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Nestled on the 5th floor of the Gwen Hotel in Chicago's bustling River North neighborhood, Private Affairs offers an eclectic food experience that seamlessly blends Mediterranean flavors from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East with a contemporary Asian twist. This hidden gem is renowned for its cozy circular seating and quiet ambiance, making it an ideal spot for intimate dinners, casual meetings, or celebrating special occasions.

Discover the Vibrant Culinary Scene at Private Affairs in Chicago

What type of cuisine does Private Affairs serve?

It offers a creative blend of European, African, and Middle Eastern dishes with a modern twist, perfect for adventurous foodies.

Does Private Affairs accommodate special requests and dietary needs?

Yes, the restaurant offers takeout, delivery, and is happy to cater to dietary restrictions upon request.

Private Affairs serves dinner, offers a fixed price menu during special events like restaurant week, and features a Tipsy Tea experience perfect for celebrations.

Absolutely, Private Affairs boasts a premium wine list, serves cocktails and coffee, and offers delicious desserts like their chocolate almond cake during special menus.

Guests rave about the attentive service, cozy ambiance, and the exciting blend of Mediterranean and Asian flavors. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner, a weekend brunch, or a lively group gathering, Private Affairs delivers an experience that is both memorable and delightful. It’s a must-visit for food enthusiasts and those seeking a unique culinary adventure in the heart of Chicago.

Nestled on the 5th floor of the Gwen Hotel in Chicago's vibrant River North neighborhood, Private Affairs has cultivated a rich history rooted in innovative European-African cuisine. Over the years, this establishment has transformed from a hidden gem into a celebrated culinary destination renowned for its contemporary ambiance and diverse menu offerings.

Originally conceived as a boutique hotel restaurant, Private Affairs quickly gained recognition for its eclectic approach to Mediterranean cuisine, incorporating influences from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Its strategic location on North Rush Street placed it at the heart of Chicago's bustling nightlife and cultural scene, setting the stage for its subsequent rise in popularity.

Today, Private Affairs is celebrated for its creative European-African cuisine, served in a sleek contemporary setting. Its history is marked by a dedication to culinary innovation, a premium wine list, and a reputation for excellent service. It has become a favored spot for both locals and visitors seeking a sophisticated dining experience, a place where history meets modern culinary artistry.

Founded as a boutique hotel restaurant in Chicago's River North

Gained recognition for its diverse Mediterranean menu

Evolved into a modern culinary hub with a rich history of innovation

Located on the 5th floor of the Gwen Hotel in Chicago's vibrant River North neighborhood, Private Affairs offers a unique dining experience that blends Mediterranean flavors with a contemporary ambiance. This restaurant serves a diverse menu that showcases dishes from various regions, making it a delightful choice for food enthusiasts. With a premium wine list and attentive service, it stands out as a sophisticated yet approachable venue.

Inviting ambiance with cozy circular seating

Diverse Mediterranean menu featuring dishes from Europe to Africa

Attentive service that enhances the dining experience

Location may be hard to find for first-time visitors

Private Affairs is perfect for romantic dinners, business meetings, and special celebrations. Its intimate atmosphere and attentive service make it a great choice for those looking to impress.

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

Private Affairs offers a delightful dining experience that combines Mediterranean culinary traditions with a modern twist. While it may have a few drawbacks, such as its price point and location, the overall quality of food, service, and ambiance make it a worthwhile destination for anyone visiting Chicago.

Private Affairs Restaurant in Chicago's River North Neighborhood.

Nestled on the 5th floor of the Gwen Hotel, **Private Affairs** provides a unique culinary experience that is both luxurious and vibrant. Located at 521 N Rush St, Chicago, this trendy restaurant features a remarkable ambiance perfect for intimate dinners or casual gatherings with friends. The contemporary decor, complemented by cozy circular seating, creates a welcoming space that encourages lingering over fantastic food and drinks.

The menu at Private Affairs is a delightful fusion of Mediterranean flavors that ranges from traditional European dishes to exotic African and Middle Eastern influences. Diners have the option to indulge in a wide variety of **tantalizing dishes**, ensuring there's something for everyone. Signature items include: 

Bucatini with mushroom sauce and shaved black truffles.

Pancetta wrapped pork tenderloin with red cabbage and apples.

Roasted beets with feta and baked cheese with tomatoes.

Chocolate almond cake with multiple layers of almond cream and ganache.

