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Risotto with outdoor seating

Eating a bowl of risotto while sitting outside allows the meal to stretch into a long, unhurried evening.

Based on 801 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Antico image 1
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Northern Italian restaurant

Northern Italian restaurant offers an upscale yet relaxed atmosphere with a charming year-round back patio featuring herb gardens and a wood-burning fireplace. The space balances a warm, inviting vibe reminiscent of Italy with a lively, sometimes loud dining room. Guests can choose between an elegant indoor setting and a cozy, plant-filled outdoor area that feels tucked away from the city.

Smoked duck stands out as a special risotto option. The risotto dishes are consistently scrumptious and pair well with other entrees like gnocchi and Milanese pork.

A charming back patio offers authentic Italian vibes with herbs growing nearby that add a fresh scent. The covered outdoor space stays cozy and inviting even on rainy days, creating a great atmosphere year-round.

People are saying

"The outdoor space is so quaint and charming."

"The pasta dishes here are fantastic, especially the pappardelle."

"I always hoped the duck risotto would be the special."

Good to know

1

On Tuesdays, Antico offers half-priced wine.

2

The back patio is lively and great for gatherings.

3

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to avoid overbooking.

02
Turquoise Cafe & Restaurant image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers spacious outdoor patio with live jazz music creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The setting suits casual sit-down meals with a vibrant, welcoming vibe. Seating options include a cozy back room and beautiful sidewalk dining.

Seafood and mushroom risottos stand out with rich flavor and generous portions. The mushroom risotto earns particular praise for its taste and quality.

Patio offers lovely outdoor dining with pleasant atmosphere and good service. Sidewalk seating welcomes parties and dogs, making it a great spot for meals outside.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and satisfying."

"Our server Furkan was fantastic and so sweet to the kids."

"I found the risotto to be delicious and creamy."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily with special discounts on drinks and appetizers.

2

Live music is featured every Saturday evening, creating a lively atmosphere.

3

Daily specials are available, offering unique dishes each day of the week.

03
Blue Fire Restaurant image 1

Restaurant offers a cozy European atmosphere with beautiful decor featuring blue windows and dark walls. Live jazz music plays on heated outdoor patios with fire pits, creating a relaxing vibe. Guests enjoy a mix of indoor elegance and charming outdoor seating.

Seafood risotto features a generous amount of seafood with well-cooked salmon. Chicken parmesan and risotto dishes offer rich flavors and come highly recommended.

Outdoor seating features well shaded areas and fire pits that create a cozy, vibey atmosphere. Live music often accompanies the chill dining experience on the patio.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are creative, balanced, and perfectly mixed."

"The service at our outdoor seating was so attentive and warm."

"The mushroom risotto was flavorful and cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3-6 PM with half-price drinks.

2

Live jazz music is featured on Saturdays from 6-9 PM.

3

Karaoke starts after 9 PM, creating a lively atmosphere.

04
Ascione Bistro Skokie image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers modern art deco design with velvet booths, leather chairs, and gold details creating an upscale yet cozy atmosphere. Large bar and lounge with fireplace provide spaces for both casual and special occasions. Outdoor seating and free valet parking add convenience to the elegant dining experience.

Creamy risottos come with rich toppings like lobster tail or accompany dishes such as lamb chops and fish. The mushroom risotto stands out for its flavor and texture.

A tucked-away patio offers a cozy and gorgeous spot for outdoor lunch. The outdoor seating creates a relaxed vibe perfect for enjoying meals outside.

People are saying

"The service here is outstanding and attentive."

"The Italian food, especially the pasta, is delicious and beautifully presented."

"The Italian food here is delicious, especially the meatballs and burrata."

Good to know

1

Happy hour deals are available only at the bar or high tops.

2

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant is likely to get busy.

3

Valet parking is available for guests.

05
the Albert image 1
American restaurant

Space combines vintage scholarly decor with modern touches and thousands of old books. Atmosphere feels vibrant and lively with live music from guitar duos or three-piece bands enhancing the mood. Guests enjoy outdoor seating and a full bar offering standout cocktails like the Smokey Old Fashioned.

Offers delicious risotto with a great twist that stands out. Risotto pairs well with their fantastic pastas, making it a solid choice for a meal.

The patio offers a breezy and comfortable spot even in hot weather. Seating is quick with a cute outdoor area that enhances the dining experience.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here are seriously so good and delicious."

"The risotto here is delicious and flavorful."

"The patio seating was a nice, comfortable touch."

Good to know

1

Wednesdays feature live music, enhancing the dining experience.

2

Unlimited mimosas for two hours at $26 are available during brunch.

3

Happy hour offers three daily bar specials, perfect for budget-friendly drinks.

06
Regalia bar & restaurant image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with dim lighting and warm vibes that suit relaxed evenings and date nights. Spacious indoors feature modern decor with large windows that balance darkness and light. Outdoor seating on a pleasant patio invites casual gatherings with friends.

Risotto funghi stands out as a spectacular and comforting choice. Scallops served with risotto also offer a delectable and satisfying main course option.

The patio offers a calm and inviting setting with pleasant outdoor seating. Guests often sit outside without a reservation and enjoy the space, especially in summer.

