Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois
  4. North Suburbs
  5. Lake Forest

Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Lake Forest

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Areas
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating options
Award-winning
Accessibility

86 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Follia restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(208)
££££
• Italian • Lake Forest
Booked 17 times today
The quality and the knowledge of the food being served is outstanding ! The serviced is well paced and creates a wonderful dining experience .
A photo of Elyon By Ozz Chef restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(189)
££££
• Mediterranean • Glencoe
Booked 14 times today
Great tasting food, excellent service and nice ambiance
A photo of Perry's Steakhouse & Grille - Vernon Hills restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2340)
££££
• Steakhouse • Vernon Hills
Booked 101 times today
Went there for my wife’s birthday. It could not have been a better experience. We had 2 outstanding waiters (1 was in training) who were both cordial and attentive. Service was outstanding. I had the pork chop and my wife had the Filet. Both were excellent. The salads were large enough to be a meal in themselves. Good wine list. We contacted friends and let them know how wonderful everything was. They made the night special.
A photo of Del Rio restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1305)
££££
• Italian • Highwood
Booked 25 times today
My first visit to this lovely restaurant, that has old-world elegance and a delightful and attentive staff. On a Tuesday evening, there was a pleasant buzz in the main dining room while it remained sufficiently quiet to allow for easy conversation at the table. (The nights there is singing will be louder!) The seared sea scallops di Modena was delicious, both the scallops themselves and the wonderful fettuccine. I had a signature dish, the veal Del Rio, upgrading the pasta to tortellacci while keeping the basic minestrone soup. All three were wonderful choices! The veal was tender and very tasty, the tortellacci were quite special, and the minestrone soup was deep and flavorful. My partner had the salmon. That was good but somewhat less successful, with the spicing somewhat muted, and (no surprise) served skin-off. I guess that the halibut or branzino would be more successful. Nonetheless, this was a wonderful experience, the sort of place that one wants to keep coming back to, as I am sure we will do.
A photo of Ema - Glenview restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1812)
££££
• Mediterranean • Glenview
Booked 152 times today
We had the most wonderful evening, There was 6 of us. Everything was beyond delicious. We wanted to sample many things and we ended up trying the Toasted Almond & Garlic spread and the Classic Hummus, The flavors were incredible and went so well with the pita bread and the crackers. We the tried the Greek Village just fantastic especially the feta cheese on the top. The winner of our pick was Brussels Sprouts wow our favorite ! The whole meal was just unbelievable
A photo of The Prospect restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(305)
££££
• American • Mount Prospect
Booked 46 times today
Always a great time at The Prospect! The food is consistently delicious, and the staff is always amazing! Our go-to dishes are the carbonara pasta, bread, grilled calamari, kale Caesar salad, and ribeye steak. Everything is so good, and the drinks never disappoint either! Definitely one of our favorite spots to keep coming back to!
A photo of Rise Mundelein Lounge restaurant
5.0
Exceptional(132)
££££
• Lounge • Mundelein
Booked 6 times today
We Love going to the rise. There are so many fun things to do there.
A photo of Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar - Vernon Hills restaurant
4.4
Awesome(311)
££££
• American • Vernon Hills
Booked 59 times today
I have been to several different Lazy Dogs and have never been disappointed. I thoroughly enjoy the food and the atmosphere. I always recommend The Lazy Dog.
A photo of Rosebud - Deerfield restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2264)
££££
• Italian • Deerfield
Booked 33 times today
Waitress was terrific. think her name was Cookie Food was excelelnt
A photo of City Works - Vernon Hills restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1003)
££££
• American • Vernon Hills
Booked 8 times today
The service was great and the food FANTASTIC!!!! We were all surprised at the total bill. Very affordable.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • GraceGold
    Chicago / Illinois •63 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The Tuna Tartar was fresh and excellent! The cinnamon/honey butter served with hot bread was an added treat!
    More info
    Bluegrass$$$$• American• Highland Park
    •
    4.9
  • BONNIGold
    Nashville •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    I love Chinns! Have celebrated many birthdays there, starting in 1982. Bob was an amazing entrepreneur! Always a favorite place to eat for special occasions! Bonni Breen
    More info
    Bob Chinn's Crabhouse - Wheeling$$$$• Seafood• Wheeling
    •
    4.6
  • Jerry
    Chicago / Illinois •113 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    This is my favorite restaurant in Libertyville, IL. It never disappoints me. Last night, we shared the Apple Salad which has a delicious dressing and slices of apple in it. Then my wife and I shared their lasagna dish, which was a good as ever. I've never had anything other than an excellent meal, and this one also rates that well.
    More info
    Main Street Social$$$$• Italian• Libertyville
    •
    4.8
  • April
    Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    The quality and the knowledge of the food being served is outstanding ! The serviced is well paced and creates a wonderful dining experience .
    More info
    Follia$$$$• Italian• Lake Forest
    •
    4.7
  • StanGold
    Chicago / Illinois •625 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Every dinner we are reminded yet again why it’s our favorite spot to dine. Service is flawless, and the Dover dole special was amazing! Great evening!
    More info
    EJ's Place$$$$• American• Skokie
    •
    4.8

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Lake Forest

Discover exceptional dining experiences in the North Suburbs of Lake Forest, Chicago, where restaurants stand out not just for their cuisine but for being "worth the drive." Each venue promises a unique blend of ambiance and flavors that cater to those seeking culinary adventures outside the bustling city center. The dining scene in Lake Forest is characterized by its sophisticated, sometimes historic venues that offer a tranquil retreat with high-quality, diverse menus. Whether you're drawn by the allure of gourmet innovations or the charm of rustic settings, these establishments ensure a memorable gastronomic journey. They are perfect for food enthusiasts looking for a special dining experience, blending both traditional and contemporary tastes. With expert chefs at the helm, these restaurants showcase a commitment to excellence and attention to detail, making each meal a celebration of fine dining. Enjoy the scenic drive to Lake Forest, where every meal promises to be a delightful escape from the ordinary.

OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant Management Solutions
  • Restaurant Booking Software
  • Restaurant Marketing Software
  • Restaurant Event Software
  • OpenTable For Restaurants
  • OpenTable For Restaurant Groups
  • Restaurant Resources
  • OpenTable Pricing & Plans
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2026 OpenTable International Ltd. Alphabeta Building, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo