Record-setting participation in Chicago’s most anticipated annual dining out experience
Choose Chicago, the city’s official destination marketing organization, announces the return of Chicago Restaurant Week(CRW), with a record-setting number of participating restaurants. Produced annually by Choose Chicago, the beloved event celebrates its 19th year Friday,January 23 through Sunday, February 8, 2026. Food lovers can reserve tables and view menus online beginning today for multi-course meals at more than 500 Chicagoland eateries at chicagorestaurantweek.com.
Artango. Courtesy of Choose Chicago.
Chicago Restaurant Week offers visitors and local foodies an exciting opportunity to experience some of the area’s most sought-after restaurants. For 17 consecutive, dining-packed days, participating restaurants will showcase specially curated prix fixe menus with prices set at $30 for brunch or lunch, and $45 and/or $60 for dinner (excluding beverages, tax and gratuity). Lending an ideal reason to explore Chicago’s nationally lauded culinary scene, diners can experience new, show-stopping restaurants and familiar favorites alike daily.
Edie’s Grilled Cheese.
“Choose Chicago’s Chicago Restaurant Week is one of the most anticipated events of the year for our restaurant community, our visitors and our residents,” said Kristen Reynolds, President and CEO of Choose Chicago. “It’s more than a week of fantastic discounts at top culinary establishments; it’s our moment to celebrate the restaurants and chefs who power this industry every day. From beloved neighborhood spots to world-renowned dining destinations, this event offers exciting, accessible ways for everyone to experience the flavors that make Chicago the place to be this winter — and one of the great food cities of the world. Bon appétit!”
An all-time record, more than 500 participating restaurants represent 33 distinct Chicago neighborhoods and 61 suburban eateries. Of the participants, 160 are women and/or minority owned enterprises, and 76 restaurants make their Restaurant Week debut.
Black Barrel Tavern
Participants include a range of new and established locales such as Lula Cafe (Logan Square), Il Carciofo (West Loop), Café Yaya (Lincoln Park), Topolobampo (River North), Señoritas Cantina on Dearborn (The Loop), Truth Be Told (Hyde Park) and Lior’s Café (Washington Heights). They join a list of repeat loyalists such as Gene & Georgetti (River North), Geja’s Café (Lincoln Park), Frontier (West Town), Big Jones (Andersonville), Dove’s Luncheonette (Bucktown/Wicker Park) and more. A complete list of participating restaurants and their curated menu offerings can be found here.
“Chicago Restaurant Week champions the passion and vitality of our neighborhood restaurants,” said Sam Toia, President and CEO, Illinois Restaurant Association. “Celebrations like this provide diners with the perfect opportunity to explore every corner of our city. This initiative also helps restaurants to grow their business during the first quarter of the year when they need it the most.”
Liva. Courtesy of Choose Chicago.
Chicago Restaurant Week kicks off in grand style on Thursday, January 22 at First Bites Bash. The event, which sold out within 24 hours of the ticket launch, will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at Chicago’s Field Museum. Award winning Chicago chef Jonathon Sawyer of Kindling serves as the Host Chef for the star-studded party, where guests will experience exclusive tasting portions from more than 70 restaurants, as well as enjoy wine, beer, spirits, entertainment and more. Choose Chicago will make a financial contribution to its event beneficiaries, the James Beard Foundation and No Kid Hungry.
Sapori Trattoria. Courtesy of Choose Chicago.
This year, Chicago Restaurant Week enjoys overlap with the equally popular Chicago Theatre Week, taking place February 5-15, 2026. As these two iconic cultural celebrations coincide, there is no better opportunity to experience Chicago like a local this winter. Through the exploration of food and theatre in every pocket of the city, locals and visitors have even more reason to book that hotel stay or staycation – while adding shopping, sporting events and sightseeing.
Atwood Sweet Tea Brined Pork Chop. Courtesy of Choose Chicago.
Chicago Restaurant Week is generously sponsored by Today’s Variety, 101.9 THE MIX, 97.1 The Drive – Chicago’s Classic Rock, Throwback 100.3 – All The Hits Of The 90s & 2000s, the James Beard Foundation, OpenTable and Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits.
Foodies are encouraged to follow @ChooseChicago on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. Get social using #FirstBitesBash and #ChicagoRestaurantWeek.
Cindy’s Orecchietti. Courtesy of Choose Chicago.
About Choose Chicago
Choose Chicago is the official sales and marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global visitor and meetings destination, leveraging the city’s unmatched assets to ensure the economic vitality of the city, its residents and our partner business community. Follow @choosechicago on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and X/Twitter and tag #FirstBitesBash and #ChicagoRestaurantWeek. For more information, visit choosechicago.com.
In honor of the occasion, Choose Chicago, Illinois Restaurant Association, and Here Here Marketcollaborate on curated boxes in honor of Chicago’s James Beard Award-nominated chefs.
