As 2025 draws to a close, capped off by the Eater Awards for the year’s best restaurants, there are still a handful of newcomers to welcome. From an Italian steakhouse to the revival of Gale Street Inn, the following is a curated roundup of recent restaurant openings big and small across Chicago.
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BUCKTOWN — Italian steakhouse Dēliz is now open in the former Etta space. The restaurant, led by chef Jake Peterson, offers a selection of Midwest and Australian wagyu steaks, fresh pastas, and chilled seafood, plus reimagined cocktails like an espresso martini with cannoli-infused vodka. The experience blends upscale dining with approachability — a warm and intimate dining room anchors the first floor while a livelier upstairs has TVs for sports and late-night service. 1840 W. North Avenue.
JEFFERSON PARK — Beloved neighborhood fixture Gale Street Inn has reopened under new owner Paulo Villabona after closing abruptly in June. The longstanding restaurant has retained most of its classic menu, including the famed barbecue ribs, while adding new dishes like sweet potato pierogi. Gale Street Inn also hosts live musical performances ranging from jazz and blues to Americana. 4914 N. Milwaukee Avenue.
LINCOLN SQUARE — Following the shutter of the Green Post, the team behind Piccadilly Market has transformed the space into Piccadilly Pub. The new spot, inspired by British pub culture, offers fish and chips, fried chicken sandwiches, Irish spice bags, local ciders and beers, and frozen Irish coffee. Customers can also order sandwiches from Piccadilly Market next door or bring in wine for a small corkage fee. There are also dart boards and pub games to play by a fireplace in the back lounge. 4749 N. Rockwell Street.
UPTOWN — Piacere Mío, an Italian restaurant in Forest Park, has made its way to the city with a second location in Uptown. The menu features appetizers like beef carpaccio and fried calamari, alongside pastas and entrees such as chicken saltimbocca and short rib over saffron risotto. The restaurant is the first to occupy the space since Floreen’s Chicken & Roost closed in 2023. 1303 W. Wilson Avenue.
Dining and Cooking