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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in River North

Bread spots

Nothing beats the smell and taste of fresh bread to anchor a meal.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Levain Bakery image 1
Levain Bakery image 2
Levain Bakery image 3
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Bright, cozy bakery offers exceptional cookies and a warm vibe. Fresh breads shine, especially the buttery baguette and sweet banana bread. Limited indoor seating and a small patio make it perfect for a quick, delicious treat.

Fresh baked breads and rolls stand out, especially the baguette with butter and jam. Sweet breads like banana bread and coffee cakes also impress with their quality and flavor.

People are saying

"I thought these cookies were the best I had ever tried."

"The baguette with jam and butter was amazing."

"I found the bread and pastries here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Levain Bakery opened in the River North area in September 2023, between Kinzie and Hubbard Streets.

2

The cookie costs over $5 each, so plan your budget accordingly.

3

Levain Bakery only offers one vegan flavor for those with dietary restrictions.

02
Sophia Steak Chicago image 1

Upscale steakhouse shines with perfectly cooked steaks and a welcoming outdoor patio filled with plants and shade. Bread service offers varied selections that pair well with meals, while the Sticky Toffee Bread Pudding stands out as a rich dessert. Stylish decor and cocktails complete the warm, inviting vibe.

Bread service includes varied selections that complement the meal well. Sticky Toffee Bread Pudding offers a sizable dessert option featuring bread.

People are saying

"The steak here is melt-in-your-mouth tender and perfectly seasoned."

"They made my birthday celebration unforgettable with a special dessert."

"I loved the bread service with the steakhouse dinner rolls."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM, including weekends.

2

Reservations are recommended for special occasions like birthdays.

3

Half off bottles of wine are available on Monday nights.

03
Coco Pazzo Restaurant & Bar image 1
Italian restaurant

Open wood-fired grill and rustic decor create an elegant, cozy atmosphere with candlelit tables and homemade breads that arrive as a sweet surprise. Views of the city through lovely windows add to the upscale, professional feel, making it perfect for polite, discreet conversation.

Complimentary breads arrive as a sweet surprise alongside meals. Homemade crackers and breads show superb quality, with some crunchy varieties like pane carasau enhancing dishes.

People are saying

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

"The squid ink pasta here is perfectly cooked with incredible flavor."

"The complimentary bread was a sweet surprise."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during busy times, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm daily.

3

The average meal cost is around $150 for two, including drinks.

04
Yasemi, A Modern Mediterranean Restaurant image 1

Spacious restaurant offers a casual but chic vibe with airy layout and loud music. Freshly baked pita bread shines with soft texture and homemade feel. Dim lighting means you need a personal light to read menus.

Freshly baked pita bread stands out with its soft texture and homemade quality. It pairs well with dishes like hummus and charred eggplant spread, enhancing their flavors.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is fresh and delicious, especially the hummus."

"The chicken and beef kebabs are perfectly grilled and full of flavor."

"I will dream of the freshly made pita bread for days."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 4-6pm with unique cocktails at reasonable prices.

2

Enjoy $2 oysters during happy hour, a great deal for seafood lovers.

3

The restaurant adds a 4% surcharge to all bills, so plan accordingly.

05
Nic + Junior's image 1
Restaurant

Bright, stylish space offers front-row kitchen views and classy seating. Cocktails shine with creative Negroni and martinis. Homemade bread impresses, especially sourdough and baked cheese bread.

Homemade bread stands out with sourdough and baked cheese bread as highlights. Bread quality is consistently top class and pairs well with sauces.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the tuna crudo."

"The homemade pasta here is amazing and cooked to perfection."

"I thought the sourdough bread was incredible."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long waits.

3

The restaurant features a unique fusion of Brazilian and Italian cuisines.

06
TARY image 1
Cafe

Cozy cafรฉ offers authentic Kazakh decor and a calm vibe perfect for work or socializing with strong WiFi. Enjoy warm bread bowls filled with tender beef and soft cinnamon rolls topped with cream cheese for a unique taste of Central Asia.

Warm bread bowls hold tender beef or beef with onions, creating a hearty base. Soft, pillowy bread carries cinnamon rolls topped with cream cheese, while traditional bread comes with chicken noodle soup alongside fragrant olive oil and roasted garlic.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was super good."

"You have to try the unique Kazakh food here; it's so authentic."

"You have to try the kuurdak served in a bread bowl."

Good to know

1

Parking is reserved for commercial vehicles only, leading to potential tickets.

2

TARY serves unique Central Asian pastries and drinks not found elsewhere.

3

The cafe gets packed, making tables hard to get at times.

07
Bongiorno's Cucina Italiana & Pizzeria image 1

Cozy, family-owned spot shines with fresh Italian breads and authentic pizza and pasta. Small, lively space buzzes with energy, while the outdoor patio offers a calm escape. Cheesy garlic bread is a must-try for bread lovers.

