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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of River North

Lunch dessert spots

A midday meal that actually leaves room for a proper dessert instead of just a quick sugar fix.

Based on 628 Opinions
+625
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Updated April 2026
01
Hawksmoor Chicago image 1
Hawksmoor Chicago image 2
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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.

Lunch offers a wonderful and excellent experience with incredible flavors. The meals stand out for their quality and satisfaction.

People are saying

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

"The desserts here are rich and tasty."

"The Lunch Spot's beef was perfectly cooked and everything was delicious."

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.

02
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.

Desserts show skill and creativity with decadent flavors. They pair well with the entrees and make a strong finish.

Offers a great value lunch bar with delicious options suitable for business or casual dates. Provides a positive experience that encourages repeat visits.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, truly incredible."

"This lunch spot's food is full of flavor and amazing."

"The manager comped our desserts after the kitchen messed up."

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.

03
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.

Desserts include a creamy sorbet and a warm cookie with ice cream that finishes the meal well. The brownie is delicious and desserts come perfectly prepared and presented.

Lunch features a lunch special alongside oysters and crab claws. The spot suits casual meals and working afternoons.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot's seafood, especially the oysters, is delicious."

"The desserts here are perfectly prepared and presented."

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.

04
STK Steakhouse image 1
Steak house

Modern steakhouse blends trendy club vibe with live DJ sets and bold neon decor. Atmosphere feels lively and energetic, with music often loud enough to dominate conversations. Cocktails stand out as fresh and flavorful highlights amid the setting.

The dessert called The Cloud offers both a tasty treat and a showy presentation that makes for a memorable finish. Staff add a thoughtful touch by pairing it with a sparkling drink for kids.

Lunch features a steak and fries special with butter. The atmosphere stays awesome and service is fantastic during midday meals.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and high quality."

"The service at this lunch spot was unforgettable and exceptional."

"You get a special birthday dessert, it's amazing!"

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on food and drinks from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Expect a one-hour wait for a table during peak dining hours.

3

Cocktails are priced at $9 during happy hour.

05
TARY image 1
Cafe

Cozy, minimal cafรฉ with authentic Kazakh decor and subtle cultural elements creates a calm, pleasant atmosphere. Plenty of seating and strong WiFi support work or socializing, while unique Central Asian pastries and dishes offer a distinct culinary experience.

Desserts here are delicious and not too sweet, featuring traditional dairy and grain options alongside breakfast cereals. Coffee pairs well with these mouthwatering sweets.

Lunch offers amazing food and a relaxing atmosphere. Tables are available even when busy, making it suitable for casual meals with friends, family, or business.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was super good."

"This lunch spot has amazing food and coffee, I loved it."

"I found the desserts delicious and not too sweet."

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.

06
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.

Cannoli dessert stands out as the highlight of the meal. Gelato also offers a tasty finish to the menu.

Lunch features Italian beef sandwich with mozzarella and sausage pizza. Pizza stands out as very good during midday meals.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot's Italian beef sandwich is delicious."

"The homemade tiramisu here is creamy and perfection."

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.

07
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.

Cream dessert with caramel and banana stands out as a highlight. Desserts like banoffee are not commonly found and often come with thoughtful touches like birthday treats on the house.

Chicken lunch bowl offers a delicious option. Lunch during restaurant week provides a fantastic experience with solid choices.

People are saying

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

"The cream dessert with caramel and banana was the best I've ever had."

"The chicken lunch bowl was delicious and flavorful."

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.

08
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.

Desserts include a wide variety of options like tiramisu milk cake and Knafeh, which stands out as a favorite. The spot offers a relaxing atmosphere perfect for enjoying coffee and sweets.

Mediterranean wraps offer a quick and casual lunch option. The spot works well for working from home and provides a cozy atmosphere even on rainy days.

People are saying

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

"The hummus here is perfectly smooth and memorable."

"I found the food here to be absolutely delicious and fresh."

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.

09
The 101 Bar, Grill & Rooftop image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant with a rooftop bar offering spectacular city views and multiple seating options including fire pits and private couches. Live music creates a lively atmosphere that balances well with conversation. Cocktails and food receive strong praise, contributing to an overall vibrant and welcoming vibe.

Thoughtful dessert boards feature candled-top sweets that light up with a fireworks show. Generous portions make the experience memorable and the quality stays consistently top notch.

Rooftop seating offers a great spot for lunch with a relaxed vibe. Frequent visits confirm it works well for both late lunch and regular midday meals.

People are saying

"The rooftop views of the city are beautiful."

"The poached eggs at this Lunch Spot were hard boiled."

"The desserts here are a dazzling fireworks show!"

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available 7 days a week from 5-7pm.

2

Reservations are typically required, but walk-ins may be accommodated if available.

3

The happy hour offers a great selection of drinks and appetizers at unbeatable prices.

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