The best waterfront dining spots in Chicago

It might not be the Cinque Terre, but Pizzeria Portofino's airy patio, decked out with white wicker couches and plenty of sunlight, does its best to bring the Italian coast to the riverfront. Order one of the restaurant's hand-stretched pizzas and an Aperol-spiked cocktail to complete the effect.

Head directly above Pizzeria Portofino to check out RPM Seafood, a luxe double-decker seafood eatery that debuted in January as the latest concept in the RPM restaurant family. The restaurant's elegant terraces are the perfect spot to devour seafood towers and platters of oysters while looking out at the river.

Soak in riverfront and skyline views from three different levels at this West Loop steakhouse, which serves house-made pastas, high-quality cuts of meat and other Italian delicacies. The second and third floors of the restaurant feature tables spread across on spacious patios but if you can snag a reservation for Friday or Saturday night, you'll be treated to dinner on the fourth floor rooftop (a space formerly reserved for private events).

Bone-in ribeye and marinated skirt steak taste better when served on an open patio next to the Chicago River (having a dry-aging room on site helps, too). Take your alfresco experience to the next level with the help of the restaurant's expansive wine list, where you're sure to find the perfect Mendoza or Pinot Noir to accompany your steak.

True to its name, you can expect a bevy of roasted meat and veggie options on the menu of this riverside American restaurant, which offers pork loin, whole fish, poblano pepper and more, all carved up tableside. Snag a reservation on its scenic patio area and enjoy dinner or a weekend brunch.

This steakhouse chain's Marina City digs—a Chicago River fixture since 1998—sports all the classics, from prime-aged meat cuts to creamed spinach and truffled mac and cheese. Head to the restaurant's covered patio area for peak river views, or grab a table near the interior's floor-to-ceiling windows.

Trying to keep out of the sun when you dine riverside? The contemporary American restaurant Rivers, located on the lobby level of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange building facing the Chicago River, features a large patio with a hanging roof ideal for those aiming to avoid freckling while they munch on grilled salmon salads and burgers.

A micro version of chain's outpost on Randolph Street, City Winery's Riverwalk location presents a short but smooth-sipping wine list and summery bites to match—plus, you can't beat the Riverwalk views.

Craft beer fiends will appreciate the serviceable array of brews on tap—featuring local favorites like Half Acre's Daisy Cutter and Revolution Brewing's Anti-Hero—plus the even longer list of cans and bottles available for sipping as you watch water traffic float by on the Chicago River.

It's best to get a window seat in this tucked-away fine dining restaurant in Lincoln Park. It's just a few steps from the water with a stellar view of the city. North Pond offers upscale seafood and has an extensive wine list to sample, too.

Located at the tail end of Navy Pier, Offshore is the Guiness Book of World Records-certified largest rooftop bar in the world. That's all well and good, but we're most impressed by its panoramic views of Lake Michigan, perfect for watching boats over dinner and a craft cocktail.

The lakefront patio of the Waterfront Cafe, a seasonal favorite in Edgewater, feels like it would be equally at home in a small beach town. Snack on nautically-inclined menu items like lobster, brown butter crab or Cajun shrimp rolls and polish off your meal with a mix-and-match bucket of beer.

You won't find food on the menu at this Avondale brewery's riverside patio and dining room space, but guests are welcome to order from nearby restaurants—Kuma's Corner and Dmen Tap are just a couple options—to accompany Metropolitan's German-style lagers.