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Best Authentic Restaurants in Evanston

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104 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Tapas Barcelona restaurant
1. Tapas Barcelona
4.7
Exceptional(654)
Price: Moderate
• Tapas / Small Plates • Evanston
Booked 21 times today
Dine on traditional Spanish cuisine at Tapas Barcelona. Located 1615 Chicago Ave, north suburb of Evanston and just south of Northwestern University, this restaurant offers casual comfort and a friendly setting for dining out. Tapas Barcelona has various dishes on the menu, such as baked snails and pizza topped with spinach and goat cheese. It also serves seafood and vegetarian entrées. Tapas Barcelona has a full bar that offers guests various drinks, including Spanish selections of wine. Its atmosphere is ideal for meeting up with an old friend for lunch or having dinner with the family. This restaurant welcomes reservations and provides take-out services.
A photo of Khmai restaurant
2. Khmai
4.7
Exceptional(119)
Price: Expensive
• Cambodian • North of Foster / Rogers Park
Booked 18 times today
Khmai Cambodian is a culinary journey that celebrates rich heritage and indomitable spirit of Cambodia. Named as an homage to Khmer, the native language, Mai means mother, which pays homage to Chef's mother. Our restaurant is a testament to the enduring bond between family and food.Khmai Cambodian is Inspired by the childhood experiences of our founder, Mona Sang, and her mother, Sarom Sieng, who survived the Cambodian genocide, our menu pays tribute to their unwavering resilience and passion for cooking. As a James Beard Semifinalist for Best New Restaurant in 2023, Khmai Cambodian has earned acclaim for its commitment to preserving and showcasing the culinary treasures of Cambodia.Also enjoy our new concept Kaun Khmai, where the spirit of Cambodia comes alive through bold flavors and vibrant experiences. Translating to "Children of Cambodia," our lively and casual atmosphere invites you to explore the innovative fusion of traditional Khmer street food with a generational twist.
A photo of Little Madrid Tapas Cafe restaurant
3. Little Madrid Tapas Cafe
4.5
Awesome(249)
Price: Expensive
• Tapas / Small Plates • Andersonville
Booked 16 times today
In January 2020, Little Madrid Tapas Café opened in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood, a small, cozy, and colorful space. The restaurant transported guests back to Old Madrid with its warm atmosphere, delicious flavors, and enticing aromas that emanated from the kitchen. With a global pandemic raging around the world, Little Madrid Tapas Café remained a steady presence in the neighborhood and soon emerged as one of the best Spanish restaurants in Chicago.
A photo of Zentli restaurant
4. Zentli
4.9
Exceptional(67)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Evanston
Booked 6 times today
Hear the joyful music of Mexico with a mix of Latin American and world rhythms, enjoy the colorful art, and taste delicious tacos in a warm community space. Zentli (indigenous Nahuatl Language for "corn" or "maize"), is a casual restaurant that serves the best locally sourced Mexican street food in Evanston, Illinois. With fresh, natural ingredients and vegan & vegetarian options in eclectic, artistic digs, we’re your new local favorite. We built Zentli to honor the ingenuity and hard work of Mexican people by bringing you the genuine flavors of street vendors through tasty food and mouth-watering drinks.
A photo of Jilly's Cafe restaurant
5. Jilly's Cafe
4.5
Awesome(674)
Price: Expensive
• French • Evanston
Booked 10 times today
Located just outside the city of Chicago, Jilly's Café has been called a "North Shore Treasure" by Zagat's 2002 restaurant survey. Our French Countryside decor, handpicked flowers, and friendly wait staff make for an intimate and cozy atmosphere suitable for all kinds of occasions(NOW PATIO AVAILABLE,ASK FOR HOURS). Here authentic French food is served with an American twist making for enough dishes to keep our specials changing daily. We offer a Sunday brunch that carefully combines a traditional American brunch with French flavors, while champagne effortlessly flows throughout the course of the meal. Jilly's is available for private parties, and reservations are strongly recommended.
A photo of CUPITOL The Restaurant restaurant
6. CUPITOL The Restaurant
new
4.7
Exceptional(20)
Price: Expensive
• European • Skokie
Booked 16 times today
CUPITOL The Restaurant is our 4th and newest location in Old Orchard Mall, delivering a complete, immersive experience for all day. You can begin the day with breakfast, brunch, or lunch that you can truly enjoy and as the evening unfolds, you indulge in a vibrant dinner featuring bold European flavors and a sophisticated touch. Enjoy the day. Savor the night.
A photo of Anteprima restaurant
7. Anteprima
4.8
Exceptional(3555)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Andersonville
Booked 34 times today
Anteprima is an authentic Italian restaurant with a touch of local flavor. The restaurant's commitment to using the finest, locally sourced ingredients and regional recipes is reflected in their food. As one reviewer noted, 'Anteprima never fails to be a good dining experience. The seasonal menu always has some favorites.' This, along with the high praise for the consistently excellent food, service, and atmosphere, confirms Anteprima's authenticity.
A photo of Tenjin restaurant
8. Tenjin
4.8
Exceptional(79)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Lincolnwood
Booked 15 times today
Renga Tei is Tenjin Restaurant now.Tenjin restaurant serves everyone’s favorite Japanese dishes from yesteryear, and Chef Naoki has developed many contemporary dishes to keep your taste buds happy and satisfied. We hope that Tenjin will become one of your go-to Japanese Restaurants.
A photo of Francesca - Lincolnwood restaurant
9. Francesca - Lincolnwood
4.6
Exceptional(364)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Lincolnwood
Booked 40 times today
Mia Francesca features the zesty, earthy cuisine of Rome and the surrounding areas of Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio. It was one of the first restaurants in Chicago to encourage the lively art of dining with a contemporary, casually sophisticated trattoria ambiance, simple, rustic cooking, friendly service, and fair prices.Waiting for a table at the beautiful antique bar is part of the charm of Mia Francesca. The plush upstairs dining room and lounge can be reserved for private events, as can the more intimate coach house tucked away behind the restaurant. In the summer, al fresco dining is also available on a charming cobblestone terrace.
A photo of Avli - Winnetka restaurant
10. Avli - Winnetka
4.5
Awesome(1102)
Price: Expensive
• Greek • Winnetka
Booked 17 times today
Avli in suburban Winnetka has been a Chicagoland favorite since 2009 offering guests contemporary and classic Greek small plates, mains, and desserts as well as approachable Greek wines and inventive cocktails.Open daily for brunch, lunch, and dinner, we look forward to having you in to experience our core philosophies of Philoxenia (hospitality), Meraki (passion) and Kefi (joy) in the main dining room and seasonal outdoor patio!To inquire about an event, please contact: milton@avli.us

