Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Chicago / Illinois

OpenTable

Updated October 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Chicago / Illinois? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Omakase Room at Sushi-san

4.9

4.9 (65)

$50 and over

Japanese

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

The Omakase Room at Sushi-san is a culmination of Master Sushi Chefs Kaze Chan and Shigeru Kitano’s combined experience defining the Chicago sushi scene. While the menu and service are informed by tradition, guests can expect a transcendent experience that breaks down the formality and austerity usually accompanying omakase dining. Each dinner in the warm, modern, and intimate ten-seat space features luxury ingredients from around the world. Sophisticated and carefully curated beverage pairings are available to complement the meal.

Top review

Whitney

Dined 4 days ago

1000% recommend! Master chefs, food, drinks, atmosphere, wait staff... all was incredible!

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Experience

Omakase Reservation Deposit

Geja's Cafe

4.9

4.9 (5507)

$31 to $50

Fondue

Lincoln Park

About the restaurant

For over 59 years, fondue dining at Geja’s Café has been a favorite indulgence for Chicagoans as well as out-of-towners. It’s a perfect way to kindle romance, celebrate a special occasion or simply join family and friends for a fun and unforgettable dining experience.
To start we offer a Swiss Gruyere cheese fondue, served with fresh breads, fruits and vegetables for dipping. Our crisp house salad, dressed with tangy Dijon vinaigrette, offers a counterpoint to the rich, warm cheese fondue appetizer.
Next, you’ll cook your choices of Australian lobster tail, Gulf shrimp, beef tenderloin, fresh sea scallops or boneless chicken breast in a pot of sizzling soybean oil or broth. The main course is served with fresh vegetables and eight gourmet dipping sauces.
Our famous chocolate fondue is flamed table-side, and presented with marshmallows for roasting and other delectable dippers.

A 4 % operational fee is added to all checks to work in concert with Chicago's One Fair Wage Ordinance.

Top review

Yuri

Dined 4 days ago

Enjoyable experience cooking the meal table side in a romantic setting with attentive service. Good quality food just needed fresh french bread in the basket.

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Popular dish

Belgian Chocolate Fondue

Popular dish

Prince Geja's Combination

Popular dish

Cheese and Chocolate Fondue

Gamba Ristorante

4.8

4.8 (1154)

$31 to $50

Italian

Merrillville, IN

About the restaurant

The former owners of the Venezia Bar & Grill and Café Venezia, Benito and Hilda Gamba, have combined their efforts into the Gamba Ristorante. Located in Merrillville, this restaurant is housed in an architectural masterpiece, which is hard to miss with its circular design and copper roof. Modeled after upscale restaurants in exotic European locations, the menu offers classic Italian cuisine. The wine room boasts storage space for 1,000 bottles. A banquet hall holds up to 175 people and looks out onto an open courtyard.

Top review

DennisB

Dined 7 days ago

Memorable dinner, thank you. Seated right at our reservation time and promptly greeted by our server, Mike. All was professional, well-timed, and wholly enjoyable. We had different soups and the temperature and taste were spot on. Our entries were large and flavorful. A special evening that we thoroughly enjoyed.

The Alderman

4.9

4.9 (201)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Pilsen

About the restaurant

Winner of the 2022 Jean Banchet Award for Best Bar, THE ALDERMAN is an intimate, 16-seat cocktail bar tucked away, behind closed doors, within Pilsen Yards. The cocktail list rotates some of its original cocktail features, while the twists on American classics are staples of the cocktail list.

With a plush velvet banquette and a 4-seat counter, it’s the perfect room for a night cap, a date, or a casual evening of one to several astonishingly good cocktails.

Top review

Wes

Dined on Sep 28, 2024

One the best cocktail experiences I’ve had in the city.

Atwater's in The Herrington

4.9

4.9 (1328)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Geneva

About the restaurant

Atwater's is a waterfront, intimate, fine dining experience in Geneva, IL. Our Executive Chef locally sources our menu and creates classical dishes with a modern touch. Our seasonal menu offers recipes that are nuanced to include ingredients that are at their peak of freshness. Atwater's offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner 7 days a week. Enjoy beautiful water and courtyard views, private dining space, and al fresco dining on our patio in season. Atwater's offers afternoon tea quarterly. We are nestled within The Herrington Inn, which is also a wedding venue, boutique hotel, spa, and corporate meeting venue. Open to the public and hotel guests, 365 days.

Top review

Michelle

Dined 3 days ago

Excellent service and food. We come every year to celebrate our anniversary.

