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Top 11 Drool-Worthy Best Restaurants in Chicago Gold Coast

Published: Jul 28, 2022 · Modified: Sep 11, 2023 by The Natural Natalie · This post may contain affiliate links ·

Have a trip planned to Chicago? Need a great spot to book a date night in one of Chicago’s most popular and classy neighborhoods? Want to know the best restaurants in Chicago gold coast?

We have got you covered.

After living in Chicago for 6+ years, understanding the restaurant market came naturally and we know where the best restaurants are.

We tried the widely popular, 5-star yelp review restaurants and the hole-in-the-wall Chicago gems.

It is safe to say that this list of 11 best restaurants in Chicago gold coast will be sure to impress your tastebuds and provide you with a memorable dining experience.

Enjoy this round-up of delicious food!

buildings, city, illuminated
Chicago Skyline

1. Somerset

American cuisine tucked away in a glamorous hotel.

Price Point: $$

Type of Cuisine: American

Our Rating: 6/10

Somerset is situated inside the charming Viceroy Hotel in the heart of Chicago Gold Coast. Before being called the Viceroy Hotel, in the 1960s, the historic building was called the Cedar Hotel and has since been renovated, rebranded, and reopened to the public.

It is located in the heart of Gold coast and is across the street from the Viagra Triangle.

It serves American seasonal cuisine with burgers and salads as well as sustainably harvested seafood for lunch & dinner.

The best item on the menu is the Seared Striped Sea Bass, which is seared in a brown butter vinaigrette and paired with cauliflower. It’s light & flavorful. Not to mention, the presentation is gorgeous.

Fish appetizer

Don’t forget to order the Brussel sprouts – topped with thai pesto and crispy shallots. To die for!

They also have an outstanding brunch menu produced by Executive Chef Stephen Gillanders.

Some of the popular items are the Short Rib Shashuka and Brioche French Toast.

Somerset has a beautiful outdoor patio with twinkle lights floating above the tables. In the summertime, it is a truly magical experience, especially because the restaurant is close to the Viagra triangle where locals mingle, listen to live music and enjoy the city.

In terms of pricing, the burgers and appetizers won’t break the bank and you will get an amazing gold coast experience.

Bar and dining area.

2. Le Colonial

Charming and Upscale French-Vietnamese cuisine.

Price Point: $$

Type of Cuisine: Vietnamese

Our Rating: 9.7/10

If you are looking for a delicious meal paired with a memorable dining experience that feels like you are in a different country, then check out Le Colonial.

This Oak st restaurant has been serving delicious food since 1966 and was the Vietnamese trendsetter in Chicago for several years.

Located on the third floor of the building, Le Colonial features a dining room, bar and lounge, private chef’s dining room, and an all-season terrace overlooking the bustling Oak Street. 

If you are lucky enough to score a reservation, then you are in for a treat!

The great thing about Le Colonial is the healthy menu options.

Jumping into the long-awaited menu, there is a wide selection of small plates, soups & salads, large plates, and sides.

We recommend indulging in the Crispy Shrimp & Pork Rolls (CHA GIO), which are stuffed with Gulf Shrimp, Pork, Asian Mushrooms, Mint, Cilantro, and a Chili Lime Dipping Sauce.

Crispy Shrimp & Pork Rolls (CHA GIO)

The Spicy Yellowfish Tuna Tartare (CA SONG) won’t disappoint. It has Avocado, Sweet Chili, Cucumber, Red Shiso, and Soy Caviar, and is served with Taro Chips.

For large plates, do yourself a favor and order the Steamed Sea Bas (CA HAP), served with ginger, Steamed Sea Bass Fillet, Cellophane Noodles, Oyster Mushrooms, Tomatoes, Scallions, and a Light Ginger Scented Broth. Not only is this delicious, but it is also healthy!

Another popular item is the Roasted Half Duck and Signature Fried Rice.

Make sure you order a side of Garlic Noodles and Brussel Sprouts!

Le Colonial to-go.

Also, if you can’t score a spot inside the restaurant, no fear. Grab the food to go and eat it off rush st and maple st by the fountain.

Overall, we have to say Le Colonial is one of the best restaurants in the Chicago gold coast.

3. 3 Arts Club Cafe

Sophisticated and Elegant Restaurant with a Fountain

Price Point: $$$

Type of Cuisine: wine bar & American

Our Rating: 7/10

The perfect date night in Chicago, IL can easily be achieved at 3 Arts Club Cafe on Dearborn St.

The classy 3 Arts Club Cafe features an ingredient-driven menu accompanied by a curated selection of artisanal wines and craft beers.

Guests dine beneath a glass-and-steel atrium amidst trickling fountains, heritage olive trees, and glimmering chandeliers. That’s right. There is a large fountain in the center of the restaurant, making the dining experience feel like you are in a different country, not Chicago.