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Eugenia
    New York City •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    My party of five, arriving in Evanston from three different cities, had an enjoyable evening. The food was delicious, the menu offered great variety, and the service was top notch. We ordered a diverse selection of dishes, some of which were recommended by our waiter, and there was really something for each person at our table to enjoy. A great experience!
    More info
    Tapas BarcelonaPrice: Moderate• Tapas / Small Plates• Evanston
    •
    4.7
  • Alan
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Impeccable service. Fabulous. Going back in a week. And it’s an hour drive for me. Almost all the food was a standout. Was a little disappointed in the duck. The duck should have been the star, but was overpowered by the broth. But you can’t fault them when every one of the other 3 dishes was fabulous. And they charge menus monthly. Who does that? A great chef who wants to keep sharp and astound his guests!
    More info
    KhmaiPrice: Expensive• Cambodian• North of Foster / Rogers Park
    •
    4.7
  • Lauren
    Chicago / Illinois •69 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Came for brunch and was pleasantly surprised at the choices and the great tastes!
    More info
    Little Madrid Tapas CafePrice: Expensive• Tapas / Small Plates• Andersonville
    •
    4.5
  • Michelle McCarthy
    Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 3, 2025
    The food is unique and delicious, the service is attentive, and the art is very cool
    More info
    ZentliPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Evanston
    •
    4.9
  • RobertVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •190 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 27, 2024
    A delightful evening with an interesting menu and very good service. It was very quiet with only one other table of diners, but everything we ordered was available and excellent. Modest wine list .
    More info
    Jilly's CafePrice: Expensive• French• Evanston
    •
    4.5

Discover best authentic restaurants in Evanston

Discover the allure of authentic dining in Evanston, nestled in the North Suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. This vibrant area offers a diverse array of restaurants that pride themselves on delivering genuine flavors across various cuisines. Each eatery in Evanston strives to offer an authentic experience, using fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods that pay homage to their culinary roots. The dining scene in Evanston is characterized by its unique blend of casual eateries and upscale restaurants, each providing a distinct atmosphere that catones to both local residents and visitors alike. In your search for authentic dining in Evanston, you will find establishments that are celebrated for their commitment to quality and authenticity. These restaurants not only excel in crafting delicious dishes but also in creating welcoming environments where every meal is a special occasion. Whether you are looking for a cozy spot for a romantic dinner or a vibrant venue for a family gathering, Evanston's authentic dining options are sure to enhance your culinary journey.

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