Chicago's Most Anticipated Spring Openings

More than 20 restaurants to get excited about this coming season

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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From a laidback spot from a multi-Michelin-starred chef to a bakery where even the butter is French to the expansion of a beloved barbecue joint, 2026 is looking to be a great year for eating out in Chicago.

Why it matters

Chicago's restaurant scene continues to evolve, with steakhouses, all-day cafes, live-fire cooking, and globally influenced cuisine emerging as key trends. The city's diverse culinary landscape is expanding with the arrival of new and innovative dining concepts.

The details

The upcoming openings span a range of cuisines and dining experiences, including a West Town dive bar from the Paulie Gee's team, the first Midwest location of popular D.C. bagel shop Call Your Mother, a massive Mediterranean restaurant on the Chicago riverfront, and the country's largest magic venue in the historic McCormick Mansion. Other notable openings include a Peruvian Japanese fusion spot, an expansion of a beloved barbecue joint, and several projects from high-profile chefs and restaurateurs.

  • The Alley Cat is slated to open in March 2026.
  • Call Your Mother is opening its first Midwest location in Spring 2026.
  • Naia, the 12,000-square-foot Mediterranean restaurant, is set to open in Spring 2026.
  • Gibsons Tavern is expected to open in Winter 2026.
  • Gingie, the new restaurant from chef Brian Lockwood, is slated to open in 2026.

The players

Derrick Tung

One of the co-founders of the hospitality group Tung & Cheek, which is behind the new West Town dive bar The Alley Cat.

William Ravert

One of the co-founders of the hospitality group Tung & Cheek, which is behind the new West Town dive bar The Alley Cat.

Tony Dezutter

One of the co-founders of the hospitality group Tung & Cheek, which is behind the new West Town dive bar The Alley Cat.

Andrew Dana

Co-founder of the popular bagel shop Call Your Mother, which is opening its first Midwest location in Wicker Park.

Dani Moreira

Co-founder of the popular bagel shop Call Your Mother, which is opening its first Midwest location in Wicker Park.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in Chicago, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

Chicago's diverse and ever-evolving restaurant scene continues to thrive, with a range of new and innovative dining concepts set to open this spring. From globally inspired cuisine to classic American fare, these upcoming openings showcase the city's culinary creativity and its ability to attract top talent in the industry.