NAIA

Naia-KeniRosales-0073

Photo by Keni Rosales

DineAmic Hospitality transforms nearly an entire river-level city block along the Chicago Riverwalk with the debut of NAIA, a sweeping new Greek-Levantine restaurant from internationally acclaimed chef Athinagoras Kostakos. The indoor-outdoor concept blends Mediterranean influences with a seafood-forward menu featuring mezze, grilled meats, house-made pastas, flatbreads, a raw bar and sushi program, alongside cocktails infused with herbs, citrus and botanicals. Designed around more than 150 feet of river frontage, the dramatic space features pergola-covered dining terraces, a coliseum-style dining room, a striking sculptural stone installation and panoramic views of the Chicago River. 300 N. LaSalle St.

The Ives

A new chapter begins inside the Chicago Athletic Association with the debut of The Ives, Boka Restaurant Group's modern American grill room in the former Cherry Circle Room. Helmed by chef-partner Chris Pandel, the concept revives classic dining rituals through tableside experiences ranging from nightly prime rib carving and customized relish service to desserts presented from a roaming chocolate trolley. The menu pairs steakhouse staples with elevated comfort fare, while classic cocktails and an original 60-foot bar reinforce the restaurant's club-like atmosphere. Preserved architectural details and warm Mid-Century-inspired design further connect the space to the landmark building's storied past. 12 S. Michigan Ave.

Mariela

A new globally inspired coastal concept has arrived in the Loop with the debut of Mariela, the latest restaurant from chefs Rishi Kumar and Zubair Mohajir inside Chicago’s historic Reliance Building. Rooted in the flavors and memories of Southeast Asia while tracing culinary influences across the Americas and Europe, the menu takes a seafood-forward approach shaped by migration, nostalgia and the movement of flavors along coastlines around the world. Expect dishes like chili crab agnolotti with smoked trout roe, tom yum aguachile with Thai herbs and coconut, and seafood arroz negro layered with octopus, scallops and uni hot sauce, alongside rotating global spreads inspired by mezze traditions. The beverage program, led by David Mor of Mirra and Lilac Tiger, mirrors the kitchen’s globally minded perspective with breezy, coastal cocktails, reimagined classics and nods to iconic hotel bars around the world, all served within a warm, earth-toned space designed by Matthew Hunnel of Audacity. 1 W. Washington St.

Kitty's Cosmopolitan Club

Kitty_s_Cosmopolitan_Club_Cocktails_in_the_Main_Dining_Room__no_arm_hair_-1001.jpg

Kitty's Cosmopolitan Club is the newest restaurant concept from Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants and partner-beverage director Kevin Beary.

Photo by Lindsay Eberly

Kitty’s Cosmopolitan Club brings a moody dose of old-world glamour to River North as the latest concept from Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants and partner-beverage director Kevin Beary. The refined cocktail lounge centers on classic mixology traditions reimagined through modern technique, including the city’s first dedicated walk-in freezer cocktail station kept at -16 degrees Fahrenheit. Tableside martinis, polished trolley service and inventive cocktails like the Dirty Martini and a Half and Japanese Whisky Old Fashioned anchor the beverage program, while James Beard Award-nominated chef Thai Dang oversees a menu of elevated raw bar selections and dim sum specialties. Designed in collaboration with David Collins Studio, the emerald-toned lounge layers velvet seating, low lighting and polished finishes into a quietly luxurious escape. 51 W. Hubbard St., Suite 200

All Well

The Michelin-starred duo behind Oriole, chef Noah Sandoval and chef de cuisine Larry Feldmeier, expand into the West Loop with the debut of All Well, a new concept balancing refined prix fixe dining with the energy of a neighborhood bar. Marking the pair’s first venture beyond Oriole, the restaurant centers around a 50-seat dining room dedicated to a refined five-course New American tasting menu, alongside a more relaxed late-night à la carte program in the adjoining bar. The menu moves between technically driven dishes like Délice de Bourgogne agnolotti and beet with sake lees and sea buckthorn to elevated comfort fare including a decadent short rib sandwich with horseradish aioli and raclette with potatoes and cornichons. Cocktails follow the same polished-but-playful approach with standouts like the Fig Leaf Boulevardier and Sea Buckthorn 75 alongside a thoughtfully curated wine list. 111 N. Carpenter St.

