Are you searching for the best restaurants in Wilmette, IL? If yes, then you are in the right place.
Wilmette restaurants offer a variety of incredible edibles, from classic Italian favorites like pizza and pasta dishes to modern American and traditional Chinese cuisines like burgers, fries, and low mien. These restaurants have something for everyone.
Plus, they offer a wide variety of drinks, so you can let loose and spend money on good food during the weekend without feeling too guilty. Treat yourself to something worthy of your hard work.
Whether you’re looking for one of the best restaurants in Wilmette as a venue for a romantic dinner date or just some delicious food to enjoy with your loved ones, these restaurants are sure to make your quest blissful.
Over the years, Wilmette has hosted numerous cultural events, including opera, ballet, and fashion shows. The population of Wilmette is estimated to be around 28,000 residents as of 2020.
Many of these residents commute to jobs in Chicago or other nearby cities.
Some of the top Wilmette restaurants include Carlos & Carlos Restaurant (a restaurant renowned for its antipasti), Pescadero Restaurant, and so on, to mention a few.
With that said, let’s dive into the list of the best restaurants in Wilmette, IL.
Best Restaurants in Wilmette
1. Carlos & Carlos Restaurant
The Montiel brothers, Carlos Montiel and Eddy Montiel, started a small-scale restaurant destined to eventually change Chicago’s dining ideals and culture.
They innovated and tried the unconventional. It took a lot of bravery to start their restaurant business in Wilmette against the odds.
Carlos and Eddy started Carlos & Carlos Restaurant at a time in U.S. history when Wilmette would be considered the last place for the potential success of an Italian restaurant – it was 1985.
They made fresh pasta in full view of customers, employed waitpersons dressed in tuxedos to wait on their customers, and literally started a dining tour in Wilmette. They made signature meals such as shrimp, scallops, and black pasta with cream champagne sauce.
They earned their place among the crème de la crème of the culinary sphere by inventing “Veal Carlos,” made with porcini mushrooms and cream sauce, served with pouched, filleted, fresh salmon and lobster sauce.
Carlos & Carlos Restaurant is now a meet-up venue for Wilmette’s elite and classy folk. For instance, you’d recognize names like Tom Cruise, Paul Newman, Robert de Niro, Julia Roberts, etc.
Those are some of Hollywood’s finest. They graced Carlos & Carlos Restaurant with their presence as a testament to its excellence. It’s one of the best places to eat in Wilmette, IL.
Carlos & Carlos Restaurant is closed on Mondays but opens for business 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm daily.
Address: 615 Green Bay Rd, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone: +1 847-920-5058
2. Pescadero Restaurant
Pescadero Restaurant, Wilmette, IL, was founded decades ago and has made a name for itself since then. The Pescadero Menu offers a variety of dishes including seafood, meat, pasta, poultry, desserts, salads, and entrees.
Eating out in Wilmette is a great way to enjoy delicious food and beautiful scenery at the same time. If you’re looking for an enjoyable weekend getaway, Pescadero Restaurant is the perfect restaurant for you!
By offering delivery, dine-in, seat-in, and curbside pickup services, Pescadero Restaurant makes dining out easy and convenient for everyone.
Pescadero opens for business from 11:00 am – 9:00 pm Sundays to Thursdays, 11:00 am – 10:30 pm Fridays and Saturdays.
Address: 1167 Wilmette Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone: +1 224-215-3011
3. Napolita Restaurant
Napolita Restaurant naturally draws you to its array of tasty traditional Italian delicacies. Napolita’s ingredients are ever-fresh and refreshingly Italian. It’s a friendly and cozy environment.
It’s a place for high-quality food lovers across the board. Napolita’s success secret is their attention to detail and uncompromising conservation of age-long Italian culinary traditions.
You’re sure to enjoy your time at Napolita if you stop by. Try Napolita’s custom-made Arancini di Rosso Alla Napolitana, which is made of fried risotto stuffed with beef, Parmigiano, fresh mozzarella, and peas.
You can also try bruschetta, burrata fresca, or zucchini fritte, which are all Napolita’s specials.