Fresh Italian breads imported directly from Italy form the base for sandwiches. Cheesy garlic bread stands out with its buttery, garlicky flavor, perfect for dipping in house marinara.

People are saying

"The pizza here is amazing; the staff makes you feel so welcome."

"The Italian food here is served by the friendliest, most attentive staff."

"This bruschetta bread is so good, it's your last meal."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located behind the Trump Tower in downtown Chicago.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Reservations are recommended during busy dinner hours.

08
Tortoise Supper Club image 1
American restaurant

Elegant supper club offers live jazz music in a cozy, lively setting with dark wood and colorful wallpaper. Bread shines with Gorgonzola garlic and blue cheese butter spreads. Private room with bar adds intimate vibes amid the bustling crowd.

Table bread comes with cheese and butter that stands out. The Gorgonzola garlic bread and bread with blue cheese butter spread are highlights alongside other dishes.

People are saying

"The food at these dinner spots was spectacular and delicious."

"I enjoyed the amazing jazz music during my visit."

"You have to try the bread with blue cheese butter."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for private events and should be made well in advance.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Valet parking costs $16 for three hours, making it convenient for guests.

09
Ema image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean spot shines with perfectly spiced pita bread and a gluten-free menu that suits many diets. Warm, modern space features two bars and a rooftop patio for relaxed dining. Lively yet calm vibe makes it great for enjoying regional wines and small plates.

Pita bread stands out with its perfect spice and fresh texture. It pairs well with hummus and complements the small plates and regional wines.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, truly incredible."

"The chicken kebab here is prepared and presented perfectly."

"The pita bread here is soft, warm, and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

Ema offers an extensive gluten-free menu with many options.

2

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant tends to fill up quickly.

3

Happy hour features generous portions but a limited list of spreads.

10
Lizzano Focacceria & Spritzeria image 1

Italian spot shines with traditional focaccia bread that is soft and fresh, making sandwiches like the Lizzano a must-try. Bright decor with Aperol and Campari bottles and lively music create an authentic atmosphere. Outdoor patio adds a welcoming vibe perfect for casual dining.

Focaccia bread stands out with its soft texture and fresh flavor, perfectly complementing sandwiches like the Lizzano with prosciutto and mozzarella. The bread consistently enhances the overall taste, making sandwiches like the Florentino especially satisfying.

People are saying

"I found the sandwiches to be delicious and amazing."

"I found the food here to be amazing and full of Italian flavors."

"The bread here is so fresh, it's crispy outside and soft inside."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available from Wednesday to Friday between 4pm and 6pm.

2

During happy hour, spirits and wine are $9, and Italian boards are 50% off.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian options on the menu.

11
Chicago Chop House image 1

Restored brownstone offers a traditional steakhouse vibe with live piano music enhancing the old-fashioned charm. Guests enjoy soft, hot bread that complements rich dishes like tomahawk steak. Comfortable seating adds to the refined dining experience.

Complimentary bread arrives soft, hot, and super fresh. It pairs well with dishes like burrata and tomahawk steak, adding a warm, delicious touch to the meal.

People are saying

"I found the steak to be tender and flavorful."

"The service at these dinner spots is phenomenal and attentive."

"The bread here is so soft, hot, and fresh."

Good to know

1

During the 40th anniversary, all food ordered was 40% off.

2

Valentineโ€™s Day celebrations offer special menu items.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially during holidays.

12
UMMO image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant blends modern jazz design with a lively atmosphere that shifts from intimate dining to late-night fun. Warm bread with truffle butter and toppings like burrata and caviar delights the palate. Upstairs loft offers live music and a pool table for extra entertainment.

Warm bread comes with truffle butter that is rich and aromatic. House bread includes focaccia and sourdough, served with toppings like mortadella and ricotta or burrata with avocado and caviar.

People are saying

"You honestly canโ€™t go wrong with the outrageously good pasta here."

"The Italian food here is so flavorful and delicious."

"The bread with truffle butter is addictive and aromatic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups, to ensure seating.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

The loft space converts into a club after 10pm with a DJ and dancing.

13
LIA Tavern image 1
Restaurant

Space blends modern art and dining with a gallery-like vibe and Jackson Pollock-inspired decor. Guests enjoy fluffy pillows bread puffs and fried garlic milk bread, while music supports relaxed, stylish conversation.

Japanese-style Fluffy Pillows offer savory bread puffs with a soft texture. The garlic milk bread appears in both fried and regular forms, with the fried version praised and the regular sometimes overly seasoned.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are creative and visually impressive."

"The art throughout the space made it feel like a cool gallery dinner party."

"You have to try the fried garlic milk bread; it's life-changing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 5-6:30pm with $10 cocktails.

2

The restaurant recently transitioned to a new pizza and tavern menu on 9/23.

3

There is a 3.5% surcharge on all bills.

