Best Restaurants, Must Try Places in Northlake

"Restaurants Contemporary American Lincoln Park. Culinary mastermind Grant Achatz uses his three-Michelin-star restaurant in Lincoln Park as a stage. Sit back and enjoy the show, a well-orchestrated ride that plays with textures, temperatures and notions of “normal” cuisine, while somehow remaining grounded in season, flavor and flawless execution."

"It’s interactive performance art — think an apple-flavored balloon that actually floats and gelatin bites that taste like a Chicago-style hot dog. Chef Grant Achatz has led the famed Lincoln Parkestablishment since 2005, earning the most elite accolades in the culinary world. Today, it’s one of 15 restaurants to hold three Michelin stars and is frequently named among the best restaurants on the planet."

"The cuisine is a lesson in mastery, but also a blend of modern science and practical magic. Air-filled balloons are edible, senses of taste, touch, smell are tested, mental and emotional boundaries are pushed. The menu, an ever-shifting chameleon, is a reflection of the wizards in the kitchen, led by chef Grant Achatz himself—no two meals are ever alike."

"A Randolph Street stalwart that dishes out Midwestern-influenced Mediterranean fare with a killer wine list to match. Why we love it: We have to believe that there are very few restaurants in the world that are as consistently special as avec. It's the kind of spot that makes us swell with pride for our dining scene, the kind of place we can't help but flock to even though there are plenty of newcomers to try."

"This long-time West Loop favorite is a pioneer in the business-oriented district, drawing crowds with vibrant Mediterranean cuisine. Small and large plates almost demand ordering extra, just to sample as many flavors as possible. Roasted skate wing is exemplary of the kitchen's finesse with seafood, while memories of chorizo-stuffed medjool dates will keep you up at night."

"For those of you who prefer fine dining, this is more of an upscale restaurant experience. Blackbird is a restaurant where you’ll find fantastic mid-western food showcasing farm-to-table ingredients. They offer great choices for meat eaters and vegetarians alike."

"This expansive roof-deck space in Downtown Evanston sits directly over chef-owners Dan and Laura Kelch’s Taco Diablo and their new Blue Horse Tavern. The smallish menu is a mash-up of bar favorites (Soft, Warm Pretzel with Cheddar Cheese Sauce, loaded Nacho Nacho with black beans and beef picadillo), Tuna Poke Bowls, killer burgers, ribs, and grilled salmon that still manages to have something for everyone. Save room for the Flower Pot filled with chocolate chiffon cake, black cherry compote, sweet mascarpone, and oreo crumbles."

"A post shared by Bua Nanakorn (@ynanakorn) on Oct 18, 2018 at 5:32pm PDT. While you must get the pizza at Parlor Pizza Bar, save room for the dessert counter, which serves tacolatos. Taco Choco fans will be in heaven when they see the endless options for dessert tacos here, with choices ranging from cookies galore to a banana split alternative."

"You’re an angel about sticking to your diet most of the time, but now you can wear your wings even while downing pizzas and beers!. In the warmer months, the Instagrammable space here doubles as the large outdoor patio opens."

"American , Bar Food ,  Pizza"

"After a long day in the sun at 31st Street Beach, head over the the bustling deck at Pier 31 Restaurant—open every day from lunchtime onward—for dinner, drinks and live music performances. The waterfront views are the real star here, of course, but the deck also boasts impressive glimpses of the skyline."

"For an upscale-but-not-too-fancy dinner while in Chicago, consider booking a table at Jeong in West Town. The atmosphere is relaxed (people might be wearing jeans and you can expect an Indie rock playlist), but the food is incredible. This Korean restaurant serves an eight-course tasting menu for $115, and we promise it will be one of the best meals you’ll have all year."

"Jeong is a fairly new addition to Chicago, only opening in 2019, but the restaurant has proven itself an immediate success. Chef Dave Park draws on his childhood favorites to create this fine-dining Korean cuisine experience. There is obvious care in these dishes, and some, like the Kanpachi Rosettecan only be described as beautiful."

"Modern Indian cafe Moti has unveiled a new option during the pandemic that’s proven to be popular. Indian pizzas: thin-crust pies with the restaurant’s “Moti sauce” and cilantro-lime drizzle. The crispy pies are studded with onions, green peppers, mozzarella, and a choice of protein (chicken or paneer)."

"The creative mash-ups at this Asian-Latin spot won’t be replicated anywhere else. Chef Rafael Lopez crafts fusion bites like chorizo egg rolls, “bacos” (bao tacos), Cuban banh mi, and Asian-style paella."

"Aside from bearing the name behind one of Chicago’s legendary steakhouses, Gibson’s Bar and Steakhouse in Oak Brook boasts a beautiful outdoor patio landscape. Guests enjoy the waterfall that blocks out city noise and aligns nicely with the restaurant’s assortment of fresh seafood dishes."

"After a long day in the sun at 31st Street Beach, head over the the bustling deck at Pier 31 Restaurant—open every day from lunchtime onward—for dinner, drinks and live music performances. The waterfront views are the real star here, of course, but the deck also boasts impressive glimpses of the skyline."