Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in Lake Forest

Price

$$
$$$
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Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodJapaneseChinese

Regions

North Suburbs

Neighborhoods

DeerfieldHighland ParkLibertyvilleLincolnshireLong GroveNorthbrook

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

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

10 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Bella Via Ristorante restaurant

1. Bella Via Ristorante

4.7

Exceptional(1157)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• 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.

2. Di Pescara

4.6

Exceptional(5846)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Northbrook

Booked 54 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.

A photo of Rosebud - Deerfield restaurant

3. Rosebud - Deerfield

4.6

Exceptional(2058)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Deerfield

Booked 48 times today

- OUTDOOR PATIO SEATING WILL BE FIRST COME FIRST SERVE. We will do our best to accommodate all seating requests but please understand these tables can not be guaranteed because of such limited availability.Proper Attire RequiredWe are business casual. Thank you for not wearing tank tops, sleeveless shirts, flip-flops, gym wear, or short shorts. Dress shorts are acceptable. Please remove your hat when entering. Thank you so much for making a reservation. INSIDE and OUTSIDE seating are available. - If you need to make any changes to your reservation, please let us know prior to arriving at the restaurant.

4. Saranello's

4.5

Awesome(5696)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Wheeling

Booked 26 times today

Inspired by his travels and passion for Italy's culture, Executive Chef Mychael Bonner has created a broad menu of Italian-fare utilizing the freshest ingredients to create the fullest flavors to bring homemade, hand-crafted pizzas and pastas, as well as prime steaks and fresh fish dishes to the table.Feel the energy while dining in a casual and rustic 6700-square-foot setting. Dine at natural reclaimed wood tables with seating for 175, surrounded by inviting darker woods, exposed brick and beams, subtle filament lighting, and accented with muted chocolate and caramel tones throughout.

A photo of Eddie Merlot's Prime Aged Beef & Seafood - Lincolnshire restaurant

5. Eddie Merlot's Prime Aged Beef & Seafood - Lincolnshire

4.7

Exceptional(3228)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Lincolnshire

Booked 20 times today

Eddie Merlot’s stands out as a prime steakhouse in Lincolnshire offering an unparalleled dining experience. Whether you're joining us for a business dinner or a relaxed date night, expect nothing less than the finest cuts of prime-aged beef, perfectly cooked steaks, and fresh seafood, complemented by an extensive selection of fine wines. Our Lincolnshire steakhouse provides the perfect balance of sophistication and warmth, with a friendly staff that treats every guest like family.At Eddie Merlot’s, we’re more than just a restaurant – we deliver an exceptional prime steak experience. Picture yourself savoring a tender filet mignon or indulging in a flavorful New York strip while sipping on one of our handcrafted cocktails. Our menu also features rich appetizers, fresh seafood, and mouthwatering bar bites.

6. Main Street Social

4.8

Exceptional(1724)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Libertyville

Booked 19 times today

Main Street Social brings together the charm of Libertyville and the buzz of downtown Chicago with scratch-made Italian-American food and a laid-back, welcoming vibe. The menu includes housemade pastas, fresh seafood, and weekend brunch. Do not miss the Lobster Capellini! Whether you're hanging out at the bar, settling into a cozy booth, or relaxing on the back patio, there's a spot for everyone. Pair your meal with a signature cocktail or a glass of Bright Angel or Main Street Social wine, our very own proprietary label.

7. Enzo and Lucia

4.8

Exceptional(1571)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Long Grove

Booked 44 times today

We invite you to enjoy a delicious and authentic Italian meal at Enzo and Lucia Ristorante. We use only fresh ingredients in our classic Italian dishes and cherished family recipes. Homemade Italian gourmet cappellacci stuffed with seasonal ingredients is the specialty at our Long Grove restaurant housed in a former and historic Victorian-style home erected in 1876.Our outdoor patio gives dining “all’aperto” a whole new meaning, bordered by colorful flowers and foliage, the soothing sound of a fountain, and relaxing background music. Live music on the weekends.

A photo of Austin's Saloon and Eatery restaurant

8. Austin's Saloon and Eatery

4.7

Exceptional(490)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Libertyville

Booked 12 times today

ABOUT THE RESTAURANTWelcome to Libertyville’s neighborhood eatery. Here at Austin’s, we serve up tasty bites and brews with good times enjoyed in great company. Locally sourced, exceptionally prepared food, served up by our radically kind family. That’s the Austin’s way.Follow us on Instagram at @austins_libertyville or download our app on the App Store or Google Play to earn points with every order!NEED TO KNOW (OPTIONAL)Join us for indoor or outdoor dining! We keep it casual, kid-friendly, and great for groups. Austin’s is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11am-9pm, and Sundays from 10am-9pm. Our bar is open Tuesday through Sunday, 11am-12pm. We are closed on Mondays.All reservations have a 15-minute grace period, so please call us if you will arrive later than 15 minutes after your reservation time.

A photo of Benihana - Wheeling, IL restaurant

9. Benihana - Wheeling, IL

4.5

Awesome(1874)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Wheeling

Booked 21 times today

Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.

A photo of Big Bowl-Lincolnshire restaurant

10. Big Bowl-Lincolnshire

4.6

Exceptional(2978)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Lincolnshire

Booked 29 times today

Using the freshest and highest quality ingredients and starting fromscratch are the only ways to authentically prepare Asian cuisine.At Big Bowl, we make our own curries and roast our own chiliesand spices, which are ground daily to prepare a variety of oursignature dishes. Our menu features Chinese favorites like KungPao Chicken, Prime Beef & Broccoli, Sweet & Sour PineappleShrimp, along with Thai specialties like Panang Curry Chicken, Vegetable & Tofu PadThai and Red Hot Pepper Chicken Noodles. Whether its sweet orspicy, rice or noodles, Chinese or Thai that you are craving, ourmenu has it all.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
Kelly
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Mon Ami Gabi is an absolute gem of a dining experience.
More info
Mon Ami GabiPrice: Moderate• French• Lincoln Park
•
4.9
G
Gary
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We had lunch and all the food was outstanding! And specialty cocktails were as well. Highly recommended Service was prompt as well
More info
PasseroPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Arlington Heights
•
4.5
C
Craig
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
It was a clean, organized place. Very nicely decorated and well maintained. We received friendly, efficient service and our food was brought to us in a timely manner. The food portions were good and the food quality was good.
More info
Daisies ChicagoPrice: Expensive• American• Logan Square
•
4.8
L
LarryVIP
Chicago / Illinois •166 reviews
4.0
Dined 5 days ago
The four of us very much enjoyed our food choices and the excellent service by the server Lainey.
More info
Wildfire - GlenviewPrice: Moderate• American• Glenview
•
4.7
N
NancyVIP
Chicago / Illinois •16 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jul 19, 2025
As usual, even in their new location, delicious meal and excellent service. I’m only giving four stars for a couple items because of the other patrons at the restaurant not the restaurant itself.
More info
Bella Via RistorantePrice: Moderate• Italian• Highland Park
•
4.7

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