Normally fantastic so giving a bit of slack. They had a large party of 20+ people doing appetizers and this backed up the kitchen. Once our food arrived, it was the normal high quality both taste and freshness.
Elie
Sweet spot by the river for a paractical meal. Relaxed and pleasant with nice atmosphere and views of the river and the adjoining large buildings. Good food, limited in variety, but should have something for every taste.
Ali
Best restaurant in the city in the absolute best restaurant with allergies. They also have the best staff and they truly make you feel like family.
Joel
Great scenery on water but the food is mediocre and the service is absolutely abysmal. Hostess is as rude as they come. Servers are inattentive. Unfortunately a lot of others have said the same but I don't usually sort reviews by lowest first. I would recommend simply going to Cava and spending the rest of your money on a nice dessert.
Gio M
Food was delicious, service was slow, place was full and the hostess was not helpful. Our server in the other hand was really profesional and attentive!
Bruce
Excellent! The food was outstanding! A very relaxing environment, dining while sitting along side the river. The waiter was extremely friendly and attentive. The person who sat us was terrific, she was so welcoming. We will be returning!
Brian
The food is great. Had the build Your own bowl....lots of Options in meat, Protein and sauces. We have been here many times before and always love the food. This time I only gave the experience a 3. Waitress was very rushed and somewhat rude. Asking if we need anything while she is walking by....so she didn't hear what we needed. Was agitated when I typed in my email address to get receipt...grabbed it out of my hand before I finished...so it wasn't submitted...had to ask for a hard copy. Was cleaning up plates before we finished....kind of awkward that the entire table was cleaned except for my plate since I wasn't finished. Just a waitress with no sense of how to be a good waitress...or she was having a bad day.
Robbie Matthew
I’ve never been pinched this hard.
Brandy Nogueira
The make your own bowl was amazing and sitting outside on the patio right next to the canal is the cherry on top.
Keyur Doshi
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Pinched on the River is an underrated gem with a view to match the flavors.
Tucked away by the water near Streeterville, this place has become one of my go-to spots — not just for the food, but for the consistently warm and thoughtful service. Major shoutout to the waiter with the tattoos (sorry I never got your name!) — you are top tier. Always attentive, always kind, and your recommendations for vegetarian dishes and sauces are spot on every time. You make every visit feel personal, like we’re being taken care of by a friend who just happens to know great food.
The Mediterranean flavors are fresh, satisfying, and never too heavy. Combine that with a peaceful riverside setting and it’s honestly hard to beat.
If you’re in the area and haven’t tried Pinched — go. And ask for the guy with the tattoos. He’ll make sure you get something you’ll love.
Had the chicken porta bello mushroom with pesto pasta and loved it. Not heavy at all. Delicious, light. Great if you enjoy clean eating. Followed by the beignets. Chocolate, raspberry, and caramel sauce with sliced apples. Absolutely delicious!
Zoya
Overall, it's just OK unfortunately location is stunning no doubt about that, food was good. Can't complain beside my french fries came out literally cold so I have to ask to warm that up. I would say that the total for three people without alcohol and I'm talking about three bowls and a side of french fries came out $140 with tips  which in my opinion is insane, the Front Desk lady took forever to sit us. She loves just to go around and talk with everyone so whoever has reservations has to wait upfront and watch her chitchatting with people for even 10 long minutes., our waitress was not bad. I think probably because she had lots of tables. She didn't have time to check much on us and I think initially I felt kind of judged by her either it was for my looks or something I would say that sometimes she had a little bit of an attitude. I'm sure she could've done a little better, but it is what it is. I don't think I will be back, but this is my honest review 
David Fagan
Chicken skewers and especially the pita bread that came folded warm and steamy was amazing. Very healthy. The chicken wings weren’t great, kind of hard or tough otherwise 5 stars. I’d easily go back just for the outdoor eating on the water
Adrienne
We love this restaurant! The food is amazing. We always get the delicious pita. So good! Our waitress was fantastic! She was super friendly and kind. I highly recommend this restaurant!!
Eugene The Pearcrab
Loved this place! The staff was super friendly and helpful with suggesting items off the menu for my partner and I! The drinks and food were great! Thank you to the staff member with short blond hair who was very welcoming.