You can order Napolita’s luscious products from napolitapizza.com, grubhub.com, postmates.com, doordash.com, ubereats.com, trycaviar.com, and seamless.com.
They’re open 12 – 9 pm on Tuesdays to Thursdays, 11 am – 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 12 – 9 pm Sundays and Mondays.
Address: 1126 Central Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone: +1 224-215-0305
4. Ridgeview Grill
The Ridgeview Grill serves healthy, fresh, homemade comfort traditional pieces as a family-owned restaurant in the Wilmette neighborhood. They’ve been in operation for more than 60 years since 1960.
Their culinary value speaks for itself, as it has kept their customers returning for several generations now. Ridgeview Grill has become Wilmette’s mainstay for many families’ breakfast, lunch, and supper.
Ridgeview Grill has become the social hub of the Wilmette community because of its homelike food, which does not detract from its quality as an elite-type restaurant.
5. Convito Café & Market
Convito Café & Market is a crossbreed of two former separate commercial organizations, Betise, a French restaurant (between 1992 and 2006), and Convito Italiano, a bistro of Italian origin (1982 – 2006).
When potential customers show up at the door of Convito Café & Market, there are multiple paths to follow. They can go shopping at the mall, order a meal at the restaurant, get a drink at the bar, or take turns using all paths.
Convito Café & Market’s goal is to create customer satisfaction and bliss through their various products and services, including their fine wine collection, classic meals, and snacks. Their menu features traditional French and Italian dishes.
They even supply gourmet culinary ingredients to other restaurants that depend on them for the best supplies. They have customers of all kinds, consumers and businesses alike.
Their team is adequately trained for their service roles. As a result, they offer friendly services in Convito Café’s art-filled, smug environment or on their much-admired patio with a beautiful, serene view of Michigan’s famous lake.
A component word of their name, “Convito,” is from ancient Italian, which isn’t commonly used these days. It means a banquet with loved ones. How would you like to have a banquet with loved ones?
They serve gluten-free meals, host holiday events and offer dine-in, curbside pickup, and delivery services.
Their opening hours vary throughout the week. They’re open for business 11:00 am – 7:45 pm on Sundays, 10:30 am – 8:15 pm from Mondays to Thursdays, and 10:30 am – 8:45 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Address: 1515 Sheridan Rd #5, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone: +1 847-251-3654
6. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria – Carry Out
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria – Carry Out is believed to be the oldest household pizza name in Chicago and has an equally flavorsome history that’s as rich in excellence as its pizza.
Lou in Malnati started out on his pizza business journey in the nineteen forties. He worked in the first Chicago deep dish pizzeria, from which he went with his expertise at making pizzas to Lincolnwood, a suburb in northern Chicago.
There, his wife, Jean, joined him to establish the first unit of Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria on the 17th of March, 1971. His customers knew him to be captivatingly fun-loving and exceptionally good at making the best pizzas in town.
His devoted customers queued up and waited their turn to have their share of his mouth-watering, deep-dish pizza masterpieces.
He thought it odd that, he, an Italian, should even consider opening a pizzeria in a mostly Jewish community on a day the Irish were celebrating their holiday.
But that was how Lou rolled – he attempted the “impossible” and loved everyone. He wasn’t much mindful of people’s opinions.
Lou Malnati, of blessed memory, left a legacy for his family, which carried on with the family business and the various communities, including the Wilmette community, that continued to relish the products of his creation.
Some of Lou Malnati’s service options are curbside pickup, no dine-in, and no delivery.
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria is open for business 11:00 am – 10:00 pm on Sundays, 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm on Mondays to Thursdays, and 11:00 am – 11:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Address: 3223 Lake Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone: +1 847-256-5780
7. Valley Lodge Tavern
Valley Lodge Tavern holds an interesting superstitious legend that claims the painting of an old man with unshaved facial hair holding a beer, hung on the wall, has been largely responsible for the tavern’s success.
According to the legend, this was confirmed when Valley Lodge Tavern’s founder, Peter Adamis, sold the painting and immediately observed a marked decline in his ROI because customers who loved the painting stopped showing up.
