Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Elmwood Park

57 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Hemmingway's Bistro restaurant

1. Hemmingway's Bistro

4.6

Exceptional(1230)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Oak Park

Booked 18 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 The Little Gem Restaurant restaurant

2. The Little Gem Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(1139)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Oak Park

Booked 18 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 Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Oak Park, IL restaurant

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

4.4

Awesome(4088)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Oak Park

Booked 70 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

4.3

Awesome(29)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Cicero

Booked 4 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.

A photo of Encore! by Little Gem restaurant

5. Encore! by Little Gem

4.1

Excellent(8)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Oak Park

Booked 2 times 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.

6. Girl & the Goat

4.8

Exceptional(14866)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • West Loop

Booked 221 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.

7. Boka

4.8

Exceptional(7150)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Lincoln Park

Booked 535 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.

8. Sepia

4.8

Exceptional(5353)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • West Loop

Booked 51 times today

At Sepia, located in the vibrant West Loop of Chicago, the essence of American cuisine is celebrated with a delightful modern twist. Chef Andrew Zimmerman's inventive approach shines in a menu that is both seasonal and driven by the highest quality ingredients. Guests rave about the "terrific" brunch and the "mind-blowing" steak tartare, noting that each dish is "full of flavors and highly creative." Sepia's ability to provide "outstanding" service and an "amazing" culinary experience makes it a must-visit destination. Regulars and newcomers alike are urged to "do yourself a favor and rsvp now!" as Sepia continues to set the standard for sophisticated yet approachable American dining.

9. Brasero

4.8

Exceptional(329)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • West Town

Booked 70 times today

Brasero in West Town, Chicago, is a beacon of Contemporary Latin cuisine, celebrated by the Robb Report as one of the Top 10 Best New Restaurants in the country. Chef John Manion’s mastery of wood-fired Latin cooking delivers an unforgettable dining experience with dishes like flame-roasted chicken slicked in garlic-chili oil, and steaks perfected over an open fire. Patrons rave about "absolutely DIVINE entrees" and the moqueca bursting with fresh seafood. Each dish is complemented by an impressive selection of drinks, including caipirinhas and locally brewed, Latin-inspired beers. Brasero not only promises an exceptional meal but also a vibrant atmosphere, making every visit memorable.

10. HIDE + SEEK

4.4

Awesome(337)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • West Loop

Booked 61 times today

HIDE + SEEK in Chicago's vibrant West Loop is a gem for cocktail enthusiasts, offering a blend of comfortable elegance and innovative drink options. This cocktail bar stands out for its "fresh takes on classic cocktails" and has swiftly become a favorite for its unique beverage program. Patrons rave about the "amazing cocktails" and the high-quality service, creating a memorable ambiance that's both welcoming and sophisticated. One review exclaims, "The drinks were absolutely delicious!" highlighting the skill and creativity behind each concoction. Whether it's for a lively happy hour or a sophisticated night out, HIDE + SEEK promises an exceptional cocktail experience that makes every visit special.

‘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
KL
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Nice ambience, good quality food, attentive staff. I'd definitely dine here again.
More info
The Little Gem RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Oak Park
•
4.8
Y
Yves
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
My wife and I had a quick getaway to Chicago for her birthday. OpenTable booking made it simple to make reservations and any changes. Heads-up, parking will be a challenge so I recommend using valet! Make a reservation ahead of time to guarantee seating. The staff were very great at anticipating the wait time and so we did for 30 min since we arrived earlier. We were seated at the chef’s table which neither of us expected, and was a treat to experience. My wife enjoyed every bit of the good chaos in the kitchen and watching Ted & Kishaun (apologies for typo), prep the food with passion. Service was great all the way around and all the staff were attentive - kudos! The food, this is by far the highlight of the night and the trip! Flavor at its fullest and the portions are ample for two. We had the best empanadas to date, the skirt steak was a hit, and the pork belly was delish. Wrap dinner with apple pie is a a treat on its own. Thank you for making our trip and birthday celebration a memorable one.
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Girl & the GoatPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• West Loop
•
4.8
E
Elizabethvip
Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Perfect for a quiet lunch really good food excellent service
More info
Hemmingway's BistroPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Oak Park
•
4.6
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
•
4.3
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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Elmwood Park

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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Elmwood Park

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57 restaurants available nearby

1. Hemmingway's Bistro

2. The Little Gem Restaurant

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

4. TNT Rooftop Restaurant

5. Encore! by Little Gem

6. Girl & the Goat

7. Boka

8. Sepia

9. Brasero

10. HIDE + SEEK

See what locals rave about

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