Normally fantastic so giving a bit of slack. They had a large party of 20+ people doing appetizers and this backed up the kitchen. Once our food arrived, it was the normal high quality both taste and freshness.
Sweet spot by the river for a paractical meal. Relaxed and pleasant with nice atmosphere and views of the river and the adjoining large buildings. Good food, limited in variety, but should have something for every taste.
Best restaurant in the city in the absolute best restaurant with allergies. They also have the best staff and they truly make you feel like family.
Great scenery on water but the food is mediocre and the service is absolutely abysmal. Hostess is as rude as they come. Servers are inattentive. Unfortunately a lot of others have said the same but I don't usually sort reviews by lowest first. I would recommend simply going to Cava and spending the rest of your money on a nice dessert.
Food was delicious, service was slow, place was full and the hostess was not helpful. Our server in the other hand was really profesional and attentive!
Excellent! The food was outstanding! A very relaxing environment, dining while sitting along side the river. The waiter was extremely friendly and attentive. The person who sat us was terrific, she was so welcoming. We will be returning!
The food is great. Had the build Your own bowl....lots of Options in meat, Protein and sauces. We have been here many times before and always love the food. This time I only gave the experience a 3. Waitress was very rushed and somewhat rude. Asking if we need anything while she is walking by....so she didn't hear what we needed. Was agitated when I typed in my email address to get receipt...grabbed it out of my hand before I finished...so it wasn't submitted...had to ask for a hard copy. Was cleaning up plates before we finished....kind of awkward that the entire table was cleaned except for my plate since I wasn't finished. Just a waitress with no sense of how to be a good waitress...or she was having a bad day.
I’ve never been pinched this hard.
The make your own bowl was amazing and sitting outside on the patio right next to the canal is the cherry on top.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pinched on the River is an underrated gem with a view to match the flavors.
Tucked away by the water near Streeterville, this place has become one of my go-to spots — not just for the food, but for the consistently warm and thoughtful service. Major shoutout to the waiter with the tattoos (sorry I never got your name!) — you are top tier. Always attentive, always kind, and your recommendations for vegetarian dishes and sauces are spot on every time. You make every visit feel personal, like we’re being taken care of by a friend who just happens to know great food.
The Mediterranean flavors are fresh, satisfying, and never too heavy. Combine that with a peaceful riverside setting and it’s honestly hard to beat.
If you’re in the area and haven’t tried Pinched — go. And ask for the guy with the tattoos. He’ll make sure you get something you’ll love.
Restaurantji Recommends
Had the chicken porta bello mushroom with pesto pasta and loved it. Not heavy at all. Delicious, light. Great if you enjoy clean eating. Followed by the beignets. Chocolate, raspberry, and caramel sauce with sliced apples. Absolutely delicious!
Overall, it's just OK unfortunately location is stunning no doubt about that, food was good. Can't complain beside my french fries came out literally cold so I have to ask to warm that up. I would say that the total for three people without alcohol and I'm talking about three bowls and a side of french fries came out $140 with tips  which in my opinion is insane, the Front Desk lady took forever to sit us. She loves just to go around and talk with everyone so whoever has reservations has to wait upfront and watch her chitchatting with people for even 10 long minutes., our waitress was not bad. I think probably because she had lots of tables. She didn't have time to check much on us and I think initially I felt kind of judged by her either it was for my looks or something I would say that sometimes she had a little bit of an attitude. I'm sure she could've done a little better, but it is what it is. I don't think I will be back, but this is my honest review 
Chicken skewers and especially the pita bread that came folded warm and steamy was amazing. Very healthy. The chicken wings weren’t great, kind of hard or tough otherwise 5 stars. I’d easily go back just for the outdoor eating on the water
We love this restaurant! The food is amazing. We always get the delicious pita. So good! Our waitress was fantastic! She was super friendly and kind. I highly recommend this restaurant!!
Loved this place! The staff was super friendly and helpful with suggesting items off the menu for my partner and I! The drinks and food were great! Thank you to the staff member with short blond hair who was very welcoming.
I would visit again!
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