Wow, this place was absolutely delicious! We were seated outside and were helped right away, which made for a great start to the experience. I ordered the Tinto de Verano, and it was really good. It was a bit strong and reminded me of a sangria. For tapas, we got the #21 shrimp dish, which was packed with flavor. The combination of sauces and spices paired perfectly with the shrimp. We also ordered the #35 calamari, which was equally delicious. The calamari was light and airy, and the accompanying sauces added even more flavor. We also shared the patatas bravas, which were crispy and had a nice little kick to them. Overall, the food was excellent, the service was attentive, and the atmosphere was really enjoyable. I'd definitely come back to try more dishes! read more

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First of all, I could not make reservations because apparently they don't take it for less parties of four people. So we came here on a random Friday night to test our luck to get a table at 7 o'clock for two people. We got lucky and got to sit inside because that's where we wanted to sit although they do have sidewalk or outdoor seating as well. I thought sitting inside would be cooler, but I was wrong as all the doors and windows were open and I don't believe the AC was on at all. Well, the menu is pretty extensive. I will say that a vegetarian could definitely eat here as well as anyone else. This is our first visit here and as you can tell from the photos ordered quite a bit of food. And typical top of style the portions are pretty small, but they are meant to be shared. It was actually too much food for two people who were already hungry. Some of the standouts were definitely the meatballs and the salad salads. The jamon iberico was absolutely incredible. Not pictured was the picture of sangria we ordered. We got the rosé and to be quite honest with all of the heat. It actually watered down way too quickly. And it also came in a plastic picture, which was a bit of a turn off. The shrimp with garlic was good, but the garlic was hard to taste because it was also covered or doused in a lot of tomato base or tomato sauce. I was really looking forward to a very clear buttery or olive oil sauce that was saturated with garlic. The mushrooms were OK as well, but again too much tomato in this dish that I'm not used to. The potatoes were also very tasty and well seasoned, and the sauce on it was just right. I think this is a good option for people who want top us in the suburbs however, I will say that I hope they do some tweaking to the recipes as well so that they have something that truly makes them stand out and unique. read more

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Ambiance is good, small place, very loud, need to raise voice to have conversation, ok though Service is very good, attentive and friendly and lots of help Food was ok, have had better A one time experience read more

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Delicious food, charming interior, patio space, tasty sangria, it was a lovely dinner here. The only thing I didn't care for were the scallops, but the peas they were in were terrific, the potatoes delicious. They serve bread with dinner in a Spanish olive oil, paprika blend of spices that was out of this world. Our server was outstanding, and very attentive. I would definitely recommend coming here again. read more

Tapas del Lago - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Highwood, Illinois

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Overall, an excellent experience and somewhere I would love to go back to with the knowledge I learned from my first experience in my pocket. The food overall was remarkable. We were a table of 4 and every single one of the 11 plates we tried were exquisite. We put in an order of about 3 plates at a time and when they were delivered to our table, we'd put in an order for another 3. This pace was perfect for us. This is a pretty small establishment. So plan to have your chair backed right up to the table behind you. If you prefer extra space, make a reservation and ask for a booth. Our waiter had no clue about food allergies. We had someone in our party with food allergies and I asked him to double check an item was dairy free and he adamantly claimed that it was. Upon probing further, the item in fact did contain butter, which the waiter didn't realize was dairy. In the future, I'd be more clear about what we could not eat and ask that he double check with the kitchen. read more

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Tried the following: Grilled steak with potatoes - was ok. Scallops- good. But peas were undercooked Seafood paella-good. Their version is very creamy compared to the regular paella. Ambiance is nice, a cute little place. Received complimentary non alcoholic drinks as they were confused with our orders. read more

