5 Best Restaurants in Winnetka

Families and professionals looking for a wonderful place to live on Chicago’s acclaimed North Shore have long been attracted to Winnetka for its location on Lake Michigan and its status as one of the wealthiest communities in the nation. Winnetka is full of high-end living opportunities, starting with beautiful new luxury homes where new residents can settle down in style.

With a population of just over 13,000 people, Winnetka is a small and peaceful community located about 20 miles north of Chicago, which offers a serene feeling thanks to the upscale properties on tree-lined streets. The most coveted homes in Winnetka are the waterfront estates and mansions lining the Lake Michigan shore, where residents enjoy access to a private sandy beach, jetties, and some of the most stunning scenery in the state.

While all the attractions of Chicago are just a short drive away, Winnetka has plenty of options for refined and upscale dining and shopping right in the community. There are several fine restaurants in Winnetka that are sure to please everyone’s appetite, whether it’s for a formal occasion, a celebration, or just a low-key night out on the town. One of the best ways new residents can get settled and feel comfortable in their new surroundings is to try out these restaurants close to home.

844 Spruce St, Winnetka, IL 60093

 

 

Once you and your family have gotten unpacked and settled in your Winnetka home, you’ll discover that Winnetka’s dining scene features a wide variety of flavors from around the world. A great place to start experiencing the taste of Winnetka, particularly if you favor authentic French cuisine, is at one of the city’s most charming bistros: Pomeroy. Located in the heart of Winnetka, Pomeroy is a bright and stylish bistro with a menu full of French favorites.

You can start your meal with steak or tuna tartare or poached salmon. Depending on the night of the week you stop by, you can choose an entrée from a finely cooked nightly special like lobster risotto made with Maine lobster tail, short rib bourguignon, duck leg cassoulet, or sea scallops. Try an entrée of roasted chicken, duck, grilled trout, or salmon. The brass railings, vaulted ceilings, and wooden furniture in the dining room will make it feel like you’ve been whisked away to Paris for a delightful and flavorful evening.

501 Chestnut St, Winnetka, IL 60093

 

Some of the finest restaurants in Winnetka add a creative flair that can give you a truly unique experience. When you’re in the mood for trying some new flavors or simply want to enjoy some dependable classics, make a reservation at 501 Local in the heart of Winnetka. The menu at 501 Local is full of dishes that make the most of fine ingredients from the sea and land, with both French and American inspiration.

To start your meal, try the lobster bisque soup, chicken skewers with peanut sauce, steamed mussels with garlic and herbs, or Thai chili wings. For your entrée, take your pick of a wide variety of options that include roasted spaghetti squash pasta, beef bourguignon, red wine braised chicken, Chilean sea bass, hanger steak, and seared scallops. For dessert, take your pick from mango panna cotta, chocolate fondue, tiramisu, or a creamy gelato.

Dining at 501 Local is a delightful experience, especially in the warm spring and summer months when you can sit on the softly sunlit outdoor courtyard patio surrounded by ivy-covered brick walls. The indoor dining room is also bright, charming, and cozy, making 501 Local an ideal dining destination to unwind and enjoy a flavorful meal. The menu rotates regularly, so you and your family will have to come back again and again to try the new offerings.

64 Green Bay Rd, Winnetka, IL 60093

 

 

If you can’t get enough of the classic flavors of French cuisine, try out Aboyer, located on the south side of Winnetka. This sophisticated and elegant restaurant offers a refined menu in a peaceful setting. Start your meal with smoked salmon over confit potatoes, then move on to a main course of duck confit or braised lamb shank. The neat dining room matches the finely crafted meals and guarantees a refreshing experience.

What makes this restaurant unique is that it is actually two restaurants under one roof. Besides Aboyer, residents seeking a truly upscale dining experience can enjoy George Trois, a nine-course tasting menu experience that features the best contemporary French cuisine in the area.

813 Oak St, Winnetka, IL 60093

 

On nights when you crave sushi, don’t miss Jimoto. Located in the heart of town, Jimoto is a warm and elegant restaurant with its own unique flair and a menu full of flavor. Try the spicy miso soup or a chicken teriyaki bowl, then move on to the fantastic menu of sashimi and sushi rolls, or try a poke bowl. Jimoto is an ideal place to go with family and friends on any occasion that deserves celebrating. The extensive menu will keep you coming back again and again until you can try it all.

507 Chestnut St, Winnetka, IL 60093

 

 

You can never go wrong with a dinner of satisfying, authentic Italian food, and when that is what you crave, look no further than Tocco in the heart of Winnetka. With extensive varieties of seafood antipasti, fresh handmade pasta, and finely grilled meats like pan-seared chicken and prime strip steak, there is something for everyone at Tocco. The dining room here is elegant and neat — perfect for a quiet, relaxing meal with a small group of those closest to you.

These are among the top restaurants in Winnetka. When you are ready to begin exploring the wonderful luxury homes available in the area, contact expert broker Jena Radnay for the best client services on Chicago’s North Shore.