CHIGuide
Chicago’s New Restaurant Openings
photo credit: Rangoli Kabob
If you tried to keep track of every new restaurant and bar in Chicago, your head might spin. So just read this list instead. These are the openings that seem like they have the most potential. Although, keep in mind, we make no promises about the places we haven't visited yet. Go forth and be a pioneer—or just keep up with our Hit List to see which new restaurants we checked out and loved.
April 2024
An all-day American cafe opened in the private dining space of Bambola, an Asian-European West Loop restaurant that seems to be evolving since opening in 2022. Expat will be open for breakfast and lunch and morph into a late-night bar with a dinner menu.
Expect familiar North Indian staples like butter chicken and lamb vindaloo, plus plenty of South Indian options at Rangoli’s second location in Lakeview. But the new restaurant is called Rangoli Kabob for a reason—you can get everything from shrimp to paneer on skewers.
There’s another addition to Chicago’s growing Central Asian restaurant scene. Navat specializes in Kyrgyz and Uyghur dishes, so head to O’Hare for halal kebabs, manty, and eight different types of lagman.
photo credit: Oishii Asian & Ramen Hub
Oishii Asian & Ramen Hub
Like its sister restaurant next door, Oishii Asian & Ramen Hub is small and casual. But instead of the affordable sushi you’d find at Toro, this Lincoln Park spot serves bowls of the ramen, rice, and poke variety, plus snacks like bao buns and karaage chicken.
Michuu is a family-owned Ethiopian restaurant in Uptown. They have a short menu of traditional dishes, including chororsa, shiro, and doro wat, that are available for dine-in, delivery, and take-out, seven days a week.
Fans of Professor Pizza rejoice: there’s no need to trek to Tetto for take-out pies. Now you can eat some of Chicago’s best tavern-style pizza at a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Old Town. Besides a dining room, the new location also has antipasti, sandwiches, and pastas.
Originally expected to open last year, Industry Ales has finally arrived in the Loop. The massive space houses a brewery, bar, and restaurant, along with room for private events. Besides a few classic cocktails and beers on tap (including some low-ABV options brewed in-house), their all-day menu has specialties like rye pappardelle, pierogies, and brisket rillette.
Holy Smoques BBQ is a new family-owned joint where, unsurprisingly, they serve BBQ. Expect platters of smoked brisket, pulled pork, and St. Louis-style spare ribs alongside sandwiches and classic sides at this Little Village restaurant.
The chefs behind Frontier launched Migos Fine Foods, a casual spot with halal meats in different forms, like beef barbacoa tacos, lamb smashburgers, and fried chicken wings. Seating is extremely limited at this small Portage Park shop, so be prepared to opt for delivery or take-out.
Egg O Egg is a Thai-American breakfast diner inside Friends Station in River North. At this new everyday brunch spot, you can get everything from crab omelets and Thai chicken biryani to congee and steamed milk bread with sweet custard.
The team behind Indienne and Sifr continues to expand their empire with a new Indian cafe in the West Loop. Swadesi has all the components to become a go-to workspace—plenty of coffee and food like tandoori caesar wraps, butter chicken croissants, and souffle egg sandwiches, plus printing capabilities and free wifi.
Casa Madai is a new sushi restaurant in Pilsen. Besides a $150, 13-course omakase option, they also serve a la carte Japanese-Mexican dishes, like salmon and tuna tostadas marinated in salsa macha, and specialty rolls with spicy hamachi, japanese mayo, and jalapeño.
This new all-day restaurant in Lakeview serves dishes from across South America. Start your morning at The Lanzaga with cheese and egg cachapas or their Peruvian crab benedict, and stay for moqueca and a round of Catan (which you can play here, along with other board games).
Also in Lakeview, Avaspi is from one of the owners of The Gundis Kurdish Kitchen, one of our favorite spots in the same neighborhood. At this new Anatolian tapas restaurant, which specializes in Turkish, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern mezze, expect plates of pancar mezesi and mushroom tava alongside grilled halloumi and stuffed eggplant.
Tama serves spins on Mediterranean food, like beef loin skewers with truffle, or avgolemono that has ramen instead of rice. The seasonal menu at this Bucktown spot is driven by the chef behind the original Nisos, a short-lived Greek restaurant. Hopefully Tama sticks around longer.
