Best Cozy Restaurants in Winnetka

Aboyer (previously Restaurant Michael) has been one of our favorite north shore spots to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. My husband and I have been following Chef Michael all around the Chicago area for decades now, and although the amazing food has been the key reason, we have always been impressed by his professionally trained staff, who are friendly, knowledgeable and pay attention to details. On this visit, we were celebrating my birthday (2 months late) since we cancelled the first reservation when Covid hit us, and the aftereffects stayed around far too long. The evening here was well worth the wait! After stopping at the bar for a quick hello to Sergio and a Champagne (for me) and a Chardonnay we settled in to the cozy banquette for dinner. We ordered our standard starter, the delectable Gougères, a mainstay that we hope never goes away. I switched to a rich Aviary Napa Cabernet for the rest of the dinner. We were delighted to have Sergio Junior as our server! He obviously enjoys his job and is a real ambassador for the restaurant. We took his recommendations for our entrees, and both were fantastic! I never order pork, and rarely make it at home, except for a roast. The Peppercorn Crusted Berkshire Pork Rib Chop with Cognac Mushroom Sauce was by far the best pork I have ever had. Happy Birthday to me. My husband’s decadently delicious Aboyer Burger was an unexpected item for him to order here, except for how much he loved it. Thank you from both of us, SJ!!! Last night was well worth waiting for. ♥️♥️

The lemon pasta I had was terrific. And Tom our waiter could not have been helpful and do nice.

Service great. Seated early. Order perfect and food a ten!!!!

Michelle (sp?) was our server and she was absolutely phenomenal. Her knowledge of the menu helped guide us in the direction that we wanted to go for the food that we wanted to eat. She was also conversational, but not overly so. She hung around long enough to be pleasant, but then left us to our own devices at appropriate times. For a server, timing is everything, and she had it! The food was also amazing! There’s a reason this restaurant is rated number two in the country for being restaurants. They do not disappoint! 

Great food and atmosphere, tough to beat for the price. Great value.