A New Rooftop Restaurant with Skyline Views Is Coming to Chicago’s Gold Coast

A new high-end dining concept is getting ready to open in one of Chicago’s most iconic locations—and the views alone might make it one of the most talked-about restaurant openings of the year.

ARLA, the latest project from the team behind Adalina and Adalina Prime, is set to debut this summer on the top floor of 15 East Oak Street in the Gold Coast. The restaurant will take over the former Fred’s at Barneys New York space, a well-known dining destination that was known for its elevated atmosphere and sweeping city views.

This new concept marks the launch of Hospitality Included, a restaurant collective that will anchor this and future projects from the group.

A Prime Location with Expansive Views

Spanning approximately 8,500 square feet, ARLA is designed to fully take advantage of its rooftop setting. The space will seat 230 guests indoors, with an additional 60 seats across two outdoor terraces.

One terrace will offer views stretching down Oak Street toward Lake Michigan, while the other looks out over Rush Street. Inside, floor-to-ceiling windows will frame the skyline and lake, creating a setting that leans heavily into Chicago’s signature city-meets-water backdrop.

Guests entering the restaurant will pass through a wine cellar at the entrance, setting the tone before opening up into the main dining space.

A Mediterranean–Japanese Concept Led by a Michelin-Starred Chef

The kitchen will be led by Soo Ahn, a Michelin-starred chef known for combining precise technique with layered flavors.

ARLA’s menu is built around a unique concept: Mediterranean cuisine interpreted through Japanese techniques. The focus will be on seafood, vegetables, grains and pastas, with an emphasis on what Ahn describes as “lighter fare with intense flavors.”

This approach reflects a growing trend in high-end dining, where cross-cultural techniques are used to create something more refined and ingredient-driven rather than heavy or traditional.

Design That Matches the Concept

A Mediterranean–Japanese Concept Led by a Michelin-Starred Chef

The interior is being developed by LG Group and its in-house studio Offshoot Creative, blending Mediterranean warmth with Japanese minimalism.

Expect a mix of wood and marble finishes, sculptural gold accents and patterned textiles, all designed to complement the natural light coming in from the surrounding windows. The layout emphasizes openness and flow, reinforcing the rooftop and near open-air dining experience.

A New Chapter for a Growing Restaurant Group

ARLA is being positioned as the next evolution for the team behind Adalina, building on the momentum of Adalina Prime, which was recognized by Robb Report as one of “America’s Most Beautiful New Restaurants” in 2025.

Rather than replicating that concept, ARLA moves in a different direction, both in cuisine and atmosphere, while still targeting a similar level of design and experience.

What to Expect

While an exact opening date hasn’t been announced, ARLA is expected to open in summer 2026.

With its combination of location, design and concept, it’s shaping up to be more than just another restaurant opening. It’s a project that leans heavily into experience, from the views to the menu to the overall atmosphere.

And in a city known for its food scene, that combination is what tends to stand out.

Stay Connected

Ranked among the top 1% of real estate teams in the Chicagoland market, Cory Tanzer and the Cory Tanzer Group are experts in helping buyers and sellers navigate today’s market across Downtown Chicago, the North Shore, and the Western Suburbs. Recognized for their neighborhood expertise in areas such as University Village, University Commons, South Loop, and Pilsen, the team helps clients stay one step ahead by understanding where the Chicago market is headed next.