The Celebrate JBF Chicago Alumni Collection boxes bring together a dream team of Chicago chefs in take-away form. Purchases will directly support both acclaimed local chefs and up-and-coming culinary talent through a dedicated scholarship offered by the James Beard Foundation. Imagine the ultimate foodie day with Mott St.’s Miso Caramel drizzled over waffles, followed by a bowl of Monteverde Gnocchetti for lunch’ Then it’s time for a munching intermission of Luella’s addictively crunchy Baye’s Mix Popcorn in between a Charles Joly-inspired happy hour and a fish taco dinner made with Chef Stephanie Izard’s This Little Goat Yucatan Everything Sauce or a yummy noodle dish featuring Mott St.’s sweet and savory Everything Sauce.
The James Beard Awards weekend in Chicago provides a particularly proud opportunity to celebrate the city’s vibrant hospitality community through a wide array of public events, including cross-country restaurant collaborations, education sessions, special menus, backyard BBQs, and now Here Here Market’s exclusive Celebrate JBF Chicago Alumni Collection boxes.
About Choose Chicago
JBF Sauce, Spice & Everything Nice
Choose Chicago is the official sales and marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global visitor and meetings destination, leveraging the city’s unmatched assets to ensure the economic vitality of the city and its member business community. For more information, visit www.choosechicago.com and follow @choosechicago on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. #CaptureChicagoExcitement
About Illinois Restaurant Association
Founded in 1914, the Illinois Restaurant Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting, protecting, educating and improving the restaurant industry in Illinois. The IRA owns and produces Chicago Gourmet – the annual food and wine festival uniting hundreds of restaurants, chefs and beverage experts for a weekend filled with food and drink tastings, entertainment and more. For more information, visit www.illinoisrestaurants.org and follow @illinoisrestaurants on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About Here Here Market
Bill Kim, Mott St.
Here Here Market is an online marketplace for food and drink enthusiasts to discover and buy specialty products from chef-preneurs, small-batch artisans, and local product makers, delivered right to your door nationwide. Launched in 2021, Here Here Market’s mission is to support and enable culinary creators at any point in their journey through a platform to share their talent and products with the world. Co-founded by Disha Gulati and Nicholas Florek, Here Here Market is a woman, minority, and LGBTQ+ company based in Chicago with a goal to uplift a diverse community of culinary creators. For more information, visit www.hereheremarket.com and follow @hereheremkt on Facebook and Instagram.
About the James Beard Foundation
The James Beard Foundation (JBF) celebrates and supports the people behind America’s food culture, while pushing for new standards in the restaurant industry to create a future where all have the opportunity to thrive. Established over 30 years ago, the Foundation has highlighted the centrality of food culture in our daily lives and is committed to supporting a resilient and flourishing industry that honors its diverse communities. By amplifying new voices, celebrating those leading the way, and supporting those on the path to do so, the Foundation is working to create a more equitable and sustainable future—what we call Good Food for Good™.
As a 501c3 non-profit organization, JBF brings its mission to life through annual Awards, industry and community-focused initiatives and programs, advocacy, and events. Current programs include the Open For Good Campaign, Chef’s Bootcamp for Policy and Change, Beard House Fellows, Legacy Network, Scholarship Programs, Smart Catch, and Women’s Leadership Programs. In addition, JBF celebrates the chefs and local independent restaurants at the heart of our communities with numerous events and partnerships nationwide throughout the year—including the Taste America culinary tour, JBF Greens events for foodies under 40, the soon-to-open Pier 57 Market Hall, food festivals, and more. For more information, subscribe to the digital newsletter Beard Bites and follow @beardfoundation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Clubhouse.
Chef Sarah Grueneberg’s Gnocchetti con Pesto
Serves 4
1 pound Monteverde Gnocchetti Pasta
2 tablespoons Kosher Salt
4 Tbs cold butter, unsalted, cubed
handful basil leaves
1 cup Basil Pesto
1/2 cup whole ricotta
1/4 cup grated pecorino, for garnish
2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts, preferably Italian
Bring a large pot of water to boil, season with kosher salt. Add the pasta to the water and cook 1 minute less than directions specify. Using a skimmer, remove cooked pasta from pot and place in a large sauce pot or sauté pan, along with a 1/4 cup of the pasta water over medium heat. Stir cubed butter into the sauce until thickened.
Add basil leaves and serve in bowls, then drizzle basil pesto on top (about 1/4 cup per bowl). Garnish each bowl with a few spoonfuls of ricotta, grated pecorino and toasted pine nuts.
1/2 cup fruity, mild extra-virgin olive oil (plus a touch more if needed)
1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt, like Maldon
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1⁄4 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
Place blender jar in freezer to chill. Meanwhile, submerge the herbs in a large bowl of cold water add a few ice cubes; let stand 5 minutes.
