DineGuides

Date Night in Near West Side

18 restaurants in Near West Side. Part of our Chicago Date Night guide.

Gibsons Italia
#1Date Night
6 photos

Gibsons Italia

Italian·$$$
📍 233 N Canal St

This upscale Italian steakhouse offers a stunning riverfront view, making it a prime spot for special occasions. The kitchen delivers on its promise of excellent steaks, complemented by attentive service that makes guests feel like family.

🍽️95Food
95Vibe
👋95Service
💬

Ugo was an outstanding server and the rest of the staff followed suit, water filled, plates cleared, managers checking in to see if everything was meeting expectations.

💬

I don't know why Gibson's Italia does a better steak than any other Gibsons and even better than Bavettes.

💬

Ashley and Adam took care of us like we were their family but the food was beyond special

Ideal for
Date nightSpecial occasionsGroup dining
Oriole
#2Date Night
6 photos

Oriole

American·$
📍 661 W Walnut St

Oriole offers a multi-stage culinary journey, beginning with a hidden speakeasy entrance and culminating in an intimate kitchen-table experience. The tasting menu is a meticulously crafted exploration of global influences, executed with precision and balanced flavors.

🍽️93Food
95Vibe
👋95Service
💬

The tasting menu moved seamlessly from delicate seafood courses to a rich wagyu beef plate, each dish layered with detail but never heavy.

💬

Hidden from the bustling streets of West Loop exists one of Chicago's finest culinary experiences, where glowing warmth and hospitality saturate the entire space with nothing short of magic.

💬

I've been to Oriole 6 times, and for almost 4 years it held the #1 restaurant spot for me in Chicago, with its unpretentious, fine dining experience.

Ideal for
Date nightGroup diningTasting menu
Taste 222
#3Date Night

Taste 222

American·$$
📍 222 N Canal St

Taste 222 offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for both casual dates and lively group gatherings. The menu features a thoughtful selection of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, ensuring something for everyone. With a full bar and a welcoming vibe, it's a go-to spot for happy hour and family outings.

🍽️90Food
90Vibe
👋92Service
💬

This is my third time at Taste 222, and every single time the food has been absolutely amazing.

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For those with dietary preferences, there were also several vegan-friendly options, like the vegan sliders, which were hearty and delicious without compromising on flavor.

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The vibe is intimate and unique - perfect for a relaxed, quality meal with friends or loved ones.

Ideal for
Date nightGroup diningHappy hour
Au Cheval
#4Date Night
6 photos

Au Cheval

Burgers·$$$

Au Cheval is a Chicago institution for its renowned double cheeseburger, a perfectly executed classic that has diners waiting hours for a taste. The unpretentious diner vibe belies the decadent, artery-clogging food and strong cocktails that make it a destination.

🍽️95Food
85Vibe
👋85Service
🔊65Noise
💬

My wife had the chilaquiles, and would recommend them for those that don’t eat beef.

💬

Every time It's cooked perfectly and it's always juicy, egg cooked perfect every time.

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This place is well worth the wait with cozy diner vibes, decadent food, and delicious drinks.

Ideal for
Date nightBurger enthusiastsSolo diners
Rosebud Taylor Street
#5Date Night
6 photos

Rosebud Taylor Street

Italian·$$$

Rosebud Taylor Street brings a taste of old-school Chicago Italian to the neighborhood. It's a place where the staff treats you like family and the atmosphere transports you back in time. Expect generous portions and a lively, classic vibe.

🍽️88Food
88Vibe
👋92Service
💰75Value
Ideal for
Special occasions & anniversariesNostalgia seekers & Chicago history buffsDate nights seeking romantic ambiance
The Oakville Grill & Cellar
#6Date Night

The Oakville Grill & Cellar

American·$$$
📍 163 N Green St

This West Loop spot offers a versatile, upscale atmosphere perfect for any occasion, from intimate dinners to large celebrations. The menu features fresh, seasonal dishes complemented by an impressive wine selection, making it a sophisticated destination.

🍽️88Food
95Vibe
👋85Service
🛡️75Safety
💬

Kennedi was the best server ever! She made this dinner even more special for my mother, sister and I.

💬

The food was really good. One thing that I was disappointed was that I had to send my chicken back because it wasn't cooked well.

💬

Our server was so kind and attentive, and always made sure we did not run out of drinks.