March 2024
Big Gay Sal’s is a new pizzeria in Northalsted serving New York-style slices and whole pies. Toppings go beyond the usual suspects of pepperoni and vegetables—expect specialties like mole and BBQ chicken, too. And besides plenty of indoor seating, there are plans for a patio and late-night hours.
One of our favorite bagel and breakfast sandwich shops in the city now has a location in Humboldt Park. Steingold’s Bakehouse is takeout only, but you can still get all the hits from the original, along with specialties unique to the new location like a stuffed challah bun.
Apna Indian Grill serves familiar North Indian staples like chicken tikka masala and palak paneer, plus classic Indian street food and Indo-Chinese dishes. Head to Irving Park to get your samosa chaat to go, or try their four types of biryani in the casual dining room.
Congrats if you were one of the lucky 10 who won free food for a year from the second US location of this Taiwanese chain. Chunky Boss shares its space in Chinatown with Tiger Sugar and basically serves two things: fries and Taiwanese fried chicken in the form of sandwiches, tenders, or cutlets that look like supersized nuggets.
Art of Indian Cuisine is a casual Indian spot in Lincoln Park where you can drink mango lassi and snack on idlis and chicken pakoras. The menu covers a lot of ground, including dosas, tandoori entrees, seafood, and plenty of vegetarian options.
We recently checked out Tre Dita and added it to our Hit List.
LA chef Evan Funke has three big-deal Italian restaurants in California (read about the latest one here). Now he’s taking his pasta-making-on-display concept (the “pasta lab”) on the road. His new Tuscan steakhouse just opened in the $700-a-night St. Regis hotel, located in Lakeshore East.
We recently checked out La Serre and added it to our Hit List.
Ever wish you could eat crab croquettes and halibut provençale in a greenhouse? La Serre in Fulton Market is the answer to your very specific prayers. From the team behind Lyra and Fioretta, this new French-Mediterranean spot is filled with plants and lots of seafood and steak.
Las Maria’s Breakfast Club is a new family-owned and operated brunch spot in Lincoln Square. You can expect a wide variety of Mexican and American dishes, like chilaquiles, pancakes, and omelets, plus sandwiches and burgers.
The owners of Coda Di Volpe and Gemini are expanding south with Gemini Grill in River North. It's currently only open for lunch with a generic American menu of salads and sandwiches, and a dog-friendly courtyard that looks like somewhere we'd be happy to drink a cocktail in the sunshine. Brunch and dinner are coming soon.
We recently checked out Mei's and you can read our review here.
Mei’s is a new South Loop restaurant specializing in Taiwanese, Mandarin, and Szechuan food. Expect pork and scallion bao, braised beef noodle soup, and soup dumplings filled with pork, crab roe, or shrimp.
The debut of this multi-level restaurant in River North ensures that Chicago meets its monthly steakhouse opening quota. Divan’s menu includes caviar and jamon wontons, seafood towers, and of course, lots of cow.
This counter-service Greek spot in Lincoln Park is open from 7am-11pm. This means you can check out Yaya Mas for coffee and bougatsa on the way to work, spinach and feta pie for lunch or dinner, or when it’s 10:30pm and you want Greek cheesecake as a nightcap.
Aside from their namesake arepas, this casual Venezuelan spot in Belmont Cragin has patacónes and empanadas. And for $72, you can get a gigantic sandwich loaded with beef, chicken, and pork.
The pricey Asian fusion restaurant Sunda opened a new location in Fulton Market. Like with the original in River North, expect plenty of good sushi, dim sum, and dishes from across Southeast Asia. The only things missing from this second spot are brunch and Happy Hour.
photo credit: @stickykisschicago
Sticky Kiss Cinnamon Rolls
Sticky Kiss is a West Town walk-up bakery specializing in cinnamon rolls and banana pudding. We know this thanks to the phrase “cinnamon rolls” repeated in giant letters on the sign, and no thanks to the massive lips dripping with icing painted on the side of the red building.
