Best Casual Restaurants in Northbrook

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodIndianMexican

Regions

ChicagoNorth SuburbsNorthwest Suburbs

Neighborhoods

Arlington HeightsBannockburnBuffalo GroveDeerfieldDes PlainesEdison Park

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

92 restaurants available nearby

1. Francesca's North

4.3

Awesome(1918)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Northbrook

Booked 21 times today

Francesca’s North opened it's doors in 1995 and instantly became the hottest spot on the North Shore. Francesca’s North features the zesty, earthy cuisine of Rome and the surrounding areas of Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio.

2. Ema - Glenview

4.7

Exceptional(647)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Glenview

Booked 185 times today

Ēma is a Mediterranean and California-inspired restaurant from Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants located at 1320 Patriot Blvd. The menu, crafted by Chef Partner CJ Jacobson features spreads, dips and assorted mezze, Mediterranean small plates, with an emphasis on Hummus & Spreads, Raw, Vegetables and Kebabs. Signature dishes include Moroccan Onion Dip, Spinach & Feta Spread, Tahini Caesar Salad, Octopus Carpaccio and Spicy Brisket Kefta Kebab. The beverage program showcases cocktails with flavors crafted from Mediterranean ingredients like chinola, fig, fresno chile and coriander. The wine program, curated by Sommelier John C. Slatter, features a globally sourced list of over 70 selections with a strong focus on wineries practicing organic and natural production across the Mediterranean, including ancient grape varieties from Greece, Lebanon and Italy.

A photo of Napolita Pizzeria & Wine Bar - Northbrook restaurant

3. Napolita Pizzeria & Wine Bar - Northbrook

4.6

Exceptional(39)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Northbrook

Booked 23 times today

Step into a warm and inviting atmosphere where you can enjoy authentic Neapolitan pizza crafted with naturally fermented dough and the finest ingredients. Adhering to the strict standards of Vera Pizza Napoletana, our pizzas are baked in a traditional wood-fired oven, delivering a true taste of Italy. Paired with an extensive selection of fine wines, Napolita provides a dining experience that celebrates the rich flavors of Italian cuisine in the heart of Northbrook.At the heart of Napolita is Chef Nick Alvarez, whose dedication to culinary excellence has been instrumental in shaping our menu. With a deep respect for traditional Italian techniques and a creative approach to flavors, Chef Alvarez crafts each dish with care, using only the finest ingredients.

4. House 406

4.8

Exceptional(1568)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Northbrook

Booked 15 times today

House 406 is a modern American restaurant perfect for your next date night. Our extensive spirits, wine & beer list offer something for everyone. Please note that all outdoor reservations will be made either in our heated tent or open air seating with additional heaters. All reservations will be limited to 1 hour and 45 minutes. Parties later then 15 minutes will forfeit their table.

A photo of Ron of Japan Steakhouse - Northbrook restaurant

5. Ron of Japan Steakhouse - Northbrook

4.4

Awesome(1591)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Northbrook

Booked 33 times today

With your choice of Japanese favorites such as seafood, chicken, steak and vegetables artfully grilled on an iron plate, our phenomenal tableside cooking experience at Ron of Japan Steakhouse - Northbrook is truly an experience worth sharing.For an evening you’ll never forget - whether you’re with a group or you’re seeking a taste of something extravagant - you’re never alone. Join us at Ron of Japan to celebrate an occasion with a unifying dining experience that emphasizes the Japanese element with a uniquely familiar sense of friendship and flavor.Ron of Japan is distinguished by our highly trained chefs who put their culinary eccentricities on display while they blend their classic cooking technique into our bold flavors - giving you an invigorating and delicious teppan-grilled specialty.

A photo of North Shore Bistro restaurant

6. North Shore Bistro

4.3

Awesome(80)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Italian • Highland Park

Booked 8 times today

A fun and exciting new addition to the North Shore! Located at 250 Skokie Blvd. in Northbrook, North Shore Bistro is a mix of modern Italian Cuisine and high end handcrafted cocktails! Open until 2 AM Friday and Saturday we are bringing the night life back to Northbrook! But don't forget the food! We have all of Chef Marciano's specials that made the place so special in the past! Come in today, see all the new decor, and try an amazing meal paired with some delicious drinks or a bottle of wine from our handpicked wine list!

