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Best Casual Restaurants in River North (Chicago)

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452 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna restaurant
1. Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna
4.8
Exceptional(127)
Price: Moderate
• Pizzeria • River North (Chicago)
Booked 177 times today
Zarella, a neighborhood pizzeria and taverna from Boka Restaurant Group, is located on the bustling corner of Grand and Wells in the heart of River North. Chef Partners Chris Pandel (Swift & Sons, Cira, Swift & Son’s Tavern) and Lee Wolen (Boka, Alla Vita, GG’s Chicken Shop) have come together to craft a menu featuring a mix of tavern-style and artisan pizzas, an array of entrées and small bites, as well as fresh salads, alongside an ever-rotating menu of Italian specialties, promising a dining experience that is both nostalgic and unique.‍Reminiscent of a classic Italian eatery, the space exudes a timeless charm that makes it feel as if it has been a beloved corner spot for generations. Whether guests are at a large table enjoying a meal with family and friends; having a bite and a beer while watching the Bulls or Bears; or retiring to the downstairs taverna for expertly crafted cocktails, Zarella promises to be a neighborhood favorite.
A photo of Pizzeria Portofino restaurant
2. Pizzeria Portofino
4.8
Exceptional(1935)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 276 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.
A photo of Quartino - Chicago restaurant
3. Quartino - Chicago
4.5
Awesome(11217)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 126 times today
Quartino Ristorante is a lively, authentic Italian restaurant and wine bar in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Our menu features Italy's regional specialties including artisanal salumi, Neapolitan thin-crust pizza, house-made pasta, and seasonal dishes. Menu items, served in moderate portions and meant to be shared, are perfect for adventurous diners ready for a unique experience.
A photo of Mercadito - River North restaurant
4. Mercadito - River North
4.5
Awesome(6424)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • River North (Chicago)
Booked 132 times today
Located in the heart of River North, Mercadito is a topdestination for modern Mexican cuisine andhandcrafted tequila and mezcal cocktails. Our menufeatures fresh takes on traditional dishes, includingsignature tacos, guacamole, ceviche, andmore—perfect for sharing and savoring.Downstairs, Mercadito’s Lounge offers a hidden,speakeasy-style escape with a chic, intimate vibe.Guests can enjoy the full menu in this cozy setting,complete with dim lighting, plush booths, and elevatedcocktails.Join us for bold flavors, warm hospitality, and a vibrantdining experience in the city’s premier Mexicanrestaurant.
A photo of Andy's Jazz Club restaurant
5. Andy's Jazz Club
4.7
Exceptional(5276)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • River North (Chicago)
Booked 120 times today
Admission is charged to all guests entering the venue and goes toward the musical entertainment that all will be enjoying while inside the club. All dining tables are good for 1 musical performance only. Please choose your reservation time according to your desired performance time. Andy's Jazz Club is a unique as a Jazz Room that offers full dining. We hope for a quiet room during all performances. We do ask that all guests be courteous to the artists while performing and keep conversation volume down during shows.
A photo of Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba! restaurant
6. Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba!
4.8
Exceptional(465)
Price: Expensive
• Tapas / Small Plates • River North (Chicago)
Booked 60 times today
Welcome to Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba! in River North. The little sister of Cafe-Ba-Ba-Reeba! in Lincoln Park, Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba! stays true to its Spanish roots serving a wide variety of iconic small plates like Patatas Bravas, Bacon-Wrapped Dates, and our signature Beef Tenderloin Toro Skewer. Of course, no celebration would be complete without our classic Sangria. ¡Salud!
A photo of SUSHI-SAN - River North restaurant
7. SUSHI-SAN - River North
4.7
Exceptional(1410)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • River North (Chicago)
Booked 134 times today
Sushi-San serves up the best sushi in Chicago made with the freshest ingredients they can find, all served with a side of old-school hip-hop and ice-cold beer. The bar is kept stocked with rare Japanese whisky, sake, wine and inventive cocktails. Join them for lunch and dinner.
A photo of Barrio restaurant
8. Barrio
4.5
Awesome(2968)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • River North (Chicago)
Booked 76 times today
Located In The Heart Of River North, At 65 West Kinzie Street, Dineamic Hospitality Added Its First Mexican Restaurant, Barrio, To The Hospitality Group'S Culinary Roster In 2017. A Creative Take On Traditional Mexican Fare With American Influences, Barrio Is A 6,000-Square-Foot Space Accommodating 200 Guests Indoors And Throughout Our 3 Private Dining Spaces And 70 Guests Amongst Our Expansive Outdoor Patio. Barrio Is Located Near The Chicago River, Right On The Cusp Of Downtown In River North.
A photo of il Porcellino restaurant
9. il Porcellino
4.8
Exceptional(4429)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 101 times today
Il Porcellino, located in the heart of River North in downtown Chicago, is a neighborhood restaurant offering classic Italian-American comfort food in a casual setting. Our seasonal menu focuses on housemate pastas, vegetable antipasti and daily specials, all crafted with ingredients sourced from quality artisans, purveyors, and local farmers. The fun and approachable wine program encourages sharing with selections primarily from Italy. As a way to offset rising costs associated with the restaurant (food, beverage, labor, benefits, supplies), we have added a 3% surcharge to all checks. We do this in lieu of increased menu prices. You may request to have this taken off your check, should you choose.
A photo of Ema - River North restaurant
10. Ema - River North
4.7
Exceptional(4654)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • River North (Chicago)
Booked 126 times today
A Mediterranean & California-inspired restaurant featuring small plates & Chef CJ Jacobson's lighter style cooking in Chicago's River North.

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