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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of River North

Fish date spots

Sharing a meal of fish with someone special turns a standard evening into a deliberate occasion.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Omakase by Kanemaru image 1
Omakase by Kanemaru image 2
Omakase by Kanemaru image 3
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Japanese restaurant

Intimate 8-10 seat counter offers a minimalist, serene setting focused on craftsmanship. Atmosphere stays quiet and cozy, creating a warm, inviting vibe with soft lighting. Skilled chef prepares exceptional sushi with fresh, high-grade fish, complemented by an excellent sake selection.

Celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries happen here with a focus on intimate dining and exceptional experiences. Couples enjoy a great time in a setting that supports meaningful moments.

Fish comes fresh from Japan with exceptional quality and traditional preparation. Chef Kanemura balances classic techniques and high-quality sourcing to highlight the natural flavors.

People are saying

"The Japanese food preparation by the chef was so entertaining and skillful."

"The chef's exquisite fish selection shows amazing attention to detail."

"The sushi here is immaculate, with fish as good as we had in Tokyo."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended and can be made through OpenTable.

2

The 16-course omakase menu is priced at $195 and features fresh, seasonal ingredients.

3

Omakase by Kanemaru has only 8 seats, creating an intimate dining experience.

02
Akiro Hand Roll Bar image 1
Japanese restaurant

Counter seating surrounds chefs who handcraft sushi rolls in full view, creating a lively and social dining experience. The space combines chic decor with an elegant, downtown vibe that complements the fresh, high-quality sushi and thoughtfully paired cocktails.

Spectacular food creates a perfect date night atmosphere. Reservations add ease for celebrations like birthdays or first dates.

Fish here is super fresh and cut perfectly, offering outstanding quality and full flavor. Unique options like the short rib and fish & chips hand rolls add unexpected variety.

People are saying

"The sushi chefs here are amazing and give great recommendations."

"The seafood here is incredibly fresh and flavorful."

"The fish here is super fresh and high quality."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for busy nights like New Year's Eve.

2

The restaurant specializes in Nikkei cuisine, blending Japanese and Peruvian flavors.

3

Expect tight seating arrangements, which may affect dining comfort.

03
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.

Ideal for celebrations and special occasions, the spot offers a setting that suits romantic lunches and anniversary weekends.

Fish dishes come crispy and include options like the fish butterfly. Eating fish requires care due to bones.

People are saying

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

"The food here is original, tasteful, and amazing."

"The fish here is so good and crispy."

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.

04
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.

Quiet and intimate atmosphere suits date nights well. It works for celebrations and casual evenings but is less ideal with small children.

Fish dishes come cooked to perfection with well-prepared sides. The selections stand out alongside other strong options like pasta and meat.

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 fish, especially the branzino, was perfectly grilled and moist."

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.

05
The Tasting Room at Chicago Winery image 1

Wine bar offers high ceilings and modern touches with bright lighting that contrasts typical winery dimness. Atmosphere feels stylish and comfortable, with lively sections and cozy nooks for photos. Wine made on site features rich, vibrant flavors alongside sharing plates and unique cocktails.

Offers a date night special that exceeds expectations. Provides a great date experience suitable for surprises and repeat visits.

Smoked fish features prominently, especially in the smoked fish dip and the smoked fish and cheese charcuterie board. The fish dip serves as a popular starter alongside dishes like soft shell crab and beet salad.

People are saying

"The food here is great, especially the scallops and potato croquettes."

"The food here is delicious, especially the short rib."

"I loved starting my meal with the smoked fish dip."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour is available every Monday to Friday from 5 to 6:30 PM.

2

You can go for brunch, do wine tastings, or tours.

3

The winery offers a choose your own wine tasting experience.

06
Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley - Chicago image 1

Elegant restaurant with stunning windows and Instagram-worthy dรฉcor creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere filled with perfectly curated music. The vibe is lively and friendly, enhanced by attentive service and a beautiful city view. The space balances upscale soul food dining with a fun, electric energy.

Offers a memorable experience with a menu guided by knowledgeable staff. Suitable for special occasions like anniversaries and birthdays despite being a bit pricey.

Fish and grits stand out with well-seasoned, tasty fish filets. The fried egg rolls also pair well with the fish dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and full of flavor."

"The servers here are so knowledgeable and attentive for your date night."