Kumiko

4.9

4.9 (758)

$50 and over

Dining Bar

West Loop

About the restaurant

Kumiko is a Japanese Dining Bar (ダイニングバー)* where food and drink are treated with equal reverence. Located in Chicago’s West Loop, Kumiko boasts incredible cocktails and spirits with exquisite food to pair.

Owner and bartender Julia Momosé blends Japanese ingredients and techniques to create an elevated menu of beverages and bites.

Whether you come to savor some of Japan’s finest saké or walk in for a lovely dinner with friends, Kumiko welcomes you with warmth and gratitude.

Kumiko is currently 18+ and does not offer a BYOB option. Sign up for our mailing list to receive occasional updates and news.

Top review

Nadine

Dined 3 days ago

It was a lovely evening and everything was delicious! Thank you for a great anniversary dinner!

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Experience

Kumiko Tasting Menu

Nettare

4.7

4.7 (22)

$50 and over

American

West Town

About the restaurant

Nestled in the heart of West Town, Chicago, Nettare celebrates the bounty of the Midwest and Great Lakes region with a menu that showcases seasonal ingredients and artisanal products. From farm-fresh vegetables to locally sourced meats and freshwater fish, every plate and pour is crafted to highlight the region's culinary heritage. Our cocktail and wine program complements these flavors with carefully curated selections, ensuring each sip enhances your experience. By day, our café and bottle shop at the front offer a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy specialty coffees, baked goods, and a thoughtfully curated selection of local wines and craft beers, welcoming both locals and visitors alike to indulge in the flavors of our home. Try our tasting menu with a beverage pairing to indulge in the full experience.

Top review

Azzamvip

Dined 6 days ago

Service was excellent. Recommendations were honest and accurate. A seasoned staff with excellent chefs in a beautiful little spot on West Chicago Ave.

Sushi Suite 202 - Lincoln Park Chicago @ Hotel Lincoln

4.9

4.9 (493)

$50 and over

Sushi

Old Town

About the restaurant

Step into the secret world of Sushi Suite, located in Suite 202 of Hotel Lincoln and accessible only with a key from the front desk, this hidden gem combines privacy, luxury, and the art of Omakase, meaning "Chef's Choice,". Sushi Suite offers an opulent 'Bougie' Omakase, $140 for 17 pieces 75-minute experience. Elevate your experience with bespoke cocktails and premium sake, perfect for igniting passions. Whether it's an intimate Date Night, a lavish Birthday Celebration, or an exclusive private seating, let us whisk you away on a journey of decadent sushi and immaculate service. Visit all of our unique locations, each with its own culture-inspired vibe!. Reserve now to secure a coveted seat at Sushi By Bou.

Top review

Tim

Dined on Sep 30, 2024

What a great experience. Everybody working there was fantastic including chef Ken. Be aware that you are walking into an experience. You won’t have a setting to have meaningful conversation with a date as the service is shared and timed. That isn’t a negative but it’s just how the process works. The food was simply fantastic. You could see the care given right before your eyes. It’s some of the best sushi I have ever had. I will be back so I can show off this hidden gem.

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3 Arts Club Cafe at RH Chicago

4.8

4.8 (3460)

$31 to $50

American

Gold Coast / Streeterville

About the restaurant

The 3 Arts Club Café resides in the grand central garden courtyard of RH Chicago, the Gallery at the Historic Three Arts Club, a 70,000-square-foot design gallery in Chicago's famed Gold Coast neighborhood. We invite you to enjoy our menu of timeless classics for brunch and dinner, and a selection of wines from esteemed vintners in the United States and Europe. RH Chicago also features the 3 Arts Club Wine Vault.

For group dining inquiries, please email: chicagohospitality@rh.com

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 4 days ago

Amazing experience start to finish. We got there early to walk thru all of the vignettes which were so inspiring as an architect. The restoration of the building is amazing. We then had the amazing roast chicken and just about died from the taste!!! 10 out of 10!!

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4.9

4.9 (76)

$50 and over

Japanese Speciality

Lakeview / East Lakeview

About the restaurant

Discover an unforgettable dining experience at one of OpenTable's top restaurant destinations for ambiance, led by the talented Chef Kristian Cho. Recently named a 2024 Diner's Choice winner, our restaurant offers a 15-course omakase menu that pairs perfectly with our intimate, cozy setting—ideal for anniversaries, special occasions, or a memorable date night out. With over 30 years of collective expertise, our team is passionate about delivering exceptional service and a warm, inviting atmosphere, complete with a charming backyard for a unique evening. Join us and create lasting memories with those you love.

Top review

Martissa

Dined 3 days ago

This experience was amazing. The service was thoughtful, the food was delicious and the space was cozy and intimate. I highly recommend.

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