The best new Chicago restaurants and bars of 2022

Former Leña Brava vet Stephen Sandoval set up residence at Soho House Chicago earlier this year to introduce his extraordinary Baja Med concept, Sueños, to a larger audience. What started off as an intimate dinner series has quietly evolved into an essential Chicago dining experience. Guests are treated to a variety of oceanic delights inspired by the Baja region, such as tuna tostada, pulpo skewers and pescado zarandeado, a grilled whole fish. There’s still time to check out Sueños at its current digs but it’ll move into a permanent home in West Town next summer.

Omakase-centric restaurants are so en vogue right now. Few, though, match up to Lettuce Entertain You’s impressive 10-seat sushi counter hidden inside Sushi-san. Chefs Kaze Chan and Shigeru Kitano showcase their talents by slicing pieces of pristine raw fish with precision in front of guests and creating memorable courses such as otoro tartare topped with caviar and uni ice cream. It’s an exquisite, albeit expensive, meal that’s well worth saving your pennies for.

Chef Sujan Surkar is the mastermind behind this ambitious newcomer that’s redefining Indian flavors in Chicago. He presents traditional South Asian recipes through a fine dining lens, resulting in inventive plates like a poached egg bathed in curry studded with peas, sweet corn and crispy onions. Though there’s an a la carte selection, put your trust in Surkar and go with the vegetarian or non-vegetarian degustation menu for a truly captivating dinner.

It’s hard to improve upon a fan favorite, but that’s just what brothers Oliver and Nicholas Poilevey achieved with Obelix. Following in the footsteps of their parents, who founded Bucktown bistro Le Bouchon, the siblings took over the former home of Entente and have turned it into what’s one of the year’s best openings. You’ll find exceptional versions of staples like steak tartare—punched up with green garlic aioli, dried kelp, banh mi pickles and herbs—alongside a robust selection of duck bites. Two, in particular, really show off Oliver Poilevey’s mastery over fowl: An indulgent foie gras taco and 10-day-aged duck breast boasting perfectly crisp skin.

Cambodian cuisine is a rarity in Chicago, which is why Khmai was one of the year’s most pleasant surprises. Chef Mona Sang and her mother Sarom Sieng have brought the bold and funky flavors of Southeast Asia to Rogers Park and are treating diners to specialties they won’t find anywhere else. Beef skewers marinated in lemongrass, Khmer spices and chilis; short ribs served with fish sauce; and Cambodian hot pot loaded with meats, seafood, veggies and noodles are just a few of the intriguing dishes you can expect to enjoy.

It’s been long overdue but Chinatown welcomed its first cocktail bar over the summer. Tucked away behind Moon Palace Express, this moody lounge is the perfect spot to hit up after dinner in the neighborhood. The menu leans on Asian-tinged concoctions plus sections devoted to highballs and sakes. Standouts include a Mai Tai mixed with almond cookie orgeat syrup, and an old fashioned featuring rice vodka, plum wine and barley. If you’re looking for something to nibble on with your sips, the kitchen provides tasty snacks like mapo hot fries and wok-fried wings tossed in General Tso’s sauce.

You’ll take a culinary trip down to the Big Easy at chef Erick Williams’ latest Hyde Park concept, Daisy’s. The focus is, predictably, on po’ boy sandwiches filled with roast beef, fried shrimp, alligator and other proteins. But the options don't end there—there's also juicy fried chicken, seafood gumbo and a muffuletta sporting olive giardiniera. The drink list stays on theme with frozen hurricanes and sazeracs, and the space has plenty of televisions so you can follow your favorite teams.

Sleek and refined, this Bronzeville restaurant has been an exciting addition to the South Side. Owners Eric Williams and Cecilia Cuff have created a haven for oenophiles and those looking for an elevated dining experience in the area. The wine list is succinct but well-rounded, and the cocktails are similarly on point. On the food side, you’ll encounter tantalizing choices like cod fritters, a wagyu smash burger and a watermelon steak that’s cured, smoked and seared. The space also hosts live music and revolving art collections from local artists.

If you’ve lived in Chicago long enough, chances are you already have a favorite pan pizza. Milly’s fantastic pies, though, may test your allegiances. Owner Robert Maleski started making pizzas during the pandemic and operated out of a ghost kitchen before moving into a brick-and-mortar space in Uptown this year. Inspired by local legend Burt Katz, the dough is baked with a ring of mozzarella around it, resulting in a caramelized crust. Maleski tops the cheese and sauce with a host of ingredients and dollops of fresh mozzarella. We’re big fans of the Craiglist.org, a winning combination of sausage, mushrooms, pappadew peppers, red onions, tomatoes, spinach and ricotta. Availability is limited, so it’s best to order ahead.

Ever, one of the most luxurious restaurants in Chicago, expanded its footprint in 2022 with the opening of an upscale cocktail bar right next door. Dubbed After, the chic and futuristic-looking lounge provides a new place for Chicagoans to imbibe rare and vintage spirits plus expertly crafted mixed drinks. You’ll have plenty of high-end options to drop your money on, including Japanese whiskies, and scotch and Armagnac flights. And if you’d like some light bites to accompany the drinking, there are premium delicacies like wagyu and toro skewers, too.