Best Upscale Mediterranean Restaurants in River North | Upscale Mediterranean Food

24 restaurants in Best Upscale Mediterranean Restaurants in River North | Upscale Mediterranean Food

• Nomad — Mediterranean · rated 4/5: Stepping into Nomad feels like embarking on a global expedition, where sun-drenched textures and the flickering glow of an open hearth create a sanctuary for the adventurous palate. The kitchen weaves together a tapestry of bold, international flavors and fragrant spices, resulting in vibrant shared plates that tell a story of travel and discovery in every soulful bite.
• Good Funk — Mediterranean · rated 3/5: This spirited wine bar pulses with a lively energy, inviting guests to linger over a curated selection of funky ferments and artfully composed snacks. Salty anchovies melt over ribbons of cultured butter on crisp toast, while the sharp tang of pickled gildas and the nutty richness of hand-carved Jamón Ibérico celebrate the bold, unadulterated flavors of the sea and soil. It is a place where simple treasures like pan con tomate and tinned berberechos are elevated into a communal feast, making every visit feel like a spontaneous, sun-drenched celebration.
• Quartino Ristorante — Italian: Quartino Ristorante pulses with the high-octane energy of a bustling Italian piazza, where the rhythmic clinking of wine carafes and the aroma of wood-fired specialties fill the vibrant, multi-level space. Guests gather around communal tables to share an endless parade of artisanal salumi and hand-stretched pastas, embracing a spirited dining experience that celebrates the simple, rustic joy of authentic Mediterranean flavors.
• Oasis Cafe — Mediterranean: Sunlight streams through floor-to-ceiling windows to illuminate a lush, plant-filled sanctuary that offers a serene escape from the city’s frantic pace. The air carries the rich perfume of freshly roasted beans and toasted sourdough, while vibrant, seasonal plates celebrate the bright, crisp flavors of the garden. It is a tranquil haven where every sip and bite feels like a restorative breath of fresh air, perfect for a quiet morning reflection or a leisurely afternoon catch-up.
• The Purple Pig — Mediterranean: The Purple Pig pulses with a vibrant energy where the rich scent of roasting meats and artisanal cheeses fills a space designed for communal indulgence and spirited conversation. During the holidays, the kitchen extends its rustic charm into the home with curated Thanksgiving boxes that bring together slow-roasted flavors and seasonal trimmings for a festive, shared feast. Every plate celebrates a bold, soulful approach to dining that transforms high-quality ingredients into a memorable celebration of flavor and fellowship.
• NAHA — Mediterranean: Stepping into NAHA feels like entering a shimmering, high-stakes dreamscape where the air is thick with the scent of exotic spices and the buzz of an electric, high-energy crowd. The plates arrive as vibrant spectacles of flavor, ranging from the sun-drenched sweetness of "Sweet Bonanza" to the intricate, oceanic elegance of "Koi Gate," each dish crafted to surprise and delight the palate with playful creativity. This is a destination where culinary artistry meets a bold, modern spirit, turning every meal into a celebratory feast that feels like a winning moment.
• Beatnik On The River — Mediterranean: Stepping into this lush riverfront sanctuary feels like entering a bohemian dreamscape, where vibrant Moroccan tiles, antique chandeliers, and a jungle of exotic greenery frame sweeping views of the water. The kitchen weaves together a tapestry of global flavors through colorful, spice-forward plates and inventive cocktails, offering a transportive dining experience that captures the free-spirited energy of a world traveler’s salon.
• Fig & Olive — Mediterranean: Sun-drenched interiors and a breezy, sophisticated atmosphere transport diners to the Mediterranean coast, where the golden glow of the Riviera meets modern elegance. The kitchen celebrates the vibrant bounty of the region, drizzling premium olive oils over crisp crostini and herb-crusted meats that burst with the flavors of sun-ripened citrus and aromatic rosemary. This chic sanctuary invites guests to linger over shared plates and chilled glasses of rosé, capturing the effortless grace of a seaside escape.
• Taza — Middle Eastern: Taza invites diners into a sun-drenched sanctuary where the air is thick with the intoxicating aroma of charred spices and pillowy, oven-warm flatbreads. Vibrant plates of zesty mezze and succulent, flame-kissed proteins celebrate a tapestry of bold Mediterranean flavors, turning every meal into a communal feast of brilliant colors and textures. It is a lively, soulful space where the simple beauty of fresh ingredients is elevated by tradition, offering a warm escape that lingers long after the last bite.
• True Food Kitchen — Mediterranean: Sun-drenched and vibrant, this modern sanctuary invites guests into a space where lush greenery and an open kitchen celebrate the beauty of seasonal, nutrient-dense ingredients. The kitchen transforms the bounty of the garden into colorful grain bowls, zesty cold-pressed juices, and thoughtfully sourced proteins that nourish the body while delivering bold, bright flavors. It is a refreshing retreat where every plate feels like a celebration of wellness, blending conscious eating with a lively, sophisticated atmosphere.
• Ema — Mediterranean: Sun-drenched and effortlessly chic, this Mediterranean sanctuary invites guests into a light-filled space where hanging greenery and rustic textures evoke the breezy warmth of a coastal escape. The air is fragrant with the scent of charred spices and fresh herbs as communal tables fill with silky, house-made spreads and vibrant, soul-warming small plates designed for lingering over and sharing.
