for cold nights)

Sushi San (River North)