People are saying

"You have to try the rotisserie chicken; it's juicy and unforgettable."

"The risotto here is rich, aromatic, and beautifully balanced."

"The outdoor seating here is so pleasant and inviting."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant fills up quickly, even on weekdays.

2

The servings are generous, often enough for two people to share.

3

The menu features a well-curated selection of high-quality Italian dishes.

07
Kayao Restaurant image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Intimate and bustling Peruvian restaurant with soft lighting and artistic decor creates an upscale, cozy vibe. Music plays a key role, featuring a DJ-curated playlist that energizes the space. Signature pisco cocktails and standout dishes like ceviche and lucuma ice cream highlight the authentic experience.

Seafood risotto stands out with its rich flavors and fresh ingredients. It pairs well with dishes like ceviche and sushi, making it a popular choice among the menu's highlights.

Outdoor seating offers a cozy patio with heaters that create a good vibe. The area is intimate but not well sheltered, making it better for milder weather.

People are saying

"The ceviche here has a great balance of tartness and citrus."

"I had a fantastic meal on the patio; the food was delicious."

"You have to try the seafood risotto; it's a highlight."

Good to know

1

Happy hour menu is available before 6:30 PM; ask to sit on the patio or bar.

2

The happy hour offers a great calamari option.

3

Kayao Restaurant has a limited brunch menu available until 4 PM.

08
Seville Chicago image 1
Restaurant

Rooftop restaurant offers stunning city views and a relaxed atmosphere with friendly staff. The space features beautiful ambiance suitable for quiet meals or lively happy hours. Cocktails and small plates complement the setting, creating a charming dining experience.

Paella-style risotto stands out with its fusion of flavors blending traditional risotto and paella elements. The Truffle Sacchetti offers a unique twist, adding a rich, earthy aroma to the dish.

Patio seating offers beautiful city views including the south side of the Sears Tower. Floor-to-ceiling windows enhance the ambiance, making outdoor dining appealing during warm weather.

People are saying

"You'll love the inventive cocktails, many are sweet."

"The patio offers beautiful views and ambiance."

"The paella-style risotto was my favorite dish."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3:30 to 5:30pm on weekdays.

2

Happy hour offers great deals on food and drinks.

3

The restaurant is located on the 16th floor of the Hilton hotel.

09
Oak and Honey image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers a cozy, upscale boho vibe with tasteful decor including a standout zebra print. Space feels deceptively large but tables sit close together, creating a lively, vibrant atmosphere. Bar seating suits solo diners, and a dog-friendly patio adds to the welcoming energy.

Mushroom risotto stands out with its gorgeous presentation and delicious flavor. It often serves as a highlight on the menu.

A dog-friendly patio offers several tables near the front with a nice ambiance. Outdoor seating is part of a large setup including a seasonal patio and many booths inside.

People are saying

"Our server Sharon was incredible and made our brunch experience better."

"The outdoor seating has a pretty nice ambiance."

"The mushroom risotto was gorgeous and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-price appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Wine Wednesday features special deals on select wines.

3

Reservations can be made through Open Table.

10
Vincent image 1
American restaurant

Small space with chic interior and patio adorned with planters creates a cozy, romantic vibe. Live entertainment features top-notch musicians and comedians, making the atmosphere lively but sometimes loud. Craft cocktails and select dishes stand out amid a stylish, intimate setting.

Squash risotto stands out with its rich flavor and smooth texture. Other risotto dishes are generally solid, though some versions can be oversalted.

Outdoor seating includes a patio that suits warm days and evenings. Staff assist in finding a space outside, enhancing the dining experience.

People are saying

"Kenny makes the most delectable cocktails."

"The food and drinks at the outdoor seating were delicious."

"I had the squash risotto; it might be the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available seven days a week with special cocktail deals.

2

Live music occurs on Tuesdays featuring an electric baby grand.

3

There is no cover charge for live music events.

11
Aliano's Ristorante image 1

Open building with outdoor patio and live jazz music creates a lively, inviting atmosphere. Crowded tables and twinkle lights add to the intimate, authentic Italian dining vibe. Seasonal cocktails and creative drinks complement the energetic setting.

Chef's special risotto offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The risotto d'giorno changes regularly and comes highly recommended by servers.

Outdoor seating offers an authentically Italian al fresco dining vibe with a warm and inviting patio. Twinkle lights and views of an herb garden add charm, while live jazz on Saturday evenings enhances the atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

"The food here is always delicious and beautifully plated."

"I thought the risotto was the best in the area."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for indoor seating, especially on weekends.

2

Most menu items accommodate gluten allergies, making it a good choice for those with dietary restrictions.

3

Expect reasonable prices for the quality of food offered.

12
VIA ROMA image 1
Italian restaurant

Small Italian restaurant offers a cozy, family-style atmosphere with loud, lively energy inside and a charming patio with umbrellas outside. Regulars frequent the space, creating a welcoming vibe, while the BYOB policy adds a relaxed, personal touch to dining.

Lemon risotto stands out with its excellent flavor and appears on the specials menu. The shrimp risotto lacks flavor compared to the lemon option.

