Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Chicago

OpenTable

Updated 05 October 2026

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants in Chicago? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

goosefoot

5.0

5 (1087)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Lincoln Square

About the restaurant

We’re excited to announce our loosefoot outdoor patio is now open for the season!

Chris and Nina Nugent are chef/owners of this Fine Dining restaurant located in the heart of downtown Lincoln Square. goosefoot® features a subtle palette of grays with touches of gold and black. The cuisine is an artful blend of French technique with modern vision created from small artisan farm products. Chef Nugent’s talent for precision, refinement and visual artistry in the form of an elaborate multi-course tasting menu.

Top review

AnneGold

Dined 4 days ago

New, beautiful location. Same outstanding food and service.

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Experience

goosefoot experience "surprise" tasting menu

Experience

loosefoot four-course tasting menu experience

AJI

4.9

4.9 (174)

$50 and over

Japanese Speciality

Lakeview / East Lakeview

About the restaurant

Discover an unforgettable dining experience at one of OpenTable's top restaurant destinations for ambiance, led by the talented Chef Kristian Cho. Recently named a 2024 Diner's Choice winner, our restaurant offers a 15-course omakase menu that pairs perfectly with our intimate, cozy setting—ideal for anniversaries, special occasions, or a memorable date night out. With over 30 years of collective expertise, our team is passionate about delivering exceptional service and a warm, inviting atmosphere, complete with a charming backyard for a unique evening. Join us and create lasting memories with those you love.

Top review

Virginia

Dined 5 days ago

Food and service were excellent! Very good value for the qualify and amount of food and the overall experience!

The Omakase Room at Sushi-san

4.9

4.9 (141)

$50 and over

Japanese

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

Tucked above Sushi-san in Chicago's River North, The Omakase Room is a ten-seat intimate dining experience from Master Sushi Chef Kaze Chan and the team behind one of Chicago's most popular sushi restaurants. The space evokes a modern loft, think dinner party at a friend's home rather than formal omakase, with one-of-a-kind ceramics, custom Hinoki cutting boards, and eye-level views of the chefs in action.
Chef Chan's 18-course menu showcases the day's freshest fish and seafood, sourced through a direct partnership with the Yamasaki family at Tokyo's Toyosu Fish Market, with a focus on wild line-caught fish from around the world.
The beverage program features one of Chicago's finest Japanese whisky collections alongside rare sakes, Japanese-inspired cocktails, and wines by the glass.
Seatings are Thursday through Saturday at 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM at $260 per person. The space is also available for private events, great for intimate dinners or holiday parties.

Top review

EoinGold

Dined on 20 Sept 2026

Such an amazing experience, best meal I’ve ever had

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Experience

Omakase Reservation Deposit

Experience

The Omakase Listening Room vol. II - Deposit

Unico Restaurante

4.9

4.9 (43)

$30 and under

Italian

Lower West Side

About the restaurant

Welcome to Unico Restaurante we look forward to serving you.

Top review

Jim

Dined on 7 Oct 2026

This restaurant never disappoints - would highly recommend !

Qiao Lin Hotpot- Chinatown

4.9

4.9 (28)

$31 to $50

Chinese

Lower West Side

About the restaurant

A must-visit Chicago hotpot destination, Qiao Lin was previously recommended by the Michelin Guide—the only North American hotpot brand to receive this recognition. Enjoy authentic Chongqing flavors, signature broths crafted with 32 aromatic spices, and premium ingredients in a modern, photogenic space near downtown. Perfect for family dinners, date nights, and gatherings with friends!

Top review

Ben

Dined on 28 Jul 2026

The food itself was excellent, our server was quite helpful, I don't think we ordered anything that my partner or I disliked at all, and my only regret was in ordering more food than we could eat. Mint Lemon Smoothie's quality was of particular note.

