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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in River North

Salad and bread spots

You want a meal that pairs a crisp salad with the simple, grounding comfort of fresh bread.

Based on 739 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Coco Pazzo Restaurant & Bar image 1
Coco Pazzo Restaurant & Bar image 2
Coco Pazzo Restaurant & Bar image 3
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Italian restaurant

Open wood-fired grill and rustic decor create an elegant, cozy atmosphere with candlelit tables and heavy velvet curtains that reduce noise and separate diners. The space fills quickly, fostering a lively yet comfortable vibe suited for polite, discreet conversation without loud music. Views of the city through lovely windows add to the upscale, professional feel.

Salads include a table side Caesar with fresh preparation and an Arbabietole starter. Vegetable salads come with meals and complement dishes like pasta and bread.

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 complimentary bread was a sweet surprise."

"I loved the Caesar salad, especially the tableside preparation."

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.

02
Yasemi, A Modern Mediterranean Restaurant image 1

Spacious restaurant with modern, elegant decor and airy layout that avoids crowding. Atmosphere feels casual but chic, with loud music creating an energetic vibe. Tables require personal light to read menus due to dim lighting.

Salads here shine with heirloom tomato and beet burrata options that are fresh and flavorful. The tomato salad stands out for its vibrant freshness and pairs well with dishes like beef kofta.

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 heirloom tomato salad is so fresh and flavorful."

"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.

03
Nic + Junior's image 1
Restaurant

Bright, stylish space offers front-row kitchen views and classy indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere shifts from relaxed up front to more refined in the back dining room, creating a welcoming vibe for drinks or meals. Cocktails stand out with creative, well-crafted options like Negroni and martinis.

Salads feature Italian chicories and a Caesar salad that stands out as a hidden gem. Burrata tops a brilliant salad, and tuna crudo comes over citrusy Japanese leaves for unique flavors.

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 Caesar salad was the best I ever had."

"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.

04
LIA Tavern image 1
Restaurant

Space blends modern art and dining with Jackson Pollock-inspired decor and a gallery-like atmosphere. Music plays at a perfect volume to support conversation, creating a relaxed yet stylish vibe. Guests enjoy a cozy setting with tasteful rustic details that balance the artistic design.

Bright, balanced flavors and layered textures define the chopped salad, which feels light yet indulgent. The Brussel sprout salad and Beets & Beets salad offer distinct, fresh options that stand out.

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."

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

"I'd go back just for that chopped salad again."

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.

05
Bongiorno's Cucina Italiana & Pizzeria image 1

Cozy, family-owned Italian restaurant with small, crowded space and loud atmosphere. Outdoor patio offers a pleasant seating option. Known for authentic Italian pizza and pasta with a lively, energetic vibe.

Salads here stand out with the Burrata salad that rivals versions from Rome and the Cesare salad that pairs well with pizza. They offer affordable prices compared to downtown spots.

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."

"I found the salads here to be scrumptious and affordable."

"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.

06
Sophia Steak Chicago image 1

Upscale steakhouse offers intimate indoor seating and a welcoming outdoor patio with plants and shade. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting with stylish decor including Deco lamps and a flowered canopy. Cocktails and wine pairings complement perfectly cooked steaks in a comfortable setting.

Wedge salad features beets and burrata with a standout dressing. Super green salad offers a generous portion and pairs well with salmon.

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.

07
UMMO image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers a modern jazz inspired design with upstairs loft featuring live music and pool table. Atmosphere shifts from quiet and intimate dining to a lively late-night hangout with DJs and bands. Decor includes quirky records and stylish interiors creating a warm, upbeat vibe.

Caesar salad stands out with its rich flavor and fresh ingredients. Other salads like the caprese and braised mixed barley offer variety and unique textures.

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 Caesar salad here is surprisingly good and non-traditional."

"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.

