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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of River North

Pasta and seafood

The combination of fresh seafood and handmade pasta hits the balance between light and substantial.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
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Updated May 2026
01
Charlie Martin's image 1
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Cozy space with Hollywood regency decor and mood lighting creates a speakeasy vibe. Bartenders craft exceptional cocktails, including standout Old Fashioneds and martinis. Atmosphere suits jazzy date nights and sophisticated dining with white tablecloths.

Plump mussels and al dente linguine with clams come in a cheesy sauce that complements the seafood. The vodka pasta stands out, balanced by sautรฉed spinach with lemon and a crunchy garnish for texture.

A petit shellfish tower offers tender shrimp, lobster, and fresh oysters. Manila clams come with crusty bread perfect for soaking up broth, while mussels are plump and linguine with clams features al dente pasta in a cheesy sauce.

People are saying

"The seafood, especially the oysters, was super fresh and amazing."

"The French food here is phenomenal, with bold, refined flavors."

"The pasta here is amazing, especially the linguine and clams."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy weekend nights.

2

The restaurant closes early at 11 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

They often run out of popular menu items by 8 pm on weekends.

02
The Franklin Room image 1
New American restaurant

Underground space with rich fabrics, leathers, and carved woodwork creates a high-end speakeasy atmosphere. The vibe is cozy and intimate, with music at a level that allows easy conversation. A specialty whiskey selection and unique cocktails attract those seeking a refined drinking experience.

Pasta dishes come in fair portion sizes and are cooked well. The pasta al pesce stands out as a solid choice with consistent quality.

Incredibly fresh fish stands out with every order. The Chilean Seabass melts in your mouth and shines among the seafood options.

People are saying

"The Date Spots here have amazing cocktails and flavorful dishes."

"The oysters and spicy bourbon mussels were absolute highlights."

"You have to try the whipped formaggio pasta; I wished I ordered more."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant fills up quickly, especially on weekends.

2

Expect a wait time of 30-60 minutes during peak dining hours.

3

The bread basket costs $15 and is not listed on the menu.

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.

Spicy rigatoni and Spaghetti Moqueca stand out with homemade pasta crafted by a skilled chef. Both dishes deliver bold flavors that make the pasta memorable.

Oysters come fresh and pair well with house-made focaccia. Dishes like shrimp pasta and Branzino highlight the seafood options clearly.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the tuna crudo."

"I found the homemade pasta here to be amazing and fresh."

"The seafood, like oysters and branzino, was incredible and flavorful."

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
Toast It IZ image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers a classy atmosphere with elegant decor and comfortable seating. Music ranges from lively DJ sets to well-curated playlists, creating a welcoming vibe. Space includes a bar, various table types, and a private room, catering mainly to a younger crowd.

Dishes feature jerk chicken pasta with more pasta than meat. The pasta itself is delicious and appears in various combos like the crab lobster trio.

Shrimp dishes stand out with plump, well-seasoned shrimp in appetizers and gumbo. Fried fish comes out fresh and flaky with a golden, non-greasy crust. Portions of lobster and shrimp are generous and cooked nicely.

People are saying

"The food and service here are genuinely wonderful and attentive."

"The fried green tomatoes and deviled eggs are standout seafood appetizers."

"The pasta here is delicious with amazing flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for brunch, especially on weekends due to high demand.

2

A $200 deposit is required for large party reservations, which is deducted from the final bill.

3

Expect a 20% automatic gratuity added to your bill for all dining services.

05
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.

Squid ink pasta stands out as a distinctive dish here. Other pasta dishes come with delicious bread and olive oil, making the meal well-rounded and satisfying.

Seafood stew melts in the mouth with rich flavors. The squid ink seafood pasta stands out, especially the Taglionlini Neri. Fish is expertly deboned table-side, adding a unique touch.

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."

"The seafood, like the branzino, was expertly deboned table-side."

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.

06
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.

Blue crab bucatini stands out as a highlight among the pasta dishes. Ravioli options include a superb classic and a mushroom version with a strange, sour taste.

Oysters stand out as unbelievably fresh and cold, with options like blue point oysters available and often reordered. The menu offers a diverse seafood selection including crab cake, shrimp tempura, sushi, and salmon, all prepared with high quality.

People are saying

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

"The Seafood here is fantastic and the service is great."

"Their ravioli pasta is superb; I highly recommend it."

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.

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.

Handmade pasta shows a perfect texture and rich flavor. The ravioli stands out, and the cacio e Pepe tastes like high-end Italian macaroni and cheese.

Freshness stands out with fire-roasted oysters and well-seasoned seafood snacks. Pasta alla chitarra pairs well with fish selections like branzino, offering a solid variety of seafood dishes.

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 seafood chitarra was amazing, especially with fresh oysters."

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
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.

Lobster pasta stands out with rich flavor. The spicy vodka pasta delivers real heat, rare for this dish. Pasta pairs well with a fresh Caesar salad.

Fish green Thai curry wrapped in banana leaves stands out with jasmine rice. Shrimp dishes in yellow sauce and with roasted bacon also shine, while chocolate pork and monk fish lack freshness.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are creative and visually impressive."

"I found some of the best pasta and Caesar salad in the city."

"The seafood here, especially the shrimp and octopus, is delicious."

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.

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