Class Act

4.9

4.9 (75)

$50 and over

Global, International

Bucktown / Wicker Park

About the restaurant

Class Act is a fine dining destination in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood that combines the revelry of a dinner party with an avant-garde tasting menu by James Beard Semi-Finalist Executive Chef Nicolai Mlodinow. Guests are invited into a three-room progressive journey rooted in connection, creativity, and celebration. The intimate experience is anchored around a 16-seat communal table where guests can engage with the culinary team in a lively open kitchen. The cuisine is playful and refined with imaginative wine, cocktail, or spirit-free beverage pairings.

Top review

Andrew

Dined on 2 Oct 2026

Had a fantastic meal. Chef was engaging and friendly. Service was helpful. The passion for the experience was shared by the full staff. Sommelier gave detailed rationale for the wine pairings. Would highly recommend! Thank you for a wonderful evening.

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Experience

A La Carte

Experience

Class Act: Tasting Menu

Nightcap

4.9

4.9 (61)

$31 to $50

Speakeasy

Bucktown / Wicker Park

About the restaurant

A secret speakeasy crafting cocktails rooted in creativity and connection. In Nightcap’s third act BANQUET, the cocktails are inspired by celebratory gatherings across cultures and time.

Tucked away behind Class Act in Bucktown just south of the 606, follow the sidewalk behind the black fence to find the black door.

Top review

JorgeGold

Dined on 17 Oct 2026

It’s a great speakeasy with amazing cocktails. Our waiter was so attentive and made sure we were taken care of. The space was a bit too bright for a speakeasy, it didn’t have the right ambiance, but overall great time.

Valhalla

4.8

4.8 (120)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Bucktown / Wicker Park

About the restaurant

Valhalla is a culinary gem in Chicago's Wicker Park, offering a unique gastronomic journey where modern elegance meets global flavors. The minimalist Scandinavian decor creates an intimate atmosphere, with warm woods and soft lighting that enhance your dining experience. Chef Stephen Gillanders' tasting menu showcases his creativity, featuring seasonal ingredients and diverse influences. Each course, from ocean trout lumpia to vibrant seafood ceviche, highlights his mastery of flavor and technique. Desserts by Pastry Chef Tatum Sinclair are a revelation, with each creation a stunning masterpiece that delights the senses. Valhalla is not just a restaurant; it's an unforgettable experience that invites you to savor every moment.

Top review

AverieGold

Dined 6 days ago

Food, drinks and service were excellent. Very knowledgeable team with a refreshing and approachable angle to fine dining!

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Experience

Valhalla Tasting Menu at The Chef's Counter

Experience

HAVEN: a preview of our dessert tasting menu

Federales - Logan Square

4.8

4.8 (58)

$30 and under

Mexican

Logan Square

About the restaurant

Federales is a lofty, open-air restaurant and bar concept with a casual atmosphere. centered around tasty drinks, delicious tacos, and an urban industrial vibe, it's the go-to bar for guests looking to have a good time and a memorable experience.

Top review

Phyllis

Dined on 19 Sept 2026

Service was incredible, enjoyed the food and drinks were good!

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Experience

Trivia Night

Deliz

4.8

4.8 (183)

$31 to $50

Italian

Bucktown / Wicker Park

About the restaurant

Dēliz was born from a love of bold flavors and that dolce vita state of mind — where Italian passion meets Chicago nights.

Top review

JenniferGold

Dined on 17 Oct 2026

Deliz was fantastic! It starts with entering through a grand door with a specialty smell when you walk in. It is pleasant but not overwhelming. My friend and I immediately noticed and loved it. It is very welcoming. The atmosphere is stylish, cozy and cool. The stairs leading you upstairs are beautiful. We ate upstairs. The chairs are very comfortable. Now to the food, I have eaten almost everything on the menu. I love the brioche, burrata gnocchi, tagliatelle bolognese and the steak. The desserts are delicious! The pistachio cheesecake is gluten free and wonderful! All around is an excellent experience.

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Experience

Weekend Brunch

Experience

Weekday Ladies' Dinner at Deliz

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