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Top picks in River North

Fish spots

You are looking for a kitchen that prioritizes the integrity of the fish above all else.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Akiro Hand Roll Bar image 1
Akiro Hand Roll Bar image 2
Akiro Hand Roll Bar image 3
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Japanese restaurant

Counter seating offers a lively, social vibe with chefs crafting sushi in view. Fish is super fresh and cut perfectly, featuring unique options like short rib hand rolls. Chic decor adds an elegant downtown feel, paired with thoughtful cocktails for a complete experience.

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.

02
Omakase by Kanemaru image 1
Japanese restaurant

Intimate 8-seat counter creates a serene setting perfect for savoring fresh fish flown from Japan. Chef Kanemura's skill shines in traditional preparation, while soft lighting adds to the warm vibe. Excellent sake pairs beautifully with each dish.

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."

"This is authentic omakase with fish flown from Japan."

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

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.

03
The Tasting Room at Chicago Winery image 1

Wine bar boasts high ceilings and vibrant flavors from on-site wines. Smoked fish shines in dishes like smoked fish dip and charcuterie boards. Stylish, bright space offers cozy nooks and lively spots perfect for photos and sharing plates.

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 wine service here is outstanding and truly above and beyond."

"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.

04
Fado Irish Pub image 1

Two-floor pub blends old wooden ambiance with lively sports energy. Golden-battered cod and crispy chips make fish dishes a highlight. Fans enjoy live music and multiple TVs, creating a rustic bar vibe perfect for soccer games.

Golden-battered cod and perfectly seasoned chips make the fish and chips stand out. Fish tacos also offer a fresh, tasty option alongside classic dishes like shepherd's pie and bangers and mash.

People are saying

"The pub staff here are super friendly and helpful."

"I watched soccer games from around the world here."

"The fish and chips are amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

2

Trivia nights occur every Wednesday at 7pm with no entry fee.

3

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

05
Yasemi, A Modern Mediterranean Restaurant image 1

Spacious spot with modern decor and a casual vibe. Fish dishes are crispy but need care due to bones. Dim lighting means you need a personal light to read menus.

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

"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.

06
UMMO image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian spot shines with perfectly cooked fish and tasty sides. Modern jazz vibe fills the space, shifting from quiet dining to a lively hangout with live music and DJs. Stylish decor with quirky records adds a warm, upbeat feel.

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.

07
Zombie Taco image 1
Taco restaurant

Taco spot inside a hotel lobby buzzes with live DJs and old arcade games. Fish tacos shine with beer battered crispy texture and juicy protein. Bar area doubles as check-in, adding to the lively vibe while board games keep guests entertained.

Beer battered fish tacos stand out with generous protein servings and moist texture. These tacos deliver good flavor and are often recommended.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is amazing, especially the breakfast burritos."

"The bartender Simon was the best, making our experience a true delight."

"You have to try the fish tacos; they're perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 6pm with great deals on food and drinks.

2

A DJ performs on Friday and Saturday nights, enhancing the nightlife experience.

3

Weekend vibe nights at the Moxy Hotel feature lively music and a vibrant atmosphere.

08
O'Leary's Public House image 1

Irish pub offers a cozy decor and lively vibe with multiple TVs showing sports. Fish and chips are a solid choice, paired well with tasty wings. Outdoor seating and a loft add space for socializing, all while cheering for the Green Bay Packers.

Fish and chips stand out with a solid, consistent quality. Wings also appear alongside the fish and chips as a good option.

People are saying

"The bartenders at this pub are friendly and fun."

"I thought the food here was excellent."

"I found the fish and chips to be awesome."

Good to know

1

The bar opens at 10 am on Sundays, contrary to online listings.

2

Minors are not allowed in the bar, even if accompanied by adults.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere during Packers games with plenty of standing room.

09
Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley - Chicago image 1

Elegant restaurant offers well-seasoned fish filets in a lively, friendly setting with Instagram-worthy dรฉcor. Soul food shines with fried egg rolls complementing fish dishes. Enjoy stunning windows and a beautiful city view while dining.

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.

10
Lure Fishbar - Chicago image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant shines with extensive white fish and smoked salmon options. Elegant, quiet vibe suits fancy dining with boat decor and funky wall art. Comfortable seating includes a small patio and many indoor tables.

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 service here is top-tier, attentive, and genuinely welcoming."

"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.

11
VELA image 1
Mexican restaurant

Space blends sophisticated Mexican vibes with a lively DJ spinning house and reggaeton. Whole fish dishes deliver fresh, rich flavor while black shrimp tacos add a unique seafood twist. Guests enjoy standout cocktails in an upscale casual setting.

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.

12
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. Fish dishes feature table-side deboning, adding a personal touch to the meal. Views of the city through lovely windows enhance the upscale, professional feel.

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

"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.

13
The Omakase Room at Sushi-San image 1

Intimate counter seating offers a personal dining experience with a chef guiding each course. Fresh fish like Chutoro sashimi shines in a menu blending French, Kaiseki, and Nigiri styles. Carefully selected sakes enhance the innovative flavors in a quiet, elegant setting.

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.

14
Poke San image 1
Seafood restaurant

Bright kitschy decor and neon signs create an energetic vibe. Fresh sushi-grade fish shines with clean taste and generous toppings. Outdoor patio offers a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying unique poke bowls with kimchi flair.

Freshness stands out with sushi-grade fish that tastes clean and vibrant. A large variety of toppings complements the fish, all offered at a reasonable price.

People are saying

"The poke here is so fresh and flavorful."

"The Japanese food here is so fresh, especially the fish."

"The fish here tastes so fresh and high quality."

Good to know

1

Poke San is open from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

2

Expect generous portion sizes for poke bowls, great for the price.

3

Prices for poke bowls are competitive, offering good value.

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River North, Chicago

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