The Best Restaurants with a View in Chicago

Chicago is one of America’s friendliest cities, hailing visitors with a warm Midwestern greeting every time. It’s also one of the most affordable, accessible and gorgeous cities in the country, so there’s no wonder it is a top destination for tourists from around the world. Whether you are visiting Millennium Park and The Bean, awesome museums like the Art Institute and the MCA, catching a Cubs game or strolling along beautiful Lakeshore Drive, there are plenty of things to see and do here in the Windy City. The culinary scene here is also a big draw. Originally known for it’s Italian Beef Sandwiches, Deep Dish Pizza and Hot Dogs, there is a lot more on the menu here in this foodie haven. And why not combine a delicious meal with a beautiful view of the skyline, river or Lake Michigan? We asked the savviest diners in town to tell us about the best Chicago restaurants with a view! Check out our list and book a table to wow your friends and family with a fabulous all-around dining experience.

The OpenTable Team

9 Restaurants

Updated February 26, 2020

Restaurants:	Cite, Terrace 16, Signature Room at the 95th…
Price Range:	$$$ - $$$$
Cuisines:	American, Contemporary American…
Neighborhoods:	Gold Coast / Streeterville, Near North…

Cite

$$$$

American

Gold Coast / Streeterville

3.5

3448 reviews

Perched high atop one of the tallest residential buildings in the world, Lake Point Tower, Cite has a prime location for amazing city views. This elegant restaurant offers a 360-degree view that takes in the skyscrapers and a lakefront spanning over three states. The dining area itself is also stunning. It uses a blend of warm traditional high-quality materials and contemporary design to establish a mood that is at once intimate, luxurious and sparkling. Executive Chef Oscar Ornelas and his team prepare a menu of “American classic with a French flair,” with options like Roasted Rack of Lamb, Fruit De Mar Risotto, Silky-Smooth Veal and Butter-Poached Lobster.

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Terrace 16

$$$$

Contemporary American

Near North

4.5

1317 reviews

Terrace 16, located on the 16th floor of Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, is a new American restaurant with a bustling indoor bar and dining room, a convivial bar and an ever-changing menu. But the real star here is the expansive outdoor seating on the picturesque terrace. This is without a doubt one of the greatest Chicago restaurants with a view - diners can look out over all of the city’s prized architecture, the winding Chicago River and Lake Michigan while enjoying a meal or cocktails. The menu puts a luxurious spin on classic dishes, like the Terrace Burger, 18-hour braised Short Rib and Whole Roasted Branzino.

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Signature Room at the 95th

$$$$

American

Gold Coast / Streeterville

4.4

7212 reviews

Located atop the former John Hancock Center, The Signature Room at the 95th features exquisite food, amazing service and one of the most dazzling skyline views you can find in the city. The interior is rich with elegant wood designs and art deco stylings, creating an inviting and intimate atmosphere. And the floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the entire city. Whether you are enjoying lunch, dinner, weekend brunch or just cocktails, you will love this luxurious experience.

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Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse - Chicago

$$$$

Steakhouse

River North (Chicago)

4.7

7759 reviews

Located adjacent to the Loop on State Street, the Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse offers a phenomenal view of the Chicago River for diners to enjoy. It features a large outdoor patio that is open during pleasant weather, spring through fall. The interior features turn-of-the-century decor and plenty of space for hosting private events. If you’re interested in more casual fare or a fun and lively cocktail hour, check out the Grill on the lower floor. The menu features Steakhouse Sandwiches, Shellfish, Steaks and Filets, fish entrees and plenty of delicious side dishes.

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Shore Club

$$$$

Global, International

Gold Coast / Streeterville

4.2

553 reviews

Shore Club is an upscale beach-front bar, restaurant and resort located in a prime spot right on Lakeshore Drive. The space features floor-to-ceiling windows that offer the most picturesque views of Lake Michigan that you can find in the city. Diners can enjoy meals in a covered, open-air environment while looking out over the lake and enjoying the fine dining menu. Inspired by Mediterranean cuisine and elegant beach fare, the dishes are eclectic and delicious. For an aperitif or an after-dinner cocktail, head to The Patio, an informal beachfront lounge where you can sit and linger with a view of the water.

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Gibsons Italia

$$$$

Steakhouse

River North (Chicago)

4.9

2114 reviews

Gibson’s Italia is a modern steakhouse in the River North neighborhood that overlooks the west bank of the river. It features a breezy bar area with tan leather chairs and a sweeping, panoramic view of the bridges and skyscrapers downtown. Diners can enjoy the view from anywhere in the four-level space and select from the menu of world-class beef as well as authentic Italian pastas and risottos. The backlit onyx walls and sleek tables make for a lovely atmosphere while dining on specialties like the Ricotta Gnocchi, Angus Beef New York Strip and Berkshire Pork Fiorentina.

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Chicago Cut Steakhouse

$$$$

Steakhouse

River North (Chicago)

4.8

8908 reviews

A hotspot in the River North neighborhood, Chicago Cut Steakhouse features a fine dining menu focused on their signature USDA-certified prime beef, which is hand cut and dry aged on site. They also offer different fish options, shellfish, chops and an array of side dishes and more. The interior is swanky and sleek with vibrant red velvet banquettes and spacious dining tables as well as a bar area framed by dramatic wine display cases. For one of the best views in the city, get seated on the sprawling outdoor patio that lines the riverside.

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Harry Caray's Tavern - Navy Pier

$$$$

American

Gold Coast / Streeterville

4.0

765 reviews

Located in the Gold Coast neighborhood in a perfect spot out on Navy Pier, Harry Caray’s Tavern is a classic Chicago restaurant. Locals and travelers alike pack into this casual place to enjoy the ultimate Chicago dining experience, including smoked BBQ, a great selection of local craft beer and a world-class collection of sports memorabilia. They smoke the dry rub meats here for hours for maximum flavor and tenderness. And if you’re after a view, the patio right on the waterfront offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Lake Michigan and Navy Pier while you dine.

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Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - Chicago

$$$$

Barbecue

Gold Coast / Streeterville

4.8

1513 reviews

Carson’s Prime Steaks and Famous Barbecue is an upscale dining spot located in the Gold Coast neighborhood. It’s a longtime favorite of both locals and tourists and is family owned and operated, so guests can always expect a warm welcome. They focus on hearty portions of slow smoked Babyback Ribs, BBQ Chicken, Chargrilled pork chops and high quality steaks here. The interior is elegant with exposed brick, fireplaces, cozy booths and an intimate atmosphere. Grab one of the window tables to get an awesome view of the Ogden Slip Riverfront and city lights!

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The Best Restaurants with a View