Best Authentic Restaurants in Wilmette

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

ChicagoNorth SuburbsNorthwest Suburbs

Neighborhoods

Albany ParkAndersonvilleAvondaleDeerfieldDes PlainesEdgewater

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

72 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Bar Siena - North Shore restaurant

1. Bar Siena - North Shore

4.4

Awesome(1116)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Skokie

Booked 27 times today

Bar Siena - North Shore is an authentic Italian restaurant. Reviewers consistently praise the quality of the food, noting it's 'fresh' and 'delicious'. The restaurant's atmosphere is also commended, with one reviewer noting it's 'casual and cozy, comfort food'. Top Chef Fabio Viviani brings the flavor, flare and energy of the casual Italian-American dining experience, giving the restaurant an authentic feel.

2. Jilly's Cafe

4.3

Awesome(700)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • Evanston

Booked 2 times today

Located just outside the city of Chicago, Jilly's Café has been called a "North Shore Treasure" by Zagat's 2002 restaurant survey. Our French Countryside decor, handpicked flowers, and friendly wait staff make for an intimate and cozy atmosphere suitable for all kinds of occasions(NOW PATIO AVAILABLE,ASK FOR HOURS). Here authentic French food is served with an American twist making for enough dishes to keep our specials changing daily. We offer a Sunday brunch that carefully combines a traditional American brunch with French flavors, while champagne effortlessly flows throughout the course of the meal. Jilly's is available for private parties, and reservations are strongly recommended.

3. Avli - Winnetka

4.6

Exceptional(1160)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Greek • Winnetka

Booked 23 times today

Avli in suburban Winnetka has been a Chicagoland favorite since 2009 offering guests contemporary and classic Greek small plates, mains, and desserts as well as approachable Greek wines and inventive cocktails.Open daily for brunch, lunch, and dinner, we look forward to having you in to experience our core philosophies of Philoxenia (hospitality), Meraki (passion) and Kefi (joy) in the main dining room and seasonal outdoor patio!To inquire about an event, please contact: milton@avli.us

A photo of CUPITOL The Restaurant restaurant

4. CUPITOL The Restaurant

4.4

Awesome(71)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• European • Skokie

Booked 7 times today

CUPITOL The Restaurant is our 4th and newest location in Old Orchard Mall, delivering a complete, immersive experience for all day. You can begin the day with breakfast, brunch, or lunch that you can truly enjoy and as the evening unfolds, you indulge in a vibrant dinner featuring bold European flavors and a sophisticated touch. Enjoy the day. Savor the night.

5. Tenjin

4.8

Exceptional(113)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Lincolnwood

Booked 7 times today

Renga Tei is Tenjin Restaurant now.Tenjin restaurant serves everyone’s favorite Japanese dishes from yesteryear, and Chef Naoki has developed many contemporary dishes to keep your taste buds happy and satisfied. We hope that Tenjin will become one of your go-to Japanese Restaurants.

6. Kabul House

4.7

Exceptional(111)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Afghan • Evanston

Booked 3 times today

Kabul House offers a taste of authentic Afghan cuisine. Our extensive menu includes lamb, seafood, beef & chicken dishes as well as vegetarian specialties that include pumpkin, eggplant, spinach & other fresh vegetable options. Our menu hosts a large variety of selections fit for anyone, from vegetarians to meat lovers alike. In most of our recipes, a limited amount of fresh spices & seasonings are used to season the dish in order to create a sensational taste that is not too overwhelming. This makes our Afghan cuisine very enjoyable for anyone & everyone. The atmosphere we provide for our patrons is one of which would be produced in our homes, relaxing, invitingly warm & unforgettable. We could go on & on claiming how exquisite our foods are, but we invite you to come & taste for yourself.

