Lent is here, and Chicago restaurants are serving up seafood-forward features and meatless favorites perfect for Friday dining. Whether you’re craving classic fish and chips, refined French preparations, or Italian comfort dishes, these spots are offering elevated options throughout the season.
Here’s where to book your Friday reservations.
Grill on 21
Grill on 21 is honoring Lent with special Friday features that highlight fresh seafood and seasonal pours in a timeless setting.
Start with a comforting bowl of Clam Chowder with Old Bay Crackers or spice things up with Firecracker Shrimp with Fresno Peppers and Sweet Chili Sauce. For a heartier entrée, the Grilled Swordfish is served with white beans, kale, confit tomato and garlic jus for a refined yet satisfying option. Pair your meal with seasonal pours including Saldo Chenin Blanc, a Joel Gott Cabernet Split, Perrier Jouet Champagne Split, or classic cocktails like an Espresso Martini or Cosmopolitan.
Roanoke
Roanoke is offering seafood-forward Lent specials that bring elevated takes on classic dishes.
For lunch, the Crab Cake Sandwich features brioche, coleslaw, house chips and remoulade. A Friday favorite, the Fish & Chips delivers crispy cod served with fries, lemon and remoulade. For something more refined, opt for the Seared Scallops paired with breadcrumbs, salsa verde, spinach and butternut squash purée. It’s a perfect stop for everything from casual Friday lunches to polished evening dinners.
Bandol
For a French-inspired approach to Lent dining, Bandol is serving refined seafood features every Friday.
The Salmon Meunière is prepared with potato purée, lemon, caper and brown butter, while the Trout Almondine offers a classic preparation with brown butter, haricot vert and almond. At lunch, the Tuna Niçoise Sandwich layers marinated tuna with French green beans, baby potatoes, tomatoes, olives, eggs and arugula on a French baguette. Expect bright flavors and elegant presentations rooted in French culinary tradition.
La Bella Trattoria
La Bella Trattoria is celebrating Lent with traditional Italian seafood and meatless favorites.
Begin with Minestrone Soup, made with tomato broth, zucchini, carrots, celery, beans and pasta. Seafood lovers can indulge in Lobster Ravioli with ricotta and Calabrian cream sauce, or the bold Shrimp Fra Diavolo featuring spicy tomato sauce, garlic and white wine. For a true Italian classic, the Linguine Frutti Di Mare combines shrimp, mussels, scallops and clams in a spicy red sauce. From classic fish preparations to globally inspired seafood dishes, Chicago offers no shortage of Friday Lent dining options. Be sure to make reservations early, as these seasonal features are available.
