The 20 best Chicago Riverwalk and waterfront restaurants

What is it? A lively Italian-inspired riverfront restaurant from Lettuce Entertain You.

Why we love it: This ultra-popular spot below RPM Seafood serves lunch and dinner, with a menu centered around hand-stretched pizzas, artisanal pastas and grilled seafood. There's always someone celebrating a birthday, out-of-towners looking for a bite along the water and workers from nearby office buildings meeting for a power lunch or after-work drinks.

Time Out tip: The whole point of coming here (usually) is to sit on the patio, so be sure to make a reservation in advance to secure one of the most coveted waterfront tables in Chicago.

Address: 317 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 11am-9pm; Fri, Sat 11am-9:30pm

What is it? The seafood king of the RPM restaurant empire.

Why we love it: Head directly above Pizzeria Portofino to check out RPM Seafood, a luxe double-decker seafood eatery in Lettuce Entertain You's RPM family. The restaurant's elegant terraces are the perfect spot to devour seafood towers and platters of oysters while looking out at the river. 

Time Out tip: More buttoned up than Pizzeria Portofino, this is a great place to bring a date or meet with (and impress) clients. 

Address: 317 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 4-9:30pm; Thu noon-9:30pm; Fri, Sat noon-10pm; Sun noon-9:30pm

What is it? A luxe Italian steakhouse and event space.

Why we love it: 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 spacious patios, while the fourth rooftop is available for private events.

Time Out tip: Gibsons Italia offers one of the most unique views of the city, right where the river splits north and south.

Address: 233 N Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606

Opening hours: Daily 11am-11pm

What is it? One of the best pizzerias in the world, located along the Ogden Slip in Streeterville.

Why we love it: Robert's Pizza & Dough Co. owner Robert Garvey makes some of the best pizzas in Chicago—he spent nearly 20 years developing the perfect thin crust—and you can enjoy them on a charming patio along the quaint Ogden Slip in Streeterville. If you dine on a Wednesday or Saturday night in the summer, you’ll also catch Navy Pier’s dazzling fireworks show. Just make sure to book ahead to avoid a long wait.

Time Out tip: When the weather permits, make a reservation for an outdoor table and request a seat on the dock. There are a few tables down there, and it's the best seat in the house!

Address: 465 N McClurg Ct, Chicago, IL 60611

Opening hours: Mon-Thu noon-9pm; Fri noon-10pm; Sat 11am-10pm; Sun 11am-9pm

What is it? An indoor/outdoor lounge on the third floor of the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel.

Why we love it: Raised serves up cocktails, craft beer, small plates and a primo view of the city's skyline. The bar menu features New American snacks, with an emphasis on frites, while the beverage program caters to locals with drafts brewed in Chicago.

Time Out tip: Situated just three stories above street level, it might not seem like this hotel bar has much to offer on the view front. So wrong: Guests can spot the Wrigley Building, Marina City, the Tribune Tower and more. 

Address: 1 W Upper Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 4pm-midnight; Fri, Sat 2pm–midnight

What is it? An offshoot of the popular West Town dining destination by the same name.

Why we love it: Upon entering this breathtaking riverfront oasis, you might catch yourself wondering if you've been transported to a faraway destination. Beatnik on the River draws inspiration from the bohemian freethinkers of the '50s and '60s, offering dishes and drinks from around the globe. 

Time Out tip: The best tables in the house are on the terrace, which sits along the Chicago River and is outfitted with colorful tile, Indonesian daybeds and fringe-lined umbrellas. Order a glass of bubbly and stay a while.

Address: 180 N Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606

Opening hours: Mon 11am-11pm; Tue-Fri 11am-midnight; Sat 10am-midnight; Sun 10am-11pm

What is it? A tasting-menu restaurant in Lincoln Park.

Why we love it: It's best to get a window seat at this tucked-away, reservation-only fine dining restaurant in Lincoln Park, located a few steps from the water and boasting a stellar view of the city. North Pond offers upscale modern American fare and has an extensive wine list to sample.

Time Out tip: Take a stroll through Lincoln Park after your meal.

Address: 2610 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614

Opening hours: Thu 5:30-8pm; Fri, Sat 5:30-9pm; Sun 10:30am-1pm, 5:30-8pm

What is it? A waterfront restaurant serving American tavern-inspired fare.

Why we love it: 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 chicken, whole fish, prime rib and more, all carved up tableside.

Time Out tip: Snag a reservation on River Roast's scenic patio area and enjoy dinner or weekend brunch. 

Address: 315 N LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-10:30pm; Fri 11:00am-11pm; Sat 10am-11pm; Sun 10am-10:30pm

What is it? An impressive Japanese restaurant on the 11th floor of the St. Regis Chicago hotel from Lettuce Entertain You.

Why we love it: Miru pairs stunning views of the skyline and lakefront with a pristine selection of maki, sashimi and nigiri. We suggest starting with an order of crispy rice topped with king crab or spicy tuna, before indulging in sumptuous bites of otoro, uni and hotate. Save room for pastry chef Juan Gutierrez’s—winner of Netflix’s School of Chocolate—desserts, highlighted by sublime black sesame mochi creation.

Time Out tip: Terrace seating is first come, first served, so book an early table for the best chance to sit outside.

Address: The St. Regis Chicago, 401 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601

Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Sun 7am-9:30pm; Wed, Fri, Sat 7am-10:30pm

What is it? A classic high-end Chicago steakhouse.

Why we love it: 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.

