This Celeb-Favorite Chicago Restaurant is Opening Its First Suburban Location

Acclaimed Chicago restaurant avec is opening its first suburban location in Highwood come 2026. The North Shore expansion marks the third iteration of the restaurant, which operates outposts in West Loop and River North. avec’s journey to the North Shore --------------------------------- Since opening of its flagship location in 2003, avec has forged a prominent local reputation, winning two James Beard Awards and hosting high profile clientele like [Jim Belushi and Joe Jonas](https://www.instagram.com/p/DOL78yjAH3b/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==). The restaurant offers a Mediterranean mezze-style menu with a focus on shareable options. Popular dishes include creative hummus plates with fresh baked pita, roasted fish, and rotisserie chicken shawarma. avec is the brainchild of One Off Hospitality, the group behind some of Chicago’s best-loved dining hotspots including The Publican and Big Star. “After years of building our presence across Chicago’s neighborhoods, we are thrilled to continue our expansion into the suburbs with the opening of avec Highwood,” said One Off Hospitality partner Donnie Madia in a statement. “Chicago’s vibrant North Shore has always been a community we admire...We’re proud to bring one of our most enduring restaurants to such a special neighborhood.” avec Highwood will open at 250 Waukegan Avenue in spring 2026, with an official opening timeline to come at a later date. Source: https://secretchicago.com/avec-highwood-opening-chicago-2026/