Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in North Suburbs

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in North Suburbs? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Geodesic Domes at Hackney's on Harms

4.7

4.7 (292)

$30 and under

American

Skokie

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Patricia

Dined on Jan 1, 2025

Wonderful experience. Will do it again for sure. Thank you.

High Tea With Gerri

4.6

4.6 (20)

$31 to $50

Afternoon Tea

Long Grove

About the restaurant

Nestled in the historic village of Long Grove, Gerri's Tea Room represents her roots and heritage as a native of Ireland. Opened in 2012, the tea room features a classic experience and introduction to the past time of afternoon tea in an elegant and charming setting.

The high tea is inspired by British classics – an artful array of finger sandwiches, raisin scones, and petite pastries – a menu that represents authenticity. Gerri and her hosts fill delicate antique tea cups with freshly brewed and strained tea from antique silver teapots in Victorian attire.

From ladies’ socials, birthdays and bridal showers to corporate events and wedding receptions, High Tea with Gerri accommodates all occasions, never compromising on quality or intimacy – even for large gatherings!

Top review

grace

Dined on Dec 27, 2024

Excellent! The service and ambiance were amazing! Definitely will come back.

Ema - Glenview

4.7

4.7 (453)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Glenview

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

John

Dined 2 days ago

Great variety of food. The waitstaff was excellent, very attentive. All Lettuce Entertainment restaurants should drop the rediculous 3% Service Charge. Wake up and stop insulting the clientele.

Feather Glass Wine Bar & Eatery

4.8

4.8 (83)

$30 and under

Fusion / Eclectic

Vernon Hills

About the restaurant

One of the Highly Rated NEW restaurant in Vernon Hills!!

Our International Fusion Cuisine restaurant offers meals unique just to us, we call it a menu with "whispers" of Indian flavors!

Come in to try our Roasted Paneer Ravioli or Chicken Kabobs or one of our fan favorites, Paneer Bites. We promise you will be delighted!

Each meal can be finely paired with some of the best wines produced right here in Illinois. Or pair it with "different" wines from exotic regions of the world.
Either way, it'll be a win win!

So, join is in our modern casual dining room for a cozy and warm evening full of laughter and happy moments. Or enjoy a glass of wine or wine flights in our lounge area by a warm and cozy fireplace!

Top review

Rory

Dined on Dec 8, 2024

Wow! What a find… can’t wait to tell our friends and family and come back. Great service - awesome food and cocktails! Love love love

Discover more

Experience

Monday - Thursday, 4pm - 6pm

Le Colonial - Lake Forest

4.7

4.7 (1365)

$31 to $50

Vietnamese

Lake Forest

About the restaurant

Le Colonial is a celebration of seductive spirit and vivid flavors reminiscent of Saigon in the 1920s. With locations in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Delray Beach, Houston, and Naples, the famed Vietnamese restaurant is designed to capture a bygone era of sophistication and opulence. Celebrated restaurateurs Rick Wahlstedt and Joe King deliver exquisite attention to detail in the luxurious, classic, and romantic atmosphere of Lake Forest’s lively Market Square District. For special occasions, our private dining space provides a bespoke setting for unforgettable celebrations. Please be advised that we do not hold an indoor reservation for all patio reservations. We cannot guarantee a table inside if you wish to move.

Top review

Pat

Dined 1 day ago

Always a pleasure to dine at Le Colonial in Lake Forest. The food is delicious and beautiful. The service is steady and unobtrusive. We will be back soon.

Mother's Apron Korean Cuisine

4.8

4.8 (22)

$30 and under

Korean

Deer Park

About the restaurant

Welcome to Mother's Apron (“eomma-ui apchima” in Korean), where the spirit of maternal cooking thrives. In many cultures, mothers pass down cherished recipes, embodying traditions and flavors that nurture familial heritage. In Korean culture, "hand taste" (“sonmat”) captures the unique touch that comes from a cook’s skill and love.

With this in mind, the partners of Mother's Apron aim to deliver an exceptional Korean culinary experience that evokes the warmth of mom's cooking.

With over 30 years in the restaurant industry, we proudly introduce ourselves as pioneers of Korean BBQ in the greater Chicagoland area, led by our esteemed founder, a local icon known as the godmother of Korean cuisine. Our journey redefines Korean dining through authentic flavors and unmatched hospitality. Join us to savor our signature dishes and discover why we are celebrated as a culinary legacy.

Top review

MarkVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Our second time there and it was as good as the first! Food is fantastic. Plenty for everyone. High quality. Recommend highly!

Rise Mundelein Lounge

4.8

4.8 (18)

$30 and under

Lounge

Mundelein

About the restaurant

Welcome to the RISE Lounge & Smokeasy where we pride ourselves in not just being the first Cannabis Consumption Lounge in Illinois, but also the top tier service and amenities we have to offer. Come stay a couple hours or just a quick puff n run! We have plenty to do while you’re visiting us including Pacman, Nintendo Switch, and a variety of board and card games. We also have state of the art complimentary consumption device rentals to provide new and different experiences! With all the Lounge & Smokeasy has to offer, we aim to provide a unique and fun experience for everyone.

Top review

Travis

Dined on Dec 10, 2024

Thank you so very much! I always enjoy being at the Lounge! I really appreciate the kindness.

Jibek Jolu Glenview

4.8

4.8 (104)

$31 to $50

Asian

Glenview

About the restaurant

JIbek Jolu prides itself on bringing an authentic Central Asian experience to The Glen and surrounding north shore area. By combining central Asian and eastern European cuisine, our menu offers a large variety of cuisine, with delightful dishes and drinks prepared by the best chefs and barmen in the area. The interior of the restaurant is a sight to see, unlike anything you have seen before. We hired the best interior designers, leather, glass, wood, bronze, and felt craftsmen in Kyrgyzstan to assemble a modern design with a nomadic spirit. All the pieces of this ensemble are handmade and brought all the way from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Italy. We hope to see you for large parties, family events, and intimate date nights!

Top review

Marta

Dined 4 days ago

Very delicious food and incredible service! Good atmosphere, great violinist!

Tavern Steakhouse Libertyville

4.8

4.8 (1478)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Libertyville

About the restaurant

For over 40 years The Tavern Steakhouse menu features exceptional USDA prime beef, Japanese Wagyu, organic free-range chicken, seasonal fresh fish, cold water lobster tails, and oysters. Our award-winning wine list has over 1,200 selections, a great wine by the glass assortment, and a well-stocked bar to round out the Tavern's beverage program. Our current dinner menu and wine list are available on our website.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Top review

FredVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Wonderful place. Food is excellent, staff is attentive and the decor is fun.

NM Café - Northbrook

4.6

4.6 (636)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Northbrook

About the restaurant

Appetite for excellence. Take lunching to the next level at NM Cafe®, our elegant restaurant at Neiman Marcus Northbrook. Retreat to a fine-dining atmosphere with an innovative menu selection. Taste one of our exquisite seasonal entrée selections or experience the famous Mandarin Orange Soufflé. It's the perfect choice for any special occasion or for turning an ordinary day into something wonderful.

Looking to host an event? We pride ourselves on creating the perfect menu and ambience for your event in our chic and inviting atmosphere. Pamper the glowing bride- or mother-to-be in your life with the shower of her dreams or a lavish luncheon.

Top review

Mary

Dined on Jan 4, 2025

popovers were delicious as usual, although the strawberry butter was rather bland. the food was not as good as I remembered. Chicken salad did not have customary bacon-healthier but again a little bland. Overall an okay meal just not as outstanding as it was in the past

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