One of Chicago’s favorite weeks is just around the corner – and yes, we mean Chicago Restaurant Week! To help prep palates, we have outlined some of the hottest reservations you can’t miss this year. From a fine dining experience on the water, to an unforgettable steakhouse experience in a former firehouse, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the coming weeks.
Komo, 738 W. Randolph St.
The hot Japanese dining destination perfectly located on Restaurant Row, Komo, has fast become one of Chicago’s hottest reservations to snag annually. Executive Chef Macku Chan creates a modern twist to a traditional Japanese meal, always creative as it is playful. The restaurant will be offering two special menus for dinner, three-courses for $42 and five-courses for $59.
Three-Course Dinner Menu – $42
- First Course: Carrot Miso Soup or Lobster Salad
- Second Course: Spicy Salmon Tartare
- Third Course: Choice of Salmon, Duck Breast or Beef Tenderloin, served in a sweet soy with seasonal vegetables and rice
Five-Course Dinner Menu – $59
- First Course: Carrot Miso Soup or Lobster Salad
- Second Course: Spicy Salmon Tartare
- Third Course: Spicy Tuna Maki or Choice of Nigiri (tuna, salmon, yellowtail)
- Fourth Course: Choice of Salmon, Duck Breast, or Beef Tenderloin, served in a sweet soy with seasonal vegetables and rice
- Fifth Course: Green Tea Crème Brûlée
City Cruises Chicago, Chicago River, 455 N. Cityfront Plaza Drive
Cruise into Chicago Restaurant Week with Chicago’s premier water- and land- based experience, City Cruises. This unique dining experience on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River will be offering an exclusive dinner, $59 per person.
First Course
- Butternut Squash and Kale Salad: Red Oak Lettuce, Aged White Cheddar, Marcona Almonds, Maple Sherry Vinaigrette
Second Course
- Short Rib Pappardelle: Slow-Braised Short Rib Ragu, fresh ricotta, peas, shaved Parmigiano Reggiano
- Buttermilk-Brined Chicken Breast: Mustard glazed marble potatoes, marinated artichokes, brussels sprouts, apricot preserves
- Atlantic Striped Bass: Castelvetrano olives, braised Cannellini, fennel, fines herb vinaigrette
- Potato Gnocchi with Tomato Ragu: Rosemary whipped ricotta, fresh herbs, shaved Parmesan-Reggiano. Vegan Option Available on Request
Third Course
- Tiramisu: Whipped Mascarpone Cream and Espresso
- Mixed Berries & Pineapple: Fresh Mint and Lime Spritz
Carnivale, 702 W. Fulton Market St.
The iconic Fulton Market institution known for their lush, color and art-filled main dining room and exotic Central and South American foods and flavors, Carnivale, will be offering a Chicago Restaurant Week 3-course dinner experience curated and prepared by Executive Chef Carlos Garza. The menu features diner’s choice from each of the courses below for $59 per person.
First Course:
- Brussels Sprout Pear Salad: Chickpeas, cranberries, cucumber, candied nuts, queso fresco, butternut squash, mixed with a champagne vinaigrette
- Chicken Tinga Empanada: Chipotle braised chicken, pickled cabbage, winter citrus and butternut squash
- Venezuelan Pabellon Crillo: Braised beef, corn arepa, black bean salsa, crispy rice and a garlic aioli
- Salmon Ceviche: Avocado, soybeans, onion, pickled jalapeno, cilantro, tobiko and aji panca
Second Course:
- Australian Barrabundi: Coconut rice, baby carrots, pickled sweet potato, crispy kale and aji sauce
- Lechon Asado: Slow braised Berkshire Pork, Hazard Free Farms grits, plantain chutney and pickled fresno peppers
- Bife Angosto a Caballo: 12 oz. Linz Heritage 45-day Dry Aged NY Strip, beef fat confit potatoes, garlic aioli and a fried egg
- Nopal Milanesa: Winter vegetable guisado, pickled eggplant, winter citrus and Close Loop Farms Greens
Third Course:
- Saffron Panna Cotta: Pistachio streusel and a cherry coulis
- Mocha Cake: Vanilla whipped cream and strawberry preserves
- Preserved Meyer Lemon-Poppy Seed Cake: Heaven’s Honey Ice Cream and a red velvet crumble
The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, 1401 S. Michigan Ave.
The sophisticated South Loop Steakhouse housed in a Landmarked 1905 firehouse welcomes Chicagoans to experience their Restaurant Week menu of three indulgently crafted courses. The menu features diner’s choice from each of the courses for $59 per person.
First Course:
- Signature Lobster Bisque: With a delectable puff pastry
- Knife & Fork Caesar Salad: Romaine hearts, garlic croutons, parmigiano
Second Course:
- Faroe Islands Salmon: with a lemon butter sauce
- Filet Mignon: Center Cut Prime 6-ounce filet
Third Course:
- Coconut Buttermilk Pie: Whipped cream, toasted coconut
- Blackout Cake: Signature chocolate cake, dark chocolate and salted caramel mousses, toffee