14
Schneider Deli River North image 1

Small deli space offers a cozy, homey vibe with friendly energy and a soda shoppe feel. Sandwiches shine with fresh rye bread and thick, tender cuts, plus gluten-free options. Intimate setting with few, full tables adds to the authentic experience.

Fresh, flavorful rye bread stands out with a perfect ratio to meat and sauce in sandwiches. Gluten-free bread options are available alongside thick, tender cuts that complement the bread well.

People are saying

"These bagels are soft, super fresh, and perfect."

"The breakfast sandwich here is delicious, especially on fresh bagels."

"The rye bread was toasted perfectly and buttery."

Good to know

1

Takeout is recommended due to limited seating inside.

2

Online ordering is advised for weekend breakfast to avoid long lines.

3

Expect a line during busy hours, especially on weekends.

15
Sinya Mediterranean image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean spot boasts an airy, spacious interior with soft lighting for a calm vibe. Soft breads like warm pita come with great dips such as hummus, while shawarma wraps feature crispy bread holding savory fillings. Plenty of seating and outlets make it perfect for relaxed dining or work.

Soft breads come with warm pita and pair well with great dips like hummus. Shawarma wraps use crispy bread that holds beef and chicken fillings.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is fresh, flavorful, and authentically delicious."

"The hummus here is perfectly smooth and memorable."

"The Mediterranean food here is utterly delicious."

Good to know

1

Knafeh is only available at the River North location from 4 PM to 10 PM.

2

The place is legit zabiha halal.

3

They give free hummus and salad with each order.

16
Pizzeria Ora Chicago image 1
Pizza restaurant

Enjoy authentic deep dish and homemade garlic bread in a relaxed, suburban-style setting. The place features a beautiful bar and multiple TVs for game watching. Large tables and a private party area make it great for groups.

Offers authentic pizza and homemade garlic bread with a calm, relaxed vibe. Garlic bread tastes good and pairs well with pizza, all at an unbeatable price for the area.

People are saying

"I found the deep dish pizza to be delicious and fire."

"It's a great late night spot when other places have closed."

"This deep dish pizza bread is the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Breakfast service ends at 11:30am.

2

Expect a 45-minute wait for pizza preparation.

3

The restaurant is located inside a Best Western hotel.

17
Mastro's Steakhouse image 1
Fine dining restaurant

Elegant dining space features dim, cozy lighting and live music performances that create a romantic, upscale atmosphere. The lounge offers an upbeat vibe with talented singers and pianists providing background entertainment. Seating is close together, enhancing a lively, intimate feel.

People are saying

"The steak here is amazing, with attentive and friendly staff."

"The live music here is pretty cool and adds to the atmosphere."

"The bread basket was warm, varied, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted appetizers.

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

3

Valet parking is available and recommended for convenience.

18
Hawksmoor Chicago image 1

Steakhouse shines with coal-cooked steaks and a stylish dining room that feels both warm and sophisticated. Cocktails are expertly crafted, matching the upmarket yet relaxed vibe. Fresh sourdough bread adds a standout touch to the meal.

Fresh sourdough bread stands out with a quality that exceeds typical expectations. Yorkshire bread also appears on the menu, complementing other dishes well.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and cooked to perfection."

"The dinner service here is efficient and genuinely hilarious."

"The sourdough bread here is very fresh and good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5pm-6pm with great deals on steak, burgers, and oysters.

2

Reservations are recommended for the Sunday roast, which is only available on Sundays.

3

The restaurant offers gluten-free options and is knowledgeable about dietary restrictions.

19
Cafe L'Appetito image 1
Italian restaurant

Small space with a true deli vibe and a dog-friendly patio offers a calm, family-friendly spot. Fresh bread with perfect texture shines in sandwiches like grilled ham and Swiss on Panini bread. Affordable menu focuses on Italian sandwiches and coffee for quick, casual meals.

Fresh bread stands out with its perfect texture and pairs well with sliced meats. The grilled ham and Swiss on Panini bread highlights the bread's quality in sandwiches.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be excellent."

"I got the diavolo sandwich; it was amazing."

"I considered the diavolo sandwich bread the best in town."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines during lunch hours; arrive early for full service.

2

The cafe closes at 6:20 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

Affordable meals are available, typically around $10.

20
The Alston image 1
Steak house

Dining room shows spacious elegance with unique design and tableside duck press. Fresh bread arrives with a welcome cocktail, making a thoughtful start. Bar offers impressive cocktails and expert wine pairings for a lively, upscale crowd.

Fresh bread arrives with a welcome cocktail as a thoughtful start. Presentation is beautiful, and the bread tastes delicious and fresh.

People are saying

"The steak here is outstanding, and the service makes you feel well taken care of."

"The Fine Dining here is spectacular, especially the Wagyu filet."

"The complimentary bread and welcome cocktail are thoughtful touches."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to secure a table, especially during peak hours.

2

A 3% service charge is added to all credit card transactions.

3

Happy hour features a curated menu of food and drinks.

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River North, Chicago

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