Chicago’s food scene sizzles this February 2026. Diverse flavors fill the city. New establishments draw eager diners. Several spots are creating significant buzz. These trending restaurants offer unique experiences. They showcase culinary innovation. Chicago’s dining landscape is ever-evolving. Here are the 10 hottest places to eat now.
Petite Edith: French Elegance, Midwestern Soul
Petite Edith offers French bistro fare. It features Midwestern influences. Chef Jenner Tomaska leads the kitchen. Think caviar on confit potato fritters. Escargot agnolotti is another highlight. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. It’s a refined yet cozy experience. The restaurant is located in River North. It’s perfect for a special night out. Petite Edith also has a great bar scene. This spot embodies culinary artistry. It’s a must-visit for food lovers.
Bar Tutto: An All-Day Italian Haven
Joe Flamm’s Bar Tutto is a West Loop gem. It serves as an all-day Italian café. Start your day with coffee and pastries. Enjoy delightful lunches and dinners. The menu includes housemade pastas. Savory sandwiches are also available. Chef Flamm’s expertise shines through. Bar Tutto offers a comfortable hangout. It blends Italian tradition with local ingredients. This spot is ideal for any meal. Its lively bar adds to the ambiance. It’s a true neighborhood favorite.
Ox Bar & Hearth: Fire-Kissed Delights
Ox Bar & Hearth focuses on seasonal cooking. Meals are prepared over an open flame. This creates unique, smoky flavors. Chef John Asbaty is at the helm. Dishes like charred cabbage are featured. Brown butter hollandaise elevates the greens. The restaurant is in Lincoln Park. It offers a warm, inviting atmosphere. Live fire cooking is the star here. The concept appeals to many diners. It’s a true celebration of ingredients. This eatery offers a memorable meal.
Double Fun: A Lively Cocktail Destination
Double Fun is a vibrant cocktail bar. It comes from the Sparrow and Bisous team. This spot is perfect for nightlife enthusiasts. Enjoy classic cocktails and inventive drinks. The atmosphere is lively and energetic. It’s a great place to start or end an evening. Located in the Gold Coast, it adds to the local bar scenes. Double Fun offers a sophisticated yet relaxed vibe. It’s a prime destination for drink connoisseurs. The bar serves expertly crafted beverages. It’s a key spot for trending nightlife.
Zeitlin’s Delicatessen: A Classic Deli Revival
Zeitlin’s Delicatessen now has a brick-and-mortar home. It’s a beloved Jewish deli. The Lincoln Park location offers a full menu. Find fresh bagels and overstuffed sandwiches. Their offerings are rooted in tradition. The brothers Sam and Hal Zeitlin lead the business. Zeitlin’s started at farmers markets. It grew into a local favorite. This new spot brings classic deli charm. It’s a welcome addition to the city’s food scene. The deli provides comfort food for all.
Hot Chi Chicken & Cones: Flavorful Fried Chicken
Hot Chi Chicken & Cones offers unique chicken dishes. They are known for their bold flavors. The chicken is juicy and crispy. Variety in heat levels is a major draw. Customers rave about the flavorful sauces. It’s a casual spot with a fast-food feel. Yet, the quality stands out. The friendly staff enhances the experience. This eatery provides a delicious, satisfying meal. It’s a popular choice for comfort food lovers.
SHŌ: Elevated Omakase Experience
SHŌ presents a unique omakase experience. Chef Mari Katsumura leads this venture. It blends Japanese technique with global flavors. The setting is intimate. A 12-seat chef’s counter awaits. It also features a cocktail lounge. The mood is moody and sound-driven. It draws inspiration from Tokyo nightlife. The seasonal tasting menu is exceptional. SHŌ offers a sophisticated culinary journey. It’s a high-end spot for discerning palates.
Cafe Yaya: A Bustling All-Day Café
Cafe Yaya is a popular all-day café. It offers Mediterranean and French flavors. The team behind Galit created this spot. Cafe Yaya serves as a neighborhood gathering place. Enjoy house-made pastries throughout the day. The afternoon and evening menus are also enticing. Standout items include baklava and shakshuka buns. This café is buzzing with energy. It provides a versatile dining option. Cafe Yaya is a true culinary hub.
Akiro Handroll Bar: Nikkei Fusion Rolls
Akiro Handroll Bar brings Nikkei cuisine. It’s the first U.S. location from Madrid. The restaurant offers refined hand rolls. Fresh fish and quality rice are key. Akiro blends Japanese and Peruvian influences. This fusion creates unique flavor profiles. The River North location is sleek. It provides a modern dining experience. Akiro is a great spot for sushi lovers. It adds diversity to Chicago’s bar and food scenes.
The Radicle: Fermented Flavors and Fire
The Radicle focuses on innovative cuisine. Chef Joe Frillman crafts dishes here. He is known for his work at Daisies. The Radicle explores fermented flavors. Fire-kissed dishes are also a specialty. It operates as an all-day cafe. This concept blends comfort with creativity. It represents a new wave of dining. The Radicle offers a truly unique taste. It’s a top trending spot for foodies.
Chicago’s dining scene is incredibly dynamic. February 2026 highlights this diversity. From French bistros to Italian cafés, and innovative fusion concepts, there is something for everyone. These trending restaurants are defining the city’s culinary narrative. Exploring these vibrant scenes offers exciting culinary adventures. The city’s nightlife and bar scenes are also thriving. This list provides a snapshot of Chicago’s current hottest tables and bars.