Instagram-worthy.

Fountain in the center of the restaurant. The picture was taken during an evening reservation.

Also, a great spot to people watches as people take pictures.

After your meal, feel free to buy any of the furniture situated around the main entrance as the building is a furniture store called Restoration Hardware.

Let’s get into the menu.

Start with a bottle of wine. The selection is outstanding. You are surrounded by bottles of wine.

Wine, Grapes, Cheese, Fresh Bread, and Prosciutto.

We recommend ordering the Prosciutto and Delice Board, which comes with a warm baguette and seasonal fruit, and of course, prosciutto. The bread is to die for.

For the main course, indulge in the classic RH Burger or Lobster Roll. Alternatively, opt for the salmon and a side salad.

If you are like me, you might just order a few entrees and a few side dishes to experience the menu and have a fun time.

Two words. Truffle Fries. Order them and thank us later!

Truffle Fries

4. Gibson Bar & Steakhouse

Chicago, IL Classic Spot & Lively Outdoor Seating to People Watch

Price Point: $$$

Type of Cuisine: American

Our Rating: 7/10

Gibsons Bar will give you the classic steakhouse experience – surf’n’turf staples, juicy steak, and an extensive wine list. Definitely one of the best restaurants in Chicago gold coast.

Located on Rush St, the southern part of Viagra Triangle in Chicago, il, the outdoor eating experience makes for the perfect spot to people-watch.

With Gibsons Bar, it is not just about the excellent food, but it is also about the great atmosphere.

When first walking inside, there is a bar area with huge windows that overlooks Viagra Triangle. It’s a great spot to be when winter comes around and you don’t want to sit outside.

This is a great place for a date or a business dinner.

Getting into the menu, definitely try the Filet mignon. A true classic. Cooked to perfection (medium rare).

Filet Mignon with wild mushrooms.

Of course, the New York Strip is a fan favorite paired with the Double Baked Potatoe.

The seafood options are incredible. Ordering the Salmon or Sea Bass will do the trick.

We also recommend trying out Gibsons Italia, which is located on the Chicago River with breathtaking views & prosciutto.

Prosciutto

6. Blue Door Kitchen Garden

Intimate and Elegant American Cuisine

Price Point: $$

Type of Cuisine: American

Our Rating: 5.5/10

Not a lot of locals talk about this one – definitely a hidden gem.

Blue Door Kitchen Garden serves seasonal food and cocktails in an elegant and intimate setting with a patio.

It feels like a farm-to-kitchen restaurant with a rustic interior and twinkle lights.

Outdoor patio

This is a great date night spot or checks it out in the morning for breakfast. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.

The menu is complete with Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Shrimp & Grits, Steak, Macaroni, Cauliflower Steak, and Duck Leg.

Macaroni

They also have a lighter side too – Brussels and Kale Salad or the Beet Salad. Add a protein and you will feel full, healthy, and satisfied.

7. Carmine’s

Sunny Brunch Spot

Price Point: $$

Type of Cuisine: Italian restaurant

Our Rating: 6/10

Looking for a cute brunch spot that has an incredible outdoor patio? Carmine’s has the dining experience for you.

Excellent service. Delicious coffee. Simple and flavorful menu.

Located directly on Rush st, this spot is another great people-watching restaurant as your table is placed on of the busiest streets in Gold Coast.

French Toast

We love coming here for brunch. Such a classy spot and if you choose the right table outside, you can get the sunlight to shine on your table. However, there are a ton of umbrellas to cover the outside eating area.

If you love fruit, then you have to order the fruit bowl, which is a bowl of fruit served in a fresh pineapple!

Fruit Bowl

A great way to manipulate the menu and also enjoy the great food is to order the side of eggs and bacon. Get those gains!

8. Eduardo’s Enoteca

Hole-in-the-wall candle-lit Italian food at an affordable price

Price Point: $

Type of Cuisine: Italian restaurant

Our Rating: 6/10

Date night is settled for this weekend. Check out Eduardo’s Enoteca, a charming restaurant on dearborn st.

Set the right vibe with a candlelit dinner in a cozy dining area.

Fair warning – I went here on a date and the guy tried to kiss me by getting all snuggling on the comfy cushioned booth. So it is safe to say, this restaurant sets a vibe.

Crispy chickpeas and Brussel sprouts with my weird date

If you live close by, stop by Eduardo’s for breakfast bagels in the morning!

The best dishes on the dinner menu include the Honey Bourbon Glazed Salmon, Braised Short Rib, and Lemon Poppy Bucatini Pasta.

Salmon

Of course, who can skip on a giant slice of Hot Honey Pizza or a giant slice of Prosciutto Arugula Pizza? Not us.

