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These three Chicago restaurants are among the most romantic in the U.S.

Check out OpenTable’s list for Valentine’s Day inspiration.

Gerrish Lopez
Written by
Gerrish Lopez
Time Out Contributor, US
North Pond, a hidden restaurant in the most literal of ways
Photograph: Courtesy North Pond | Chicago's North Pond, a hidden restaurant in the most literal of ways
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Still searching for a place that feels special enough for Valentine’s Day? You’re not alone. Americans spend an average of two hours and 14 minutes hunting for the right restaurant and many wait until the last minute to book. Last year, nearly a quarter of OpenTable reservations were made within 48 hours of dining, with 14 percent booked just a day out. OpenTable’s annual roundup of the 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in the U.S.—built from nine million diner reviews, factoring in ratings, reservation trends, five-star reviews and how often diners tagged their experience as “romantic.”—is out, and three Chicago restaurants made the list. So if you're still looking, one of these spots might be the one for you.

Geja’s Café has been setting the mood for more than 60 years, and it’s easy to see why. There’s something inherently intimate about fondue, especially when you’re double dipping by candlelight. The Lincoln Park staple is practically a rite of passage for Chicago couples, whether it’s a first date or a milestone anniversary. For Valentine’s Day, Geja’s goes all out with a prix fixe dinner that leans fully into indulgence with Swiss Gruyère cheese fondue, beef tenderloin, Australian lobster tail and Gulf shrimp with an array of dipping sauces. Dessert is Belgian chocolate fondue, flamed tableside and served with marshmallows for roasting, plus a glass of Canard-Duchêne Charles VII Rosé to toast the night.

For a classic, Parisian-style romance, Mon Ami Gabi delivers. The Lincoln Park French bistro is effortlessly charming, with a menu built around simple, well-executed dishes like steak frites and fresh seafood. Rolling wine carts glide through the dining room, adding a little theater to the experience. It’s the kind of place where conversation flows easily, plates are meant to be shared and lingering over dessert is encouraged.

North Pond, a destination for couples who like their romance a little quieter and more refined, is another top spot. Set inside a historic Arts and Crafts-style building overlooking Lincoln Park, the restaurant offers a five-course tasting menu from chef César Murillo that highlights seasonal ingredients at their peak. The food is thoughtful and precise, with optional wine pairings to match. If you can snag a table with views of the pond, available on a first come-first served basis, it’s one of the most serene dining rooms in the city.

Need more ideas? OpenTable has also rounded up Chicago’s best date-night spots, affordable tasting menus and even restaurants perfect for a Galentine’s Day gathering. Check out OpenTable's Valentine's Day hub for more inspiration, but don’t wait too long to book.

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