*This dress was one I shared from my blog post Red Hot Dresses for Valentine’s Day
I get asked often where to dine in Chicago (from readers who visit and live in Chicago). As we fastly approach Valentine’s Day and many of you need spots for date night, here’s a full list of restaurants I love with different price points!
I combined my love of ambiance, interiors, and food to select my favorites. Honestly, in the past year, I haven’t been to as many of the new fine dining spots so I’m sure some are missing from the list, but these are my go-to’s. I’m slowly getting into dating, but all I can say is that these are restaurants any date would love :).
More $$$$
Goosefoot – just love the food here and the chef and his wife. The inside is minimal but it’s a special place I used to go to for birthdays and anniversaries.
Aviary – what a great place for drinks (but expensive). It’s the Alinea of drinks. This isn’t a dinner spot but I wanted to add it in as I love this for a celebration. Alinea isn’t listed here but of course, if you are a foodie, it is a must do, but it’s, even more, then $$$$.
RPM Steak – love this place for groups too – the food is delicious and I love the interior.
Gibsons Italia – gorgeous views, food and ambiance! Love and lunch is quite good too.
Maple and Ash – sexy steak place with pretty people!
Mid $$$ – these are great first date, second date spots too
Aba – soo yummy and a great patio in the summer.
Proxi – yummy drinks and food and easy to talk to someone inside as it isn’t too dark or loud
Momotaro – one of my favorite Japanese spots that are also great for groups. Pricier but so good.
Le Colonial – this spot is so cute and the food is amazing. The restaurant is moving locations and I hope their new space is just as cozy and romantic.
Monteverde – great food and bustling energy.
Yummy $$
Etta – also great for groups – this place is absolutely delicious. Must go! Also great energy with food
Sushi San – a fun spot in River North with Sake Bombs and I also love their lunch specials.
Kai Zan – the best deal in town I tell EVERYONE to go here for the omakase. It’s the only place I’ve been to probably ten times!
The Purple Pig – they don’t’ take reservations and usually full of tourists but the food is AMAZING.
Radio Anago – The third sushi spot I’ve mentioned but I love this tiny place with a small menu. Dark, romantic and simple menu that is good.
Lunch Spots – for dates or ladies who lunch 🙂
RL Restaurant – I love this classic spot for lunch. Must do if you are visiting Chicago
Fred’s Chicago at Barney’s – the best $25 salads :)! In the summertime sit on the patio
Three Arts Club Cafe – GORGEOUS SPACE inside Restoration Hardware and has the Au Cheval burger.
Soho House Chicago – I love the inside of the Soho house and if you can, go with a member and eat on the 5th floor or the rooftop in the summer. The first floor has public space and my favorite is the avocado toast.
Summer House Santa Monica – feels like you are in California in this beautiful space.
Pequod’s Pizza – So this is the only place that is not about the ambiance but it is my favorite pizza joint. I’m not a huge deep dish pizza girl, but gosh theirs is so delicious. As I write this, I am crazing a pepporoni deep dish pizza with their crust. YUMMMM.
Photography by Hannah Schweiss
These are my favorite date night spots – any I missed that you love? Leave me a comment or message me on Instagram. xoxo
