From spicy Mexican to aromatic Indian, it seems like there are infinite restaurants to choose from in Chicago.
From arbitrary TikTok recommendations to opinionated Tweets, narrowing down the Chicago dining scene is easier said than done. That’s why we’ve done it for you with this unequivocal list of the best new restaurants in Chicago. However, after reading this, you should hurry up and make that reservation.
Gavroche
Gavroche, a contemporary French restaurant, has opened its doors in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood. This intimate 32-seat venue offers a modern interpretation of French cuisine, moving away from heavy creams and traditional mother sauces. Executive Chef Mitchell Acuña’s menu features innovative dishes like hamachi nicoise and turbot au four beurre blanc, while acclaimed pastry chef Christine McCabe crafts delectable desserts. With its curated wine selection and thoughtfully designed interior, Gavroche aims to provide a unique dining experience that celebrates life around the table.
📍 Location: 1529 N. Wells Street, Chicago
🗓️ Hours: Open daily from 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., except Tuesdays
🍽️ Reservation: Make a reservation at Gavroche
Omakase Room by Kanemaru
One of the best new restaurants in Chicago is the exclusive Omakase Room by Kanemaru, located within La Grande Boucherie. Guests can enjoy a 16-course culinary journey featuring Chef Shinichiro Kanemaru’s expertly curated menu. This menu artfully combines traditional Japanese cuisine with contemporary Chicago flair. With only ten seats at the counter, the setting offers an exclusive and intimate dining experience.
📍Address: 431 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60654
🍽️ Reservation: Make a reservation at Omakase Room by Kanemaru here
Akahoshi Ramen
Akahoshi Ramen, a rising star in Chicago’s culinary scene, has been named the best new restaurant in the U.S. by Bon Appétit magazine. Founded by Mike Satinover, known as Ramen Lord on Reddit, Akahoshi stands out for its unique blend of Japanese and American cooking styles. The restaurant offers a variety of ramen dishes, including standout miso ramen and tantanmen, showcasing Satinover’s decade-long expertise in broth and noodles. This recognition further cements Chicago’s reputation as a top dining destination in 2024.
📍 Location: 3401 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
🍽️ Reservation: Make a reservation at Akahoshi Ramen here
Yunani
You may find yourself visiting The Loop more often after trying its newest restaurant, Yunani. This Greek-Lebanese establishment is situated in Washington Hall and was conceptualized by Mitchell Abou Jamr, the chef behind the well-loved Evette’s.
Yunani, which translates to “Greek,” offers a menu that seamlessly blends Greek and Lebanese cuisines. Diners can enjoy pita sandwiches and herb rice bowls featuring classic options such as gyro, falafel, chicken shawarma, halloumi, and lamb. The menu is further enhanced with sides like Greek Feta Fries and dolma served with cucumber yogurt and pomegranate seeds. Yunani offers a variety for those who love dips, including whipped feta, hummus, and tzatziki.
The restaurant is a reflection of Abou Jamra’s diverse culinary background. As a first-generation Lebanese-American, he grew up immersed in a rich tapestry of culinary traditions, including Lebanese, Mexican, and Midwestern influences. This unique blend of cultures stems from his family’s immigration to the United States in the 1970s and his childhood split between Flint, Michigan, where his family operated a grocery store, butcher shop, and farm, and Tucson, Arizona, where he was exposed to Mexican cuisine.
📍 Location:15 W. Washington Ave. Chicago, IL
Yasemi
River North’s dining scene is about to get a Mediterranean makeover with the opening of Yasemi on December 12. The new restaurant from Soiree Hospitality Group promises a modern twist on classic Mediterranean flavors from Greece, Turkey, Italy, and Spain.
The menu features a six-course lineup including spreads, raw plates, mezze, salads, and kabobs, with standout dishes like Whipped Harissa Feta and Grilled Octopus. Yasemi’s concept revolves around communal dining, encouraging guests to share small plates while enjoying innovative cocktails like the Olive Oil Martini.
📍 Location: 127 W Huron St 1st floor, Chicago, IL 60654
🍽️ Reservation: Make a reservation at Yasemi here
Americano
Americano, the latest culinary gem in Lincoln Park, offers a unique dining experience that blends international flavors with American classics. The restaurant’s ambiance, featuring rich velvet green walls and ceilings adorned with trailing ivy, creates a never-ending outdoor experience. Led by esteemed restaurateur Adolfo Garcia, Americano’s menu showcases a diverse range of dishes, from caviar deviled eggs to chard chicken. Don’t miss their happy hour specials and the $30 Weekend Bottomless Brunch, offering a 90-minute indulgence in unlimited cocktails.
📍 Location: 2205 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
🗓️ Hours: Open daily, Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4-6 pm, Weekend Brunch available
🍽️ Reservation: Make a reservation at Americano here
Hawksmoor Chicago
One of London’s most popular restaurants, Hawksmoor, officially launched its brand-new restaurant in Chicago over the summer. Located in the three-story landmark in River North. Their menu is divine—between steak, seafood, and more.
