DineGuides

Outdoor Dining in Near North Side

7 restaurants in Near North Side. Part of our Chicago Outdoor Dining guide.

Ambar Restaurant, Chicago
#1Outdoor
6 photos

Ambar Restaurant, Chicago

Mediterranean·$
📍 700 N Clark St

This River North spot offers an elevated take on Balkan cuisine through its popular unlimited small plates. It's a lively destination perfect for sharing a variety of flavorful dishes, from fresh pita to expertly grilled meats, making it a standout for both casual gatherings and special occasions.

🍽️88Food
92Vibe
💰90Value
🛡️70Safety
💬

Couldnt get my mind off the fact it was raw beef

Ideal for
Adventurous diners exploring Balkan cuisineGroups sharing unlimited tapas experienceDate nights seeking elevated casual atmosphere
Nonnina
#2Outdoor

Nonnina

Italian·$$$
📍 340 N Clark St

Nonnina offers a cozy yet upscale Italian experience in River North, hitting all the right notes with its comforting flavors and genuine hospitality. The handmade pasta is a standout, silky and perfectly al dente, complemented by thoughtfully chosen wine selections. It's a place that feels both lively and intimate, ideal for a romantic evening or a celebratory gathering.

🍽️88Food
95Vibe
💰70Value
🎯70Consistency
💬

This place was great! We hosted a small wedding lunch here and it was perfect.

💬

The ambiance was fantastic, making it an ideal setting for a romantic date night.

💬

Located in the heart of River North. They have a patio with heat warmers for the colder fall weather.

Ideal for
Date nightGroup diningHappy hour
Pinched on the River
#3Outdoor

Pinched on the River

Mediterranean·$$

This Mediterranean spot offers a vibrant riverside setting perfect for enjoying fresh, healthy dishes. With a full bar and a casual yet date-friendly atmosphere, it's a versatile choice for groups, families, or a relaxed meal.

🍽️85Food
90Vibe
💰65Value
🧹65Hygiene
💬

The staff looked like they did not want to be there. Not friendly at all.

💬

24$ + tax for bowl of salad ( vinegar, lettuce and basic salad) …

💬

Outdoor patio by the river is so charming especially when the night falls.

Ideal for
Date nightGroup diningHealth-conscious dining
Old Jerusalem Restaurant
#4Outdoor
6 photos

Old Jerusalem Restaurant

Mediterranean·$$
📍 1411 N Wells St

This family-run spot offers a taste of home with its authentic Lebanese dishes, from juicy kefta to flavorful dolma. It's a casual, no-frills neighborhood favorite where the food is made with love, making diners feel like they're being welcomed into a family's kitchen.

🍽️92Food
85Vibe
💰85Value
💬

This restaurant is amazing! Our waitress was so friendly and the food was delicious.

💬

Owned by a kind Lebanese family, incredible service and delicious food.

💬

Their homemade dolma is incredible, honestly one of the best I’ve ever had.

Ideal for
Families with kidsCasual weeknight dinnerBYOB outings
River Roast
#5Outdoor

River Roast

American·$$

River Roast offers a vibrant scene right on the Chicago River, making it a prime spot for both lively group gatherings and intimate dates. The menu leans towards crowd-pleasing comfort food, with standout roasted chicken and a decadent chocolate cake. Expect attentive service and a polished atmosphere that shines, especially from the patio.

🍽️82Food
95Vibe
💰65Value
🛡️70Safety
💬

The roasted chicken, fried pork belly, soup of the day, and kids’ pasta were all excellent.

💬

Such a beautiful restaurant with lots of natural light and a view of the river.

💬

Amra, my waitress was amazing! She brings such a joy to her job

Ideal for
Date nightGroup diningWeekend brunch
River North Bistro
#6Outdoor

River North Bistro

American·$$
📍 660 N State St

This modern American spot offers a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere with a full bar, making it a great choice for groups and casual brunches. While the food is generally solid, the service can be inconsistent, with some staff members shining while others falter.

🍽️80Food
90Vibe
💰68Value
👋65Service
💬

The food was delicious, the atmosphere was great - but the real highlight? The staff!

💬

She had the vegetarian omelette that had a ragout that was fantastic.

💬

Although, our server only came over to us to order and then give us our check.

Ideal for
Group diningWeekend brunchHappy hour
Kamehachi
#7Outdoor

Kamehachi

Japanese·$$$
📍 1531 N Wells St

This casual Japanese spot offers a lively atmosphere with a full bar, making it a versatile choice for various occasions. It's a reliable destination for fresh sushi and classic Japanese dishes, with attentive service that enhances the overall dining experience.

🍽️88Food
85Vibe
💰65Value
🔊55Noise
💬

The food was excellent, the atmosphere lively, and Ishi’s warm service made our dinner on the outdoor terrace even more enjoyable. Great value for money.

💬

Our server, Emma, was wonderful and really made our experience special! She was so warm, attentive and knowledgeable about the menu.

💬

It’s amazing, consistent, and always a delight. Already excited to go back.

Ideal for
Date nightGroup diningSolo dining