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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in River North

Modern dinner spots

You want a dinner experience that feels forward-thinking and intentional.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated May 2026
01
LIA Tavern image 1
LIA Tavern image 2
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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.

Striking interior inspired by modern art creates a unique vibe. The space feels like a museum of modern art mixed with fine dining, offering a modern yet cozy ambiance.

Art throughout the space creates a gallery dinner party vibe. It suits both dinner and happy hour occasions, welcoming groups and out-of-town guests alike.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are creative and visually impressive."

"The dinner spots here are delicious; I enjoyed my meal."

"The modern art inspired interior felt striking and memorable."

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.

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.

Atmosphere features a modern Japanese interior with a clean and calming vibe. Lighting stays low with sleek finishes, blending modern style with warmth and inviting energy.

Dinner features an Omakase experience guided by skilled chefs, creating a personalized meal. The setting includes a show element that adds to the evening's atmosphere.

People are saying

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

"I had an amazing dinner experience here."

"The sushi here is so fresh and beautifully presented."

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
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.

Stylish decor and comfy seating create a warm, inviting atmosphere. The space feels clean and modern, perfect for settling in with a laptop.

Dinner includes options like Gyro salad and kebab, suitable for both dining in and delivery. Meals come quickly, making it good for quick dinners.

People are saying

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

"The Mediterranean Dinner Spots here are fresh, flavorful, and cooked to perfection."

"It's a chic and modern place with a stylish, inviting vibe."

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.

04
Crying Tiger image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers an immersive Asian-inspired interior with a beautifully designed layout and a stylish bar area. Music features 90s hip-hop and R&B, creating a fun and cool vibe throughout the space. The atmosphere feels lively and memorable, blending great energy with a gorgeous setting.

Stunning atmosphere with modern, high-end dรฉcor creates a chic yet warm vibe. The interior feels cool and fun, making it easy to relax and enjoy a meal.

Crispy rice basil chicken, rolled rice noodles, and khao soi stand out as key dishes. Hospitality is strong, with attentive service during dinner.

People are saying

"The food here is outstanding and thoughtfully prepared."

"The khao soi at these dinner spots is rich and bold."

"The interior's modern vibe is stunning, warm, and inviting."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for dinner service, especially on weekends.

2

Valet parking costs $20 for 2 hours.

3

Expect longer wait times during peak dinner hours on weekends.

05
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.

Decor features a modern and charming style. The menu offers modern Mediterranean dishes with vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation.

Dinner here offers a flawless mix of dishes and drinks that suit any occasion. It works well for a night out with friends, a romantic dinner, or even dining solo.

People are saying

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

"The dinner spots here are delicious and flawless."

"I loved the modern Mediterranean food, bursting with flavor and beautifully presented."

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.

06
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.

Small plates and fresh breads pair well with regional wines for dinner. A pre-fix menu suits group dinners, creating an exceptional experience.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, truly incredible."

"The dinner here is delicious and tastes like home."

"It's a beautiful, warm, and inviting modern space."

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.

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.

Upscale dining features a sleek and modern atmosphere with modern jazz influences. The menu offers modern Italian cuisine with clean, balanced flavors and well-sized portions.

Dinner here features great energy and suits date nights or family dinners without small children. The atmosphere supports a night out with any party size.

People are saying

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

"The espresso martini here is outstanding and totally worth the hype."

"I enjoyed the modern Italian food, bursting with flavor."

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
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.

Elegant space blends classic and modern French style with a classy ambiance. The Duck Presse service nods to culinary history while keeping a modern edge.

Dinner here features exceptional food, drinks, and service. Guests often start with a drink in the Bar/Lounge before being seated for dinner.

People are saying

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

"The steakhouse dinner spots here are outstanding, especially the New York strip."

"The Modern steaks are outstanding and impeccably cooked."

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.

09
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.

Cozy modern vibes blend with authentic Mexican dishes that have a fresh twist. The spot stands out as a genuine example of modern Mexican cuisine.

Dinner here features fresh, flavorful seafood like the Pescado Entero. The spot offers a high-energy bar for drinks before dinner and suits occasions like Valentine's Day or birthdays.

People are saying

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

"The dinner spots here are amazing and flavorful."

"The Modern food and drinks were delicious."

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.

10
Eurostars Magnificent Mile image 1

Hotel offers spacious rooms with breathtaking city views and an atmosphere of understated elegance. It maintains a quiet and secure environment despite some street noise. Amenities include a top-tier shower and a well-equipped gym with a complimentary sauna.

Rooms feature modern decoration that feels calm and sophisticated. They are spacious, clean, and offer great city views from high floors.

Dinner features a cocktail-style setup with food stations offering loaded hot dogs, tacos, Lou Malnatiโ€™s pizza, and a tasty salad. Service includes attentive male waiters who go above and beyond.

People are saying

"The hotel rooms were spacious and clean."

"The staff here are so friendly and make you feel right at home."

"The dinner spots had amazing food, from pizza to tacos."

Good to know

1

The hotel is located next to the Magnificent Mile, making it easy to explore nearby attractions.

2

Only one of the three elevators is working, leading to long wait times.

3

Visitors with mobility issues should reconsider staying here due to inconvenient entry and exit.

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River North, Chicago

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