River North's Hottest New Tables: Gingie and Akiro Are Bringing World-Class Flavors to Your Neighborhood

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Near North · June 25, 2026

Near North neighbors, your neighborhood's culinary credentials just leveled up — in a big way. Two buzzworthy new restaurants have landed in River North, and food lovers should absolutely be paying attention.

First up: Gingie, the brand-new concept from the legendary Boka Restaurant Group. James Beard Award–winning restaurateurs Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz have partnered with chef Brian Lockwood — best known as consulting chef for hit TV show *The Bear* — to bring this 150-seat restaurant to life. The menu is rooted in seasonal ingredients, live-fire cooking, and classical technique, anchored by shareable dishes and a thoughtfully composed à la carte experience. It marks Lockwood's first-ever brick-and-mortar restaurant debut, and River North gets to be his home base. Not bad, neighbors.

And if that weren't enough, Akiro has officially opened at 546 N. Wells St. — the first U.S. location of the Madrid-born Nikkei hand roll bar that earned acclaim as Spain's first of its kind. Launched in partnership with Chicago's own Éxodo Hospitality Group, Akiro brings a refined yet approachable lineup of nigiri and hand rolls crafted with Japanese seaweed, fresh fish, and rice. With the Taste of River North festival also on the horizon for July 17–18, this summer is shaping up to be a culinary golden age for Near North. Have you visited Gingie or Akiro yet? Drop your reviews in the Socialhood comments below and help your neighbors plan their next night out!

Sources:
1. https://www.modernluxury.com/new-best-restaurants-in-chicago/
2. https://chicagoevents.com/event/taste-of-river-north/