The 2026 Culinary Guide is HERE!
via After
Buckle up Chicago foodies, the brand new 2026 Dine-It-4ward Culinary Guide is about to arrive for another year of jaw-dropping deals at over 100+ Chicago restaurants! We are thrilled to welcome back an abundance of past culinary guide participants as well as welcome in some fresh new restaurant faces onto the scene.
⭐ NEW TO THE GUIDE ⭐
After {1338 West Fulton Street, Chicago, IL}
Tucked away at the very west end of Fulton Market sits After, a laid back cocktail lounge serving up specialty handcrafted drinks, feel good music and welcoming hospitality. Their cocktail list is constantly evolving, rotating and pushing the boundaries, which means there is always something new and exciting to try! Pair your specialty sips with impressive elevated bar bites and enjoy the good life at After. With a purchase of the 2026 Culinary Guide, diners can enjoy the offer of *$20 off when you spend $60 or more*!
ambar {700 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL; 312.547.1700}
River North’s ambar brings a taste of the Balkans to Chicago, blending the rich traditions of Balkan cuisine with new and innovative twists. Bold, bright + savory flavors encompass every dish, making a night out at ambar a unique and adventurous experience every time. Along with exclusive à la carte, vegan, vegetarian + allergy inclusive menus, ambar also offers the unique option of enjoying an unlimited brunch, lunch or dinner menu for a fixed cost. With a purchase of the 2026 Culinary Guide, diners can enjoy the offer of *buy one dish, get one free* from the à la carte menu exclusively!
via La Serre
La Serre {307 North Green Street, Chicago, IL; 312.500.1128}
Inspired by the coastal cuisines of the Mediterranean and French Riviera, a day or night out to La Serre is truly an experience for all the senses. Their colorful greenhouse interior laden with bohemian décor is the perfect backdrop for diving into seasonal French-Mediterranean cuisine and balanced, bright cocktails. With a purchase of the 2026 Culinary Guide, diners can enjoy*$20 off when you spend $60 or more*!
Mesler Kitchen {1401 East 53rd Street, Chicago, IL; 773.289.1005}
We are always on the lookout for quality hotel restaurants and we’ve recently found a gem in SOPHY Hotel’s Mesler Kitchen. Located in the heart of the historic Hyde Park neighborhood, Mesler is an elevated American bar and restaurant open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between. Their art-inspired interior is a welcoming space to enjoy a meal and the patio sanctuary provides a reprieve from the daily grind. With a purchase of the 2026 Culinary Guide, diners can enjoy the offer of *$20 off when you spend $60 or more*!
Professor Pizza {1374 West Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL; 312.877.1907}
A professor of pizza is one teaching job that every Chicagoan could get behind, but we’ll leave it to the pizza master himself, Tony Scardino. He and his team have spent a lifetime perfecting the styles and art of pizza-making so that diners can enjoy the most unforgettable pizza experience in the city. Professor Pizza is continually in the running for best pizza in Chicago thanks to using special, homemade pizza sauce, fresh local ingredients and introducing us to the famous ‘Grandma-Style’ pie with an olive oil fried bottom. With a purchase of the 2026 Culinary Guide, diners can enjoy the offer of *buy one dish, get one free*!
via The Goddess & Grocer
⭐ OLDIES BUT GOODIES ⭐
The Goddess & Grocer {Multiple Locations}
Goddess & Grocer is a Chicago cafe staple, offering everything from specialty coffees + pastries, hot breakfast + lunches, premade meals to-go, wine + spirits, decadent desserts and even some cute home décor to brighten your day. With locations in Bucktown, Gold Coast and Fulton Market, Goddess can be enjoyed all over the city for all your daytime meal needs. Be sure to check out their constantly rotating seasonal + holiday specials. With a purchase of the 2026 Culinary Guide, diners can enjoy the offer of *buy one sandwich, get one free*!
Big Star {Multiple Locations)
Big Star is a ‘came for the killer margs + tacos, stayed for the laidback honkey-tonk vibes’ type of restaurant. With three Chicago locations (Wicker Park, West Town & Wrigleyville), Big Star has been a beloved Chicago staple for years. The vibes (and music!) are always high, the tacos + margs are always fresh and the Kentucky bourbon program is unlike any other - with 20 exclusive house barrel selections offered. With a purchase of the 2026 Culinary Guide, diners can enjoy the offer of *buy three tacos, get three free*!
via NOMI
NoMI {800 Michigan Avenue 7th Floor, Chicago, IL; 312.239.4030}
Elevated in every way, NoMI is the Park Hyatt’s elegant 7th floor restaurant and bar featuring a menu of elevated New American fare and an exquisite cocktail + wine list. Their expansive floor to ceiling windows provide unparalleled views of Michigan Avenue and Lake Michigan, while the secluded rooftop garden patio gives off the illusion of floating amongst the skyscrapers. NoMI offers an abundance of dining options, including breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and numerous seasonal and holiday events. With a purchase of the 2026 Culinary Guide, diners can enjoy the offer of *$20 off when you spend $60 or more*!
Formento's Italian Steakhouse {925 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL; 312.690.7295}
Formento’s is your go-to spot for cozy and authentic Italian cuisine in the West Loop. Their chic, space boasts an interior perfect for group dining, a bustling bar + lounge area to unwind with drinks, as well as an intimate sidewalk patio for a romantic evening. Formento’s menu highlights family recipes, homemade pastas and cuts of steak alongside an outstanding beverage list. With a purchase of the 2026 Culinary Guide, diners can enjoy the offer of *buy one entrée, get one free*!
Gotham Bagels {Multiple Locations}
Dive into quality, hand-rolled New York bagels in Chicago at one of Gotham Bagels 4 city locations. Every bagel is made fresh daily, by hand, using high quality ingredients, traditional cooking methods and classic equipment. Gotham Bagels offers over a dozen bagel varieties to choose from as well as mouthwatering bagel sandwiches. With a purchase of the 2026 Culinary Guide, diners can enjoy the offer of *buy six bagels, get seven free*!
TenGoku Aburiya {651 West Washington Boulevard, Chicago, IL; 312.846.6633}
Affordable sushi isn’t an oxymoron, it’s just a delicious meal at TenGoku Aburiya. Led by Michelin-starred Chef Sangtae Park, TenGoku is an unpretentious Japanese restaurant highlighting kushiyakis (traditional Japanese noodle dishes), donburi, izakaya, and high-caliber sushi rolls. They are open for lunch, dinner, happy hour and an exclusive all-you-can-eat weekend brunch. With a purchase of the 2026 Culinary Guide, diners can enjoy the offer of *buy three izakaya, get two free*!
Pre-order your 2026 Dine-It-4ward Culinary Guide now and receive it in time for the holidays!
You can start using your Guide after January 1, 2026
By Robyn Glaza | Market Manager