one sixtyblue
One Sixty Blue is sophisticated and the dishes and flavors are interesting and exciting. There is a good menu selection for the meat, seafood and vegetarian lovers.
Green Zebra
I think Green Zebra really has something. It is a tasteful, yet quaint restaurant with excellent vegetarian dishes. Seeing all of the different types of tomatoes they use (including the Green Zebra) is fascinating. The dishes are colorful and interesting.
Charlie Beinlich's
If you don't mind waiting in a long line for a table and you don't want anything special on your burger, this is a great little burger joint. Service is quick and the burgers are all the rage. Definitely worth the wait to try it.
Inovasi
Innovasi is in the old "Holly's" spot. It is a unique twist on small plate offerings. The fois gras melts in your mouth. And the tapenade they bring with the bread basket is so good you'll ask for more. The bar area is fun and casual and they have Trivial Pursuit cards on the table to quiz each other with. Definitely entertaining.
Grille 43
Great new restaurant. Woo hoo! Another place to eat in Lake Bluff. Exciting menu selections and cocktails. Nice bar area. The downside is limited parking.
Prairie Grass Cafe
I was thrilled when I heard Chef Sarah (former chef at the Ritz in Chicago) was opening a restaurant in Northbrook. She serves up great comfort food and good portions. The staff are friendly and service is excellent. The signature salad, pate and homemade pies are musts!
Francesco's Hole In the Wall
Fabulous, intimate restaurant. Great food (menu is on a chalkboard), good service, small tables and a little bit of a wait, but well worth it!
Francesca's Intimo
Good Italian food in an intimate setting. The menu is limited and they don't offer many, if any, veal dishes, which is surprising for Italian.
King Maa Chinese Restaurant
King Maa has good, not great, Chinese food. The menu is large (as are most Chinese menus). The location is convenient and they offer carryout and delivery. Since there isn't any compeition in the area, it is good when you have that craving.
Lantern Of Lake Forrest
The Lantern is a landmark in Lake Forest. It is right by the Metra train station, which is a convenient stop for a beer and burger after work. The burgers are very good. The restaurant is kid friendly and the menu is extensive (maybe too extensive, i.e. they shouldn't try to make Mexican when it isn't their specialty). They have a great model train that runs around the top of the dining room, which is fun for kids and adults to watch.
