The Chicago Riverwalk, a 1.25-mile stretch beloved by locals and tourists, isn’t just for boat tours and kayaking; it’s a haven for food lovers too.
With a variety of restaurants and cafés, you’ll find everything from Italian to Japanese cuisine, perfect for any meal.
For a quick recommendation, try the upscale seafood at RPM Seafood or the hand-stretched pizzas at Gibsons Italia.
Let’s discover the best culinary gems along this picturesque waterfront path!
1. Gibsons Italia
Gibsons Italia offers stunning riverfront views and Italian delicacies across three levels. The highlight is the 22oz Chicago Cut, a perfectly charred and tender steak. Don’t miss the Spicy Rigatoni, with its rich tomato vodka sauce and Parmigiano Reggiano, and the Banana Gelato for dessert, offering a sweet banana flavor in a creamy 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 is a luxurious seafood destination. Signature dishes include the Seafood Tower with chilled delicacies like prawns and lobster, and the Miso Black Cod with a sweet soy glaze. End your meal with their Banana Cream Napoleon, a delightful mix of 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, an old-school fried seafood spot on the Chicago riverbank, operates 24/7. Famous for its Large Fried Shrimp, perfectly crispy and crunchy, it’s a local favorite.
For the adventurous, their Frog Legs are a must-try, tender and tasty, especially when dipped in their renowned Hot Sauce. Also, their Shrimp Coconut, with its aromatic coconut crust and succulent shrimp, is not to be missed.
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 fine-dining steakhouse, offers an impressive selection of steaks. Enjoy river views from their patio or the rich ambiance inside. Begin with Angry Shrimp over creamy mashed potatoes, then savor their Gorgonzola Crusted Filet or the Wagyu NY Strip, rich in flavors with coffee and cocoa hints. Conclude your meal with their French Onion and Oxtail soup, a delightful mix of onion soup and tender oxtail.
What to order: Angry Shrimp, Gorgonzola Crusted Filet, French Onion and Oxtail soup
Address: 318 N State Street, Chicago, IL 60654
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5. Stetsons Modern Steak + Sushi
Stetsons Modern Steak + Sushi, known for its locally sourced beef and sushi, offers a variety of dishes. The Prime Ribeye with Chimichurri is a crowd favorite, rich and meaty, enhanced by the light chimichurri sauce. The Prime Filet pairs well with Mushroom Gravy. For sushi lovers, try the Sunset Roll or the Surf & Turf for a unique blend of flavors.
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 vibrant waterfront restaurant and bar featuring locally-made beer and signature cocktails. The Chinatown Crab Wonton is a highlight, with a creamy crab and cream cheese filling. Pair it with Dovetail Hefeweizen for a refreshing taste.
The Back of the Yards Meat Lover Sandwich, loaded with roasted beef and beer bacon, is a flavor-packed choice. Finish with an Old Irving Oktoberfest, smooth and caramel-like.
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
Located in a riverside skyscraper, Porter Kitchen & Deck offers modern American cuisine with a range of drinks. The Lobster Roll, meaty and paired with a tangy sauce, is a great start. The Steak Frites is famous for its juicy, herb-infused tenderness. Another highlight is the Crispy Black Chicken, covered in mellow garlic sauce. Complement your meal with a bold, slightly sweet Pomegranate Margarita.
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, located on the riverfront, offers hand-stretched pizza and more on a spacious outdoor terrace with stunning views. Their Charred Pepperoni Pizza stands out with a smoky flavor and crispy crust. Another highlight is the Black Truffle & Three Cheese pizza, a savory delight with umami-rich truffle and melty cheese.
Don’t miss their specialty cocktails like the raspberry-infused River North With A View and the creamy Pistachio Gelato.
What to order: Charred Pepperoni, Pistachio Gelato, 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 is a global-inspired dining destination with a boho-chic atmosphere and riverfront view. Start with their smoky Baba Ganoush.
The Lebanese Lamb Feast, aromatic with cinnamon, cumin, and thyme, is a must-try, served with pita, hummus, tzatziki, and pickled veggies. Complement your meal with colorful cocktails like Cantarito or Saturn, and the Mango Port Light for a nightcap.
What to order: Baba Ghanoush, Lebanese Lamb Feast, Cantarito, Saturn, Mango Port Light
Address: 180 N Upper Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606
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10. River Roast
River Roast, in the Chicago Mercantile Exchange building, offers contemporary American fare with a scenic riverfront view. Their Whole Roast Chicken, crispy and juicy, is a crowd favorite.
For a meatier option, try the Roast Beef with a flavorful red wine bordelaise sauce. Pair your roast with a glass of Son Of Juice, rich in tropical fruit notes, or the spicy and nutty Honker’s Ale.
What to order: Roast Chicken, Roast Beef, Son Of Juice, Honker’s Ale
Address: 315 N LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60654
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11. Catch 35
Catch 35, a premier seafood restaurant near Chicago’s Riverwalk, is known for its fresh seafood in a cozy ambiance. The Spicy Spanish Octopus, with caramelized chili sauce, is a standout dish.
Another favorite is the Catch’s Seafood Pasta, richly flavored with scallops, shrimp, and mussels. For dessert, indulge in the Caramel Toffee Cheesecake, a creamy caramel delight on a toffee crust, topped with chocolate and crunchy toffee.
What to order: Spicy Spanish Octopus, Catch’s Seafood Pasta, Caramel Toffee Cheesecake
Address: 35 W Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601
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12. The Kitchen American Bistro
The Kitchen American Bistro in River North offers global-inspired dishes in the historic Reid Murdoch Building. For lunch, try the Crab Fried Rice, a Thai-style dish with jasmine rice, garlic, chiles, and crab meat. Dinner highlights include the Picanha Steak, rich and buttery, and the Gem Lettuce salad for a fresh contrast. For drinks, Vanilla Warfare offers sweet, aromatic flavors, while Pom Royale is perfect for a longer stay.
What to order: Gem Lettuce, Crab Fried Rice, Vanilla Warfare, Pom Royale
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.