Time Out tip: Chicago Cut is closed on Sundays, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Address: 300 N LaSalle, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7am-11pm; Sat 10am-11pm

What is it? A Goosle Island pub right next to the Salt Shed venue.

Why we love it: Filling the void left by the closing of beloved riverfront brewery Metropolitan Brewing, the Goose Island Pub at Salt Shed emerged to serve the many outdoor beer enthusiasts of Chicago. Adjacent to the music venue, diners can meet up for a pre-concert meal or listen in on the nearby performances if tickets are completely sold out. 

Time Out tip: Don't miss out on the boozy bourbon milkshake!

Address: 1221 W Blackhawk St, Chicago, IL 60642

Opening hours: Wed, Sun noon-9pm; Thu noon-10pm; Fri noon-11pm; Sat 11am-11pm

What is it? An upscale seafood restaurant from renowned chef and humanitarian Jose Andrés and Chicago’s Gibsons Restaurant Group.

Why we love it: Andrés is one of the world's most influential culinary minds, and Bar Mar's menu reflects his inventive approach. Expect dishes like caviar cones; a “taco” of jamón ibérico, hamachi and caviar atop nori; and an exceptional lobster roll with mayo espuma and pickled celery. Cocktails star riffs on classics, from a spicy shiso margarita to a negroni featuring Lustau Amontillado sherry.

Time Out tip: Drop in on Mondays for 40% off select bottles of wine.

Address: 120 N Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606

Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-midnight; Sat 3pm-midnight; Sun noon-10pm

What is it? A Mediterranean restaurant in Streeterville with a quaint patio overlooking the Ogden Slip.

Why we love it: No fussy signage is needed to make the Mediterranean restaurant Pinched on the River stand out. At this charming spot tucked along the Ogden Slip in Streeterville, European-inspired fare like build-your-own pita bowls, flatbreads and falafel, plus a tightly curated wine list, is served by a friendly and impressively efficient staff. 

Time Out tip: Pro tip: Opt for a build-your-own pita bowl, which usually leaves us with enough leftovers to make one or two more meals.

Address: 443 E Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60611

Opening hours: Tue-Sun noon-9pm

What is it? An old-school Chicago steakhouse located at Marina City.

Why we love it: 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 truffle mac and cheese. Head to Smith & Wollensky's covered patio area for peak river views, or grab a table near the interior's floor-to-ceiling windows.

Time Out tip: For the oenophiles, a selection of Smith & Wollensky private reserves, created in partnership with Charles Krug Winery, are available exclusively at the restaurant.

Address: 318 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun noon-8:30pm; Fri, Sat noon-9pm

What is it? A dog-friendly seasonal favorite in Edgewater.

Why we love it: The lakefront patio of the Waterfront Cafe 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.

Time Out tip: Heads up, Waterfront Cafe is only open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Address: 6219 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60660

Opening hours: Daily noon-9pm

What is it? A beer garden located on the Chicago Riverwalk.

Why we love it: The original North Center outpost of pioneering Chicago cider bar the Northman closed in early 2020, but The Northman Beer & Cider Garden at the Riverwalk is still pouring drinks. Sit down and enjoy an extensive selection of ciders and local craft beers, accompanied by a menu of sausages, bar snacks like big, soft pub pretzels, and more.

Time Out tip: This is a great spot to stop for a drink, people-watch and see boats pass down the river.

Address: 233 E Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601

Opening hours: Daily 11am-10:30pm

What is it? A lively indoor/outdoor restaurant and bar in the middle of the Chicago Riverwalk. 

Why we love it: A micro version of the chain's outpost on Randolph Street, City Winery's Riverwalk location is open from the spring through the fall and presents a short but smooth-sipping wine list with summery bites to match—plus, you can't beat the Riverwalk views.

Time Out tip: Check out their events page for the latest events, including live-music shows on the river.

Address: 11 W Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60616

Opening hours: Daily 10am-10pm

What is it? A modern American eatery between Lake and Randolph Streets.

Why we love it: Diners flock to Porter Kitchen & Deck for lunch and dinner on its riverside patio. For an especially summery vibe, check out the Upper deck, a mezzanine-level space offering skyline views, its own bar and a menu of light bites and handhelds.

Time Out tip: Enjoy one of the restaurant’s five variations on a martini: classic, straight, dirty, filthy and freezer.

Address: 150 N Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL 60606

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri 11am-11pm; Sat 4-11pm

What is it? A bright seafood restaurant along the Chicago River, located near Goose Island, with a patio, rooftop and boat dock.

Why we love it: Enjoy Latin takes on seafood such as shrimp ceviche, lobster and cheese empanadas or grilled salmon tacos at Azul. Share a pitcher of spicy mango margaritas or white peach sangria while checking out murals from Mexican artist Senkoe. 

Time Out tip: The full menu is also available in the restaurant's rooftop space, which takes on a lounge-like feel after dark, complete with bottle service and shot trees.

Address: 1177 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5-11pm; Fri 5pm-midnight; Sat, Sun 4pm-midnight

What is it? An elevated Midwest tavern inside Theater on the Lake.

Why we love it: Lakefront Restaurant gives you the option of either watching a show or staring at the views of the lake from Fullerton Beach. Although it's an upscale tavern, the restaurant offers a variety of handhelds like cauliflower tacos, pesto chicken sandwich and brisket dip.

Time Out tip: Lakefront Restaurant is only open for a handful of days each year, so check their calendar to find out when you can come in. 

Address: 2401 N Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60614

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am-9pm; Sat, Sun 10am-9pm