New American Restaurants near Highland Park, IL

“Had a great dinner here before our concert at Ravinia. Our server, Tobyn, was friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient. We had the Roasted Beets with goat cheese fritters, the Rigatoni, and the Eggplant Flatbread. It was all delicious!! And what a fun winelist.“

“The hotel was only a half mile from the Chicago Botanic Garden which is where we were going to Lightscape. It was the perfect location, hotel was very clean and Rebekah the General Manager could not have been more helpful. I had a ticket issue which she resolved for me and she made sure I got the best room rate possible. All with a great smile on her face. I would highly recommend this hotel.“

“The perfect trifecta of amazing food, uncompromising service, and great value for an upscale and intimate restaurant in the North Shore area (Kenilworth, IL). Ask for Chick Evans and Rob when you arrive. Enjoy!“

“We had a wonderful dinner at Prairie Grass Cafe. The spring rolls were loaded with delicious perfectly cooked shrimp and the accompanying sauce (sweet chili with garlic and cilantro) plays nicely with them. The flounder with roasted carrots and parsnip-potato purée was as delicious as it looks. It was generously portioned and beautifully plated. We also enjoyed the mussels with parsley, shallots, and breadcrumbs pasta. My husband is Sicilian and it reminded us of the pasta con le sarde that we love to have in Sicily. The mussels were plump and delicious. The wine list is very nice. We found wines we really enjoyed and they were reasonably priced. We enjoyed the Attems, Pinot Grigio, Friuli, Italy ‘22 with our mussels and flounder, and the Fritz Haag, Riesling, Germany ‘21 with our pumpkin pie for dessert. Service was perfect.“

“Food : Buffalo Chicken Pizza and onion rings. Onion rings were really good and pizza was alright.
Beer: October fest and Honey blonde. Honey blonde was better than October fest.
Great outdoor seating area and loved the vibe. Vick served us and her energy is amazing!! Helped us with recommendations and was fast! overall good experience!“

“My first visit to Inovasi and it did not disappoint! Our server Lucia was fantastic- knowledgeable friendly and she helped me find just the right cocktail! We started with their delicious bread, and then had the crispy pork belly for appetizer. For entree we had a filet with shaved truffles and a blackened cod with lime and whipped edamame. Both were superb as was the dessert of flourless chocolate cake with raspberry purée and shipped goats cheese, and a pumpkin cheesecake. All was delicious, and the ambiance and decor was warm and inviting. We will be back!“

“Service was great food was hot tasted great work“

“I was in the NAVY at this time and family came to visit during A-School
An experience I would never ever forget. Just very nice and a great atmosphere. My family was very very happy to visit and be there. My Dad, Mom and oldest brother. Very happy and meaningful memories. It was in 2012, but I remember it like it was yesterday!.) I wish I could find those photos. Bit I will keep looking for them.“

“My Aunt Marcia Hoffman turned 90 and is a rehab center where she is confined to her room . We wanted to do something special so we call Scotty’s and the made a meal to order for pick up. It worked out great and she loved it . Thank you Scott and the entire staff for making her 90th as special as it could be under the circumstances !“

“First time eating at Greenwood. The food was very good. We ordered calamari, which tasted unique in a good way, with the chopped marinated veggies. The beef filet was melt in your mouth tender. The only complaint is it was too salty. Brussels sprouts were also delicious.

The old fashion and manhattan were well made. It was a nice touch that the waiter asked us what bourbon or whiskey we wanted them made with.

We reserved in the dining room and the hostess could not find our reservation. We offered to show it to her, and she said no need , then put us at the very corner of the patio which was noisy, with uncomfortable chairs. For the first 15 min there was no one on the patio of in the restaurant. We couldn’t hear each other over the street traffic.

It was nice to be able to valet.“

“One of the best places I've eaten from in a good while. The servers were very attentive. Management came out to check on us, which always nice to see. It was our first time here and it seemed very family friendly. There is outside seating! The food was pretty good. I was there on a double date and everyone enjoyed themselves. We will definitely be back.

Vegetarian options: They serve a fresh fruit option.“

“Will absolutely be back!

The Branzino is amazing, the steak was amazing, the dessert (Lemon Cake) was amazing.

We are picky about our places and we will absolutely be back. Julie was awesome and had great suggestions.

