Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Chicago

OpenTable

Updated October 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Chicago? 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!

The Omakase Room at Sushi-san

4.9

4.9 (65)

$50 and over

Japanese

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

The Omakase Room at Sushi-san is a culmination of Master Sushi Chefs Kaze Chan and Shigeru Kitano’s combined experience defining the Chicago sushi scene. While the menu and service are informed by tradition, guests can expect a transcendent experience that breaks down the formality and austerity usually accompanying omakase dining. Each dinner in the warm, modern, and intimate ten-seat space features luxury ingredients from around the world. Sophisticated and carefully curated beverage pairings are available to complement the meal.

Top review

Whitney

Dined on Oct 4, 2024

1000% recommend! Master chefs, food, drinks, atmosphere, wait staff... all was incredible!

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Experience

Omakase Reservation Deposit

Geja's Cafe

4.9

4.9 (5512)

$31 to $50

Fondue

Lincoln Park

About the restaurant

For over 59 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

Omar

Dined 3 days ago

If you’re looking for a smooth , candle lit , date night , this is definitely a place to try … the atmosphere and customer service alongside the ambiance definitely lets you feel you are in the right spot , servers are top when it comes to communication and attentiveness

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Popular dish

Belgian Chocolate Fondue

Popular dish

Prince Geja's Combination

Popular dish

Cheese and Chocolate Fondue

The Alderman

4.9

4.9 (202)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Pilsen

About the restaurant

Winner of the 2022 Jean Banchet Award for Best Bar, THE ALDERMAN is an intimate, 16-seat cocktail bar tucked away, behind closed doors, within Pilsen Yards. The cocktail list rotates some of its original cocktail features, while the twists on American classics are staples of the cocktail list.

With a plush velvet banquette and a 4-seat counter, it’s the perfect room for a night cap, a date, or a casual evening of one to several astonishingly good cocktails.

Top review

miryam

Dined 1 day ago

This place is truly a gem! The service from our bartender was outstanding and the ambiance is cozy and the smell of palo santo is amazing. The 2 drinks I had were created with different but fantastic quality. Love this place!

Kumiko

4.9

4.9 (762)

$50 and over

Dining Bar

West Loop

About the restaurant

Kumiko is a Japanese Dining Bar (ダイニングバー)* where food and drink are treated with equal reverence. Located in Chicago’s West Loop, Kumiko boasts incredible cocktails and spirits with exquisite food to pair.

Owner and bartender Julia Momosé blends Japanese ingredients and techniques to create an elevated menu of beverages and bites.

Whether you come to savor some of Japan’s finest saké or walk in for a lovely dinner with friends, Kumiko welcomes you with warmth and gratitude.

Kumiko is currently 18+ and does not offer a BYOB option. Sign up for our mailing list to receive occasional updates and news.

Top review

Carrie

Dined today

The service was top tier. Very attentive , polite & informative. Food was fresh, flavorful , creative & delicious! I will be back soon. The drinks were beautiful and tasty. Thankyou!! I got the burdock root , oysters , fried chicken , fish collard, milk toast and would order everything again , absolutely delicious!!!!

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Experience

Kumiko Tasting Menu

Nettare

4.7

4.7 (24)

$50 and over

American

West Town

About the restaurant

Nestled in the heart of West Town, Chicago, Nettare celebrates the bounty of the Midwest and Great Lakes region with a menu that showcases seasonal ingredients and artisanal products. From farm-fresh vegetables to locally sourced meats and freshwater fish, every plate and pour is crafted to highlight the region's culinary heritage. Our cocktail and wine program complements these flavors with carefully curated selections, ensuring each sip enhances your experience. By day, our café and bottle shop at the front offer a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy specialty coffees, baked goods, and a thoughtfully curated selection of local wines and craft beers, welcoming both locals and visitors alike to indulge in the flavors of our home. Try our tasting menu with a beverage pairing to indulge in the full experience.

Top review

Sarahvip

Dined 2 days ago

Nettare is an absolute gem! My newest favorite restaurant with incredible food, service, and ambiance. Every detail is thought and the staff could not be more attentive or friendly. Make your reservations now!

