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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Wilmette

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14 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Bluestone restaurant
1. Bluestone
4.5
Awesome(30)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Evanston
Booked 3 times today
Bluestone is a Chicago-style restaurant in Evanston that offers homestyle cooking in a warm and welcoming environment. Owner John, whose obsession with golf led to the more than 250 pin flags decorating the restaurant, opened Bluestone after transitioning from commercial film production. His goal was to create a locale that was filled with friendliness and familiar faces, all while serving a variety of menu options with a hometown feel. Guests can enjoy favorites like crab cakes, or branch out and discover a new one from their wrap, soup, quesadilla or burger menus. Don't forget to try homemade specialties such as the turkey or black bean burgers, or the Bluestone signature smoked wings. There are also several thin-crust pizza options, like the pesto or BBQ chicken offerings. Whether you're just passing through or a long-time resident, Bluestone, at the corner of Central St. and Prairie Ave., is everyone's home away from home.
A photo of The Alcove- Evanston restaurant
2. The Alcove- Evanston
4.5
Awesome(563)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Evanston
Booked 8 times today
The Alcove-Evanston offers a superb French American dining experience that has quickly become a cherished gem in the heart of Evanston. Chef Elio Romero’s inventive approach to French American cuisine shines through each thoughtfully prepared dish, drawing from seasonal produce to ensure only the freshest ingredients make it to the table. Diners consistently praise the restaurant, with one review highlighting it as "one of the best meals I've ever had, anywhere." From succulent short ribs to perfectly cooked sea bass, the menu reflects a seamless blend of French elegance and American innovation, making it a must-visit for culinary enthusiasts.
A photo of The Graduate Homestead Room restaurant
3. The Graduate Homestead Room
3.6
Very Good(11)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Evanston
Full of contemporary yet classic American flavors, The Graduate Homestead Room’s menu is rooted in high-quality, seasonal dishes with a heavy dose of nostalgia. Offerings feature familiar flavors combined with influences from far and wide, ensuring something for everyone on our varied menu.
A photo of 501 Local restaurant
4. 501 Local
4.7
Exceptional(267)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Winnetka
Booked 30 times today
501 Local in downtown Winnetka offers an exceptional Contemporary American dining experience that is both authentic and innovative. This upscale casual bistro stands out with its focus on seasonal ingredients and flavors, consistently impressing diners with its "delicious" dishes and "outstanding" service. The menu seamlessly combines classic and contemporary elements, with standout items like the "ahi tuna bowl" and "shrimp tacos" receiving rave reviews. Guests appreciate the restaurant's inviting ambiance, particularly its award-winning patio, perfect for enjoying a meal al fresco. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just catching up with friends, 501 Local promises a delightful, memorable dining experience.
A photo of Jameson's Charhouse - Skokie restaurant
5. Jameson's Charhouse - Skokie
4.4
Awesome(1758)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Skokie
Booked 6 times today
At Jameson's Charhouse in Skokie, the Seafood offerings are nothing short of extraordinary, making it a top choice for lovers of the sea. Renowned for its authentic and fresh selection, standout dishes like the "Shrimp De Jonghe," "pan-fried Red Snapper," and "Baked Halibut" have garnered rave reviews from diners. One delighted guest exclaimed that the shrimp was "to die for," while another praised the halibut as "fresh and cooked perfectly." The restaurant's commitment to quality Seafood is evident in every dish, ensuring a dining experience that is both flavorful and unforgettable. Come and savor the ocean's finest at Jameson's Charhouse.
A photo of Tala House restaurant
6. Tala House
4.7
Exceptional(244)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Andersonville
Booked 19 times today
Tala House in Andersonville, Chicago, masterfully delivers an authentic and innovative American dining experience. Celebrating the diversity of Chicago's melting pot, the restaurant seamlessly blends global flavors with local ingredients to create a modern American cuisine that truly stands out. Guests rave about the "creative and well-executed menu" that features dishes like sea bass and mushroom risotto, hailed as "the best cook on a piece of fish" some have ever had. The ambiance is warm and inviting, complemented by exceptional service from staff like Carlos, who has been described as "attentive and knowledgeable." Tala House is a must-visit for an unforgettable American culinary journey.