Outdoor seating offers a small, charming patio with umbrellas on the tables. The area feels comfortable and quaint, often preferred over indoor dining.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and the portions large."

"I thought the Lemon Risotto was amazing."

"The outdoor seating is a charming area with umbrellas."

Good to know

1

VIA ROMA allows customers to bring their own beverages without a corkage fee.

2

VIA ROMA does not accept reservations.

3

Expect long wait times on weekends due to high demand.

13
Main Street Social image 1

Exposed brick walls and an outdoor patio create a chic, stylish setting with communal tables and a bustling bar area that encourage interaction. The atmosphere is cozy yet upscale, lively and loud enough to challenge conversation. Live music adds to the energetic vibe, making it suitable for dates or catching up with friends.

Lobster risotto stands out with rich flavor. The U10 scallops and mushroom risotto offers a satisfying mix of textures and taste.

Outdoor seating offers a quaint and inviting patio that suits brunch gatherings and relaxed meals. Dogs are welcome, making it a pet-friendly spot for enjoying warmer days.

People are saying

"The food at this dinner spot is outstanding and delicious."

"The food here is delicious, especially on the Outdoor Seating."

"I crushed the U10 Scallops and Mushroom Risotto."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger parties to ensure seating.

2

Main Street Social hosts wine tastings and jazz brunches regularly.

3

Parking can be challenging in downtown; arrive early to find a spot.

14
Nella Pizza e Pasta image 1
Italian restaurant

Small, quaint Italian restaurant with authentic Neapolitan pizza and vintage decor creates a cozy, lively atmosphere. Outdoor patio offers a fun dining experience, while indoor space can be noisy and intimate. Informal pizza-making classes add a unique, interactive touch.

Rich and creamy risottos stand out here, especially the lobster risotto cooked in a cognac sauce with perfectly cooked lobster. The Contadina risotto combines mushrooms, sausage, and walnuts for a flavorful, crunchy texture.

Outdoor seating features a spacious patio that offers a lively dining experience on summer evenings. Tables accommodate guests and pets, making it a go-to spot for relaxed outdoor meals.

People are saying

"The Italian food here, especially the pizza and pasta, is amazing."

"The outdoor seating offers a great atmosphere for delicious pizza."

"The lobster risotto is rich, creamy, and Michelin-worthy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for weekends unless arriving before 5 pm.

2

Expect to wait for a table if arriving after 5 pm on weekends.

3

Dinner prices apply to some lunch dishes, which can be $8 higher.

15
Ottimo image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant combines cozy bar, outdoor seating, and a packed dining room with a city vibe in a suburban setting. Atmosphere ranges from loud and lively inside to clean and relaxing outside. Decor features pig-themed accents that contrast with traditional Italian style.

Shrimp risotto stands out with its rich flavor. Rotating risotto dishes offer a variety of fresh ingredients and unique combinations.

Clean and relaxing outdoor seating includes a garden and a patio. Meals here, whether lunch or dinner, take place in a pleasant atmosphere.

People are saying

"The pasta dishes at these dinner spots are creative and delicious."

"The service here is attentive, friendly, and professional."

"I enjoyed the vibe on the patio; it was sexy, calming, and classy."

Good to know

1

Tuesday is half-price wine night, making it a great time to visit.

2

Lasagna and martini night happens every Thursday at Ottimo.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially on busy nights like Tuesday and Thursday.

16
Pasta Veneta Italian Restaurant image 1

Italian restaurant offers quiet atmosphere with a warm and inviting ambiance suited for date nights. Spacious outdoor patio features colorful flowers and dog-friendly amenities. Handmade pasta stands out as a distinctive culinary highlight.

Lobster risotto stands out as a special dish here. Serving risotto in a cheese wheel adds a rich, creamy touch to the flavor.

A large outdoor patio and rooftop seating offer plenty of space for dining outside. The patio is extremely dog friendly, with water bowls and small plates of mashed potatoes for dogs.

People are saying

"The homemade pasta here is outstanding, especially the truffle and caviar."

"The homemade pasta here is delicious and rivals that of Monteverde."

"I learned they prepare the risotto in a cheese wheel."

Good to know

1

There is a 3% surcharge for credit card payments.

2

They charge $4 for bottled water and $3 for bread service.

3

Pasta Veneta offers a special weekly menu with unique dishes.

17
IL Mio Italian Restaurant image 1
Italian restaurant

Small space with buzzing energy and live music creates an upbeat, lively atmosphere. Seating is comfortable but tables are close, adding to a cozy yet sometimes tense vibe. Decor is tasteful with unique touches like a Vespa hanging from the ceiling.

Sauce flavors stand out with excellent depth. Risotto texture is more chalky than chewy and does not use Arborio rice.

Large outdoor dining area offers plenty of space to sit. The patio provides a buzzing energy and a trendy vibe in a charming downtown setting.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is delicious, especially the pasta."

"I loved the large outdoor seating area and buzzing energy."

"The risotto's sauce flavors were excellent, though the texture was chalky."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's popularity, especially on weekends.

2

The restaurant can get crowded during peak hours, so plan accordingly.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere with many families and children present.

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