Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Chicago / Illinois

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Chicago / Illinois? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Alderman

4.9

4.9 (199)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Pilsen

About the restaurant

Winner of the 2022 Jean Banchet Award for Best Bar, THE ALDERMAN is an intimate, 16-seat cocktail bar tucked away, behind closed doors, within Pilsen Yards. The cocktail list rotates some of its original cocktail features, while the twists on American classics are staples of the cocktail list.

With a plush velvet banquette and a 4-seat counter, it’s the perfect room for a night cap, a date, or a casual evening of one to several astonishingly good cocktails.

Top review

Steve

Dined 3 days ago

I’ve been to many mixology and speakeasy spots in Chicago, and the Alderman is up there with the best of them. Sitting at the bar was a fun drinking experience. Roger was cool to interact with and shared some different shots of liquors that are hard to find. I will definitely be back soon.

Geja's Cafe

4.9

4.9 (5489)

$31 to $50

Fondue

Lincoln Park

About the restaurant

For over 59 years, fondue dining at Geja’s Café has been a favorite indulgence for Chicagoans as well as out-of-towners. It’s a perfect way to kindle romance, celebrate a special occasion or simply join family and friends for a fun and unforgettable dining experience.
To start we offer a Swiss Gruyere cheese fondue, served with fresh breads, fruits and vegetables for dipping. Our crisp house salad, dressed with tangy Dijon vinaigrette, offers a counterpoint to the rich, warm cheese fondue appetizer.
Next, you’ll cook your choices of Australian lobster tail, Gulf shrimp, beef tenderloin, fresh sea scallops or boneless chicken breast in a pot of sizzling soybean oil or broth. The main course is served with fresh vegetables and eight gourmet dipping sauces.
Our famous chocolate fondue is flamed table-side, and presented with marshmallows for roasting and other delectable dippers.

A 4 % operational fee is added to all checks to work in concert with Chicago's One Fair Wage Ordinance.

Top review

Kristofer

Dined 2 days ago

My partner and I just celebrated our 11th anniversary at Geja's. We had an amazing time having a wonderful dinner. We were seated right away and had a view of the guitarist playing music for dinner. At our table was an anniversary card signed by the staff which was very sweet and a nice touch for the evening. Our server was amazing explaining the different items and how to cook them. Everything was great, the atmosphere, food, the music, wine etc. You couldn't have asked for a better evening. The best part was the dessert, making smores with the marshmallows, chocolate and crushed graham crackers. I can't wait to go again. Thank you Geja's Cafe for everything!

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Popular dish

Belgian Chocolate Fondue

Popular dish

Prince Geja's Combination

Popular dish

Cheese and Chocolate Fondue

Ruthie's Steak & Seafood at Walker's Bluff Casino Resort

4.7

4.7 (188)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Cambria

About the restaurant

Opening on Friday, August 25, 2023. Come visit the new Ruthie's Steak & Seafood at Walker's Bluff Casino Resort.

Top review

Bruce

Dined 6 days ago

The food was top quality and, in my opinion, reasonably priced. Our server was very personable and helpful. The atmosphere was very pleasant, making for a great dining experience.

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Filet Medallions & Shrimp

Gamba Ristorante

4.8

4.8 (1149)

$31 to $50

Italian

Merrillville, IN

About the restaurant

The former owners of the Venezia Bar & Grill and Café Venezia, Benito and Hilda Gamba, have combined their efforts into the Gamba Ristorante. Located in Merrillville, this restaurant is housed in an architectural masterpiece, which is hard to miss with its circular design and copper roof. Modeled after upscale restaurants in exotic European locations, the menu offers classic Italian cuisine. The wine room boasts storage space for 1,000 bottles. A banquet hall holds up to 175 people and looks out onto an open courtyard.

Top review

George

Dined on Sep 3, 2024

very good great food great ambiance service excellent close by

Atwater's in The Herrington

4.9

4.9 (1323)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Geneva

About the restaurant

Atwater's is a waterfront, intimate, fine dining experience in Geneva, IL. Our Executive Chef locally sources our menu and creates classical dishes with a modern touch. Our seasonal menu offers recipes that are nuanced to include ingredients that are at their peak of freshness. Atwater's offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner 7 days a week. Enjoy beautiful water and courtyard views, private dining space, and al fresco dining on our patio in season. Atwater's offers afternoon tea quarterly. We are nestled within The Herrington Inn, which is also a wedding venue, boutique hotel, spa, and corporate meeting venue. Open to the public and hotel guests, 365 days.

