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Best Californian Restaurants in Lincoln Square

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4 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Summer House - Chicago restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(7891)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Lincoln Park
Booked 141 times today
Nestled in the heart of Lincoln Park, Chicago, Summer House stands out as a beacon of Californian cuisine, transporting diners straight to the sunny West Coast with its beach house décor and seasonal specialties. Chef Ben Goodnick’s menu, bursting with market-driven pasta, artisan pizzas, and fresh antipasti, captures the essence of California’s vibrant flavors. Patrons rave about the "amazing" food and "splendid ambiance," noting that the "atmosphere felt like we were in CA." Summer House isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, where the retractable glass ceiling and all-season courtyard enhance each visit, making it a must-visit for an authentic Californian dining experience right in Chicago.
A photo of Aba - Chicago restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2637)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • West Loop
Booked 107 times today
Aba in Chicago's vibrant West Loop is a gem for Mediterranean cuisine enthusiasts. The restaurant shines with Chef CJ Jacobson’s unique, light culinary approach, drawing rich flavors from regions like Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, and Greece. Guests are consistently amazed, describing the experience as "astounding" with flavors that are "entertaining to eat" and a setting that immediately sets the tone for a delightful Mediterranean meal. Signature dishes like the Smoky Garlic Hummus and Shawarma-Spiced Skirt Steak are crowd favorites, often highlighted in reviews as "phenomenal" and "to die for." The carefully curated bar program complements the dining experience with rare Mediterranean-inspired wines and spirits, enhancing the authenticity and quality of the meal. Whether it's the impeccable service, the stunning decor, or the mouth-watering cuisine, Aba offers a Mediterranean dining experience that is truly unforgettable.
A photo of The Oakville Grill & Cellar restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1091)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • West Loop
Booked 74 times today
The Oakville Grill & Cellar in Chicago's bustling West Loop is a gem for lovers of authentic Californian cuisine. Celebrated for its fresh, farm-to-table approach, the restaurant showcases the finest ingredients sourced from exclusive partnerships with farms and wineries in California and the Midwest. Diners rave about the "excellent food and wine," with standout dishes like the "branzino with Brussels sprouts" and the "Wagyu hanger steak." The ambiance is described as "always great" and the service "exceptional," making every meal memorable. Whether it's for the "gooey lemon cake" or the "best Caesar salad ever," The Oakville Grill & Cellar is highly recommended for an authentic taste of California right in the heart of Chicago.
A photo of Ema - River North restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4549)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 59 times today
Ema, nestled in Chicago's vibrant River North, is a culinary gem that brilliantly fuses Mediterranean flavors with the essence of Californian cuisine. Praised for its "always fresh high-quality food" and "fantastic cocktails," Ema stands out for its commitment to authenticity and excellence. Diners rave about the innovative dishes like the "Bhel" hummus and the "delicious" chicken kebab, highlighting the creative twist Ema brings to Californian dining. The restaurant's ambiance, described as "beautiful airy space," complements its stellar service, ensuring a dining experience that is both delightful and memorable. Whether it's the "impeccable service" or the "outstanding evening sharing small plates," Ema consistently delivers a top-tier gastronomic experience, making it a must-visit for anyone craving Californian cuisine in Chicago.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Brenda
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined today
    From the friendly and welcoming reception staff to the awesome waitress my experience was wonderful! It was my first visit and my server gets an A+ for her recommendations! I dined alone and the atmosphere and ambiance was welcoming and un rushed. And my meal was scrumptious! I’ll definitely return!
    More info
    Aba - ChicagoPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• West Loop
    4.8
  • CarterVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Terrific meal all around. Had 6 courses I think. Unfortunately did not get our server’s name but she was outstanding. Knew the wine well, super friendly, and attentive without being overbearing. Great job all
    More info
    The Oakville Grill & CellarPrice: Expensive• American• West Loop
    4.7
  • KarenVIP
    Denver / Colorado •22 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    I’ve been to Summer House a number of times and have always had very good experiences, however I was recently diagnosed with Celiac, so I wanted to leave a review saying how impressed I was. According to the menu, most items can be made gluten free. I went with another person who was gluten free and the dinner was outstanding. Our server was great (as usual) and was very knowledgeable. It was very busy but didn’t feel crowded. The miso salmon was delicious and the Brussels sprouts salad is a favorite of mine. So unique and tasty. Normally I don’t get dessert but decided to try the gluten free chocolate chip cookie because their cookies are so good. This one did not disappoint! Soft, satisfying and hit the spot! I was curious about the “mini” espresso martini and thought, why not? It was the perfect after dinner drink! Overall, another great experience at the Summer House. I’ll be back!
    More info
    Summer House - ChicagoPrice: Moderate• American• Lincoln Park
    4.6
  • Mark
    Chicago / Illinois •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    An outstanding lunch in every way. Our server was friendly, knowledgeable , and efficient. The food was great. We had delicious hummus, 3 different varieties, a Greek salad and brussels sprout and apple salad were fresh and tasty, crispy potatoes with tzatziki sauce were unique and left us wanting more, and lamb and beef, and salmon kabobs were seasoned in a way that was different than the usual Mediterranean restaurant kabobs and we loved them. We finished with a honey pie and vanilla bean panna cotta deserts. It was a fabulous experience.
    More info
    Ema - River NorthPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• River North (Chicago)
    4.7
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