Say goodbye to 2021 and ring in the new year in true Chicago style — with an unforgettable meal. Enjoy champagne toasts and special menus at one of Chicago’s top restaurants, or enjoy an evening at home with amazing delivery and carryout specials.
Here are just a few top picks for a spectacular New Year’s Eve dinner in Chicago, whether you’re looking to dine-in or carryout. And check out our full New Year’s Eve guide for more ideas to complete your only-in Chicago celebration with fireworks, live concerts, exciting events, and more.
Dine-in on New Year’s Eve in Chicago
Geja’s Cafe: If you’re looking for a romantic evening, Geja’s is the place to be. Their New Year’s Eve package includes a bottle of champagne per couple plus a decadent three-course fondue dinner.
Alla Vita: One of Chicago’s newest restaurants is offering a family style, four-course dinner that highlights guest favorites from the modern Italian menu.
Norman’s Bistro: For a classy and spicy NYE dinner, visit this North Kenwood hallmark that serves up creole classics like jambalaya, gumbo, and blackened catfish. A live DJ will play jazz and classic R&B for a festive mood.
BLVD Steakhouse: Indulge in an elaborate multi-course meal at this upscale West Loop restaurant with selections like lobster bisque, a seafood tower, or scallops.
Amaru: Dine on an impressive array of Latin-inspired dishes including Cuban oxtail and a lobster and crawfish empanada at this stylish Wicker Park dining spot.
Robert et Fils: In North Center, enjoy elevated fare with this tasting menu of French cuisine. Choose from a condensed option or splurge on the full experience.
Smyth: Welcome 2022 in style with this luxurious tasting menu from West Loop fine dining spot Smyth, recipient of two Michelin stars.
Torali: Choose the Ritz Carlton’s luxurious Italian-influenced steakhouse for an unforgettable dining experience. A special prix-fixe NYE menu will include a complimentary glass of champagne.
Gemini: Dine on a four-course meal at this chic Lincoln Park bistro. Course selections feature Alaskan King crab, black truffle arancini, and beef Wellington.
Brass Heart: This modern fine dining establishment in Uptown showcases the finest ingredients in the Midwest, capped off with a champagne toast.
Old Pueblo Cantina: Nothing says cheers to the new year better than bottomless margaritas. This Lakeview eatery offers a special NYE price to pair with taco platters and mesquite-grilled skewers.
Virtue: Taste the award-winning cuisine of this popular Hyde Park restaurant with a special NYE prix fixe menu featuring poached lobster, duck confit, and steak with stone-ground grits.
Artango: Bring in the new year the Argentinean way with music and a special menu at this dazzling Lincoln Square destination. Buenos Aires musicians will play tango, bossa nova, and salsa for a lively celebration.
Rose Mary: New Year’s Eve dinner is a a family-style feast of Croatian and Italian cuisine at Rose Mary, one of the hottest new restaurants of 2021.
Yassa: Celebrate the new year with warm Senegalese hospitality and heaping platters of West African specialties at this Bronzeville mainstay, with signature dishes like grilled fish with rice and yassa chicken.
Proxi: Go global for your New Year’s festivities with this West Loop hot spot’s continent-skipping menu. Complimentary champagne, party favors, and a toast are included with later seatings.
Demera: This Uptown darling serves up people-pleasing platters of Ethiopian specialties like doro wat chicken stew in a spicy berbere sauce and spongy injera bread to scoop up the variety of family-style dishes.
Barcocina: Book a private igloo, decked out in holiday decor and lights, or cozy up at an indoor table at this Lakeview spot. No matter where you’re seated, expect plenty of tacos, margaritas, and good times.
Bistronomic: It’s a very French New Year’s Eve at this popular bistro in Gold Coast. Dinner includes a four-course tasting menu (featuring foie gras, truffles, and caviar), with an optional wine pairing and live guitar music.
Tzuco: The New Year’s Eve celebration at this acclaimed Mexican restaurant in River North will be the include a three-course dinner, champagne toast, party favors, and music.
Le Sud: Toast to the New Year at this charming French-Mediterranean spot in Roscoe Village in their cozy dining room or on their enclosed patio.
New Year’s Eve takeout and delivery options
Azul Mariscos: This colorful riverfront spot is serving platters of Mexican-inspired seafood for pickup, with everything from king crab legs to spicy shrimp.
Vermillion: Dig into a five-course Latin and Indian feast. The meal includes deconstructed biryani, blackened chili tamarind ribs, and chocolate hibiscus cake.
Badou Senegalese Cuisine: Head to this popular Rogers Park spot for a flavorful holiday spread. Traditional New Years’ Eve dishes include grilled lamb and fish with couscous but Chef Badou will customize a dinner for you.
The Violet Hour: Make your New Year’s toast one to remember with drinks from this acclaimed cocktail establishment. Their at-home kit includes three cocktails and champagne.
Cocoa Chili Restaurant: Enjoy the true spice of life at this Garfield Park outpost, with peppery selections like Jamaican jerk chicken or Creole gumbo. Call ahead for takeout orders because dishes sell out quickly.
Flat & Point: Stock up on prime beef sandwiches, truffle ricotta ravioli, mussels, charcuterie, and more from this Logan Square spot.
Lena Brava: This Baja-inspired meal is cooked directly over a hardwood fire before being packed up for you to enjoy at home. Choose from steaks, sides, desserts, and cocktails.
Papa’s Cache Sabroso: Celebrate the new year Puerto Rican style with a traditional feast of lechon (roasted pork), arroz con gandules (rice and peas), and more from this Humboldt Park fave. New Year’s Eve specials must be ordered at least three days in advance.
Bites Asian Kitchen: Toast the New Year with a tempting array of cocktail kits like the vodka-based Pink Lotus, paired with satisfying plates like duck fat yakisoba.
Sushi-San: Create an omakase experience at home with this sushi kit, featuring fresh ingredients flown directly from fish markets in Japan.
Chiya Chai: Sip your way into a happy new year with chai packages at this Logan Square spot, like the spicy Paleswan or the sweet and tart Arniko. Pair with hearty dinner options like pork vindaloo for the ultimate Nepalese celebration.