Ideal for
Date nightGroup diningSpecial occasions
Beity
#7Date Night

Beity

Mediterranean·$$$
📍 813 W Fulton St

Beity offers a modern, elevated take on Lebanese cuisine, moving beyond traditional mezze to present thoughtfully curated dishes with beautiful presentation. The intimate atmosphere, often described as warm and inviting, makes it a great spot for dates or quiet conversations.

🍽️82Food
90Vibe
👋88Service
💰65Value
💬

Absolutely loved the Chef’s Journey tasting menu! Chef Remy blends Lebanese flavors with subtle Western touches beautifully.

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The lamb was $72 for two small lamb chops. Delicious but the price was a bit outrageous

💬

The food was good. The cocktails were top-tier amazing. Had a great time overall.

Ideal for
Date nightImpressing guestsExploring modern Lebanese cuisine
Sushi Pink
#8Date Night

Sushi Pink

Japanese·$$$

Sushi Pink is a West Loop haven for fresh, artfully plated sushi and comforting ramen. This family-owned spot offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere perfect for date nights or casual dinners. The staff's genuine care shines through, making it a reliable go-to for quality Japanese fare.

🍽️92Food
88Vibe
👋88Service
💬

Incredible sushi spot! Super fresh sashimi, perfectly crafted nigiri, and flavorful rolls that hit the spot.

💬

Great prices and portions for Fulton Market with incredible staff.

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Love this place the sushi is always fresh and the service is beyond awesome also clean bathroom I love it!!

Ideal for
Date nightCasual dinnersGroup dining
LÝRA
#9Date Night
5 photos

LÝRA

Mediterranean·$$$$

This West Loop spot offers a vibrant, upscale Greek-Mediterranean experience, perfect for lively evenings. It's a place where the atmosphere buzzes, especially on weekends, and the kitchen delivers flavorful, modern takes on classic dishes.

🍽️90Food
92Vibe
👋85Service
🔊65Noise
💬

Our server Nicole was amazing! She was attentive and really made my birthday night out special.

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The octopus was so delicious as a starter and the Deconstructed Pastitsio was absolutely amazing.

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Best upscale Greek restaurant in Chicago hands down. Consistent experience and we go almost monthly.

Ideal for
Date nightGroup diningLively evenings
Carnivale Chicago
#10Date Night

Carnivale Chicago

Mixed/Fusion·$$
📍 702 W Fulton St

Carnivale Chicago transforms dining into a vibrant fiesta, a sensory explosion of color, music, and South American flair. It's a place where the atmosphere itself is a main course, designed for celebration and lively gatherings.

🍽️85Food
95Vibe
👋88Service
🛡️70Safety
💬

Our server Alexandria gave excellent suggestions on what to order and try.

💬

The layout is perfect for capturing wild dance-floor shots, intimate couple moments, and all the shenanigans in between.

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It’s definitely lively, not for a quiet dinner, but perfect for a celebration or night out.

Ideal for
Date nightGroup diningCelebrations
Sepia
#11Date Night
6 photos

Sepia

American·$$$

Sepia offers a refined yet approachable fine dining experience, particularly noted for its creative tasting menus and intimate atmosphere. It's a place where familiar flavors are reimagined with unique combinations, making it a strong contender for special occasions.

🍽️90Food
85Vibe
👋92Service
🛡️65Safety
💬

I am admittedly a picky eater, but I do try every dish on a tasting menu because I am normally taken on a wonderful journey with these type of dishes.

💬

Sat at the bar as a last minute single person reservation and had the opportunity to get to know Marco

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The service was impeccable, with Erin making our time in the restaurant feel like we were the only guests in her section.

Ideal for
Date nightSpecial occasionsTasting menu enthusiasts
Cira
#12Date Night

Cira

Mediterranean·$$
📍 200 N Green St

Cira offers a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired menu within the stylish Hoxton Hotel. It's a versatile spot, equally suited for a lively brunch with friends or a more intimate date night, thanks to its chic decor and full bar.

🍽️88Food
95Vibe
👋78Service
🔊60Noise
💬

The pistachio ravioli in saffron orange butter sauce was delicious and I had to keep myself from licking the plate.

💬

The ambiance is wonderful and the beautiful setting helped to make our date night in the city very special.

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The waiter actively ignored my fiance a couple times to the point we were all laughing as it felt very intentional.

