NAIA: Massive new Mediterranean restaurant set for Chicago Riverwalk

Chicago’s restaurant scene continues to evolve with the planned opening of NAIA, a sprawling 12,000-square-foot Mediterranean restaurant and event venue set to debut this spring along the Chicago Riverwalk. The new concept will occupy river-level space at 300 N. LaSalle Street, stretching nearly an entire city block between LaSalle and Wells streets.

Designed as an indoor-outdoor dining destination, NAIA will feature about 150 feet of direct river frontage, creating a dramatic setting for diners enjoying views of the city’s skyline and bustling waterway. The restaurant is expected to seat roughly 250 guests indoors and another 150 on its riverfront patio, making it one of the larger dining venues along the Riverwalk.

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The concept will be led by internationally recognized chef Athinagoras Kostakos, known for his Mediterranean cooking and for winning Top Chef Greece. Kostakos said the restaurant aims to celebrate the diversity of the Mediterranean’s culinary traditions, drawing on influences from regions across Southern Europe and the Middle East.

The menu will highlight seafood-forward dishes alongside grilled meats, mezze plates, salads, house-made pastas and flatbreads, all designed for sharing. A raw seafood bar and cocktail bar are also planned, reinforcing the venue’s lively, social dining atmosphere.

Beyond traditional restaurant service, NAIA will double as a large event space capable of hosting gatherings ranging from intimate celebrations to major private functions. Developers say the venue will be able to accommodate events from 30 up to 500 guests, adding a significant new hospitality venue to the downtown riverfront.

The project is part of a broader redevelopment effort at the 300 N. LaSalle property and is connected to hospitality group DineAmic Hospitality, the team behind several well-known Chicago restaurants. Plans for the site also include additional concepts such as a private lounge and coffee shop, further expanding the building’s river-level offerings.

Once open, NAIA is expected to operate daily from breakfast through dinner, with brunch, lunch, happy hour and evening service all planned. With its expansive footprint and waterfront setting, the restaurant aims to become a major new dining destination along Chicago’s increasingly vibrant Riverwalk.

As Chicago continues to transform its riverfront into a hub for dining, recreation and entertainment, NAIA’s arrival could add yet another reason for locals and visitors alike to pull up a chair by the water.

Sources:
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/new-12000-square-foot-mediterranean-restaurant-planned-chicago-riverwalk
https://nationaltoday.com/us/il/chicago/news/2026/03/05/new-mediterranean-restaurant-coming-to-chicago-riverwalk/
https://www.google.com/search?q=new+riverwalk+restaurant