Dining Between Lake Barrington and Lake Forest

Fellow gastronauts, the subject line says it all, I'll be driving from LB to LF tonight and I'd like to dine well. Price, cuisine all open. Hit me with some recs!

The first thing that comes to mind is GNR Innovasi in Lake Bluff.

Innovasi
28 East Center Avenue
Lake Bluff, IL 60044
(847) 295-1000

Thinking of your West to East routes, if Rte. 60 (Town Line Road) is your choice, I would say Opa! Estiatorio in Vernon Hills is a decent spot. Whole fish (loup de mer), sea bass, skirt steak, various lamb entrees and their combos are very solid. Tzatziki sauce is among the best I've had.

Opa! Estiatorio
950 Lakeview Parkway
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
(847) 968-4300

http://www.oparestaurant.com

Depending on exactly where your departure and destination are in those towns, your optimal route could extend as far north as IL-176, or as far south as IL-22. On the south route, you'd go right through Lake Zurich. D&J Bistro has always been very good if you enjoy French bistro fare.

Depending on your route, you might find that Restaurant Michael in Winnetka isn't too far out of your way. Lovely atmosphere, excellent French food that combines classics with updated elements. I'm not crazy about their Salade Lyonnaise, preferring the one at Le Bouchon, but everything else is awesome.

64 Green Bay Road
Winnetka, IL 60093
(847) 441-3100

http://www.restaurantmichael.com/