50 Best Vegetarian Restaurants near Lake Forest

“Simply amazing for the last 15 years running!“

“God bless Egg Harbor Cafe and all personal, The best service“

“I love reviewing and eating Japanese food, and being from Japan, I find it very difficult to come across truly authentic Japanese cuisine. Most American Japanese restaurants barely scratch the surface of what Japanese food really is.

This place not only captured the atmosphere of a real Japanese restaurant, but the food itself was genuinely close to what you’d find in Japan. I had the pleasure of ordering the Zaru Soba Tempura, and I honestly haven’t had authentic tempura in a long time. I’m happy to say it exceeded my expectations, the food was outstanding.

What made the experience even better was that the waiter spoke to us in Japanese, which really showed the restaurant’s respect for the culture and added to the authenticity.

Japanese authenticity rating (if this restaurant were in Japan): 7.8/10
American-Japanese restaurant rating: 8.9/10

Overall, this place is amazing and absolutely worth visiting.“

“First time at Lou's and Chicago and they made the wait fun and inviting. Great service real friendly workers with great conversation and the pizza is absolutely superb, truly exquisite, a meal fit only for kings. Truly a must go and I intend on coming back in the future.“

“Very good fresh Mexican food. The usual menu choices were offered along with a few specials. My drink was strong, friends margaritas were pricey for the size but ok. Their chips and salsa were nothing special. We enjoyed the fried calamari but the sauce was a bit odd and we would’ve enjoyed a cocktail sauce more. The empanadas were tasty but I wasn’t sure there was actually any beef inside. \n\nMy chicken fajitas were very good but could’ve used a bit more flavor. The chicken, peppers and onions were grilled just right. The beef tacos were a hit as well as the taco special. Beef fajitas were so so. \n\nService was excellent but the room was very loud and made it hard to converse. Eating outside might be nicer! I’d return.“

“Great food. awesome customer service.“

“Another amazing experience at Le Colonial. The best food, great service and the ambiance is the best in town. Can’t wait until our next visit.“

“We had an awesome girls afternoon out with some great drinks and an awesome server than was full of suggestions and fun entertainment. Jorge G did a great job!“

“We had an amazing meal at Papa Marco’s Kabobs, and everything about the experience was outstanding. We ordered the beef and lamb shawarma plate, which came with rice and warm pita bread, and it was absolutely delicious. The meat was flavorful, well seasoned, and cooked perfectly.
The sides really elevated the meal. The hummus was smooth and rich, the baba ghanoush had great depth and smokiness, and the toum garlic sauce was incredible—bold, creamy, and addictive. Everything worked beautifully together and felt fresh and thoughtfully prepared.
As a wonderful surprise, we were also treated to complimentary baklava for dessert, which was the perfect sweet finish to an already excellent meal. That extra touch of hospitality really stood out.
Fantastic food, generous portions, and genuinely warm service. Papa Marco’s Kabobs is a place we’ll absolutely be returning to. Highly recommended.“

“This is the best trip👈 😉 I took 2get 👉my grow on. He has all you need 2 start your journey to a success. He offers free advice, open to learning how you're doing. Go here & expect to find all your needs. He even sells starters.“

“Party of 10 drove 3 hours up and 3 hours back just to try Big Ed’s BBQ. It was worth it! All of the food was delicious and the staff was delightful!“

“this place was great the service and the food 👌“

“I strongly recommend them, the food is good I'll come for more“

“Food was excellent as always and our server Moses made it extra special. Always one of my favorites!“

“First time in 10 years since I haven’t had Dennys in general. As my return. Good customer service, staff are pleasant, The Triple Burger is delicious. Highland Park is very safe and I will be coming back!“

“fantastic food. great flavors and large portions. love the Huli Huli chicken and pork belly combo meal. I loved the poke nachos. thanks for your hospitality will be back.“

“Modern decor, great service, excellent meal. Nice couples place. Not sure what to get? Our server gave us great recommendations. Will be back.“

