like everything about this store EXCEPT. When we buy bacon. Some of the butchers don't know that you would like your bacon flat. Today my wife came home with bacon that was just put in a handful at a time . another butcher rolls it up when rapping, read more

I love this store, are used to shop at the one in Lincolnshire but unfortunately they're closed and the building is still there vacant. They have wonderful food, great dry goods, excellent bakery my favorite is the sourdough asiago bread. I drive there for special occasions us because of Brettes so good wonderful, desserts, great cheeses they have a Lotta great gourmet food highly recommend it. PS excellent customer service. read more

The Fresh Market - the storefront of the fresh market - Grocery Near Me - Lake Forest, Illinois

This is truly a distinctive place -- beautifully designed with a soft, elegant atmosphere that almost feels like dining in an upscale restaurant. The clientele reflects the area, sophisticated and high-end, and the prices match Lake Forest standards -- justified by the quality and presentation. The only drawback is the limited variety of specialty items. There's not much for those seeking low-sugar, gluten-free, or truly natural products. The shelf-stable section, in particular, carries mostly the usual, mainstream brands you'd find anywhere. It would be great to see them expand into more unique, local, small-batch offerings rather than sticking solely to the "safe" options. read more

Another high end store giving into greed! We always go there to purchase their huge slices of chocolate cake. They are $6.99 each but two -three usually can share as a dessert. Went yesterday to get a few slices and they are now so small that it's barely enough for one! But still $6.99 a slice- if you can call it that. Better off going to a bakery and buy a whole small cake for $10-$15. Much more cost effective and satisfying!! Shame on you Fresh Market, cheating your customers. read more

Rating: 3.5/5. This pristine store has fresh, organic, well-presented, and innovative produce (apples with red flesh, etc.) and products (authentic soba noddles with buckwheat flour as the first ingredient). Their unsulfured unsweetened dried mission figs and ramen noodles are delicious. The store has a catering section. I only bought grocery there occasionally for convenience when I received a coupon. It is easy to park on the shopping center parking lot. read more

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The deli was empty "again"! First there were no people to help, or just ignored you and for 3 times there was no fresh stock of meatloaf, or other salads. Asked for the Harvest Apple Salad three weeks in a row, and nothing available. One guy behind the counter who was so friendly but nothing for him to dish out. I hope you can get it together, or it won't be worth the extra trip. read more

A smaller version of a Whole Foods Market. I stopped in to see if I could find a sandwich that was similar to what I'd make at home. Instead, I picked up an Italian deli sandwich in a wrap. Wonderful! I enjoyed the difference of a fresh tomato tortilla instead of bread. Fresh Market's deli had a large selection of salads, wraps, sandwiches, and other grab and go items. read more

For a really nice take-away pre-made dinner, this place is wonderful. The bakery is also an amazing place. Fresh Market is on the smaller size and I can't imagine doing my every day shopping here although I do see people doing just that. But for me, the items are just marked up too much. One amazing part of the store is the candy and fresh nuts and dried fruits section. A wonderful way to put together a thank you basket. read more

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I wanted to take a moment to recognize an extraordinary employee, Carmen from the meat department, I was so impressed with her knowledge and service spirit - she asked me if she could cut something special before I could ask. As a former supermarket owner/operator my expectations are high and Carmen exceeded them. If your looking for high quality meat I highly recommend The Fresh Market Lake Forest!!! Ask for Carmen and she will cut you what ever you like.... read more

The Fresh Market - 4 Rib Steaks 2" inches thick!!!! :-) - Grocery Near Me - Lake Forest, Illinois

Seven dollars a pound for green grapes. They had a coffee area but you had to self serve your coffee and pay for it. No one to help in the seafood or meat section, the old deli lady is hateful and scary. Argued with me about how much pasta salad I wanted, argued about which piece of cold salmon I wanted. I did not buy anything. I told the manager and he apologized. Well, that was my experience. I won't go back. Crazy bad experience!! read more

It was disappointing to buy a birthday cake and have the woman working in the bakery tell me the fresh market no longer writes on the cakes. She told me that she doesn't know how. And no one else does either. I mentioned the interaction to the cashier at checkout. He seemed surprised and said that he'd talk to her. At the end of the day the cake was very good. But I should have gone to Jewel instead. I expected better out of Fresh Market. read more

