(4) ~ very good overall food & service DRINKS: ** Ruffino Riserva Ducale Chianti Tan Label = (4.25) Very tasty w. juicy raspberry notes ** Water (tap) = (4) very good, must be filtered;) * Coffee = (3) just ok....room for improvement;) FOOD: ** Lamb Chops = (4.5) Very Tasty! ** Chocolate Banana Cake = (4.25) Very tasty & shareable ** Stone Fired Margherita Pizza (see photo) = While it's not an "authentic" Margherita Pizza, it tastes good for a regular cheese pizza. ** Jumbo Pork Chop = (4) very good ** Carrot Cake = (4) very good * Chocolate Flourless Cake = (3.75) Decadent * Drunken Shrimp = (3.65) good read more

North Shore Bistro - Margherita Pizza - Italian Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

My coworkers and I went here for a dinner after work. The interior is so pretty and well decorated. I love all the chandeliers and the plants (fake, but it works!) I like the complementary garlic bread. We got the chip to share and it's so good! So crispy and thin! The aioli is really good too. I got the branzino as my entree. I asked for whole. It was perfectly cooked. The parmesan crust was perfect and it was well seasoned too. I was told it's like 90% deboned. I wasn't too worried about seeing bones considering I asked for it whole. It was accompanied by garlic noodles and broccolini. I think the addition of the pasta was perfect. Most of the time the fish by itself with a vegetable doesn't really fill you up. As for dessert, we also got a few to share. I can't remember the names of all of them, but I think the cheesecake is banana foster? It was pretty good. The cake was like a lemon mousse? We liked that one too. I don't remember the name of the ice cream, but it was my first time trying it. It was interesting mix of flavors, it's not my favorite. We all want to go back to try other menu items, considering how close it is to work too! read more

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My friends and I just had the most delicious and relaxing lunch here. We split 3 items (calamari, cauliflower steak, and salad) The sauce on both the calamari and cauliflower were so tasty and perfect. The salad and the dressing perfection. We all ate every bit of the 3 dishes! The tiramisu was amongst the best I've had. Our waiter was attentive and gave us great recommendations! The interior is quiet and very pretty! This spot is a true gem and we should support this establishment! read more

First time at the new place and loved it. Giambotta was excellent though I would have liked more sausage, gnocchi was very good. Can't wait to go back and try more dishes. Gin & tonic was great, could actually taste the gin. Service.was excellent, cozy room. Definitely recommend and will be back. read more

The food was amazing. The tables were so pretty and the service was amazing. I recommend the hot brownie and roasted chicken with leeks. read more

We celebrated a friend's birthday at NorthShoreBistro on a Friday night, and it turned out to be a really solid pick. We made a reservation ahead of time--and I highly recommend doing the same--because when we arrived the place was very busy and packed. We were still seated within about ten minutes. The restaurant has a cozy, smaller‑scale feel, which lends itself nicely to an evening out: intimate without being overly fancy, warm without being too casual. The service was attentive and friendly. Our server checked in throughout the night and were on top of things without being intrusive. The ambiance made the evening feel special but still relaxed. However, because the space is on the smaller size, it does tend to get a bit loud indoors during peak hours. I enjoyed my seafood pasta that night and we highly recommend the baked clams to start. That dish was the star of the evening. My friend had the ravioli which she did not recommend - she stated that it was a little dry that evening. I was a bit disappointed at the end of our meal. At check-in, we were told the birthday guest could choose any dessert of her liking. However, when dessert arrived, the server brought out a chocolate chip cookie to celebrate without asking for our preferences. Unfortunately, the birthday girl isn't a fan of chocolate, so we feel this small opportunity to personalize the celebration was missed. Overall, were glad we got to try North Shore Bistro for an intimate birthday celebration. read more

