Chicago Restaurant Week is back and bigger than ever. From January 23, 2026 through February 8, 2026, more than 500 restaurants will offer specially-curated prix fixe menus, giving you an excellent reason to come out of hibernation and enjoy amazing food that spans the globe.
This year marks the 19th edition of the event and, according to Choose Chicago, this will be the largest lineup yet with a record number of participants in 33 neighborhoods and 61 suburbs. Longtime favorites and up-and-comers will be participating, each one offering approachable price points—$30 for brunch or lunch and $45 or $60 for dinner. What that means is that you can finally check out those restaurants you've been meaning to try over the past few months.
A slew of eateries are making their Restaurant Week debut, 76 to be exact. Lula Cafe, a Logan Square essential known for its creative, unfussy plates, is joining the party. Truth Be Told in Hyde Park brings polished pub fare to the table. Lincoln Park’s Café Yaya arrives with bright Mediterranean flavors. As first-timers, their menus will surely be designed to impress.
Plenty of returning favorites are also on the list. Gene & Georgetti, one of the city’s oldest steakhouses, will tempt traditionalists. You can dive in to coastal Southern cooking at Big Jones in Andersonville. Dove’s Luncheonette in Wicker Park has been a reliable stop for Tex-Mex, so now's the time to check it out. These restaurants know how to do Restaurant Week right, highlighting their greatest hits for dedicated fans and newcomers alike.
One of the best parts of Restaurant Week, and Chicago's restaurant scene in general, is how international the options are. From Persian stews and handmade pastas to sushi flights and hotpot, the prices and set menus (no decision-making required!) of Restaurant Week give many diners the extra push needed to sample unfamiliar cuisines.
The festivities kick off at the First Bites Bash on January 22, 2026, but you're out of luck if you haven't already snagged a ticked. The event at the Field Museum featuring tasting portions from more than 70 restaurants sold out within 24 hours of the ticket release.
If you’ve been compiling a list of must-try restaurants in Chicago, start making plans. Reservations are already open, so book now to embark on a culinary adventure. Find more info and the full list of participating restaurants at chicagorestaurantweek.com.
Read more:
• The best Christmas Markets in the USA