What’s new in Chicago
New openings, menu drops, dishes and local sourcing worth knowing about.
Call Your Mother Deli - Wicker Park
Call Your Mother Deli is a bagel shop and deli that uniquely blends Jewish deli traditions with a modern twist, offering a creative menu of breakfast and lunch options in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
HeyTea
HeyTea offers a unique twist on traditional tea, specializing in creative and refreshing tea-based beverages, known for their visually stunning drinks and signature cheese foams.
Mariela
Mariela is a vibrant Loop destination that pairs inventive fusion cuisine made from local ingredients with artful craft cocktails in a chic, modern setting. Signature items like Urban Tacos and a rotating seasonal risotto — plus thoughtful cocktail pairings — make it perfect for both casual lunches and special occasions.
Dot’s
Dot’s is a cozy St. Ben’s neighborhood eatery offering seasonally inspired dishes made from fresh local ingredients, complemented by creative cocktails and a curated wine list. With outdoor seating, weekly specials and live music, it’s a warm, welcoming spot for both casual bites and celebratory meals.
Brennan's Gourmet Burger Shack inside The Emerald Isle
Brennan's Gourmet Burger Shack inside The Emerald Isle in Edison Park elevates the classic American burger with award-winning, locally-sourced patties and inventive toppings. Enjoy a casual, family-friendly atmosphere with a curated craft beer list and accommodating vegan and gluten-free options.
Bad Butter
Bad Butter is a unique eatery in Bucktown, Chicago, known for its innovative takes on classic comfort foods and a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
PopUp Bagels
PopUp Bagels is a unique bagel shop in Lincoln Park, Chicago, known for its artisanal bagels, fresh ingredients, and creative flavor combinations that elevate the traditional bagel experience.
Culebra
Culebra is a vibrant Mexican restaurant in Logan Square, known for its authentic flavors and a relaxed atmosphere that invites both casual diners and food enthusiasts.
Farmer’s Milk
Farmer’s Milk in Park West delivers a warm, farm-to-table dining experience with seasonal Midwest ingredients, craft cocktails, and hearty options like Harvest Vegetable Risotto and a grass-fed beef burger — plus a popular weekend brunch featuring farm-fresh dishes and vegetarian/vegan choices.
Fathom
Fathom in Lake View offers an eclectic, globally inspired menu built on the freshest local ingredients, paired with inventive cocktails from expert mixologists. With a trendy yet cozy vibe, weekly live music, and intimate outdoor seating, it’s a perfect spot for memorable seasonal dining and nights out.
The Green Ape | Curated by Chef Bri
Curated by Chef Bri in West Town, The Green Ape features an ever-evolving, sustainably sourced menu of globally inspired dishes—think the signature Garden Oasis Bowl, Spiced Coconut Curry, and Miso-Glazed Eggplant. Pair inventive seasonal cocktails with a vibrant, eco-friendly dining room that celebrates local ingredients and community-focused hospitality.
Match | A
Match | A in West Town offers an intimate, seasonally driven dining experience where inventive fusion dishes—like roasted beet tartare and miso-glazed black cod—are paired with artfully twisted cocktails. With locally sourced ingredients and a frequently changing menu, it’s perfect for date nights and small gatherings.
Milly’s Pizza In The Pan- Lakeview
Milly’s Pizza In The Pan in Lake View puts a fresh twist on Chicago pizza with its signature pizza-in-the-pan technique, locally sourced ingredients, and a family-friendly menu that includes vegetarian and gluten-free options. Pair a Spinach & Ricotta or classic Chicago-style deep dish with their curated craft beer selection for a warm, neighborhood dining experience.
Schneider Deli Lincoln Park
Tucked in Old Town, Schneider Deli Lincoln Park crafts artisanal sandwiches on house-baked breads using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. With a cozy, inviting atmosphere and an extensive selection of deli meats, cheeses and vegetarian/vegan options, it’s a perfect spot for a casual lunch or afternoon snack.
All Well
All Well is a contemporary American restaurant in the West Loop, known for its seasonal dishes and a commitment to using locally sourced ingredients.
QXY Dumplings
QXY Dumplings in West Town crafts handmade dumplings using locally sourced ingredients, with a rotating selection of pork, seafood and vegetarian fillings complemented by unique dipping sauces. Its modern, cozy atmosphere and daily seasonal specials make it a great spot for casual dine-in or flavorful takeout.
Da Local Boy Downtown Chicago
Tucked in the Loop, Da Local Boy Downtown Chicago fuses Chicago-born flavors with inventive twists — from Chicago-Style Tacos and a Deep-Dish Harvest Bowl to the signature Local Boy Burger — all served in a warm, modern-rustic setting. Paired with craft cocktails, a curated wine list and attentive service, it’s an ideal spot for lively casual dining or business lunches.
Caché
Tucked away in Old Town, Caché delivers an intimate, chic dining experience with a seasonally driven menu that spotlights locally sourced ingredients and inventive cocktails. Signature dishes like Truffle Mushroom Risotto, Seared Scallops, and Lemon Thyme Roasted Chicken make it an ideal spot for date nights and special occasions.
