Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Highland Park

7 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Prairie Grass Café restaurant

1. Prairie Grass Café

4.6

Exceptional(2232)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Northbrook

Booked 25 times today

Prairie Grass Café in Northbrook is a beacon of authentic American cuisine, where seasonal ingredients meet contemporary flair. Co-owned by Chefs Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris, this family-friendly gem has garnered praise for its "outstanding" dishes and "attentive" service. Diners rave about the "fantastic" chicken cutlets and creative takes on classics like the Blue Cheese wedge, making it a beloved spot even for discerning foodies. Known for supporting local farmers, the restaurant's commitment to fresh, locally-sourced fare shines through in every dish, from the succulent whitefish to the delectable homemade pies. Prairie Grass Café promises a dining experience that's both heartwarming and unforgettable.

A photo of NM Café - Northbrook restaurant

2. NM Café - Northbrook

4.6

Exceptional(636)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Northbrook

Booked 6 times today

Appetite for excellence. Take lunching to the next level at NM Cafe®, our elegant restaurant at Neiman Marcus Northbrook. Retreat to a fine-dining atmosphere with an innovative menu selection. Taste one of our exquisite seasonal entrée selections or experience the famous Mandarin Orange Soufflé. It's the perfect choice for any special occasion or for turning an ordinary day into something wonderful.Looking to host an event? We pride ourselves on creating the perfect menu and ambience for your event in our chic and inviting atmosphere. Pamper the glowing bride- or mother-to-be in your life with the shower of her dreams or a lavish luncheon.

A photo of Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Wheeling, IL restaurant

3. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Wheeling, IL

4.6

Exceptional(6336)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Wheeling

Booked 84 times today

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant in Wheeling, IL, effortlessly elevates the art of Seafood cuisine with an exquisite blend of quality and authenticity. Diners rave about the "pistachio crusted grouper," which is consistently lauded for its fantastic taste, and the "seafood risotto" that is both nicely served and very tasty. Their "seafood bisque" further showcases their expertise in crafting delectable seafood dishes. The restaurant pairs these mouthwatering offerings with award-winning wines, creating a dining experience that is both refined and memorable. With attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere, Cooper's Hawk is a must-visit destination for seafood aficionados.

A photo of City Works - Vernon Hills restaurant

4. City Works - Vernon Hills

4.4

Awesome(839)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Vernon Hills

Booked 51 times today

City Works in Vernon Hills is a standout in Contemporary American cuisine, offering a delightful blend of local charm and culinary creativity. With "90 local and global crafts on draft," the restaurant brings a unique twist to American fare, ensuring each dish is as flavorful as it is authentic. Diners rave about the "fantastic beer selection" and the chef-driven menu that transforms classic American dishes into extraordinary experiences. Whether you’re enjoying the "best burgers and salads" or savoring the "cajun linguine," the flavors are consistently praised as "above average with great flavors." City Works is a must-visit for anyone seeking top-notch Contemporary American dining.

5. 501 Local

4.7

Exceptional(250)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Winnetka

Booked 25 times today

501 Local in downtown Winnetka offers an exceptional Contemporary American dining experience that is both authentic and innovative. This upscale casual bistro stands out with its focus on seasonal ingredients and flavors, consistently impressing diners with its "delicious" dishes and "outstanding" service. The menu seamlessly combines classic and contemporary elements, with standout items like the "ahi tuna bowl" and "shrimp tacos" receiving rave reviews. Guests appreciate the restaurant's inviting ambiance, particularly its award-winning patio, perfect for enjoying a meal al fresco. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just catching up with friends, 501 Local promises a delightful, memorable dining experience.

6. Bluestone

4.3

Awesome(28)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Evanston

Booked 5 times today

Bluestone is a Chicago-style restaurant in Evanston that offers homestyle cooking in a warm and welcoming environment. Owner John, whose obsession with golf led to the more than 250 pin flags decorating the restaurant, opened Bluestone after transitioning from commercial film production. His goal was to create a locale that was filled with friendliness and familiar faces, all while serving a variety of menu options with a hometown feel. Guests can enjoy favorites like crab cakes, or branch out and discover a new one from their wrap, soup, quesadilla or burger menus. Don't forget to try homemade specialties such as the turkey or black bean burgers, or the Bluestone signature smoked wings. There are also several thin-crust pizza options, like the pesto or BBQ chicken offerings. Whether you're just passing through or a long-time resident, Bluestone, at the corner of Central St. and Prairie Ave., is everyone's home away from home.

A photo of Jameson's Charhouse - Skokie restaurant

7. Jameson's Charhouse - Skokie

4.4

Awesome(1746)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Skokie

Booked 12 times today

At Jameson's Charhouse in Skokie, the Seafood offerings are nothing short of extraordinary, making it a top choice for lovers of the sea. Renowned for its authentic and fresh selection, standout dishes like the "Shrimp De Jonghe," "pan-fried Red Snapper," and "Baked Halibut" have garnered rave reviews from diners. One delighted guest exclaimed that the shrimp was "to die for," while another praised the halibut as "fresh and cooked perfectly." The restaurant's commitment to quality Seafood is evident in every dish, ensuring a dining experience that is both flavorful and unforgettable. Come and savor the ocean's finest at Jameson's Charhouse.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

Y
YewandeVIP
Chicago / Illinois •54 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Amazing food and service was excellent. Diego was great. Thank you and will be back!
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BokaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Lincoln Park
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4.8
K
Kelley
Wisconsin •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Food was excellent. From the Homemade sourdough bread to the Chilean Sea Bass to the homemade raspberry mango sorbet atop toasted meringue. Best Old Fashioned I’ve had outside of Wisconsin
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The Franklin RoomPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• River North (Chicago)
•
4.9
N
NealVIP
Chicago / Illinois •28 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The staff and team here make you feel like a VIP at every turn. The food is next level amazing, but the service is something that you don’t generally get at a place where the food can hold the hype on its own. Get the prawns!
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BraseroPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• West Town
•
4.8
A
Alan HVIP
Chicago / Illinois •65 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Sirloin burger really is the best. Fish and chips even better Attentive service very appreciated.
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Prairie Grass CaféPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Northbrook
•
4.6
M
Mary
Chicago / Illinois •46 reviews
4.0
Dined on Jan 4, 2025
popovers were delicious as usual, although the strawberry butter was rather bland. the food was not as good as I remembered. Chicken salad did not have customary bacon-healthier but again a little bland. Overall an okay meal just not as outstanding as it was in the past
More info
NM Café - NorthbrookPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Northbrook
•
4.6

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Highland Park

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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Highland Park

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7 restaurants available nearby

1. Prairie Grass Café

2. NM Café - Northbrook

3. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Wheeling, IL

4. City Works - Vernon Hills

5. 501 Local

6. Bluestone

7. Jameson's Charhouse - Skokie

See what locals rave about

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