Top restaurants list
10 Best New Restaurants in Chicago
- 10 restaurants
- Chicago, Illinois
- Updated June 5, 2026
The ten best new restaurants in Chicago include Girl & The Goat, Dove's Luncheonette, Penumbra, The Dearborn, Honey's, Proxi, Lula Cafe, RPM Steak, Monteverde, and Tempesta Market. Eating out in Chicago and rest of Cook County means experiencing heavy Midwestern meat-packing customs mixed with elevated global street food. People drive to the Windy City for dry-aged bone-in ribeyes, handmade ricotta whey pastas, and whole-roasted pig faces.
The competitive landscape pushes incoming cooks to transform former Fulton Market warehouses into sophisticated dining spaces. Menus rely on direct partnerships with Midwestern purveyors, utilizing specific items like Slagel Family Farm beef and custom-milled grains to build complex flavor profiles. Eating out involves choosing between massive, cured-meat sandwiches handed across a deli counter and dry-aged steaks presented on white tablecloths. A meal at a new restaurant in Chicago costs $55 per person.
Girl & The Goat claims the highest position due to innovative whole-animal service, a widely lauded rotating menu, and status as a quintessential dining destination. Tempesta Market serves as the leading quick-service choice, praised for rapid service and exceptional cured meat sandwiches. RPM Steak functions as the superior upscale option, blending premium dry-aged beef with an elegant dining space.
The best new restaurants Chicago appear below.
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1
Dove's Luncheonette operates as a retro-inspired diner serving Southern-inspired Mexican food. A meal at this new restaurant highlights masa pancakes and blood orange margaritas right in the heart of Chicago.- Item Prices
- 112
- Average Item Price
- $9.97
Dove's Luncheonette Menu PricesMore about Dove's Luncheonette
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Mexican, Southern
Signature Dishes:
Chicken Fried Chicken
Burnt Ends Hash
Masa Pancakes
Location:
1545 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Special Feature:
The interior features classic diner stools and a vintage jukebox playing Chicago blues and soul music.
What Makes It Special:
The menu blends traditional Mexican ingredients with heavy, comforting Southern cooking techniques.
What Sets It Apart:
The nostalgic, old-school diner aesthetic paired with highly elevated, chef-driven plates creates a unique meal.
Operating Hours:
Sunday: 8:00 AM–3:00 PMMonday–Wednesday: 9:00 AM–3:00 PMThursday–Friday: 9:00 AM–9:00 PMSaturday: 8:00 AM–9:00 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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2
Penumbra serves Latin-inspired steak and seafood in a dimly lit, romantic space. This new restaurant provides an excellent destination for a quiet evening in Chicago.- Item Prices
- 21
- Average Item Price
- $15.82
Penumbra Menu PricesMore about Penumbra
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Latin American, Steakhouse
Signature Dishes:
Flat Iron Steak
Shadow Shrimp
New York Strip
Location:
3309 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Special Feature:
The dining room is incredibly dark, illuminated almost entirely by candlelight and soft accent fixtures.
What Makes It Special:
The focus on high-quality cuts of beef paired with bright, acidic Latin American sauces like chimichurri.
What Sets It Apart:
The intensely intimate and secluded environment makes the location perfect for date nights.
Operating Hours:
Sunday: 5:00–9:00 PMMonday–Tuesday: ClosedWednesday–Thursday: 5:00–10:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 5:00–11:00 PM
Price:
$50 to $100 per person
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3
The Dearborn is a massive, upscale tavern located in the Loop. A lunch at this new restaurant features elevated American pub food in downtown Chicago.- Item Prices
- 102
- Average Item Price
- $14.12
The Dearborn Menu PricesMore about The Dearborn
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
American, Pub Fare
Signature Dishes:
Fish and Chips
Dearborn Burger
Midwest Fried Chicken
Location:
145 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60602
Special Feature:
The massive, sprawling bar area features intricate tile work and leather booths inspired by historic Chicago architecture.
