Evanston is a city on the North Shore along picturesque Lake Michigan, famous for its educational institutions like Northwestern University and Rotary International.
In this suburban Illinois city where diversity has almost become a culture on its own, you bet it has a booming culinary landscape.
Quick Recommendations: Campagnola and Oceanique
With that said, feast your eyes on the 12 best Evanston restaurants you must absolutely check out.
1. Campagnola
At Campagnola, a quaint Italian restaurant, the ambience of rustic charm sets the stage for a delightful dining experience. Among their standout dishes, the Roasted Beets with arugula and whipped goat cheese is a harmonious blend of flavors.
Pasta lovers should try the Linguine, a perfect mix of seafood and spice, while the Roasted Duck is a testament to the restaurant’s culinary finesse.
What to order: Roasted Beets, Linguine, Roasted Duck
Address: 815 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL, United States
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2. Oceanique
Oceanique, an established name in Evanston, combines fine dining with a minimalist, warm design. Their 5-course tasting menu, featuring Organic Scottish Salmon and Prime Nebraska Filet Mignon, is highly recommended.
For those preferring a la carte, the Cold Seafood Platter showcases an exquisite array of lobsters, shrimp, scallops, and more, highlighting the freshness and quality of their seafood.
What to order: Chef’s 5 Course, Cold Seafood Platter
Address: 505 Main St, Evanston, IL, United States
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3. Shinsen
Shinsen, merging Japanese and Thai cuisines, presents a modern decor with cultural accents. The Robata Skirt Steak is a standout dish, offering melt-in-the-mouth goodness.
Equally impressive are the Tamarind Noodles, which skillfully balance the flavors of tamarind sauce and Thai banana blossoms, and the visually stunning Black Widow Maki, a testament to Shinsen’s innovative culinary approach.
What to order: Robata Skirt Steak, Thai Iced Tea, Black Widow Maki, Tamarind Noodles
Address: 1322 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL, United States
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4. Peckish Pig
Peckish Pig, a popular brunch and pub spot, delights with its vibrant bar and array of classic dishes. The Bacon-Wrapped Dates surprise with their unique flavor combination, while the Whipped Goat Cheese & Honeycomb is a harmonious blend of tastes.
Their creative cocktails, especially Pigs on Vacay, add a whimsical touch to the dining experience.
What to order: Bacon-Wrapped Dates, Whipped Goat Cheese & Honeycomb, Pigs on Vacay
Address: 623 W Howard St, Evanston, IL, United States
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5. NaKorn Urban Thai
NaKorn Urban Thai is an upscale restaurant offering a contemporary twist on traditional Thai dishes. The interior is a blend of sophistication and comfort, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Must-try dishes include the Ginger Bourbon Popcorn Chicken with its unique sauce, the Frisée (Fried Tofu) with an extraordinary curry sauce, and the Coconut-Curry Braised Chicken, a flavorful mix of Persian spices and Thai herbs.
What to order: Ginger Bourbon Popcorn Chicken, Frisée (Fried Tofu), Coconut-Curry Braised Chicken
Address: 1622 Orrington Ave, Evanston, IL 60201, United States
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6. The Barn Steakhouse
The Barn Steakhouse in Evanston is celebrated for its sophisticated dining and premium service. The Pan Seared Salmon with dill yogurt sauce stands out for its perfect balance of flavors.
Their Prix-Fixe dinner menu, including options like New York Strip Steak and Za’atar Roasted Chicken, is complemented by indulgent desserts like Arnie’s Chocolate Velvet Cake, making it an unforgettable dining experience.
What to order: Pan-Seared Salmon, Dry Age Ribeye, Prix-Fixe Dinner, Pecan Streusel Carrot Cake, Cocktails, Wine
Address: 1016 Church St Rear, Evanston, IL, United States
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7. Union Pizzeria
Union Pizzeria, nestled in a historically rich building, offers an industrial yet sophisticated setting. Renowned for uniting Italian and Asian flavors, their Neapolitan artisan pizzas, especially the Quattro Formaggi and Margherita, are a culinary delight.
The Mussels with saffron and Pernod and the Scottish Salmon with delicata squash are other standout dishes that showcase Union Pizzeria’s flair for combining diverse flavors.
What to order: Quattro Formaggi, Margherita, Mussels, Scottish Salmon, Wine
Address: 1245 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL 60202, United States
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8. Le Peep Evanston
Le Peep Evanston, a long-standing brunch favorite, boasts a history of over 45 years. This family-friendly establishment offers a relaxed atmosphere where dishes like the Triple Decker and the Stuffed French Toast stand out for their unique flavors. The Bloody Mary, expertly crafted with local vodka, complements the meal perfectly.
What to order: Triple Decker, Stuffed French Toast, Dawn Breaker
Address: 827 Church St, Evanston, IL 60202, United States
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9. Alcove
Alcove, a creative American restaurant, offers an upscale dining experience with quirky interiors. The Yellowfin Tuna Tartare and Beef Tenderloin are notable for their exquisite flavors and presentation. A must-try is Alcove’s Warm Flourless Chocolate Cake, a perfect dessert to end the meal on a sweet note.
What to order: Yellowfin Tuna Tartare, Beef Tenderloin, Warm Flourless Chocolate Cake
Address: 1625 Maple Ave, Evanston, IL 60201, United States
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10. Cupitol Coffee & Eatery
Cupitol Coffee & Eatery, once known as the Keg Bar, is now a haven for coffee lovers and breakfast enthusiasts. The aesthetically pleasing setting is ideal for enjoying their Berry Mascarpone French Toast, one of the fluffiest available.
The Skirt Steak and Eggs, along with the Spanish Omelette, create a harmonious blend of flavors, while their beverage selection, including the Classic Mimosa, provides the perfect finishing touch.
What to order: Berry Mascarpone French Toast, Skirt Steak and Eggs, Spanish Omelette, Flat White, Matcha Latte, Classic Mimosa
Address: 812 Grove St, Evanston, IL 60201, United States
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11. Blind Faith Cafe
Blind Faith Cafe offers an unmatched vegan dining experience in a sophisticated setting with attentive service. The Seitan Marsala and Mongolian Stir-Fry are standout dishes, showcasing the café’s ability to create flavors that appeal to both vegans and non-vegans alike.
What to order: Seitan Marsala, Mongolian Stir-Fry, Kung Pao
Address: 525 Dempster St, Evanston, IL 60201, United States
12. Joy Yee Noodle
Joy Yee Noodle, a pioneer in pan-Asian cuisine, is celebrated for its bubble teas and smoothies. This establishment stands out for its array of flavors, including the Korean Beef Over Rice, Orange Chicken, and Pad Tai Noodles, each dish showcasing a perfect balance of traditional and inventive flavors. Their Mango Fruit Freeze smoothie and Pomegranate Lemon Iced Tea are ideal choices to complement the meal.
What to order: Korean Beef Over Rice (Bulgogi), Orange Chicken, Pad Tai Noodles, Mango Fruit Freeze, Flavored Tea (Pomegranate Lemon)
Address: 533 Davis St, Evanston, IL 60201, United States
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There you go, that ends our Evanston culinary crawl. We hope you’ll visit one or two of them soon — or what about all?
Going somewhere else? We have prepared a list of the best Chicago Riverwalk restaurants here.
How We Create Our “Best” Lists
All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.
Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.