A 12,000-square-foot Greek-Levantine restaurant, Naia, has just opened on the Chicago Riverwalk, signaling a massive wave of new high-profile dining experiences hitting the city. This colossal venue, from chef Athinagoras Kostakos, is a significant addition for those seeking new restaurants to try in Chicago in 2026, according to NBC 5 Chicago and Modern Luxury.
While many cities still see cautious growth in hospitality, Chicago's restaurant scene experiences an aggressive expansion. Multiple large-scale and diverse openings are transforming the urban dining landscape.
Chicago's reputation as a top culinary destination appears likely to solidify further. This will attract both local diners and tourists with an array of new options across the city.
A Flood of New Flavors Across the City
ARLA, a Mediterranean-Japanese fusion from the Adalina Prime team, is set to grace the Gold Coast. The Loop now hosts Mariela, a globally inspired coastal gem by chefs Rishi Kumar and Zubair Mohajir. And for those seeking vibrant nightlife, Kitty's Cosmopolitan Club, a cocktail lounge from Lettuce Entertain You and Kevin Beary, has opened its doors in River North. These diverse ventures, spanning unique cuisines and concepts, paint a vivid picture of Chicago's expanding palate, moving beyond traditional offerings to embrace a truly global culinary identity.
Established Players Expand Their Footprint
The Ives, a modern American grill from Boka Restaurant Group and chef Chris Pandel, has opened within the historic Chicago Athletic Association. This marks a significant commitment from a culinary titan. Further cementing this trend, the Martini Lounge will reopen in June under Pangea Restaurant Group, led by former Bears player Israel Idonije. Such high-profile ventures by established groups and notable figures reveal a profound confidence in Chicago's enduring appeal, suggesting these aren't just new restaurants, but anchor institutions for the city's future.
