Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois

Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Downtown / Loop

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Areas
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating options
Award-winning
Accessibility

71 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Acanto restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3924)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown / Loop
Booked 45 times today
Across from Millennium park and along Chicago’s Cultural Mile, Acanto Restaurant + Wine Bar is a treasured destination for those who appreciate authentic and approachable Italian food in a conversation-friendly atmosphere. Acanto serves seasonally-driven Italian cuisine from both regions of Italy utilizing artisanal ingredients from Midwest farmers and producers. Acanto boasts one of the most lauded wine programs in the US, including a 3-star rating by World of Fine Wine and a two-glass “Best of Excellence” rating by Wine Spectator. The libations menu is rounded out by Italian classics including spritzes and negronis along with craft cocktails, beer, and spirits. The word Acanto is the Italian translation of Acanthus, the flowery leaf featured prominently in Roman architecture. Famed architect Louis Sullivan used Acanthus in his distinctive terra cotta ornamentation found on the facade of the historically-landmarked building that houses Acanto.
A photo of Chateau Carbide restaurant
3.5
Very Good(220)
Price: Expensive
• Cocktail Bar • River North (Chicago)
Booked 3 times today
Welcome to Château Carbide, a rooftop winter escape, just for you. See our inimitable seasonal style in full display, where luxurious, private lodges dot the rooftop scene, each adorned with cozy fireplaces and plush, intimate seating for up to 5 guests. Snack on a winter-inspired small bites including a French onion grilled cheese and sip seasonal cocktails while taking in the stunning city-wide views of Chicago and all its snowy splendor.Please note the following policies:**Chateau Carbide is a 21+ establishment**Light Bite service is available until 10:00 PM**Outdoor tables are subject to availability, and a reservation does not constitute an outdoor table. We do our best to accommodate all guest seating requests. **Reservations are encouraged but not required, subject to availability.
A photo of Bandol restaurant
4.2
Awesome(279)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary French / American • Downtown / Loop
Booked 12 times today
Bandol blends French and Mediterranean classics with modern seafood, a raw bar, and American influences, inspired by the coastal town of Bandol. Its light-filled, art-deco space is ideal for everything from a morning espresso and pastry to a business lunch, memorable dinner, or late-night digestif. Parisian-style outdoor seating offers a relaxing escape in the heart of the city. Bandol serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekday happy hour, and weekend brunch.The upscale to-go coffee bar and bakery counter offers Lavazza coffee, grab-and-go breakfast items, and house-made pastries, perfect for a quick pick-me-up.Parking validation is available for guests parked at 172 W Madison Self-Park Garage. After 4 p.m. on weekends and weeknights, enjoy free parking with a $25 meal purchase. Bring your parking slip for validation. Not valid for valet parking.
A photo of Pizzeria Portofino restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1699)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 240 times today
Pizzeria Portofino is a sun-drenched casual restaurant located directly on the Chicago riverfront offering hand-stretched pizzas, coastal wines, an expansive patio and breezy decor that will instantly transport you to the Italian Riviera.
A photo of Gibsons Italia restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4161)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 188 times today
Gibsons Italia is built on a tradition & elegance that is relentless in the pursuit of the very best. Chef-driven tastes of Italy are paired with the superiority of Gibsons Steakhouse, creating a restaurant that makes the familiar, exceptional. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.
A photo of Quartino - Chicago restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(11089)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 109 times today
Quartino Ristorante is a lively, authentic Italian restaurant and wine bar in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Our menu features Italy's regional specialties including artisanal salumi, Neapolitan thin-crust pizza, house-made pasta, and seasonal dishes. Menu items, served in moderate portions and meant to be shared, are perfect for adventurous diners ready for a unique experience.
A photo of Ema - River North restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4594)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • River North (Chicago)
Booked 123 times today
A Mediterranean & California-inspired restaurant featuring small plates & Chef CJ Jacobson's lighter style cooking in Chicago's River North.
A photo of Chicago Cut Steakhouse restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(10086)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 92 times today
Chicago Cut Steakhouse is one of Chicago’s most iconic dining experiences in a city that boasts dozens of options for steak-centric dining. Our downtown Chicago steakhouse offers guests a selection of signature, USDA-certified prime beef that is hand-cut and dry-aged on site. Our curated menu also features fish, shellfish, chops and a selection of unique side dishes and appetizers. In addition to delicious martinis and specialty cocktails, Chicago Cut offers a wine list with more than 600 bottles that has been highlighted Wine Spectator, the world’s leading authority on wine. Our dining area features a lively bar scene, vibrant red velvet banquettes and spacious dining tables, private dining options and beautiful, sweeping views of the Chicago River. In the warm months, we also open our sprawling outdoor dining patio, which makes Chicago Cut an excellent spot for an outdoor brunch, lunch or dinner reservation along the river.
A photo of Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse - Chicago restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(9263)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 57 times today
Riverfront dining in the heart of the Windy City. Join us for a magnificent meal on the water and let the good times flow. Ideal for gatherings of all sizes with easy access to parking, major hotels, and convention centers.
A photo of LUXBAR restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2927)
Price: Moderate
• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 76 times today
The quintessential American bar, LUXBAR features seasonal and classic cocktails made from freshly pressed juices, premium ice, house made shrubs, and an extensive selection of spirits that runs especially deep in whiskey and bourbon. A "Build Your Own Manhattan" menu, thoughtful, approachable wine list, and beer menu with vintage and local options make the bar a go-to for casual, mid-week drinks and bites with friends, watching weekend sports and post-shopping. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Justine
    1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    It was a wonderful experience, the view from the window, the ambience, the food was excellent! I will recommend coming here for a romantic date.
    More info
    Gibsons ItaliaPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
    4.8
  • LukeVIP
    London •18 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The best seafood fusilli I have ever had. EVER. ANYWHERE. I ordered this on the recommendation of my charming server. I am limited to 2000 characters on this review which means I cannot do it justice. The presentation - sensational. The taste sublime, other worldly. The tender way in which the lobster was cooked and how it seemed embrace the bisque and envelope itself in the sauce. Let me see if I can try and explain how good the seafood bisque sauce was; the spice was fragrant and tantalized the nose, the taste was long and complex; what was more enthralling? The creamy richness of the sauce, the delicate piquancy of the spice or the creamy richness of the texture. I am not sure - but I think it is worth many more trips to see if I can find out. One other point to note, the maitre d was charming and so knowledgeable about the menu but was genuinely passionate about the food and wine. I do not mean that this enthusiasm was faux or contrived but genuine and heartfelt and really elevated the evening from humdrum to exceptional. Thank you.
    More info
    AcantoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown / Loop
    4.8
  • Jared
    Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Delicious food! Great ambience! Totally recommend!
    More info
    Pizzeria PortofinoPrice: Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
    4.8
  • Marlena
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 16 Feb 2025
    Even if you only experience this winter outdoor dining only once in your lifetime, you should! It is beautiful outside surrounded by the downtown Chicago skyline! You stay warm and cozy long enough to enjoy a meal and drinks. It’s a wonderfully unique experience!
    More info
    Chateau CarbidePrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• River North (Chicago)
    3.5
  • KededraVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 15 Feb 2025
    The team was amazing from the host to the server to the bartender. Food was great perfectly prepared perfectly and timely. Shouts our to Brandon our server who showed us great service even though we were his last table definitely will be back in the future and to Destiny the host i appreciate you so much for allowing us to still be seated the team was amazing.
    More info
    BandolPrice: Moderate• Contemporary French / American• Downtown / Loop
    4.2
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable International Ltd. Alphabeta Building, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo