Chicago’s first-ever Kids Restaurant Week kicks off this weekend. The event runs from Sunday, May 3, to Thursday, May 7. It targets kids ages 4 to 12 with chef-led dinners featuring global cuisines.
Little Diner's Crew teams up with Lettuce Entertain You for the adventure, according to the website. Young diners get a Kids Restaurant Week Passport to collect stamps each night. Tickets cost $45, covering tax and gratuity for multi-course meals.
A world of flavors night by night
Sunday starts at Summer House Santa Monica in Lincoln Park, which is already sold out. The American menu by Chef Ben Goodnick offers chips and guacamole, chicken paillard with Brussels sprouts and herb mashed potatoes, plus a cookie cup.
Monday heads to Osteria Via Stato in River North for Italian fare. Chef Partner David DiGregorio serves ciabatta bread with roasted balsamic vinegar and veal meatballs, Caesar salad, penne with tomato cream sauce, and housemade gelato across four courses, said organizers.
Tuesday brings Spanish tapas at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! in Lincoln Park. Named “Family-Friendly Restaurant of the Year” in the Chicago Tribune Reader Awards 2025, according to the website, Executive Chef Eric Jorgenson's three-course spread includes tortilla española, bacon-wrapped roasted dates, baked goat cheese in tomato sauce, chicken and vegetable paella, and chocolate truffle cake.
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Mon Ami Gabi in Lincoln Park | Courtesy of Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants
Wednesday offers French classics at Mon Ami Gabi in Lincoln Park. Senior Executive Chef David Koehn curates a mini tavern-style croque monsieur, kids-sized steak frites, and chocolate mousse.
The finale on Thursday is Japanese at Sushi-san Lincoln Park. Master Chef Kaze Chan hosts in the lower-level Dojo with togarashi chicken nuggets, pan-fried chicken, and vegetable gyoza, crunchy avocado maki, and e-mochi.
Each night includes meet-the-chef sessions and interactive tastings. The experience lasts about one hour and 15 minutes. Parents attend separately, booking dining room seats or bar spots, as reported by Lettuce Entertain You.
Seats fill fast, so advance tickets are key. The event builds curiosity and confidence through food, one bite at a time.
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