Best Date Night Magic Mediterranean Restaurants in River North
3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Ema
High-volume Mediterranean mezze from Chef CJ Jacobson with consistently strong execution.
Notable Picks
#1
Ema
8.9
Ema is Lettuce Entertain You’s bright River North Mediterranean room, built around Chef CJ Jacobson’s lighter California-style mezze, hummus, and kebabs in the lobby of the Hyatt Place. High-volume, multi-platform reviews and a steady local following make it one of the neighborhood’s most reliable spots for shareable small plates and vegetable-forward spreads.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Hummus with Lamb Ragu, House-Made Stracciatella with Vine-Ripened Tomatoes, Lamb Kefta Kebabs
What Makes it Special: High-volume Mediterranean mezze from Chef CJ Jacobson with consistently strong execution.
#2
Sifr
8.7
From the team behind Indienne, Sifr brings wood-fired Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking to a bi-level River North space, backed by a Michelin Bib Gourmand and steadily growing review volume. Charcoal-grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables come in shareable formats that pair well with a cocktail program locals use for date nights and small-group dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black Tiger Prawn with Toum and Harissa, Hokkaido Scallop with Zaitoon, Lamb Kebab with Wood-Fired Vegetables
What Makes it Special: Michelin Bib Gourmand wood-fired Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking in a design-forward space.
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.