Port Union

A familiar Wicker Park address enters a new era with Port Union, chef Rodolfo Cuadros’ modern American restaurant and cocktail house now inhabiting the former Bloom Plant Based Kitchen space on Milwaukee Avenue. Drawing from Cuadros’ perspective on American cuisine as an ever-evolving blend of immigrant traditions, the menu reworks recognizable comfort dishes through global flavors and technique, pairing offerings like wagyu meatballs with forest mushroom gravy and pork schnitzel with green curry aioli alongside Bloom-inspired vegetarian dishes. Behind the bar, the focus shifts away from trend-driven cocktails in favor of expertly executed classics, while warm woods, brass accents and a prominent central bar give the restaurant the feel of a well-worn neighborhood standby from day one. 1559 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Gingie

12_25_Gingie_NP_16

Gingie's American wagyu course served with a ricotta dumpling, sunchokes and bordelaise.

Photo by Nick Podraza

Editor’s note: The restaurant is temporarily closed due to a minor kitchen fire.

Boka Restaurant Group’s newest concept, Gingie, brings fresh momentum to River North. James Beard Award–winning restaurateurs Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz have partnered with chef Brian Lockwood to bring the 150-seat restaurant to life, centered on shareable dishes and a thoughtfully composed à la carte menu. The opening marks Lockwood’s first brick-and-mortar debut following his work as consulting chef for The Bear and time in prestigious kitchens including Eleven Madison Park and The NoMad, with a menu rooted in seasonal ingredients, live-fire cooking and classical technique.

Schneider Deli

Lincoln Park’s sandwich scene gets a major boost with the arrival of Schneider Deli, the beloved concept from husband-and-wife duo Jake and Ariel Schneider. Building on the cult following of their original outpost inside the Ohio House Motel, the expanded, all-day deli brings bigger energy—and even bigger stacks—to the neighborhood. Expect towering pastrami sandwiches, crisp latkes and house-cured fish alongside playful additions like the Hot Reuben with giardiniera-spiked Russian dressing, plus a robust grab-and-go selection of classic deli staples. A full coffee program in partnership with Metropolis Coffee fuels the day, while egg creams, local beers and wine carry things into the evening. Designed with a wink to nostalgia—think family photos and pink-hued interiors by Becker Architects—the 41-seat space is as much a neighborhood hangout as it is grounded in the traditions of Jewish deli culture. 1733 N. Halsted St.

Fatback

The Loop’s lunch scene gets a serious upgrade with the debut of Fatback, the new high-end sandwich shop and specialty market from chef Charlie McKenna in collaboration with The Fifty/50 Group. Located at 176 W. Wacker Drive, the concept blends the craft of a neighborhood butcher with the precision of a fine-dining kitchen, offering a “desk-to-dinner” destination for downtown professionals. The globally inspired menu ranges from a signature Jambon with Lady Edison country ham and whole-grain mustard beurre to a spicy ’nduja grilled cheese and a Cochon sandwich layered with porchetta, tasso ham and raclette, alongside thoughtful salads and rotating sides. A chef-driven rotisserie program featuring Regalis Ivory Chicken anchors the prepared offerings, while an in-house butcher counter and European-style market stocked with local favorites like Tempesta charcuterie and Lillie’s Q sauces make it easy to take restaurant-quality ingredients home. 176 W. Wacker Drive

