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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to River North

Seafood spots

A slow meal of fresh seafood that helps the mind unwind.

Based on 567 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Akiro Hand Roll Bar image 1
Akiro Hand Roll Bar image 2
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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.

Trendy yet relaxed vibe creates a pleasant atmosphere with a modern touch. Omar's energy adds a personal and enjoyable feel, making it great for a quiet catch-up or date night.

Fish comes extremely fresh here, showing clear quality and freshness. Premium toro nigiri and ceviche highlight the seafood offerings well.

People are saying

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

"The seafood here is incredibly fresh and flavorful."

"Omar's charisma made the experience personal and enjoyable."

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
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.

Ambiance feels relaxed yet sophisticated with a nice, calm atmosphere. The vibe shifts from casual up front to classier in the back dining room.

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."

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

"The food here is creative, flavorful, and beautifully presented."

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.

03
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.

Rooftop views create a quiet and relaxing atmosphere with upbeat music and cool decor. The vibe balances lively energy with calmness, making it easy to unwind.

Shrimp adds a perfect crunch to the Caesar salad. Fish and chips and salmon stand out as delicious seafood options. Lamb hummus and chicken salad complement the seafood well.

People are saying

"The rooftop views of the city are beautiful."

"The shrimp and lobster roll were scrumptious."

"It's a great relaxing spot with stunning city views from the rooftop."

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.

04
Sophia Steak Chicago image 1

Upscale steakhouse offers intimate indoor seating and a welcoming outdoor patio with plants and shade. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting with stylish decor including Deco lamps and a flowered canopy. Cocktails and wine pairings complement perfectly cooked steaks in a comfortable setting.

Elegant and moody atmosphere creates a relaxing and cozy vibe. Outdoor seating adds a lovely touch for a calm evening.

Oysters Rockefeller offers a modernized take on a classic dish with balanced flavors. Shrimp and hamachi crudo provide flavorful textures and variety for seafood lovers.

People are saying

"The steak here is melt-in-your-mouth tender and perfectly seasoned."

"The seafood here is melt-in-your-mouth tender and perfectly seasoned."

"The food here is cooked to perfection, especially the cod."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM, including weekends.

2

Reservations are recommended for special occasions like birthdays.

3

Half off bottles of wine are available on Monday nights.

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.

Soft lighting and plush seating create a calm vibe. Earthy tones add to the relaxing atmosphere.

Oysters stand out with some of the best quality and a $2 happy hour special. The shrimp kebabs are consistently well made and delicious. Fish dishes come out crispy and very good.

People are saying

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

"The seafood, especially the oysters and fish, was phenomenal and worth trying."

"The food here is outstanding, with vibrant flavors and perfectly grilled octopus."

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
Hawksmoor Chicago image 1

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.

A relaxed atmosphere sets the tone with an upmarket feel. Service stays friendly and easygoing throughout.

Fresh oysters come with a ginger chili and fried onions topping. Vietnamese style oysters stand out as incredible. Scallops also feature on the seafood menu.

People are saying

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

"I ate one of the best steaks I ever had."

"The food and cocktails here are top tier, perfectly prepared."

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.

07
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.

Atmosphere feels relaxed yet elevated with a beautiful, cozy vibe. The setting blends luxurious touches with a calm, inviting mood.

Seafood dishes feature expertly prepared octopus and halibut with lovely presentation. Shrimp comes with creamy polenta and a sauce that has a little kick. Appetizers include a strong selection focused on seafood.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, truly incredible."

"The seafood, especially the shrimp, was very tasty."

"The atmosphere here is beautiful and relaxing."

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.

08
Cocoro Restaurant image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers an authentic, homey atmosphere with a cozy, laid-back vibe that feels like dining in Japan. The space is warm and relaxing, suited for quiet meals or enjoying sake at the counter. It stands out for its traditional izakaya style and genuine Japanese dining experience.

A laid back and calm atmosphere makes it easy to relax here. Counter seats offer a quieter vibe, similar to a sushi spot, despite the usual buzzing noise.

Tempura shrimp stands out as a highlight. Sushi includes a mango shrimp roll and fried oysters. Pan-seared mackerel and shrimp shumai also appear on the menu.

People are saying

"I found the most authentic Japanese food outside of Japan here."

"It's a truly relaxing spot, I felt so calm and comfortable here."

"The seafood here is amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

2

Lunch specials are available during the day, offering good value.

3

The restaurant features a menu with authentic Japanese dishes beyond typical sushi.

09
Chicago Chop House image 1

Restored brownstone with early 1900s decor and photos of local celebrities creates a traditional steakhouse atmosphere. Live piano music plays softly, adding to the luxurious and old-fashioned vibe. Comfortable seating and personalized touches enhance a refined dining experience.

Upstairs offers a cozy and relaxing vibe with a serene atmosphere throughout. The space feels comfortable and perfect for unwinding or a quiet night out.

The Grand Seafood Tower offers a luxurious variety of fresh shellfish. Oysters Rockefeller stand out as incredible, alongside crab cake and calamari.

People are saying

"I found the steak to be tender and flavorful."

"You have to try the oysters Rockefeller; they're incredible."

"The atmosphere here is so relaxing and serene."

Good to know

1

During the 40th anniversary, all food ordered was 40% off.

2

Valentineโ€™s Day celebrations offer special menu items.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially during holidays.

10
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.

Beautiful design and a great atmosphere create a cozy and relaxed setting. It suits a quiet evening or hanging out with friends but not for a casual beer night.

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."

"It's a perfect spot for a relaxed evening with great atmosphere."

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.

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River North, Chicago

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