What Should You Know About Arla Chicago? – Chicago’s dining scene is buzzing with the arrival of Arla, a stunning new rooftop restaurant blending Mediterranean and Japanese cuisines in the heart of the Gold Coast. Here’s your complete guide.
What Is Arla Chicago?
Arla is a new 8,500-square-foot Mediterranean-Japanese rooftop restaurant located on the sixth floor of the former Barneys New York building at 15 East Oak Street in Chicago’s prestigious Gold Coast neighborhood. It fuses seaside Mediterranean flavors with refined Japanese techniques, emphasizing fresh seafood, vibrant vegetarian options, live-fire hearth proteins, and a curated sushi and raw bar.
From the team behind popular spots like Adalina Italian and Adalina Prime, Arla officially opened on June 18, 2026, offering breathtaking skyline and Lake Michigan views from its indoor dining room and two open-air terraces.
Chef Soo Ahn and the Hospitality Included Team
Leading the kitchen is Michelin-starred Chef Soo Ahn, who earned his star at Band of Bohemia and gained national attention on Season 21 of Top Chef. Ahn brings precision and creativity to Arla, seamlessly blending the two culinary traditions based on shared respect for high-quality ingredients.
The restaurant is part of Hospitality Included, the collective formed by the Adalina team, known for beautiful, high-end dining experiences.
Signature Menu Highlights at Arla Chicago
Arla’s menu celebrates coastal cuisines with inventive fusion dishes:
- Raw bar and sushi selections, including Japanese yellowtail crudo with fennel and sesame, tzatziki salmon maki, and a luxurious caviar sando on shokupan milk bread.
- Mezze and small plates like Japanese-inspired hummus with nori and furikake, charred scallion pita with burnt dashi butter, and crab spanakopita.
- Live-fire hearth highlights: Charred octopus with gigante beans, citrus-marinated skirt steak with nori salsa, grilled cod with crispy enoki and miso, and whole roasted cauliflower with black lime crust.
- Specialties such as lamb chops with hoisin glaze, housemade dumplings, and Japanese clay pot rice sourced directly from Japan.
The menu balances precision umami from Japanese techniques with the warmth and generosity of Mediterranean sharing plates, perfect for groups or romantic dinners.
Stunning Location and Ambiance
Perched above the bustling corner of Oak and Rush Streets, Arla offers some of the best views in Chicago. Two outdoor terraces (seating 60 combined) overlook Lake Michigan and Mariano Park, ideal for summer spritzes and people-watching. The design, by Offshoot Creative (behind Itoko and Rose Mary), features an open, inviting space without curtains to maximize natural light and city vistas.
Whether dining indoors or alfresco, the ambiance is sophisticated yet approachable, making it a prime spot for both locals and visitors.
Hours, Reservations, and Practical Info
Arla serves dinner daily with the following hours:
- Monday–Thursday: 4 p.m. – Midnight
- Friday–Saturday: 4 p.m. – 1 a.m.
- Sunday: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Reservations are highly recommended and can be made via their website or platforms like OpenTable/DoorDash Reservations. Visit the official Arla Chicago website for the latest details and to book your table.
Why Arla Chicago Is a Must-Visit in 2026?
In a competitive Gold Coast dining corridor near icons like Gibsons and Maple & Ash, Arla stands out with its unique culinary concept, spectacular setting, and chef-driven excellence. It’s more than just a meal—it’s an experience that highlights Chicago’s vibrant food scene and brings fresh energy to the neighborhood.
Whether you’re a foodie seeking innovative fusion, looking for impressive views, or planning a special occasion, Arla delivers on all fronts.