Best Business Lunch Power Players Mediterranean Restaurants in River North
3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
avec River North
Second-generation Avec with a larger room and Mediterranean-leaning small plates built for sharing.
Notable Picks
8.5
Avec River North scales up the beloved West Loop original into a larger wine-focused space serving rustic Mediterranean-inspired small and large plates. Chorizo-stuffed dates, flatbreads, and paella-style pastas lead a menu that works as well for a bottle-heavy date night as it does for business dinners and group celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chorizo-Stuffed, Bacon-Wrapped Dates, Taleggio Flatbread, Fideo Noodle Paella
What Makes it Special: Second-generation Avec with a larger room and Mediterranean-leaning small plates built for sharing.
Yasemi sits off the lobby of the Godfrey Hotel as a modern Greek-leaning Mediterranean dining room with plenty of natural light and a flexible all-day menu. Open since 2025, it runs from breakfast through dinner, giving River North visitors and office workers a sit-down option for mezze, grilled seafood, and braised lamb without leaving the block.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whipped Harissa Feta with Warm Pita, Grilled Octopus, Youvetsi Lamb Shank with Orzo
What Makes it Special: Hotel-attached modern Mediterranean spot with full-day service and a spacious, comfortable dining room.
Worthy Picks
#3
Mezza Grill
7.6
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Healthy Haven
Business Lunch Power Players
Located inside the Merchandise Mart, Mezza Grill functions as a lunch-focused Mediterranean grill for building pitas, bowls, and salads on the go. It isn’t a destination restaurant, but for Mart tenants and nearby offices it delivers fresh, customizable plates that skew lighter than typical food-court fare.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mediterranean Salad, Chicken Shawarma Pita, Falafel Plate
What Makes it Special: Merchandise Mart’s primary Mediterranean counter, geared toward fast, customizable lunch orders.