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Waterleaf Restaurant - Glen Ellyn, Glen Ellyn, IL
Waterleaf Restaurant - Glen Ellyn, Glen Ellyn, IL
Waterleaf Restaurant - Glen Ellyn, Glen Ellyn, IL
Waterleaf Restaurant - Glen Ellyn, Glen Ellyn, IL
Waterleaf Restaurant - Glen Ellyn, Glen Ellyn, IL

Waterleaf Restaurant - Glen Ellyn

4.7
4.7
247 Reviews
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Welcome to our classroom! Waterleaf, located in College of DuPage’s Culinary & Hospitality Center, is a dining experience that offers real-life training to Culinary, Baking & Pastry Arts, and Hospitality students. Patrons will enjoy menus utilizing fresh regional and seasonal ingredients prepared by Culinary & Pastry students as well as attentive service from our student servers.
Limited seating is available at each event and reservations are required. Reservations may be made until an event is sold out. For parties of 6 or more, please call us directly at 630-942-2284.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Global, International
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Wed, Thu 11:15 am–11:45 am Dinner Tue, Wed 7:00 pm–7:15 pm Thu 6:00 pm–6:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (630) 942-2284
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Cash not accepted, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Neighborhood
    Glen Ellyn
  • Cross street
    Park or Lambert
  • Parking details
    Gated parking is available directly in front of the Culinary & Hospitality Center, located on the north east corner of the College of DuPage campus.
  • Additional
    Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 247 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.8Value

NoiseModerate

247 Reviews
  1. BethK

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Again, delicious! We really enjoyed the the food and the service was top notch - the unique presentation of all diners at a table served simultaneously was fun to watch! The Chilean sea bass was so tasty…and we loved the flourless chocolate cake. Thank you 🙏

    Is this helpful?

  2. Kmarch

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was fantastic! Nice portions. The students did a great job cooking and serving. Can’t wait to return.

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  3. Chiliking20

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Started with the Crab Bisque, which was really good. They also had in house made bread which was tasty. Then the salads were great and we both had the fish, which was excellent. We were there for our 36th anniversary and it was really special.

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  4. JW12

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience. The student run staff did an amazing job with the food and presentation. Overall, it was and excellent experience.

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  5. RSnow

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Clean, beautiful decor and view, scrumptious three course meal. Even wine and desert! The students really try to give the best possible service and the value is amazing for all that you get.

    Is this helpful?

  6. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    45 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our food was well prepared and served warm. Our server was excellent. Very professional and friendly.

    Is this helpful?

  7. LEllyn

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Excellent service, ambiance, amazing value! Soup needed improvement but salad and entrée were excellent. Lovely ambience.

    Is this helpful?

  8. GayleS

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience3
    Normally we have a great dining experience but today’s selection was not as good as usual. Crab bisque soup was good. Salad was a few greens with no dressing, fish was just ok, pork ok. Being this was the first week of a new term they are working things out. Crowd much larger than usual. Student servers still learning. We do look forward to the second lunch of the series.

    Is this helpful?

  9. darleneg

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The students do a wonderful job. Food, Service and Ambience are top notch!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Rubendenny

    Chicago

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Been trying to get a reservation for years (and still haven't cracked the secret handshake) but finally got in on short notice the other day, and it was everything I'd been looking forward to. One small glitch in the food (pork chop was tough, hard to cut, may be a touch overdone) but more important was that EVERYTHING else was top notch. Including the tentativeness and demeanor of the server.

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  11. Jmknighton51

    Northern MI

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    Beautiful and relaxing setting. Good value. Be open minded as you support these aspiring young chefs with ambitions of hospitality.

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  12. Skig

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Well I had not checked the price before finding out it was $55 and vegetarian. Past visits were about $20 with meat choices. That said. The dishes were very tasty and filling. Beet pasta was superb and shocked that my wife who says meh for beets absolutely love that course.

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  13. Skig

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Snagged a seat last minute. Our server was exceptional and each dish was very well prepared. Artichoke sup was a big hit. Salmon and c hi Ken dishes were spot on. Dessert? Well that was a let down. Looked like a lava cake but dry and not oozy. Cannot beat the price value.

    Is this helpful?

  14. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Enjoyable as always looking forward to next semester’s dining.

    Is this helpful?

  15. Gibson

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 19, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Excellent lunch experience, extremely value efficient

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  16. AnneS

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on April 19, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    One Of the best meals I have ever had! The value is great, service is excellent, and great scheduling on open table. They have limited seating, but it is well worth it if you can get a table. They only scheduled in the fall and winter semester because of the student schedule.

    Is this helpful?

  17. BethK

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great California menu-salads, soup, chicken and salmon were all so fresh and delicious. Sour dough breads (olive and regular) were out of this world. Our server, Angelo, was attentive but not obtrusive. It was a wonderful dining experience!

    1 person found this helpful

  18. Landsharkron

    Hawaii

    30 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on April 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Last nights Hawaiian meal was excellent! The pork or crusted Mahi Mahi were both well prepared! The soups and salads had excellent flavor!

    Is this helpful?

  19. ClareK

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 12, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    It was a delicious meal at a great price in a really nice spot!

    Is this helpful?

  20. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent all around! The food and service were amazing. Thank you so much.

    Is this helpful?

  21. DeborahS

    Chicago

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on March 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous food and great value! Our sever was wonderful! Love this program:)

    Is this helpful?

  22. LyndaP

    Milwaukee

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Immediate & attentive service. They accommodate dietary needs. Great food for a great price

    Is this helpful?

  23. CharlesM

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    All four courses were well prepared and tasty. The setting and the service were both excellent. A very good value.

    Is this helpful?

  24. PhilC

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on March 9, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    The cajun blackened catfish was some of the best I've eaten. Very good service and outstanding food.

    Is this helpful?

  25. AnnM

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious, the wait staff was courteous and the atmosphere was lovely. We enjoyed our lunch so much we attempted to make another reservation and were disappointed that reservations were full. We told friends about about our experience who were interested in attending lunch or dinner at Waterleaf. It is wonderful there is a culinary program and restaurant offered for those who are interested at COD. This is hidden gem!

    Is this helpful?

  26. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was amazing!! Staff was attentive and really friendly. So happy to be able to go back to Waterleaf again! Waiting for the dates to be released for the next set to get another reservation!

    Is this helpful?

  27. Ross

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely wonderful food and staff.

    Is this helpful?

  28. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The students work hard to give you an enjoyable dining experience. It’s fun to participate in this real-life classroom! I would highly recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  29. JimH944t

    Chicago

    32 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on February 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Student-run restaurant provided excellent food, service, and ambiance while they are learning all aspects of the restaurant business. It was a really nice, enjoyable experience!

    Is this helpful?

  30. AnneS

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on February 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service and food were both excellent!

    Is this helpful?

  31. JeanF

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent dining experience.

    Is this helpful?

  32. JSandFriends

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The new students are off to a great start, good luck to all with your career choices.

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  33. AleR

    Jackson Hole

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious and beautifully plated. The environment was calm, subdued, elegant. Pretty views across the lake. The waiter was attentive and accommodating.

    Is this helpful?

  34. Virginia

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 30, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience5
    Nove 30 - catfish. hushpuppies - breading so thick a chainsaw could have been provided to cut it. The Bibb lettuce salad was very good. The crayfish ek-to-fay (phonetic) was good, but only had a teen tiny piece of crayfish in it. First time back since COVID. Anyway I've had a dinner there, several lunches and a wine tasting over the years, and this was the first time I've been disappointed in the food. I'll be back. I'm hoping it's a one-off.

    Is this helpful?

  35. KristineG

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful experience! The food was delicious, and the environment was relaxing! The service was perfect! Thank you, Waterleaf, for an evening of culinary delight!

    Is this helpful?

  36. Patron

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Beautiful setting, delicious food. Host very welcoming, server could use some training in communicating to patrons but otherwise a great experience.

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  37. AlwaysSomethingNew

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were delighted with the soup, salad, entree and dessert. Our server was wonderful. The overall experience was delightful. We'll be back again!

    Is this helpful?

  38. CarolG

    Chicago

    27 reviews

    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and service! Wish they were open all the time

    Is this helpful?

  39. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    45 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Food was well prepared. The servers were polite and attentive.

    Is this helpful?

  40. LePanache

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Our server was outstanding-polite and efficient. She does need a little more self confidence a she's doing a great job! Glad we got to chat with her at the end of dinner. It is always fun to engage the students to learn about their studies and aspirations. Soups, especially French onion, were amazing. Two members of our party were disappointed that blue cheese was substituted for goat cheese, without notice, on our otherwise lovely salads. They would have chosen the alternative selection, had we been advised of the deviation from the menu. Short rib entree was perfection for two of our diners, but the three that chose the chicken breast said it was overcooked and dry, though the flavors were spot on. Everyone loved the apple cake. Waterleaf is always amazing, even though the kitchen slipped up a bit tonight.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Waterleaf Restaurant - Glen Ellyn is rated 4.7 stars by 247 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Google Map for Waterleaf Restaurant - Glen Ellyn

425 Fawell Blvd, CHC Building, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Park or Lambert
  • Neighborhood
    Glen Ellyn
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Wed, Thu 11:15 am–11:45 am Dinner Tue, Wed 7:00 pm–7:15 pm Thu 6:00 pm–6:30 pm
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Global, International
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Gated parking is available directly in front of the Culinary & Hospitality Center, located on the north east corner of the College of DuPage campus.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Cash not accepted, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (630) 942-2284
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