A photo of Farm Bar - Lakeview restaurant
7. Farm Bar - Lakeview
4.6
Exceptional(221)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Lakeview / East Lakeview
Booked 59 times today
Farm Bar - Lakeview is a standout destination for cocktail aficionados in the vibrant neighborhood of Lakeview, Chicago. Known for its "fun cocktails that never disappoint," this cocktail bar offers an authentic and meticulously crafted drink menu that pairs perfectly with its farm-to-table Midwestern fare. The mixologists at Farm Bar are celebrated for their creativity and skill, shaking up handcrafted cocktails that are as delightful as they are unique. Diners rave about the "amazing cocktails to boot," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a refreshing and innovative cocktail experience. With its welcoming atmosphere and exceptional service, Farm Bar promises a memorable night out.
A photo of All Meal Prep Kitchen & Cafe restaurant
8. All Meal Prep Kitchen & Cafe
4.1
Excellent(31)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Edgewater
All Meal Prep Kitchen & Cafe in Edgewater, Chicago, is celebrated for its exceptional Mediterranean cuisine, bringing authentic flavors to life with every dish. Guests rave about the "delicious and beautifully plated" meals, highlighting the expertly prepared Grilled Octopus and the delightful Asparagus Salad, which left diners pleasantly surprised. The restaurant's commitment to using fresh ingredients and their creative approach to traditional Mediterranean dishes ensure a memorable dining experience. With an inviting atmosphere and a caring, attentive staff, All Meal Prep Kitchen & Cafe stands out as a culinary gem, making it a must-visit for lovers of genuine Mediterranean flavors.
A photo of Prairie Grass Café restaurant
9. Prairie Grass Café
4.6
Exceptional(2251)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Northbrook
Booked 23 times today
Prairie Grass Café in Northbrook is a beacon of authentic American cuisine, where seasonal ingredients meet contemporary flair. Co-owned by Chefs Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris, this family-friendly gem has garnered praise for its "outstanding" dishes and "attentive" service. Diners rave about the "fantastic" chicken cutlets and creative takes on classics like the Blue Cheese wedge, making it a beloved spot even for discerning foodies. Known for supporting local farmers, the restaurant's commitment to fresh, locally-sourced fare shines through in every dish, from the succulent whitefish to the delectable homemade pies. Prairie Grass Café promises a dining experience that's both heartwarming and unforgettable.
A photo of Wood restaurant
10. Wood
4.5
Awesome(2098)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Lakeview / East Lakeview
Booked 20 times today
Nestled in the vibrant Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, Wood offers an exceptional Contemporary European dining experience that captivates both locals and visitors alike. Under the culinary mastery of Executive Chef Devin Kreller, a 6-time Michelin Bib Gourmand winner, the menu features inventive dishes crafted from the finest Midwest farm produce. Diners rave about the "beautifully prepared and absolutely delicious" fare, with standout favorites including the lamb saddle and mushroom pasta. The restaurant's commitment to using locally sourced, humanely-raised ingredients ensures each dish bursts with authentic flavors, complemented by "friendly, knowledgeable staff" who enhance the overall dining experience.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Jayne
    Chicago / Illinois •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The food was excellent….Roasted Artichoke Chicken was very good,blue cheese salad dressing great, and the cheesecake was very tasty. Definitely would come back again.
    More info
    Jameson's Charhouse - SkokiePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Skokie
    •
    4.4
  • OpenTable Diner
    Greater Boston •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Really loved the food and service was excellent.
    More info
    BokaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Lincoln Park
    •
    4.8
  • Willy
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We were really looking forward to dining at Alcove - to celebrate a birthday milestone. It was a great experience!!
    More info
    The Alcove- EvanstonPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Evanston
    •
    4.5
  • debbieVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •41 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Mar 6, 2025
    We were a group of 6 attending for a birthday celebration. The food was good. WE had ordered salads and entrees to share and they all came at the same time. Would have liked the salads prior to the entrees and sides being served.
    More info
    501 LocalPrice: Expensive• Bistro• Winnetka
    •
    4.7
  • Chuck
    Chicago / Illinois •28 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 9, 2025
    We had a 6:30pm reservation, and we arrived early. We were seated promptly upon arrival. The restaurant was very busy when we arrived, but our server came to our table very soon after we were seated… I had commented on the last time we dined at the restaurant, and the service today was by far more superior and attentive (note, the owner of Bluestone offered us a gift coupon for the lack of service attentiveness last time, which we appreciated). The server came to the table numerous times to ask for our drink and food choices, and the delivery was quick once we ordered. The smoked chicken wings were delicious. I had the brown rice bowl with the salmon which was delicious, and everyone else’s meals were prepared nicely and were very tasty. All in all, a nice experience this evening.
    More info
    BluestonePrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Evanston
    •
    4.5

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