Foodie's top picks in Highland Park, Illinois
# **A Foodie’s Guide to Highland Park, Illinois: 10 Must-Try Dining Experiences**
Nestled along the scenic North Shore, Highland Park, Illinois, is a hidden gem for food lovers. From cozy cafés to upscale bistros and global flavors, this charming suburb offers a diverse culinary landscape. Whether you're craving Middle Eastern mezze, artisanal coffee, or farm-to-table American fare, Highland Park has something to delight every palate.
In this guide, we’ll take you through **10 standout restaurants**, highlighting their ambiance, signature dishes, and must-try menu items. Let’s dig in!
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## **1. Uncle Tannous – A Taste of Lebanon in Highland Park**
? *1910 1st St, Highland Park, IL 60035*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why Visit?**
Uncle Tannous brings authentic Lebanese cuisine to Highland Park with a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. The menu is packed with bold flavors, from smoky grilled meats to creamy hummus and fresh salads.
### **What to Order:**
- **Hummus with Lamb Shawarma** – Silky hummus topped with tender, spiced lamb.
- **Mixed Grill Platter** – A carnivore’s dream with chicken, kafta, and beef skewers.
- **Fattoush Salad** – A refreshing mix of crispy pita, tomatoes, and herbs with tangy sumac dressing.
- **Baklava** – Flaky, honey-drenched pastry for dessert.
**Pro Tip:** Pair your meal with a glass of Lebanese wine or mint lemonade.
---
## **2. Madame Zuzu’s – A Whimsical Tea & Café Experience**
? *1876 1st St, Highland Park, IL 60035*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why Visit?**
Owned by Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins, Madame Zuzu’s is a quirky, bohemian-style teahouse with an artsy vibe. It’s perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or a cozy work session.
### **What to Order:**
- **Avocado Toast** – Topped with radish, microgreens, and chili flakes.
- **Matcha Latte** – Creamy and vibrant, made with ceremonial-grade matcha.
- **Scones with Clotted Cream & Jam** – A British classic, perfect with tea.
- **Vegan Buddha Bowl** – Packed with quinoa, roasted veggies, and tahini dressing.
**Pro Tip:** Check out their live music and art events!
---
## **3. Cafe Dacha – European-Inspired Comfort Food**
? *675 Central Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why Visit?**
Cafe Dacha offers a taste of Eastern Europe with Russian, Ukrainian, and Jewish-inspired dishes. The cozy, rustic setting makes it ideal for a hearty meal.
### **What to Order:**
- **Borscht** – A vibrant beet soup with sour cream.
- **Beef Stroganoff** – Tender beef in a creamy mushroom sauce over egg noodles.
- **Pelmeni (Dumplings)** – Stuffed with beef or potato, served with butter and sour cream.
- **Medovik (Honey Cake)** – Layers of delicate honey-infused cake.
**Pro Tip:** Try their infused vodkas for a true Eastern European experience.
---
## **4. Perfect Blend – A Coffee Lover’s Paradise**
? *491 Central Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why Visit?**
This local coffee shop is a favorite for its artisanal brews, fresh pastries, and relaxed vibe. Great for breakfast or a midday pick-me-up.
### **What to Order:**
- **Lavender Honey Latte** – Floral, sweet, and perfectly balanced.
- **Avocado & Egg Sandwich** – On toasted sourdough with sriracha mayo.
- **Almond Croissant** – Buttery, flaky, and filled with almond cream.
**Pro Tip:** Grab a bag of their house-roasted beans to take home.
---
## **5. The Birchwood Club – Upscale American Dining**
? *1174 Park Ave W, Highland Park, IL 60035*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why Visit?**
A refined yet relaxed restaurant with a focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Ideal for date night or a celebratory dinner.
### **What to Order:**
- **Dry-Aged Ribeye** – Perfectly seared with truffle butter.
- **Burrata Salad** – Creamy burrata with heirloom tomatoes and basil.
- **Lobster Mac & Cheese** – Decadent and rich.
**Pro Tip:** Their weekend brunch is also fantastic—try the Brioche French Toast.
---
*(Continued in comments due to length—stay tuned for Part 2 covering Pixca, Bluegrass, Mizrahi Grill, Bright Bowls, and IL Forno!)*
Would you like me to continue with the remaining five restaurants?