This unique spot has a beautiful outdoor patio in the summer that is hard to pass up.

9. Nico Osteria

Romantic Vibe with scrumptious Italian seafood dishes.

Price Point: $$

Type of Cuisine: Italian restaurant

Our Rating: 6.5/10

This charming restaurant, Nico Osteria, is located within the historic Thompson Hotel in Gold Coast.

Enjoy a drink with live music inside the restaurant or choose a table outside on the beautiful patio.

The menu is complete with Italian seafood dishes – Truffle Potato Dumplings, Mushroom Ragu, Branzino, Roast Chicken, and for special occasions – the duck breast.

This Chicago gem is down the street from Lake Michigan where you can see the Chicago skyline.

We recommend enjoying dinner and walking east on Bellevue Pl to arrive at Oak Street beach for sunset.

9. Maple and Ash

Upscale and Boujie Candlelit Steakhouse

Price Point: $$$$

Type of Cuisine: steakhouse

Our Rating: 7.5/10

If you need a restaurant for a special occasion, then Maple and Ash is your spot. Maple and Ash serve good food and the dining experience will implant positive memories in your brain forever.

The posh white-table cloth dimmed dining room, extensive wine, and cocktail list make anyone feel expensive.

Speaking of expensive, try the fire-roasted seafood tower (choose the baller option). Oysters, clams, shrimp, mussels, scallops, lobster, and more.

Seafood tower!

Jumping right into the menu, the steak and seafood are to die for. Indulge in a juicy filet mignon, downstairs burger, an array of fresh sushi, wood-grilled Spanish octopus, or the halibut.

Steak.

Locals go here for business meetings or a date night to remember. The service is excellent and the food is wonderful.

10. Doc B’s Restaurant + Bar

Clean and delicious comfort food

Price Point: $

Type of Cuisine: American

Our Rating: 7.5/10

Located on Walton street near lake Michigan (Oak Street Beach) is Doc B’s. One of the best restaurants in Chicago gold coast.

This restaurant is a small chain that offers seasonal American comfort food.

My first time eating at Doc B’s, I ordered the guacamole and sweet potato chips and was immediately hooked to Doc B’s. They layer the sweet potato chips (freshly cut with minimal oil) on a plate and serve the chips with a huge bowl of guac.

Guac and sweet potato chips

It is great for a light bite before heading into River North, Gold Coast, or other Chicago neighborhoods.

For the main course, try the juicy hamburger or famous stir fry (you can choose your protein, sauce, and veggies).

The location in Gold Coast also has an outdoor seating patio area where you can sit and watch people walking on Michigan avenue.

11. Bistronomics

Modern fresh flair with an elegant dining experience.

Price Point: $$

Type of Cuisine: French

Our Rating: 7/10

Hidden on the border of the Chicago neighborhood of Gold Coast and River North is this french gem. One of the best restaurants in Chicago gold coast.

There are not a lot of french restaurants in Chicago, so dining at Bistronomics is a special treat for a special occasion.

The menu includes an extensive wine list and cheeses to pair with the wine.

We recommend trying the charcuterie board and escargot for an appetizer.

Indulging in the gnocchi, a burger, or lamb shank is an excellent choice for the main course.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bistronomic (@bistronomicfood)

This spot is the perfect date night restaurant or business dinner location.

Grab a table outside and it will start to feel like you are in France!

Tell me more about the Viagra Triangle near the best restaurants in Chicago gold coast?

Within Chicago, Gold Coast is the “Viagra Triangle”.

The triangle area where State Street, Oak Street, and Rush Street form a triangle is where you can see restaurants like Gibson’s, Hugo’s, and Tavern at Rush.

It has a reputation for older men hanging out to search for younger females.

However, don’t be turned off by this. The twinkle lights, ice cream, and lively nightlife are enjoyable regardless.

Play games and eat ice cream in Viagra Triangle

What to do in Chicago’s Gold Coast?

The Gold Coast is an elegant neighborhood filled with high-end restaurants and luxurious bars and cafés.

There are a ton of places to go in Chicago’s Gold Coast, which is famous for being the most luxurious shopping destination and the finest dining. Gold Coast offers great shopping opportunities.

As you travel north towards Lincoln Park, you will find the Gold Coast becoming more residential. Some of the best streets in Chicago are on the Gold Coast.

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Hi, I'm Natalie, the girl behind this blog! I'm a food and beverage photographer, Author, Artist, and blogger based in SoCal. I'm deeply committed to living healthily, often immersing myself in our garden for hours on end. With my boyfriend tending to our homegrown produce and me crafting wholesome and natural meals, my aim is to ignite inspiration for a lifestyle that prioritizes both personal wellness and environmental stewardship. Join me on this journey towards a healthier, more sustainable way of living!

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