Avli on The Park

"Avli’s airy 13,000-square-foot flagship in Lakeshore East presents diners with lovely views and traditional dishes like avgolemono, kotopoulo souvlaki, and grilled lamb chops. Start with hummus and tzatziki served with gluten-free pita or crudite. Avli’s other outposts are in River North, Lincoln Park, the West Loop and Winnetka. Make a reservation through Tock." - Samantha Nelson

"Couples can spend a day taking a stroll, playing mini golf or ice skating at Maggie Daley Park and then head to Avli on the Park for Greek food and beautiful views. There are some pricier mains, but it’s easy to make a full meal of salads, spreads and smaller bites like saganaki and grilled octopus. Greek producers dominate the wine list and the cocktail menu, which incorporates metaxa and tsipouro. Make a reservation through OpenTable." - Samantha Nelson

"There are three other Avlis, but the Lakeshore East location has a rooftop patio overlooking the park. The outdoor space has heated cabanas and firepits, and is low-key enough to easily hear everyone’s complaints about how cold Chicago is. Plus, it has a slightly different menu than the others, with dishes like astakomakaronada (a lobster pasta in a great ouzo-tomato sauce) and chicken souvlaki—tender chicken breast skewers on top of a bed of fries topped with feta and yogurt sauce." - adrian kane, veda kilaru

"Located between Lakeshore East Park and Maggie Daley Park, Avli on the Park also brings the green home with trees in its dining room and lush views from it seasonal rooftop, which is decorated with pink bougainvillea and features cabanas perfect for lounging with a cocktail. Brunch is a particularly big draw, offering bottomless mimosas alongside Greek omelets and hummus served with housemade pita." - Naomi Waxman, Eater Staff

"Chicago’s prolific modern Greek American restaurant group Avli reached new heights in 2021 with the launch of a soaring outpost on the edge of Lakeshore East Park. Couples can opt for a private indoor dining space or, when weather allows, book its sprawling rooftop (complete with a bar) with lovely skyline views." - Naomi Waxman, Eater Staff