Diners' Choice: Romantic restaurants in Chicago / Illinois

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the most romantic in Chicago / Illinois? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Geja's Cafe

4.9

4.9 (5716)

$31 to $50

Fondue

Lincoln Park

About the restaurant

For over 60 years, fondue dining at Geja’s Café has been a favorite indulgence for Chicagoans as well as out-of-towners. It’s a perfect way to kindle romance, celebrate a special occasion or simply join family and friends for a fun and unforgettable dining experience.
To start we offer a Swiss Gruyere cheese fondue, served with fresh breads, fruits and vegetables for dipping. Our crisp house salad, dressed with tangy Dijon vinaigrette, offers a counterpoint to the rich, warm cheese fondue appetizer.
Next, you’ll cook your choices of Australian lobster tail, Gulf shrimp, beef tenderloin, fresh sea scallops or boneless chicken breast in a pot of sizzling soybean oil or broth. The main course is served with fresh vegetables and eight gourmet dipping sauces.
Our famous chocolate fondue is flamed table-side, and presented with marshmallows for roasting and other delectable dippers.

A 4 % operational fee is added to all checks to work in concert with Chicago's One Fair Wage Ordinance.

Top review

Kristen

Dined 2 days ago

Always amazing! My children and I had a magical night!

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Popular dish

Belgian Chocolate Fondue

Popular dish

Prince Geja's Combination

Popular dish

Cheese and Chocolate Fondue

The Lobby

4.9

4.9 (1709)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Gold Coast / Streeterville

About the restaurant

Select from a memorable Contemporary American menu featuring outstanding dishes in an environment that blends the classic understated elegance of The Lobby's décor. Take a table by the soaring 20 ft high floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the Terrace. Breakfast is a favorite with both early-rising Chicago residents and hotel guests alike, who swear by starting the day with one of the many breakfast options, while The Lobby's approachable, yet American contemporary inspired à la carte is ideal for power lunches and sophisticated dinners.

Afternoon Tea is available on Fridays & Saturdays with seatings at 12:00 pm and 2:30 pm and Sundays with seatings at 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm. Please visit exploretock.com to book your reservation for Afternoon Tea.

NOTE: ALL AFTERNOON TEA RESERVATIONS ARE BOOKED VIA TOCK & ARE FULLY PRE-PAID.

Top review

JohnVIP

Dined 3 days ago

A great place, good menu, great food and service.

Edge by Goldmoor Inn

4.8

4.8 (1045)

$31 to $50

American

Galena

About the restaurant

Oct 2022 - Rated Tripadvisor Best of The Best - Top 10 Date Night Restaurant In The U.S.
Unmatched Old World décor, a diverse wine cellar, and premier personal service are all complemented by our chef's creative cuisine. Enjoy dining in one of our cozy booths, elegant tables with breathtaking views overlooking the Mississippi River or our interactive Chef's Table.

Top review

DeniseVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Excellent food in a beautiful setting . I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for an excellent meal.

The Violet Hour

4.8

4.8 (206)

$31 to $50

Cocktail Bar

Bucktown / Wicker Park

About the restaurant

After 18 incredible years behind our discreet, unmarked doors in Wicker Park, it is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the velvet curtains at The Violet Hour have closed for the final time. For a full statement, please visit our website.

Top review

RobertVIP

Dined on May 7, 2025

I had been wanting to check this bar out for a few years. I had high expectations and my expectations were greatly exceeded. Amazing spot. Great cocktails. Attentive bartender. And what I did not expect was absolutely amazing food as well. Come for the cocktails. Or the food. Or both. Excellent spot for a fun evening.

Grapes & Grains

4.8

4.8 (44)

$31 to $50

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

West Loop

About the restaurant

GG, as it is affectionately referred to in the neighborhood, is a piano bar located in the heart of West Loop, featuring Chicago's top talent.

Exposed brick, vintage chandeliers, chesterfield couches, and intimate lighting pay sexy homage to Old Chicago. The main floor boasts 2,500 square feet of gorgeous lounge space complete with a baby grand piano and sabrage room providing the most lively of atmospheres. Guests can reserve a live music experience on select evenings or learn the nuances of whiskeys and wines at one of our monthly masterclass events.

Experience live music performances at GG Wednesday through Sunday. Be entertained on Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM, Fridays 7:00PM-1:30AM, Saturdays 7:00PM-2:30AM, and Sundays 6:00-9:00PM, with no minimums and no live music fee. First come first serve seating and standing room available after 9pm on Fridays & Saturdays.

