Clarendon Hills is planning its first Restaurant Week, which will feature 11 of the village’s eateries from April 23 to May 4.
The promotion is sponsored by the Clarendon Hills Chamber of Commerce, which came up with the idea during planning of 2025 social events for Chamber members by the organization’s Networking Committee.
“During brainstorming, the idea of Clarendon Hill Restaurant Week emerged as a way to showcase local restaurants and attract more visitors to enjoy the town’s dining and shopping experiences, and see what our town has to offer,” said Meredith Lannert, a Chamber of Commerce board member.
“In the past, our town may not have had enough dining options to support a Restaurant Week. But now, with 11 fantastic restaurants eager to participate, we’re thrilled to bring this event to life and support them.”
Participating restaurants are Country House, Brama La Pizza, Ginger Wasabi Restaurant & Bar, Il Mio, Tierra Distilling Co and Cafe, The Open Door Taproom & Bottle Shop, Village Gourmet Cafe & Catering, Little Creperie, Zaza’s, Domino’s Pizza, and Sakura Nami Japanese Restaurant.
Lannert said the Chamber’s Networking Committee has been working hard with restaurants to develop a solid plan, execute effective marketing and successfully launch the village’s first Restaurant Week.
“While restaurant weeks often take place in winter, we couldn’t wait another year,” Lannert said. “We’re hoping Mother Nature cooperates as we use this event to kick off the outdoor dining season as well.”
Rich Ciota, owner and chef at Il Mio, 30 S. Prospect Ave., said he is excited to be part of the first Restaurant Week in Clarendon Hills.
“This event offers a wonderful opportunity to highlight the vibrant culinary scene in our community,” he said. As a local business, we’re passionate about delivering outstanding food and service, and we look forward to welcoming both new and familiar faces.
“It’s a chance for us to showcase the warmth and charm that make Clarendon Hills such a unique dining destination. We hope this event sparks continued growth and enthusiasm for our local restaurants for years to come.”
Katie Corcoran, general manager of Country House, 241 55th St., which has been open since 1974, also believes Restaurant Week is a great idea.
“We’re super excited about it,” she said. “It’s a great way for the community to come together, and we’ll be able to showcase some of our stuff that people may not know about.”
Corcoran said she and her staff are working on a special menu for Restaurant Week, which will be offered, along with the regular menu.
Village President Eric Tech said he is excited about the Chamber’s new effort to encourage and promote local dining.
“Having a successful and growing restaurant base is a key part of our strategy to increase the village’s tax base and revitalize our downtown,” he said. “(I’m) looking forward to trying out some of the new menus.”
Village Manager Zach Creer said Clarendon Hills isn’t always the easiest place to find, so anything that drives traffic and interest to the village is great.
“It’s particularly fantastic so many of the restaurants are willing to participate,” he said.
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
