Want to discover the latest must-try spots in Chicago's world-class dining scene? From see-and-be-seen spots to buzzing neighborhood boîtes, these are the hottest new restaurants in Chicago right now.
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In celebration of Parachute’s ten-year anniversary, chefs Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark debuted Parachute Hi-Fi, a high fidelity music bar and restaurant at their former flagship location in Avondale. This new venture seamlessly blends Korean-American cuisine with a curated music experience. Guests can enjoy dishes like pepperoni kimchi pizza puffs and uni-tartar fish sandwiches, paired with inventive cocktails, a global wine selection and “sool” (Korean rice-based alcoholic beverages) which will feature prominently on the beverage menu. Embracing a casual, come-as-you-are vibe with no reservations, Parachute Hi-Fi invites diners to interact effortlessly with the chefs. Designed by longtime collaborator Charlie Vinz, the space merges vintage charm with modern elements, while the soundtrack, featuring personal vinyl collections and guest DJ sets, ensures a dynamic and immersive dining experience. 3500 N. Elston
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Chefs Doug Psaltis and Hsing Chen, known for their acclaimed restaurants Andros Taverna and Asador Bastian, have expanded their culinary reach with Mano a Mano, a new Italian trattoria in Logan Square. This intimate neighborhood spot offers traditional Italian cuisine focusing on homemade pasta and vegetable-centric sides, complemented by a curated selection of 100% Italian wines, including affordable house options and classic varietals. The 82-seat space, inspired by midcentury modern design, showcases custom wood paneling, deep green leather seating, and communal tables to create a warm, communal atmosphere. Familiar faces from the Eat Well group, including executive chef Linas Žymantas, sommelier Thomas Kakalios, and manager Nelson Dao, contribute their expertise and distinctive flair to Mano a Mano. 2534 N. Milwaukee Ave.
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Neon Gardens, the latest venture from the team behind Replay Lincoln Park, has debuted on Lincoln Avenue, offering an exciting multi-concept destination. This nostalgic hot spot features four distinct experiences under one roof: a 3,000-square-foot open-air atrium and adjoining patio for full-service dining; Neon Gardens After Dark, an eclectic bar adorned with local Chicago artist art, inventive cocktails like the Negroni Pineapple Spritz and Sicilian Manhattan, and vibrant entertainment including live music and open mic nights; The Slice Hut, a retro-style grab-and-go pizza spot with a sidewalk walk-up window; and a 90’s-themed Game Room filled with classic arcade games, consoles, and darts. Be sure to try their inventive pizza offerings, such as Mike’s Hot Honey with Cup & Char pepperoni, Grande Mozzarella, asiago, and hot honey, and the Spicy Veggie with Grande Mozzarella, grilled vegetables, mushrooms, and chili oil. 2576 N. Lincoln Ave.
Recently opened in Lincoln Park’s Hotel Lincoln, Americano combines global flavors and American classics in a vibrant dining experience. Created by restaurateur Adolfo Garcia, this exciting new establishment offers a diverse and accessible menu highlighted by dishes such as caviar deviled eggs, charred chicken adobo pineapple kabobs, and a decadent skillet cinnamon roll for brunch. Beverage director JP Hernandez curates a cocktail program that puts creative spins on classics and features a rotating selection of clarified libations. With live weekend music, TVs for sports enthusiasts, and a dog-friendly “pawtio,” Americano provides an inviting and inclusive atmosphere for all. 1816 N. Clark St.
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London-based steakhouse group Hawksmoor has opened its latest location in Chicago’s landmark LaSalle Street Cable Car Powerhouse. Featuring charcoal-grilled steaks, British classics like Potted Beef & Bacon with Yorkshire Puddings, and innovative Chicago-inspired dishes, Hawksmoor promises a unique culinary experience. The bar program highlights local spirits and Irish whiskeys, complemented by seasonal beers and a diverse wine list. The historic venue, meticulously restored with nods to Chicago’s transportation history, offers three levels of dining and a commitment to the community through partnerships with local nonprofits. 500 N. LaSalle Dr.
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Spearheaded by chef Madalyn Durrant of Webster’s Wine Bar and proprietor/head sommelier Matt Sussman of Table and Donkey & Stick, Bar Parisette promises a unique twist on French cuisine infused with Midwestern flair. The restaurant offers a progressive, seasonal menu celebrating local ingredients and paying homage to lesser-known French regions like Jura and Franche-Comté, paired with high-quality, rare wines. Durrant's culinary expertise shines in a vegetable-forward menu accommodating diverse dietary preferences, aiming to redefine the traditional bistro experience with innovative Neo-bistro cuisine in a relaxed, inclusive neighborhood atmosphere. 2829 W. Armitage Ave.
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Led by Mark Steuer (Funkenhausen) and a team of industry professionals, this vibrant craft cocktail bar, located in the former beloved Lost Lake space, features a lively 1980s Miami Vice-inspired atmosphere with a disco ball, photo booth, and leopard-print banquettes. The cocktail menu offers creative drinks alongside low-alcohol and spirit-free options. Chef-driven dishes, such as Mushroom French Dip sandwiches and Cacio Pepe Dumplings, cater to various dietary needs, ensuring an enjoyable and inclusive hangout. 3154 W Diversey Ave
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Tamu, meaning ‘multiple dreams,’ is acclaimed chef BK. Park’s latest Japanese restaurant features two concepts: a 10-seat bar offering classic and signature temaki (gluten-free hand rolls) and a central 10-seat table service area with ‘roll-it-yourself' temaki, small plates and kaisendon (rice and fish bowls). A semi-private back room with an 8-seat omakase bar provides an accessible, less formal nigiri experience. 804 W. Washington Blvd.
