Drink to me only with thine eyes… then pass me the bottle of Pinot Noir so I can polish it off! Love is all about sharing.
Any time of year is a good time for romance, but February seems to be the month when most of us feel compelled to share a dinner a deux with our significant other. And restaurants are more than happy to accommodate: special menus abound, filled with notorious libido enhancers like oysters, foie gras, champagne and dark chocolate.
Arm yourself with our list of romantic dining spots and you’re sure to find one that fits your fancy, whether you dine out with your sweetie on February 14 or any other night of the year. Vive la romance!
Arlington Heights:
La Tasca | Read Julie’s review.
25 W. Davis St.
847-398-2400
Sipping sangria and devouring tapas puts you in the mood for el amor.
Barrington:
Barrington Country Bistro | Read Julie’s review.
Foundry Shopping Center, 700 W. Northwest Hwy.
847-842-1300
Feed each other the Grand Marnier Soufflé. Et voila.
Chicago:
Balena | Read Julie’s review.
1633 N. Halsted St.
312-867-3888
See a play at Steppenwolf and then enjoy some luscious pasta.
Ceres’ Table
4882 N. Clark St.
773-878-4882
We love Chef Guiseppe’s take on our Italian favorites, like Cozze alla Marinara, just saying it sounds sexy. Special Valentine’s weekend menu available with all-star romantic favorites.
Francesca’s Bryn Mawr
1039 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.
773-506-9261
The low-lit bar has cozy booths to keep away the winter chill. Snuggle while you share risotto.
Jin Ju
5203 N. Clark St.
773-334-6377
Soju martinis and bibim bop are the new red wine and beef bourguignon of love.
L20
Belden-Stratford Hotel, 2300 N. Lincoln Park W.
773-868-0002
This gorgeous restaurant is dressed to impress, with a prix fixe seafood menu that’s every bit as elegant and dramatic. Wow your significant other with a visit.
Mastro’s Steakhouse | Read Julie’s Review
520 N. Dearborn St.
312-521-5100
Flattering lighting means you can eat more of these delish steaks. The white-jacketed waiters won’t tell.
Pelago Ristorante
201 E. Delaware Pl.
312-280-0700
So authentically Italian, such a lovely, romantic space… you had me at risotto.
Marigold | Read Julie’s review.
5413 N. Clark
773-293-4653
If hip lovers from a Bollywood film lived in Chicago, this is where they’d dine.
Deerfield:
Wildfish
730 Waukegan Rd.
847-317-9453
Ask for a booth in this dark and very groovily designed place; eat sushi and get busy.
Evanston:
Bistro Bordeaux | Read Julie’s review.
618 Church St.
847-424-1483
Oysters. Steak Frites. Chocolate Terrine. Owner Pascal Berthoumieux. Yum.
Stained Glass | Read Julie’s review.
1735 Benson Ave.
847-864-8600
What’s sexier than a flight of intriguing wines? You, after you finish them.
Quince | Read Julie’s review.
1625 Hinman Ave.
847-570-8400
Quiet, intimate space with fantastic food from Chef Andy Moto. The man has a way with lamb… and the desserts are crazy good.
Glenview:
Flight Wine Bar
1820 Tower Dr.
847-729-9463
Sharing small plates + tasting many interesting wines = romance.
Highwood:
Froggy’s
306 Green Bay Rd.
847-433-7080
The twinkly lights, the beautiful greenery, and yummy French cuisine are all conducive to love.
Highland Park:
Abigail’s American Bistro | Read Julie’s review.
493 Roger Williams Ave.
847-849-1009
Cozy, crowded, but the food is inspired and you will be, too.
Benjamin
1849 Second St.
847-748-8737
Ask for an upstairs booth in what I call the leopard grotto. Rowrr.
Lake Forest:
Bank Lane Bistro
670 N. Bank Lane
847-234-8802
Cozy, romantic spot with inspired food. Overlooking historic Market Square.
MH Fish House | Read Julie’s review.
670 Bank Lane
847-234-8802
Gorgeous plating and innovative food gives seafood a modern, fresh vibe. And yes, lobster risotto is romantic.
Skokie:
Libertad | Read Julie’s review.
7931 N. Lincoln
847-674-8100
Flirty drinks made with HUM liqueur paired with spicy, delicious Nuevo Latino menu.
Charcoal Oven
4400 Golf Rd.
847-675-8062
This is where Harry Connick, Jr. would take a date. Still the best lamb chops anywhere, served in the supper club of your memories.
Winnetka:
Restaurant Michael | Read Julie’s review.
64 Green Bay Rd.
847-441-3100
Feel coddled by the perfect service and luxe food. A date-night magnet.
