Stomach rumbling and you’re in or near Northbrook? You’re in luck! This vibrant area, nestled just north of Chicago, boasts a surprisingly diverse array of delicious dining options. From cozy cafes serving artisanal sandwiches to upscale restaurants dishing out culinary masterpieces, Northbrook and its surrounding suburbs offer something to satisfy every craving. This guide will be your culinary compass, pointing you toward the best food near Northbrook, catering to different tastes, budgets, and occasions. We’re focusing on Northbrook and the immediately surrounding suburbs, including Glenview, Northfield, Deerfield, and Skokie, ensuring you have plenty of delectable choices at your fingertips. Our selections are based on a combination of local reviews, personal experience, and unique offerings, giving you a truly curated list of recommendations.
Pizza Perfection: Slices of Heaven Near You
For those nights when only a pizza will do, Northbrook and its neighbors offer some truly outstanding options. Whether you’re a fan of classic thin crust, deep-dish decadence, or wood-fired artistry, you’ll find a pizzeria to suit your fancy.
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
First on our list is Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria (multiple locations, including Northbrook). This Chicago institution is renowned for its legendary deep-dish pizza. The buttery, flaky crust, the generous layer of cheese, and the chunky tomato sauce combine to create a truly unforgettable experience. Their sausage deep dish is a particular favorite, but don’t overlook their other offerings, including thin crust pizzas and salads. Lou Malnati’s is perfect for a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, and the service is consistently excellent. Find them at [address] or visit their website or call them at [phone number].
Pizzeria Via Stato
Next up, we have Pizzeria Via Stato, located in downtown Chicago (but worth the short drive). This restaurant takes the pizza experience to the next level with its Neapolitan-style pizzas. These pizzas are cooked in wood-burning ovens at extremely high temperatures, resulting in a light, airy crust with a slightly charred exterior. They use only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients, including imported San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella. The restaurant itself is stylish and modern, making it a great choice for a date night or a special occasion. The service is attentive and knowledgeable, and the wine list is extensive. The pizzas are cooked to perfection in front of you. To locate them, find the address online or visit the website or call them at [phone number].
Barnaby’s Family Inn
Finally, for a more casual option with plenty of variety, consider Barnaby’s Family Inn (Northbrook). Barnaby’s is a local favorite known for its generous portions, affordable prices, and family-friendly atmosphere. Their thin-crust pizza is a crowd-pleaser, and they also offer a wide range of other dishes, including pasta, sandwiches, and salads. It’s a great place to go with kids, as they have a dedicated kids’ menu and a lively, energetic vibe. Barnaby’s offers a delicious food option near Northbrook. Find them at [address] or visit their website or call them at [phone number].
International Flavors: A Global Gastronomic Journey
If you’re craving something beyond the familiar, Northbrook and its surrounding areas offer a vibrant tapestry of international cuisines. From authentic Italian trattorias to fragrant Thai restaurants, you can embark on a global gastronomic journey without ever leaving the neighborhood.
Saranello’s
First, let’s journey to Saranello’s (Wheeling, just a short drive from Northbrook), an upscale Italian restaurant serving exquisite dishes in an elegant setting. With a focus on seasonal ingredients and classic Italian techniques, Saranello’s is the perfect choice for a special occasion or a romantic dinner. Their pasta is made fresh daily, and their seafood dishes are always impeccably prepared. The wine list is extensive, and the service is attentive and knowledgeable. Think hand-rolled pasta and succulent seafood dishes. Find them at [address] or visit their website or call them at [phone number].
NaKorn Thai
For a taste of the exotic, head to NaKorn Thai (Evanston, a slightly longer drive but well worth it). This award-winning Thai restaurant is known for its authentic flavors, creative dishes, and stylish ambiance. The menu features a wide range of traditional Thai dishes, as well as some more innovative creations. Their curries are particularly noteworthy, and their Pad Thai is consistently ranked among the best in the area. The restaurant is beautifully decorated, and the service is friendly and efficient. Known for creative creations of authentic Thai cuisine, it is an excellent food option near Northbrook. Find them at [address] or visit their website or call them at [phone number].
Casa Maya
Looking for a different kind of spice? Casa Maya (Northbrook) brings authentic Mexican cuisine to the north shore. From traditional tacos and enchiladas to complex mole sauces, Casa Maya offers a fiesta of flavors that will transport you south of the border. The restaurant is decorated with vibrant colors and festive accents, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Their margaritas are a must-try, and their guacamole is made fresh daily. Casa Maya is a great choice for a casual dinner with friends or a family celebration. This food near Northbrook is not to be missed. Find them at [address] or visit their website or call them at [phone number].
Family-Friendly Fare: Where to Eat With Kids
Dining out with children can sometimes be a challenge, but thankfully, Northbrook and its surrounding areas offer a number of restaurants that cater specifically to families. These establishments typically offer kid-friendly menus, relaxed atmospheres, and perhaps even play areas to keep the little ones entertained.