“Absolutely incredible. Very very nice staff and guy took our order. Explained everything so clearly and was extra patient while me and my friend decided what we wanted to order. We also came in at a weird time for lunch (2:30pm). Guy was so great. Split everything in our order for us because we wanted to share. Food was absolutely amazing to match the service. 5 stars. Well done.“

“We were in Chicago for a visit from Texas and I decided I was really craving dumplings. I googled dumplings and Dangelas popped up. Reviews were amazing so we put it in the GPS and off we went. We arrived 30 minutes before closing but it didn’t matter. The best dumplings I’ve ever had. I wish I didn’t live so far away because I would be there at least once a week!“

“Amazing service ! Bar tender Jimmy was absolutely great. My boyfriend and I stopped by for a quick drink and soup before the movies and had a Good time thanks to him!“

“Had an amazing lunch today at Spirit Elephant. Started with a delicious mushroom soup, followed by the best buffalo chicken egg rolls I’ve had. Main course was a double smash impossible burger with garlic aioli and Gouda cheese. I was stuffed, but I miss carrot cake so when I saw it on the menu I had to order it. Hands down the best carrot cake vegan or not!“

“Simply AMAZING! Ochoa’s is easily one of the best Mexican restaurants in the area. We recently used them for catering (25 people), and everything exceeded our expectations. Communication was top-notch, portions were huge, and the food was incredible. Guests couldn’t stop talking about the juicy chicken and steak, the homemade chips and salsas, and guacamole that could honestly be eaten by the spoonful. Mr. Ochoa truly takes pride in his food — you can taste the love in every bite. Highly recommend for both dining in and catering!“

“First time trying Highly recommended“

“That Little French Guy makes us happy every time we head that way. The Champs de Élysées doesn’t have better! It’s being back in Paris, every unique French delight. Thank you for our favorite place to visit often.“

“Love the New owner Jay. The food - that includes vegetarian as well as non- veg delicious. Authentic & portions were large. Go with your family, carry out - all good. Jay treats us like family. I see him stopping at all the tables ensuring their dining experience is enjoyable.“

“I grew up in Brunei and their food is the closest i have felt to home. I ordered the Nasi Lemak, kuih lapis and roti paratha.“

“Great place for Italian!“

“Our server Gia was fantastic- friendly and prompt service. Francisco was bustling around getting people coffee and tea and clearing used dishes to make more room on our table. All staff worked together and when I asked for a to go cup for my tea, at least 3 staff members helped me. We will definitely be back to this local gem!“

“Food is always great and their service is amazing. They have an extensive menu with everything from great appetizers to traditional Japanese desserts. Good selection of drinks both regular and adult. Prices are reasonable for the quality of the food and service. You can depend on having a great experience!“

“Van’s is my new sushi spot for ordering! Can’t wait to actually step inside one day lol but their shrimp tempura is by far my most favorite item!!!!! Everything is delicious.“

“Love it!!!, the food and service was amazing. Would go for it again. 10/10!“

“THE BEST breakfast I have ever had! My family visited for the first time today (tourists) and Loved the atmosphere, our server (didn’t catch his name. But he had the PRETTIEST nails!) and food! 10/10 highly recommend if you are visiting Chicago!“

“Great food and great service!“

“Stopped here on our way through town. Friendly service and delicious food in a cute little town.“

“There is a home flavored taste to all the dishes. Very home style foods every time. very spacious atmosphere inside or outside .“

“The first thing I like is George standing by the door greeting people and saying welcome home. I love the food. The food is homemade and excellent. I love the service. I love the prices, they are very reasonable. There isn’t a thing about that place that I could criticize. I love everything, and that’s why we keep going all the time. Thank you for listening to me. George is a wonderful guy and I recommend that everybody go there. Thank you, Ele & Larry“