What Makes It Special:
The kitchen executes classic, comforting tavern food with premium, locally sourced Midwestern ingredients.
What Sets It Apart:
The prime location in the theater district makes the establishment a top choice for pre-show dinners.
Operating Hours:
Sunday: 10:00 AM–9:00 PMMonday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PMTuesday–Friday: 11:00 AM–10:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM–10:00 PM
Price:
$30 to $50 per person
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4
Honey's was a stylish West Loop spot known for American cuisine and craft cocktails. Before closing, this new restaurant offered a highly praised dining experience in Chicago.- Item Prices
- 72
- Average Item Price
- $8.94
Honey's Menu PricesMore about Honey's
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
New American
Signature Dishes:
Spit-Roasted Chicken
Rainbow Trout
Buckwheat Pasta a la Chitarra
Location:
1111 W Lake St Chicago, IL 60607
Special Feature:
The dining room featured a large, custom-built wood-burning hearth used to roast meats and vegetables.
What Makes It Special:
The menu focused heavily on seasonal produce and elegant, minimalist presentations.
What Sets It Apart:
The chic, modern design and sophisticated bar program created a highly sought-after social hub.
Operating Hours:
Permanently Closed
Price:
$50 to $100 per person
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5
Lula Cafe is a foundational farm-to-table pioneer located in Logan Square. This new restaurant serves inventive, seasonal plates to the people of Chicago.- Item Prices
- 27
- Average Item Price
- $26.70
Lula Cafe Menu PricesMore about Lula Cafe
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
New American, Farm-to-Table
Signature Dishes:
Breakfast Burrito
Pasta Yia Yia
Seasonal Market Fish
Location:
2537 N Kedzie Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647
Special Feature:
The menu changes constantly based on the daily availability of produce from local Midwestern farmers.
What Makes It Special:
The unwavering dedication to sustainable agriculture and simple, ingredient-driven cooking.
What Sets It Apart:
The transition from a casual, bustling daytime brunch spot to a sophisticated, candlelit dinner destination.
Operating Hours:
Sunday–Monday: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM, 4:30–10:00 PMTuesday: ClosedWednesday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM, 4:30–10:00 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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6
RPM Steak delivers a modern, luxurious take on the classic American steakhouse. A dinner at this new restaurant means enjoying dry-aged beef and truffles in Chicago.- Item Prices
- 474
- Average Item Price
- $48.46
RPM Steak Menu PricesMore about RPM Steak
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
Steakhouse
Signature Dishes:
RPM Steak Frites
Hand Cut Filet
Grass-Fed Bone-In Ribeye
Location:
66 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
Special Feature:
The meat program features over a dozen different cuts of beef sourced from top ranchers across the globe.
What Makes It Special:
The impeccable, highly attentive service paired with flawlessly cooked, premium steaks.
What Sets It Apart:
The glamorous, high-energy atmosphere attracts a mix of business professionals and celebrities.
Operating Hours:
Sunday: 3:00–9:00 PMMonday–Thursday: 4:00–9:00 PMFriday: 4:00–10:00 PMSaturday: 3:00–10:00 PM
Price:
Over $100 per person
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7
Monteverde focuses on handmade pastas and regional Italian dishes. This new restaurant elevates traditional Mediterranean cooking in Chicago.- Item Prices
- 73
- Average Item Price
- $23.41
Monteverde Menu PricesMore about Monteverde
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
Italian
Signature Dishes:
Burrata e Ham
Spaghetti al Pomodoro
Ragu alla Napoletana
Location:
1020 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607
Special Feature:
A custom-built pasta mirror sits behind the bar, allowing people to watch chefs roll and extrude fresh noodles.
What Makes It Special:
The chef blends traditional Italian recipes with global ingredients to create entirely unique pasta dishes.
