Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in South Side

53 restaurants available nearby

1. Alla Vita

4.8

Exceptional(2308)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Italian • West Loop

Booked 117 times today

Serving a casual, family-style menu, Alla Vita is a place to gather and enjoy comfortable Italian cuisine. Alla Vita means “to life” in Italian which recognizes overcoming life's challenges and creating a space for shared meals and memorable experiences. Executive Chef Lee Wolen shares his passion for fresh, delicious Italian food made simply with the best ingredients. Follow @allavitachicago to stay up-to-date with the latest happenings.

A photo of Bronzeville Winery restaurant

2. Bronzeville Winery

4.5

Awesome(55)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary American • Bronzeville

Booked 19 times today

Bronzeville Winery is a destination where exceptional food, fine wine, and vibrant energy come together. The menu offers seasonal small plates, artisanal cheese boards, seasonal large plates, and a variety of vegan and vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something for every palate. From indulgent Sunday brunch to curated wine and whiskey tasting flights, each visit is a celebration of flavor and creativity. Located just moments away from U Chicago , Hyde Park and 3 minutes from Lake Shore Drive.BW sets the perfect mood with live music every Wednesday and Sunday & DJs for the vibe Thursday - Saturday. Stop by for Happy Hour Wednesdays & Thursdays from 4–6 or gather for unforgettable celebrations, birthdays & dates —whether it’s a party of 30 or a buyout for 200 guests.As the 2023 Jean Banchet Award Winner for Best Hospitality, Bronzeville Winery offers an unmatched combination of warm service, a welcoming atmosphere, and a soulful connection to Chicago’s rich cultural heritage.

A photo of Franco's Ristorante restaurant

3. Franco's Ristorante

4.8

Exceptional(653)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Bridgeport

Booked 12 times today

If your preferred time is unavailable please call for possible openings. Franco's Ristorante is the perfect combination of old world Italian classics and your new favorite pasta dishes. We've been around for over 27 years and have perfected our craft. Some of our most famous dishes include whipped ricotta tuffo, sausage and peppers, eggplant parmigiana and gnocchi. Our great food and atmosphere helped us earn the honor of being named the Chicago Reader's 2016 "best place for a cheap date" and "best local restaurant." You will be wowed when you step inside our bright, airy and modern restaurant. You can enjoy a drink at our new marble-topped bar or cozy up to tables with bright red-leather chairs and banquettes in the dining room. In the summer we are happy to offer outdoor seating that allows dogs.

A photo of Fogo de Chao - Chicago restaurant

4. Fogo de Chao - Chicago

4.1

Excellent(4685)

Price: Moderate

• Brazilian • Downtown / Loop

Booked 179 times today

Fogo de Chão is an internationally-renowned steakhouse from Brazil that allows guests to discover what's next at every turn. Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo elevates the centuries-old culinary art of churrasco - roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame - into a cultural dining experience of discovery. Please join us in our dining room, in our more casual Bar Fogo, or bring the Fogo Experience to you with Fogo To-Go or Catering. Visit our website to make a reservation or place an order.

A photo of 14 Parish Restaurant & Rhum Bar restaurant

5. 14 Parish Restaurant & Rhum Bar

4.7

Exceptional(1291)

Price: Expensive

• Caribbean • Hyde Park

Booked 43 times today

14 Parish Restaurant & Rhum Bar is a casual dining experience serving a fusion of Caribbean dishes from some of your favorite vacation destinations. Conveniently located in Chicago's Hyde Park, our intimate space, friendly staff, and delicious creations are sure to become a favorite. At 14 Parish our goal is to bring a bit of paradise to everyday life!

A photo of McCormick & Schmick's Seafood - Chicago (Wacker Dr.) restaurant

6. McCormick & Schmick's Seafood - Chicago (Wacker Dr.)

4.4

Awesome(4369)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Downtown / Loop

Booked 46 times today

McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks on Chicago's Wacker Drive is conveniently located in the Loop, just minutes away from Chicago Theater, Oriental Theater, Millennium Park, various shopping areas and some of Chicago's best hotels.From fresh seafood and shellfish to Steak and garden fresh salads, our goal is to exceed your dining expectations.As our guest, you will experience culinary excellence at its best. Our menus reflect seafood from the Pacific Rim, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico. We also source products from local ranches, farms, and wineries to showcase regionally inspired dishes.

