Introduction to Chicago Restaurant Week 2026
Reservations for all the Chicago restaurants taking part in the 19th annual Chicago Restaurant Week opened on Wednesday. With record-breaking participation from more than 500 restaurants in the Chicago area, foodies can enjoy discounted meals from almost every part of the city’s dining scene from Jan. 23 to Feb. 8.
Participating Restaurants and Menus
For two weeks at the start of 2026, participating restaurants offer a pre-fixe menu for lunch or dinner with a set price: $30 for brunch or lunch and $45 or $60 for dinner. Reservations for some in-demand spots can go quickly. Almost every part of Chicago’s food scene is on display, with affordable meal deals and plenty of totally-worth-it add-ons, such as wine or cocktail service.
Gene and Georgetti, in the River North neighborhood, is a Chicago Restaurant Week staple.
Steakhouse Options
Diners can indulge in the very best of Chicago’s characteristic steakhouses, from classics like Gene & Georgetti and Morton’s to a few brand-new additions to the Chicago steak scene. Try two or three courses at the new Hawksmoor, at 500 N. LaSalle Dr., with its British flair imported from its successful sister restaurants in the U.K. At The Alston, 750 N. State St., Restaurant Week diners can add on a six-ounce wagyu filet mignon with sauce Diane for just $20. BVLD Steakhouse in the West Loop is also offering steak upgrades that come with a choice of mixed mushrooms or mashed potatoes. For a more luxe experience, diners can request caviar service, seafood towers and oysters.
Sushi and Japanese-Peruvian Options
Sushi-lovers can indulge in omakase traditions — in which skilled sushi chefs curate the entire experience — at Sushi By Bou in the West Loop and Gold Coast neighborhoods. Diners can upgrade their experience, a 10-plate seasonal course meal for $60, by adding seven more courses and a celebratory toast for an additional $40.
Menu items at TenGoku Aburiya, an establishment featured in the 2026 Chicago Restaurant Week lineup. | Neil John Burger/Omakase Yume
At Casa Chi by Chef Richard Sandoval, 505 N. Michigan Ave., diners can explore Japanese-Peruvian fare through omakase or salmon and pork belly nigiri, poké bowls and a Japanese whisky flight.
Mexican Options
Mexican food lovers have more than two dozen restaurants to choose from, from family-owned Cesar’s Killer Margaritas in Lake View to the upscale TZUCO in River North.
<img class="Image" alt="Pozole blanco — a traditional Mexican soup made from hominy that’s simmered with chicken in a flavorful broth made with onions, garlic, and a blend of spices — is served at Cesar’s Killer Margaritas restaurant. Cesar’s is featured in the 2026 edition of Chicago Restaurant Week." srcset="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a7d558a/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5715×3810+0+0/resize/840×560!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F4e%2Fd3%2F45ef2ec0469480f658bc35d95eed%2Fholidaychef-111024-15.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ec96006/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5715×3810+0+0/resize/1680×1120!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F4e%2Fd3%2F45ef2ec0469480f658bc35d95eed%2Fholidaychef-111024-15.jpg 2x" width="840" height="560" src="https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a7d558a/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5715×3810+0+0/resize/840×560!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F4e%2Fd3%2F45ef2ec0469480f658bc35d95eed%2Fholidaychef-111024-15.jpg" data-lazy-load="true" bad-src="data:image/svg+xml
