Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Near North Side
6 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Robert's Pizza and Dough
Award-winning brick-oven thin crust with anatomically perfect dough developed over 20 years
Notable Picks
8.9
Robert Garvey's certified pizzaioli credentials shine through in this riverfront Streeterville destination, where a 20-year dough development journey yields thin-crust artisan pies with perfect crunch-to-chew ratio. Named #1 Artisan Pizza in Chicago and ranked among Top 100 Pizzas in the World.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fennel Sausage with Hot Honey, Pepperoni with Calabrian Chiles, Acorn Squash Seasonal Pizza
What Makes it Special: Award-winning brick-oven thin crust with anatomically perfect dough developed over 20 years
8.3
Pinched on the River is a compact Streeterville spot tucked along the Ogden Slip, known for build-your-own pitas, bowls, and Mediterranean grills backed by a well-loved wine list. It’s a flexible choice that works as well for quick lunches as it does for casual riverfront dinners on the patio.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Shawarma Bowl, Beef Chevaps Plate, Falafel Pita
What Makes it Special: A riverside Mediterranean grill where customizable pitas and bowls meet an efficient, friendly crew.
8.3
Upstairs at The Gwen turns the hotel’s fifth-floor terrace into an Art Deco-inspired rooftop with fire pits, city views, and a menu of cocktails and shareable New American plates. It balances hotel polish with a relaxed, social feel that works for dates, small groups, and seasonal events like Tipsy Tea.
Must-Try Dishes:
Curried Carrot Deviled Eggs, Spanakopita with Honey, Apricot-Cranberry Scones
What Makes it Special: Art Deco-inspired rooftop terrace with cocktails, snacks, and fire pits.
Worthy Picks
7.9
Along the river at the edge of Streeterville, Lizzie McNeill’s is a long-running Irish pub with a big patio, dog-friendly policy, and a menu of shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, and bar snacks. It’s less polished than hotel bars nearby, but regulars rely on it for late-night pints and casual group meetups by the water.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shepherd’s Pie, Fish and Chips, Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad with Tater Kegs
What Makes it Special: Riverfront Irish pub with a sprawling patio and neighborhood-regular energy.
7.9
Conveniently positioned at Chicago's top tourist destination, this family-style Giordano's delivers the same stuffed pizza heritage with indoor and outdoor lakefront seating. Perfect pit stop after Navy Pier attractions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicago Classic Stuffed, Spinach Alfredo Deep Dish, Traditional Wings
What Makes it Special: Prime Navy Pier location with lakefront dining and iconic pizza
7.5
Opened in 2021 inside the Sable at Navy Pier, Lírica serves Spanish- and Latin-inspired plates with a long cocktail list and a large patio looking back at the skyline. It functions as a flexible all-day option for hotel guests and Navy Pier visitors more interested in waterfront views and cocktails than destination-level cooking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Rigatoni, Papas Bravas, Spanish Omelette
What Makes it Special: Waterfront Spanish-inspired plates with big patio views over Lake Michigan.