Whether you’re a foodie, a world traveler, or simply someone who appreciates good design, Chicago is bursting with photogenic restaurants that deserve a spot on your feed. From rooftop oases and plant-filled hideaways to glitzy celebrity restaurants, Chicago’s dining scene is not just delicious—it’s downright beautiful.
This guide highlights 20 aesthetic restaurants in Chicago that are perfect for your next photoshoot or dining experience. Whether you’re booking a professional photographer or just snapping with your phone, these spots offer stunning visuals, creative vibes, and plenty of charm. 20 aesthetic restaurants in Chicago that are perfect for your next photoshoot or dining experience. Whether you’re booking a professional photographer or just snapping with your phone, these spots offer stunning visuals, creative vibes, and plenty of charm.
Picture-Perfect Aesthetic Restaurants in Chicago
Chicago is known for its diverse food scene, but some restaurants stand out not just for what’s on the plate—but for what surrounds it. In this section, we’ve gathered a list of aesthetic restaurants in Chicago that deliver an exceptional visual experience along with delicious dining. Whether you’re into warm lighting, vintage vibes, lush interiors, or sunlit spaces, these spots are guaranteed to enhance your camera roll and your cravings.
3 Arts Club Cafe
Set inside the Restoration Hardware in the Gold Coast, this cafe is a glass-ceilinged garden wonderland. With fountains, chandeliers, plush seating, and sun-dappled greenery, it’s ideal for romantic lunch shots or elegant portraits. The blend of natural light and timeless design makes this an irresistible spot for lifestyle shoots, engagement sessions, or fashion content. Even the food and coffee come perfectly plated, giving you every excuse to linger and capture the moment.
Photo Source: Conde Nest Traveler
The Allis at Soho House
An Instagram favourite, The Allis is known for its velvet sofas, vintage rugs, ornate chandeliers, and towering arched windows. It blends a clubby British aesthetic with a cozy, approachable charm. Brunch here is a must, not just for the menu but for the dreamy lighting that filters through in the morning. Whether you’re snapping your smoked salmon toast or lounging with a latte, this space always delivers a soft, curated mood.
Photo Source: The Allis
Beatnik on the River
A bohemian dream overlooking the Chicago River, Beatnik is overflowing with character. Think Moroccan lanterns, velvet benches, carved wood, and tropical plants—layered to create an enchanting global hideaway. The juxtaposition of vintage textures against a sleek riverfront view makes for high-impact visual storytelling. It’s one of the most aesthetic restaurants Chicago has to offer, perfect for afternoon cocktails or golden hour lifestyle shots.
Photo Source: Beatnik on the River
The Oakville Grill & Cellar
Located in the Fulton Market District, The Oakville Grill & Cellar brings a taste of Napa Valley to Chicago with its wine-country-inspired design. Think warm wood tones, earthy stone textures, and sleek glass wine cellars lining the walls. The lighting is soft and sophisticated, perfect for stylish dining photos, moody portraits, or shots that highlight beautifully plated modern American fare. It’s a refined, welcoming space that radiates casual elegance.
Photo Source: Star Wine List
Cabra
A rooftop restaurant from celebrity chef Stephanie Izard, Cabra is perched atop the Hoxton Hotel and offers a light, airy ambiance. The interior is bright and modern with pops of Peruvian colour and textures—think cacti, woven fabrics, and terracotta tones. It’s ideal for summery shoots featuring shared plates, cocktails, and city views. Whether you’re shooting fashion, food, or friendship, Cabra offers a radiant backdrop that elevates every image.
Photo Source: Cabra Chicago
From golden hour brunches to candlelit dinners, these picture-perfect aesthetic restaurants in Chicago bring more than ambience—they bring unforgettable moments. Ideal for Instagram, lifestyle blogs, or even your next professional shoot, these venues deliver visuals as satisfying as their menus.
Celebrity Aesthetic Restaurants in Chicago Worth Capturing
If you’re the kind of diner who loves a little stardust sprinkled over your steak—or if your feed thrives on posh interiors and famous names—Chicago’s celebrity aesthetic restaurants are calling. These spots combine star power with photogenic flair, offering moody lighting, show-stopping design, and signature dishes worth a snapshot or two.