Private Affairs prides itself on attentive service, making every visit a memorable one. Guests have praised the staff for being friendly and accommodating, ensuring that all needs are met with a smile. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or looking for a cozy dinner spot, the tranquil atmosphere with **live music** enhances the dining experience.

Whether you're a local or a traveler, **Private Affairs** awaits you with its exquisite Mediterranean cuisine and delightful ambiance. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore this hidden gem in River North, Chicago.

Chicago

North America

United States

Located on the 5th floor of the Gwen Hotel in Chicago's vibrant River North neighborhood, Private Affairs offers a unique blend of European and African culinary traditions. The restaurant's contemporary design and attentive service create an inviting atmosphere, perfect for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings. Established as a hidden gem, it has quickly gained a reputation for its creative dishes and premium wine selection, making it a sought-after destination for food enthusiasts and travelers alike.

Private Affairs features a diverse menu that spans the Mediterranean, offering dishes inspired by the rich flavors of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Guests can indulge in a variety of options, from savory appetizers to exquisite main courses. The ambiance is enhanced by occasional live music, creating a warm and inviting setting for diners.

Bucatini with mushroom sauce and shaved black truffles

Panceta wrapped pork tenderloin with red cabbage and apples

Chocolate almond cake with almond cream and chocolate ganache

Roasted beets with feta and baked cheese with tomatoes

Situated in the bustling River North area, Private Affairs is surrounded by an array of art galleries, theaters, and shopping destinations. This vibrant neighborhood is known for its rich cultural scene, making it an ideal spot for visitors looking to explore Chicago's artistic offerings. After a delightful meal, guests can take a leisurely stroll to nearby attractions or enjoy the lively nightlife that River North has to offer.

A: Yes, we have a variety of vegetarian dishes available.

A: Yes, we highly recommend making reservations.

Experience the culinary artistry at Private Affairs, where every dish tells a story. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a delightful meal, this restaurant promises a memorable dining experience in the heart of Chicago. Make your reservation today and discover the flavors that await you.

Creative European-African cuisine is presented in a contemporary space with a premium wine list.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNlMnIzQ193RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ9S2zYZMtDogRYqpIh90SkmY/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNlMnIzQ193RRAB

Definitely an awesome hotel restaurant - surprised this place isn’t more popular.

Drinks: A bit hit or miss. Had a bubbly rosé that had no complexity and the Kostali take on gin and tonic, which was on point.

Food: Extremely wide range of dishes as it includes all regions of the Mediterranean, from Europe to Africa to the Middle East. I feel that the dishes don’t tie together well, but individually they all tasted great. One note is that the lamb ribs kinda tasted Asian because the sauce was like a sweet and sour sauce.

Service: very attentive and quick

Ambience: When we arrived, there was live music! It’s a quiet restaurant - great for dates or meetings. Also love that there are cozy circular seatings!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN4c1BYaElBEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ9S2zYZMtDogRYqpIh90SkmY/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN4c1BYaElBEAE

I gave 1 star for food, I had gone for afternoon tea... Everything seemed to be store bought and just plated onto tier. There was nothing to indicate that it was actually made within the establishment. But right away, I was turned off as soon as I had seen M&M's on the food tier. Sorry, it just seemed very amateur.
I will add that I have attended a proper afternoon tea, so I do speak from experience.  I showed my photo to friends in the UK, their reply was....🤦🏻‍♂️😱😳🤣🤣🤣🤣

I gave 5 stars for service. Our waitress was great. She was attentive,  always making certain if we needed anything.

I give 2 stars for the atmosphere.  The staff was great and friendly. But a DJ playing "clubby" music wasn't something I would want at an afternoon tea.

If you should look at the photo, keep in mind that we paid $65.00 per person🤬

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURCdlp6Smp3RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ9S2zYZMtDogRYqpIh90SkmY/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURCdlp6Smp3RRAB

