You just got paid, your stomach is growling, and it happens to be your birthday. It’s the perfect trifecta for splurging on an indulgent meal to celebrate.
If you’re in a similar situation in the western Chicago suburbs – you’ve come to the right place.
We’re counting down the top 5 best restaurants on the west side – regardless of price. These establishments are unique, provide an impeccable atmosphere, and are worth every penny. So if you’re ready to let loose and celebrate, get prepared to discover the finest restaurants in the area.
#5: Meson Sabika
1025 Aurora Ave, Naperville, IL, 60540
Our first pick brings us to Naperville on the west side for some delectable Spanish cuisine. Meson Sabika provides an authentic atmosphere not found anywhere else in town.
Why’s that?
For one, the restaurant is inside of a restored mansion dating back to 1847. There are 100-year old oak trees nearby, as well as four acres of gorgeous land.
On the weekends, there’s Flamenco guitar and live dancers. It’s a sight to behold and worth experiencing at least once. All that, and we haven’t even gotten to their fantastic menu offerings yet. Meson Sabika was also on our list of the 5 BEST romantic restaurants in the Chicago suburbs.
The Menu
Meson Sabika offers a unique blend of traditional Spanish cuisine and tapas. The first thing I couldn’t wait to try was the Queso de Cabra (there was a lot of buzz about it online). I’m happy to say it did not disappoint in the least. It features oven-baked goat cheese, fresh tomato sauce, and garlic bread. The chefs cooked everything to perfection, and the cheese was heaven-like.
My main course was the Cazuela de Pollo. It’s a delicious chicken casserole featuring shitake mushrooms topped off with a lemon wine sauce.
Along with it, I had some of their famous sangria. If you’re a fan of sangria, then you owe it to yourself to visit Meson Sabika. The red sangria tasted authentic and not watered-down at all. I could clearly taste the brandy, wine, and fruit.
#4: Vie Restaurant
4471 Lawn Ave, Western Springs, IL, 60558
Should you find yourself in Western Springs with a full wallet – Vie Restaurant should be your first stop. They offer top-tier contemporary cuisine that changes seasonally. It’s the premier spot for fine dining in Western Springs, IL.
There’s no shortage of fantastic reviews for Vie Restaurant online – and it’s easy to see why – they nail the service, food, value, and atmosphere. The staff is also willing to cater to special diets, which is a plus if you have a gluten allergy.
The interior screams luxury and sophistication – as there’s comfortable seating, mood lighting, and tasteful artwork. If you’re looking to impress a special someone – it doesn’t get any better than Vie.
The Menu
A meal at Vie typically consists of three courses. Flagship offerings include:
- Crispy Leek Risotto Cake
- Warm Roasted Sunchoke Salad
- Bourbon Red Turkey
- Wood-Grilled Vie Burger
- Wood-Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Here’s a peek at what my three-course meal consisted of:
First, I kicked things off with the Dry-Aged Beef Sirloin Tartare with Salted Sourdough Crostini and Cured Egg Yolk. It was a delectable appetizer that got me ready for more. Next, I went with the Chicken Sausage, Rutabaga Sauerkraut Latke, Creamed Ramps, and Mustard Greens. Lastly, I couldn’t resist ordering the Wood-Grilled Pork Tenderloin. The courses were portioned perfectly – as I never felt too full before the end of the meal.
#3: Niche
14 S 3rd St. Geneva, IL, 60134
It’s definitely worth making the trip to Geneva to experience the trendy fine dining at Niche. The restaurant is notoriously vegetarian-friendly, so it’s a great spot for vegans. Much like Vie, they offer contemporary American fine dining. If you’re ready to splurge on high-end food and cocktails, this is the spot in the Chicago suburbs.
The service at Niche is particularly exemplary. Everyone from the Chefs to the staff was friendly, attentive, and pleasant.
It’s a fantastic spot for an anniversary. If the staff catches wind of your special day, they’ll make the experience even more memorable for you. The interiors are quaint, and they have a massive bar with a wide selection of wine, beer, and cocktails.
The Menu
Niche offers a wide variety of fine dining options. Here’s a peek at some of their most coveted dishes:
- Bone Marrow Fried Rice
- Fried Chicken
- Niche Burger
- Artisan Cheese Plate
- Green Circle Farms Half Chicken
- CDK Ribeye Steak
I went with the Warm Pretzel Twists as an appetizer and then the Pan Seared Fjord Trout. The pretzels were thick and fluffy, and the fondue was incredible. It paired perfectly with the craft beer I ordered. The fish didn’t taste ‘fishy’ at all, and I gobbled it up in no time.
#2: Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse
2105 Spring Rd, Oak Brook, IL 60523
Our #2 pick brings us to one of the most famous restaurants in all of Chicago. Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse has a legendary reputation amongst the locals. It’s the place to go if you want an incredible steak, drinks, and dessert without worrying about the bill.
Sure, it can be expensive, but the best things in life always are – and they’re often worth it.
Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse is no different. They have everything that you could want from a fine-dining spot. There’s high-end food, unique cocktails, and an inviting atmosphere.
Their service is also next to none. They educate each server on their food and wine offerings – and it shows. My server was particularly knowledgeable and helped me make a winning wine decision.
The Menu
Here’s a glance at Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse’s most-ordered items:
- Filet Mignon
- Tomahawk Steak
- Loaded Wedge Salad
- Filet Mignon Steak Salad
- Baby Back Ribs
- Porterhouse
- Faroe Island Salmon
I couldn’t pass up on the Filet Mignon as a steak enthusiast. It was rich, flavorful, and juicy. I ordered it medium-rare, and the cook handled it perfectly. My server recommended a bottle of Italian red wine – and it tasted incredible with my steak.
#1: The Capital Grille
The Capital Grille, 87 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard
If money is no issue, our top pick for the best restaurant in Chicago’s western suburbs is The Capital Grille. It’s a famous seafood and steakhouse restaurant that’s near-perfect with everything. Whether you want a steak or some top-tier seafood – The Capital Grille has it all.
Combine their incredible food with the fantastic service and luxurious atmosphere – and you see why they top our list.
You don’t have to venture far to find rave reviews for The Capital Grille online. Guests love their succulent steaks, delicious wines, and unique cocktails.
The Menu
Here are a few of The Capital Grille’s most-ordered dishes:
- Pan-fried Calamari
- Wedge Salad
- Dry-Aged NY Strip
- Pan-Seared Sea Bass
- Lobster and Crab Cakes
- Filet Mignon
They have a wide variety of sandwiches, entrees, desserts, and sides. I decided to go with something a little different during my visit and ordered the Lobster and Crab Cakes. I was nothing short of amazed with the quality, and The Capital Grille cheesecake that I had for dessert certainly hit the spot.
Final Thoughts
Those are our picks for the best restaurants to splurge at in the western Chicago suburbs. Whether you enjoy fine dining or seafood – there’s something for everyone on this list. While you’re at it, why not check out the five best restaurants near the Morton Arboretum?
What are the best for serious allergies like Seafoods of all kinds? Cross contamination on shared grills, pans etc is always an issue.