I'm probably one of the few in the area who wasn't a frequent customer at Next Door, although I did pick up a delicious salad from there a few times. I think Hole in the Wall may be one of the best restaurants in the North Shore so would always eat there instead, although there's something to be said for being able to make a reservation (especially if you're paying a babysitter). And North Shore Bistro, the new and improved (or so I"m told) Next Door allows you to make a reservation for delicious food in a lovely atmosphere. Our table wasn't quite ready when we arrived so we grabbed drinks at the bar. The host asked if we would be ok with a table for 3, which was the same size as a table for 4, but smushed between other tables. We got a little cozy with our neighbors (maybe they should go back to the Next Door name), but all good. We started with some delicious garlic bread and then ordered some grilled calamari (yum) and the North Shore Bistro salad (also good) for the table. Both were perfect sizes for our party for 4. For my entree I got the roasted chicken with leeks because my friend mentioned it was a fave of hers from the Next Door menu. It did not disappoint, although have to admit I had food envy over my husbands seafood linguine which looked so good. He was nice enough to let me have a few bites before he ate every last bit...even mopped up the sauce with some extra garlic bread. We didn't have room for dessert, but left full & happy. read more

We just visited this place several days ago with a few other people. It's a cute place with moody but warm vibes with it's dark decor making it a nice place for either a night out with friends or a romantic dinner. They immediately brought us water and were pretty good about filling them after we had told our server that they had avoided our table to refill water. It was comical how they avoided us for the first 20 minutes we were there. I'm the only one at the table that ordered a drink, and that ended up being a diet soda, which they refilled sporadically. At the end of the meal, as we sat and chatted, they refilled my drink often as other tables emptied. So, I guess they were now finally able to pay attention to us more. The server asked is we wanted to start with I ordered their lasagna. It was very tasty. The homemade Italian marinara meat sauce was very good and you could taste all the ingredients put into the dish. I highly recommend it. Other orders from our table were the Chicken Parmesan with Fettuccine, Eggplant Parmesan with Fettuccine, Chicken & Eggplant with Fettuccine, Gnocchi with Vodka Sauce, and the Pappardelle Giambotta. The gnocchi was really salty. Everyone loved their variations of the meat parmesan with fettuccine. We collectively ordered the Banana Chocolate cake for dessert and it was really good. They let us stay until closing and we had a nice time. Overall, the place is nice, service is friendly, and the food is good. I would give five stars if they didn't start so slowly and constantly skip over our table for refills. It felt like we were flat out ignored. It was like your car heating up in the winter. Once it was warm, it was perfect, but the first 20 minutes, meh. read more

Great food, wonderful day specials. The bake class the best in town. And wonderful service the staff are very friendly.

Food was not tasty like last time. The waiter only brought two out of four meals and then it on the fact that the checks were split. He then said free desserts but refused to give us 3 desserts - said the limit was 2! Cocktails are too expensive. Next time I will go somewhere else. read more

Glad to see this restaurant got back its luster and more. Food and service are great at this local restaurant. Highly recommend.

Great selection of everything from appetizers to desserts. If you can't find something on the menu you like, you're a food fusser. While we were there on a Saturday evening, prime time, everyone was humming and doing what needed to make things work. Great timing from the server we had, attentive but not intrusive, aware of needs before she was asked. The decor is unique with attention to the lighting and the walls! Wish the owners nothing but blessings on their adventures! read more

Service slow even with only a few tables occupied and looked like more than adequate staffing . Food was ok but nothing to rave about. Lasanga was tasty but mixed vegatables were tasteless. Had been here several times before but this time was a disappointment. read more

Stopped in on a Monday and they were very busy. My partner in crime that night and I just wanted a beer and an appetizer. Ordered an avocado stuffed with crab and shrimp. Really good. Ordered baked class. Were out. Daaaang. Was very good and will stop again. read more

Friends suggested meeting at North Shore Bistro for dinner and after reading the reviews we were skeptical. What a pleasant surprise! We were seated on time despite the fact that it was packed. Our waiter Christian was personable and knowledgeable about the menu. He was attentive despite being very busy. The food was delicious and the portions were generous. The only downside was that the tables are very close together and like many restaurants, very loud. Neither of these things would keep us from going back although we might choose to go on a weeknight when it might be less crowded. read more