A photo of Lou Malnati's - South Loop restaurant

7. Lou Malnati's - South Loop

4.5

Awesome(118)

Price: Moderate

• Pizzeria • South Loop

Booked 70 times today

No true Chicago experience is complete without a visit to one of the oldest names in Deep Dish Pizza: Lou Malnati’s. Located on South State Street in the South Loop of Chicago, Lou’s South Loop is convenient to the McCormick Center, Soldier Field and Grant Park. Enjoy Legendary Chicago Deep Dish and thin crust at the place that’s been perfecting it for 50+ years. A cozy experience awaits ... whether you’ve been at a sporting event, sightseeing, or out for a night of jazz, Lou Malnati’s South Avenue is the perfect spot to satiate your deep dish cravings.

A photo of Toro by Chef Richard Sandoval – Chicago restaurant

8. Toro by Chef Richard Sandoval – Chicago

4.5

Awesome(74)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Latin American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 62 times today

Toro Chicago, from critically acclaimed Chef Richard Sandoval, is a vibrant Latin restaurant known for seamlessly blending bold Central and South American flavors with the innovative culinary techniques of Chef Sandoval. We offer a bespoke dining experience that celebrates the rich histories of Latin cuisine through a diverse menu, all hosted within a dynamic and lively environment. From tantalizing tapas to inventive entrees, each dish at Toro is crafted with a passion for excellence and a commitment to quality.

9. Chez Joel

4.7

Exceptional(2656)

Price: Moderate

• French • Little Italy / University Village

Booked 13 times today

Chez Joel is the real deal when it comes to French cuisine. This cozy restaurant in the heart of Little Italy has been serving up authentic French delicacies since 1999. Reviews rave about its warm, inviting ambiance, with one reviewer stating it brought back memories of Paris. The food is consistently praised for being expertly prepared, with one diner even saying it was 'authentic (frites a little over done) and very tasty'. The service is also frequently mentioned as being friendly and efficient. Whether you're looking for a romantic meal or a casual dining experience, Chez Joel is definitely worth the drive.

A photo of Emerald Loop Bar and Grill restaurant

10. Emerald Loop Bar and Grill

4.6

Exceptional(1066)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 38 times today

Located in the Loop in the historic 35 East Wacker Drive Building. The fare is traditional Irish and American favorites. Serving Lunch & Dinner - indoor & outdoor seating available (max 6 guests per table)

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
AnthonyVIP
Chicago / Illinois •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
I've been eager to try this place since it opened just a few blocks away, and it did not disappoint! I had the Rigatoni Con Salsiccia, and it was absolutely delicious—I can't wait to have it again. The upstairs seating was cozy and perfect for conversation, while downstairs was a bit louder and more crowded. The service was good, though not quite excellent. On the plus side, parking in the nearby cinema garage is only 75¢ an hour, which is a great deal. Overall, a fantastic experience, and I'll definitely be back!
More info
IL GIRASOLE TRATTORIAPrice: Moderate• Italian• Logan Square
•
4.5
P
PhyllisVIP
Chicago / Illinois •69 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
This is one of the best kept little family owned restaurants in Chicago!!! Friendly, festive, good and hearty food!! It’s a ‘Cheers’ kinda place!!! If you don’t know anyone walking in you will most likely know someone walking out! Stuffed artichoke, calamari and oysters always a good start. Caesar salad is cold and crisp Gnocchi Arribiatta, eggplant parm, mart Anthony steak is fabulous!! Tirimisu and Madeline cookies for dessert!!
More info
Mart Anthony'sPrice: Moderate• Italian• West Loop
•
4.8
N
Neil
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 21 Dec 2024
First time at Chez Joel, confirming it’s never too late to find something wonderful. Comfortable space, good cocktails, great food, I had the special rack of lamb, along with friendly staff and a low keyed atmosphere. Definitely on my list of places to return to.
More info
Chez JoelPrice: Moderate• French• Little Italy / University Village
•
4.7
C
CindyVIP
Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 17 Dec 2024
We loved Franco’s. Small neighborhood place with great food. We’ll be back!
More info
Franco's RistorantePrice: Moderate• Italian• Bridgeport
•
4.8
C
Christel
Montreal / Quebec •1 review
5.0
Dined on 22 Nov 2024
Good time, great choislce, good service from John.
More info
Angry Crab - Wicker ParkPrice: Moderate• Creole / Cajun / Southern• Bucktown / Wicker Park
•
4.6

Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in South Side

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Areas

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating options

Award-winning

Accessibility

53 restaurants available nearby

1. Alla Vita

2. Bronzeville Winery

3. Franco's Ristorante

4. Fogo de Chao - Chicago

5. 14 Parish Restaurant & Rhum Bar

6. McCormick & Schmick's Seafood - Chicago (Wacker Dr.)

7. Lou Malnati's - South Loop

8. Toro by Chef Richard Sandoval – Chicago

9. Chez Joel

10. Emerald Loop Bar and Grill

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable