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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Lake Forest

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41 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Francesca's Intimo restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1722)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Lake Forest
Booked 19 times today
Francesca’s Intimo is located in vibrant downtown Lakeforest. A restaurant with a contemporary, casually sophisticated trattoria ambiance, rustic cooking, friendly service, and fair prices.
A photo of Disotto restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1317)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Highwood
Booked 22 times today
Let Disotto transport you to another place & time, like visiting your Nonna's wine cellar on the Italian countryside for a homemade meal.
A photo of Scotty's on Sheridan restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1210)
Price: Moderate
• American • Highwood
Booked 11 times today
Scotty's on Sheridan — your favorite neighborhood dining spot to gather with good friends in a warm inviting atmosphere.Our American Grill menu offers something delicious for everyone, from timeless comfort food to new American classics.Relax with one of Scotty's signature house cocktails in a cozy club chair in our bar lounge. Enjoy a candle-lit dinner and a bottle of wine in our intimate white tablecloth dining room.Discover Scotty's — a hidden gem tucked away on Sheridan Road, across from Fort Sheridan in Highwood, ILPatio seating when weather permits!
A photo of Del Rio restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(1172)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Highwood
Booked 4 times today
Come enjoy our family's 100 year-old Northern Italian restaurant.Whether you dine with us in our main dining room, the Terrace or upstairs in what was once our family's home, we warmly welcome you. If you're looking for that special restaurant where you can take a a breath from the fast lane and go back to a time when restaurants were not part of a chain and the owner became a friend, the food was always great, and as my grandmother said, "You feel better for coming"....then you've found the right spot. We combine the classic Italian Menu and new creative dishes, with full attention to both. If you enjoy fine wine, you've found a new home. Our cellar contains well over 3,500 choices dating from the late 1800's.
A photo of Froggy's restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1041)
Price: Expensive
• French • Highwood
Booked 6 times today
Froggy's is a hidden gem in Highwood, serving award-winning French cuisine for almost 40 years. The restaurant is loved for its friendly, knowledgeable service, and the freshest seafood and steaks. Reviews rave about its 'wonderful food, great service, and cozy ambiance.' One reviewer even said it's 'second to being in Paris enjoying some wine and cheese and a meal.' The head chef coming out to check on customers is a touch that adds to the overall dining experience.
A photo of Bella Via Ristorante and Banquets restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1128)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Highland Park
Booked 5 times today
Bella Via Ristorante is thrilled to announce its new location at 431 Temple ave in Highland Park. An authentic Italian Restaurant, a true family owned and family operated that has served the North Shore communities for over 26 years. We feature classic Italian fare with an impressive selection of Italian wines. The menu consists of a variety of appetizers, homemade pastas, fresh fish, tender veal, chicken and many other Italian favorites.
A photo of Longitud315 restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1620)
Price: Expensive
• Latin American • Highwood
Booked 10 times today
Longitud315 is the life-long dream of Chef Tony Castillo. A concept that was born as a result of his childhood memories cooking side to side with his grandmother. She taught him that cooking wasn’t about just cooking a dish, but great cooking that comes from the heart. Chef Tony’s wish is to transmit his passion for cooking in every single dish and for each of our patrons to have the most memorable dining experience... Chef Tony brings to the North Shore and to all food lovers a new fusion of South American flavors with exotic Venezuelan, Argentinian, Brazilian, Ecuadorian and Peruvian flavors... TO REQUEST ROOFTOP PLEASE CONTACT US @ (847) 926-7495
A photo of Wildfire - Lincolnshire restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(10375)
Price: Moderate
• American • Lincolnshire
Booked 74 times today
Step back in time to when going out for dinner meant something really special. From the decor to the jazz music, Wildfire has the style and warmth that makes it perfect for celebrating with friends or a quiet evening for two. The extensive menu features broiled steaks and chops, wood-roasted seafood and roasted meats, all prepared in an open kitchen. Signature dishes include Horseradish Crusted Filet Mignon, Macadamia Nut Crusted Halibut, Wildfire Chopped Salad and Cedar Planked Salmon. So order a signature martini or one of our many wines by the glass, then sit back and enjoy the 1940s supper club experience of Wildfire.
A photo of Di Pescara restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(5757)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Northbrook
Booked 47 times today
A contemporary favorite on the North Shore, Di Pescara specializes in meticulously selected, seafood, hand-rolled sushi, and a satisfying range of Italian and global specialties. The setting is modern, with animated, lively dining rooms, private party rooms, and an intimate, well-stocked bar. Chef-Partner Francis Brennan brings a modern approach to traditional dishes with results such as Ginger BBQ Salmon, Oven Roasted Fish, and house made Gnocchi. With both innovative specials and small bite desserts, Di Pescara will satisfy all appetites any day of the week. Open for lunch and dinner daily, we offer convenient carryout and boast 3 private dining rooms seating 14 to 140 people.
A photo of Eddie Merlot's Prime Aged Beef & Seafood - Lincolnshire restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3039)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Lincolnshire
Booked 22 times today
Eddie Merlot’s stands out as a prime steakhouse in Lincolnshire offering an unparalleled dining experience. Whether you're joining us for a business dinner or a relaxed date night, expect nothing less than the finest cuts of prime-aged beef, perfectly cooked steaks, and fresh seafood, complemented by an extensive selection of fine wines. Our Lincolnshire steakhouse provides the perfect balance of sophistication and warmth, with a friendly staff that treats every guest like family.At Eddie Merlot’s, we’re more than just a restaurant – we deliver an exceptional prime steak experience. Picture yourself savoring a tender filet mignon or indulging in a flavorful New York strip while sipping on one of our handcrafted cocktails. Our menu also features rich appetizers, fresh seafood, and mouthwatering bar bites.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • MikeVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •89 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Superb valentines dinner with my wife. Free valet parking, rapid seating, and experienced waitstaff make this 100 year old family owned Italian eatery operate like clockwork. My eggplant parm with meat sauce is simply the best I have had in any establishment. The shrimp dish swimming in garlic and butter was exquisite. High marks for the mixed beet salad with arugula and balsamic glaze. The Spumoni and flourless chocolate cake were serviceable but average. This is one of the few spots that never disappoints in terms of a great date night. Go!
    More info
    Del RioPrice: Moderate• Italian• Highwood
    4.9
  • StanVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •51 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Disotto never disappoints. The Spaghetti Carbonara is as good as anywhere in the world. Their calamari just has the right amount of batter and the alioli was delicious. I also love the fact that the bar stuffs their own blue cheese olives. This is a management that focuses on details and creates a wonderful dining experience,
    More info
    DisottoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Highwood
    4.7
  • shelleyVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •45 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Best service from waiter Eric. Great food too. Always can count on Francesca’s for a wonderful dining experience.
    More info
    Francesca's IntimoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Lake Forest
    4.6
  • Jerry
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    A GREAT dining experience! 1st off, I have to give praise to the SERVICE ! It was top notch from the moment we entered the door, to the meal, & to the checkout. We commented that every customer was receiving attention not only from the waiters but the bussing staff, & even the Maitre'd who would periodically move through the restaurant & check with customers! 2nd was the food. There were diverse choices for everyone. The appetizers were quite good (We had the meatballs with arugula in marinara) & sizeable. The entrees were prepared to perfection. "Francisco's Salmon' was awesome. We had Key Lime Pie for dessert - the best this side of Key West! 3rd was the drink menu. There were various good wine choices. We chose 2 of the 'House Cocktails'! The 'Paloma' & 'Arturo's French Martini' were both awesome! Finally, the ambience was comfortable. The noise level was moderate - a sign that everyone was enjoying the food and atmosphere. Scotty's on Sheridan was a great experience from start to finish!
    More info
    Scotty's on SheridanPrice: Moderate• American• Highwood
    4.8
  • JosephVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •42 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 29, 2025
    Excellent food and drinks. The local bistro atmosphere is perfect and the staff are wonderful.
    More info
    Froggy'sPrice: Expensive• French• Highwood
    4.5

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Lake Forest

Discover the charm of neighborhood gems in Lake Forest, located in Chicago's North Suburbs, where the dining scene is as quaint as it is exquisite. This area is renowned for its unique blend of restaurants that offer an intimate and personalized dining experience, often described as the hidden treasures of the community. Each establishment in this locale prides itself on delivering not only exceptional cuisine but also a warm, welcoming atmosphere that reflects the historic and upscale nature of Lake Forest. Whether you're seeking a taste of nostalgic elegance or modern culinary innovation, these neighborhood gems cater to a variety of palates and preferences, ensuring every meal is a memorable one. The attention to detail, quality of service, and the authentic flavors found here make these restaurants stand out as top choices for both locals and visitors alike. As you explore these culinary delights, expect to find places that truly embody the spirit of the neighborhood, making each dining experience uniquely special.

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