Most Romantic Restaurants in Chicago

Reprinted with permission by,
Phil Vettel

Romance is a tough commodity to quantify. Are the most romantic restaurants the most elegant places in town? The most expensive? The most seductively (i.e., dimly) lit? The most opulently decorated? The places with the best views? The answer to all these questions is yes, depending on your mood. I believe, for instance, that all of Chicago's four-star restaurants (I recognize eight, currently) are romantic to at least some extent. Throw in a couple of other big-budget spots and I'd have a Top 10 Romantic list that few could dispute -- and even fewer could afford.

But it's not my goal to be the restaurant adviser to the rich and famous, although I'm told they can be most appreciative. So my Top 10, while admittedly not overflowing with bargain-basement alternatives, won't necessarily cause your bank account to hemorrhage.

In 2002's Chicago's Choice Dining Poll, the winner in the Most Romantic category was Geja's, and there were lots of votes for Ambria, Everest, Le Francais and the Signature Room at the 95th. So none of those places is on my list.

The Greenery, 117 North Ave., Barrington, 847-381-9000. What was once an early-1900s schoolhouse is now a charming restaurant whose dining space is divided among small rooms and intimate alcoves -- a perfect setting for the creative American food on the menu. Mention in advance that you're celebrating an anniversary/birthday and your table will be decorated with ribbons and confetti.

A Tavola, 2152 W. Chicago Ave., 773-276-7567. Few people know about this Ukrainian Village gem -- the better for those looking for an intimate, out-of-the-way dinner. The Italian food, especially the feather-light gnocchi, is excellent.

Crofton on Wells, 535 N. Wells St., 312-755-1790. Suzy Crofton's intimate, regional-American dining room is small and spacious, softly lit and generally quiet. You can dress up a bit and not feel out of place. And if the atmosphere doesn't put you in a delicious mood, Crofton's cooking will.

The Dining Room, Ritz-Carlton Chicago, 160 E. Pearson St., 312-266-1000. The lavish dining room, the unfailingly attentive service, the outstanding French-accented cuisine by four-star chef Sarah Stegner -- everything about this place impresses. Break out your fanciest duds, the good jewelry and indulge.

Les Nomades, 222 E. Ontario St., 312-649-9010. Everyone knows about Le Francais, but this is Roland Liccioni's second restaurant -- a former private club in Streeterville that, though open to the public, still retains an air of exclusivity (the prices may have something to do with that). Service is formal French, which you rarely encounter these days.

Meritage, 2218 N. Damen Ave., 773-235-6434. Pacific-Northwest cuisine is served in an intimate, dimly lit dining room. Very affordable, given the quality.

Montparnasse, 200 E. fifth Ave., Naperville, 630-961-8203. This west-suburban gem gets points for dramatic decor, excellent French food and service that is, happily, devoid of snootiness. I watched someone propose in here and she said yes, so I know the romance factor works to some extent.

North Pond Cafe, 2610 N. Cannon Dr., 773-477-5845. It may be too small and crowded and informal to meet some folks' definition of romantic, but this place has so much soul -- not to mention a spectacular setting along North Pond in Lincoln Park -- that I believe it qualifies. Plus, you must walk a little way through the park from where you park, and what's more romantic than a hand-in-ha nd stroll?

Tallgrass, 1006 S. State St., Lockport. In this sleepy, southwest-suburban town is a dining destination few towns could hope to have. Tallgrass is tucked into a historic mansion that is uninspiring on the outside but brimming with Victorian charm within. Extraordinarily good service guides you through a multicourse menu of culinary delights. Maybe you should find a nice B & B nearby and drive back to the city tomorrow morning...

Vivere, 71 W. Monroe St., 312-332-7005. The fine-dining room of the Italian Village can be big and bustling, but I find it very romantic. Never eat here before 7:45 p.m., or you'll be cheek-by-jowl with a gazillion pre-theater diners; come later and the room will be far more intimate. I love Jordan Mozer's Italian-Baroque-on-acid decor, the excellent contemporary Italian food and the u nsurpassed wine list.