I drive by Tapas del Lago quite often and was very excited when it opened. Well it's been open a year! My companions had dined here before so I left the ordering up to them. I tried a glass of the tinto de verano, and it was sweet, fruity and sparkling. We had some bread with a wonderful flavorful oil, followed by patatas Bravas, a very light and tart apple salad, pork belly, gambas (just ok), dates. Our server said 1-2 dishes per person approximately; each tapas dish was enough to share. The almond tart was a little dry; it would have benefited from more sauce or an additional tart note. Reservations are not taken for parties of fewer than 6. We arrived at 6:30 and were able to get a table but the restaurant is small and was soon crowded and noisy with chatter. We had a fun, enjoyable evening and, enjoying the breeze from the open doorway and the tasty shared tapas and conversation, it certainly seemed like this was the best part of summer, with fall to come. read more

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We went back, and it was even better. Although the restaurant is still pretty loud, it is bustling and lots of fun. Our waiter (we've had him both times now) is super friendly, personable, and helpful with the menu. He is Filipino and jokes about how much he loves rice! Speaking of food...you can't go wrong. We had the arugula salad again and it was just as good as we remembered. It isn't too complicated, but the thinly sliced (baton-cut?) apples are a surprisingly welcome addition. I also love their gambas al ajillo, which aren't too overpowering with garlic and instead loaded with complex flavors. My husband liked the charcuterie plate. Truly, you cannot go wrong with these items. There is enough variety where people with various tastes and appetites will be happy. Their wine selection focuses on Spanish wines, which is always welcome in my book (and expected here). Our glasses of Cava were delicious. I also got club soda, and it was served in a cold wine glass, very glamorous ;) read more

5 of us dined @ Tapas Del Lago. 5 of us were very impressed with the dishes and service. The Apple salad was our first dish, then followed the bacon wrapped dates, stuffed mushrooms, stuffed peppers, sirloin steaks, shrimp and scallops. I highly recommend Tapas Del Lago and will be back very soon. L. Feldman Vernon Hills, IL. read more

Tapas del Lago - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Highwood, Illinois

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I've been here three times since Tapas del Lago opened and I had a good experience 2/3 times. The first two times I came, my waiter was attentive and knowledgeable. He was so fun and would share all the recommendations with patience. This week when I went again, I got a different waiter which I was kind of disappointed about since I had the same waiter the first two times but I decided to give this waiter a chance since he seemed new. Well he definitely was new. I could tell he didn't have much experience and felt a bit rushed by him. There were many things wrong with the service but he was nice enough to give us shrimp on the house and was apologetic. If it were my first time last night I would have rated a three but i'm rating four stars since the food was still bomb and our waiter did make up for the issues. Everything here is so tasty. I also tried dessert for the first time this week (almond cake). It was good but a bit dry so I would recommend making it more moist. I love that there are cold and hot plate options and they have everything: chicken, steak, pork, and seafood. I've loved every dish I try here since they are full of flavor and high quality. The prices are also great too. I like the concept of it being family style and sharing with the table. They also provide bread which is always a plus. The inside is small and tables get filled up quick so be prepared to wait unless you are a party of 6 and can reserve. The smokiness of the food can be smelled from outside. I highly recommend coming here to eat as it's truly some of the best food i've had in the suburbs. I would just suggest that the managers make sure all waiters are thoroughly trained and fully attentive. read more

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If you're anywhere near Highwood and craving an unforgettable dining experience, Tapas Del Lago is a must! The atmosphere is warm, stylish, and inviting, making it perfect for both a casual night out or a special occasion. The star of the night for me was the octopus. Perfectly tender with just the right char, it was hands down the best I've had--not chewy, not overdone, but beautifully balanced with smokiness and seasoning that let the freshness shine. Every bite was packed with flavor, and it paired perfectly with their wine list. Beyond that, the menu is full of creative small plates that encourage sharing and conversation. The staff was welcoming, attentive without being overbearing, and clearly passionate about what they're serving. Tapas Del Lago is the kind of place that makes you want to come back the next day and order the exact same thing again. Don't miss the octopus--you'll thank me later! read more

Celebrated a birthday here with a party of six. Very crowded and only downside was how loud it was. Almost couldn't hear anything. Service was very good and in all the tapas were shared, there was not a less that stellar one in the many we ordered. Parking was painful due an event going on down the street. read more