RPM Italian
Owned by TV personalities Giuliana and Bill Rancic, RPM Italian combines upscale sophistication with modern minimalism. The monochromatic interiors, intimate booth seating, and dramatic lighting create a striking contrast that feels cinematic. Ideal for date-night portraits or polished brand content, this celebrity favourite brings just the right amount of glam without being over the top. Bonus: the perfectly plated pasta makes a killer food shot.
Photo Source: RESY.com
Gordon Ramsay Burger
Located in the heart of River North, this spot is signature Ramsay—bold, modern, and full of attitude. With industrial-meets-glam interiors, neon signage, and red accent lighting, it’s designed to catch your eye (and your lens). If you’re looking to combine a street-style edge with indulgent food photography, this is the perfect setting. Plus, the burgers are as camera-friendly as they are mouthwatering.
Photo Source: Choose Chicago
Girl & the Goat
Stephanie Izard’s original masterpiece in the West Loop, Girl & the Goat delivers rustic-chic charm with a cozy yet vibrant energy. Exposed brick, unique wall art, and vintage-style light fixtures create a warm, inviting space ideal for group dining and candid lifestyle content. Known for its inventive menu and intimate ambiance, it’s a hotspot for foodie influencers and anyone craving photos with character.
Photo Source: Eater
Lyra
Stepping into Lyra feels like entering a Mediterranean escape. This Grecian-inspired restaurant wows with textured limestone walls, wooden ceiling beams, archways, and soft, ambient lighting. The atmosphere is equally upscale and earthy—ideal for those craving sophistication without stiffness. It’s a favourite among celebrities and influencers alike, and every corner is primed for high-fashion, moody, or golden-lit photo opportunities.
Photo Source: The Infatuation
Maple & Ash
One of Chicago’s most glamorous steakhouses, Maple & Ash is an experience in luxury. The Gold Coast location features soaring ceilings, crystal chandeliers, grand staircases, and opulent decor. Rich wood tones and marble accents provide the perfect canvas for upscale portraiture and decadent dinner scenes. Dress to impress—this is the kind of place where both the people and the photos look like they belong in a magazine.
Photo Source: Event Up
From bold glamour to laid-back luxury, these celebrity aesthetic restaurants in Chicago provide more than just a meal—they deliver an experience that feels exclusive and camera-ready. Whether you’re hoping to spot a star or simply feel like one, these venues are perfect for creating content with polish and personality.
Hidden Restaurants in Chicago with Unique Design Concepts
Not all of Chicago’s most photogenic restaurants are flashy or famous—some of the most visually captivating spots are tucked away in charming neighborhoods or behind unassuming façades. These hidden aesthetic restaurants in Chicago surprise and delight with their unique design choices, creative menus, and atmosphere-rich settings that beg to be captured.
Maison Parisienne
Tucked into a bright corner of the city, this cafe exudes French charm with patterned tile floors, arched doorways, and buttery croissants served on dainty porcelain. It’s a light-soaked space where everything from your espresso to your outfit pops against the neutral, elegant background. Perfect for cozy morning sessions or editorial-style cafe shoots, Maison Parisienne is understated beauty at its best.
Photo Source: Maison Parisienne
Elske
Elske is Danish for “love,” and it shows in every detail of this serene, design-forward restaurant. Located in the West Loop, its interior is a masterclass in minimalism—think concrete walls, clean lines, and soft lighting balanced with warm textures. Outside, a small courtyard garden adds a layer of natural beauty ideal for styled shoots. This spot is perfect for minimalist, moody photos or anyone who appreciates Scandinavian calm.
Photo Source: The Wold’s 50 Best Restaurants
Pilsen Yards
A local treasure in the colourful Pilsen neighbourhood, Pilsen Yards bursts with life and culture. Street art lines the walls, while wooden tables and string lights create a festive yet laid-back vibe. It’s the ultimate backdrop for bold, high-energy photos, ideal for capturing the essence of community, creativity, and local flavour. Whether you’re highlighting cocktails, tacos, or personal style, this venue screams authenticity and artistic energy. Whether you’re highlighting cocktails, tacos, or style, this venue screams authenticity and creativity.
