Whether it's for Valentine's Day, an anniversary, first date or just a special night out, Chicago has a variety of spots for an intimate dinner. Here are some of my favorite romantic restaurants in Chicago, listed in alphabetical order:
1. Cafe Absinthe
Cafe Absinthe is a Wicker Park staple, and a great place to take your date before a night out at the area's various clubs.- Cuisine: Contemporary
- Address: 1954 W. North Ave., Chicago
- Phone: 773-278-4488
- Hours: Open for dinner every night.
- Average tab per diner: $60
2. Geja's Cafe
Geja's Cafe is a long running romantic fondue dining spot, with dark booths and flamenco guitarists.- Cuisine: Fondue
- Address: 340 West Armitage, Chicago
- Phone: 773-281-9101
- Hours: Open for dinner every night.
- Average tab per diner: $70
3. Le Lan
Not only is the food top rate -- to be expected from Chicago superstar chefs and owners Roland Liccioni of Le Francais and Arun Sampanthavivat of Arun's -- but the room, mostly designed by Sampanthavivat, is warm and inviting with dark wood and jade tile floors.- Cuisine: French/Vietnamese
- Address: 749 N. Clark St., Chicago
- Phone: 312-280-9100
- Hours: Open for dinner Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday.
- Average tab per diner: $80
4. Narcisse
This long-standing spot is more nightclub than restaurant, but the overall decadent, sexy vibe of Narcisse along with high end food like filet mignon with lobster mashed potatoes makes for a great romantic late-night dinner that stretches into the wee hours.- Cuisine: Global/Fusion
- Address: 710 N. Clark St., Chicago
- Phone: 312-787-2675
- Hours: Open for dinner every night. Late kitchen.
- Average tab per diner: $100
5. Signature Room at the 95th
While the food is adequate rather than impressive, the high altitude is the star here, with tall windows surrounding the entire room which provides the best view of any restaurant in Chicago.- Cuisine: Contemporary/Regional
- Address: John Hancock Center, 875 N. Michigan Ave., 95th Floor, Chicago
- Phone: 312-787-9596
- Hours: Open for dinner every night. Lunch Monday through Saturday. Brunch Sunday.
- Average tab per diner: $110