Claim Jumper
One excellent option is Claim Jumper (Skokie, near Old Orchard Mall). Claim Jumper is known for its generous portions, its diverse menu, and its family-friendly atmosphere. They offer a wide range of dishes, from burgers and sandwiches to pasta and seafood, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy. They also have a dedicated kids’ menu with all the classics, like chicken tenders, mac and cheese, and grilled cheese sandwiches. The restaurant is spacious and comfortable, and the service is friendly and efficient. It’s a great place to go with a large group, as they can easily accommodate parties of all sizes. This food near Northbrook is a great family choice. Find them at [address] or visit their website or call them at [phone number].
The Happi Sushi
Another fantastic choice is The Happi Sushi (Northbrook). Sushi might not immediately come to mind when thinking about family-friendly dining, but The Happi Sushi offers a fun and interactive dining experience that kids will love. They have a conveyor belt that delivers a variety of sushi rolls and other Japanese dishes right to your table. Kids will enjoy watching the food go by and choosing what they want to try. They also offer a selection of non-sushi options for those who aren’t fans of raw fish. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, and the service is always friendly. This food near Northbrook is an exciting experience. Find them at [address] or visit their website or call them at [phone number].
Once Upon a Bagel
For a more casual and relaxed experience, consider Once Upon a Bagel (Highland Park and Northbrook). While primarily known for their bagels and breakfast options, Once Upon a Bagel also offers a selection of sandwiches, salads, and soups that are perfect for lunch or a light dinner. They have a relaxed, diner-like atmosphere that’s perfect for families. Kids will enjoy choosing their own bagels and toppings, and the prices are very reasonable. The quality of the food has made this a very popular place. This food near Northbrook will leave you wanting more. Find them at [address] or visit their website or call them at [phone number].
Brunch Bliss: Weekend Delights Near Northbrook
Weekends are made for brunch, and Northbrook and its surrounding areas have no shortage of fantastic brunch spots. Whether you’re looking for a classic Eggs Benedict, fluffy pancakes, or a creative brunch cocktail, you’ll find a place to satisfy your weekend cravings.
Prairie Grass Cafe
Let’s start with Prairie Grass Cafe (Northbrook). Prairie Grass Cafe is a long-standing favorite among locals, known for its farm-to-table cuisine and its commitment to sustainable practices. Their brunch menu features a variety of creative and delicious dishes, made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Their omelets are particularly popular, and their homemade pastries are not to be missed. The restaurant has a warm and inviting atmosphere, and the service is friendly and attentive. This food near Northbrook is delicious and locally sourced. Find them at [address] or visit their website or call them at [phone number].
Wildfire
A chic choice for brunch is Wildfire (Glenview). Serving American cuisine, Wildfire is the perfect place for a special occasion brunch. With high quality ingredients, Wildfire does not disappoint. The food near Northbrook is served with great staff and atmosphere. Find them at [address] or visit their website or call them at [phone number].
Walker Bros. Original Pancake House
For a more casual and affordable brunch option, head to Walker Bros. Original Pancake House (Wilmette). This iconic pancake house is known for its enormous pancakes, which are cooked in cast iron skillets and topped with a variety of delicious toppings. Their Dutch Baby pancake is a must-try, and their apple pancake is another popular choice. Be prepared to wait in line, as this place is always busy on weekends! The atmosphere is bustling and energetic, and the service is quick and efficient. The food near Northbrook is an amazing choice. Find them at [address] or visit their website or call them at [phone number].
Beyond Restaurants: Sweet Treats and Caffeine Fixes
While restaurants are a key part of the culinary landscape, there are also plenty of other food-related establishments in and around Northbrook that are worth checking out.
Deerfields Bakery
If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to visit Deerfields Bakery (Deerfield and Northbrook). This beloved bakery is known for its delicious cakes, pastries, and cookies. They offer a wide range of treats for all occasions, from birthday cakes to wedding cakes to everyday pastries. Their butter cookies are a particular favorite, and their chocolate cake is always moist and decadent. This bakery is a local institution, and it’s a great place to pick up a sweet treat to enjoy at home.
Starbucks
For a caffeine fix, head to Starbucks (multiple locations, including Northbrook). While Starbucks is a national chain, it’s still a popular choice for coffee lovers in the area. They offer a wide range of coffee drinks, teas, and pastries, as well as a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. It’s a great place to grab a quick coffee on the go or to sit down and relax with a book or a friend.
Conclusion: A Culinary Adventure Awaits
As you can see, Northbrook and its surrounding areas offer a truly diverse and exciting culinary scene. From pizza perfection to international flavors to family-friendly fare to brunch bliss, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to the area, be sure to explore the many delicious food options that are available. Happy eating!
What are your favorite restaurants near Northbrook? Share your recommendations in the comments below!
