The 15 Best New Restaurants in Chicago in 2024
Embark on a delicious adventure in the Windy City as we guide you through the best new restaurants in Chicago. This city has always been known for dynamically exploring and defining its food scene, and as a result, many new exciting dining places have emerged.
There is something from everyone in all the new restaurants in Chicago — revamped existing establishments or cozy and atmospheric restaurants, all promising an unforgettable dining experience.
Do you want to know which new restaurant in Chicago is best for a romantic date night? Or perhaps you want to know which offers the best affordable food? Whatever you’re looking for, you will find a fresh new version of it in this city that justifies the amazing culinary reputation of Chicago and all that new restaurants in Chicago can offer. Let’s begin.
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Find the Best New Restaurants in Chicago
Why not explore the new restaurants in Chicago better and gain an expert’s insight into what this city offers? The choice of Chicago restaurant openings is broad and leaves nothing to chance, so you know you’ll uncover all hidden culinary gems while still enjoying this history-rich and vibrant city. Participate in food tours in Chicago and explore the city with the help of a knowledgeable local guide.
The 15 Best New Restaurants in Chicago
1. Cariño
At the top of the list of new restaurants in Chicago, we have the cozy and lively Cariño, founded by Michelin-star chef Norman Fenton. Since 2015, Fenton has worked alongside a number of celebrated chefs at renowned dining spots like Schwa and Brass Heart. His passion for everything Mexico-related is vividly seen in this elegant tasting menu restaurant.
The Vibe
The vibe is nothing short of catchy, lively and artsy, bursting with colors and uniqueness. It is perfect when you’re feeling unconventional — you may be served a drink in a macabre-style glass while you admire the Frida Kahlo artistry on the walls. Think vibrant contrast colors and a one-of-a-kind, alluring vibe.
What to Order
The astonishing tasting menu doesn’t disappoint. Start with some oyster and beer foam Michelada or the ora king salmon aguachile. Then enjoy the perfectly crunchy and savory Tacos Dorados with chicken liver, lettuce and adobo mix. Finally, satisfy your sweet tooth with the deliciously chewy and chocolate-enriched dulce de leche.
Cariño | 4662 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640 | $$$$
2. Bonyeon
Omakase-style meals (where the decisions are all left to the chef) are usually the territory of sushi restaurants, but Chef Sangtae Park made his culinary dream a reality by opening Bonyeon, an all-beef omakase-style restaurant, this past December. This intimate, 12-seat hot spot has already made the list of must-see Chicago restaurant openings.
The Vibe
Everything about this restaurant says class, sophistication and elegance, making it the perfect spot for a special date idea in Chicago. The interior boasts vibrant turquoise hues, deep gray walls and gilded cutlery. Food is served as a piece of art on delicately elegant plates. This is where you go when you want to get all dressed up.
What to Order
You’ll eat what the chef chooses, which could be perfectly succulent tenderloin or the hotategai (jumbo scallops) ceviche with grilled crab on the side. End sweetly and order the shaved ice dessert Patbingsu with coconut milk cha.
Bonyeon | 651 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago, IL 60661 | $$$$
3. Maxwells Trading
Maxwells Trading is a worthy mention in our list of the must-try new restaurants in Chicago. Founded by Underscore Hospitality partners chef Erling Wu-Bower and chef Josh Tilden, this casual, community-oriented spot serves “Chicago food from children of the city.”
The Vibe
The overall style is pleasant, with beige and white colors and elegant but chic tile-decorated walls and spacious, well-lit dining rooms.
What to Order
Try the avocado winter chicory salad with buttermilk and grapefruit, then continue with the half chicken a la brasa with salsa verde, scallion and ginger. Finish with the decadently rich Royal Milk tiramisu with pralines, black tea mousse and hazelnut sugar.
