Best Fun Restaurants in Winthrop Harbor

What a pleasure it is to have an experienced, mature wait staff that knows the menu and is constantly reading the room for what guests may need and when. Several people around us were celebrating special occasions (including us) whose meals were capped by a beautiful message in chocolate on a dessert plate of chocolate brownie with a candle. Every dish we had was special (other than the Veal Milanese, which had a dijon base that I didn't love.). The room is buzzy, cozy, handsome. A special note: the restaurant is closing for two weeks which left them without a couple of dishes on the menu. Guests who couldn't order what they wanted were treated very thoughtfully by the wait staff and management. Deft handling of an awkward situation.

I recently dined at Pizza Portofino, and I was beyond impressed! The food was absolutely delicious, with every bite bursting with fresh, authentic flavors. The pizza had the perfect balance of a crisp crust, rich sauce, and high-quality toppings. What really stood out, though, was the staff—they were amazing! From the moment we walked in, everyone was friendly, attentive, and incredibly quick. Our food arrived much faster than expected, and the service was seamless throughout the meal. If you’re looking for a great dining experience with fantastic food and top-notch service, Pizza Portofino is the place to go!

Loved my experience here! I had an incredible experience at Ema from start to finish. The moment I walked in, I was seated right away, which set the tone for a smooth and enjoyable evening. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with a lively yet comfortable vibe that made it the perfect spot for a meal. The food was absolutely phenomenal—every dish was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The Mediterranean-inspired menu offers a great variety of small plates, and each one was a hit. The hummus was silky smooth, the kebabs were perfectly cooked. Pairing everything with a glass of wine made for an even more memorable experience. Service was impeccable—attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. Our server made excellent recommendations and ensured we had everything we needed without feeling rushed. Overall, Ema exceeded all expectations. Whether you’re looking for a casual dinner or a special night out, this place delivers. I can’t wait to return!

Had a wonderful time. We checked in for a birthday dinner, and the hostess inquired whose birthday it was and greeted the birthday boy warmly, as did our server when she came to our table to greet us. Everything was delicious. We had the Prosciutto and warm bread, fried artichokes, rigatoni amatriciana, the NY strip and the roasted romanesco. Highly recommend the artichokes and the rigatoni, just outstanding. We had 2 cocktails, both delicious, and the pistachio gelato (one serving is enough for 2 people to share). They had 2 glasses of prosecco brought out for a birthday toast. We will definitely be back. The pricing is standardly high on the food side, but that is to be expected these days.