I ordered a 7 bone standing prime rib roast for Christmas. When I picked up my cut on Wednesday, they had a special table for preorder pick up which made it very pleasant. I was a bit nervous because I have never ordered meat from here before. Let me tell you....OMG! The trim job was perfect, the bones were clean perfectly, the tie was perfect and the quality of meat was EXCEPTIONAL. Everyone raved about it! Thank you! If you ever need a special piece if meat, I highly recommend The Fresh Market in Lake Forest. read more

Wow. This place & the employees truly offer one of the nicest grocery store experiences I've ever encountered. Everyone is extremely kind & helpful. The deli & meat counter along with the seafood counter are incredible with great fresh offerings as well as easy to eat meals. I truly love this place and now can't shop anywhere else.... read more

I went here with my mom, ostensibly to browse. As it turns out, we found some fruit and my mom picked up great-looking pieces of marinated salmon. We'd expected some intensely high prices at a specialized grocery store like this, but we were very impressed! The selection isn't as good as a bigger grocery store, but it's almost as good. :) read more

Favorite neighborhood market! From their merchandising to product assortment, shopping here makes going to the market enjoyable. They offer samples of food. There usually isn't a wait to check out (maybe two minutes at most). And their weekly specials are fantastic! Tuesday meal deals are a great money saver. And there are other meal combinations they put together for you that makes planning dinner a thing of the past. They do the thinking for you. Hope to see more Fresh Markets around. read more

Looking for dinner- get the roast pork loin from the hot foods counter. Frankie delicious. Extremely moist- even after refrigerating leftovers and reheating in the microwave. Such a good experience with it, I'm definitely going to go back and try some other things. read more

Pricey, do not go here for utilities. On Tuesdays they have a sale on chicken and beef, which helps the peasants out a bit. Solid candy selection. Good sushi too. read more

Lovely staff- Matt is a great! Feels like I'm NOT grocery shopping and checking a chore off my list. It's an enjoyable shopping experience. I like their Meal Deals that feeds a family of four and changes every week. It makes cooking so easy! Their rotisserie meals bundled with sides from deli are also very affordable and delicious. I like their southern options like freeze dried okra snacks and biscuit dough in the freezer read more

Such a pleasant place to shop. The employees are lovely. A very young man named Charlie checked me out. He was professional while just so personable. As a mother of 3 sons, I can say that Charlie gained sweetheart status when his red curly hair became the subject of our short conversation. The managers are also very courteous. read more

This review is for the bakery section, which is in the back left-hand corner and incredibleeeee... This place serves up heavy cupcakes with frosting as thick as ice cream. The flavors range from creative (chocolate raspberry, white chocolate strawberry, toffee chocolate) to traditional (red velvet, black and white). They are $3 each and worth every little cent. There's a whole range of other desserts as well - cannolis, brownies, fruit tarts, lemon bars, cookies, cakes, pies... None of the individual sizes are more than $4. They were also giving out free cupcake samples! In general, this grocery store is fantastic - it's like a less pretentious and more affordable Whole Foods. If only they would expand to the Northwest burbs... read more

The Fresh Market - Grocery Near Me - Lake Forest, Illinois

Was shopping last night without a mask on. Our cashier Elliot (they/them) saw we didn't have one on and took 20 minutes to scan and bag 15 groceries. She was throwing all of our bags from 3 feet away into the cart. Then a customer walking out asked us to physically fight because our masks weren't on, and the staff looked the other way while this was happening. Never shopping here again, the old lady cashier saw us walk in and was 2 feet from us but decided to tell us to wear a mask as we were walking out. Two of the most disrespectful workers I've ever experienced. We were constant shoppers here but not anymore. read more

This is a fine place to pick up a few special items for the week. I've been here several times to pick up some of their "sale" items. They are great deals. For instance, I got pork tenderloin for $3.99 a pound. They trimmed it up for me. I grilled it and had it for a party. It was great. They have a nice selection of items that are a bit different than what you would find in Jewel. But when I came here to get a few items for a salad and a veggie side dish I was bringing to a dinner, I walked out spending $55. I didn't even get anything special. The help is wonderful. I needed pine nuts for one of the recipes and the smallest carton was $14! whoa! Right away, someone said they could make up a smaller amount. So I told him what I needed for my recipe and he made up a small pack of them for me while I picked up the lettuce. I find everyone here just that helpful! So, lesson learned for me... Come here for the sales and the special items you can't find at other places nearby (We do have Sunset nearby, after all!!). read more

This is such a beautiful place to shop for groceries. The food looks so good! It may sound crazy, but the lighting and music and displays make this a really pleasurable shopping experience. I'd come here for all my weekly items, but there are just a few staples that I need that they don't carry. Highly recommend putting The Fresh Market in your grocery store rotation. read more

I agree 100% with the other reviewer that the bakery section here is AMAZING. They have the best cupcakes imaginable and for a fairly reasonable price. Try the raspberry white chocolate one, amazing. The creme brûlée is also amaaaazing, as is the five layer chocolate cake. The seafood section is also great. I love their salmon, scallops and bacon and lobster mac & cheese although the lobster mac is expensive ($10 for a little bowl!) Also make sure you check out their taffy! read more

I absolutely love this store. Everyone is always very kind and helpful. I especially appreciate that we're not crowded up at the registers. They have a queue away from the register so you can freely access your money or enter a pin number without someone peering in your bag/wallet or over your shoulder. It's very civilized with calming music, a wide selection of organics, and even a few raw cheeses. They have nice displays, excellent specials, yummy candy, and creative specialty items. Do purchase some flowers. Their selection is lovely, fresh, long lasting and always well priced. They always go the extra mile. I feel quite spoiled when shopping elsewhere and am grateful for this lovely store. read more

We live in Lake Forest, we have many wonderful markets to choose from including Sunset Foods and in the last few years Marianno's in Bannockburn as well as Heinen's. I mention these stores because until the current assistant manager Norma is very rude, and I don't usually take time to write bad reviews unless absolutely necessary as I prefer to write of the good rather than the bad, however, I feel that The Fresh Market deserves to know why I will NOT be returning to the store which I would frequent at least 4-5 times a week as being from Italy we are accustomed to shopping daily for fresh foods rather then the once a week mode of shopping. This last time was over the top with Norma, I have repeatedly seen others have issues with this manager and the way she talks and treats people, including some of her employees! Over all I'm sad to leave The Fresh Market, but Lake Forest & Bannockburn equally have wonderful stores that have wonderful managers. read more

Fresh Market is an excellent choice! The produce is always fresh, bakery goods are amazing, and the meat selection is wonderful. It is a charming, low-key atmosphere, and we love it! Try it and I think you'll be very happy. Anderson Family Lake Forest, Il. read more

I love this one even though its so small. Usually employees are friendly and Ive asked a few for suggestions!

Quality! Quality! Quality! Yes, the prices here are high but the meats and produce beat anything I have seen in the area! There is a vast amount of specialty foods and the service is great! I have yet to try the bakery but everything looks amazing. I will be back, but I will need to be saving my pennies to do so. I have to say, its well worth it! read more

I'm local, so I'm naturally going to favor a business that is within walking distance, but The Fresh Market really lives up to the reviews. The nearest Whole Foods (closest comparison) is relatively far away, and I like the Fresh Market atmosphere (and hours) over Whole Foods. Really great selection including several hard to find brands. Their deli and cheese selection is also excellent. Try the Reuben panini sandwich! read more

This grocer is amazing. I know that there are other choices nearby, but why bother? This place has the top 30% of the items that I actually buy. I live alone now, so I just need some fresh produce, a few things from the fish/butcher shop, baked goods and of course ready-made dinner for that night. read more

I actually like the layout of the one in Wilmette a little more, but this is another terrific Fresh Market location. I shopped at FM only occasionally until more recently and what most don't realize unless you really look is that Fresh Market really churns its selection - not to the degree that Costco does, but pretty consistently. There's frequently "last chance" stickers on products and you'll commonly see something new in its place. They have new items at a fairly frequent rate, often highlighted on the endcaps. The reason why FM works as well as it does here next to Jewel is because it offers enough different products - it's almost an extension of the Jewel next door to it. Fresh Market stores are on the smaller side and one of the reasons it works as well as it does is because the selection is well-curated and often inspired. As I've said in other reviews, I've pondered whether or not the future of groceries is heading in this direction: do I really need to select from 50 cereals or 20 well-selected ones? It's making the best of a smaller space and doing so quite well. Fresh Market does have the most amusingly awkward check-out system that a major grocery chain has: you have to put things on a table next to the register and you're kinda either putting it on the table from the back or trying to reach over things on the front of the register to get them on the table. Even worse is if you actually buy something from the bulk section: cashiers have a giant, bizarre roller that they have to move to try to search for the code. They thankfully put out pens to write the PLU# on the bags, but I'm guessing most people don't do it. Love the bakery, great meat section and solid produce. Also continue to like the atmosphere of Fresh Market, which thankfully is not the kind of florescent lightning look of most grocery stores. It's kind of a mass market take on the look of a rural market like something you might find in Door County, Wisconsin. read more

