Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Evanston

Fabulous! Best sushi ever. Freshest fish melts on the palate!

I’ve been a fan of this place for years and love celebrating special occasions here. The food, service, and overall experience are usually fantastic and a good value. However, after today’s visit, I recommend reconsidering if you plan to dine here with a larger group. We were a party of eight, and the seating was extremely tight—not just at our table but in how closely spaced the tables are from one another. It was uncomfortable having to constantly shift chairs or stand up to let other guests pass. While everything else was top-notch, the cramped seating definitely detracted from the experience. I expected more thoughtfulness in accommodating larger groups for such an upscale restaurant. That said, if you’re dining solo, as a couple, or with a small party, you’ll likely have a fantastic time. I hope Hugo’s reconsiders their seating for larger groups because today could have easily gone from simply a good experience to a truly excellent one.

We ordered Thanksgiving pies for pickup. The pies were delicious - we got the Chocolate Halva and the Apple pie. Staff responded super quickly to questions I had checking about allergens, since I forgot to ask when I picked up the pies.

Exceptional everything! Atmosphere, service and cuisine!

I walked by Pasteur a few times this summer after beach days, always slowing down to admire its charm. The space looked so beautiful and inviting, and one morning, I paused to peek inside. Though the restaurant wasn’t open, the owner, Kim, noticed me and came out to chat. Her warmth and genuine interest made such an impression, I knew I had to come back. Last night, after recovering from bronchitis, I finally made it out for dinner. Pasteur was the perfect choice—and it exceeded all expectations. The Vibe The space is stunning—elegant yet cozy. Real flowers on every table and soft tea lights create a warm, welcoming ambiance. It’s the kind of place where you feel instantly at ease. Families, couples, and friends were softly enjoying themselves, while the staff moved gracefully throughout the room. The Drinks We started with a ginger pear martini that was light and refreshing—exactly what I needed. My friend ordered a Negroni next, and I enjoyed a perfectly balanced old fashioned. The cocktail list is creative without being over-the-top, and everything we tried was spot-on. The Food We shared a few dishes, and each one played out perfectly: • The Saigon Crepe (starter): A crispy rice flour crepe filled with shrimp, chicken, and mushrooms. You wrap pieces in fresh herbs and lettuce—fun, interactive, and absolutely delicious. • Signature Beef Steak: Tender cubes of filet mignon wok-seared to perfection, served with greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers. • Curry Duck: Roasted duck in a fragrant red curry with vegetables and kaffir lime herbs. We added a bit of chili oil for extra heat, and every bite was better than the last. The Service Kim herself was running the floor that night. She stopped by to chat and noted the menu is 39-years in the making. And it shines through in every detail, making the meal feel personal and special. Final Thoughts Pasteur is an experience. Between the thoughtful food, beautiful ambiance, and Kim’s passion, I found a new favorite spot.