Waterleaf Restaurant - Glen EllynMother's Day-- It was a perfectMother's Day-- It was a perfect place for a quiet, elegant sit-down dinner with unrushed, uninterrupted fine service, where my older parents could hear the conversation and did not have to wrestle with dishes at a buffet. The windows open onto a view of a small pond/lake with lovely willows and redbuds and other landscaping that was particularly peaceful in the sunshine last Sunday. The maitre 'd was particularly welcoming and remembered my family by name, checking with us a couple times through the meal.
Water service could have been more attentive and that's all I can think of that would have been an improvement on a day considered the busiest of the year...Mother's Day.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMFood is delicious and wellFood is delicious and well prepared. Service is excellent.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMas this is the restaurantas this is the restaurant tied in with the culinary school at College of DuPage it has a very sedate atmosphere. Even on a Friday night it was quite. However, the food is excellent and the wine list is one of the best in the western burbs. Young couples who perfer the decible level on par with a space launch would be disappointed. However, the decor is very tasteful and allows one to focus on your dining partner and the food and wine. It will take a good two hours for a four course meal.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding food in a wonderful setOur second visit to Waterleaf match the outstanding nature of our first. The food is creative, delicious, and beautifully presented. The service matches the food and made our dining experience superb. If you have the opportunity to dine at Waterleaf, don't pass it up.5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent high end choiceRates with the best restaurants in the area, which is very competitive for high end establishments. Very good selection of meat and fish entrees, plus an extensive wine selection. Service was excellent and very attentive. We wanted to talk for awhile, and they picked up on this very quickly. Restaurant is light woods, accented by stone sculpture, and lightened by white draperies. We shared a baked Alaska for dessert. They have been opened for about 18 months, and are a real find. Right in the middle of the College of DuPage, it is part of the culinary school on campus. You park right in the middle of the student parking lot, but in a separate area reserved for the restaurant patrons. Outside seating is available, if you want.5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Neighborhood GemWe have been to Waterleaf several times, this was our first time for Sunday Brunch. Everything was outstanding, as usual. We never go for brunch because we don't like Buffet style. But here one can order from the menu, that makes all the difference. We selected The Soup of day - Creamy Ramp Soup, as Entree we had the Buttsteak and as Desert Mango Mousse; all three were very tasty and perfect. Service was friendly and timely. This is one of the finest Restaurants, conveniently located close by, no traffic to fight to go to Downtown Chicago, no Parking Fees to pay, and yet the food and service are as good or better than in any Downtown Establishment. We can highly recommend Waterleaf and look forward to our next visit.4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMBeautiful but food was inconsistentWe recently tried Waterleaf at the recommendation of a friend. Upon arriving, we found the decor of the restaurant to be very comfortable and sophisticated. The restaurant was extremely quiet.
Since this restaurant was new to us, we decided to order several courses. We ordered the ahi tuna appetizer, which was good but missing crunch. We also tried the candy stripped beet salad, the rabbit entree (which came highly recommended), and the halibut. All were average at best. The highlights of the meal were the soup (cream of ramps) and dessert (rhubarb parfait and pave). Overall, I have to say the food for us was hit or miss. We felt the price point was high for the quality of food we received.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMCelebrationWe celebrated a quiet birthday and it was the perfect place.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstandingThe Waterleaf is a great restaurant because of the elegant atmosphere, fabulous service and outstanding dinners! I had the delicious grilled salmon, a wonderful salad and fabulous sorbet trio. The service was attentive without excess. The tables were elegant and the view of the lake was spectacular.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMStudents at COD Rock!I have had lunch at this restaurant a few times and was unimpressed. However, the French Dinner, prepared and served by the students was outstanding. It was a delicious meal, beautifully presented, elegantly served and paired with notable wines. Can't wait to try some of the International menu items next year.4/23/2013 12:00:00 AMLovely setting and beautifullyLovely setting and beautifully appointed restaurant. The menu had SO many wonderful choices that it was hard to make our selections. Our server was very helpful, however, and the service was very good (but not overly fussy). The food was excellent-- beautiful presentation and interesting combinations. All in all, a great experience!4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is the best meal I'veThis is the best meal I've had since Maijean in Clarendon Hills closed. I can't wait to return!4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was our first time atThis was our first time at Waterleaf. We loved it. The food an service was fantastic. We ewach had a different meal...duck...rabbit...filet...scallops..and each of us raved about the food. It is a bit more on the high end price, so for us more of a special occassion for dinner. But from the appetizers to after dinner coffee it was great. Highly recommend.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMENJOY, Dine At WaterleafIf you expect good food, ambience and excellent informed service from a dining experience than Waterleaf is a restaurant you must
visit. The experience starts when you enter the naturally lit foyer and walk through the open glass dining area with glorious views.
