Best Bistros in Highland Park

Aboyer (previously Restaurant Michael) has been one of our favorite north shore spots to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. My husband and I have been following Chef Michael all around the Chicago area for decades now, and although the amazing food has been the key reason, we have always been impressed by his professionally trained staff, who are friendly, knowledgeable and pay attention to details. On this visit, we were celebrating my birthday (2 months late) since we cancelled the first reservation when Covid hit us, and the aftereffects stayed around far too long. The evening here was well worth the wait! After stopping at the bar for a quick hello to Sergio and a Champagne (for me) and a Chardonnay we settled in to the cozy banquette for dinner. We ordered our standard starter, the delectable Gougères, a mainstay that we hope never goes away. I switched to a rich Aviary Napa Cabernet for the rest of the dinner. We were delighted to have Sergio Junior as our server! He obviously enjoys his job and is a real ambassador for the restaurant. We took his recommendations for our entrees, and both were fantastic! I never order pork, and rarely make it at home, except for a roast. The Peppercorn Crusted Berkshire Pork Rib Chop with Cognac Mushroom Sauce was by far the best pork I have ever had. Happy Birthday to me. My husband’s decadently delicious Aboyer Burger was an unexpected item for him to order here, except for how much he loved it. Thank you from both of us, SJ!!! Last night was well worth waiting for. ♥️♥️

Absolutely magnificent lunch. Delicious house made pate appetizer. Creamy melt in your mouth quiche with a bounty of salad that could have made a meal in itself. Make sure you save room for the chocolate pate dessert. This is the type of restaurant you wish you had in your own neighborhood so you could go there often. Even though it was a 30 minute ride from me, I’ll be back.

Really great. Chill vibe on a Tuesday night but the restaurant is beautiful and the menu is as close to perfect as it gets for American cuisine.

This was our first time eating here . Everything was top notch from the moment we walked in the door to being seated. Everybody loved their meal.. we will  definitely be back

Sat outside. Beautiful, good food, great service, great ambiance.