Ila's Chicago

“ila’s is a welcoming addition to river north with a warm, inviting space.”

ila’s is a welcoming addition to river north with a warm, inviting space. the globally inspired menu is comforting and approachable. the burrata with roasted figs and pine nut brittle was perfect and the house made focaccia is a must. pastas really shine. the sweet corn agnolotti is soft and flavorful and the pappardelle with oxtail ragù is rich and comforting. polished, thoughtful and relaxed. definitely worth a return visit.

Kalvin Yeh

Feb 2026

“I went here for the first time sunday night.”

I went here for the first time sunday night. The staff, was amazing we were celebrating our anniversary and the host, food runner server, and i believe a manager all said congrats and happy anniversary without being invasive. when it came to the food, no notes. Everything we ordered tasted great including the cocktails (highly commend " The Quinn") for the main course we had a Smashburger (delicious) as well as the pappardelle, which i feel tends to be over cooked at most places, not here, it. was. delicious. This place seems like a sleeper and I can not recommend enough checking it out for yourselves! If anyone reads this who works there, thank you for making a special night feel that much more special.

Matthew Harris

Jan 2026

“We liked the variety it offered our group.”

We liked the variety it offered our group. The dishes were large enough to share, so we all order a dish and shared. It was more than enough for the 5 of us. Our waitress Daniela was fantastic!Ms Ila was kind enough to take a photo with us. Overall brunch was great. Not your typical omelette breakfast.

nancy malabanan

Jan 2026

“Excellent food and service.”

Excellent food and service. Very upscale casual setting. Couldn’t be with our dinner

Kevin Anderson

Jan 2026

“Impeccable atmosphere.”

Impeccable atmosphere. Came on NYE after passing up on several overcrowded and loud bars/speakeasies/pubs. Dim but not too dim, pleasant music that wasn't overpowering, pristine and pleasant decor, and the pork lumpia egg rolls were incredible. Service was wonderful and prompt. I don't know why more people aren't here, but I loved that it wasn't too crowded. Great experience, the eye of the storm in a chaotic evening!

Luke McKay

Jan 2026

“We came here by chance, but it was well worth it.”

We came here by chance, but it was well worth it. The dinner and service were simply superb. The duck, spaghetti, and everything else were delicious. Special thanks for the delicious tea. Thank you for a wonderful evening!

Iuliia Dreval

Dec 2025

“Don't sleep on Ila's brunch.”

Don't sleep on Ila's brunch! I've been dying to come here for dinner, but every time I've been available it's been booked solid. I came in for brunch on a Saturday morning and was blown away by the food. The churro donuts were perfectly crispy yet chewy; the guajillo chocolate sauce had the right amount of spice. The French toast was easily one of the best French toast dishes I've ever had - the apple butter and slaw elevates it well. The chilaquiles were cooked so well, too. I want to come back and try the duck hash along with the birria pierogis (dinner only). Portions are excellent, especially knowing the absurd prices of River North. I'm definitely coming back when I'm in town.

W

Dec 2025

“Creative and delicious dishes combining lots of different flavors and cuisines.”

Creative and delicious dishes combining lots of different flavors and cuisines. Great service, the owner was there as well - you can feel the heart in the business. We will be back!

Kerry Kapaku

Dec 2025

“Here’s a concise, punchy version perfect for Yelp or Google Reviews: --- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ila’s is a Chicago gem.”

Here’s a concise, punchy version perfect for Yelp or Google Reviews: --- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ila’s is a Chicago gem! The cozy, family-inspired atmosphere and festive holiday touches made us feel right at home. Derek W. was fantastic—knowledgeable, energetic, and attentive. We loved the creative virgin drinks (The Quinn & Ube Sour) and every dish impressed: the flavorful Empanada Duo, scratch-made Sweet Corn Agnolotti, elevated Grilled Cheese & Smoked Tomato Soup, and perfectly cooked Pan-Roasted Halibut. Exceptional service, delicious food, and warm vibes—highly recommend!

ChessJu Grant

Dec 2025

“Roberto was our bartender.”

Roberto was our bartender. Made me the best espresso martini I’ve ever had in my entire life. Then the Porchetta Sandwich Came out and my life changed forever. Earned a lifelong customer in under 20 minutes. Highly recommend I will be coming back here and recommending it to everybody I know.

Nick

Dec 2025

“The cocktails here are some of the best in the city.”

The cocktails here are some of the best in the city. The service is great, the music is fire, and the atmosphere is comforting. I only had drinks but the food looked delicious.

Kyle

Dec 2025

“Super cute place in River North.”

Super cute place in River North! The interior is beautiful and the food was really good too! We’re vegetarian so they offered to make the empanada appetizer with a corn filling to make it vegetarian. The sweet corn pasta is a must try. we go the paneer kebabs too. The rice was very good. The paneer wasn’t my favorite would like it to have more sauce

V P

Dec 2025