The Chicago Riverwalk is a beautiful outdoor space in the city. It is where you will find boat tours, beautiful city views, kayak rentals, and public art. You will also find the most scenic restaurants that serve everything from artisanal cheeseboard to scoops of gelato and locally brewed cider. If you want to dine with a waterfront view, consider the following restaurants on the Chicago Riverwalk:
1. Marshall’s Landing
This is one of the most authentic River North restaurants that provide a unique dining experience with amazing views of the scenic Chicago River below and skyscrapers above. With both outdoor and indoor seating, it is an excellent location for a lively happy hour or casual lunch.
Visit Marshall’s Landing for a memorable dining experience and try out our dishes on the menu, which highlight fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
2. Pizzeria Portofino
This restaurant sits on the riverfront. It serves up a casual atmosphere with salads, seafood, pizza, and hand-stretched pasta. Guests may take advantage of this restaurant’s valet parking or dock their boats at Downtown Docks.
Pizzeria Portofino also provides the desirability of a big outdoor terrace. This makes it possible for guests to enjoy river views as they dine.
3. Azul
From its Latin American-inspired menu to its colorful and fantastic ambiance, Azul is a must-visit restaurant. The restaurant serves seafood in imaginable ways, including ceviche, raw, fried, baked, and grilled. In addition, the restaurant has a rooftop lounge and handy boat dock, suitable for admiring the waterfront view.
4.Ema
This is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant situated in the River area. The restaurant provides a brunch menu, which includes dishes such as smoked salmon platter, avocado toast, and shakshuka. In addition, the restaurant has a stylish and modern atmosphere, making it a suitable spot for friends to enjoy a weekend brunch.
5. River Roast
Situated in the Reid Murdoch building, this restaurant has one of the most recognizable chefs in Chicago. At the helm, you will find Chef Tony Montuano, James Beard Award-Winner, his expertise being veggies, fish, and meat roasted and carved tableside.
Craft beer and craft cocktails also make River Roast a perfect spot for after-work cocktails on the riverside patio, accompanied by an amazing dinner in the restaurant.
6. Sweet Home Gelato
You can easily tell when you get closer to this restaurant. The smell alone from waffle cones gives the restaurant away.
Serving milkshakes, floats, and gelato, you may get a frozen fix in a heaven-scene waffle cone or a cup. This is a good treat either after or before your cycle/electric boat rental, and your kids may cool off in a splash pad right in front of the restaurant.
7. Chicago Brewhouse
Showcasing the city’s diversity, the restaurant offers dishes representing different cultures and neighborhoods. You can get wontons from Chinatown, Italian beef from Taylor Street, and Tacos from Pilsen. You will also find a wide selection of Topo Chico of fun lemonades for kids and Chicago-brewed beer for grown-ups.
Nothing really beats Chicago’s summer. The al fresco dining is undoubtedly what results in the winter amnesia. However, thanks to restaurants found in the Chicago River, you will have an opportunity to try out the world’s best cuisine.