"The fish here is perfectly seasoned and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner service on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs until 7 pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Valet parking is available for guests at the restaurant.

07
Lure Fishbar - Chicago image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant with quiet, elegant atmosphere and beautiful interior design featuring boat decor and funky wall art. Seating is comfortable and the space offers a small patio alongside plenty of indoor tables. The vibe suits a fancy dining experience rather than a casual, lively spot.

Great ambience sets the tone for date nights here. The uni bucatini stands out as a decadent dish that impresses during special celebrations.

Menu offers an extensive selection of white fish, smoked salmon, and crab cakes. Sushi options include a dynamite roll and a chefโ€™s medley of fish, alongside oysters and cooked fish dishes.

People are saying

"The seafood here is fresh, high quality, and delicious."

"The food at these Date Spots is delicious, especially the crispy rice and oysters."

"The fish here is fantastic, with attentive and friendly service."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 4 PM to 6 PM, including weekends.

2

Enjoy half-off wine bottles during happy hour.

3

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

08
VELA image 1
Mexican restaurant

Space channels sophisticated Mexican vibes with warm, vibrant design inspired by Mexico City. Music shifts from chill to loud with a live DJ mixing house, reggaeton, and hip hop, creating a lively atmosphere. Guests enjoy upscale casual energy with comfortable seating and standout cocktails.

Offers a lowkey vibe ideal for intimate dinners and celebrations. Features excellent cocktails and suits both date nights and after-work drinks.

Whole fish stands out with fresh, rich flavor. Black shrimp tacos offer a unique twist on seafood. Appetizers complement the fish well.

People are saying

"The food here has flavor profiles that are above and beyond."

"The cocktails here are phenomenal, with recommendations that are spot-on."

"I thought the fish was one of the best I'd had in a long time."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $10 off cocktails and half-price appetizers from 4-6pm.

2

Reservations are recommended for large parties, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant hosts a popup event with their sister restaurant every month.

09
The Omakase Room at Sushi-San image 1

Intimate counter seating for ten creates a personal dining experience with a chef guiding each course. The room stays quiet and elegant, contrasting with the lively main restaurant downstairs. The menu blends French, Kaiseki, and Nigiri styles, paired with carefully selected sakes to complement the meal.

The Omakase Room offers a quiet setting suited for special occasions like anniversaries. The non-spirits pairing complements the food well, with dishes like the Otoro Tartare standing out.

Freshness stands out with all fish and ingredients. Dishes like tuna tartare with osetria caviar, bonito, and Chutoro sashimi show exceptional quality and innovative flavors in the Omakase Room.

People are saying

"The food here is excellent, especially the fresh urchin."

"The Omakase experience here was phenomenal and fun."

"The fish quality here is exceptional."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required due to limited seating capacity.

2

The meal costs over $250 per person, making it a special occasion dining option.

3

The experience includes 18 courses, typically lasting around 75 minutes.

10
Coco Pazzo Restaurant & Bar image 1
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.

Table side plating of dishes like branzino adds a special touch. Classic service with a steady maitre d' team creates a consistent vibe. Barside seating offers a view of the chef, adding a sexy atmosphere for date nights.

Fish dishes come with table-side deboning by the waitress, adding a personal touch. The fish stew offers a filling, flavorful experience, though the fish itself may lack scoring or seasoning.

People are saying

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

"The pizza here is thin, crispy, and loaded with flavor for great Date Spots."

"They expertly deboned the fish table-side for me."

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.

11
Bodega Bar River North image 1
Mexican restaurant

Vibrant and colorful space with a lively atmosphere and rave music that energizes the room. The bar features award-winning tequila cocktails and a mixologist crafting unique drinks. Known for amazing street tacos and a fun vibe that draws people for socializing and good times.

Ordering just a couple of tacos and a tray of chili lime fries fits well for a casual date. Sharing simple dishes with sprites keeps the vibe relaxed and easygoing.

Fish tacos feature a crispy texture and freshness that stands out. The Pescado taco offers a strong vinegar flavor from pickled purple cabbage, which some find clashes with the fish.

People are saying

"The tacos here are amazing, especially the birria."

"The fish tacos are crispy, flavorful, and fresh."

"Josh makes great cocktails and explains the menu well."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features $3 tacos, $5 Modelos, and $10 margaritas.

2

Be aware of a 20% service charge automatically added to bills.

3

Request a paper bill to check for any extra charges before paying.

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