From wearing suits and dresses at four star restaurants to ordering pizza on the phone to watch Sunday night football, the Lake Forest/ Lake Bluff area has many noteworthy eateries. In addition to the tasty food that these restaurants serve, they all have a rich history that uniquely solidifies them as a Lake Forest or Lake Bluff staple.

Foodstuffs

A classic North Shore favorite serving the Chicagoland area for over 30 years, Foodstuffs provides high quality gourmet foods in a quick and accessible fashion. When it comes to salads, it’s the place in Lake Forest. Junior Annie Aberle stated, “If I was on a deserted island and I could bring one thing, it would be a mixed green salad with chicken, quinoa, edamame, corn, peas, avocado, and tortilla strips.” Known for sandwiches, soups, and sweet desserts, FoodStuffs is a gold mine for hungry Lake Foresters.

Caputo’s

Started in 1978 by Rene and Pasquale Caputo as a small retail cheese shop, Caputo’s is top tier choice for cheese and sandwiches. With over 1,000 cheese choices as well as pastas and fresh deli items, it’s a hot spot for anyone with an affinity for all things cheese. Not only is there a wide variety of delicious food, but the service is great as well, described by junior Mia Johnson as inherently welcoming. “When I walk in, I feel welcomed because the employees are very polite and pleasant to be around,” Johnson noted. 

Egg Harbor

When it comes to feeling like you’re in a cozy bed and breakfast in the countryside, Egg Harbor Cafe is the prime pick. From delicious, fluffy waffles to meaty burgers dripping in juice, you can’t go wrong. Special skillets are a house favorite as well. Matthew Croissant, a junior, adds that his favorite dish is, “the sausage skillet or the traditional breakfast, you can’t go wrong with those.” In addition to Croissant’s favorite food plate, “the service is always fast, friendly, and carefree,” he adds.  

Sushi Kushi

If you’re bored of cheeseburgers, hot dogs, Mexican food, etc., then get a reservation at Sushi Kushi in Lake Forest. Giving Lake Forest its traditional hand-crafted Japanese cuisine for more than 19 years, it is no wonder why Sushi Kushi is a local favorite. One of Sushi Kushi famous entrees is the Red Dragon, a somewhat spicy California roll wrapped with tuna and a special sauce. 

Francesca’s

One of the best Italian restaurants in Lake Forest, Francesca’s has been serving Italian cuisine to locals since 1992. Francesca’s offers an ambiance of sophisticated comfort at their restaurant. Some of their best dishes include the appetizer portion of calamari, Bruschette alla Romana, as well as the Ravioli alla Sorella. 

Other Door

The Other Door specializes in keeping things the way they were decades ago, when there was no such thing as organic grocers, they simply called it food. Buying from farmers who care about what they grow and how they grow it, The Other Door is one to think about. Ranging from various kinds of Mexican food such as tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, it separates itself from the chain restaurants such as Chipotle with its unique fresh taste. 

Left Bank

Originally serving hot dogs, popsicles, and popcorn off a food truck at Lake Forest Beach, Left Bank has now become one of the oldest family owned restaurants in town and is heralded among many as an all time favorite. From its humble beginnings as a food truck to the former barber shop it no occupies in uptown Lake Forest, Left Bank has been serving up succulent hot dogs and sloppy joe’s for years.

Market House

Noted as one of the premiere fine dining restaurants in Lake Forest, Market House on the square is a prime option for a formal dinner. With an abundance of reviews about how great and friendly the service is and how the food reviews to match, crowds of people recommend this four star restaurant. Favorite dishes, such as the Heirloom Tomato Salad with squash blossoms stuffed with fresh mozzarella and opal pesto to delicious cheeseburgers fresh off the grill, it is no wonder Market House is a Lake Forest favorite.

Silo

For over four decades, the Silo has been a North Shore landmark, serving award winning chili, appetizers, salads, sandwiches, hamburgers, and dinner entrees. In addition to all these mouth signature food items, their Chhicago style pan pizza is the unanimous choice. As one of the oldest family owned restaurants in the area, consider it for your next meal out, pizza or otherwise. 

Lou Malnati’s

You can’t live in or visit the Chicagoland area without having a slice of Chicago style deep dish pizza. Started in Lincolnwood 1971, Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria has been serving delicious Chicago style pizza ever since. After reaching great success in Lincolnwood, Lou decided to branch out to other towns, including Lake Forest. With fresh ingredients, hand made crust, and vineyards providing fresh vegetables, you can’t go wrong with Lou Malnati’s. Only serving take out or delivered pizzas, Lou’s is a go-to for a lazy night in with pizza.