Ideal for
Date nightGroup diningWeekend brunch
#13Date Night

Carpenter Street

American·$

Carpenter Street offers a lively West Loop atmosphere with a full bar and a menu that caters to various tastes, including vegetarian options. It's a spot that aims to please with its vibrant setting and diverse offerings, making it suitable for both casual nights and special occasions.

🍽️88Food
92Vibe
👋80Service
🛡️65Safety
💬

Warm and welcoming ambiance and service and delicious food

💬

After three visits, I can securely confirm wonderful

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Easy parking, easy to find, sits just off Randolph

Ideal for
Date nights and special occasionsGroup dinners and celebrationsCocktail enthusiasts
Ch Distillery | Jōtō Sushi
#14Date Night

Ch Distillery | Jōtō Sushi

Japanese·$$$

This Chicago spot offers a dual experience: a lively distillery upfront and a sleek sushi lounge in the back. It's a place where expertly crafted cocktails meet remarkably fresh, dry-aged sushi, making it a unique destination for both spirits enthusiasts and sushi aficionados.

🍽️88Food
88Vibe
👋75Service
🔊65Noise
💬

The omakase was phenomenal (shoutout to the amberjack, tuna run, and that incredible salad appetizer)

💬

Our server, Nick is friendly and attentive. Everyone in this restaurant is friendly.

💬

When we place our order, he was again annoyed that we ordered 4 items and said "that's it?".

Ideal for
Date nightSolo diningHappy hour
Canal Street Eatery and Market
#15Date Night

Canal Street Eatery and Market

Italian·$$
📍 314 S Canal St

Canal Street Eatery and Market buzzes with a vibrant, upscale-casual energy, making it a versatile spot for everything from intimate dates to lively group celebrations. The kitchen shines with its Italian-inspired offerings, particularly the popular all-you-can-eat specials that draw crowds.

🍽️85Food
95Vibe
👋65Service
60Wait
💬

This place has an excellent vibe. Bright and airy especially on sunny afternoons! Make a reservation for lunch or dinner.

💬

$20 unlimited pizza, pasta and salad: a dream come true. The truffle pizza was delicious, the crust was thin yet fluffy and crispy.

💬

Outstanding pasta and everything you can eat for 25$ off the menú, awesome Deal.

Ideal for
Date nightGroup diningHappy hour
Next Restaurant
#16Date Night

Next Restaurant

American·$$$

Next transforms dining into a multi-sensory performance, with each menu a meticulously crafted theme that aims to transport you. The kitchen's creativity is boundless, delivering dishes that are as visually stunning as they are flavorful, often accompanied by thoughtful beverage pairings.

🍽️92Food
👋90Service
🔊50Noise
💬

The ever-changing nature of Next means one season's menu is amazing and the next can leave a lot to be desired.

💬

Beautiful and creative dishes. Very romantic atmosphere good for dates. Service is perfect too.

💬

I can't even remember all the courses at this point, but some standouts were the psychedelic beef and the sablefish.

Ideal for
Date nightTasting menu enthusiastsSpecial occasions
Asadito
#17Date Night
6 photos

Asadito

Mexican·$
📍 30 N Clinton St

This casual taqueria offers a lively atmosphere with a full bar, making it a popular spot for happy hour and casual get-togethers. While the tacos and burritos are generally well-received, the value proposition is often questioned due to pricing and portion sizes.

🍽️82Food
88Vibe
👋68Service
💰62Value
💬

The food is fantastic! And the service is stellar. One of my favorite places to enjoy tacos!

💬

My wife loved both her fish taco and toasted veggie burrito.

💬

The Elote is great (but from time to time taste a bit different 🤷♂️).

Ideal for
Date nightHappy hourSolo dining
Elske
#18Date Night

Elske

American·$$$

Elske offers a serene escape with its Danish hygge-inspired ambiance, featuring a cozy fireplace and a charming courtyard. The kitchen focuses on clean, elegant flavors, with a tasting menu that highlights seasonal ingredients and creative, subtle twists.

🍽️75Food
90Vibe
👋85Service
🔊55Noise
💬

Flavors you've never had before

💬

Very expensive. Leave absolutely starving

Ideal for
Special occasions (anniversaries, birthdays)Scandinavian cuisine enthusiastsDiners seeking refined ambiance over spectacle