New Restaurants Opening in Chicago and Suburbs in February 2026

New Restaurants Opening in Chicago and Suburbs in February 2026

Chicago’s and the surrounding suburbs’ dining scene continues to evolve in 2026, with exciting new restaurant openings that promise fresh flavors, innovative concepts, and unforgettable meals. From authentic international cuisine to beloved chains expanding their footprint and chef‑driven new concepts, February is shaping up to be a great month to explore new eats. In this guide, we highlight the new restaurants opening in February 2026 across Chicago and Chicagoland suburbs that local food lovers should have on their radar.

New Restaurants Opening in Chicago (February 2026)

1. Mazor – Fulton River District

Mazor Chicago

Mazor

Chef Cristian Orozco, known for his work at acclaimed Chicago kitchens, is launching Mazor, a counter‑service restaurant blending Mexican and Guatemalan flavors. The menu features fresh masa‑based tostadas, tacos, empanadas, and monthly tasting dinners that spotlight creative regional dishes.

Why Visit: A fresh, authentic fusion concept with bold flavors and seasonal tasting events.

2. Hokkaido Ramen Santouka – West Loop

Hokkaido Ramen

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka

Internationally beloved Hokkaido Ramen Santouka will open its second Chicagoland location — this one in the West Loop — in mid‑to‑late February 2026. The new 43‑seat spot will offer traditional Japanese ramen bowls, including Shio, Shoyu, Miso, and spicy miso, plus classic sides like gyoza and takoyaki.

Why Visit: Iconic Japanese ramen with rich, slow‑simmered broth and comfort dishes perfect for year‑round dining.

3. Libertad Wicker Park – Wicker Park

Libertad

Libertad

Latinx dining destination Libertad, which has built a strong reputation in Skokie and beyond, is expanding with a new Wicker Park location opening this February. Expect a menu celebrating Latin American flavors with shareable plates and a vibrant beverage program.

Why Visit: Elevated Latin‑inspired cuisine in a lively, neighborhood environment.

4. The Radicle – Logan Square

The Radicle

The Radicle

Chef Joe Frillman’s new restaurant concept, The Radicle, is expected to open this winter and be full‑service by February. Focused on coastal Italian and Midwest influences, the menu will feature artisanal pizzas, small plates, and inventive cocktails.

Why Visit: Creative Italian‑inspired dishes and cocktails in a neighborhood setting.

5. Burl – Evanston

Burl

Burl

Farm‑to‑table newcomers Burl are set to debut in Evanston with a chef‑farmer collaboration menu that emphasizes seasonality and local ingredients. This community‑centered restaurant will offer approachable yet refined dishes perfect for seasonal dining.

Why Visit: Seasonal, farm‑driven menus in a comfortable, community‑oriented setting.



New Restaurants Opening in the Suburbs (February 2026)

1. The Barn Steakhouse – Highland Park

The Barn Steakhouse

The Barn Steakhouse

The beloved North Shore steakhouse The Barn is opening a new Highland Park location in February 2026. The expansion includes a new dining experience with steakhouse classics and a speakeasy alley concept for cocktails and late‑night vibes.

Why Visit: A local favorite steakhouse expands with new ambiance and offerings.


2. Lucky Goat – Aurora

Lucky Goat

Lucky Goat

Celebrity chef Stephanie Izard’s fast‑casual concept Lucky Goat is set to open inside the Hollywood Casino Boulevard Food Hall in Aurora in early 2026. This casual burger and sandwich spot will serve gourmet burgers, chicken sandwiches, hand‑cut fries, and milkshakes.

Why Visit: A relaxed, chef‑driven burger destination with fun sides and shakes.


3. Antique Taco – Aurora

Antique Taco

Antique Taco

Also joining Aurora’s Boulevard Food Hall in February 2026, Antique Taco will make its suburban debut with signature handmade tacos, specialty drinks, and crunchy taco salad — bringing a Chicago favorite outside the city.

Why Visit: Beloved taco house expands to suburbs with bold Tex‑Mex flavors.


4. Five50 Pizza – Aurora

Five50 PIzza

Five50 PIzza

Another boulevard addition in Aurora, Five50 Pizza blends Neapolitan and New York pizza styles with a chef‑driven approach. Perfect for casual dining or group meals, this new pizza concept rounds out the food hall’s variety.

Why Visit: Hybrid pizza styles from a chef‑led team in a lively suburban food hall.


5. Sorella by Giada – Aurora

Sorella

Sorella

Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis is opening a refined Italian steakhouse concept called Sorella by Giada in the Hollywood Casino Aurora area in early 2026. Focused on Italian‑California fusion fare, the restaurant offers upscale dining with Giada’s signature flavors.

Why Visit: Italian steakhouse with celebrity pedigree and sophisticated dishes.

Dining Events and Why February 2026 Is Special

Chicago and its suburbs host Chicago Restaurant Week (Jan. 23–Feb. 8, 2026), featuring prix‑fixe menus at more than 500 restaurants across dozens of neighborhoods and suburbs — a great chance to preview special offerings from restaurants new and old.

This year’s openings reflect a booming culinary scene with global inspiration, neighborhood‑driven concepts, and chef‑led innovation from the city core to the North Shore and Aurora.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all these restaurants opening in February 2026?
Yes, the restaurants listed here are either confirmed for February openings or expected to debut around that month based on available reports.

Will Chicago Restaurant Week include new restaurant menus?
Absolutely. Chicago Restaurant Week runs Jan. 23 through Feb. 8, offering prix‑fixe menus that often highlight menus from both new and established restaurants.

Should I make reservations early?
For new and high‑demand spots like Hokkaido Ramen Santouka and Mazor, reservations are recommended as openings often fill up quickly once they debut.

Summary

February 2026 brings a flavorful lineup of new restaurant openings in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs — from ramen and Latin American cuisine in the city to steakhouse classics and chef concepts in Aurora and Highland Park. Whether you’re a local foodie or planning a weekend food tour, these new dining destinations offer fresh experiences that reflect the region’s dynamic culinary scene.

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