Chicago Restaurant Week Returns Bigger Than Ever in 2026
Why Chicago Restaurant Week Is a Must-Do Winter Event
Every winter, Chicago Restaurant Week turns the city into one of the most exciting dining destinations in the country, and 2026 is shaping up to be its most impressive year yet. Running from January 23 through February 8, 2026, the annual celebration invites locals and visitors to explore Chicago’s nationally celebrated food scene through specially priced, multi-course menus at a record number of restaurants across the city and suburbs.
Produced by Choose Chicago, the city’s official destination marketing organization, Chicago Restaurant Week has become a defining moment on the winter calendar. Now in its 19th year, the event highlights the depth, diversity, and creativity of Chicago’s culinary community while making high-quality dining more accessible.
Prix Fixe Dining Across the City
At the heart of Chicago Restaurant Week are curated prix fixe menus that allow diners to sample standout dishes at approachable price points. Participating restaurants offer:
- $30 brunch or lunch menus
- $45 or $60 dinner menus
Menus are designed specifically for the event, giving chefs the chance to showcase their signatures while welcoming new guests through the door. With more than 500 participating restaurants, diners can explore everything from Michelin-recognized dining rooms to neighborhood institutions they may have always meant to try.
Reservations and menus are available directly through the official Chicago Restaurant Week website, making it easy to plan dining experiences across multiple days and neighborhoods.
A Citywide Culinary Snapshot
This year’s event spans 33 Chicago neighborhoods along with 61 suburban locations, reinforcing the idea that Chicago’s food culture thrives far beyond the downtown core. The 2026 lineup also reflects the city’s evolving restaurant landscape, with a strong showing of women-owned and minority-owned businesses and dozens of restaurants participating for the first time.
Newcomers and buzzworthy spots join longtime favorites, creating a mix that feels both familiar and fresh. From Logan Square and Hyde Park to River North and Andersonville, Chicago Restaurant Week encourages diners to explore areas they might otherwise overlook.
First Bites Bash at the Field Museum
Chicago Restaurant Week officially kicks off with First Bites Bash, an opening-night celebration held at the iconic Field Museum. The event brings together tasting portions from more than 70 restaurants, along with beer, wine, spirits, and live entertainment, all under one roof.
Hosted this year by award-winning chef Jonathon Sawyer of Kindling, First Bites Bash has become one of the most sought-after food events in the city, selling out quickly and setting the tone for the weeks ahead. Proceeds from the event support culinary-focused nonprofit organizations, including the James Beard Foundation and No Kid Hungry.
Pair Dining With Theatre Week
One of the biggest perks of Chicago Restaurant Week in 2026 is its overlap with Chicago Theatre Week, which runs February 5 through February 15. Together, the two events create a perfect excuse for a winter getaway or staycation, pairing discounted dining with reduced-price theatre tickets across the city.
It is an ideal moment to experience Chicago like a local, filling days with museum visits, shopping, and sightseeing, then ending nights with memorable meals and live performances.
Why Chicago Restaurant Week Matters
Beyond the value for diners, Chicago Restaurant Week plays an important role for the local restaurant industry during a traditionally slower season. The event drives traffic, introduces new customers to neighborhood establishments, and celebrates the chefs and teams who shape Chicago’s reputation as one of the great food cities in the world.
Whether you are visiting for the first time or rediscovering your own backyard, Chicago Restaurant Week offers a rare chance to taste the city in all its variety, one reservation at a time.
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