Tapas Del Lago — Restaurant in Highwood

This place has become a weekly tradition for my wife and me, and for good reason. After two years in business, it’s clear they’ve hit their stride. The food, the atmosphere, the service everything about this restaurant makes it one of our absolute favorites.

The seafood paella is consistently outstanding rich, perfectly cooked, and deeply flavorful. It always hits the spot, whether we’re there for a casual date night or celebrating something special. In the warmer months, their patio is unbeatable relaxing, charming, and perfect for a pitcher of their on-point sangria. When winter rolls around, the indoor dining space becomes the coziest little escape the warm lighting, dark wood accents transport you straight to Spain. It’s a beautiful blend of rustic and European charm.

There’s always a lively energy, especially on the weekends the place is bustling with regulars and newcomers alike, and it’s got a great vibe. Whether you’re seated at the bar or at a cozy corner table, it always feels warm and welcoming.

The Gambas al Ajillo (garlic shrimp) is absolutely addictive garlicky, sizzling, and packed with flavor. The Spanish meatballs are equally delicious hearty, perfectly seasoned, and incredibly satisfying. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

Prices are very reasonable, especially for the quality. My wife and I can enjoy a full meal with wine without breaking the bank, which makes this spot feel both upscale and approachable.

A huge shoutout to our favorite server, Gio he’s a gem. Friendly, patient, and super knowledgeable, especially when it comes to wine recommendations. He always makes our experience feel personal and enjoyable. That said, the entire staff is fantastic warm, attentive, and genuinely happy to be there. You can tell the team is well taken care of, and that speaks volumes about the ownership. They’re clearly doing something right.

In short: Tapas Del Lago is a must visit. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, you’ll be glad you stopped by. It’s one of those rare places that feels like a little getaway every time you walk...

Whenever I am near Highland Park-Highwood or Route 41 area i try to visit Tapas Del Lago in downtown Highwood and You should also.

Closed on Mondays and only open 4-5 hours a day (see posted hours) you are going to have to make a plan to visit here, because it gets crowded, but the food-drinks are why.

The restaurant serves “small plates” delicious food entries to share.

Being a summer evening, We enjoyed the pitcher of Sangria, tasty, with small cut up fruit. We then decided on the Meatballs and Calamari appetizers to start. The sauces are so different on all these entries, you will be sure to use the bread brought to the soak up the left over sauce. The scallop entry was delicious and flavorful.

The skirt steak-potato entry was a nice plate to share, so much flavor, I have never tried skirt steak with a creme sauce, but it exceeded my expectations.

Please save room for dessert because the banana dessert and the creme brulee finisher, knocked it out of the park.

Seating is most likely tight and could be congested at times, but the food and experience are well worth it. There is an outdoor seating area but you are at the mercy of the weather.

Finally, the service is beyond great, you will order off the menu and the server knows the menu and can make excellent...

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...