Best Authentic Restaurants in Wilmette

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

ChicagoNorth SuburbsNorthwest Suburbs

Neighborhoods

Albany ParkAndersonvilleAvondaleBucktown / Wicker ParkDeerfieldDes Plaines

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

64 restaurants available nearby

1. Jilly's Cafe

4.5

Awesome(686)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • Evanston

Booked 3 times today

Located just outside the city of Chicago, Jilly's Café has been called a "North Shore Treasure" by Zagat's 2002 restaurant survey. Our French Countryside decor, handpicked flowers, and friendly wait staff make for an intimate and cozy atmosphere suitable for all kinds of occasions(NOW PATIO AVAILABLE,ASK FOR HOURS). Here authentic French food is served with an American twist making for enough dishes to keep our specials changing daily. We offer a Sunday brunch that carefully combines a traditional American brunch with French flavors, while champagne effortlessly flows throughout the course of the meal. Jilly's is available for private parties, and reservations are strongly recommended.

2. Avli - Winnetka

4.5

Awesome(1119)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Greek • Winnetka

Booked 12 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

A photo of CUPITOL The Restaurant restaurant

3. CUPITOL The Restaurant

4.5

Awesome(36)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• European • Skokie

Booked 9 times today

CUPITOL The Restaurant is our 4th and newest location in Old Orchard Mall, delivering a complete, immersive experience for all day. You can begin the day with breakfast, brunch, or lunch that you can truly enjoy and as the evening unfolds, you indulge in a vibrant dinner featuring bold European flavors and a sophisticated touch. Enjoy the day. Savor the night.

A photo of The Geodesic Domes at Hackney's on Harms restaurant

4. The Geodesic Domes at Hackney's on Harms

4.7

Exceptional(295)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Skokie

Booked 3 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.

5. Kabul House

4.8

Exceptional(90)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Afghan • Evanston

Booked 9 times today

Kabul House offers a taste of authentic Afghan cuisine. Our extensive menu includes lamb, seafood, beef & chicken dishes as well as vegetarian specialties that include pumpkin, eggplant, spinach & other fresh vegetable options. Our menu hosts a large variety of selections fit for anyone, from vegetarians to meat lovers alike. In most of our recipes, a limited amount of fresh spices & seasonings are used to season the dish in order to create a sensational taste that is not too overwhelming. This makes our Afghan cuisine very enjoyable for anyone & everyone. The atmosphere we provide for our patrons is one of which would be produced in our homes, relaxing, invitingly warm & unforgettable. We could go on & on claiming how exquisite our foods are, but we invite you to come & taste for yourself.

6. Tapas Barcelona

4.7

Exceptional(666)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Tapas / Small Plates • Evanston

Booked 17 times today

Dine on traditional Spanish cuisine at Tapas Barcelona. Located 1615 Chicago Ave, north suburb of Evanston and just south of Northwestern University, this restaurant offers casual comfort and a friendly setting for dining out. Tapas Barcelona has various dishes on the menu, such as baked snails and pizza topped with spinach and goat cheese. It also serves seafood and vegetarian entrées. Tapas Barcelona has a full bar that offers guests various drinks, including Spanish selections of wine. Its atmosphere is ideal for meeting up with an old friend for lunch or having dinner with the family. This restaurant welcomes reservations and provides take-out services.

7. Tenjin

4.9

Exceptional(87)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Lincolnwood

Booked 8 times today

Renga Tei is Tenjin Restaurant now.Tenjin restaurant serves everyone’s favorite Japanese dishes from yesteryear, and Chef Naoki has developed many contemporary dishes to keep your taste buds happy and satisfied. We hope that Tenjin will become one of your go-to Japanese Restaurants.

8. Zentli

5.0

Exceptional(77)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Evanston

Booked 3 times today

Hear the joyful music of Mexico with a mix of Latin American and world rhythms, enjoy the colorful art, and taste delicious tacos in a warm community space. Zentli (indigenous Nahuatl Language for "corn" or "maize"), is a casual restaurant that serves the best locally sourced Mexican street food in Evanston, Illinois. With fresh, natural ingredients and vegan & vegetarian options in eclectic, artistic digs, we’re your new local favorite. We built Zentli to honor the ingenuity and hard work of Mexican people by bringing you the genuine flavors of street vendors through tasty food and mouth-watering drinks.

9. Guanajuato

4.4

Awesome(363)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Winnetka

Booked 3 times today

We are committed to providing you with a fabulous dining experience whether you are eating in or carrying your food out. If you are planning to visit us, we would be happy to take your reservation, and don't forget to try one of our delicious Margaritas made with limes squeezed daily.Our savory, authentic Mexican food is made only with the freshest ingredients and you can taste the difference. The flavors burst with each bite you take. Our Acapulco Shrimp transports you to the sunny beaches of the Mexican Pacific. The El Molcajete simmers with the subtle and delicious flavors of the high dessert. The Enchiladas Poblano entices with the complexity of our rich mole poblano. Our many fish specials are made with freshest fish in the market. With each of our dishes, you will taste real food made with with real ingredients by people who love to cook. Everything is prepared fresh daily and you will taste the difference.

10. Estacion

5.0

Exceptional(115)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Caribbean • Evanston

Booked 2 times today

Discover a culinary voyage to the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean at Estacion, where every bite brings the soulful essence of Puerto Rico to your plate. Led by acclaimed head chef Mark Mendez, our passionate team takes pride in presenting authentic Puerto Rican cuisine in its purest form, offering a dining experience that pays homage to the rich culinary heritage.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
Anna
Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Our server was lovely and knowledgeable about the menu and helped us acknowledge our friend's birthday. We loved the food and had a great time!
More info
Avli - WinnetkaPrice: Expensive• Greek• Winnetka
•
4.5
J
Jaime
Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Food was great, even though we waited for than 15 mins for our table with a reservation. Also it was a little loud, too bad they don’t have a bar. It’s BYOB so plan accordingly.
More info
Kabul HousePrice: Moderate• Afghan• Evanston
•
4.8
T
Thomas J
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Our server was perfect, the best ! He commented that we seemed in love. We then said we were there for our anniversary and our convo was a treat for my Julia. His name was LUCAS ! He made the whole night wonderful for my Valentine. She had been there a long time ago with her mother and always loved the restaurant. We had been there also for yearly anniversaries. later - he brought out a dessert with candle - which was a surprise for my Valentine! Thank you Lucas !
More info
Jilly's CafePrice: Expensive• French• Evanston
•
4.5
R
RoxanneVIP
Chicago / Illinois •43 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 9, 2025
Food here is consistently good. I've tried several different items and have loved all of them. The small plates/appetizers are big enough for a meal, unless you are famished. The servers are some of the best in the north shore. They are friendly, knowledgeable and fun.
More info
CUPITOL The RestaurantPrice: Expensive• European• Skokie
•
4.5
B
Barbara
Las Vegas •10 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 3, 2025
Dinning in the Dome was such an enjoyable experience. The decorations and ambience were amazing.
More info
The Geodesic Domes at Hackney's on HarmsPrice: Moderate• American• Skokie
•
4.7

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