50 Best Vegetarian Restaurants near Lake Forest

“Sushi Kushi Toyo in Lake Forest always makes me feel like I’m back in Japan.

The atmosphere is warm and authentic, the food is always delicious,
and the staff are very friendly.

One of the best Japanese restaurant experiences
I’ve had in the U.S. ❤️
Thank you“

“Excellent food and friendly staff with great prices!“

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

“Not only was this location able to time a delivery to accommodate a train’s brief stop at the Metra station, the pizza seemed to have come right out of the oven. Fantastic food and service to match!“

“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 just a fantastic experience at Papa Marcos while staying in Waukegan. We started with Hummus and Baba Ghanoush, both were incredibly creamy in texture and tasted delicious. Our server kept bringing us more bread at no extra charge to dip! She was extremely friendly the whole night, made great conversation and gave a lot of insight on the food, which I’m sure is very helpful for folks unfamiliar with Lebanese cuisine. I ate a combination platter with lamb and chicken kabob which were both delicious, but the highlight was the beef kufta—impossibly complex flavor and so delicious. It also had some delicious sautéed veggies, which I often feel are missing from dishes like this at other Mediterranean restaurants.
We were also given an array of sauces to use, the tahini-based one was incredible. Complimentary baklava at the end ain’t too shabby, either!“

“This place is the best. They have it all! Any concerns you have any questions you have about how to grow a plant these are the ppl to ask they can guide you through it all the whole process. If I could give it ten stars I would! Will be coming back every chance I get!“

“First time and definitely NOT our last. The spot was hopping and we could see why! The staff was warm and welcoming and gave us great recommendations. I think I left my fork spinning on the plate. Best BBQ I have had in ages! And meeting Big Ed was the topper! Came out making sure everyone was enjoying. THAT is top class and for sure demonstrates how the Chef stands behind his food, brand and name. 11/10 on everything! Thank you!!!“

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

“Excellent food .Meat are tender and juicy.Pork belly taste like Philippine liempo.The macaroni salad is pretty good.👍“

“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!“

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

“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.“

“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!“

“Really good Italian food and ambiance!“

“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.“

“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!“

“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!!“

“Vegetarians can relax and order anything off the menu – – everything will be delicious and beautifully presented. The mocktails are much appreciated with their inventive flavors and the entire environment is lovely and soothing. We had a party of seven and everyone went home happy except my giant Nebraska-raised meat-loving husband who was simply content. Well, you can’t please all the people all the time, but you sure as heck are pleasing this vegetarian who is so so tired of steak restaurant after steak restaurant where I’m desperately seeking the sides menu for something to nibble on. Now this review seems to have turned into an analysis of a modern marriage, but that’s OK because we all got to eat, right? And it’s so nice to find fellow meat avoiders on the North Shore. Keep up the great work, Spirit Elephant! We’ll be back for Mother’s Day.“

“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!“

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

“I can't say enough good things about this restaurant! They went above and beyond to take care of my veteran fiancé for Veterans Day, (even though we were a day late in being able to visit), taking care of us like family, from the regional director to all the restaurant staff. The food was terrific and my fiancé loved everything; the food, the staff, and the military/first responders decor, and the respect given to veterans. They even put his picture from his Army service days on their wall, which gave him a huge smile when he saw himself displayed on their wall along with photos of so many other veterans. And even though we don't live nearby, we will make it a point to visit them every time we get the chance to. Thanks again to everyone there!!“

“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!“

“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.“

“First time trying Highly recommended“

“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.“

“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!“

“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.“

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

“Great atmosphere and Taylor always takes care of her customers!“

“Very Good Dinner tonight. We had Brisket dinner over mashed, dark chicken thighs with mashed and garlic shrimp over pasta. All meals were quite good. Ample portions. Only fault today, Food came out too fast... salad was 2 minutes behind our appetizer, and main course was out before we were done with our salads. We will be back.“

