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 8 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.

A photo of L. Woods Tap and Pine Lodge restaurant

2. L. Woods Tap and Pine Lodge

4.7

Exceptional(8219)

Price: Moderate

• American • Lincolnwood

Booked 152 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.

3. EJ's Place

4.8

Exceptional(1752)

Price: Expensive

• American • Skokie

Booked 34 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.

4. 501 Local

4.7

Exceptional(250)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Winnetka

Booked 34 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!

5. Avli - Winnetka

4.5

Awesome(1102)

Price: Expensive

• Greek • Winnetka

Booked 19 times today

Avli in suburban Winnetka has been a Chicagoland favorite since 2009 offering guests contemporary and classic Greek small plates, mains, and desserts as well as approachable Greek wines and inventive cocktails.Open daily for brunch, lunch, and dinner, we look forward to having you in to experience our core philosophies of Philoxenia (hospitality), Meraki (passion) and Kefi (joy) in the main dining room and seasonal outdoor patio!To inquire about an event, please contact: milton@avli.us

6. Libertad

4.8

Exceptional(3210)

Price: Moderate

• Latin American • Skokie

Booked 25 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 Jameson's Charhouse - Skokie restaurant

7. Jameson's Charhouse - Skokie

4.4

Awesome(1746)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Skokie

Booked 12 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.

8. Hackney's on Lake

4.4

Awesome(552)

Price: Moderate

• American • Glenview

Booked 12 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 Alcove- Evanston restaurant

9. The Alcove- Evanston

4.7

Exceptional(536)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Evanston

Booked 10 times today

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 The Geodesic Domes at Hackney's on Harms restaurant

10. The Geodesic Domes at Hackney's on Harms

4.7

Exceptional(292)

Price: Moderate

• American • Skokie

Booked 12 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
Steve
Chicago / Illinois •21 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Went there for the customer appreciation menu. Very good except the chicken was not fully done. They brought a second one and it was no better. They removed it from my bill and the manager came over to apologize and ened up giving us a free ribs and potato to go on the house! Now that is customer service! Not to mention the Old Fashion was outstanding!
More info
L. Woods Tap and Pine LodgePrice: Moderate• American• Lincolnwood
•
4.7
R
RenayVIP
Chicago / Illinois •105 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
My nicoise salad was very good. My friend ordered the salmon poke bowl. It really was small & high priced for the size. Our waiter was very nice. The only negative, it was cold in the restaurant.
More info
501 LocalPrice: Expensive• Bistro• Winnetka
•
4.7
R
RhondaVIP
Chicago / Illinois •37 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
We had the best time and loved our menu choices which included the trio spread sampler, moussaka and the chicken skewer entree. My daughter and I loved everything and look forward to enjoying our leftovers at home. Service was great in the very busy dining room! We love Avli.
More info
Avli - WinnetkaPrice: Expensive• Greek• Winnetka
•
4.5
B
Barbara
Chicago / Illinois •194 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Chicken vesuvio was very good ! Fish was excellent and filet very good . Salad was very crisp and generous portion. Service was outstanding with the waiter and helpers brought water and drinks. Best t ime to go i on Saturday night is 5:00 or 5:15 ! Enjoy , you will love it .
More info
EJ's PlacePrice: Expensive• American• Skokie
•
4.8
T
Timothy
New Orleans / Louisiana •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 24, 2024
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

Explore OpenTable

Wilmette

Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Wilmette

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Accessibility

59 restaurants available nearby

1. Valley Lodge Tavern

2. L. Woods Tap and Pine Lodge

3. EJ's Place

4. 501 Local

5. Avli - Winnetka

6. Libertad

7. Jameson's Charhouse - Skokie

8. Hackney's on Lake

9. The Alcove- Evanston

10. The Geodesic Domes at Hackney's on Harms

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable