Chicago’s dining scene is always eclectic and ever-evolving—a trend that shows no signs of slowing down in 2025. From an intimate sushi hand roll spot to a MICHELIN-pedigreed chef’s swanky steakhouse and a DC import that goes all in on Balkan dishes, this epic lineup of Chicago best new restaurants show why the city is a world-class dining destination.
From must-order dishes to insider tips, here’s everything you need to know about the hottest restaurants to open in the city so far this year.
Here are Chicago’s best new restaurants to try this summer. Book them all on OpenTable.
NORIKO (West Town)
The x-factor: With so many omakase restaurants in Chicago, Noriko stands out from the crowd with its elegant mix-and-match menu, thanks to chefs and childhood friends Rhan Whang and Billy Lim.
The food and drinks: The co-chefs prepare classic and creative hand rolls—get the Bluefin tuna with pickled wasabi—at an intimate sushi bar. Pair your meal with an Asian-leaning cocktail like an old fashioned riff with toasted miso and Japanese whisky.
The vibe: Every cushy stool at the triangular-shaped sushi bar offers a front-row seat to the chefs at work. A mirrored wall makes the cozy basement spot seem bigger than it really is, while dim lighting and pumping house music add to the sultry, lounge-like ambiance.
The reviews: The Infatuation says, “Noriko stands out in Chicago’s crowded sushi scene.” The restaurant also landed on Chicago magazine’s April list of the city’s hottest new restaurants.
Pro tip: Book several weeks in advance to score a seat—this is one of Chicago’s hardest-to-snag reservations.
Mister Tiger (West Town)
The x-factor: It’s a family affair at this cozy Korean newcomer from chef/owner Min Lee, brother Charlie Park (beverage and front-of-house), and spouse Brian Lee (operations).
The food and drinks: Chef Min Lee puts her own spin on cherished family recipes with comforting dishes like crispy kimchi pancakes, hot stone bibimbap, and galbi jjim (braised short ribs with rice cakes). Creative cocktails also incorporate Asian ingredients—try the More Rice Please, a soju-based take on Korean horchata.
The vibe: The compact space leans minimalist, but cozy banquettes and a collage of family photos add warmth, as does an upbeat soundtrack.
The reviews: Mister Tiger “brings delicious Korean food to an area where banchan is even rarer than free street parking,” writes The Infatuation, while NBC’s The Food Guy Steve Dolinsky says, “every cocktail has a backstory, and the few I’ve had have all been memorable.”
Pro tip: Don’t miss standout desserts like a yuja (yuzu) tiramisu.
Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna (River North)
The x-factor: A new restaurant from mega-award-winning Boka Restaurant Group is reason enough to get excited; even better when it’s led by two of Chicago’s most beloved chefs, Chris Pandel (Swift & Sons and Cira) and Lee Wolen (Boka, Alla Vita, and GG’s Chicken Shop).
The food and drinks: Pile classic Chicago tavern-style or artisan thin crusts with all your favorite toppings (and house garlic ranch dip, of course), or choose from specialty pies and Italian faithfuls like chicken parm. Cocktails lean low ABV—get the refreshing cassis soda—or opt for a glass of wine from the Italian-leaning list.
The vibe: Zarella goes all in on glam, old-school trattoria design touches—think fabric-clad walls, tufted leather booths, and vintage-inspired lighting.
The reviews: The Infatuation gave Zarella a coveted 8.1 rating and praises the “perfectly executed” tavern-style pepperoni pie.
Pro tip: For a quiet alternative to the energetic dining room, head to the downstairs speakeasy-inspired space wrapped in Victorian-style wallpaper for a grandma chic vibe.
DJ’s Great Room (River North)
The x-factor: Part of a $1.3 billion, 8.1-acre development in River North, DJ’s Great Room is the latest Chicago spot from famed restaurateur David Morton of Episcope Hospitality (The Exchange and Marshall’s Landing).
The food and drinks: DJ’s easygoing American-leaning menu is packed with crowd-pleasers ranging from fresh oysters and pan-seared branzino to an impeccably layered turkey club sandwich. Drinks are equally approachable–try the Espresso Libre or a non-alcoholic spritz.
The vibe: Designed by local firm Siren Betty, the stylish space features floor-to-ceiling windows, earth-toned furniture, and lush greenery throughout.
The reviews: One OpenTable diner praises the “atmosphere, service, and value for price,” while another calls out the excellent service and says it’s a place she’ll return to “again and again.”
Pro tip: Head to the restaurant’s adjacent Anteroom lounge for a post-dinner nightcap.
Diversey House (Logan Square)
The x-factor: Two award-winning breweries, Steep Ravine Brewing Company and Black-owned Moor’s Brewing Company, joined forces with three-time Chopped champion Marc Anthony Bynum to launch this experiential sports bar.
The food and drinks: Global gastro-pub fare meets Southern comfort food in dishes like St. Louis-style ribs with pickled watermelon rind and za’atar-spiced vegetables with curried yogurt sauce. Expect innovative brews ranging from smooth IPAs to hemp-derived, THC options .
The vibe: Catch the game(s) on mounted HDTVs and personalized audio at every table in a space with colorful murals from local artists, swing tables and benches, and garage doors that open to the outdoors.
The reviews: One OpenTable reviewer says the spot is “always a good time,” and another praises the “unbelievably delicious food.”
Pro tip: For a walk-up bar with frozen cocktails and a full food menu, hit up the beer garden tucked behind the main bar.
Ambar (River North)
The x-factor: Washington, DC import Ambar brings its award-winning Balkan cuisine to the Windy City.
The food and drinks: You’re here for the unlimited tasting experience, a feast of 30 dishes like freshly baked pita and spreads, hearth-cooked kebabs, and house-made cevapi. Small-batch Balkan wines and rakia, a traditional handcrafted fruit brandy, round out the menu.
The vibe: Brightly patterned wallpaper, colorful chairs, and mismatched light fixtures give the space a cozy, living room feeling.
The reviews: OpenTable diners rave about the restaurant’s “warm and friendly” service and the “not-to-be-missed cauliflower.”
Pro tip: Don’t sleep on brunch, which offers some of the same boldly flavored Balkan dishes as dinner plus other hits like salmon Benedict, shakshuka, and mini doughnuts. Pair your all-you-can-eat meal with a classic or premium unlimited beverage package.
Jōtō Sushi (West Loop)
The x-factor: Located within award-winning spirits maker CH Distillery, Jōtō lives up to its name (which means “highest quality” in Japanese) with a knockout omakase menu created by head sushi chef and Momotaro alum Jamel Jones.
The food and drinks: Jōtō uses an in-house dry-ager that enhances both the flavor and texture of classic nigiri and sashimi as well as creative rolls like the futo maki with bluefin tuna, white fish, and salmon. Cocktails star The Distillery’s spirits, but don’t miss the stellar sakes and hard-to-find Japanese whiskies.
The vibe: The modern space is dark and moody, with Asian-inspired murals along the entryway walls and an intimate dining room.
The reviews: “There’s a lot of competition for great omakase in Chicago right now, and the average diner might not expect to find a good example hiding in the back of CH,” writes Chicago Magazine.
Pro tip: Jōtō offers a discount on its lavish 10-to-19-piece dinner omakase on Monday evenings.
The Alston (River North)
The x-factor: This ultra-luxe steakhouse comes from culinary powerhouses chef Jenner Tomaska of MICHELIN-Starred Esmé and Scott Weiner and Greg Mohr of the Fifty/50 Group (Professor Pizza, Homestead on the Roof, Kindling, and more).
The food and drinks: Tomaska’s menu features rustic wood-fired dishes like truffle-topped fried oysters and showstopping mains like a shareable 24-ounce bone-in ribeye and duck a la presse carved tableside. Choose from more than 600 wines or pours from the deep collection of bourbon and scotch, including the largest French whisky selection in the city.
The vibe: The Alston’s swanky interiors—complete with an Art Deco-inspired main dining room and giant digital screens overhead projecting beautiful art-centric visuals—mirror its upscale menu.
The reviews: “Seasonal ingredients, creative execution and tableside presentation are central to the experience,” writes Block Club Chicago of The Alston, while The Infatuation proclaims “in a sea of cut-and-paste, giant-baked-potato-business-dinner places, The Alston is a welcome addition.”
Pro tip: Don’t miss the weekday happy hour available at the bar, lounge, and soon-to-open expansive outdoor patio for specially-priced caviar service, truffle-topped deviled eggs, and escargot, plus equally refined drinks.
From a Chicago-style steakhouse with swagger to a refined omakase spot, these Chicago best new restaurants are the top spots for dining out this summer.
Book one of Chicago’s new restaurants of 2025 ASAP on OpenTable.
For more excellent dining options in Chicago, check out these guides:
- The 10 best restaurants to dine outdoors in Chicago
- 5 can’t-miss MICHELIN-Starred restaurants in Chicago
- 13 swanky restaurants in Chicago for your next celebration
Lisa Shames is a writer focused on travel and food culture in Chicago, IL. She has covered Chicago’s restaurant scene for publications including Eater Chicago, CS, Chicago Tribune, and Time Out and is the US contributor for Sogoodmag.
