Flavor Forward: Fulton Market Scores a Global Restaurant Wave — Plus a Grocery-Anchored Tower Breaks Ground on Jackson

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Near West Side · July 19, 2026

Near West Side neighbors, your inner foodie is about to have a very good summer. Fulton Market is welcoming a remarkable wave of new dining concepts that signal just how far your neighborhood's culinary scene has come — and how much further it's headed.

First up, Osaka Nikkei has officially landed in Fulton Market, bringing its celebrated Peruvian-Japanese fusion to Chicago for just its second U.S. outpost. The globally acclaimed restaurant — with locations in Lima, Miami, Bogotá, and Dubai — is serving up standouts like wasabi ceviche, braised short rib gyūdon, and crispy tumbo shrimp in a sprawling 150-plus-seat space that's already turning heads. Meanwhile, acclaimed chef Jimmy Papadopoulos has made his long-awaited return to the restaurant scene with Black Briar, a bold American tavern now open at 201 N. Morgan St. in the heart of Fulton Market. And Asian fusion favorite Urbanbelly has quietly closed its decade-long Wicker Park home and promptly reopened right here in Fulton Market, bringing its beloved hot chicken bao buns, chicken wonton ramen, and udon noodles with bulgogi to new neighbors.

On the development front, demo permits have been issued for 1016 W. Jackson — clearing the way for a major mixed-use tower set to deliver 380 residential units and a brand-new grocery store to the neighborhood. More neighbors, more flavors, more community — the Near West Side is on a serious roll this July. Get out and explore what's new, and follow Socialhood for all the latest updates!

Sources:
1. https://www.modernluxury.com/most-anticipated-chicago-restaurant-openings/
2. https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago/guides/new-chicago-restaurant-openings
3. https://chicago.urbanize.city/