The second annual Clarendon Hills Restaurant Week runs Thursday through April 19, with nine village businesses participating.
Sponsored by the Clarendon Hills Chamber of Commerce, the event was started last year because the roster of restaurants in the village has grown over the past few years, said chamber representative Meredith Lannert.
“We wanted to showcase the restaurants to attract diners from outside of Clarendon Hills,” she said. “A Restaurant Week is a great way to remind people how many great dining options we have right here in Clarendon Hills.
“Restaurant Week is really about creating energy — giving residents a reason to try somewhere new, revisit a favorite, and support small businesses,” Lannert said. “Now that we will all be coming out of hibernation, it felt like a great time of year to encourage locals to come out and enjoy our fantastic restaurants.”
She said there was positive feedback for the 2025 Restaurant Week, and the same nine restaurants that participated a year ago are filling the bill again.
“Next year, we should have a few more, as there are a few restaurants in the works,” Lannert said.
She said there is one change from last year’s Restaurant Week.
“This year, we’re taking a broader and more flexible approach to participation,” Lannert said. “Rather than requiring formal prix fixe menus, we’ve opened the door for restaurants to participate in a way that works best for them, whether that’s highlighting a favorite dish, offering a casual special, or simply being featured as part of the week.”
Participating restaurants are:
Il Mio, 30 S. Prospect Ave.; Tierra Distillery, 211 Burlington Ave.; Open Door, 20 S. Prospect Ave.; Brama La Pizza, 34 S. Prospect Ave.; Sakura Nami, 439 E. Ogden Ave.; Wasabi, 31 S. Prospect Ave.; Country House, 241 55th St.; Little Creperie, 95 Park Ave.; and Village Gourmet, 23 S. Prospect Ave.
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Rich Ciota, owner of Il Mio, said Restaurant Week is important to both restaurants and other businesses in the village. He estimated that during last year’s event, 60% of customers came from outside Clarendon Hills.
“It’s a very good way to bring people here, and I think Clarendon Hills is a hidden gem,” he said. “It’s good for my restaurants and other restaurants in town.”
Brandon Getchel, owner of Tierra Distillery, said Restaurant Week represents the growth of Clarendon Hills as a culinary destination.
“I’m super excited to participate in the second annual Restaurant Week,” he said. “The walkability of our downtown or a short drive down Prospect Avenue makes hopping from spot to spot incredibly easy and promises a perfect afternoon or evening of fun.”
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.