My only regret was we forgot to order the crab cakes for an appetizer.“

“Great food & Wonderful setting!“

“Hi, I’m trying to contact you since one week on FB Messenger and IG. Could you please check my message ? It’s related to franchises. Best. Simon C.“

“The staff is very friendly. The food was good. The atmosphere was wonderful. I recommend you guys to get the hamburger there they have different ones.“

“Their chicken tortilla soup is amazing and the bartender was very nice. 🙂“

“I’m here now. OMG!!))) This is the best Very Berry Crepes I have ever tasted!!! This is delicious 😋
Coffee is great! Atmosphere is absolutely relaxing! Service is excellent! Thank you so much🙏🏻
Actually this place is 30 minutes from my house, but I will come here again and recommend it to all my friends😊“

“I had looked at the menu before I came here so I knew I wanted The Cuban Sandwich when I arrived. It was fast and fresh. The meat was mouth watering! Was the best Cuban I ever had. I was not expecting this. Hoping for goodness.. but the best!! ???. The service was fast and friendly.
I give this place 5⭐️
Jerry (the pigeon) gives it 5.5⭐️“

“It is so refreshing to meet an owner who is actively present in his restaurant. Mark Salmon enthusiastically and creatively arranged for my friend and I to dine outside (our request), despite the rain. We stayed dry under umbrellas and thanks to Sandra, our amazing waitress, we celebrated my birthday with fine food (impressive menu choices and food presentation) and great company! It was my first time dining at 501 Local and this restaurant met and exceeded my high standards in every way! It is a hidden gem and our new fav restaurant. Highly recommend!!“

“This is one of my husband’s and my favorite place! We were a big fan of Creperie St. Germaine so we are so happy that they haven’t completely changed the delicious menu and the interior is the same cozy place we love! And the crepes are to die for! This place is freaking AWESOME!!!“

“Delicious food and awesome atmosphere and staff!“

“There is a new executive chef and let me just say, it shows, for the good! The food has taken a turn now to farm to table and it is beyond creative, yummy and enjoyable. The menu also changes up by season. If you are seeing a review from over 6 months ago, ignore it. It's a whole new place now. The staff has always been pleasant when we have eaten here and they have an amazing selection of cocktails that pair very nicely with you entree. Here's the bonus, locals. This hidden gem is nestled in a hotel, which means weekends is less crowded then during the week. They do take reservations and even have a very good children's menu. I highly recommend checking this place out!“

“We held an 80 person event here and the coordinator Caryn was detailed, communicative and so nice! The waitstaff and bartenders, the food runners, and managers all helped to run a smooth luncheon, the busboy was attentive and kind! Everyone loved the event and the food and we already want to book again!“

“I love coming to Convito, so I brought one of my friends who had never been there. I told her what great food they have and that I always enjoyed the experience. True to form, we had a wonderful meal, good service and an enjoyable time. They always have a delicious selection to choose from and I have never been disappointed. One of my favorite desserts is the selection of three scopes of sorbet. Very delicious! You will definitely be impressed and will this find this a cozy place to come back to, again and again.“

“Always a wonderful meal at Meg’s. Food, service, ambience, staff....all are outstanding!!!! A true treasure in Glencoe!!!“

“a lot of stuff to choosenot that crowded“

“We picked Maevery last minute for our son's navy graduation dinner and it didn't dissapoint. They accommodated a last minute reservation and put us in a corner great table for easy catching up. Service was great (which we didn't experience in multiple fine dining restaurants downtown) and food was yummy and a good selection. .. they had awesome recommendations and treated us wonderfully! Didn't rush us and from 5-6pm we nearly had the place to ourselves before the dinner rush! Highly recommended by this out of town visiting family! Thank You (from Southern CA) We will be back if we are in Chicago again!“

“Great place for private event“

“We recently dined at The English Room at the Deer Path Inn and had a lovely experience. We started with the Wedge Salad and it was decent, though not particularly memorable. It was missing some of the ingredients that were listed on the menu. I had the Mushroom Risotto, which was absolutely fantastic! It was rich, creamy, and full of flavor. My husband opted for the Airline Chicken, and he thoroughly enjoyed it, praising its tenderness and seasoning. For dessert, we indulged in the Big Arse Chocolate Cake, which was as decadent and delicious as its name suggests! We sat outside so the photos are a little dark. The service was top notch! The atmosphere is why we will be coming back, it is something you have to experience in person. We then explored the lobby and became very interested in the history!
Overall, it was a delightful evening with some standout dishes, and we look forward to visiting again.“

“SO MUCH FUN! I absolutely enjoyed working a lovely wedding reception at Pinstripes! As a vendor I see so much. Gerald, Nicole, and ALL of the staff on scene and behind the scenes were accommodating, considerate, and professional to the family & guests. I’m just a vendor, but yes they were just as hospitable to me too! Amazing night, full of nothing but good vibes! Keep creating unforgettable memories, Pinstripes !“

“Never judge a book by its cover. When I arrived, the empty parking lot and the restaurant being inside a hotel initially raised red flags. However, with limited options and an open mind, I decided to give it a try—and was blown away. The cuisine and customer service were exceptional! They even fresh squeezed lemonade for me!

