Valentine's Day is just around the corner and if the best restaurants in Chicago offering dinner specials on the day of love are out of reservations, we suggest you browse through our newly updated list of most romantic eateries instead.
From lavish steakhouses to Italian trattorias that will transport you to Europe, our ranking features the sorts of culinary destinations that make for great date night spots any time of the year.
Perhaps unsurprisingly given its title of most beautiful restaurant in Illinois, Tre Dita, Lettuce Entertain You's gorgeous Tuscan steakhouse inside the St. Regis Chicago, tops our roundup. A unique pasta lab, shareable steaks and stunning skyline views make the venue an absolute must-visit.
North Pond, smack-dab in the middle of Lincoln Park, comes in second, courtesy of chef César Murillo’s creative concoctions made with as much locally grown organic food as he can find in town. Murillo will also be competing on the upcoming season of Top Chef.
The top three is rounded out by yet another steakhouse: Brendan Sodikoff’s uber popular, vaguely French concept Bavette's. Jazz-era decor and music make the spot a cozy option, as does the hearty food: The steaks are a must, but don't sleep on the fried and roasted chicken dishes, and make sure to split one of the seafood towers with your date.
The 20 most romantic restaurants in Chicago according to Time Out:
1. Tre Dita
2. North Pond
3. Bavette's
4. Geja's Café
5. Boka
6. BLVD Steakhouse
7. Virtue
8. Piccolo Sogno
9. Ciccio Mio
10. Gibsons Italia
11. Penumbra
12. 3 Arts Club Cafe
13. Aba
14. Alla Vita
15. Sepia
16. Adalina
17. Armitage Alehouse
18. Gilt Bar
19. The Loyalist
20. The Press Room