Behind the Scenes of Chicago Restaurant Week with Chef Francesco Simone aboard City Cruises Chicago.
Only steps away from the Magnificent Mile, just east along the Chicago Riverwalk, Francesco Simone, executive chef at City Cruises Chicago, will be preparing a 3-course plated lunch or dinner for hundreds of diners every day during the 2026 Chicago Restaurant Week. During select dates in January and February, you can embark on a dining experience like no other aboard Chicago Restaurant Week Dining Cruise at an exclusive Chicago Restaurant Week price starting at $30. This unique experience is even a featured event on Choose Chicago! Let’s dive in to see what all the hype is about.
What’s Your Plan for Chicago Restaurant Week 2026?
Start Your Dining Experience with Starters, Sights, and Sips
This isn’t a typical restaurant experience. Instead of dim lights and wall art views, when stepping on the Odyssey Chicago River, you are struck by large, full-length, 270-degree windows where the city’s architecture is on full display. Throughout the course of your cruise, the Chicago skyline will tower over you as your table lights up in the sky. Change into your dressy attire and come out on the water to enjoy upscale dining, live entertainment, and stunning skyline views on the water.
At first, you’ll be entranced by the ambiance, but there isn’t much time for gawking. After the host greets you, you’re whisked away to your table to begin your meal service. Led by our polished tableside servers, it won’t be long until you have a drink in hand. From our curated beverage menu, your waiter will serve your selection from the unlimited coffee, tea, or water included in your meal ticket, one of our delicious creative cocktails from our cash bar, or a sommelier-paired wine by the glass or bottle. Consider this just the beginning of the evening’s culinary experience.
Chicago Restaurant Week Menu
Celebrate Chicago Restaurant Week 2026 with a specially curated three-course dinner menu that showcases seasonal ingredients and thoughtful culinary craft. City Cruises’ Chef Francesco has an instinctive skill in devising appealing menus to satisfy a wide range of taste buds, ranging from sophisticated gourmet main courses to delicious add-ons. Simone admits that when cooking, he feels the most rewarded after simply seeing the delighted reactions of guests enjoying his food.
Guests will begin with their choice of a vibrant Butternut Squash and Kale Salad with aged white cheddar and Marcona almonds, or a comforting Cauliflower and Leek Chowder enriched with Yukon Gold potatoes and smoked chili oil.
For the main course, selections include an exclusive Pappardelle featuring fennel sausage and bright Amatriciana sauce; delicate Atlantic Striped Bass with Castelvetrano olives and braised cannellini; Buttermilk-Brined Chicken Breast served with mustard-glazed potatoes, artichokes, Brussels sprouts, and apricot preserves; or a vegetarian Potato Gnocchi with Tomato Ragu complemented by rosemary whipped ricotta and shaved Parmigiano Reggiano, with a vegan option available upon request.
Top of your specialty meal, enjoy a classic Tiramisu with whipped mascarpone and espresso, or a refreshing bowl of Mixed Berries and Pineapple spritzed with lime and mint. This menu offers vibrant flavors for every palate, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-sensitive options.
Celebrate a Special Event with City Cruises on the Chicago River
No part of the experience is overlooked. Make this exclusive dining experience with City Cruises Chicago even more memorable by purchasing a boarding photo as a thoughtful souvenir or upgrading to an open bar for unlimited cocktails and wine from our extensive roster of drinks, which, like the menu, cater to a wide range of tastes. Special events are often celebrated around our dinner tables, so let us know if you’re dining for a special occasion. There may be a celebratory dessert or romance packages available to help make the evening extra special.
No matter the occasion, a Chicago Restaurant Week Dining Cruise is sure to create an unforgettable dining journey. Experience premier dining like you never have, immersed in the city’s beautiful sights and indulged in delicious food and gracious service. It’s no wonder Chicago Food Magazine picked our lunch and dinner cruises as “Top Picks for Chicago Restaurant Week 2025.” Reserve your spot today!
FAQS – Chicago Restaurant Week 2026
What is Chicago Restaurant Week?
Chicago Restaurant Week is an annual culinary event where participating restaurants offer special prix fixe menus at a discounted price. It celebrates the city’s diverse dining scene, showcasing a wide range of cuisines and dining experiences.
When does Chicago Restaurant Week take place?
Typically, it takes place in late January and early February. Specific dates are announced each year.
How do I participate in Chicago Restaurant Week?
Simply choose from the list of participating restaurants and make a reservation. Walk-ins are welcome at some locations, but reservations are highly recommended.
How do I make reservations for a City Cruises Restaurant Week Dining Cruise?
You can book your spot onboard by visiting the City Experiences website, selecting one of the product choices in the “Featured in this post” section, or booking through Events.com.
What types of menus are available?
Restaurants offer prix fixe menus for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Prices are usually fixed, and multiple courses are included.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options available?
Many restaurants offer vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary accommodations. Check the menus or contact the restaurant directly to confirm.
How can I stay updated on Chicago Restaurant Week news and announcements?
You can follow “Chicago Restaurant Week” on social media and sign up for newsletters on their official website. You can also explore more details and browse participating restaurants and menus.
Original Post Date: January 11, 2023