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Top picks in River North

Upscale seafood

Upscale seafood that feels approachable, not like you need a manual to understand the menu.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Yasemi, A Modern Mediterranean Restaurant image 1
Yasemi, A Modern Mediterranean Restaurant image 2
Yasemi, A Modern Mediterranean Restaurant image 3
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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.

Atmosphere feels sophisticated and comfortable with an elegant yet warm vibe. Decor leans toward chic and stylish.

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."

"I can't wait to return for the Upscale experience."

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.

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.

Elegant atmosphere blends with a relaxed, welcoming vibe. Food features sophisticated sauces and balanced flavors, especially in dishes like Tuna Tiradito.

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."

"The ambiance here is elegant yet welcoming."

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
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 relaxing atmosphere sets an upscale vibe throughout. Sides and starters feature bold flavors with elegant presentation.

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 steaks here are perfectly aged and seared to juicy tenderness."

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.

04
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.

Sophisticated Mexican vibes set the tone with elegant lighting and beautiful decorations. The atmosphere suits date nights and refined after-work drinks.

Shrimp tacos stand out with bold flavor and great presentation. The menu also features whole fish, tuna tostada, and fresh oysters.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the shrimp tacos; they're amazing."

"The upscale cocktails here are amazing, with unique flavors and flawless presentation."

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.

05
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.

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 upscale porterhouse steak is cooked flawlessly and full of rich, beefy flavor."

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.

06
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.

Dark woods and old-world steakhouse charm create a classic, refined atmosphere. The space blends historic Chicago charm with an updated, elegant feel.

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 upscale steaks here are outstanding and perfectly cooked."

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.

07
Mastro's Steakhouse image 1
Fine dining restaurant

Elegant dining space features dim, cozy lighting and live music performances that create a romantic, upscale atmosphere. The lounge offers an upbeat vibe with talented singers and pianists providing background entertainment. Seating is close together, enhancing a lively, intimate feel.

Warm and elegant atmosphere sets the tone here. Live music adds to the upscale and refined vibe.

Seafood tower offers a fresh, well-measured selection. Rockefeller oysters stand out, paired with tasty shrimp cocktail and crab cakes.

People are saying

"The steak here is amazing, with attentive and friendly staff."

"The steaks were tender and cooked to a perfect medium rare."

"The atmosphere here is upscale, elegant, and visually appealing."

Good to know

1

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

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

3

Valet parking is available and recommended for convenience.

08
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.

Warm, candlelit tables and rustic decor create a cozy yet elegant atmosphere. The setting suits discreet and polite diners who prefer quiet over loud conversation.

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

"The Upscale food here is fantastic, with rich flavors and fresh ingredients."

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.

09
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 and thoughtfully designed space creates a sophisticated dining experience with a welcoming atmosphere and stunning views.

Fresh oysters start the meal with a clean, briny taste. Briny razor clams and saffron scented eggs add unique flavors, while seafood options stand alongside highly recommended steaks.

People are saying

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

"The atmosphere here is elegant and thoughtfully designed."

"The seafood here is incredibly fresh and sweet."

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.

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.

The spot offers a quiet and elegant atmosphere with excellent seafood. It suits both casual dinners and elegant date nights.

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."

"The atmosphere here is quiet and elegant."

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
Tortoise Supper Club image 1
American restaurant

Elegant supper club blends live jazz music with a cozy, lively atmosphere featuring dark wood and colorful jazz-inspired wallpaper. Dining spaces include a private room with a bar, creating intimate vibes amid a bustling crowd. The setting combines elements of a jazz club and restaurant for a unique experience.

Elegant atmosphere blends with an intimate and welcoming vibe. Attentive service complements the elegant ambiance without feeling stuffy.

Oysters and shrimp cocktail stand out, especially during happy hour when they cost only $1. The sea bass also shines alongside dishes like bread with blue cheese butter spread and shrimp cocktail.

People are saying

"The food at these dinner spots was spectacular and delicious."

"The Maine oysters here are totally outstanding."

"It's an elegant, intimate, and stunning atmosphere here."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for private events and should be made well in advance.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Valet parking costs $16 for three hours, making it convenient for guests.

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River North, Chicago

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