25 Essential Lake Forest Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Lake Forest.
Garden Berry Cafe
Illinois
Easygoing, friendly cafe serving an all-day menu of breakfast & lunch comfort staples plus coffee.
Teriyaki Madness
Illinois
Cheery counter-serve branch doling out rice & noodle bowls with Asian-style proteins & veggies.
Pita Inn
Illinois
Middle Eastern & Mediterranean classics served up in a bustling, no-frills space.
Aroma Indian Cuisine
Lake Forest, Illinois
A shopping-plaza option for traditional Indian dishes that also offers a lunch buffet & a full bar.
City Works (Mellody Farm - Vernon Hills)
Lake Forest, Illinois
Service options: Outdoor seating, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Fireplace, Great beer selection.
Plenty of Huevos
Lake Forest, Illinois
Identifies as Latino-owned, Identifies as women-owned. Service options: Outdoor seating, Curbside pickup, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service.
El Poblanito Mexican Restaurant
Lake Forest, Illinois
Identifies as Latino-owned, Identifies as women-owned. Service options: Outdoor seating, Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services.
Feather Glass Wine Bar & Eatery
Lake Forest, Illinois
Identifies as women-owned. Service options: Outdoor seating, Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service.
SGD DUBU SO GONG DONG TOFU & KOREAN BBQ
Lake Forest, Illinois
Service options: No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Jersey Mike's Subs
Lake Forest, Illinois
New Jersey–based counter-serve sandwich chain serving jumbo subs filled with cold cuts & toppings.
McAlister's Deli
Lake Forest, Illinois
Easygoing counter-service chain known for its sandwiches, stuffed baked potatoes & sweet tea.
Bo-Bo's Gyros Vernon Hills
Lake Forest, Illinois
Retro counter-serve diner serving chicken plates, gyros & other common eats, plus ice cream cones.
The Peanut Gallery
Lake Forest, Illinois
Service options: Outdoor seating, Curbside pickup, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Serves local specialty. Popular for: Lunch.
Eddie Merlot's
Lake Forest, Illinois
Premium chain serving aged steaks, seafood & a lengthy wine list in plush surroundings.
Rosati's Pizza
Lake Forest, Illinois
Italian chain eatery featuring Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, plus pasta & sandwiches.
Mambo Italiano
Lake Forest, Illinois
White-tablecloth spot for traditional Italian fare & a full bar in cozy digs with art & arches.
IHOP
Lake Forest, Illinois
Long-standing chain serving a wide variety of pancakes & other American breakfast & diner fare.
Ferentino's Pizzeria
Lake Forest, Illinois
Local eatery serving deep-dish pizza, pasta & sandwiches in a family-friendly setting since 1980.
Prairie House Tavern
Lake Forest, Illinois
Homey bar & grill serving burgers, ribs & other hearty bites in a nostalgic setting with a patio.
Starfish Sushi Lincolnshire
Lake Forest, Illinois
Lounge-like haunt offering select sushi, creative Japanese mains & hot sake, plus outdoor seating.
Francesca's Intimo
Lake Forest, Illinois
Long-running Italian restaurant serving pizza, pasta & wine in an elegant, contemporary setting.
Blufish
Lake Forest, Illinois
Contemporary space with welcoming decor offering sushi, plus American & Japanese entrees.
Gale Street Inn - Diamond Lake, Mundelein
Lake Forest, Illinois
Waterfront restaurant featuring a wide-ranging menu of American classics, famous for BBQ ribs.
Blue House Korean BBQ
Lake Forest, Illinois
Easygoing eatery featuring cook-your-own, Korean-style BBQ on tabletop grills, plus beer & wine.
Chipy Cafe
Lake Forest, Illinois
Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.