Visited during Chicago's restaurant week which provided us with a fixed price menu of 1 of 3 choices each for appetizer, main course and dessert. There is also an option to include a wine pairing for each which we added. We shared different choices to as to be able to have many tastes. A roasted beets with feta, and the baked cheese with tomatoes and pita triangles. Both were large portions and delicious. Next up was the bucatini (pasta) with mushroom sauce and shaved black truffles, and the panceta wrapped pork tenderloin with red cabbage and apples. Both equally delicious and had large portions. The wine pairings were good and went well with the dishes we ordered. For dessert we picked the same choice of chocolate almond cake which was outstanding. Multiple thin layers with almond cream and a chocolate ganache on top. We never saw a regular menu so cannot speak for that. The restaurant is located on the 5th floor of the Gwen hotel and took a little sleuthing to find. The dining room is comfortably modern and quiet enough for conversation.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURCa2RxeFF3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ9S2zYZMtDogRYqpIh90SkmY/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURCa2RxeFF3EAE

We went during restaurant week so there was a set menu but we had a great time. Kayla provided amazing service and even gave us birthday girls some champagne on the house. The food was delicious, atmosphere was great and service is even better.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURCcmNYcHl3RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJ9S2zYZMtDogRYqpIh90SkmY/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURCcmNYcHl3RRAB

Celebrated my birthday here with some friends during their Tipsy Tea. The food was great and the teas were delicious.  I really enjoyed the service and ambiance. Great for anyone looking for a unique experience on a weekend in Chicago!

Taylor J, thehauteseeker.com

Private Affairs: Luxury Mediterranean Dining in River North, Chicago

Discover the menu at Private Affairs Chicago in River North 

Located on the 5th floor of the Gwen Hotel in Chicago's vibrant River North neighborhood, Private Affairs offers a sophisticated dining experience that masterfully blends Mediterranean influences from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. This contemporary space is ideal for food enthusiasts and travelers seeking a unique culinary journey, complete with a premium wine list and attentive service.

Begin your meal with generous portions of Mediterranean-inspired appetizers that showcase bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Indulge in roasted beets paired with creamy feta or savor the baked cheese accompanied by ripe tomatoes and warm pita triangles, perfect for sharing and setting the tone for the dishes to come.

Private Affairs presents a diverse selection of main courses that reflect the culinary traditions of multiple Mediterranean regions. Enjoy the rich flavors of bucatini pasta accompanied by a luxurious mushroom sauce and garnished with shaved black truffles, or delight in the pancetta-wrapped pork tenderloin served alongside tangy red cabbage and crisp apples. For those seeking something unique, the lamb ribs offer an unexpected twist with a sweet and sour sauce that hints at Asian influences.

Indulge in the exquisite chocolate almond cake, a standout dessert featuring multiple thin layers of almond cream topped with a rich chocolate ganache. This decadent treat perfectly caps off your meal, appealing to those with a sweet tooth and a love for finely crafted pastries.

Complement your meal with a thoughtfully curated selection of beverages including an impressive wine list, craft cocktails, and beer. Whether you prefer a crisp bubbly rosé or a perfectly balanced gin and tonic, the drinks menu aims to enhance your dining experience, though some offerings may vary in complexity.

Private Affairs also offers special menus during events like Chicago's restaurant week, featuring three-course options with wine pairings that allow guests to savor multiple tastes in one sitting. The setting is modern and comfortable, perfect for intimate dinners, special occasions, or business meetings. For an elevated weekend experience, opt for their unique Tipsy Tea, combining delicious teas with flavorful bites in a lively yet refined atmosphere.

 Roasted beets with feta, baked cheese with tomatoes and pita triangles.

 Bucatini with mushroom sauce and shaved black truffles, pancetta-wrapped pork tenderloin with red cabbage and apples, lamb ribs with a sweet and sour sauce.

 Chocolate almond cake with almond cream layers and chocolate ganache.

 Extensive wine list, cocktails including gin and tonic, beer, bubbly rosé.

 Three-course restaurant week menus with wine pairings, unique Tipsy Tea experience combining teas and bites.

Savor exquisite dishes at Private Affairs, a top Chicago restaurant in River North. Experience unforgettable flavors and vibrant ambiance—book your table now!

Dine at Private Affairs: Chic Chicago River North Spot

Cook County

Private Affairs

Illinois

Experience Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and a cozy ambiance at Private Affairs, Chicago's premier restaurant in River North. Book now!

Private Affairs: Unique Chicago Dining, River North

Discover top-rated Mediterranean dishes and a tranquil setting at Private Affairs, located in the heart of Chicago's River North neighborhood. Reserve your table!

Private Affairs Chicago: Fine Mediterranean Food & Atmosphere

Learn about Private Affairs in Chicago, a top Mediterranean restaurant offering exceptional food, cozy ambiance, and excellent service in River North.

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