Best Bistros in Highwood

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. ♥️♥️

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.

Went to Cafe Touché on a friend’s recommendation. Really glad we did. I have probably hit every French restaurant in the northern Chicago land area in search of the perfect place. There a few I like, but there was always something lacking from the menu or of just average presentation from l what I wanted. That changed last night with the first of many to come visits to cafe touché. Every classic French dish you could want with very generous portions and a really cool atmosphere. The place was packed, which is always a good sign,and the service was excellent. The drinks generous as well. I only wish i discovered it long ago, but better late than never. Already excited to return. Well done!!

I always have an amazing experience for brunch at Port & Park.

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