The dining scene on the North Shore — so many restaurants, so little time. We’ve made navigating that choice a little easier for you by aggregating our top favorites in one handy list. So what are you waiting for? Time to make some reservations and get down to some serious eating.
KEY: BLD (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner); Br (Brunch)
North Shore
Evanston
BANGERS & LACE Gastropub
If you’re a draft and craft beer fan that loves elevated bar food — including artisanal sausage — you’ve come to the right place. The original outpost is in Wicker Park. 810 Grove St., Evanston, 847-905-0854
D, Br
BLIND FAITH CAFÉ Vegetarian
For more than 30 years, they’ve been satisfying vegetarians, vegans, and those that love them with globally inspired dishes (Bi Bim Bop, Yellow Coconut Curry, Spinach Lasagna) and hearty baked goods. 525 Dempster St., Evanston, 847-328-6875
BLD, Br
BOLTWOOD Farm-to-Table
Whether for a power lunch or family dinner, Chef Brian Huston’s seasonally driven food draws a crowd. Order the Roasted Half Chicken and Crispy Potatoes with Garlic Schmaltz and thank us later. 804 Davis St., Evanston, 847-859-2880
LD, Br
THE BARN Contemporary American / Steakhouse
This sister restaurant to Found Kitchen has a speakeasy feel (it’s down a side alley), chic décor, and food that’s classic with a twist. Craft cocktails are top-notch. Rear 1016 Church St., Evanston, 847-868-8041
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CAMPAGNOLA Italian
Rustic Italian hits the spot at this longtime South Evanston favorite. Chef Vince Di Battista favors local, organic ingredients whenever possible. Pappardelle Bolognese here is some of the best around. 815 Chicago Ave., Evanston, 847-475-6100
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FIVE & DIME/LULU’S/TACO DIABLO American/Asian/Mexican
Owners Dan and Laura Kelch are back with a vengeance after a devastating fire closed the original Taco Diablo. Now across the street, they’ve got three highly energetic joints going at once: the pan-Asian Lulu’s; tequila-haven Taco Diablo; and indoor/outdoor hang-out spot Five & Dime. 1026 Davis St., Evanston, 847-859-6847
LD
FOUND KITCHEN AND SOCIAL HOUSE Farm-to-Table
Third-generation restaurateur Amy Morton and Chef Nicole Pederson are behind this creative restaurant with a distinctly urban flair. Feast on seasonally focused shared plates, locally sourced meat and produce, and inventive craft cocktails. 1631 Chicago Ave., Evanston, 847-868-8945
LD
HEARTH American
A welcome respite in a sea of deafening restaurants, Hearth offers a lovely dining experience, and carefully prepared, seasonal fare. Brunch is a highlight. 1625 Hinman Ave., Evanston, 847-570-8400
D, Br
KOI Chinese/Sushi
The menu at this stylish Downtown Evanston restaurant and lounge covers eight regions of China. In addition, find fresh and inventive sushi rolls, and great dim sum offerings at weekend brunch. 624 Davis St., Evanston, 847-866-6969
LD, Br
LA PRINCIPAL Mexican
This colorful taco palace pours a mean margarita, and the churros are a local treasure. Sister restaurant, eclectic diner The Lucky Platter, is one block east. 700 Main St., Evanston, 224-307-24444
BLD
NAKORN Modern Thai
This “Cosmopolitan Thai” resto is exactly where you need to eat. Clean, bright flavors pop big in craft cocktails and curries; not your average Thai menu, as the mouthwatering NY Strip Steak can attest. 1622 Orrington Ave., Evanston, 847-733-8424
LD
OCEANIQUE French/Seafood
Whether you opt for the 7-course Tasting Menu or the a la carte choices, it’s clear that Chef Mark Grosz has serious cooking chops. Pair your foie gras or lobster with something fine from their award-winning wine list. 505 Main St., Evanston, 847-864-3435
D
THE STAINED GLASS Wine Bar/Bistro
Wine-friendly cuisine inspired by global flavors keep this Evanston boite hopping. The Baked Artichoke and Rack of Lamb are longtime menu highlights. Wine flights available. 1735 Benson Ave., Evanston, 847-864-8600
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TEN MILE HOUSE BBQ/American Comfort Food
Families welcome at this North Evanston hangout, where juicy smoked brisket and BBQ ribs vie with a top-notch grilled cheese sandwich for your love. DB3 Donuts holds court next door on weekends only. 1700 Central St., Evanston, 847-905-0669