The Brasserie

A new chapter unfolds at the historic Deer Path Inn with the debut of The Brasserie, reimagining the space that for nearly a century housed The English Room. Located inside the Tudor-style Lake Forest landmark, the restaurant blends modern British sensibility with the inn’s longstanding tradition of gracious dining, pairing seasonal cuisine with a lively, art-filled setting. The menu focuses on familiar dishes elevated through refined technique—from chilled oysters and seafood towers to herb-crusted lamb, grass-fed steaks and a signature dry-aged burger—while classic comforts like flounder meunière and sticky date toffee pudding round out the experience. A curated salon-style art collection of more than 70 works by British and Chicago artists, including pieces by David Hockney and David Shrigley, brings fresh energy to the storied dining room. 255 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest

Bar Bambi

West Town has a new anchor in award-winning bartender Katie Renshaw’s first solo venture, now open at 1703 W. Chicago Ave. After shaping standout programs at Moneygun, Billy Sunday, GreenRiver, The Aviary and Hawksmoor Chicago—and earning the title of 2019 U.S. World Class Bartender of the Year—Renshaw distills her decade behind the bar into a space that feels confident, playful and unmistakably personal. The cocktail list balances technique with ease, from clarified freezer-cold pours like the Three Decibel Rule with vodka, lychee and yellow bell pepper to thoughtful spirit-free options that hold their own. Chef Nicklus Byrns, whose résumé includes Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Pineapple & Pearls and Elske, contributes sharp bar snacks designed to keep pace. A 50-seat interior by Gensler layers fuchsia hues, mirrored surfaces and a dynamic lighting installation that shifts with the night. 1703 W. Chicago Ave.

Libertad

Skokie-based Latin American dining destination Libertad has expanded to Wicker Park. Open since 2011, the restaurant is owned and operated by industry veteran Marcos Rivera, who draws inspiration from his travels and from his family’s history as longtime owners of the Las Palmas restaurant franchise. The new location occupies the original Las Palmas building, Rivera’s first-ever concept. Diners can expect a seasonal, shareable menu helmed by Chef Armando Gonzales (Mas, Amerikas) that pays homage to Latin American flavors and traditions with offerings like veneras (pan-seared scallops, “forbidden rice,” yuzu-habanero butter sauce, yardlong beans) and asada (grilled skirt steak, chipotle chèvre, yucca frites, chimichurri), alongside new dishes exclusive to Wicker Park. The cuisine is complemented by a wide-reaching beverage program led by mixologist Ziyad Asrar, featuring Latin-inspired twists on classic cocktails, including the Libertad Old Fashioned made with reposado tequila, mezcal and mole bitters. 1835 W. North Ave.

SHŌ

SHŌ, the debut concept from Michelin-starred chef Mari Katsumura and fourth-generation restaurateur Adam Sindler, reimagines omakase as a dynamic interplay of Japanese technique, global flavors and inventive textures. Located in Old Town, the intimate 12-seat chef’s counter and cocktail lounge offer a moody, sound-driven setting inspired by vinyl culture and Tokyo nightlife. The seasonal ten-course tasting menu flows through hot and cold preparations, pressed hand rolls and interactive courses, complemented by curated sake, inventive cocktails and rare Japanese whiskies. 1533 N. Wells St.

Carmine’s

IMG_5976

From housemade pasta to beloved Italian staples, Carmine’s remains a beloved Chicago institution.

Photo courtesy of Carmine's.

After more than two years of anticipation, Carmine’s, one of Chicago’s most iconic Italian restaurants and a flagship of the Rosebud Restaurant Group, has reopened in the Gold Coast. Founded on generous portions, scratch-made recipes and heartfelt hospitality, the restaurant combines classic Italian-American dining with a reimagined space featuring a grand curved staircase, moody tones, rich wood, brass accents and plush leather banquettes. Led by Chicago hospitality veterans Stephen Oakes, Steven Harris and Marco Silva, Carmine’s menu celebrates Rosebud classics like square noodles, eight-finger cavatelli, meatball salad and Mama Maria’s famous braciole, all anchored by its legendary red sauce, made fresh daily to honor generations of Italian-American tradition. 1037 N. Rush St.

