Best Fun Restaurants in Wilmette

Always a great experience build on food, service, and ambience. The North Woods for the North Shore.

Food is always delicious and prepared well. Wait staff is courteous and attentive but not overly so. They always ask about food allergies which is so nice since many dishes may have something in them that only the chef knows about. Ambiance is very pleasant. Nice place to celebrate special occasions or host clients.

EJ’s Place is our go to restaurant for a great meal and awesome service. They have something for everyone: awesome steak, fresh fish and their meat sauce in their spaghetti is top notch. The valet is complimentary so it’s easy to get in and out (although the guys are super friendly and deserve a decent gratuity too.). We highly recommend this place. You won’t be disappointed.

Aboyer (previously Restaurant Michael) has been one of our favorite north shore spots to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. My husband and I have been following Chef Michael all around the Chicago area for decades now, and although the amazing food has been the key reason, we have always been impressed by his professionally trained staff, who are friendly, knowledgeable and pay attention to details. On this visit, we were celebrating my birthday (2 months late) since we cancelled the first reservation when Covid hit us, and the aftereffects stayed around far too long. The evening here was well worth the wait! After stopping at the bar for a quick hello to Sergio and a Champagne (for me) and a Chardonnay we settled in to the cozy banquette for dinner. We ordered our standard starter, the delectable Gougères, a mainstay that we hope never goes away. I switched to a rich Aviary Napa Cabernet for the rest of the dinner. We were delighted to have Sergio Junior as our server! He obviously enjoys his job and is a real ambassador for the restaurant. We took his recommendations for our entrees, and both were fantastic! I never order pork, and rarely make it at home, except for a roast. The Peppercorn Crusted Berkshire Pork Rib Chop with Cognac Mushroom Sauce was by far the best pork I have ever had. Happy Birthday to me. My husband’s decadently delicious Aboyer Burger was an unexpected item for him to order here, except for how much he loved it. Thank you from both of us, SJ!!! Last night was well worth waiting for. ♥️♥️

Great place. Just a bit loud. It will not keep me from going again. Really good food and drinks.