Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Forest Park

83 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Little Gem Restaurant restaurant

1. The Little Gem Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(1136)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Oak Park

Booked 10 times today

The Little Gem Restaurant, nestled in the heart of Oak Park, epitomizes the essence of European cuisine with its intimate and stylish setting. This cozy establishment has garnered glowing reviews for its authentic European dishes, making it a beloved neighborhood favorite. Diners rave about their experiences, with one guest mentioning, "The food was delicious and my guest was a first-time diner who was very impressed and left with a FULL BELLY!" Another diner highlighted the quality of specific dishes, exclaiming, "The French onion soup and Fig & Honey Crostini were amazing!" From the warm, inviting ambiance to the carefully curated menu that features everything from Mussels to Burrata, The Little Gem offers an unparalleled dining experience that celebrates the best of European culinary traditions. Whether you're enjoying a casual brunch or a romantic dinner, The Little Gem ensures a memorable meal with exceptional service and a touch of European flair.

A photo of Hemmingway's Bistro restaurant

2. Hemmingway's Bistro

4.6

Exceptional(1227)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Oak Park

Booked 16 times today

Hemmingway's Bistro in Oak Park flawlessly merges the essence of French cuisine with American flair, offering a menu that highlights the freshest Midwest ingredients alongside classic French dishes. The chef's passion for fresh seafood is evident, with daily specials featuring East-coast seafood flown in from Boston, like the praised wild mushroom-crusted halibut and roasted sea bass. Patrons rave about the authentic French American dining experience, noting it's "a slice of Europe in Oak Park!" and celebrating the "superb" rabbit and halibut dishes. The Parisian seafood bar and selection of French and American wines further authenticate the bistro's European vibe, making every dining experience here not just a meal, but a culinary journey.

A photo of Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Oak Park, IL restaurant

3. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Oak Park, IL

4.5

Awesome(4081)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Oak Park

Booked 62 times today

At Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant in Oak Park, the Wine Bar experience is unmatched, offering a perfect fusion of award-winning wines and a Napa-style tasting room. This venue stands out for its "delicious and great service every time," as noted by several glowing reviews. Patrons particularly enjoy the pre- or post-dinner wine adventures, which perfectly complement the modern casual dining experience. The extensive wine selection is thoughtfully paired with each dish, ensuring an exceptional food and wine match. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or a casual diner, Cooper's Hawk in Oak Park provides a memorable experience that "always hits the spot," making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic Wine Bar cuisine.

A photo of TNT Rooftop Restaurant restaurant

4. TNT Rooftop Restaurant

4.2

Awesome(28)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Cicero

Booked 7 times today

Nestled in the bustling Cicero neighborhood of Chicago, TNT Rooftop Restaurant is a haven for Vegetarian / Vegan cuisine lovers seeking an upscale dining experience. The restaurant's vegan options are crafted with precision, ensuring that each dish not only meets but exceeds the culinary expectations of its guests. Patrons rave about the quality and presentation, with one guest exclaiming, “The food and ambiance was amazing! Will definitely come again!” The rooftop setting adds a touch of elegance, making it a perfect spot for diners who appreciate great food paired with a stunning view. Whether it's the buffalo cauliflower or the array of handcrafted vegan cocktails, TNT Rooftop Restaurant is committed to delivering a memorable dining experience that makes every visitor want to return.

5. The Chew Chew

4.8

Exceptional(1772)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Riverside

Booked 2 times today

Nestled in the charming Village of Riverside, IL, The Chew Chew proudly stands as a beacon of American cuisine, having been voted Chicago's #1 Neighborhood Restaurant on Open Table. For 27 years, this culinary gem has delighted patrons with its elevated, contemporary American dishes that consistently earn rave reviews. Diners praise the "spectacular Creole chicken" and the "aromatic flavors of the redfish tacos," highlighting the restaurant's ability to blend traditional American flavors with creative twists. The Chew Chew's commitment to quality is evident in every dish, from the "best gluten-free flatbread" to classics like the chimichurri skirt steak. With its warm, welcoming service and a vibrant menu that captures the essence of American dining, The Chew Chew is a must-visit for anyone in search of an authentic and memorable meal.

A photo of Encore! by Little Gem restaurant

6. Encore! by Little Gem

4.1

Excellent(8)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Oak Park

Booked 1 time today

Encore! by Little Gem in Oak Park, Chicago, is a delightful treasure where the essence of authentic Bistro cuisine comes to life. This charming spot is celebrated for its "tasty and the service great" offerings, from the "juicy and tasty" scallops to the perfectly cooked hanger steak and "amazing" French onion soup, as noted in glowing reviews. Patrons rave about the "perfectly seasoned" Brussels sprouts and the "magical" Salted caramel cookie skillet. The speakeasy vibe, coupled with live jazz, enhances the dining experience, making it a perfect blend of culinary excellence and cozy ambiance. Whether it's for a romantic date or a casual outing, Encore! by Little Gem guarantees a memorable meal with its impeccable service and top-notch Bistro fare.