Kouklas Greek Eatery

James Beard Award-winning chef Jimmy Bannos, Jr. has opened his first restaurant venture in Niles. Kouklas Greek Eatery, located at 7620 N. Milwaukee Ave., features bold contemporary Greek dishes crafted with open-fire cooking techniques on a custom-built wood-and-charcoal grill using ingredients from local butchers and sustainable seafood purveyors. Highlights include housemade pasta, fresh-baked pita and farm-sourced vegetables and a curated olive oil program with rare premium selections. The 9,000-square-foot Mediterranean-inspired space offers 150 seats, a full bar and an all-seasons terrace. 7620 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles

Bar Tutto

Celebrity chef Joe Flamm and the hospitality firm Day Off Group have opened Bar Tutto in Fulton Market’s Flora Tower. Inspired by the lively wine bars and restaurants of Italy’s piazzas, the all-day café and restaurant offers a dedicated coffee program and Italian pastries for breakfast, followed by fresh pastas, salumi, formaggi, paninis, main courses and more, including anchovy crostino, crisp fritti misti, tortellini en brodo and pork collar with peaches and polenta. The beverage program features classic Italian libations, Aperol- and Campari-forward cocktails, Old World wines and globally sourced craft beers. 1110 W. Carroll Ave.

Petite Edith

Petite_Edith_Monkfish_Roti_Courtesy_Petite_Edith

Monkfish Roti takes its place as a standout dish on Petite Edith's thoughtfully curated menu.

Photo courtesy of Petite Edith

In River North, Petite Edith arrives as a neighborhood bistro shaped by the steady, thoughtful evolution of MICHELIN-starred chef Jenner Tomaska and his wife and business partner Katrina Bravo of the acclaimed Esmé as they expand beyond fine dining. The 80-seat space, designed by HED, features a wraparound bar and garage doors that open in warmer months, creating an airy, approachable atmosphere. The menu follows the same grounded approach, with French techniques filtered through a Midwestern sensibility and a focus on seafood-forward, shareable plates. Highlights include a hollowed baguette filled with warm cheese, razor clams done casino-style, mussel skewers with fennel and Meyer lemon, and a raw sea bream. The beverage program from Stevan Miller leans into island wines and well-constructed cocktails, making Petite Edith a neighborhood spot that’s easy to return to. 868 N. Wells

Atsumeru

2025-08-22_Atsumeru_Appetizer_Foie-Gras_44520

The menu at Atsumeru reflects childhood upbringings, as seen in the foie gras: a canelé pastry filled with whipped foie gras, mango jam, caramelized yogurt and sorrel.

Photo by Kevin Eduard White Photography

West Town has welcomed Atsumeru, an intimate new fine dining destination blending Japanese and Nordic influences through a chef-driven lens. Led by chef-owner Devin Denzer, best known for his pop-up dining series Loon, the eight-seat, tasting-menu-only eatery offers an immersive and seafood-forward experience, spotlighting ingredients like sablefish, monkfish and oysters. The restaurant invites guests to engage directly with the chefs, who double as servers and storytellers, guiding diners through each thoughtfully curated course. Restaurant-goers experience a 10-to-12-course tasting menu that evolves with both the seasons and the inventive flow of the kitchen. The evening begins with cocktails and snacks in the lounge before moving upstairs for the main tasting experience. Guests return to the lounge for desserts and final bites, concluding the evening in an elevated and intimate setting. Menu highlights include Denzer’s Milk and Pine palate cleanser with white chocolate-coated milk ice cream served in a broth of pine needle oil and kombucha. The culinary program is accompanied by a thoughtful selection of global wines and five curated cocktail offerings that highlight Japanese and Nordic spirits, including a unique rendition of a martini with barley shochu and miso-infused Japanese vodka, finished with drops of lemongrass and pandan leaf oil. 933 N. Ashland Ave.