Sushi Suite 202 - Lincoln Park Chicago @ Hotel Lincoln

4.9

4.9 (496)

$50 and over

Sushi

Old Town

About the restaurant

Step into the secret world of Sushi Suite, located in Suite 202 of Hotel Lincoln and accessible only with a key from the front desk, this hidden gem combines privacy, luxury, and the art of Omakase, meaning "Chef's Choice,". Sushi Suite offers an opulent 'Bougie' Omakase, $140 for 17 pieces 75-minute experience. Elevate your experience with bespoke cocktails and premium sake, perfect for igniting passions. Whether it's an intimate Date Night, a lavish Birthday Celebration, or an exclusive private seating, let us whisk you away on a journey of decadent sushi and immaculate service. Visit all of our unique locations, each with its own culture-inspired vibe!. Reserve now to secure a coveted seat at Sushi By Bou.

Top review

NICHOLAS

Dined 2 days ago

Phenomenal experience is all I can say!! Chef Chris and the rest of the staff were fantastic. Glad we picked Suite 202 to celebrate our anniversary!

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3 Arts Club Cafe at RH Chicago

4.8

4.8 (3465)

$31 to $50

American

Gold Coast / Streeterville

About the restaurant

The 3 Arts Club Café resides in the grand central garden courtyard of RH Chicago, the Gallery at the Historic Three Arts Club, a 70,000-square-foot design gallery in Chicago's famed Gold Coast neighborhood. We invite you to enjoy our menu of timeless classics for brunch and dinner, and a selection of wines from esteemed vintners in the United States and Europe. RH Chicago also features the 3 Arts Club Wine Vault.

For group dining inquiries, please email: chicagohospitality@rh.com

Top review

Susan

Dined 1 day ago

Wonderful! The ambience and service cannot be beat. The food was spendy but absolutely delicious. The wine was some of the best we’ve had. Make this a special outing and you will not regret it!

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4.9

4.9 (78)

$50 and over

Japanese Speciality

Lakeview / East Lakeview

About the restaurant

Discover an unforgettable dining experience at one of OpenTable's top restaurant destinations for ambiance, led by the talented Chef Kristian Cho. Recently named a 2024 Diner's Choice winner, our restaurant offers a 15-course omakase menu that pairs perfectly with our intimate, cozy setting—ideal for anniversaries, special occasions, or a memorable date night out. With over 30 years of collective expertise, our team is passionate about delivering exceptional service and a warm, inviting atmosphere, complete with a charming backyard for a unique evening. Join us and create lasting memories with those you love.

Top review

Chris

Dined 2 days ago

Immediately Yes ……………………………………………………………………………………..

North Pond

4.9

4.9 (4734)

$50 and over

American

Lincoln Park

About the restaurant

Inspired by the market, Chef César Murillo utilizes exceptional ingredients at the height of their season. His tasting menu reflects the Arts & Crafts approach of the dining room - complex layers of subtle craft beneath a simple decorative style.

We offer a four-course tasting menu with optional wine pairings. The menu is not á la carte, however, it provides options for each of the courses.

North Pond is open for dinner Thursday through Sunday beginning at 5:30pm.
Sunday Brunch begins at 10:30am and is three-course prix fixe.

We do not offer valet parking.
Tables in the front room or patio, overlooking the pond, are seated first come, first serve. We do not hold tables.
All tables for more than 4 people are seated in our main dining room.
We accept reservations for a maximum of 8 people at one table.
A cancellation charge of $25 per person is applied to all same day cancellations.

Top review

Timvip

Dined 1 day ago

Our favorite celebrational restaurant. Stunning building and setting, Amazing inventive food beautifully presented and great service. A Chicago treasure.

Aba - Chicago

4.8

4.8 (2521)

$50 and over

Mediterranean

West Loop

About the restaurant

Aba is a Mediterranean restaurant with locations in Chicago, IL, Austin, TX, and Bal
Harbour, FL. Aba, meaning father in Hebrew, incorporates Chef CJ Jacobson’s lighter style
of cooking with influences from the Mediterranean, including Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, and
Greece. The bar program showcases rare Mediterranean-inspired wines and spirits.
Signature dishes include Smoky Garlic Hummus, Muhammara, Heirloom Crispy Chicken
Thigh, Shawarma-Spiced Skirt Steak, Grilled Salmon Kebab and more. The bar program
showcases rare Mediterranean-inspired wines and spirits.

Top review

ELDARvip

Dined 1 day ago

Aba is a good spot for both brunch and dinner, offering a warm and inviting ambiance that’s perfect for gathering with friends or family. The cocktails are expertly crafted, enhancing the overall experience, while the Mediterranean-inspired dishes offer a range of flavorful options that don’t disappoint.

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