LD, Br
TERRA & VINE Italian
Celebrity restaurateur and sommelier Alpana Singh knows something about hospitality, and you’ll find it on display at this rustic Italian spot. Terrific bar and spacious private dining. 1701 Maple Ave., Evanston, 847-563-4333
LD, Br
UNION PIZZERIA Pizza
Pies from a wood-burning pizza oven just have that special something. We love the blistered thin crust pizzas and small antipasti plates here, and the Detroit-style square pizzas down the street at sister restaurant Union Squared. 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston, 847-475-2400
D, Br
Z BREAKFAST CLUB French/Breakfast
The dashing Pascal Berthoumieux, who also owns Patisserie Coralie a few blocks away, has opened the perfect spot for your breakfast or lunch meeting. Impeccable omelets, crêpes, skillets, croissants, and a perfect Croque Monsieur. 1512 Sherman Ave., Evanston, 847-859-2647
BL, Br
Glencoe
GUILDHALL Contemporary American
The bar is always packed at this lovely restaurant just a stone’s throw from Writers Theatre. Seasonal produce and local purveyors play an important part. 694 Vernon Ave., Glencoe, 847-835-8100
LD, Br
VALOR Mediterranean Bistro
Third time is the charm for this cozy bistro in downtown Glencoe. They score with serious craft cocktails and flavor-forward preparations of pasta, seafood, and meat. If the Plancha Octopus is available, don’t miss it! 667 Vernon Ave., Glencoe, 847-786-4324
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Highland Park/Highwood
ABIGAIL’S AMERICAN BISTRO Contemporary American
Chef Michael Paulsen’s big flavors deliver all the yummy and keep everyone happy, from the killer cheeseburger and Flash-Fried Brussels Sprouts to the Duck Confit Salad. Close to Ravinia. 493 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park, 847-780-4862
LD
Lake Forest/Lake Bluff
INOVASI Contemporary American
Separated into small, medium, and large plates of seasonal deliciousness, Chef John des Rosiers‘ food is also largely — and naturally — gluten-free. The burgers here are so good they get their own menu! 28 E. Center Ave., Lake Bluff, 847-295-1000
LD
MARKET HOUSE ON THE SQUARE Farm-to-Table
Local and seasonal are the watchwords here. So much so that Chef Dan Marquis and his brother Tim own Mill Road Farms in Sheffield, Illinois, and supply the restaurant with their organic produce. 655 Forest Ave., Lake Forest, 847-234-8800
LD, Br
Northbrook/Northfield
DI PESCARA Italian/Seafood
Northbrook Court’s go-to restaurant features Italian-inspired seafood and steaks, but also makes a mean sushi and an ice-cold martini of note. 2124 Northbrook Court, Northbrook, 847-498-4321
LD
HAPP INN BAR & GRILL American Comfort Food
Crazy busy at both lunch and dinner, longtime North Shore restaurateur Carlos Nieto’s Happ Inn tempts with great burgers, salads, flatbreads, and Mexican favorites. 305 Happ Road, Northfield, 847-784-9200
LD, Br
HOUSE 406 Contemporary American/Steakhouse
Yes, beef is a strong point here, but Chef Eloin Amador has a way with seafood, grilled pizza, soup, and salads as well. Save room for Jennifer Eisen’s Chocolate & Peanut Butter Lava Cake, or one of the beautiful Wisconsin Cheese Flights. 1143 1/2 Church St., Northbrook, 847-714-0200
LD
MESA URBANA Mexican
Its strip-mall locale belies what you’ll find within — modern Mexican cuisine with innovative takes on classics such as ceviche, empanadas, seafood, and more. The dazzling cocktails are made with only freshly squeezed juices. 3566 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook, 847-383-0700
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PRAIRIE GRASS CAFÉ Farm-to-Table
Chef/owners Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris are committed to using seasonal produce from local farms and meat and dairy from Midwestern producers, and all prepared with great care for maximum flavor. 601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook, 847-205-4433
LD, Br
Skokie
CHARCOAL OVEN Supper Club
For more than 60 years, this Greek-flavored supper club has been serving their famous Greek Chicken, steaks, and fresh fish dinners — complete with appetizer, salad, hot rolls, and family-style veggies — to North Shore patrons. 4400 Golf Road, Skokie, 847-675-8062