Using hands, gently lift leaves from water. Repeat again, using fresh cold water. Let soak for 15 minutes. Remove blender jar from freezer. Place the garlic, salt and oil in the blender and blend until smooth.
Working in batches, lift herbs from water, shaking excess but not all water from leaves (a bit of water will make a smooth pesto) add to blender. Blend using short pulses for each addition, just to breakdown the larger leaves (do not over-blend.)
Finally, add the cheeses, and blend on medium high until smooth. Remove and place over an ice bath and chill until cold. Reserve for drizzling over your favorite pasta.
For those who love Chicago’s wonderful food scene, this September is the time to enjoy one of the country’s best food festivals, Chicago Gourmet. Going on now until the end of the month, Chicago Gourmet organizers at the Illinois Restaurant Association (IRA), the event’s founding sponsor – along with presenting sponsor Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits – are offering a safe and spectacularly curated schedule showcasing Chicago’s diverse culinary offerings. Reservations and tickets are now available at chicagogourmet.org.
To help those impacted by the pandemic, this year the IRA is formally introducing the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (IRAEF) Restaurant Employee Relief Fund, a new beneficiary of this year’s events. This recently established fund provides one-time, emergency cash relief to qualifying restaurant workers experiencing unforeseen hardships as a result of COVID-19. Funds raised through Chicago Gourmet will go toward providing necessary relief to those with critical need.
Chicago area star chefs and leading restaurants are embracing this year’s innovative format and community focus by volunteering their time, enthusiasm and expertise to the festival’s many programs. This September is a win-win for all. Food fans can enjoy a range of experiences and support the those harmed by the pandemic. Chicago Gourmet represents the best of this world class city–its caring and its wonderfully creative food scene. Here’s what going on:
Can’t Stop the Hop Presented by DoorDash
The official kick-off to Chicago Gourmet every year, the popular Hamburger Hop expands beyond Millennium Park in 2020 with Can’t Stop the Hop presented by DoorDash, the nation’s leading last-mile logistics platform. This year, 100 chef competitors offer tasty burgers for dine-in, delivery or carry out from September 1-13. Food lovers are encouraged to hop around town, or visit the DoorDash app or website, and try as many burgers as possible, and based on flavor and overall presentation, they will vote on their favorite at chicagogourmet.org.
The champion will be announced the week of September 14 and will receive a magnum of fine wine from Josh Cellars, a Yeti cooler filled with premium meat and seafood from Buckhead Meat of Chicago and bragging rights for a lifetime.
$1 of every burger sold benefits the IRAEF Restaurant Employee Relief Fund. Click here for a list of participants. Additional sponsors include Buckhead Meat of Chicago, Turano Baking Co., Blue Moon, Josh Cellars, High West Distillery and Choose Chicago.
As part of this partnership, DoorDash will feature an in-app carousel for customers nearby select participating restaurants to order their burgers for on-demand delivery and pickup.
Go Gourmet Dinner and Virtual Series
Go Gourmet Dinner Series Presented by UnitedHealthcare. Intimate. Delicious. Memorable. Chicago Gourmet’s Go Gourmet Dinner Series Presented by UnitedHealthcare includes special, in-person events curated with love by many of the city’s most beloved chefs. Held on various dates between September 14-30, fans can revel in outstanding, multi-course dinners paired with wine and spirit selections courtesy of Unshackled by the Prisoner Wine Company, Legent Bourbon and more. The lineup includes:
Monday, September 14 – Wednesday, September 16 & Monday, September 21 – Wednesday, September 23: Chefs Laura, Kelly + Michael Cheng, Sun Wah BBQ
Tuesday, September 15: Chef Jose Sosa, Gibsons Italia
Wednesday, September 16: Chef Carlos Gaytán, Tzuco – With special guest chefs Gaby Ruiz from Carmela & Sal (Mexico City) and Gourmet MX (Villahermosa, Tabasco); Rodrigo Estrada from Agua & Sal (Mexico City) and Yemanyá (Mexico City); and Benito Molina from Manzanilla (Ensenada, Baja California) to commemorate Mexican Independence Day
Thursday, September 17: Chef Kevin Hickey, The Duck Inn
Sunday, September 20: Chef Erick Williams, Virtue
Monday, September 21: Chef Norman Bolden, Norman’s Bistro
Tuesday, September 22: Chef Tony Priolo, Piccolo Sogno
Wednesday, September 23: Chef Sarah Grueneberg, Monteverde
Thursday, September 24: A special collaboration between Chef Cedric Harden, River Roast, and Chef Carolina Diaz, Terzo Piano (held at River Roast)
Wednesday, September 30: Chef Mari Katsumura, Yūgen
Reservations can be made directly with participating restaurants. To see the full lineup and reservations information, visit chicagogourmet.org. Prices and times vary per restaurant. All will adhere to current occupancy orders and health and safety guidelines.
