Best Casual Restaurants in River West

267 restaurants available nearby

1. The Dawson

4.8

Exceptional(2723)

Price: Expensive

• American • River West

Booked 12 times today

The Fulton River District is home to The Dawson, an expansive indoor/outdoor, multi-level space providing a multitude of dining experiences. The Dawson includes one of Chicago’s best patios conveniently found in the middle of the city.

2. Rose Mary

4.7

Exceptional(3246)

Price: Expensive

• Croatian • West Loop

Booked 157 times today

Located in the historic Fulton Market district of Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, Rose Mary is Chef/Owner Joe Flamm’s debut restaurant inspired by his Italian heritage and the bold, bright flavors of Croatian cuisine. The boisterous space—named for Flamm’s grandmothers, Mary and Mary Rose, and the herb rosemary, which grows natively along the Italian and Croatian coastlines—offers a seasonal menu of rustic yet refined dishes that encapsulate what Flamm has coined “Adriatic drinking food”.

A photo of Pizzeria Portofino restaurant

3. Pizzeria Portofino

4.7

Exceptional(1476)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 211 times today

Pizzeria Portofino is a sun-drenched casual restaurant located directly on the Chicago riverfront offering hand-stretched pizzas, coastal wines, an expansive patio and breezy decor that will instantly transport you to the Italian Riviera.

4. Elina's

4.8

Exceptional(141)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • West Town

Booked 32 times today

Fine Italian cooking served by two chefs in an intimate space.Reservations are released 30 days in advance at midnight. Parties of 7 or more must contact Reservations@elinaschicago.com to book. Parties of this size are required to participate in a $75 per person family style prix fixe menu, drinks are charged based on consumption and a 20% gratuity will be added to the final bill. If you cancel within 24 hours of your reservation time you will incur a $30 per person cancelation fee.

5. Alla Vita

4.8

Exceptional(2260)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Italian • West Loop

Booked 200 times today

Serving a casual, family-style menu, Alla Vita is a place to gather and enjoy comfortable Italian cuisine. Alla Vita means “to life” in Italian which recognizes overcoming life's challenges and creating a space for shared meals and memorable experiences. Executive Chef Lee Wolen shares his passion for fresh, delicious Italian food made simply with the best ingredients. Follow @allavitachicago to stay up-to-date with the latest happenings.

6. Girl & the Goat

4.8

Exceptional(14834)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • West Loop

Booked 144 times today

Girl & the Goat opened in 2010 with the goal of offering a menu of bold, flavorful dishes designed to share in a fun and lively atmosphere. To complement the experience, we offer a curated selection of wines from around the world, focusing on small producers, along with a rotating list of craft beers and a playful cocktail menu crafted by our bartenders. The ever-changing menu, driven by locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, features favorites like sautéed green beans, roasted oysters, crispy short ribs, and confit goat belly. While reservations are encouraged for the dining room, our bar welcomes walk-ins, adventurers, and those who prefer spontaneity.

A photo of Sunda New Asian - Fulton Market restaurant

7. Sunda New Asian - Fulton Market

4.6

Exceptional(203)

Price: Expensive

• Asian • West Loop

Booked 41 times today

Located in Chicago’s culinary destination, Fulton Market, Sunda offers a vibrant Southeast Asian dining experience, blending the flavors of Japan, China, the Philippines, Thailand, and beyond. We elevate culturally significant dishes using high-quality ingredients and modern techniques. Our beverage program includes signature handcrafted cocktails, a robust sake and wine selection, and Asian whiskies and beers. Our venue hosts private events for occasions from corporate outings to rehearsal dinners, and we also offer catering services.

A photo of Club Lago Restaurant restaurant

8. Club Lago Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(489)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 2 times today

Opening its doors in 1952, Club Lago has anchored the corner of Superior and Orleans since before the neighborhood River North grew up around it. Serving classic Northern Italian specialties from the Garfagnana Valley in Tuscany to steaks, chops and signature sandwiches too, the Lago's staff will recommend the perfect entree for whatever mood you're in. Third generation owners GianCarlo and Guido are pouring the wine or serving the veal--it's a family affair. Time warp back to the fifties with a glass of chianti in a plush booth in the bar or hold court at one of the tables in the back; Club Lago's ideal for the first date, a meal before the theater or a game, or whenever you're looking to relax to great food and be a regular in a family joint. Some call it "retro," we call it home. Benvenuti, come on in!

9. La Serre

4.6

Exceptional(412)

Price: Expensive

• French • West Loop

Booked 86 times today

Inspired by the coastal regions of Provence and Saint-Tropez, La Serre, located in Fulton Market, invites guests into a lush and colorful greenhouse setting. The culinary approach highlights the light and vibrant cuisine of Provence, with a focus on native techniques and ingredients, offering lighter takes on the dishes of the French-Mediterranean landscape. Fresh vegetables, seafood, and all-natural Black Angus beef are expertly prepared on the kitchen’s hardwood charcoal hearth, infusing each dish with incredible wood and charcoal flavors, elevating the ingredients without heavy sauces or seasonings.Whether you're enjoying steak, seafood, or Mediterranean-inspired dishes, La Serre is the perfect destination for romantic dinners, dates, birthdays, or fine dining. The bar offers expertly crafted cocktails and drinks, providing the ideal atmosphere for any occasion, from a casual night out to an elegant celebration.

10. RL Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(7211)

Price: Expensive

• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 126 times today

If you do not find availability online, please call the restaurant directly at 312-475-1100.Located adjacent to the Ralph Lauren Chicago flagship store on Michigan Avenue, RL Restaurant features the vision and décor of Ralph Lauren in a modern club atmosphere. RL Restaurant offers classic American cuisine inspired by Ralph Lauren’s personal favorites. Seasonal dishes range from a chopped vegetable salad to a lobster roll sandwich, grilled fish of the day and steaks. On the cocktail list, guests can choose from classic drinks and a diverse selection of wines and other fine spirits.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
Rachel
Hawaii •4 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Delicious food, great service, all around great time!
More info
Rose MaryPrice: Expensive• Croatian• West Loop
•
4.7
R
Ritu
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined today
Pizza Portofino is one of my favorite spots in the city. The garlic bread and truffle pizza (request hot honey, trust me) are GAME CHANGER. I went with a few friends and we all agreed that they both redefined garlic bread and pizza (at least in Illinois) respectively. Great service and great vibes!
More info
Pizzeria PortofinoPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.7
Q
Quinton
Alabama •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
I went for brunch. This was my first dining experience at the Dawson, and it was great! Amazing atmosphere, and all of the food was tasty. Before going, I did read that parking was difficult, but I didn’t have much trouble. Upon walking up to the restaurant, I also noticed a sign offering valet, so that will definitely be valuable next time
More info
The DawsonPrice: Expensive• American• River West
•
4.8
E
Emilyvip
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Love Elina’s and have been often because the vibes, service, and food is top notch. Definitely a great date night. Intimate and cozy!
More info
Elina'sPrice: Expensive• Italian• West Town
•
4.8
D
Denise
Chicago / Illinois •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Alla Vita never disappoints. The pre fixe menu has perfect portions and pairing options. Our server Monica was delightful and attentive, presentation was beautiful and the food was (as always) delicious!!
More info
Alla VitaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• West Loop
•
4.8

Best Casual Restaurants in River West

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267 restaurants available nearby

1. The Dawson

2. Rose Mary

3. Pizzeria Portofino

4. Elina's

5. Alla Vita

6. Girl & the Goat

7. Sunda New Asian - Fulton Market

8. Club Lago Restaurant

9. La Serre

10. RL Restaurant

See what locals rave about

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