24 restaurants with breathtaking views of Chicago

Glance toward the horizon on LondonHouse Chicago's downtown rooftop restaurant and bar and you'll instantly be met with sweeping views of the Chicago River and all of the iconic architecture that lines it. For best results, we recommend venturing up at night to soak in the city's twinkling skyline.

The world’s largest rooftop as recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records, Offshore Rooftop is situated at the tail end of Navy Pier, which means the capacious patio features largely unobstructed views of Lake Michigan in all its turquoise glory. If you do a 180, you'll catch a glimpse of the skyline, too. The pair of vistas can be enjoyed from the outdoor terrace or the glass-enclosed bar.

Take in waterfront views while lounging on a daybed on the restaurant’s plant-filled terrace. The decor is inspired by Morocco, France and Italy, adding to the vacation-like vibe provided by the equally globetrotting menu that includes ceviche, smoked baba ganoush and Lebanese-style roasted lamb.

True to its name, the views at VU are epic from 22 stories above street level. Once you've secured a seat, order from a selection of seasonal cocktails like the Tropical Lush (aged rum, cachaca, mango, saffron, lime juice and pineapple) before picking a few bites for the table. With three bars and two patios spread across 13,000 square feet, there's plenty of room to spread out and relax in the sun. Start the weekend drinking early with a champagne and chicken brunch.

The French Riviera-inspired rooftop on the 24th floor of Pendry Chicago provides views of the Magnificent Mile and skyscrapers like Marina City from both its sunny terrace and indoors through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Visit by day for sushi and Moet champagne spritzes or linger at night when the indoor space is lit by candles and wicker lanterns while string lights shine outside.

Rise above it all when you book a table at one of the tallest buildings in the city and take in panoramic views of the skyline, Lake Michigan, the Chicago River and Navy Pier. The spot is particularly popular for romantic dinners and other special occasions, with an upscale menu including shrimp cocktail and New York strip steak.

A rooftop bar on the third floor of a Renaissance hotel? It doesn't sound very exciting, but you shouldn't underestimate this stunning oasis perched above Wacker Drive in the Loop. The garden-themed bar offers unique views of the Chicago River and the surrounding skyline, with clear shots of the Wrigley Building, Marina City and the Michigan Avenue Bridge. If you can, grab a seat at the curved railing along the perimeter of the building for a primo perspective.

Located above the Avec River North location, Bar Avec channels the Iberian Peninsula with a breezy, open-air patio on the 8th floor and a menu inspired by the seaside cafes of Spain and Portugal. There's no sea (or lake) in sight here, but the skyline looks especially nice against the restaurant's summer-ready coastal decor, from lush greenery to blue-and-white tiling and low-slung Adico chairs.

The lounge on the 13th floor of The Robey provides beautiful skyline views, particularly at sunset, from both the couches near the bar inside and the surrounding terrace. Linger for a while while sharing a cheese board and a classic cocktail like an Aviation or Old Fashioned.

You'll get a bird's-eye view of the city from 26 floors above the ground at Virgin Hotels Chicago's sleek rooftop space, where you can grab classic American bites for dinner—think burgers, fried chicken and grilled octopus—along with an extra-summery cocktail. Pro tip: Stay awhile after your meal to catch weekend DJ sets.

Take in views of the Chicago skyline on one side and the Chicago River on the other while enjoying Azul’s full menu of Latin-inspired seafood including lobster empanadas and octopus ceviche. Try to snag a spot on the first come, first served lounge-style couches or splurge by booking a cabana with bottle service.

Fancy housemade pasta is always a treat, but it's even nicer when enjoyed with waterfront views—and you'll find those in spades at the riverfront digs of Gibsons Italia, which features three levels of dining areas with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the water.

The 7,000-square-foot lounge on the 27th floor of theWit Hotel provides views of the Bean at Millennium Park, the Chicago River and the Loop’s skyscrapers. Gather a group and snack on pizza and sushi along with large format cocktails like the Night at the Raspberries, a blend of tequila, raspberry and orange liqueurs, and lime.   

Take in views of the Chicago River from the terrace or through one of the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows while you dine on bone-in swordfish ribeye or charcoal-grilled black bass at the latest addition to the RPM restaurant empire. Start your meal in spectacular fashion by ordering a seafood tower featuring prawns, Maine lobster, Alaskan king crab legs and East and West Coast oysters—but save some room for the banana cream Napoleon served with sliced bananas covered in warm caramel. The drink menu emphasizes tequila and mezcal cocktails but also offers plenty of bubbly by the glass if it's a festive occasion.

Munch on truffle fries and Brussels sprouts while taking in the nearly panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the downtown skyline from this 13th-floor terrace that's perched atop Hotel Lincoln. On the booze front, guests can choose from summer-friendly frozen cocktails, locally crafted brews or wines by the glass.

Watch boats cruise by on the Chicago River from River Roast’s sunny, flower-line patio. Visit during happy hour from 3–5pm weekdays to share a bottle of rosé with a dozen oysters for $53 or come for brunch and order a mimosa kit along with chicken & waffles.

The picturesque rooftop at The Godfrey Hotel in River North is one of the city's biggest and features year-round city outlooks, thanks to a retractable roof and indoor seating. Show up on the weekend for brunch bites, pitchers of pineapple lemongrass mojitos and unobstructed skyline views.

The Peninsula's stunning rooftop lounge has it all: posh surrounds, quality craft cocktails and a roster of delicious shareable snacks. But it's the unique views that will keep you coming back again and again. Because it's situated just six floors up, Z Bar offers guests an up-close-and-personal perspective of the architecture that lines Michigan Avenue, including a postcard-worthy shot of the John Hancock Center. 

You're going to want to snag a window table at this Michelin-starred restaurant, which sits pondside inside of Lincoln Park's (yes, the actual park) verdant expanses. Peek outside for views that combine the natural beauty of the park with glimpses of the skyline beyond.

The trendy Hoxton hotel has a bevy of food and drink options, but come summertime, in-the-know foodies flock to Stephanie Izard's rooftop restaurant, Cabra. The dining room's floor-to-ceiling windows offer an eyeful of the city skyline, and the vistas only get better if you step out onto the outdoor terrace.

The crown jewel of this luxury hotel in the West Loop is the Rooftop at Nobu, a sprawling outdoor terrace located 11 stories above the street. Complemented by east-facing skyline views (hello, Willis Tower!), the rooftop's design is streamlined and minimalistic, with modern Japanese touches that are equally stylish and intimate.

No matter the season, the views from this 18th-floor restaurant are enchanting. Located in Streeterville, the building is surrounded by other towering skyscrapers, with a clear shot to the east of Lake Michigan. As an added bonus, the wrap-around outdoor terrace offers ample space for dining and skyline-gazing.

The posh Langham Hotel sits on the north bank of the Chicago River, affording many overnight guests spectacular views of the water and the downtown corridor that runs along Wacker Drive. Diners at in-house restaurant Travelle enjoy the same luxury—no suitcase required.

It doesn't get much more summery than the lakefront venue at Caffè Oliva, located on Ohio Street Beach. Cabana seating and light, Mediterranean fare—think chicken souvlaki and a hummus & pita platter—make for an almost resort-like feel. Views of the sandy lakeshore certainly don't hurt, either.