A photo of Paisans Pizza - Berwyn restaurant

7. Paisans Pizza - Berwyn

4.4

Awesome(164)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Berwyn

Paisans Pizza in Berwyn offers a fresh take on Contemporary American cuisine with a delightful Italian-American twist. Known for their exceptional pizzas and hearty entrees, Paisans has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Reviewers rave about their culinary experience, highlighting dishes like the "perfect double dough pizza" and "excellent chicken parm," which showcase the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity. The atmosphere is consistently described as "comfortable and inviting," making it a perfect spot for family gatherings or casual dining. With glowing testimonials such as "the food was GREAT" and the service making first-time visitors eager to return, Paisans stands out as a gem in Contemporary American dining in Berwyn.

8. Girl & the Goat

4.8

Exceptional(14842)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • West Loop

Booked 168 times today

Girl & the Goat in Chicago's vibrant West Loop is a treasure trove of comfort food that transcends the ordinary. Since its opening in 2010, this bustling eatery has mastered the art of crafting dishes that are as soul-satisfying as they are innovative. Patrons rave about the unique twists on traditional comfort dishes, like the unforgettable goat empanadas and the indulgent pork shank, which one diner described as the "star of the show." The atmosphere is described as fun and lively, perfect for both casual diners and culinary adventurers alike. Reviewers consistently highlight not only the food's exceptional quality but also the top-notch service and welcoming vibe. One glowing testimonial said it best: "Seriously the best meal I’ve ever had. I wake up from a dead sleep thinking about this food." Girl & the Goat stands out as a must-visit destination for anyone seeking comfort food with flair in Chicago.

9. Boka

4.8

Exceptional(7141)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Lincoln Park

Booked 52 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Lincoln Park, Chicago, Boka stands as a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine. Since its inception in 2003, this Michelin-starred gem has captivated diners with its dedication to seasonality and locally sourced ingredients. Under the helm of celebrated Chef Lee Wolen, Boka has consistently been a place of culinary innovation and excellence, earning accolades such as “Chef of the Year.” Patrons rave about the "immaculate and relaxed experience" offering glowing testimonials like, "The food is simply delicious with a combination of flavors that you'll never forget." Whether it’s the highly recommended duck or the eight-course tasting menu, each dish is crafted to perfection, ensuring a memorable dining adventure. Boka's ability to blend exquisite flavors with impeccable service makes it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the finest in Contemporary American dining.

10. Terrace 16

4.3

Awesome(2160)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Near North

Booked 35 times today

Terrace 16 in Near North, Chicago, epitomizes the essence of Contemporary American cuisine with a menu that allows "ingredients to speak simply and powerfully for themselves." Situated on the 16th floor with a panoramic view of iconic Chicago landmarks, this rooftop gem offers an ever-changing array of dishes that shine with freshness and innovation. Guests rave about experiences that combine "spectacular" food with "out of this world" evening views, making it a must-visit destination. The restaurant's dedication to quality is echoed in reviews, with patrons noting the food's ability to be both "classy and sassy." Whether it's the vibrant atmosphere or the meticulously crafted dishes, Terrace 16 delivers an unforgettable dining experience that is quintessentially Chicago.

‘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
Karen
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
I love Hemingway Bistro. The food is excellent. The decor wonderful. The staff is professional, helpful, courteous and want you to enjoy your time there. I know I can order alcoholic drinks which I will enjoy. It is in my mind the first place I want to bring someone to for a special occasion and I am at ease that they will be extremely happy we went there. Never have had a bad experience ever and have been there enough to know. Just enjoyed first Sunday brunch visit. A man who was leaving when we were going in said it was great for him just then.
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Hemmingway's BistroPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Oak Park
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4.6
B
Brittany
Asheville / Western North Carolina •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Went for thanksgiving and made a reservation in advance and it did not disappoint. The food, atmosphere, and service were both amazing and it was exactly what we were looking for!
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The Little Gem RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Oak Park
•
4.8
A
Alanvip
Chicago / Illinois •23 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
A fabulous menu, again. Great choices. The best restaurant in the area.
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The Chew ChewPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Riverside
•
4.8
I
Ivory
Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 24, 2024
First time going...Was a little hesitant about going because of the area, but I will say the greeting was marvelous...that young man showed excellent customer service skills from the time you walk in and over all while you are there...the waitress was very attentive as well...once our time was up we moved to the bar and continued to have drinks and chat with the friendly staff....everything was great I must say...definitely glad I supported this establishment.
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TNT Rooftop RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Cicero
•
4.2
N
Nancy and Jorge
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
4.0
Dined on Nov 23, 2024
My husband had a bad case of indigestion after he ate his dinner.
More info
Encore! by Little GemPrice: Expensive• Bistro• Oak Park
•
4.1

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Forest Park

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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Forest Park

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83 restaurants available nearby

1. The Little Gem Restaurant

2. Hemmingway's Bistro

3. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Oak Park, IL

4. TNT Rooftop Restaurant

5. The Chew Chew

6. Encore! by Little Gem

7. Paisans Pizza - Berwyn

8. Girl & the Goat

9. Boka

10. Terrace 16

See what locals rave about

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