If you’re planning Valentine’s Day in Chicago, here’s the straight truth: the best spots aren’t always the flashiest. You want atmosphere, strong service, and food that actually delivers, not just a pretty dining room.
Here are six North Side restaurants that strike the right balance. Some are Michelin-recognized. Some are newer buzz spots. All are realistically bookable if you move now.
1. Boka (Lincoln Park)
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Price: $$$$ (tasting menu experience)
Boka has held a Michelin star for years, and it earns it. The dining room is moody without being stuffy. Service is polished but relaxed. The tasting menu feels special without dragging on for three hours.
Best for: Couples who want a refined night out without feeling like they’re at a corporate steakhouse.
Why it works for Valentine’s: It feels intentional. Not trendy, timeless.
2. North Pond (Lincoln Park)
Cuisine: Seasonal American
Price: $$$$
If you want quiet, intimate, and actually romantic, this is it. Set inside Lincoln Park overlooking the pond, it feels like you left the city without leaving the city.
Best for: Long-married couples or anyone who wants a calm, meaningful dinner.
Valentine’s win: It’s intimate. You can actually hear each other talk.
3. Galit (Lincoln Park)
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Price: $$$
Michelin-starred but warm and lively. The hummus alone is worth going for. It’s energetic without being chaotic.
Best for: Foodie couples who want something different from steak and pasta.
Why it works: Shareable plates make it interactive. Great for first dates too.
4. Elske (West Loop, worth the short trip west)
Cuisine: Scandinavian-inspired
Price: $$$$
Another Michelin-starred spot that doesn’t feel intimidating. Clean design, thoughtful dishes, excellent wine pairings.
Best for: Couples who appreciate craft and detail.
Valentine’s edge: It feels curated, not crowded.
5. Le Sud (Roscoe Village)
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Price: $$–$$$
Approachable, warm, and consistently solid. It feels romantic without being over-the-top.
Best for: Couples who want a relaxed but still special night.
Why it works: It’s bookable. And the space has natural charm.
6. Giant (Logan Square)
Cuisine: Creative American
Price: $$$
Still one of the most consistently good meals on the North Side. It’s buzzy but not impossible to get into if you plan ahead.
Best for: Younger couples or anyone who likes energy with their romance.
Why it works: The food surprises you in a good way.