Nestled along the scenic North Shore, Highland Park, Illinois, is a hidden gem for food lovers. From cozy cafés to upscale bistros and global flavors, this charming suburb offers a diverse culinary landscape. Whether you're craving Middle Eastern mezze, artisanal coffee, or farm-to-table American fare, Highland Park has something to delight every palate.
In this guide, we’ll take you through **10 standout restaurants**, highlighting their ambiance, signature dishes, and must-try menu items. Let’s dig in!
---
## **1. Uncle Tannous – A Taste of Lebanon in Highland Park**
? *1910 1st St, Highland Park, IL 60035*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why Visit?**
Uncle Tannous brings authentic Lebanese cuisine to Highland Park with a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. The menu is packed with bold flavors, from smoky grilled meats to creamy hummus and fresh salads.
### **What to Order:**
- **Hummus with Lamb Shawarma** – Silky hummus topped with tender, spiced lamb.
- **Mixed Grill Platter** – A carnivore’s dream with chicken, kafta, and beef skewers.
- **Fattoush Salad** – A refreshing mix of crispy pita, tomatoes, and herbs with tangy sumac dressing.
- **Baklava** – Flaky, honey-drenched pastry for dessert.
**Pro Tip:** Pair your meal with a glass of Lebanese wine or mint lemonade.
---
## **2. Madame Zuzu’s – A Whimsical Tea & Café Experience**
? *1876 1st St, Highland Park, IL 60035*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why Visit?**
Owned by Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins, Madame Zuzu’s is a quirky, bohemian-style teahouse with an artsy vibe. It’s perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or a cozy work session.
### **What to Order:**
- **Avocado Toast** – Topped with radish, microgreens, and chili flakes.
- **Matcha Latte** – Creamy and vibrant, made with ceremonial-grade matcha.
- **Scones with Clotted Cream & Jam** – A British classic, perfect with tea.
- **Vegan Buddha Bowl** – Packed with quinoa, roasted veggies, and tahini dressing.
**Pro Tip:** Check out their live music and art events!
---
## **3. Cafe Dacha – European-Inspired Comfort Food**
? *675 Central Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why Visit?**
Cafe Dacha offers a taste of Eastern Europe with Russian, Ukrainian, and Jewish-inspired dishes. The cozy, rustic setting makes it ideal for a hearty meal.
### **What to Order:**
- **Borscht** – A vibrant beet soup with sour cream.
- **Beef Stroganoff** – Tender beef in a creamy mushroom sauce over egg noodles.
- **Pelmeni (Dumplings)** – Stuffed with beef or potato, served with butter and sour cream.
- **Medovik (Honey Cake)** – Layers of delicate honey-infused cake.
**Pro Tip:** Try their infused vodkas for a true Eastern European experience.
---
## **4. Perfect Blend – A Coffee Lover’s Paradise**
? *491 Central Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why Visit?**
This local coffee shop is a favorite for its artisanal brews, fresh pastries, and relaxed vibe. Great for breakfast or a midday pick-me-up.
### **What to Order:**
- **Lavender Honey Latte** – Floral, sweet, and perfectly balanced.
- **Avocado & Egg Sandwich** – On toasted sourdough with sriracha mayo.
- **Almond Croissant** – Buttery, flaky, and filled with almond cream.
**Pro Tip:** Grab a bag of their house-roasted beans to take home.
---
## **5. The Birchwood Club – Upscale American Dining**
? *1174 Park Ave W, Highland Park, IL 60035*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why Visit?**
A refined yet relaxed restaurant with a focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Ideal for date night or a celebratory dinner.
### **What to Order:**
- **Dry-Aged Ribeye** – Perfectly seared with truffle butter.
- **Burrata Salad** – Creamy burrata with heirloom tomatoes and basil.
- **Lobster Mac & Cheese** – Decadent and rich.
**Pro Tip:** Their weekend brunch is also fantastic—try the Brioche French Toast.
---
*(Continued in comments due to length—stay tuned for Part 2 covering Pixca, Bluegrass, Mizrahi Grill, Bright Bowls, and IL Forno!)*
Would you like me to continue with the remaining five restaurants?
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