The restaurant scene is looking up in downtown Winnetka, with a number of exciting new contenders sticking it out in these uncertain times.
501 LOCAL
Global
The gorgeous walled-in patio of this appealing global-cuisine resto is especially relevant now. Small plates shine here, especially the fried Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms and the refreshing Shrimp Ceviche.
501 Chestnut St., Winnetka, 847-784-1444, 501local.com
AVLI WINNETKA
Greek
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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, avli.us
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. Expansive covered patio for rain or shine eating.
574 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, 847-496-3733, fredswinnetka.com
GRATEFUL BITES PIZZA SHOPPE
Pizza
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Owners Matt and Sarah Halack began at local farmers markets, but have progressed to brick and mortar, much to our delight., and it’s a wonderful family spot. The Elotes Pizza is quite extraordinary, and that sourdough crust! Yum.
899 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, 847-386-9141, gratefulbites.com
ABOYER / GEORGE TROIS
French
Jean Banchet Award-winning Chef Michael Lachowicz has two restaurants here under one roof: Aboyer, a contemporary French-American bistro, and George Trois, a jewel box of a gastronomic experience with an innovative, classical French-inspired tasting menu.
64 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, 847-441-3100, georgetroisgroup.com
LITTLE LAN’S
Szechwan and Mandarin Chinese
Expansive Chinese menu for dining in or carry out/delivery.
544 Chestnut St., Winnetka, 847-446-9988, littlelans.com
LITTLE RICKY’S
American Comfort Food
This longtime North Shore meeting place is still serving up their signature ribs, burgers, huge salads and more. The food is dependable; great for families.
540 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka, 847-784-1444, littlerickysrestaurant.com
MINO’S
Italian
Who says you can’t find great Italian food north of Belmont? Mino’s bucks the trend with their authentic pastas (don’t miss the Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe or the Tagliatelle alla Bolognese), crisp wood-fired pizzas, and appealing starters. Among the entrees, the Branzino with loads of citrus and arugula, is a standout.
985 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, 847-386-6053, minositalian.com
ONCE UPON A BAGEL
Deli
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Don’t be intimidated by the bounteous deli menu; it’s all tasty. It’s a good idea to know what you want going in or you will spend the better part of the day weighing the options. There’s also surprising depth in the Mexican grill items as well.
1052 Gage St., Winnetka, 847-784-1411, onceuponabagel.com
SPIRIT ELEPHANT
Vegan
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This vegan restaurant has few challengers in Winnetka, or on the North Shore. The menu is plant-based, largely local and organic, and very creative — especially the inspired desserts. Don’t miss their beautifully balanced cocktails and mocktails.
924 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, 847-348-9000, spiritelephantrestaurant.com
TOCCO
Italian
Napoli-born Chef Bruno Abate knows that great ingredients speak for themselves. Classic, simple Italian food, beautifully prepared.
507 Chestnut St., Winnetka, 847-386-6955, tocconorth.com
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Julie Chernoff, 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 counts Northlight Theatre and Les Dames d’Escoffier International as two of her favorite nonprofits. She currently serves on the national board of MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, an advocacy group addressing hunger issues in the U.S. and Israel for the nearly 46 million people — veterans, children, seniors, tribal nations, and more — who go to bed hungry every night.
