Discover These Exciting New Restaurants in Chicago

Chicago's deep-dish pizza was once a novelty when it was first introduced in 1943. It was something completely new to the locals, but over time, it became a classic and an essential part of the city's culinary culture. Today, new restaurants are opening in Chicago that could become just as popular in the future. These spots are offering fresh concepts and unique dishes that are sure to catch the attention of visitors. And who knows, maybe some of these restaurants will introduce the next big thing in Chicago's food scene?

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Feld is a new tasting menu restaurant in Ukrainian Village, started by a young Chicago chef who wants to bring a fresh approach to dining. The experience includes about 30 different courses, changing often and featuring ingredients from local farmers. In fall and winter, the menu highlights fresh seafood, including Maine lobster. Chef Jake Potashnick has cooked around the world, notably in Berlin's Ernst.

In Bucktown, two Indian chefs have brought together South Asian and Mexican flavors in a one-of-a-kind restaurant experience for Chicago. At Mirra, Mexican spices are front and center, adding unique layers to dishes like soft-shell crab chaat and mashed eggplant (baingan bharta), paired with slices of dry-aged carne asada. Small plates here come with crispy chips, merging masa techniques with the familiar crunch of Indian papadam, perfect for dipping into a rich sikil pak. Cold-cured fish dishes, served as ceviche, bring refreshing twists. The chaas aguachile, made with buttermilk-lime tiger milk, has become one of Chicago's standout bites. Future plans include brunch and a tasting menu, and they’ve recently introduced a chef’s counter experience.

Santa Masa Tamaleria, created by husband-and-wife team Danny Espinoza and Jhoana Ruiz, brings top-notch northern Mexican flavors to the city. Known for some of the best tacos around, their signature Santo Taco features a special blend of green chorizo, barbacoa, and adobada. However, it’s the tamales that take center stage at this casual spot. Santa Masa Tamaleria also offers a lively breakfast menu that’s definitely worth a try.

Void, a lively Italian spot on Milwaukee Avenue, may have been hidden from view by nearby construction, but it’s a fresh project by seasoned chefs from top Chicago restaurants. The highlights here include tasty pasta dishes, like ricotta ravioli, and fresh salads made with produce from local farms. The spacious bar offers plenty of room to unwind. One unique dish, Spaghetti Uh-Ohs, is a playful nod to Franco-American spaghetti, served tableside from Void-branded cans.

Katsu-Shack in Lakeview might not catch your eye right away at the busy Halsted and Clark intersection, but missing it would be a shame. This spot serves high-quality pork, including crispy and flavorful tonkatsu cutlets. Their black katsu curry is a comforting addition to the menu, and the tornado fries, inspired by popular food festival snacks, add a fun twist. Inside, you’ll find memorabilia dedicated to Japanese baseball, with a few nods to Cubs players as well.