You almost taste the food as the wait staff describes the menus specials. The food is as delectable as it is beautiful on your plate.
Weither dining at lunch or the height of Saturday night date night one never feels rushed.
Romantic, fun for a group of friends or family whatever the occasion you will be glad you made Waterleaf your restaurant of choice.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMWe celebrated our 25th weddingWe celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary at Waterleaf. It is a beautiful restaurant with excellent food and service. I would highly recommend Waterleaf! We will definetely go back.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMPredident and CEOThe service is lovely. Kevin is a wonderful ambassador and waiter. I come in monthly on my visits to Chicago.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMNice table and room. ReasonableNice table and room.
Reasonable price.
Nice taste.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMWe have been to WaterleafWe have been to Waterleaf several times. It has always been wonderful. The price is reasonable for the quality and presentation of the food. It is a hidden gem in the western suburbs. I hope more people give it a try, since I'd hate for it to close.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMThe waitstaff was very attentive.The waitstaff was very attentive. Our meals were not only tasty, they were artistic!4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMThanks for a great night.Thanks for a great night. You made my Wife's birthday dinner what she and I hoped for.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMWe arrived for the 1:30 PMWe arrived for the 1:30 PM seating on a Saturday, and therefore the restaurant was definitely not in full attendance. We appreciated the decor, since it was set for fine dining with tablecloths and a nice lake view. We ordered everything from appetizers to dessert, and nothing disappointed. My entree, which was salmon, was cooked to perfection, and I would definitely order that again! Very nice experience.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMML of GEOur first visit was on a Friday for lunch and was very pleased by the warm and friendly greeting extended by the manager at the front entrance. Seated promptly the restaurant was very quiet and we were greeted quickly by our waiter. A wonderful window seat made the setting enjoyable as we enjoyed the beautiful spring day over a glass of wine and a cheese-plate apetizer. We were however disappointed in the quality and presentation of the dishes as my wife enjoyed a salmon filet and I a pasta dish. We ended our meal with a shared desert and coffee which were delicious! Once again disappointed in the taste/quality for the price and may make another attempt for a dinner.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMWorth the visit!Greeting was exceptional, food and drink outstanding. Service was very attentive without being obtrusive. It was an extremely pleasant dinig experience and a good value. We will return, probably often.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMGive it a try!What a wonderful "hidden gem" at COD! My husband and I read the reviews for Waterleaf for several months and finally decided to give it a try for Easter Brunch. We were so pleasantly surprised! Waterleaf's new executive chef, Nadia, is truly talented! We will be back for dinner in the very near future. Kudos to all the staff for the entire experience!3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMWe really enjoyed everythingWe really enjoyed everything about Waterleaf. The food was delicious and the service was wonderful, It was a nice and relaxing time. I want to go back again!3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMA great find in the westernA great find in the western suburbs! The service was outstanding, and the food was excellent. The beet salad is a must!3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMFine dining experience inFine dining experience in the suburbs! The food is excellent, as is the presentation. The wine list is extensive and varied. Best of all is the service, which is attentive without being at all intrusive. A relaxing and truly satisfying dining experience!3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMOn our "A" ListWent with a group of friends to celebrate birthdays - we had such a lovely evening. Service was attentive but not overbearing - and just the right pacing to allow for a leisurely dinner with our friends. There were 6 of us in all - we all had appetizers, a salad or soup, entree and dessert - because although portions were plentiful they weren't too large - which left room to enjoy their great dessert offerings. In addition to the great food, service and atmosphere, they also have incredibly comfortable chairs and acoustics conducive to conversation.