Look for a local nod to H.M. Kinsley, the iconic 19th-century Chicago restaurateur, with Hawksmoor’s signature “Beefsteak 1894,” an optional add-on preparation of three charcoal-roasted Bone Marrow Oysters and Bone Marrow Gravy to top or accompany any cut.
📍Location: 500 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654
🍽️ Reservation: Make a reservation at Hawksmoor here
Maxwells Trading
Josh Tilden and Erling Wu-Bowe are the creative minds behind one of Chicago’s best new restaurants—Maxwell’s Trading. Designed to be the perfect place to unwind, this restaurant offers delicious food, crisp cocktails, and live music for family and friends. With casual, soul-satisfying dishes and an enticing selection of wines, Maxwell’s Trading provides a lively atmosphere for any night of the week, open Tuesday through Saturday.
📍Address: 1516 W Carroll Ave, Chicago, IL 60607
🍽️ Reservation: Make a reservation at Maxwells Trading
Brasero
Brasero is a West Town restaurant renowned for its skillful blending of South American flavors, led by chef-restaurateur John Manion of The El Che Steakhouse. The menu features shareable bites, hand-muddled cocktails, hearty steaks, and fresh seafood. Guests can also enjoy a unique wine list that includes 100 South American bottles priced under $100, ensuring a memorable dining experience that is both innovative and rooted in tradition.
📍Address: 1709 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
🍽️ Reservation: Make a reservation at Brasero here
Blue Bayou Bar & Grill
Chicago’s food scene is getting a nostalgic boost with the grand reopening of Blue Bayou Bar & Grill in Lakeview. The beloved New Orleans-inspired spot is making a comeback after closing more than a decade ago, thanks to Last Call Tavern Group.
The revamped menu features Southern classics like Shrimp and Catfish Po’ Boys, Jambalaya, and Chicken & Waffles, alongside Bourbon Street favorites such as Frozen Hurricanes and Pineapple Daiquiris.
With its lively atmosphere, 30 TVs for sports viewing, and plans for boozy brunches and live music nights, Blue Bayou is set to reclaim its spot as a Lakeview hotspot.
Tre Dita
Tre Dita and Bar Tre Dita are now open at The St. Regis Chicago, and you need to make a reservation asap. A collaboration between award-winning Chef Evan Funke and Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, Tre Dita marks the Los Angeles-based chef’s first Chicago restaurant. Italian for “three fingers,” Tre Dita is a nod to the precise thickness of a properly cut bistecca Fiorentina, which the “cucina Toscana” serves from its open-hearth, wood-fired grill, along with handmade pasta and more.
Located on the second floor of The St. Regis Chicago, the restaurant offers sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River in Chicago’s Lakeshore East. It draws inspiration from many areas within Tuscany, and the menu highlights Antipasti and Insalati, traditional, handmade Tuscan pasta, specialties cooked on the wood-fired grill, and steaks.
📍Address: The St Regis Hotel, 401 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601
🍽️ Reservation: Make a reservation at Tre Dita here
Boonie’s Filipino Restaurant
Situated near Ravenswood, you’ll be greeted with a fluorescent sign displaying the words “Kain Tayo” by the doorway. From the creative talents of Joe Fontelera, Boonie’s is a new Filipino spot and one of the best new restaurants in Chicago.
Starting in the Revival Food Hall, Boonie’s has a rustic sprawling space that is BYOB. Some menu highlights include the crispy Lumpiang Shanghai and Sizzling Sisig, the juicy Bistek, and the enchanting Talong.
📍Address: 4337 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
🍽️ Reservation: Make a reservation at Bonnie’s Filipino Restaurant here
Warlord
This might be the most coveted spot in Chicago. Open Friday through Monday, reservations are first come, first serve. With the menu changing weekly, Warlord is focused on preservation and the use of live fire. This relaxed dining experience in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago is one of the best new restaurants in Chicago.
📍Address: 3198 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
🍽️ Reservation: First Come, First Serve
La Serre
When you walk into La Serre, you’ll be greeted by a luxuriant and vibrant open-air greenhouse, which makes sense since La Serre translates to “The Greenhouse.” The newest Fulton Market restaurant will have you open-eyed from the scenery to the mouthwatering food.
Inspired by the coastal regions of Saint-Tropez, La Serre is lavishly decorated with a botanical verdant ceiling, antiqued brass chandeliers, Venetian plaster, English flower troughs, floral booths, and antique mosaic tiles reminiscent of the French Riviera. The menu features an elegant list of Amuses and Petites, an abundant raw section, approachable and vibrant French salads, impressive dinner plates, and light and flavorful pasta dishes
📍Address: 307 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
🍽️ Reservation: Make a reservation at La Serre here
Bonyeon
One of the best restaurants in Chicago also happens to be the first of its kind—a Chicago beef omakase restaurant. At Bonyeon, you’ll experience the art of beef as you enjoy a 12-course beef omakase menu from the finest cuts from around the world. Each slice is prepared with precision, with Chef Sangtae Park curating a menu that will take you on a culinary journey.
📍Address: 651 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661
🍽️ Reservation: Make a reservation to Bonyeon here