There’s no better time to experience the city’s acclaimed restaurant scene than Chicago Restaurant Week.

The 19th edition of the annual foodie fest, which takes place Jan. 23 – Feb. 8, 2026, is the perfect opportunity to explore the newest and buzziest additions to the city’s dining scene — more than 100 local restaurants are making their Chicago Restaurant Week debut in 2026.

This year’s newcomers and first-time Chicago Restaurant Week participants include exciting hotspots like:

  • Nadu, a region-spanning Indian restaurant from a Michelin-starred chef
  • Cafe Yaya, a buzzy all-day cafe and new addition to the hot Lincoln Park dining scene
  • Mariscos San Pedro, a bustling Mexican seafood spot inside historic Thalia Hall
  • Il Carciofo, the rustic Roman-inspired eatery from celebrity chef Joe Flamm

To help you get started, we’ve highlighted 16 new Chicago restaurants to check out this year.

Try new and notable spots during Chicago Restaurant Week 2026

Explore more: Looking for dinner and a show? Chicago Theatre Week starts on Feb. 5 with discounted tickets to shows throughout Chicago.

Looking for more Chicago Restaurant Week? Explore all 550+ participating restaurants.

Thank you to our Chicago Restaurant Week 2026 sponsors