Oaken Bar + Bistro: A Taste of Elegance in Every Bite

Beef Tenderloin Empanadas
The empanadas set the tone with their flaky crust and tender, perfectly seasoned beef filling. Accompanied by vibrant chimichurri and a zesty lemon tomato sauce, this starter balances richness and brightness with precision. Each bite feels indulgent yet fresh, leaving you eager for more.

Oaken Salad
This salad takes simplicity to an elevated level. A mix of fresh greens pairs unexpectedly well with juicy orange segments and velvety whipped ricotta. The lavender vanilla vinaigrette adds a subtle floral sweetness, tying the dish together beautifully. A sourdough crostini provides the perfect crunch, making this a standout plate for anyone craving a sophisticated yet light option.

Atlantic Salmon
A dish that seamlessly combines comforting and refined elements. The salmon, cooked to perfection, sits atop a silky potato purée that practically melts on the tongue. Earthy wild mushrooms add depth, while the buerre rouge sauce lends a rich, tangy finish. Every element works in harmony, creating a dish that’s both comforting and memorable.

And of course, my signature cappuccino…

Oaken Bar + Bistro shows its mastery in weaving together thoughtful ingredients with elevated techniques, making each plate a well-orchestrated delight.

Here’s a bit about the venue:
Oaken Bistro + Bar is a modern, upscale American bistro located in Lake Forest, Illinois. It offers all-day dining with a menu that blends elevated American classics, such as burgers and salads, with globally influenced dishes like Beef Tenderloin Empanadas and the Cubano sandwich.

The restaurant features a sleek lounge serving craft cocktails, including signature herbal-infused options, alongside an eclectic wine list and local beers. Guests can enjoy their meals in a contemporary dining room, a 25-seat outdoor patio, or opt for take-out and delivery services.

Executive Chef Christian Alejandro leads the culinary team, offering a diverse American menu with international influences from Latin America, Italy, and Creole cuisines. Chef Alejandro was recently inducted into the Disciples Escoffier organization, highlighting his culinary expertise.“

“Chef Jonathon Silver cooks a phenomenal meal to perfection! Everything was incredible from the tempura fried cauliflower, the wood grilled pear & vegetable salad, seafood bisque and to the perfectly grilled steaks. What an incredible meal.“

“We stayed at the one in Evanston this past weekend in the Home Alone Room! It was truly one for the memory books!“

“Friendly staff. Excellent farm to table food. THE BEST in the village. Convenient. Casual.“

“Great food and a great atmosphere!“

“I was pleasantly suprised. The Fillet was fantastic . Served medium rare the way I like it. I could almoat cut it with a fork. The baked potatoe was asume as well. My server Holly was exceptional! She was pleasant, funny, and very helpful! Thank you Holly.“

“Wonderful server. Beautiful view outdoors overlooking golf course. Very tasty food.

Parking: Lots of spaces in private free lot at night. Don't know how crowded it is during the daytime when golfers using it too.

Wheelchair accessibility: We had wheelchair in our party and we're seated at table with easy access.“

“Great customer service Great food,“

“The beer and atmosphere are fabulous“

“Great entertainment! Bonnie is the best.“

“simple, fresh, and amazing“

“Another great meal at Rosebud. We've pivoted from our usual brick chicken to Skirt steak. The cut is top notch as well as flavor! Perfectly cooked and seasoned! Phenomenal chopped salad and banana cream pie rounded out the visit! Rosebud is very consistent with food prep and seasoning. It's it not right, speak up! They want you to have an experience to remember.“

“Awesome and we enjoy the food“

“Очень приятная атмосфера для семейного мероприятия. Изысканное оформление стола, отличный сервис, и очень свежая и вкусная еда. А так же прекрасный диджей и внимательные организаторы, - профессионалы своего дела. Мы остались в восторге. Отныне, это наше любимое место для семейных торжеств и встреч с друзьями.“

“Clark Griswald sandwich is delicious!“

“State of the art landscape“

“We were looking for breakfast while on the Highway. This place was 10 minutes out of our way, but well worth it! This was the best French Toast and the staff worked together like a well oiled machine. They were all so friendly and efficient.“