Maxwells Trading | 1516 W. Carroll Ave., Chicago, IL 60607 | $$
4. Anelya
Named after the owner's grandmother, Anelya is a new restaurant in Chicago that blends memories, modern cooking and nostalgic Ukrainian heritage. Chef Johnny Clark and his wife, Chef Beverly Kim, are local humanitarians who preserve heritage foods with great love.
The Vibe
The atmosphere is family-friendly, caring and warm, radiating friendliness with vibrant colors. You can sense that the menu is prepared with great care to honor the legacy of an amazing chef in the family.
What to Order
Start with kholodets with pickled gherkins and head cheese with pork belly and other ingredients. Move on to varenyky, which are dumplings filled with saffron, potato and jowl bacon. For your main dish, opt for ikhra, the sturgeon meatballs. Finish with a pleasant sparkly wine from the Tokaj region in Hungary.
Anelya | 3472 N. Elston Ave., Chicago, IL 60618 | $$
5. Lilac Tiger
Lucky for us all, there is a fusion star among the new restaurants in Chicago. Chef Zubair Mohajir, of Michelin-star accolade, opened this restaurant in collaboration with Ty Fujimura and Chef Won Kim. When you’re in the mood for Chinese, Korean and Indian food, Lilac Tiger is the place to be.
The Vibe
The ambiance is hip but elegant, with muted tones cut with pops of fun color. This is a new restaurant in Chicago that impresses you with its subtle vibe.
What to Order
Start with a delicious Black Junmai sake and then order the Tiger Poutine, fries covered in curry sauce, kimchi and paneer. Finish with a mouthwatering ube milk cake with toasted coconut and carrot cream.
Lilac Tiger | 1742 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60622 | $$
6. Provare
A must-visit among the new restaurants in Chicago is Provare, the result of a joint venture between Chefs Jourdan Higgs and Michael Williams. Located in the West Town area, this warm, welcoming, Black-owned spot blends Creole and Italian cuisine.
The Vibe
The vibe is friendly and casual, with a pleasantly delicate and subtle décor of bright yellows and deep emerald green accented with gray walls.
What to Order
Start with fried lobster tails topped with garlic butter and sweet aioli. For an indulgent entrée, order the lamb chops with spicy corn or butter noodles. Finish with a decadent chocolate cookie topped with pretzel balls, vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.
Provare | 1523 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60642 | $$
7. John’s Food & Wine
The brainchild of Chef Adam McFarland and Chef Tom Rogers, John’s Food & Wine is a new restaurant in Chicago that’s already made a name for itself for its simple but elevated comfort foods.
The Vibe
This restaurant epitomizes a friendly bistro mood, ideal for on-the-go gatherings with friends.
What to Order
Start with the beet salad with gouda and pecans, then continue with the fried branzino.
John’s Food & Wine | 2114 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614 | $$
8. Gangnam Market
Gangnam Market is a vibrant food market boasting pan-Asian delicacies. A collaboration between chefs Kenny Yang, Ken Kee and Gyuro Ramen, the lively food court featuring some of the best new restaurants in Chicago brings a positive and approachable energy to the neighborhood.
The Vibe
The vibe is anything but boring — think a burst of colors, neon lights and a broad choice of staple offerings. Sit on the benches while you drink and eat your favorites at this new restaurant in Chicago.
What to Order
Try Asian-inspired ice cream or bubble tea. Continue with Hainanese chicken rice or turkey ramen and sushi.
Gangnam Market | 1001 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60642 | $$$
9. Akahoshi Ramen
Among the new restaurants in Chicago is an adorable new place for Japanese noodle delicacies. Chef Mike Satinover, known as “Ramen Lord” in several U.S. locales, has spent 13 years mastering the art of cooking ramen noodles. He even measures hydration percentages and soup viscosity, so you know you get the best ramen soup at Akahoshi Ramen.
The Vibe
The open kitchen and mirrored walls give a spacious feel. Walk-ins are welcome, and the staff is friendly and welcoming. It is one of the few new restaurants in Chicago that is super welcoming for unexpected visitors.
