Recently Opened Restaurants in Chicago Worth Visiting

Chicago has always had a vibrant food scene - and this year is no exception. New spots keep opening every week, from cozy bakeries to modern restaurants. If you’re looking for a new place to eat, hang out, or try something different, this guide covers the most interesting new openings in the city.

A Jack in the Box has recently opened in Plainfield, at 2101 Illinois Rte 59 - a notable event as the popular fast-food chain returns to the Chicagoland area after nearly a 40-year absence. For many locals, it’s a nostalgic revival of the flavors they remember from childhood or youth.

The Plainfield location is among the first in a new wave of openings in the region, signaling the brand’s intent to reestablish its presence in the local market. Jack in the Box is known for its extensive, all-day menu, allowing customers to order anything - from burgers and tacos to breakfast items - at any time of day.

The restaurant is open 24/7, offering dine-in, drive-thru, and mobile ordering, making it a convenient choice for anyone craving quick, varied meals at any hour.

Menu highlights

    Smashed Jack Cheeseburger – a juicy smashed beef patty with two slices of cheese, Boss sauce, pickles, and caramelized onions on a brioche bun.

    Classic Tacos – crispy beef tacos with melted cheese, lettuce, and house sauce.

    Egg Rolls – crispy rolls filled with meat, veggies, and spices, served with sweet & sour sauce.

    Curly Fries – seasoned spiral-cut fries with a crispy finish.

    Chicken Strips – breaded chicken tenders, great for a quick bite or a casual meal.

Desserts:

    New York–style cheesecake

    Chocolate fudge cake

    Mini churros with cinnamon (5 or 10 pcs)

    Mini cookies

    Milkshakes: vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, or Oreo

Drinks:

    Classic sodas (Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta)

    Coffee drinks: black coffee, iced coffee, latte, or creamaccino (caramel, vanilla, mocha)

    Juices (apple, orange)

    Sweet lemonades and fruity slushies (like Watermelon Slushie, Lemonade Slushie)Menu highlights

In the historic Pilsen neighborhood, at 1641 W 18th St., a new spot has opened its doors - PILSEN Café Carranza. The café officially launched on July 2, 2025, in the space that formerly housed Mandala Café. It was founded by Jonathan Macedo and his partner Francia Carranza. Jonathan is already well-known in the city as the co-owner of the popular Mexican restaurant Peke’s Pozole, which adds extra weight to this new venture.

The café sources its beans from Café Aroma, a Mexican coffee supplier, and offers signature drinks like iced horchata lattes and iced shaken espresso.

Beyond coffee, the menu features house-made baked goods, including traditional Mexican conchas, as well as sandwiches that fuse American and Mexican flavors.

Menu highlights

    Signature Iced Horchata Latte – classic coffee with Mexican cinnamon, rice, and milk, served cold and sweet.

    Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso – double shot of espresso shaken with brown sugar, bold and served over ice.

    Iced Chocolate Abuelita Latte – latte made with Abuelita chocolate and coffee, blending traditional Mexican flavor with a modern twist.

    Torta Sandwich – a Mexican-style sandwich filled with a variety of ingredients and a touch of American influence.

    Concha Pastry – soft, homemade sweet bread baked fresh daily; a staple of Mexican pastries.

Desserts:

    Homemade conchas and other classic Mexican sweet breads

    Fresh pastries with a Mexican twist, like pan dulce

Drinks:

    Coffee brewed with Café Aroma Mexican beans (espresso, latte, americano)

    Smoothies made with banana and Nesquik, cinnamon and brown sugar, plus classic fruit blends

    Milk drinks with house-made flavored syrups

A new location of Milly’s Pizza In The Pan has opened in Noble Square at 925 N Ashland Ave, marking an exciting moment for Chicago’s pizza lovers. The pizzeria relocated from Argyle Street in Uptown to expand its operations. Owner Robert Maleski first launched Milly’s in 2020, after losing his job as a server during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Opening a pizzeria had long been his dream - inspired by his grandmother Milly and legendary pizza maker Burt Katz.

Milly’s Pizza In The Pan gained acclaim for its unique take on pan pizza. Unlike traditional Chicago deep dish, Milly’s features a caramelized crust and carefully layered, thoughtfully selected ingredients. The dough is made using a poolish starter and goes through a multi-day cold fermentation process, giving it a distinctive texture and flavor.

Maleski personally crafts a limited number of pizzas each day, ensuring top-notch quality. The move to the new location allows him to double production thanks to a new oven - a big improvement from the previous shop, where pizzas frequently sold out early.

Milly’s has already earned praise as one of the best pizzas in the world according to Time Out, and was even nominated for the prestigious Jean Banchet Award. The new location operates Wednesday through Sunday, offering primarily online orders and takeout, with only a small dine-in capacity.

RELATED: A Guide to the Best Pizzerias in Chicago

Menu highlights

Clickbait – olives, red onion, mushrooms, sweet peppers, Kumato tomatoes, jalapeños, Calabrian chili, and fresh ricotta.

Untitled #1 – pepperoni, jalapeños, fresh mozzarella, fresh oregano, and Glory tomatoes.

