The Chicago Riverwalk isn’t just for boat tours and skyline views—it’s a full-on playground for food lovers.
Stretching 1.25 miles along the water, this scenic strip is packed with everything from breezy cafés to high-end hotspots. If you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, hand-stretched pizza, or something quick with a view, the Riverwalk’s got options.
Short on time? Hit RPM Seafood for a fancy plate by the water or grab a slice at Gibsons Italia.
Now let’s dive into the best places to eat along this iconic stretch.
1. Gibsons Italia
Gibsons Italia offers stunning riverfront and skyline views alongside house-made pasta and high-quality Italian dishes. With three levels, including spacious patios on the 2nd and 3rd floors, you’ll always enjoy a fantastic river view.
Get the 22oz Chicago Cut—a beautifully cooked, juicy steak with a perfect char. Alternatively, the rich and creamy Spicy Rigatoni with tomato vodka sauce and Parmigiano Reggiano is game-changing.
Oh, and don’t forget to save room for their Banana Gelato!What to order: 22oz Chicago Cut, Spicy Rigatoni, Banana Gelato
Address: 233 N Canal Street Chicago, IL 60606
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2. RPM Seafood
Overlooking the Chicago River, RPM Seafood serves upscale seafood dining with a two-story layout.
Spoil yourself with their renowned Seafood Tower with prawns, Maine lobster, Alaska king crab legs, and oysters. Or try the Miso Black Cod from their globally inspired menu—a silky, buttery delight with a hint of sweetness.
Finish off with their Banana Cream Napoleon, a dessert dream with crunchy pastry, sweet cream, and warm salted caramel.
What to order: Seafood Tower, Miso Black Cod, Banana Cream Napoleon
Address: 317 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654
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3. Lawrence’s Fish & Shrimp
Lawrence’s Fish & Shrimp is a beloved fried seafood spot by the Chicago River that operates 24/7. Boaters can conveniently dock behind the building for a quick bite during their river trip.
Get their Large Fried Shrimp for a crispy, perfectly cooked treat. Feeling adventurous? Try their Frog Legs paired with their popular Hot Sauce which taste just like chicken wings.
If you’re craving something sweet, the Shrimp Coconut is your best bet—a combination of juicy shrimp and thick coconut crust.
What to order: Large Fried Shrimp, Lightly Breaded Shrimp, Frog Legs, Fried Oysters, Catfish Strips
Address: 2120 S Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60616
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4. Smith & Wollensky
Smith & Wollensky, a top-tier steakhouse serves a range of classic to modern steak dishes. Enjoy river views on the covered patio or have an intimate dinner inside their elegant dining room.
Impress your date with the Angry Shrimp appetizer or savor their Gorgonzola Crusted Filet for a tasty steak adventure.
On the side, the creamed spinach brings exactly what you’d want – silky, buttery, and deeply satisfying, as expected from a steakhouse.
What to order: Angry Shrimp, Gorgonzola Crusted Filet, Creamed Spinach
Address: 318 N State Street, Chicago, IL 60654
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5. Stetsons Modern Steak + Sushi
Stetsons Modern Steak + Sushi is a modern steakhouse that locally sourced beef, seafood and sushi.
The Prime Ribeye with Chimichurri is a standout, its flavor beautifully enhanced by the chimichurri sauce. Similarly, the Prime Filet paired with Mushroom Gravy offers is plain earthy mushroom goodness.
For sushi enthusiasts, the Sunset Roll boasts spicy crab meat and flame-torched salmon, while the Surf & Turf provides a more substantial option.
What to order: Prime Ribeye with Chimichurri, Prime Filet with Mushroom Gravy, Sunset Roll, Surf & Turf Roll
Address: 151 E Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601
6. Chicago Brewhouse Riverwalk
Chicago Brewhouse Riverwalk is a waterfront spot highlighting local brews, cocktails, and more. With a lively and spacious waterfront patio, it’s the perfect hangout!
Dive into the menu and don’t miss the Chinatown Crab Wonton—crispy fried wontons filled with creamy crab and cream cheese. Pair it with the Dovetail Hefeweizen and thank me later.
For a hearty option, try the Back of the Yards Meat Lover Sandwich. Don’t forget to wrap everything up with the smooth Old Irving Oktoberfest!
What to order: Chinatown Crab Wonton, Dovetail Hefeweizen, Back of the Yards Meat Lover Sandwich, Old Irving Oktoberfest
Address: 33 E Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601
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7. Porter Kitchen & Deck
In a 54-story riverside skyscraper, Porter Kitchen & Deck offers modern American cuisine for lunch and dinner, alongside classic cocktails, wines, and craft beers.
Enjoy the meaty Lobster Roll with tangy sauce, or devour their famous Steak Frites, juicy and herb-infused.
Want something garlicky? Their Crispy Brick Chicken got your back. Sip away with a bold Pomegranate Margarita for a grand finale!
What to order: Lobster Roll, Crispy Brick Chicken, Steak Frites, Pomegranate Margarita
Address: 150 N Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL 60606
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8. Pizzeria Portofino
Pizzeria Portofino provides riverfront dining with hand-stretched pizza, pasta, and seafood on a spacious terrace.
Try the Charred Pepperoni Pizza for a smoky twist on a classic favorite, or treat yourself to the umami richness of the Black Truffle & Three Cheese pizza. These gems alone are worth repeat visits!
Don’t overlook the specialty cocktails, like the River North With A View, featuring raspberry aromas that will blow your mind away.
What to order: Charred Pepperoni, Black Truffle & Three Cheese, River North With A View
Address: 317 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654
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9. Beatnik on the River
Beatnik on the River in West Town proudly serves global-inspired cuisine from South America, Mexico, North Africa, and the Mediterranean. With its stunning riverfront view and boho-chic ambiance, you’ll want to stay for a while.
Start with the creamy and smoky Baba Ganoush, then move on to their Lamb Shoulder Feast for a more satisfying meal.
Remember to pair it with their cocktails like the Oaxacan Old Fashioned, or opt for a Tom Khat to round off the evening!
What to order: Baba Ghanoush, Lamb Shoulder Feast, Oaxacan Old Fashioned, Tom Khat
Address: 180 N Upper Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606
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10. River Roast
In the Chicago Mercantile Exchange lobby, River Roast serves up delicious roasted dishes. With a big patio, you can see the river and the city.
They carve up your food at your table, making it fun to watch. Everyone loves the Whole Roast Chicken—it’s crispy and juicy!
They also do Roast Beef with a tasty sauce that suits any palate. Wash it all down with Son Of Juice or Peach Martini.
What to order: Roast Chicken, Roast Beef, Son Of Juice, Peach Martini
Address: 315 N LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60654
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11. The Kitchen American Bistro
Located in the historic Reid Murdoch Building in River North, The Kitchen American Bistro is your next go-to place to enjoy global-inspired brunch, lunch, and dinner with style!
For lunch, get their Crab Fried Rice cooked in Thai style. The Southern fried chicken sandwich nails the texture game. It’s crispy, juicy, and stacked on brioche with sharp dijon and house-cut fries.
The baby lettuces salad keeps things fresh with strawberries, toasted seeds, and a bright Meyer lemon vinaigrette.
What to order: Crab Fried Rice
Address: 316 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654
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On top of these outstanding eateries along Chicago’s Riverwalk, the city’s River North also has some stellar food establishments. Check out our post on the best River North restaurants to learn more.
How We Create Our “Best” Lists
All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.
Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.