Food was good but was asked by the manager if we can give up our table after just 1 hour 15 mins. Was a bit taken back and told the manager so. Never been asked to leave at DiPescara. (Arrogant manager claimed he never heard of that restaurant. ) P.S. Chef got my order wrong but server never came by so I can tell her. 1st and last visit. read more

Such a darling place!!! Food was delicious and fresh. We had the Bronzino and the penne pasta sooo good! Would love if they add some live music on the weekdays, the place has that kind of a vibe. So cute can't wait to go back. read more

This place is great New improved atomodphere is beautiful Great service and kudos to the bartender she makes a mean old fashioned! Will be back read more

We dined at NSB to celebrate our 14-year wedding anniversary and had a truly wonderful experience. Ewa and her team went above and beyond to make the evening special--something we will always remember. My wife started the night with a delicious Paloma, followed by the baked clams and a perfectly prepared Chilean Sea Bass. Every bite was exceptional. I had dined here under the previous ownership, and the remodeling is a significant upgrade--it feels like a whole new experience. Not only will we return, but we're planning to make NSB one of our regular dining spots. read more

Had dinner tonight. They had a private party in the front of the restaurant with a DJ. The noise level made it impossible to hear and made the dining experience unenjoyable. Food was cold as was the Cappuccino. The restaurant is not big enough to have a private party as well as diners. Won't be going back. read more

I was going to give it a better review, but the owner's nasty and rude response only worsens our bad experience. Food good. Attitude and service were awful. Everyone has a bad night, but it's how you handle it. It was handled extremely poorly read more

We were there for less than 90 minutes on a Saturday for dinner - we asked the waiter for dessert menus and were told we had to be out of the restaurant in 10 minutes as there was a large party of 35 coming in- we asked to speak to the manager whom completely blew us off- food was bland as well and we will never go back again We were there for less than 90 minutes on a Saturday for dinner - we asked the waiter for dessert menus and were told we had to be out of the restaurant in 10 minutes as there was a large party of 35 coming in- we asked to speak to the manager whom completely blew us off- food was bland as well and we will never go back again read more

I hate having to type this but I'm absolutely mortified by my experience tonight at North Shore Bistro. We accidentally walked into the wrong restaurant; we found Francesco's Hole in the Wall on Yelp. We walked into North Shore Bistro thinking it was Francesco's. The hostess asked if we had a reservation, I said no. She pulled some menus and walked us back to a pretty empty dining room. As I was following her to our table, a bus boy (tall and fat) very rudely looked me up and down from my toes up to my face and back down again and gave me a dirty look. Once we were seated, the waitress, an older lady who was very kind brought us water and bread. After she walked away, I looked down at the menus and realized we were at the wrong restaurant. The waitress then came back to take our order and as we already had a few sips of our water, I didn't want to be rude and leave so we stayed and ordered food. I don't think I've ever felt so uncomfortable and judged in my life. As I'm currently dealing with Stage 3-B Ovarian Cancer, it takes a lot of energy for me to dress up and do my hair and makeup so I haven't done that in a while, I'm too sick most days to go out. I assumed the restaurant we were going to was a casual restaurant so I didn't think it would be a problem that we were dressed in casual clothing such as jeans and T-shirts. I wasn't informed by the hostess of a dress code either. As I've been to far nicer and more expensive restaurants, I cannot for the life of me understand how a restaurant staff can be so rude. I felt discriminated against which is so ridiculous because I likely have far more money than everyone in the restaurant, I just don't feel the need to be flashy about it. As we were walking out, one of the staff said, "she isn't coming back." This entire interaction is something I will be discussing with my lawyer tonight. Discrimination isn't a joke and your job as the front of house is to make the people dining at your restaurant feel welcome. The food was only ok. We very quickly asked for take-out containers after only eating a few bites of our food, that's how uncomfortable we felt. We were being watched by the staff as if we were the scum of the earth. Sad. I even very kindly tipped 20% when the staff deserved 0. It costs you nothing to be kind, absolutely nothing. And when you show your distaste so openly on your face and choose to discriminate against paying customers simply because they don't look a certain way, shame on you. There's a lesson to be learned here for the staff of this restaurant- never judge a book by its cover. Very unprofessional, very distasteful and the food wasn't good! My son got the chicken Alfredo and I got the shrimp Alfredo. The sauce tastes better suited to macaroni and cheese and they so strangely included PEAS in an alfredo, standard on their menu. This place isn't serving authentic Italian food and to be quite honest, I prefer the taste of Olive Gardens Alfredo to this disgusting concoction. The worst part about it is this - if your food was simply not very good but your service was great and friendly, I wouldn't be here writing this review. I'd just say, "Well. This food isn't very good, we're probably not coming back here." And I wouldn't have left a review. The prices are high, the food isn't good and your staff is a liability. I can't help to wonder what exactly is keeping this restaurant open? Mind you, we were very kind and respectful to your staff and we even paid the bill, tipped and left quietly despite being treated so poorly. WHAT A DISGUSTING OWNER!!! You are the reason your staff is the way it is. Look at the OWNER with this attitude of "everyone lies and my restaurant is great!" you are in such denial of what's going on in your restaurant. I didn't ask for a manager because I didn't want to make a scene. You're disgusting and you will clearly be the downfall of your own business with an attitude like that. I just looked at the responses you give to bad reviews and the problem is 1,000% YOU! Well according to your responses to every bad review, everyone seems to be lying. Do you think those responsible are going to tell you the truth? They fear losing their jobs! I fear the biggest liability for your restaurant is in fact you. Your staff learns from YOU! And when you treat customers like shit, your staff thinks it's ok for them to do the same. read more