Akiro

The first U.S. location of Madrid-born Nikkei hand roll bar Akiro has officially opened in River North. Located at 546 N. Wells St., the restaurant offers a refined yet approachable lineup of nigiri and hand rolls crafted with Japanese seaweed, fresh fish and rice. After debuting in 2023, Akiro quickly expanded to Barcelona where it earned acclaim as Spain’s first Nikkei hand roll bar. This Chicago outpost marks its latest evolution, launched in partnership with Éxodo Hospitality Group—the team behind local favorites Matilda, Clandestino, Kayao and Ayayay. 546 N. Wells St.

Buttercup

ButtercupSept12025-410

Roasted pork collar, topped with golden raisin gremolata and fennel pollen, offers a flavorful addition to the Buttercup menu.

Photo by Jeremy Yap

Buttercup, a café by light and amaro bar by night, has arrived in the South Loop, bringing bold yet refined, amaro-focused renditions of classic craft cocktails to the neighborhood. Inspired by Northern Italy’s café culture and Old World amaro bars, the 40-seat destination offers a sense of discovery from morning to night—think curated espresso and matcha by day, followed by story-driven cocktails anchored by one of the largest amaro collections in the country. Beverage director Luke DeYoung (Scofflaw, Oliver's) leads the inventive drink program, while chef Alex Carnovale (Oliver's, The French Laundry) delivers a menu of elevated Italian fare. 75 E. 16th St.

Kit Kat Club

After 25 years as Chicago’s iconic drag dining destination, Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club has reemerged as the new Kit Kat Club, unveiling a glam 2,650-square-foot Art Deco space designed by Kaufman Segal Angyus. The reimagined venue features a vibrant main dining room, semi-private space and expansive 1,500-square-foot patio, offering 240 seats total. While the setting has evolved, the spirit remains unapologetically bold—think high-energy drag performances, celebratory cocktails and crowd-pleasing plates like crispy pan-seared salmon with maple-citrus glaze and steak frites with chimichurri or herb butter. 3524 N. Halsted St.

Little Lark

A new specialty pizzeria from acclaimed restaurateur Steve Lewis of Meadowlark Hospitality has officially opened its doors. Lark Pizza brings neo-Neapolitan-style pizzas, individual Roman pinsas, by-the-glass wine selections and more to Avondale’s Guild Row campus. The force behind Michelin-recognized concepts like Lardon, Union and The Meadowlark (One of North America’s 50 Best Bars), Lewis has teamed up with Guild Row founders Jim Lasko and Elyse Agnello to unveil this latest endeavor. Guests can expect blistered, airy, crisp crusts topped with seasonal ingredients such as house-cured salumi, salads and neo-Italian small plates, all accompanied by a curated beverage program. Designed by renowned architecture firm DAAM, the restaurant will feature a red wood-fired oven, industrial furnishings, exposed brick, a 2,600-square-foot patio and more. 3132 N. Rockwell St.

Dimmi Dimmi Corner Italian

A fresh dose of red-sauce nostalgia has landed in Lincoln Park with the debut of Dimmi Dimmi Corner Italian, the newest neighborhood gem from Cornerstone Restaurant Group and Executive Chef Matt Eckfeld. Located at the iconic corner of Armitage and Seminary, the lively spot brings a modern twist to Italian-American classics—think handmade pastas, tavern-style pizzas and crave-worthy comfort dishes reimagined with seasonal ingredients. Highlights include spicy vodka stuffed shells, an “Italian Beef” carpaccio and bubbling cast-iron focaccia, with playful cocktails like a hazelnut-chocolate espresso martini rounding out the experience. 1112 W. Armitage Ave.

Trino

738 W. Randolph St. / Website

From the team behind Diego and the Entre Sueños dinner series comes Trino, a steakhouse from chef Stephen Sandoval and Oscar Sotelo that’s rewriting the rules in the West Loop. Drawing on Sandoval’s northern Mexican and Galician roots—with flavor inspiration from Argentina and beyond—Trino reimagines the steakhouse experience with globally influenced prime cuts, inventive Latin-accented sauces and a cocktail program as ambitious as the food. Highlights include a Brazilian-style Picanha “Prime Rib,” wagyu bavette with huitlacoche bordelaise and housemade sides that put the humble potato in the spotlight. Drinks from beverage director Carolina Gonzalez range from a beef tallow–infused bourbon cocktail to three versions of a gin and tonic, each inspired by Mexico, Galicia and Argentina. With moody, art-forward interiors, a hidden speakeasy and a wine list that celebrates immigrant-led producers, Trino shines with serious culinary chops and cultural soul.

