Mentioned by OpenTable
The Most Romantic Restaurants in Chicago
"Nothing sounds better right now than sitting in a quaint French bistro together, preferably in France. But there’s a lot about the above statement that’s not happening anytime soon. At least you can still create the illusion by ordering food and wine from Le Bouchon - a charming French spot in Wicker Park."
"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Le Bouchon (@bouchonchicago)"
"Restaurants French Rush & Division. You didn't think this upscale French restaurant in the Gold Coast would skimp on desserts, did you?. At Margeaux Brasserie, the last course is a show, with options like a giant chocolate macaron stuffed with fresh raspberries and milk chocolate crémeux or the banana tarte tatin with warm citrus caramel that's poured tableside."
"This Michael Mina-run brasserie may be inside the luxe Waldorf Astoria hotel, but that doesn’t make it a stuffy affair. Just keep an eye out for the “Chariot de Rosé”—a roving bar cart of rosé hand-picked by the somms. Diners are a mix of done-up travelers and foodies looking for a quiet, civilized meal (though they’re as amped as twenty-somethings at a taco truck to tuck into Michael Mina's classic French preparations)."
"If you're going to create a space reminiscent of a particular time, place and spirit, 1920's Paris would be it. Margeaux Brasserie is Chef Michael Mina's "moveable feast" to double metaphor Hemingway's ode to the city of the 20's. The restaurant's traditional brasserie fare is enlivened by Midwestern ingredients and bonhomie."
"With the look and feel of an authentic Parisian bistro, it’s easy to imagine yourself in the City of Light at Bistrot Zinc. Take a culinary trip overseas with classics like escargot, mussels steamed with white wine, salade Lyonnaise, steak frites, and roasted chicken. On the weekends, start the day off right by cozying up at the zinc-topped bar and ordering sweet or savory crepes for brunch."
"Goosefoot puts the pairings for its French-inspired tasting menus in your hands with its BYOB option, but you can visit Goosefoot Food & Wine nextdoor for excellent wine opions. The dining room is open and accepting reservations."
"It's evident the moment you walk into Goosefoot, one of the best places to eat in Chicago. French techniques enhance each dish, carefully prepared wi..."
"You'll be uttering, "Oui, oui" and "Merci" dining at "my place" or Chez Moi, Chef Dominique Tougne's comfy bistro serving delicious French food and charm. The Alsatian bistro by way of Lincoln Park offers classics from escargots fragrant with butter and garlic to duck a l'orange and beef Bourguignon. Pescatarians have plenty of options, too, and fans of cassoulet can get the satisfying Toulouse stew stuffed with lamb, beans, sausage and duck year round."
"Diners will feel right at home at this cozy Lincoln Park bistro. Chef Dominique Tougne’s rustic approach to regional specialties offers dishes like duck confit tart, braised rabbit, and the signature qualidu — quail, duck, and foie gras in bordelaise sauce. The restaurant also recently converted its private dining space into a speakeasy lounge, called Ooh La La, that serves classic French cocktails and bar bites."
"Chez Moi is a traditional French Bistro located on Halsted in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago that is small and rarely crowded, making it a local favorite."
"Restaurants Chinese Armour Square. Kenny Yang of Strings Ramen Shops has taken the reins at this classic Chinatown restaurant, renovating the space and adding neon accents and artwork inspired by the streets and markets of 1950s Hong Kong. Spanning two stories, Ken Kee Restaurant diners can order from a traditional menu packed with familiar Chinese dishes or a new Noodle Cart menu, served out of a dedicated kitchen."
"Though not technically new, Chinatown classic Ken Kee has taken on new life from new ownership. Eater reports that Kenny Yang—owner of the popular local ramen chain Strings—has taken one of his favorite childhood restaurants under his wings and revitalized the space and the menu with a focus on Hong Kong cart noodles and other regional street food favorites. The menu, which had dwindled in recent years, is back to a robust state giving old fans new opportunities to keep coming back."
"The revival of a longrunning Chinatown favorite, overseen by Kenny Yang of Strings Ramen Shops. Why we love it: With decor and neon accents inspired by he streets and markets of 1950s Hong Kong, Ken Kee is like two restaurants in one. Order crab rangoon, assorted congee and beef brisket caasarole from the all-day menu, or opt for the Noodle Cart offerings (served from a dedicated kitchen)."
"A smaller spot downtown, 52eighty can slip under the radar pretty easily, but you shouldn’t let it. Open year-round thanks to the covered patio, this is more lounge than club. The food and drink are tremendous, and the intimate environment is ideal for first dates, small parties, or anytime you need a few moments to reflect."
"Bet you didn't think that Schubas-adjacent Tied House catered to the kids. The beautiful Lakeview restaurant has a dedicated kids' menu that's packed with parent-approved meals like fish and chips, spaghetti three ways, a chicken breast with mashed potatos and mac and cheese with bacon. Finish the meal with a scoop (or two) of birthday cake ice cream."
"After all that walking, head back to your room at the Dana Hotel and Spa in the chic River North neighbourhood to freshen up ahead of the night portion of your Chicago itinerary. The design-forward property wows from the moment you walk through the multi-storey, airy foyer, which is accented with geometric seating and light fixtures that set the tone for the surrounding ultra luxe spaces. On-site amenities include an acclaimed spa and multiple restaurants, like the rooftop Apogee Lounge where the in-crowd comes to sip hand-crafted cocktails and soak in the views."
"Freeze and Float offers three rejuvenating therapies totally unlike the traditional spa experience. Where a typical sauna heats the room, their infrared saunas use special heating units to raise your body temperature directly. That helps you break a healthy sweat and improve your circulation, so you can keep warm even after you’ve left."
"This local chain of Nashville-style fried chicken almost always has a long line at Revival Food Hall, and it's easy to see why. The exterior of the chicken is crackly and genuinely spicy, while the interior stays juicy. Even the sides are top quality, including the intricately flavored collard greens."
"A lil’ southern comfort from the comfort of your own home, nothing says takeout food quite like a giant batch of fried chicken. And let’s be honest, this spicy/sweet Nashville style bird is pretty impossible to eat politely in public anyway."
"The Budlong Hot Chicken Kitchen prides itself on serving always local, anti-biotic and hormone free meat. MAKE IT AT HOME: Nashville Hot Fried Chicken. Your slice of hot delight is served on top of classic Texas Toast."