10 Best Places to Dine With a View in Chicago

Perched on the 13th floor of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, Cindy's offers a rooftop dining experience not to be missed. Overlooking the Millennium Park in Downtown Chicago, this gem offers a panoramic view of the city's iconic skyline and the sprawling Lake Michigan. The chic ambiance is accentuated by a glass atrium, allowing diners to bask in the glow of the city lights. Cindy’s also has an open-air terrace that is equipped with fire pits during the chillier months. 

Beyond the mesmerizing views, Cindy's tempts with a menu brimming with American comfort food with a gourmet twist, complemented by an impressive list of creative cocktails. With generous portions designed for sharing, it's a fantastic spot for a convivial meal.

Situated on the banks of the iconic Chicago River, River Roast is famous for its spectacular roasts, served in a welcoming family style and carved right at your table. Their cuisine is best described as hearty and soul-warming, while the restaurant itself is a lively, social gathering place. 

The outdoor patio offers breathtaking views of the river and Downtown Chicago, making every meal a memorable occasion. Opt for a table on the patio during the warmer months to enjoy the sight of boats cruising by on the river. As a bonus, diners can even arrive directly at the restaurant's doorstep via water taxi. 

Within the lush greenery of Lincoln Park, North Pond offers an enchanting dining experience with breathtaking views of the serene North Pond and the city skyline. Housed in a charming historical building, this Michelin-starred restaurant exudes a romantic charm that's quite unrivaled in the city. 

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, the setting is akin to a stylish log cabin found in mountain resorts, with the sun's reflections on the pond adding a dash of magic. The farm-to-table menu bursts with seasonal local produce, and they offer a 4-course tasting for dinner and a 3-course prix fixe for Sunday brunch. Remember to reserve your table in advance to enjoy your dinner in this intimate setting. 

Occupying the 22nd floor of the historic LondonHouse Chicago hotel, the LH Rooftop at LondonHouse stands as an exquisite gem in the city's dining scene. This elevated venue is famed for its extensive outdoor terrace that offers sweeping views of the Chicago River, Lake Michigan, and the city's impressive architectural marvels. Situated at the corner of North Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive, the rooftop is just a leisurely walk away from the city's bustling center.  

The menu features an inventive mix of American cuisine with global influences, all centered around fresh, seasonal ingredients. Beyond the rooftop, LondonHouse Chicago also offers indoor dining on the 21st floor and an elegant afternoon tea service. 

With the city's dynamic skyline as your canvas, Terrace 16 invites you to a sensory dining journey. This gem, housed on the 16th floor within the Trump International Hotel & Tower, unveils panoramic views of the Windy City's architectural marvels, including the Wrigley Clock Tower and Tribune Tower. 

Just a short stroll from the Magnificent Mile, the venue’s prime location makes it an essential stop for food lovers and urban explorers. Beyond its indoor dining space, it boasts a large rooftop patio. Enriched with the inviting glow of fire pits and adorned with green landscaping, the patio is an intimate, cozy setting in the heart of the city. The restaurant serves American cuisine and features creative interpretations of classic dishes. 

Situated just 3 floors above ground level, RAISED may not immediately strike you as a typical rooftop venue boasting expansive views but don’t be deceived. Standing proudly atop the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel, this urban rooftop bar offers a unique experience where you can feel the energy of the streets of downtown Chicago, but still have sweeping views over the Chicago River and the city skyline. 

With its lush greenery and sleek, modern decor, you can enjoy a tranquil setting while feasting on elevated American bar food from locally sourced ingredients. Whether it's a cozy fall night around the fire pit or a warm summer evening, RAISED promises a delicious and comfortable experience. 

Situated on the banks of the Chicago River, Beatnik on the River offers a bohemian-chic retreat in the heart of the city. This riverside gem boasts lush greenery, Persian rugs, and colorful and comfy couches, creating an exotic escape in the city. From its sun-drenched patio with floor-to-ceiling windows, you can enjoy a picturesque panorama of the river. 

The visually stunning menu rivals the mesmerizing waterside view. The menu includes an assortment of small plates and shareable dishes and delivers a culinary journey around the world, with its dishes ranging from Mediterranean and Moroccan to Middle Eastern and Mexican. 

Gibsons Italia is a stylish 3-level steakhouse on the west bank of the Chicago River with sweeping views of the Chicago River and skyline. Whether you're seated indoors with floor-to-ceiling windows or on the rooftop terrace, the scenery complements the exquisite dining experience.

Alongside their famed American steaks, Gibsons Italia serves homemade pastas, antipasti, and classic Italian entrées. The restaurant’s design is inspired by mid-century Milan, complete with Italian leather seating, and it also boasts fireplaces on the first and third floors. Gibsons Italia perfectly combines an elegant atmosphere, delectable cuisine, and breathtaking views, making it an exceptional dining destination.

With 3 bar areas featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and 2 patios, VU Rooftop has no shortage of space to admire the breathtaking views over Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Found on the 22nd floor of Hilton Garden Inn Chicago McCormick Place, it’s one of the rare rooftop venues on Chicago’s South side. 

The interior brims with modern elegance, while the outdoor terraces with their fire pits and comfy couches offer a cozy retreat under the stars. The menu promises culinary delights, boasting expertly crafted dishes that cater to a variety of palates, from green curry mussels to Chicago hot chicken sandwiches. To complement the meal, the drink menu brims with handcrafted cocktails, adding a unique touch to your dining experience. 

Located within the iconic Theater on the Lake building, The Lakefront Restaurant offers striking views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Beyond its all-season indoor dining, its outdoor patio is open seasonally and it’s the perfect dining spot to enjoy some lakeside tranquility away from the bustling city. 

Their menu offers seasonal Midwestern fare and an array of crowd-pleasers, such as cobb salad, tacos, chicken sandwiches, and hamburgers. As you savor a delicious meal, you can watch as the city's skyline dramatically transforms during sunset.