Ithaki Estiatorio

Forte Hospitality (Sapori Trattoria and Butcher and the Bear) and founder and partner (and MasterChef Greece alum) Kosti Demos bring a new modern Greek seafood restaurant just steps from Costa’s, the beloved family-run neighborhood staple that helped shape Greektown for nearly five decades. “Opening Ithaki in Greektown isn’t just a business decision—it’s deeply personal. As a Greek American, it’s about bringing that energy and pride back in a way that feels fresh. All our restaurants are rooted in the neighborhoods they serve, and this one is no different,” Demos says. Set in the historic space once occupied by the iconic Parthenon restaurant, guests are immersed in a lively Mykonos-inspired atmosphere where whole fish flown in fresh from Greece, wood-grilled meats and classic dishes like saganaki and moussaka take center stage. The space features an open kitchen and a 30-seat bar with a downstairs cocktail lounge slated to debut later this year. 314 S. Halsted St.

Creepies

Just steps from their acclaimed restaurant Elske, husband-and-wife chef team David and Anna Posey debut their newest West Loop venture, bringing playful charm and polished neo-bistro dining to Chicago. Despite the cheeky name, the atmosphere is warm, stylish and full of character—think lilac and gold tilework, quirky art and vintage Danish seating, all set in an intimate 66-seat space with counter seating in lieu of a traditional bar. David spearheads the savory dishes along with Chef de Cuisine Taylor Ploshehanski, delivering a menu built for sharing that blends seasonal Midwestern ingredients with French bistro sensibilities: warm brie gougères, Parisian gnocchi with gruyère and ham, and steamed halibut with sauce poisson are just a few of the standouts. Anna’s desserts are as thoughtful as they are indulgent with creations like a raspberry sherbet meringue cake and butterscotch custard with crème fraîche and lemon. Drinks include a tightly edited list of clever batch cocktails, a rotating French-focused wine list curated by Wine Director Emily Sher (a 2025 James Beard Award semi-finalist) and a special saison collaboration with Is/Was Brewing. 1360 W. Randolph St.

Wolf & Company

Tucked into a bi-level, 10,000-square-foot space with rare direct access to The 606, Wolf & Company is the latest concept from the team behind Little Bad Wolf and Gretel. This ambitious Bucktown destination blends a full-service restaurant and cocktail bar, all-day café, market, and in-house butcher under one roof. On the ground floor, Executive Chef Graham Akroyd serves housemade pasta, steak, and the group’s cult-favorite burger, while the bar program—led by Clare Andrejek and Woody Tauke—leans into creative textures and savory-forward cocktails. Upstairs, a café and lounge offer coffee by Hexe and Big Shoulders, rare teas, and housemade pastries, with a patio that opens directly onto The 606—making this the only venue in the city with trail access. 1752 N. Western Ave.

The Alston

Chef Jenner Tomaska, Scott Weiner, and Greg Mohr join forces to introduce The Alston, a classic American steakhouse that combines high-caliber Midwestern ingredients with French Nouvelle cuisine. The restaurant features tableside service, including bread and cheese carts, along with chef Jenner’s inventive rendition of Duck à la Presse, carved tableside with sauces prepared and cooked in front of guests. In addition to a 350-seat dining room, the space includes a Champagne bar, a private terrace, and private and semi-private dining areas. The restaurant also offers an invitation-only members’ club, granting exclusive access to chef collaborations, curated partnerships, bespoke events, and other unique experiences. 750 N. State St.