• Meli Cafe — Greek: Meli Cafe is a sun-drenched morning retreat where the comforting scent of buttery biscuits and savory gravy fills the air, inviting guests to linger over vibrant, farm-fresh plates. The kitchen transforms the humble egg into an art form, offering everything from the zesty kick of a Spicy Flamenco omelet to the Mediterranean-inspired warmth of the Sunrise in Cyprus. Every dish feels like a soulful, home-cooked embrace, blending hearty traditional staples with bright, creative flavors that celebrate the start of a new day.
• Café Iberico — Spanish: Step into a vibrant slice of Spain where the air is thick with the aroma of sizzling garlic and the spirited hum of a bustling Madrid tavern. Guests gather around rustic tables to share a parade of authentic tapas, from smoky grilled chorizo to chilled pitchers of fruit-laden sangria that capture the festive heart of Mediterranean dining. It is a place where the clatter of small plates and the warmth of communal laughter create an enduring celebration of bold flavors and timeless tradition.
• Freshii — Mediterranean: Step into a vibrant, light-filled sanctuary where the air is crisp with the scent of cold-pressed juices and garden-plucked greens. This modern retreat transforms wholesome, nutrient-dense ingredients into colorful bowls and zesty wraps, offering a revitalizing burst of energy for the health-conscious diner on the move.
• avec — Mediterranean: Stepping into this minimalist, cedar-lined haven feels like entering a warm wooden jewelry box where the air is thick with the aroma of wood-fired focaccia and slow-roasted meats. Guests gather along communal benches to share rustic, Mediterranean-inspired plates that balance bold spices with seasonal simplicity, creating a vibrant dining experience that feels both intimately tucked away and pulse-quickeningly energetic.
• Roti Modern Mediterranean — Mediterranean: Sun-drenched Mediterranean flavors come alive in this vibrant, modern space where the air is fragrant with the scent of flame-grilled meats and toasted spices. Guests craft their own culinary journeys through colorful bowls and warm pitas, layering velvety hummus and crisp, herb-flecked salads with tender proteins that celebrate the bright, wholesome essence of the Levant.
• Volare Ristorante Italiano — Italian: Volare Ristorante Italiano invites guests into a world of timeless Mediterranean charm, where the intoxicating aroma of wood-fired Tartufo and Margherita pizzas drifts through a warm, spirited dining room. Lively tables are anchored by abundant shared platters and delicate beef carpaccio, while signature seafood salads and golden baked clams bring the bright, briny flavors of the Italian coast to every meal.
• Piggie Smalls Gyro Shop — Greek: This high-energy eatery pulses with urban flair, where the savory scent of spice-rubbed meats caramelizing on the rotisserie draws a lively, hungry crowd. Pillowy pitas are stuffed to the brim with succulent carvings, vibrant vegetables, and cooling drizzles of house-made sauce, creating a bold, handheld symphony of Mediterranean flavors that feels both soulful and modern.
• Mozzarella Store, Pizza & Caffè — Italian: Sun-drenched and inviting, this vibrant eatery celebrates the art of the Italian pantry, where the creamy indulgence of hand-stretched mozzarella meets the charred, blistered perfection of artisanal wood-fired pizzas. Guests can linger over a robust espresso in the airy, modern space or watch as skilled hands transform fresh curds and seasonal ingredients into soulful Mediterranean plates. It is a welcoming neighborhood hub that bridges the gap between a bustling morning coffee stop and a leisurely afternoon feast, all centered around the simple beauty of authentic flavors.
• Pizzeria Portofino — Italian: Sun-drenched and spirited, this waterfront-inspired escape captures the breezy elegance of the Italian Riviera through its vibrant atmosphere and chic, coastal-inspired decor. The table overflows with golden calamari fritti and creamy imported burrata, while the aroma of roasted garlic bread and sizzling prime beef meatballs invites guests to linger over shared plates and chilled wine. It is a place where the casual joy of a seaside holiday meets refined culinary artistry, making every meal feel like a celebratory afternoon spent under the Mediterranean sun.
• Ambar — Mediterranean: This lively Balkan destination transports diners to the heart of Eastern Europe with its warm, wood-accented interior and a boundless flow of vibrant, soul-warming small plates. The air hums with spirited conversation as guests share smoky spreads, tender grilled meats, and artisanal rakia, creating a communal feast that celebrates the rich traditions of Balkan hospitality.
• Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba! — Spanish: This spirited neighborhood gem captures the lively essence of a Spanish tapas bar, where the air is thick with the aroma of roasted mushrooms and the convivial hum of shared conversation. Small plates burst with bold Mediterranean flavors, from the satisfying crunch of golden patatas bravas and crispy artichoke fritters to the creamy indulgence of goat cheese baked in rich tomato sauce. Whether snacking on house-marinated olives or savoring delicate Matrimonio pintxos atop crusty bread, diners are transported to a sun-drenched plaza where every bite is a celebration of communal dining.
• Roti — Mediterranean: This vibrant Mediterranean escape invites diners into a world of bold spices and sun-ripened ingredients, where the aroma of flame-seared proteins and warm, pillowy flatbreads fills the air. A kaleidoscope of zesty house-made spreads and crisp, herb-forward salads allows for a personalized feast that feels both wholesome and indulgent, capturing the soulful essence of the spice trail in every bite.
• Ummo — Italian: Ummo invites guests into a vibrant, contemporary sanctuary where the comforting scent of golden, house-baked focaccia and the smoky allure of fire-roasted oysters set the stage for a soulful Italian-inspired feast. The kitchen masterfully balances rustic tradition with modern elegance, serving up velvety burrata paired with delicate prosciutto alongside golden arancini and savory meatballs that evoke the warmth of a Mediterranean kitchen. Every plate celebrates bold flavors and shared moments in an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and deeply welcoming.