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LIBERTAD Pan-Latino
The warm flavors of Latin America are well represented at this cozy spot with an urban vibe. Small plates, reasonable prices, and beautifully prepared and presented food make this a must-visit spot. 7931 Lincoln Ave., Skokie, 847-674-8100
D, Br
ROKA AKOR Japanese
The food at Westfield Old Orchard mall took a step forward when this sushi and robata grill-centric restaurant opened a few years ago. Seafood is pristinely fresh and the grill infuses meats, fish, and veggies alike with smoky goodness. 4999 Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center, Skokie, 847-329-7650
LD, Br
Wilmette
CONVITO CAFÉ & MARKET French/Italian
Stroll through the gourmet market stocked with imported Italian delicacies, wines, and freshly prepared take-home foods to the charming bistro beyond. A lunch and brunch favorite. 1515 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, 847-251-3654
LD, Br
DEPOT NUEVO Mexican
Inventive margaritas and an enormous tequila selection accompany tasty tacos, burritos, and Carne Asada. Outdoor porch game strong. 1139 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette, 847-251-3111
D
FIREFLY KITCHEN American Bistro
Chef Dean Salerno brings a Brooklyn flair to the Midwest, with upscale comfort foods Mushroom Risotto, Seasonal Flatbreads, and Charcuterie Boards. 111 Green Bay Road, Wilmette, 224-408-2464
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NAPOLITA Pizza/Italian
The hand-tiled, Italian wood-burning oven in the corner lets you know they mean serious pizza business here, but the pastas, risottos, and salads hold their own. 1126 Central Ave., Wilmette, 224-215-0305
LD, Br
TORINO RAMEN Japanese
Operated by three Japanese women who missed traditional ramen, Torino offers deeply flavored broths with fresh ramen noodles, along with some seriously tasty fried chicken bites, gyoza, and other favorites. 1162 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette, 847-920-5075
LD
Winnetka
AVLI ESTIATORIO Greek
Owner Louis Alexakis brings authentic Greek cuisine to the North Shore, along with a terrific — and largely Greek — wine list, as well. Great indoor/outdoor patio. 566 Chestnut St., Winnetka, 847-446-9300
LD
FRED’S GARAGE American Comfort Food
Built in a repurposed and refurbished garage, Fred’s (from the owners of Evanston’s Ten Mile House) is a neighborhood restaurant with food you’ll crave — especially that super crispy fried chicken. 574 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, 847-496-3733
LD
GRATEFUL BITES PIZZA SHOPPE Pizza
Owners Matt and Sarah Halack began at local farmers markets, but have progressed to brick and mortar, much to our delight. The Elotes Pizza is quite extraordinary, and that sourdough crust! Yum. 899 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, 847-386-9141
LD
RESTAURANT MICHAEL French
Chef/proprietor Michael Lachowicz has long championed an elegant French dining experience, with spectacular food and exquisite service. From the opening salvo of Tuna & Salmon Tartare to the Hot Fallen Chocolate Soufflé, the food here never disappoints. 64 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, 847-441-3100
TRIFECTA GRILL Wine Bar
In the warmer months, there’s no better place to be than the secluded and spacious patio at this Winnetka favorite. Enjoy pizzas, salads, and small plates while sipping craft beers and wines from around the globe. 501 Chestnut St., Winnetka, 847-441-1700
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Julie Chernoff, Make It Better’s dining editor since its inception in 2007, graduated from Yale University with a degree in English — which she speaks fluently — and added a professional chef’s degree from the California Culinary Academy. She has worked for Boz Scaggs, Rick Bayless and Wolfgang Puck (not all at the same time); and sits on the boards of Les Dames d’Escoffier International and Northlight Theatre. She and husband Josh are empty nesters since adult kids Adam and Leah have flown the coop. Rosie the Cockapoo relishes the extra attention.
