Where to eat NOW: Chicago's best new restaurants

Chicago’s food scene continues to expand with bold, globally inspired concepts, beloved local favorites branching out and standout new eateries opening across the city. From authentic ramen to Peruvian-Japanese fusion and neighborhood sandwich shops, here’s a roundup of the most talked-about restaurants to know in 2025–2026 — complete with addresses and links.

Ramen, Japanese & Asian-Influenced Spots

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka – Authentic Japanese ramen

Address: 160 N. Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60661

Website: santouka.co.jp or search “Hokkaido Ramen Santouka Chicago” for the US site. 

This beloved Japanese ramen brand brings its signature tonkotsu broth and classic bowls to the West Loop, offering a range of Shio, Shoyu, Miso and specialty ramen alongside karaage and gyoza. 

Osaka Nikkei – Peruvian-Japanese Nikkei fusion

Address: 1101 W. Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607 

Website: osakanikkei.com/chicago/ (Osaka)

A globally celebrated Nikkei concept combining Japanese technique with bold Peruvian flavors, Osaka Nikkei’s Chicago outpost will offer ceviches, nigiri and fusion dishes in a lively Fulton Market space. 

(Note: Osaka’s official Chicago site provides reservations and menu highlights ahead of opening. Osaka)

Neighborhood Favorites & Expansions

Call Your Mother (Wicker Park) – Bagels and creative deli sandwiches

Address: 1615 N. Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 

Website: callyourmotherdeli.com/ (Call Your Mother Deli)

The popular Washington, D.C. bagel shop opens its first Midwest location with inventive bagels like the Jetski sandwich and unique twists on breakfast classics. 

Schneider Deli (Lincoln Park & River North) – Modern Jewish deli

Lincoln Park Address: 1733 N. Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614 

River North Address: 600 N. La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654 

Website: schneiderdeli.com/ (Schneider Deli)

Chicago’s cult-favorite deli, known for hand-sliced pastrami, brisket, latkes and bagels, expanded from its River North roots into a larger Lincoln Park location with full coffee and deli programs. 

New & Buzz-Worthy Concepts

Honey Butter Beach Club (Lincoln Park) – Seafood and comfort food with beach vibes

Address: 2121 N. Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 (Yelp)

Website: honeybutterbeachclub.com/ (Honey Butter Beach Club)

A fun, relaxed offshoot of the Honey Butter Fried Chicken brand with a coastal-inspired menu featuring shrimp tacos, lobster rolls and playful comfort fare inside SPF Chicago. 

Beef & Liberty Bar (River North) – London-inspired bar and bites

Address: 500 N. La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654 (OpenTable)

Website: thehawksmoor.com/us/beef-liberty-bar-chicago/ (Hawksmoor)

Part of the Hawksmoor Chicago family, this new bar space blends British and Chicago influences with craft cocktails, bar snacks and a lively atmosphere perfect for evening gatherings. 

Other Notable Recent Openings

These restaurants opened in late 2025 but remain favorites on the city’s food radar:

Dimmi Dimmi Corner Italian – Italian American with red-sauce classics

Address: 1112 W. Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 

Website: (dimmidimmiitalian.com) 

TNT Ramen (South Chicago) – Neighborhood ramen shop

Address: 8929 S. Commercial Ave, Chicago, IL 60617

Website: (tntramen.com) 

Atsumeru (West Town) – Nordic-Japanese fine dining

Address: 933 N. Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 

Website: (atsumerurestaurant.com)

Coming Soon

Gibsons Tavern – Fulton Market
Address: 919 W. Fulton Street, Chicago, IL 60607
Website: TBD (Gibsons Restaurant Group announcements and official listing expected closer to opening)

Gibsons Tavern is an upcoming restaurant from Gibsons Restaurant Group — the iconic Chicago hospitality company behind Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse and Gibsons Italia. Slated to open in fall 2026 in the bustling Fulton Market district at 919 W. Fulton Street. 

Boka Group’s Japanese Ramen Concept 
Address: Details forthcoming (Chicago location TBA)
Website: bokagrp.com/

Boka Restaurant Group, one of Chicago’s most influential hospitality companies, is expanding its portfolio with a new Japanese ramen concept slated to open in the city.

Why These Matter

Chicago’s restaurant landscape in 2025–2026 reflects a blend of global influences, chef creativity, and neighborhood culture. From expanded ramen offerings and Nikkei fusion to elevated deli concepts and eclectic bar experiences, these openings showcase the city’s continued culinary creativity and diversity, giving locals and visitors alike fresh reasons to explore every corner of the city’s vibrant dining scene.

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