I went with my boyfriend last Sunday evening for dinner for the first time. Started with some sangria which was very light and refreshing. we got the bacon wrapped dates, the blackened cod the artichoke hearts warm with sauce and the seafood ceviche. My favorite was either the bacon wrapped dates or the fish, but everything was delicious. Definitely will be back again. They were busy and they were very kind and we didn't really have to wait very long for anything!!!! read more

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A great visit. I ordered the TDL Signature Fino Martini to start, and it was incredible, I highly recommend it. We also ordered the shrimp, potatoes, and calamari. The calamari and shrimp were my favorite and these dishes had a lot of flavor. Overall, I enjoyed my time here and would come back read more

Tapas del Lago - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Highwood, Illinois

We ordered vegetable paella. I am unable to eat meat. It had chorizo throughout the VEGETABLE paella! The name indicates that it should be all vegetable. We contacted the restaurant and they told us there was nothing they can do as all their paella have chorizo. Very misleading!!!! We will NEVER order from them again! read more

A great addition to the Highwood lineup. Everything on the menu sounds delicious, and what we ordered most definitely was. The tuna crudo was accidentally served to us, and ended up being my favorite. We had 8/9/28/and the cod, and they were all a delight. The service is fab, and so is the ambiance outside. Looking forward to returning and trying more of the menu. read more

Thoughtful flavors, delightful sauces, and well-mastered techniques define the offerings at Tapas del Lago. There are a range of proteins to suit a variety of palates. Gio, Bella, and Ben brought charm and style to the experience, making me feel appreciated as both a customer and a person. Their own favorites are shared as recommendations, along with well-crafted ordering sequencing. Cocktails pair well with the updated menu, and match the theme of this winning concept. read more

Overly priced, and the food was just eh. Service was good, our server was positive and friendly. Portion sizes were pretty small for the cost of the meal. We had the shrimp and there were 6 tiny shrimp for $15. The cost of meals these days and the portion sizes are not worth places like this. Pass read more

Very poor choice for Valentine's evening. Overpriced fixed menu. Rigid fixed menu $65 per person alcohol not included. Food was totally not worth it. Actually it was pretty not good to put it mildly. The environment as a whole was ok. That was the first and last time we would go there. read more

Fantastic tapas and lots and lots of GF gluten free options. Love it. We got the cheese plate, shrimp, octopus, salad with candied pecans, beef skewers. The place was hoping and actually pretty loud inside but that is ok. The food was so good. My advice is to get the shrimp - wow. read more

Here's what you need to know: food was delicious, and service was very courteous despite the expected growing pains (food going to wrong tables, long delays in taking orders) but overall it's a good new addition to the local restaurant scene in Highwood's restaurant row and I would definitely recommend it. Ambiance is OK - very simple and a shared bathroom in the next door restaurant is less than ideal. Just be patient while this brand new week old restaurant figures out the kinks. Of course it's a joy to support local small Business, one that is making good food. We enjoyed everything fr we ordered but the house bread and the shrimp gambas. The house bread needs an immediate change - it's just not good. Which is a conflict with the other delicious food. The shrimp Gambas tastes like a bland cream sauce and that should be adjusted to an intense Spanish style sauce . Other than that the potatoes, octopus, meatballs, calamari were all excellent. Very courteous service by Juan. read more

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We walked in the minute they opened. Hubby and I sat at the bar and ordered a vermouth. Shelley waited on us along with Drew. The vermouth with olives hit the spot. We also ordered the olive appetizer and meatballs. They brought us bread with an amazing sauce/oil. We just stopped in to try the place out with drinks and a couple of appetizers. We were blown away and can't wait to try out more of their dishes. To cap it off, the chef owner came out to greet us. He was so personable. I'm so glad this place opened. What a great addition to Highwood! read more

Absolutely love this place. The service is incredibly friendly and makes the whole experience warm and welcoming. Every dish I've tried has been delicious--fresh, flavorful, beautifully presented. The ambiance is sleek and high-end but comfortable. A must-visit if you're in the area! read more

I can't say enough good things about this restaurant. Incredible food, amazing service, and wonderful atmosphere. Just an absolute wonderful experience overall! read more