Top review

AnnetteVIP

Dined on Jun 27, 2025

Always a great time here! My favorite place to listen to music and sing along. I would ideally want the musicians to continue playing and not keep asking for requests, so the music keeps flowing. Viktorija is amazing. I almost always have her as my server.

Francesca's on 95th

4.7

4.7 (1376)

$30 and under

Italian

Oak Lawn

About the restaurant

Francesca’s on 95th is located in vibrant downtown Oaklawn. A restaurant with a contemporary, casually sophisticated trattoria ambiance, rustic cooking, friendly service, and fair prices.

Top review

Teresa

Dined 5 days ago

Has been our go-to restaurant for annual birthday celebrations. The staff was terrific, professional and so very kind to my elderly parents needs. The food and cocktails were delicious, as always. We ordered the cod, lasagna and roasted chicken. See you next year, if not sooner.

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Experience

Happy Hour

Selva

4.6

4.6 (48)

$30 and under

Mexican

West Loop

About the restaurant

Located on the 7th floor rooftop of The Emily Hotel in Chicago’s Fulton Market District, Selva is a rooftop lounge inspired by the energy of Mexico by night. Stylishly moody and intriguingly vibrant, it's here you’ll find an elevated list of handcrafted cocktails that transport you to another place and a menu of casual fare to savor over shared stories and rounds of mezcal.

To our friends, our lovers, and our enemies too - Salud!

Top review

Luciano

Dined on Jun 13, 2025

It was our first time at selva. The music was great especially if people like reggaeton or Latino music. We surprisingly went Thursday night which they have happy hour from 9 pm - 12 am. We tried various drinks and appetizers. All were great. Great staff and service 🔥 They have a fire area outside plus a great view of a cinema on the side. I definitely will recommend this place to others. I am definetly coming back to this spot 💯

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Experience

The Sound Authority Presents (8pm-Close)

Experience

National Tequila Day: Jungle Drip

Experience

Late Night Happy Hour: 1/2 off House Cocktails

Ghost Donkey - River North

4.5

4.5 (62)

$30 and under

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

A warm and inviting space with a healthy dose of city grit, Ghost Donkey is rich with vibrant colors and a carefree, fun-loving attitude that evokes notions of Mexican celebration. A true high-low nightlife destination with elevated mezcal and tequila-focused cocktails, classic bites with just enough twist to keep your palette guessing, and an extensive mezcal and tequila list. Ghost Donkey creates an experience-driven, unforgettable moment for every guest that joins the fiesta. Immerse yourself in the heart and soul of Mexican Hospitality while savoring sips of agave-based spirits. Kick back, relax, and enjoy the show, or break out a dance move underneath the sway of the swinging lights.

Top review

Casandra

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

Such a vibe! Especially for happy hour and a great place for margs + tacos !

Machine Cocktail Bar

4.5

4.5 (11)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

Welcome to Machine Cocktail Bar: the next chapter in the evolution of the Machine Hospitality Group. Now nestled in a discreet new location at 213 W Institute, Machine Cocktail Bar redefines the cocktail experience with a blend of artistry, innovation, and atmosphere.

The soul of Machine from its former iteration is still very much alive, while refining its cocktail approach and reinventing our visual identity.

Must be 21+ to enjoy Machine

For parties of more than 8 please email, colleen@machinehospitality.com

Top review

BrookeVIP

Dined on Jul 3, 2025

Amazing service and cocktails! The best place to catch up with a friend!

The Halal Steakhouse

4.1

4.1 (15)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Hanover Park

About the restaurant

The Halal Steakhouse redefines fine dining in the suburbs with a bold, immersive experience where smoked meats and Middle Eastern flavors come alive. Nestled in Hanover Park, our restaurant offers a luxurious escape for steak lovers, blending the elegance of a modern steakhouse with the warmth of halal hospitality.

From perfectly seared Wagyu and tomahawk steaks to smoked brisket, lamb, and seafood, each dish is crafted with premium halal ingredients and slow-cooked to perfection. Guests are treated to a multi-sensory journey with LED walls and table projections that change with every course—creating a dining experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Whether you're celebrating a special night out or simply indulging in the extraordinary, The Halal Steakhouse promises unforgettable flavors, exceptional service, and a theatrical dining atmosphere.

Top review

Nicola

Dined on Jun 28, 2025

Absolutely stunning experience here. Everyone liked the food, the manager there was awesome. Service was great. Would recommend and come again. They made my dinner birthday a special one and one we’ll never forget!

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Experience

The Halal Steakhouse Experience

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