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Following the closure of veteran chef Paul Virant’s celebrated restaurant Vie, the James Beard nominee opens Petite Vie, a French cafe and brasserie in Western Springs. This intimate 65-seat space evokes a traditional French brasserie with modern design elements. The menu features classic dishes like Mushroom Tarts, Confit de Canard, and steak frites, prepared with Virant’s signature flair and complemented by a predominantly French wine selection and French-inspired pastries. 909 Burlington Ave
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Briny Swine Smokehouse & Oyster Bar in Lincoln Park offers a taste of Southern hospitality with its menu highlighting Carolina-style barbecue, seafood sourced from the Carolina coast, and beloved Lowcountry dishes. Indulge in smoked meats such as pulled pork and ribs, expertly prepared in Lang smokers and accompanied by house-made sauces, or try fresh oysters sourced from the Chesapeake Bay and South Carolina coasts. Enjoy the cozy ambiance with rustic picnic-style seating, live music, and karaoke nights. 2577 N. Clark St.
Fulton Market continues to heat up with the debut of French-Mediterranean spot La Serre. Set in a bohemian-inspired space, the DineAmic Hospitality eatery has already made a splash with plates like crab croquette topped with jumbo lump crab salad and espelette pepper aioli, charcoal-roasted escargot with lemon herb butter and duck chinoise served table side with fresh crepes—all crafted by chef Nikitas Pyrgis from Cannes and chef/partner Athinagoras Kostakos from Monaco. 307 N. Green St.
The second restaurant/bar to debut inside the new St. Regis Chicago is opulent Italian eatery Tre Dita. Helmed by James Beard-nominated chef Evan Funke (who has catered Vanity Fair's Oscar party for three years), the restaurant serves Tuscan-inspired plates like handmade pastas, wood-fired specialties, a selection of steaks and more. Early menu highlights include the Schiacciata Bianca (a housemade rosemary and sea salt focaccia toscana) and Fiori di Zucca (squash blossoms with ricotta fresca and Parmigiano Reggiano). 401 E. Wacker Drive, Second Floor
Emmy award-winning restaurateur Billy Dec (The Underground Cocktail Club, The Underground Nightclub) opened the doors to Chicago's second Sunda New Asian location in Fulton Market. The debut coincides with the 15th anniversary of Sunda's debut in River North. Stop by the new Fulton Market eatery to dine over popular bites like spicy tuna crispy rice, truffled chicken siu mai and roasted duck hash. 333 N. Green St.
River North's dining scene heats up with the opening of French eatery La Grande Boucherie. Spanning 10,000 square feet across two floors, the spot, helmed by chef de cuisine Michael Woodhal, serves classic and modern French dishes like large-format meats and raw bar offerings—all designed by corporate executive chef Maxime Kien. 431 N. Dearborn St.
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El Che chef John Manion recently debuted his South American spot Brasero. Flavorful Latin-inspired shareables like black-eyed pea fritters and scallop ceviche are served alongside mains including lobster and Wagyu, plus handmuddled cocktails. The real star? Brasero's impressive wine list of more than 100 South American bottles. 1709 W. Chicago Ave.
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From Ramen_Lord (AKA Mike Satinover), who has nearly 50k Instagram followers, this Logan Square eatery calls itself a "humble ramen spot." But the buzz its made since opening in late 2023 has made it one of Chicago's hottest new spots. All ingredients are made in-house, and the fare is influenced by both Japanese and American ideals in cooking. Simply put: You'll get a great bowl of ramen here. 2340 N. California Ave., Ste. B
Lamb al pastor tostada from the taco omakase menu
From chef Norman Fenton (Brass Heart, WILD Tulum and Michelin-starred Schwa) and co-owner Karen Young (owner of WILD Tulum) comes their debut fine-dining destination, Cariño. The new 20-seat Latin America eatery in Uptown is named after the Spanish term for "beloved," a fitting designation for a restaurant that showcases his appreciation for the vibrant region. Diners can indulge in a 12- to-16-course, Latin-focused tasting menu or the late-night taco omakase experience served at the 7-seat chef's counter. And with a selection of agave-based spirits, craft beer and Latin American wines curated by Jean Banchet Award-nominated sommelier Richie Ribando—all served in an intimate space accented by vibrant artwork and the sound of reggaeton, Latin hip-hop and contemporary flamenco on deck—Cariño is a hit. 4662 N. Broadway St.
See Also: The Best Steakhouses In Chicago
Photography by: Dearly Beloved photo by Marisa Klug-Morataya; La Serre photo courtesy of dineamic; Tre Dita photo by Eric Wolfinger; Sunda photo by John Stoffer; Boucherie photo by Sandy Noto; Carino photo courtesy of KELLY SANDOS; DeNucci's photo by Nathan Michael; Evie photo courtesy of Nick Holmes; Marina's photo by Matthew Reeves; Ummo photo by Neil Burger Photography; all photos courtesy of brands
