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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Melrose Park

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27 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Hemmingway's Bistro restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1221)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Oak Park
Booked 19 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
4.7
Exceptional(1135)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Oak Park
Booked 26 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 Modern Plate Restaurant & Bar restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(56)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Elmhurst
Booked 27 times today
Welcome to Modern Plate Restaurant & Bar in the vibrant heart of Elmhurst, IL, a true haven for cocktail enthusiasts. This establishment is celebrated not just for its culinary delights but for its exceptional Cocktail Bar, offering an array of unique and beautifully crafted cocktails that are perfect for any occasion. Guests rave about the "unique cocktails" and the inviting ambiance, making it a standout choice for both locals and visitors. One review enthusiastically states, "the craft cocktails were great, too," highlighting the expertise and creativity behind the bar. Whether you're here for a romantic date night or a lively evening with friends, Modern Plate promises a cocktail experience that blends quality, creativity, and the finest ingredients to deliver drinks that are as memorable as they are delicious.
A photo of Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Oak Park, IL restaurant
4.5
Awesome(4063)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Oak Park
Booked 115 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 Encore! by Little Gem restaurant
4.2
Awesome(7)
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.
A photo of Brasero restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(315)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • West Town
Booked 43 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.
A photo of Colonial Room at The Drake Oak Brook restaurant
4.4
Awesome(837)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Oak Brook
Booked 24 times today
Nestled in the charming Oak Brook neighborhood, the Colonial Room at The Drake Oak Brook Hotel shines as a beacon of breakfast excellence. Known for its inviting ambiance and Chef-driven menu, the restaurant offers a captivating blend of 1960s classics and contemporary favorites, along with thoughtful vegetarian and vegan options. Guests rave about the “beautiful Easter brunch” and the “great breakfast options,” highlighting the quality and variety of the cuisine. The attentive service and upscale presentation further elevate the dining experience, making every breakfast at the Colonial Room not just a meal but a memorable event. Whether it's the sumptuous Sunday Champagne Brunch or a cozy morning on the veranda, the Colonial Room ensures a delightful start to your day, praised for making special occasions “extra special” with its exceptional food and service.
A photo of Ada Street restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(1038)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Bucktown / Wicker Park
Booked 26 times today
Ada Street, nestled in the eclectic Elston Industrial District between Bucktown and Lincoln Park in Chicago, serves up an exquisite selection of Tapas/Small Plates that have captivated diners with their authenticity and flair. The restaurant has garnered glowing reviews for its "incredibly flavorful" and "beautifully prepared" dishes such as Thai steak tartare, gnocchi, and shrimp ceviche, making it a culinary gem in the city. Patrons rave about the "fantastic flavors" and the creative twists on traditional dishes, ensuring a dining experience that is both unique and memorable. Adding to the charm is the cool, cozy ambiance complemented by a "cool vibe" and exceptional service, making Ada Street a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-notch Tapas experience in Chicago.
A photo of Old Town Pour House - Oak Brook restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1596)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Oak Brook
Booked 48 times today
Old Town Pour House in Oak Brook stands out for its Contemporary American cuisine, offering a menu that combines modern culinary creativity with traditional flavors. With chef-driven twists on classic dishes, diners rave about the "delicious" and "original" food, from the spicy shrimp tacos to the cheddar burger that was described as "bomb!" Not only does the restaurant feature a vast selection of over 90 beers on tap, emphasizing local breweries, but the ambiance also adds to the exceptional dining experience. Guests consistently praise the "great atmosphere" and "impeccable service," making it a beloved spot for both casual diners and special occasions. Whether you're there for a sunny brunch or a cozy dinner, Old Town Pour House delivers both quality and a welcoming vibe, ensuring every visit is memorable.
A photo of Parkers' Restaurant & Bar restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4223)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Downers Grove
Booked 41 times today
Parkers' Restaurant & Bar in Downers Grove is a treasure trove of Contemporary American cuisine, offering "The Very Best of Land & Sea." Celebrated for its exceptional dining experience, Parkers’ has consistently wowed patrons with dishes like the "amazing lobster ravioli" and "perfectly cooked whitefish," earning it the Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence multiple times. The restaurant thrives on its ability to blend upscale dining with a cozy ambiance, complete with live jazz that complements a sumptuous Sunday brunch. As one reviewer raved, "The food is always excellent...prepared with love," highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity in every dish. Whether it's a casual meal or a special occasion, Parkers’ promises a memorable culinary journey through the best of contemporary American flavors.
‘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
From verified diners like you
  • Scottvip
    Chicago / Illinois •192 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Extremely pleasant staff. Food was good. Ambiance was good for a business meeting. I'd go back in the future!
    More info
    Hemmingway's BistroPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Oak Park
    4.7
  • Mike
    Tulsa •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    These guys are truly professionals. The atmosphere, the staff, the food, all of it exceeded expectation. I’m a chef and don’t understand how they execute so well. Amazing people and amazing time. I’ll definitely be back
    More info
    BokaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Lincoln Park
    4.8
  • Kenvip
    Chicago / Illinois •72 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    I cannot count the number of visits we've had to The Girl and the Goat, but it continues to be a favorite for both personal and professional dining. I brought three colleagues, who have never been, to the restaurant for dinner. One diner is vegetarian, but there are menu offerings and options available to provide them with enough to eat. All three were quite impressed with the food. My only complaint would be our table was right next to the kitchen, which can be loud. However, we made due, and had an enjoyable meal. Service is always very good, and the cocktails are fun. If you're interested in dining, make sure you book way ahead, as there is almost no chance to get a table day of.
    More info
    Girl & the GoatPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• West Loop
    4.8
  • Tracy
    Chicago / Illinois •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The Date Night menu is perfect. Solid choices, great value. We go a couple of times a year to this friendly little place.
    More info
    The Little Gem RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Oak Park
    4.7
  • LtngMDvip
    Chicago / Illinois •31 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Nov 9, 2024
    Live music background guitar playing oldies was very pleasant and not too loud. Prime rib (fri/sat special) that the waiter Kyle said was ‘excellent’ or ‘wonderful’ was rather tasteless and thin cut for $48 - disappointing after the buildup. Kyle was a great waitperson. Be careful as they add a 20% tip into the bill before they give it to you.
    More info
    Encore! by Little GemPrice: Expensive• Bistro• Oak Park
    4.2
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