Photo Source: Pilsen Yards
The Whale
Bold and nostalgic, The Whale brings a 1940s Las Vegas aesthetic to Logan Square. Think velvet booths, brass light fixtures, deep teal walls, and custom wallpaper that pops on camera. This space lends itself to themed shoots or retro-inspired fashion content. Even if you’re just here for brunch or a game of poker in the back lounge, you’ll find plenty of photo ops filled with playful sophistication.
Photo Source: The Whale
Daisies
Bright, cheery, and deliciously down-to-earth, Daisies is a pasta-centric eatery that delights in every detail. With vibrant yellow tiles, wood furnishings, and a homey open kitchen, this spot radiates warmth. It’s the kind of place where you can snap carefree photos of food, friends, or that unexpected beam of sunlight hitting your Negroni just right. Comfort meets creativity in this true neighbourhood gem.
Photo Source: Daisies
From moody minimalism to colorful personality, these hidden aesthetic restaurants in Chicago offer something truly special. They’re ideal for creatives and diners who seek beauty in the details and appreciate places that feel like well-kept secrets—ready to be discovered and shared.
Rooftop Aesthetic Restaurants in Chicago with Outdoor Charm
Few settings offer the kind of visual drama and natural light that rooftop restaurants do. These rooftop aesthetic restaurants in Chicago combine elevated cuisine with breathtaking backdrops—from skyline vistas and waterfront panoramas to playful, colourful atmospheres that feel like mini escapes above the city bustle. Whether you’re going for golden hour magic or a sparkling cityscape after dark, these sky-high gems offer endless photography potential.
Lirica
Overlooking the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan, Lirica delivers seaside vibes in the middle of the city. Inspired by Mediterranean coastal towns, the interiors pair crisp whites with cool blues, rattan textures, and massive windows that invite golden light. The patio seating offers panoramic views of the lake, making it a dreamy destination for sunset portraits, brunch photoshoots, or lively group scenes by the waterfront.
Photo Source: Lirica
ROOF on the Wit
ROOF is one of the city’s hottest rooftop destinations, perched above The Wit Hotel with panoramic views of downtown. Inside, sleek seating and vibrant lighting make for a high-energy atmosphere. Outside, the open-air terrace provides a front-row seat to the Chicago skyline. Whether you’re capturing cocktails against the sunset or dancing under the stars, this rooftop hits all the right notes for aesthetic dining and after-dark imagery.
Photo Source: ROOF on the Wit
Utopian Tailgate
If you love colour, whimsy, and a hint of the unexpected, Utopian Tailgate is your dream come true. Located above Second City in Old Town, this rooftop playground features faux grass, swings, neon art, and bold patterned seating. It’s ideal for playful, vibrant shoots with friends any time of year. Think: retro fun meets modern rooftop, with endless angles to express your creativity. Think: retro fun meets modern rooftop.
Photo Source: Utopian Tailgate
Aba
Part of the Lettuce Entertain You group, Aba is a lush, green rooftop haven offering a breezy Mediterranean menu and major visual appeal. Olive trees, hanging lanterns, and wooden pergolas create an airy oasis in the middle of the city. Whether you’re lounging with a cocktail or capturing styled moments with friends, the light and greenery here make for effortlessly beautiful content no matter the season.
Photo Source: Aba
The Darling
Hidden behind an unmarked door in the West Loop, The Darling is a whimsical, dimly lit cocktail lounge with a flair for the dramatic. Inside, velvet textures, vintage mirrors, and a rotating lineup of live performers add to its storybook ambiance. It’s the perfect setting for glamorous evening shots, romantic date-night captures, or any scene with a touch of mystery and magic.
Photo Source: Real Restorations
After a day spent dining above it all, these rooftop aesthetic restaurants in Chicago remind us that the best views often come with the best meals. Ideal for creating vibrant, fresh content and unforgettable moments, these sky-high spots prove you don’t need to leave the city to feel on top of the world.