Jerk Soule is a new Jamaican and soul food restaurant in Ashburn. It’s currently takeout-only, so be prepared to get your shrimp po’ boys, jerk chicken, and oxtail dinner to-go.
We tried the original Mag Mile location of this LA-native egg sandwich shop and had strong opinions. Now, Egg Tuck is continuing its Chicago expansion with a second location in Lincoln Park.
Chicago loves sandwiches, whether that’s of the breakfast or Italian beef variety. And considering that newcomer Sando Street was so popular it sold out of musubi, bulgogi, and fruit sandwiches on opening weekend, it looks like Chicago loves this new Wicker Park spot too.
Sweet Cafe in Jefferson Park is your source for three square meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and brunch). This new restaurant is open daily from 7-4, so come here for dishes like nutella french toast, chicken and waffles, or chorizo egg skillets to power through that 2pm slump.
February 2024
The Sushi By Bou team opened another speakeasy omakase, this time in the basement of Prosecco in River North. Their 60-minute sushi experience is available as a 12-course option for $60 or 17 courses for $100.
Some of the best BBQ in Chicago is actually in nearby Berwyn at Babygold Barbecue. But now they have a spot in the From Here On food hall inside the West Loop’s Old Post Office, so you won’t have to leave city limits for their pulled pork sandwiches, brisket, and barbecue lunch bowls.
Like its sister locations in the South Loop and Devon, Nepal House in Old Town is a sit-down restaurant serving Nepali and Indian food. Expect a similar menu with staples like chicken momos, tikka masala, and lamb vindaloo.
We recently checked out La Grande Boucherie and you can read our review here.
We had a strong reaction to Olio E Piu. Now the team behind that Italian trattoria is at it again with La Grande Boucherie, a French brasserie in River North. It's literally “grande," with a 10,000-square-foot space. Expect classic dishes like steak frites and coq au vin, plus brunch with plenty of eggs and croissants.
The owner of Ooh Wee It Is, one of Chicago’s best spots for soul food, is branching out into Italian. At Maxine’s in Chatham, you can eat king crab linguini, salmon pop tarts, and caesar salad prepared tableside.
We recently checked out Bittersweet and you can read our review here.
Lakeview’s Bittersweet is bringing its cake, cookies, and cups of hot chocolate to Pilsen. Besides the tried-and-true favorites, this pastry shop and cafe’s second location also has new dishes like conchas and quiche made with carnitas from Carnitas Uruapan.
We recently checked out Brasero and added it to our Hit List.
The chef behind El Che (one of the best steakhouses in the city) has a new Latin restaurant focused on wood-fire cooking. Head to West Town for Brasero’s shared plates, feijoada for the table, and whole grilled red snapper.
Flying in the face of the omakase trend, the sushi rolls at this Logan Square spot are only a la carte. Besides classics like spicy tuna and crunchy salmon, Wave Sushi & Sake has a few specialties involving truffle honey and fried onions, plus dishes like donburi and chicken karaage.
Another day, another Chicago steakhouse opening. Casa Latina in Irving Park serves the usual suspects like grilled steaks, chops, and seafood, but they also have a variety of Latin-American dishes, burgers, and sandwiches.
Is 2024 the year of fast-casual pasta? Between Italian Homemade Company and two more new spots this week, we’re thinking yes. First, Pasta Fasta is a European chain that just opened its first US location in Lincoln Park. Choose from 15 hot and cold options like carbonara, chicken pesto, or garlic-and-oil pasta salad.
photo credit: Stefani's Bottega Italiana
Stefani’s Bottega Italiana
The team behind Bar Cargo and the now-closed Tavern On Rush also hopped on the fast-casual Italian trend. Stefani’s Bottega Italiana in Gladstone Park specializes in fresh pasta, sandwiches, and Roman pizza. You can sit down and eat here, or get your tagliatelle to go after watching the kitchen team make it in the “pasta lab.”
There’s a new bar to know about, Wicker Parkers. Mirella’s Tavern is a bar and restaurant serving classic drinks and twists on American dishes. Their eclectic menu has baby back ribs, duck confit quesadillas, and steak with risotto.