A photo of Prairie Grass Café restaurant

7. Prairie Grass Café

4.6

Exceptional(2251)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Northbrook

Booked 22 times today

Owners Chef Sarah Stegner & Chef George Bumbaris created this casual Northbrook restaurant, boasting a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Wood-top tables without tablecloths give the main dining room a contemporary feel while seating is also available in the bar area. A menu, changing monthly, features contemporary American fare featuring seasonal ingredients. For dessert, Chef Stegner's mother bakes delicious pies.

8. Saranello's

4.5

Awesome(5613)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Wheeling

Booked 58 times today

Inspired by his travels and passion for Italy's culture, Executive Chef Mychael Bonner has created a broad menu of Italian-fare utilizing the freshest ingredients to create the fullest flavors to bring homemade, hand-crafted pizzas and pastas, as well as prime steaks and fresh fish dishes to the table.Feel the energy while dining in a casual and rustic 6700-square-foot setting. Dine at natural reclaimed wood tables with seating for 175, surrounded by inviting darker woods, exposed brick and beams, subtle filament lighting, and accented with muted chocolate and caramel tones throughout.

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

9. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Wheeling, IL

4.7

Exceptional(6405)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Wheeling

Booked 93 times today

Experience the perfect fusion of award-winning wines, Napa-style tasting rooms, and modern casual dining at Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants. Enjoy contemporary American cuisine influenced by international flavors from our scratch kitchen. Each dish is expertly paired with our selection of wines for the best food and wine match. Whether you explore the tasting room for a pre- or post-dinner adventure or join the world's largest wine club, we believe in the power of food and wine to create lasting connections. Dining reservations are highly recommended, but walk-in guests are always welcome on a first-come, first-serve basis. Gluten-free and vegetarian dishes are available.

10. 501 Local

4.7

Exceptional(267)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Winnetka

Booked 27 times today

501 Local is a locally owned and operated upscale casual American Bistro located in downtown Winnetka. The menu offers a combination of classic and contemporary dishes with a focus on seasonal ingredients and flavors. Our service is attentive and friendly. We are a perfect choice for catching up with an old friend over lunch, grabbing a drink with coworkers on our award-winning patio, or celebrating your occasion with family or a special someone. Make your visit to Winnetka unforgettable. Dine with us at 501 Local and add an extra layer of joy to your Home Alone pilgrimage just a half mile away!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
Ken
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined today
Ema had a great ambiance and service was great. Absolutely a great social gathering place to enjoy good food and great talks.
More info
Ema - GlenviewPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Glenview
•
4.7
L
LauraVIP
Philadelphia County •149 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
We had a party of 6, with most of us having a wonderful meal. We shared a delicious burrata for appetizers and profiteroles for dessert. I had the cod with mushrooms and spinach which was delicious. My husband enjoyed the shrimp scampi which was not really a classic scampi, as it was with a tomato based sauce, but it was very good. The salads had a bit too much dressing, so if you don't like that, be sure to ask for dressing on the side.
More info
Francesca's NorthPrice: Moderate• Italian• Northbrook
•
4.3
R
RobVIP
Chicago / Illinois •16 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Server was excellent with my family’s many food allergies.
More info
House 406Price: Expensive• American• Northbrook
•
4.8
L
LINDA
Chicago / Illinois •10 reviews
4.0
Dined 7 days ago
Our server Diana was exceptional - very friendly, attentive and efficient! Pizza was excellent - as were salads!!
More info
Napolita Pizzeria & Wine Bar - NorthbrookPrice: Moderate• Italian• Northbrook
•
4.6
EP
ErinPVIP
Chicago / Illinois •12 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 23, 2025
My husband and kids’ favorite restaurant! It is the best family time seeing how much our family enjoys this place! Core memories made every time! And of course… egg sauce!
More info
Ron of Japan Steakhouse - NorthbrookPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Northbrook
•
4.4

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