Can't wait to go back and try the Spring menu that is due to be available in the next week or so.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMReally great 3 for $30 tastingReally great 3 for $30 tasting menu! My dinner was delicious! Walking up you think you are going to a campus dining hall, walking in you think a pretentious restaurant but the food & bottom line were excellent!3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMHave been to Waterleaf onHave been to Waterleaf on several occassions. Service is impecable. Food is always very good-excellent. We had pork chop(just a little tough), beef tips ( very tender) and lamb shank ( a little fatty). Overall, we would always go back. Menu changes periodically so it is always interesting to go thre every few months to see what's new. They have a $30 menu which makes it a great value and agreat meal.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMVery good french prix fixeVery good french prix fixe dinner with wine prepared and served by students.3/12/2013 12:00:00 AMAnd once again, I love thisAnd once again, I love this experience. Same review as the previous. The menu items change, but the experience continues to be wonderful. An elegant 7 course meal prepared and served by the culinary arts students at COD under expert supervision... very inspiring to witness the growth of these fine adults, while enjoying a delicious well-prepared and well synchronized meal. The courses never seem to stop coming. The courses are complemented with offerings of paired champagne, white wine and red wine to complete the meal presentation. The servers are well versed on the dishes being served, as well as, the wines being offered. Hats off to the efforts of the entire class! We will definitely be back.3/12/2013 12:00:00 AMWent for a quiet dinner onWent for a quiet dinner on a Saturday night and enjoyed it very much. Wait staff was attentive and the food was excellent. Ambiance was great - subtly elegant and serene.3/9/2013 12:00:00 AMwhy dont you give dining point???why dont you give dining point???
been there twice and no points?3/2/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing suburban find!!! Amazing!We were so glad we tried this restaurant. The location can throw you...get over it!! The service was outstanding from the moment we walked in the door. The food was one of the best in the suburbs. I had a appetizer of sweetbreads with sweet potato flan and pomegranate sauce that was perhaps the best I've ever had. My husband has a pork shoulder ravioli that was a big delicious pillow. We had entrees of rabbit loin that was tender and perfectly seasoned as well as bouilibasse filled with loser, shrimp, fish and scallops in a delicious saffron broth. Wine list was large and had many great affordable options. Prices were very affordable for food that matched some of the best in the city! We will definitely be back! Go!!!2/22/2013 12:00:00 AMTry it!We go out for so many dinners that are non-memorable. This was the best meal I've had in the western suburbs in our 9 months of living here. The waiter was personable and attentive. I loved my salad and the pork chop. Everything was perfectly seasoned and cooked. We even had 2 surprises...a surprise starter courtesy of the chef and chocolate covered strawberries that came complimentary with our check.
We were curious about the small inn (6 rooms) attached to the restaurant. The waiter arranged a tour for us right after dinner. We were able to check out the boutique style rooms and even got a tour of the culinary school classrooms and restaurants. Such an added treat.
Just try it for yourself!2/16/2013 12:00:00 AMClassy without pretenseThey paid attention to us, not overbearing attention, but really paying attention to what we wanted. Classy, unpretentious service.
The food was good. My wife had a stuffed fish that she found outstanding, and I had short ribs, a heavy meat that I am learning I don't like. My bad. It was prepared well.
The understated contemporary decor finishes the experience. Everything is comfortable and plain -- interesting, comfortable contemporary furniture that has no "edge" to it. I suspect that the huge, box light fixtures are what most people find interesting. Again, the light fixtures are unique without screaming at you.2/15/2013 12:00:00 AM