Julia Momosé’s intimate Japanese-inspired cocktail bar is detail-obsessed, from the hand-carved ice to the delicate glassware. And what it lacks in space, it makes up for in style—elegant accents like geometric patterns in the wood partitions and brass screens have hidden meanings and make for great first-date banter. Toast to a potential second date with Momosé’s next-level cocktails paired with elegant snacks like caviar and Japanese fried chicken. Or extend the evening with the tasting menu.

Taking inspiration from the picturesque French Riviera, La Serre screams romance. The lush garden-like setting with greenery hanging overhead and colorful flowers throughout bring the soothing outdoors in even on the coldest Chicago day. Fitting the restaurant’s French vibe, the menu has a dedicated bubbles section, while the wood-burning hearth fires up steaks and mushrooms alike in the open kitchen. Impress your date with caviar service and dover sole meunière for two.

Italian gem Peanut Park Trattoria comes from the team behind other inviting local faves like Coalfire Pizza and Tempesta Market, so the warm and rustic vibe is very much on brand. Get better acquainted over linguine vongole, perfectly blistered pizzas, and tender fresh octopus—the restaurant’s tiny but mighty menu earned a nod from The Chicago Tribune’s dining critic just a few months after it opened in 2021. In other words, Peanut Park has second—and third and fourth—dates written all over it.

After landing in its second home, Italian-by-way-of-the-Midwest Daisies has quickly become a date-night favorite. This MICHELIN Green Star recipient is where you go for exquisite housemade pastas starring seasonal ingredients, many of them sourced from chef Joe Frillman’s brother’s farm outside the city. Don’t miss the lively happy hour, starring creative drinks and tinned seafood.

Sepia has gracefully walked the line between special-occasion restaurant and neighborhood gem since opening in 2007, landing a MICHELIN Star in the process. Its stylish interiors bring out the chandelier-lined space’s past life as a 19th-century print shop—without being precious. The same goes for chef Andrew Zimmerman’s stunning but unfussy contemporary American four-course menu, which features winners like crusted halibut and grilled short rib—making this one of the most romantic restaurants.

Acclaimed chef Lee Wolen serves a menu that can be dressed up or down at this Italian masterpiece, depending on your celebration mood. If you’re looking to splurge, go for the tuna crudo and wood-fired sea bream. If you’re keeping it casual, get pizza and housemade pasta. Scoring a table at Alla Vita can be trickier than getting a burger at Au Cheval, but you and your date can always grab a spot at the bar. Plan ahead to sit in the dining room with a fabric-covered ceiling and wooden archways.

Kolkata-born chef Sujan Sarkar’s progressive takes on Indian fine dining have earned this River North stunner a MICHELIN Star. With crisp white tablecloths and jewel-toned accents, the sophisticated interiors are as stunning as the restaurant’s artfully plated tasting menus. Up the celebratory vibe with reserve wine pairings.

From the dramatic staircase and glass-enclosed wine room to the cloud-like chandeliers, Adalina is what Chicago date night dreams are made of. Top Chef alum Soo Ahn skillfully whips up refined Italian dishes like charred Sicilian octopus, pillowy gnocchi, and earthy lamb bolognese. Add to the festivities before or after dinner with a visit to Rose Lounge, the restaurant’s intimate first-floor speakeasy.

From the blockbuster team behind MICHELIN-recognized Perilla, this classic steakhouse with a Korean twist features an extensive menu of prime meat cuts. Start with shareable plates like crab pancake and foie gras toast before moving on to the main event—premium wagyu prepared tableside on grill tops paired with clever, Korean-inspired cocktails. Enjoy it all in a stunning, AvroKO-designed interior full of light wood, sprawling banquettes, and soft lighting.

If the rustic setting—complete with a roaring fireplace and animal heads on the wall—doesn’t clue you into the adventurous spirit of this charming lodge-like gastropub, perhaps the whole animal experience will. Chef Brian Jupiter slowly smokes wild boar, alligator, lamb, goat, and other meats for group dinners ordered in advance. Hearty sides include garlic rice and mac and cheese. Less pioneer-leaning parties can opt for equally delicious whole salmon and tomahawk ribeye racks.