Kitty's Cosmopolitan Club
Kitty's Cosmopolitan Club is a vibrant Near North destination that pairs a trendy cocktail-bar atmosphere and live music with a global-forward menu for both classy nights out and casual gatherings. Must-tries include Cosmo-Infused Tacos, savory Truffle Risotto and Choco-Matcha Mousse, with outdoor seating and rotating weekly specials showcasing seasonal ingredients.
Fatback + The Green Butcher
Fatback + The Green Butcher is a butcher-led restaurant in Chicago’s Loop that pairs sustainably sourced meats with inventive, seasonal cooking—think smoky bacon brisket, seasonal vegetable tarts, and craft cocktail pairings—served in a warm rustic-contemporary space that highlights local ingredients and modern techniques.
Roost Biscuit Co.
Roost Biscuit Co. in Chicago’s West Loop serves award-winning, from-scratch flaky biscuits piled into inventive sandwiches and comforting brunch plates — think crispy fried chicken biscuits, biscuit & gravy, and seasonal sweet potato stacks. With creative local ingredients plus vegan and gluten-free options, it’s a cozy neighborhood spot for approachable, Southern-inspired comfort food.
Chubby Skewers | Authentic Chinese BBQ
Chubby Skewers offers a unique taste of Authentic Chinese BBQ, renowned for its flavorful skewers and vibrant atmosphere that brings traditional street food to the heart of Chinatown.
Oni Maki
Compact, craft-focused handrolls and expertly whisked matcha make this University Village spot a go-to for fast, elevated Japanese flavors.
CHICHA San Chen 吃茶三千 (Chinatown)
A lively Chinatown spot pouring freshly brewed teas and inventive milk- and fruit-based bubble teas with addictive boba.
Herbachi
A South Side standout where bold hibachi grilling and modern Asian flavors meet quick, fresh service.
Portage Park Breakfast Place
A laid-back Portage Park spot where generous breakfast plates and warm hospitality kickstart your day.
Guillotine Bakery
Guillotine Bakery is a French-inspired bakery specializing in artisan breads, pastries, and confections, known for using traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients.
Cleo's - Lakeview
A Lake View favorite serving soulful Southern comfort classics with big flavors and community-first hospitality.
Holy Bagels CO
A Loop favorite for crisp-on-the-outside, chewy-on-the-inside bagels and hearty breakfast sandwiches made for downtown life.
Irene's Bagels
A Ravenswood sourdough bagel shop where chef Noah and the team from Irene’s Finer Diner turn hand-shaped, long-fermented bagels into craveable breakfast staples.
Ox Bar & Hearth
Warm, wood-fire–focused dining in Lincoln Park delivering seasonal, hyper-local dishes and thoughtful beverage pairings.
Le Shrimp Noodle Bar
A Chinatown gem serving Singapore‑inspired shrimp ramen and aromatic, wok‑hei seafood broths that elevate noodle comfort food.
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka Chicago West Loop
Authentic Hokkaido-style ramen with rich, slow-simmered broths and refined toppings in the heart of West Loop.
Petite Edith
A River North–adjacent French bistro that blends Michelin-caliber technique with Midwestern generosity for intimate, season-forward dining.
Hotel Chocolat
An immersive chocolate destination in Streeterville blending artisanal confections with refined tasting experiences.
Olive and Oak Cafe
A neighborhood favorite in Lincoln Park for freshly made bagels, Boar’s Head paninis, and top-tier coffee in a roomy, WiFi-friendly setting.
New Sound Cafe
Historic Austin record shop transformed into a community-first cafe serving coffee, tea, pastries, sandwiches and soup, with profits supporting local charities.
82 Kimbap
Second-generation chefs serve fresh, high-quality kimbap and Korean snacks in the heart of the Loop.
Dēliz Italian Steakhouse
An elevated Italian steakhouse in West Town blending classic technique with modern flair for adventurous locals.
Bar Tutto
An all-day Italian café in West Loop blending quick café fare with full-service meals and lively evening drinks.
Pizza Dada
Pizza Dada brings artful, playful energy to the Loop with signature pizzas made from locally sourced ingredients and a curated selection of craft beers and unique wines. Its vibrant, eclectic atmosphere and thoughtful vegetarian and vegan options make it a must-visit for adventurous diners.
Zaab-E-LEE Thai Street Food
Zaab-E-LEE serves punchy Thai street fare in Kimball, pairing blistering chiles, bright herbs, and smoky grills for an unforgettable neighborhood meal.
Cured & Crafted | Artisan Sandwiches
A creative, cashless sandwich spot in Jefferson Park serving traditional favorites and bold new combinations with scratch-made sauces and fresh-cut fries.
The Radicle
An intimate Logan Square spot serving inventive, seasonal plates that spotlight local produce and convivial dining.
Spice by CMB
Spice by CMB offers a unique fusion of Indian and modern American cuisine, renowned for its vibrant flavors and innovative dishes that reflect a contemporary dining experience in Avondale.
Juanita’s kitchen
A cozy South Side spot serving soulful, home-cooked plates that taste like family with a fearless twist.
Feng Huang Lan Kwin Fong Bar and Grill 兰桂坊
Classic Hong Kong–style Cantonese dishes—from dim sum to roast meats—served in a warm, elegant Bridgeport setting.