Around the World, One Bite at a Time

Travel the world with your taste buds! You can savor flavors from across Europe, Asia, the Americas and more in ethnic restaurants across Chicago’s North Shore. From casual, spicy bites to elegant, prix fixe menus, these kitchens deliver your all-time-favorites, as well as delicious new dishes to try. Eat your way around the globe when you go Exploring North Shore Restaurants. 

 

NaKorn, Evanston

Asia
Relish oodle, rice and curry dishes from Asian nations honed to celebrate freshness and flavor. NaKorn (Evanston) modernizes old-world Thai flavors for astonishing small plates, noodle dishes and killer entrées like Duck Confit or Arctic Char. Chef Naoki at Tenjin (Lincolnwood) concocts contemporary Japanese dishes alongside favorites to keep your belly happy and satisfied. Torino Ramen’s (Wilmette) thrives on "omotenashi" or Japanese hospitality to deliver tried-and-true ramen bowls, bao buns, poke bowls and sushi. For sizzling rice dishes and Binchotan Charcoal, head to Zenzi Den (Glenview) with their casual Japanese “izakaya” (or pub) and specialty sashimi. Mix it up and order a variety of Asian classics like rice noodles, Bento Boxes and Bibimbop from Lulu’s (Evanston), a virtual restaurant with delivery, pick-up or dine-in at its sister restaurants.
 

Cafe Lucci, Glenview

Italy
Greater Chicago has been obsessed with Italian food for generations. Experience the elevated, but tradition-honoring menu at Ascione Bistro (Skokie) with hand-made pastas, “rustically honest” entrées and freshly prepared sauces. Café Lucci (Glenview) blends a neighborhood vibe with inventive flair and mindfully sourced fresh ingredients in dishes like their Signature Crab Cakes. A staple of the revamped Plaza Del Lago, Convito Café & Market (Wilmette) kicks up a bit of French with countryside Italian for lunch, brunch and dinner. For the zesty, earthy cooking of Rome and nearby regions of Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio, Francesca’s North (Northbrook) guides you from Happy Hour on to antipasti, insalata and rustic entrées. Saranello’s (Wheeling) broad menu of house-made pasta and sauces prepared daily compliment chef-inspired salads, fresh seafood, premium prime steaks and other classics. Get casual with Italian street food courtesy of Sorelle Italian (Glenview), an all-day café with freshly-baked pastries and espresso drinks, on to pizzas, paninis or mains like Nonna’s Sicilian Lasagna followed by homemade gelato and granitas. 
 

Libertad, Skokie

Spain and Latin America
The Kingdom of Spain is the largest country in Southern Europe and boasts a unique and addictive cuisine all their own. Sample something from every menu category at Tapas Barcelona (Evanston). Pick cold small plates (“Tapas Frias”) like yummy Patatas Alioli or hot options (“Tapas Calientes”) like Queso de Cabra con Tomate — and keep them coming before feasting on authentic Paella. Libertad (Skokie) mixes inventive Latin American food celebrating fresh local ingredients such as vibrant Ceviche and Arepa to Carne Asada and Yuca Fries. Don't miss their signature margaritas! 
 

Pomeroy, Winnetka

France
Long considered the gold standard for extraordinary cuisine, French restaurants thrive offering time-honored classics and new takes. Aboyer Bistro (Winnetka) applies American flair reconfiguring favorites like Croque Madam, while firmly planted in traditional methods and techniques. Spicing things up from a Moroccan angle, LeTour’s (Evanston) pretty bar, lounge and courtyard are the perfect place to enjoy their daily Happy Hour before prix fixe menus from Duck Liver Mousse to Steak Frites. Pomeroy (Winnetka) takes inspiration from the great French cafés with warm hospitality and an approachable spread. For the pièce de resistance, Oceanique (Evanston) presents elegant global fare, showcasing a masterful menu beginning with Petrossian Osetra Caviar and Hudson Valley Foie Gras.
 

Ema, Glenview

Mediterranean 
Sail away to that most romantic of seas and catch these Mediterranean specialties. Avli (Winnetka) trends with a lovely casual and comforting space highlighting fresh Greek flavors in their Tzatziki, Taramosalata, Filet Mignon Souvlaki and festive flaming Saganaki. Ema (Glenview) features a selection of mezze, Mediterranean small plates, with an emphasis on hummus, spreads and kebabs. For full family-friendly feasting, Grill House’s (Northbrook) robust menu of Gyros, Spinach Pie and Pita Wraps are complimented with burgers and Family Packs. Order up the Ouzo and toast Taverna Naxos (Wilmette) for their mouth-watering Dolmathakia (aka stuffed grape leaves) and many Greek specials. 
 

Comida Cantina, Evanston

Mexico
Almost as American as apple pie, tacos (and so many more Mexican faves!) are in regular rotation for many family meals. The talented chefs at Cabo Mexican Cocina (Northbrook) use fresh, locally sourced ingredients in their mouthwatering tacos, tortas, burritos, fajitas and in-house, scratch-made salsa. Comida Cantina’s (Evanston) modern rooftop bar makes a great place to order authentic Mexican and Latin American food like empanadas with a signature margarita. Feast festive at Fat Rosie’s Taco & Margarita Bar (Lincolnwood) for their trademarked ModMex™ selections from Fat Rosie’s Queso Dip, Kick-Ass Fajitas or house specialties like Cochinita Pibil (an authentic Yucatan dish). Fondita Miguel (Winnetka) is the perfect taqueria for a grab and go/fast casual dine: delicious tacos, tortas and burritos plus classic Mexican sides, desserts, daily specials and more. La Cocinita (Evanston) is the “The Little Kitchen” serving Venezuelan-Inspired Latin American cuisine such as the Venezuelan Sampler with Brisket and Cheese Arepa.
 

Jackman & Co., Glenview

The British Isles
Don’t discount British dining these days. Hotel Chocolat (Winnetka) vows to make chocolate exciting again with premium European-style cold and hot chocolate crafted from quality ingredients and “Velvetised”. Gastropub Jackman & Co. (Glenview) is a neighborhood gathering place where you can grab a Guinness and Beer Battered Fish & Chips or Saturday’s special Beef Wellington. Finn McCool’s (Wheeling) Irish Sports Pub keeps things lively serving tasty fare like Guinness BBQ Rib Basket, Corned Beef, their famous wings and a killer selection of whiskeys and craft beers. Live music regularly cheers at Celtic Knot Public House (Evanston) featuring authentic Irish pub grub — think Chips & Curry and Bangers & Mash with a perfect pint of Guinness — imported and local brews, wine, whiskey and non-alcoholic bevvies. Peckish Pig (Evanston) builds on its brewpub reputation with a Scottish Salmon Poke Bowl, Chickpea & Vegetable Coconut Curry, weekend brunch with The Full English or Saturday Afternoon Tea to indulge in savory mini sandwiches, scones and pastries.