Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Highland Park, Chicago / Illinois

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

American

Italian

Steakhouse

Seafood

French

Indian

Regions

Chicago

Near West

North Suburbs

Northwest Suburbs

West Suburbs

Neighborhoods

Albany Park

Andersonville

Arlington Heights

Avondale

Barrington

Bucktown / Wicker Park

Top Rated

Charming

Fancy

Good for business meals

Good for groups

Good for special occasions

Great for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

Bar

Counter

Standard

High Top

Outdoor

Award-winning

James Beard Award

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

135 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of The Barn Steakhouse - Highland Park restaurant

1. The Barn Steakhouse - Highland Park

4.5

Awesome(131)

$$$$

• Steakhouse • Highland Park

Booked 51 times today

The Barn Steakhouse is a “meat-centric hideaway”, a supper club with style. Our new location is housed in an early dwelling on “The First Street” in downtown Highland Park. Hidden away down our alley-courtyard is 1898 Speakeasy and private event space. An homage to owner Amy Morton’s legendary father, restaurateur Arnie Morton (Morton’s Steakhouse), the menu boasts the finest quality ingredients available including heritage black Angus steaks. As The Barn's menu is ever-evolving, the exact menu may be different when you dine. This eatery provides seating for up to 75 guests in its private event space, as well as outdoor seating.

2. Cafe Dacha

4.9

Exceptional(222)

$$$$

• European • Highland Park

Booked 2 times today

South Ukrainian, Eastern European kitchen features authentic, homemade dishes from Slavic nations, serves select wines and handcrafted cocktails.

3. Bluegrass

4.8

Exceptional(2820)

$$$$

• American • Highland Park

Booked 19 times today

Bluegrass is a casual restaurant located in Highland Park. With a cozy setting nestled into the west side of town it is a true destination dining location. Complete with a warm friendly bar and an American flare, Bluegrass blends in a little Southern influence into its repertoire. The wine and beer selections are all American, along with a full back bar, all hand selected to echo the quality of the fare. Aside from a beautiful setting, the restaurant has extraordinary food and service with a remarkable value. Check our website for details on the events during the summer, as well as our Facebook page. We have many wonderful, rotating specials therefore consult our online menu regularly.

A photo of Field House Kitchen + Bar restaurant

4. Field House Kitchen + Bar

4.6

Exceptional(222)

$$$$

• American • Deerfield

Booked 46 times today

HAPPY HOUR IS HERESun–Fri • 3–6 PM • Bar and Patio OnlyField House Kitchen + Bar was built around a simple idea: create a space where dinner feels easy, social, and elevated. With high ceilings, rich wood tones, and deep blues, the atmosphere is both modern and inviting.Our menu blends American classics with fresh ideas, paired with a lively bar program of cocktails, curated wines, and craft beer. Whether you’re here for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or just drinks with friends, Field House is where Deerfield comes together.Our philosophy is simple: treat every guest like a regular and every night like an occasion. At Field House, service means more than taking an order. It’s anticipating needs, offering genuine warmth, and making every table feel taken care of. From the first hello to the last toast, we designed Field House to make you feel comfortable, celebrated, and at home.

A photo of Rosebud - Deerfield restaurant

5. Rosebud - Deerfield

4.6

Exceptional(2217)

$$$$

• Italian • Deerfield

Booked 48 times today

At Rosebud Deerfield you’ll find classic Italian fare elevated with style — signature pastas, signature steaks and seafood, and desserts worth lingering over. The space itself matches the food — inviting, elegant, and warm, equally perfect for a night out with friends, a family celebration, or a business dinner that needs to impress. Here you’ll understand why Rosebud has been a Chicago icon for more than 50 years.Thank you for reserving with us. Indoor and outdoor seating are available; however, patio tables are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. While we will do our best to honor requests, outdoor seating cannot be guaranteed.Dress Code: We kindly ask guests to join us in business casual attire. Please refrain from wearing gym wear, tank tops, sleeveless shirts, flip-flops, or short shorts. Dress shorts are acceptable, and we ask that hats be removed upon entering.If you need to make any changes to your reservation, please contact us prior to your arrival.

6. Froggy's

4.8

Exceptional(1145)

$$$$

• French • Highwood

Booked 6 times today

Froggy's is a hidden gem in Highwood, serving award-winning French cuisine for almost 40 years. The restaurant is loved for its friendly, knowledgeable service, and the freshest seafood and steaks. Reviews rave about its 'wonderful food, great service, and cozy ambiance.' One reviewer even said it's 'second to being in Paris enjoying some wine and cheese and a meal.' The head chef coming out to check on customers is a touch that adds to the overall dining experience.