Que Suerte – pineapple, cherry tomatoes, jalapeños, and bacon.

Updog – Kumato tomatoes, spinach, red onion, pepperoni, sausage, olives, sweet mini peppers, and fresh mozzarella.

Craigslist.org – peppadew peppers, sausage, mushrooms, red onion, toy box tomatoes, spinach, and ricotta.

Union Dumpling House, located at 4539 N Lincoln Ave, is a new spot dedicated to one star dish: dumplings. For those looking to enjoy high-quality dumplings in Chicago, this place is a compelling option.

The restaurant embraces a dumpling-focused concept, offering them steamed, pan-fried, or boiled - giving guests the freedom to choose their preferred preparation style. A variety of dipping sauces are available to complement the flavors.

While dumplings take center stage, the menu also includes a few additional items to round out the offering. The space operates in a casual, fast-service format, making it an ideal choice for a quick, tasty meal.

Menu highlights

    Pork Dumplings – classic dumplings filled with seasoned ground pork and napa cabbage.

    Beef Dumplings – hearty dumplings with spiced beef filling.

    Chicken Dumplings – savory dumplings with a chicken filling.

    Lamb & Carrot Dumplings – flavorful dumplings with minced lamb and shredded carrot.

    Vegetarian Dumplings – a mix of zucchini, glass noodles, wood ear mushrooms, and assorted fungi.

Sides & Appetizers

    Spicy Potato Salad – shredded potatoes with a mild spicy kick.

    Cucumber Salad – refreshing sliced cucumber with a tangy dressing.

    Marinated Seaweed – shredded kelp in a spicy-sour marinade.

    Also available: Crispy Pork Bites and Crab Rangoon.

Desserts

    Sesame Rice Balls

    Taro Delight

    Red Bean Bun

    Piggy Custard Bun

    Strawberry Chocolate Xiao Long Bao

Drinks

    House-made Soy Milk

In Chicago, at 4363 W Irving Park Rd, a beloved name has returned - Leona’s has reopened its doors. It’s the revival of a legendary Chicago brand with a rich history. The original Leona’s restaurants were popular for decades, but the chain closed down in 2018. Now, the brand has been given a second life thanks to new ownership.

The new owners have made a point to preserve much of what longtime fans loved. The menu brings back the classic thin-crust pizza and the pastas that once made Leona’s famous. You’ll also find salads, sandwiches, and other Italian-American favorites.

While the interior has been refreshed, it retains the familiar, cozy aesthetic that made Leona’s feel like home. Whether you're one of the many who missed this iconic eatery or someone curious to experience a slice of Chicago tradition, Leona’s on Irving Park Road is open once again.

Menu highlights

    Thin Crust Sausage Slice – classic thin-crust pizza topped with Italian sausage.

    Italian Beef Deluxe – tender Italian beef sandwich served with crispy fries and a drink.

    Parmesan Chicken Sandwich – breaded parmesan chicken on ciabatta, with fries and a drink.

    Jumbo Sicilian Cheese Slice – thick Sicilian-style slice with mozzarella, basil, and San Marzano tomatoes.

    Leona’s Motor City Special (Detroit Style Pizza) – rich Detroit-style pizza loaded with Italian sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers, and onions.

Desserts: Italian gelato, Italian ice.
Drinks: classic sodas (Pepsi, Gatorade), Siciliana Italian lemonades, Pellegrino water, tea, and coffee.

Cedars is a family-run restaurant offering Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine, founded by brothers Nabil and Adel Aideh, along with their mother Nuha. The family has deep roots in the restaurant business, having operated several successful establishments in Chicago over the decades - including the original Cedars, which was once located in Lincoln Square. This marks a return to the culinary world for the Aideh family.

Cedars features a wide selection of Mediterranean dishes. Guests can enjoy shawarma, falafel, varieties of hummus, and other signature favorites. The menu also includes a range of hot and cold mezze, grilled specialties, salads, and soups.

The restaurant offers a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes diners feel right at home.

Menu highlights

    Chicken Shawarma - 6oz tender chicken shawarma served with herb-basmati rice, roasted veggies, garlic sauce, and thin flatbread.

    Falafel Plate - crispy falafel served with grilled veggies, herb basmati rice, creamy dill sauce, and thin flatbread.

    Lamb & Beef Barbacoa Tacos - slow-cooked lamb and beef barbacoa on three buttered corn tortillas, served with sumac pico de gallo, spicy tahini, and herb-basmati rice.

    Harissa Glazed Chicken Wings - crispy wings tossed in sweet & spicy harissa sauce, topped with harissa tahini and garlic sauces, served with golden fries and lime wedges.

    Sudki’s Hummus - traditional chickpea spread with pine nuts, sumac, parsley, and olive oil, served with fresh baked pita.

Desserts:

    Baklava - filo dough squares with crushed walnuts and cinnamon, glazed with honey and pistachios.

Drinks:

    Home-brewed peach flavored black tea served iced.

    Homemade traditional lemonade.

