The "Where Should We Go?" Guide: Chicago’s Best New Private Dining Rooms (2026 Edition)

by Craig Hogan & Rudy Zavala

Chicago’s Best New Private Dining Rooms (2026 Edition)

As Realtors, we're asked "What’s new?" every single day. Whether you're celebrating a home closing or hosting a corporate retreat, the venue sets the tone. Crain’s Chicago Business just dropped its 2026 list of the best private dining rooms, and it’s a winner with a focus on style and service.

Here are the six spots their team called out:

🍝 Carmine’s (Gold Coast)

The Neighborhood: Gold Coast / 1043 N. Rush St.

The Vibe: The legendary institution is back and better than ever in its brand-new building. The private rooms here are the crown jewel of the relaunch.

Why We Love It: It’s the perfect blend of Chicago history and modern luxury. If you have clients who want that "Old Chicago" power-player feel with a fresh, 2026 upgrade, this is it. We were waiting what seemed like forever to see this one come back.

The Grand Private Dining Suite at Carmines — Carmines Restaurant Group. Crain's Chicago

🌶️ Crying Tiger (River North)

The Neighborhood: River North / 51 W. Hubbard St.

The Vibe: Bold, vibrant, and unapologetically cool.

Why We Love It: This is where you take the group that wants energy. Their private spaces mirror the restaurant's Thai-inspired neon aesthetic. It’s a "vibe" through and through—great for younger homeowners or creative teams.

The neon soaked private dining area at Crying Tiger — Lettuce Entertain You. Crain's Chicago

🍷 Avec (West Loop/Fulton Market)

The Neighborhood: West Loop

The Vibe: Minimalist, warm, and iconic.

Why We Love It: Avec has always been a staple, but their private dining program in 2026 has been elevated to an art form. It feels like an intimate Mediterranean escape hidden right in the middle of our industrial-chic West Loop.

Sleek, wood paneled private room at Avec — One Off Hospitality. Crain's Chicago

🇫🇷 Petite Edith (River North)

The Neighborhood: River North

The Vibe: Parisian charm meets Chicago sophistication.

Why We Love It: The sister restaurant to the beloved Edith’s, this space is incredibly photogenic. The private room is intimate and draped in velvet—perfect for a high-end rehearsal dinner or an exclusive "thank you" dinner for a VIP client.

The Velvet Draped Candlelit Room at Petite Edith — Petite Edith. Crain's Chicago

🥩 Trino’s (West Loop)

The Neighborhood: West Loop

The Vibe: Latin-inspired steakhouse luxury.

Why We Love It: Trino’s is the new powerhouse on the block. Their private rooms—Trino Norte and Sur—can be combined for larger galas or kept separate for a private, agave-fueled steak dinner. It’s sophisticated and masculine.

The Trino Sur Room — Stephan Sandoval. Crain's Chicago

🎨 Mosaic (Museum Park/South Loop)

The Neighborhood: South Loop

The Vibe: Artistic, globally-inspired, and bright.

Why I Love It: The South Loop is booming, and Mosaic is the culinary heart of it. Their private space feels like an art gallery. For our clients moving into the new high-rises nearby, this is their new "living room."

The light-filled Mosaic Dining Room — Mosaic. Crain's Chicago

Our Take: In 2026, Chicago isn't just back—it’s better. These rooms represent the resilience and creativity of our city's dining scene. If you need help or want to know which neighborhood matches your lifestyle, you know who to call. 🥂

Bon appétit,