The Best New Chicago Restaurants of 2025 You Need to Try—Including the Spot That Finally Nailed Tavern-Style Pizza

Navigating the Chicago dining scene can be challenging , between arbitrary TikTok recommendations and Google’s ever-changing algorithm. To make it easier for you, we’ve compiled a definitive list of the best new restaurants in Chicago in 2025. After reading this, be sure to snag your reservation soon! Pizz’Amici ---------- Pizz’Amici sets the new standard for tavern-style pies , featuring an exceptional cracker-thin crust that has patrons raving. This cozy restaurant is a sought-after reservation for pizza enthusiasts. Pizz’Amici’s suggests three or fewer toppings for best results, and we recommend the Chicago trio—fennel sausage, Italian beef, and giardiniera. Il Carciofo ----------- Il Carciofo, which means artichoke in Italian, pays homage to both the artichoke and Italian cuisine through ingredients sourced from Italy and the Midwest. Highlights include the carciofo alla giudia—crispy deep-fried artichokes showered with Pecorino Romano. Other Roman favorites include supplì, cheesy fried rice balls stuffed with braised beef; rigatoni alla carbonara and mezze rigatoni alla amatriciana, made with pasta from the on-site lab. Nadu -------- One of the best restaurants of 2025, this Indian restaurant from chefs Sujan Sarkar and Sanchit Sahu focuses on an authentic journey through India’s diverse regional cuisines. Each dish will provide a taste of traditional flavors and local ingredients, all presented with a modern twist. Yes, there’s butter chicken, which is tasty, but don’t be afraid to dive into offerings like N aga Smoked Chilly Pork Ribs, b aby back ribs glazed with smoked king chili and pineapple sauce, served with basil chutney. Noriko Handroll Bar ----------------------- Noriko Handroll Bar has quickly become one of the most sought-after dining reservations in town. Located in the basement of Perilla Korean American Fare, this dimly lit restaurant features around 20 seats along a U-shaped bar, creating an almost exclusive atmosphere. The menu offers à la carte selections with around 20 items , from classics like yellowtail and king salmon to premium delicacies such as A5 wagyu topped with freshly shaved truffles. While all the dishes are a must, our favorite was the bay scallop dynamite— baked spicy scallop served with masago, scallion, and sweet soy. Zarella ------- Chicago is, understandably, renowned for its pizza, which is why we would be remiss not to include another new pizzeria on our list of the best restaurants in 2025. Boka Restaurant Group tapped two talented chefs, Chris Pandel and Lee Wolen, to create two delicious pizza options—tavern-style and a thin-crust artisan. The top-notch service paired with an excellent menu makes it a must-visit. Matilda ------- Right next door to Zarella is Matilda, where Mexican cuisine meets Peruvian flavors. One of the best things on the menu is the guacamole tatemado, which happens to be one of our best bites in 2025. This dish features a fire-roasted avocado with its pit removed, stuffed with ají amarillo and pico de gallo. It is served in a vibrant acevichada sauce with herb ash, and the server mashes everything together to create a smooth consistency. Accompanied by house-made chips, the dish offers a clever twist on the guac classic. Ithaki Estiatorio ----------------- This recent addition to Greektown is noteworthy for its Mykonos-inspired vib e, featuring blue pebble mosaic flooring and a spacious dining room that channels coastal Greece. The menu offers classic Greek dishes like octopus, lamb chops, and flaming saganaki . Executive chef Konstantinos Ntalianis also imports whole fish from Greece and Spain daily to roast over a wood-fired grill, and it’s as mouthwatering as it sounds. Crying Tiger ------------ Crying Tiger, led by HaiSous’ Thai Dang, opened as one of 2025’s most anticipated restaurants, and it has lived up to the hype. With impressive standout Southeast Asian dishes like lobster pad Thai, chargrilled Sugarcane Beef Bo La Lot, and unique desserts created by Juan Gutierrez, the winner from Netflix’s “School of Chocolate—it’s a must-visit. Source: https://secretchicago.com/best-new-chicago-restaurants-of-2025/