Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Wilmette

59 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Valley Lodge Tavern restaurant

1. Valley Lodge Tavern

4.5

Price: Moderate

• Comfort Food • Wilmette

Booked 3 times today

Valley Lodge Tavern in a neighborhood tavern serving high quality food and drink to the north shore for 50 years. We serve a variety of food including burgers, ribs, steaks, and delicious salads.

2. EJ's Place

4.8

Exceptional(1747)

Price: Expensive

• American • Skokie

Booked 11 times today

Owner, EJ Lenzi, and managers bring over 100 years of combined restaurant experience to Chicago's North Shore. Teamed with a mature, experienced wait staff, and serving the finest food products available, EJ's Place has become the North Shore's premiere supper club. Established since 1997 and selected one of the Chicago Magazine's Best New Restaurants, EJ's menu consists of prime aged steaks and chops, pristine seafood, and traditional Italian specialties. EJ's Place serves only the best, from their family to yours.

A photo of L. Woods Tap and Pine Lodge restaurant

3. L. Woods Tap and Pine Lodge

4.7

Exceptional(8174)

Price: Moderate

• American • Lincolnwood

Booked 65 times today

Experience the nostalgia of a Northwoods Supper Club at L.Woods Tap & Pine Lodge. The menu features American classics and barbecue specialties. Menu highlights include 12-Hour Smoked Prime Brisket, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, BBQ Ribs, and Wisconsin Fish Fry Friday.

4. Libertad

4.7

Exceptional(3204)

Price: Moderate

• Latin American • Skokie

Booked 5 times today

Libertad is a casual, chef-driven neighborhood restaurant featuring Latin American inspired cuisine.Executive Chef Mark Mendez, whose experience includes Chicago’s most notable restaurants, pairs bold and exciting flavors for a seasonal menu of small plates ideal for sharing and experiencing the diverse mosaic of the countries that make up Latin America.Noted mixologist Ziyad Asrar has put together a fun and creative cocktail menu while Sommelier Shebnem Ince compiled a succinct wine list that complements the menu with by the glass and bottle selections.You'll quickly find that Libertad personifies the true neighborhood restaurant - a place you want and can dine at all the time because it's welcoming, relaxing and offers a menu so good it's hard to choose. The answer to that dilemma? Visit often.

A photo of The Alcove- Evanston restaurant

5. The Alcove- Evanston

4.8

Exceptional(529)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Evanston

Now reserving for Christmas Eve dinner (three courses, $85/person, menu details to come)! Chef Elio Romero curates an inventive American-inspired experience at Alcove Evanston, tucked under the Metra’s Davis Street stop. Taking cues from seasonal produce availability, Alcove’s menu is always evolving to guarantee freshness—check back often to stay updated on the restaurant’s culinary offerings. The Alcove is eager to host your group's event--contact Alcove management to discuss building your prix fixe menu!****Please view our menu on our website for the most updated items. Menus across other platforms are not always 100% up-to-date, as our dishes change with the seasonality of their ingredients. Please also note that the Alcove has implemented a 3% credit card service charge due to an increase in point-of-sale operating costs. We apologize for this inconvenience. Thank you!****

A photo of Jameson's Charhouse - Skokie restaurant

6. Jameson's Charhouse - Skokie

4.5

Awesome(1734)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Skokie

Booked 23 times today

Fine-eating establishments know the essence of the restaurant business. It isn't merely enough to provide good food. The truly memorable dining experience depends upon several other ingredients from the top food selections, to the most dedicated people serving you. We want to lift your dining experience to a whole new level of harmony, which shows in our atmosphere and our philosophy to bring you an experience that is simply unparalleled in the restaurant industry.For more than 30 years, Jameson's Charhouse has served quality steaks, chops, and fresh fish, for exceptional value. Our extensive menu selections feature modern American cuisine full of delicious choices.

7. Hackney's on Lake

4.3

Awesome(544)

Price: Moderate

• American • Glenview

Booked 4 times today

Ever since our great Aunt Bebe starting selling hamburgers and beer on her back porch during Prohibition, Hackney's has been making people happy! Today we're famous for our big juicy Hackneyburgers on Hackney's Dark Rye® and our one-of-a-kind Hackney';s Original French Fried Onions®. Prohibition may be over, but our beer selling days are not. Hackney's has an ever-changing list of tap beers along with a full-service bar that can whip up any cocktail you can think of.

