Best Modern Latin American Restaurants in River North (Chicago)

Great Latin American cuisine! Place is cozy and service is great! Will be back.

The vibes are immaculate here. Not sure why it isn’t more packed!! We went here before a show at the Salt Shed and it was a great meal, and a great way to get excited for our concert.

I took a group to Brasero. We really enjoyed the option to do family style or the normal menu. The group split the porterhouse which was excellent. The noodles and fried rice were a great pairing. Service and the staff were friendly and engaging making for a great night.

If you're looking for a restaurant that combines incredible food with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, Unico Restaurante is the place to be. The ambiance is perfect for any occasion—whether you're planning a romantic date night, a relaxed family dinner, or a fun group outing. It's intimate, yet lively, creating the perfect setting for enjoying a great meal with loved ones. We started with the appetizers, and both the fried calamari and patatas bravas were standouts. The calamari was light and crispy, served with a sweet chili sauce that was the perfect compliment. The patatas bravas were packed with flavor—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a smoky, spicy kick. For our entrees, the skirt steak with yuca fries was absolutely out of this world. The steak was cooked to perfection—tender, juicy, and full of flavor—while the yuca fries added a unique and delicious twist. We also tried the gnocchi in red pepper cream sauce, and it was heavenly. The gnocchi was soft and pillowy, and the creamy sauce was rich and satisfying. But the real showstopper? The desserts. Each one was not only beautifully presented but tasted even better than we expected. From the first bite, we knew they were the star of the meal. The flavors were exceptional—sweet, balanced, and decadent without being overly indulgent. Everything on the menu sounded amazing, and we’re already planning our next visit to try even more dishes. Unico Restaurante has certainly earned a spot on our list of favorites, and we can’t wait to return for another memorable dining experience. Highly recommend!

Great place for drinks. Food had limited options but the drinks and service were outstanding!!