A photo of Bella Via Ristorante restaurant

7. Bella Via Ristorante

4.6

Exceptional(1207)

$$$$

• Italian • Highland Park

Booked 12 times today

Bella Via Ristorante is thrilled to announce its new location at 431 Temple ave in Highland Park. An authentic Italian Restaurant, a true family owned and family operated that has served the North Shore communities for over 26 years. We feature classic Italian fare with an impressive selection of Italian wines. The menu consists of a variety of appetizers, homemade pastas, fresh fish, tender veal, chicken and many other Italian favorites.

8. Elyon By Ozz Chef

4.7

Exceptional(130)

$$$$

• Mediterranean • Glencoe

Booked 20 times today

🔥🔥 Elyon by Ozz Chef is exclusively a Chef’s Tasting Menu restaurant.We do not serve à la carte dishes.Every guest enjoys the same elevated, multi-course Mediterranean experience, designed by Chef Ozz to showcase bold flavors, fire-grilled specialties, seasonal ingredients, and signature desserts. This format ensures flawless execution, seamless service, and a dining experience that feels intentional, not transactional.Elyon is not a place to pick plates —it is a place to experience a story, one course at a time.

A photo of Morton's The Steakhouse - Northbrook restaurant

9. Morton's The Steakhouse - Northbrook

4.7

Exceptional(1782)

$$$$

• Steakhouse • Northbrook

Booked 11 times today

Located in Northbrook just off Highway 94, Morton’s The Steakhouse offers a refined dining experience in a convenient suburban setting near Ravinia Festival and the Chicago Botanic Garden. A destination for both local professionals and the surrounding corporate and residential communities, Morton’s provides an elegant escape ideal for any occasion.Inside, the spacious dining room features timeless design and attentive service. The chef‑crafted menu highlights USDA prime‑aged steaks, fresh seafood, and classic steakhouse favorites, paired with signature sides, decadent desserts, and an extensive wine list. Whether enjoying a dinner after a concert, entertaining clients, or celebrating a special moment, Morton’s delivers the elevated standard Northbrook expects.

10. Di Pescara

4.6

Exceptional(5999)

$$$$

• Seafood • Northbrook

Booked 60 times today

A contemporary favorite on the North Shore, Di Pescara specializes in meticulously selected, seafood, hand-rolled sushi, and a satisfying range of Italian and global specialties. The setting is modern, with animated, lively dining rooms, private party rooms, and an intimate, well-stocked bar. Chef-Partner Francis Brennan brings a modern approach to traditional dishes with results such as Ginger BBQ Salmon, Oven Roasted Fish, and house made Gnocchi. With both innovative specials and small bite desserts, Di Pescara will satisfy all appetites any day of the week. Open for lunch and dinner daily, we offer convenient carryout and boast 3 private dining rooms seating 14 to 140 people.

‘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

W
WadeGold
Chicago / Illinois •92 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We love Bluegrass it’s amazing the food the service the atmosphere is just great. Indoor outdoor whatever you desire.
More info
Bluegrass$$$$• American• Highland Park
•
4.8
E
Edward
Chicago / Illinois •96 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Very nice meal at Rosebud - Deerfield. Server was attentive and helpful. Definitely will return.
More info
Rosebud - Deerfield$$$$• Italian• Deerfield
•
4.6
D
Davida
Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The food was delicious, from the tangy sourdough bread (one small loaf per person), to the steak (cooked perfectly to the correct temperature, juicy and flavorful), to the dessert (be sure to order the Chocolate Velvet Cake). Our server, Alexia, was helpful and efficient, checking up on us periodically but not always in our faces.
More info
The Barn Steakhouse - Highland Park$$$$• Steakhouse• Highland Park
•
4.5
M
MikeGold
Chicago / Illinois •94 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Fun and diverse menu with multiple options that can make it difficult to select only one item. But, that means I’ll return next time to try something different. The vibe is relaxed but energetic and the staff does a great job welcoming you into their restaurant. This is my second visit and plan to return again soon.
More info
Field House Kitchen + Bar$$$$• American• Deerfield
•
4.6
A
AlexGold
Fort Lauderdale •10 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 12, 2026
Excellent service, delicious food. Will be back soon !!!!
More info
Cafe Dacha$$$$• European• Highland Park
•
4.9

Explore OpenTable

Neighborhood
Neighborhood gem

Highland Park

Cicero
Roscoe Village
Lincoln Park
Sauganash
Rockford
Albany Park
Winnetka
Wilmette
Bucktown / Wicker Park
Oak Park
Park Ridge
Long Grove
Woodridge
Burbank
River North (Chicago)
Valparaiso, IN
Skokie
Oak Brook
West Chicago
Hinsdale