Chicago Restaurant Week 2024: Must-Visits, New Additions + Our Picks
via NoMI Kitchen
We are one week away from the most important few weeks of the year for Chicago foodies… Chicago Restaurant Week 2024! It’s the perfect opportunity to explore our vibrant culinary scene without breaking the bank. From January 19 to February 4, you can enjoy the best from award-winning spots, local favorites and new openings in both the city and the suburbs. Grab your favorite foodie friends and celebrate this annual event by eating everything you can (just don’t forget to share!). Here are our top picks…
NoMI Kitchen {Park Hyatt Chicago, Seventh Floor, 800 Michigan Avenue, Chicago; 312.239.4030}
Inside the Park Hyatt Chicago, this elegant spot is offering brunch, lunch and dinner for Restaurant Week! With plenty of options, you can get a full taste of their menus while you take in stunning city views from their floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Michigan Avenue. Make sure to get the NoMI Burger from their brunch menu, and save room for dessert on their dinner menu - The Sticky Date Pudding is not to miss!
Bar Esmé {2200 North Clark Street, Chicago}
For the first-time ever, this Michelin-starred restaurant is participating in Restaurant Week, so you can cozy up in their bar space and take in a delicious meal of creative dishes like Grilled Australian Wagyu Short Rib with Matsutake, Burnt Onion Jus and Rose Mary. Also make sure to choose their signature Flamin' Hot Cheeto specialty starter!
via GT Prime
GT Prime {707 North Wells Street, Chicago; 312.600.6305}
Steakhouses always have some of the best and most cost effective menus during Restaurant Week, and GT Prime is no exception. From Hand-Cut Beef Tartare to Westholme Wagyu Sirloin and Chef’s Chocolate Cake, this menu is packed with delicacies. Reserve a table for a date night that’s both elevated and on budget.
Mercadito {108 West Kinzie Street, Chicago; 312.329.9555}
One of the best deals for Restaurant Week (we already have our reservation) is at this Chicago classic! It’s is a perfect spot to go with a group to try Guacamoles, Ceviches, Tacos and more. We’re especially excited to try the Crispy Chipotle Shrimp and the Langosta Tacos!
Francois Frankie {222 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.600.9659}
A fantastic lunch deal, and a menu we loved last year, Francois Frankie is a cozy spot in the Loop that’s perfect for a weekday meal! Their lunch menu for Restaurant Week is cozy for the winter weather we’re having, complete with French Onion Soup, the Little Frankie Burger, and more. Their dinner menu is also wonderful for a pre-theater feast!
via BITES
BITES Asian Kitchen + Bar {3313 North Clark Street, Chicago; 773.270.5972}
Another great group spot, BITES in Lakeview is offering lunch and dinner menus with A LOT of options to choose from! Think everything from Roast Duck Bao and BITES Pad Thai to Smoked Brisket Chow Mein and Garlic Pepper Shrimp. You’ll have a feast fit for any Chicago foodie!
Aboyer {64 Green Bay Road, Winnetka; 847.441.3100}
Don’t forget about your suburban options when making your Restaurant Week plans! Aboyer in Winnetka is a beautiful French brasserie, and well worth the drive from the city. Their dinner menu includes elevated classics like Escargot Bourguignon, Bistro Steak and Creme Brulée - Perfect for date night!
Alla Vita {564 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.667.0104}
Though their dinner menu is also excellent, the Alla Vita lunch menu was one of our favorites last year and we can’t wait to indulge again this year! It features many of the Italian classics they’re known for, including fantastic Rigatoni alla Vodka and an epic Chicken Parmesan Sandwich. The Tiramisu is also not to miss!
The M Room {450 North Clark Street, Chicago; 312.224.1650}
When Roka Akor and Macallan Scotch Whiskey partner for a fine dining restaurant, you know both the food and the drink are going to be exquisite. Restaurant Week is the perfect time to experience dishes like Smoked Beet and Red Pepper Tartare, Australian Wagyu Short Rib, and Valrhona Chocolate Mousse Cake, all with the optional addition of wine pairings.
See the full list of Restaurant Week participants here! Happy dining!
By Kaleigh Glaza | Chicago Editor