Diners' Choice: Romantic restaurants in Chicago / Illinois

OpenTable

Updated June 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 (5711)

$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

Tansy

Dined 1 day ago

Our server Holton was always checking to see if we needed anything. The quality of the food was excellent. It was a fun experience to cook your own food, and the atmosphere was very quaint and private. Prices were a little expensive, but we have made such amazing memories here. We love this place!!

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Popular dish

Belgian Chocolate Fondue

Popular dish

Prince Geja's Combination

Popular dish

Cheese and Chocolate Fondue

Grapes & Grains

4.9

4.9 (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 7 days ago

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.

The Alderman

4.9

4.9 (243)

$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

Bertrand

Dined 5 days ago

Very nice speakeasy with super nice barmen explaining their cocktails

Edge by Goldmoor Inn

4.8

4.8 (1042)

$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

Tim

Dined 5 days ago

Wonderful experience. Outstanding dinner and service from a very friendly staff who could not have been nicer. Well worth the drive.

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.

Francesca's on 95th

4.7

4.7 (1375)

$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

Cherena

Dined on Jun 15, 2025

This restaurant was phenomenal. My father enjoyed his birthday and Father’s Day and look forward to going again.

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Experience

Happy Hour

Miku Sushi

4.7

4.7 (282)

$30 and under

Sushi

Lincoln Square

About the restaurant

Welcome to Miku Sushi. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Top review

Allyn

Dined on Jun 22, 2025

We went mid-afternoon on a Sunday. The prices were reasonable, the cocktails good, the food good, and good service.

Ezankaya

4.6

4.6 (9)

$30 and under

Thai

Edgewater

About the restaurant

Discover the Fusion of Thai and Japanese Flavors

At Izankaya, we bring you the essence of authentic Thai street food infused with delightful Japanese influences. Join us in a vibrant setting that captures the lively atmosphere of a bustling Thai street food market.

Top review

SVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Delicious food; fun, unique atmosphere (the dining room's decor may be a bit over the top for some); friendly (not entirely polished) service. Great value for the money! Very happy to have it in the neighborhood!

Folklore

4.5

4.5 (24)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Bucktown / Wicker Park

About the restaurant

Situated in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago, Folklore offers patrons delicious Argentinean dishes. It is a family-owned restaurant that opened its doors in 2009. With a casual, yet romantic atmosphere, the restaurant has brick walls, candlelit tables and floor-to-ceiling windows. Folklore features a large choice of quality meat that's prepared on the grill. Diners can try traditional dishes like empanadas, parillada, and asado. This restaurant also serves pasta dishes, salads, and seafood. Folklore has a full bar and an extensive wine list. It has an outdoor patio and takes reservations. Folklore also offers catering services and on-site hosting for private events.

Top review

TomVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Most entrees will serve 2 people. The Parillada for 2 will serve 3-4.

Stolen Saddle

4.2

4.2 (16)

$30 and under

Tex-Mex

Wrigleyville

About the restaurant

Stolen Saddle is a country bar and restaurant where sports, live music, and dancing come together, right in the heart of Wrigleyville. With multiple bars, a full patio, and a menu packed with Tex-Mex favorites like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, plus game-day classics like smash burgers, wings, and nachos (trust us, get the brisket), there’s something for everyone. The drinks are just as bold—sip on spicy watermelon or avocado margaritas, whiskey-packed bourbon hurricanes, or a classic lemon drop martini. And with $9 house margaritas every day, there’s always a reason to raise a glass.

Looking for the perfect spot to celebrate? We offer event options for groups of 10 to 300, whether it's a birthday, corporate outing, or just a night out with friends. Whether you're here to catch the game, belt out a song, or hit the dance floor, Stolen Saddle is where the party never slows down.

Top review

Alison

Dined on Jun 12, 2025

Had a great time. First time here and we sat outside. Such a cool atmosphere. Portion size was awesome!!

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Experience

Patio Movie Nights

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