What Sets It Apart:
The energetic, bustling environment combined with James Beard Award-winning food creates a top-tier experience.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday–Thursday: 11:00 AM–9:30 PMFriday–Saturday: 11:00 AM–10:30 PMSunday–Monday: Closed
Price:
$50 to $100 per person
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8
Tempesta Market functions as a multi-generational Italian deli and sandwich counter. Grabbing a quick bite at this new restaurant provides a taste of authentic cured meats in Chicago.- Item Prices
- 173
- Average Item Price
- $13.52
Tempesta Market Menu PricesMore about Tempesta Market
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining, Deli
Type of Food:
Italian, Sandwiches
Signature Dishes:
The B. Franklin
The Dante
D.D. Brindisi Pastrami
Location:
1372 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
Special Feature:
The market sells house-cured meats, including their famous spicy spreadable nduja, directly from the deli case.
What Makes It Special:
The family behind the counter has been curing meats and making sausages for generations.
What Sets It Apart:
The massive, overstuffed sandwiches built with premium, artisanal ingredients draw long lines daily.
Operating Hours:
Sunday & Saturday: 11:00 AM–5:00 PMMonday–Friday: 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
-
9
9. Girl & The Goat
Girl & The Goat is a highly popular West Loop destination known for bold, global flavors. This new restaurant serves innovative, whole-animal dishes to eager crowds in Chicago.More about Girl & The Goat
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
New American
Signature Dishes:
Roasted Pig Face
Sticky Glazed Pork Shank
Goat Empanadas
Location:
809 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
Special Feature:
The open kitchen features a large wood-burning oven used to roast meats and vegetables.
What Makes It Special:
The fearless approach to cooking utilizes unconventional cuts of meat and intense, layered flavor profiles.
What Sets It Apart:
The lively, loud, and incredibly fun environment perfectly matches the bold, adventurous food.
Operating Hours:
Sunday: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM, 4:30–10:00 PMMonday–Thursday: 4:30–10:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 4:30–11:00 PM
Price:
$50 to $100 per person
-
10
10. Proxi
Proxi features a menu inspired by global street food and bold international flavors. Choosing this new restaurant guarantees a highly seasoned meal in Chicago.More about Proxi
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Global, Asian Fusion
Signature Dishes:
Tempura Elotes
French Toast
Avocado Mousse
Location:
565 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661
Special Feature:
The open kitchen allows people to watch cooks prepare dishes over a live coal fire.
What Makes It Special:
The menu pulls inspiration from street stalls across Asia, India, and Mexico, elevating the flavors with high-end techniques.
What Sets It Apart:
The barrel-vaulted ceilings and stunning mid-century modern design create a beautiful, airy dining space.
Operating Hours:
Permanently Closed
Price:
$30 to $50 per person
On the map
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes New Restaurants in Chicago Famous?
New restaurants in Chicago gain recognition by redefining Midwestern meat-packing customs and elevating global street foods into complex tasting menus. People drive to Cook County specifically to experience dry-aged steaks, whole-animal preparations, and handmade Italian pastas. The dining environment in the Windy City stands apart due to a strong reliance on local Illinois agriculture combined with bold, international spice profiles. Cooks employ intense live-fire grilling over custom hearths, precise pasta extrusion methods, and long-term meat curing. Essential ingredients include locally raised heritage pork, Great Lakes whitefish, heirloom tomatoes, and custom-milled Midwestern grains.
What Types of New Restaurants are Commonly Found in Chicago?
The types of new restaurants commonly found in Chicago include modern chophouses, global small-plate lounges, and retro-inspired diners. These Chicago restaurants showcase a mix of heavy Midwestern meat customs and global cooking styles.
- Modern Steakhouses: Elegant spaces serve premium cuts of beef alongside extensive wine lists. RPM Steak fits this category perfectly.
- Global Small-Plate Lounges: Lively rooms serve heavily spiced, international dishes meant for sharing. Proxi represents this style.
