6 restaurants perfect for date night in Winnetka

Winnetka’s dining scene is on fire.

A slew of new restaurants recently opened and they’re totally crave-worthy.

If you live on the North Shore, you already know that the area has beautiful homes, great schools and proximity to the beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan.

What you might not know is that this suburb has some serious foodie bragging rights. If you live in Winnetka, your next date night is right around the corner and if you live on the North Shore, consider your next date night at one of these hot spots.

You’ll want to schedule some date nights onto your calendar to try them all.

Photo: Avli Estiatorio

Avli Estiatorio

It’s the perfect setting for a Greek restaurant.

Opt for a table next to the glass-enclosed covered courtyard (or in it, for the ultimate romantic night on a warm evening), or sit in the quieter main dining area, with the exposed brick walls and high ceilings.

Share the fried zucchini chips to start, and move onto the seafood orzo and the choclava dessert.

566 Chestnut Street, avli.us.

George Trois

This is where you go to celebrate your wedding anniversary, the anniversary of your first kiss or simply the anniversary of the first time you spotted each other and knew this was it.

Go for gold with the nine course tasting menu in this intimate space (they also have a six-course menu) and you’ll be led through a caviar dish, a game course and more.

Chicago may have Alinea, but Winnetka has George Trois, and it truly is a hidden gem.

64 Green Bay Rd, georgetrois.com. 

Restaurant Michael

Pop on your suit and don your fancy dress, you’re going out to Restaurant Michael.

The dining room is gorgeous, with food to match. It’s classic French cuisine that draws diners from Chicago for its sweetbreads, escargot and seared foie gras.

They offer a three course fixed menu, and always have seasonal specials. Don’t be surprised if Chef Michael stops by your table for a minute or two. He won’t be a third wheel.

64 Green Bay Rd, restaurantmichael.com.

Photo: Trifecta Grill

Trifecta Grill

Small plates rule here, so get cozy and share the lobster & shrimp cakes. the signature roasted duck or the Hawaiian Ahi tuna.

Trifecta Grill is a perfect summer or fall date night restaurant, as they have a beautiful patio with fireplaces, a wrought iron fence, lights, couches, blankets  and plenty of flowers.

It’s totally got an LA vibe going on, and it’s the perfect patio for grabbing a glass of red wine and eating a slow meal with your partner.

501 Chestnut Street, trifectagrillwinnetka.com.

Mino’s

This newcomer’s reservation book is nearly always full and for good reason.

Its dining room is cozy, the food is delish and the food is delish. Did we mention that the food is delish?

It’s an Italian restaurant, and you’re going to have a hard time choosing between the pizza and the pasta – so get both and share.

The pizzas are thin crust and crunchy, just the way we like them – and the pastas are homemade. The Tagliatelle alla Bolognese is a total standout.

985 Green Bay Rd, minositalian.com.

Kyoto Sushi Japanese

It’s the best sushi restaurant in the North Shore.

You could usually grab a table without reservations, so keep Kyoto in mind for last-minute dates.

They’ve got all the standards, plus Udon soups, creative rolls and tempura. It’ll be your go-to for a sushi fix.

1062 Gage Street, kyotoinwinnetka.com.