Compare a Moody Italian Steakhouse and a Classic Lyonnais Bistro in Chicago

Set across the two-story former Etta space at 1840 W North Ave, Dēliz Italian Steakhouse is a moody Wicker Park spot from restaurateur Gogolab and chef Jake Peterson. The kitchen sends out a flaky, pull-apart layered brioche along with truffle cacio e pepe and frites with an aromatic au poivre, and caviar service is available. The bar highlights fat-washed spirits and tinctures. Warm wood tables sit beneath fringed red pendant lights, with a summer patio, weekend bottomless spritz brunches and Saturday DJ sets at conversational volume. It holds a 4.7 rating from 399 reviews.

Operating in Bucktown from 1993, Le Bouchon at 1958 N Damen Ave is a small, bustling bistro that carries the feel of an authentic piece of France in classic Lyonnais fare. Standouts include trout en croûte, a beet salad, escargot, steak frites and a celebrated apple tart, alongside homemade bread and whole roast duck. Wine bottles are half price on Mondays. Lunch runs 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM Monday through Saturday, with dinner from 5:00 PM. It holds a 4.6 rating from 1,169 reviews.

Both restaurants suit a date night, but they set different tones. Dēliz is a moody, two-story room with caviar service, avant-garde cocktails and Saturday DJ sets, plus weekend brunch. Le Bouchon is a small, bustling bistro serving Lyonnais classics such as escargot and trout en croûte, with half-price wine bottles on Mondays and lunch on weekdays and Saturdays. Choose Dēliz for a dressed-up evening with cocktails and Le Bouchon for a cozy French dinner.