My fiancé and I are Highwood locals and LOVE that there are so many great restaurants to eat at in the area, with Tapas del Lago being now added to our list of go-tos! You'll get a bread basket with some oil to start. Very good, though the bread does not come toasted. We first ordered the calamari. The calamari was delicious - super fresh and perfectly crispy on the outside and still a good texture on the inside. The dipping sauces that the calamari came with were incredible and were probably my fave part of the meal. I will now always order anything with pimenton! We then got the seafood paella. It does take a bit longer, but that wait time is noted on the menu. The texture and seafood were great, though I did find it a touch too salty. We opted to finish with dessert instead of ordering more tapas -- waiting til our next visit to try more, haha! We opted for the Crema Catalana de Vainilla. It was so good!!! We crushed it in minutes. As far as service, our water glasses were never empty and we didn't have to wait long for things like getting our order taken, our food wrapped up, and the check! Do note that they share bathrooms with Toad's next door. Probably not the easiest place to go with kiddos, so keep that in mind if you're with younger children. The ambiance was nice! Very softly lit and cozy inside. We will grab a seat outside to try next time, especially with this beautiful fall weather coming so quickly. All in all, we enjoyed our meal and will be back!!! Definitely give them a try Thanks for adding to the culture and story of Highwood, Ben and Tapas del Lago team! read more

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My husband and I came here tonight for the first time for a NYE dinner and we were so pleased with our experience! Our waitress, Bella, was really wonderful, providing lovely recommendations for us first timers. We started with the potato salad and smoked salmon tapas. The potato salad was perfectly balanced, reminding me of something homemade in the best of ways. The salmon was fantastic, with the freshness of all the ingredients coming through. Next was the paella, which was fantastic! The generous portions of seafood for the price simply can't be beat. We didn't realize it ideally feeds 4-6 so we were stuffed and could not finish it if we wanted any more hot plates, so we took a large portion home. Shoutout to the chef for ensuring we had directions on how to continue enjoying it at a later time :) We then ordered the mushrooms, meatballs, and grilled octopus. The mushrooms were a light bite, which we appreciated, and the meatballs were quite large! However the highlight was the octopus, which was perfectly seasoned and tender. This was the first thing I wanted to try on the menu since opening and I was not disappointed! We did take the flourless torte home as well, which we are excited to try with our leftovers tomorrow afternoon. Overall, the staff was quick and accommodating, and the "hole in the wall" feeling of the restaurant was cozy. We are huge fans and will absolutely be back! read more

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Let me just tell you something right now- this place is unbelievable. Been trying to get in here and there for a coupe months and stopped by with the wife on Tuesday and this place rocked my world. Serivce was so good. Had a local highwood guy taking care of us who knew the menus and helped us make some decisions. So the food and flavors are off the charts. We had the classic oven baked goat cheese in tomatoe basil which was exactly what would you would think and hit the mark perfectly. The 19 grilled sirloin steak rocked me. It was bursting with flavors. We also did the most famous 21 shrimp. The chili, lemon, sauce was so good that I was lapping it up with my fork. And then there was the 28 chicken which crushed me. It was so good and also bursting with flavor. After the meal, I had to find the owner to tell Him how good the food was. Good story. Hes a local that spent time in Spain. The portions were great. The food was amazing and the staff couldn't have been better. read more

We went to celebrate a birthday and unfortunately they don't reservations for parties less than 6. Luckily we came in early enough that there was seating inside and a couple outside. Service was attentive as runners and other servers came by to help if our primary was busy with another table. The food was delicious and we didn't have to wait too long for our food. Will come back to try some other dishes. read more

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Food and service was excellent. I will bring other friends to join me again! The space is small and they can't accommodate more than 6 in a party. read more

Had a girls night at tapas del lago last night, we were seated on the patio it had a very fun vibe, music was not too loud we all ordered delicious vermouth cocktails .Food was excellent and service wonderful as always! read more

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Had a so so experience. We started with a pitcher of sangria and was disappointed when the waiter didn't leave the pitcher at the table after pouring 4 drinks. There was definitely still a half glass serving in the pitcher. After a few minutes I approached him behind the bar asking for our pitcher back because it was not empty. Another disappointment was the bread. Our first 2 baskets were completely stale. The bread was hard and most likely left over from the day before. Finally by the 3rd basket the bread was fresh. The food was good. Service started slow but then improved. May return to try other menu items. Warning: You can't come here starving since portions are small. read more

