From cozy bakeries to creative fusion, Chicago’s North Shore is bursting with locally owned dining spots. Whether you’re chasing the perfect bite, sipping craft beer, or just love hidden gems, this guide is for you!

Hewn

A bakery shelf displays various types of bread, including round loaves with decorative scoring and baguettes. They are arranged neatly on wooden shelves against a brick-style wall. Small signs label different types of bread.
Photo Credit: Chicago’s North Shore CVB

This cozy, rustic bakery in Evanston is a carb-lover’s dream! With exposed wood paneling and a warm vibe, Hewn specializes in hand-forged, naturally fermented breads made with locally sourced grains. Start your day with flaky croissants, gooey cinnamon rolls, or decadent pound cake. Stopping by for lunch? Don’t miss the turkey cranberry sandwich on homemade country bread or the pulled pork on brioche.

Five & Dime

Photo Credit: Chicago’s North Shore CVB

Perched above sister spots Taco Diablo and The Blue Horse Tavern, Five & Dime in downtown Evanston is all about good vibes. Twinkling lights, blue umbrellas, and a buzzing rooftop patio make it perfect for margaritas under the stars. Inside, you’ll find arcade games, live music, and a lively crowd. Snack on chips and guac before diving into hearty plates like barbecue ribs, burgers, or a fresh tuna poke bowl.

Peckish Pig

A gourmet burger topped with crispy onions and greens sits on a plate next to a side of thick-cut fries and a small dish of ketchup. The setting is a rustic restaurant with wood tables and low lighting.
Photo Credit: Chicago’s North Shore CVB

Whether you’re brunching, dining, or unwinding at happy hour, Peckish Pig is a North Shore favorite. Relax on the cozy brick patio surrounded by flowers, and don’t miss Taco Tuesdays or Triple B Wednesdays for a draft beer, house burger, and a shot of bourbon! Kick off the day with fresh scones and whipped cream, or enjoy a dinner classic like their lamb burger topped with goat cheese.

Sketchbook Brewing Co.

A pint glass filled with dark beer sits on a wooden barrel, next to a four-pack of cans marked Ripe Now by Sketchbook. The cans feature a modern design with abstract patterns. Blurred outdoor setting in the background.
Photo Credit: Chicago’s North Shore CVB

Dog-friendly biergarten with craft beers? Count us in. Sketchbook Brewing Co. in Skokie boasts a massive taproom that’s perfect for sunny afternoons. Sip on the refreshing Grapefruit Radler, try Secret Stuff (a gluten-free brew), or skip the alcohol with their house-made Lavender Kombucha. Catch live music on weekends or weekly trivia nights.

Convito Café & Market

Grilled salmon fillet topped with herbs on a bed of lentils, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes, drizzled with sauce on a white plate. A glass and bottle of wine, along with a salad, are visible in the background.
Photo Credit: Chicago’s North Shore CVB

Dreaming of Europe without leaving the North Shore? Convito Café in Wilmette delivers Italian and French cuisine in a cozy, upscale atmosphere. For brunch, indulge in fresh crepes and warm beignets, or visit for dinner to enjoy ravioli, fettuccine, or spaghetti and meatballs. With its brick tiles, white tablecloths, and vibrant artwork, every detail adds to the European café vibes.

LeTour

A Moroccan-style dish with spiced meat, olives, and herbs in a decorated bowl. Beside it, theres a covered dish, a bowl of yellow couscous, a glass of red wine, and utensils on a napkin, all set on a white table.
Photo Credit: Chicago’s North Shore CVB

If French-Moroccan flavors sound tempting, LeTour in Downtown Evanston is calling your name. With sleek marble tables, bold artwork, and panoramic views of downtown, the vibe is just as impressive as the menu. Share family-style dishes like lamb couscous, steak frites, and grilled mushroom kebabs. And don’t skip dessert—the chocolate mousse is worth lingering over.

Mensch’s Deli

Photo Credit: Chicago’s North Shore CVB

For old-school deli vibes, head to Mensch’s in Glencoe. This Jewish deli serves up classic comfort foods like bagels with lox, crispy latkes, and hearty scrambles. Lunchtime favorites include pastrami on rye and hot turkey on challah, but their matzah ball soup is what people can’t stop talking about. And if you’re craving something sweet, you can’t go wrong with an order of cheese blintzes with berry jam!

Spirit Elephant

A white plate with a colorful dish arranged artistically. It features kale, thin carrot slices, sprouts, and quinoa, drizzled with a dark sauce. The dish is set on a wooden surface with part of a gray cloth visible.
Photo Credit: Chicago’s North Shore CVB

Vegan food has never tasted so good. Spirit Elephant in Winnetka is a bright and airy spot serving up plant-based dishes that’ll impress even meat lovers. It’s also the first fully plant-based restaurant on Chicago’s North Shore! Relax at a table in the lush courtyard and dig into red coconut curry, pad Thai, or the famous blue cheese bourbon burger. Stop by on the weekends for brunch. The waffles with whipped maple butter are absolutely out of this world.

Torino Ramen

A black bowl of ramen on a marble surface, contains noodles, fried chicken, half a boiled egg, and scallions. Chopsticks rest on the bowl, with mushrooms and a red spoon nearby. Thin red seasoning strands are scattered around.
Photo Credit: Chicago’s North Shore CVB

Small space, big flavor—that’s Torino Ramen in Wilmette. Founded by Japanese natives Chika, Tomoko and Chikako, Torino Ramen is known for its dedication to authentic Japanese flavors. Start with pork bao buns or crispy Japanese fried chicken, but the real star is the ramen. Their signature Torino bowl is packed with homemade chicken broth, tender pork chashu, mushrooms, bok choy, and a perfectly soft-boiled egg.

Guildhall

A white bowl filled with a fresh salad featuring lettuce, grapefruit slices, potatoes, and garnished with colorful petals. In the background, there are two blurred plates of food and a glass on a wooden table.
Photo Credit: Chicago’s North Shore CVB

Guildhall is where classic bistro vibes meet modern flair. With expertly crafted dishes, creative cocktails, and a standout wine list, every meal feels like a culinary celebration. From bold sandwiches to inventive sushi rolls, the menu is packed with flavor (you’ll be taking home seconds). Stop by on Saturdays and Sundays for brunch – order the huevos rancheros—perfectly cooked eggs with arepa, black beans, and fresh avocado relish.

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Hanna Kroeger

Hanna Muth is a former music teacher turned freelance writer and instructional designer based in Orlando, Florida. When she’s not creating content for clients, she’s either cooking, playing her violin, or taking long walks around Disney World with her husband.

Favorite Place to Vacation:
Anywhere in Europe

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