A photo of The Geodesic Domes at Hackney's on Harms restaurant

8. The Geodesic Domes at Hackney's on Harms

4.7

Exceptional(284)

Price: Moderate

• American • Skokie

Booked 5 times today

We are thrilled to announce the geodesic domes at Hackneys on Harms are open and ready for your perfect holiday gathering. There is a $10 fee to dine in the domes outside. No reservations for indoor seating.Hackney's is a classic American restaurant that serves authentic American food like burgers and fries, and has been a popular spot in Chicago since the Prohibition Era. Of all the amazing dishes here, one of the most popular is the Hackney Burger. This is a half-pound grilled burger served on two slices of rye bread, and is one of the reasons Hackney's has become so famous. Another delicious dish that stands out from the crowd includes Hackney's Original French Fried Onions. The french fried onions have placed in the top three onions rings in the country consistently, despite not even being rings! If you want to experience authentic classic American cuisine at a restaurant that's been serving America for 76 years, Hackney's is the place to go.

9. Blind Faith Cafe

4.8

Exceptional(1505)

Price: Moderate

• Vegetarian / Vegan • Evanston

Booked 4 times today

Blind Faith Cafe in Evanston is a true neighborhood gem. This vegan/vegetarian hotspot consistently impresses with its diverse menu, warm ambiance, and excellent service. Reviews rave about the delicious food, friendly staff, and the perfect balance of casual warmth and conversation-friendly atmosphere. One reviewer says, 'It is a treat to visit Blind Faith Cafe. The food is always tasty, and the staff is warm and welcoming.'

10. Zentli

4.9

Exceptional(63)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Evanston

Hear the joyful music of Mexico with a mix of Latin American and world rhythms, enjoy the colorful art, and taste delicious tacos in a warm community space. Zentli (indigenous Nahuatl Language for "corn" or "maize"), is a casual restaurant that serves the best locally sourced Mexican street food in Evanston, Illinois. With fresh, natural ingredients and vegan & vegetarian options in eclectic, artistic digs, we’re your new local favorite. We built Zentli to honor the ingenuity and hard work of Mexican people by bringing you the genuine flavors of street vendors through tasty food and mouth-watering drinks.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
Katherine
Chicago / Illinois •23 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Always a favorite for special occasions. Well curated menu for Christmas Eve
More info
The Alcove- EvanstonPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Evanston
•
4.8
T
Timothy
New Orleans / Louisiana •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great spot with above average food. The salads were great, the French onion was very average, the ambience was cool. I would definitely go back but wish they can improve on the soup a bit.
More info
Valley Lodge TavernPrice: Moderate• Comfort Food• Wilmette
•
4.5
P
PatrickVIP
Chicago / Illinois •39 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Outstanding ambiance, food & service, as always at this consistently excellent venue. This has become a Holiday tradition for our family.
More info
EJ's PlacePrice: Expensive• American• Skokie
•
4.8
J
jimVIP
Chicago / Illinois •86 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
I took my 5 grandkids to L Woods Pine Lodge today for Christmas lunch and I love the way they decorate for Christmas. Our waitress was great and the food never disappoints. There is a nice selection on the menu and the foods is always good.
More info
L. Woods Tap and Pine LodgePrice: Moderate• American• Lincolnwood
•
4.7
P
Pamela
Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We ordered Christmas Tamales from Libertad and I decided to take my husband there for brunch and to pick up the tamales. I'd been there twice before with girlfriends for brunch. Once again it was outstanding, amazing food and very friendly service. We had the Pan de Avo, Panqueques, plus sides of Crispy Potatoes (the crispiest EVER!!!) and Bacon (with a lovely drizzle of maple syrup on them). Everything was just perfect! Will definitely be back again and again.
More info
LibertadPrice: Moderate• Latin American• Skokie
•
4.7

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Wilmette

Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Wilmette

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59 restaurants available nearby

1. Valley Lodge Tavern

2. EJ's Place

3. L. Woods Tap and Pine Lodge

4. Libertad

5. The Alcove- Evanston

6. Jameson's Charhouse - Skokie

7. Hackney's on Lake

8. The Geodesic Domes at Hackney's on Harms

9. Blind Faith Cafe

10. Zentli

See what locals rave about

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