How to Capture Beautiful Shots in Aesthetic Restaurants
Capturing stunning photos in a restaurant setting isn’t just about pointing and shooting—it’s about understanding light, mood, and detail. Whether you’re using a smartphone or working with a professional photographer, a few thoughtful techniques can elevate your images from casual snaps to visually compelling content. This section shares practical tips to help you make the most of your shoot in any of Chicago’s most aesthetic dining spots.
Pro Tips
A well-planned restaurant photoshoot doesn’t require a studio—just good instincts and a few tricks of the trade. To help you take the most flattering and engaging photos, keep these tips in mind whether you’re shooting content for social media, a personal blog, or even a professional portfolio:
- Use natural light whenever possible. Request a seat by the window or on the patio.
- Avoid using flash in dark restaurants—opt for a camera with a wide aperture.
- Shoot during golden hour for rooftop and outdoor locations.
- Look for leading lines like table edges, mirrors, and ceilings that frame your subject.
- Style your table with drinks, dishes, and accessories for a lifestyle feel.
Photo Source: Daisies
When to Visit
While any time can be the right time to snap a great photo, planning your visit with lighting and ambiance in mind can make a big difference. Here’s how to approach timing based on your creative goals:
- Late morning to early afternoon: Best for cafes and natural light.
- Golden hour (just before sunset): Ideal for rooftops.
- Evening: Dramatic lighting perfect for cocktail shots and portraits.
Photo Source: ROOF on the Wit
Sample Itinerary
Want to make the most of a single day of content creation and culinary delight? Here’s a thoughtfully curated itinerary that takes you through some of Chicago’s most photogenic restaurants and cafes—from sunrise to well past sundown:
- Morning Coffee: Start at Maison Parisienne for croissants and soft morning light.
- Brunch: Head to The Allis for velvet chairs and vintage vibes.
- Midday Stop: Snap bold riverside shots at Beatnik on the River.
- Sunset Dining: Grab a seat on Cabra’s rooftop for skyline views.
- Dinner: Book RPM Italian or Lyra for an elegant evening backdrop.
- Nightcap: Finish with a cocktail at The Darling, bathed in moody lighting.
Photo Source: Cabra Chicago
With a little planning and creative intention, dining out can easily double as a content-worthy moment. Whether you’re capturing the rich textures of your surroundings or the vibrant energy of your meal, these tips will help you transform any restaurant visit into a beautiful storytelling opportunity—one frame at a time.
FAQs: Dining, Photoshoots & Aesthetic Spots in Chicago
Curious about how to plan your restaurant photoshoot, what to wear, or whether you’ll need permission to snap pictures in a trendy bistro? We’ve gathered some of the most common questions people have when trying to capture the charm of aesthetic restaurants in Chicago. Whether you’re a content creator, traveler, or casual diner looking to elevate your feed, these quick answers will help you feel prepared and inspired.
“Chicago is an idea, a state of mind.” — Jean-Baptiste Pointe du Sable
Q: What makes a restaurant “aesthetic”?
A: Aesthetic restaurants combine beautiful interiors, mood lighting, visually appealing dishes, and a unique theme or vibe. They’re spaces that are designed to be both inviting and eye-catching.
Q: Are professional photoshoots allowed in these restaurants?
A: Policies vary. Some restaurants welcome photographers (especially during slower hours), while others may require permission. It’s best to contact the venue ahead of time.
Q: What should I wear for a shoot at an aesthetic restaurant?
A: Opt for outfits that complement the restaurant’s colour palette. Soft tones, minimal patterns, or trendy details usually work well without clashing with the decor.
Q: Can I book a photographer just for restaurant photography?
A: Absolutely! Many professionals offer lifestyle or content packages that include dining settings. It’s a great way to elevate your personal or brand imagery.
Q: How can I make the most of a restaurant shoot regardless of the season?
A: Think about light, mood, and decor. In the morning, look for soft natural light near windows. In the evening, use ambient lighting to your advantage for cozy, atmospheric shots. Rooftops, garden patios, and moody interiors each offer unique aesthetics year-round, so choose the vibe that suits your story best.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a lifelong local looking to freshen up your feed, these 20 aesthetic restaurants in Chicago give you more than great food—they offer backdrops to remember. Each one has a unique atmosphere that can help tell your story, whether you’re on a solo adventure, a date night, or gathering with friends.
