From banh mi and Hawaiian plates to cozy coffee shops, tapas and tequila, the North Shore dining scene is buzzing with new arrivals. Here’s a look at some of the latest spots to check out.
Global Eats:
Corner Banh Mi
561 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka
This casual spot opened by Kevin Diep specializes in banh mi sandwiches on fresh-baked bread from Nhu Lan Bakery, plus Vietnamese coffee, pho and noodle dishes.
Da Local Boy
320 Green Bay Rd., Highwood
Owned by Nate Domingo and Dianne Antonio, this casual eatery features Hawaiian- and Asian-fusion favorites like huli huli chicken, Pulehu short ribs, chicken katsu and poke nachos.
Tapas del Lago
329 Waukegan Ave., Highwood
Spanish-inspired small plates headline the menu at this energetic spot also serving curated wines and fun cocktails.
Ami Jerusalem Street Food
148 Green Bay Rd., Highland Park
Former fine dining chef Ami Sananes brings Israeli-inspired street food to Highland Park, with his famous hummus, falafel, sabich and shawarma with catering options.
Mexican:
Cabo Mexican Cocina
3147 Dundee Rd., Northbrook
Back Yard Grill’s Nick Drivas opened this authentic Mexican restaurant, where Chef Tino Almarez helms the menu of regional specialties alongside an expansive tequila selection and breezy, coastal vibes.
Restaurante Chacahua
58 Sheridan Rd., Highwood
This buzzy new spot features a Oaxacan surf-and-turf menu of ceviche, molcajete bowls, tlayudas and more.
Ice Cream:
Oberweis Dairy & Ice Cream
510 Winnetka Ave., Winnetka
This popular creamery opened its first new store in five years in August, located across from the Indian Hill Metra station.
Bakeries:
Mi Colibris
481 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park
Family-owned bakery and breakfast café from Diane Segoviano featuring Mexican specialties such as conchas, chorizo breakfast burritos and cochinita pibil panini.
Hewn Bakery
894 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka
Beloved bakery from Ellen King and Julie Matthei, now with a Hubbard Woods location, featuring sourdough breads and pastries made with sustainably grown Midwestern heirloom flours.
Goddess & The Baker
3232 Lake Ave., Wilmette
The suburban outpost of this Chicago-based bakery and café was slated at press time to open this fall in Edens Plaza, offering an all-day menu of breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, coffee and baked goods.
Coffee Shops:
Double Cup Coffee
1929 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park
Tech industry veteran David McGowan and wife Amy—longtime Highland Park residents—opened this cozy new shop in their hometown. The café serves espresso drinks and pour-overs using beans roasted by friend Gabe Damiani’s artisan Bear Lake Coffee Co. roastery in Wisconsin, along with treats from Sweet Mandy B’s, fresh-baked goods and salads.
Bean Bar
1901 Cherry Lane, Northbrook
Opened in April, this expansive spot with cozy alcoves and meeting spaces features a menu of espresso drinks and flavorful lattes (pistachio, dirty lavender chai), smoothies and a breakfast and lunch menu.
Complimentary Café
1700 St. Johns Ave., Highland Park
This Skokie-based coffee shop opened an outpost inside the Highland Park Metra Station this summer serving espresso drinks and global eats like empanadas and Filipino cookies.
Elegant All-Day Dining:
The Lunchroom and The Lago Room at SPACE 519
1515 Sheridan Rd., Wilmette
This luxury department store at the newly renovated, historic Plaza Del Lago in Wilmette houses two new dining concepts: The Lunchroom, a brunch and lunch spot with a California-style menu, charming patio and counter service for barista drinks, baked goods and gourmet grab-and-go, and The Lago Room, a 40-seat, European-style, day-to-evening café with breezy vibes.
SIDEBAR Reconcepted/Relaunched:
Deere Park
200 Green Bay Rd., Highwood
Greenwood Tavern’s owner Josh Kaplan teamed up with North Shore native and acclaimed chef Todd Stein to helm the menu at this re-concepted American brasserie featuring lobster dumplings, whole Branzino and handmade pasta dishes.
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Not new, but worth the reminder — here are some North Shore City Lifestyle favorites:
Mexican:
Guanajuato Contemporary Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar
1005 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka
Margarita Challenger’s Hubbard Woods hotspot specializes in tacos, enchiladas, seafood dishes and homemade salsas with a pet-friendly patio and kids’ menu.
Pizza and Italian Beef:
Viccino’s Pizza Co.
1905 Glenview Rd., 2773 Pfingston Rd., Glenview
Doug Denenberg’s Glenview institution since 1998 has also served its famous giardiniera pizza, panino sandwiches and Italian beef out of its Northfield location (as Northshore Pizza Co., 300 N. Happ Rd.) since 2019.
Date Night and Group Outings:
Foxtail on the Lake
1177 Howard Ave., Des Plaines
Tucked a little off the beaten path, this stunning spot is worth the trip for the eclectic menu, sweeping views and energetic vibes. Chef/Owner Tim Canning’s working on another location at the historic Glenview House with a target opening in January 2026.
Bar Bites:
21 Mile, 454 Sheridan Rd., Highwood
Our go-to spot for craft cocktails, lite bites and a regular rotation of live bands.
Newly Reconcepted
Deere Park
200 Green Bay Rd., Highwood
Greenwood Tavern’s owner Josh Kaplan teamed up with North Shore native and acclaimed chef Todd Stein to helm the menu for this re-concepted American brasserie featuring lobster dumplings, whole Branzino and handmade pasta dishes.