Best Restaurants for People Watching in Hillside

I’ve been a fan of this place for years and love celebrating special occasions here. The food, service, and overall experience are usually fantastic and a good value. However, after today’s visit, I recommend reconsidering if you plan to dine here with a larger group. We were a party of eight, and the seating was extremely tight—not just at our table but in how closely spaced the tables are from one another. It was uncomfortable having to constantly shift chairs or stand up to let other guests pass. While everything else was top-notch, the cramped seating definitely detracted from the experience. I expected more thoughtfulness in accommodating larger groups for such an upscale restaurant. That said, if you’re dining solo, as a couple, or with a small party, you’ll likely have a fantastic time. I hope Hugo’s reconsiders their seating for larger groups because today could have easily gone from simply a good experience to a truly excellent one.

Recommend sitting at the bar. Good, friendly bartenders. I had the scallops and cod - both terrific. Good drinks too!

Outstanding food and service. The menu is much more interesting than the typical Italian restaurant. We’ll be back!

The wait staff very helpful w menu items. The samosas are a pass, dry and lacked flavor. The lamb masala and chicken vindaloo were very good w the right amount of heat for us. The coconut creme brûlée was delicious. The restaurant is noisy but we were in a side booth and had no trouble w conversation.

I saw Aneyla featured on an email from Michelin which announced it as one of the 3 new restraunts in Chicago(2024), recognized with the prestigious title. The food was appealing to all senses and the staff was knowledgeable and helpful in explaining various options and providing recommendations or suggestions for an exceptional meal! The ambience, lighting and decor is similar to an true European experience. Aneyla's chefs, servers and staff definitely meet Michelin quality and are deserving of that status!