NADU

NADU, the fourth Chicago venture from Michelin-starred and James Beard–nominated chef Sujan Sarkar, brings an inspired exploration of India’s deeply regional cuisines to Lincoln Park. True to its name, which means “homeland,” the restaurant offers a journey through the country’s diverse culinary landscapes—from the coastal heat of Goa and Kerala to the street snacks of Delhi and the royal flavors of Kashmir. Dishes are presented in both traditional and elevated formats, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and time-honored Indian spices. The menu spans vibrant sharing plates like Inji Puli Pork Ribs and Mushroom Galawat, to rich large plates including Butter Chicken and Jackfruit Kosha. Complementing the food is a cocktail program that draws on native Indian ingredients to craft drinks with a sense of place. 2518 N. Lincoln Ave.

Cafe Yaya

New venture from James Beard Foundation award-winning Chef Zach Engel and Partner Andrés Clavero, Cafe Yaya offers an all-day dining experience in Lincoln Park. The restaurant features a counter service model, serving morning pastries like bourekas, baklava, and challah, along with coffee from Sparrow Coffee Roastery and tea from Rare Tea Cellar. In the evening, guests can enjoy an a la carte dinner menu inspired by Chef Zach’s travels. The menu is complemented by a wine program focused on small producers and a variety of classic and seasonal spirit-free cocktails. Designed to evoke the feel of neighborhood bistros, the space blends natural materials with personal touches, including murals by Chef Engel’s sister. The second floor serves as a versatile space for community events and private gatherings, with plans to introduce lunch, weekend brunch, and takeout soon. 2431 N. Lincoln Ave.

Prince Street Pizza

New York City’s iconic Prince Street Pizza recently made its Chicago debut, with its first Midwest pizzeria situated in the city’s trending culinary hotspot, Randolph’s Restaurant Row. A new contender to Chicago’s acclaimed pizza scene, the shop handcrafts its Sicilian-style and Neapolitan pizzas from scratch daily using a water filtration technique to mimic the water from the original New York City location. Pizza connoisseurs can purchase a slice, whole pie or jar of homemade sauce, created according to renowned Morano Family recipes. The menu offers a selection of irresistible combinations, from Sicilian-style Spicy Vodka with a crisp and fluffy crust to an exclusive Chicago specialty featuring the city’s renowned pepperoni, sausage and green peppers, complete with Caruso’s hot relish and giardiniera. Pair your pie with a slice of decadent Italian rainbow cake for a truly satisfying meal. 939 W. Randolph St.

il Carciofo

Drawing inspiration from Rome’s lively restaurants and markets, il Carciofo brings refined Italian tradition to the Fulton Market District. Its elegant interior captures the essence of the city’s quintessential trattorias and ristorantes, set within the magnificent piazzas. Chef Joe Flamm blends classic Italian flavors with a modern twist, offering traditional antipasti, Roman-style pizza, hand-rolled pastas crafted in a dedicated pasta lab and entrees featuring the market’s freshest ingredients. Highlights include Tagliatelle with tender oxtails in a rich oxtail tomato sauce finished with Parmigiano Reggiano Vacche Rosse; Aprugineo Beef, a dry-aged, bone-in New York strip steak glazed with honey, colatura, black pepper and beef fat; and of course, Carciofo alla Giudia, a crispy, deep-fried artichoke garnished with Pecorino Romano. 1045 W. Fulton St.

Gus' Sip & Dip

This new addition to Chicago's River North brings a refreshed take on classic tavern fare and expertly crafted cocktails. Gus' Sip & Dip, developed by Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, beverage director Kevin Beary and bar manager Scott Kitsmiller, honors the legacy of Gus' Good Food, a neighborhood staple that operated at the same location for decades. The menu offers 30 reimagined classic cocktails, each carefully modernized and priced for accessibility, along with a selection of elevated bar bites. Guests can indulge in dishes like French Dip sandwiches, Wagyu Steak Frites and Ice Cold Shrimp Cocktail, all served in a timeless barroom atmosphere. 51 W. Hubbard St.

See Also: The Best Steakhouses In Chicago