Trends come and go, and that extends to our stomachs. We sampled pickles in a blanket and sipped on purple milkshakes in 2023, and Chicagoans found new restaurants they loved, or frequented old haunts. While it's impossible to know for sure what funky flavors or dining experiences will pop up in the new year, the Tribune asked chefs and restaurant owners in Chicago, many of whom are considered the best and most innovative in the business, about how they expect the city's food scene to evolve in 2024. From a focus on transparent pricing and social equity to an emphasis on fun, photogenic ingredients, here are some of their top predictions. And maybe, just maybe, "girl dinner" is here to stay. Tap on our bio link to read more. — Photo 1: Soulé Punch, left, and the non-alcoholic Soulé Punch, right, at Soulé (@soulechicago) in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood on Feb. 14, 2023. Photo 2: Co-owner Cecilia Cuff is seen at Bronzeville Winery (@bronzevillewinery) on Cottage Grove Avenue in Chicago on July 13, 2022. Photo 3: Won Kim, chef at the Chicago restaurant Kimski (@kimskichicago), in 2022. Photo 4: Server Be'Anna Clark delivers wine flights to diners at Bronzeville Winery in Chicago on May 17, 2023. ? Rebecca Johnson / Chicago Tribune ? Chris Sweda, Terrence Antonio James and John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune / @johnkimpictures

Trends come and go, and that extends to our stomachs. We sampled pickles in a blanket and sipped on purple milkshakes in 2023, and Chicagoans found new restaurants they loved, or frequented old haunts.

While it's impossible to know for sure what funky flavors or dining experiences will pop up in the new year, the Tribune asked chefs and restaurant owners in Chicago, many of whom are considered the best and most innovative in the business, about how they expect the city's food scene to evolve in 2024.

From a focus on transparent pricing and social equity to an emphasis on fun, photogenic ingredients, here are some of their top predictions. And maybe, just maybe, "girl dinner" is here to stay.

Tap on our bio link to read more.

—

Photo 1: Soulé Punch, left, and the non-alcoholic Soulé Punch, right, at Soulé (@soulechicago) in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood on Feb. 14, 2023.

Photo 2: Co-owner Cecilia Cuff is seen at Bronzeville Winery (@bronzevillewinery) on Cottage Grove Avenue in Chicago on July 13, 2022.

Photo 3: Won Kim, chef at the Chicago restaurant Kimski (@kimskichicago), in 2022.

Photo 4: Server Be'Anna Clark delivers wine flights to diners at Bronzeville Winery in Chicago on May 17, 2023.

? Rebecca Johnson / Chicago Tribune
? Chris Sweda, Terrence Antonio James and John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune / @johnkimpictures