Everything here is sensational and the service is on point. If you are going when it's busy, it will be loud

Absolutely outstanding! The restaurant is beautifully decorated with warm tones. During the warm months there is outside seating. My son and I chose to eat inside. Our server was friendly and knowledgable about every dish we questioned. The food -- outstanding - our favorite? The platanos dessert! We can't wait to go back! read more

Destine to be 3 star Michelin Star restaurant!!!! Some of the finest Spanish Tapas I have every had!!! Sangria is served with a choice of red wine or with pink wine!! read more

Very attentive service, house wine was solid and a good value. All the dishes our group of four tried we enjoyed - though they came with copious amounts of sauce compared to the size of the dishes. I love good sauces, but it was so much it came across a little like they were used as filler to make the plates look fuller than they were as portion size for the price was quite small. We were celebrating a birthday so it worked for a special occasion, but - while everything was tasty - I think the dishes are on the expensive side for what you get so we wouldn't make it a regular stop. read more

Food is wonderful and service phenomenal. Hip, small, popular space with delicious pairings of tapas dishes and creative drinks

We've been waiting for a free evening to visit Tapas Del Lago and very glad we finally got there. I'd darn near call it the best restaurant in Highwood...oh heck...I WILL call it the best in Highwood. Friendly service and terrific food choices. My Favorite Companion and I really liked the ambiance with two caveats: music was a little loud and the acoustics do not allow for quiet conversation if there are more than four tables filled. My FC had the Spanish meatballs (33) and a really filling salad (11) while I had goat cheese in tomato sauce (19) and the potatoes in a slightly spicy red pepper dressing (21). Both orders arrived quickly and were larger than I expected, though the bread and oil they brought us would certainly have kept us happy for a while longer had the kitchen been busy(at 5pm on a Sunday, it was not). One piece of advice is to go early like we did; it's a small place and, at my last reading of the website, they only take reservations for larger parties. But GO! Both of us had a great time and were in and out in thirty-three minutes. read more

Tapas del Lago - Potatoes in sauce - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Highwood, Illinois

We came in for dinner service and I was loving the patio. We kicked things off with some vermouth which I never drank it on its own, but it had sweet and bitter tones. The octopus was my favorite item that I tried, very well cooked and paired with a delicious mojo verde and sherry reduction. The stun crudo was bright in flavor from the lime, cilantro, and cucumber. Do not skip on the bacon wrapped dates, these were so fragrant and I was drooling just by looking at them. Their gilled sirloin steak was nicely paired with a Spanish blue cheese sauce, and the smoked salmon tapas was a cool way to remind of an elevated lox bagel. The Spanish pork belly was tender and juicy. The sautéed mussels were immserded in garlic and white wine, and keep the sauce around and ask for some bread. The baked goat cheese was warm, creamy, and fantastic. I indulged in some red wine which absolutely hit the spot. We also tried some Jamon Iberico, loved the saltiness from the curing process. The garlic prawns and seared sea scallops were both solid and flavorful seafood options. To really take things over the top, we had a dry aged ribeye steak with salsa espanola and it this steak was succulent, but we had to take it to-go , spoiler alert I ate it at home immediately, so it never made it to the fridge. Had some coffee with their amazing desserts. The flourless chocolate cake was rich and moist, and the banana with caramel and vanilla ice cream was sweet as well but in a more complex way. Overall, I'll be back here hopefully in the near future. read more

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Great food! Loved #18 (Goat cheese) and #19 (Sirloin). Our waitress Bella was amazing too!

We loved the food and vibe here! Paella was fantastic as well as all the dishes - stuffed mushrooms, bacon wrapped dates, pork belly, goat cheese and more. Service was outstanding. It looks like a good start for this new spot. One star off for the reverberating noise, we couldn't hear ourselves talk. Edit: I got an excessive noise notification on my phone! read more