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Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Chicago / Illinois

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OpenTable
Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants 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!


A photo of Zin Gastropub restaurant
5.0
5 (389)
$31 to $50
Gastro Pub
Lake Zurich
About the restaurant
A chef led, family owned restaurant providing fresh, made from scratch menu items, locally sourced and organically driven. Our wine and liquor program boasts offerings not available in retail.


Top review
LYNNEVIP
Dined on May 10, 2025
We were greeted promptly by Ken and seated. The bartender Lynne was very attentive. Food was excellent. Highly recommend.
A photo of Valhalla restaurant
5.0
5 (10)
$50 and over
Contemporary American
Bucktown / Wicker Park
About the restaurant
Valhalla is a culinary gem in Chicago's Wicker Park, offering a unique gastronomic journey where modern elegance meets global flavors. The minimalist Scandinavian decor creates an intimate atmosphere, with warm woods and soft lighting that enhance your dining experience. Chef Stephen Gillanders' tasting menu showcases his creativity, featuring seasonal ingredients and diverse influences. Each course, from ocean trout lumpia to vibrant seafood ceviche, highlights his mastery of flavor and technique. Desserts by Pastry Chef Tatum Sinclair are a revelation, with each creation a stunning masterpiece that delights the senses. Valhalla is not just a restaurant; it's an unforgettable experience that invites you to savor every moment.
Top review
Chelle
Dined on Jun 20, 2025
The food was amazing. My party of 4 could not decide which course was our favorite as they were all uniquely yummy. The ambiance is soft and allows you to really focus on the food and drinks. We went about half an hour early to enjoy a quiet cocktail before being seated. Definitely worth the expense.
A photo of North Pond restaurant
4.9
4.9 (4906)
$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 five-course tasting menu with optional wine pairings. The menu is not á la carte.
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
Patrick
Dined 6 days ago
We have celebrated more than one Wedding Anniversary at North Pond, and it has always been a wonderful experience. They made us feel "special," and the food was excellent, both in taste and in presentation.
A photo of Mockingbird Bar + Garden restaurant
4.9
4.9 (235)
$30 and under
Farm-to-table
East Dundee
About the restaurant
Healthy Food with a Stylish Flair

Mockingbird Bar + Garden is a food and drink focused gathering place in a lively, convivial setting, stylishly designed to create memorable experiences. Inspired by our desire to serve and create a sense of community we offer the perfect mix of locally sourced healthy food all cooked from our wood-fired oven. Our incredible cocktails, local beer and coffee bar combined with our events will certainly make you a regular. Al fresco dining available either in our garden, patio, or around the firepit.

Top review
Mark
Dined 4 days ago
Food was awesome, service was great. Perfect place for Sunday Brunch!!!
A photo of Altiro Latin Fusion - Wheaton restaurant
4.9
4.9 (193)
$31 to $50
Latin / Spanish
Wheaton
About the restaurant
A family owned restaurant with locations throughout Northern Illinois, offering a tapas-style inspired latin fusion cuisine of classic dishes with infused new flavors from Spain, Mexico, and South America.

The menu is designed to share, our dishes are presented in a tapa-style. Pair your meal with our house sangria, craft cocktails, or our local beers.

Our dishes are presented in a tapa-style way, inspired by Spain's tapas which are small Spanish savory dishes!
All of our ingredients are bought locally.
All meat is free of hormones.
All poultry comes from grass-fed animals
All of our sweeteners are agave-based nectars.
All vegetables and fruits arrive fresh daily.

Top review
MaryannVIP
Dined on May 14, 2025
Grapefruit margarita and salmon tacos weee amazing Our server Perla was so friendly
A photo of Roscoe's Tavern restaurant
4.9
4.9 (222)
$30 and under
American
Roscoe Village
About the restaurant
Welcome to Roscoe’s Tavern, Chicago’s leader in nightlife and entertainment. Guests must be 21+ and present valid ID for entry.


Top review
Molly
Dined 5 days ago
This was such a good show. Locals were good and Kween Kongbwas so friendly and amazing!
A photo of The Alderman restaurant
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 4 days ago
Very nice speakeasy with super nice barmen explaining their cocktails
A photo of Edge by Goldmoor Inn restaurant
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 4 days ago
Wonderful experience. Outstanding dinner and service from a very friendly staff who could not have been nicer. Well worth the drive.
A photo of Angelo's Wine Bar restaurant
4.8
4.8 (614)
$30 and under
Wine Bar
Albany Park
About the restaurant
Founded in 1962, Reinvented 2016. From neighborhood pizzeria to state of the art Wine Bar widely regarded as one of Chicago's best.

Chef Samuel Leal expertly composes fresh, seasonal and meticulously selected ingredients of the best quality available at market. Master Mixologist Meaghan Walsh designs and crafts luxury cocktails by hand, including her innovative collection of wine based "d'Vine Cocktails" prominently listed on the dinner menu. Sommelier Gigi Bredoux thoughtfully curates, and colorfully hosts, one of the most interactive, engaging and customer-centric wine programs in the city, very possibly the entire country.

2022 Wine Spectator Magazine "Award of Excellence" winner, beautifully appointed, exceptionally comfortable, and superbly maintained; Angelo's Wine Bar aspires to provide its northwest side Chicago neighborhood with "destination quality" hospitality, neighborly prices, and service "on a first name basis".

Top review
Joshua
Dined 3 days ago
Great time for my sister's birthday. Will definitely be back again.
A photo of Balmoral Restaurant restaurant
4.8
4.8 (1479)
$31 to $50
Scottish
St. Charles
About the restaurant
A passion for authenticity. Nostalgia for heritage, and recipes that have been passed down and held dear. Ingredients sourced from the Isles, and from local farmers.

Welcome to Balmoral Restaurant. Grand Scottish Fare as you’ve never experienced before.

Lush, dark Scottish wood tones greet you upon entering Balmoral Restaurant. A deep-set coffered ceiling hides recessed lighting, designed to light your table elegantly, providing just the right mood. Scottish designs surround you, from the tartan carpet, to wrought iron fixtures, to the swords and shields of lore, to wall murals that evoke the placid Scottish countryside. At Balmoral, we bring the incomparable splendor of Scotland to you.

Top review
Joseph
Dined 4 days ago
Everything was good, professional staff always excellent food and great service
Explore Diners' Choice best of Chicago / Illinois
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