According to the legend, he assigned a local painter to make a replica of the painting he sold. Right after he hung it at the fireplace, the business experienced remarkable growth in ROI because customers began to show up in droves again, just like old times.
The Valley Lodge Tavern bar is a snug closet with a fireplace where you, your family, and friends can meet up for food, drinks, and fun.
They serve a bunch of goodies, including delicious appetizers, one hundred percent Angus beef burgers, signature ribs, chops, luscious steaks, and so on. Simply put, they have something for everyone.
They offer curbside pickup and dine-in services but not delivery services. You can order their products from grubhub.com, seamless.com, postmates.com, trycaviar.com, doordash.com, and ubereats.com.
They’re open for business daily from 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Sundays to Saturdays).
Address: 1141 Central Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone: +1 847-920-5675
8. Depot Nuevo Restaurant
Depot Nuevo occupies what is believed by many to be the most historic building in Wilmette. If you ever visit Depot Nuevo, take your time to look at their history wall down the hallway at the back, where you’ll find the artwork of The Noodle’s Sharon Geltis’.
They offer meals and drinks for adults and kids. Their adult menu features appetizers, entrées, tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, fajitas, salads, burritos, margaritas, and so on.
On the kids’ menu, they have double tacos served with carrots and fruits, cheese and steak, cheese and chicken, four tortillas chicken, kid-sized cheese or steak burrito served with hot queso fundido, homemade chips, and so on.
They do not offer contact delivery but provide curbside pickup and dine-in services.
They’re open for business from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm on Mondays to Thursdays and 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. They don’t open on Sundays.
Address: 1139 Wilmette Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone: +1 847-251-3111
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9. Dowize Bistro
Dowize Bistro is a Thai-flavored restaurant that specializes in making Thai dishes. So, if you’re looking to have an exotic Thai-flavored dinner experience, look no further than Dowize Bistro. They offer you a taste of Thailand in Wilmette.
Their friendly, savvy staff team members serve their memorable Thai specials, hot and fresh from the kitchen.
They don’t do contact deliveries but offer dine-in and takeaway services.
They’re open for business from 11:00 am – 9:00 pm Mondays to Thursdays, 11:00 am – 9:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm on Sundays.
Address: 1107 Central Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone: +1 847-920-5317
10. Chuck Wagon
If you are on a quest for a great restaurant to eat in Wilmette, the Chuck Wagon is a local institution you don’t want to miss. This family-owned and operated restaurant has been serving up good times and great food for years, and it’s a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.
The Chuck Wagon is known for its hearty American fare, from burgers and sandwiches to ribs and steaks. The menu also features a wide selection of appetizers and desserts, so there’s something for everyone. And don’t forget to save room for the signature Chuck Wagon Cinnamon Rolls!
The atmosphere at the Chuck Wagon is warm and welcoming, and the waitpersons are friendly and attentive. The Chuck Wagon is a perfect choice whether you are craving a casual meal or an evening out.
The Chuck Wagon offers dine-in, takeaway, and delivery services.
They’re open for business from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm, Mondays to Saturdays, and 11:00 am – 3:30 pm on Sundays.
Address: 1120 Central Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone number: +1 847-256-0120
11. Torino Restaurant
Torino Restaurant in Wilmette is the place to dine with family and friends for a memorable experience. When it comes to food, Torino is all about classic homemade recipes passed down from generation to generation. The menu even features oriental staples.
They offer everything from hearty pasta dishes to chicken parmesan. But what sets Torino apart is the experience. The restaurant is run by people bent on excellent service, and the staff treats every customer like family.
You’re not just getting a great meal when you dine at Torino. You’re creating a piece of personal, memorable history.
Torino offers dine-in and curbside pickup services but doesn’t honor delivery orders.
They’re open for business 11:30 am – 9:00 pm from Mondays to Saturdays and 4:00 pm – 8 pm on Sundays.
Address: 1162 Wilmette Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone: +1 847-920-5075.
12. Koya in Wilmette
Koya in Wilmette is synonymous with class. It stands out among Wilmette’s finest restaurants. Its environment is as state-of-the-art and beautiful as the dishes it serves are appetizing and tasty.