I have never taken the time to write a review but today I will have to say the mundane atmosphere this store has; I had tried to get on the phone with managers and no one its there to provide any answers I talked to a young man to talk one after 10 minutes on the phone and to have my call hung up. I had an experience while looking for an item I asked a young lady cutting cheese to help me look for a tea and she basically told me "You can't see the sign, it says tea there", to be later treated with attitude after that she looked at other associates and laugh. I do not understand what it is the point of coming and shop when I cannot even ask a question! Later after that as I am ready to check out the cashier was not considerate on how I felt and she basically said, "there is a survey on the bottom of the recipe, they always have rude employees there", I am so confused at the lack of empathy in a store that I have visited for years. read more

Nice place, good selection. Produce is a little weak but meat selection is really good.

I had the BEST experience recently here. I had to cater a luncheon at my house and had no clue what to serve. The folks here in the deli department spent more than an hour with me, literally hand-holding me every step of the process. What's more, the food was brought to me that morning by one of the lovely story managers! The food was just delicious, plentiful, fresh and gorgeous. This is a totally fabulous place with incredible customer-serviced folks!!! read more

I just came back from shopping Fresh Market in Lake Forest and a competitor down the street. What a night-and-day experience. Now, I don't go to the grocery store for an experience, but I find myself always feeling a little offended when I leave this competitor. The 10 item or less isle has people who can't count in it. Checkers take phone calls while I wait for my change. Unless there is a "friendly competition" going on, I can expect to have pretty rude service. What a difference when I walk into Fresh Market. I am greeted by relaxing, classical music. One or two people stocking shelves always greet me. The people working the meat counter are delightful. So are the bakery people. I get friendly service when there is no contest going on. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. I love the little samples throughout the store--even wine that is on sale. Helps greatly to decide if I want to purchase it. One time, one of the managers even offered to open a bottle for me so that I could make a decision!!!!! When lined up at the check out, almost always a checker appears and takes my cart to a new counter so I don't have to wait. I go out of my way to shop there. If you haven't, check out their specials throughout the week. Great deals!!!! read more

My mother is a frequent shopper at Fresh Market. However, 2 weeks ago, she had an unfortunate experience. The staff had put a large power cord under a carpet in the aisle and it was not visible to shoppers. Her cart hit the cord, FLIPPED OVER, and injured her leg so bad that she ended up having to hobble to the front, because no one stopped to help her. She asked to see the manager, and received a very passive apology and no help with all of her food in the aisle, nor help for her severely injured leg. This is so disheartening of a higher end market. At least there is Sunset... read more

My husband and I like to eat organic fruits and vegetables, as well as natural chicken and eggs. Fresh Market has an excellent selection of organic options. The meat and fish department offers some wonderful choices and expert advice on food preparation. The bakery serves us delicious breads and baked goods. I especially love their Rosemary and Olive Oil bread. The market is just a pleasant place to hang out. The lighting is soft and not harsh florescent lighting like one would find in other grocery stores. The classical music also adds to the wonderfully relaxing experience. Who doesn't love a little sample of delicious coffee? They always have something tasty to sample. The staff is friendly and helpful. They make you feel very welcomed. You may not find everything you are looking for at Fresh Market. It's not a big-box grocery store. It's so much more than that! Sometimes, I have to go up the street to the Jewel, and I find the contrast in the two markets to be overwhelming! Fresh Market is my happy place!! read more

sometimes the organic fruits choices are very short. but almost 100% fresh. staff are super helpful.

I can't wait to keep giving them a try. First time I've been there today and it was such a great experience. It had most of the specialty items (Organic, gluten free, non dairy options) I use. The service to me was the most friendly and outstanding. Line looked super long, low and behold other employees came and before you know it, I was checked out. Love having my receipt emailed to me. Everyone was helpful and friendly. Will go again for sure and look forward to shopping there. Wish they had this closer to us, but at least it's close to work. read more