Sikia returns, bringing upscale dining and culinary training to Englewood
Sikia returns to Englewood after five-year closure
After a five-year closure, including a pandemic-induced hiatus in 2020, Sikia is back in business.
CHICAGO - After a five-year closure, including a pandemic-induced hiatus in 2020, Sikia is back in business.
The Chicago restaurant, which serves as both a dining destination and a training ground for future chefs, has reopened at Kennedy-King College’s Washburne Culinary and Hospitality Institute.
What we know:
City Colleges of Chicago and Kennedy-King College celebrated Sikia’s grand reopening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday. The restaurant has deep roots in Black history.
The space received a full refresh, but its core mission remains unchanged—offering real-world restaurant experience to culinary students while bringing high-quality dining to Englewood.
The menu features upscale dishes, all prepared by students. Guests can start with crab cakes or French onion soup, followed by options like skirt steak, branzino, or shepherd’s pie.
"Yes, it is white tablecloth service. Yes, we went bold on the furniture. It’s neutral. Yes, it's stable. And I say that because just because we're in Englewood doesn't mean that we shouldn't and cannot have immensely nice things," said Jewel Mideau, executive dean of Washburne Culinary and Hospitality Institute.
What's next:
Sikia is now open for lunch service Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Reservations are required, and a three-course meal costs $17.