January 2024
Brunch enthusiasts take note: Dawn is now open in Hyde Park. They serve classic Southern comfort food and cocktails for brunch and dinner from 8am-8pm six days a week. You can keep the party going by heading up the street to 14 Parish, a rum bar from the same owners.
Chicago has plenty of great hot dog stands, and Modern Relish is a new-old contender on the scene. That’s because up until December, it was known as Duk’s Red Hots—an iconic West Town spot for 70 years. The owners might be new (and so are the forthcoming patio and liquor license), but the hot dogs, burgers, and fries are the same.
Signature Bar is a joint venture from a former Chicago Bear and the chef behind S.K.Y, Valhalla, and nearby Apolonia. That fact alone makes this South Loop sports bar and restaurant worth keeping an eye on. Expect things like short rib nachos, roasted chicken with red chili butter, and double-patty smashburgers.
We could make jokes about The Revenant or a certain TV series with a penchant for “yes, chef!”-ing. Instead, we’ll direct you to what we can only assume is the unofficial mascot of this new Italian steakhouse in Lincoln Park. Does Chicago need another Temple of Beef? Maybe not, though this one has a speakeasy-style atmosphere and $140 wagyu steak tasting board.
Lakeview’s Little Evette’s is getting an overhaul. By day, expect a wine shop. By night, it will host a six-month-long (maybe longer) pop-up featuring late-night food from chefs who worked at Kimski and Momotaro. You can finally fulfill your dream of eating Malört grilled cheese, beet tartare, and matcha deviled eggs with uni and ants at 1am.
There’s a new addition to Chicago’s growing Central Asian restaurant scene. Bai Ordo is an all-day cafe in Lincoln Square, serving dishes like manty, Kyrgyz lamb shank soup, and Uzbek plov. They also offer Turkish breakfast plates and tea.
The recently renovated Ramova Theatre in Bridgeport opened an American restaurant called Ramova Grill & Taproom. The restaurant is connected to the venue, so it’s possible to have a pre-show meal with kale caesar salad, chicken pot pie, and beer from Other Half Brewing. Which, according to our colleagues at Infatuation NYC, is one of the best breweries in New York.
This is the second location of Momo Factory, a casual restaurant that serves specialty dumplings and other Nepalese street food in River North. But besides 13 different momo options, you can get Indian curries like chicken tikka masala and palak paneer.
Los Tres Hermanos Guerrerenses is a new Mexican restaurant in Ravenswood that highlights food from the state of Guerrero. The menu has tacos, tortas, egg-based breakfast options, and larger entrees like carne asada dinner plates.
One of our favorite hot pot restaurants in the city, Happy Lamb, opened a third location in Bridgeport. Like with the original (and very popular) spot in Chinatown, expect high-quality meat, seafood, and vegetables, plus flavorful broths and a $28 AYCE option.
Seville, a rooftop Mediterranean restaurant and cocktail bar from the chef behind Siena Tavern, just opened in the Loop’s Hilton Garden Inn. The seasonal menu has paella, pastas, and shared plates of tuna carpaccio or grilled octopus to go with the skyline views.
We recently checked out Faiza and you can read our review here.
Faiza is a new Uyghur restaurant in North Park. Besides Central Asian dishes like samsa, manti, and lagman, they also have a variety of kebabs and salads.
The husband-and-wife duo behind BBQ joints Ella’s and Earl’s converted their latest venture, Firewood BBQ, into a Polish restaurant. The Wicker Park spot still has some barbecue options—like smoked brisket and pork shank—alongside new sweet and savory pierogis, kielbasa, and soups.
We recently checked out Cariño and added it to our Hit List.
Cariño is a Latin American-inspired tasting menu spot in Uptown from a former Schwa chef. For $190, you’ll get 12-16 courses with dishes like huitlacoche ravioli and churros in mole with foie gras mousse. A late-night taco omakase, coming soon, will include fresh masa tortillas flavored with things like black truffles and shrimp shells.
We recently checked out Maxwells Trading and added it to our Hit List.
This West Loop spot comes from a chef behind Publican and Avec. Besides being relatively casual, Maxwells Trading is hard to classify—prosciutto and gnocco fritto, hummus with beets, pork belly clay pot rice, grilled turbot, and carrot spoon bread all appear on the menu.