Philly Bros has opened in the Irving Park neighborhood. Their signature Philly cheesesteaks feature thinly sliced ribeye steak grilled with caramelized onions, topped with provolone or mozzarella, all for $10.99. There’s also a loaded version with green peppers, mushrooms, lettuce, tomatoes, and chipotle mayo.

The spot offers free street parking, is BYOB, has spacious restrooms with baby changing stations, and a wide selection of beverages. They're open daily from 11:00 AM to 11:39 PM, and take orders via DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Postmates.

Customers praise the place for its cleanliness, friendly staff, and relaxed atmosphere. Philly Bros proudly claims to serve "the best Philly cheesesteak in the city."

Menu highlights

    Philly Cheesesteak – classic sandwich with thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and veggies on a soft roll.

    Chicken Philly – marinated chicken with cheese and veggies, served in a tortilla or roll.

    Chicken Shawarma – thinly sliced marinated chicken, grilled and wrapped in a tortilla with sauces.

    Gyro on Pita – Greek-style gyro with meat, veggies, and sauces, served in warm pita bread.

    Char-Beef Burger – grilled beef burger with a smoky, charred flavor.

Extras: loaded fries, shrimp, chicken tenders, pickles, and other sides.

Batter & Berries has opened a second location in South Loop after the success of their original spot in Lincoln Park. The restaurant now operates in three locations — two in Chicago and one in Olympia Fields. They're known for their French Toast Flight, a sampler plate of multiple French toast flavors, which has become their signature.

The menu focuses on breakfast and lunch classics with a brunch twist — think pancakes, French toast, and breakfast sandwiches made with fresh, natural ingredients. They're open Monday from 8 AM to 3 PM, Tuesday through Thursday from 9 AM to 2 PM, and on weekends from 8 AM to 3 PM.

With over 50,000 followers on Instagram, Batter & Berries has clearly built a loyal following. Orders are available through Uber Eats and Grubhub, and the owners emphasize community support and partnerships with local businesses.

Menu highlights

    Creole Crab Cake – a flavorful crab cake seasoned with Creole spices, bringing a true taste of the sea.

    Caramel French Toast – sweet and aromatic French toast topped with rich caramel.

    Cluck-n-Gaufre – crispy waffles served with fried chicken — the perfect sweet and savory combo.

    Strawberry French Toast – dipped in homemade strawberry batter and served with maple butter.

    Chicken Fajita Omelette – a hearty, spicy omelet filled with fajita-style chicken and veggies.

Desserts: Sweet dishes like French toast and waffles often rotate on the menu.
Drinks: Coffee, fresh juices, and classic breakfast beverages.

A Pizza Pie opened in June 2025 in Uptown, launched by Danny Sweis, the owner of the well-known Ragadan restaurant. The shop specializes in 16-inch, medium-thick pizzas designed to hold up to delivery and handle heavy toppings. Signature pies are priced under $20, making it an accessible option for families and local gatherings.

Located in the former Miso Restaurant space, A Pizza Pie is positioned as a neighborhood spot for family dinners, school events, and community get-togethers.
Sweis is a first-generation American whose parents immigrated from Amman, Jordan; he grew up in Oklahoma City. His flagship restaurant, Ragadan, known for blending Jordanian falafel with American burgers, earned praise from the Chicago Tribune.

Now splitting his time between two businesses on Broadway, Sweis says he isn’t aiming to make any “best pizza” lists - he’s just making honest, everyday pizza for the neighborhood.

Menu highlights

16" Medium Thickness Pizza – firm, medium-thin crust that holds up well for delivery and packs in plenty of toppings.

Salads – a variety of fresh salads to go with your pizza.

Wings – classic chicken wings served as a side or snack.

Gluten-Free Crust – available as a gluten-free pizza option.

Authentic Style Thin Crust (coming later this year) – traditional thin-crust pizza, launching soon.

Hiro Bar + Izakaya opened in 2025 from the Celeste Group, taking over the former Michelin-starred Porto space in West Town. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday from 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM, Friday and Saturday until 11:30 PM, and Sunday until 8:30 PM.

The menu features dishes like green tea soba, okonomiyaki, salmon rice, sandwiches, and robata-style skewers such as yakitori chicken or kushiyaki ribeye. Celeste Group also operates the well-known four-story venue in River North, complete with bars, a disco, and a restaurant.

The owners describe Hiro as bringing a “Tokyo spirit to West Town”, with live-fire cooking, bold flavors, and strong drinks. The kitchen uses charcoal-fired robata grills, serving sushi, small plates, and family-style dishes alongside a full bar.

Menu highlights

    Green Tea Soba Noodles – light, savory bite featuring soba noodles infused with green tea.

    Okonomiyaki – a savory Japanese pancake with assorted fillings, popular in bar-style dining.

    Crispy Rice with Salmon – crispy rice topped with fresh salmon, balancing texture and flavor.

    Robata Skewers – grilled over live fire for a smoky, authentic taste; options include chicken yakitori and ribeye kushiyaki.

    Sandos – a small selection of elevated Japanese-style sandwiches.

Drinks:

    A curated cocktail menu with 8–10 handcrafted drinks, including the classic Toki Highball.

    A wide sake selection (15–20 varieties), plus wines by the glass.