4 IL Restaurants Among Most Romantic In US, New List Says

Sweethearts looking for a romantic spot to celebrate Valentine’s Day — or any cozy occasion — have four in Illinois to choose from, according to a new list.

OpenTable’s list of the 2026’s Top 100 Romantic Restaurants “know how to set the mood,” the online reservation service and management platform said, adding, “Celebrated by diners for romance, they’re the certifiably swoon-worthy spots people choose when the night matters most.”

Restaurants in Illinois include:

Geja's Cafe- 340 W. Armitage, Chicago

This iconic fondue restaurant in Chicago has been a destination for romance since 1965. Reviewers on OpenTable said Geja's is a perfect place to kindle romance, celebrate a special occaision or simply join as family and friends for an unforgettable dining experience.

Mesón Sabika - 1025 Aurora Ave., Naperville

Built in 1847, this restaurant sits on a pristine four-acre estate inside a beautiful mansion. Mesón Sabika specializes in Spanish cuisine and offers an unparalleled atmosphere, with a casual dressy dress code.

Mon Ami Gabi - 2300 N. Lincoln Park West, Chicago

Located in the heart of Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, this traditional French bistro honors the cuisine of the romantic country. The menu features simple French food, including Steak Frites, fresh seafood and rolling wine carts.

North Pond - 2610 North Cannon Drive, Chicago

Described by diners as "enchanting," North Pond offers a five-course tasting menu that utilizes ingredients at the height of their season. Chef César Murillo combines classical technique with hyperlocal ingredients to create elegant dishes in one of Chicago's most distinctive settings.

If you’re planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day at one of these places, it’s a good idea to make reservations now.

OpenTable said its annual ranking is based on more than 9 million reviews from verified OpenTable diners and other metrics from Dec. 1, 2024, to Nov. 30, 2025. Other factors considered were the percentage of five-star reviews, alerts set, percentage of reservations made in advance, capacity used, and direct searches. Metrics were weighted to comprise an overall score. The qualified restaurants were then ranked by the percentage of reviews with the tag “romantic.