Delicious food. Attentive wait staff. Totally enjoyed the evening. Beautiful interior

I do not know what was going on at this place. Like it was packed. But it's terrible. If you could write a two word review, it would be "oil forward." So much oil. Greasy greasy dishes. The short rib ravioli...pool of it. The pesto spaghetti...pool of it. And there was absolutely no seasoning. It all needed a ton of salt. Our server forgot to put one of our meals in so one of us sat without an entree for 5 minutes while everyone else had theirs. The server also spilled my daughter's wine pour. One of the lights above our table kept flickering. It was weird. But everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves...it was festive. We ourselves were in a festive mood and enjoyed ourselves. Maybe that's what people come for, because it can't be the food. I guess the bread was good. Yeah, the bread was good. read more

The service was bad. The food was ok. We waited at least 20 minutes for menus. My fork was dirty, and I didn't get a great feeling the food would be good. We ordered salads and to add avocado it was $4.00! That's ridiculous . The added leeks for $3.00. I don't think I would ever got back there for lunch. Very disappointing lunch. read more

I love the atmosphere, Darci is amazing and always puts a smile on my face. The food is fantastic. North Shore Bistro is my go to spot in Northbrook. Check it out! read more

Dined here recently for dinner. It was our first time at the restaurant and the parking lot was nearly full, which we took to be a good sign. However, the tables are so close that you can barely move your chair. I had a Caesar salad to start and it was good. My husband started with the baked clams and he said the breading was very bland and there was too much of it. I had lasagna and the portion was good size (so I had leftovers). My husband had the veal al limone and he said that the veal was tender, but that the dish was just okay. We had wine by the glass and I thought the selection could have been better. Service was slow. Maybe they were shorthanded? We didn't stay for dessert. With tax and tip our meal came to just under $200, which seemed high for the quality of the meal and so-so service. We won't be back. UPDATE - Note to Scot (manager) on My Review - Your comments on my review are unwarranted. I am not the prior owner, but someone who had read a review of your restaurant, made a reservation, and drove a half hour to dine there and felt it was not worth the time and money. read more

