NEW Culinary Guide: Top 10 New Date Night Spots

via Selva

Let’s be honest Chicago, dating can be hard. Whether you’re a new couple with first date jitters or a seasoned couple in a date night rut, picking the perfect date destination is no easy feat. Enter our new 2024/2025 Culinary Guide! With nearly 100 mouth-watering Chicago restaurants to choose from, every couple can find somewhere to love. Here are some brand new restaurants included in the guide this year that should be added into your next date night rotation: 

Selva {311 North Morgan Street, Chicago, IL; 312.764.1934}

A moody + intimate  rooftop cocktail bar atop the West Loop’s Emily Hotel is the recipe for one romantic evening. Selva offers a lavish and expansive cocktail list that has a heavy focus on the finest mezcals, as well as late night happy hour deals and weekend DJ sets. Catch those dreamy sunset views before dinner or end your night out in the West Loop with a nightcap or two at Selva’s bar. 

Forbidden Root {1746 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL; 312.929.2202}

Perfect for beer loving duos, Forbidden Root is Chicago’s very first botanical brewery, crafting an extensive beer menu inspired by nature. Their fresh, seasonal menu is a bit more “high-end” than your typical brewery menu, and each dish is created to highlight their craft beer offerings. Say goodbye to those first date jitters because Forbidden Root’s laid-back and rustic atmosphere will put you at ease the second you walk in.

Valedor {1620 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL; 872.315.3062}

The vibrant nightlife of Mexico City & Tokyo come together at this Wicker Park hotspot. Expect moody lighting, melodic music and a sultry lounge atmosphere at Valedor, making it a trendy and sophisticated date night option. Pair your hand-crafted cocktails or sake with one of their flavorful tapas options for a light pre-dinner meal or to cap off your evening out in Wicker Park.

via Lilac Tiger

Lilac Tiger {1742 West Division Street, Chicago, IL; 312.722.6911}

Calling all adventurous foodies who love a good fusion of cuisines! Wicker Park’s Lilac Tiger, led by three veteran Chicago chefs, is a melting pot of Korean and Indian flavors blending seamlessly into dishes that are sure to pack a punch. With a menu full of shareable plates, Lilac Tiger is perfect for double or group dates where you can try a bit of everything.

SIFR {660 North Orleans Street, Chicago, IL; 464.204.8711}

Looking to add a little spice to your next date night? Sifr’s menu, developed by the team behind Indienne, is inspired by the spices of the Middle East and the streets of the Mediterranean. Couples who enjoy trying new foods, and sharing them as well, should take their date to Sifr, where the menu is heavily focused on mezze platters and shareable plates. Finish off your delicious evening with some bar hopping in River North or by taking a stroll along the river!

Taureaux Tavern {155 West Van Buren Street, Chicago, IL; 312.624.8778}

The perfect downtown date awaits at Taureaux Tavern, located just steps from The Chicago Board of Trade and in the heart of the bustling Loop. With a lunch & dinner menu as well as an expansive interior and all-season Parisian patio, a date at Taureaux works for anytime of day or year! Oh and did we mention their patio is dog-friendly so your pups can participate in date night too?!

Volo {2008 West Roscoe Street, Chicago, IL; 773.348.4600}

With its intimate yet relaxing atmosphere, Volo Wine Bar in the heart of Roscoe Village is the perfect destination for a first date, third date or hundredth date. Wine loving couples will feel right at home thanks to Volo’s extensive and seasonal wine list that complements its New American inspired menu. Perfect for a visit any time of the year thanks to its vintage wine bar interior and whimsical all-season backyard garden patio, Volo should definitely be added to your date night rotation. 

via Costera Cocina Tulu,

Costera Cocina Tulum {850 West Fulton Market, Chicago, IL; 312.300.0774}

Can’t swing a couples trip to Mexico? No problem! Costera Cocina in the heart of the West Loop brings the Tulum energy + fare right to you. No matter the time of year, it always feels like summer at Costera thanks to its beachy, jungle décor and a menu full of seasonal and coastal ingredients & eclectic cocktails. 

Ummo {22 West Hubbard Street, Chicago, IL; 312.374.8736}

While Chicago is known for its old school Italian restaurants, new & trendy spots like River North’s Ummo are making their mark in the Italian food scene as well. Ummo’s vibrant, contemporary design is a perfect match for its menu offerings which feature creative + modern takes on classic Italian fare. Plus, its upstairs lounge, Loft 22, features hand-crafted cocktails and late night live music, meaning a date night at Ummo gives you dinner & a show all under the same roof!

Vinny's Clam Bar {18201 South Harlem Avenue, Tinley Park, IL; 708.680.4200}

Vinny’s Clam Bar is proof that you don’t need to be in downtown Chicago to experience a memorable date night out! Situated in the southwest suburb of Tinley Park, Vinny’s is a classic Italian joint featuring all the favorites as well as a heavy emphasis on fresh seafood, like clams + oysters. The laid-back atmosphere, savory comfort food and extensive cocktail + wine list make a night out at Vinny’s an “arrive as guests, leave as family” type of date.

By Robyn Glaza | Market Manager