Go Gourmet Virtual Series. Chicago Gourmet’s Go Gourmet Virtual Series invites celebrity chefs right into one’s home kitchen LIVE as they lead engaging cooking classes between September 14-30. Fans can purchase tickets to simply watch, or better yet, they can order meal kits in advance from anywhere in the U.S. to cook along and learn in real time. Meal kits arrive with ingredients to create a feast for four. Each live demonstration will also feature suggested beverage pairings and education from Campari / Aperol Spritz and JUSTIN Wines. The virtual schedule includes:
Monday, September 14: Chef Art Smith, Blue Door Kitchen & Garden
Wednesday, September 16: Chef Lorena Garcia, Lorena Garcia Cocina/Lorena Garcia Tapas
Thursday, September 17: Chef Thai Dang, HaiSous/Cà Phê Đá
Friday, September 18: Chef Fabio Viviani, Siena Tavern/Prime & Provisions/Bar Siena
Sunday, September 20: Chef Kwame Onwuachi
Tuesday, September 22: Chef Rick Bayless, Frontera Grill/ Topolobampo/XOCO/Tortazo/Bar Sótano
Saturday, September 26: Chef Jernard Wells, The Family Chef
Sunday, September 27: Chef Stephanie Izard, Girl & the Goat/Little Goat Diner/Duck Duck Goat/Cabra
Tuesday, September 29: Chef Jeff Mauro, The Kitchen/Sandwich King
@neiljohnburger
All Go Gourmet events benefit the IRAEF Restaurant Employee Relief Fund. In addition to those named above, the series is made possible thanks to Mariano’s, US Foods, Bank of America, Gordon Foodservice, Performance Foodservice, Choose Chicago, Pepsi, Coker Service Inc. and Coca-Cola.
Online Auction
Let the bidding begin! The Chicago Gourmet annual online auction goes live September 14-30. Featuring an impressive collection of wine, spirits and dinner experiences underwritten by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, one hundred percent of proceeds from the auction benefit the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. The non-profit organization – which has awarded more than $3 million in scholarships since its inception – provides mentoring, job training and financial support for the next generation of aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals.
Chicago Gourmet 2020’s media partners include NBC 5 Chicago/Telemundo Chicago, JC Deceaux, 93XRT, 101.9 The Mix and Chicago magazine.
ABOUT CHICAGO GOURMET. Chicago Gourmet, the nation’s premier culinary experience, returns for its 13th year September 2020. Created by the Illinois Restaurant Association to honor Chicago’s culinary achievements and the creative vision of the chefs, Master Sommeliers, and wine-, spirit-, and beer-makers who participate, it spotlights Chicago as an international culinary destination via its unparalleled epicurean talent. The 2020 event supports the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (IRAEF) and the IRAEF’s newly established Restaurant Employee Relief Fund. Chicago Gourmet is possible with the support of presenting sponsor Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. For more information, please visit chicagogourmet.org and follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
ABOUT SOUTHERN GLAZER’S WINE & SPIRITS. Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is the world’s pre-eminent distributor of beverage alcohol, and proud to be a multi-generational, family-owned company. The Company has operations in 44 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, Canada, and the Caribbean, and employs more than 20,000 team members. Southern Glazer’s urges all retail customers and adult consumers to market, sell, serve, and enjoy its products responsibly. For more information visit www.southernglazers.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @sgwinespirits and on Facebook at Facebook.com/SouthernGlazers.
ABOUT DOORDASH. DoorDash is a technology company that connects customers with their favorite local and national businesses in more than 4,000 cities and all 50 states across the United States, Canada, and Australia. Founded in 2013, DoorDash empowers merchants to grow their businesses by helping to solve mission-critical challenges, such as customer acquisition, on-demand delivery, insights and analytics, merchandising, payment processing, and customer support. By building the last-mile delivery logistics platform for local cities, DoorDash is bringing communities closer, one doorstep at a time. Read more on the DoorDash blog or at www.doordash.com.
ABOUT THE ILLINOIS RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION (IRAEF) RESTAURANT EMPLOYEE RELIEF FUND. Established in 2020, the IRAEF Restaurant Employee Relief Fund is statewide emergency assistance fund that provides one-time direct financial support to restaurant industry workers facing unforeseen hardship as a result of COVID-19. Grants help cover basic living expenses such as rent, food and utilities as someone works through crisis. Donate here now.
ABOUT THE ILLINOIS RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION. The Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) dedicated to building the Illinois hospitality workforce through career exploration, workforce development programs and scholarships. It has awarded more than $3 million in scholarships since its inception. For more information, visit www.illinoisrestaurants.org/IRAEFAboutUs.