What to Order
You can’t go wrong with the classic shoyu, a traditional clear soup with pork chashu, nori, bamboo shoots and green onions. As a side, try the chashu rice bowl with chopped pork.
Akahoshi Ramen | 2340 N. California Ave., Ste. B, Chicago, IL 60647 | $$
10. Attagirl
Attagirl is a distinctive mention in the broad list of new restaurants in Chicago that demand your attention this season. The brainchild of chef Chris Cullum (of San Antonio restaurant Attaboy), this one is a mix of brunch bar and bistro, ideal for gatherings of friends seeking a vibrant and positive atmosphere.
The Vibe
The cute pink bunny in their logo presents a fun contrast to the seriousness of the menu, which features expertly done traditional French and Italian classics. This new restaurant in Chicago will mesmerize you with its distinctive and edgy modernism.
What to Order
First, snack on some shrimp cocktail and then continue with an eggplant parm with noodles and mozzarella.
Attagirl | 2829 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, IL 60647 | $$
11. Butcher and the Bear
Butcher and the Bear, owned by chef Chris Maloyan, is a lovingly crafted blend of Chicago speakeasy and a world-class steakhouse. The décor alone at this new restaurant in Chicago makes it worth a visit, but the unparalleled selection of premium hand-cut steaks makes it an experience you won’t find anywhere else.
The Vibe
From the dim lighting to the brick accents, this place has speakeasy vibes. It would be a fun, mysterious venue for a birthday dinner in Chicago.
What to Order
Have the chicken with potatoes or the wagyu beef cheek with cavatelli and fontina cheese. Finally, enjoy a Butcher old-fashioned cocktail with bourbon, Demerara and bitters.
Butcher and the Bear | 2721 N. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60614 | $$$
12. Soul Prime
A restaurant that includes core values, tradition and a focus on honoring the ancestors that influenced the menu created by the owner, Chef Sonya Williams. Chef Sonya made her dream come true when opening this new restaurant in Chicago after a challenging period of career-hindering health issues. Soul Prime celebrates culture and soul food with an excellence-level rating.
The Vibe
A pleasantly bright place, rustling with an urban charm and golden-green décor, it combines elegance with casual comfort and a dash of sophistication.
What to Order
You must have the short rib street tacos and Parmesan truffle fries, and continue with the blackened catfish.
Soul Prime | 1969 N. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60614 | $$$
13. Momo Factory
Momo Factory is a new restaurant in Chicago that will satisfy any cravings for Himalayan, Nepalese, Asian-fusion and Indian food. Founding chefs Chetan Madhekar and Nipun Maru are passionate about what they do and source their ingredients from local farmers markets, making this new restaurant in Chicago a place where you get the freshest food.
The Vibe
The interior is simple but clean, with counter service and a case of cold drinks. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy Chicago food and culture with a friend or two for a casual meal.
What to Order
Try the bestseller steamed dumplings with sauce and the masala momo butter curry. For dessert, have the gulab jamun with curdling milk and hot sugar syrup.
Momo Factory | Multiple Locations | $$$
14. Faiza
Faiza features an authentic halal Asian menu bursting with authentic Uyghur dishes. Even better is the affordability of this traditional new restaurant near Chicago.
The Vibe
A friendly, welcoming staff and gorgeous, West Asian-style décor set the scene for an authentic meal.
What to Order
This is a place to share dishes with friends. Start with the beef soup and goulash. Pair it with the lamb ribs kebab, and finish with a chewy honey cake.
Faiza | 365 S. Budler Road, Romeoville, IL 60446 | $-$$
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
From posh and sophisticated to casual and family-friendly — the new restaurants in Chicago offer you more than you ever expected. Next time you explore the Windy City, visit at least one of these new spots. Nothing is better than exploring the city’s culture and entering a restaurant that will create core memories for years.
Whether you’re looking for a boisterous, budget-friendly spot or an upscale meal for a special occasion, there’s a new restaurant in Chicago this season that fits your needs.
For even more ways to explore Chicago and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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