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There’s no better time to experience the city’s acclaimed restaurant scene than Chicago Restaurant Week.
The 19th annual edition of the annual foodie fest, which takes place Jan. 23 – Feb. 8, 2026, is the perfect opportunity to explore the newest and buzziest additions to the city’s dining scene — more than 75 local restaurants are making their Chicago Restaurant Week debut in 2026.
This year’s newcomers and first-time Chicago Restaurant Week participants include exciting hotspots like:
- Nadu, a region-spanning Indian restaurant from a Michelin-starred chef
- Cafe Yaya, a buzzy all-day cafe and new addition to the hot Lincoln Park dining scene
- Mariscos San Pedro, a bustling Mexican seafood spot inside historic Thalia Hall
- Il Carciofo, the rustic Roman-inspired eatery from celebrity chef Joe Flamm
To help you get started, we’ve highlighted 16 new Chicago restaurants to check out this year.
Try new and notable spots during Chicago Restaurant Week 2026
Food & Beverage, Korean
Mister Tiger
In the hip West Town area, Mister Tiger specializes in homestyle Korean cooking in a modern atmosphere. Opened by two siblings as an homage to their mother and grandmother, this new neighborhood spot will be serving dishes like uni rice, Korean fried chicken, bibimbap, and more during Chicago Restaurant Week.
American, Food & Beverage
Ox Bar & Hearth
This new spot at the bustling Lincoln Park area focuses on seasonal Midwestern food. For its first Chicago Restaurant Week, Ox Bar is serving lamb meatballs, crispy smoked pork belly, potato pierogi, brown butter cake, and more.
Bakery/Café/Deli/Diner, Food & Beverage
Cafe Yaya
One of the most talked-about openings of the year, Cafe Yaya is an all-day bakery and bistro from the team behind Michelin-starred Galit. During Chicago Restaurant Week, choose from brunch, lunch, or dinner menus showcasing an array of Middle Eastern flavors.
- $30 Brunch
- $30 Lunch
- $60 Dinner
Food & Beverage, Greek
Ithaki Estiatorio
In Chicago’s historic Greektown neighborhood, Ithaki is bringing a contemporary atmosphere without sacrificing authentic cuisine. The centerpiece is the wood-burning grill in the open kitchen, which will turn out classic dishes like souvlaki, roast chicken, sea bass, and more
Bars/Pubs/Taverns, Food & Beverage
The Staley
This South Loop sports bar from former Chicago Bear Israel Idonije is already a favorite spot for Bears fans. The Chicago Restaurant Week offerings include spinach artichoke dip, birria nachos, fish and chips, smoked brisket mac and cheese, and more.
Food & Beverage, Indian
Nadu
From the lauded chef behind Michelin-starred Indienne, Nadu focuses on contemporary, regional Indian cuisine. Newly opened in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, Nadu has already caught Michelin’s attention, earning a Bib Gourmand designation. Sample dishes that represent cooking traditions from across India.
Food & Beverage, Mexican
La Lunita
This vibey new spot in Logan Square is the second location of the popular La Luna in Pilsen. The three-course menu highlights the restaurant’s modern Mexican cuisine, with dishes like Yucatan-style short rib, octopus with salsa verde, and mango tres leches.
Food & Beverage, Mexican
Mariscos San Pedro
Located inside the historic Thalia Hall music venue, Mariscos San Pedro is a new addition to the Pilsen neighborhood’s vibrant dining scene. During Chicago Restaurant Week, choose from options like tuna tostada, whole dorade with red and green adobo, and chile relleno with Oaxaca cheese.
Explore more: Looking for dinner and a show? Chicago Theatre Week starts on Feb. 5 with discounted tickets to shows throughout Chicago.
Food & Beverage, Japanese/Sushi
Omakase Box
This buzzed-about spot in Logan Square fuses an elevated sushi experience with approachable vibes. The Chicago Restaurant Week experience includes a four-piece flight of fresh nigiri, plus your choice from a selection of classic starters, handrolls, and desserts.
Food & Beverage, Italian
il Carciofo
This new West Loop restaurant specializes in rustic Roman cuisine, led by celebrity chef Joe Flamm. The Chicago Restaurant Week menu includes the signature fried artichokes, along with handmade pastas and other authentic specialties.
Food & Beverage, Japanese/Sushi
Akiro Handroll Bar
Choose your own adventure this Chicago Restaurant Week at Akiro Handroll Bar, a newcomer in the River North neighborhood. Their menu lets you select from an array of nigiri and handroll options, all showcasing a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors.
Food & Beverage, French
Bandol Brasserie
In the heart of the downtown Loop, this new French brasserie is celebrating its first Chicago Restaurant Week. Indulge in classics like escargots, trout almondine, steak frites, creme brulee, and more in an elegant setting.
- $30 Brunch
- $30 Lunch
- $45 Dinner
American Contemporary, Food & Beverage
Solette
This new modern American restaurant is bringing a fresh experience to the city’s downtown financial district. Choose from bites like calamari, rigatoni bolognese, seared salmon with roasted eggplant, and a smash burger with truffle aioli.
Food & Beverage, Pizza
The Little Lark
The team behind Meadowlawk, the clandestine cocktail bar in Logan Square, brings you the more casual Little Lark. Located inside Avondale’s Guild Row, Little Lark specializes in wood-fired pizza and wine.
Looking for more Chicago Restaurant Week? Explore all 500+ participating restaurants.
Thank you to our Chicago Restaurant Week 2026 sponsors
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