One of the best parts about living in Chicago is that new restaurants that span a variety of cuisines are constantly popping up across the city. In between all of the Chicago staples, there's always something new to try. That's what makes this city so exciting, especially for food lovers like me.
Here are 10 restaurants set to open in 2026 that are already on my list, and cover a range of cuisines and neighborhoods!
1. Osaka Nikkei - Fulton Market: Osaka Nikkei is coming to Fulton Market and is set to open this Spring. The restaurant is a Peruvian-Japanese concept that has locations all over the world like Bogota, Santiago, Miami, Dubai, and now Chicago. I did some digging into the menus at the other locations and the food looks excellent. There are a variety of ceviche dishes, unique nigiri, and maki that takes basic Japanese rolls and adds a slight spin of Peruvian flavor to them. The restaurant ambiance seems fun and there is supposedly DJs that will be performing over the weekends, too.
2. Scheider's Deli - Lincoln Park: I have driven past the famous Schneider's Deli in the Ohio House Motel so many times and every time I pass it, I say I want to try it. It's a pretty small place, so I was excited to see they were expanding into Lincoln Park. The old-school Jewish deli is known for their pastrami sandwiches, corned beef, matzo ball soup, latkes, and more. The new Lincoln Park location will also have a full coffee menu.
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3. Gibsons Tavern - Fulton Market: The iconic Gibsons group is opening a new tavern-style location in Fulton Market. While the concept of the restaurant leans more into a vintage, tavern style, their signature steaks will still be featured on the menu along with seafood dishes and their classic desserts. I'm excited that the space is expected to be more a vintage-inspired feel. I love the energy Gibsons brings, so I think experiencing it in a prime Fulton Market location with great people watching and a lively atmosphere will be great.
4. Fatback Butcher - The Loop: Fatback is a hybrid sandwich shop, butcher counter, and market opening the Loop this spring. It seems like there will be a range of sandwiches that will be made with locally sourced, quality ingredients. The shop will be inspired by 1950s Parisian butcher shops. It definitely seems to be more a daytime spot and grab-and-go concept rather than a sit-down restaurant. I think it'll be perfect for picking up sandwiches especially during for the summer.
5. Hooligan - Fulton Market: Time Out Market recently closed in Fulton Market and I have been really curious to see what will be replacing it. I was happy to learn that Hooligan's will be stepping in as a new seafood and wine bar. A part of their website that really sold me was the way that they described the concept of their restaurant: "A nod to our rebellious spirit and a belief that you can be unapologetically dedicated to regional ingredients without being pretentious. We’re a bit of a troublemaker in the best way, focused on giving the farmers, fishers, and producers of the Midwest a louder voice." I think this restaurant will bring a fun, laidback approach to really good seafood dishes.
6. Call Your Mother - Wicker Park: Call Your Mother is a famous bagel spot that started off with its two owners selling at farmers market in D.C. It's grown so much in popularity, the duo has now opened restaurants across D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and Colorado, with a new location opening in Wicker Park. Their known for creative bagel sandwiches with fun names. Some of their big hit sandwiches at their other locations include a bagel sandwich on the menu with egg, cheese, hot honey and pickled jalapeños which is right up my alley. The locations are very fun with bright colors and a lot of life to them, too.
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7. Susu - West Loop: Susu is a new MediterrAsian steakhouse opening up in West Loop. The concept of the restaurant seems to be centered around fresh ingredients, premium cuts of steak, and a very thoughtful fusion of great cuisines. Chef Alexander Willis is behind Susu, and the menu is expected to draw on his Lebanese roots and incorporate flavors from Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan. It really seems like this restaurant will do well in creating an elevated, and globally inspired menu. It's a fine dining restaurant, so this is probably a great place to save for a "special occasion" meal.
8. Libertad - Wicker Park: Libertad is a well-loved Latin American restaurant in Skokie that is opening up a new location in Wicker Park. I haven't made it to the Sk0kie location, but the menu looks innovative and exciting. The menu seems to focus on staple Latin American, shareable dishes. It definitely also seems like the kind of place that delivers a "home-cooked" type of experience. I'm excited to check out the new Wicker Park location once it opens.
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9. Gingie - River North: Set to open Spring of this year, Gingie is a River North debut that will blend European techniques with a slight Japanese influence. The restaurant is backed by Chicago's famous Boka Restaurant Group that is behind well-known Chicago restaurants like Girl and The Goat, Momotaro, Alla Vita, and Swift and Sons. The restaurant will feature an à la carte menu and is definitely positioning itself to be a standout restaurant in River North.
10. Zoomies - Avondale: While this one's a little different from the rest of the list (not even a restaurant), the dog lover in me absolutely couldn't leave it out. Zoomies is a premier indoor dog park opening in Chicago's Avondale neighborhood this summer. It's built around a membership-based concept, and designed to offer a full experience. There will be a place for dogs to play, grooming, and daycare and boarding services. There will also be a coffee bar, full-service bar (there's The Taste Archives relevance), and work-from-anywhere set up for pet owners. I mean...does it really get any better than that?
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