08
Tortoise Supper Club image 1
American restaurant

Elegant supper club blends live jazz music with a cozy, lively atmosphere featuring dark wood and colorful jazz-inspired wallpaper. Dining spaces include a private room with a bar, creating intimate vibes amid a bustling crowd. The setting combines elements of a jazz club and restaurant for a unique experience.

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."

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

"The ambiance is dark and moody, creating a great atmosphere."

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
Chicago Chop House image 1

Restored brownstone with early 1900s decor and photos of local celebrities creates a traditional steakhouse atmosphere. Live piano music plays softly, adding to the luxurious and old-fashioned vibe. Comfortable seating and personalized touches enhance a refined dining experience.

Wedge salad comes with a house-made blue cheese that stands out. Caesar salad is available and sometimes comped. Salads pair well with steaks and cocktails here.

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."

"I thought the porterhouse steak was exceptionally good."

"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.

10
Pizzeria Ora Chicago image 1
Pizza restaurant

Pizza restaurant offers authentic deep dish and thin crust pizzas with a relaxed, low key atmosphere that feels more suburban than urban. Decor is dated but clean, featuring a beautiful bar and multiple TVs showing games. Space includes a private party area and large tables suited for group events.

Salads come fresh and simple, with options like the Caesar Salad with grilled chicken standing out. Dinner salads serve well for two, and upgrading from the house salad to Caesar adds a solid boost.

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."

"I loved the fresh and delicious Caesar Salad."

"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.

11
Sinya Mediterranean image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers an airy, spacious interior with tasteful decor and soft lighting that creates a calm, casual vibe. Plenty of seating and outlets support relaxed dining or working. The atmosphere balances upscale design with a welcoming, comfortable feel.

Salads come with free hummus and are fresh and generous in portion. The chicken shawarma salad and side salads with entrees offer great quality and value under 25 dollars.

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 Mediterranean food here is utterly delicious."

"I ordered the chicken shawarma salad; the portion and quality were superb."

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.

12
Ema image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers warm, modern interior with two bar areas and outdoor seating including a patio and rooftop. Atmosphere stays lively but not noisy, creating an inviting and relaxed vibe. Extensive gluten-free menu and accommodating options stand out for dietary needs.

Fresh salads stand out with options like Greek salad, watermelon and cucumber salad, and beet salad. Almond and garlic spread, hummus, and faro salad add variety to the vibrant menu.

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

"The cucumber watermelon feta salad is so refreshing."

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.

13
Hawksmoor Chicago image 1

Steakhouse offers a stylish and warm dining room with quiet sophistication and a relaxed but upmarket atmosphere. Cocktails are expertly crafted, complementing the coal-cooked steaks that define the menu. Private rooms and a dynamic space support both intimate and business gatherings.

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 bib lettuce salad was lightly dressed and a nice counter balance."

"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.

14
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.

Caesar salad stands out with its classic flavor and fresh ingredients. The mambo salad also offers a unique twist alongside other solid dishes.

People are saying

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

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

"I had the best Caesar salad in the city."

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.

15
Cafe L'Appetito image 1
Italian restaurant

Small space with a true deli vibe and a dog-friendly outdoor patio offers a calm, family-friendly atmosphere. The place feels like a grocery store food court with an affordable menu focused on Italian sandwiches and coffee. It suits quick bites and casual meals rather than cozy dining.

Salads here come with delicious deli options like tortellini and vegetarian varieties. Pricing can vary, with some salads charged at $11.99 per pound instead of the advertised rate.

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 found their salads pretty delicious."

"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.

16
The Alston image 1
Steak house

Dining room offers spacious elegance with a unique interior design and tableside presentations like duck press. Atmosphere blends pre-Covid hospitality with a lively, upscale crowd. Bar serves impressive cocktails alongside expert wine pairings.

Salads stand out with a light and refreshing Caesar and the Alston House Salad featuring big Hearts of Palm. They often compete with steaks for attention.

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 house salad was fantastic and unlike any Caesar I've had."

"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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