- Italian Pasta Houses: Sophisticated dining rooms focus on handmade noodles and rich sauces. Monteverde provides this exact setting.
- Farm-to-Table Cafes: Neighborhood eateries prioritize locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Lula Cafe offers this experience.
- Retro Diners: Casual counters dish out massive portions of comfort food. Dove's Luncheonette fits this description.
Does Chicago Have an Authentic New Restaurant?
Yes, an authentic new restaurant in Chicago honors historical cooking methods, with places like Tempesta Market, Monteverde, and Dove's Luncheonette leading the way. Tempesta Market preserves exact Italian deli methods by curing meats in-house for massive sandwiches. Monteverde honors Italian heritage by rolling and extruding fresh pasta daily behind the bar. Dove's Luncheonette stays true to Southern and Mexican customs by serving homestyle masa dishes.
Do New Restaurants in Chicago Offer Easy Online Reservations?
Yes, new restaurants in Chicago offer easy online reservations, with Girl & The Goat, RPM Steak, and Monteverde leading the way. High-demand establishments utilize apps like Resy and OpenTable to manage seating arrangements. People reserve spots weeks in advance to guarantee prime tables or special occasion meals. High-volume daytime spots like Tempesta Market skip reservation systems entirely, requiring people to order at the counter.
What are the Signature Dishes of the Best New Restaurants in Chicago?
The signature dishes of the best new restaurants in Chicago represent the pinnacle of food in Chicago, showcasing everything from dry-aged beef to handmade pasta. Notable menu items from these top-rated establishments are detailed below.
- Roasted Pig Face: A half pig head roasted until crispy and served with tamarind sauce. Girl & The Goat is acclaimed for this plate.
- Cacio Whey Pepe: A unique take on the classic Roman pasta dish using ricotta whey. Monteverde specializes in this comforting staple.
- The Dante Sandwich: A massive Italian sub loaded with house-cured meats. Tempesta Market perfected this preparation.
- Dry-Aged Bone-In Ribeye: A premium cut of beef aged for maximum flavor. RPM Steak executes this classic.
- Blood Orange Margarita: A tart, refreshing cocktail paired with spicy food. Dove's Luncheonette offers this savory item.
Does Chicago Enjoy New Restaurant Food?
Yes, people in Chicago enjoys new restaurant food immensely, a reality proven by the massive crowds gathering outside West Loop eateries and Logan Square cafes. The top restaurants in Chicago depend on this intense local loyalty. Locals and out-of-town guests alike prioritize a dedicated dinner to consume fresh pizzas or artisan tapas. High volume of daily customers sustains a massive network of independent eateries, proving the industry's importance to the local economy and social routine.
What is the Average Meal Price at New Restaurants in Chicago?
The average meal price at new restaurants in Chicago is $55 per individual. A quick bite at a casual spot like Tempesta Market costs $15 to $25. A shared meal for two to four people at a sit-down establishment such as Lula Cafe or Proxi runs from a total of $60 to $100. A full multi-course experience with premium wine at upscale new restaurants Chicago offers, like RPM Steak, requires over $100 per person.
Are There Vegan Options at New Restaurants in Chicago?
Yes, there are vegan options at new restaurants in Chicago, including Lula Cafe, Proxi, and Girl & The Goat. Lula Cafe provides a dedicated selection of organic, vegetable plates without animal products. Proxi offers salads and roasted vegetables easily modified to remove dairy upon request. Girl & The Goat serves fresh, fruit-based salads and vegetable entrees.
Do New Restaurants in Chicago Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, new restaurants in Chicago offer gluten-free options, such as RPM Steak, Proxi, and The Dearborn. RPM Steak serves premium gluten-free cuts of beef and fresh sides naturally free of wheat proteins. The Dearborn offers specific grilled meat options prepared without flour for guests with wheat sensitivities. Proxi provides customized bowls and modifications to ensure a worry-free dining experience for all guests.
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