Top review

Martha

Dined 5 days ago

We had lunch after going to the Spa and it was a wonderful experience. Stephanie our waitress was amazing, and the food was really good. We had lunch outdoors and it was a beautiful experience. We will definitely go back.

3 Arts Club Cafe at RH Chicago

4.8

4.8 (3434)

$31 to $50

American

Gold Coast / Streeterville

About the restaurant

The 3 Arts Club Café resides in the grand central garden courtyard of RH Chicago, the Gallery at the Historic Three Arts Club, a 70,000-square-foot design gallery in Chicago's famed Gold Coast neighborhood. We invite you to enjoy our menu of timeless classics for brunch and dinner, and a selection of wines from esteemed vintners in the United States and Europe. RH Chicago also features the 3 Arts Club Wine Vault.

For group dining inquiries, please email: chicagohospitality@rh.com

Top review

Susan

Dined 1 day ago

Arrived for weekday breakfast reservation at 11 AM. Perfect conditions for a very pleasant experience.

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4.9

4.9 (40)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

The Berkshire Room is an upscale lounge specializing in craft cocktails all created by a talented team. The atmosphere is retro classy and definitely worth a visit before or after dinner for cocktails with friends. There is ample seating either in the private side rooms, the booths in the lounge area or at the bar. The clientele that frequent the Berkshire Room rave about the dealers' choice, which allows guests to choose the spirit, flavor profile and glassware. The bartender then customizes a unique and customized cocktail.

Besides the tasty cocktails and the relaxing ambiance, the Berkshire also offers bar snacks and small dishes. The Berkshire room is located within River North's swanky ACME hotel.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Jul 24, 2024

Myself and two friends enjoyed our drinks and the atmosphere here, such a neat place to visit. Was a great experience.

Feather Glass Wine Bar & Eatery

4.9

4.9 (71)

$30 and under

Fusion / Eclectic

Vernon Hills

About the restaurant

One of the Highly Rated NEW restaurant in Vernon Hills!!

Our International Fusion Cuisine restaurant offers meals unique just to us, we call it a menu with "whispers" of Indian flavors!

Come in to try our Roasted Paneer Ravioli or Chicken Kabobs or one of our fan favorites, Paneer Bites. We promise you will be delighted!

Each meal can be finely paired with some of the best wines produced right here in Illinois. Or pair it with "different" wines from exotic regions of the world.
Either way, it'll be a win win!

So, join is in our modern casual dining room for a cozy and warm evening full of laughter and happy moments. Or enjoy a glass of wine or wine flights in our lounge area by a warm and cozy fireplace!

Top review

James

Dined 5 days ago

Top-notch! Service, food, and atmosphere are superb. Plus, the owner and her husband are extremely friendly and eager to make sure your evening is a most enjoyable one. We had a fantastic experience as we celebrated a significant wedding anniversary.

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Experience

Monday - Thursday, 4pm - 6pm

La Catedral Cafe & Restaurant - North Lawndale

4.9

4.9 (6)

$30 and under

Mexican

North Lawndale

About the restaurant

An award-winning, Mexican café serving up a Guadalajara-inspired, extensive menu

Top review

Aglaet

Dined on Aug 11, 2024

Beautiful decor, great customer service and delicious food!

AJI

4.9

4.9 (73)

$50 and over

Japanese Speciality

Lakeview / East Lakeview

About the restaurant

Discover an unforgettable dining experience at one of OpenTable's top restaurant destinations for ambiance, led by the talented Chef Kristian Cho. Recently named a 2024 Diner's Choice winner, our restaurant offers a 15-course omakase menu that pairs perfectly with our intimate, cozy setting—ideal for anniversaries, special occasions, or a memorable date night out. With over 30 years of collective expertise, our team is passionate about delivering exceptional service and a warm, inviting atmosphere, complete with a charming backyard for a unique evening. Join us and create lasting memories with those you love.

Top review

Alyssa

Dined 4 days ago

A truly special and amazing experience. The food was so delicious and more accessible than I anticipated (first time doing omakase)

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