Best Restaurants for Creative Cuisine in Melrose Park

Hoja Santa was a wonderful experience for my husbands birthday, we started with the ceviche and guacamole because to quote my husband "this looks like a place that does small portions". He was wrong, one starter would have been enough for the both of us but I'm glad we got both. The ceviche was fresh and well prepared as was the guacamole. I ordered the special which was a new york strip that was perfectly prepared, my husband had the chicken milanesa that he enjoyed throughly. For dessert we had the nutella filled donuts which were hot and fresh and the ice cream that came with it was superb. I highly recommend Hoja Santa for your next night out in Oak Park.

We’ve passed through Eden on multiple occasions, noticed it when taking my Lab to MedVet & Eye Care for Animals. Staffers remembered our Anniversary (week) celebration (I forgot the note on the reservation 😛). We didn’t anticipate the complimentary beverage. Most establishments don’t offer anything these days, we really appreciated the gesture. Drinks are strong, I went w/ Manhattan, wifey w/ Hot Toddy. Food was great. I opted for Burger w/ Fries, wifey ate Duck Banh Mi w/ Eden Salad. I’m not a big fan of Kale but the side Salad was amazing!!

Our server was extremely knowledgeable about the Greek wine list and recommended special items on the food menu. We assumed she was Greek, but when she heard my husband and our friend speaking German, she spoke Deutsch, and we learned that she is half German American and Italian American. It was an amazing meal and a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays with our friends.

It was a little cold in the restaurant, this was due to it being a very cold night and the door allowed a breeze in every time someone arrived and left. Also the A/C was on in the men's room and the water was very cold. These issues are easily fixed. All in all the food was excellent and the service was top notch. The staff found the perfect balance of allowing my party to feel as if someone was always around and available without being over bearing. I prefer when staff allows patrons to enjoy the wonderful meal they prepared without constantly asking if we need anything. The food was amazing and the spicy miso soup was a welcomed change to the typical miso soup.