If you live on the North Shore, you’re surrounded by beautiful homes, lush parks, great schools and, of course, our magnificent Lake Michigan. But you might not realize that Winnetka and Northfield, in the heart of the North Shore, are a foodie destination in and of themselves, filled with fabulous restaurants and food purveyors that you really need to check out. Here are some (but not all!) of our favorites:
Avli Estiatorio
Simply the top Greek restaurant in the Midwest. Owner Louis Alexakis confounds tired tropes of Greek cuisine with fresh and exciting regional Greek specialties — like Corfu-Style Lobster Pasta or the Braised Pork Shoulder with Avgolemeno Sauce — and an all-Greek wine list. Save room for the Whipped Yogurt Mousse with fig syrup, a healthy dessert that feels indulgent. Laundry Mall, 566 Chestnut St., Winnetka, 847-446-9300
Read our review here.
Café Buongiorno
The Make It Better staff’s favorite lunch spot offers hearty seasonal soups, enormous fluffy omelettes and many Greek specialties. And those milkshakes! Laundry Mall, 566 Chestnut St., Winnetka, 847-784-8899
Good Grapes
Tired of wine snobs? Owner Theresa Lucas knows her wines, and shares that knowledge with you in a way that educates and informs rather than belittles. Grab a glass for now or a bottle for later! 821 Chestnut St., Winnetka, 847-242-9800
Hofherr Meat Co.
Sean Hofherr follows in his German great-great-grandfather’s footsteps at this appealing butcher shop, where you’ll find restaurant-quality meat sourced from Midwestern family-run farms. His inventive sausages and deli-counter offerings are highlights. 300 S. Happ Road, Northfield, 847-441-MEAT
Mrs. Green’s Natural Market
I’m loving this eye-pleasing new food market in Hubbard Woods. You’ll find aisles filled to bursting with all manner of healthy, organic and local products, including an enormous variety of gluten-free options. Prepared dishes are a highlight, as is the store-made Cosmic Cookie. 925 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, 847-716-9064
Restaurant Michael & George Trois
Classically trained chef Michael Lachowicz’ French cuisine fine-dining gem is joined by his newest offering, George Trois, a restaurant within the restaurant. You can taste the influence of star chefs Jean Banchet and Roland Liccioni, both mentors to Lachowicz. An exquisite dining experience. 64 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, 847-441-3100
Stacked & Folded
Stacked & Folded is quickly becoming Make It Better’s go-to office lunch place. Chef/owner Josh Keating brings in non-GMO meats from Hofherr (see above) and preps everything fresh daily. Choose from Stacked (sandwiches) faves like the Bulgogi Cheese Steak or the Folded specialties (tacos) such as the Cajun Salmon with slaw, avocado and chipotle crema. Note: the Sweet Potato Fries are crazy delicious. 551 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka, 847-386-9100
Taco Nano
Chef Freddy Sanchez and his staff are churning out some of the best tacos in all of Chicagoland. Don’t miss the Turkey Picadillo and Sea of Cortez fish tacos, topped with some of their chunky guacamole. A taste sensation! Read more here. 1743 Orchard Lane, Northfield, 847-386-7159
Taste on Chestnut
Already an Open Table “Diner’s Choice” winner, chef/owner Steve Levitan’s cozy resto is the neighborhood haunt of choice for many who love the expertly crafted cocktails, inventive cuisine and friendly vibe. The Crab Cake with corn and smoked bacon, seasonal Short Rib preparation, and the Pan-Roasted Salmon are must-orders. 505 Chestnut St., Winnetka, 847-441-0134
Three Tarts Bakery
The combined talents of chef/owners Kate Rooney and Anne Heinz make this your go-to source for gorgeous special occasion cakes, decorated cookies, cupcakes, breads and made-to-order sandwiches. It’s an all-butter bakery, today and always. A perennial on the Make It Better Best Bakery list. 301 Happ Road, Winnetka, 847-446-5444
