My Top 20 Chicago Restaurant Week Recommendations

My top 20 Chicago Restaurant Week picks for the best deals – make your reservations now! 

It’s that time again… time to get your reservations for Chicago Restaurant Week!!! Even though the best deals don’t start until January 20th, I like to get this post of Chicago Restaurant Week recommendations up early, because there are a LOT of options and it can be hard to get into some of the restaurants participating, especially if their Restaurant Week menus are particularly great.

Of course you could always look through the entire master list yourself, but trust me – it takes a while! As a less overwhelming alternative, I’ve parsed through all of that for you to come up with what I think are the best options. 

It’s important to keep in mind that not all multi course meals offered are the best deal – and, especially at some of my favorite restaurants, it can be better to just order off of the regular menu. To determine if it’s worth the trip during this 17 day time period, I usually look to see if their “famous dish” is included, or look to see if their menu features special dishes that you can’t normally get at their restaurant. (I love when that happens!)

Chicago Restaurant Week

What is Chicago Restaurant Week?

For 16 years, Chicago Restaurant Week has been an opportunity for people to experience special pre fixe menus from hundreds of restaurants throughout the city. I especially love it because a lot of the participating restaurants are quite expensive the rest of the year, but Restaurant Week brings it down to a much more affordable price range that more diners can enjoy! All menus are just $25 for brunch and lunch, and $42 and/or $59 for dinner excluding beverages, tax, and gratuity. Some restaurants also offer the flexibility of experiencing Chicago Restaurant Week through dine-in and takeout/delivery options, too!

When is Chicago Restaurant Week?

Chicago Restaurant Week will be going on from January 20 – February 5, 2023. I recommend getting your reservations as soon as possible though, as restaurants can book up fast during this time period. Most reservations can be made on Open Table or Resy, but you can always call the restaurant directly, too!

Where can I find the special menus?

Most restaurants have their Chicago Restaurant Week menus on their websites, but if you can’t find it there, you can easily use to the search bar on this master list! They have uploaded all of the special menus so you can easily see the food choices and prices.

My Chicago Restaurant Week Recommendations

aba

2 course brunch + drink for $25
3 course dinner + drink for $59
This West Loop hot spot lives up to the hype – don’t skip their whipped feta!

Alla Vita

3 course lunch for $25
4 course dinner for $59
I still haven’t been to this Italian restaurant but everyone raves about it.

Andros Taverna

3 course dinner for $59
We went here a few times last year and it was absolutely delicious.

Avec

3 course lunch for $25
5 course dinner for $59
Both their West Loop and River North locations are participating this year!

Bar Esme

3 course dinner for $59
Esmé is a very highly regarded and expensive restaurant in Lincoln Park, but you can get a great restaurant week deal at their adjacent restaurant, Bar Esme!

beatrix

1 course brunch with pastry + beverage for $25
3 course lunch for $25
3 course dinner + beverage for $42
Beatrix has 3 locations where you can get this menu: Fulton Market, River North, and Streeterville.

Cabra

5 course dinner for $59 
The Girl & The Goat group can do no wrong. Also, the space is SO pretty. Get your insta ready 😉

Coda di Volpe

3 course lunch for $25 (weekends only)
4 course dinner for $59
I love this southern Italian spot so much. 

duck duck goat

Family style dinner for $59
If you’ve never been to Duck Duck Goat, you must make a reservation. It’s SO GOOD and this is a fun way to try a few different dishes.

ema

2 course brunch with drink for $25
2 course lunch with drink for $25
3 course dinner with drink for $59
Don’t miss the Toasted Almond & Garlic Hummus here – it’s my FAVORITE!

formento’s

4 course dinner for $59
This is a great stop if you’re looking for classic Italian food in the West Loop. So good.

mon ami gabi

2 course brunch for $25
3 course dinner for $59
Adam and I went here for Restaurant Week a few years ago and their escargot is delicious!

Monteverde

4 course family style dinner for $59
I finally went here with friends over the summer and WOWZA. So good.

Osteria Langhe

3 course dinner for $59
This is one of my brother’s favorite restaurants in the city!

siena tavern

2 course brunch for $25
2 course lunch for $25
4 course dinner for $59
This River North spot is always good. I love that you can get add-ons during restaurant week, too!

RPM Italian

4 course dinner for $59
The original RPM! Do NOT skip Mama DePandi’s Bucatini – it’s simple, but one of my favorite pasta dishes in Chicago.

RPM Steak

3 course dinner for $59
Obviously this RPM is known for steak, but the seafood on this menu looks amazing too!

sushi-san

4 course dinner for $59
I still haven’t been to Sushi-San but I’ve heard it’s awesome!

The Publican

4 course dinner for $59
I’ve only had good things at this restaurant, and I love the beer hall-type atmosphere!

Virtue Restaurant

3 course dinner for $59
This Hyde Park restaurant is one of the most highly regarded Black owned restaurants in Chicago – and their executive Chef was one of our favorites on the last season of Top Chef!

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Did I leave out any of your favorites in this list of Chicago Restaurant Week recommendations?

Also, let me know what reservations you’re making – I’d love to know!!

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PS. You might also like The Best Chicago Date Night Restaurants, The Best Healthy Restaurants in Chicago, and The Best North Center, Lincoln Square, and Ravenswood Restaurants.