Best Romantic Restaurants in Lincoln Park (60614)
6 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Alinea
Two-Michelin-star modernist temple where dinner plays out like theater.
Essential Picks
#1
Alinea
9.1
Alinea is a Michelin-starred modernist dining room where Grant Achatz’s multi-course tasting menu turns dinner into an immersive, theatrical experience. Since 2005 it’s been Chicago’s most famous special-occasion restaurant, drawing couples for intricate courses like hot potato–cold potato and a choreographed, tableside dessert finale.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hot Potato–Cold Potato, Black Truffle, Parmesan, Black Truffle Explosion Ravioli, Tabletop Dessert Finale
What makes it special: Two-Michelin-star modernist temple where dinner plays out like theater.
Notable Picks
#2
Boka
8.8
Opened in 2003, Boka is a Michelin-starred, candlelit dining room where Chef Lee Wolen’s seasonal American cooking and a polished service team anchor one of Lincoln Park’s most reliable date-night experiences. Couples come for the combination of refined plates, deep wine list, and a room that feels celebratory without being stiff.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whole Roasted Dry Aged Duck, Dry Aged Beef Tartare, Duck Leg Ravioli
What makes it special: Michelin-starred neighborhood stalwart pairing seasonal tasting-style plates with warm polish.
#3
North Pond
8.7
Set inside a 1912 arts-and-crafts building overlooking the lagoon, North Pond is a Michelin-starred restaurant where farm-driven tasting menus meet one of Chicago’s most romantic views. Since 1998 it has been the move for couples who want polished Midwestern cooking framed by park, pond, and skyline.
Must-Try Dishes:
Venison Loin Tartare “Taco”, Mackinac Whitefish en Papillote, Chestnut Mont Blanc Dessert
What makes it special: A park-embedded, pondside dining room where tasting menus meet skyline views.
8.5
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Chicago's original tapas bar since 1985, certified by Spain's Bureau of Tourism and celebrating 40 years of authentic Spanish cuisine. The sprawling Lincoln Park institution excels at crowd-pleasing classics—patatas bravas, bacon-wrapped dates, and live-fire paella—served alongside pitchers of sangria in a lively, labyrinthine space with an all-season patio.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chorizo-Wrapped Dates, Seafood Paella Valenciana, Beef Tenderloin Toro Skewer
What makes it special: Chicago's longest-running Spanish tapas bar with official certification from Spain's Bureau of Tourism
#5
Geja's Cafe
8.4
Operating since the mid-1960s and at its Armitage location since 1971, Geja’s Cafe is a fondue-focused wine bar often cited as one of Chicago’s most romantic rooms. Candlelit nooks, cheese and chocolate fondue, and live flamenco-style guitar make it a classic spot for proposals and anniversaries.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheese & Chocolate Fondue, Premier Fondue Dinner, Belgian Chocolate Fondue
What makes it special: Long-running fondue-and-wine institution where candlelight and guitar set the mood.
Worthy Picks
#6
Gemini
7.9
Gemini is a neighborhood bistro where brunch feels a bit more polished, pairing bottomless cocktails with American plates like eggs Benedict, cinnamon buns, and salads. The room balances date-night energy with families and small groups, making it a flexible choice when you want something nicer than a diner but not formal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sticky Cinnamon Buns, Housemade Granola, Short Rib Hash
What makes it special: Established Lincoln Park bistro where brunch comes with polished service, bottomless cocktails, and patio seating.