“Food was absolutely delicious!! Highly recommend!!“

“Ok walking up you knew it was going to be something special. You walk up to this grand outdoor double sided fireplace beautiful. Then there beautiful outside that covers the wall to the right of the fireplace in the courtyard, most likely used for outside events. Not to mention there’s a space in the back that can open its doors to the courtyard. This place has so many different things to look at and we didn’t even get inside yet. Let me just say it’s beautiful in there takes your breath away, from the crystals and velvet it’s sultry sexy dark vibe. It’s giving classy Rat pack or the Great Gatsby type of vibes, you’ll definitely understand when you’re there. The drinks,, food (Brick Oven Pizza),, the people, delish, and unforgettable….“

“What a great experiences! The food was amazing! The family enjoyed themselves in the beautiful restaurant and wonderful staffs! Definitely reminded my daughters of grandma's cooking! 🫰“

“I would go here again and again. Food quality is excellent. What can I say about NICK the manager. Outstanding manager. He listens to customer. Make sure we leave place very happy. If you complain about food, he will replace immediately without any questions asked. He makes sure that all the customers are very happy. We order a corn soup, my wife thought it was not spiced up enough. She asked waiter to spiced up. Manager came and told her that this is the way it comes and cannot spice up. He replaced her with another type of soup and did not even charge us for that. Great place to go for diner with family and friends.“

“First time at Kuma's Sushi Bowl yesterday...1) Wife went there for lunch. 2) I stole some of the wife's bowl. 3) We both went back to grab two bowls for dinner, partly to pay her back for her lunch. And, I'd like to add that it's not very close from us. Great, fresh and delicious sushi bowls. Worth upsetting your significant other for!“

“Guacamole was good The shrimp tamale was good The service was good The churo could have been softer and fresher…… I will be back when in the area.“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sandy’s Cafe in Illinois absolutely knocked it out of the park.

As someone who waited tables for 25 years, I do not hand out praise lightly. I notice everything. Timing. Flow. Energy. Detail. And Darcy? She was beyond exceptional. Truly above and beyond in every way.

From the moment we sat down, Darcy brought warmth, attentiveness, and that effortless professionalism you only see from someone who genuinely cares. She anticipated needs before we even had to ask. The pacing was perfect. The vibe was welcoming without ever feeling rushed. It was flawless service.

And the food? Incredible. I had the blueberry pancakes and the corned beef hash and both were outstanding. The pancakes were perfectly fluffy with that just right golden finish, and the hash was savory, comforting, and cooked to perfection. Every bite felt like someone in the kitchen really knows what they’re doing.

But what set this apart from a great breakfast to an unforgettable experience was Darcy. She made us feel special. Seen. Taken care of. That kind of hospitality is rare and it matters. She even pulled out a special little gift for basket for toddlers/kids! My bestie has an 18month old granddaughter and this was a game changer! 😊

We’re from Minneapolis visiting and stumbling into Sandy’s was such a joy. Thank you for a memorable meal and for having a gem like Darcy on your team!“

“we had an excellent experience here today!! Felipe was our waiter and WOW, that guy is awesome!! he was.the best server ever!°° we had a bit of everything. .steak..scallops...lobster...king crab and all the fixings.... also the best drinks!..Happy 42nd Bob Chinn!!“

“Atmosphere + fantastic food + excellent service = my Stevens experience. Whether in the cozy dining room or at the large oval bar, it's a great experience. The staff is professional and friendly, even Leslie the owner spent time with us. I would give it 10 stars if that was an option. Have been there several times and never disappointed“

“My fiancé and I went for breakfast at the Gurnee location yesterday. Both mens and womens bathrooms were out of order. No additional bathrooms for the employees!!! How can a restaurant be able to be open without facilities for patrons let alone the employees working an 8 hour shift!?!? Our waitress pleaded for me to call OCHEA!! She also said it is not the first time!!“

“Louie's is the best place to eat in Waukegan. Great Italian food, thin crust pizza, fried chicken and fish. Everything is great. They give you the best bread hot from the oven when you sit down. Huge bar. Family friendly. You can't go wrong at this place.“

“great food, friendly staff, excellent customer service“

“Great place to hangout and good sushi“