7. Tapas Barcelona

4.6

Exceptional(706)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Tapas / Small Plates • Evanston

Booked 30 times today

Dine on traditional Spanish cuisine at Tapas Barcelona. Located 1615 Chicago Ave, north suburb of Evanston and just south of Northwestern University, this restaurant offers casual comfort and a friendly setting for dining out. Tapas Barcelona has various dishes on the menu, such as baked snails and pizza topped with spinach and goat cheese. It also serves seafood and vegetarian entrées. Tapas Barcelona has a full bar that offers guests various drinks, including Spanish selections of wine. Its atmosphere is ideal for meeting up with an old friend for lunch or having dinner with the family. This restaurant welcomes reservations and provides take-out services.

8. Zentli

4.8

Exceptional(93)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Evanston

Booked 5 times today

Hear the joyful music of Mexico with a mix of Latin American and world rhythms, enjoy the colorful art, and taste delicious tacos in a warm community space. Zentli (indigenous Nahuatl Language for "corn" or "maize"), is a casual restaurant that serves the best locally sourced Mexican street food in Evanston, Illinois. With fresh, natural ingredients and vegan & vegetarian options in eclectic, artistic digs, we’re your new local favorite. We built Zentli to honor the ingenuity and hard work of Mexican people by bringing you the genuine flavors of street vendors through tasty food and mouth-watering drinks.

A photo of Roka Akor - Old Orchard restaurant

9. Roka Akor - Old Orchard

4.6

Exceptional(1666)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Steakhouse • Skokie

Booked 17 times today

Roka Akor is a premier steakhouse serving the finest steak, seafood, and sushi. Renowned for our exquisite Japanese Wagyu and Certified Kobe Beef, we are part of an elite group of fewer than 40 restaurants in the U.S. — and 1 of only a few in Chicago — licensed to serve this coveted delicacy. All of our meats and vegetables are expertly grilled to perfection over an Open Flame Charcoal Robata Grill. Elevate your dining experience with our award-winning wine list, premium sake, craft cocktails, and an extensive selection of fine whiskey.

10. Guanajuato

4.3

Awesome(371)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Winnetka

Booked 10 times today

We are committed to providing you with a fabulous dining experience whether you are eating in or carrying your food out. If you are planning to visit us, we would be happy to take your reservation, and don't forget to try one of our delicious Margaritas made with limes squeezed daily.Our savory, authentic Mexican food is made only with the freshest ingredients and you can taste the difference. The flavors burst with each bite you take. Our Acapulco Shrimp transports you to the sunny beaches of the Mexican Pacific. The El Molcajete simmers with the subtle and delicious flavors of the high dessert. The Enchiladas Poblano entices with the complexity of our rich mole poblano. Our many fish specials are made with freshest fish in the market. With each of our dishes, you will taste real food made with with real ingredients by people who love to cook. Everything is prepared fresh daily and you will taste the difference.

‘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

S
Sue
Chicago / Illinois •38 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Nice setting with very good service. The food was a bit disappointing- chicken gyros- chicken was quite dry, Greek chicken was just OK.
More info
Avli - WinnetkaPrice: Expensive• Greek• Winnetka
•
4.6
E
Elizabeth
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Truly enjoyed myself! Had an amazing experience. !
More info
Bar Siena - North ShorePrice: Expensive• Italian• Skokie
•
4.4
C
CarolVIP
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
The venue is quaint and intimate. The attention we received was personal. The food was exceptional. The gentleman, Lucas, who took care of us was charming. I would absolutely return and recommend to friends and business associates. The only issue currently is that there is minor work being done on Greenbay Rd. directly in front of the restaurant. In addition, we were unsure of where to park, however when we inquired, we were told we could park at the business located next door.
More info
Jilly's CafePrice: Expensive• French• Evanston
•
4.3
M
MarshaVIP
Chicago / Illinois •153 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 13, 2025
We know why Tenjin is always busy: it’s the best Japanese restaurant in the Chicago area. The Chef is extraordinary and his recipes remind me of being in Japan. Service is wonderful and my cousins were impressed with the quality of each of our meals.
More info
TenjinPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Lincolnwood
•
4.8
G
GailVIP
Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
4.0
Dined on May 16, 2025
Food tasted great. Portions were small. Ambience was great. Pricey for what you get.
More info
CUPITOL The RestaurantPrice: Expensive• European• Skokie
•
4.4

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