Well...quite a shocking and defensive response from the owner! Normally I would never bother responding but this response warranted an additional comment. we were not looking for a freebie.... Just courteous customer service and after YOUR restaurant provided subpar service, compensation for said poor service. My issue was authentic and I tried to be as nice as possible sharing how while the food was delicious ( there were 4 of us who all agreed) the service made for an unpleasant dining experience. if you want a good dinner and have plenty of time, give this place a try. Patron beware...if there is a problem, do not expect a positive outcome. Omg.. I don't want to get our server in trouble because he was such a nice guy but that's not what happened! We asked to order three different times and he told us we could only order our drinks. Then when our drinks came, he said we could only order our salad. Finally, when our salad came, he said we could order our food. Bottom line is, of course you should support your staff, but if a patron says something wasn't satisfactory and you are in the service business then provide good service and if not.. at least own the mistake ...and now I'm done.‍ read more

Very good food! The restaurant as packed, and yet service was good from the front door to til the end. Very energetic place and vibe. It was a little too loud, which didn't allow us to talk much and we could even hear our neighbors. I strongly suggest the place goes through acoustic treatment. Simple things can help a lot (ie. felt under the tables, cork, etc). read more

Had dinner there last night! Food was excellent, my niece had the brick Chicken, and I had the branzino! Service was excellent, a little noisy, but it was a full house! read more

Went for dinner on Friday and loved it. Upbeat vibe in the restaurant. Had a great waiter who was very good. Had several dishes we all shared. Chicken Marcella, short rib ravioli, branzino, clams. artichoke salad. All great. Owners were so nice. Came to our table to make sure we were happy. Will definitely be back. read more

Great place! I had the Osso Buco and my son had the Chicken Marsala. I can tell you it was if my Nona made it herself. We both finished our meal with a conoli. The shell was crispy and delicious. You can tell they are made fresh daily. The filling was with mini chocolate chips. It was perfect! Rockstar place! read more

Don't order any "special "! They're just getting rid of garbage! Had a terrible meal there last week. Entrees don't contain what they claim. Osso Bucco tasted rancid. Although I complained, the waiter didn't care less read more

Same as Next Door Decor has been updated and a few more items on the menu I would give it 5 stars Except they charge $22 for a cocktail read more

This was my first time at NSB and I can say it was wonderful. There were 4 of us sharing the experience and we ordered 2 salads and 4 mains which we shared. The wait staff was wonderful bringing us extra plates and set ups and keeping our drinks full. Most all the tables were full and there was a great buzz without being too loud. The food was excellent - the artichoke salad in particular had large pieces and was cooked to perfection. We ordered Grilled Prawns and Vegetable Linguine with gluten free pasta - the sauce was and pasta were delicious and I'm not gluten free! The skirt steak and Branzino were other standouts. The menu is extensive and we look forward to working our way through it. We are thrilled to have North Shore Bistro in the neighborhood. read more

You may get two meals for the price of one....considering you can literally reach over to the next table and stick your fork onto the plate of your neighbor! The tables are so close together, it was tough when we walked in to get to our table. Within five seconds, we knew we made a mistake. It was noisy and not relaxing....we were in our conversation and the discussions happening on our left and right. EVERY table was butted up to another one. I was bumping elbows with the person next to me and the servers were bumping me with plates they were serving to the next table...not their fault, there are too many tables in there. Someone call the Fire Marshall! Very unenjoyable. On a separate note, the new decor screams contemporary when this is an Italian Restaurant....they missed the mark on that too. Too many other options...not going back. read more

Had dinner with a friend tonight at North Shore Bistro. Beautiful dining room, fantastic food and wonderful professional service. First time there but definitely will be back again as there were many menu items I want to try! Highly recommend. read more

What a great addition to the north shore!! Having moved from the city, we have struggled to find restaurants with both great food and desirable ambience in our area. North Shore Bistro has both, plus delicious drinks, a lively atmosphere, beautiful decor, and welcoming ownership! We enjoyed our first visit and will certainly be back very soon. read more

The food was delicious. I love that the owners are their and always checking on your experience. The bartenders are great. Very friendly and thoughtful. I would highly recommend read more