Best Restaurants for Anniversaries in Skokie

We had a wonderful time here. We ordered the ceviche flight, the steak flight, some sides and a dessert that came with three things. EVERYTHING was really excellent. About an hour into dinner the live music started and I was afraid it would be too loud but it was just right and there was a Flamenco dancer! Would definitely go back. Highly recommend.

First off, our waiter was one of the best I've ever had. I'm sorry that I don't know how to spell his name but it started with Pan. Panagoitis? So sorry! He was AWESOME! Friendly, helpful, quick and made great recommendations. Second, the ambiance was lovely. We were in the "outdoor" portion of the restaurant that is closed to the elements for winter but it is an adorable space (think Euro cafe) that was toasty with heaters. The building itself is old, brick, historic and probably architecturally significant. It really lends to the ambiance of the restaurant. Lastly, and maybe most importantly, the food was out of this world! We tried the tasting board (three dips with pita), all of which were fantastic. Boyfriend loved the classic hummus, I loved the eggplant spread. Then we shared spanakopita which I could have eaten all by myself. Our entrees were a special - think moussaka with pasta instead of eggplant and a Diane salad with grilled shrimp. For desert we had a filo dough (LOVE THAT STUFF!) pastry filled with cream with cherry syrup on top and an orange cake (think vanilla cake with a heavenly essence of orange that tickles your nose and tastebuds) with pistachio ice cream. Every item knocked it out of the park - 10 out of 10! We live pretty far away (1 hour plus) so we probably can't come here as often as we would if we were in the neighborhood but we would if we could. Seriously, check it out and wear stretchy pants!

This restaurant continues to do a wonderful job. They are friendly, accommodating and so professional. The food is as good as it gets. We had the filet, sea bass and lobster and it was all to perfection.

Aboyer (previously Restaurant Michael) has been one of our favorite north shore spots to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. My husband and I have been following Chef Michael all around the Chicago area for decades now, and although the amazing food has been the key reason, we have always been impressed by his professionally trained staff, who are friendly, knowledgeable and pay attention to details. On this visit, we were celebrating my birthday (2 months late) since we cancelled the first reservation when Covid hit us, and the aftereffects stayed around far too long. The evening here was well worth the wait! After stopping at the bar for a quick hello to Sergio and a Champagne (for me) and a Chardonnay we settled in to the cozy banquette for dinner. We ordered our standard starter, the delectable Gougères, a mainstay that we hope never goes away. I switched to a rich Aviary Napa Cabernet for the rest of the dinner. We were delighted to have Sergio Junior as our server! He obviously enjoys his job and is a real ambassador for the restaurant. We took his recommendations for our entrees, and both were fantastic! I never order pork, and rarely make it at home, except for a roast. The Peppercorn Crusted Berkshire Pork Rib Chop with Cognac Mushroom Sauce was by far the best pork I have ever had. Happy Birthday to me. My husband’s decadently delicious Aboyer Burger was an unexpected item for him to order here, except for how much he loved it. Thank you from both of us, SJ!!! Last night was well worth waiting for. ♥️♥️

Carmine’s is always my go to spot when I land at O’Hare. If I’m not sitting at the bar talking to Bobby, one of the hardest working bartenders I’ve met, I have business dinners with customers. They’re always requesting that I take them back for dinner whenever I’m in town. Phil greets everyone with his great smile and makes everyone feel at home. Kevin, the valet, hustles in any kind of weather. Everyone on staff are incredible. Just note - their portions are big and will be leaving with a take-out carton. Can’t wait to be back soon.