In addition to its esthetic environment and delicious food, Koya in Wilmette is popular for its reasonable prices. No wonder the restaurant’s customers can’t stop coming back to form a crowd, especially during lunch and dinner hours.
The restaurant is also famous for its friendly and efficient service. The waiters are always quick to take orders and serve. They are also happy to answer any questions about the menu or make recommendations. Koya in Wilmette is a great option for those looking for reasonably-priced, tasty meals.
You can order their food from toasttab.com, seamless.com, trycaviar.com, grubhub.com, and doordash.com.
They offer dine-in, curbside pickup, and delivery services.
It opens for business from 11:00 am – 8:00 pm daily, except Mondays (it’s closed on Mondays).
Address: 1116 Central Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone: +1 847-728-0632
13. Akai Hana Restaurant
If you’re looking to have a classy feel of Japan in Wilmette, Akai Hana is your choice go-to spot. It is one of the top restaurants in Wilmette to get good food (oriental and American) and have fun.
Akai Hana is a great spot for dinner and drinks with friends, especially if you’re looking for good sushi. The menu is loaded and offers something for everyone, and the drink selection is impressive.
The environment is neat and beautiful. The workers, too, are very friendly and helpful, making sure you have a great time.
They offer dine-in, takeaway, and delivery services.
They open in various sessions throughout the weekdays and weekends. They open daily from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm, then 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm. On Sundays, they open 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm, then 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm.
Addess: 3223 Lake Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone: +1 847-251-0384
14. Walker Bros. Original Pancake House
If you’re looking to relish great, authentic pancakes in Wilmette, you must try Walker Bros. This beloved breakfast staple has been around since the inception of great pancakes in Wilmette and has perfected the art of pancake making. Of course, you can’t go wrong with their classic flavors, but their blueberry pancakes are to die for.
Walker Bros. is also a great place to take the family. They have a fantastic menu for kids and a warm and welcoming ambiance that will make you feel right at home. Plus, their prices are very reasonable.
Pancakes aren’t the only things they serve. They serve all sorts of delicacies, including Santa Fe, Asparagus, and Mediterranean dishes. However, they’re sure to serve them with good helpings of pancake.
So why not begin your day with a delicious plate of pancakes at Walker Bros.? You won’t regret it!
They offer dine-in and takeaway services but don’t honor delivery orders.
They start serving the public from 7:00 am – 2:30 pm daily. This restaurant is also one of the best places to eat in Wilmette, IL.
Address: 153 Green Bay Rd, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone: +1 847-251-6000
15. Tsing Tao Mandarin Chinese
Tsing Tao Mandarin Chinese Restaurant brings a piece of China to you in Wilmette. Go get a taste of some of the best oriental dishes ever in that culinary version of little China in Wilmette.
Tsing Tao Mandarin Chinese Restaurant specializes in the preparation of the classic Chinese meals that have made Chinese restaurants so integrally a part of the planet.
Even extraterrestrial beings would have to double-check their high-tech, intergalactic digital maps to be sure they’re on the right planet (Earth) if they didn’t find any Chinese restaurants like Tsing Tao Mandarin around the neighborhood where their spaceship landed.
They make and offer your typical Chinese cuisine, such as dumplings, chow mien, low mien, ma po tofu, wonton soup, scallion pancakes, and so on.
They also offer dine-in and takeaway services.
Their opening hours are in various sessions per day. They’re closed on Mondays but open from 11:30 am – 2:00 pm, then 4:30 pm – 8:00 pm from Tuesdays to Fridays, 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm on Saturdays, and 2:30 pm – 8:00 pm on Sundays.
Address: 537 Green Bay Rd, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone: +1 847-251-7760
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Plan a Trip to Wilmette
Wilmette is a beautiful city with many amazing attractions that boast lots of fun.
Among the notable highlights of the city is its award-winning restaurants, most of which were listed in this article.
Start planning a visit to this city to have a first-hand experience of what this city has to offer. This article can serve as a guide to help you choose the best Wilmette restaurants to dine at. Have a nice trip.