“Great food and great service!“

“1st time and cant say enough great things. Food was phenomenal and soo fresh. the service & how kind the entire staff was from bus boys to owners was extremely refreshing. Thanks again for the hospitality.“

“Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe has got to hands down be the best food I have had in my 32 years of life. We just got home from a girls trip for my daughter's golden birthday in Chicago this past weekend and I'm ready to hit the road to go back. She ordered the kids Oreo s'mores pancakes of the kid menu. I got the 2 eggs meal which came with 2 eggs, hash browns, choice of meat (got sausage links) and either toast or pancakes. I chose toast. We then ordered her 2 dippy eggs, a side of biscuits and gravy, and got a side of bacon to share. The biscuits and gravy are hands down top tier the best recipe I have ever tasted (I ended up ordering 2 more sides to take home so I would have breakfast tomorrow 🤤). Even after stuffing ourselves with this delicious food none of our group felt miserable in any way. there was no belly discomfort whatsoever. We just felt full and nourished. I will be coming back as often as I can. The food is so hot, so fresh, so flavorful, and overall it was a wonderful experience. Everybody was so friendly , smiley, and just warm personalities. There is quite a wait on Sundays (not sure about other days) but I would wait 4 hours if they told me I had to. They do have an option where you can get on the waiting list online (we did not know that since this was out first time). Now let's talk about their preserves they make in house 🫠🫠 they make a triple berry compote with blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries. It was literal heaven. They sell jars as you are leaving for $11. Guys you have to try this place. I'm not usually someone who leaves reviews but it's so good I can't not leave one. If you want the best brunch food you have ever had in your life I can promise you you WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. Until next time wildberry keep doing what you guys do!“

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

“After a couple of years away following an uneven prior experience, a recent return to Bottaio with friends proved both reassuring and mildly frustrating. The dining room remains one of the restaurant’s strongest assets: warm, attractive, and inviting in a way that signals classic Italian comfort. Unfortunately, that promise is undercut by one persistent flaw—seating that is simply uncomfortable. After fifteen minutes, the chairs distract from the experience, an avoidable misstep in a restaurant that otherwise understands ambiance. Service, by contrast, was a highlight. Our server struck an engaging balance between edgy and personable, and—most importantly—demonstrated genuine knowledge of the menu and wine list. Wine selections, guided by their recommendations, were uniformly well received by the table, showing thoughtful pairing and sound judgment. The meal began on a high note with excellent crusty bread, a simple but well-executed opening gesture that set expectations optimistically. The entrées, however, struggled to rise beyond adequacy. While none were poor, they failed to deliver the refinement or depth one hopes for. The veal parmigiana arrived in an impressively large portion but was overly breaded, sacrificing balance and nuance. In contrast, the risotto stood out as the best dish of the evening—properly executed, flavorful, and satisfying. Other diners echoed a similar sentiment: the food was good, but never quite great. This mirrors past experiences and suggests a recurring issue rather than an off night. Bottaio remains a solid option for casual Italian dining, particularly for those who value ambiance, wine, and congenial service. With greater attention to detail in the kitchen—and a renewed focus on authenticity and precision—the restaurant has the potential to elevate its culinary standing meaningfully. One hopes that future visits will see that promise more fully realized.“

“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….“

“Wonderful place, the food is amazing! The staff is always so friendly!“

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

“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.“

“Sandy’s is amazing! The moron sandwich is hands-down the best breakfast sandwich I have ever had. I would have taken a picture, but I ate the sandwich before I could get my camera out! Love their homemade hot sauce too. Support local, family-run.“

“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“

“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!!“

“They’re amazing! Great food, strong drinks, reasonably priced & fabulous staff.“

“Been going here for years and it is never a disappointment. Food is always delicious and the prices are extremely reasonable. Service is fast and friendly. Classic atmosphere that doesn't feel outdated. One of the best breakfast spots in the area.“